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Posts Tagged ‘Gardening<’
The English weather is pretty awful right now, and thoughts of gardening outside in the sun are far from most people’s  thoughts. In fact few people even spare a glance for what is outside as they head for the centrally heated warmth of their homes.
Gardens are an important asset though. This is not just because they can be nice to have, but also because they add value to a property. A neat and tidy garden doesn’t have to mean acres of lawns to mow – if you find a landscaper on Mr-Skill who knows what they are doing, your new garden could end up meaning less work than before.
This is because in this busy age it is no longer necessary to try to grow lawns in hard traffic areas where the kids need space to play. A creative combination of logs and pavers like the illustration here, with plantings around the edge to soften things is often just as pleasant.
 Landscapers London in fact regularly refuse to create gardens where gardens will never grow, and prefer to walk away from jobs that could mar their reputation too. Why not resolve to turn your ugly yard into a reward for sore eyes and have a garden that will make the neighbors green with envy too.
At Mr-Skill we make things really easy for you too. Just click on this link to find landscaper quotes and our rated associates will do the rest for you.
We do hope that you had a great break over the holiday season and will come back refreshed. We are looking forward to continuing to work with you in the future, and value your business greatly too. Have an excellent 2001, and good luck with your gardening project.
Tags: asset, find a gardener, find a landscaper, Garden, gardener quotes, gardeners london, Gardening, landscaper quotes, landscapers london, lawn, logs, neat, outside, paver, plant, planting, soften, sun, tidy, traffic area, value, warmth, weather, work, yard
Posted in Gardening & Landscaping | Comments Off
Posted in Kitchen Fitting on Oct 12
 Local kitchen fitters in London will be delighted to learn that one of the UK’s largest home-finding websites – Rightmove – has just released the results of a survey which discovered that a third of all spending on home improvements last year was spent on the kitchen. Whereas spending on other areas of the home was fairly equally proportioned – with the bathroom, living room, bedroom and garden each being allocated around a sixth of the home improvement budget – it is thought that the popularity of having friends over to eat at home, rather than going out, has fuelled the change in spending habits.
Matt James from Rightmove said that home-owners are having to budget very carefully when it comes to changing their home and are increasingly focusing on the parts of the house where they perceive they will gain the most pleasure and return on their investment. Inasmuch as a complete kitchen renovation can be an expensive item, you can get quoted from kitchen fitters in London for any job – large or small – through our Tradesmen´s Directory.
Although we agree with Mr James´ assessment of the current economic situation, the increase in spending on kitchens can also be attributed to cookery based TV programs such as “Masterchef” and “Come Dine With Me” as previously programs such as “Ground Force” and “Changing Rooms” are acknowledged to have influenced home improvement spending on gardening and interior design. Now people are more accustomed to the concept of entertaining their friends in their own homes and installing a new kitchen is part of that experience.
If you are considering redecorating or installing a new kitchen you may like to review some of the “Inspirations” posted in our blog, and if you would like to get a series of kitchen fitter quotes to find the most economic kitchen worktops in London, please use the “Post-a-Job” facility at the top of the page or find a kitchen fitter in London through our extensive Tradesmen´s Directory.
Tags: add value to your property, find a kitchen fitter, Gardening, Home Improvement, home inspirations, Interior Design, kitchen fitter quotes, Kitchen Fitting, Kitchen Worktops, plan a new kitchen, save money, Tradesmen´s Directory
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 When you walk into your house or office, it is quite rare that you will even think about your railings. They are functional, sturdy and even ornate, but you have probably seen them and relied on them every day without ever noticing any gradual deterioration in their condition. Old and rusty railings on garden walls, gates and balconies can give the impression that a home is uncared for. By removing the rust and old paint, replacing any elements of the railings that may be damaged or missing, and giving the railings a fresh coat of paint, you will enhance the perceived value of your property and its “kerb appeal”.
This project will probably take 3-4 days, or maybe two weekends, and you may wish to use the services of a recommended tradesman for some elements of the work.
