We are currently building a new extension to house an open plan kitchen and dining room. The process I am most looking forward to is designing the kitchen, I love cooking and cant wait to have a bespoke kitchen that is designed for me to cook in.

There are so many ideas and kitchen styles it can be confusing when to start, I have spent lots of time scouring the internet and magazines for new kitchen ideas to get a better ideas of the styles, knowing what you like will help kitchen companies guide you through there products.

As well as deciding what kitchen styles you like determining your kitchen layout is critical and kitchen space planning needs to be right - there is a lot to consider if you are to ensure your kitchen is cook-friendly:

• Will I have to walk far to get water to fill a pan on the cooker?
• Will I have enough space to slice, dice, chop, and prepare meals?
• Will I have room to store the olive oil near the stove?
• Will two or more cooks be able to work in the space?
• Will I be able to easily rinse dishes and load them into the dishwasher?
• What kind of sink(s) do I need?
• How much storage do I need?

For more advice see Kitchen Layout

Visiting a kitchen showroom can be a mind boggling experience, so going armed with as much information is really important as well as finding the right company for you.

I was lucky enough to find Choice Interiors in Birmingham who work in the Midlands and Warwickshire area and provide bespoke kitchen cabinetry services. What I loved about Choice Interiors right from the start is that I was meeting the people making the product. Visiting their factory showroom, gave me a full insight into available products and complete overview of the process to make the kitchen. There were doors hanging with paint drying, drawers being made and a buzz of excitement as bits of the kitchen puzzle came together. During the showroom visit I looked at all these lovely kitchens with their dove tailed drawers I felt a little like I might be punching above my weight - could I really afford to be buying a bespoke kitchen,  Neil Jewitt a Director at Choice Interiors assured me that they could meet all budget requirements and could even complete with the big sheds, depending upon your requirements.

Visit: www.choiceinteriorsltd.co.uk

I couldn’t wait to get started with my new kitchen. If you are looking for a Bespoke Kitchen, Choice Interiors offer something different, a truly bespoke service, where they will guide you through the kitchen buying process, to ensure you get a kitchen that you love at the end of the process. The kitchen is made buy them for your home, at a price that is right for you.

Existing Kitchen

The extension is a significant size and so we are working with an architect, who has helped us get through the  planning process with preparation of our planning application drawings and then after succesfull planning was granted, prepare building application documentation to ensure that we are now able to move forward with the actual build.

After careful consideration and meeting a number of Architects we decided to employ a local Coventry & Warwickshire Architect - VB Architects, as they had lots of experience as House Extensions Architects.

It has been great working with VB Architects and I am looking forward to seeing the results of the ideas become reality.

Whether you intend to construct a new building, expand your current facility, or adapt an existing structure, it makes sense to consult an Architect.

With planning approval in place, your architect can recommend an appropriate form of building contract and will prepare drawings with technical specifications which describe your agreed proposals, for selected builders to cost, and they often have ideas you would never think of and help you live your life how you want to live rather than how you live now.

The ground works are due to start on our house extension in a few weeks time, exciting times. Working with an Architect has helped our dreams become reality.

(10% off £30 spend on books)

so the perfect time to get some Property Renovation Books.

	Sarah Beeny’s Green Your Home: The Complete Guide to Green Renovation and Repairs - £14.99Each chapter is handily summarised with an Eco Lowdown field, clearly pinpointing the key facts: how much time the project will take; how it is beneficial to the environment; how much it costs and if it is worth the investment; if this will add value to your property.
	Property Ladder: Design for Profit - £13.49Amid a highly competitive market, home-owners and property developers are looking for new ways to make the most of their investment. Whether the need is to release your property’s potential in a cooling market, or you are renovating in order to let out or sell-on your home; this book is a must-have.
	Getting the Builders in: How to Manage Homebuilding and Renovation Projects £16.21 Aims to deliver management techniques that suit projects ranging from one thousand to one million pounds.
	Property Ladder: Design for Profit - £11.99 Grand Designs Handbook: The Blueprint for Building Your Dream HomeAs Kevin says, ‘ Green is no longer a weird colour to be’ and running throughout the book is the theme of sustainable building and how to achieve it — not as some minority issue only of interest to those who knit their own sofas but as something which is increasingly central to how we will design, build and live in our homes.

• Code - HX8294
• Deal - 10% off £30 spend on books
• Dates - 22/11/10 until 12/12/10

Terms - Single use only. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, including our Deal of The Day. Offer applies to books only, excluding eBooks, eReaders, eReading accessories, stationery and downloadable audio. Offer only applies to basket values of £30 or more.

Dry Stone walling is a traditional craft that is still in demand today. The walls are constructed with no mortar or cement, and held up by the interlocking of the stones. Dry Stone Walls are used in building construction, as field boundaries, and on steep slopes as retaining walls for terracing.

The roots of drystone walling lie at least as far back as the Iron Age and as with many traditional crafts, dry stone wallers, today, are few in number.

With the advent of modern fencing, fields can be fenced with much less time and expense using wire than using stone walls; however, the initial expense of building is offset by their sturdiness and consequent long, low-maintenance lifetimes. A nationally recognised certification scheme is operated in the UK by the Dry Stone Walling Association, with four grades from Initial to Master Craftsman; of which Power Dry Stone Walling are members.

Most dry stone walls were built between 1750 and 1850 - meaning many dry stone walls are two hundred years old, some older. Because of the way they are built, dry stone walls are very strong, so as well as being beautiful to look at, they are long lasting with low-maintenance lifetimes.

For more information on Dry Stone Walling, contact Andrew Power at  Power Dry Stone Walling.

It’s not always that easy to find local roofers. It used to be the case that you could ask your neighbours over the garden fence about good local roofers but now the internet is the first place people tend to look for local roofers as it’s quicker and easier, especially with JuggleFrogs!

…find more roofers.

As well as all the local roofers listed above, we have lots of roofing articles: Roofers In | Green roofs | Flat Roofing Materials

Good luck finding your local roofer.

The smart paint works by reacting with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to produce calcium carbonate - the main constituent of limestone - and alcohol. The resulting “biolime” then provides extra strength and insulation as well as soaking up carbon emissions.

