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.

They are usually a pair of doors that have large panes of glass. Moreover, they allow plenty of natural light to flood the room in which they lead. They typically open outwards but can sometimes open inwards or slide. 

Furthermore, they are a great addition to homes due to their benefits. For more information, read below.

French Doors Increase The Value Of Homes

The popularity of these kinds of doors is massive. Hence, French doors are desirable to buyers and can enhance the value of the seller’s home. 

Buyers are willing to spend more on a home that has contemporary, practical amenities. French doors are always on-trend, meaning they are making a worthy investment too. 

Versatile And Multi-Use

Double doors are versatile and can be used for almost any home and in any room. 

Internally, they are ideal for kitchens leading into dining rooms or living rooms. Moreover, they both connect and separate two adjoining rooms. Or they can be used leading out into the garden or entering in through the porch. 

Secure and Durable

Despite French doors mainly consisting of double-glazed or triple-glazed glass, they are both secure and durable. 

Furthermore, they have high-security locking mechanisms and hinge systems. Moreover, the glass is toughened, making them even more secure. 

Stylish French Doors

Above all, one of the main benefits of doors like these is that they are aesthetically pleasing and available in various styles.

Their frames can be wooden, uPVC or, in some instances, aluminium. Moreover, they are customisable so can be matched to each homeowners specifications and requirements. 

Furthermore, they are modern and contemporary but can suit farmhouses and traditional homes too. They provide a luxurious feel to any home. Moreover, they are an ideal investment.

The post Why French Doors Are Ideal For Your Home appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Moreover, it’s the entrance to your home and can make your property look more appealing as well as keeping you and your belongings safe and secure. 

Picking A Material

There is now a wide range of choices when choosing a material for your modern front door. uPVC, wood, aluminium and composite are the most common. 

Wood is considered a classic choice and looks most traditional. It offers warmth and durability as well as being sturdy and appealing. Moreover, you can repaint them and freshen them up if maintained correctly. 

On the other hand, uPVC is one of the most popular choices due to its low maintenance. However, composite is becoming more popular as it looks much more modern and contemporary and is available in a wide range of styles and colours.

Modern Front Door Colours

When you have chosen your material, you next want to consider colour options. 

White is favoured for uPVC doors, whereas wood and composite are more common in various colours. 

You can choose from black, browns, anthracite grey or other shades, as well as brighter colours. Furthermore, yellows, reds, blues and pinks are popular amongst some homeowners. Your front door can reflect your personality as well as looking contemporary. 

Door Accessories

Once your door is installed or freshened up, you can consider other ways to make your home more modern. 

Wreaths are a popular way of creating a more modern front door all year round. In summer, pinks and greens can lighten up your home. Furthermore, in winter, a traditional style Christmas wreath can do the trick. 

The decorative addition is seen as a fashion statement and makes the home look warm and welcoming, modern and chic. 

Furthermore, video technology doorbells can make for a modern front door. Large house numbers, on-trend mailboxes and fancy door handles or letterboxes capture peoples focus too. Adding spotlights outside is another way of sprucing up your front door.

Doormats are an affordable addition that impacts your entrance and convey the personality of your home. Moreover, large plants beside the doorstep can also enhance the modern front door. 

The post Modern Front 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.

Orangeries were typically used for growing orange plants hence the name. Homeowners over the years have fallen in love with the design and space provided by orangeries.

Because of the brickwork of an orangery, it provides the look of a real extension on the side or back of your home. One of the orangery main design features is the rigid columns and flat roof.

Why Should I Consider Purchasing An Orangery?

Previously we have said that one of the best features of having an orangery is that it looks like more of an extension to your property.

Here are our favourite and top 4 benefits of an orangery.

Loads Of Natural Light

Orangeries are a great way to let light enter your home. Designed with large glass panes and window frames allow for more light to enter the orangery. Furthermore, this will make your orangery feel more relaxing and spacious.

Increases The Value Of Your Property

At some point, you may wish to sell your property and move into a new one. Adding an orangery to your current property can increase the sale value by up to 6% of the current property.

However, not only will adding an orangery help increase the value of your home. They can also help to sell the property. Orangeries are beautiful in design and style, especially to those looking to purchase a property. Having an orangery could come down to the deciding factor when people come to look at your property.

Use Your Orangery In Different Ways

If you own an orangery you can use it to your heart’s content. Here are some more great ways that you can use your orangery.

• Lounge
• Dining Room
• Games Room
• Play Area
• Office
• Gym / Workout Area

Once you have decided what you would like to use your orangery for. You can then kit it out with furniture and accessories.

Add Extra Features

An orangery can bring your garden closer to your ho

Benefits Of An Orangery

Orangeries were typically used for growing orange plants hence the name orangery. However, over recent years, homeowners have taken to using orangeries for extra living space. 

Orangeries provided ample space, and because of the style of brickwork on an orangery, it looks like a real extension on the side or back of your home. One of the orangery main design features is the rigid columns and lantern roof.

Why Should I Consider Purchasing An Orangery?

Earlier we told you about one of the best features of an orangery is its ability to look more like an extension to your property. Below are our favourite benefits of an orangery and why we recommend one.

Bundles Of Natural Light

Orangeries are a great way for natural light to enter your home with large glass windows and a lantern roof, allowing for more natural light and a relaxing and spacious room.

Add Value To Your Property

When you are ready to sell your property and move on to a new home, your orangery on your current property can increase the sale value by up to 6%. Furthermore, not only helping to increase the value of your home, they can be a talking point when it comes to selling your property too. Orangeries can be both beautiful and accomodating in design, especially to someone looking to purchase your property. Sometimes an orangery could be the deciding factor when selling your property.