Remove the Railings
The railings will have originally been attached to any supporting wall or post by lag screws, which you should be able to remove with a wrench, or embedded into concrete. If the latter, you will require a circular saw with a carbide tip blade. Be careful not to damage the mountings during the removal process, as these will be the supports when you replace the railings. If the base of your railings is badly damaged through corrosion (as often happens through road gritting or wear and tear) use a metal-cutting blade to slice off the support posts flush with the concrete. You may need professional help for this part of the project, so look for relevant rated tradesmen in our tradesmen’s directory if you feel this is necessary. Certainly two pairs of hands will be better than one!
 By removing the railings, it makes the following processes a lot simpler as you will be able to manoeuvre the railings to gain easier access as you work. This project is a lot more manageable in a workshop or garage, and even laying the railings in a garden will make them easier to work with. If using a circular saw to remove the railings, please make sure you are familiar with its operation and that you wear protective goggles and clothing.
Removing Stains from the Surrounds
 If the wall on which the railings were positioned have suffered over the years from rust staining, there are a couple of effective methods to clean them up. The first – and more environmentally friendly – is to squeeze a lemon onto the stain. Let it soak in for a minute or two (but not dry) and then scrub with a wire brush.
If you find this is not effective enough, you can use a wood restorer such as Net-trol, which works on both concrete and stone. However, because it is an acidic, make sure that you are completely protected from any splashback and that pets and children are out of the way when you use it. It is better to get this part of the process done early, as you will not want to stop to clean the surrounds when it comes to replace the railings.
Grind Away Old Rust and Paint
 All of the rust and most of the paint will have to be removed down to the bare metal. In order to do this you will need an angle grinder with attachments such as a sanding wheel and wire brush. You will also need various grades of abrasive paper (sandpaper) to get a really smooth finish. There are going to be metal flakes flying all over the place, so it is better to do this part of the job in a confined area which can be swept clean when you have finished and , of course, make sure that you wear protective safety equipment.
This part of the project is one for the patient – again one that you may wish to employ the services of a recommended tradesman for – as it is essential that all the rust is removed before proceeding with the next stage to prevent it resurfacing sooner rather than later.
Coat with Owatrol Oil
 As an additional protection against future rusting, once the railings are down to the bare metal (any non-flaking paint can also be left in place) it is best to treat them with Owatrol Oil. Owatrol is a rust remover and metal treatment which penetrates the metal and expels any moisture, inhibiting future rusting. It forms a semi-permanent barrier against future moisture penetrating the layer of paint you will be applying next, and also aids with the application of the paint – helping it to flow better and leave a more even finish.
Owatrol Oil (or any similar rust inhibitor) costs about £15.00 for 500ml, which should be enough for the majority of domestic railing restoration projects. It is applied directly from the can using a paintbrush, and then allow several hours for the chemical reaction to take place before applying any paint.
Painting the Railings
 It is recommended that you apply two coats of a quality metal paint such as Hammerite to the railings before replacing them. They can be painted in situ; however you should ensure that the surrounding area is covered with a dustsheet or some old newspaper. You do not want black metal paint dripping onto your pristinely cleaned wall!
Allow time for the first coat to dry before applying the second, and once painted, the railings should be left in an area with good ventilation to allow the fumes to disperse. The Hammerite smooth black paint costs around £8.00 per litre by the pot and an aerosol version is also available at around £8.00 per 400ml.
Replace the Railings
 Replacing the railings is a fairly straightforward job. You will either be fitting them into the wall or supporting posts via the lag screws or setting them into the concrete with a covering of strong grout. If you removed your railings by sawing through the metal at the base, you should use corrosion-resistant masonry screws to fix the anchors into the concrete (Please check before sawing through the base of your railings that your local DIY store has these in stock!). The screws should be at least 2 inches long to offer complete support, however will make the railings easier to remove should you ever wish to take on this project again!
As with removing the railings initially, a second pair of experienced hands may come in very handy at this stage, so seek counsel from one of the recommended tradesmen in our tradesmen´s directory just before you complete the job. With the effort you will have invested in this project, there is no benefit to trying to do it all yourself or saving a few pounds by using second grade materials. Your railings have been part of your home décor for possibly fifty years or more and, by following the stages listed above, can last another fifty years at least!