Quick  link: Eco Paints

How much CO2 could be removed from the atmosphere in this way has not yet been tested - so we will have to wait to see if this really is the smart paint of the future, watch this space.

Mixer Showers

This shower type is the most popular because they offer the greatest choice in style.

A mixer shower uses the hot and cold water from your existing supplies, mixing it together as you use the temperature control.

There are four different types of mixer showers:

• Central Control - This mixer shower features concentric controls for flow and temperature.
• Bar Mixer - This mixer shower features flow and temperatuve controls at opposite ends of the horizontal bar.
• Dual Control - This shower mixer features two seperate conrols for flow and temperatire.
• Digital - This shower mixture control features electronic push button controls, some with remote control facility.

Power Shower

A power shower is considered the most powerful shower, you can either use an all in one shower or you can add a pump.

• All in one power shower - Features an electric pump inside the shower casing
• Pump - If you have a gravity fed system, you can turn any mixer shower into a power shower by simply adding a pump to increase the flow.

Electric Shower

An instantaneous electric shower draws water directly from a cold water supply and heats it as it is used, so you don’t need to have a stored water. Literally just switch them on and an electric shower will heat the water instantly.

To get the most out of your shower its important you choose the best shower type for your water system.

If so, be rewarded for your work and take a shot at 2010 Grand Design Awards.

Now in there fifth year, the Grand Designs Awards celebrate the best in design, and once again we are searching for the very best homes and products that demonstrate the determination, dreams and sheer hard work of ordinary people creating extraordinary things.

Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4’s hit TV programme, Grand Designs, comments: “There are awards, and then there are the Grand Designs Awards. These are the awards that really matter, that are wide-reaching, and that are supported by some of the finest and most authoritative judges in the country. They are widely respected throughout the industry, and the projects that win are truly first-class. They’re awards that connect with the public. They’re about people who have passion – who create and enter their projects, and it’s great to reward such dedication.”

To find out more about Grand Design Awards visit: www.granddesignsawards.com

Velux Sizes

So to help anyone else that might be looking for information on Velux windows sizes, here are the current window sizes available:

Velux window sizes have changed over the years with some smaller sizes no longer available, if you need more help get in touch or contact Velux themselves.

This eco project is the home and brain child of the Wilson family, who have been working closely alongside AM Architectural Design Ltd in Alcester who provide Architectural Services  and an energy consultant to create a carbon zero home that would win the planning approval of authorities in Solihull.

Plans for the carbon zero home include:

• Rainwater Harvesting and grey water recycling throughout the house
• Combined whole house ventilation and heat recovery including use of wool pellets
• Photo-volatair solar panel
• Glass in windows used in such a way to minimise heat loss
• Light wells that limit the amount of alternative energy needed
• LED and low energy light bulbs combined with sensors to ensure lights are not left on
• Half a metre thick cavity walls filled with concrete and lambswool for insulation.

With the Wilsons attention to detail on eco issues and a great design from the team at AM Architectural Design Ltd we look forward to hearing how this carbon zero home develops.

“As many tradesmen and homeowners will be aware, when planning an extension a significant amount of money must be immediately set aside for Architects’ fees during the design stage. Many people accept this as the norm and fail to realise that employing an Architect at this stage is not a necessity. During these tough economic times, people will be increasingly looking to extend their properties but will also be looking to keep costs at a minimum.

Your local authority will normally require the following drawings when planning a small extension to your home, and these can be produced by anybody including yourself…

• Existing floor plans (usually scale 1:100)
• Existing elevations (usually scale 1:100)
• Existing site plan (usually scale 1:500)
• Proposed floor plans (usually scale 1:50)
• Proposed elevations (usually scale 1:50)
• Proposed site plan (scale 1:500)
• Ordnance Survey block plan (scale 1:1250)

The planning application drawings just need to show external dimensions of the proposed extension, sizes and types of windows & doors and external material finishes.

To produce these drawings yourself would be the most cost effective way but very few people have suitable CAD software and/or suitable knowledge of drawing techniques. This is where an elusive group of qualified specialists providing Architectural Services can help to produce your drawings for often a fraction of an Architects’ fee.

There are literally thousands of qualified people working around the UK called ‘Architectural Technicians’ and ‘Architectural Technologists’ who have studied degrees in Architectural Technology or similar. These professionals are not legally allowed to call themselves’Architects’ as they are not members of the Architects Registration Board (ARB Architects) however, they are fully qualified in the technical design of buildings and the production of construction and presentation drawings. You can normally identify these companies by the use of ‘Architectural Services’ or ‘Building Design’ in their company name (Though, arkiplan.co.uk  chose not to use either of these). Most of these companies will even be familiar with contractual processes, legal issues and building surveying.

I believe we and similar companies are the ideal option for obtaining planning approval on a tight budget.

• You simply measure the ground floor of your home and make a quick sketch of it showing the wall lengths, approximate window & door positions, sanitary ware (toilets, baths, sinks etc) and room names.
• You then draw a dashed line to show the position and approximate size of your desired extension.
• Fax/email outline details to the technicians along with existing photographs of your property from all sides.
• The technician will then design the extension based on your requirements and produce all of the required drawings for planning approval.

If you are not able to measure the property yourself, most of these companies will offer a measured survey service for around £100-£200. The majority of these companies will also be happy to produce Building Regulation approval drawings should planning approval be granted for your extension”

With the credit crunch ever present in the UK and the rise of a “Don’t Move Improve“ culture an extension is a great way to extend your home if you need more space. Thanks Dave for providing us some great advice about planning application drawings.

The initial scope of accreditation includes Solar Thermal Hot Water and Heat Pumps, with plans to extend the scope throughout 2009 to include Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Biomass, Rainwater Harvesting, Micro Wind and Micro Hydro Turbines. The Microgeneration Scheme will also allow businesses to self-certify their work in compliance with Building Regulations.

“I’m proud that NICEIC Group is one of the first organisations to gain UKAS accreditation for the Scheme,” says Emma McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer NICEIC Group Limited. “We can now offer a one-stop-shop for installers of environmental technologies by combining this with our Building Regulations Competent Persons Schemes which covers plumbing, heating, ventilation, energy efficiency and electrical work. This will help reduce costs for installers and they will be able to gain access to grant funding to pass onto their customers when installing environmental technologies.”

