CrossTeam Properties Offers Advice on Home and Garden Improvements

While we are often inclined to fill our bedrooms with all sorts of recreational and business tools – from televisions and PS3s to computers – it has been proven that having a cluttered, busy, “not for sleeping” bedroom can be bad for your health. So, here are a few tips for creating a better sleeping environment:

*Your bedroom should be a relaxing place. If you have a television and/or computer, place them in a closable desk or cabinet so that, when it’s time for sleep, the room feels like a place to sleep.

*You should be able to block out light – day or night. Our bodies respond to light as a signal to be awake; just as they respond to dark as a time to be asleep. Invest in heavy curtains which will keep light out.

*Outside noises can be a problem, especially if you live in a busy area. Running something that emits a steady low sound, like the whirring of a fan, can help counteract other disturbing noises.

*Being too hot or too cold can also be disruptive of sleep, so keeping your bedroom at the right temperature is important. Typically, a bedroom should be at around 16° – 18°.

*While most of us would far rather spend our money on more-exciting things for our home, creating a better sleeping environment includes having a better bed. Invest in a good mattress and foundation – ensuring that it provides comfort, support, and is the right size for the people sleeping in it.

Designer radiators are styled to stand out from the norm and to be different. There are a number of contemporary style radiator designs to choose from and there is a big choice of style, design, colour and size to suit all requirements.

Styles include vertical radiators, horizontal designs and radiators with curved fronts. There are a number of different chrome radiators for use as towel rails and others with mirrored fronts designed for bathrooms, but often used in other rooms too. The trend is for these designer radiators, especially the ones with rails across, to be used in any room in the house. They are no longer confined to the bathroom. You can select a designer radiator that you like and put it in any room in the house.

The best way to see what is out there in terms of designer radiators is to browse the internet, or visit a specialist shop that stocks radiators from a number of different designers. The tube type radiators with their chrome finish and ultra modern look are extremely popular at present. However, there is also a move back to radiators that resemble those huge cast iron radiators that used to be used with early central heating systems. The days of the straightforward flat panel radiator are certainly numbered as new designs appear all the time.

The latest development here is a horizontal tubed radiator with fins, which comes in black. A quick search for ‘designer radiators’ will reveal a huge range of options. Once you have found what you want you can ask your supplier to get it for you.

Under tile heating is a type of underfloor heating. Underfloor heating is an efficient, relatively low cost method of heating, which contrasts with conventional forms of heating such as radiator systems or wood, gas, coal or oil burners, by emitting radiant – and thereby longer lasting – instead of convected heat.

In rooms with a tiled floor, it is common to use electric underfloor heating instead of the other most common type of water underfloor heating. Under tile heating can be either based on electric cables or mesh, or electric heating mats. Cables, mesh and mats are quite easy to install, being easy to cut into shape and size. Installation can be done on a DIY basis by use of an underfloor heating kit.

Electric heating mats are waterproof and also act as the first layer of insulation from the temperature of the ground beneath the room tiles. The benefit of using an electric heating mat is that it evenly distributes heat emission underneath the tiles.

In rooms that are being newly built, under tile heating can be an easy part of the construction process. The under tile heating mat can be rolled out, cut into shape, fitted and tiled over in a very short stretch of time. Single, double or multiple coiled heating mats can be used, depending on the requirements. In smaller spaces such as bathrooms or utility rooms, single coiled under tile heating mats may well be sufficient, whereas conservatories can require multiple coiled heating mats.

Wooden gazebos are a fantastic way to create something unique and stylish in your garden. Wooden gazebos are soaring in popularity because there are so many designs, sizes and shapes available.

Wooden gazebos not only create a relaxing place to sit in your garden, they are also great for keeping safe in sunny weather. The sun has harmful rays that can even be harmful when it is very cloudy. A wooden gazebo provides a garden with permanent shade and a safe place to enjoy the weather.

If you have a hot tub outside you may want to protect it from the elements. You can easily do this with a wooden hot tub gazebo that allows you to enjoy the hot tub whatever the weather.

Wooden gazebos are often installed in a panelled system. This makes maintenance easier as you can unfix one panel if it becomes damaged and replace it.

The types of wood used for gazebos will not be very heavy and will be light enough for DIY beginners to handle. This means that if the gazebo is damaged or installed incorrectly then the entire structure can be taken apart and put together again, without the cost of having to buy extra materials and supplies.

Wooden gazebos are a great focal point for any size of garden or outdoor space. They provide shade, comfort and are a fantastic addition to any home’s outdoor area. You can buy complete kits to build them yourself, purchase materials from DIY stores, or hire a contractor to design and build the gazebo for you.

Aeon stainless steel radiators are renowned for their quality and style. In fact Aeon has actually been credited with the creation of designer radiators which have become a focal point of bathrooms as opposed to just a necessary practicality. In the past radiators were often considered rather unsightly but these new brands of designer radiators are simply stunning and enhance the bathrooms they are installed within.

All Aeon radiators are constructed entirely from 304 grade stainless steel which is a non-corrosive, durable and environmentally friendly material. You are guaranteed longevity when you purchase one of these designer radiators. They combine style with heat output and there is no shortage of options available with 450 styles in their current catalogue, meaning that there is bound to be a radiator to suit your bathroom and your own personal style.

Aeon radiators are sector leading since the entire unit is constructed from stainless steel including the radiator valves. All components which come into contact with wet surfaces or water use the 304 grade stainless steel while 430 grade stainless steel is used for components which will remain dry at all times. TIG welding technology ensures that all joints become one with the actual radiator unit. At no time will these radiators show any sign of discolouration, flaking or peeling and Aeon is so sure of this that each radiator comes with a twenty year guarantee for your piece of mind. The quality truly is second to none.

