Eco Building

Eco Materials

Cogebloc
Yes, something from the idea of Lego, the Cogebloc is an auto-insulated pumice stone building block which negates the need for a cavity wall in a building and home construction.


Matisse
Is a recycled waste material insulation, it is a cost effective product from Belgium and is suitable as an alternative to fibreglass insulation.


Eco-Membrane
Made in the UK, a damp proof membrane which is 100% recycled material.


London Building Company

Interior Shutters

Shutters In Any Colour

Interior Shutters no longer need to be created in subtle tones, interior shutter companies are offering a colour matching service on their shutters to any specific pantone colour, giving endless opportunities for brightening up homes.
We recommend plantation-shutters.co.uk they have 51 standard paints and stains and can be made to fit any window shape.

Mayfair Property Services

Oil Radiators

Oil Filled Radiators For Electric Applications

This radiator from Myson is one of many. Double panel oil-filled radiators which can be used as one-off heaters for a specific room or to heat the whole house, the radiators also come with child proof electronic thermostat on each radiator.

These radiators are excellent for one bed-room flats and studios, in some cases the radiators have been proven to cost less then storage heaters.

Oil-Filled Radiators have been tried and tested by some of our clients and have been reported that there monthly cost was about £80 on low-med thermostat 24/7 to heat a 2 bed end terrace (inc hot water and cooking).

Something to think about next time you want to install your heating radiators, please research the market before deciding on a company.

London Plumbers

Pipe Leak Detection

Leak Detection Device

Water pipe leaks can be devastating and sometimes taking up to three months to dry out. The innovative Pipe Guard protects against water damage which is caused by leaking pipes which are undetected.
Pipe Guard automatically detects and shuts-off the water supply when an abnormal flow is detected.

Retailing for around £60, it's compact, easy to fit and reliable and the best thing about it, the device can be fitted on a DIY basis. While it won’t stop the cause of the leak, which will still need to be fixed by a plumber, it will significantly limit the resultant damage.

There is a secondary but significant benefit for customers with a water meter too as tests reveal Pipe Guard unique flexi-valve system could save up to 7% on water bills so the device could quickly pay for itself.

Now that's what we call Mayfair Plumbing!

London Plumber

Summer Garden

Get Your Garden Ready For Summer

Don't wait for the hot summer weather to get your garden ready early for summer.

Don't wait for the summer to come before you think about getting your garden in order, enjoy every minute of sun int the garden this spring and summer by preparing your garden early.

Spruce up your garden furniture
Now spring in on the doorstep its time to tidy up the garden and get the patio ready for those warm summer evenings of barbecues or relaxing drinks.
Get your garden benches and tables in tiptop condition by using Wet Grab to mend any loose or broken furniture, making them safe and durable for the summer.

Put up a trellis
Attach a trellis to a wall or the side of your home, cultivating creeping plants like clematis or an evergreen plant such as ivy will give you a great look for summer and will ensure you have some greenery around your garden even after summer is over.

Smarten up the patio
Spring and summer is the perfect time to relax with friends over drinks on the patio, so secure you decking and fences in no time by using Wet Grab.

Wet Grab from Evo-Stik is the only adhesive that has been designed for ultimate sticking in damp and wet conditions, so the winter and early spring weather needn't stop you getting ready for the warmer seasons this year.
Completely removing the need for a hammer or drill.



Have a go at new garden projects and make your garden something to be proud of this summer.

Finding The Best Local Tradesmen

From electricians to builders, plumbers to plasterers, the phone books are full of local "experts".
But we know that some of these plumbers, tilers, builders and other contractors might be cowboy experts, so here is what you know for choosing the best local tradesmen.

1) Always ask for personal recommendations from friends, colleagues and family.

2) Get three written quotes, not estimates even if it is for a minor building job and always ask for a recent job reference from satisfied clients. A reputable builder will never mind offering a positive referral.

3) If your job involves specialist work such as building or electrical installation, only employ contractors who are current valid members of an appropriate and recognised trade association.

4) Be very wary of companies offering two prices, a lower one for cash and the other slightly higher.

5) Never be tempted by unsolicited doorknockers, good tradesmen will be too busy to scout for business.

6) Get a project manager if you cant stay on top of your work.

Local Tradesmen

Gardening Jobs

Gardening Jobs For March

It's been a tough winter for the UK garden but finally March is upon us and spring is round the corner, so kick start your garden into action this Spring with our 10 gardening jobs. But remember March can be tricky, there's still some bite in the weather and new fruits and flowers are bursting through. You may not be that keen but starting work now will reap rewards later.

Spring has sprung
The days are getting longer and the spring solstice arrives at the end of the month so pay your garden the same attention as your interior such as spring cleaning.
We love John Lewis' range of outdoor furniture. After all the digging and pruning, you'll want somewhere to put your feet up and drink homemade lemonade!

Live off the land
Want to grow your own veg this year? Our gardeners recommend covering the area with clear polythene for a week before sowing, this will warm the soil up and get the seed off to a good start.
Then you should be ready to begin cultivating your choice of vegetables.

Order bedding plants
Plant bedding plants now for a bright burst of life in late Spring and early summer. Check that the plants you buy have strong green shoots and plant them into well–prepared soil, advices The Royal Horticultural Society.

Clean up your garden
From greenhouse windows to paving stones, make sure you remove all the grime built up over the winter months with a pressure hose.
This isn't just for aesthetics, greenhouse plants will also benefit from new light passing through the windows.
Don’t forget to give the watering can a good scrub out to prevent fungal disease.

Weed it out
Garden weeds such as bitter cress and one which is a smaller version of the broad–leaved willow herb are best picked out as early as possible by hand says BBC gardener Adrian Walsh.

