Whether as part of a celebration, or to get rid of garden refuse, having a bonfire can be both a joyous experience and an effective waste solution – but without due care and consideration it can also be dangerous and a public nuisance. The Primal Thrill of the Bonfire In [...]
Illegal eviction by landlords is a serious criminal offence and the law is there to protect tenants in private rental accommodation. Right to a Fair Eviction If a landlord believes a tenant has broken the terms of their contract, or otherwise made their lease untenable, then by law they have [...]
Despite operating outside of the law, burglars are still protected by it. So what rights do householders actually have against intruders? Equal Rights for Householders and Intruders? If a burglar breaks into your home with intent to steal then you might expect to be able to use whatever force necessary [...]
Unlawful but not illegal, squatting is a legal grey area. So what are the rights of squatters and the owners of the properties in which they squat? Defining the Squatter There is a very negative long held perception about squatters that holds firm to this day. As a person who [...]
Troublesome neighbours can seriously damage the quality of home life, but not only do you have the right to live in peace but the legal rights too. Neighbour Trouble Whether it’s head thumping bass of a stereo, persistent shrieks of an over active child or loud footsteps, the chief neighbour [...]
The privacy of the home is under threat through the widespread powers of entry at the disposal of the state, but what efforts are being made to protect our private domain? The Right to Privacy in the Home Recent years have seen a heightened government interest in monitoring the behaviour [...]
With the state possessing a disquieting number of different powers of entry, an Englishman’s home is less a castle than an open house. Is an Englishman’s Home Still His Castle? “An Englishman’s home is his castle” is a much cherished phrase that highlights a national inclination to claim a piece [...]
If the disrepair of a householder’s roof presents a danger to members of the public then the responsible party should be forced to take action. The first course of action in disputes with neighbouring householders is always negotiation. The neighbour should always be given the chance to resolve the problem [...]
I would have to disagree with your decorator and say it is much more likely the white emulsion paint is to blame for the bad gas-like smell experienced in your daughter’s room. What’s more it’s not a smell that will simply go away in time or be relieved by any [...]
By understanding their rights when renting properties, students can avoid falling victim to crooked landlords, living in unhealthy and unsafe conditions, and losing any of their precious pennies. Contract Negotiations Once you have located the student house you are happy with, the first things you need to sort out with [...]
Not only is carbon monoxide the most toxic substance you'll come into contact with in your student life but also it’s the hardest to detect. It’s vital therefore that the necessary care is taken to ensure a student property is gas safe. The Threat of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide [...]
With the many exciting distractions of life in a student property, fire and electrical safety are unlikely to feature high on the list of priorities. However, it vital that certain safety standards are upheld. Laws Ensuring Tenant Safety Fire and electrical safety is a major issue in private rented accommodation, [...]
Living independently for the first time gives you a lot of freedom but in doing so makes you vulnerable to crime. However, staying safe is simply a matter of exercising common sense. High Crime Risk According to recent government statistics, young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are [...]
Burglars target student properties because they know each owns a small fortune in consumer desirables. To avoid attracting the burglar’s eye, it is therefore a good idea to try to minimise that ‘student look’. Prime Burglary Target Private student accommodation a very attractive proposition to the average burglar, and it’s [...]
Time spent carefully researching and inspecting a potential student property will prove time well spent, as it will ultimately save you time, money and misery. Compile a Checklist There are lots of aspects to consider when first viewing a property, and it’s all too easy to overlook important details in [...]
The location of a student property will be every bit as important to your first experiences of living independently as the accommodation itself, so it’s vital you take time to do your research first. Location, Location, Location As every estate agent knows, location is everything. It doesn’t matter if your [...]
If you are a DIY enthusiast or enjoy other craft making hobbies, a garage is an ideal place to work and you’ll need a workbench. You can buy ready assembled workbenches or you can design and build your own. Most large DIY or home improvement stores will sell ready made [...]
Choosing your garage floor covering is not simply about making it more aesthetically appealing but it also needs to serve a practical purpose and it has to be safe too. You’re likely to be storing your car or motorcycle, perhaps bicycles and maybe even a boat in the garage so [...]
Most people tend to overlook the fact that garage doors are probably the largest and heaviest moveable object contained within a property and as such, they can be very dangerous if not kept well maintained and used correctly with regards to their safety. Automatic Electric Garage Doors Like most other [...]
