Improve your lifestyle with a car turntable
Car Turntables are no longer a rich persons toy! Nor are they exclusively for gadget lovers.
Nowadays, they are becoming an increasingly popular option for home owners and property developers alike, to help overcome local planning parking issues or to help overcome parking problems associated with ever over crowded roads making reversing out of your driveway a dangerous past-time.
With ever more restrictions being placed on parking space, councils are not only more desperate to get more cars off the road, but are also restricting planning permission to lower kerbs because of the fear of the applicant being able to drive into their property who would then have to reverse out onto a busy or hazardous road.
One answer is to install a vehicle turntable system on your drive or garden. It allows full use of smaller areas and overcomes any objections of reversing as you’ll never have to reverse out of your driveway again.
You simply drive onto the turntable, park, and then when you’re ready to leave, rotate the platform and hey presto – you’re forward facing again.
Another excellent benefit is that you don’t have to sacrifice the amount of front garden you’d normally associate with having a driveway installed. Normal turning circles and parking solutions can be reduced when you fit a car turntable.
The complete car turntable fits into the space that would normally be taken up by the average car. The installation company will be able to advise you on the best fit for a particular area.
Car turntables can also be adapted to blend in with existing driveway surroundings. Many designs allow for the integration of block paving and the turntables themselves are available in a variety of different shades.
And their usefulness doesn’t stop there, as more and more homes become two, three (or more) car families, especially those with grown up children where once there was plenty of turning space, there now involves a 300 point turn to get the car farthest from the road turned around and facing the right way again.
The key benefits of having a car turntable installed on your driveway are:
Compliance with the Highway Code – no more reversing into heavy traffic
Reduce the risk of paintwork scraps and bumps when reversing on tight driveways
No more stiff necks – no more looking backwards to reverse
Added security – park your car at right angles for added security
Satisfy local planning requirements – overcome safety and environmental objections
No more 300 point turns on your own driveway to face the right way again
One feature that is often overlooked is the added security benefits when you have a car turntable. Now, when you park, you can turn your car to 90 degrees, making it extremely difficult for thieves to make off with your car.
And did you know that car turntables come in various sizes, from super mini size to those large enough for two SUV’s side by side.
When choosing which turntable to have installed, you may think it makes sense to buy the model that fits your car. Sometimes you may be restricted by space to a certain size but if you’re not, consider this.
The next time you change your car, will you buy one the same size? You may have to upsize – families, pets, daily usage etc all affect our choice of car. Will you be restricted by what will actually fit on your turntable?
And when you come to sell the property, the car turntable will make a valuable feature, but it won’t if the potential buyer owns a vehicle too large to use it.
Car turntables come in both manual and electrically operated options. Whilst the manual versions are easily moved – makers claim a child could rotate a car laden turntable – the option of power may prove another benefit for potential house buyers as well as offering you all the convenience of remote operation.
Usually a small key fob remote is used so you can drive on, rotate and park whatever the weather in comfort and safety. Electrically operated versions usually come with emergency stop buttons, although the close fits mean there’s very little chance of anything getting trapped in the mechanism.
So now there’s no excuse for reversing out onto busy roads, being restricted to roadside parking because of lack of driveway space or scratching the paintwork on tight walled driveways. The car turntable has come to save us once and for all.
You can get an instant online quote for having a car turntable installed just by visiting carturntablequoter.co.uk. Just enter your details, the size of car you’d like to be quoted on and select electric and other options and our independent pricing system will give you an expectation of cost based on your details, there and then.
For other instant online home improvement quotes – from double glazing to kitchens, driveways and garage doors, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Home Improvement Quotes customer feedback proves useful feature
Home Improvement Quotes customer feedback area proves popular addition to services offered.
Our recently introduced customer feedback service goes from strength to strength as we recently rolled out phase two of the development work whereby the companies now receive a copy of your feedback directly.
There's an opportunity to rate your experience with the company out of 5 stars as well as leaving your comments, good or bad.
Here's a selection of the more recent comments left:
After getting an online quote from Windowquoter - "Very quick to call and arrange a time to suit myself to call, very nice and friendly. Good quote and I am buying my door from them, considering them for my building development" R in Fife. 4 stars awarded.
