Home Improvement Information
Planning Permission Tips UK - Understanding Your Local Planning Officer - They are Only Human
This time of year often sees an explosion in new enquiries for development schemes but the irony of this fact is that most people think that they are in time for a Spring/early summer build if they start the Planning & design process now through the Local Authority?? Sorry but this thinking should have been at the end of last summer - September at the latest. In most cases people do not seem to realise the time scales involved ....... 1 month for survey & design build up, another 2 weeks for clients alterations & Planning upgrade, 2 to 3 months for Planning Approval, 4 weeks for the Building Regulations upgrade, 5 weeks for the Building Regulations & tender & then 4 months to fit in with your chosen Builders programme & work schedule. Add that all up & 6 months would seem a challenging task. The moral? - If you have a development project start the design & formal applications process as soon as possible & at least 6 months (in most cases) should be allowed before you can start on site from inception. HOW MANY MORE TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY THIS?
Planning Permission Tips UK - Agricultural Plots of Land for Sale - The Latest Mug Punter Scam?
The first part of most years brings a flurry of trade shows aimed at the public & trade alike such as The Ideal Home Show, Interiors & just recently the Building Exhibition at the NEC. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of new gadgets & Gizmos (along with the usual tat) that companies invent for our consumption. Most seem to have a shelf life of about 2 days once home where it is usually broken, binned or stored never to be seen again. What seemed like a great idea turns out to be nothing more than a poorly designed & manufactured item aimed squarely at the naive & impulsive home owner.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Two Story Side Extensions - The Common Mistakes
Probably the most common type of residential extension is the two storey side extension. However, it is one of the most easiest schemes to get wrong with regard to Planning Permission. Side extensions have an awful lot of issues that need careful consideration before submitting a scheme to the Planning Department for Planning Permission.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Permitted Development Allowances - Not the Golden Goose You Imagine
There is a perception amongst most folk that every house is allowed a certain percentage of extension development without the need for formal Planning Permission. People seem to think that it applies to them even when they purchase an already extended property.
Planning Permission Tips UK - Illegal Building Works - Is there an Upside?
Many times throughout the year we are called in to assist people who have got into trouble by completing building works without Council permission. This can be either Planning or Building Regulations - often both. Guess when this 'illegal' building works is usually exposed - Right at the time when the home owner is under the most pressure & exposure to other abortive fees - you guessed it - WHEN THEY ARE ABOUT TO MOVE HOME!
Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan
One of the first steps in building a log home is deciding on a floorplan. Many people spends months, or even years, searching for the perfect plan. However, it doesn't have to be that difficult.
Building A Pair Of Heavy Duty Saw Horses
Start out by measuring and cutting all your stock according to the cutting list and set it aside. Take the legs and mark out the tapers. The taper starts 20" up from the bottom. The leg tapers to 3-1/2" at the bottom. Repeat for all the legs and cut out.
Refinishing A Hardwood Floor
Want to bring your hardwood floors back to their former beauty, but don?t have the money? Then read on for some tips on how you can refinish the floor yourself.
Using A Hardwood Floor Sander
Refinishing your hardwood floors yourself can be time consuming and a bit scary at first but well worth it in the long run. It can cost a bundle to hire a professional to refinish your floors for you, but if you have the time, you can do it yourself.
Get New Floors And Save A Bundle When You Do It Yourself
After years of use, your floor will need to be refinished and that can cost over $1000 for just one room! But if you want to put in a little time and elbow grease, you can refinish the floor yourself and have the beautiful look of warm wood in your home for a fraction of the cost.
Garage Doors
You may think choosing garage doors is straight forward, however there are many things to consider, such as whether your garage is adjoining your property, is it a single or a double garage, how much clearance inside and out is needed and so on. Also, the appearance of the garage door can influence what material you use. There are four basic types of garage door and three different materials commonly used to construct these doors. We take a brief look at the four types of garage door which are sectional, roller, side hung and finally the common up and over
Replacing Steel Casement Windows (Part 2)
Last week, I explained how to remove your old steel casement windows as you prepare each opening for the new Vinyl windows. In most of the country, you are limited to a replacement style frame, which is a new construction frame with the nail fin removed. Remember, when you removed the old casement window, you left the perimeter frame in place. So, you have a lip protruding into the opening that is approximately 1/2" wide. You need to order your replacement style frame to fit inside of this old frame. Measure the width from lip to lip and deduct 1/4 to 3/8". Measure the height and deduct 1/4". When you install the new window, rest the new frame on the bottom lip of the old frame. Leave the front of the new frame further outside than the old frame lip. How far out depends on you, and how much inside sill space you want. A quality vinyl replacement window will measure 3 1/4" deep. Drive a screw in the top center to hold it in place. Then, make sure the window is perfectly upright before installing a screw in the bottom center. Now you can secure the rest of the window with screws.