NICEIC Group is asking installers to register their interest in the Microgeneration Scheme by contacting them for further information.

For example in the UK, these are some of the bathromo building regulations:

• External ventilation is required for a bathroom and WC, this can either be by an opening window or the use of an automatic extractor fan and duct connected to the outside, so you may be able to find room for a shower or WC on a landing or under the stairs if you can install a small ventilation duct to the outside world.
• A bathroom containing a WC, or a WC in a room on its own, must not open directly off a kitchen, living or dining room, but it can open off a room that is used only as a bedroom or dressing room.
• If the only bathroom in a dwelling leads off of a bedroom, it must have another access door not through the bedroom
• Also depending on where and how many WC’s you install you many need to install a stack pipe to extract smells in the correct way

So when planning a new bathroom its important to decide what you will require in your bathroom and what function it will perform and make sure you get advice from your local authority as they can provide helpful advice in relation to bathroom building regulations.

We can help you to find recommended tradesmen in your local area with our local tradesmen search facility. We are taking word of mouth online. Now you can find tradesmen online with JuggleFrogs by selecting the type of tradesman you need and popping in your postcode. From recommended builders to plasterers we have all the tradespeople to help renovate your home.

For lots more advice on finding recommended tradesmen - visit our finding tradesmen guide.

In the UK gas engineers have to be registered with the Gas Safe Register (was CORGI). Only those gas engineers registered with the scheme are legally OK to work with gas.  For example any works to a boiler requires a gas enginner whereas fitting a new bathroom, unless installing of making changes to a boiler do not.

What are the typically jobs of a gas engineer?

• Installing new heating system
• Installing a boiler
• Boiler servicing
• Full bathroom install

If you want to find a UK Gas Engineer our local plumbers search will help you find one registered with the Gas Safe Register and also detail the kind of jobs they do.

Claire from Davies-Hobbs Design runs a successful residential interior design business, including design advice, project management, furniture design, bathroom & kitchen renovations and 2D and 3D room visualizations. She is the real deal when it comes to interior design, check out the great sense of drama and style on this barn conversion:

With a don’t move improve culture ever present in the UK, working with a residential interior designer like Davies-Hobbs Design in addition to helping with the design of your interiors, they specialise in sourcing the furniture, fittings and artwork for your property and can also project manage your renovations.

We have lots of residential interior designers all over the UK, so use our local interior designer search to find an interior designer.

Tips for finding a residential interior designer:

• Check out previous examples of their work
• Get testimonials
• Check out qualifications/experience and portfolio
• Use local interior designer search to find local interior designers
• Look in magazines for interior designers you like
• Visit bathroom/kitchen showrooms as they often have contacts of  interior designers they have experience of using.

If you need more help finding a residential interior designer, get in touch.

Building Matters, is a London Builder based in Twickenham and as a residential builder they have lots of great services to offer from Home Improvements to Kitchen Fitting.

“The work was was completed to a high standard within 10 days. I would recommend Building Matters to anyone needing work done.”

“The quality of their work is fantastic. They’re friendly, easy going and reassuring, and mindful of cleaning up afterwards! Extremely trustworthy guys; was a pleasure having them do the work (and that’s very rare). Would most definitely recommend them.”

Finding a London Builder can seem like looking for a needle in a haystack, but help is at hand, our builders search helps people from all over the UK find builders. With our postcode search you can find local builders detailing their skills and reviews in order to help make a decision on who to call.

Plumbers website

Having a plumbers website is cost effective and can show off your skills and experience to a huge audience. The great news here at JuggleFrogs we can help. You can have a website like this (follow link for plumbers website example) for £299+VAT, this gives you the website design and service for a year, then it costs only £99+VAT for the next year.

This all inclusive plumbers website includes:

• Website address (includes registration of UK domain)
• Website design with your style
• Website hosting
• E-mail address and account
• Up to 3 pages
• Design colour choice
• Unlimited text
• Web analytics tool - see who’s visiting your website
• Submission to key search engines e.g. Google
• Online support

Contact us on 01926 8531 25 | info@jugglefrogs.co.uk - to discuss your plumbers website requirements and let us help you win more work!

Glazing | Brickwork | Extensions | Ground works | Kitchens | Renovations | Bathrooms | Home improvements | Driveways | Conversions | New builds etc

According to a recent survey homeowners are far more likely to hire a builder from a recommendation. More than 85% of people have an internet connection, so the internet is fast becoming the first place people look for everything they need including tradesmen reviews.

RECOMMENDED BUILDERS
Use our local builders search to find builders across the UK!

We are working to make it easier for homeowners to find recommended builders, with our tradesman review service that works like eBAY or Trip Advisor) customers can place reviews and spread the word about recommend builders.

Check out these examples of recommended builders:

“Very friendly lads, very good at time keeping and the finished standard of workmanship excellent cheers”… C&N Roofing

“I was recommended Paul by a neighbour who had a kitchen refit, thus I could see his quality of work at first hand. From the first contact of requesting a quote through to job completion, he was extremely professional and considerate of my circumstances, two young children in the household, plus the kitchen and hallway flooring had to be relaid due to two water pipes leaking. As he had done such a splendid job, we asked Paul to lay laminate flooring down on the downstairs boards. Work was completed in proposed and costed timeframe.”… Concept Carpentry & Building

“We had problems with our previous builder who left many jobs incomplete. We were really impressed with how Building Matters dealt with this and the good advice and professionalism that was used in sorting out what had gone wrong which is often harder than doing the job properly in the first place. Highly recommended.”… Building Matters

Use our local builders search to help find recommended builders and get in touch if you need more help or have a story to share.

World of Baths Website

Bathroom offer details:

• Code - Extra10
• Promotion - 10% Off
• Expires - Midnight 19th June 2009

To take advantage of this bathroom offer visit: World of Baths

If you think back over the last 60 years which era brought the most fun into peoples’ lives? The music, the colours, the cars, the furniture… 1950’s America springs to mind. It makes you think immediately of bubblegum colours, milkshakes and meeting places. Big cars such as Corvettes and Cadillacs with their oversized racing seats. Manhattan, the Hudson and that Route 66 trail.