Tags: angle grinder, balconies, circilar saw, Construction, driveway, fences, Gardening, gates, Home Improvements, Home Maintenance, home repairs, Kerb Appeal, Money Saving Improvements, owatrol oil, Painting, railings, rust, rustproof, staining, terraces, Tradesmen´s Directory, varnishing
Posted in Painting & Decorating | Comments Off
Posted in Hiring Advice on Jul 22
When hiring a local tradesman, there are a number of factors that you should consider to ensure you get the job done efficiently and economically.
Hire the Right Tradesman for You
 One of the most important considerations when hiring a local tradesman is communication. For example, if you want a wall constructed which is 8 feet long and 4 feet high, you would be unhappy if what was built was twice as high and half the width you required.
Although qualifications and memberships of trade associations are valuable, recommendations – particularly through our tradesmen’s directory – can count for a lot more. Overall, select a local tradesman that you feel you can trust to competently get the job done in a satisfactory time frame at a reasonable cost.
Check Feedback and References
 The recommended tradesmen which appear in our tradesmen’s directory are only given ratings by homeowners who have used their services through this web site, and therefore we believe that the feedback given to our recommended tradesmen is genuine and reflects on their good standard of work.
If a tradesman is not yet rated, it does not mean they are suitable for your job. They may be new to Mr Skill and could be able to supply references of their own. It is in your best interests to check the authenticity of all recommendations to ensure you are comfortable that the tradesman is able to do the job.
Insist on a Quote
 As Mr Skill is a regionally based web portal, the recommended tradesmen featured in our tradesmen´s directory can be isolated by postcode. The benefit to the homeowner is that they can chose from local builders, electricians, gas fitters and other tradesmen who are immediately in their vicinity, and who will have no problem paying you a visit to offer their tradesmen´s quote.
In it is your best advantage to meet with, and get quotes from, three or more of your local tradesmen to help you make your selection. It is also beneficial to have local tradesmen visit your home in order that they can see the job at hand and any obstacles that may be presented to them. This will also give you the opportunity to establish communication, check on references and allow the tradesman to establish a level of trust.
Verify Information
 Once you have provisionally agreed for a recommended tradesman to be awarded the job, double check on their public liability insurance and also on your own home contents insurance to ensure that any accidents that occur during the work are covered. In the case of a recommended builder subcontracting elements of the work out to other tradesmen, you need to be sure that their work is also covered by the builder’s public liability insurance and, if dealing with gas or electrical tradesmen, that they carry the right credentials.
You may also want to insist on a guarantee for their work, and go back over any references to determine whether that guarantee has ever been called upon. If you are responsible for supplying the materials for the job, your local tradesman cannot be held accountable for any faults therein, however, he should have advised you on the correct materials for the job before you went out to buy them – another reason why good communication is so important!
Get a Contract
 For larger projects, and those which require you to pay a deposit or cover the cost of the initial materials, it is recommended that you agree on a contract with your local tradesman before work commences. This contract can cover a comprehensive explanation of the job, the timescale for the completion of the work and payment schedules. It is also advisable, for major projects at least, that a percentage of the total charge is withheld until such time as the work has been inspected and passed by the Local Authority Building Control or other authorised body.
A typical builder’s contract is available through the Federation of Master Builders web site, and although it may not be entirely appropriate for the work you require to be done in every case, it gives a good overview of what should be included.
Placing your Job Posting
Placing your job posting is the first step to hiring a recommended tradesman from the tradesmen´s directory. You need to make you requirements as clear as possible from the very beginning to attract tradesmen who are capable of doing the job and deter those with inappropriate experience from applying. Add as much description and measurements as possible.
 An Example of a Poor Post “Cutting back conifer trees and shrubs in small garden, and weeds.”
In this post there are no details of the size of the conifer trees, how many there are or whether the “weeding” comprises of light hoeing or removing deep rooted bindweed. The term “small” is also relative – small compared to Great Windsor Park maybe?
