CrossTeam Properties Offers Advice on Home and Garden Improvements

While the loveliness of a gazebo is undeniable, the true beauty lies in its simple design. For the person who loves working with their hands or the man faced with a “Honey Do this” list, here are some tips and materials needed to build a gazebo. Determine the type of gazebo you require: a hot tub gazebo, garden gazebos, a canopy gazebo or patio gazebos. Perhaps you require a wood gazebo, whatever type selected, different materials and DIY knowledge will be necessary.

First, you need the required tools. The tools, instructions and materials can often be purchased in a complete kit in a wide array of styles. A complete kit will contain anchors, building blocks, cables, fibreglass, framing squares, screws and staples.

Next, you need to assess the area. Start with the layout, focusing on the centre point. Fix that centre point with an anchor and then dig holes for your posts. Anchor the posts in the holes.

The next step is the framing for the gazebo. The posts are connected to the hangers, which are responsible for the base of the plan. All structures should be connected to one another on a single plane. Once that is completed, the floor decking can be laid. Make sure the columns are connected properly to the foundation and decking points.

Now comes one of the more important aspects of building a gazebo. The roof is one of the most vital elements in your gazebo, Proper placement is essential. The kits will contain cross braces to form the base of the roof frame.

Another design element that is extremely important is the ready-to-use-railings. Be very careful with your measurements because the railings and the roof frame must be an exact match. Once all the dimensions are measured, you can cut the roof for the gazebo.

The finishing steps are best followed through the instructions with your kit, and you will end up with a basic gazebo structure. The last step is all about colours and designs that will enhance your new outdoor gazebo.  Let the creative juices flow and before you know it, your finished outdoor gazebo will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

Planning to buy a property for development and resale is quite common nowadays, but there are some things that need to be planned out before buying a property. The first thing to do a is hire a chartered surveyor to access the building; they will be able to tell you about any foreseeable problems you might face.

Improving a property on a DIY basis can be a relatively cheap way of enhancing the property’s value. Key to successfully starting a property development is sufficient advance planning and knowledge of what is to be achieved, purchased and the work required to be completed by a qualified person.  This will involve DIY research, awareness of the common pitfalls and mistakes, the best and worst times of year to start the project, possession of sufficient and adequate materials and equipment and a knowledge of local planning rules and regulations.

DIY research is relatively straightforward, involving no more than sourcing ideas for projects such as painting, decorating, fitting new bathrooms or kitchens and so on, from DIY television shows, magazines and books, Internet sites and social networks or simply from visiting friends’ houses and seeing what they have done. Social networking can be one of the best ways to become aware of common mistakes that people make.

One of the most often cited advantages of DIY activities is that the work can be done on a shoestring budget as you save on labour costs, but the necessary material does have to be of the required quality of course.  Property development projects do have to be respectful of local rules and regulations, as the extra wall you plan to build or window you seek to install or block up may require permission from your Local Authority Planning Department.  You must also be aware of building regulations that are currently in force.

Garden gazebos can be a great way to enhance your garden, providing it not only with a focal point but also shade from too much sun – if you’re lucky – and a retreat from a more likely shower. The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing one that’s right for you, as they come in all shapes and sizes, with price tags to reflect the materials and design.

At one extreme you can pick up a canopy gazebo of the type used in church fetes that can be erected and dismantled again in minutes. At the other end of the scale, you may opt for a hand-built, permanent garden gazebo with a thatch or cedar shingle roof, made by skilled craftsmen using environmentally friendly timber products and with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity.

It’s really up to you what you choose, but most people opt for something in between. In these uncertain economic times, a full garden extension is often postponed in favour of a patio gazebo, which sits on the patio and can be chosen to blend in with existing structures.

Canopy gazebos are very popular with those who don’t want a permanent gazebo as they can be taken down in minutes and are great for parties. Hot tub gazebos, as well as providing chic, romantic champagne-sipping venues, are guaranteed to keep the kids out of trouble during long school holidays in the summer.  

Or just go for a small, wrought-iron arbour with a couple of seats built in, the perfect refuge from a modern, hectic lifestyle.

Building a boundary fence can be one of the most straightforward types of DIY project. Popular types of fences include garden perimeters, driveway fences, neighbouring property divisions or internal garden divisions.

Common types of fences are those made of wooden panels or other sturdy material such as woven willow, bamboo or even plastic. The key to success is to ensure that you have enough material to construct the entire fence or fences that you have planned, which includes both the main material as well as fixings such as nails and screws. 

You must of course make sure that the fence supports are sturdily fixed in the ground; you may consider using a concrete mix around the base of posts or can use the modern metal fittings that are driven into the ground to support the uprights. Bear in mind that the latter method although easier to install will not stand up so well to a high wind. 

Always make good use of your spirit level and line to ensure that everything is straight and upright.  Nothing looks worse than a crooked garden fence.  It is also necessary to thoroughly clear the area in which you plan to put the fence before you start, and clear away any obstructions. You may have to cut back shrubs or trees before you can start with the fencing work.

Especially, though not exclusively, in the case of a fence to mark the end of your property in relation to your neighbour, it is important to check local rules and regulations. You may need planning permission before commencement if the fence is above a certain height – usually six feet.

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.

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.

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.

A garden gazebo is a great way to add some class to any outdoor function you may be hosting. However, choosing the right garden gazebo for your purposes can be tricky as there are many factors to consider.

Garden gazebos have grown in popularity since they became cheaper and easier to erect. However, the lower prices can mean poor quality materials, which are only good for a short lifespan of the gazebo.

A top quality canopy gazebo will cost a lot more than many standard types. If you intend to use the gazebo regularly for entertaining throughout the summer months then you should pay a bit more for a really durable and attractive structure.

If you see your garden gazebo as something more permanent then you should consider building a wooden gazebo. This will cost more than buying a high standard canopy version but it will last for longer and a wooden outdoor gazebo will become a useful permanent fixture in your garden.

Many people hastily buy a gazebo and erect it without much thought and careful consideration of where to position it in the garden. Pick a sunny but sheltered spot; gazebos do not like high winds!

You can see what a gazebo will look like when erected, as the stores will have show models on display. This will give you the perfect opportunity to see which style, size and quality is best for your garden.

A pergola is a type of gazebo that forms a walkway, its pillars and cross beams offering a structure on which vines or bougainvillea are traditionally grown.  It thus offers shade and protection as an extension of an existing building or as a sheltered pathway between pavilions.  The word originates from the Latin meaning projected eave.

Pergolas are permanent features usually constructed of stone or wood unlike the temporary green tunnels built of willow or hazel in the early Renaissance period.   Branches were knotted together to form arches and then longer pieces were woven through to support the growth of climbing plants.  The walkways then allowed pleasant strolls as they provided both shade from the sun and protection from the rain.

During the 18th and 19th centuries when cottage gardens and more natural landscape architecure was in vogue, the obviously man-made character of pergolas made it a less popular garden ornnament.

Today pergolas are very popular mainly because of their use in gardening programmes on television.  Modern pergolas tend to be constructed of wood, a cheaper option, and thus makes this type of garden gazebo available to a wider market.  They can be incorporated into a large garden as a shaded walkway or as an alternative to a solid fence in a garden where space is limited, training climbers and creating a more open perspective.

Large pergolas can provide a space of relaxation and shade whilst smaller ones can add structure and interest to a particular part of the garden.

Picture courtesy of iagoarchangel