Riding the second wave: What the next six months could bring

Coronavirus cases are rising, with the prospect of more local restrictions and even a second national lockdown. Fraught Brexit talks are also under way and the economy is in deep trouble. How is the construction industry coping with so much uncertainty?

Construction is facing a winter like no other. With covid-19 cases rising again, the looming threat of a second national lockdown and the furlough scheme coming to an end on 31 October, the industry is heading into a period of deep uncertainty that is perhaps unparalleled in living memory.

It was all so different at the beginning of the year, as firms breathed a sigh of relief following the clear result of last December’s general election and the final settling of the Brexit question. Now the outcome of the UK’s trade talks with the EU is just one of the unknowns in an increasingly bewildering mix.

Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, has unveiled the job support scheme to replace the furlough initiative, but already economists have raised doubts about the new support measures. Torsten Bell, director of think tank the Resolution Foundation, was one of those to point out the scheme’s “avoidable design flaws” which mean that employers would pay 33% more to employ two part-time workers than to hire one full-time worker.

> Editor’s leader: If there’s a second wave, we all get drenched
> Keith Waller: A chance for permanent transformation

There are nevertheless glimmers of hope. In the summer, construction was the sector with the biggest drop in the proportion of its workers being furloughed, down by 62% since the industry’s peak use of the scheme in April. There are also signs that the government may be rethinking the introduction of the IR35 tax, which could cripple thousands of small firms if introduced as planned next April. And, unlike in March, when the pandemic caught the industry by surprise and sites across the country were forced to close, firms are much better prepared should a second lockdown be imposed.

So, to gauge how the sector is bracing for the challenges ahead, Building asked some of the industry’s biggest players how they would respond to the prospect of another lockdown, whether the government’s replacement of the furlough scheme is enough, how they are planning for a no-deal outcome in the Brexit talks, and what the future holds in the mid-term. 

Brexit

Steve Beechey, Wates group public sector director

Negotiations will have to be concluded by the middle of October in order to ratify the deal and do all the paperwork, so that means very soon we will know what the situation is. If it’s a no-deal we are into all sorts of complexities [such as] arrangement of deliveries coming through Kent.

It’s obvious that that hasn’t yet been properly resolved by the government in terms of that plan B. So that’s going to be a big thing for the industry in terms of grappling with that issue. And it’s imminent; we’ve only got a matter of weeks now. 

Iain Parker, Alinea partner  I think this now starts to move up the agenda, and while there has been discussion and strategies outlined by contractors, the ability to source and transport materials to site when needed will move sharply into focus. Buying in advance of programme dates, the use of consolidation centres for storage and a review of supply chains generally will remain hot topics for months to come.

Richard Steer, Gleeds Worldwide chair  From recent research we have undertaken across clients, consultants and contractors, those working in the built environment place fear of a no-deal Brexit on the same level as the failure to find a vaccine for covid, such is the worry. 

For us the key word is “confidence”. We need investors to feel confident that there is a viable property market and that there is stability in cost predictions and likely occupancy rates, once something is built.

The hope of some sort of equilibrium in the market is not bolstered by talk of a no-deal Brexit and the drip, drip, drip of bad news about negotiations. Horror stories of possible delays in materials and logistics logjams are not what we require. 

What worries me is the government’s apparent lack of competence and consistency

Rab Bennetts

Meanwhile, due to the pandemic, the chancellor faces a near impossible task of trying to achieve a stable economy while simultaneously shutting down business. His latest measures post furlough, such as debt payment delays, top-up wage grants and VAT payment suspensions, are helpful for the SMEs in our sector, and rumours that the IR35 issue has been shelved, if true, will be welcome. However, the fear of a recession caused by covid combined with a no-deal Brexit is keeping many of us awake at night.

Mark Reynolds, Mace chief executive  Looking ahead at the event of a no-deal in Brexit trade negotiations, we’ve carried out risk assessments to prepare our business for further disruption. Our greatest concerns relate to the availability of materials that are vital for our construction projects, as well as the resilience of supply chains in a no-deal scenario. However, I am hopeful that any outcome of Brexit negotiations will keep Britain moving during this crisis.

The trade associations are doing a fantastic job supporting their members and we are much more joined up today than we were pre-covid. While I was against Brexit and concerned about the impact, I no longer see the risk as high as it was 12 months ago, and it is something we will be able to manage.

Rab Bennetts, co-founder of Bennetts Associates What worries me is the government’s apparent lack of competence and consistency, which means they are far from on top of the chaos that Brexit is going to cause. Not to mention climate change, the fallout from Grenfell, break-up of the union, breaking [international] law. All of these things will affect the economy and society in ways that need to be managed.

A second lockdown

Gary Sullivan, Wilson James chair  A second lockdown is still a possibility if these latest measures introduced by the government are not adhered to. However, the construction industry has already proved that it can work safely and accommodate safe working practices as per the guidelines.

Organisations such as Build UK – with collaboration from contractors and trade associations – have done a great job at keeping people informed and engaged. They have helped with the messaging and guidelines we are able to issue to our workforce of construction logistics teams. And they, in turn, are helping to keep construction sites open.

While the immediate future remains uncertain, we have every confidence that the construction industry has measures in place to keep operating.

Noble Francis, Construction Products Association chief economist  A second national lockdown is a big “if” at this stage, given that the restrictions so far announced have been relatively minor. The key will be the extent to which we see infections rising sharply with the colder weather alongside flu, but the government will want to avoid a national lockdown to the extent seen between 23 March and mid-May, given the impacts on the UK economy.

While the immediate future remains uncertain, we have every confidence that the construction industry has measures in place to keep operating

Gary Sullivan, Wilson James

However, if we were to see a second national lockdown, then it would clearly have a significant impact on the UK economy and on the construction industry. But activity would not fall as much as in the initial lockdown, due to a higher degree of business continuity and increased learning from the first lockdown. For instance, in construction, there are site operating procedures and other safety measures that were not there on 23 March.

Valeria Passetti, principal architect, Conception Architects  The idea of a new lockdown is very worrying for the damage it could do to existing site work and the psychological effect it could have on potential clients, colleagues and staff.

Simone de Gale, founder of Simone de Gale Architects  We need well-defined, thought-through plans on safe ways for businesses to operate, and measured and staggered integration of social activity while a certified vaccination procedure is established and the threat to life is lessened.

The measures provided in the job support scheme are further short-term solutions, and the same complications will evolve again once these new packages come to an end.

The job support scheme

Iain Parker  With the latest figures from the ONS showing that 6% of the industry are still on partial furlough and over 1% have been made permanently redundant, the chancellor’s news is very welcome.

Retaining people in the industry is key, as we know from previous recessions the construction workforce is likely to contract quite a bit and if the industry is to bounce back after this we will need skilled workers and general labour to do so. The replacement [of the] furlough scheme should help with this but without sight of long-term plans – the autumn Budget being cancelled and the Spending Review likely to be kicked down the road again – the question is whether businesses will be willing to pay 55% of wages for 33% of time worked.