Faux Fireplace, on the Cheap!
Does the coming winter chill remind you how much you miss the basic element of fire to warm those long nights? Unfortunately, your home's builder wasn't the romantic you are, and you have no fireplace. Never fear, The Budget Decorator is here! Ok, so that's corny, but this project sure isn't!
The Next Revolution in Home Entertainment - IP Based Multi-Room Distribution
The Holy Grail of distributed audio; unlimited zones and unlimited sources, cost effectively. That milestone will be achieved, and soon, through the combination of digital amplification and IP based distribution systems. There are systems available today that use one or both of these technologies, such as Oxmoor's Zon system and Netlinks' Netstreams product line. The trend will only continue to grow.
Outdoor Decks - Understanding Seven Elements of Good Deck Design
You?re all comfortable in your favorite lounge chair, reading your latest novel with a cool beverage nearby...the aroma of your favorite BBQ drifting from the grill teases everyone...catching a few rays of sunshine never felt better. Warm weather calls us outdoors, and what better place to enjoy life than your deck!
More Articles from Home Improvement Information:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
33 |
34 |
35 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
39 |
40 |
41 |
42 |
43 |
44 |
45 |
46 |
47
|
 |
|
|
Parenting advice and family fun resource. Expert
parenting advice for babes to teens from doctors, teachers,
psychologists, nutritionists, Special Need Children and Child
Development Specialists and a Nanny. Family Fun includes crafts,
games, party ideas and family vacation travel. Families Online
Magazine also provides answers to those important questions, What's
for dinner and Are We There yet?
Pre-drawn House plans the Benefits and Styles
Pre-drawn house plans are those that are drawn by architects or home designers and then offered for sale, unlike those that are drawn for an individual, with input from the customer. While this method may be a great idea, there are definite benefits to purchasing pre-drawn house plans. Architects and home designers that do custom home designing also do a lot of their own designs, and it is these plans that are offered for sale
They are adept at making plans that utilize available space to the best possible advantage, and at laying out a floor plan to optimize curb appeal.
Outdoor Bars - Essential For Summer Entertaining
The trend for enhancing your patio is to create an outdoor kitchen area. Cooking and eating aren't the only things favored by these new ideas in outdoor living. Outdoor bars can be an essential part of your summer enjoyment creating the sense that you really have more of an outdoor room. When planning bars outdoors; consider the functionality of these newly created outdoor rooms. One consideration would be for it to be a conversation area. Low seating arrangements should be higher than a cocktail table, but lower than a dining table. This is ideal for serving beverages and appetizers, playing cards, or talking with your friends. You could also use typical high barstools if your outdoor bar is located on more of a balcony, deck, or if there is a fantastic view you don't want your guests to miss. No outdoor room would be without something lovely to look at, such as a pool or beautiful outdoor fireplace. If you live on water, you don't have to go far for a view. You will have friends and family clambering to be on the guest list to enjoy the summer. It's exhilarating and calming at the same time when you can sit on a patio down by the water and listen to the waves coming up on shore. Your outdoor bar is perfect for entertaining every time of day. You can have coffee outdoors and even cook up the eggs from your stove outside. Your bar is always close at hand to serve up the afternoon iced tea or lemonade, and in the evening you have everything you need to mix drinks for your guests. No outdoor bar would be complete without an outdoor sink and refrigerator. These appliances would be considered necessities for the bar drinks you will be mixing. How about a trendy wine refrigerator for your favorite chardonnay? Don't be afraid to put these kinds of appliances outdoors. Many are made especially for the outdoors.
10 Common Uses for Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great household cleaner. Here are ten ways to clean your home with baking soda:
If You?re Looking for Bedding, Think ?Pink?
If you have come to a point in your life that you want a serious relationship, I would strongly suggest that you "think pink". This may sound strange to some of you, but I have discovered that the color "pink" has some interesting qualities. Pink is definitely a girly color, and it speaks of love, romance and partnership. Pink flowers, hearts, and just about anything else this color makes you feel soft and feminine. What woman doesn't love receiving even a single pink rose? The majority of the time you will think of pink for baby bedding if you are expecting a girl. Most of the gifts you receive at a baby shower will be pink for your newborn girl. Don't stop using pink for your bedding after you have grown up. There are lots of things you can do to enhance your bedroom when it comes to finding partnership and having a pink duvet cover or bedspread is just one of them.
Breaking the Mold - Creative Boys Bedrooms
Decorating boys bedrooms with licensed characters and themes is an easy but expensive option. While most children do have a preferred character or theme that they would enjoy having in their rooms, there are more affordable ways to achieve a similar desired result.