After getting an online quote from Pavingquoter - "After our first meeting, we have booked with this company as I was made to feel very happy with the structure put before me, also the price given all in was very good. Looking forward to seeing how our drive will come out." R.T in Hampshire. 4 stars awarded.
After getting an online quote from Windowquoter - "Contacted me within two hours of my online enquiry."
W in Surrey. 4 stars awarded.
If you would like an instant online quote for your next home improvement project, then click here to visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk and select your project from the list on the left.
Completely free online instant quotation service.
Our recently introduced customer feedback service goes from strength to strength as we recently rolled out phase two of the development work whereby the companies now receive a copy of your feedback directly.
There's an opportunity to rate your experience with the company out of 5 stars as well as leaving your comments, good or bad.
Here's a selection of the more recent comments left:
After getting an online quote from Windowquoter - "Very quick to call and arrange a time to suit myself to call, very nice and friendly. Good quote and I am buying my door from them, considering them for my building development" R in Fife. 4 stars awarded.
After getting an online quote from Pavingquoter - "After our first meeting, we have booked with this company as I was made to feel very happy with the structure put before me, also the price given all in was very good. Looking forward to seeing how our drive will come out." R.T in Hampshire. 4 stars awarded.
After getting an online quote from Windowquoter - "Contacted me within two hours of my online enquiry."
W in Surrey. 4 stars awarded.
If you would like an instant online quote for your next home improvement project, then click here to visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk and select your project from the list on the left.
Completely free online instant quotation service.
Friday, 3 August 2007
Keeping up with the Jones' - fitted bedrooms
Keeping up with the Jones’
The bedroom is every person’s sanctuary, especially after a long day at work. Beautifully crafted furniture and soft lighting is the key to optimum relaxation, and it’s easy to transform a bare room into your own private haven.
This month’s featured company is DM Designs, a Kitchens and Bedrooms company based in Glasgow. For more information contact www.dmdesigns.com
Colour co-ordinated décor brings a room together and all furnishings are available in a range of materials and designs to fit in with the rest of your home.
Striking colours provide the contemporary ‘wow’ factor that many are looking for, and eye-catching designs are perfect for modern homes and apartments. You can stand out from the rest of the crowd with bold and unique furniture.
Clever designs can make storage space out of every nook-and-cranny while retaining that all important character of the house. Even the most unusual shaped rooms can have perfectly created furniture to show off their true potential.
To make the most of limited space, consider fitting high level built-in units above the bed and a full length wardrobe cupboard to combine all important storage space in a stylish contemporary setting. The installation process takes place with minimum fuss, so you can start relaxing in style without delay.
You can get an instant online quote for the fitted bedroom of your dreams at Bedroom Quoter. Click here to get an instant online bedroom quote. It only takes a few minutes.
The bedroom is every person’s sanctuary, especially after a long day at work. Beautifully crafted furniture and soft lighting is the key to optimum relaxation, and it’s easy to transform a bare room into your own private haven.
This month’s featured company is DM Designs, a Kitchens and Bedrooms company based in Glasgow. For more information contact www.dmdesigns.com
Colour co-ordinated décor brings a room together and all furnishings are available in a range of materials and designs to fit in with the rest of your home.
Striking colours provide the contemporary ‘wow’ factor that many are looking for, and eye-catching designs are perfect for modern homes and apartments. You can stand out from the rest of the crowd with bold and unique furniture.
Clever designs can make storage space out of every nook-and-cranny while retaining that all important character of the house. Even the most unusual shaped rooms can have perfectly created furniture to show off their true potential.
To make the most of limited space, consider fitting high level built-in units above the bed and a full length wardrobe cupboard to combine all important storage space in a stylish contemporary setting. The installation process takes place with minimum fuss, so you can start relaxing in style without delay.
You can get an instant online quote for the fitted bedroom of your dreams at Bedroom Quoter. Click here to get an instant online bedroom quote. It only takes a few minutes.
Last Months Poll results - July 07
Last Month (July 2007) we asked over 220,000 home owners: "What would be the first thing you'd change about your garden?"
From the results, it would seem nearly a third of you would be changing the patio followed closely by replacing the fencing. Only 3% said they'd change their Gnome!
