Look out for more adventures in the 404 zone - coming soon.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
New 404 error sheep adventure
Introducing stars of the 404 error screen, those two woolley friends - Dolly and Molly in 'Molly goes to the Oscars'
Look out for more adventures in the 404 zone - coming soon.
Look out for more adventures in the 404 zone - coming soon.
Friday, 19 October 2007
new 404 error page content
Hi.
With so many websites and services on offer from Price Engines Ltd, the company behind the 'Quoter family of websites, our I.T dept came up with a great little animation for our bespoke 404 error page.
You'll normally get a boring browser window saying you have a 404 error, normally associated with typing a url in-correctly or following a link to a page that has been updated and moved or renamed.
If visitors to priceengines.co.uk incur a 404 error, here's what they'll see now:
With so many websites and services on offer from Price Engines Ltd, the company behind the 'Quoter family of websites, our I.T dept came up with a great little animation for our bespoke 404 error page.
You'll normally get a boring browser window saying you have a 404 error, normally associated with typing a url in-correctly or following a link to a page that has been updated and moved or renamed.
If visitors to priceengines.co.uk incur a 404 error, here's what they'll see now:
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Two new features added to website
Hello again Blog fans.
We've just updated the Home Improvement Quotes website with two new features.
The first is a round up of the most current or topical news stories for home owners in our news archive feature - click here.
We've also added a similar round up of the monthly home owner poll results as generated by our monthly email newsletter to over 228,000 customers. Their responses provide an unbiased view of what home owners are really thinking - click here.
We'll keep you informed of any other updates or amendments as they happen.
Thanks for stopping by.
We've just updated the Home Improvement Quotes website with two new features.
The first is a round up of the most current or topical news stories for home owners in our news archive feature - click here.
We've also added a similar round up of the monthly home owner poll results as generated by our monthly email newsletter to over 228,000 customers. Their responses provide an unbiased view of what home owners are really thinking - click here.
We'll keep you informed of any other updates or amendments as they happen.
Thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
How do Telesales departments cope with those lonely evenings
When our Telesales department is 'not busy' answering your calls, it seems they resort to poetry. This was found on the scribble pad of one telesales person's desk:
The Way You Are
The way the wind blows through a
hole in a stone, and as a leafs slowly
drop from an old oak in Rome.
Their comes a time when we all need
to stand and see the way we are in
this modern day society.
So now you know that your maybe
wondering how this poem will go?
That’s the way you are, always curious
and eager to know.
But theirs nothing wrong in Knowing
which way the wind will blow, and if
there is Oak trees in Rome…? Do you know?
Do rain drops ever fall from the same
cloud and does lightning really not strike
the same place twice? All these things
seem like a mystery to me, It’s like lifes
little games to find out how were meant
to turn out to be.
But one thing that’s clear, and as clear
as can be, is that you are, the way
you are, and you’ll have it no other way!
Like a sword set in stone and it can’t
be pulled free!
The qualities you have are there for all
to see, weather rain or shine I know where
you’ll be, you’ll be where you always are…
Right beside me, the way you are, is
Just Perfect for me!
Mark Alvey
UPDATE: The unknown Poet has stepped forward and identified himself as our very own - Mark Alvey - Nice one Mark!
The Way You Are
The way the wind blows through a
hole in a stone, and as a leafs slowly
drop from an old oak in Rome.
Their comes a time when we all need
to stand and see the way we are in
this modern day society.
So now you know that your maybe
wondering how this poem will go?
That’s the way you are, always curious
and eager to know.
But theirs nothing wrong in Knowing
which way the wind will blow, and if
there is Oak trees in Rome…? Do you know?
Do rain drops ever fall from the same
cloud and does lightning really not strike
the same place twice? All these things
seem like a mystery to me, It’s like lifes
little games to find out how were meant
to turn out to be.
But one thing that’s clear, and as clear
as can be, is that you are, the way
you are, and you’ll have it no other way!
Like a sword set in stone and it can’t
be pulled free!
The qualities you have are there for all
to see, weather rain or shine I know where
you’ll be, you’ll be where you always are…
Right beside me, the way you are, is
Just Perfect for me!
Mark Alvey
UPDATE: The unknown Poet has stepped forward and identified himself as our very own - Mark Alvey - Nice one Mark!
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Did you know... garden shed theft may not be insured
Did you know?
According to Esure research, over 1.4 million shed thefts took place in the last year – with over three quarters of home owners storing contents worth £550 in their sheds.
When you put away your valuable chain saw and hedge trimmers, do you lock up securely? More importantly – are you insured if they get stolen? Some home owners are unaware that insurance companies can limit the value of shed content cover whilst other insurers don’t even include it as part of their insurance package. To guarantee your property is covered, check that moveable objects are not only insured to their full value under your home contents policy, but are also safely locked away, otherwise insurers can refuse to settle a claim.