Buying retro furniture today is a great investment and you can mix pieces with other styles or go totally retro for a real design statement.

What is retro furniture?

So what does retro actually mean, retro is short for retrospect - bringing the past into our future homes. The word retro has also been associated with modernism in the immediate post-war years, encompassing everything from American Diner furniture to Cadillacs. Retro furniture is furniture that looks as though it’s from the old times, but unmistakably has that attitude of carrying impressions for the future.

Where can I buy retro furniture?

You can buy lots of different retro furniture in markets and shops, but a lot of the furniture nowadays is the redesign of original pieces. Retro furniture designs have remained popular to this day - look out for brightly coloured furniture that stands out and you won’t be far off something that’s considered retro.

Retro furniture from Cola Red

We met the fantastic Cola Red, team at this year’s Grand Designs in London. They sell brand new classic American diner furniture.

Cola Red has created a selection of funky, retro stools, table and chairs sets in pure 50’s style. This colourful furniture is sourced from the original factory in Canada where this style of furniture has been produced since 1946. They are one of the original manufacturers who have taken on some new technologies, although they still hammer in the pins on their chair and stool designs by hand.

Taking green issues seriously their factory has, for many years, sourced the wood used in their furniture from sustainable forests.

American diner furniture from Cola Red

Karen Katz from Cola Red told us…“Cola Red was created to offer an alternative to other furniture you can easily find on the high streets of the UK. Furniture that is, funky, retro, quality and with a difference. Made to last and mid-range in price too! Colours to lighten up your life, true retro designs to make you smile, this furniture is your alternative to that serious side of life.”

Check out the Cola Red American Diner retro furniture collection at Cola Red.

What do Garden Designers do?

Garden designers make sure you get the garden you want and need. Every garden design should be a collaboration of ideas from both the garden designer and garden owner. Garden designers can bring skills, knowledge and experience while the owner can bring their needs and ideas.

Find a Garden Designer

Garden designers have different working methods and styles. You need to find a garden designer you can communicate and work with and one who will carefully consider your requirements. Many garden designers are willing to travel considerable distances, including overseas, however you may prefer to select a more local garden designer.

You can find names of garden designers with JuggleFrogs local gardener search facility.

Top tips to find a garden designer:

• Speak to several garden designers
• Check how long have they been in business
• Check garden designers qualifications
• Find out what type of projects they normally undertake
• Find out if they have ever tackled any project similar to yours
• Arrange an initial appointment or consultation
• Ask to see a portfolio of completed projects
• Ensure they can advise on construction techniques and planting
• Check they have insurance e.g. Professional Indemnity

As with anyone you employ you need to have a good working relationship with the garden designer and ensure they will listen to your ideas to deliver the garden you dream of. Before you meet the garden designer, make a list of the garden design requirements that you have:

• What you expect to get from your garden
• How much you want to spend
• The look you want
• Any storage you may require
• Information on boundary areas, walls and fences
• Lighting requirements
• Consider any planning issues - get in touch with your local planning office

Garden Designer Costs

With this kind of work the cost will vary from garden designer to garden designer. Typically a garden designer can cost from £500 for a basic garden design plan up to several thousand pounds. Factors such as qualifications, experience, reputation and awards won will have an impact on the rate charged. Discuss with the garden designer their chosen method of designing and presentation to see what services you can expect in return for their fee.

The size of your garden will also have an impact on the cost of the garden design, although it doesn’t always follow that smaller gardens cost less. Smaller gardens can require a greater amount of a garden designers input and the restrictions of city living often require garden designers to be cleverer with design solutions and space saving ideas.

Most people would not dream of building a house without consulting an architect for obvious reasons, however, lots of people try to build a garden without garden designers. Inundated with ideas from television and magazines, they build a patio and then later add a water feature and then maybe an area of decking and perhaps a rustic pergola and before they know it, they have a garden which is a mismatch of disparate styles that lacks unity and direction. Garden designers have the skills to help you drive the project from an idea through to conception.

The kitchen is the heart of the home so if you are a planning a new kitchen, pay as much attention to checking out kitchen fitters as to choosing your cabinets.

It is normal for kitchen fitters to work in conjunction with other tradesmen such as local plumbers, local electricians, carpenters, painters / decorators who are qualified and accredited to do the work.

A kitchen can cost as much as a car, so it’s important to spend time and money on getting kitchen fitters who can fit it properly.

Finding kitchen fitters

When buying a kitchen, lots of kitchen companies will offer their own kitchen fitters but you may want or need to find your own kitchen fitter. You can use our local tradesmen search to find a kitchen fitter.

Poor kitchen fitters can ruin a top quality kitchen yet an expert can make the most of a cheaper one. Obviously you want the best of both worlds - good cabinets and a professional installation. Units need to be fitted to a high standard to create a safe and attractive kitchen.

Some DIY enthusiasts tackle kitchen fitting themselves but it is not as easy as it used to be. When appliances simply plugged in and did not need fitting into cabinets, installation was within the grasp of those with reasonable skills. For the modern integrated kitchen, kitchen fitters need a thorough understanding of safe layout, electrics and plumbing as well as carpentry, tiling and floor-laying skills. Gas fitting has to be carried out by a Heating Engineer(one listed on the Gas Safe Register) and electrics work by a Part P registered electrician (Part P Explained).

If you want to reduce kitchen fitting costs then you could project manage the installation yourself - this way you also have full control. Consider buying the cabinets separately as this can also save money but make sure you don’t cut costs on kitchen fitters.

Top tips for finding kitchen fitters

• Ensure the kitchen fitter is reputable - ask for references from customers
• Get multiple quotations in writing from at least 3 kitchen fitters - breaking down labour and material costs
• Where possible go to see an example of a kitchen the kitchen fitters have installed
• If your kitchen fitter is a member of a trade association then phone the scheme to check this out

Questions to ask kitchen fitters:

• When can they do the work?
• How much is it inc VAT?
• What qualifications have they got?
• What other tradesmen will be required?
• How long have they been in business?
• Is the work guaranteed?
• If additional costs accrue during works, how will they be calculated?
• Do they have public liability and employers liability insurance?

