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Archive for October, 2010

The device loved by one and all

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

The kitchen is the heart of every home, or at least it is supposed to be. In these days most families lead busy lives. Usually all adult members of the family are working to contribute to the family budget, breakfasts and, for that matter, other meals are very often rushed affairs.

It is fortunate indeed that the kitchen therefore is full of labour and time saving devices. Indeed in the modern home, the vast majority of expensive items covered by household insurance can be found in the kitchen.

Perhaps the most popular device in the modern kitchen is the dishwasher. Mothers and wives may put more value on the washing machine and cooker but universally the dishwasher comes out on top. Children, teenagers, mothers and fathers can all put their dirty plates in the dishwasher, add a tablet, press a button and forget all about them.

The good news is a decent dishwasher is not that expensive. The Zanussi ZSF 2450 for example retails at about £270 and can be bought from most High Street Retailers. It can take enough crockery for 6 place settings yet is still compact and sleek looking.

The operation cycle is very quiet apart from the beginning and end when the water input and output is taking place and it can hold quite a few items for its size, including a various array of pans. It has programmes for delicates, eco function and intensive cleaning but the quick wash cycle that takes around 30 minutes should be sufficient for most washes. It has a very handy delay function and the salt and rinse aide indicators are very useful. The cutlery basket is removable to create even more room to clean bulky items.

This model seems to be really popular so you can purchase it on various sites online and the price does not seem to vary drastically, however, if you wish to buy it from more established retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Comet or John Lewis then it is about £30 more expensive but I guess you pay for the insurance and security of buying from a household name. Some companies will offer free delivery while others may offer a free extension to the product guarantee. Little extras such as these are worth looking around for.

Tags: household insurance
Posted in Advice for Tenants, Home Insurance | No Comments »

A concrete fence will give added security

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Fitting concrete fence panels instead of waney lap panels are becoming a very popular product because they give better privacy and offer greater strength in fence construction.

There are a number of various types of fences to choose from. However, more people are turning to concrete fences because not only are they very easy to install but they also offer greater durability. A concrete fence will maintain privacy and provide good security for the home giving added protection to go with household insurance. Recently people have opted for a concrete fence to accentuate the beauty of a garden.

The panels are attractive and durable; they are not only strong but are built to last for many years. In a lot of construction situations, concrete is cost effective and concrete fencing is no different. Waney lap panels can be weak, and will get weaker each year; the whole fence can be easily damaged or blown over during strong winds. This is not a problem with concrete panels as they are less likely to fall over during bad weather or even vandalism.

Concrete fence panels are best put between slotted fence posts. This will increase the fence’s reliability, simply because wood will not last as long as concrete. Another advantage is there is no need for nails and screws. So, if the panel should ever get damaged, a replacement panel can very easily be installed without any special knowledge. Concrete fences are now available in some excellent designs. Some of them can actually look like stone or even brick and are available in a number of colours. Wooden posts and wooden fence panels are probably quicker to install but they will rot over time. Concrete posts will allow the concrete panels to slot easily into the post.

Measure the height of the fence panels and make sure that the concrete posts are slightly higher. For additional security, some concrete posts will have holes in the top which allows lines of barbed wire to be fitted, but make sure that this does not affect any passers-by or neighbours who could get injured by the barbed wire. A concrete fence will take longer to install then a wooden fence, it will also cost more but crucially it will last a lot longer, saving money in the long term.

Other considerations to bear in mind are to properly establish where your boundaries are and speak to the neighbours. Also make sure that there are no underground pipes or cables before starting the digging and installing the fence.

Tags: concrete fencing, Home Insurance, Home Security
Posted in Home Insurance, Home Security | No Comments »

Lighting will increase the beauty of a garden

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

There are a great many reasons why a household might want to use lights in the garden; one of the most popular reasons is to create both an interesting and stylish design. There are lots of different types of garden lighting and choosing the right one for the garden can be the most difficult part. It is most important to think about which type of light is wanted and where in the garden it is going to be put.