Business owners that I talk to are worried that they will have to afford a wage bill that includes payments to staff for time not actually worked

Valeria Passetti

Valeria Passetti  I was relieved that the government decided to continue to support businesses, but I am concerned that the business owners that I talk to are worried that they will have to afford a wage bill that includes payments to staff for time not actually worked, and how long they can sustain this. In our company the flexibility in the working pattern is welcomed as it will allow us to work on our existing projects and plan ahead for potential new work, which has been almost non-existent since the start of lockdown.

Paul Hamer, Sir Robert McAlpine chief executive Given that the current furlough scheme will cease to operate at the end of October, and in light of the recently announced additional business restrictions which could last up to six months, it is important that the government ensures both businesses and individuals are properly supported. 

For the construction sector, the chancellor’s job support scheme will be vital in ensuring that SME businesses in particular, as a critical component of the industry, are protected from further hardship during this time.

Mark Robinson, Scape chief executive  The construction industry remains one of the UK’s hardest-hit sectors; however, like retail, manufacturing and hospitality, it remains a critical component at the top end of what is fast becoming an uneven economic recovery in which some sectors risk being left behind.

The latest figures suggest that post-lockdown growth in construction has begun to slow and, while [the job support scheme] will be welcomed in terms of protecting jobs, it’s imperative that project owners and contractors do all they can to get the next wave of developments off the ground as quickly as possible.

As outlined by the prime minister earlier this summer, the public sector will be pivotal in that respect, as projects look to move through procurement and delivery at pace.

Marc Cairns, co-founder of architecture firm New Practice  As far as payroll is concerned we’re in October, so the delay has resulted in us making two redundancies that we might not have done if we had had this information at the beginning of August, when we were having to make big decisions.

The job support scheme is not very generous. I wouldn’t call it a replacement for the furlough scheme. It won’t be very useful to us or many of our peers across architecture.

Robert Sakula, Ash Sakula Architects co-founder I haven’t done the maths yet, but the scheme could be helpful in helping us manage workload against staff retention. Right now, I don’t think we’re going to need it, but who knows what’s around the corner?

The longer-term view

Mark Reynolds  Following the prime minister’s announcement regarding the latest restrictions, construction sites can continue to operate, and this is a positive step for the future of our industry. It helps us steadily return to normal productivity levels, protecting employment and delivering the housing and infrastructure we need to recover from this crisis.

While further restrictions might be implemented, I don’t expect these to impact work on construction sites, where we’ve worked hard to implement measures that ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees and of the communities we build in.

We have come through the worst and implemented several measures to ensure we continue to deliver for our clients and minimise any threats to our business. However, the long-term impact on the other sectors will no doubt have an impact on future workload. This is where we need the government to deliver on their Project Speed commitments.

Hopefully we will be over the worst of it by the beginning of the next financial year

Mark Robinson, Scape

Mark Robinson  There is going to be some slippage on programme because there are not as many people on site and overall projects are going to take longer to deliver. There may be a premium on some imported materials too so overall projects are going to be more expensive.

I’ve been saying to our delivery partners that these are your long-term clients, so don’t use this as the opportunity to make super profits – just be very open and transparent about the additional costs as the clients are expecting that.

We are saying to clients that unfortunately the projects you commissioned before covid are going to take longer to deliver and are going to be more expensive. Our promise to our clients is to try and keep that to a minimum.

The legacy of the virus won’t hit the public sector until next year. We are already seeing a slowdown in project commissioning, but next year is going to be painful. Clients are going to have to make tough decisions around their capital programmes and future ambitions.

Much of this depends on how much money is going to be allocated to capital grant for next year. We still don’t know that yet. We will make sure we do everything right now as best we can and through a second wave. Hopefully, we will be over the worst of it by the beginning of the next financial year.

Mark Cairns  A lot of our work is community-led development. We are helping those groups service a need. There’s a lot of money being spent and my concern is whether in two or three years’ time there will be any money to invest in grass-

roots development as opposed to just wanting to get as many planes in the sky as possible.

Simon Erridge, director at Bennetts Associates For us and a lot of other architects it’s the looming recession and structural changes to our cities, work and homes that’s far more of a threat than short-term issues about being able to lay off staff.

The future of work is completely up in the air, and where we live. We are designing buildings for the future and there’s very little we know about what they are going to be like. Are the changes to the way we work going to change our cities significantly? No one knows.

Our commercial clients are carrying on investing and moving forward, which is very encouraging. Things we were nervous about stopping are carrying on – partly because no one is certain enough about the future to make decisions. But it’s the early part of next year, when there may be less work around – that’s when we will have to innovate and think about what people will want in future.

Keith Waller, Construction Innovation Hub programme director  When we consider the major impact that covid-19 has had on our sector, it is clear that construction, along with many other sectors of the economy, will be irrevocably changed. The new normal will be anything but normal. The aftershocks of covid-19 may well be with us for years to come, with digitally enabled new ways of working becoming the norm and working practices which we used to take for granted becoming redundant.

The past few months have been bruising for our sector, with projects put on ice and many talented people put on furlough or facing redundancy. But what we’ve also seen this year is a resolute determination to weather this storm together, seen most clearly in the ambitious Construction Leadership Council’s Roadmap to Recovery.

If we can manage to hold firm with that sense of collective determination and channel it into the movement for change, then we’ll look back on 2020 not just as a year of crisis, but the year when construction finally embarked in earnest on its long overdue transformation.

Courtesy: Building.co.uk

COVID-19: €17.9BN IMPACT ON CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN IRELAND

According to Construction Information Services (CIS), €17.9bn in project work has been halted in Ireland due to current COVID–19 industry shutdown, with a further €2.7bn in stoppages in Northern Ireland.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on all of our lives. While it is much too early to assess the
full implications, the latest assessment from CIS estimates the direct impact on construction activity on the island which has ceased beyond works directed at repurposing medical and care facilities, and essential maintenance works.

CIS has taken a snapshot of construction activity at the end of March, which quantifies the impact across
the various sectors. Its researchers have identified 1,137 active sites in the Republic of Ireland that have ceased, with a combined overall value of €17.9b.

In Northern Ireland, they have identified a further 345 active sites, with a combined value of £2.7b.

Their latest report examines this impact in detail across the regions and sectors. It provides a baseline by
which to monitor recovery, which will inevitably resume with sites previously under construction. The report outlines the economic context, drawing on preliminary work by EY Ireland and details the levels of support available in both jurisdictions.  The speed with which the industry can get back to the levels outlined in the report is dependent on many variables including financial capacity, materials and supplies, workforce availability, workplace conditions, legislative barriers and Government policy.