Links for some local kitchen fitters:

Don’t forget you can use the new kitchen ideas website for inspiration and get more advice on kitchen design here. Good luck finding kitchen fitters!

Lombok bed

Lombok voucher details: valid until 30th June - voucher link.

LOMBOK is a name synonymous with natural, high-quality yet affordable, Eastern-inspired furniture and accessories, and it has come a long way since dispatching their first order from a converted London garage in 1998.

Lombok table

While living in Jakarta, Alex Cresswell-Turner decided to bring the beauty of Asian furniture back to his home country for all to enjoy. Together with university friend Sarah Morison, he researched over 100 manufacturers in Indonesia to launch their original collection of handmade, solid-wood furniture which they named after the idyllic island of Lombok.

To take advantage of the 20% off Lombok voucher follow this link: voucher link.

Is the home listed?

When working on a period home you need to consider if the property is listed as the original features such as windows, fireplaces and wall paintings may be protected and alterations that require layout changes may need listed building consent. So step one, check the requirements of any property that is listed with the local conservation officer.

Sorting uneven walls

Lots of period properties have uneven walls and floors. And it’s not unusual for developer to peel back old wallpaper and all the plaster comes with it. When restoring any damaged plaster get a specialist plasterer who will use traditional products which are suitable for period buildings and helps avoid damp problems

Restoring floors

Period homes with stone and brick tile floors are features that now need to be treasure, and if you are lucky to have lifted an old carpet to reveal some traditional flooring, then get stuck on to some restoration. Check out property forums for advice and salvage yards for materials.

Period windows

In one period building alone you may need to deal with dormer windows, round windows, sash casement and high set long narrow windows. Before ripping out any windows check any building regulations requirements and get quotes from multiple suppliers. If you are thinking of fitting UPVC replacement windows - wooden windows are not as expensive as you might think, so get some quotes.

Many features in a period home are charming but it might be that some don’t suit modern living; an intrusive pillar, staircases you may need to reposition etc. I remember the classic on a property ladder episode where they needed to move an old Baker’s oven, but they were refused permission to move it so ended up using it as a small storage cupboard.

So when working on your period home renovation if you need to move things on a listed building ensure you check with your local conservation officer and also contact a specialist architect as they may be able to help with suggestions to make things happen.

With more people than ever using the web for finding tradesmen, can you afford to miss out?

According to a new cellular web summary it revealed that the companies most actively using web marketing businesses are likely to grow twice as quick as those who aren’t, and the construction companies surveyed said 24% of their enquiries came from the web.

The study also showed that construction companies typically spent £3,000 on marketing their business and 80% plan to spend as much if not more going forward. So from £299+VAT our website service offers unrivalled value for money.

Website for Tradesmen offer includes:

• Website address (includes registration of UK domain)
• Website hosting
• E-mail address and account
• Up to 3 pages
• Design colour choice
• Unlimited text
• Web analytics tool - see who’s visitng your website
• Submission to key search engines e.g. Google
• Online support

See above website example in action - visit plumbers website.

For more information on our Websites for Tradesmen - info@jugglefrogs.co.uk | 01926 853 125.

£15 off your order when you spend over £300
Code: JUNE15 - Expires: 11:59pm Wednesday 17th June

£30 off your order when you spend over £500
Code: JUNE30 - Expires: 11:59pm Wednesday 17th June

£50 off your order when you spend over £600
Code: JUNE50 - Expires: 11:59pm Wednesday 17th June

£70 off your order when you spend over £700
Code: JUNE70 - Expires: 11:59pm Wednesday 17th June

£100 off your order when you spend over £1000
Code: JUNE100 - Expires: 11:59pm Wednesday 17th June

Comet has a fantastic range of home appliances, gadgets and more. Visit the Comet website to take advantage of these great Comet Offers.

Residential building companies can range from self employed builders to much large businesses with teams of people. So where do you start when you want to find a residential builder

First things first decide what works you require – so you can employ a suitably qualified builder. If you are looking for a builder that will project manage everything for you, then how much you want to get involved is really down to you, but getting involved could save you money and help ensure you get the right results.

Next establish if you know any builders or friends that have used someone they can recommend. A recommendation is a great place to start when hiring a builder but finding one can be difficult, especially nowadays with communities being more dispiursed.

So we have the answer our website helps people find recommended builders. We have a local builders search by postcode when you can search for a suitable builder, with details of the types of works they do e.g bathrooms, kitchen extensions, loft conversions. Also you can read any posted recommendations and have a place to review them once the works are completed.

Example of residential builders on JuggleFrogs

We have residential builders across the UK - and if you can’t find the residential builder you need get in touch and we can search for you - all for FREE.

Find an interior designer tips:

• Find a room that you really like, then find out who the interior designer was
• Ask for recommendations from friends or family
• Ask in retail decorating outlets for interior designer recommendations
• Use JuggleFrogs local interior designer search

Hiring interior designers can really give your home continuity, function, and beauty.

The costs of hiring an interior designer will vary depending on the services you need e.g kitchen design ideas to full property renovation project management. Interior designers should diagnose your taste and determine your style by talking to you and looking at your existing environment.

When using our local interior designer search you can filter for specific interior designer skills, ranging from:

Bathrooms | Children’s Rooms | Colour Schemes | De-cluttering | Design Advice | Full refurbishment |Kitchens |Project Manager

Before meeting an interior design prepare for the meeting so you can show them any ideas, swatches and photos of styles you like or dislike. Although an interior designer will take steps to learn about you and analyse your requirements, to create building blocks of the eventual design, the more you can prepare the more you are likely to get from the time with an interior designer.

Good luck with your search to find an interior designer and if you need more help get in touch.

So how do you find a reliable plumber?

Well JuggleFrogs was set up to help people just like you find reliable plumbers, electricians and others tradespeople across the UK. Your first step when looking for reliable plumber is determined by the kind of plumbing works you require as depending on this it will depend on the type of plumber that you need.
plu
Does the job require working with gas? If so then you need a heating engineer as anyone working with gas must have the appropriate qualifications and be registered with the “Gas Safe Register“.

FIND RELIABLE PLUMBERS
Use our local plumbers search to find reliable plumbers across the UK!

