If you’re like most people, you probably think of insulation as something that’s in your walls. And while it is true that insulation is found in the walls of most homes, it’s also important to have insulation in the attic. In fact, having insulation in the attic is just as important as having insulation in the walls. If your attic isn’t insulated, then you’re losing money on your energy bills every month. However, sometimes there are situations where you’re better off removing your insulation and in this post, we will discuss five reasons why attic insulation removal is important.
In what instance do you decide to remove your insulation? You may be recommended to remove it if:
– Your insulation is damaged
– You’re renovating your home
– You’re adding an addition to your home
– You’re building a new home
These are just a few of the instances in which removal of your insulation may be necessary. If you have any questions, we suggest that you contact a professional contractor to get more information. They will be able to assess your situation and let you know if it’s the right decision for you.
If insulation is one of the things you must have in your home, why is there a need to remove it?
The answer is actually quite simple. It is necessary for a number of reasons, including:
– To improve energy efficiency
– To prevent moisture damage
– To reduce noise pollution
– To create more living space
– To improve the quality of your indoor air
1: To improve energy efficiency
One of the main reasons why removing the insulation is so important is because it can improve energy efficiency. If your insulation is old or damaged, it might not be doing its job properly. This means that heat and cold air are escaping from your home, which leads to higher energy bills. By removing old or damaged insulation, you can improve the energy efficiency of your home and save money on your monthly energy bills.
2: To prevent moisture damage
Another reason why it is important is that it can prevent moisture damage. If insulation gets wet, it can start to grow mould and mildew. This can cause serious health problems for you and your family. In addition, moisture can damage your insulation and make it less effective. By removing insulation that has been damaged by moisture, you can protect your family from health problems and improve the efficiency of your insulation.
If you live in a busy area, noise pollution can be a serious problem. Insulation helps to reduce noise pollution by absorbing sound waves. If your insulation is old or damaged, it might not be able to properly absorb sound waves. This can lead to increased noise pollution in your home. By removing old or damaged insulation, you can reduce noise pollution and create a more peaceful environment in your home.
4: To create more living space
If you’re tight on living space, removing your insulation can be a great way to create more space. Insulation takes up a lot of space, so removing it can free up a significant amount of room. This can be especially helpful if you’re planning on adding an addition to your home or building a new home.
5: To improve the quality of your indoor air
Insulation removal can also improve the quality of your indoor air. If insulation is old or damaged, it can release dust and other particles into the air. This can cause respiratory problems for you and your family. By removing old or damaged insulation, you can improve the quality of your indoor air and create a healthier environment for yourself and your family.
These are just a few of the reasons why insulation removal is so important. If you’re thinking about removing your insulation, contact a professional contractor like iFoam to get more information. They will be able to assess your situation and let you know if it’s the right decision for you.
Sometimes the options for renovation are too limited, or an existing property is too far gone to be salvaged, and so the only route forward is knocking it down and starting from scratch.
This is an appealing prospect for all sorts of reasons, with the main selling point being the opportunity to build your dream home, rather than having to adapt an older design.
The first obstacle to overcome when approaching a knockdown rebuild project is that of how you’ll finance all the work required, so here are some of the options to consider which could turn your dream into a reality.
Work out the costs involved
Before you can find a way to fund the demolition of an old home and the construction of a new one, you’ll need to know how much this will all cost. The demolition alone will cost thousands, so it pays to be realistic and informed from the start.
A good way to go about this is by working with a knockdown rebuild specialist, since the pros will be able to cost out every step of the process, from planning approval to materials and beyond. Only once you’ve got a budget to work with will you be able to begin looking into your finance options.
While a traditional mortgage is based on the purchasing of a property that already exists, a construction loan is an alternative package which caters to the needs of customers who intend to build a home with money supplied by the lender.
Another difference is that rather than getting all of the cash upfront, you’ll usually receive it in a staggered way, kicking in at the start of each stage of the construction. This means you won’t be lumbered with the need to pay interest on the full loan from day one.
