Wood Flooring Options During Home Renovation
Monday, 14 November 2011 10:39
A well-fitted floor of any kind provides not only a basic function, but can help increase the value of your property. During home remodeling or renovation work it is common for property owners to consider new flooring. A popular option and the subject of this blog post is wood flooring, which is also one of the more complicated flooring to choose. So having decided that wood flooring is a possibility for your build, here are your options and valid points to take into account.Point One – Not All Wood Flooring Are The Same:
There are two types of flooring that are made from real wood and each is suitable for commercial and residential properties. Both types look the same. Both cost the same. However, each is better than the other in one or two aspects. Your first decision is the type of flooring technology most suitable for your room. The options are:
Solid Wood Flooring – Made from complete natural wood, solid wood flooring are immensely popular due to their reputation. They are considered the stronger of the two with an expected service life of 50 to 100 years. However, their natural construction comes with a few drawbacks. The most obvious drawback is the size of each floorboard that is limited in size and the natural reaction of wood when the temperature changes. In cold conditions wood tends to contract and in hot conditions wood tends to expand. Solid wood flooring having been made from complete wood may react in such manner. For most property owners, the limited size of the floorboards will be the real drawback to bear in mind. Strong Points – Durability of 50 to 100 years of service life. Will react well to many attempts of sanding and recoating (a process that can breath life into an old floor). Overall, solid wood is a very safe option for most properties.
Engineered Wood Flooring – These look precisely like solid wood flooring because the top layer (hardwood veneer layer) is made from real wood that varies in thickness. However, below the hardwood veneer layer lie three or four layers of MDF, Plywood and Softwood. Engineered wood floors are not as durable as solid, but still durable enough for most properties (around 25 years of service). Their varied construction means that the wood won’t contract or expand, to such an extent that engineered floors are fitting areas that might experience damp, moist or even wet conditions such as the bathroom areas or entire properties that are situated next to a water source. Strong Points – Better suited for damp areas that may damage solid woods. It is easier to install using a number of new fitting methods such as ‘floating installation’. Engineered floors will not contract or expand during even the most significant temperature changes.
Point Two – Coating Plays A Huge Part In The Floor’s Longevity:
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Switchable Glass
Friday, 28 October 2011 15:51
Smart glass, or switchable glass in its application to windows or skylights, refers to electrically switchable glass or glazing which changes light transmission properties when voltage is applied.
Certain types of smart glass can allow users to control the amount of light and heat passing through: with the press of a button, it changes from transparent to translucent, partially blocking light while maintaining a clear view of what lies behind the window. Another type of smart glass can provide privacy at the turn of a switch.
The use of smart glass can save costs for heating, air-conditioning and lighting and avoid the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens or blinds or curtains.
Smart glass products can replace traditional blind systems that are difficult to clean and can harbor dirt and bugs.
The Smart glass enables you to have privacy at the flick of a switch. This high quality laminated glass product changes state from opaque to transparent when a small electrical current is applied. The double glazed size is designed to for easy fit into a standard double glazing frame.
Smart Glass is commonly used in corporate offices. It is regularly used for interior partitions. In offices the partitions can be switched from clear to opaque when privacy is required. Smart Glass can be used on window displays. Areas can be made private at the touch of a button, such as bathrooms, doors and entrance ways. Switch Glass can be supplied in a comprehensive range of configurations from single to double glazed, curved, fire rated and safety glass. A range of standard controls are available from wall switches to stand alone radio remote controls.
Smart Glass can be applied to sun facing conservatory roofs and sides. This saves the need for expensive roof blinds, reducing heating and cooling energy bills and makes the room more accessible to enjoy and relax.
Smart Glass windows are very strong and durable, making them ideal for use in childrens rooms, overhead glazing sun rooms, conservatories, sports halls and swimming pools etc. Noise protection is also improved when compared with normal insulated glass units.
