Many people tend to want to buy a new build or a period home that the hard work has already been completed at. However, have you considered the benefits of buying a renovation project instead? Our article discusses why you should look to buy a fixer-upper instead of something ready done. 

Renovation Projects Tend To Be Cheaper To Buy

If you’re currently looking at the housing market, you will notice that prices are incredibly high. However, dependent on your budget, you might be able to bag a bargain – if you’re willing to put the work in. 

If your budget is £150,000, you could buy a house that’s ready to be moved in to for that price, or you could look for something that requires some work for considerably less. Moreover, this way, you can spend your money on getting your house to look exactly how you want it. 

Financing A Renovation Project

Houses are expensive investments, but worthy ones too. If you are a first-time buyer, you can ask for an additional amount from the bank for any renovation work you plan on carrying out. If you have sold a house to buy another, you can use some of the equity from the sale to fund the renovation instead. 

Get On The Housing Ladder

As house prices are increasing rapidly, there is no time like the present to get on the housing ladder. As renovation projects are typically cheaper, you won’t have to put as big of a deposit down. Hence, you will be able to get on the housing ladder sooner. Moreover, every day you own a property, every day it could be increasing in value too. 

Make It Your Own

As we have already mentioned, buying a renovation project means you can make your home completely your own. It provides you with a blank canvas. You can rip up carpets, pull out bathrooms and kitchens, scrape off wallpaper and start from scratch. 

The post Why Buy A Renovation Project? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Most homeowners add a ground floor extension to their property and usually expand or relocate their kitchen into it. However, the cost of an extension can become extortionate quickly. Hence, we have some budget extension ideas to help you keep costs down whilst creating an extended space you will love. 

Materials For Your Budget Extension

Extensions usually consist of brick walls, concrete slabs to the floor, a timber or a flat roof, and concrete foundations. Using these materials can help to keep the cost down and allow you to achieve your budget extension whilst maintaining a high standard. 

It can be tempting to add other materials to the extension, like timber cladding. However, this can increase the price considerably.

Extension Shape

Whilst it can be tempting to add unusual angles and shapes to your home to increase modernity, keeping your extension simple can help to reduce costs. Your budget extension will also be easier and faster to install when it takes a rectangular shape. Don’t overcomplicate the structural shape – let the interior do the talking.

Once you have prioritised the shell of the building, light fittings and furniture can be considered. However, expensive adaptations to the interior should be avoided. 

What Layout Will Your Budget Extension Take?

Less is more. Simple is effective. Making the layout of the interior of your extension simple can be more cost-effective than trying to overcomplicate things. 

Draw out a plan of your extension and map out where your furniture or appliances will go to give you a better idea of the space you’re working with. Orientate the furniture to make clear walkways through the room. However, avoid making corridors with the furniture or particularly narrow spaces to keep the room looking bright and airy. 

The post Budget Extension Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Many people opt to hire a painter and decorator to decorate for them. But doing it yourself can save you money and help you put your stamp on your home. 

If you’re a novice, then use this simple guide to help you get your hands dirty and successfully decorate your home. 

Planning Your Design

Before you get down to the nitty-gritty, you need a careful and thorough plan of how you want to decorate your home. 

You might have an idea of the colour scheme you are hoping to achieve. You might have pieces of furniture you are planning on incorporating. Create a mood board on paper or on your phone to plan out your décor. 

Colour Choices 

When you decide to decorate your home, picking the perfect colour can be difficult. The colour of your dreams might not be ideal for the room. You need to consider: 

• The size of your room
• The direction that your room faces
• The furniture you have or want
• The colour your thinking of

Each colour has different shades, which have underlying tones and hues. Are you hoping to achieve a cold space or a warm space? 

No room has just one colour. Furthermore, the paintwork usually incorporates the main colour of the room. But paintwork only contributes to 60% of the room. 

Around 30% of the room uses a secondary colour. Usually, this takes the form of a feature wall, flooring, ceilings, and so on. 

However, don’t mix the colours up too much when decorating your home. Instead, create a cohesive feel within the room, and more importantly, within the home. 

Choose three complementary colours and use them throughout the home to tie the rooms together. Furthermore, maintain consistency. 

Decorate Your Home With Furniture Choice And Placement

Pulling your furniture out from the wall can make a huge difference when you decorate your home. 

Many people think that pushing the furniture up to the wall creates more space within the room. However, this is not the case. 

Moreover, allowing your furniture to float and gravitate towards the centre of the room can help to group the pieces. Allow your furniture space to breathe. 

Decorate Your Home With Light Fittings

Light fittings are usually an afterthought when decorating your home. Make them more centre of attention. 

Using your light fitting as a statement piece can transform the design of your room. Many people would previously opt for chandelier style lights. Nowadays, there’s much more choice.

Moreover, try a dimmer switch in some rooms. Doing so will allow you to change the mood of a room at the touch of a button. 

Introduce Texture and Materials

If you’re looking to add dimension when you decorate your home, add some texture. Introduce a rug to the floor or add some scatter cushions to your sofa or bed.

