Better Home Club

When moving house, it is important to remember that if you fail to prepare then you prepare to fail! It is a colossal undertaking, and ideally you should be planning for the move even as far as 6 weeks away from the scheduled date. This allows you time to get rid of the stuff you don’t need, sort out what you are packing with what, and to organise your belongings so that they are packed best; and so in this article I will try to offer the top tips that will help you get organised and ready for the big moving day.

Organisation is key to success, so get planning early!

Buying proper packaging materials – if you want to ensure your things are kept safe and secure, get hold of sturdy boxes (corrugated cardboard are good for this), use a good deal of packing tape, and you should find that your boxes stay together even when full of heavy pots and pans!

Packing valuable items – buying adequate packing material cannot be underestimated, as it will help you to keep hold of your more expensive household furnishings without them coming out of the boxes in pieces. If you are still worried about potential breakages, make sure that your items are covered under your home insurance policy.

Pack by rooms and label boxes – to make sure you know what is where, try packing by room. Then you know that whatever you take out of the boxes will be all for the same room, making unpacking in your new home a lot easier. Labelling them also means you won’t open them before you get to the room you need to get to!

Overfilling boxes – don’t try to get too much in one box, as tempting as it may be to fit just one more lamp! By overfilling you run the risk of the box splitting, as well as damaging any smaller items crushed under the weight of all of the other bits and pieces.

After the move, break down the boxes and recycle them.

Unpacking – when you’ve got all of your boxes to your new home, it makes it a lot easier if you store them all in one place and then move them out as and when you need them. This helps you to arrange large pieces of furniture without tripping over boxes strewn across the floor, and leaves you will a clutter free house while you try to get everything in order.

Notifying the change in address – there are many different government bodies and other organisations that need to know you have changed your address, so ensure you get in touch with everyone who needs to know. This list from the government website will help you to get this right.

With these tips you should be able to have a stress free (or at least a less stressed) move, but do bear in mind that there are alternatives if all of this sounds just too much for you to handle. There are companies out there, such as Mini Removals, who specialise in taking care of the entire moving process from you, including packing and unpacking. A service like this is invaluable if you do not have the time or the inclination to take on the whole moving process, so it is always prudent to give a few companies a call to get an idea of the prices they charge.

Renovating or designing a new house is a massive project for anyone to take on, even for people with experience. There are limitless options available and even if you stick with traditional designs, the choice of materials, methods and expertise available can get overwhelming.
 

Ceramic tiles come in a variety of colours and styles.

With such a large project, it is important to give a lot of consideration to aesthetics, so you can enjoy the work you have done for years to come. There’s nothing worse than having to live with something you are unhappy with. This sometimes comes down to budget, but in a competitive market, you can often get what you want for cheaper than you may have though.
 

Sourcing high quality materials for your plans is vital, for structural, practical and aesthetic reasons. This can be linked with the location of your building. Complimenting your surroundings is especially important in rural areas and using local resources is a great way to do this.
 

One of the most important aspects of a build is the roofing style; with different materials provide very different solutions and looks.
 

By far the most frequently used option, especially with new builds, is the use of ceramic tiles. The wide spread usage allows them to compliment most areas, especially in urban and suburban areas. They are hard wearing and resilient, but due to their common usage, they do not tend to add character or much in the way of design.
 

Metal roofing is a common method for roofing, used predominantly in larger buildings as opposed to individual homes. The advantages include its light weight, durability, minimal maintenance, fire resistance and resistance to harsh weather.  These factors make metal roofing a mainstay in the construction industry.
 

Slate roofing is an attractive choice in nearly every setting.

Slate roofing is a very traditional and attractive method of roofing. There has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of slate roofing, with the material benefiting from its durability and attractive look. Slate roofing fits in great in rural areas, helping maintain a look fitting with the surroundings, especially when it has been locally sourced using experts such as www.slate.uk.com. They can be equally attractive in urban areas, looking good but rarely out of place, often helping new builds achieve a classic look easily.
 

In some cases, thatched roofing is a valid alternative, although it doesn’t compliment every building. Adding greatly to the character of a home, it can be the final touch on a person’s dream home. Thatched roofing provides excellent insulation for a property, whilst giving unparalleled aesthetics.
 

