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Archive for January, 2011

Solar heating salesmen spread their sunshine

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

With the Government showing no lack of resolve in pursuing green energy solutions for the problematic issue of how the country keeps itself warm. The next few months does seem to hold promise for householders on the look-out for a bargain. Homeowners who are familiar with looking for ways to keep their home insurance costs down can now do the same with their energy bills.

Sales consultants for companies looking to benefit from the massive interest in solar heating are proliferating at what some would say an alarming rate. Properties across the UK are being flooded with brochures and pamphlets about the benefits of solar heating and all promise cut price energy with the prospect of boosting ones bank balance at the same time. It is indeed reminiscent of the 1970’s and 80’s when double glazing salesmen seemed to be on each and every street corner.

Government Grants?

Of course this time the solar heating salesmen can indeed promise something a little special… Government support! Through the Feed in Tariff (FiT) the Government have decided to promote the use of renewable energy installations by paying the owners of the project 41.3p per Kwh produced. It doesn’t matter if the homeowner uses the energy himself he will still be paid. What’s more, any excess energy that is fed into the National Grid will attract payment as well. The payments for solar energy are index linked and guaranteed for 25 years.

What exactly is the deal?

Currently companies around the country are offering two distinctly different deals. The first deal involves the company installing the panels free of charge and they benefit from the Feed-in Tariff payments from the Government, the householder benefits from free electricity. The second system involves the installers charging for the installation and then leaving the homeowner to benefit wholly from whatever energy he produces.

Will it affect my home insurance?

There are one or two qualifying criteria for a home to be suitable for the installation of solar heating. It should have a roof facing south and not be in shadow. The roof itself should be maintained well and be robust, apart from that there is little else to worry about. Of course you should always notify your household insurance provider if you make any alterations to your property and a big cluster of solar panels on your roof will certainly do that.

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

Rush for household insurance as police cuts leave citizens insecure

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

As the austerity measures introduced by the Coalition Government in October of last year begin to impact, citizens across the country are beginning to appreciate the value of cheap home insurance.

One of the biggest losers in the allocation of public funds has been the various Police Forces across the UK. Many have seen their budgets slashed and as a result, constabularies such as the Greater Manchester Police have announced job cuts involving 3,000 members of staff. Although the Government have gone to great lengths to say that losing jobs should not necessarily mean fewer “front line” officers, in truth the cuts will mean the city is less secure and homeowners and their property will at more risk.

Who needs back room staff?

It may well be a front line bobby who actually comes to visit a home that has been burgled, but it will have been back room staff who took the phone call to record the robbery, it will be back room staff who direct the squad car to the address and it will be the back room staff who give the poor homeowner a crime reference number when he wants to report the burglary to his household insurance company. The notion of keeping front line staff and getting rid of others, is a similar notion to the one purported by those who recommend getting rid of nursing managers but keeping those on the wards, in the NHS. The uncomfortable truth is that one needs the other, all are part of a team and the success of the group is very much dependant on each facet functioning correctly.

Will cheap home insurance still be available?

Of course the good people of Manchester, many of whom already have good home insurance cover, will realise that if a smaller police force translates into a greater amount of house crime, then their own home contents insurance premiums may well go up, as their insurance provider anticipates a greater risk in the cover. It is then when homeowners who look for the best home insurance deals may benefit more than most. A history of several years of cover without any claims will impress the best of home insurance brokers and result in a cheaper quote. It may compensate to some extent for the feeling of insecurity many living in Manchester now feel. The slimming down of their Police Force in Manchester has upset more than those who are about to lose their jobs.

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

Make good use of the basement

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

Not every home has a basement, but the ones that do give the homeowner a great opportunity for extra living space. Refurbishing a basement offers the homeowner a less expensive alternative to adding extra rooms to the house. A newly decorated basement is a good example of a green project. Because basements stay cooler in the summer and are a little bit warmer in the winter. This will help to save some money on utility bills. Adding a finished basement to the property will also increase the value of the home.

Change the basement into a bar; it is more a man’s idea, but a bar, complete with beer taps and cocktail shakers is a popular choice and a great place to have friends come over. A craft/tool area is a good choice if there are children in the house. It can often be difficult to have any kind of hobby in the house, because the children will want to join in. If the hobby includes woodcarving or other crafts, then a basement will be perfect. The door can be locked so the children can’t get in and the adult can enjoy an hour or two relaxing and working on a hobby. A refurbished basement is also perfect as a play area for children. Keeping all the toys down there and not on general show leads to a tidier looking home.

A home theatre room is another popular choice for the basement and remember with concrete walls, the basement is a great place to sit in relative peace and quiet as the rest of the world goes on above, so a library or home office also fits the bill. A games room is another man’s dream, with a pool table, poker table, plasma screen television for sport and movies and a pinball machine. Just remember the household insurance policy will need to be updated if expensive items are being bought.