Well we can't do anything about changing your gnome (not yet anyway) but we can offer you instant online quotes for driveways and patios - click here.
We can also offer you free online garden quotes which include things like landscaping, fencing and water features - click here.
The Results were as follows:
new patio - 30%
new garden furniture - 9%
new lawn - 16%
new trees & plants - 11%
new fencing - 28%
new flowerbeds - 3%
new gnome - 3%
This month (august) we ask "Which room do you spend the most time in?". We'll post the results next month.
From the results, it would seem nearly a third of you would be changing the patio followed closely by replacing the fencing. Only 3% said they'd change their Gnome!
Well we can't do anything about changing your gnome (not yet anyway) but we can offer you instant online quotes for driveways and patios - click here.
We can also offer you free online garden quotes which include things like landscaping, fencing and water features - click here.
The Results were as follows:
new patio - 30%
new garden furniture - 9%
new lawn - 16%
new trees & plants - 11%
new fencing - 28%
new flowerbeds - 3%
new gnome - 3%
This month (august) we ask "Which room do you spend the most time in?". We'll post the results next month.
More than half of Britain's population bought home improvements
Did you know:
More than half of Britain’s population bought home improvements during the last year. According to research from Halifax, 58 per cent of people living in the UK have undertaken some form of home improvement work in the last 12 months. Interestingly, a quarter of these people cited the increase in property value as the main reason to improve their home.
For new ideas and quotes, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
More than half of Britain’s population bought home improvements during the last year. According to research from Halifax, 58 per cent of people living in the UK have undertaken some form of home improvement work in the last 12 months. Interestingly, a quarter of these people cited the increase in property value as the main reason to improve their home.
For new ideas and quotes, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
How to replace your Garage Door
How to Replace Your Garage Door
You are only likely to replace your garage door once in 25 years, so when it comes to buying a new one it’s definitely worth researching your investment – and it may be worthwhile spending a little more – after all you won’t need to do it again for another 25 years. Here are five top tips you must consider before you start:
1 – So what kind of doors would I like?
What kind of door would I like, and will it fit – and can I afford it? There are several different types and it is key to consider your needs before making your decision. For example, do you need to be able to park your car right up to the door and still open and close it? If so, look at sectional or roller doors, which need no clearance when opening and closing. The sectional door simply rolls up vertically into the garage roof space – however remember, this means it may not be suitable if you already use the roof area for storage. Roller doors roll vertically into a coil, so don’t require any clearance outside and use no roof space inside the garage – but they are a little more expensive. Canopy and retractable doors do swing up into the roof space, but if parking close to your garage is not an issue, or if you are going to park your car inside the garage and not on the drive, then these or side-hinged doors may be a viable and cheaper option.
2 – Doors to manual or automatic?
Do you dream of the sheer luxury of approaching your garage in the pouring rain and the door opening automatically at the touch of your remote control? Whichever type of door you choose, remember - it can be operated manually or automatically. Consider which is right for you – and for your budget. An automatic system is beneficial if you always park your car inside the garage, as you can open the door as you drive up without getting out of your car. However the door type again comes into play here – canopy, retractable and side-hinged doors all need out-swing space, so take care when driving in! Roller and sectional doors require no out-swing space and may be more practical on an automated system.
3 – Security must be considered
Good security is vital. Your car probably has valuable electrical gadgets fitted, and you may have expensive equipment – hedge trimmers, chain saws and lawn mowers – stored in your garage. This is especially important if there is direct access to your house via your garage, as this is a potential point of entry for intruders. If you have chosen an automatic garage opening and closing system, then remember they also have excellent security benefits. You can add a security code, keypad lock and alarm system to your new door. There are many other locking options available which are suitable for both automatic and manual mechanisms, depending on which door you choose. Look at multi-point locking systems, steel lock bars and euro-cylinder locks. These have an independent barrel system which remains intact even if the door is forced.
4 – Style and appearance
What material would you like your new door to be made of? Remember this is important for security purposes as well as aesthetics. Most doors are available in steel, timber and GRP, which is a glass reinforced polyester. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but GRP is extremely low maintenance and is the most secure. Also consider the colour; a garage door can add kerb appeal, but an unsympathetic one can detract from the overall look of your home and garden.