Size of the roof and budget are two of the main factors when choosing what type of material you will use for roofing, which is why metal roofing is prevalent in larger constructions, due to its strength and ceramic tiles are a mainstay of new builds, due to their cheapness and durability. If you want something special and that will last years to come you can consider other options, all of which have their individual advantages. Finding the best solution for you will need a lot of consideration, but will serve you for years to come.

Making the decision to undertake renovation work seems like a great idea at the moment. With the UK property market continuing to look difficult to negotiate, building an extension seems like the ideal way to make some extra space whilst simultaneously adding value to your home.
 

There are a number of things you should think about before undertaking renovation work however.
 

Before you think about anything else, you need to think about what you want to achieve with your additional space. Do you want a new bathroom or would you like to significantly extend your living space? Contact an architect and discuss what is possible with them, in order to utilise space efficiently. An architect can also guide you through what kind of materials are available to you, allowing you to choose those that offer you the best in price and sustainability.
 

Once you have your design, you will need to approach your local planning authority to seek permission. Bear in mind that your neighbours will be asked if they have any objections to your build so it is often a good idea to approach them before hand, explaining your intentions and reassuring them that you will not be encroaching on their space or ruining the aesthetics of your area. Ensure that your design is theoretically allowed in your locality too, as this will cut any wasteful procedures.
 

When you have your planning permission, you will need to check that your house is structurally sound, and that the removal of any walls etc will not cause it to collapse. Make sure that you secure your foundation and undertake structural repairs before you start your new build. A contractor will be able to advise you further on any other necessary reparation.
 

When hiring a contractor, ensure that they have a good reputation by asking friends and family, as well as anyone you know who is involved in your local building trade. When seeking quotes, ensure that there are no hidden costs and that all materials and labour are included in the price.
 

You may also want to think about hiring some sort of storage space. Storage buildings are a good idea if you are undertaking substantial renovation work and will need to move a lot of your belongings from the home and portable toilets are also a good idea if there will be a number of contractors on site.

Selling a house and moving home can quickly become a very long and arduous ideal, particularly if you have a family. A house that is being sold can sit on the market for a year or longer without being sold and that creates an awful limbo for the people living there at the time because if you think your property could be sold at any minute, you will never feel settled within it, as well as the disruption of having potential buyers round for viewings repeatedly.

If you have ever been through this process you could find yourself thinking “I just want to sell my house quickly and minimise the stress of dealing with estate agents and buyers”. There are a number of reasons why you may want to sell a property as quickly as possible, perhaps you are travelling abroad, have a new house to move into or need to release the cash very quickly that is tied up in the property.

Dealing with the housing market can be an expensive, time consuming and draining experience; accepting less than the best possible price could be the best option to minimalise all of the stresses and strains of trying to sell a property.

The quick sell of a house can be an incredibly liberating experience as you find yourself free to accomplish all of the things that you dreamed of. If you have a new house waiting for you, the quick sale of your old property could give you a great cash injection to get started in your dream home. Or if you want to take some time out of the country, a quick property sale can be a way to fuel the adventure of a lifetime as you release yourself from everything that had you tied down.

Many career property developers make a great amount of money out of the quick purchase and sale of properties. These flash sales can produce an excellent turnover and help to reduce the risk because you will not have invested a lot of time or money in renovating and redesigning the property itself. A purchase, some quick improvements and a fast sale can reap remarkable dividends.

So if you are tired of the stress and pains of dealing with the UK property market, you can release yourself from the responsibility by finding an estate agent who will deliver a speedy sale.

With the housing market the way it is at the moment, lots of people are looking for alternative ways to purchase properties. Because house prices are so high, there has been a spate of people looking to buy a house at auction. Although this can be tricky, and many houses available at auction will require extensive renovation work that will need to be factored into the final price, it can prove beneficial and can give you a lot more for your money than buying a house on the open market.

There are a number of things you need to consider before you try to win a house, competition can be quite fierce and so you will need to do your research before you head to auction.

Keep in mind what you want to achieve with your property and how much time you are willing to spend on renovation works – if you are in any way unsure, you should wait until you know for definite. Buying a house at auction can be a big step and it’s crucial that you don’t bite off more than you can chew. When you do know, keep looking to ensure that you find the right property at the right price. Properties come up for auction all the time so check your local listings frequently.

Most auction houses have online catalogues now making it easier for you to do your research. Check websites or visit your local office for a printed version. Catalogues should contain photos, guide prices and a floorplan so you can be clear of what you can achieve upon purchase.