This type of loan can be used to cover not only the expense of building a home, but also of purchasing the land on which it sits.
Bear in mind that demolition costs won’t be covered by construction loans, because this isn’t a valuable asset which the lender could recoup if you default on your repayments.
Speak with your current mortgage provider
If you don’t fancy going down the construction loan route, then you could find the cash to fund your knockdown rebuild project via the lender who is already responsible for your mortgage on your current home.
In this case, you’ll be refinancing against the value of your property and unlocking stored-up equity that’s accumulated over the years, then using this as the capital for building a new residence elsewhere.
This obviously comes with more risks, but has the benefit of allowing you to repay your refinancing package when you sell your current home, or to switch your mortgage over to your new property instead, depending on your preferences and circumstances.
There may be financial incentives offered by the authorities in your region to encourage the knocking down of old, outdated premises and their replacement with shiny new homes in their place.
Obviously the grants and subsidies available will vary from place to place, and there are usually limitations and restrictions on eligibility. Basically, don’t expect to get support if you are planning to build a mega-mansion. If your project is a more modest domestic build, then discounts aren’t uncommon.
Don’t rush into any decisions
Most importantly, be sure that when deciding on how to finance your knockdown rebuild project, you aren’t being overly hasty.
Not every approach will be suited to everyone, and your circumstances will dictate the best route forward, so take your time and you’ll be fine.
If your basement has been flooded, it’s essential to take action quickly to minimize the damage. One of the best ways is to call a professional plumber. They can help you clean up and repair the damage caused by the water.
This post explores how professional plumbers can help with flooded basements, plus it provides some tips on preventing basement flooding in the future.
1. Installing A Sump Pump
One of the ways that professional plumbers can help prevent basement flooding is by installing a sump pump. It is a device installed in the lowest point of your basement, and its purpose is to get water out of the basement and away from home.
If you live in an area prone to heavy rains, a sump pump can be a lifesaver. Even if the basement has never flooded before, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
These modern water pumps can also supply water for industrial, agricultural, municipal, and residential uses.
2. Installing A Back-Up Power System For The Sump Pump
Plumbers can also help by installing a backup power system for the sump pump. It is essential if the basement floods often. The backup power system will ensure that the sump pump can continue to operate even if there is a power outage.
Installing a backup power system for the sump pump is a meaningful way that plumbers can help to prevent the basement from flooding.
When a home’s plumbing fails, it can cause problems. A professional pump repairing service will be able to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs. They may even need to replace the entire plumbing system in some cases.
If your basement has been flooded, it’s essential to call the professionals as soon as possible. They will be able to help you determine the cause of the problem and find a solution.
Calling a professional is best to ensure that your basement stays dry and free of flooding. They have the experience and knowledge to check the situation and find the best solution for your home.
4. Diverting Water Away From The Home’s Foundation
It is crucial to ensure water is diverted away from the home’s foundation. Professional plumbers can help install a French drain or another drainage system to ensure that water is adequately redirected away from home.
Basements are particularly susceptible to flooding because they are the lowest level of a home and are often below ground level. When it rains or the snow melts, the resulting water can seep into cracks in a home’s foundation and cause the basement to flood.
5. Adding Drainage Tiles To The Exterior Of The Home
Drainage tiles are a standard solution for basement flooding. These are installed around the home’s perimeter, and they work to redirect water away from the foundation. It can prevent the water from seeping into the basement and help reduce hydrostatic pressure on the walls.
Final Thoughts
Basement flooding is a severe problem that can cause extensive damage to your home. A professional plumber can help you remove the water from your basement and prevent further damage. If you have a flooded basement, it is vital to call a professional as soon as possible.
Spending more money than initially planned is one of the biggest fears for homeowners when it comes to their home improvement projects. The truth is that it is very difficult to spend less than initially planned.