Furthermore, shapes can also add interest to a room – so invest in a funky coffee table for something more eye-catching or a piece of wall art. 

When adding wall-art or mirrors, choose wisely. If you’re installing them on large, bare walls – they’ll drown in the space. Instead, go big. Add a collage of photos or art pieces to a wall, or invest in a large mirror that will fill most of the space. 

Floating shelves can also enhance a large room, as well as busy wallpaper. 

Summary

Centre each room around a few key pieces when you decorate your home. Furthermore, decorate your home by focusing on colours, materials and textures that tie together.

The post How To Decorate Your Home For Beginner’s appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Or maybe you’re a landlord selling your portfolio? No matter what, you will want the best estate agent in your area.
But with so many agents around, how do you choose who to go with? Picking the right estate agent can be difficult, so let us help you out.

Advertising

Before you go ahead with an estate agent, you need to fact find. You will more than likely ask them to come and carry out an appraisal of your property. When they attend, this is the best time to ask your questions.
One of your main questions should be about advertising. Check out their website and the portals they use. Furthermore, you will probably want your property marketed on as many platforms as possible. Do they use Rightmove and On the Market? Do they use Zoopla? Moreover, they might advertise in the local newspaper or on social media.
If you’re happy for a sale board outside of your property, check they can provide one. Furthermore, this way passers-by know you are selling.

Estate Agent Pricings

The valuation of your home and the price it’s going to cost you to sell is one of the main factors to consider.
Most agents have a selling fee of around 1% + VAT. However, you might find an agent who can offer you a better deal or who are offering a discount.
Moreover, the valuation they provide you with needs to be broken down. Ask the agent what they have sold recently and if anything similar to your property has been on the market. Furthermore, ask how long they think it will take for your property to be snapped up.
A positive yet honest agent is better than someone willing to beg for your business.

Estate Agent Recommendations

Estate agent recommendations is a two-sided coin. On the one side, we are referring to whether the estate agent is highly recommended by others.
Have a look on Google for some reviews but bear in mind that not everyone who has a good experience will leave a review. Moreover, they are worth looking at – but maybe take with a pinch of salt.
The other side of the coin is what does the estate agent recommend? Ask the estate agent what will enhance the price of your home or the likelihood of selling quickly.
Estate agents sell hundreds of properties in your area every year. They know the market and they know what buyers are looking for. Furthermore, they will know how to sell your home if they are reputable and experienced.

Summary

Selling your home is a massive decision. Choosing a trustworthy estate agent is crucial as you need to be able to rely on them throughout the process. Make sure you complete your research and ask any questions before signing on the dotted line.

The post Estate Agent: Choosing The Best To Market Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.

The flooring throughout your home is important and can help achieve style and comfort. Moreover, there are plenty of options available. We’ve compiled a list of the most popular to help you choose.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is one of the most popular choices amongst homeowners. Furthermore, it’s affordable, hardwearing and easy to maintain. The floor will need sweeping or mopping regularly but will be durable for years.

Laminate is also easy to install but can become damaged if it gets too wet. Hence, laminate should not be used in bathrooms. 

Vinyl Floor

Another affordable and easy to maintain option. Vinyl is available in hundreds of designs, including patterns and colours. 

Moreover, vinyl is one of the easiest types of flooring to be installed and can be removed easily. 

It’s a good insulator and is water-resistant, so suitable for bathrooms. 

Tiled Flooring

Tiling is often found in kitchens and bathrooms as tiles are waterproof. Furthermore, tiles are used in villas abroad and can give a home a continental feel. 

They are stain-resistant and easy to clean with a bucket and mop. Moreover, tiles are ceramic or porcelain. Therefore, meaning they can damage over time by cracking or breaking. 

Hardwood Timber

This seasons most sought after flooring – hardwood. Hardwood flooring consists of solid pieces of wood which sit on top of the existing surface. 

Furthermore, the nature of the timber is sophisticated and elegant. It’s one of the most durable types of flooring but is often considered an investment due to its hefty price tag. 

Hardwood also requires some level of upkeep in terms of treating the floor to keep it looking clean and new year after year. 

Carpet

Another popular and affordable choice is carpet. Carpet can be used in every room in the house. Although the carpet can become damaged if wet. 

Depending on the level of ply, the carpet is insulating, long-lasting and durable. 

However, carpet can stain and flatten easily – so carpet needs to be well-maintained. 

The post Flooring Options appeared first on Windows Manchester.

However, with more choice comes more responsibility in making the right decision. So, this handy guide will help you to choose which blind is best for your home. 

Vertical Window Blinds

Widely considered the most popular of blinds, verticals offer homeowners control. Vertical blinds tilt left and right and can alter the amount of natural light entering a room. Furthermore, these blinds can make a room more or less private dependent on the direction of the tilt. 

As well as tilting, vertical blinds can drawback to expose the window. Because of this, these blinds are most popular in conservatories and patios. 

Moreover, these types of blinds are available in various patterns and colours. Therefore, they can match any room. 

