5 Great Challenges You’ll Face During Any Bathroom Remodel (And How To Solve Them)

5 Great Challenges You’ll Face During Any Bathroom Remodel (And How To Solve Them)

 In a home renovation, the bathroom is often subject to a sharp intake of breath from project planners, labourers and homeowners alike. It goes without saying that a bathroom remodel is one of the more challenging aspects of renovation, fraught with challenges and potential disaster.

In this post, we’ll draw on some interior design expertise to outline how you can solve these issues during the remodel, leading to a stress-free new bathroom for any type of property.

Challenge #1: Dodgy plumbing

It’s not unreasonable to expect that the previous owners’ plumbing work isn’t the best, so you should prepare for a longer-than-expected bathroom remodel if some pipes are leaky or rusty.

Make sure you budget for these setbacks and they won’t be nearly as annoying when they arise mid-project with half a bathroom torn out and a family’s home life totally upended.

Challenge #2: Damp, mould and horrors untold

A large percentage of the UK’s housing stock is very old indeed. 20% of homes in the UK were built before 1919, so it follows that such homes might have some issues with damp after standing proud for 99 years or more.

Ground floor bathrooms might suffer from rising damp, which seeps up from groundwater – but they’re more likely to suffer from damp resulting from some less-than-perfect plumbing following almost a century of use.

For your bathroom remodel, you should first wipe up any mould with bleach-based spray, then think about ventilation solutions such as a more powerful extraction fan (if your bathroom doesn’t have a window, common in some converted Victorian terraced houses) or even some anti-damp sealant that’ll banish the problem for the long term.

Challenge #4: A drainage disaster

An improperly fitted drainage system can make the above problem a whole lot worse, and is often the source of great plumbing peril. An aesthetic upgrade to a bathroom can be ruined by an old shower drain blocked up with decades of hair and other detritus, so your first port of call is to unblock and clean, as this may well give it a few more years of use.

If you have to replace the whole bathroom drainage system, make sure you have a professional in to do it properly. This will ensure that the process happens a lot more quickly and disruption in the home can be massively reduced. A proper drainage system is a cornerstone of a damp-free, hygienic home – so don’t do it on the cheap.

Challenge #5: Being unrealistic

Your dream bathroom might be a luxurious, spacious affair with plenty of indulgent touches. However, you might end up having to compromise with regards to space, as bathrooms, especially in older houses, tend to be on the small side.

Some bathroom supply companies have started to use AR smartphone apps so that potential buyers can visualise exactly how that new toilet or whirlpool bath will fit in the bathroom, solving this problem. However, for now, a foolproof option is measuring out the whole space and working out the ergonomics of everyday use, so you’re not left with a new bathroom that’s awkward to navigate.

 Once these challenges have been addressed, you’ll be free to embark upon a bathroom remodel that’ll leave your clients with a superb, long-lasting and functional part of their home.

Author bio:

Moosa Adam works at 1 Click Bathrooms, the UK’s online one-stop shop that helps homeowners build their dream bathroom piece by piece.

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How to avoid winter roofing issues

How to avoid winter roofing issues

Sometimes, when we think about winter and getting the house ready for it, the last part of our properties that we think of is the roof. We’re far too excited about getting the Christmas tree out of the loft and whacking the heating up full blast.

But just stop for a minute to think about what could possibly make or break the heat in your house – the roof. Heat rises naturally, so the quality and state of your roof can really make a difference to how warm you are this winter.

Sometimes, there is just no competing with the weather or nature, but hopefully, we can help you to find a way around it. Here are some of our top tips on how to avoid winter roofing issues and make sure your roof is truly ready for the coldest and most adverse time of year.

If you think your roof could be in need of professional help, have a look at these roofers in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Clear your gutters of clutter

This may be a step you’ve never even thought of, but it’s very simple and surprisingly effective in keeping your roof in tip-top shape this winter. All that you need to do is clear the gutters and roof of any debris such as leaves and dirt, and check regularly.

This will prevent water issues from within your pipes, and can also stop the impact of wintertime icicles from being so great. If icicles are left to grow, they can be a danger to the homeowner themselves and the quality of their pipes.

Invest in a high standard of ventilation

Condensation in the attic doesn’t just look unsightly – it can also cause significant damage if left to build up. We therefore suggest investing in a proper ventilation system that will help to prevent condensation and maintain heat, as well as cut down on your repair costs in the future.

Keep an eye and ear out for snow damage

One of the most common problems for roofs during the winter is the build-up of snow and ice, which if you’re from the North East, is a problem you’ll know all too well.

