Home Improvement Gurus

Home Improvement Gurus Home Improvement Gurus work with local qualified tradespeople up and down the Country.

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?This new grant scheme has been announced, by the government, to help homeowners fund t...
08/02/2023

What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

This new grant scheme has been announced, by the government, to help homeowners fund the upgrade of their heating systems to a low-carbon option – such as an air source heat pump or biomass boiler. The scheme will offer grants of up to £6,000 and will open to applications on 23rd May 20221 running for 3 years until 2025.

It is part of the government's plans to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero across the UK by 2050. Previously called The Clean Heat Grant, the scheme was amended in October 2021, following public consultation, and is now known as The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). There are some subtle differences, particularly within how much the grants are worth.

If you were to install an air source heat pump or biomass boiler, you could get £5,000 towards the total cost of the system being installed. However, if you opt for a ground source heat pump, this rises to £6,000 as the installation of these is much more complex and therefore more expensive.
It is hoped that this funding will reduce the overall cost to the homeowner and keep prices in line with what you would usually pay for a normal gas boiler. The ultimate goal, however, is to get homeowners to change the way they use energy in their homes.

When to Refinish Hardwood Floors1. After Extensive Daily WearHardwood floors are durable and long-lasting but not imperv...
08/02/2023

When to Refinish Hardwood Floors

1. After Extensive Daily Wear
Hardwood floors are durable and long-lasting but not impervious to spills, dog nails, chair legs and dirt. Even typical daily use can lead to noticeable wear patterns on your old hardwood floors. Scratches, water damage, discoloration and dullness may mean it’s time to consider refinishing your hardwood floors.

2. After Removing Other Flooring
If you’ve recently removed old carpet or laminate flooring — and are lucky enough to have hardwood underneath — this is another prime time to refinish hardwood floors yourself. You can also refinish your floors in order to change their color. By removing the top layer of stain during the sanding process, you’ll be free to choose a new stain color for your flooring.

3. After 10 Years
As a general rule of thumb, you should be sanding and refinishing hardwood floors every seven to 10 years. Over the floor’s lifespan, you may repeat the process anywhere from four to 10 times for typical 3/4-inch solid hardwood.

Not sure whether your floor needs refinishing? Put a few drops of water on its surface. If the water beads on top, your floors are probably fine. If the water absorbs right into the wood, it’s time for refinishing.

Keep in mind that buffing may take care of minor damage. This includes shallow scratches that only affect the top sealant layer of the floor. You can use buffing as a spot-treatment, similar to an exfoliator for your floor, targeting only small areas that need it. But for a full sand and refinish, you’ll need to do the entire floor.

Hardwood floors add character and warmth to any home. And like a fine wine, part of their beauty is they only get better...
08/02/2023

Hardwood floors add character and warmth to any home. And like a fine wine, part of their beauty is they only get better with age. Over years, decades, and even centuries, your floor’s patina is as unique as you are — each nick and crevice telling a different story of a time gone by.

That is, to an extent. Golden or grey hues can become drab and mottled. Gouges will draw your eye, taking away from your floor’s natural charm. When that happens, DIY hardwood floor refinishing may be in order.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you spend more than 400 hours every year, cooking, yes, but also talk...
07/02/2023

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you spend more than 400 hours every year, cooking, yes, but also talking, celebrating, and just living. Some of your favorite memories undoubtedly occurred there — and others have yet to be made.

In fact, in a survey of 596 people by House Digest, 41.44% of respondents agreed — the kitchen is the most important room in a house. This is why choosing the best colour for your kitchen walls can make or break this living space. Fortunately, a coat of fresh paint is one of the simplest ways to give your kitchen a fresh, new look.

What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen?
Only you can decide, as there’s no one best color for kitchen walls. Even when it comes to popular kitchen paint colors, let your intuition — not the latest trend — be your guide.

“It may be tempting to follow the current trends, but the most important goal is to design a timeless kitchen for the long term that you won’t get tired of within a few years. Choosing materials, colours, and finishes that you love rather than what’s trendy will help you enjoy your new kitchen for years to come.

Attic Insulation Without a properly insulated attic, heat can more easily escape your home, increasing utility costs. An...
06/02/2023

Attic Insulation

Without a properly insulated attic, heat can more easily escape your home, increasing utility costs. An insulation barrier keeps heat from moving out of the home in the winter and blocks heat from entering the home in the summer. When you insulate an attic, you can save around 15% on future heating and cooling bills.

In this attic insulation guide, you’ll learn how to insulate an attic using blown-in or batt and roll insulation.
When to Replace Insulation in Your Attic
Insulation usually lasts anywhere from 20 to 100 years.

You can add to any existing insulation without removing it, but inspect it before you do. Remove and replace any insulation that has mold, unpleasant smells, water damage or pest damage. Always replace insulation in your attic when you encounter any type of erosion.

If your home was built before 1990, the existing insulation may contain toxic asbestos. Look for grayish-brown or metallic colored pebble insulation. It is often associated with asbestos and must be removed by a professional. If you’re not sure if its asbestos or not, consult a professional to be on the safe side.

Decide Which Insulation Is Best for Your Home
Before you start the installation process, you’ll have to choose the type of insulation you want in your home. There are several different types of attic insulation, but the best option depends on the climate you live in.

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