Steamy Windows Spell Tough Times For Double Glazing Firms

With some 80% of UK dwellings already having double glazing of some kind big future savings can still be made by homeowners who follow today’s trend of just replacing the glass with new modern A Rated glass units.

The proliferation of adverts and websites that focus on terms like misty, steamy, failed and blown double glazing highlight the plight of many home owners whose earlier generations of double glazed windows are now reaching the end of their lives.

Many homeowners reading the adverts however may wrongly assume that complete replacement of their windows or doors at great expense is the only real answer when in fact the latest national trend is to just replace the glass units and not the frames.

Experienced industry insider and Director of Swindon based DA Windows and Doors www.doubleglazingswindon.co.uk Dave Pearson explains the trend.

“Most UK homes already have double glazing so a lot of the business for many window and door companies in a saturated market place is now in repair and replacement of those windows. For home owners who are experiencing tough economic times just replacing the glass units with the latest modern A Rated glass is actually a really effective and money saving option, and it’s straightforward work that window companies are happy to get at this time. It’s a win / win situation given the current business environment”.

Dave explains that “misty, steamy double glazed windows as they are often described in the adverts are generally windows where a double glazed unit has broken or failed and moisture gets in between the 2 panes. Many people I’ve spoken to simply didn’t know that you can just replace the glass units. That’s great news if the frames still look OK and function well as they do in many cases”.

Dave Pearson’s company DA Windows have many years experience installing, replacing and repairing all types of double glazed windows and doors. Dave has given home owners access online to vital spares and repairs services for the last 12 years via his www.doubleglazingsparesandrepairs.co.uk website.

Flood Risk Assessment Outlines Importance of FRA Reports as Winter Approaches

With winter just around the corner, Flood Risk Assessment is outlining the importance of carrying out a flood risk assessment report as news comes that more than half of the nation expect flood risks to be automatically investigated as part of the conveyancing process.

A recent survey, which questioned homeowners, found that 80% of homeowners would not buy a property which was at risk of flooding but that only 42% had investigated flood risk prior to buying their property.

For the most part, homeowners assumed that solicitors would automatically investigate flood risk as part of the process. On 30th June 2013 will come the expiration of the Statement of Principles and thus the future of flood insurance is uncertain.

Those looking for reassurance that their home is safe from flood risk are turning to Flood Risk Assessment at http://floodriskassessment.net. The team offers a vast range of services, including Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) Reports which ensure all flood risks are identified, thus aiding the planning process.

With years of experience in the industry, the team at Flood Risk Assessment are fully qualified and are always at hand to help those looking to submit planning applications.

After assessing the property, Flood Risk Assessment will provide homeowners and developers with Flood Risk Statements and Flood Risk Scoping Reports in order to help with development and ensure planning permission can be submitted as painlessly as possible.

Those looking for more information on flood risk and the work carried out by Flood Risk Assessment can visit the site at FloodRiskAssessment.net.

New Interior Design Service - Goodbye to bland

Dallas Essentials boutique furnishing

Interior designer Suzy Dallas introduces ‘Dallas Essentials’, a ‘boutique’ furnishing service for property buyers investing in the UK.

Mixing antique finds with designer furniture and investment art, Suzy Dallas has launched a new ‘boutique’ furnishing service aimed at overseas buyers investing in new-build property in Britain.

Suzy expands: ‘There are lots of companies who provide furnishings, fixtures and fittings packages for time-pressed buyers. But the finished look can often be rather soulless and corporate. This is different. My service is for the more discerning type of buyer. They want imaginative, unusual pieces that not only look good but will also hold their value. It’s the antidote to bland.’

Insecurity about the Euro and the rising wealth of individuals in emerging countries like China or Brazil has led to a sharp rise in the number of foreign buyers investing in UK propertySuzy Dallas. A recent report by Savills for instance, revealed that last year (2011), £1.4 billion of international equity flowed into the newly-built prime market alone.

Suzy believes the influx of overseas buyers has put a new onus on designers. ‘As foreign investment continues to rise I feel it’s important that we’re able to offer clients a more inspired choice of furnishings or fittings than the standard developer pieces,’ she explains.

Whether it is for an expat investing in a second home or a foreign buyer furnishing a flat for their student offspring, Suzy Dallas will source everything needed to make a property a home: from voile blinds to dashing cashmere throws as well as furniture and bedding, kitchen equipment and linen down to the finer details such as a set of antique perfume bottles.

Drawing on her extensive contacts, Suzy, who set up her practice in 2005, says: ‘I treat every project as I would any other of my residential commissions: I aim to find the best, not the cheapest, pieces for clients.’

It might be a vibrant Muralto cushion or shapely wing armchair by talented upholsterers James Design. Rugs can be vintage or custom-made by Riviere while a mid-Century coffee table might come from leading antiques dealer Josephine Ryan Antiques. Suzy also likes to contrast textures: teaming linen curtains with a distressed velvet sofa adorned with a faux fur throw for instance: ‘gives a room a more vital, three-dimensional feel.’

Suzy works closely with art consultants and galleries like New Blood, a hub of British talent, to find work by emerging as well as established talent. ‘I’m not looking for art that matches the decor,’ she emphasises. ‘We try to find interesting artwork with investment potential for our clients.’

For London clients she can provide a full concierge service: from finding a plumber to booking theatre tickets to locating the best local school. She can also put clients in touch with reputable property search agents.

Equally, for the competitive rental market Suzy can create an imaginative but more cost-effective scheme. Instead of antiques she uses striking contemporary pieces and luxurious finishes for a ‘wow factor’ that will entice tenants – and boost rental income.

Prices for the boutique furnishing service start at £8,750 + VAT.

Shades of Grey

Inspired by a window dressing challenge for the Cheltenham literature festival, the UK’s leading real wood specialist, Broadleaf have developed their very own 50 Shades of Grey – a fabulous collection of beautiful real wood floors from soft silver to rich charcoal covering the range of interior styles.

The whole collection will be formally launched just before the Cheltenham Literature Festival at the end of September and the public will have the opportunity to vote for and name their favourites. The most popular will then become permanent additions to the Broadleaf range.

Broadleaf Managing Director Tom Garrett points out that “..there is much talk of the challenges of being a manufacturer in the UK these days, but little of the advantages.." He continues "..the ability to innovate and create new products in response to an idea or trend is one of the great things about manufacturing here in the UK..”

See a preview of Broadleaf’s “Shades of Grey” collection now on their website.

The complete collection will be on display at Broadleaf’s Cheltenham branch from 29th September until the end of October and will then tour Broadleaf’s other showrooms.