However, there are different things you can do to cut costs on your home improvement projects. These things revolve around financing, materials used, design, and the time of the year you are undertaking the project.
That notwithstanding, it is important to note that everything you do during the project adds up, no matter how small it is. So it’s really important to plan, budget, and consult professionals before the project starts.
Here are seven ways to cut costs on your home improvement project.
DIY Tasks
There are a couple of DIY home improvement tasks that you can handle on your own instead of hiring a contractor.
For instance, tasks such as painting your walls or even kitchen cabinets are easy. All you need is some house painting guidelines and the right equipment. This can help cut costs on your home improvement project.
You should set a detailed budget before starting your home improvement project. Start by coming up with a list of everything that you need for the project, all the equipment, and everything that will need to be replaced.
You might also have to include hotel costs if you cannot live in your home during the project. Also, think about dining costs if your kitchen will be affected even if you are able to live in your home during the project.
After getting an idea of the amount of money you will need, add about ten percent to the total cost to cater for miscellaneous costs and overruns.
Get The Required Permits
One of the most common home improvement mistakes is failure to get the required permits. If you fall for this mistake, it might cost you a lot of money.
For instance, if the authorities realize that you do not have the permits, they might force you to demolish everything you have done, obtain the permits, and start the work again. This is costly and might leave a huge dent in your finances.
Avoid Debts (If You Can)
Avoiding debts when running home improvement projects is one of the most difficult things for homeowners. This is because of the multiple financing options such as mortgage refinance, home equity loans, and personal loans available today.
However, you need to be careful since not all loans have a good RIO (Return On Investment). If you have to get a loan, make sure that you understand the loan rates you are signing up for. For instance, SoFi loan rates give you a way to understand your rates and the terms of payment before deciding to apply for a loan.
Save on Demolition Work
Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels
A home improvement project might require you to demolish some parts of your home. This might require huge amounts of money if you have to hire a contractor for demolition work.
If you are serious about saving money, consider doing the demolition work yourself.
All you need to do is simply look for the tools required for demolition. However, if you are going to do this, you need to ensure that you have observed safety precautions and used the right protection gear.
Reuse Materials
You might find yourself with a lot of materials that you need to get rid of. Instead of throwing these things away, think about how they can be reused. This can save money that you would have spent buying new materials.
For instance, look at things like your cabinet fixtures. Even if you do not like them, think of painting them to get a new look instead of replacing them with new ones.
Develop a Detailed Home Improvement Plan
Image: Shutterstock
Just like setting a budget for your project, you also need to come up with a detailed home improvement plan before the project starts. When developing the plan, define the project’s scope and make sure you stay within it throughout the project.
Running a home improvement project is not easy, and you might be tempted to go beyond your scope. If you do, you might find yourself spending more money than anticipated, making your project more expensive.
A home improvement project is quite expensive. When running one, make sure you have followed the tips discussed above to cut costs and save some money.
A new study has revealed Birmingham, Cornwall, and Leicester, to be the most searched for areas in the UK to buy a house.
The property experts at Global House Prices analysed the number of online searches in the UK between January and March 2022 relating to locations and property buying. They then averaged the number of searches across that period to create a definitive list of the top 10 cities to search for a house.
Birmingham, Leicester, and Cornwall (though not technically a city) all came in joint first place with an average of 33,100 searches per month each.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Birmingham is a popular choice for many house buyers as it is the second-largest city in the UK and so has plenty of job opportunities, as well as being far more affordable than the largest UK city, London. Birmingham is also well known for its music culture with Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Robert Plant, The Streets, UB40, Wizzard, Laura Mvula, and Duran Duran all originating in Birmingham.
Leicester is famed for its cultural diversity, giant-slaying football team, and world-class universities, all of which make it a popular city to live in the midlands of the UK. It is also known for its Cultural Quarter, which boasts one of the most exciting art scenes in the country.