5 – Safety first
You garage door is going to be the largest moving object in your home, so staying safe is important, particularly if you have children or pets. Look at safety springs, pivot arms and anti-drop devices, which stop the door falling in the event of spring failure or accidental closure. It may also be useful to look at multi-spring systems which have additional springs that come into action if one spring fails, preventing the door from crashing down. Door handles can also be fitted with pivot-arm protectors which protect your hands, as well as anti-pinch profiles which prevent children – and adults – from getting their fingers trapped.
Finally be sure to get your new garage door fitted by Garage Door Professionals or regularly checked for quality by a professional. The checks should be carried out in natural daylight and should uncover any potential errors such as distortions, indentations or problems with the mechanism.
www.garagedoorquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
You are only likely to replace your garage door once in 25 years, so when it comes to buying a new one it’s definitely worth researching your investment – and it may be worthwhile spending a little more – after all you won’t need to do it again for another 25 years. Here are five top tips you must consider before you start:
1 – So what kind of doors would I like?
What kind of door would I like, and will it fit – and can I afford it? There are several different types and it is key to consider your needs before making your decision. For example, do you need to be able to park your car right up to the door and still open and close it? If so, look at sectional or roller doors, which need no clearance when opening and closing. The sectional door simply rolls up vertically into the garage roof space – however remember, this means it may not be suitable if you already use the roof area for storage. Roller doors roll vertically into a coil, so don’t require any clearance outside and use no roof space inside the garage – but they are a little more expensive. Canopy and retractable doors do swing up into the roof space, but if parking close to your garage is not an issue, or if you are going to park your car inside the garage and not on the drive, then these or side-hinged doors may be a viable and cheaper option.
2 – Doors to manual or automatic?
Do you dream of the sheer luxury of approaching your garage in the pouring rain and the door opening automatically at the touch of your remote control? Whichever type of door you choose, remember - it can be operated manually or automatically. Consider which is right for you – and for your budget. An automatic system is beneficial if you always park your car inside the garage, as you can open the door as you drive up without getting out of your car. However the door type again comes into play here – canopy, retractable and side-hinged doors all need out-swing space, so take care when driving in! Roller and sectional doors require no out-swing space and may be more practical on an automated system.
3 – Security must be considered
Good security is vital. Your car probably has valuable electrical gadgets fitted, and you may have expensive equipment – hedge trimmers, chain saws and lawn mowers – stored in your garage. This is especially important if there is direct access to your house via your garage, as this is a potential point of entry for intruders. If you have chosen an automatic garage opening and closing system, then remember they also have excellent security benefits. You can add a security code, keypad lock and alarm system to your new door. There are many other locking options available which are suitable for both automatic and manual mechanisms, depending on which door you choose. Look at multi-point locking systems, steel lock bars and euro-cylinder locks. These have an independent barrel system which remains intact even if the door is forced.
4 – Style and appearance
What material would you like your new door to be made of? Remember this is important for security purposes as well as aesthetics. Most doors are available in steel, timber and GRP, which is a glass reinforced polyester. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but GRP is extremely low maintenance and is the most secure. Also consider the colour; a garage door can add kerb appeal, but an unsympathetic one can detract from the overall look of your home and garden.
5 – Safety first
You garage door is going to be the largest moving object in your home, so staying safe is important, particularly if you have children or pets. Look at safety springs, pivot arms and anti-drop devices, which stop the door falling in the event of spring failure or accidental closure. It may also be useful to look at multi-spring systems which have additional springs that come into action if one spring fails, preventing the door from crashing down. Door handles can also be fitted with pivot-arm protectors which protect your hands, as well as anti-pinch profiles which prevent children – and adults – from getting their fingers trapped.
