It's certain that there's space in your home that could be used for storage but isn't. All it will take is a little time and determination to turn your property into useful storage space.
* Most new homes, and many old homes, have enclosed staircases, which hide valuable space. These can often be opened to create closets, niches, or even shelf space. Create a storage area by enclosing the underside of the staircase that leads to your basement. This can be a good space for a pantry, holiday decorations, or even children's toys.
* Put the space under a stairway to work. Construct a wheeled, wedge-shape container that fits into the farthest area under the steps.
* Ready-made shelves can be installed just about anywhere to create storage for books and decorative items, toys, glassware, china, and just about anything that will fit on a 6- or 12-inch ledge. If you intend to store heavy items, make sure the brackets are securely anchored.
* A hallway that's wide enough can double as a storage area if you line the walls with shelves or shallow cabinets.
* Create a "closet" by storing bulky items such as golf clubs, skis, and camping equipment behind a decorative folding screen in a little-used corner.
Interior Designer
Friday, 18 September 2009
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
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
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
Saturday, 11 July 2009
That'll Do!
In the excitement of summer we bring you the best cowboys in the world!
The world's stupidest fixes
"That'll do" -- possibly the two most dangerous words in the English language.
Whether it's devising a way to float your extension cord in a swimming pool, a method of using an always-on kettle as a hot tap or jamming a padlock between two holes in your car door as a rudimentary anti-theft device, botch-job "fixes" are always likely to end in disaster.
We've gathered a selection of our favorite DIYs but if you have anything better (or more insane) from your personal DIY files then be sure to let us know in the comments.
High speed internet connection
Suspension Bed
Air conditioning is an alien concept to much of the UK, which is probably why we think this response to the problem of run-off water is entirely sensible.
A new reliable, fast way to build, plus less land used.
How to stop a leak.
The best idea to help the 5 million people living near flood zones in England and Wales.
A new piping system.
The new technique of wire installation.
This unique solution to everyone hot water problem.
That'll do...
Faster - Dryer!
A steady build.
The world's stupidest fixes
"That'll do" -- possibly the two most dangerous words in the English language.
Whether it's devising a way to float your extension cord in a swimming pool, a method of using an always-on kettle as a hot tap or jamming a padlock between two holes in your car door as a rudimentary anti-theft device, botch-job "fixes" are always likely to end in disaster.
We've gathered a selection of our favorite DIYs but if you have anything better (or more insane) from your personal DIY files then be sure to let us know in the comments.
High speed internet connection
Suspension Bed
Air conditioning is an alien concept to much of the UK, which is probably why we think this response to the problem of run-off water is entirely sensible.
A new reliable, fast way to build, plus less land used.
How to stop a leak.
The best idea to help the 5 million people living near flood zones in England and Wales.
A new piping system.
The new technique of wire installation.
This unique solution to everyone hot water problem.
That'll do...
Faster - Dryer!
A steady build.
Monday, 15 June 2009
Property Refurbishment – Getting It Done!
Have you ever attempted to complete a property refurbishment project working with a builder, only to find that it always takes longer than expected, their sub-contractors are undependable or messy, and in some cases the work is sub-par?
You want someone who will come in and monitor and manage the work so you don’t have to do it because of lack of time and experience but also you want your contract manager that will take your refurbishment project to have the relevant experience.
Who wants to spend all their free time checking in on a refurbishment project?
Your refurbishment project, whatever it is, needs to be done on time and this needs the proper work force and dedication. A property refurbishment project, if taking too long, can cause other problems for you, such as lost rent or business, project price increases, clearly this is to be avoided.
The reason that the cost will probably increase is the high likelihood that there will be changes to your refurbishment project. Some of the changes may come as a result of changes you make and enhancements to the refurbishment project, but the unexpected often happens. Through no fault of your contractor, unexpected problems will likely crop up. Things like a wall being opened up to reveal termite damage or pipes that can't be easily relocated or an interior wall that turns out to be load bearing.
That’s why when shopping around for a building refurbishment company you should see where their location and how long they have been in business, surly they have not got to where they are at if there doing something wrong.
From experience in some cases, the weather can put a damper on your building refurbishment project and remember that many independent contractors work with a lot of sub-contractors who fail to show up when they are supposed to pushing the refurbishment project to take more time. Although we can’t understand how it is that those sub-contractors are staying in business working that way as building refurbishment requires prompt workers in order to be completed on the refurbishment project on time and on budget. Some glitches in timely work can occur, but if you can hire someone to manage and follow up on these items who has experience and dedication, treats your project as their own, your property refurbishment is much more likely to be completed on time with the budget you planed for.