For new ideas and quotes, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
According to Esure research, over 1.4 million shed thefts took place in the last year – with over three quarters of home owners storing contents worth £550 in their sheds.
When you put away your valuable chain saw and hedge trimmers, do you lock up securely? More importantly – are you insured if they get stolen? Some home owners are unaware that insurance companies can limit the value of shed content cover whilst other insurers don’t even include it as part of their insurance package. To guarantee your property is covered, check that moveable objects are not only insured to their full value under your home contents policy, but are also safely locked away, otherwise insurers can refuse to settle a claim.
For new ideas and quotes, visit homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
How to get your central heating ready for winter
How to……………Get your central heating ready for winter
As that first cold snap hits us, we start thinking of the British winter, and making sure that your home is ‘winter-proof’ should be top of your to-do list. Freezing cold mornings come without warning and long winter nights soon draw in, so make sure you’re prepared. According to Lloyds TSB Insurance, dealing with burst pipes caused by freezing conditions, now amounts to an average cost per household of £2,500. The last thing you want it is to wake up on a chilly October morning to find your boiler has stopped working or your living room full of water. Here are five top tips to make your home ‘winter-proof’ plus advice on what to do in case of an emergency:
1 – Insulation and lagging keep the cold out
Water tanks, cisterns and boilers feel the cold during winter and they can stop functioning properly if left without insulation. Insulating-jackets are available for around £20.00 and can easily be fitted by novice DIYers – so you won’t have the expense or hassle of getting a plumber in. The jacket helps to prevent the boiler becoming damaged by keeping winter temperatures out, but make sure that there is no insulation under the water tank because this will act as a barrier for rising heat, causing the tank to become more susceptible to freezing.
Similarly, pipes can be insulated with foam lagging – which is designed to delay freezing in exposed areas for up to eight hours, and works better that the old style felt lagging which becomes worn and damaged. Turn off the system and allow the pipes to cool before you remove any worn or damaged lagging – especially the old style felt lagging. There are a variety of materials available but the most convenient choice is pre-formed foam tubes, at least 20mm-25mm thick – but remember to seal the joins with suitable tape once all the piping has been lagged.
2 – Lime scale affects your central heating system too
For those of you living in hard-water areas, lime scale is something you can’t get away from, be it in your kettle, washing machine or pipe work. Banging or popping noises in your central heating system are often caused by lime scale or corrosion debris becoming baked onto the heat exchanger surface. Circulating heavy-duty de-scaler through the system is an easy and cost-effective way to get your boiler back on top form, preventing the need for a replacement boiler or re-plumbing. Chemical de-scaler is available for under £25 – leave it in the system for a few days then drain, flush through and refill the system. Easy!
3 – Bleed those radiators, fix those drips
All radiators should be bled at least twice a year, as the constant heating and cooling of water naturally releases air bubbles. If the top of the radiator is noticeably cooler that the bottom, there is a good chance that this air has become trapped, reducing the amount of heat given out. This can easily be solved by bleeding the radiator – but don’t do it with the central heating pump on as more air may be sucked in, making the problem even worse! Fit a bleed key onto the valve and wrap an old cloth around it to avoid getting water on your carpet. Slowly twist the key half a turn only and the air inside the radiator should start hissing. When the water starts to trickle out all the air will have been expelled so the valve can be tightened back up – but be careful not to over tighten it!
Similarly, if any taps – inside or out – have been dripping all summer now is the time to finally get them fixed as leaks can cause pipes to freeze up and burst causing a lot of damage.
4 – Service your boiler
In recent months, the dangers of carbon monoxide, caused by blocked flues and un-serviced boilers, have been significantly highlighted and the risks are even more prevalent during the winter. Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning appliances such as boilers and water heaters and is an odourless, colourless and highly poisonous gas. It’s important to check that chimney ventilation and gas flues don’t freeze over or become blocked by snow or leaves during the winter months. In addition, do not obstruct sources of ventilation in an attempt to keep out whistling winter draughts – blocked ventilation can cause a dangerous build up of CO2 in your home. CO2 detectors are a simple way to make you aware of raised levels of carbon monoxide and you can also look out for gas boiler flames that burn orange or yellow instead of blue – however don’t rely on these methods alone.
Annual heating system health checks by CORGI registered engineers are essential. Spending just a few weeks without heating or hot water can pose health problems, especially for the elderly and very young, so it’s important to get your heating system serviced. Even if there appears to be nothing wrong with it, when left over the warm summer months, parts of the heating system may seize up.