There are many applications for the switchable glass:
• Privacy glass solutions
Smart glass is widely used for internal partitioning and for doors in office buildings due to its ability to interchange between clear and private. Cubicles and offices can provide instant privacy when it is needed.
• Projection screens
Smart glass is ideal for this simple but important function
• Windows and roof lights
Allowing control over the amount of light and heat entering or leaving a building can substantially reduce a building’s internal climate control expenses.
• Solar Control
Architects and engineers can use it to create minimalistic interiors without the need for blinds or exterior solar control systems – creating an adjustable environment without unnecessary clutter.
• Hygienic Interiors
It offers superior hygienic properties in comparison to curtains and blinds – especially useful in buildings where hygiene is a major priority such as hospitals and large hospitality establishments
• Smart Homes
Advanced home users can utilize Smart glass in a functional and aesthetic manner. Brilliantly sunlit living areas and bathrooms can instantly become private.
Certain types of smart glass can allow users to control the amount of light and heat passing through: with the press of a button, it changes from transparent to translucent, partially blocking light while maintaining a clear view of what lies behind the window. Another type of smart glass can provide privacy at the turn of a switch.
The use of smart glass can save costs for heating, air-conditioning and lighting and avoid the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens or blinds or curtains.
Smart glass products can replace traditional blind systems that are difficult to clean and can harbor dirt and bugs.
The Smart glass enables you to have privacy at the flick of a switch. This high quality laminated glass product changes state from opaque to transparent when a small electrical current is applied. The double glazed size is designed to for easy fit into a standard double glazing frame.
Smart Glass is commonly used in corporate offices. It is regularly used for interior partitions. In offices the partitions can be switched from clear to opaque when privacy is required. Smart Glass can be used on window displays. Areas can be made private at the touch of a button, such as bathrooms, doors and entrance ways. Switch Glass can be supplied in a comprehensive range of configurations from single to double glazed, curved, fire rated and safety glass. A range of standard controls are available from wall switches to stand alone radio remote controls.
Smart Glass can be applied to sun facing conservatory roofs and sides. This saves the need for expensive roof blinds, reducing heating and cooling energy bills and makes the room more accessible to enjoy and relax.
Smart Glass windows are very strong and durable, making them ideal for use in childrens rooms, overhead glazing sun rooms, conservatories, sports halls and swimming pools etc. Noise protection is also improved when compared with normal insulated glass units.
There are many applications for the switchable glass:
• Privacy glass solutions
Smart glass is widely used for internal partitioning and for doors in office buildings due to its ability to interchange between clear and private. Cubicles and offices can provide instant privacy when it is needed.
• Projection screens
Smart glass is ideal for this simple but important function
• Windows and roof lights
Allowing control over the amount of light and heat entering or leaving a building can substantially reduce a building’s internal climate control expenses.
• Solar Control
Architects and engineers can use it to create minimalistic interiors without the need for blinds or exterior solar control systems – creating an adjustable environment without unnecessary clutter.
• Hygienic Interiors
It offers superior hygienic properties in comparison to curtains and blinds – especially useful in buildings where hygiene is a major priority such as hospitals and large hospitality establishments
• Smart Homes
Advanced home users can utilize Smart glass in a functional and aesthetic manner. Brilliantly sunlit living areas and bathrooms can instantly become private.
Glass Radiators
Monday, 17 October 2011 10:55
Heated glass radiators are used as a supplementary heat source for rooms where the glass area is not large enough to heat the room. As well as an excellent source of heat, they are slick and aesthetically pleasing.
These products are designed to transform the classic radiator to a picture on the wall with the special decoration.
Benefits include
- Energy Efficient - Reduce your energy use design a sustainable interior.
- Impact - Challenge convention with amazingly designed products.
- Healthier Heating - Radiant heat creates no drafts and has proven health benefits.
- Save on Space - Slimline radiators fitting flush to the wall.
- Low Maintenance - Double glazing that eliminates the need for a conventional heating system.
The non-controllable radiators are set to a temperature at the factory and are either on or off and run at 65°C which is the same as a normal household radiator.