Source: ConstructionNews.ie

#Construction #Ireland #COVID19 #architecture #building #builder #design #build

Do You Need Planning Permission To Renovate A House Or To Add An Extension?

The need to get planning permission can be off-putting for budding home renovators. You can’t wait to get stuck in with the DIY & decorating, but you need that all-important piece of paper before you can start work.

This can be frustrating, as it sometimes takes time, money and patience to get planning permission. What’s more, there’s always the chance that permission may not be granted.

The good news is that not every project requires planning permission. Whether or not you need it depends on your plans. Specifically, it depends on the size of any extension, as smaller additions to your home’s footprint can be completed without the say so of the local authority. You may be able to extend your home, convert a garage to living space or add on a front porch, all without the need to go through the planning system.

Let’s take a closer look at which renovation projects don’t require planning permission, along with the steps to take if you do need it.

How far can I extend my house without planning permission?

There are particular rules about how far you can extend your house. The three main points to remember are:

• the extension should not increase the original floor area of the house by more than 40 square metres

• the extension should not reduce the open space at the back of the house to under 25 metres squared

• the extension should not be higher than the house itself.

For properties that have been extended before, there are other rules to bear in mind. Crucially, the total floor space of the new extension, combined with that of the old extension to the original building, should not exceed 40 square metres.

If you’re planning to build a porch, keep it under two square metres and at least two metres from the road, pavement or footpath. Follow these rules and planning permission won’t be needed. You should also keep the height of the porch roof to under four metres for a pitched roof, and under three metres for other roof types.

Converting a garage without needing planning permission

Of course, there are other ways to add more living space to your home than building an extension. If you have an underused garage, why not convert it to domestic use? Provided the floor area is under 40 square metres, you shouldn’t need to seek planning permission.

You can also build a new garage without needing to put in a planning application form. This is provided that it doesn’t extend beyond the front line of the house and isn’t higher than four metres. You may also have to meet other conditions, such as:

keeping the extra floor space of all extensions to under 25 square metres in total

• matching the finish of the new garage to the house

• ensuring the new garage does not reduce the open space around the house to under 25 square metres

• ensuring no one lives in the new garage, nor are any animals kept in it.

How to apply for planning permission

If you’ve got more ambitious plans for your dream home, there’s nothing for it - you’ll have to apply for planning permission. But this doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or frustrating process. In some cases, planning is approved reasonably quickly and without any issues.

The first thing to do is to speak to your local authority’s planning department for advice. This can save a huge amount of time, as the planning officer can tell you whether or not your application is likely to be approved. They can also advise on what you can do to make it more likely that permission will be granted.

The process generally takes around eight weeks until a decision is made, but this can be extended if the local authority needs to come back to you for more information. This is why it’s so important to supply as much detail as possible at the start. Follow all the advice you’ve been given and you should have a better chance of getting approval at the first time of asking.

Here are the key steps to take to apply for planning permission:

1.Give a public notice of your proposals. You can do this by placing a notice in the local newspaper and a clear notice up on the site itself. The site notice must stay up for at least five weeks from the date the planning application is received.

2.Fill in a planning application form and submit it to your local authority. This must be done no later than two weeks after your newspaper and site notices are put up. The local authority’s planning officer can give you detailed advice on how to complete a planning application properly.

3.Pay the application fee. The amount can vary depending on the project. For example, the current fee for a house extension is €34, while the fee to build a house is €65.

You should receive a receipt of your application, then you’ll need to wait for the local authority to get in touch. Remember that you can’t start building anything until permission is formally granted.

If your application is approved, you’ll need to wait just a little longer before commencing work. The local authority will issue a notice of intention to grant planning permission, followed by a four week window where the decision can be appealed. If no one appeals it, you’ll get a grant of permission.

Another thing to bear in mind at this stage is that your application may be approved subject to certain conditions. For example, the local authority may want changes to your plans before you’re given the go-ahead to build. This will take extra time, so it’s important to factor it into your schedule for the project.

If your application is refused, you may be able to put in an appeal within four weeks of the decision date.

How long does planning permission last for?

Normally, planning permission lasts for five years. This is the amount of time you have to start work on your project. If the period expires, you may have to apply for permission again.

Source: Chill.ie

Preliminaries In Construction

Preliminary costs are expenses that will be incurred during construction, which are directly related to the running of the project and have not been included in the materials, labour or overheads. Such expenses will be a direct result of the tender being successful, which is in contrast to overheads that are an ongoing expense regardless of a tender being successful or not. 

Preliminary costs are often referred to as prelims. They are calculated individually for each project as a lump sum and added to the first cost, during the finalising of the tender.

Preliminary costs apply to all projects including those with small tender values. Ordering materials, supervising workers and attending site meetings must be taken into consideration as they contribute to the cost of the project. 

Contractors pricing relatively small jobs may determine that preliminary costs are not required to the extent outlined in here in this Blog post. However, there are still some items which must be included, particularly the ordering of materials, recording of worker's timesheets and general supervision of the project. In many cases it is acceptable to include the preliminary costs as a percentage rather than a fixed cost for each item. In Ireland and the UK, usually Prelim. costs are in the region of 8%, but can be as low as 6% and as high as 12%.

Non-Productive Labour 
A foreman's non-productive labour occurs when they are engaged in activities which have not been included in the standard rates, such as the installation of fixtures, pipes and fittings. Foremen and leading hands are in this category. 

The following are examples of the types of activities that are considered non-productive and an allowance must be included: 

a)  Supervision of tradespeople  b)  Ordering materials  c)  Co-ordinating with other trades  d)  Attending site meetings  e)  Lodging timesheets  f)  General administration  

Telephone Costs
These costs can be a preliminary cost; however mobile phones are generally covered in overheads. The precise number of calls per day are difficult to estimate, due to the number of private calls which may occur. As preliminary costs are based on an estimate only, the allowance should only include the expected overrun from the mobile phone plan. 

Staff Facilities 
Staff facilities are required where the company is to be the head contractor, and is responsible for providing toilets, washroom and lunch facilities. The calculation is similar to that of calculating a site shed. The duration of the project, the type of facilities required and the cost per week to hire those facilities must be included.  
Accommodation

If living-away-from-home allowances are required for all workers on-site, they are best included in the labour cost. Alternatively, if accommodation is to be provided for the foremen on remote projects, the costs should be included in the preliminaries.

Note:   It is important to know the number of tradespeople required to complete the project at the time of tender. It will help provide accuracy for the accommodation requirements and living expenses. 

Tools 
Tools can be placed in two categories; the replacement cost of general tools used regularly which are included in the overheads. Hammers, spanners, stilsons, multigrips, screwdrivers, saws, etc are examples. The second category will be special tools purchased for the sole purpose of the project being tendered, these are preliminary costs. Tools in this category include electric drills, concrete drill bits, saw blades, etc.