Quality work is integral when building refurbishment is in progress. Everyone knows somebody who has hired someone to complete a property refurbishment project, only to find that they have paid someone to do the job that has clearly been unqualified to do so. If you find yourself with a poor quality job that can sometimes mean a domino effect of other problems. For example, if your building refurbishment project involves installing some new plumbing and it is sealed shut, develops a slow leak, you can have plumbing repairs, rotting wood, and other consequential damages needing repair.
Experience has shown that hiring a management company to oversee the entire building refurbishment project from start to finish is ideal. When you use this type of service, you do yourself a number of favors. First, if you don’t have experience in property refurbishment, you don’t need to worry about things you don’t know. Second everything will be managed on time and budget. Also, you won’t have to spend all your free time trying to check on the status of your building refurbishment project, making sure it’s on schedule, that the work is being done correctly, or that you are getting the job you paid for. You can take it easy while your investments are being improved.
Mayfair Property Services
You want someone who will come in and monitor and manage the work so you don’t have to do it because of lack of time and experience but also you want your contract manager that will take your refurbishment project to have the relevant experience.
Who wants to spend all their free time checking in on a refurbishment project?
Your refurbishment project, whatever it is, needs to be done on time and this needs the proper work force and dedication. A property refurbishment project, if taking too long, can cause other problems for you, such as lost rent or business, project price increases, clearly this is to be avoided.
The reason that the cost will probably increase is the high likelihood that there will be changes to your refurbishment project. Some of the changes may come as a result of changes you make and enhancements to the refurbishment project, but the unexpected often happens. Through no fault of your contractor, unexpected problems will likely crop up. Things like a wall being opened up to reveal termite damage or pipes that can't be easily relocated or an interior wall that turns out to be load bearing.
That’s why when shopping around for a building refurbishment company you should see where their location and how long they have been in business, surly they have not got to where they are at if there doing something wrong.
From experience in some cases, the weather can put a damper on your building refurbishment project and remember that many independent contractors work with a lot of sub-contractors who fail to show up when they are supposed to pushing the refurbishment project to take more time. Although we can’t understand how it is that those sub-contractors are staying in business working that way as building refurbishment requires prompt workers in order to be completed on the refurbishment project on time and on budget. Some glitches in timely work can occur, but if you can hire someone to manage and follow up on these items who has experience and dedication, treats your project as their own, your property refurbishment is much more likely to be completed on time with the budget you planed for.
Quality work is integral when building refurbishment is in progress. Everyone knows somebody who has hired someone to complete a property refurbishment project, only to find that they have paid someone to do the job that has clearly been unqualified to do so. If you find yourself with a poor quality job that can sometimes mean a domino effect of other problems. For example, if your building refurbishment project involves installing some new plumbing and it is sealed shut, develops a slow leak, you can have plumbing repairs, rotting wood, and other consequential damages needing repair.
Experience has shown that hiring a management company to oversee the entire building refurbishment project from start to finish is ideal. When you use this type of service, you do yourself a number of favors. First, if you don’t have experience in property refurbishment, you don’t need to worry about things you don’t know. Second everything will be managed on time and budget. Also, you won’t have to spend all your free time trying to check on the status of your building refurbishment project, making sure it’s on schedule, that the work is being done correctly, or that you are getting the job you paid for. You can take it easy while your investments are being improved.
Mayfair Property Services
Monday, 4 May 2009
Choosing The Right Interior Paint Finish
Choosing the right interior paint colour is never easy but choosing a the right interior paint finish is the most important decision in a decorating and paint project, with 6 types of paint finishes to choose from, knowing their benefits is a must to determine the right one for the job.
Eggshell Finish:
Our favorite, picturing an egg-shell with a slight shine, excellent for walls and better than a flat-finish paint as it holds up better with cleaning, keep in mind a simple rule that the shinier the paint finish the better it will hold-up with cleaning and washing.
Flat Enamel:
Occasional cleaning, this paint is the choice as it is a durable flat matte finish, excellent for guest bathrooms, powder-rooms and halls or if you want an old or worm look, it also can be used on furniture.
Glossy:
An almost reflective paint, as it is shiny and mimics the look of enamel or plastic. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paint.
Matte Finish:
This paint whether flat-finish or wall-paint is a finish usually used on interior walls, as it does not reflect light, makes it good for small wall cracks and bumps when applied with the right amount.
Satin Finish:
Smooth, velvety look with a bit of gloss, best used for windows, doors, skirtings or ceilings but can also be used as wall paint and high traffic areas, it is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.
Semi-Gloss:
Most often used on doors, frames, skirting’s and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
Paint – Room by Room
Kids-Room:
- Walls - eggshell or satin paint.