5 – Emergencies! Know where your stopcock is
Water in internal and external pipes expand during freezing conditions, sometimes causing pipes to split or crack. Once the ice thaws it will pour through the holes causing hundreds of pounds worth of house-hold damage and possible flooding. Burst pipes can be expensive and awkward to fix and it may involve digging up your garden or drive-way, so make sure you know how to turn off the water supply and where the stop tap is located to limit the amount of damage. The main tap is usually found under the sink or where the service pipe enters your house, alternatively, turn off the stopcock in your cold water tank if you have one – this is usually located in the loft. If you’re too late to turn the water off before the damage has been done, make sure you protect everything around the burst pipe and drain the system – this can be done by turning on cold taps, ready for when the ice melts, and flushing the toilet to empty the system. If you don’t want to wait for the ice to thaw, try using a hairdryer on the pipes starting at the end nearest to the tap but be careful as the burst pipe may spray water as it thaws.
Finally, don’t forget to turn off your central heating, boiler or immersion and don't switch them back on until you are sure that the system has thawed out – if heat is applied suddenly there is a risk of explosion, which is the last thing you need after dealing with burst pipes!
Following this advice your home should stay warm, cosy and safe during the chilly British winter.
Visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk for more information.
As that first cold snap hits us, we start thinking of the British winter, and making sure that your home is ‘winter-proof’ should be top of your to-do list. Freezing cold mornings come without warning and long winter nights soon draw in, so make sure you’re prepared. According to Lloyds TSB Insurance, dealing with burst pipes caused by freezing conditions, now amounts to an average cost per household of £2,500. The last thing you want it is to wake up on a chilly October morning to find your boiler has stopped working or your living room full of water. Here are five top tips to make your home ‘winter-proof’ plus advice on what to do in case of an emergency:
1 – Insulation and lagging keep the cold out
Water tanks, cisterns and boilers feel the cold during winter and they can stop functioning properly if left without insulation. Insulating-jackets are available for around £20.00 and can easily be fitted by novice DIYers – so you won’t have the expense or hassle of getting a plumber in. The jacket helps to prevent the boiler becoming damaged by keeping winter temperatures out, but make sure that there is no insulation under the water tank because this will act as a barrier for rising heat, causing the tank to become more susceptible to freezing.
Similarly, pipes can be insulated with foam lagging – which is designed to delay freezing in exposed areas for up to eight hours, and works better that the old style felt lagging which becomes worn and damaged. Turn off the system and allow the pipes to cool before you remove any worn or damaged lagging – especially the old style felt lagging. There are a variety of materials available but the most convenient choice is pre-formed foam tubes, at least 20mm-25mm thick – but remember to seal the joins with suitable tape once all the piping has been lagged.
2 – Lime scale affects your central heating system too
For those of you living in hard-water areas, lime scale is something you can’t get away from, be it in your kettle, washing machine or pipe work. Banging or popping noises in your central heating system are often caused by lime scale or corrosion debris becoming baked onto the heat exchanger surface. Circulating heavy-duty de-scaler through the system is an easy and cost-effective way to get your boiler back on top form, preventing the need for a replacement boiler or re-plumbing. Chemical de-scaler is available for under £25 – leave it in the system for a few days then drain, flush through and refill the system. Easy!
3 – Bleed those radiators, fix those drips
All radiators should be bled at least twice a year, as the constant heating and cooling of water naturally releases air bubbles. If the top of the radiator is noticeably cooler that the bottom, there is a good chance that this air has become trapped, reducing the amount of heat given out. This can easily be solved by bleeding the radiator – but don’t do it with the central heating pump on as more air may be sucked in, making the problem even worse! Fit a bleed key onto the valve and wrap an old cloth around it to avoid getting water on your carpet. Slowly twist the key half a turn only and the air inside the radiator should start hissing. When the water starts to trickle out all the air will have been expelled so the valve can be tightened back up – but be careful not to over tighten it!
Similarly, if any taps – inside or out – have been dripping all summer now is the time to finally get them fixed as leaks can cause pipes to freeze up and burst causing a lot of damage.
4 – Service your boiler
In recent months, the dangers of carbon monoxide, caused by blocked flues and un-serviced boilers, have been significantly highlighted and the risks are even more prevalent during the winter. Carbon monoxide is produced by fuel-burning appliances such as boilers and water heaters and is an odourless, colourless and highly poisonous gas. It’s important to check that chimney ventilation and gas flues don’t freeze over or become blocked by snow or leaves during the winter months. In addition, do not obstruct sources of ventilation in an attempt to keep out whistling winter draughts – blocked ventilation can cause a dangerous build up of CO2 in your home. CO2 detectors are a simple way to make you aware of raised levels of carbon monoxide and you can also look out for gas boiler flames that burn orange or yellow instead of blue – however don’t rely on these methods alone.
