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It’s no secret that tiling is a more practical approach for your bathroom floor than paint or carpet. It is one area that experiences more water exposure than others, and unlike carpet, most tiling is able to withstand it.

But with this said, some types of tiling are able to handle it better than others, and it’s important to be aware of what you’re paying for when going with your chosen material.

Below are some of the most popular tiles used in modern bathrooms, listed to help you select the best bathroom tile for your bathroom.

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are one of the more popular choices for bathroom floors; they are better suited to those with smaller budgets and who don’t intend on changing the appearance. They come in a wide range of colours and styles, allowing you to achieve a more expensive look at a cheaper price. Their durability also makes it ideal for both floor and wall tiling.

Glazed porcelain tiles are often preferred due them being more hygienic; they are able to withstand more water, scratches and bacteria which make them the most suitable for a bathroom. They are also easier to clean and maintain, and can withstand heat, so you have the option to install under floor heating with it if you want a warmer underfoot.

Slate

Slate tiles can provide your bathroom with a modern, timeless feel. They come in different shades of grey, which gives off an air of sophistication and can also work with many kinds of styles.

They’re also naturally waterproof, non-stick and don’t require any additional sealing, making them ideal for low maintenance bathrooms and shower cubicles. They are a better option for those with higher budgets, but for a stone tile they do have value and will retain their value for a very long time.

Quartz

Quartz tiles are becoming increasingly popular due to how pleasing they are on the eye. They come in every colour and contain a high gloss finish; some even contain small pieces of mirror within the tiles that give off a glittery look. Quartz tiles are therefore ideal for many different styles, particularly for people who want to create a more modern feel in their bathroom. They are also durable and retain their colour well.

Due to Quartz tiles being made from resin, they don’t require sealing for waterproofing and are therefore perfect for any bathroom. They are a suitable choice for those seeking a no quibble, no fuss tile; they are resistant to heat and stains which makes them easier to clean as well.

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Photo source: https://bit.ly/2JZ6daQ

7 Feng Shui steps to a harmonious home

Getting started with feng shui for your house and home can be easy when you start with the house basics and gradually move on to the more complex feng shui levels. To help you get started with good feng shui in your home, here are some helpful feng shui house steps for beginners.

Clear your clutter for good Feng Shui

Get rid of everything you do not love in your house. Clutter clearing is a time-and-energy-consuming process that will feel like therapy, but it will help you “lighten up the load,” so to speak. Do not skip this step, as it is an essential one in creating harmonious house feng shui energy.

 

Get good quality air and light

These two elements are essential for good feng shui energy (called Chi) in your home. Open the windows often, introduce feng shui air-purifying plants or use an air purifier. Allow as much natural light as possible into your home and consider using full-spectrum lights.

 

Define your energy map

Define the Bagua, or the feng shui energy map of your house, by using one of the two main feng shui methods: the classical school Bagua or the BTB grid. Once you define the Bagua, you will know which areas of your home are connected to specific areas of your life. For example, in traditional feng shui, the Southeast feng shui area of your home is connected to the flow of money energy in your life.

 

Get the basics of 5 Feng Shui elements

Get the basics of five feng shui elements in order to create balance and vibrant energy in all areas of your home. For example, if you are working on attracting more prosperity, you will introduce the feng shui elements of Wood and Water in the Southeast area of your house. If you need to improve your health, you will place lush plants representing the Wood feng shui element or pieces of wood furniture in the East area of your home.

 

Always be mindful of the quality of energy in your home

Always be mindful of the energy in your home and how its energy influences your well-being. Make a habit of paying close attention to the so-called feng shui “trinity” that is deeply connected to your health: your bedroom, your bathroom, and your kitchen. Nothing is static in the world of energy, so be wise and keep your home healthy and happy.

 

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Photo source: https://bit.ly/2If4fpr

The Government is set to take a closer look to the regulations concerning carbon monoxide alarms.

Main topics to be reviewed are:

-> if the alarms should be mandatory for all types of heating installations (including gas and oil).

-> if the installation rates for these alarms are raised by the cost of the alarm itself.

The campaign to review the regulations for carbon monoxide alarms was launched by Eddie Hughes MP and was agreed by Housing Minister Dominic Raab.

Reviewing the regulations will start from the number of carbon monoxide poisonings because, as Dominic Raab said:

“Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer and my top priority is to ensure people remain safe and protected in their own homes.”

Main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Dull headache.
  • Weakness.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Confusion.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Loss of consciousness.

There are around 8 million alarms for carbon monoxide all across the UK, many being installed after 2010 when they became mandatory for appliances based on solid fuel. Moreover, in 2015 private rented sector landlords have been obliged to install these alarms wherever they offer accommodation that has a solid fuel installation.