Basements can be anything you want, from an extra bedroom to a home gym. Too many people focus on decorating the main floors and forget about the basement. With a little ingenuity, and maybe a professional contractor, the basement can be turned into a room to be proud of instead of a cobweb infested area of the home.

Tags: basement, Home Insurance, household insurance
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Ways to maintain the different types of garden sheds

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

How best to maintain a garden shed is a common question on DIY forums in the UK. The answer of course all depends on the kind of shed that is in the garden. Garden sheds are made from different materials. Metal sheds, wooden sheds, and plastic sheds are the three main types seen in gardens. There are many different facets to maintaining a garden shed and done properly the shed will last for many years.

Though the sheds are made from different materials there is one common bit of advice applicable to all of them, and that is repair any damage immediately before it has a chance to get worse. If the shed is to be newly erected remember to place it away from any trees so that there will be no risk of the branches causing damage when the weather is bad.

Wooden sheds can easily be damaged or even destroyed if they are not looked after properly and regularly. Nearly all wooden sheds can be attacked by termites unless the shed is looked after and treating it yearly can give good protection. For any wooden shed always remember to protect it against all moisture penetration. Checking and repairing the roof, windows and the door from any damage that water may have caused will make the shed last longer. Water can damage or destroy the structure and everything inside. Ensure that all the tools and equipment inside are well organized to avoid accidents and make sure any expensive items are covered on the household insurance policy.

A metal shed will stay in good condition for a long time by simply maintaining it. As soon as any damage is seen it needs to be repaired, retouching the paint immediately means it will not rust. Also it is important to wash the whole garden shed with soap and water every month to keep it clean. If there is any rust just rub it with some sandpaper, apply a rust control product and then paint over it.

A plastic shed needs very little maintenance and can be easily installed. Cleaning inside and outside of a plastic shed is very important and will not take up too much time, and don’t worry if you think your location is too windy for a plastic shed, they can be concreted down which gives them extra stability.

Tags: gardens, Home Insurance, maintenance
Posted in Home Insurance | 1 Comment »

Get a better deal when buying double

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

It is a fact that nobody likes to pay more than they have to for anything. When the product required is double glazing then a homeowner is generally filled with trepidation, not only at the fact that there will be a big bill to pay but whether he will get a reputable company for the installation. The good news is that is does not matter if the house is owned or rented because there are a few tips that can help get the most out of every single pound.

The recession has seen many casualties in the double glazing industry but there are still plenty of firms to choose from. Pick carefully and the result will be an installation to be proud of. Before choosing, there are a number of things to do. It is important to check the credentials of any company carefully, ask to speak to as many previous customers as possible, review feedback (good and bad) from other homeowners, and compare the shortlist of firms with each other. Make sure they are insured because any damage they cause may not be covered by your own household insurance.

Phrasing your “wishes” in the correct way at the very start can give the buyer the upper hand for counter-negotiations. This way, it can be possible to get a bit more for your money. For example saying “If you give me this price, I will have the whole house done.” Like every other firm in the world, window companies need to make a profit, however it can be possible to squeeze a few extras out of them such as locking handles or even more efficient glass in return for the business. Always ask, because nothing will be gained otherwise.

There will always be offers to be considered when buying double glazing; the trick is to get the offer that suits your circumstance the most. Getting low rate finance is no use if the job is being paid for with cash but some free upgrades on glass or even paying nothing till the following year might be better suited. If cash is going to be paid but the bill does not have to be paid for a year, put the money in a high interest account and earn some extra money. Being flexible about the installation date might be worth something to a window firm with a limited installation diary and because of this they may be prepared to offer a little extra incentive.

It pays to compare loans and interest rates before agreeing to, or signing any finance package. Getting a number of different quotes (in writing) allows the buyer to compare prices at a glance and will even help get a better price as a lot of firms are willing to match any real quote. Finally remember that it is very easy to get carried away and talked into things not really needed. If you have a budget try and stick to it.

Tags: Double Glazing, Home Insurance, Reducing Cost
Posted in Home Insurance | No Comments »

Make some New Year’s resolutions for the home

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Just after Christmas every year, people make New Year resolutions in an effort to improve themselves. It may involve taking more exercise, drinking a lot less and quitting smoking, all of which are easily made and easily broken promises. Indeed once the initial enthusiasm wears off, not many can really claim to stick to the resolutions. New Year’s resolutions do not just have to be about people though, why not make some resolutions to improve your home?

They do not have to be big expensive projects either, although the goal of a new conservatory will need a reduction in spending it is an excellent reward. Most other projects will require very little time and expense so why not make some resolutions for the home.

Don’t neglect the roof and carry out a visual inspection, taking note of any missing or loose tiles along with any leaking or blocked guttering. Taking early action via maintenance will save a possibly large bill later on down the road, not to mention the potential for considerable damage to the interior of the home. It will also avoid a homeowner making an unnecessary claim on their household insurance.