Working in a garage can be extremely cold and portable garage heaters are very efficient at providing an affordable source of heat to make life more comfortable have to carry out work in your garage. There are several different types of portable garage heaters and they are all required to [...]
The type of lighting you’ll install in your garage will often be determined by the amount of time you’re going to spend in the garage, what you use it for, at what times of day - and the existing natural light provisions that are in there already. Assessing Your Needs [...]
Garden sheds come in all types of materials and styles and they can be used for a multitude of purposes and it is these factors which will have a big bearing on the type of shed you choose. Why Do You Want A Shed? If you just want a shed [...]
A well manicured garden with a pond is a lovely place to relax in, especially during the summertime. Each year, however, many people are injured and even killed in their gardens because they have failed to take the proper precautions where safety is concerned. Here are some basic tips to [...]
With regard to the British weather, most of us are familiar with using our common sense when it comes to thunder and lightning when we’re outdoors. We’ll know not to shelter underneath trees when lightning is in the air as well as trying to get indoors as opposed to remaining [...]
Whilst all of us would like to think that our home is kept clean, it might come as a surprise to some to learn just how toxic our home might be. The majority of us keep disinfectant, bleach and various other kinds of cleaning fluids in our home – all [...]
Rogue traders can be the blight of many a home improvement project and we’re all familiar with the term ‘cowboy builders’. However, you need not fall victim to a rogue trader if you’re having a home extension installed and by following a few careful steps, you can ensure peace of [...]
Home security affects all of us and the vast majority of us will all naturally ensure that our homes are secure and locked even when we’re just popping down to the local shops for 15 minutes or so. Likewise, when we go to bed, we’ll lock all our external doors [...]
Having one or more skylights installed in your home does not only make your home more aesthetically pleasing to live in and can also make it extremely attractive to potential buyers should you ever wish to sell your property, they can also serve other useful additional purposes such as increasing [...]
A burst water pipe can cause a lot of damage within your home. Although a pipe may have simply worn out, the most common cause for a burst water pipe is when a pipe has become frozen in cold weather and therefore you should always take steps to ensure that [...]
Home security systems have come a long way since we first started installing burglar alarms, light sensors and the like and the rapid advances in home security has been, for the most part, thanks to information technology and to wireless technologies in particular. More than just offering security and protection, [...]
With the levels of personal consumer debt continuing to make the headlines numerous companies have sprung up as they have seen the opportunity to cash in on this spiralling phenomenon. One of the biggest growth sectors has been in the area of selling your property to rent it back afterwards [...]
Barbecues come in numerous types of design and can cost anything from a couple of pounds right up to several hundred. The cheapest are the disposable kits made out of a foil grille containing a few pieces of charcoal which are ideal if you’re simply going on a picnic and [...]
Loft conversions can be an ideal solution to those who wish to make additional space in their homes for an extra room, without the necessity to build outwards and take up more space in the driveway or garden as you would with an extension. Typical uses for a loft conversion [...]
The dream of escaping the hustle and bustle, the stress and the pollution in city life to escape to the country is one of the most popular ambitions for many of us. It has spawned a whole new generation of TV programmes and magazines as people try to fathom out [...]
A planning department in a local authority is there to manage the way our towns, cities, suburbs and countryside develop. This includes the use of land and buildings and their appearance, landscaping considerations, the impact upon roads and highway access and the effects in which any proposed development will have [...]
Fridges and freezers or combinations of both, are essential in the proper storage of much of our everyday foods. We so often take them for granted, however, that we only really see their true value if our appliance breaks down or has been switched off accidentally. However, as much as [...]
There may be several reasons why you may wish to let your property. Perhaps you’ve bought the property for this specific purpose. Maybe you’ve moved in to another property with a partner or you might get the opportunity to work abroad for a while but wish to keep hold of [...]
Burglars tend to operate on an opportunist basis. They’re likely to target a specific street, firstly because it might offer them an easier and quicker escape route to a nearby main road or motorway, whereby they can get away from the scene of the crime as far as they can [...]
Neighbourhood watch schemes were first set up in 1982 and were designed to make communities safer. They bring together the local community with the police local authority safety departments and any other interested parties, with the aim of making your local neighbourhood a better and safer place to live. They [...]