Finally be sure to get your new garage door fitted by Garage Door Professionals or regularly checked for quality by a professional. The checks should be carried out in natural daylight and should uncover any potential errors such as distortions, indentations or problems with the mechanism.
www.garagedoorquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
Five stages to building a home extension
Timeline: Building an extension
Extending your property must seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth it in terms of adding space and value to your home. With property prices rising, now is the time to invest – here are five essential stages to making your investment work:
Stage 1 – Finding an architect and making a plan
Hiring an architect is crucial in drawing up the plans and confirming what is feasible to build on the land you have available. When it comes to obtaining planning permission and liaising with builders, an architect may do this on your behalf, but check what is covered in the fee you have agreed. Most charge an extra ten percent for this service. When choosing an architect it’s advisable to meet with at least three for comparison and to see examples of their previous projects. It may also be beneficial to pick a local architect – one who is familiar with the local area, the council and regulations. Finally make sure that any architect you choose is registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Stage 2 – Getting planning permission
It is vital to check with your local planning authority before you begin – if you don’t you could be forced to demolish all or part of your extension. More often than not permission is required, but there are exceptions – generally speaking you won’t need permission if the extension does not exceed 15 per cent of the size of your house or 70 cubic metres, whichever is larger. Your plans will need to be in keeping with the area, no taller than four metres and no closer to the road than your existing property. As well as having planning permission your extension needs to comply with current building regulations, which monitor standards for the design and construction of projects, as well as their fuel efficiency - your local Building Control Body (BCB) will have more information. Planning applications can take up to eight weeks, more if the initial application is opposed or refused.
Stage 3 – Getting your quotes and choosing your builder
The most important aspect of choosing a builder is reputation – word of mouth is by far the best indicator. Ask family or friends about builders they have used and get quotes from at least three to compare. Unlike estimates, quotes are binding and are usually valid for three months. Just as with the architect it helps to see examples of builders’ previous work and determine what is included in the price – such as materials, VAT and insurance. Check that the insurance covers potential damage to properties, as well as any accidents which may occur. Some policies also cover guarantees for their entire duration – usually ten years – and protect you if the builder goes out of business. Finally agree to hire on your terms – negotiate the times the builders will be working, their access to the site and the condition in which they will leave your home at the end of each day. Remember you still have to live there during the build! When choosing a builder make sure they are members of the Federation of Master Builders and are registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC).
Stage 4 – Building and paying for the thing!
Once everyone has been hired it’s time to begin the work! This is the most stressful and time-consuming part of the process. Try not to get disheartened with the mess and disruption of your home life – envisage the extra space you’ll have once the work is complete! Take your mind off things by planning the décor and furnishings of your new room. Now is also the time to think about paying your workforce. Most builders prefer to be paid in stages – if the extension is small, pay one instalment after the foundations are laid and the rest after completion. If the project is larger, split the payments into more instalments.
Stage 5 – Completion!
The end is near! All that’s left is the inspection. If your builder is NHBC registered they should be able to inspect the work themselves, otherwise arranging the inspection should be your architect’s final task. Make sure whoever inspects the build is an Approved Inspector registered with the Construction Industry Council (CIC). Once they have approved the extension, the room is yours to decorate, furnish and enjoy!
www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Extending your property must seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth it in terms of adding space and value to your home. With property prices rising, now is the time to invest – here are five essential stages to making your investment work:
Stage 1 – Finding an architect and making a plan
Hiring an architect is crucial in drawing up the plans and confirming what is feasible to build on the land you have available. When it comes to obtaining planning permission and liaising with builders, an architect may do this on your behalf, but check what is covered in the fee you have agreed. Most charge an extra ten percent for this service. When choosing an architect it’s advisable to meet with at least three for comparison and to see examples of their previous projects. It may also be beneficial to pick a local architect – one who is familiar with the local area, the council and regulations. Finally make sure that any architect you choose is registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Stage 2 – Getting planning permission
It is vital to check with your local planning authority before you begin – if you don’t you could be forced to demolish all or part of your extension. More often than not permission is required, but there are exceptions – generally speaking you won’t need permission if the extension does not exceed 15 per cent of the size of your house or 70 cubic metres, whichever is larger. Your plans will need to be in keeping with the area, no taller than four metres and no closer to the road than your existing property. As well as having planning permission your extension needs to comply with current building regulations, which monitor standards for the design and construction of projects, as well as their fuel efficiency - your local Building Control Body (BCB) will have more information. Planning applications can take up to eight weeks, more if the initial application is opposed or refused.