 
Deliveries
Quantities of materials purchased from plumbing suppliers are not always considered as "free on-site"(FOS), and the delivery fee should be included in the preliminaries. Deliveries on a regular basis from the workshop to the site during construction are considered as delivery free. The number of deliveries expected per week is estimated and in turn, the total for the project to which the standard delivery fee is applied. 

Maintenance 
Maintenance of the project will be required for the guarantee period. The average number of call back visits per project can be established over a period of time, and to cover the cost, an allowance per visit should be included. The number of visits will vary in accordance with the size of the project being tendered. 
To conclude the preliminary cost calculation, the sum of all of the above items is established. This value becomes a budget or allowance that the foreman must keep within when the project commences. The total amount is transferred to the final summary of the tender and forms part of the financial mark-up on the tender price.

Paul Funnell OAM

The future of Construction

The world is confronted with many challenges that have the potential to severely impact well-being and happiness of our societies. Climate change, resource scarcity and fast urbanization are among the most severe of these challenges. The Infrastructure and Urban Development (IU) industry is an important player when it comes to solving these challenges and shaping a desirable future for our planet. 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are a core driver of climate change, are attributable to facilities constructed by the industry. At the same time the IU industry is the largest consumer of raw materials further depleting scarce resources. Around 200,000 people migrating to urban areas daily are dependent on the provision of affordable housing and infrastructure provided by the IU industry.

For more please see https://www.weforum.org/projects/future-of-construction

U R B A N

Building GREEN

Green building (also known as green construction or sustainable building) refers to both a structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.[1] This requires close cooperation of the contractor, the architects, the engineers, and the client at all project stages.[2] The Green Building practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.[3]

For more information please see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_building

U R B A N

Sustainable Architecture 2020

Sustainable architecture is architecture that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space and the ecosystem at large. Sustainable architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built environment.[1]

The idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our use of presently available resources does not end up having detrimental effects to our collective well-being or making it impossible to obtain resources for other applications in the long run.[2]

To continue reading please visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_architecture

U R B A N

Five Home Improvement Trends To Watch In 2019

1. DIYers are more likely to be Millennials.

Nearly a quarter of the population made home improvements in the last year and only 7% of them worked with a professional. “DIYers spend more than 60 hours per week on TV and digital devices, including computers and smartphones,” Peter Katsingris, senior vice president of insights at Neilsen told conference attendees. “The technology and the choices it provides make DIY a realistic option for people.” (A quick search of YouTube shows 252,000 results for home improvement DIY videos, potentially a useful albeit cluttered marketing platform for reaching this massive demographic – or figuring out how to wire your new smart home security system.)

2. Over-inspiration is a key factor in home improvement regret.

More than a third of homeowners who completed a home improvement project in the past year regret not spending more on the project, according to The Regret Factor Study. “Regretters are more likely to have used a wide range of inspirational sources, especially television, magazines and social media,” observed declared Brenda Bryan of RICKI, the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, who led the study with Leslie Gillock, vice president, director of insights at Wray Ward. (FOMO, the fear of missing out, has apparently migrated from vacation and party video envy on Facebook to real world remodeling projects. That’s worth considering when planning a remodeling project at the right investment level for your property, or supplying products or services for a client’s.)

3. The rental housing market is on the rise. 

A wave of growth since 2004 has increased the number and share of rental households in the U.S., especially higher-end rentals in urban areas. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 40% of recent additions to the rental stock charge $1,500 or more per month. (This insight could lead to greater interest in “portable” home improvement products that tenants can take with them when they move, such as hand-held massaging shower heads and freestanding wine refrigerators.)

4. Remodeling activity isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

The steady increase in remodeling activity will continue through 2021, HIRI experts predict. (With home prices increasing, new construction harder to find in some areas of the country, and homeowners aging in place, people are staying put and remodeling.) “With the existing house stock averaging 38 years old, much of the inventory is in need of updating,” noted Mark Boud, senior vice president and chief economist at Hanley Wood/Metrostudy.

5. With home wellness on the rise, the lighting industry is leading the way.

“Circadian rhythm lighting is a hot topic,” declared Jie Zhao, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development at wellness real estate and technology firm Delos. (This new technology, also called human centric or tunable lighting, produces indoor illumination that more closely matches natural light in its warmth and, paired with home automation, shifts through the day with the sun to ease the impact of artificial light on the human body.) “It’s  changing the landscape of the smart home and lighting in general,” added Zhao.

Courtesy Forbes.com

Back to School Organization Ideas for Your Home

It’s back to school time and life gets hectic again. Want to do things differently this year to cut out some of the time wasters and stress? Here are five back to school organization ideas that will help you keep your home organized and running smoothly.

1.      Create a functional entry space to store (and hide) gear

Take control of clutter and chaos right at the entrance of your home, by creating an entry that catches everyone (and everything) before they get inside too far. Designate an area with a bench or seat for removing dirty shoes and other outdoor gear such as rain boots, jackets and umbrellas.

Add plenty of hooks to hang backpacks and jackets. Place labelled or color-coded baskets under the bench for each family member’s smaller items. Getting everyone in the habit of leaving all their stuff in their assigned spot will make leaving the house the next morning a little smoother.

2. Create a designated kid’s breakfast and snack station

So you’ve managed to get the kids to be tidier by putting their things away somewhere they can find them again. But now they’re starving and the chaos moves to the kitchen. Why not designate a spot in the kitchen for their after-school snacks, morning breakfast and lunches?

Depending on the size of your kitchen, it can be as simple as the lower drawer of a cabinet to a full-on pantry or cabinet section complete with a mini fridge for drinks. If possible, choose a spot that isn’t in the way when you’re cooking or washing up. Keep bowls, utensils and lunch boxes in a lower area that’s easy for younger kids to reach. And keep it stocked with their favourite healthy cereals, snacks and drinks.

3. Set up a kitchen homework spot

The kitchen is the heart of the home and also a great area to set up a small homework spot. And you can make sure homework is getting done while you prepare dinner!

4. Get your laundry room sorted

School clothes, towels and sports uniforms pile up fast throughout the week. Organize your laundry space with dirty laundry baskets labelled into darks, colours, lights and an emergency basket for items that are extra dirty and need immediate attention.

Ask everyone to throw their dirty laundry into baskets to save you time having to search under the bed or in gym bags for items that need washing. Save yourself even more time by placing clean items in designated baskets that each child can take back to their room and put away.

5. Set up an operations command centre

Keep your family running like a well-oiled machine by organizing a command centre complete with a calendar, bulletin board, chalk or dry erase board for to-do lists and a place to catch paperwork or mail.

Courtesy Freshome.com

Getting your house ready for Spring

Caring for a property, especially an older property requires a little extra thought, but the maintenance doesn’t have to be hard work. Certain jobs should be undertaken annually or bi-annually to prevent damage to your home, and will prove far less costly than having to remedy serious problems that will occur if the property is not maintained. Regularly checking your home for maintenance will also mean that you will spot issues early, and there will be less of a chance of problems developing.