Plumbers tend to have varying levels of training and qualifications. So make sure you do your homework on the plumber you are planning to employing to ensure that they are the right plumber for the job. The skills required to change a tap are very different to those required to installing a new bathroom and installing a central heating system is another skill entirely.

Questions to ask a plumber?

• How long have they been in business and what training/qualifications do they have?
• If not personally recommended already then ask for testimonials of previous works
• Brief them on the works required and get an understanding of how they intend to carry out the works
• If they are working with electrics are they registered to do this and if not who will they subcontract to do the work - works to electricians fall under Part P legislation (Part P explained)
• If working on a large project how will over runs on the plumbing works be charged?
• How long do they estimate it will take to complete the plumbing works?

Plumbing is a highly skilled trade and if not done correctly can result in huge costs from flooding and leaks. So spend time to make sure you find a reliable plumber who is reputable, has the right qualifications and where required is Gas Safe Registered.

Outside weeHouse

Inside weeHouse

The Arado weeHouse shown here was built as a vacation retreat, by Alchemy LLC and at just 336 sqft it really is wee. The weeHouse took $56k to build and 6 Months, from concept to creation.

Living in a weeHouse

weeHouse - open plan living

weeHouses are pre-designed with options to accommodate many needs and sites. Delivery runs nominally 6-9 months from signed contract, design fees are
minimal, and costs based on the project’s location are given up front. Custom wee houses are also possible based on adaptations of their standard wee houses. The wee house is intended to provide flexibility and high-quality design with reduced time and costs compared with custom architecture.

Sadly weeHouses are not made in the UK however the designers of the weeHouse can offer their design services for projects anywhere in the World - find out more on www.weehouse.com.

Hand in hand with such developments have gone changes in expectations and so many people nowadays want flexibility in their homes. Homes are no longer just domestic spaces, in many cases they are places of work, rest, fun and family. So when building a new home or extending your home, a home architect can really make a difference to realising this vision.

NB. Home architect illustration by Brunskill Design

Not only has the way we lived changed but also the services that home architects provide have become much more accessible. With many home architects giving flexibility in services to the homeowner that allow control over costs and levels of service. Whether you are looking to create an extension, convert your loft or rework internal space a home architect really can help guide you through the process.

An initial design consultation with an architect will help you explore all possibilities for the design and layout of an extension or other works. They will also guide you through the planning application and building regulations process.

Many improvement projects, even the most straight forward once, require specialist help and extending a house is not simply a question of taking on extra space where you think you need: the entire way a home is planned should also come into consideration, for this reason and because most extensions require substantial building work and generally entail structural changes its pretty much essential to employ an architect.

Search for an architect:

A home architect can help you realise your plans and come up with practical solutions within budget, legal advice as well as makes most design ideas possible.

Vehicle Signage

Marketing your business does not have to cost you a fortune there are some small things you can incorporate in your daily life that will help you get the word out there. Most tradespeople use a business vehicle to get to a job this has fantastic potential to market your business, every day. By adding personal vehicle signage to your vehicle (including details of your business name, type of work and contact details) not only does it look great, you are exposing your business to hundreds of road users neighbours and passers-by there is an initial cost of vehicle signage but it’s a one-off and should certainly pay for itself over time.

Business Cards

Another less costly way to get some professional business cards printed. Great to post to local shops, pass to existing clients for referring and get existing clients calling you again. Make sure the business card includes name, contact details and a little about what you do.

Logo Designed for Ventor Property Services

Business cards are printed on wood for special finish

We have designed logos and business cards for all types of tradespeople and we here to help with anything you need - contact us for a quote.

Internet Advertising

A slightly more costly way of reaching potential customers is advertising locally in newspapers and directories. However now a day’s many people today prefer to use the internet, as its current and they can get a wider reach, and if you have a website then they can see much more about your business.

Don’t forget to register for our free local listing, we offer FREE advertising to any tradesperson: FREE advertising.

If you really want to make the most of advertising on line you need a website the real way to get noticed online and a fantastic way to really sell your skills and your business.

Plumbers website

Architect website

Carpenter website

JuggleFrogs designs websites for all business and budgets (more on: tradesmen websites service) with prices ranging from £299 we can help get your business online and winning new work. For a quote or just to chat through some ideas contact us: 01926 853 125 or info@jugglefrogs.co.uk .

• keep an up to date Register of all architects
• promote good standards both in the education of architects and in professional practice
• provide consumers with an accessible service in cases of complaint
• investigate and prosecute unregistered individuals in business or practice who unlawfully call themselves an architect

In order to become an ARB Architect, architecture students need to have the knowledge, skills and ability to qualify as architects. Typical steps in Becoming an Architect:

• Gain a degree in architecture. Usually have finished three years’ full-time study, or a longer period of part-time study. Once you have your degree, you will usually do a year’s practical training under the supervision of an architect who is registered in the UK or in Europe. If we ARB don’t recognise your qualification, you can take an examination that ARB set. This will test whether your qualification meets the ARB Architects standards.
• Gain a diploma or second degree in architecture. Usually have done a further two years’ full-time study after getting your first degree. You will then have to do another year of practical training experience, under the supervision of an architect registered in the UK. If ARB don’t recognise your qualification, you can take an examination that ARB set to see if it meets their standards.
• Take a professional practice examination, which ARB recognise. You will be tested on the knowledge, understanding and skills you have gained from your practical training experience.

When you have finished all three parts, including your practical training experience, you can then apply to join the UK Register of Architects.

If you are thinking of using an architect, check ARB’s architect list, you can use our find an architect search to find companies registered.

Buildings are the biggest producers of harmful greenhouse gases, this includes existing buildings as well as from the construction of new building. Essentially as inefficiencies in a buildings initial construction as well as the ongoing lighting and heating - building are huge CO2 producers, and as our population continues to increase its vital that construction companies improve their sustainability and we do as much as we can to existing buildings to improve their environmental credentials.

There are a huge range of sustainability and environmental issues within - so where to start? A holistic approach is not only to look at the energy efficiency of buildings but also the efficiency of the building process including planning, design, assembly and disposal which affects all members in the chain ranging from small building companies to large construction companies everybody has their part to play in ensuring we are building sustainably going forward.