If you’re considering a significant property development project, whether with your own home or somewhere you’ve acquired to renovate, there are a few things to bear in mind before you start. Unless you’re a very accomplished all-rounder, with excellent building skills, you’ll be grappling with a lot more than DIY. You can certainly help keep costs down if you’re confident with painting and decorating and if you can stretch to plastering, too, significant savings can be made. Depending on how adventurous you aim to be, calling on the advice of architects would be a wise early move, not least because they can also advise and apply for, any planning permission you may need before you begin. Prominent extensions and major internal alterations usually require the local planning department’s approval. Unless you have the required permission for building projects that alter the form and use of the building, you’ll be breaking the law.

In addition to planning permission, you’ll need to be familiar with the relevant building regulations. These generally don’t apply to minor alterations, like repairs, a new central heating system or installing a new bathroom or kitchen. However, new extensions or changes to elevations, including significant internal renovations, like loft conversions, will require building regulation conformity. Again, architects can ensure that the legal requirements are complied with, as can chartered surveyors and master builders. You need to be prepared for all of the costs involved with the fittings for a property. The main expenses will be the kitchen, so plan for every cost from appliances to granite worktops.

Always remember that if your project affects any wall between your property and another, you’ll need to obtain a ‘party wall agreement.’ This obliges you to pay to rectify any damage to the integrity of the party wall that any building work on your part might cause. A simple motto, ‘plan before you build’.

Over the past few years there has been an increase of people renting properties rather than buying. This is due to the current economic climate, high house prices and the reluctance of banks to give big mortgages to first-time buyers.

Flats are amongst the most popular properties to rent especially in major cities like London, Birmingham and Liverpool. There are also more properties to rent on the market, as the housing market slows forcing new developments to rent out their properties instead of selling them.

Finding a property to rent is relatively easy nowadays, with many estate agents having their own websites which list available properties for a specific area. These websites have pictures and maps of the properties, giving a brief description and price so you can find what you’re looking for. Viewing can also be booked through the websites so you can see the properties in person.

With no end in sight for the current economic crisis, the best thing to do especially for first-time buyers is to rent until the housing market stabilises.

DIY installation of underfloor heating kits has become increasingly popular over the last few decades. Electric underfloor heating became prevalent in the 1960s but was at that time somewhat difficult and costly to install. This was because electric cables were laid in thick concrete pathways within the floor.  Water underfloor heating, which had been popularised in the early twentieth century by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, used a system of concrete water pipes connected to the main water supply.

Nowadays however, underfloor heating DIY has become relatively straightforward, with underfloor heating kits sold in many DIY shops or online. Kits will include a full set of instructions as well as technical support options, and the material is straightforward to use and light in nature.

Electric cables, heating mats or water pipes have to be carefully placed in the selected underfloor area, with close attention to an equal distribution of the material. Electrical control wiring is a key requirement. Also, before the material is laid out it is important to measure the amount needed in order to cover the entire selected area.

When laying out water underfloor heating pipes it is important to remove air from the system before first use.  This is done in the same way as in a regular water radiator system. Testing the thermostat is also important before final use. When first using the system, it is advised to raise the temperature gradually over a number of days so as not to overload the system.

If you’re planning a significant bit of property development, it would be wise to begin by employing architects. If you can afford the fees, they’ll ensure that any necessary planning permission is obtained. They’ll not only design your dream plan in detail, but ensure it conforms to current building regulations too. To economise on the project, rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into the DIY aspects, such as painting, decorating and even, if you’re able, some plastering, will save you a significant amount of cash. The more sophisticated aspects of the project, however, will usually mean calling in another expert. A good, reliable builder is worth his weight in gold. Don’t randomly select one from Yellow Pages though, always go on trusted recommendations and ask to see examples of their work. Good builders are usually proud to display their handiwork.

Project management is pivotal. You’ll need to calculate out labour, materials and price schedules and wrap these up into a contract. Avoid paying hourly or daily rates, you need to know the price for the complete job and that the contractor will deliver. However, you should always allow an extra 10% for contingencies.

Work out all your major purchases at the design stage, including materials and items likes basins, baths, appliances and granite worktops don’t be left having to improvise as work proceeds as this can be very expensive. Upgrading your home involves installing basics that you shouldn’t compromise on, especially if it’s going to be significantly larger, like getting a new, more powerful boiler, expert plumbing and electrical installation. Most importantly, throughout the construction phase, daily communication with your builder will prevent expensive misunderstandings.

When using a bathroom everybody wants to be comfortable and enjoy a pleasant experience. A well maintained bathroom often signifies a lot about the rest of the household. One way to keep your bathroom looking pristine and in good order is through the use of a bathroom accessories set. This can include soap dishes, tumblers, lotion dispensers and many other accessories to add to the look and style of your bathroom.

Ranging from toilet roll holders to towels, be sure that the bathroom accessories that you choose complement your theme and style.

If you’re concerned with design and style you have many options from which to choose, including modern or contemporary styles, natural styles that bring out a theme of nature, traditional styles right down to simple, intricate, yet delicate styles.

If cost is the major concern, there are many favourable bathroom accessories for those on a budget, which you can find both online or in your local retailers.

If quality is the key, bathroom accessories come in a vast abundance of materials including durable glass; brass, stainless steel and chrome finishes, all designed to last for years in a well used bathroom.

Yet it doesn’t end there with the soap dish or the toilet roll holder. Bathroom accessories can also include the bathroom furniture. A common feature of today’s modern bathroom furniture and bathroom accessories includes the bathroom mirror set. Again with many styles to choose from, whether it is a plain wall mirror, a special cut glass mirror or a mirrored cabinet, the bathroom mirror is a vital aspect of any modern bathroom.