Annual heating system health checks by CORGI registered engineers are essential. Spending just a few weeks without heating or hot water can pose health problems, especially for the elderly and very young, so it’s important to get your heating system serviced. Even if there appears to be nothing wrong with it, when left over the warm summer months, parts of the heating system may seize up.
5 – Emergencies! Know where your stopcock is
Water in internal and external pipes expand during freezing conditions, sometimes causing pipes to split or crack. Once the ice thaws it will pour through the holes causing hundreds of pounds worth of house-hold damage and possible flooding. Burst pipes can be expensive and awkward to fix and it may involve digging up your garden or drive-way, so make sure you know how to turn off the water supply and where the stop tap is located to limit the amount of damage. The main tap is usually found under the sink or where the service pipe enters your house, alternatively, turn off the stopcock in your cold water tank if you have one – this is usually located in the loft. If you’re too late to turn the water off before the damage has been done, make sure you protect everything around the burst pipe and drain the system – this can be done by turning on cold taps, ready for when the ice melts, and flushing the toilet to empty the system. If you don’t want to wait for the ice to thaw, try using a hairdryer on the pipes starting at the end nearest to the tap but be careful as the burst pipe may spray water as it thaws.
Finally, don’t forget to turn off your central heating, boiler or immersion and don't switch them back on until you are sure that the system has thawed out – if heat is applied suddenly there is a risk of explosion, which is the last thing you need after dealing with burst pipes!
Following this advice your home should stay warm, cosy and safe during the chilly British winter.
Visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk for more information.
Reduce the hidden costs of moving house
Moving house? All the information you’ll need to reduce the ‘hidden’ costs of moving and ease the stress
Moving home is reportedly one of the most stressful events in a lifetime, only beaten by divorce and bereavement. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive, so any advice on how to limit the expense and avoid ‘hidden’ costs is welcome. Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, looks at the costs involved in the run-up to moving and ways to help keep costs to a minimum.
The latest research by social housing pressure group the National Housing Federation claims that house prices will rise to an average of £300,000 by 2012 – an increase of 40 per cent. House prices have already risen by 156 per cent since 1997 but in the last ten years the average income has only increased by 35 per cent.
Getting the funds to afford a house is difficult enough – even for people earning a very respectable wage – because the price of a typical house is around seven times the UK’s average income, according to Government statistics. Fortunately, after five consecutive interest rate rises in 12 months, the Bank of England maintained its interest rate of 5.75 per cent during September. But what about the hidden costs of moving? Britons spend £10 billion a year on ‘hidden’ expenses when moving house, new research from the Cooperative Bank has claimed.
This bill can include all costs except for the actual house price, with solicitor and estate agent fees, stamp duty and removal charges all mounting up, meaning that the average UK household spends £23,800 on these expenses during a lifetime.
So, how can you move house without it costing you a fortune?
There are in fact a number of ways that you can reduce your moving expenses to a minimum.
Don’t pay over the odds – use the internet to research: How did we cope before the internet? By knowing where to look, the web makes it possible to investigate an area you’re considering moving to. You can find out almost anything about a place, from crime and flood risks to what new buildings are in the pipeline, which could potentially devalue your new house. These are free pieces of information that can save you from making a big mistake and losing money on your investment. You can also find out almost anything about properties you are interested in – including houses that have dropped in value or are difficult to sell, how much similar houses have sold for or which council tax band houses have been placed in.
The advantages of New Builds: These properties usually come with a new bathroom, fitted kitchen and are low on maintenance. Many building companies offer deals to first-time buyers. Persimmon, for example, will pay a 5 per cent deposit for you on selected properties and others offer free curtains and carpets.
Getting the right mortgage: Using a mortgage broker to scan the mortgage market can provide you with more influence and protection than an independent bank. Higher lending charges may apply if you borrow more than 90 per cent of the property’s value so by saving up the deposit on a house, interest rates will be significantly reduced. Some mortgage lenders will offer free arrangements or booking fees, but be careful – anything ‘fee-free’ may be priced into a slightly higher rate of interest, making it more expensive in the long run, so consider the options. Also spend your time shopping around for mortgages because, according to BBC News, more than half of all borrowers pay over the odds for their mortgage each month.
Survey: A small number of mortgage lenders will provide a survey free of charge but if yours doesn’t then a basic one will only cost around £250 – compared to a full structural survey which can cost upwards of £600 – so take advantage of this if you’re investing in a relatively new build.
HIPs: Home Information Packs (HIPs) are a set of documents that contain specific details about your property. Initially they applied to four bedroom and above houses, but since September three-bedroom houses have also been included. Many major estate agent chains are offering HIPs as part of their ordinary fees; others are charging in the region of £300 to £350 plus VAT on an upfront or deferred basis – so it’s worth asking the question. All the information you need on HIPs can be found in our earlier article - click here.