Having designer garden lights will provide an excellent focal point at night and they could also create some interesting shadows which will enhance the design. For this kind of lighting use spotlights or other types of lights that will illuminate a small garden. Making a focal point in the garden using lights normally works best when the lighting is kept to a relatively small area as this will draw attention to that location.

Garden path lighting will make it possible to see at night, they will also improve the appeal of any garden design. Some outside path lights will work really well if there is a curved path but straight paths will still achieve a good look. Make sure that the lights are bright enough for anyone walking along the path but not too bright that they are overwhelming the rest of the garden. Outdoor lighting is also a good security feature as it will deter thieves, but should not stop a homeowner from taking out household insurance.

If parties are often held, then use some backyard patio lighting. The style of lighting will depend on the overall style of the garden and how big the patio is. If it is a small patio then go for a small umbrella light, while a standalone light will be needed it the patio is larger. If some low voltage garden lights are used if will be possible to cut down on energy costs. LED garden lighting also tends to be a lot more energy efficient than most other types. If the garden or patio area gets lots of sunlight then consider going for solar garden lights which will have almost no running costs once they have been installed.

Everyone will have different ideas about what lighting to go for. Will it be electric which will require cables? Solar lighting that will charge via sunlight? Or even candle lights and oil lanterns? All three have their advantages and disadvantages. Electric will be more reliable but will mean cables, solar are cable free and environmentally friendly but will need sunlight in order to be charged and candle garden lights are fairly cheap but are not recommended if children or pets are around.

Tags: home improvements, Home Insurance, Home Security, lighting
Posted in Electricity, Home Insurance | No Comments »

Cardboard can be used to keep the home warmer

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Having good household insurance gives piece of mind and protection for possessions in the home. It cannot, however, stop heat escaping from the home; but there is an easy and very cheap way to help with this problem.

If there is a room in the home that is not used much and is always very cold in the winter, it could be that all is needed is some more room insulation. Doing this with some corrugated cardboard may sound crazy, but it really is a very effective method of insulation. The best way to use cardboard as insulation is to cover the windows with it. The window will be a major source of heat loss. Corrugated cardboard room insulation is not the most glamorous room design, but it is only temporary and it can be taken down just as easily as it was put up.

The room may be not used for many reasons and with energy bills getting higher each year it is important to keep the heat in the home. Close and lock the windows in the room and then put a layer of duct tape over any area that leaks as this will help the insulating effects of the corrugated cardboard.

Measure the length and width of the window to work out how much cardboard is needed. Using a couple of pieces of cardboard will make a difference, and if they are available three or four pieces will be even better. Use a utility knife to cut the cardboard to the size of the window. Place some drops of glue on one piece of cardboard then place the second piece of cardboard on top of it. Align the edges and do the same with the third and fourth pieces of cardboard. Use the duct tape to stick the edges of the cardboard stack closed. Next, to increase its resistance to heat flow, cover the cardboard with some foil as this will help radiate any heat back into the room. Gently tack the cardboard into place over the window.

Corrugated cardboard is made up of a fluted layer of heavy paper which is sandwiched between two thicker, puncture-resistant layers of heavy paper. The fluting acts as a cushion when the corrugated cardboard is crushed. The flutes in the centre are aligned vertically which add extra strength to the cardboard. Heavy-duty corrugated cardboard, which has multiple layers, provide extra insulation compared to regular cardboard. The heavier the cardboard is the better its insulation qualities.

Tags: cardboard, DIY, heating, Home Insurance
Posted in Contents Insurance, DIY | No Comments »

Upgrade the bath and ease the aches and pains

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

Whether it is after a hard day at the office, after a few hours working in the garden or maybe it is just a case of wanting some quiet time to relax. Nothing will ease stress and tension like a soak in a whirlpool bath. A whirlpool bath is a luxury in many master bathrooms. Most people will opt for a one-person, standard-jets tub in a shape that they like.

When the decision has been made to have a whirlpool bath the first job is to measure the space where the bath is going to be installed. Quite often this will be a space between two fixed walls. Unless the entire bathroom is being gutted, the space becomes the first factor in the choice. When measuring the space, take note of any existing plumbing, as this could be another limiting factor if the existing plumbing is going to be used.