Stage 3 – Getting your quotes and choosing your builder
The most important aspect of choosing a builder is reputation – word of mouth is by far the best indicator. Ask family or friends about builders they have used and get quotes from at least three to compare. Unlike estimates, quotes are binding and are usually valid for three months. Just as with the architect it helps to see examples of builders’ previous work and determine what is included in the price – such as materials, VAT and insurance. Check that the insurance covers potential damage to properties, as well as any accidents which may occur. Some policies also cover guarantees for their entire duration – usually ten years – and protect you if the builder goes out of business. Finally agree to hire on your terms – negotiate the times the builders will be working, their access to the site and the condition in which they will leave your home at the end of each day. Remember you still have to live there during the build! When choosing a builder make sure they are members of the Federation of Master Builders and are registered with the National House Building Council (NHBC).
Stage 4 – Building and paying for the thing!
Once everyone has been hired it’s time to begin the work! This is the most stressful and time-consuming part of the process. Try not to get disheartened with the mess and disruption of your home life – envisage the extra space you’ll have once the work is complete! Take your mind off things by planning the décor and furnishings of your new room. Now is also the time to think about paying your workforce. Most builders prefer to be paid in stages – if the extension is small, pay one instalment after the foundations are laid and the rest after completion. If the project is larger, split the payments into more instalments.
Stage 5 – Completion!
The end is near! All that’s left is the inspection. If your builder is NHBC registered they should be able to inspect the work themselves, otherwise arranging the inspection should be your architect’s final task. Make sure whoever inspects the build is an Approved Inspector registered with the Construction Industry Council (CIC). Once they have approved the extension, the room is yours to decorate, furnish and enjoy!
www.homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Thursday, 2 August 2007
Turn your house into an Eco-home
Just how easy is it to turn your house into an eco-home?
The recent hype surrounding climate change should have made us realise that we each need to do something to encourage “greener living”. Whatever we do, it can range from a massive lifestyle change, such as changing our home energy source, to a small one, like recycling our rubbish. And in some cases, you can get government grants to help you pay for it!
Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, explains how simple it can be to become eco-friendly and reduce that all- important carbon footprint.
In his latest government policy Gordon Brown stressed that “we have a compelling and ever-more-urgent duty of stewardship to take care of the natural environment and resources”, and there are loads of incentives for “going green” - not just the obvious one of saving the planet!
Start from the outside and work your way in
By far the best way to reduce carbon emissions from your home is to insulate it. Good quality insulation can significantly reduce your energy wastage, saving not only the o-zone layer, but also your cash! Loft insulation alone can cut your energy bills by 20 per cent. Add to that cavity wall insulation, underfloor heating and draught-proofing and your energy bill could be halved!
There is no need to worry about the cost either. New government initiatives will pay 30 to 70 per cent of the cost of insulation – up to a maximum of £2700 – as part of their bill to save energy. This could rise to 100 per cent for homes which currently have no insulation whatsoever.
Don’t think getting insulation is a massive upheaval. It can be done on a room-by-room basis as and when you are decorating, and the quickest installation takes just two hours per wall – the more complex systems take only two weeks in their entirety. In all honesty it will probably take you longer to choose the type of insulation you require than it will to install it!
There are loads available:
Thermal insulation: Made from 90 per cent recycled materials, this is eco-friendly from the start – all the packaging is also recyclable, so there are no excuses for wasting anything! Thermal insulation is extremely effective and is quick and easy to install – just two hours per wall.
Thermafleece: Made from sheep’s wool, this insulation is completely breathable and absorbs moisture, controlling condensation. It’s attached using a timber framework and installation is very quick. Thermafleece uses just 14 per cent energy in manufacture compared to other brands and pays for itself seven times faster.
Recycled newspaper insulation: This is sprayed into place, meaning cavities are completely filled to give maximum insulation. The lack of framework means no measuring up, fast installation and lower costs.
Multi-foil insulation: This is bought in rolls from DIY stores, so you can install it yourself. It is only 30 millimetres thick, but is as effective as 230 and of other insulators.
Expanded polystyrene insulation: Especially for underfloor heating, this is installed underneath and around the concrete slab which contains the heating system – the concrete then acts as a storage heater.