Estate Agent: Many estate agents charge upwards of 1.5 per cent of your sale price. Some ‘virtual’ estate agents offer a free service to advertise property over the internet, while others offer a more comprehensive package for a one-off fee of around £200. Some agents may try and encourage customers into giving them their business by offering free HIPs – but, as with the mortgage provider, anything that is branded free of charge will possibly be paid by you elsewhere, so check all the costs.
Stamp Duty: For houses priced £125,000 and under, stamp duty does not apply but for more expensive houses there are three separate thresholds. If your new house is bought for £125,001+ the stamp duty is one per cent of the price, £250,001+ the fee is three per cent and £500,001+ the stamp duty is four per cent. This means that buying a house for £250,000 rather than £250,001 could save you £5,000 in tax! Check on paying separately for fixtures and fittings to see if you can reduce the house sale price and consequently the stamp duty. Alternatively, you may consider taking advantage of the stamp duty exemption scheme implemented in around 2,000 "disadvantaged areas" across the UK – a full list is available at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/so/pcode_search
Moving Day: Removal companies can cost anything from £450 upwards. By hiring a van, inviting some friends around, buying in refreshments and doing the hard work yourself you can save over £300 – a decent percentage of your first mortgage payment – plus you can take extra care with those expensive family heir-looms!
Utility Bills: Ask the existing home owners for a utility bill to get an idea of how much a property costs to run. Consider the following
· Get your gas and electricity from the same provider
· Pay your bills by direct debit
· Choose an on-line tariff
· And don’t forget to search the market every year for cheaper providers.
Then of course, remember to sign-up for essential services on your moving day so you can plug in the TV and boil a kettle!
Changing address: You need to tell more than just your friends about your change of address. If you don’t keep up with your TV license or credit card bills then you could be charged for missed payments – so it can prove costly. www.iammoving.com lets you compile a list of all the people and companies who need to be informed about your change of address and they do all the hard work for you. Easy!
…and finally…don’t be afraid to challenge:
Many people are living in, or moving to, incorrectly banded houses. You can now check and challenge your council tax band free of charge, possibly winning a backdated payment from when you moved into the property, as far back as 1993 when the tax started. All you have to do is check your banding against your neighbours’, using the Valuation Office agency's website, and then visit www.nethouseprices.com, a free public service providing access to UK house prices in England, Scotland and Wales, as recorded by the Land Registry since 2000. Web calculators are also available to help you find out what your house was worth in 1991 when council tax bands were allocated. If both these steps show you're in the wrong band then you can challenge it – just be sure of your facts and figures before hand, because bands can also be increased!
For more information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Moving home is reportedly one of the most stressful events in a lifetime, only beaten by divorce and bereavement. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive, so any advice on how to limit the expense and avoid ‘hidden’ costs is welcome. Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, looks at the costs involved in the run-up to moving and ways to help keep costs to a minimum.
The latest research by social housing pressure group the National Housing Federation claims that house prices will rise to an average of £300,000 by 2012 – an increase of 40 per cent. House prices have already risen by 156 per cent since 1997 but in the last ten years the average income has only increased by 35 per cent.
Getting the funds to afford a house is difficult enough – even for people earning a very respectable wage – because the price of a typical house is around seven times the UK’s average income, according to Government statistics. Fortunately, after five consecutive interest rate rises in 12 months, the Bank of England maintained its interest rate of 5.75 per cent during September. But what about the hidden costs of moving? Britons spend £10 billion a year on ‘hidden’ expenses when moving house, new research from the Cooperative Bank has claimed.
This bill can include all costs except for the actual house price, with solicitor and estate agent fees, stamp duty and removal charges all mounting up, meaning that the average UK household spends £23,800 on these expenses during a lifetime.
So, how can you move house without it costing you a fortune?
There are in fact a number of ways that you can reduce your moving expenses to a minimum.
Don’t pay over the odds – use the internet to research: How did we cope before the internet? By knowing where to look, the web makes it possible to investigate an area you’re considering moving to. You can find out almost anything about a place, from crime and flood risks to what new buildings are in the pipeline, which could potentially devalue your new house. These are free pieces of information that can save you from making a big mistake and losing money on your investment. You can also find out almost anything about properties you are interested in – including houses that have dropped in value or are difficult to sell, how much similar houses have sold for or which council tax band houses have been placed in.
The advantages of New Builds: These properties usually come with a new bathroom, fitted kitchen and are low on maintenance. Many building companies offer deals to first-time buyers. Persimmon, for example, will pay a 5 per cent deposit for you on selected properties and others offer free curtains and carpets.