Although a catalogue can give you a good idea of what to expect you should always go and visit the property on it’s first open day and ask questions about it to one of the on hand experts. Continue to visit the property until you are one hundred per cent sure about what you could potentially be investing in and have surveys and reports undertaken. This will help you to further understand any work that may need to be done, and allow you to add this to the bidding price you are willing to pay.

Seek the advice of your lawyer right from the offsite and get them to inspect all legal information surrounding the property and bidding process and organise finance – you will need 10% of the purchase price on the day and you should have the remainder ready to be paid within a month.

Finally, you should make sure that you have a price in mind and stick to it. If you are going to get the right price, then it is vital that you determine how much you think the property is really worth as well as a generous estimate of how much renovation will cost and ensure that you don’t exceed your means.

Don't leave yourself vulnerable to break ins.

There is nothing more important than protecting your home. Burglaries have been shown to be on the rise in the last few years and are absolutely devastating to the homeowner. Although insurance cover will mean that you won’t lose out financially, sometimes the knowledge that someone has intruded upon your family home can never be shaken.

There are a number of things you can do to improve the security of your home. Here are just some of the basics.

• Ensure that all your doors and windows are locked when you are going out or when you are in bed. Although this sounds obvious, it is the most basic and crucial thing you should do
• Fit your doors with a bolt chain and heavy duty lock. Make sure that the material your door is made out of is shatter proof and not easily broken down.
• Assess where the vulnerable parts of your house are – what can be done to reinforce them? Where would you break in through if you were a burglar?
• Install roller shutters on your garage to protect your car and any access point to your home that may be inside
• Remove any incentives – make sure that nothing is on display through windows etc. Most homes these days contain numerous items of value so ensure that you have nothing on show to tempt a passing thief
• Make your home look occupied. Even if you are going away for a while, ask a neighbour to collect your post and cancel any deliveries that you might receive during the period you aren’t there. If a burglar thinks your home is empty, it gives him an inviting prospect.
• Add some kind of deterrent to de-motivate the potential burglar. If a burglar thinks that there are too many risks involved in breaking into your home, they won’t do it but don’t rely on this alone. Make sure that all the other tips are adhered to as well in order to fully protect your home, your family and your possessions.

Modern life places a great deal of pressure on us to get and remain fit, in order to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. This is increasingly important as obesity becomes an ever-greater problem faced by growing numbers of people, particularly the young.

People are now looking more and more to go to a gym regularly to help them stay healthy and attain a suitable fitness level. Joining a gym is a great way to do this, as it can help with inspiring the dedication required to enable us to stick to an exercise regime. One of the problems with going to a gym is that we often find we may not be motivated to visit on a regular basis without some form of coercion. This is often the biggest problem that people face when going to a gym in their efforts to lose weight.

To help combat this people will often look to go to the gym with a friend so that both parties can benefit from the mutual support that each can offer. This is a great way to ensure you keep motivated, as you will feel that someone else is sharing your exertion and you spend time with another person whom you won’t let down by skipping out. To take this one step further, some people choose to take on the services of a personal trainer to help keep them motivated in the gym to keep going. Getting this kind of service also ensures you are working out to the best regime possible.

Becoming a personal trainer, perhaps at a local gym, is an opportunity for many people with the required fitness level and coaching skills to establish a career for themselves in a discipline they really enjoy. This can be a great option for somebody who enjoys keeping fit and healthy regularly and knows how best to motivate people. When looking to become a personal trainer, it is important to pay attention to every detail of the business, such as looking into buying insurance for personal trainers. This includes ensuring you are covered in terms of insurance for working as a personal trainer in a gym on a daily basis.

Compare the options online for cover both legally and personally when it comes to becoming a personal trainer. You will find a number of options to choose from, with varying levels of cover which will vary according to your own circumstances and needs.

When considering an extension or any new building on you property, it can be incredibly difficult to suit it to your needs without worrying about how they might change in the near future. If you build a large kitchen or bathroom extension you could find that you could have used the space and the investment on something that you might have preferred like a larger living space or another bedroom. However, one of the most flexible and attractive options for extension building is in building conservatories.

A conservatory is suitable for many different functions as a room and can be adapted to meet your needs as they change over time. It is also flexible in terms of the seasons. With open doors and the flood of sunlight it would make a great seating area during the summer. Yet with proper heating and comfy furniture it could make a wonderful living room during the winter months; even the rain will be a treat as you hear the romantic patter of raindrops against the windows whilst you are still warm and cosy.

