Nowadays, the traditional ‘spare room’ is becoming increasingly rare. Houses and flats are on average getting smaller, we’re living in smaller groups, and with working from home becoming more common, studies and home offices are starting to become a necessity.
However, at the same time, sofa beds are becoming better and more comfortable, so it is getting easier and easier to let your living room, dining room or office double up as a spare bedroom. Indeed, many people choose to have multiple sofa beds in their house, so they can accommodate larger groups of family and friends who wish to stay overnight.

The versatility of the sofa bed…
Gone are the days when sofa beds were saggy, unattractive monstrosities that neither looked good nor felt good to sleep on. Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes from elegant chaises longue, to smart and sexy leather couches, to big and cosy four-seater family size settees. Some incorporate storage, very handy for keeping the duvets, pillows and bedclothes out of the way.
They are simple to operate too, typically having a one-step pull out mechanism that makes changing from a sofa to a bed and back again a breeze.

Every room can be a bedroom
And comfort has come on as far as looks and ease of use have. No more restless nights trying to twist yourself round the lumps and bumps in the mattress. Now sleeping on sofa beds is just as comfortable as sleeping on a regular bed. And all without compromising on how it works to sit on either: folded up, it will be a great place nap, watch TV and have family time – or couple time. Choosing well is important because the sofa is in many ways the heart of the home. It’s where you can spend quality time together, rest and relax, enjoy your hobbies and much more. It’s a place where happy memories are made.

Turn (almost!) every room into an extra bedroom by investing in a few of these most versatile of furniture items, and you’ll be set to go whether it’s Aunty Ethel spending Christmas with you, friends wanting to stay over after a house party or student offspring coming back for the holidays.

Some other options…

While the humble sofa bed may be great for many households – others may seek a more permanent ficture in their homes. Often with a bit of lateral thinking, non load bearing walls can be taken down to create new spaces, which may well be suitable for use as a bedroom. Not only can this add value and be a handy investment but the extra living space can bring a real sense of completiton to someone’s vision for their house.

The author is a frequent blogger and loves to write about home improvement from how to get the most out of distressed leather sofas to the lastest and hottest trends in interior design.

The moist corners of your bathroom, kitchen, ceiling and basement are perfect places where mildews and molds can grow and thrive. When left unattended, molds and mildews will not only affect the aesthetics of your home, but can also take their toll on your health as well as your family’s. With that said, it is vital that you immediately get rid of, if not prevent, mold and mildew growth from taking over your home. One of the easiest means to rid your house of the unsightly and smelly molds and mildews is by using a mold or mildew resistant paint.

As its name suggests, a mold or mildew resistant paint serves the purpose of preventing the growth of molds and mildews in areas that usually have damp conditions. Although it does not totally preclude the growth of black molds, especially when they are already present, it is helpful in preventing mildews from recurring.

Nowadays, there are numerous brands of mold or mildew resistant paints from which you can choose from. They are also available in a wide variety of colors that can suit existing home decors. When choosing such type of paint, however, there are some things that you need to carefully look at in order to make the right purchase.

First, check the label of the mold or mildew resistant to see if it contains the approved level of mildewcide. In most cases, Latex or acrylic paints are ideal options to go for as they contain the right amount of mildewcide and they are not oil-based paints. You have to take note that oil-based paints contain fatty compounds that serve as the food source for mildews. As such, if you have not notice any mildewcide added on your chosen color or brand, you can purchase a separate mildewcide, though this can only add cost on your part.

Another factor that you must consider when picking a mold or mildew resistant paint is its sheen. Mold or mildew resistant paints come in a wide variety of sheens that can affect their ability to hinder the growth of mildews. The sheen of the paint can also define the areas where they are appropriately used. For instance, in high moisture locations around the home such as basements, a mildew resistant paint with a semi-gloss or gloss finish is ideal to use as it is easier to maintain and it resists staining. Meanwhile, an eggshell or satin finish is your best bet if you would be using it in your living space as it can add to the aesthetic quality of such area.

When purchasing a mold or mildew resistant paint, it is also imperative that you pay attention to its guarantee. As with any other product, not all mold or mildew resistant paints are created equal. Hence, for your protection, it would be wise to buy a brand that offers at least a two-year guarantee, so that in the event that you find a problem with the product you can easily invoke the guarantee.

If you think that your budget is at a premium, bear in mind that cheap varieties of mold or mildew paints may actually be less effective and may cost you more in the long run. As such, it pays to stretch your budget a little more when it comes to mold or mildew resistant paint to ensure that you will get the best ones in the lot.