- Doors and Frames - semi-gloss.
Ceiling Finishes:
- Flat finish paint.
- Egg-shell finish.
Kitchens and Baths:
- High exposure to water and steam – semi-gloss paint.
- Less frequent use – eggshell or satin paint.
Eggshell Finish:
Our favorite, picturing an egg-shell with a slight shine, excellent for walls and better than a flat-finish paint as it holds up better with cleaning, keep in mind a simple rule that the shinier the paint finish the better it will hold-up with cleaning and washing.
Flat Enamel:
Occasional cleaning, this paint is the choice as it is a durable flat matte finish, excellent for guest bathrooms, powder-rooms and halls or if you want an old or worm look, it also can be used on furniture.
Glossy:
An almost reflective paint, as it is shiny and mimics the look of enamel or plastic. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paint.
Matte Finish:
This paint whether flat-finish or wall-paint is a finish usually used on interior walls, as it does not reflect light, makes it good for small wall cracks and bumps when applied with the right amount.
Satin Finish:
Smooth, velvety look with a bit of gloss, best used for windows, doors, skirtings or ceilings but can also be used as wall paint and high traffic areas, it is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.
Semi-Gloss:
Most often used on doors, frames, skirting’s and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
Paint – Room by Room
Kids-Room:
- Walls - eggshell or satin paint.
- Doors and Frames - semi-gloss.
Ceiling Finishes:
- Flat finish paint.
- Egg-shell finish.
Kitchens and Baths:
- High exposure to water and steam – semi-gloss paint.
- Less frequent use – eggshell or satin paint.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Refurbishment and Renovation
As property renovation and refurbishment has become a big business, whether to increase a home’s value, rent, sale or even to make a home a comfortable place to live in, a lot of property renovation and refurbishment companies have not taken in account that homes account for 27% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions, a building company should not only account for this but play a vital role in reducing this percentage.
But as the market has been hit hard by the credit crunch which has made cow boys and genuine construction, refurbishment and renovation companies go out of business plus the investor that turned properties as quick as a runaway train, there will only be a few winners and these are building refurbishment and renovation companies that have taken in-consideration the environment thought about the client and home owner alike, whether there the same person or not and by using sustainable refurbishment and renovation methods and materials, avoiding the wholesale waste of resources.
Going GREEN is sustainable refurbishment and renovation, bringing lots of unexpected benefits for a home or business, such as saving 25% or more on energy bills.
A property renovation and refurbishment company that considers sustainability and research for sustainable methods has the key forward in the construction industry plus giving the private owner a cost effective option.
As millions of homes in the UK have the option of upgrading, six million are classified non-decent, one out of ten homes need scraping, a building refurbishment and renovation company that takes all this in account, considers sustainability and uses the best practice to identify the right solutions and deliver them in a property refurbishment or renovation project, is the right renovation and refurbishment company for the project at hand.
Braking into the piggy-bank to get the right professional building refurbishment and renovation company for the project is well worth the decision as not only will you be saving money and investing it correctly but also helping the environment with your refurbishment or renovation project.
As Mayfair Property Services Limited takes all this into account by bringing the client professional high quality work, being cost effective, creating a sustainable living environment, reducing waste, caring for the environment and being green.
What other way to start your refurbishment and renovation project?
But as the market has been hit hard by the credit crunch which has made cow boys and genuine construction, refurbishment and renovation companies go out of business plus the investor that turned properties as quick as a runaway train, there will only be a few winners and these are building refurbishment and renovation companies that have taken in-consideration the environment thought about the client and home owner alike, whether there the same person or not and by using sustainable refurbishment and renovation methods and materials, avoiding the wholesale waste of resources.
Going GREEN is sustainable refurbishment and renovation, bringing lots of unexpected benefits for a home or business, such as saving 25% or more on energy bills.
A property renovation and refurbishment company that considers sustainability and research for sustainable methods has the key forward in the construction industry plus giving the private owner a cost effective option.
As millions of homes in the UK have the option of upgrading, six million are classified non-decent, one out of ten homes need scraping, a building refurbishment and renovation company that takes all this in account, considers sustainability and uses the best practice to identify the right solutions and deliver them in a property refurbishment or renovation project, is the right renovation and refurbishment company for the project at hand.
Braking into the piggy-bank to get the right professional building refurbishment and renovation company for the project is well worth the decision as not only will you be saving money and investing it correctly but also helping the environment with your refurbishment or renovation project.
As Mayfair Property Services Limited takes all this into account by bringing the client professional high quality work, being cost effective, creating a sustainable living environment, reducing waste, caring for the environment and being green.
What other way to start your refurbishment and renovation project?
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