Use our home maintenance checklist for Spring to make sure your home is properly maintained and cared for, whatever the season.

 External maintenance

·         Clear gutters and gullies of leaves and other debris, and check the state of rainwater goods.

·         Check the roof for excessive moss growth and loose or missing tiles. If the property is thatched, monitor the roof for signs of decay.

·         Fit birdcages to chimney pots, if not already in place, to prevent birds from nesting in them.

·         Use binoculars to check the state of your chimney stack. It may need repointing or the pot may need securing.

·         Assess the state of your exterior paintwork. If you spot blistering or peeling, arrange for the exterior to be decorated when the weather is consistently warmer and drier.

·         Check external walls for cracks in the brickwork or render and assess the state of the pointing.

·         Clear leaves, soil and debris from the bases of walls to help prevent damp occurring.

·         Ensure any air bricks are free from dirt and cobwebs.

·         Clean the windows and check the state of the glass and frames.

·         Take a look around your garden for signs of winter damage, such as cracked walls, decaying fences and plants that have not made it through the cold spells.

·                 Sweep and clean garden paths and maintain any decking,      cleaning it annually to prevent the build up of a slippery moss   surface.

·         Clean external decoration, such as ornate terracotta work or stonework. Use a soft brush to sweep away dirt, only using a stiffer brush or damp cloth for more stubborn grime. Remember, you’re only trying to lift dirt to prevent build-up and overcleaning can cause damage.

Internal maintenance

·         Pull furniture away from walls to air the space and check the walls for damp and mould patches.

·         Open all of your windows and give your home a good air. We tend to block up draughts and hinder ventilation in winter to keep the house warm, making the air stale and raising moisture content, in which mould is more likely to form.

·          Take down curtains and blinds and give them a good dust. You may want to hang them outside to air, too.

·          Check pipes for signs of leaks.

·          Access your loft to check internally for slipped roof tiles and signs of water ingress.

Contact us on hello@UrbanAC.ie for all your home maintenance needs

Christmas Home Tips

1. Light it up!

It's the darkest time of the year so make your home sparkle with some clever lighting.

Everyone loves fairylights on the tree but adding them to your mantelpiece or wrapping them around your stair banisters creates a festive glow that can flow from room to room.

Drape them across the tops of shelves or even above cornicing for a gorgeous glow;

2. Tree to the max

If you're bored of just a large Christmas tree stuck in one corner every year, why not think about getting a few smaller trees to dot around the house?

Artificial, smaller trees are great for adding festive cheer to other areas of your home such as the hallway, upstairs landing and even your bedroom!

3. Use your little helpers

Get the kids involved in making home-made decorations such as wreaths and fireside ornaments.

Wreaths - simply twist a wire coat-hanger into a round base for the wreath, then wrap branches of greenery around them such as pine and fir, securing with wire.

You can then glue in fir cones or plastic red berries.

Kids will love decorating their own fir cones.

Simply bring a few back from a muddy walk, clean up and spray with gold or silver glitter spray and dot around your fireplace or under the tree;

4. Fake it

Nothing says Christmas like candles.

But, with kids and tipsy relations milling about they can be dangerous.

Invest in some flameless battery-operated flicker candles.

Many have scents like the real thing.

Pop them in your window to give a festive glow – without the worry of any accidents;

5. Santa stop here!

Make sure Santa doesn't miss your house by using fun signs and placards.

A 'Santa stop here' sign looks great outside the house or by the chimney – and it's a good way to bribe the kids into behaving well by reminding them Father Christmas is on his way;

6. Change the colour

Everyone associates Christmas with colours such as red and gold.

But why do the same?

A tree covered with different shades of blue baubles and decorations, for example, gives a modern edge – you can complement this with blue accents in your garlands and even hang up different coloured blue stockings by the fire;

7. Pick a theme

Perhaps you're tired of your usual decorations so why not pick a theme this year?

Victorian Christmas decorations look stunning in any home – think Mistletoe balls hanging from ribbon, and small toys, dried fruits and nuts hanging from the tree for a truly historical Christmas;

8. Dine in style

It's the most important meal of the year.

So don't let your table decorations let the turkey down.

A selection of different coloured and sized baubles in a clear vase make a great quirky centrepiece.

Handmade placecards cut into shapes like Christmas trees or sprigs of holly will make your guests feel extra special;

9. Show your cards

Bored of simply stuffing your cards in the windowsill, only to knock them down every time you pull the curtains?

Why not choose a more inventive way to display them.

Cards hanging from strips of ribbon at different heights makes a pretty display, or why not peg cards around a wreath on the wall?

Another way is to hang an empty picture frame with string in lines inside it – hang your cards from the strings to create a 'painting' of cards on your wall;

10. Don't forget outdoors

If you want more than just a few lights hanging from the exterior of your house, why not invest in some freestanding rope lights in festive shapes such as reindeers and Santa to give a festive edge to your front lawn?

Or, instead of the usual wreath on your front door, get one with LED lights that will glow in the darkness, welcoming your guests to the perfect Christmas...

Prepping Your Home For Winter

A 10 point checklist to get your home prepared;

1. Check that your gutters aren’t full of weeds or leaves. Now is the time to do it as all the leaves are down. If they’re blocked and there’s a lot of rain, it’s going to make quite a mess apart from anything else. If the gutters and pipes are full of water that then goes on to freeze, it can cause the pipes to crack and break.

If there are tall trees in the garden, do get them assessed in case weak branches or the whole tree might come down in a winter storm.

2. If you have an open fire or stove, get the chimney swept as a build-up of soot is a fire risk. Even if you don’t use the fire much, there could be lots of twigs or a bird’s nest in there. Get the chimney sweep to check that all is as it should be

3. We lose a lot of heat from our homes from ill-fitting doors and windows. Now is the time to get some of those repaired. Putting a draught excluder by your exterior doors will reduce that cold draught coming in under the door. Pull the curtains on rooms that are used infrequently, for example, a spare bedroom.

4. If your boiler or gas fire hasn’t been serviced for over a year, now is the time to get it done.

5. Any exposed water pipes should be insulated. Was there any work done during the summer and left on the long finger to be finished when you had time?

6. Have a walk around your house and look up at your roof. Do any tiles look loose? The recent storms might have caused some minor damage that you didn’t notice at the time.

7. If you haven’t done so already, put away or cover your patio furniture and children’s play equipment. If you had bedding plants in pots, you can use the spent compost as a mulch on the beds. Wash the pots before putting them away until next year or get fresh compost and create some displays for winter.

8. If the ground is dry enough, give your lawn a final mow. Cut away dead flowers and shrubs. If you have dahlias in the garden, this month is the time to lift them. If you’d like more flowers in the spring, it is time to plant snowdrops, daffodils, tulips and other spring flowers.