Getting the right mortgage: Using a mortgage broker to scan the mortgage market can provide you with more influence and protection than an independent bank. Higher lending charges may apply if you borrow more than 90 per cent of the property’s value so by saving up the deposit on a house, interest rates will be significantly reduced. Some mortgage lenders will offer free arrangements or booking fees, but be careful – anything ‘fee-free’ may be priced into a slightly higher rate of interest, making it more expensive in the long run, so consider the options. Also spend your time shopping around for mortgages because, according to BBC News, more than half of all borrowers pay over the odds for their mortgage each month.
Survey: A small number of mortgage lenders will provide a survey free of charge but if yours doesn’t then a basic one will only cost around £250 – compared to a full structural survey which can cost upwards of £600 – so take advantage of this if you’re investing in a relatively new build.
HIPs: Home Information Packs (HIPs) are a set of documents that contain specific details about your property. Initially they applied to four bedroom and above houses, but since September three-bedroom houses have also been included. Many major estate agent chains are offering HIPs as part of their ordinary fees; others are charging in the region of £300 to £350 plus VAT on an upfront or deferred basis – so it’s worth asking the question. All the information you need on HIPs can be found in our earlier article - click here.
Estate Agent: Many estate agents charge upwards of 1.5 per cent of your sale price. Some ‘virtual’ estate agents offer a free service to advertise property over the internet, while others offer a more comprehensive package for a one-off fee of around £200. Some agents may try and encourage customers into giving them their business by offering free HIPs – but, as with the mortgage provider, anything that is branded free of charge will possibly be paid by you elsewhere, so check all the costs.
Stamp Duty: For houses priced £125,000 and under, stamp duty does not apply but for more expensive houses there are three separate thresholds. If your new house is bought for £125,001+ the stamp duty is one per cent of the price, £250,001+ the fee is three per cent and £500,001+ the stamp duty is four per cent. This means that buying a house for £250,000 rather than £250,001 could save you £5,000 in tax! Check on paying separately for fixtures and fittings to see if you can reduce the house sale price and consequently the stamp duty. Alternatively, you may consider taking advantage of the stamp duty exemption scheme implemented in around 2,000 "disadvantaged areas" across the UK – a full list is available at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/so/pcode_search
Moving Day: Removal companies can cost anything from £450 upwards. By hiring a van, inviting some friends around, buying in refreshments and doing the hard work yourself you can save over £300 – a decent percentage of your first mortgage payment – plus you can take extra care with those expensive family heir-looms!
Utility Bills: Ask the existing home owners for a utility bill to get an idea of how much a property costs to run. Consider the following
· Get your gas and electricity from the same provider
· Pay your bills by direct debit
· Choose an on-line tariff
· And don’t forget to search the market every year for cheaper providers.
Then of course, remember to sign-up for essential services on your moving day so you can plug in the TV and boil a kettle!
Changing address: You need to tell more than just your friends about your change of address. If you don’t keep up with your TV license or credit card bills then you could be charged for missed payments – so it can prove costly. www.iammoving.com lets you compile a list of all the people and companies who need to be informed about your change of address and they do all the hard work for you. Easy!
…and finally…don’t be afraid to challenge:
Many people are living in, or moving to, incorrectly banded houses. You can now check and challenge your council tax band free of charge, possibly winning a backdated payment from when you moved into the property, as far back as 1993 when the tax started. All you have to do is check your banding against your neighbours’, using the Valuation Office agency's website, and then visit www.nethouseprices.com, a free public service providing access to UK house prices in England, Scotland and Wales, as recorded by the Land Registry since 2000. Web calculators are also available to help you find out what your house was worth in 1991 when council tax bands were allocated. If both these steps show you're in the wrong band then you can challenge it – just be sure of your facts and figures before hand, because bands can also be increased!
For more information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
Keeping up with the Jones - Alfresco dining
Keeping up with Jones - Alfresco dining.
The garden is another room of your home and deserves the same attention to detail as your lounge, kitchen or bedroom. Patios provide a striking feature and are very versatile, allowing homeowners to relax in tranquillity or wine and dine with family and friends.
This month’s featured company is The Driveway Company, a driveway and patio specialist based in the West Midlands. For more information contact www.drivewaycompany.co.uk
Patios can be shaped to flow naturally through the garden creating a peaceful and relaxing environment. Clever designs will leave plenty of room for an array of plants, bushes and water features where you can sit and enjoy them.
Long gone are the days of pulling a dusty BBQ out of the shed. BBQ’s make a great patio feature and even though summer is over, there’s nothing better than a night time BBQ party – think about getting a patio heater or chiminea to keep everyone warm and toasty while they eat.
Consider colours, patterns and planting to make your patio stand out against a natural background and create the right atmosphere – in both summer and winter. This will add a new dimension to your garden, particularly during the next few dreary winter months.
If you’ve got a home to run and a family to sort out you probably haven’t got time to keep a garden with complicated planting schemes looking at its best. Patios are low maintenance and can still make a garden look interesting using a range of materials, colours and shapes flowing through different levels.