Problems usually start when the snow level reaches approximately two feet. The weight from snow can cause significant problems for your roof, including structural harm, ice dams and even potentially roof collapse.

Some things to look for regarding this issue are cracks, sagging or leaking. Listening out for sounds of popping or cracking is also a good indicator of damage, as are doors that stick.

Be mindful of the scope for wind havoc

Strong winter winds can also have a majorly negative impact on your roof. If the winds are strong enough, they can cause all sorts of wintertime debris to potentially puncture your roof.  A puncture in your roof can be extremely damaging and certainly will not keep your house warm!

If such problems occur for you, make sure you get in touch with suitably qualified and experienced roofers in Newcastle upon Tyne.  Don’t delay when this happens, as it is better to sort out a problem as soon as it appears and nip in it in the bud.

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Northumberland Block Paving Project

Recent Northumberland Block Paving Project

Northumberland Block Paving Project, the job consisted of creating a new driveway 210m2. We used grey block paving and combined it with a charcoal grey border to give a more creative look. The lights down the side of the driveway also added to the overall finished look.

The overall result looks great and the homeowners were pleased with the finished result. You can see the finished driveway on the photographs below.

 

Why Choose Us For Your Block Paving Installation?

All the products we use are supplied by quality leading manufacturers, in addition, they all come with excellent product guarantees. We are also on the Marshalls Register for Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers. For your information, Marshalls is a National network of independent installers. Anyone on this register has to follow strict guidelines and they are strictly vetted and monitored by Marshalls. Each companies levels of competence and work are constantly assessed giving homeowners peace of mine they are choosing a reliable company.

Furthermore, we offer a huge choice when it comes to block paving for designs, colours and textures.  Working in the landscaping industry for almost 40 years has given us a  great eye for detail. Therefore we can certainly help when it comes to design and choosing the right colours, textures to tie in with your property.

Other than block paving, we offer a wide range of other solutions such as permeable paving, stone and the latest resin bound driveways.

Complementing your driveway installation

Being Landscapers in the North East, we can also offer a wide range of other services which can complement your driveway installation. 

• New Turfing
• Artificial Lawns
• Garden Walls
• Patio Paving, Pathways & Steps
• Planters
• Decking
• Fencing & Gates
• Seating Areas
• & Much More

Over the years, not only have we carried out many projects to domestic households, but we have also carried out a lot of work in the commercial sector too.

Financing your block paving project

For your information, we offer a range of finance solutions for your block paving installation. If you would like to find out more about these solutions, please visit our  Finance Page.

Free quotations

Finally, if you would like a quotation for your project, you will find all our details on our contact page. 

Keep informed of all our latest news

If you would like to keep informed of all our latest news, projects and promotions please join us on Facebook

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Engineering sector’s astonishing gender pay gap

Research conducted by one of the UK’s largest accountants has revealed that men in engineering earn up to 30% more than women in the same roles.

Hemel Hempstead-based SJD accountants has analysed salaries of both male and females in the sector revealing some astonishing figures.

According to the analysis females with job titles such as mechanical engineer or maintenance engineer earn almost a third less than males with the same occupation.

Derek Kelly, CEO of Optionis which owns SJD Accountancy said: “The gender pay gap has been a topic of increasing conversation, putting the difference in salary into real terms has been shocking.

“This information now highlights the genuine impact that this can have not only on employees but their families and long-term prospects.”

The gender pay gap has been an increasingly important and developing conversation for a number of years within the media and government.

Increasing pressure has been put on businesses to disclose their gender pay gaps and redress the balance to aim for more equal pay.

The survey by SJD Accountancy saw more than a 1,000 contractors questioned, and data gathered on their salaries to create a better picture of which sectors are closing the gap and which are still struggling to find parity.

To find out more details about your industry and the gender pay gaps SJD has launched an interactive tool, visit www.sjdaccountancy.com/gender-pay-gap-tool for more information.

Mr Kelly added: “The tool helps to give workers, whether in permanent or temporary roles, more of an insight into the pay gap within their industry. This improves understanding of the pay issues within certain sectors.”

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Timber championed with the launch of WoodFest

The North East will celebrate everything built with wood as the first WoodFest comes to Newcastle in December, with an exciting line-up of events organised by the UK timber industry’s campaign, Wood for Good.

WoodFest Newcastle will bring together architects, engineers, placemakers, planners, developers, contractors, politicians and local businesses specialising in timber to promote the innovative and striking ways that wood can be used in the built environment in the North East.

Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good campaign director, said:

“The first in a series of regional WoodFests, this as a fantastic opportunity to bring all those involved with the built environment to explore what industry and politics can achieve together.

“Each event is a chance to learn and share about the use of timber in architecture, particularly around health and wellbeing and offsite construction. It provides a platform to discover what’s happening in the region and to be inspired by timber design.”

The week begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of wood-based materials manufacturer, Egger’s site in Hexham on 10 December. In the evening, Dr Oliver G.F. Jones, architecture professor and expert in human-environment interaction at Northumbria University, will give the keynote speech at a seminar on wellbeing, residential design and healthy homes. Taking place at Ryder Architecture’s home in Cooper’s Studios, Westgate Road, Newcastle, Dr Jones will be joined by a panel of experts including local housing providers and design professionals to explore biophilic design, light, space and air quality among other issues.

Offsite construction steals the show on 12 December with an evening seminar debating whether modern methods of construction are the future for homes in the North East. Hosted by Ryder at Cooper’s Studios, an expert panel will explore Home England’s strategic plan incorporatin g offsite construction and will ask if it’s the silver bullet to deliver much-needed homes.

A site visit to the unique self-build home, Shawm House, takes place on 11 December. Designed by Newcastle-based MawsonKerr Architects, the timber home won four regional RIBA awards, a national RIBA award and was shortlisted for Grand Designs ‘House of the Year’ in 2017. This is a rare opportunity to hear the homeowner’s story and experience the house for yourself.

Taking place throughout the week is an exhibition at Cooper’s Studios, exploring healthy buildings and driving the design and construction quality agenda through the use of modern methods of construction.

The finale for WoodFest Newcastle is the Superwood Conference on Friday 14 December at Northumbria University, hosted by Confor. Looking at how forestry and timber can drive a low carbon economy, the conversation will explore the opportunities for increasing forestry in the North East and the lessons that can be learned from Scotland.

Speakers include Paul Brennan, MEP for the North East, Adam James from Ryder Architecture, Councillor Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council, Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis from Edinburgh Napier University, Beccy Speight from the Woodland Trust, Neil Sutherland from Makar, Stuart Goodall from Confor, Simon Hart from Egger Forestry and Christiane Lellig from Wood for Good.

WoodFest Newcastle is organised in collaboration with regional partners Constructing Excellence, Egger, Mawson Kerr, RIBA North East, and Ryder Architecture.

Book your place for the WoodFest Newcastle events here: https://woodforgood.com/index/woodfest-newcastle/

More information will be released soon about other regional WoodFests taking place throughout the country in 2019.

If you would like to get involved in WoodFest please contact Wood for Good campaign director, Christiane Lellig, at christiane.lellig@woodforgood.com

www.woodforgood.com

 

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Work wellbeing — 5 office hygiene hotspots

Despite a rise in remote working in recent years, many of us still trek to our trusty offices each day to make a living.

And while we’re earning a crust, we’re also crumbling because of work-related health issues like backache, eyestrain, stress, the cold and norovirus.

But there are a few simple office design and equipment adjustments progressive employers can make to mitigate risks.

If you’re concerned about work wellbeing, here’s how to optimise five office hygiene hotspots.

1. Desk

Desk surfaces, keyboards and the nooks and crannies behind monitors host hordes of bacteria if they’re not regularly cleaned — so keep a stash of anti-bac wipes in your desk drawer to stop their spread.

But simply sitting in a sedentary position for hours on end impacts your health too — according to the NHS, it slows the metabolism, reduces your ability to burn fat and causes weaker bones and muscles.

So it’s worth enquiring if your employer might buy a sit-stand desk from a company like Posturite which may make you healthier and more productive.

2. Toilets

We would all like to think that the toilet hygiene standards of adult office workers are impeccable — but sadly, anyone who’s worked in a corporate environment for an entire career can tell you this isn’t always the case.

And while no one can force people to wash their hands, providing adequate supplies of soap and strong hand dryers should provide encouragement and combat the spread of bacteria.

A dryer such as a Dyson airblade is simple to use and so swift that it only takes a few seconds to work.

3. Kitchen

The office kitchen is a pleasant sanctuary where colleagues can catch up for a chat over a coffee and take a break form the hustle and bustle of a busy day.

But communal biscuit tins, teabags and mugs are often breeding grounds for all manner of bugs which spoil the tea party in no time at all.