Revive pond life
The life of your pond will have gone into hibernation over the winter months so now is the time to start bringing it back to life by removing netting coverings placed over the pond to protect it from autumn leaf fall, clean out the pond filters and replace pumps, lighting systems and water features.

Make cut backs
Most roses can be pruned mid–winter or early Spring when they are dormant or semi–dormant. Be sure to remove any dead diseased or damaged stems.

Space–saving devices
If your garden consists of more concrete than lawn then bring it to life with pot plants and window boxes. Plant things like ferns or spider plants in sleek plant pots from notonthehighstreet.com and replace individual plants throughout the seasons for a pretty garden display all year round.

Turf over old ground
Has your garden lawn suffered from winter wear and tear, we bet it has, now is the time to turf but make sure the ground is not too damp or frozen before you start. Work from planks to avoid compacting the soil. Alternatively you can prepare the ground for sowing seeds later on in the month by levelling it out with this garden rake.

Check your tools
A poor workman always blames his tools. Make sure you're not a culprit by checking that mowers and gardening machinery are in good working order and dedicate some time to garden tools maintenance.

Happy Gardening......

London Gardener

How To Get Your Planning Permission Through

Follow our guide to getting your planning permission approved.

Find a Local Architect
As local knowledge is key, so finding an architect or planning consultant who has a good knowledge of the area and a successful track record with local planning permission officers.

Be Considerate
Think neighbours first, make sure you plans dont block your neighbours light or view, a little thought at your first stage will meaan those close by are less likely to raise objections.

Homework
Gather as much information as you can you can never have too much, look at local development planes in your planning office or library and check the planning register to find out why some applications have been refused on some plots, this will also give you am idea on how the local area is developing and how will it be allowed to develop in the future.


Planning Officer
Establish good relationship with your planning officer to get an idea how your proposal will be accepted, give him or her the impression that your plans can be altered and that you will also be willing to compromise.

Go Thorough
Read all the planning forms carefully and make sure you include everything you asked for, such as plans, drawings and fees.

Get Support
Ask neighbours who are supportive of your plans to submit a letter to the planning committee saying so, this will get the planning committee to look favorably on it. You could also ask your local MP and councillors to back your plans if you want to go that extra mile.

Understand The System
The planning officer will draw up a report in front of the planning committee, which is made up of elected councillors, the meetings are open to the public but you usually wont be allowed to speak, this is when committee members can be persuaded to speak in your favour.
Remember that the committee don't have to go with the planning officers recommendation, so try to get them on your side by writing to them and inviting them to your site.

Never Give Up
If your planning application is refused, don't take it personally - although we know how angry a person might get as we have gone through this many of times but you will get a lot further if you remain calm and logical because there is always room for an appeal. If your not happy with the refusal then talk directly to your planning department and you should be allowed to submit another planning application with modified plans free of charge.

Mayfair Property Services

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How to Buy a Property

How to buy your first home
Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions that you will ever make in life, as it is important to take this decision seriously and know that it is the right choice at the time. You must also know that you have to prepare yourself in every aspect in order to make your first home a blessing and not a negative experience.
Here are the basic steps that you should know when buying a new home ( property ).

1) First thing you should do when buying your first property by determining if you are ready to buy a home or not, as home ownership is a lot more expensive than renting as you are responsible for paying for all the repairs, utility costs, insurance, council tax and property maintenance.
These costs add up quickly and if you are not financially prepared, you may end up in a very negative position.
If your in debt, get out of debt (such as credit card debt) and save up an emergency fund before you purchase your first home, not forgetting the down payment!

2) Begin to shop for a home loan by talking to a mortgage advisor, they'll be able to indicate how much you can borrow based on your earnings, your current financial commitments and any savings you may have. This will help you to look within your property price range.
You should contact at least three mortgage advisors before you decide which loan to take.
A mortgage broker will look at several different home loan companies to find you the best rates, However your small local bank or your credit union may have options that will save you money as well. Once you find a loan with the correct terms you can begin your hunt for a property.

3) When it comes to your mortgage you may be surprised at the different loan types, deals and payment options. Usually a fixed rate mortgage loan for fifteen or twenty years is the best option, which can help you lock in a low rate for a good amount of time. You may be considering creative financing to cover the down payment but you should be careful when you make these choices as you want to build wealth with your home purchase and a wrong choice might you end up hurting you financially.
Always find out roughly how much you can afford in monthly repayments by compare your incoming salary with your outgoing expenses. The figure you get when you subtract all of your expenses from your income is your disposable income, you should ensure that this surplus income is sufficient to meet all your requirements.

4) A good rule is to keep your mortgage along with your taxes and insurance between twenty five and thirty percent of your income. Other experts advise that your home cost be limited to two and half times your annual salary.
It is important to realize that you need to include the cost of taxes and home-owner’s insurance into your monthly housing cost.
With the insurance and taxes your monthly housing costs should not be more than thirty percent of your monthly salary.

5) Solicitors are one of the main professionals needed in the home buying process, you will also need a valuation report and / or a surveyor's report.
Get a home inspection, this will bring up hidden problems within the home ( property ) which you can learn about any issues that may prevent you from buying the home. This may include mold problems, termites, foundation problems and or a bad roof.
The inspection can save you thousands of pounds in repairs and additionally you may be able to negotiate a lower price for your property.

6) Once the offer as been accepted buy the home sellers or property auctioneers your solicitor will do the rest. Remember a solicitor is there to make sure that all documents, money and other necessary information is together before you sign and to protect the buyer, the seller and the lender.

7) Once you have closed on your home, it is time to move in and do what ever you want in it under council rules and regulations but you can paint, unpack and enjoy your new home. Be sure that you change your utilities and cancel your old ones as well, this will save you time and money because you will avoid late fees.

Good Luck, Happy home hunting and congratulation on your new home.

Mayfair Property Services