Venetian Blinds

As opposed to Vertical, Venetian blinds are horizontal slats. Akin to Vertical, these slats can tilt to control light and privacy. Venetian blinds can raise upwards to expose the window. 

Venetian blinds are usually more expensive than vertical blinds. However, Venetians are more durable and practical. 

Homeowners tend to use Venetians in kitchens and bathrooms. Moreover, the window can be accessed and opened, meaning the blinds can be drawn out of the way to allow ventilation. 

Roller Window Blinds

In recent years, roller blinds have become more popular. They consist of a single panel of fabric that rolls up or down as appropriate. 

This type of blind is available in most colours and most patterns to match your existing decor. Roller blinds can also come in blackout material, so they are ideal for bedrooms. 

Roman Blinds

Roman window blinds are similar to roller blinds. However, when raised, they pleat to create a more luxurious feel to a room. They are easy to use and are versatile. Roman blinds are available in various colours and patterns and look stylish when fitted. 

Other Types Of Window Blinds

The abovementioned blinds are the most popular types. However, other alternatives are on the rise, including blinds that have a motor. These can control your lighting and privacy easier, at the touch of a button. Motorised Roller and Roman blinds are available, but these are expensive. 

Summary

Window blinds are much more popular than curtains in the modern-day. Furthermore, blinds are more versatile, durable and budget-friendly too. Moreover, they are suitable for every room in the house!

The post How To Choose The Best Window Blinds For Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Many British homes are expensive to heat during the winter. Some houses are difficult to heat too. Furthermore, a lot of these homes even suffer from damp due to their poor insulation.

Energy costs rarely decrease. Moreover, heating costs are likely to keep on rising over the next few years. Alongside this, home insulation can be an expensive investment.

But, you don’t have to break the bank to stay warm this winter.

Close The Doors

Shutting off rooms works wonders in trapping in heat, and rooms heat up quicker too!

Draught Excluding

So, you’ve shut the doors. But is the heat now escaping under the doors? Draught excluders are one of the cheapest buys. They prevent a breeze from coming in and the heat from leaking out.

Draughts can also sneak in from floorboards, cracks in walls and through windows. Carpets and rugs can absorb the draught from beneath your feet. Re-plastering over cracks in walls can be a quick and cheap fix too!

If you only have single-glazed windows, upgrading to double-glazed can be costly, especially when working to a budget. But it’s a worthy investment. Furthermore, the money it will cost you to replace will save you hundreds each year off your energy bill. If you are looking to purchase double-glazing, why not check out our article on the most popular window styles.

However, there is a short-term alternative. Window film kits start at around £10. Plus, this involves placing a layer of plastic film on the frames and using a hairdryer to smooth it out. Try shopping around for similar ideas.

A more traditional option is thick thermal curtains or Venetian blinds.

Both can help to exclude draughts from your windows, helping to keep the heat in your home.

Shop Around

There are plenty of comparison websites when it comes to finding the best deal on your energy bill. They are a quick and easy way of seeing if you could save more money. Unless your current provider offers you a better deal, there’s no harm in switching each year.

Other Alternatives

There are loads of other ways to budget on home insulation. Bleed your radiators and let trapped air out. Or, turn the thermostat down a touch on your radiators or boiler. Doing so can save you money each month, and you probably won’t even feel the difference in the temperature.

Home insulation doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

The post How To Maintain Home Insulation On A Budget appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Driveways And Paths

The first of our front garden ideas is to maintain and focus on the upkeep of your driveway and paths. A budget-friendly way of doing so is to jet wash. Driveways and pavements can get dirty quickly and easily. However, a pressure washer can lift the grime and restore the pavement to looking new. 

uPVC, Wooden And Composite Front Doors

Another of our front garden ideas is to focus on your front door. Many people have uPVC front doors, but composite doors are becoming more popular. 

If your door is uPVC, ensure you keep it looking clean. Wiping any marks can help your home look tidy. 

If your door is wooden, it may need a lick of paint to freshen it up. Pick a colour that will complement your home.

As discussed in one of our articles, composite doors have many advantages. Moreover, another of our articles discusses how the style and colour of your composite door can enhance your kerb appeal. Furthermore, composite doors can modernise homes too. 

Plants

If you’re lucky enough to have space for plants, shrubbery, or a front lawn – add some foilage. Moreover, this front garden idea is ideal for improving your kerb appeal if you’re on a budget. Invest in some hanging baskets or a seasonal wreath for your front door.

Other Front Garden Ideas

Taking care of your windows and cleaning them can make your home look more welcoming. Moreover, even updating your blinds and curtains can transform your home. 

Another front garden idea for sprucing up your kerb appeal is to repaint any fences and gates. Furthermore, if they are stained brown, why not try a different colour? Grey and duck egg blue are becoming more popular. 

Achieving kerb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive or a difficult task. Cleaning, painting and planting can make a massive difference to your front garden. 

The post Front Garden Ideas: How To Spruce Up Your Kerb Appeal appeared first on Windows Manchester.