9. If you have a holly tree in the garden, cut a few stems that have berries for your Christmas decorating. If you leave them in water in a cold place such as the garage, they should keep until Christmas.

10. Make your home look cosier too by buying a few cosy scatter cushions and a throw for the living room. Adding a couple of table lamps and dimming the main light will create a relaxing atmosphere too.

Courtesy Tradesman.ie

Improving Your Building's Energy Performance

Anyone who owns or operates an existing building should be scheduling energy audits and/or retro-commissioning. Here’s why:

Improving building energy performance reduces costs, lowers strain on shared community resources, and demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. Local councils nationwide are leading the charge to improve building performance, and many have adopted the LEED Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Commissioning for new buildings as part of their standard requirements.

One result of these standardized requirements is commissioning on new buildings has become more common in the real estate industry. Although standardized commissioning is a critical step in ensuring energy efficient, properly operating new buildings, there is another largely untapped area of energy savings: existing buildings. Energy audits and retro-commissioning are ideal solutions to this problem and can lead to significant savings for the owner.

An energy audit identifies deficiencies and develops strategies to reduce energy waste and improve building performance. Retro-commissioning is simply the follow-up to an audit or the implementation phase of the identified improvements. An energy audit can typically identify 5-20% savings, depending on the building’s current operation level.

After performing retro-commissioning and energy audits for more than five million square feet of existing building real estate, we have developed a list of common low/no-cost Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) that are identified on the majority of projects.

Here are five of our favourites:

IMPLEMENT OR REFINE EQUIPMENT SCHEDULES
One of the easiest ways to instantly see savings is to establish operating schedules for the HVAC equipment in the building. Modern building automation can schedule when equipment is turned on and off, and prevent the equipment from conditioning the building when it is empty.  Energy savings can be achieved by simply reviewing the lease agreements and adjusting the start times accordingly.

TEMPERATURE SETPOINT CONTROL
Maintaining temperature set points for the heating and cooling seasons and limiting the user adjustable range is a simple way to provide quick, easy savings without sacrificing tenant comfort.

CALIBRATE OR REPLACE SENSORS
An uncalibrated sensor can cause equipment to run more often and at a higher capacity, or it can even prevent equipment from entering free cooling operation.

TEMPERATURE/PRESSURE RESET SCHEDULES
During much of the year, the central systems do not need to operate at their design temperatures and pressures to satisfy the building loads. Building automation systems can usually adjust set points to account for building load conditions. For example, a hot water system would not need to provide the same temperature water to satisfy the heating load on a 40-degree day as it would on a 10 degree day. Similar resets can be implemented on chilled water and air side systems. These types of adjustments can provide good savings, and can require a more complex building automation system

LIGHTING CONTROLS
Occupancy sensors can be a relatively low cost option to ensure lights are properly turned off in regularly unoccupied areas (storage closets, bin storage rooms, IT closets) or for office areas in the evenings.

If these five approaches don’t apply to your building, that’s ok! In our experience, we have developed a comprehensive list of best practices, and we add to it regularly. An audit will reveal where you need to focus on changes and tweaks, and will generate a customised list of recommendations that is perfect for your building.

(courtesy: Building Design & Construction)

Painting your house tips

Painting the interior of your home can be an extremely rewarding exercise. In embarking on this kind of project you have the opportunity to change the entire look and feel of each room, the perspective of each area and influence the general mood of its occupants. No mean feat for a few tins of paint.

The first thing that we would recommend is that you determine the various colour schemes of the rooms to be painted. You can do this through an interior designer (http://urbanac.ie/interior-design/) or colour consultant or by yourself if you have a good eye. Regardless of which route you go down there are a few aspects that I would suggest you consider prior to getting started.

Never, ever paint a room without applying a sample of the paint to an area of the room first.

Some colours just go together, others clash. This can be trial and error. To be safe remember that like colours go well together. Reds go with other shades of red, greens go well with other shades of green. This can often extend to similar colours complementing each other for instance greens with yellows.

A colour scheme can effect the perspective of a room. For example dark colours in a small room, such as a bathroom or study, can create a cramped feeling and make the room appear smaller than it actually is. Light, bright colours can make it feel more inviting.

When trying to create a mood take the example of yellow which is considered as being a bright, warm and cheerful colour, while blues are considered restful and cool. There are numerous books and websites where you can get advice on this aspect of colour schemes.

Generally a room has one dominant colour with the option of having complementary subordinate ones. Remember to consider furnishing and fittings in any colour scheme that you choose.

From a project perspective undertaking the painting requires a whole column to itself. Your key to a successful job will be in your preparation. For those who do not want to go down this road, hire a professional painting contractor.

Once you have chosen your preferred colours you will need to pick your paint type. These vary from water based to enamel. Then you will need to measure your paint area to see how much paint you require and remember when calculating surface areas to deduct for windows etc.

It is essential that the surface to be painted is smooth. Make sure you fill any blemishes with interior filler. If the surface is already painted then you will need to make a call as to whether you need to strip it.

If painting on to plaster then sand it and apply undercoat before applying paint.

To check out appropriate colours with which to create a mood, or to complement each other, give us a call here at Urban and we would love to help out any way we can (Tel: 012544488).

(source onlinetradesmen)

Getting your Garden ready for Summer

If you spend a lot of time in your garden, or at least a lot of time looking after your garden, then you might want to consider some sort of garden structure. Certain garden structures can add an ornamental design feature to your home but more importantly they can be useful structures for housing tools, providing shade and shelter, offering a room separate from the house and encouraging plants to grow (courtesy of Houzz).

https://www.houzz.ie/photos/garden-structures

What garden structures are available?

The classic garden structure is, of course, the humble garden shed. If you simply need a place to store garden tools, a lawnmower, bikes and other miscellaneous items, then a shed is a simple solution. You no longer have to stick with the basic plywood shed as there are plenty of more modern and up-to-date designs available. If you have the space and the budget, a converted garden shed cum garden room will be a great place in which to relax, work or be creative, so consider building something a bit bigger if you can. For the green fingered amongst you, a greenhouse will naturally help you to grow plants that like a warmer climate, or if you want a beautiful way to display your plants, look at pergolas, arbours and trellises. For sunny spots, you might want to look at awnings and canopies. These can either be freestanding or attached to the side of a wall or another structure. Tents and gazebos are the perfect structures for putting up just in the summer months as a place to cool down in, relax and host BBQs or garden parties.
 

What should I consider when adding a garden structure?