Make a list of all the features that are wanted on the whirlpool bath. Place the most important at the top of the list and the ones that could be subject to compromise further down the list. The price can go up very quickly so it is best to work out a budget for the bath and remember that depending on the selection, there may be extra fixtures to mount to the walls or to the deck platform rather than the deck. Some will even have to be mounted to the ceiling; all of these will affect the price. Looking at the space available, work out where the access panel will be located, in case any maintenance work is needed on the whirlpool motors. This may mean that certain models will not be suitable.

Take the list of size, features, accessibility, and budget to a showroom and look for a whirlpool bath that best fits the criteria of what is wanted. If possible climb into a whirlpool bath to see how it fits. Each tub is different and while appearance is important, how a whirlpool bath feels is just as important. Also get a qualified trades-person to do the installing otherwise if it is done wrong and water escapes it will mean a big claim on the household insurance.

Spending as little as ten minutes in a relaxing whirlpool bath each day could make a huge difference to the aches and pains. It is possible to convert a bath into a hydro-spa with a conversion kit if installing a new whirlpool bath is not a realistic option. There are many of these kits on the market. The kits are best installed by an experienced technician who can install it into any existing bath, as long there is access to one side. A whirlpool bath will have simple and reliable controls that allow the user to bathe in complete safety and comfort. Everything needed is within reach and a constant temperature will allow the user to stay in the tub as long as is needed. Adjustable airflow also gives full control of jet intensity.

Because a whirlpool will re-circulate the water from within the bath it is very simple to every now and then add a specially formulated cleanser to a bath full of water and then re-circulate it through the entire system. These cleansers are widely available from a number of shops.

Tags: bathroom fittings, home improvements, Home Insurance
Posted in Contents Insurance | No Comments »

Prepare the house for the harsh winter

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

Unfortunately with summer gone it is now time to start getting the home ready for winter. October should be used as the month to do the projects before November and winter comes knocking at the door.

Arrange to have the boiler inspected if it was not done earlier this year. If this is not done, it could mean some time with no hot water or heating. Also arrange to have the fireplace chimney cleaned. This will ensure the chimney is safe to use during the winter months. It will also avoid what could be a major problem. If birds have built a nest in the chimney during the summer when the fire is not used, the first time a fire is lit, the room may be filled with smoke.

Take a walk around the outside of the house to check if anything needs to be done. Check if any caulking has developed cracks which would allow cold air to get into the home. Inspect the roof and see if any tiles are damaged and in need of replacing.

Clear the gutters and drains of all debris, overflowing gutters can drench walls and cause damage. In cold weather, any water on the paving will freeze so make sure it is well drained, this will avoid any accidents. Check the edges of all of the windows and make sure that any water flows away from the glass and does not collect on the window sill.

Add some weather stripping to any windows or doors that need it. Fix any caulking that was noticed earlier. Fill any holes that are visible around cables and pipes which come through the walls into the home. Filling the holes not only keeps out cold air, it also stops mice coming in and finding a warm place to live during the winter. During the winter the outside of a house will take a battering many times, so a good assessment of its current condition needs to be done.

As the winter is getting closer, everything should be done to prevent the risk of the pipes freezing, which could cause a blockage of the water supply, and in the worst case, lead to the pipes bursting, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to the home and a claim on the household insurance. When the pipes freeze the flow of the water will be completely blocked. As the water expands it then turns into ice, causing the pipes to burst. It is not only the outdoor pipes that can freeze; pipes that run along an exterior wall will be at risk as well. Both hot and cold water pipes can freeze, so make sure both protected.

Tags: Advice, Home Insurance, housing repairs, winter
Posted in Home Insurance | No Comments »

Archive for October, 2010

The device loved by one and all

A concrete fence will give added security

Lighting will increase the beauty of a garden

Cardboard can be used to keep the home warmer

Upgrade the bath and ease the aches and pains

Prepare the house for the harsh winter

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