Archived entries for September 2009
Is Renovating my Property a Financially Savvy Proposition?
28 September 2009
For many of us, the first question we will often ask is: “will I get the value of the renovation back on my property? For those with a vested interest such as builders, the answer given is often that you cannot lose money in bricks and mortar. However, is that really the case? In this time of economic instability, the answer to this is not necessarily - unless you live in a “property hot... Continue reading Is Renovating my Property a Financially Savvy Proposition?
Protect Your Home against Credit Crunch Crime
21 September 2009
For many of us, these are unsettling times with unemployment rising and consumer confidence waning. However, in times of economic downturn, one "business" that is on the rise is opportunist crime and recently published Home Office statistics bear this out. For the last four months of 2008, 31 police forces across England and Wales reported a rise in burglaries with 55,572 more cases of acquisitive... Continue reading Protect Your Home against Credit Crunch Crime
Making the most of our homes when moving is not an option
13 September 2009
Research published by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) earlier this year has found that two million households (April 2009) have either negative equity or too little equity to finance a house move. With moving home becoming less of an option, more and more of us are thinking of creative ways to increase our living space within our existing homes. With a little imagination and creative thinking,... Continue reading Making the most of our homes when moving is not an option
Orchard Planning Solutions welcomes Paines Conservatories
8 September 2009
As history has demonstrated, conservatories have proven a popular and cost effective way of generating additional living space. To this end, Orchard Planning Solutions is pleased to welcome Paines Conservatory Specialists as its latest advertising partner. Serving the home counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and North London, the family run business specialises in... Continue reading Orchard Planning Solutions welcomes Paines Conservatories
Greening the Nation (1 Comment)
6 September 2009
With rising fuel prices and the world gripped by economic downturn, further gloomy news to hit homeowners is that our homes are not green enough. Latest statistics show that Britain's housing stock is responsible for nearly 27% of the entire country's emissions of carbon dioxide. This does not come as a real surprise. I am sure we have all sat round at Aunt Nellie's house and experienced cold ankle... Continue reading Greening the Nation
Your Driveway and the Planning System (1 Comment)
5 September 2009
In these times of economic budget tightening, it is often those "I can do jobs" that become a reality. Yes, with the correct materials and a level of competence, any person can lay a new concrete driveway or indeed asphalt it. However, as of 1 October 2008, homeowners must use permeable paving if replacing existing, or installing new drives or pathways in their front gardens. If you don't use a permeable... Continue reading Your Driveway and the Planning System