The additional advantage of building a conservatory is that they are considered to be ‘permitted development’ meaning that they usually don’t require planning permission. It is important to check that you fit in with the government regulations when designing your new conservatory. So if you are looking for a home improvement project that will be simple, stress free and incredibly flexible, you should consider what building a conservatory could do for you and your home.

Home security has never been more important. With the Home Office Figures showing a rise in domestic burglary over the last financial year, it is absolutely crucial that you ensure your home, possessions and most importantly, your family are safe.

Something that every home owner should be aware of is the growing use of “bump keys”. Widely available online, these keys work as a lock picking technique and will open all doors with cylinder locks. They can be purchased for very little money, there are no checks made by unscrupulous companies and demonstrations can be found on video hosting sites like Youtube making access to tools and information almost universal.

The problem with this sort of break-in technique is that there is little to no evidence that you have been a victim of crime, apart from that your possessions are gone. With no forensic evidence,  it will be very difficult to claim on insurance as it will be difficult to determine whether lock bumping was employed or whether you left the door open yourself.

This is a worrying issue, and something that all home owners should be particularly wary of. Supported by Locksmiths in the North West of England and The Institute of Certified Locksmiths campaign, the “Ban the Bump Key” Campaign has been set up to raise awareness of the issue and have set up a government petition for the issue to be debated in parliament. It aims to have specialist tools and equipment banned for sale on the internet, and they have been aided by heightened awareness provided by programs such as the BBBC’s Real Hustle program.

In the meantime, there are things you can do for enhanced protection. By using a chain, door bolt or letterbox restrictor you significantly decrease your chance of being the victim of walk-in crime. You can purchase a sort of high tack lubricant to apply to the moving parts of your lock to prevent the lock picking technique from working, or contact your local locksmith for further options.

Torquay is a beautiful holiday resort positioned in the district of Devon, South West England. It is a famous holiday location as it claims a warm climate and peaceful views of the water. Accompanied by the towns of Paignton and Brixton, Torquay contains of the English Riviera. With wonderful charms like the tiny model town of Babbacombe, the Compton Castle, Kent’s Cavern, Torquay Museum and the marine guest fascination, The Living Coasts, there is something to fit all types of flavors in Torquay. The greatest reason to go to Torquay though, is the beautiful range of beaches feast over 22 miles of seashore. There are 20 beaches in Torquay, a lot of which have been given the sought-after Blue Flag status for hygiene and superiority. The most famous beaches consist of Watcombe Beach, Babbacombe Beach, Oddicombe Beach, and Maidencombe Beach.

There are a lot of Torquay hotels to choose from, there are superfluity hotels, B&Bs, self-catering lodges and studio apartment, convoy and camping selections. There are numerous Torquay hotels that are suitably positioned for vacationers and business travelers similar in or near the city center. With more than a hundred Torquay hotels to choose from, it will be so hard for you to choose. Check in a hotel close to the shoreline if you wish to spend your time at the beach, otherwise book a hotel in a tall rise hotel for grand views out to sea. It is also sensible to choose hotel that will offer you a good base for exploring Torquay’s lures. There are three of the most lavish Torquay hotels.

The first is The Grand Hotel; this ‘grand’ hotel is located on the waterfront supervising Brixham, Paignton and Torbay and contains 132 bedrooms smear 4 floors. It is a 4-star hotel which is simply reachable by road, air or railway, actually the station is just conflicting the hotel! With beautiful sea sights, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a leisure set and beauty treatment center, this hotel is absolutely worth undergoing.

Another one is The Palace Hotel; this 4 star hotel is pushed away in 25 acres of superb grounds in a silent valley and is a harbor of peaceful. It is just some minutes away from the center of Torquay, and has gained a fantastic standing for its tall standards and outstanding cuisine. This hotel provides a 9-hole golf course, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam bath, congestion courts and a croquet meadow.

The last one is the Torquay Imperial Hotel, this hotel is positioned supervising the Torquay anchorage and is near to the harbor, port and town center. The hotel rooms and suites are of high reputation and replicate a delightful character of the hotel. With a wellbeing and leisure club with a health resort, greenhouse, steam bath, beauty salon and fitness suite, this hotel really describes extravagance.