It is a piece of government legislation that protects homeowners who have a property that is adjoined to another. These properties include terraced houses, semi-detached homes, flats or apartments. 

The Party Wall Act can help to resolve any disputes between neighbours that involve boundary walls and fences, structures and excavation work. 

Hence, if you intend on carrying out any work on or near a wall that adjoins to another, a Party Wall Notice should be drawn up and presented to the neighbour. 

Once the notice is served, the neighbour has the chance to permit or reject the work. Only when consent is given can an Agreement be drawn up. 

Types Of Work

• Work on garden walls and fences
• Any repairs to adjoining walls
• Demolishing an adjoining wall or rebuilding it
• Excavation work
• Loft or basement conversions
• Garage conversions
• Damp proof courses
• Building a second-storey extension to a party wall

The likes of replastering, drilling and cutting in or channelling out walls are often considered too minor to consult the neighbour about. 

Issuing A Party Wall Notice

The homeowner should discuss the planned works with the affected neighbours. Hence, doing so will prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

Once they are aware of the plans, a Notice can be issued alongside the Agreement. Including a copy of the Party Wall Act 1996 may also be beneficial. 

Within the documents, the homeowner’s contact information, a detailed report of the planned works, the date for commencement and any access requirements should be included. 

The Notice should be served between two months and one year of the work being carried out. Moreover, the Notice is valid for one year from the date it is served too. Otherwise, a new Notice will need to be issued. 

Receiving A Party Wall Notice

The adjoining homeowner can provide consent in writing, serve a counter-notice requesting some changes, refuse to consent or do nothing. 

When Can Work Begin?

Once consent has been given from the adjoining homeowner or an agreement has been made, work can begin. 

However, if the Notice is rejected then a dispute resolution needs to be actioned.

The post What Is The Party Wall Act? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Garden Weeds

A gardener’s bugbear is usually weeds. Weeds are relentless and can take over plant pots, flower beds, cracks in the pavement, the whole garden. 

If you stay on top of them, and de-weed regularly, they won’t become a problem further down the line. The sooner you remove the weed, the less chance they have of spreading – as, like most plants, the sun and rain help them to grow.

Spraying vinegar or pouring boiling water on weeds can stop them from growing but may also damage surrounding plants. 

Wilting Plants

Overwatering your plants can damage the roots. Underwatering them can cause wilting. Each plant needs a different amount of water too. So finding the optimal amount of water for each plant can be difficult. 

When you’re in the garden, check the soil to see if it’s moist or dry. Ensure that the plants are watered if the soil feels too dry. 

Similar to watering the plants, they also need sunlight. Too much can dry the plants out, whereas too little can prevent growth. 

Garden Pests And Pets

Another bugbear of gardeners is pests. Slugs, snails, worms and ants are the main culprits in the garden. Flies, bees and wasps can also be a nuisance for your plants – but are usually more beneficial. 

Soapy water or insect repellent can help to keep the pests at bay. Some plants are also insect-repelling too, so do your research. 

If you live near the countryside, you may find that your garden becomes home to rabbits, deers and other wild animals. Fencing is usually the best and safest way to keep the animals out of your garden.

Birds love gardens. They enjoy eating the seeds and plants, so be wary of their intentions when they swoop into your garden. 

The post Challenges In The Garden appeared first on Windows Manchester.

But you don’t need to neglect your front door when it comes to decorating. Looking for Christmas door ideas? Look no further!

Traditional Christmas Door Wreath

Spruce up your front door with a traditional and festive wreath. Moreover, this traditional decoration is back in fashion and doesn’t have to be green and red. 

Tie the wreath in with your interior colour scheme to make your home look contemporary. 

Christmas Door Garland

Door garlands are becoming more popular year after year. These can be shop-bought, custom-made or you can have a go at making one yourself. 

Decorate a garland with some tinsel, baubles and pinecones. You could even use candy canes and lights for a modern twist. 

Christmas Lights

As the nights draw in, the streets light up. Especially by Christmas lights throughout December. Dangle some icicle style lights above your canopy or over your windows. 

Alternatively, place some fairy-style lights around the door frame for a more subtle touch. 

Bells On Your Christmas Door

When you think of Christmas, you’ll think of Christmas carols and bells ringing. Why not add a festive bell to your door, and let the bells ring out for Christmas? 

Christmas Trees

Adding some potted Christmas trees to your front garden or doorstep can spread the festive spirit. You can decorate your mini Christmas trees the same as you would your main tree. 

Santa Stop Here Signs

If you’re working to a budget but still want to get into the Christmas spirit – why not invest in a simple Santa Stop Here sign from the supermarket? Moreover, these can be stood in the grass in your front garden or placed in a plant pot. 

The post Christmas Door Ideas appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Once installed, bi-folding doors need very little maintaining. Other than cleaning them, bi-folds need to be kept free of debris in their tracks. If they are timber-clad, they will also need treating as per other wooden furniture.

Bi-Folds Are Long-Lasting

Furthermore, aluminium bi-folds are hardwearing and can last for around 45 years. Their longevity is a benefit and makes bi-folds a worthy investment. 

The investment is also worthy as if you decide to sell your home, bi-folds can boost the value of your home. 

Bi-Folding Doors Are Aesthetically Pleasing

Bi-folds are modern and contemporary and add elegance to any home. Furthermore, they can sit at the back of an extension or on the corner. Moreover, they can be installed in your kitchen, overlooking your garden. These doors look seamless and open up the room to the outdoors.

Bi-Folds Are Energy-Efficient

Not only are they pleasing to the eye, but bi-folding doors allow large amounts of natural light into a room. Their large panes of glass let the sunlight shine through all day long.

As bi-folding doors are mainly glass, they will capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Moreover, this will make your home feel warm and bright – even in the winter months with the winter sunshine. 

Bi-Folding Doors Are Space Saving

One of the main selling points of a bi-folding door is that they don’t swing inwards or outwards. They fold onto themselves instead and are compact. Furthermore, this is ideal for smaller rooms as no space is needed to accommodate the door.

Bi-Folds Offer High Levels Of Security

Another benefit of a bi-folding door is that they offer high levels of security. There are multiple points on the door that can lock. Bi-folds are unlike French and sliding doors, which usually only have one locking mechanism. 

Moreover, some bi-folds have panel-catch technology. Therefore, the door cannot blow shut or accidentally close.

Summary

Bi-folding doors have countless benefits and are one of the most versatile options currently on the market. 

The post What Are The Benefits Of Bi-Folding Doors? 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.