For an instant online paving quote, visit pavingquoter now.
Timeline - Replacing your roof in 5 stages
Timeline: Replacing your roof in 5 easy stages.
Your roof takes all the wear and tear that our weather brings – heatwaves, rain, storms, snow, high winds – even tornados! Replacing your roof is something that you should hopefully only have to do once – so it’s important to get it right. From knowing when to begin the work, through to choosing a supplier, contractor and material, there are lots of things to consider. A new roof is a major investment, so it’s important to take time over your decisions and choose wisely. Here are five essential stages to making your investment work:
Stage 1 – The warning signs!
Always make a close inspection of your roof before deciding whether it needs replacing. Although there are many warning signs to look out for, some can be fixed independently without replacing the whole structure. Missing or loose slates are the most obvious sign that your roof needs work and it’s important to get them fixed quickly – loose slates can cause water damage to the interior of your home and are extremely dangerous if they fall. If too many slates are damaged, your roof will need replacing. The flashing where the roof joins an abutment or chimney should also be checked – it is very susceptible to corrosion which causes leaks, but can easily be replaced without getting an entire new roof. Finally, remember to check the ridges at the top of your roof – if these are in a poor state, it could affect the entire structure.
Stage 2 – Find a contractor
Roofing is a job best left to the professionals and there are lots of roofing contractors out there advertising their services. The best place to start is by getting referrals from friends and family – it’s always best to have first-hand experience of the company you’re intending to use. If you can’t get a recommendation, you should go for a contractor who has a good local reputation and whose work you may be able to go and see. Always get at least three professional quotes to compare and never just go with the cheapest – the best deal may not always be with the lowest price. Check things such as the guarantees and insurance packages that each contractor offers, and what is included in the price – materials, equipment hire and labour.
Stage 3 – Check the contractor is NFRC registered
It is worthwhile to check that the roofing specialist you choose is a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). This organisation has a strict vetting process for its members, so you know your contractor is reputable. Criteria includes proof that the builder has had sufficient roofing experience, quality checks on previous work, spot inspections on the technical competence and craft skills required in different types of roofing, and compliance with the NFRC Code of Practice and British and European Roofing Standards. The NFRC also requires its members to provide Public, Employer’s and Third Party Insurance cover and a valid Health and Safety Certificate. If your contractor is registered with the NFRC they will be able to provide a membership card and a document bearing the TrustMark standard.
Stage 4 – Choosing your roofing material – go green!
When you are replacing your roof, it’s easy to replace like for like as regards materials. However if you fancy a change, there are various options available – just remember to check with your local council first as they may deem some materials out of keeping with the local area. The basic roofing range on offer is slate, clay, concrete, tile-effect metal and the new ‘eco-friendly’ photovoltaic, but there are different styles within each material. Slate is the most expensive option, but is also the most durable and weatherproof. Clay tiles are more widely used in Britain, and come in a variety of shapes, colours and surface finishes. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colours and finishes, and is stronger and more durable than clay – metal roofing usually comes in tile-effect, so won’t detract from the overall appearance of your home. If you really want to push the boat out, and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, go for photovoltaic roofing which has solar capsules embedded in the tile. These capsules harness sunrays and provide energy for your home, without compromising on the performance of your roofing.
Stage 5 – Installation – look out for those hidden extras
When it comes to installing your new roof, it’s obviously a major undertaking. However the contractor should know the best ways to keep disruption to a minimum, and provided the weather is good, there should be no need to interrupt the work. A small and uncomplicated re-roofing can be finished in two or three days – a large and complex job could take over a week. Make sure you final check your bill – builders sometimes charge extra for re-fixing gutters, downpipes and air vents, as well as for cleaning up the area. Check your bill carefully for hidden costs and ensure that you only pay for what you were quoted. Any additional costs should always be approved by you before completion.
Once the basic structure of your new roof is in place, you can consider the finishing touches. There is a wide range of trims, flashings and border plates available to match any design of roof and any roofing material. Once these have been fitted, your new roof will be complete!
www.roofquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
Your roof takes all the wear and tear that our weather brings – heatwaves, rain, storms, snow, high winds – even tornados! Replacing your roof is something that you should hopefully only have to do once – so it’s important to get it right. From knowing when to begin the work, through to choosing a supplier, contractor and material, there are lots of things to consider. A new roof is a major investment, so it’s important to take time over your decisions and choose wisely. Here are five essential stages to making your investment work:
Stage 1 – The warning signs!