 An Example of a Good Post “I have just acquired a one-bed flat in old Edwardian house in Southborough, with high-ceiling rooms but very old fashioned decor. Want quote for stripping wallpaper off living room (17′ x 13′ approx) and bedroom (14′ x 12′ approx) walls only, filling & smoothing any minor cracks/blemishes, and then painting with high quality paint. Ceiling and woodwork all OK and do NOT need painting. Ideally, would like job done within next 10 days.”
This post contains exact measurements of the walls that need stripping, the fact that the customer requires a high quality paint finish and a timeframe in which he wants the job done.
Needless to say, the latter post received more quotes that the former and the client got a job well done at a competitive price.
Summary
Do not feel awkward about requesting references, quotes and checking the tradesman’s credentials. All of the recommended tradesmen on the Mr Skill tradesmen´s directory are aware that these items will be asked for and are accustomed to homeowners requesting them. Furthermore, a contract protects the tradesman as much as it protects the customer, and it is in both parties interest that there is a written agreement of the work to be done, with timeframe and costs included, before any work commences.
Posting your job on Mr Skill is the first opportunity for communication with our database of recommended tradesmen. By putting a greater amount of detail into your post (include if you wish that you will be seeking references etc) you will attract a greater amount of attention from local tradesmen. Thereafter, follow the remainder of our tips and advice for hiring a tradesman and you will find that your jobs are accomplished more efficiently and economically.
Tags: brickwork, builder, Builders Quotes, Construction, crack stitching, damp proofing, doors and windows, Gardening, Hiring Advice, Home Improvements, Home Maintenance, Insulation, interior decoration, Kerb Appeal, lintels, masonry, Mr Skill Ratings, Painting, Post a Job, Public Liability Insurance, References, replastering, repointing, roof, Tradesmen´s Directory, ventilation, window film, Work Contract
Posted in Hiring Advice | Comments Off
 External appearances influence potential buyers : Image courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives A report released last week on propertytalklive.co.uk, shows that there are now 43% more properties on the market in the UK than there were at the beginning of the year. Despite this growth of property stock, the latest quarterly release from Nationwide Building Society show property prices continuing to inch up month on month. However, for Londoners, the picture for people trying to sell their property is bleak. According to Liam Bailey, head of residential research at international realtors Knight Frank, 68% of property bought in the capital throughout 2009 was purchased by overseas residents. This makes it incredibly difficult for vendors in London to sell their homes locally, and trying to remain price competitive within the London postcode region is often not enough.
Adding Value with Home Improvements
Adding value to your property by making home improvements can lead to obtaining both that quick sale and a higher level of profit. London based journalist, Lucy Denyer, recently wrote in the Sunday Times regarding the vendor of a flat in Highbury Park, North London, which had been on the market for many months without attracting much interest. The vendor decided to employ the services of some recommended tradesmen to reduce the size of the bathroom and create a feature dressing room for one of the bedrooms. The property was sold the day it went back on the market for £360.000, having originally been valued at £290.000.
Kerb Appeal
Not everybody will have to take such drastic steps to improve the saleability of their property. Paul Gosling, writing for the Independent on Sunday, notes that many people ignore the front of their property, yet this is the area of the house that potential purchasers see first. “Kerb Appeal” is one of the most overlooked areas of selling a house, and vendors are recommended by John Woodward – property services manager for Woolwich Property Services – “… to cross the road, look at the front of their house, and think about what would put them off”.
Repairing broken masonry, installing new guttering and replacing flaked, dowdy paintwork with a fresh coat of bright gloss can make all the difference to how a potential purchaser views your property. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and there are many local tradesmen throughout London now using their skills to help people sell their homes than ever before. Good builders these days need to have comprehensive skill sets themselves to remain competitive, and vendors should get a series of builder´s quotes before proceeding with any exterior facelift to their property.
Finding the Right Tradesman for the Job
To find trades people for the jobs that you may find too difficult to do yourself, Mr-Skill.co.uk has an extensive directory of highly rated builders throughout London that will offer their quotes for free. Please review our section “Hiring Advice” section, which demonstrates some good and bad examples of how to post your job in order to get the best tradesman – at the best price – to do your job.