How to Finance a New Kitchen?
Want to improve the look of your property? Want to add value to your property?
House Plans ? Research Is Key
When you think about building your new home consider your needs and your lifestyle. If you are newlyweds your choices will be different from a couple who is ready to retire and is looking for a smaller home. The lot may affect the type of house and its placement.
Buying the Right Garage Door Opener
If you have recently built a new garage you might be having a difficult time deciding on the right garage door opener. It is certainly something that seems simple at first. Once you start looking around you will find there is allot of choices. Here is a buying guide to help you along.
Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago
Some of the most unique and individual décor consultants
can be found in smaller centers, but for a truly
competitive field that will supply window treatments for
your home, you're looking at the larger cities like Los
Angeles and Chicago.
How to Replace the Rollers on Your Patio Sliding Glass Glass Door
Hiring a professional to replace your rollers could cost you around $100 not including the cost of the replacement parts. Below are detailed steps containing all the information you will need to know to replace your patio sliding glass door rollers yourself.
Home Furnishings and Shelving
Its spring time and that means we start working on our homes. Cleaning, organizing, purchasing new things to spruce the place up are just some of the home furnishings we do. Why do we go to all this effort? Well, that's simple! We want our homes to be comfortable, clean, and beautiful so that we can enjoy it! One way to add extra storage or a great touch to a room is to add some shelving.
Adding shelving to a room can do more then create a place to store books. It can be a great focal point as well. Imagine walking into a room and being drawn to a wall of shelving displaying your favorite treasures? Of course, shelving does have some great advantages. It allows for a place to display your items, store a multitude of things, or so many more functions.
Home furnishings, like shelving are easy to find and install. It does not have to be something that causes panic. Many times we worry that the smallest project involving shelving will take us too much time or aggravation. In fact, shelving units have become much easier to install. They also come in all different types to allow you to find the best option for your area.
Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards
A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is a circular saw that is mounted on a frame. It is designed to be portable and to make very accurate angled cuts between 45 and 90 degrees. The compound miter saw can cut at an additional angle in order to cut bevels. Miter saws are predominately used in cutting wood but can also be used to cut plastics and light metals. Like any power tool, it is important to follow some safety rules to protect yourself. The following are some guidelines to keep yourself safe while operating you miter saw:
The Advantages of Steel Buildings
Use of steel as a construction material has seen phenomenal growth in the last few years. Although steel buildings have been used in the commercial and industrial sectors for a long time, they are increasingly gracing the skylines of countries all over the world.
How to build an energy-efficient home
There are just a few important things to know and to remember, when building an energy-efficient home. These are; insulation, air intrusion, thermal mass, and that windows and holes in the wall of the house lose about the same amount of energy.
Mexican Artisans Promote the Use of Recycled Copper in the Fabrication of Their World Famous Copper
For many years copper has been the main raw material used by the Mexican artisans of Santa Clara del Cobre for the fabrication of their beautiful artisan items. Originally artisans relied on the natural supply of copper of their lands for the fabrication of their items. But has the supply of the original sources has decreased and the demand for items as copper sinks (http://www.copper-sinks-mexico.com) has increased they have had to think and look for new and alternate sources of copper material.
Have You Considered Fluorescent Lighting for Your Home?
Many of us know that fluorescent lighting is common in work areas and schools. It is the long tubes that run in ceilings, right? Fluorescent lighting is more then just that. In fact it is one of the most energy efficient types of lighting on the market today.
Light Up Your Life With Feng Shui
Feng Shui (pronounced Foong Shway or Fung Shoy) is the ancient Chinese art of luck management, which works by maximising the flow of energy (known as 'Chi') in your environment. Every object, inanimate or living, possesses its own energy field and also has an affect on the flow of Chi in your environment.
Conservatory Blinds ? the Finishing Touch
There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to any conservatory or sunroom, whether it is used as a sitting room, dining room, playroom or office. The ability to control heat and glare makes the room usable throughout the year, offering protection from the sun in the summer and retaining heat in the winter.
Do You Make These Window Replacement Mistakes ?
Whether it's a misguided baseball, or storm damage, sooner
or later most homeowners will have to deal with window
replacement, a chore that is not high on any handyman's
list of things they want to do with their spare time.
Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from Cal Spas in Minnesota. The purchase was not something we planned, just something that caught our eye when visiting the Minnesota State Fair. As a result we learned a few things that would have made our purchase smarter. In the end we're pleased with the decision but its easy to say now that all the work is done. In this article I'll outline the information I wish I had considered when making this purchase. I hope it helps you in your decision.
|