This subject was researched and written by Robert Swan from Aqua Protection who are a WallCoatings Specialist Robert enjoys writing about home improvement subjects.

As the cost of living goes up with the ever increasing taxes bills, it can become very hard to cope unless your boss wants to give you a pay rise. So without the generosity of unexpected pay rises the most affordable solution to save money by cutting your energy costs.

If you are not confident with the Internet, you should check with your local council if there is an “Energy Efficiency Advice Project”. Cities like Dundee (Scotland) have their own program in place, and provide homeowners with suggestions with qualified personnel in order to help people to choose the most appropriate fuel tariff for their property.

However, changing the tariff is not the only thing that homeowners can do. More long-term changes to the properties are often the best alternative. Investing in better insulation, new windows, greener lighting and remembering to turn off the lights and appliances when they are not in use can help to lower your energy costs according to Be Energy Smart, the impartial advisor.

Swap your bulb!

We can start with the most obvious and easiest way to become more energy efficient, swapping your old light bulbs for more energy efficient, low watt light bulbs.

Mr Dowson, founder of Be Energy Smart, recommends moving away from “old filaments”, which he sees as costing homeowners lots of money. Eco-light bulbs help save on costs almost immediately, and because they use less energy, help make the planet greener.

A single 100W traditional light bulb compared to a 20W energy saver bulb consumes less energy but produces the same light output. This is without considering the new light bulbs last around 5 times longer. However, they are more expensive and they must be treated carefully while disposing them because they contain cancer-causing chemicals.

In my opinion, the energy consumption added with the longevity of the eco-bulb compensates the initial investment of the eco-bulb, making it an energy smart move.

Insulate your loft!

In a home that has not been insulated, about quarter of the heat is lost through the roof. Regardless your house size, insulating the loft is a simple and effective way to avoid any waste and reduce your heating bills. This can save 25 per cent of your heating bill and is a very energy smart move.

Insulating the loft it’s not a hard job, you can even do it yourself, provided you purchase your insulation at your local DIY store and have enough time to install the insulation correctly. However, as there is just not one insulation solution, enterprising homeowners have to be aware of the different types of products on the market. In order to pick up the most appropriate insulation our energy smart homeowner should speak to their local council, or often the DIY stores provide very good information. This includes specific types of insulation for lofts, roofs, floors, walls, and even draughty doors and windows.

Energy consumption calculations have been made and insulating the loft is the next step to reducing your bills. People that don’t, Mr Dowson added, are “completely mad”. It has been estimated that there are 6 million UK houses that are in need of cavity wall insulation. So unless you are living in a new property (that is theoretically already insulated) you should seriously consider getting the job done.

This will not only give you a quick payback as you become less dependent on the heating systems, but also it will give your house a warm and pleasant sensation even during those wet and freezing winter nights.

For those looking to insulate their homes, it is potentially worthwhile consulting a qualified installer “bound” by the Code of Professional Practice, said Neil Marshall, chief executive of the National Insulation Association (NIA).

Not only will such a person conduct a professional job, but after the initial survey, the best advice can be provided on what is the most efficient and appropriate method of insulating a specific home.
This can help save up to 60 per cent of your heating costs, which turns out to roughly £180 to £310 a year of saving!

Why should I care about this?

In today’s double dip recession the money saving aspect should be enough. For me, it is the happiness of contributing to reduction of carbon emission.

The UK government is still supporting the tax deduction scheme for home improvements, making your house energy efficient still falls into this allocated budget, though the amount of money people can deduct is getting smaller on a yearly basis.

As we all know that saving is important, why not get the best of both worlds?

This article has been written by Robert Taylor, an eco-green fan which keep himself up to date looking news and drafting his own conclusion following sites like SustainableLivingExpert.co.uk.

When considering renovating your house, there are certain things you want to keep in mind. These renovations typically don’t pay off when you are reselling your house and should be avoided if you are planning to sell your house soon.

Renovations That Won’t Pay Off

When you offer up your house for sale, you want to make sure that it justifies your selling price, so you probably would consider doing some renovations. While there’s nothing wrong with doing some key upgrades, there are some remodeling efforts that are just not worth the time and money, since they’ll probably work against you in the end. If you want to ensure that your house will entice buyers instead of repelling them, here are some renovations that you should think twice about doing.