In the midst of a flood situation there are some very real dangers out there and your thoughts need to be more focused now on yours and your family’s self-preservation as opposed to any damage to your property and belongings. Flood damage insurance claims and flood damage clean up operations [...]
You will no doubt, have visited many homes in your lifetime to be amazed how some are maintained in an extremely tidy and well organised manner, sometimes to the point of being over obsessed e.g. DVDs and CDs lined up in alphabetical order and other homes will look like a [...]
Childproofing our homes is something that we have to carry out in great detail, especially when children are very young. Although we might all think we are responsible parents who would not let our baby or toddler get into any harm at home, there are many hidden dangers lurking which [...]
The problems and dangers caused by a house fire are very real indeed and it’s not simply a case of making sure that you have a smoke alarm fitted. Whilst we should all make sure that we do have smoke detection devices fitted in our homes and that they are [...]
There are a number of safety aspects which are important to establish and questions you should be asking too. Here are some good tips to follow when looking at issues of safety when considering moving house. This will enable you to draw up a safety checklist. One of the key [...]
For many people these days, they are often so busy trying to juggle their busy lifestyles with work, family and other commitments, that they’ll often choose (or have to resort to) getting in some outside help. It may be to help with maintaining the garden, a window cleaner, a childminder [...]
For many people their first consideration when looking at how to secure their home is to look at windows and doors. However, your first line of defence really should begin with perimeter walls and fences. Ideally, you should be looking at erecting walls or fences which are high enough to [...]
There are different types of ‘damp’ which can affect our homes and there are often different causes. If the resulting problems are left untreated they can ruin clothes, furniture, both internal and external doors and window frames, interior decoration and they can even affect your health. How to Identify a [...]
Some people prefer taking a shower to a bath as it makes them feel more refreshed, whilst for others, it’s easier and quicker to take a shower rather than a bath, then there are those who find it easier to take a shower if they have mobility problems or who [...]
We have all become much more aware of the dangers from floods and the damage and devastation they can cause. Once upon a time we’d only ever see this kind of weather activity on the sub-continent and in parts of the tropics during the rainy season, but here in the [...]
Most of us would prefer to live in a clean, fragrant house than to live in a pig-sty infested with germs and dirt. However, over many years, the media in general, and particularly in advertising, have brainwashed us into tending to believe that if we don’t buy this or that [...]
Whilst everybody needs to dispose of some household waste each week you should try to apply what’s become known as the ‘3Rs’ to managing your waste effectively – reuse, reduce and recycle. Implementing this will limit both the environmental and economic impact of household waste. Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Waste [...]
As we reach our later years we can start to feel more vulnerable within our homes. Often, this is simply due to us being less mobile and more at risk of suffering a fall slip or trip but there are other factors which elderly people and their families should also [...]
We all tend to take cooking for granted yet if we’re not careful, all manner of accidents can occur so it’s important to take care whilst in the kitchen. Food safety and kitchen hygiene is covered in another article on this website so this article relates mainly to fire hazards [...]
Mould is a type of fungus which can occur in any part of the home providing it has a food source and moisture and it’s the latter which is the only controllable factor which we can manage. And although mould can occur anywhere where the conditions are right, the fact [...]
Asbestos is a mineral fibre which is added to other materials to strengthen them and it can also be used to provide insulation and fire resistance. It was often used in house construction up until the mid-80s when people became aware of the health risks associated with it but if [...]
Many of us in the UK will have experienced some kind of storm damage to our property following gale force winds, and whilst severe weather of this kind is rare and can be of a strength and magnitude which, inevitably, will create some element of damage, there are many steps [...]
It seems quite surprising these days that everybody’s home isn’t fitted with a burglar alarm as standard and so many people still choose not to have one. It was perhaps, once thought by many people that those who did have an alarm fitted had something valuable to protect so this [...]
Here in the UK up until the past few years, the only time we would tend to encounter air conditioning would be if we went to some far flung destination on holiday which was so hot and humid that air conditioning was the norm everywhere and we soon got to [...]
It’s hardly surprising that air purification systems are becoming increasingly popular. With more pollution in the atmosphere then at any time in history it’s hardly surprising that more of us are suffering from a greater variety of medical ailments. These include asthma, sinus problems, headaches, nausea, ear infections and respiratory [...]