Photo: Building sustainbly at the C60 House

In order to ensure that we meet the government’s target of 60% reduction in the 1990 level of emissions by 2050 we need to ensure that the construction industry become skilled in modern and sustainable building techniques. So that one day building sustainably is becomes an integral part of building. Courses on offer range from environmental management systems at site level to sustainable procurement and management of waste water and energy; addressing environmental and social impact of construction projects on the surrounding environment.

Ignoring building sustainably is not an option and contractors (if not already) will have to adopt a more sustainable approach. The good news is that building sustainably offers businesses opportunity as more sustainable buildings are being demanded by environmentally aware clients and as the government drives forward eco-initiatives and targets, those businesses able to embrace sustainability will enjoy improved reputation and commercial benefits.

Shown above Ghost Waterfall bed linen in taupe. This bedlinen features an exquisitely embroidered scalloped panel. The cotton has been piece dyed, stone washed and embroidered to give a laundered look. The scalloped embroidery is used on the flat sheet and pillow shams. The range is accessorised with luxurious throws and cushions in silks and velvet.

On the 28th and 29th of May 2009, House of Fraser are holding a special brand event which includes 50% off Ghost Bedding.

Step one when working out what contractors you need to hire is to determine what if any work you will be doing yourself and then what projects you will require outside support for. Alongside this it’s beneficial to have an order of works so you can plan when to bring on board any different contractors and help ensure you can be specific about the works required to each contractor.

Carpenter installing bespoke fitted wardrobes

For example unless you are trained in structural works or very experienced it makes sense to employ an architect to oversee any major projects all structural works. Also you may feel comfortable doing some of the more minor works but when it comes to say replacing the roof or fitting windows then it might be time to think about hiring contractors at this point.

When considering hiring contractors you may consider it too expensive but before you walk away from this make sure you get quotes, as it can be less expensive than you think to get professinal contractors in. As one it allows you to concentrate on your day job or spend time doing work that better suits your skills, also can result in a better end result.

If you are taking on a full property renovation don’t underestimate the value of doing a project management job properly by project managing efficiently and effectively, hiring contractors individually e.g. electrician and then a plumber, it can not only save you money but also ensure you get your vision and the finish you want.

BedZED Eco Development

BedZED development in 2002 was a pioneering eco development, created in partnership with Peabody Trust and BioRegional Development Group. Peabody provides social housing and due to the eco credentials of the development received a reduced price on the site. They essentially negotiated a 10% reduction due to the fore casted savings on carbon dioxide emissions.

Completed in 2002 the BedZED project (Beddington Zero Energy Development) was the UKs first and largest carbon neutral eco development that incorporated innovative approaches to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. The concept being to create a zero fossil energy development one that would produce at least as much energy from renewable sources as it consumes.

BedZED Eco Development

The eco development’s design had a strong emphasis on reductions in energy and water consumption and included roof gardens, solar energy, and waste water recycling. All the houses are south facing arranged in terraces to maximise heat gain from the sun and being constructed from thermally massive materials, they store heat during warm conditions and release heat in cooler times. Then to cap it all all the buildings are wrapped up warmly in a 300mm insulation jacket (standard is 100mm).

The Bezed eco development claims to have a massive saving 56% of carbon emissions in the home through its energy-efficient design including energy-efficient appliances, solar panels (which supply 11% of the site energy) and it’s community education programme.

BedZED development up close

Its been seven years since the BedZED eco development and they’re now being resold at higher prices than similar size local properties. So is this due to the eco-benefits of a home or more the culture that has been created within the development. With communal gardens, football pitches, allotments, community centres and flourishing gardens who would’nt want to live there!

Eco renovation solutions range from energy-saving light bulbs to rainwater harvesting.  So here are some really practical and accessible tips to  help ensure an eco renovation:

• Re-use - Above all else the best eco method is RE-USE, it uses literally no energy and continues a products life cycle, a real winner all round.
• Reclaim - Visiting charity shops, ebayand even just talking to family and friends about things you need. It’s amazing how much people throw out, one mans trash really is another ones treasure.
• Recycle - If you can’t reuse or find a home for unwanted items then you can recycle. Most local recycling centres now have sections for wood, MDF, soil and even plasterboard.
• Buy stuff to last - A little investment in a better quality product upfront can save you money in the long term and even benefit the environment, as a less durable a product is the more energy and pollution is created from disposing and replacing it.
• Buy local - Souring local products saves on energy and supports the your local economy, not always practical but check out local retailers as they often have unique items you might not find online and expert advice that you might not get from an online store.
• Buy renewable - Essentially think “something grown”, ensure what you are buying comes from a sustainable source and buying natural e.g timber, natural fibres, cotton, keeps your home free from toxins like glue often present in materials like MDF.

Restoring original skirting boards

Top tip. If you are replacing your heating, then keep any copper pipes that are removed, as a scrap merchant will pay you for these by weight.

With these eco renovation ideas at the heart of your renovation you can really create a unique home and feel happy you are doing your bit to help the environment.

Outside the houseboat

Luxury houseboat bedroom

Luxury houseboat kitchen

Toke Larsen renovated the houseboat, turning what was simply a scrap-metal box into something really special. The luxury houseboat is in Copenhagen and boasts a host of eco friendly ideas including under floor heating, cavity wall insulation and eco paints. Also the houseboat renovation includes steel windows from an old factory and most things in the house are made by Toke himself including kitchen units and dinning table. Toke has some really great design ideas and his clean line style coupled with classic pieces really creates a sense of luxury.

JuggleFrogs helps people find reliable plumbers all across the UK and we have plumbers in most areas across the UK:

Plumbers in Manchester | Plumbers in Birmingham | Plumbers in CAMBRIDGE | Plumbers PRESTON … more local plumbers.

With the increased Don’t Move Improve culture and skills needed plumbers are needed and are still in great demand across the UK. Infact on JuggleFrogs tradesmen search it’s the top trade homeowners are looking for. So if you think a plumbing career, might be for you check out our Become a Plumber advice.

Good luck finding a plumber in your local area, if you need help then get in touch.

Screwfix have recently given the clearance part of the online store a facelift with lots more offers and made it easier to find things. So it’s worth a browse in the Screwfix Clearance section to see if there are any bargains.