An over-the-top garden

Don’t create a sprawling landscape with topiaries and a fountain and think that it will increase the value of your home. Not everyone might share your visual tastes, as well as your interest in gardening, so you might be giving them trouble instead of value. People would rather buy a house with a nicely trimmed lawn and some trees than one that will only cause them to hire a bunch of people to maintain or tear out.

An in-ground swimming pool

Everyone wants the chance to take a dip in a pool on a hot day, but only if the pool is at someone else’s place. Swimming pools take a lot of time, money and water to maintain, and no home buyer would want this responsibility to be passed onto them. Not to mention, families with kids might consider a pool to be a potential hazard, for fear that their little ones might go in without adult supervision.

Wall-to-wall carpeting

While wall-to-wall carpeting may lend a home the feeling of being in a hotel, this sensation can quickly evaporate once they remember the hard work that it takes to clean it, especially with children in the house. Some people would prefer to see the hardwood finish underneath, and they wouldn’t want to pay extra just to have the carpet removed, so make sure that you leave the decision to install carpeting up to the buyer.

A “convertible” bedroom

Turning your “extra” bedroom into a home office or gym will only appeal to buyers who are single, so don’t expect families to come traipsing in and making an offer. Most families buy a new home because they need the space to accommodate their growing family, so they might be disappointed to see a work desk or treadmill where a child’s bed should be.

In your attempt to get more money out of selling your home, you might end up throwing some away if you spend them on renovations that buyers won’t be too keen on. Stick to small but valuable renovation projects, and leave the big ones up to the next owner.

Thinking about doing a little makeover magic on your kitchen? Fortunately, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to pull off some amazing results, as long as you use your creativity and resourcefulness. As you know, your kitchen cabinets go a long way in setting the decorative tone and feel of your kitchen. But did you know that you can actually completely change the look of your kitchen cabinets without replacing them altogether? It’s called cabinet refacing, and it is an option that all too many times goes overlooked when it comes to kitchen remodeling. So, which is for you: refacing or replacing your kitchen cabinets? Here are some things to consider:

What does it mean to reface kitchen cabinets? The face of a kitchen cabinet is the outside of it – the part you see. Therefore, to reface kitchen cabinets is to just treat the outside surfaces, and leave the structural parts alone. You can reface your kitchen cabinets with a variety of materials, from wood veneer to metal, or you reface them by refinishing them with paint or varnish.

Cost. If cost is a deciding factor for you, then you should know that you can save an extreme amount of money – even tens of thousands of dollars – by opting to reface your cabinets. Of course, some refacing jobs and materials cost more than others (just as when you are shopping around for cabinets), but the general rule is that you can expect to pay less than half of what you would spend on new cabinets when you reface, instead.

When is it advisable to purchase replacement cabinets, rather than reface them? If you would like an entirely new kitchen layout, which would require a different number or different size of cabinetry, then you may have no choice but to purchase new cabinets altogether. While it is true that you can dislodge the cabinets that you already have installed and then rearrange them to create a new layout, you have to account for labor costs associated with doing such a big job. Also, if you have older cabinets that have seen a lot of wear and tear, it may not be such a good idea to invest in refacing them when they might not outlast the refacement materials.

When is it best to just reface cabinets? If you are content with the cabinet layout you have, and your cabinets are in good enough shape to use for several more years, then there is no reason why a cabinet refacing wouldn’t be the best option for you.

As you can see, there are some factors you should consider when deciding whether to replace or reface. Use these suggestions to make the best choice for you.

About the Author: Son Duffek loves working on kitchen repair and remodeling projects and enjoys seeing a homeowner’s vision become a reality. He works from the ground up, replacing door gaskets, cabinets, flooring, and even plumbing to ensure the kitchen is like-new, whether it really is or not.

Are you curious about how to remove fixtures in your bathroom? Check out this short video from Bob Vila that will give you some pointers. Even Bob had a professional help with this step and it would be a good idea if you use a professional home improvment contractor as well.

Basic Considerations in Flat Roof Repair

Whether to call a professional or carry out flat roof repair measures as a DIY project without a doubt depends on the extent of the damage and, of course, the experience in dealing with such a project an individual may or may not have. The material of the flat roof will also make a difference when deciding who should have a go at conducting repairs, with EPDM roofs probably being among the easier options.

Safety first

Before attempting to assess any damages or conduct a flat roof repair, it is necessary to ensure proper safety measures have been taken and someone has been informed of the intent to go onto the roof, just in case an accident should occur or the person conducting the flat roof repair needs assistance of any kind.

