AUTOMATED DRIVEWAY GATES: IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA COST?

Customers routinely ask us to evaluate the merits of automatic versus manual operation of driveway gates. This is what we have to say.

A motor operator kit for a driveway gate can cost between £800 and £2,000. That does not include the cost of the gate. When considering automation of a driveway gate, one must evaluate the type and cost of the motor as well as other components of the operator kit. Cheap operators often mean cost cutting in the motor, and that can result in a short motor life.

There are several reasons for automating a gate. Convenience is the most obvious. Coming home in the dark, or going out in the rain and not having to get out of the car to open the gate are good examples. The major benefit of automating a driveway gate, and the real reason to spend the extra money, is that an automated gate closes behind you. A manually operated gate is only closed if the user remembers to close it.

In the final analysis, the major benefit of automating a driveway gate is closing it behind you. Forgetting to close a manually operated gate results in an open section of the fence with extra, and sometimes many, steps.

If the driveway is short and straight, we’d say automating the gate isn’t worth the cost. Automation pays off when a driveway is long and/or there are a lot of vehicles using the gate. Automating a gate makes sense when the goal is to control access to the property. A manually operated gate can still provide an aesthetically pleasing entrance to the property at a lower cost.

Something that is often overlooked when talking about automated gates is service. The motors and the electronics in the gate system require servicing at least annually to maintain optimal performance. This is an ongoing cost. It’s better to know about this cost in advance rather than unexpectedly receiving a service invoice. Every gate system should be fitted with a safety sensor and photocell. If a supplier does not include these in a gate system, that supplier should not be considered.

Got kids or a pet? We’d go automated every time. The sensors to help stop the gate from closing are a nice addition, but with kids or a pet around the driveway, they’re a must have. A fully automated system isn’t cheap, and an older couple who doesn’t have many visitors may be better off saving money.

Are the added features of the automated system worth the cost? Most of the time, yes. Not everyone is getting an automated system. If someone relies on their driveway entrance being completely secured and fully functional, the added cost of the automated system is justified. For others, the added cost isn’t justifiable. A standard, manually closed driveway gate does a similar function for less cost.

TILED ROOFS VS. FLAT ROOFS VS. FIBRE GLASS ROOFS AND COSTS

Generally speaking a tiled roof is the best option for a period property and with good reason, Clay tiles look a lot better and typically last 50 years plus. However, they are significantly more expensive than their concrete counterparts which also shorten the lifespan and detract from the appearance of the roof. Slate roofs are the longest lasting and are generally found on the higher end of the market. The national average for a complete re-tiling of a semi-detached property is between 5,000 and 30,000 pounds.

Generally, flat roofs can be found on garages, extensions and lower end housing from the post war years. Flat roofs have a bad reputation from the old felt roofs of that time, however, recent innovations in roofing like fibreglass and single ply membranes have improved the market. Flat roofs are less expensive than pitched roofs, however, they generally do not last as long.

Fibreglass (GRP) roofs are very popular for flat roofs and roofs on conservatories and garden rooms. They are fully waterproof and have seams, like a portable shower tray, to allow water to drain off. They will last a long time with very little maintenance. They cost more than a cheap, everyday roofing felt but less than a tiled roof.

The biggest determiners of cost for a new roof are size and the condition of what is under the roof, particularly the roof structure. The cost of a new roof can easily be underestimated, for example if scaffolding has to be erected around the entire house. The condition of the roof structure can impact the cost of a new roof. If the roof structure needs to be replaced as well, the cost of the roof structure and the new roof need to be considered together.

Get at least two quotes because the quotes may vary widely due to what is included. Ask what is included because the quotes may not include the same things. Scaffolding and disposal may be included in some quotes, but not in others.

A new roof can change the look of a house and, if done nicely, improve a house. However, a new roof can also be a significant financial cost and, if done on a house with an old roof structure that hasn’t been checked, the cost can be wasted if the old, neglected roof structure isn’t also replaced.