Extra Features

Bring your garden closer to your home, bi-fold doors are a great way to open your orangery up to your garden, and they can add style to your new extension.

Different Ways To Use An Orangery 

Here are some more great ways to make use of your orangery.

• A new lounge or living area
• Entertaining or dining room
• The perfect games room
• A children’s play area
• During the current climate, a home office
• Covert it to a gym or workout area

Whatever you decide to use your orangery for, we hope this post has been helpful.

The post Orangeries And The 4 Benefits Of Owning One appeared first on Windows Manchester.

How Do Edwardian Conservatories Look?

What Is A Victorian Conservatory?

Are Lean-To’s A Popular Conservatory?

What Is A Bespoke Conservatory?

Summary

The post Most Popular Conservatory Designs appeared first on Windows Manchester.

A porch is more than often installed to the front or side of a property. A porch is often used for greeting visitors and saying goodbye to family and friends, but they are also ideal for storing muddy shoes, coats and other items.  

Will A Porch Add A Layer Of Security?

Porches added to the front of your home can provide that an extra layer of security. The strong and durable porch can help deter burglars from entering your home. Furthermore, burglars would potentially have to break through two entrances, rather than one, helping to reduce the chance of being broken into from the front of your property.

It is also important to have a secure door with your new porch. We would highly recommend a modern composite door, composite doors are energy-efficient and secure.

What Is A Good Size Porch?

Porches can provide the front or side of your home with additional space. Allowing homeowners to store belongings and creating an energy-efficient room for you to place a chair or potted plants in. Small porches can create enough room to move around and even chat with friends. Furthermore, you could add storage boxes so that everything is placed away and keeps it tidy and clean. 

What Are Bespoke Porches?

Bespoke porches are something that is designed to your specific requirements. An ideal option for anyone that requires a porch that matches the style of their home or if you are looking for something different.

Decorating Ideas For Porches

Depending on the size of your porch, there is a wide range of extras that can be added to improve the style. You can add storage to keep it organised and clean or a little greenery using indoor plants. Furthermore, adding flowers on a regular basis will help to provide a fresh aroma upon entering.

The post What Are The Benefits Of Having A Porch? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Are you looking to replace your current windows or purchase new windows? The great news is homeowners nowadays are no longer limited to one style of window. There are multiple profile styles available on the market today. However, having new windows installed can sometimes be a daunting task for most homeowners. But, thanks to modern technologies and up to date window styles, it is now easy and less stressful to install a set of windows.

Here is our list of popular windows styles that you might want to consider purchasing.

Are Casement Windows Better?

Casement windows are the most common windows of all styles. The casement windows hinge on the top of the frame and the side. These windows remain a popular window choice because they are versatile, secure and very energy-efficient. Casement windows today are available in a wide range of materials such as uPVC and aluminium and a wide range of RAL colours.

How Do Sash Windows Work?

Sliding sash windows consist of two panels that slide vertically to open. Sash windows are a classic design and style used mostly in Georgian and Victorian houses. Homeowners who wish to keep the look of their properties choose to replace timber sash windows with uPVC double glazing options. Furthermore, sash windows are also available in a wide range of RAL colours. Did you know that the oldest sash window was installed in England in 1670 and is still there to this date?

What Is A Tilt And Turn Window?

Tilt and turn windows provide the maximum ventilation and allow fresh air to enter your home. Furthermore, tilt and turn windows are not only stylish but also durable and secure. The window opens from the top and can tilt inwards from the bottom of the window. Also, there are options to have the window swing open from the inside.

What Is A Cottage Style Window?

Cottage style windows come in an Astragal or Georgian style. These are popular because the appearance of smaller panes of glass gives a stunning appearance that works perfectly for cottage-style homes. Modern versions of the traditional cottage windows are now casement windows with added Astragal or Georgian bars to make them look like vintage cottage windows. These windows are available in a wide range of materials like uPVC and aluminium. Both materials are great for saving money on energy bills and help to keep the heat in during the winter months. 

The post What Are The Most Popular and Common Window Styles? appeared first on Windows Manchester.

Composite door popularity has grown massively in recent years.

There is now a vast range of different door designs of doors and colours available. Other features, like quality and security, have also improved over the past few years. Even though these doors are still relatively new to the UK market, they can outperform doors made from other materials. Furthermore, because the doors are a new entity, there is a wide range of benefits that can make them a great addition to your property.

Here is a list of benefits of composite doors.

How Are The Doors Made?

Most doors are manufactured using a GRP skin and are either foam-filled or made with a solid wooden core. Solid core composite doors consist of a high pressured compressed wood making the door very strong and durable. A foam-filled composite door is filled with foam to provide strength, durability and a certain level of thermal efficiency.

A GRP skin is the outer protection of the door, designed to protect the door from elements. The Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) allows the door to last for years, making composite doors good value for your money.

How Do You Maintain Composite Doors?

One of the good things about these doors is that they are easy to keep clean and maintain. Furthermore, older doors like timber doors require occasional painting and re-varnishing. Timber doors are much higher maintenance. To give your composite door a clean use a damp nice soft cloth with warm water. Do not use abrasives or strong cleaning chemicals as this could remove the paint and damage the door.

Which Type Of Composite Door Is The Best?

These doors can come in a wide range of different designs and colours they are durable and secure too. Furthermore, they give homeowners a chance to match their chosen door to their home with a choice of door styles, glass designs, RAL colours and finishings. 

So this is why composite doors are the perfect choice for most homeowners.

The post What Are Composite Door Advantages And Benefits? appeared first on Windows Manchester.