Minor damages

The next step to take is to assess the actual extent of the damage. If the roof covering consists of EPDM rubber, the solution may be to use strips of a self adhesive membrane, or in the unlikely event of extensive damage to an older roof, a one-piece replacement option of EPDM rubber roof covering. This option may, in any case, be a cost effective alternative to extensive repairs on an old roof of any material, and may be used without having to remove the existing roofing material in most situations, making it possible to perform the replacement comparatively easy without the help of a contractor.

Extensive damages

If the damage is too extensive or a person feels they do not have the necessary knowledge or experience to attempt flat roof repair without professional help, it may help to cover areas causing leaks with plastic sheeting or tarpaulin until help can be obtained. This temporary measure will prevent leaks from causing additional damage through water seeping into wood, ceilings, etc. Either way, the damage, especially if it involves leaks, will have to be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent the situation getting worse.

To repair smaller areas, it is essential to thoroughly dry the affected area and ensure it is free from grit, dust and gravel. If membranes requiring adhesives are required, the adhesive is applied with suitable brushes (normal water based or gloss brushes are typically not suitable for this job), after which the replacement tile or strip of EPDM membrane is attached and the seams are rolled with a silicone roller. The seams should then be given a minimum of 24 hours to dry, before testing them with a seam probing tool. This tool, as well as the appropriate adhesives and brushes can usually be acquired from the same source as the roofing material.

It should be noted that if temperatures are below 35 degrees F (1.667 degrees C) to 40 degrees F (4.444 degrees C), adhesives used in flat roof repair may not bond or dry properly and subsequently will not provide a secure, tight seal. In such a case, it is better to place a temporary cover in the shape of tarpaulin or plastic sheeting over the area and wait for temperatures to rise above these levels.

Tom Cullingford Owner & Blogger For Rubber4Roofs LTD is an expert on flat roofing, rubber roofing and roof repairs, for more information please goto http://www.rubber4roofs.co.uk/

Builder Workloads Falling

According to its recent State of Trade Survey, by the UK’s largest construction trade association, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), only five percent of small building companies and nine percent of major construction companies expect an increase in their workloads in 2012, due to the continued uncertainty in the economy and a decrease in consumer discretionary spending on building and renovation work. The survey also found that as as a direct result of the 2011 VAT increase to 20 percent, one in five small building firms were forced to cut jobs, due to a decrease in workloads. Quarterly survey results show that workloads for small builders have fallen each quarter since the first quarter of 2008, and this trend shows no sign of letting up.

Renovating Makes Sense

On average, homeowners sell their homes and move every six years. However, with the property market as depressed as it is, it makes sense to stay put and consider completing renovations that make the home more comfortable to live in and give the best return on investment when it comes time to sell. The FMB gives its top five recommended renovation projects in terms of providing sound investments and improving a home’s liveability:

1. Creating additional living space in the home with a loft conversion is the best way to add value to a property and can add 12.5 percent to its selling price.
2. Creating additional living space by extending a property can add 11 percent.
3. Adding a conservatory will add 6 percent.
4. Renovating a kitchen to make it more functional and appealing, with the use of granite counter tops and popular stainless steel appliances will add 4.6 percent.
5. Installing central heating will add 3.4 percent.

Other recommended renovation projects which will add to the property’s value include installing a new bathroom, redecorating, laying a new driveway, adding a deck or patio and installing energy-saving, environmentally sound devices. The FMB is also keen to point out high-cost, low-value renovations that simply do not make good sense and could deter future buyers. These include installing a swimming pool, lavish and eccentric decoration and custom-built cabinets. A common mistake home owners make is to knock down walls to make two bedrooms into one large bedroom, when most buyers want more bedrooms, not more space in less bedrooms.

Regulation Compliance

When undertaking home renovations, it is important that home owners comply with the necessary regulations. The project may require planning permission, building regulations approval and, in the instances of semi-detached and terraced houses and flats, you may require a Party Wall Agreement to ensure that work carried out complies with the Party Wall Act of 1996. If the property is a listed building or in a conservation area, planning permission is usually required, regardless of the type of work. Local council planning offices can advise homeowners on the necessary requirements, and it is important to consult with them, prior to starting a renovation project, since failure to comply with building regulations is illegal, and in the case of a listed building is considered a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment. A home owner should not assume that his builder is responsible for the legalities of a renovation project, since it is the home owner with whom the responsibility ultimately lies and the home owner who will be prosecuted for failure to comply with appropriate regulations.

Hightech Group and Build offer renovation services.

