Find a Shop Fitter you can trust in Kirknewton.

If your boiler is making strange noises or smells, or doesn’t seem to be working properly, it may need replacing. Boilers usually last about 10-15 years. Even if your boiler is working normally, it’s worth replacing when it gets this old. An annual check will establish if there are terminal problems with a boiler that cannot be fixed.

The simplest definition of an intruder alarm system can be gotten from its name. Basically, it can be referred to as a method or means through which a property is protected against intruders via a system of interconnected devices and components which alerts or notifies the owner or monitoring station whenever there is a violation.

The intruder alarm system is an integrated electronic devices network which works together and features a central control panel which keeps the facility secured against all potential home intruders.

An intruder alarm system, typically, features the following:

• Control Panel - Primary controller of the entire system.

• Interior and exterior motion sensors

• Security cameras, either wired or wireless

• Sensors, for both doors and windows

• An alarm or siren

• Window stickers & yard sign.

Depending on the security needs as well as budget, the intruder alarm system can be a simple one suitable for the basic protection of a home, or a more advanced one which does not only protects the facility but also goes a long way to make the users’ life a lot more comfortable. The later can perform a plethora of great functions in home automation such as access controls, and heating and lighting control. With the features of the property in mind, alongside the investor’s security needs and future expansion possibilities, an intruder system installation company can help select the best option for the home or property.

What’s more? The intruder alarm system’s manipulators or interface devices are modern touch panels that have been designed not only to showcase its visual appeal and intuitive operation, but also to ensure the smooth and easy control of the whole system by storing maps of the property on memory cards. And to the delight of both investors and potential investors, the system can also be controlled directly from mobile devices or PCs which features the necessary applications and internet connection. Click on the link to learn more about intruder alarm systems - https://alarm.quotatis.co.uk/3-ways-home-security-systems-keep-safe/

Typically, loft conversions do not require planning permission except in certain situations. They’re usually covered under what’s known as Permitted Development. Certain building works like loft conversion, rear extension and conservatories are granted planning permission by local authorities. Permitted Development, however, gives you a free range to improve your home without having any issues from the councils or regulations. Before your planned loft conversion can be covered under Permitted Development, there are some certain criteria that must be met. This criteria includes the following:

✓ The extension must not go beyond the existing slope of the roof at the front of the house.

✓ The loft space converted must not go beyond 40 cubic metres in a terraced house.

✓ The roof’s height must not be increased by the extension.

✓ The loft space converted must not reach beyond 50 cubic metres in a detached or semi detached house.

✓ The plan for the extension mustn’t involve structures like balconies, verandas or anything other structures of this nature.

✓ The roof extension should be positioned as far back as possible or at least 20cm from the existing eaves.

✓ The side that faces the window openings should be at least 1.7m beyond the floor and the windows should also be obscured.

✓ The roof extension must not overhang the existing roof or wall of the house.

✓ The materials that are to be used must be similar or the same to the materials that has already been used on the house’s exterior.

However, you should bear in mind that there are some properties that are exempt from Permitted Development. Examples of these type of properties include conservation areas, Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage sites. Permitted Development does not also provide coverage for listed buildings.

When people talk about finishes on a wooden conservatory, there are a few different things that they may be referring to. Some may be referring to the colour and type of wood used to build the conservatory, but they may also be talking about the type of treatment used to protect the wood from the weather. We’ll cover both bases for what finish is best on a wooden conservatory here.

When you’re thinking about the best wood type and finish for the conservatory, it’s best to go with a hardwood. There are both hardwoods and softwoods, and hardwoods are the most durable. Oak is the most expensive choice but is also the most durable, so lots of people decide to go for this option. Other good choices that are slightly cheaper are Brazilian cedar and idigbo. Softwoods like European redwood or Siberian larch are cheaper still, but they won’t last as long, so it may work out more cost-effective to spend more on a hardwood.

Wood is a natural material, so it’s important to look after your wooden conservatory to prevent it from rotting or getting attacked by bugs and pests. Your conservatory will be exposed to all weathers, so you’ll need to use a good finish to ensure that it stays in tip-top condition for years to come. Your installer should be able to tell you what’s best, but some of the best finishes for a wooden conservatory include breathable varnishes and decking oil. However, if you do use an oil, it’s best to use a preservative treatment too; oil will only repel water. Joints are particularly susceptible to water penetration, so make sure you use a good wood treatment and focus on areas where water would pool during rain. Then you can apply a decking oil afterwards.