Most types of insulation can be used in lofts or walls and you can mix and match depending on the requirements of each room. It is well worth doing – every square metre of wall insulation saves more than a tonne of carbon dioxide over the life of the building. An average semi has an area of eighty metres squared, so that’s a saving of 80 tonnes or more of carbon emissions.
You don’t need permanent sunshine to use solar power
It may not seem like it now, but the sun is still out there somewhere! Its rays are strong enough to power your home – even through cloud – and you don’t need to install a giant panel on the roof either. A small panel lying totally flat to the roof is sufficient for the average family and can save 50 to 60 per cent of your energy bills. The panel collects sunlight into a metal absorber plate and converts this to energy for your heating or water system. The government estimates that installing systems like these costs between £3000 and £4500, but will pay a grant up to £400 towards the installation costs. This may not seem like much, but the savings on bills means it will pay for itself in roughly eight years. Our own monthly poll shows that 80 per cent of people would be willing to install solar panels in their homes – go for it!
Little things go a long long way
On a smaller scale, there’s loads you can do to save energy. One way is by getting a controller for your central heating system so that you only heat the rooms you need to. This could be through a programmer or individual radiator control valves. Another way to reduce waste is to switch to energy-saving light bulbs. They use a lower wattage to emit the same amount of light and although more expensive than regular bulbs – around £2 each – they last roughly 8000 hours, saving an estimated £35 a year.
If you’re on a water meter it’s easy to recycle your rainwater and it can save you 50 per cent on your bills. Rainwater is collected in a barrel and diverted to dedicated flow points – such as the laundry or toilet – providing up to 84 per cent of your supply. There are no current government grants for rainwater harvesting, but in terms of savings it’s worth looking into. Also try to always do a full load of laundry and lower to a 40 degree wash – with today’s washing powders there’s no need to use a hot wash all of the time. Never leave appliances on standby, regularly defrost your freezer so it runs to its full potential and try turning your heating down by one degree – chances are you won’t even notice, but it will save you £10 a year!
Recycle – it really does make a difference
A massive 60 per cent of the rubbish you throw away can be recycled! Just in case you think it doesn’t matter, remember – one recycled drinks can save enough energy to power your TV for three hours, a glass bottle enough to power your PC for 25 minutes and a plastic bottle enough to power a 60 watt bulb for three hours. It takes 70 per cent less energy to make recycled paper than to make it from scratch, and saves 24 trees. Plastic takes just six weeks to recycle, but if thrown away takes 500 years to decompose – thrown away glass will never decompose, but is 100 per cent recyclable. Printer cartridges are easy to recycle, but if thrown away take 1000 years to decompose. www.recyclingappeal.com will collect and recycle your printer cartridges and old mobile phones for free – all you have to do is pop them in a freepost envelope!
Currently only two percent of the UK’s electricity is supplied using renewable energy resources. By 2010 the government hopes this will rise to ten per cent and by 2050, to 50 per cent - you can help them reach this target and save yourself some money in the process!
For More information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
The recent hype surrounding climate change should have made us realise that we each need to do something to encourage “greener living”. Whatever we do, it can range from a massive lifestyle change, such as changing our home energy source, to a small one, like recycling our rubbish. And in some cases, you can get government grants to help you pay for it!
Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, explains how simple it can be to become eco-friendly and reduce that all- important carbon footprint.
In his latest government policy Gordon Brown stressed that “we have a compelling and ever-more-urgent duty of stewardship to take care of the natural environment and resources”, and there are loads of incentives for “going green” - not just the obvious one of saving the planet!
Start from the outside and work your way in
By far the best way to reduce carbon emissions from your home is to insulate it. Good quality insulation can significantly reduce your energy wastage, saving not only the o-zone layer, but also your cash! Loft insulation alone can cut your energy bills by 20 per cent. Add to that cavity wall insulation, underfloor heating and draught-proofing and your energy bill could be halved!
There is no need to worry about the cost either. New government initiatives will pay 30 to 70 per cent of the cost of insulation – up to a maximum of £2700 – as part of their bill to save energy. This could rise to 100 per cent for homes which currently have no insulation whatsoever.