The current economic climate has made it difficult for many families to move to a bigger home, and has left some families struggling to pay their mortgages.  In some cases, those struggling families have been forced to come up with creative solutions to their space, or money problems.  One such option is transforming their garage into a second home or small studio – either for use themselves, or to let out to a lodger.

Turning a garage into a small studio home is not as difficult as it sounds, and can be a great way to re-claim unused space.  If your garage currently holds boxes of junk, rather than a car, why not clean it out and make it suitable for use as a home?

Converting your garage into a fully functional home complete with a small kitchen and a bathroom may be an expensive proposition, and will require you to comply with a lot of building regulations.  Lower scale conversions, however, can be simple and inexpensive.

If all you need is some extra space for your own family, then a converted garage can make a good home gym, children’s play area, home “cinema” for entertaining, or a large lounge.  Depending on the configuration of your home, you could get a small door installed to link your garage to your home, or remove the garage doors and replace them with large oak doors.  For an extra luxurious, country style appearance, you could choose oak doors in a barn or stable style, making your garage look like a country barn from the outside.

Once you’ve sorted out the doors, you will need to consider insulation, flooring, skirting boards, and wallpaper.  You may need to do some extensive work on the floor and the walls before the garage is ready to be decorated.  Insulation can be a particularly troublesome issue – in some cases you can add the insulation without too much work, but in other cases you may need to dig up the floor and insulate the building as if it were a new build.

Things to Consider Before Renovating Your Garage

If you don’t own your home, you will need to read your lease carefully before you do any work at all.  Even if you own your home, there may be something in your paperwork that restricts what you can do.  If you have any doubts at all, get your agreement checked by a professional.

If you will be knocking down any walls, or changing the size of your garage, then you will need planning permission before you can start work. If all you’re doing is fitting some pretty oak doors and skirting boards, and painting the interior, then you shouldn’t need planning permission, but once again it pays to be cautious.  This is especially true if you live in a listed building.

In some areas, the local authority does not want people to convert designated parking spaces into buildings that are designed for another purpose.  This is something that varies from local authority to local authority, so it’s best to seek advice from an expert in your area.

If you’re lucky enough to have a double garage, then you may want to convert one side of it, and leave the other side as a designated parking space.

Article written by Amy Fowler for UK Oak Doors, experts suppliers of oak doors and skirting boards. Find out more on their site.

The topic of rooftops may seem boring, yet it is extremely important when building a home.  It may not be at the top of the list when constructing your dream home but it is very important to the overall look of the home.  Different geographic locations may require different types of roofs.  The pitch of the roof and the type of shingle used are important items to consider.  Here are a few types of roofs to get your creative juices flowing.

Saltbox Roof

A saltbox home is interesting and easy to pick out.  This roof is asymmetrical with one short, steep side and a long side that is not as steep.  Typically these homes are one story on the side with the long slant roof and two stories on the side that has a short slant.

Mansard Roof

This roof has four slopes.  There are two on each side of the home.  The lower slope has a steeper slope and the upper slope is not as steep and may not be visible from the ground.  It may look like the roof has sloped on the sides and the top is flat.  The purpose of this style is to have more space in the top floor.

Gambrel Roof

The Gambrel roof is similar to the mansard roof.  The difference is that this style of roof has vertical gables on the ends of the home.  Some of these homes have either two gables on each end giving it a barn look or they can have several gables where the roof hangs over the façade.

Pyramid Roof

These roofs are just like they sound.  The roof forms a pyramid by each side being made up of triangles that are the same dimensions.  They give a home a nice symmetric look that will accent almost any type of home.

Hip Roof

The hip roof is very similar to the pyramid design, but instead of meeting at a point, the sides meet at a ridge.  This design is more practical for a home that is rectangular, whereas the pyramid roof would only be beneficial for square homes.

Bonnet Roof

A bonnet roof meets at the top along a ridge similar to the hip roof.  The difference with this roof is that there are two slopes.  The top slope is steep and the lower slope is not as steep giving it a fanned out look.  Some people use this roof if they have a porch they wish to be covered by a roof.

Flat Roof

A flat roof is just like it sounds.  They are very simple to construct and are easily accessible if there is a need to go on the roof.  Rooftop walkways can be installed to make it easier to go on the roof without damaging it.  The drawback to this roof is that it is more likely to collect debris, water, snow, and ice.

A rooftop is an important part of a home or building.  To maintain a roof walkway systems such as stairs, crossovers, and ramps are necessary to access the rooftop.  PHP Systems/Design is the leader for walkway systems.