Design concepts - home improvements …

I’m really not happy with the layout of my 1955 built bungalow - there is no ‘flow’ to the property.  So I was really pleased when I contacted Mezzo Design in Steyning, West Sussex and learnt that I could have a ‘Design Concept’ drawn up.  I love what Peter Buxton, RIBA, of Mezzo has proposed.

We started by walking round the house and talking about what I wanted included in the design.  I suggested a utility room, a gym and more connection with the back garden. Peter has incorporated all these, and come up with

1. Design ideas on the entrance hall
2. Extension to the kitchen area
3. Alterations at first floor

I’m absorbing the ideas, which are beginning to set my imagination running …

Tenants’ unclaimed £millions

The Deposit Protection Service claims almost £5 m of deposits are waiting to be claimed by tenants caused often by tenants not keeping their contact details up to date. Once the tenancy has been registered with DPS, only the tenant can update their details, for security reasons.

The DPS has undertaken a review of its processes to make it easier to avoid deposits being held in limbo due to tenants not responding.  To make a deposit repayment The DPS needs agreement from both the landlord/letting agent and the lead tenant, along with details of the correct payment method.

The following changes will be introduced to the DPS on-line service:

• From 26 November, landlords will be required to provide either a UK mobile phone number or a valid email address for the lead tenant.
• One of these will be required as a minimum (both would be ideal). However, if tenants do not have any of this information then they should apply for a paper deposit submission form.

Early next year the DPS will also be introducing SMS text messaging to alert tenants when a deposit repayment has been initiated by their landlord or letting agent. (Source: Letting Protection Service)

Green homes needn’t be ‘taxing’

“Going green” fills our newspapers and our MPs seem to talk of nothing but – added to which green taxes are infiltrating our everyday lives. 

Going green is a simple process – you’re probably already helping in more ways than you realise.  Check out reliable sources on going green – Friends Of The Earth, EcoWise, OnePercentfortheplanet – then you can see how changing minor details in your home can make a huge difference, not only for the planet, but for your bills too. 

Some of our tips involve spending a little money, but some tips increase your household efficiency without paying anything! 

Our main tip is - think long-term.  This will help you gain more financial benefits as well as making you feel better for your participation to help the earth.  Buying a hot water jacket for your boiler for £20-£30 could save you £15-£20 per year; buying loft insulation could save you around £70 a year.  Loft insulation or even cavity insulation can help dramatically in saving the pennies in your back pocket.  Up to 25% of heat is lost when lofts are not insulated and 35% heat loss through walls!   

Have a look at our top tips for some ideas …

TOP ‘GREEN’ TIPS

• Appliances left on standby consume electricity - try to switch them off after use

• Draw your curtains at night to help as an insulator to keep the warm air in; stop curtains from draping over radiators – this funnels warm air straight to the windows

• Turn your heating down by 1 ºC – this can save you as much as 10% in your heating bills

• Lower voltage bulbs use less electricity and can also last around 15 times longer

• Don’t put hot or warm food straight into the fridge and where possible, position your fridge away from anything that radiates heat.

• Have showers (but not too long) rather than baths

• Do washing when you have a full load

• Use the right size saucepan and keep the lid on – this helps prevent heat loss and generally helps the food to be cooked quicker

• Use the kettle to boil water for cooking but don’t overfill it

Let us know your top tips for saving energy - and time!