When a new sofa finally shows up at your house, it should feel like a small victory. But for too many families, this feels more like a juggling act of schedules, doorways, and exhausted patience than a celebration of the arrival of something beautiful in your life. However, the reality is that with the right tools and services, you can make this a smoother, more predictable experience. Via Unsplash What Are The "Pinch Points" In Buying Or Moving Furniture? With so much going on in life (kids, pets, calendars), you're already working on a puzzle. And then add large furniture to the ... read more
The Real Costs You Must Budget Before Viewing Homes
Image credit How much does it cost to buy a house? Honestly, anyone who's done their research will know it's not just the mortgage and the deposit. There are, of course, other fees involved; everyone knows that. But what can often be overlooked is how much these extra costs can run up and exactly what you're likely to be paying for, especially if you end up making offers on multiple properties and have to pay these costs more than once. There are loads of hidden extras that, especially for first-time buyers, are easy to overlook - you can’t budget for them if you don't know they ... read more
How to Spot Roof Damage Before It Gets Expensive
Image credit How can you tell something is wrong with your roof? The reality is that, for the most part, roofing issues don't appear when they're relatively minor. It's only the damage caused by roof damage that is going to grab your attention and make you take notice — the small stain appearing on the ceiling, the extra breeze when you head upstairs — and by this point, the damage is already done. But knowing the signs so you can catch issues early can save you a lot in repair costs and help you get your roof back in top condition to deliver the support and protection you need it ... read more
How To Make Your Next House Move Slightly Easier
image credit There's a right way and a wrong way to prepare for a house move. Or rather, an effective and ineffective way to approach the task at hand. And honestly, with the average Brit moving homes around 8 times according to some surveys (Top Removals), you would think people have the process down to a fine art. However, even with all the best intentions, a house move can go sideways faster than a bad first date if you're not careful. With this in mind, here are a few tips that can help you make your next house just a fraction less stressful and slightly more ... read more
Essential Considerations When Installing Air Conditioning in Your Home
Image Pexels CC0 License Making sure that the temperature in your home is comfortable all year round is no easy task. This is why having air conditioning at your property is essential. If your current home doesn’t have an air conditioning unit installed, you may be eager to get one so you can start enjoying the benefits of a cool and comfortable home. As it plays such a crucial function in your home, choosing the right air conditioning unit is absolutely essential. Here are some of the factors to keep in mind before getting your new air conditioning installed: Choose the Best ... read more
Independence at Every Age: Creating Homes That Evolve With Us
Pixabay - CC0 Licence Most of us think of independence in terms of youth: driving, moving out, starting to live your own life. But independence is not, or shouldn’t be, something we leave behind as we grow older. It just starts to look a little different. As the years pass, what really matters is being able to live life on our own terms, in spaces that feel familiar, safe, and tailored to our needs and preferences. Rethinking what “independent living” really means For many families, the conversation about ageing tends to revolve around when help may be needed. But it can be the small ... read more
The Art of Half-Decluttering: How to Feel Organised When You’re Not Ready to Let Go of Your Stuff
Pexels - CCO Licence You know that magical, minimalist lifestyle you see on Pinterest where people have three shirts, one plant, and a single wooden spoon? Lovely. Inspirational. Absolutely not realistic for those of us who form emotional attachments to jumpers, old birthday cards, and that bread maker we used once in 2019 (because who knows, bread-baking energy might strike again). If the thought of ruthlessly binning your belongings makes you break out in a cold sweat, don't worry, you can still tame the chaos without going full Marie Kondo. Here’s how to declutter… sort of. Start ... read more
Smart Splurges: Home Upgrades That Pay Off in Comfort and Value
Pexels - CCO Licence Most of us are proud of our homes, and we want them to look and feel as good as they possibly can. We want them to be stylish, comfortable, and cozy, right? We also want them to be a good investment that will add value over time. But you know what? That doesn’t necessarily mean that we need to turn them into some Insta-worthy show home, and actually, doing so might not give us the comfort we need, or increase their value as much as we would like. Maybe that glitter ceiling isn’t a good idea after all. But, you know what is a good idea? Any of the upgrades below, ... read more
What Pro Designers Do To Make Homes Cozier
Pexels - CC0 License Have you ever wondered how pro designers seem to be able to make homes so much cozier than you can by yourself? It’s not by accident. Instead, professionals have the ability to do so much more through simple tricks of the trade. But what are they doing, exactly, that seems to make everything fit together? Layering Textures The first thing they’re doing is looking into layering textures. They’re designing materials to be soft and tactile, adding things like sofa throws to plush rugs. They’re also playing with new materials. For example, they ... read more
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls When Buying a Home
Image: Freepik Whether you are in the process of purchasing your first home or looking for guidance during the initial steps of this journey, it is normal to feel stressed about what-s ahead. However, with the right help from professionals in the sector and tips to avoid common pitfalls, you can take the next steps with confidence, secure the best property for your needs, and begin turning a house into your home. In the guide below, we’ll look at some key strategies to avoid mistakes that can affect the buying process and the value of your investment, so that you can sign a contract with ... read more