Solaris Electric Radiators have an unprecedented level of radiation. Heat is diffused uniformly from floor to ceiling. The temperature can be adjusted by a programmable thermostat which helps you to save energy and money. The controllable radiators work off a temperature controller which would be situated in a room and the temperature required for the room would be set on the controller. The controller can control up to 50 radiators in one area up to around 20 meters away.
The glass panes are held together through the PVB foil between the panes even if the glass breaks. Furthermore the breakage cuts off the conductive layer on the glass and thereby the electric circuit.
These products are designed to transform the classic radiator to a picture on the wall with the special decoration.
Benefits include
- Energy Efficient - Reduce your energy use design a sustainable interior.
- Impact - Challenge convention with amazingly designed products.
- Healthier Heating - Radiant heat creates no drafts and has proven health benefits.
- Save on Space - Slimline radiators fitting flush to the wall.
- Low Maintenance - Double glazing that eliminates the need for a conventional heating system.
The non-controllable radiators are set to a temperature at the factory and are either on or off and run at 65°C which is the same as a normal household radiator.
Solaris Electric Radiators have an unprecedented level of radiation. Heat is diffused uniformly from floor to ceiling. The temperature can be adjusted by a programmable thermostat which helps you to save energy and money. The controllable radiators work off a temperature controller which would be situated in a room and the temperature required for the room would be set on the controller. The controller can control up to 50 radiators in one area up to around 20 meters away.
The glass panes are held together through the PVB foil between the panes even if the glass breaks. Furthermore the breakage cuts off the conductive layer on the glass and thereby the electric circuit.
September '11 House Price Index from Rightmove
Monday, 10 October 2011 14:56
Key points from this month's report- New sellers’ average asking prices up by 0.7% on the month, but 3.0% down over the summer period
- Two deadlines should focus the minds of frustrated sellers:
- Christmas is 98 days away but average time on the market is 94 days, so buyers and sellers need to get serious now if they are to tie up a deal before the festive season;
- first-time buyer stamp duty relief is due to finish on 25th March 2012.
- Market recovery appears as far away as ever three years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, as key metrics are little changed:
- new sellers again at 23,000 per week as lack of confidence and inability to move remains;
- prices up by 2.5% in three years, compared with 16.4% in the previous three year period;
- unsold stock per estate agency branch still stuck in the high 70s.
- While new planning proposals may boost housing market activity in the longer term, initiatives supporting mortgage lending such as FirstBuy are the more immediate requirement.
Read the full report here: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/files/2011/09/september-2011.pdf
'Cowboy' boiler fitters are putting thousands at risk
Written by Tanya Wednesday, 28 September 2011 15:56
Thousands of Londoners' lives are being put at risk by rogue boiler fitters, the gas safety watchdog warned today.
Seventy-nine per cent of boilers installed by 'cowboy' firms in the capital were deemed a risk or "immediately dangerous".
Gas Safe Registre urged homeowners to use qualified fitters and report those trading illegally.
The warning comes as the Department of Health revealed that large numbers of people are being treated in hospital for low-level carbon monoxide poisoning. Over a year, accidental carbon monoxide poising led to more than 50 deaths as 4000 people were hospitalised.
GSR, which monitors gas fitters, says there are about 7,500 cowboys nationwide who do 250,000 illegal jobs a year. It says Londoners are more at risk from dangerous boiler installations than anywhere else in the country.
Ross McTaggart, GSR's head of field operations, said "We need to stop these people and the only way to do it is with the help of the consumer."
"These trades are putting people's lives in danger. The primary issue arising from illegal fittings is carbon monoxide poisoning but a boiler installed illegally can also cause explosions or fires. We need to raise awareness of this and urge people to make sure they check a fitter's credentials."
As part of Gas Safety Week GSP is urging Londoners to report rogue trades and make sure they hire qualified engineers who carry a Gas Safe ID card.