WHAT IMPROVES KERB APPEAL AND HOUSE SECURITY? FRONT DOORS.

While many homeowners consider the aesthetics of the front of their home and how to best present their property, not many think beyond the cosmetic aspects of their home. Your front door is often the focal point of the street view of your home and the first line of defense against unwanted visitors.

The color and style of your front door can dramatically improve the street view of your home. Deep colors can improve the appearance of your home and create an inviting first impression. The range of colors available on composite doors means that if you are replacing your front door for aesthetic reasons, you don’t need to worry about the door fading or deteriorating like wood doors.

When replacing your front door for security reasons, a composite door paired with a multi-point locking system dramatically improves the security of your home. Look for PAS 24. This is the industry standard for the performance of doors in regards to security. It is important to ask your door supplier if the door you are purchasing meets this standard. Do not assume.

People often underestimate the importance of small details. An oversized letterbox is an obvious weak point in the defenses of a house that most homeowners never think to look for. Glazing in the door is a weak point as well, and while it may cost a little more to use laminated glass in the door, it’s better than using standard glass because laminated glass is harder to break through.

If you’re choosing where to invest your money, the door or the hinges and lock, we’d say the hinges and lock are a better investment. While it’s important to invest in an attractive door, if the lock is cheap and the door is otherwise attractive, it’s still a weak door.

A good door can be an expensive investment, but it’s important not to cut corners and compromise, because a good door can keep a home secure. A good door can also drastically improve the aesthetic appeal and the value of a home, and it is a comparatively cheap and easy way to strengthen the security of a home. A good door accomplishes both of these.

How Can I Organise My Home Office?

Having a home office is amazing for those who are working from home following the Covid-19 pandemic. But, home offices can become disorganised chaos without effective storage solutions in place.

So, how can you organise your home office?

You want to think about what you need and what you don’t. Having a deep monthly clear-out can help to keep your home office organised and clutter-free.

But what if you don’t want to throw out items? This is when you need to think of effective storage solutions. You need to think of ways to keep paperwork and business materials organised and tidy. A good organisation technique for paperwork is a folder, this can be organised by months to keep everything in order. You should also think about how to store other materials. Commonly, people will think about using an IKEA Kallax unit, these come in many sizes, offering multiple storage areas for your materials.

Bedroom Furniture – Do’s and Dont’s

Our bedrooms are one room in our homes where we spend a lot of time. This is more common for teenagers who seem to never want to leave their bedroom. But, what should and shouldn’t we do with regards to furniture in our bedrooms.

Our bedrooms are not the largest room in our homes, but they are a room where we do want to spend the most time and do everything in. One thing we always seem to do is fill our bedrooms with unnecessary items. So don’t fill your room with too much furniture. Our bedrooms do not need to be filled with loads of items It is good to have your bedroom being spacious and only filled with vital items. So take away the desks, extra drawers and tables.

One thing we should do is keep the room spacious. You should want your bedroom to be a place where you can relax. The best way to do this is by keeping your room free from clutter and spacious.

Our Guide To A Unique Home

Everyone wants their home to be unique. They want their home to scream their own personality, calmness, and family life. But how can you make your home unique?

Well, it is fairly simple to make your own home unique. Today, we are going to share with you some of our top tips for making your home unique.

Don’t Follow Trends
One of the easiest things to do when decorating your home is to follow the current trend. But, if you want a unique home you need to stop doing this! Trends are around as this is what people are currently having in their homes. So shop around, find products that are not as common and go with your own style.

Follow Your Heart
When decorating your home, to create a unique home the easiest thing you can do is follow your heart. This way you will be designing your home exactly as your heart desires. You will be putting your own style and tastes into your home, making it 100% unique.

Choose What You Like
It is so easy when decorating your home to think about what other people will like. Trying to impress you visitors with the interior of your home. But the truth is, they will be more impressed with your own style. More impressed by you choosing what you like and not following the crowd. This will make your home stand out more!