The first thing to consider should be your need for a garden structure: is it to have storage, to grow plants or to have a living area? If you're sure on what you want a garden structure for, you'll next need to think about space and positioning. You'll need the best sunlight spot for greenhouses and other structures that support sun-loving plants, but for gazebos and canopies you may want to try and find a more shaded area so they don't have to do much work to give you respite from the sun (if that's what you want!) You might also want to think about the view you'll have from inside the structure. If you're using a shed or larger structure as a garden room then it will be much more appealing if the front opens up or uses glass to look out upon the house, the rest of the garden or a suitably picturesque view (if you have one), rather than a garden wall or fence. Finally, think about materials and styles. A traditional wooden shed may look out of place in a very contemporary garden and vice versa, so consider the other materials used in your garden, and potentially your house, before diving in and purchasing that elaborate Victorian gazebo.

Top tips to add value to your property

If you’re planning on putting your home on the market you need to do everything you can to ensure you get the maximum value. Here are top tips on adding value to your property.

Attic conversion.

Converting your attic is the simplest way to add another room to your property, be that a bedroom, bathroom or study. The work itself is not particularly disruptive so it’s a convenient, value-adding strategy. Simply ensure the attic has easy access and you will reap the rewards.

Planning permission

Securing planning permission is one of the cheapest ways to add value to your property. This planning permission could be for an attic or an extension and will immediately spark a buyer’s imagination about the work they can do to customise your property and make it their own.

Convert your garage

Nowadays most garages simply aren’t used, and as a result they are wasted space.  Depending on your property dimensions you can add significantly more habitable space to your property.

Bedroom > Office

Although you may have made use of one of your bedrooms as an office the fact is that in most cases buyers would prefer to see a bedroom rather than an office. Although it’s easy to convert an office to a bedroom remember that many buyers have little imagination so make sure to show them exactly what you think they want to see.

Paint your house

It’s an overused statement, but first impressions are hugely important and buyers start forming opinions the moment they see your property. Ensure the front of your house is freshly painted and clean and stands out in comparison to your neighbours.

Kitchen is key

If you are going to focus on only one room then make it the kitchen. Kitchens are the heartbeat of the home for everything from cooking to entertaining. Ensure that your kitchen is functional, making the best use of available space and that is has up-to-date equipment and fittings.

Acknowledgement: YourBricks

Winter Blues Home Improvements

5 Simple home improvement projects to banish the winter blues of early 2016

If you are dreading the long months of cold weather ahead and the thought of being stuck inside, consider curing cabin fever with some fun, easy and rewarding home improvement projects. 

When choosing projects to tackle first, Jamie O’Hara, Senior Project Manager with Urban suggests focusing on ones that will increase your property value, save money on your utility bills, and, of course, add a smile to your face. Here are five ideas to get you started.

1. Create walls that wow

Since you're stuck inside staring at the walls, why not give them a new look. Adding modern trim work, crown molding and a bold coat of paint can completely change the look of a room without the expense of doing a complete renovation, O’Hara said.

“Contrary to what many homeowners might believe, you can use paint in your home without opening up every window as long it’s an environmentally friendly and waterborne paint, which has virtually no fumes,” he said. “Plus, the dryness of the colder months can actually produce faster results.”

To really add visual interest to your walls, homeowners could go with a new or dramatic paint colour or use painter’s tape to create stripes or patterns. A winter project O’Hara and his wife are actually getting ready to do is hang wallpaper in their bedroom.

“Wallpaper is making a bit of a comeback thanks to home improvement shows,” Bolger said. “It can definitely be a do-it-yourself project or you can get professionals to do it. My wife and I have hung it before in other rooms, so we have some experience on our side.”

“Replacing interior doors is an affordable way to give your home an updated look versus an expensive renovation,” said Conor Dunne, Urban interior design team.

2. Add a “splash” of personality to your kitchen

For homeowners looking to spice up their kitchen without spending a pretty penny, adding a backsplash is a great solution, not to mention the perfect project for a cold winter weekend. 

“For only a couple of hundred euros you can completely change the look of your kitchen, as well as customise it to fit your personality,” said Conor Dunne. 

Just a few years ago tile stores had only about a few styles to choose from. Today, stores have a lot more in stock, in different styles and sizes, ranging from classic subway tile style to natural stone to metal. While adding more functionality to a kitchen, a backsplash can also help accessorise and emphasise countertops, cabinets and appliances.

“Installation is a relatively simple process, but it is very tedious and time intensive,” said Dunne, who recommends making it a weekend project. “There are now other products like the simple peel and stick tiles that save time and eliminate a lot of the mess.”

Two pitfalls he warns do-it-yourselfers about are not taking the time to prep and lay out a template which can result in irregular lines or spaces. And not cleaning off the grout completely, which once dry can result in a nasty haze that is almost impossible to get off.

In addition to tiles, IKEA in Ballymun have really simple acrylic sheets that can be cut to size and stuck on, cheaply, quickly and easily.

3. Lighten up your rooms

What better way to brighten and warm your spirits this winter than with new lights or lamps. Not to mention it’s an easy and affordable way to update the style of any room.

“We get a lot of clients during the winter who are looking at new lighting to get ready for the holidays or to accent kitchen and bathroom renovations,” said Siobhainn Gallagher, Urban architecture team.

LED-style lights, which come in contemporary and bold styles, also provide a money-saving option. Installing dimmers in areas like the family room or dining room saves money, while allowing homeowners to customize the ambiance. 

In addition to pendant lighting, another style that is growing in popularity, said Gallagher, is Steampunk, which is a cross between vintage and industrial designs. But for a softer more romantic feel, a crystal chandelier is still a timeless choice.

“When it comes to installation and dealing with electrical issues my advice is to hire a professional so you know it’s done right,” Gallagher said.

4. Turn dull doors into classy decor

With home improvement projects, sometimes it’s the things that are used the most that are noticed the least. Like all the doors in your home — in and out of rooms, to closets and utility rooms. But after a closer look, the scratches, cracks, old hinges and outdated style can be hard to miss.

“Replacing interior doors is an affordable way to give your home an updated look versus an expensive renovation,” said Donal McCabe, Urban’s one-stop-property-shop Site Manager. “Most of the homeowners that come to us are looking for doors that have a unique or more modern look than what they have.”

According to McCabe, there are a lot of options that many people might not even think about. For example, double doors are a much more functional and attractive alternative to sliding doors and bi-fold doors, while French-style doors can add natural light and architectural detail to a space.

“A big thing with customers right now is not so much the door, but the hardware,” McCabe said. “Homeowners are choosing update hinges and doorknobs with more modern colours like brushed nickel or aged bronze.” 

While installing interior doors can be a job for do-it-yourselfers, McCabe pointed out that it can quickly turn into a bigger job than expected, especially when replacing doors in older homes. 

“Most doors are not going to just fall into place,” McCabe said. “The jobs we do involve cutting, trimming and shaping the door to size, and sometimes replacing the architrave,frames and stop beads.”

McCabe’s advice to homeowners looking to replace interior doors is for them to do their homework, know their budget, and have an idea of what they like.