Reducing the amount of dust in your home is by far the most effective remedy for controlling allergies and there are several things you can do to decrease the amount of dust in your home even though you’ll never be able to eliminate it completely. Get the Vacuum Out! The [...]
It's a sobering fact that a large number of chemicals used in household cleaning products started out as surplus industrial chemicals left over from the war in 1945. The drive for instant cleaning solutions for busy families has increased the use of these strong chemicals in household products, but without [...]
Trees are a beautiful addition to any garden, and with proper tree care they will thrive and give pleasure for generations. Like any other living things, tree care is all about the need to be looked after correctly, fed properly, and for diseases to be diagnosed and treated promptly, in [...]
Electrical fires are one of the most common causes of damage and death in the home, and most of these fires can be easily avoided with a few simple checks, and knowing what to look out for. If you familiarise yourself with the basics of electric power and domestic wiring, [...]
Your home is only as secure as the doors and locks that you have fitted to prevent illegal entry. Remember, a lot of burglars are opportunists, they will have a go at a door that looks like it's going to be easy to get through, so choosing suitable doors for [...]
Moving house is a stressful experience, but you can easily minimise the worry by making some plans in advance when you are looking for a suitable property to buy. Thinking ahead will save you realising when it's too late that there are points you should have checked, and questions you [...]
The explosion of the Internet has had a dramatic effect on communication worldwide over the last twenty years. Although the most sophisticated communications systems are bought and used by major international corporations, the addition of the personal computer - or PC - has meant a parallel revolution in everyday communication [...]
Germ is the general adjective used to describe micro-organisms that share this planet of ours. There are limitless species to choose from, some live around us, some even live inside us, some are harmful, and some keep us healthy. Controlling the hostile organisms help to keep our families, our pets, [...]
Salmonella and E.coli are two of the most common strains of bacteria that cause what is generally known as 'food poisoning'. It is important to understand the differences between these two strains of bacteria - they grow and spread in different ways, and it is even more important to understand [...]
The media prints more advice today about chemicals in our food than ever before. It is confusing, knowing which chemicals occur naturally, which are man-made additives, which are actually beneficial and most importantly, which are harmful and to be avoided. A comprehensive list of all the chemicals that occur in [...]
These days, happily, working parents spend far more time with their children than parents of thirty years ago did, but working arrangements can still mean young teenagers arriving home and remaining unsupervised for a couple of hours. For those parents who need to let their children enjoy a couple of [...]
Home safes are only for rich people who have millions of pounds worth of jewels and cash to secure, right? Wrong. Anyone can have a safe in their home, but the first important question you need to ask yourself is if you actually do need a safe? If you are [...]
Although increasing numbers of smokers are giving up their cigars and cigarettes, a significant number of people still smoke, and that means there is still a significant fire risk from smoking. Some tips will help to keep you and your family or colleagues safe from the risks of fires caused [...]
It's a common complaint among householders - finding a reputable tradesman is next to impossible. The route to finding a good reputable tradesman is not as difficult as you might imagine, if you follow these basic rules you will get the job done properly, at the right price. Recommendation Word [...]
Nothing spoils a holiday or trip away than returning to find that thieves have been in your home, and taken your valuable possessions. Home security means taking a few simple security steps before you go away so that you can make your house look 'occupied' even if you're not there. [...]
The thought of a stranger in your home is one of the worst nightmares most people can imagine. It is highly unlikely to happen - most intruders are thieves who are keen to enter empty properties and leave as quickly as possible. If you come home to find an intruder [...]
It is impossible to overemphasise the importance of making sure that your home has smoke detectors and alarms fitted. Remember, in the majority of house fires where families have died, almost all deaths occurred as a result of smoke inhalation, not death from the fire itself. Adults and children asleep [...]
The expression 'a stitch in time …' is entirely appropriate when dealing with structural defects in your home or business. Prevention is always easier, and cheaper, than repairs on neglected areas, which can lead to serious costs in both time and money. The key to saving time and money in [...]
One of the biggest problems of modern living is the damage caused by condensation in the home. Anyone who has experienced the appearance and growth of mould in a home can confirm how unpleasant it is, not only is it smelly and unsightly, it can be a breeding ground for [...]
Installing your own wiring at home is both satisfying, and inexpensive, and you get everything exactly where you want it. A word of caution though - this is not a job for the hopeful amateur. If you are not completely confident in your abilities, then get a professional electrician involved [...]