Shop Around
The best way to get a unique home is to shop around. Places like Homesense and TK Maxx only stock a small selection of home items making them extremely unique. So purchasing goods from shops like these will make your home more unique.

These are just a few ways you can ensure your home is unique and not like the rest.

Extendable Dining Room Tables – Should I Have One?

The new trend in the home design industry is choosing to have an extendable dining room table in your home. Now we believe that every home should invest in an extendable dining room table. Yes, they may be slightly more expensive but they are 100% worth the extra cost.

But why should you invest in an extendable dining room table? What are the true benefits of owning one?

Well, the truth is that extendable dining room tables just offer you more flexibility. If your dining area is not the largest, it gives you the option to have a small dining room table for simple family meals. Yet if you have the room, the option is also there to extend your dining room table when you have visitors or need more space. This is the perfect table for those who like to have family gatherings and will sometimes need more space to host these events.

Alongside that extendable dining room tables just seem more practical. You no longer need a small and large table to suit your family. You can have both of these in one table. This will in turn save you some money whilst still providing you with what you are after.

There is a huge misconception that extendable dining room tables will take up more room and are extremely difficult to extend, but this is not the case. Unextended extendable dining room tables are the same size as a normal dining room table, you are just given the option to add more space. Extending your table can be very simple. As simple as pulling one side of the table to reveal the extra area. They are progressing to make extendable dining room tables easier to extend so more people will be able to have them in their homes.

Adding Quirk To Your Home

Some people want their homes to be on-trend, whereas other want their homes to have more personality. If you are someone desiring personality and quirk, you’ve come to the right place. We are going to share with you some ways you can are quirkiness to your home.

Firstly, ditch the normal home shops. Don’t go to the classic shops that people go to if you want a home with more quirk. These shops sell hundreds of the same items meaning they won’t be unique. You want to head to other places. Places such as charity shops or HomeSense that offer one-off pieces, bound to give your home a personality.

Another way to make your home more quirky is to ditch the ides of new items. Think about upcycling some items in your home or what you can find secondhand. This will give your home more of a personality.

Should I Purchase A Dining Room Table?

Dining room tables are one piece of furniture that is not a necessity but can be found in lots of homes across the United Kingdom. Some dining room tables can become an expensive purchase depending on the size and style that you want to go for. So, should you purchase a dining room table?

From personal experience, purchasing a dining room table was one of the best decisions we could have made. Our table is not only used for mealtimes but as a desk for working on, an area to do arts and crafts, as well as somewhere to help you organise your home. A table has been one of the best purchases we made for our home.

If you consider the option of purchasing a dining room table you should always consider all of your options. As previously mentioned, tables can be an expensive purchase, ranging from £100 to over £1000. One of the first things you should do when choosing a table is shop around. Looking for dining room table sellers near you. This will help you to find different tables at different price points. Helping you to get the best value table that suits your needs at the best price.

Another aspect you will need to consider is the kind of table you are after. You may be thinking, what do you mean kind of table? Well, there are in fact different kinds of dining room tables that you can choose between. This includes extendable tables, circular tables, wooden tables, as well as more choices. Knowing exactly what you are after helps you to find the best price. But if you are unsure, looking into all the options and the benefits of each choice will help you to decide and find the best dining room table for your home.

Furniture Choices For Your Conservatory

Conservatories are a very popular extension choice for homes across the United Kingdom. Many people choosing to have a large conservatory added to the back of their home. If your home has, or you are planning for it to have a conservatory, here are some furniture choices for you to consider.

One of the most common uses for conservatories in family homes is being a playroom. If you are planning to have this use you should consider storage solutions and somewhere to sit.

Another common use for conservatories in the UK is becoming a dining room. Many homes do not have a dining room, meaning a conservatory is the best option. For this, you will need to consider purchasing a dining room table to eat your meals at, and possibly a side cabinet to make it more homely.

Finally, some people decide to splash out the cash and purchase a pool table! This is perfect for games nights if you are a family who loves competition. You can also purchase ones that can also be used as a dining room table.