Don’t think getting insulation is a massive upheaval. It can be done on a room-by-room basis as and when you are decorating, and the quickest installation takes just two hours per wall – the more complex systems take only two weeks in their entirety. In all honesty it will probably take you longer to choose the type of insulation you require than it will to install it!
There are loads available:
Thermal insulation: Made from 90 per cent recycled materials, this is eco-friendly from the start – all the packaging is also recyclable, so there are no excuses for wasting anything! Thermal insulation is extremely effective and is quick and easy to install – just two hours per wall.
Thermafleece: Made from sheep’s wool, this insulation is completely breathable and absorbs moisture, controlling condensation. It’s attached using a timber framework and installation is very quick. Thermafleece uses just 14 per cent energy in manufacture compared to other brands and pays for itself seven times faster.
Recycled newspaper insulation: This is sprayed into place, meaning cavities are completely filled to give maximum insulation. The lack of framework means no measuring up, fast installation and lower costs.
Multi-foil insulation: This is bought in rolls from DIY stores, so you can install it yourself. It is only 30 millimetres thick, but is as effective as 230 and of other insulators.
Expanded polystyrene insulation: Especially for underfloor heating, this is installed underneath and around the concrete slab which contains the heating system – the concrete then acts as a storage heater.
Most types of insulation can be used in lofts or walls and you can mix and match depending on the requirements of each room. It is well worth doing – every square metre of wall insulation saves more than a tonne of carbon dioxide over the life of the building. An average semi has an area of eighty metres squared, so that’s a saving of 80 tonnes or more of carbon emissions.
You don’t need permanent sunshine to use solar power
It may not seem like it now, but the sun is still out there somewhere! Its rays are strong enough to power your home – even through cloud – and you don’t need to install a giant panel on the roof either. A small panel lying totally flat to the roof is sufficient for the average family and can save 50 to 60 per cent of your energy bills. The panel collects sunlight into a metal absorber plate and converts this to energy for your heating or water system. The government estimates that installing systems like these costs between £3000 and £4500, but will pay a grant up to £400 towards the installation costs. This may not seem like much, but the savings on bills means it will pay for itself in roughly eight years. Our own monthly poll shows that 80 per cent of people would be willing to install solar panels in their homes – go for it!
Little things go a long long way
On a smaller scale, there’s loads you can do to save energy. One way is by getting a controller for your central heating system so that you only heat the rooms you need to. This could be through a programmer or individual radiator control valves. Another way to reduce waste is to switch to energy-saving light bulbs. They use a lower wattage to emit the same amount of light and although more expensive than regular bulbs – around £2 each – they last roughly 8000 hours, saving an estimated £35 a year.
If you’re on a water meter it’s easy to recycle your rainwater and it can save you 50 per cent on your bills. Rainwater is collected in a barrel and diverted to dedicated flow points – such as the laundry or toilet – providing up to 84 per cent of your supply. There are no current government grants for rainwater harvesting, but in terms of savings it’s worth looking into. Also try to always do a full load of laundry and lower to a 40 degree wash – with today’s washing powders there’s no need to use a hot wash all of the time. Never leave appliances on standby, regularly defrost your freezer so it runs to its full potential and try turning your heating down by one degree – chances are you won’t even notice, but it will save you £10 a year!
Recycle – it really does make a difference
A massive 60 per cent of the rubbish you throw away can be recycled! Just in case you think it doesn’t matter, remember – one recycled drinks can save enough energy to power your TV for three hours, a glass bottle enough to power your PC for 25 minutes and a plastic bottle enough to power a 60 watt bulb for three hours. It takes 70 per cent less energy to make recycled paper than to make it from scratch, and saves 24 trees. Plastic takes just six weeks to recycle, but if thrown away takes 500 years to decompose – thrown away glass will never decompose, but is 100 per cent recyclable. Printer cartridges are easy to recycle, but if thrown away take 1000 years to decompose. www.recyclingappeal.com will collect and recycle your printer cartridges and old mobile phones for free – all you have to do is pop them in a freepost envelope!
Currently only two percent of the UK’s electricity is supplied using renewable energy resources. By 2010 the government hopes this will rise to ten per cent and by 2050, to 50 per cent - you can help them reach this target and save yourself some money in the process!
For More information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
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