There is no doubt that the age of mass communication is a double-edged sword. The ability to send messages by the Internet has opened up the information super-highway, communication and information can be found and used in a micro-second. But, personal information can also be located and used, and indeed [...]
Swimming is a great way to relax, to get fit, and have fun. But a swimming pool can be a dangerous place, unless you are aware of the safety rules. Read the information on safety in and around swimming pools, and you and your family can relax and enjoy this [...]
Houseplants are, in the main, attractive to look at, smell nice, and keep the home feeling cheerful. It is important to remember though, that most houseplants are tropical in origin, and have varying degrees of toxicity. The list below gives the common names of toxic house plants, the parts to [...]
Radon is a natural radioactive gas, which seeps into buildings from minute amounts of uranium that is present in all rocks, soil, bricks and concrete. In highly concentrated amounts, Radon can be harmful to the human body, but there is absolutely no need to panic. This information will tell you [...]
Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you can make, and choosing the right mortgage that suits you is essential if you want to enjoy your new home without the fear of spiralling debts. Following some simple guidelines will make sure you avoid difficulties later on - it pays [...]
You wash the towels, change the sheets and launder them regularly. You think you're doing all the right things. But maybe you're still not changing enough. The things that you use, sleep in, wear and wash with can contain dust mites, mould and pollen. It can be making you ill [...]
If you're unfortunate enough to suffer damage to your home because of fire or flood, or lose items because of theft, it may well be you make a claim on your insurance to cover the cost of the losses or damage. In the case of theft it's important to know [...]
The safety and maintenance of your driveway or any objects or part of your property that overhangs or intrudes onto the pavement outside your property is your responsibility. Public employees like the postman etc who need access to deliver could make a claim if your driveway is in an unsafe [...]
Small jobs like changing washers, replacing taps, or replacing a ball float in the cistern may be undertaken if you have the know how but if you don't know what you're doing when it comes to fixing a plumbing problem in the home, call an expert who does. It's very [...]
Cleaning air ducts in the home may be beneficial if there is a build up of dust and dirt in your air system. Dust mites and mould can gather in the system and may pose a health threat. If you check your ducts and find no evidence of your air [...]
If you live in an older property and it is in need of repair or renovation, it is worthwhile thinking about a re-mortgage to fund the work that needs to be done. Renovating your property will add to its value and can be a good investment, given the current climate [...]
Having an open fire in the home makes the whole place feel cosier and welcoming. A fireplace and surround can be a great feature in any house, but even an attractive fixture like this can be a danger if not supervised and controlled in a safe manner. If you take [...]
Having pest's of any kind in or around the home can bring with it the possibility of danger to your health. Problems with mice, rats, cockroaches, ants and wasps occur quite frequently, and getting rid of them can be difficult especially if you're unsure how to tackle the problem. You [...]
Any painting jobs you choose to do yourself at home should be a rewarding, enjoyable and above all a safe experience. DIY related injuries in the UK are around the 250,000 mark with accidents involving ladders contributing 1000 injuries a month to these figures. By being aware of the hazards [...]
Most people will have some kind of home insurance cover, whether it's contents insurance, building insurance, or both. Many first time homebuyers will be offered insurance along with their mortgage, but in many cases this is not compulsory and a cheaper option and one that meets all your needs may [...]
In the UK there is a domestic fire every 8 minutes. Around 20 people are killed or injured every day from fires that start in the kitchen; one fifth of these accidents will involve chip pans, or deep fat fryer fires. Cooking oil and fat fires are difficult to control [...]
When we're thirsty we go to the tap and pour a glass of clean fresh water to drink. It's clear, refreshing and healthy, after all we all need water to survive-don't we? But do you know exactly what you are drinking? You might be aware that your drinking water is [...]
Carbon Monoxide poisoning kills 50 people a year in Britain and seriously injures hundreds more. With many more cases going undetected, unreported and untreated. Carbon Monoxide is emitted from the burning of carbon fuels like, wood, charcoal, gas, and coal, due to inadequate oxygen supply. The burning of all these [...]
When you buy a house, you need a survey, possibly more than one. The type of survey you need depends on the age and location of your dream home. Why do I Need Another Survey? Sounds like a fair question. You've already had to have a basic survey done by [...]