So it’s wise to install soap dispensers from a firm like Deb in kitchens as well as in bathrooms — as well as reserving cups and cutlery for your exclusive use.

4. Breakout area

Many modern offices feature a breakout area — a comfy, informal social space that’s perfect for casual catch-ups with colleagues and extracurricular activities like reading groups and bakery sales.

But beds might soon be slotted in alongside sofas and tables to optimise rest and ramp up performance.

Futuristic suppliers like MetroNaps are now installing sleep pods in offices that enable staff members to have 40 winks in complete comfort and recharge their batteries.

5. Reception

A clean and tidy reception enables any firm to create a fabulous first impression for visitors, but it’s also the frontline against dirt and detritus dragged indoors from outside.

But the solution is simple and cost-effective — place a durable and well-designed doormat at the entrance.

Order floor mats from a specialist like Kleen-Tex to provide a warm welcome that also wipes out germs.

Get to grips with health and hygiene in these five office areas for a workforce that’s fit, healthy and focused.

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4 Must-Know Strategies To Weatherproof Your Site This Winter

With UK weather predictions forecasting the coldest winter the country has seen in 10 years, no industry is likely to face the harsh effects of the snowy season more so than the construction sector.

With adversity on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about practical solutions to limit the impacts of this winter’s cold grip, by putting safety measures in place to help weatherproof both the construction site itself and all those working on it.

From minimising speed limits around the site to reduce the risk of accidents, to advocating the importance of staying warm to your staff, in today’s post, we’re exploring 4 must-know strategies for protecting your site come rain or ice.

Prioritise safety measures

When it comes to protecting your site from harsh weather conditions, planning is key to preventing a wide variety of potential disasters. Make keeping an eye on weather warnings a priority in order to take the necessary measures and eliminate as many dangers as early as possible.

 

Depending on the types of vehicles used on your site, speed limits often allow certain vehicles to move at speeds of up to 20 mph. So, when it comes to implementing strategies to minimise the potential risks, why not consider reducing the limit to 5 mph? While initially this hack may appear to reduce efficiency, this easy-to-implement procedure is just one of many temporary measures that can minimise on-site risks and will, therefore, benefit both your workers and the overall efficiency of the project in the long run.

Provide suitable storage spaces

In sub-zero temperatures, fragile equipment and the protection of your workers’ personal belongings become a priority. If exposed for too long, expensive and integral pieces of equipment run the risk of being hit by the harsh weather conditions and, in many cases, can face the effects of damage and erosion.

With this in mind, when it comes to maintaining the usability of both vital construction equipment and your workers’ personal belongings, having somewhere secure to store your property is crucial. Installing weatherproof lockers to shield your possessions from the rain and snow will not only help to future-proof your equipment, but also allow your colleagues to come to work safe in the knowledge that their belongings are protected from any spontaneous showers the day brings.

Protect your staff from the elements

We all deserve a much-needed break at work, and, when it comes to the unforgiving winter weather, short breaks away from the cold can be crucial to keeping your workers’ spirits high and their health strong.

By introducing sheltered areas filled with hot drinks, and having food supplies at the ready so that snacks are taken care of, your workers will be encouraged to keep warm – aiding both their physical health and their mental wellbeing. When it comes to prevention, education is key. Prop up informational posters around your break area to inform your staff on the symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and recommendations for how to prevent these from occurring.

Promote weather-appropriate attire

Additionally, when it comes to protecting your on-site workers, what they wear can make the difference between a runny nose and a sleepless night. With bitter, icy winds and freezing cold temperatures set to become the norm this season, dressing appropriately is vital to keeping fit and healthy on the construction site.

Encourage your team to not only protect their head, feet and hands from physical dangers with PPE equipment, but also to dress with extreme weather conditions in mind. Thick socks, sturdy boots, hard hats and warm gloves will keep some of the most heat-loss prone areas of your workers’ bodies regulated come the harsh winter months.

While preparing for the on-site effects of winter’s inevitably harsh weather conditions, it’s crucial to follow government advised restrictions and regulations, as well as using your own initiative. If the weather forecast predicts harsher conditions the night before than initially expected, make the executive decision to protect the safety of yourself and your staff by safeguarding your site however needed. Hang it there – it’ll be summer before you know it.

 

Author bio:
Simon Mitchell has run successful companies in Europe and the US that are focused on delivering exceptional value to clients – while Action Storage offers a diverse range of storage products, along with the technical expertise to help clients’ businesses operate more efficiently. In Simon’s words, that’s a rewarding place to be.

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