HOW TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR PROPERTY - THE TOP 10

Any repairs or cosmetic changes can add value to your home.

Here is our Top 10 list of ideas that will not only make your home a more pleasurable place to live but they will potentially add value to your home.

1.    Declutter and Deep clean - start with the basic

2.    Decorate- a lick of paint can change a room

3.    Kerb appeal (change/ paint the front door, landscape the front garden etc)

4.    Improve the Energy Efficiency (Install a new boiler, upgrade insulation to the loft etc)

5.    Change the layout - make the living area more open plan

6.    Improve/ Upgrade/ Replace the Kitchen

7.    Upgrade or add a new bathroom

8.    Improve (landscape) the garden(s) 

9.    Convert the garage, loft or cellar

10.    Build an Extension

This is our list to get you started and to give you some ideas.

More on these items, coming soon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHY USE AN ARCHITECT?

Whether you are planning to build a new house, to alter of extend your existing home or to employ a builder, there are many advantages to using an architect for your project.

Architects are trained problem solvers and know the construction industry inside out. They have undertaken seven years of architectural training; no other building professional is trained in design and construction to such a high level of expertise. The term ‘Architect’ is a protected title and UK law requires those that use it to be registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). 

A registered Architect is also required by law to carry Professional Indemnity Insurance cover appropriate to the scale and type of work that they undertake. 

You should always check to see if your ‘Architect’ is registered as there are many people in the construction industry that claim to do the work of an Architect but are not qualified. Please refer to the ARB website to check for registration of any ‘Architect’ before you hire them. (www.arb.org.uk)

An Architect’s experience and insight can help stretch what can be achieved within your budget and add value to your project. Whether you are looking for tradition or innovation an architect will understand your hopes and anxieties. They will find the extra light and space you didn’t know had and and help translate your vision into reality bringing value for money, peace of mind and keep the project on time and budget.

When designing a project, an Architect uses their skills and expertise to think about the most efficient way to build your project, maximising the energy efficiency to reduce the overall running costs, the structural implications, the effects of the Planning laws and the Building Regulations. 
If these items are not fully considered from the beginning they can seriously affect the costs of a project, as the later any problems are discovered throughout the build process the more they will cost to rectify and can seriously delay the completion date. 

An Architect provides much more than a set of drawings; they have the expertise to see your project through from inception to completion. They can oversee the design process, assist with Planning Permissions and Building Regulations approvals, help select the right builder and manage the project with a building contract and monitor works on-site and keep track of the budget. 

Consulting an Architect from the beginning will allow them to establish a clear brief and a realistic budget and ensure that a project can be delivered on time and on budget whilst identifying and reducing or omitting any potential problems from as early as possible.
Before you start a project you need to consider the following factors when selecting your Architect:

• What do you want to achieve from the project?

• What is your budget?

• What specific experience does your Architect need to have?

• Is there a type of design you are looking for? (e.g. traditional, contemporary, green etc.)

It is important that there is good collaboration and dialogue from the outset. You need to have a clearly defined idea of your brief and budget. An Architect is not there to impose their own tastes and ideas on your project but to follow your brief and help realise your aspirations through their expertise. It is their job to analyse the brief and provide solutions that will enhance your ideas, provide value for money and deliver a project to your requirements.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

80s colour blocking is back!

Colour blocking rooms in an 80s style involves using bold, contrasting colours in geometric patterns to create a vibrant and dynamic look. 

Here's how to achieve this iconic retro aesthetic:

1. CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE

The 80s were known for bold and bright colours. 

Consider the following hues:

• Primary Colours: Red, blue, yellow.

• Neon Colours: Hot pink, electric blue, neon green, bright orange.

• Pastels: Soft pinks, mint green, lavender.

2. DEFINE THE SPACE

Decide which areas of the room you want to colour block. 

Common options include:

• Walls: Use different colours on different walls or create large geometric shapes.

• Furniture: Paint or reupholster chairs, tables, and other furniture in bold colours.

• Accessories: Choose lamps, rugs, and artwork that match your colour scheme.

3. GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

The 80s were all about sharp angles and geometric shapes. Some ideas include:

• Stripes: Vertical or horizontal stripes in contrasting colours.

• Triangles and Squares: Paint large triangles or squares on the walls in different colours.

• Checkerboard Patterns: Use contrasting colours for a bold statement.

4. ACCENT WALLS

Create an accent wall with a bold, single colour or a combination of geometric patterns. 

This draws the eye and becomes a focal point of the room.

5. FURNITURE AND DECOR

Incorporate 80s-style furniture and decor:

• Bold Sofas and Chairs: Look for furniture in bright, solid colours.

• Decorative Items: Use items like neon clocks, abstract art, and geometric-patterned rugs.

6. TEXTURES AND MATERIALS

Mix and match different textures to add depth:

• Glossy Finishes: Use glossy paints for a shiny, vibrant look.

• Metallics: Incorporate metallic accents like chrome or gold.

7. LIGHTING

Choose lighting that complements the 80s style:

• Neon Lights: Neon signs or lights add an authentic 80s vibe.

• Geometric Lamps: Look for lamps with bold, geometric shapes.

8. TEXTILES

Use textiles to enhance the colour blocking:

• Bold Curtains: Choose curtains in solid, bright colours.

• Patterned Cushions: Use cushions with geometric patterns and contrasting colours.

——————————————————————————————

BY ROOM:

LIVING ROOM:

Walls: Paint one wall electric blue, another bright pink, and use a checkerboard pattern of black and white on a third wall.

Couch: Choose a neon green sofa with hot pink cushions.

Rug: Use a bold geometric patterned rug with a mix of primary colours.

Art: Hang abstract art pieces featuring neon colours and geometric shapes.

BEDROOM:

Walls: Paint one wall lavender, another mint green, and use a striped pattern on a third wall with yellow and purple.

Bedspread: Choose a bedspread in a bright, solid colour like hot pink.

Lamps: Use geometric-shaped lamps in contrasting colours like red and blue.

By combining these elements, you can create a room that captures the vibrant, eclectic essence of the 80s.

——————————————————————————————

PRACTICAL TIPS:

Balance: While the 80s were known for bold designs, it's important to balance the use of bright colours to avoid overwhelming the space.

Test Colours: Before committing, test your colour choices on small wall sections or with samples to ensure they achieve the desired effect.

Mix Textures: Incorporate different textures along with your colour blocks to add depth and interest to the space.

By using these guidelines you can effectively create an 80s-inspired colour-blocked room that captures the vibrant and dynamic essence of the decade.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------