Cornwall, with its epic coastlines and picturesque beaches, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful counties in the country. It is little wonder house hunters search for homes in Cornwall as it is an idyllic paradise for holidaymakers from across the world. With the rise in remote working, many people are now able to continue in their jobs while living and enjoying the bountiful offerings of a place like Cornwall.
Photo by Megan Andrews on Unsplash
Joint in second place on the list of the most popular cities to search for houses in the UK were Bradford, Coventry, Glasgow, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Swansea, each of which had an average number of 27,100 searches between January and March 2022.
Bradford is a city in West Yorkshire with a population of around 350,000. As well as being a multi-cultural hub with some of the best curry houses in the country, Bradford was also named UNESCO’s first City of Film, making it a popular destination for culture vulture’s from across the world. Bradford also has one of the lowest average house prices amongst cities in the UK.
The city of Coventry in the West Midlands is a popular destination for tourists due to its Medieval cathedral that was bombed during World War II. It is also said to be the city in which St George (who went on to slay a dragon) was born. Coventry is home to a successful university and a lively arts scene and, like Bradford, is among the cheapest cities in which to buy property in the UK.
The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow has become a popular home in recent years for artists and creatives looking for all the perks of a big city but for substantially lower costs than London and the South-East of England. Glasgow is known for its world-famous university, its art galleries, football teams, and of course some of the best unhealthy street food you can find anywhere in the world.
Photo by Kai Bossom on Unsplash
Liverpool in the North-West of England is only a short train ride away from their oft-rivals Manchester. Liverpool is home to one of the best football teams in the world and is known across the globe for being the birthplace of the fab four, The Beatles. Liverpool is one of the more famous cities that is often included in lists of the cheapest UK cities in which to buy property.
Sheffield is the second Yorkshire city to appear on the list and is known for its music scene (Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Joe Cocker, to name just a few of the acts that hail from Sheffield), universities, and for being set amidst the beautiful landscape of the Peak District. Many people choose to move to Sheffield for its relatively cheap housing costs and to be closer to nature as the Peaks are only ever a stone’s throw away.
Also in joint second place was Swansea, the only Welsh city to appear on the list. The South-West city of Swansea is the second-largest city in Wales after Cardiff. It is known for its spectacular beaches, world-famous university, raucous nightlife, and for being the birthplace of the late great Dylan Thomas, the unofficial bard of Wales.
The final city on the list of the top 10 cities to search for a house in the UK, was Blackburn. Blackburn is well known for being the home of the cotton weaving industry in the UK and for being one of only seven football teams to win the English Premier League, the others being Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Leicester, and Manchester City.
Top 10 cities to search for a house
City
Average number of searches between January and March 2022
Birmingham
33,100
Cornwall
33,100
Leicester
33,100
Bradford
27,100
Coventry
27,100
Glasgow
27,100
Liverpool
27,100
Sheffield
27,100
Swansea
27,100
Blackburn
22,200
How much do houses cost in the UK?
In November 2021, the average UK house price was £271,000. This represented a £25,000 increase for the average property owner in the UK.
Average house prices increased all over the UK, with the highest price being in England, which has an average house price of £288,000. Wales has the second-highest average at £200,000, followed by Scotland which has an average house price of £183,000, and then Northern Ireland where the house prices average at £159,000.
The rise in average house prices was in part due to a sharp increase in demand over the past year or two in response to the pandemic. The number of houses sold in 2021 was at a high due to the Stamp Duty holiday and many city dwellers looking to leave as their jobs remained remote.
The cheapest city in the whole of the UK to buy property is Middlesborough, a property can be bought for only 1.7 times the average household income.
Unsurprisingly, London has the highest average house prices in the UK. At over £600,000, the average cost of a house in the capital is almost double the average across the whole of the rest of the UK.
The huge difference between the average values of houses in Middlesborough and London is just another indicator of the North and South divide in the UK.