Source: Press release

Government to launch review into carbon monoxide alarms

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Photo source: ARLA https://bit.ly/2HOCYH5

The Tenant Fees Bill can soon be a reality for tenants in England. The Government also answered upon the HCLG Select Committee report on the draft Tenant Fees Bill.

The main changes the Tenant Fees Bill can be read here. The most important provisions in the document that are to affect tenants (and landlords) are:

  • Maximum security deposits: six weeks’ rent.
  • The upper limit for holding deposits can be of no more than one week’s rent.
  • The landlords can charge more than £50 for sharer charges only after they prove that the costs were greater than the amount mentioned.
  • Landlords will not be able to issue a Section 21 notice until they have repaid any unlawfully charged fees.
  • Letting agent transparency requirements will be included in The Consumer Rights Act 2015. This will also be applied to websites and portals that do lettings.

Moreover, the Trading Standards should help tenants to recover unlawfully charged fees via the First-tier Tribunal.

To sum up, there are only some limited extra-charges a landlord or an agent can charge the tenant with:

  • a change or early termination of a tenancy when requested by the tenant
  • utilities, communication services and Council Tax
  • payments arising from a default by the tenant such as replacing lost key

What is your opinion upon the bill? Does it help enough tenants? Are landlords and agents too restricted?

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Photo source: https://bit.ly/2vSw3eD

There’s no point crying over spilt milk, or spilt wine, or anything you have spilt in fact. When you have spent a long time decorating your home, and choosing the perfect materials for curtains, carpets, furniture, and more, the last thing you want is for it to become stained.

If you’re battling a tough stain, then don’t panic. Here are some home remedies that will help get even the most stubborn marks out of soft furnishings and walls:

Baby Powder

If you have any oil based stains, then baby powder can work wonders in getting them out. Sprinkle some powder over the stain as soon as you see it, and wait for the powder to soak up the oil. Once the stain is less oily and has risen to the surface it should be much easier to wash out.

Lemon Juice

With its acidic nature, lemon juice can make a good bleaching agent and can help get stains out of any bright white materials. Simply squeeze lemon juice on the stained white fabric and leave it out in the sun for a couple of hours. Wash the item as usual, and the stain should be gone.

Vinegar

If you need your fabrics to brighten up or have tough stains that need soaking, then vinegar can come in really handy. Either put some white vinegar in with your wash, or soak tough stains caused by perfumes or deodorants before popping in your usual wash. Don’t use vinegar on delicate fabrics though, as it is quite strong.

Ironing

Wax can be quite hard to get out of fabrics, and often your tablecloth becomes the victim of a wax stain when one too many candles melt down the side of their holders. Simply place a couple of paper towels over the stain, then iron across the top of them. This will help the wax to melt and transfer onto the paper towels, leaving your tablecloth looking as good as new.

Body Lotion

Surprisingly, body lotion and moisturiser can be very good at getting stains off walls. If you have a child who loves to draw on every wall of the house with crayons, then try using body lotion to remove their artwork. Put some on a soft cloth and rub gently over the marks until they disappear. Don’t rub too hard though, as you don’t want to remove a layer of paint too.

Baking Soda

The great thing about baking soda is that is has so many uses. It can keep your fridge smelling nice, be used to whiten your grout, help remove crayon marks on the wall, and get rid of those tough tea and coffee stains in mugs. It can be made into a paste with a splash of water, or mixed into vinegar to create a cleaning spray.

WD-40

Most famous for fixing squeaky hinges, WD-40 is also a great grease busting stain remover, and can be good for getting out stains like permanent marker pen. Simply spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a cloth, then wipe over the stain. It’s best used on tiles, laminate and hardwood, and should be wiped straight off afterwards using warm water.

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Photo source: https://bit.ly/2HBT7iT

Moving house can be a long and tedious process, but the day that you finally wake up and realise you’re moving into a new property can be incredibly exciting. A new house comes with new adventures, new possibilities and a new place to put down roots, but depending on your situation it can be weeks or months after buying a property before you finally get to move in.

 

Moving day can be quite complicated, and there is a lot to get done. Delays can only add to any potential stress, so it is important to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips to avoid any moving house delays:

 

Communication

 

You will speak to many different people while moving house, including estate agents, solicitors. surveyors, removal companies, and more. Filling out any paperwork quickly and replying to any enquiries can really speed up the process of moving.

 

Make sure you have copies of your ID, bank statements and any planning permission needed throughout the process, so you can be ready to hand anything over when needed. Keeping everyone updated throughout your move means any problems or concerns should be quickly fixed and the whole move should go smoothly.

 

Book in Advance

 

Ideally you should start arranging a removals van around four weeks before your moving day. Contact three or four companies and get a consultation with each. They will all provide you with quotes and you can decide which one works best for you.