5. Take your bathroom from drab to fab

There’s no better time than the winter to turn your boring bathroom into a spa retreat. While replacing a tap, re-grouting tile, or repainting are relatively easy for the do-it-yourselfer, more ambitious jobs like replacing the bath tub or adding a tile floor might be better left to a professional.

While a complete renovation might be a bigger investment, it’s worth considering, said Amber Sweeney, Urban building team.

“Many older homes were not built using mold-resistant drywall, so if you’re going to make an investment in upgrading your bathroom, that’s one of the best places to start,” she said. “Knowing what’s going on behind the walls is important before making expensive updates.”

According to Sweeney, there is also a lot of plumbing involved with replacing bathtubs, sinks and toilets, which requires an expert to ensure it’s done right. Once the walls are closed up, a small leak can go unnoticed for a long time, resulting in serious damage and possibly a complete remodel.

“My philosophy is that if you’re going to invest in a project, do it right the first time,” she said.

Contact Urban architecture + construction ONE-STOP-PROPERTY-SHOP via email, twitter, phone, facebook, pinterest, Instagram, or office and see how we can help you, or even if you are only aftersome advice. We are always here to help.

www.urban-living.ie

Outdoor Christmas Lights

How to hang outdoor Christmas lights

Hanging your Christmas lights – you either love it or hate it. If you’re unprepared it can be a time-consuming and tricky task, and won’t show off your decorations at their best.

We’ll guide you through the best way to hang string lights outside your home, to help make decorating your home a festive and hassle-free experience this Christmas.

Before you Begin

Most outdoor Christmas decorations are powered by mains electricity. You’ll need access to a safe outdoor power supply to plug your lights in, so check that you have a suitable outdoor socket that will protect the electrics against the elements. Measure the distance from the socket to where you want to hang your lights, and check whether the cable on the lights will be long enough. If it isn’t, consider a different location or opt for a weatherproof extension lead that is safe to leave out of doors.

If you don’t have access to an outdoor socket, or have a larger garden, then battery powered lights are ideal. You won’t need to worry about trailing cables, and they offered greater flexibility if you’re going for a more creative display. Don’t forget to stock up on batteries or keep a charger and rechargeable ones to hand.

Be sure to only use lights which are suitable for outdoor use – these will be weatherproof, ensuring safety and that your display will last the festive season.

Before you start work, plug in your lights at ground level to make sure that everything is working correctly. It will be much harder to replace bulbs or fix problems once the lights are hung, so tackle this first. If you’re bringing lights out of storage check the cables – if these look worn or damaged then replace your decorations, as this could be a sign they are unsafe.

Don’t forget that if you’re working at height, on a ladder, to hang your lights, there are a few simple precautions to take. Make sure that you place your ladder on a solid, level piece of ground and ask another adult to hold the ladder still whilst you’re working. Why not team up with a neighbour to help each other decorate your homes? You’ll also want to make sure that you can reach the highest point you’re hanging lights from without standing on the top step of the ladder.

Cold Weather Tips

When freezing weather arrives you can easily pull on an extra layer or blanket to keep out the chill. But to protect your home, the simple precautions below can help to reduce the risk of serious damage to your property.

Cold weather can often be the cause of maintenance problems around the home, which are not only inconvenient but can be very costly to repair. Insulating your exposed water pipes is an easy and inexpensive first step.

Prevent frozen pipes in winter

• Insulate your pipes and the loft water storage tank. Put the insulation foam on top of pipes rather than underneath them
• Turn off any indoor valves on pipes leading to outside taps, then open the outside tap and leave it open to let any water drain out
• Regularly check all the taps in your home during the winter months. If little or no water flows, there may be frozen water in the pipes
• If you are away from home in the winter, set the central heating to come on for a short period each day to prevent pipes from freezing
• Find out where the mains water stopcock is, and ensure it turns off easily. If your pipes do freeze, turn the water off and thaw them out slowly with hot water bottles. Never use a heat gun or blow torch
• Ask someone to check your home if you're away for a while. This should help ensure leaking or burst pipes are spotted early and damage is kept to a minimum (tell them where the stopcock is)

Get ready with a bit of DIY

• Save a supply of drinking water for emergencies
• Repair any dripping taps – if they freeze, they'll block your pipes
• Clear leaves and debris from gutters to reduce the risk of dams that can turn to ice
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas like the garage
• Tidy away or cover garden furniture
• Check the outside lights are all working, or add a light to make access safer
• Keep yourself warm – enjoy a hot meal and drinks, and keep active

Improve your energy efficiency

A good start is to fill any draughty gaps and also keep the heat inside your home. This will help save on your fuel bills too.

• Block draughts from windows, external and internal doors, skirting, loft hatches, and pipes or cables passing through walls
• Draw the curtains at dusk and close internal doors to unheated rooms
• Insulate your loft – a quarter of your heat can be lost through the roof
• Get heating appliances serviced, or your chimneys swept to ensure that the fire burns efficiently
• Radiator reflectors will direct heat into the room and not out through an external wall (ensure the radiators are not covered by curtains or furniture)
• Fit a thermal jacket around the hot water cylinder – at least 75mm thick – and check the thermostat isn't set higher than 60 degrees
• If your radiators have cool spots when the central heating is on, bleed them to improve their efficiency
• Set your heating to 18–21°C to keep your bills low, and to come on earlier and go off later rather than turning the thermostat up.

Wet Weather - Internal Preparation

Once the outside of your home is prepared, follow these simple tips to make sure that your home is protected from the inside out.

1. Don't let the outside in

   Check your roof from the inside to be sure there are no issues. Grab a torch and take a trip to the attic to check for any potential problems.

   Things to look for from the inside, are:

   • Places where the roof is sagging
   • Signs of water damage or leaking
   • Dark spots and trails
   • Outside light showing through the roof

   If you stumble across any of the above, it could be an issue. It's worth contacting a professional for some expert advice.

   Draught proofing

   Prevent rain, wind and dirt coming into your home with our range of rain bars and deflectors. Just attach to the bottom of your door to deflect rain and dirt.

   Also available for the bottom of doors, are brush seals. Sealing against smoke, odours, draughts, dust, insects and light, brush seals are attached to the bottom of doors that experience particularly heavy usage, such as front doors. Brush strip sealing is perfect for solving draught problems, and particularly good for retaining heat in the home and lowering heating bills.

   Insulation

   When the rain starts, it's usually a sign that we're entering into a period of bad weather. Some simple rain can soon become gale force winds and thunder storms. Insulating hot water tanks and pipes will help keep your water hot for that nice long bath after a day battling the elements. It will also protect your pipes if you're unlucky enough to experience extreme weather, such as flooding.

   Check that your heating system is working properly; it's a good idea to get it serviced before wet, windy and cold weather sets in.

   Make sure you know how to turn off the water, gas and electricity. You may need to do this in an emergency, so be prepared. If you live in a flat, your water supply may come from outside your flat, so make sure you know where it is.