Always make a close inspection of your roof before deciding whether it needs replacing. Although there are many warning signs to look out for, some can be fixed independently without replacing the whole structure. Missing or loose slates are the most obvious sign that your roof needs work and it’s important to get them fixed quickly – loose slates can cause water damage to the interior of your home and are extremely dangerous if they fall. If too many slates are damaged, your roof will need replacing. The flashing where the roof joins an abutment or chimney should also be checked – it is very susceptible to corrosion which causes leaks, but can easily be replaced without getting an entire new roof. Finally, remember to check the ridges at the top of your roof – if these are in a poor state, it could affect the entire structure.
Stage 2 – Find a contractor
Roofing is a job best left to the professionals and there are lots of roofing contractors out there advertising their services. The best place to start is by getting referrals from friends and family – it’s always best to have first-hand experience of the company you’re intending to use. If you can’t get a recommendation, you should go for a contractor who has a good local reputation and whose work you may be able to go and see. Always get at least three professional quotes to compare and never just go with the cheapest – the best deal may not always be with the lowest price. Check things such as the guarantees and insurance packages that each contractor offers, and what is included in the price – materials, equipment hire and labour.
Stage 3 – Check the contractor is NFRC registered
It is worthwhile to check that the roofing specialist you choose is a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). This organisation has a strict vetting process for its members, so you know your contractor is reputable. Criteria includes proof that the builder has had sufficient roofing experience, quality checks on previous work, spot inspections on the technical competence and craft skills required in different types of roofing, and compliance with the NFRC Code of Practice and British and European Roofing Standards. The NFRC also requires its members to provide Public, Employer’s and Third Party Insurance cover and a valid Health and Safety Certificate. If your contractor is registered with the NFRC they will be able to provide a membership card and a document bearing the TrustMark standard.
Stage 4 – Choosing your roofing material – go green!
When you are replacing your roof, it’s easy to replace like for like as regards materials. However if you fancy a change, there are various options available – just remember to check with your local council first as they may deem some materials out of keeping with the local area. The basic roofing range on offer is slate, clay, concrete, tile-effect metal and the new ‘eco-friendly’ photovoltaic, but there are different styles within each material. Slate is the most expensive option, but is also the most durable and weatherproof. Clay tiles are more widely used in Britain, and come in a variety of shapes, colours and surface finishes. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colours and finishes, and is stronger and more durable than clay – metal roofing usually comes in tile-effect, so won’t detract from the overall appearance of your home. If you really want to push the boat out, and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time, go for photovoltaic roofing which has solar capsules embedded in the tile. These capsules harness sunrays and provide energy for your home, without compromising on the performance of your roofing.
Stage 5 – Installation – look out for those hidden extras
When it comes to installing your new roof, it’s obviously a major undertaking. However the contractor should know the best ways to keep disruption to a minimum, and provided the weather is good, there should be no need to interrupt the work. A small and uncomplicated re-roofing can be finished in two or three days – a large and complex job could take over a week. Make sure you final check your bill – builders sometimes charge extra for re-fixing gutters, downpipes and air vents, as well as for cleaning up the area. Check your bill carefully for hidden costs and ensure that you only pay for what you were quoted. Any additional costs should always be approved by you before completion.
Once the basic structure of your new roof is in place, you can consider the finishing touches. There is a wide range of trims, flashings and border plates available to match any design of roof and any roofing material. Once these have been fitted, your new roof will be complete!
www.roofquoter.co.uk can help you choose your supplier.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
How much do you spend on home improvements each year?
Homeowner survey.
Last month, we asked "How much do you spend on home improvements each year?"
With over half of those surveyed spending between 1 and 3 thousand pounds a year, it's no surprise that the UK is still very much in love with DIY.
More surprising perhaps is the fact that 15% of you confess to ripping out at least one room each year and giving it a complete makeover.
Here are the results in full:
Up to £1000 - It's not a major priority - 26%
£1001 to £3000 - I don't like to do too much in one year - 31%
£3001 to £4000 - I'm always doing something, but on quite a small scale - 15%
£4001 to £5000 - I Usually rip out one room a year and start again - 15%
More than £5000 - You can't stop me! Decorating, remodelling etc. - 13%
poll of 228,000 homeowners via our August newsletter.
Last month, we asked "How much do you spend on home improvements each year?"
With over half of those surveyed spending between 1 and 3 thousand pounds a year, it's no surprise that the UK is still very much in love with DIY.
More surprising perhaps is the fact that 15% of you confess to ripping out at least one room each year and giving it a complete makeover.
Here are the results in full:
Up to £1000 - It's not a major priority - 26%
£1001 to £3000 - I don't like to do too much in one year - 31%
£3001 to £4000 - I'm always doing something, but on quite a small scale - 15%
£4001 to £5000 - I Usually rip out one room a year and start again - 15%
More than £5000 - You can't stop me! Decorating, remodelling etc. - 13%
poll of 228,000 homeowners via our August newsletter.
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