Tags: brickwork, Construction, crack stitching, damp proofing, doors and windows, driveway, Gardening, Guttering, Home Improvements, Home Maintenance, Kerb Appeal, masonry, Painting, refurbish, renovate, replastering, repointing, roof, Windows and Doors
Posted in Improving the appeal and value of your home | Comments Off
Whether you are thinking of moving or just improving, at this time of year our thoughts inevitably turn to sprucing up the outside of our house. First impressions definitely count and, whether it’s friends and family or potential buyers, visitors to your home will judge the outside before they even step foot in your house. If you are planning on putting your house on the market it’s worth remembering that viewers are buying into a lifestyle – you want to ensure that lifestyle looks as attractive as possible.
 Example of kerb appeal For instant kerb appeal, think about fitting a new front door. Whether wooden, PVC or glass, a new front door makes the world of difference to how the front of your house looks. If you have an existing wooden door, it may be possible just to paint your front door – an inexpensive way to make a big impact. However, unless you’re an aspiring artist it might be best to bring in a professional painter and decorator – drips of gloss or untidy edges can spoil the whole look in an instant.
Take this one step further and refurbish or paint your windows, fence and gates. The uniform look that this will achieve will far outweigh the extra financial outlay. Choosing the right colour is important – if you want to stand out from the crowd why not pick a bright colour that complements your neighbours’? This way you set your house apart but maximise on the collective look of the neighbourhood.
Pointing and tidying up your brickwork can transform the way your house looks. A good London builder will be able to do this quickly and easily. Our eyes enjoy symmetry and perfect brickwork looks a lot better than shabby, crumbling bricks and mortar. Especially if you are thinking of selling your home. You never get a second chance to make a first impression and, when you consider that it can take buyers as little as eight seconds to decide whether they want to buy a house, your property needs to look as good as possible at first glance.
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, make sure it looks as tidy as possible. A landscape gardener will be able to transform your garden into an oasis of calm and luxury, but you don’t have to blow your budget. If you can’t stretch to landscape gardening, simply planting a few flowers, re-turfing the lawn or even just giving it a trim and tidying the hedges can make a huge difference at a low cost. Our eyes are automatically drawn to the edges of a lawn so, if you don’t have the correct tools, get a gardener in to use a round edged lawn cutter to get a crisp, even finish. Planting a few bulbs and tidying borders also enhance the appearance of your garden easily, as does adding window boxes and hanging baskets. Gardeners are relatively inexpensive and you might find that it makes sense to get someone in to maintain your garden once you’ve got it looking spick and span – after all, you want to have time to enjoy it!
Hone your exterior style by tidying up paths and driveways using monoblock or, less expensively, woodchip, gravel or crazy paving. The former will give a gorgeously uniform look to the front of your house but, if price is a factor, woodchip, pebbles, gravel or crazy paving will achieve the look on a budget. Building a new wall to surround your entrance will finish off the look perfectly.
If you want to be a little more extravagant, why not consider creating a garden pond or water feature? The sound of running water is perfect for disguising traffic noise and giving your garden a tranquil feel. While this is a bigger job than simply tidying up the garden, the effect will definitely be worth it and will transform your outdoor space.
So, next time you get home after a long day at work, have a look at the front of your home and see what it says about you. After all, it’s the only bit of your home that 99% of people ever get to see. If you don’t feel it shows you in the best light, why not put together a ‘to-do’ list and get quotes from our tradesmen today?
Tags: bricks, brickwork, builder, building a pond, building a water feature, building garden wall, bushes, crazy paving, doing up house, drive, driveway, fence, front door, Garden, garden fence, garden wall, gardener, Gardening, gardens, gate, glass, gravel, hanging basket, Home Improvements, house, improve, landscape, landscape gardener, lawn, lay, London, monoblock, mortar, move, moving, mow, mowing the lawn, new, new front door, new windows, paint, painting fence, painting front door, painting windows, path, pebbles, plant, planting, planting bulbs, plants, pointing, prune, pruning, PVC, re-turf, re-turfing, re-turfing lawn, reconditioning windows, refurbish, refurbishing windows, renovate, shed, tidy, tidying, trim, turf, turfing, wall, window, window bo, windows, woodchip, wooden
Posted in Improving the appeal and value of your home | Comments Off
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