 

Once you have that booked you can make any other arrangements you need, such as parking. If you are moving to a house that only has road-side parking, you will have to give notice to anyone it may affect, and let them know a removals van will be parking up for a few hours.

 

Avoid Exchanging and Completing on the Same Day

 

Although it may seem like an obvious option and a good thing to do, exchanging and completing on the same day can actually cause problems if you are part of a chain – it only takes one person to be unable to complete for the whole chain to break.

 

Try and leave a week or two between exchanging and completing, as this should give you enough time to resolve any potential complications that could come up. It’s good to have a bit of breathing space when moving house, as you never know what might happen.

 

Packing Preparation

 

One of the key things that will prevent delays on moving day is to have everything packed up and organised. The last thing you want is to be rushing around packing up some last minute items when you have a hundred other things to think about.

 

Start a month or so before you move, and keep everything as orderly as possible. Chuck out any clutter or take it to a charity shop, and pack a few boxes each night, carefully labelling them and wrapping anything delicate in bubble wrap. Having everything packed and ready to go will be a huge time saver when you get round to moving.

 

Arrange Child/Pet Care

 

Even though they are moving with you, children and pets can be quite distracting on moving day, and it can be quite an unsafe environment for them to be in with heavy boxes being carried back and forth to your new home.

Try and arrange for someone to look after them while you move, as this will allow you to concentrate fully on the task at hand and allow them to move into a new house afterwards with all their belongings in place. If you have older children you can find age appropriate tasks to enable them to help out with the move.

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Photo source: https://bit.ly/2I0RNqW

Animal lovers change habits on the lettings market. Since this is a growing characteristic of tenants that choose long-term solutions, landlords are starting to be more flexible.

Latest study suggest that ‘Lets with Pets are the Homes of the Future’, how Property Reporter puts it.

And it’s easy to see why people are more considerate and loving towards animals. Any animal lover/ owner knows the first-hand benefit of pets: lowering the stress level. Dogs, cats, or fish – name your animal friend, have the power to make us feel more relaxed after work. Knowing we’ll find them at home when we arrive, practically makes the home more welcoming.

If your landlord doesn’t want to be as flexible as the new-age landlords you have two solutions:

  1. Choose one that allows pets.
  2. Try to make him change his mind.

You can start with the argument above, and find more inspiration to be persuasive in the following article:

How to Convince Your Landlord to Allow Pets

Are you an animal owner? How did you convince your landlords to rent their houses?

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Spring is a good moment for renewal. Your home might need an entire new look, maybe a bit of modernizing. Before you start to make a seriously out-of-your-budget renovation plan, we advise you to start with the details.

Classy and modern are concepts that start with the little things. For example, windows. You might have not known what are the trends for windows this year.

Photo source: Builder Online https://bit.ly/2BEIaLA

We searched for inspiration and we really liked these top 7 window trends for 2018 in this article on Builder Online:

  • Black hues. Because nothing says ‘minimalism’ better that a clean white-black combo.
  • Clean lines.
  • Squares over arches. Unless you’re living in a castle.
  • Expansive glass. More light and outdoor inside your living space improves the quality of the time spent inside.
  • Pass-through windows.
  • Energy efficient windows.
  • High-end woods.

We agree with high-end woods even more since we found this DIY trick to make your windows look high-end. It doesn’t seem too much of a hustle and is guaranteed to make your windows be trendy this year.

How To Fake Expensive Windows

This trick will give your windows a high-end look, without the huge price tag!

Posted by DIY with Hometalk on Monday, 23 April 2018

The basic rule for 2018’s windows is simple: the more light… the lighter! Sorry… the modern-er. 🙂

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Renting will cut your monthly income by a almost a quarter. Taking that into consideration, it is only natural to choose wisely when it comes to places to rent. However, a recent study found that there are some common interests between London renters.

Major concerns and interests for renters:

-> saving money: discounts and offers that help saving money daily.

-> the rising cost of living.

-> saving money on transport costs.

Despite all the eagerness to save money, 74% of renters questioned would pay a higher rent if this means saving money on daily necessities (groceries, household bills, and transport).

For more insights, read the entire article on Property Reporter.

Where do you find yourself? A big spender or a cautious cost planner?

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Awards for the Victor Michael team at the 2018 ESTAS

Last night was a very important night for Victor Michael. The team at Victor Michael was awarded two gold awards at the Estate Agent of the Year Awards (ESTAS) 2018.

The two gold prizes received by Victor Michael were for:

  • Best Estate Agents Group in London
  • Best Agent in London East

The ESTAS awards 2018 happened under the tagline “Because Service Matters” and it highlighted regional and nationally services like real estate agents, brokers, conveyancers, home-builders for the excellent standard of customer service they deliver throughout the year.

You can watch the moment of the announcement of the Gold Winner on our Facebook page.

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