West Dulwich resident Marcia Morgan had a huge gas leak in her home after rogue builders installed the wrong kind of boiler in 2008.
The freelance stylist called in a gas inspector this year. She said: "I was horrified when he immediately swiched off the boiler saying it could have blown the side of my house off."
Ms Morgan added: "My builder appeared to have the right credentials but he obviously wasn't qualified"
Seventy-nine per cent of boilers installed by 'cowboy' firms in the capital were deemed a risk or "immediately dangerous".
Gas Safe Registre urged homeowners to use qualified fitters and report those trading illegally.
The warning comes as the Department of Health revealed that large numbers of people are being treated in hospital for low-level carbon monoxide poisoning. Over a year, accidental carbon monoxide poising led to more than 50 deaths as 4000 people were hospitalised.
GSR, which monitors gas fitters, says there are about 7,500 cowboys nationwide who do 250,000 illegal jobs a year. It says Londoners are more at risk from dangerous boiler installations than anywhere else in the country.
Ross McTaggart, GSR's head of field operations, said "We need to stop these people and the only way to do it is with the help of the consumer."
"These trades are putting people's lives in danger. The primary issue arising from illegal fittings is carbon monoxide poisoning but a boiler installed illegally can also cause explosions or fires. We need to raise awareness of this and urge people to make sure they check a fitter's credentials."
As part of Gas Safety Week GSP is urging Londoners to report rogue trades and make sure they hire qualified engineers who carry a Gas Safe ID card.
West Dulwich resident Marcia Morgan had a huge gas leak in her home after rogue builders installed the wrong kind of boiler in 2008.
The freelance stylist called in a gas inspector this year. She said: "I was horrified when he immediately swiched off the boiler saying it could have blown the side of my house off."
Ms Morgan added: "My builder appeared to have the right credentials but he obviously wasn't qualified"
Upcoming Event - Home Improvement Show
Written by Tanya Tuesday, 20 September 2011 08:51
In early October Avalon will be attending The National Home Improvement Show.
The UK’s leading event for home improvers brings together high quality suppliers, designers and experts in one place, making it the perfect opportunity for anyone planning a project to find out all they need to know. It’s a great opportunity to progress your ideas, find inspiration, and take your project forward.
Areas of the show include:
- Design & Layout – Crammed full of innovative, cost effective ideas to transform your home by extending, converting or remodelling – discover how to make most of space, light amd storage.
- Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms – from modern to classic, you’ll be inspired by the latest trends and styles. You can be sure that there will be something that will help you in the decision.
- Interiors & Decorating – delivering those all important finishing touches including flooring, paints, furnishing and lighting.
- Home entertainment & Technology – from simple home network & entertainment system to running a bath on the way home from work.
- Gardens – bring the outside in! Inspiration ideas on layout, structure, planting and garden features that can seamlessly extend your home.
- Energy saving – the show can help you to get to the heart of energy and sustainability issues offering an independent view on the best solutions for your home. The Eco Home Zone offers a range dedicated products and services.
- Updating & Renovating – from damp proofing, to fireplaces, cornicing to sash windows, you’ll find everything you need to marry old and new and create a truly unique home in the Period Property Pavilion.
The National Home Improvement Show is the complete home improvement event for anyone wanting to add space or value to their home.
From kitchen and bathrooms, loft and basement conversions to windows, doors, flooring and finishes, whatever your home improvement needs, you’ll find all the specialist products and services at the show and be able to benefit from special show discounts.
The National Home Improvement Show will be held at London's Earls Court from the 30 Sept - 2 Oct 2011.
For more information about the Show please click here.
The UK’s leading event for home improvers brings together high quality suppliers, designers and experts in one place, making it the perfect opportunity for anyone planning a project to find out all they need to know. It’s a great opportunity to progress your ideas, find inspiration, and take your project forward.
Areas of the show include:
- Design & Layout – Crammed full of innovative, cost effective ideas to transform your home by extending, converting or remodelling – discover how to make most of space, light amd storage.
- Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms – from modern to classic, you’ll be inspired by the latest trends and styles. You can be sure that there will be something that will help you in the decision.
- Interiors & Decorating – delivering those all important finishing touches including flooring, paints, furnishing and lighting.
- Home entertainment & Technology – from simple home network & entertainment system to running a bath on the way home from work.
- Gardens – bring the outside in! Inspiration ideas on layout, structure, planting and garden features that can seamlessly extend your home.
- Energy saving – the show can help you to get to the heart of energy and sustainability issues offering an independent view on the best solutions for your home. The Eco Home Zone offers a range dedicated products and services.
- Updating & Renovating – from damp proofing, to fireplaces, cornicing to sash windows, you’ll find everything you need to marry old and new and create a truly unique home in the Period Property Pavilion.
The National Home Improvement Show is the complete home improvement event for anyone wanting to add space or value to their home.
From kitchen and bathrooms, loft and basement conversions to windows, doors, flooring and finishes, whatever your home improvement needs, you’ll find all the specialist products and services at the show and be able to benefit from special show discounts.
The National Home Improvement Show will be held at London's Earls Court from the 30 Sept - 2 Oct 2011.
For more information about the Show please click here.
Loft Converting
Wednesday, 03 August 2011 14:10
Converting your loft is certainly a job for the professionals, but if you get it right you not only gain a fabulous light-filled space, you could also get a handsome return on your investment when you sell. A loft extension can add up to 15% to the value of your property.Having a loft conversion opens up to you a variety of possibilities within the home. If you have a large family it’s a great way to add another bedroom or a playroom for children. It can be used as an arts studio or office space for people who work from home. It can also serve as a library or and extra living room. Whatever the function though, there are certain things to consider. Do you have the adequate space? How much will it cost? Do I need planning permission, etc?
Maintaining a healthy home
Written by Tanya Monday, 01 August 2011 15:08
A neglected house will soon show signs of wear and tear, but if you can recognise and address any problems quickly, you will save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run.Some homes are easier to look after than others but a tatty house stands out a mile in a row of well looked after properties. It indicates a general air of neglect and if you are trying to sell your home, potential buyers will certainly be put off or at least try and pay less for it. Looking after your home needn't be hard to work and you can do a lot of jobs yourself to make sure it's a warm, cosy and efficient place to enjoy.
Keep on top of it and regularly run your eyes over >potential trouble spots, then act quickly if something looks as though it needs attention. Of course you should never attempt any job if you have any concerns that you might not be able to carry it out safety and properly.
The 'To Do' list
July '11 House Price Index from Rightmove
Written by Tanya Wednesday, 27 July 2011 18:45
Key points from this month's report
- July sees the first fall recorded in 2011 as new sellers drop asking prices by 1.6% (£3,797)
- 7 out of 10 properties marketed so far in 2011 are still on the market, indicating that many equitypoor sellers are unwilling or unable to reduce their prices further—an opportunity for the equity-rich to cut their prices and do deals
- Number of new sellers down 12% on July 2010, as many owners are unable to raise the deposit required to fund their next move
- Retail price inflation outstripped property prices by 14% over the last four years, improving buyer affordability but undermining perception of bricks and mortar as a hedge against inflation
How to add value to your home
Monday, 25 July 2011 09:23
The main function of our house of course is to be a home not an investment, but with one eye on making our homes as comfortable as possible, the other eye remains focussed on the fluctuating property market and how to get the best price when we eventually do decide to move.Here we offer advice on the best areas to concentrate on if you want to add value to your home and attact buyers, then we also suggest a few 'embellishments' which could put potential buyers off!
What adds value to your home
Investing in your home means it can become the most attractive in the road, it will get most attention from buyers when decide to move and will usually sell more quickly and for more money. Some improvement projects will offer a more clear-cut return than others, for example central heating almost always pays for itself and is nearly always guarantees to leave you with a profit when you sell. Here are a few more suggestions for good, sound investments in your property:
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