Also great news is that there is a mid season sale at the Designers Guild, so lots of the beautiful cushions have prices cut.

Laura from Kenilworth sent in some great photos when Pete from Gutter Klean came to visit her:

Pete from Gutter Klean

Result of clean gutters

Laura told us ”Our gutters were totally blocked up in places and I could hardly lift the bag of rubbish. Very satisfying. 1 1/2 hours work for £30!”

We have lots of people to help you get clean gutters in our local gardeners section.

So this Homebase Offer is a real winner! It’s a voucher code just  for the bank holiday weekend offering 10% off all products on Friday & Saturday. 

Homebase offer details:

• Vouchercode: DISCOUNT10
• Start Date: Friday 22nd May
• End Date: Saturday 23rd May

Visit Homebase here to check out the Homebase Offer.

1. Energy saving bulbs - switching to energy saving bulbs, this does costs round £2 but could save on average £3 per year on your energy bill - typically adding to savings of around £45 over the lifetime of each bulb you buy.
2. Use a washing line - great eco home idea is turning off your tumble dryer during the summer months possible savings of £16 a year.
3. Start a compost heap - all round winner, it reduces waste going to landfill and cuts associated greenhouse gas emissions. And your flowers and veg will flourish on free fertiliser. Check out your local council websites, as many offer reduced priced composters.
4. Fit a jacket to your hot water cylinder - it could save you £40 a year and only costs around £12.
5. Set up a water butt for the garden - you could collect 100-200 litres of rainwater in a water butt. Water butts cost from around £40-£70.
6. Fill in cracks - floorboards, skirting boards - as well as stopping draughts, you’ll save around £25 per year on heating. For a typical house it costs around £20. And if you fancy getting your needle and thread out, a home made draught excluder works wonders and is a really cost effective eco home idea.
7. Top up your loft insulation to 270mm - reduces heat loss,  currently costs about £200, and will pay for itself in around 4 years. Again check with local council as there are loft insulations grants avalible.
8. Insulate your hot water pipes - lagging for pipes costs less than £10, and you could get that back in savings every year.
9. Fit radiator panels against the back of radiators - it’ll make them more effective by reflecting heat back into the room.
10. Fit secondary glazing to your windows - if you’re not going for double glazing, an extra layer inside your current windows is an effective alternative. It will save money by cutting heat loss and draughts.

Home made draught excluder

Giving these eco home ideas a go, really could help save our planet and if that isnt motivation enough they could save you a  few pounds too.

House Beautiful features real reader homes from around the UK - ranging from comfortable country style to the chic city look.

House Beautiful provides inspiration and practical advice whatever your decorating tastes. Plus, expert advice on everything from choosing the right mortgage to finding your perfect property.

Subscribe to House Beautiful for up to 56% OFF what others pay on the newsstand — that’s like getting 20 FREE issues

Also, if you become a House Beautiful subscriber you will receive 10% discount in the House Beautiful Shop! So many reasons to subscribe - subscribe here.

Roofers in Birmimgham | Roofers in Leeds | Roofers in Edinburgh | Roofers in Rochester | Roofers in Glasgow | Roofers in Manchester

For more local roofers in the UK, follow link: Local Roofers

Once you have found a roofer in your local area, check out our top tips for hiring and finding a roofer, as you will need to weigh up the benefits of working with one roofer over another roofer.

Large Georgian house

Georgian House

 How to spot a Georgian Style Town House:

• Refined large sash windows (standard panes of glass divided by thin, delicate wooden glazing bars)
• Classic and symmetrical exterior
• Sometimes steps to front door, with stairs to cellar below - for serving floor
• Front door has a semi-circular window above the door
• Terraced houses where all houses are united in Architectural style
• Made of brick, with sloping slate roofs hidden behind stone parapets
• Most terraces were four stories high 

New build Georgian style house

Georgian Style Houses really have made a style statement, not only offering great spaces to live in but look at too.

Ewan at UK Water Features.com told us, “Despite the bad weather over the last week or two people are doing up their garden instead of moving or going abroad on holiday!”

“The good news is that the met office has reported that we should be having a cracking summer, it’s just with thunder outside at the moment I’m struggling to see it!”

So here is UK Water Features Top 10 Water Features for the Garden:

• Kelkay Bubbling Urn - now £99 Save £40!

Garden Water Feature - Kelkay Bubbling Urn

A beautiful traditional urn style water feature from the Kelkay Easy Fountain range.

• Autumn Leaves - now £199 Save £100!

Water Feature for Garden - Autumn Leaves

A beautiful copper willow tree feature that creates a relaxing effect in any garden.

• Eros - was £79 now £69 Save £10!

Eros Water Features for the Garden

Egyptian themed pouring pots with a bright LED light in each pot.

• Sienna Fountain (Rust) - was £121 now £74.99 Save £46!

Classic garden water feature - Siena Fountain

A perfect addition to any garden this fibre cast wall mounted water feature is fully self contained, simply fill with water and plug in!

• Solar Milk Churn Fountain was £99  now £69 Save £31

Unique Solar Milk Churn Fountain

An original solar powered water feature that gives a unique edge to any garden, patio or balcony.

• Solar Whiskey Barrell, was £99  now £69 Save £31!  

Solar Whiskey Barrell

This unique solar powered whiskey barrel looks great in any garden and simply needs sunshine to operate.

• Solar Windsor Urn, was £99 now £69.95 Save £30!

Solar Windsor Urn

A traditional stone-cast urn solar water feature, suitable for any garden or outdoor space.

• Alan Titchmarsh Cotterdale was £169 now £99 Save £70!

Water flows down a single tube in this glass water feature from the Alan Titchmarsh range.

• Alan Titchmarsh Kingsdale - was £199 now £129 Save £70

Water flows down the cone-shaped, semi-transparent textured glass whilst lit from within by nine LEDs in this glass water feature from the Alan Titchmarsh range.

• Alethia Water Pump, was £299 now £149 Save £50! 

Alethia Water Pump

A handcrafted pouring water pump fountain which is ideally suited to the more traditional English garden.

This really is a great range of Water Features for the Garden, if you need even more ideas then check out UK Water Features.com.