Regular maintenance of the properties heating system will make sure that it’s working at peak efficiency, plus it will help cut down on the risk of any costly breakdowns or even worse, poisonous fume leaks which can threaten all the occupants of the home. If the home does not already have them, think about fitting some immersion tank and radiator thermostats which will help save some money on the energy bills. Loft insulation is relatively straightforward and more importantly cheap, the savings though, can be massive. Lagging the hot water pipes will make sure no energy is being wasted.

Hang a curtain over all the exit doors and use draught excluders around old door frames, not forgetting the letterbox. Old windows will also need some attention. DIY stores have an array of draught excluding products to seal old windows; these include strips that fit around window openers and films that fit over the glass and window frame. Replace any loose or missing putty on the outside of the windows and use sealants around the frame. If it is possible, think about the long term and consider replacing any old windows and doors with double glazed units.

Tags: Garden design, Home Insurance, interior design
Posted in Contents Insurance, Possessions Insurance | 1 Comment »

Fake That – Artificial Grass Can Have Its Advantages

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

There are a large number of benefits in installing artificial grass in the garden. Obviously it will not need much time spent on its up-keep and instead of using valuable time in the summer cutting the grass the time can instead be spent sitting and enjoying what little sunshine we get in the United Kingdom. People have less time to spare these days so it is perfect for busy professionals with families and it can be perfect for the elderly who want a lawn but just can not manage a grass one. Just because the maintenance is too much does not mean they should miss out.

Even looking at it from an environmental point of view, an artificial lawn has its benefits. Many people are becoming aware of the need to save water, and hose pipe bans are becoming more and more frequent each summer. Of course artificial grass does not need watering. Another environmental plus is that an artificial lawn will require no mowing so the need for households to use a petrol lawnmower is removed, which saves fuel and emissions. Artificial grass does not require any fertiliser or chemicals and mossy grass is a thing of the past. So, man made grass not only saves the planet it saves you cash, and the money saved can be put to good use in purchasing other home essentials such as household insurance.

Owning a second home is also on the increase and planting artificial grass in the garden of a second home is very useful as the garden will not have to be maintained while the property is either rented out or unoccupied. Artificial grass has a rich green appearance which does not fade or deteriorate no matter how much wear and tear it is put through. It can be installed quickly and with little hassle, and will not suffer discolouration or bald spots that blight a natural lawn.

Artificial grass has come a long way in the last decade. Not just the product technology, but also people’s attitude towards it. In fact the entire negative comments about it feeling harsh and abrasive and it being cheap looking and unappealing on the eye have completely changed. Having an area of bouncy, lush green lawn all the year round is becoming something of a ‘must have’ for more and more people.

Tags: Artificial Grass, DIY, Home Insurance
Posted in Advice for Tenants, Contents Insurance, Home Insurance | No Comments »

Don’t get caught out, backup the computer today

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

With so many expensive items in homes throughout the country, it is vital to have household insurance which will replace items should the worst happen. However, it is possible to lose everything on a home computer without the machine being stolen at all.

Backing up a computer is one of those things that many people always promise themselves that they will do, but never get round to it. If a computer or laptop dies and the hard drive is lost, including all of the applications and all of the data, the impact can be huge. Backing up a computer is never something that is forgotten once the worst has happened because there is nothing like the benefit of hindsight.

It is important to backup all data regularly, not just any documents used but also mail files, calendars etc. Everyone unfortunate enough to lose their entire hard disk, not only loses data and applications but other little things such as; Cookies which automate all login information used on a daily basis, links and bookmarks for favourite websites and options and preferences for all apps used, not to mention all of the default settings.

Assess just how vital the computer is and take appropriate action; CD, DVDs and memory sticks are fine for saving a small amount of data or some important documents. However, an external hard drive is more than worth the cost if the other option is being without the computer for a few days or losing data. For the average home user an external hard drive will be more than adequate, the more complex systems are aimed at business users. The older a computer is, the more likely it is to happen. But just because the computer is new, does not mean regular backups should be ignored.

Backing up the system is very easy, first plug the external hard drive into a power source and place the external hard drive’s USB cable into the respective port on the computer. Next click start then “accessories” then “System Tools” and then click “Backup”. Follow this by Clicking “Next” on the “Backup or Restore Wizard” screen which will appear. Ensure that the “back up files and settings” option is selected and Click “Next”. Then select the “All information on this computer” option from the “What to Back Up” box and Click “Next”. Select external hard drive on the menu asking to “Choose a place to save the back up”. Provide a name for the back up in the space provided and click “Next”. Finally Click “Finish” on the “Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard” page and click “Close” once the

Tags: Contents Insurance, Home Insurance, household insurance
Posted in Contents Insurance, Home Insurance, Possessions Insurance | No Comments »