You’ve got to admit it that nothing feels better than knowing your house is spotlessly clean and safe. But even at that, only a few truly have the time to scrub, sanitize and clean their living space from top to bottom. If you don’t have the time or aren’t confident enough to tackle this task, then we’d high recommend you get in touch with a professional who can guarantee the best results to ensure your residential space is looking spick-and-span and totally safe. In this guide, we’re going to walk you through a few home cleaning tips if you’d prefer to handle the task by yourself. Let’s take a look!

• Stock up on supplies. Regardless of your home’s size, there’s a need to get the right products for a successful outcome. For a great result, you’ll have to take an inventory of your cleaning supplies and identify the tools that needs to be replaced such as old sponges, dusters, mops and the likes.
• Start by dusting away dirt. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe clean both obvious and forgotten areas around the house like the top of doors, fans, light fixtures and more. For the stubborn messes that just won’t come off easily like on the kitchen counter or stove, you can introduce baking soda especially in the kitchen area.
• Take on the bathroom. No one likes cleaning the bathroom or toilets, however the cleanliness of your entire house largely depends on how clean your bathroom is, so can as well do it well.
• Vacuuming. Vacuum the stairs, upholstered furnitures and the likes to ensure your home is spotlessly clean.
• Treat the floors properly. This involves sweeping, mopping and treating the floor, in that order.

If you’re planning to build a single story house extension, this is one of the first questions that usually comes to mind to help you set a budget and start to make plans. But as simple as it seems, a single accurate answer can not be provided due to the fact that there are several variables that can play a key role in influencing the price of a single story house extension. These variables includes the size, location, design or specification as well as the build route. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a rough estimate that you can work with to put you on the right path.

The main determinant of the cost of a single storey extension is the size of the build, while the next most relevant factor is the quality of the finish you opt for. For a small extension, you can expect to spend a sum within the range of £14,000 to £17,000. Meanwhile for a larger single storey extension, if you opt for a large wrap around the extension with a great amount of glass to be incorporated in both the walls and roof, you can expect to pay a sum within the range of £80,000 to £120,000.

Overall, the average cost of a single story house extension is usually within the range of £34,000 to £37,000. For this price, you should get a standard sized rear or side extension which also includes the cost of a kitchen - it’s the most commonly use for a single story extension especially in the UK.

There are some additional costs you may also need to factor in to your extension budget. These includes surveys, architect fees, planning application fee (if needed), insurance and Party Wall Agreement (if needed).

With homeowners now a lot more unwilling to move or make any costly extensions due to the uncertainty that lies ahead in the property market of the UK, a garden building which represents a cheaper alternative seems to be the best option available. Not only is it one of the most affordable ways to add space to your home while staying within your budget, but it’s also one of the best ways to add immense value to your property as more and more potential home investors are now seeking properties with an outdoor garden room. They’re the perfect investment for those looking to expand their space without having to carry out huge extension projects which normally consumes both time and money.

Garden rooms are best built by professionals to guarantee the best results. However, if you feel confident enough to undertake the project, then this guide will give you an idea of the process.

✓ Build the foundation. Here you can build the foundation using concrete, but in cases whereby there are root systems closeby then you can make use of low impact screw piles.

✓ Start the construction process with timber frame, SIP panels as well as other modular components and materials

✓ Once you’re done with the construction process, the next course of action will be to develop and position the roof structure on to the top of the newly constructed garden room. Here, you can also decide to use sun pipe and solar heating or PV panels. You can also protect the construction from the elements by making use of cedar cladding.

✓ Doors installation. The best type of doors to use here are draught sealed doors which can also be treated hardwood or powder coated aluminium .

✓ Make the finishing touches here and there and make sure all connections are complete.

For 2 metre solid fences it’s recommended to use concrete posts to support each panel. For smaller 1 metre fences or for picket fences with gaps between each timber piece you can use timber posts. A fencing contractor will be able to advise you on the best materials from the length and requirements of a new fence.