Ideal Home

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• How much does cavity wall insulation cost?
• Professional Organiser reveals why your hangers could be damaging your clothes
• Shower Curtain Ideas – cost-effective ways to upgrade your bathroom
• Sophie Robinson shares her unconventional lighting tip to make your kitchen look more inviting

How much does cavity wall insulation cost? Posted: 29 Jan 2022 05:00 AM PST Packing your cavity walls with insulation will help to create a cosy living space at the same time as lowering your heating bills. The question is how much does cavity wall insulation cost to install? According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), the typical cavity wall insulation (CWI) installation cost for a detached house is £610. Homeowners can then access savings of £310 a year on their utility bills (based on fuel prices in November 2021). This means a payback time of just two years. However, prices have risen sharply in recent times and our research suggests you should budget more for CWI installation. With energy prices going up, it's tricky to predict exactly how much you'll save going forward. There’s no doubt that homes with CWI will certainly see lower bills than without, so it's actually a good time to invest. How much does cavity wall insulation cost? Image credit: Future plc/Douglas Gibb ‘Cavity wall insulation is a good place to start to mitigate rising fuel costs and it is far cheaper than external and internal wall insulation,’ says Nigel Donohue, CEO at the Insulation Assurance Authority. ‘Look to budget £1,200-£1,500 for cavity wall insulation costs. You'll get the best benefits if it's part of a longer-term plan for other upgrades that will help your home's energy efficiency.’ The prices mentioned in this cavity wall insulation cost article are indicative averages collated from costs supplied by a range of Trustmark and Insulation Assurance Authority (IAA) member CWI installers, including Evolve Home Energy Solutions, Envo Energy Solutions and InstaGroup. Be aware that prices fluctuate and some building materials have experienced supply shortages and cost hikes. Here are the types of cavity wall insulation and the amount you can expect to spend getting them fitted. 1. How much does polystyrene bead insulation cost? Polystyrene (EPS) bead cavity wall insulation involves a registered installer blowing small insulating balls into the wall through holes drilled in the outside of your home (which are later sealed up). The specially-coated beads spread out into the cavity and bond together to make a high performing and moisture-resistant insulant that doesn't require future maintenance. Average cost: £11.50 per m2 Total cost based on 155m2 detached house: £1,782.50 2. How much does mineral wool cost? Blown mineral fibre cavity wall insulation is made from spun glass or wool. It's fitted in a similar way to EPS beads, by being blown into the cavity space via small holes in the exterior wall. Well-installed mineral fibre CWI is an effective and maintenance-free insulant that should remain so for the lifespan of the building. The average quotes we received for mineral wool and EPS beads were very similar. Average cost: £10.75 per m2 Total cost based on 155m2 detached house: £1,666.25 3. How much does expanding foam cost? Polyurethane (PU) foam is injected into the wall cavity, where it solidifies into an excellent insulator. The robust makeup of this insulation can even help to strengthen the walls. It's a more specialist product with a higher price tag, so isn't as widely used as the other types. But it can be a great solution for more complicated projects, such as in walls with corroded wall ties or on properties positioned in flood risk zones. Average cost: £28 per m2 Total cost based on 155m2 detached house: £4,340 Other cavity wall insulation costs to factor in Image credit: Future plc/Tom Meadows Cavity wall insulation is priced per m2, so obviously house size will impact on how much you should budget to retrofit CWI. Property type will make a difference, too – for instance, a mid-terrace house has fewer outside walls than an end-terrace, and a bungalow only has one storey to insulate. Ease of access and location are other factors that can impact on costs. Cavity wall survey cost – often part of the installers fee, but always check. Any repairs needed to make sure your property is in a good state for the insulation to be fitted. This can include cracks in bricks or mortar, leaky guttering, broken wall ties and more. Having the cavity cleaned before insulation is packed in, for instance if there is debris in the gap that needs to be extracted. Whole house heat loss survey and the costs of future upgrades in your long-term efficiency plan (roof insulation, loft insulation, windows, doors, draught proofing etc). Some people are eligible for homeowner’s grants towards cavity wall insulation cost under the Energy Obligation Scheme (ECO), for instance if you receive certain benefits. How much does it cost to remove cavity wall insulation? Image credit: Future plc/Emma Lewis Problems with cavity wall insulation are rare, especially if you've used a reputable installer. There are some circumstances where it might need to be extracted. If you do need to have insulation removed, then it's generally a fairly simple job using a high pressure vacuum to suck it out of the cavity. You can expect to pay circa £13-£20 per m2 for CWI extraction. You're more likely to need to replace cavity wall insulation if it's been fitted by a rogue installer. Cowboy trades may select unsuitable insulation for the property or not do the job to the high standards expected from good installers registered with professional bodies, such as CIGA. If care hasn't been taken with the installation, gaps could form and cause cold spots, or moisture could bridge the cavity, leading to damp issues inside the home. ‘Make sure walls are of a good standard before cavity wall insulation is fitted,’ says Ed Andrews, Commercial Director at InstaGroup. "If any work is needed we would do it for them or bring in a trade. Although this will cost more. Some installers aren't as careful so might go ahead with filling a cavity where there are already issues with damp.’ Properly fitted insulation generally requires no maintenance once installed, but if water channels into the cavity, it can impact on the performance of insulation. Problems with damp and mould can take hold in these instances. So it's important to keep an eye on any early signs of cracks in render, broken mortar, leaky guttering etc on your home. In a worst-case scenario, the insulation might need to be extracted and reinstalled. Prompt action on any damage will save you from future issues with your cavity wall insulation. In the past, urea formaldehyde foam was sometimes used for cavity wall insulation, which can pose health risks to occupants. Removing this is a complicated task as it must be broken down inside the cavity and carefully vacuumed out. It's important that the dust doesn't get into the home and you might need to vacate your property while it's happening. Should you claim compensation for cavity wall insulation? In recent years, there has been a spate of spurious approaches by claims management companies, telling homeowners who've had cavity wall insulation retrofitted that they may be able to get compensation for incorrect installations on their behalf. If you are contacted out of the blue regarding potential problems with your cavity wall insulation, then be wary. The Government has warned that some of these cold call approaches are not genuine. Always do your research first and do not sign up to any agreements, provide bank details or hand over any money if you are not confident that you are dealing with a genuine company. Remember, if you suspect an issue with your cavity wall insulation, then the best first port of call is always your installer or your insulation guarantee provider. The post How much does cavity wall insulation cost? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Professional Organiser reveals why your hangers could be damaging your clothes Posted: 29 Jan 2022 04:00 AM PST When it comes to hangers, slimline hangers are a brilliant investment. However, a professional organiser has revealed that some hangers could actually be damaging your clothes. Slimline hangers are often a crucial building block when it comes to wardrobe storage ideas.  However, Vicky Silverthorn, founder of the professional organizing service You Need a Vicky, points out that despite what many of us may think, hangers aren’t always one size fits all. ‘Slimline hangers are a great investment adding a uniformed look and space-saving at the same time,’ says Vicky. However, she recommends always checking how they fit different items in your wardrobe. Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles ‘There are various hangers on the market but not all will suit your size,’ she explains. ‘The easily available velvet hangers with a bar across which you can purchase anywhere can often be too large for your clothing and in turn cause nasty pulls on the shoulders of your clothing.’ The reason behind this is that most adult hangers have been designed to hang a man’s shirt, which isn’t good news for any woman who has slightly narrower shoulders. Since the ultimate purpose of the best wardrobe organizers is to keep your clothes in good condition, the last thing you want is to buy new hangers that are going to push the shoulders of your favourite jacket out of shape. Luckily, Vicky has found a solution, and you can buy them on Amazon. ‘I have found the version of these with no bar (I have only found them on Amazon) are slightly smaller in width and may work a lot better if you are around a women’s size 6-10ish,’ she explains. Image credit: Ti-Media ‘There are many more expensive versions of hangers out there – I have become an expert in what works where and for which items of clothing. The rubber non-slip hangers are great and you can even buy a curved version if you like to hang your knitwear (no shoulder marks),’ adds Vicky. A well-organised wardrobe is also one that keeps your clothes safe, so it is worth selecting your hangers with care. If you want to keep track of the best hanger for your favourite items of clothing you can try adding labels as a reminder. A standard label maker will work on some plastic hangers. Alternatively, if you have velvet hangers the Cricut Joy, a digital cutting machine, allows you to make custom labels out of iron-on material you can attach to the hangers using the Cricut mini-press. Have you got the right hangers for the clothes in your wardrobe? The post Professional Organiser reveals why your hangers could be damaging your clothes appeared first on Ideal Home.

Shower Curtain Ideas – cost-effective ways to upgrade your bathroom Posted: 29 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST Shower curtains get a bit of a bad rep, thanks largely to memories of skin-sticking plastic. But shower curtain idea and designs have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and we're firm believers in the power of their ability to add colour, texture (of the non-plastic kind) and balance to a bathroom idea. Shower curtain ideas ‘Shower curtains are becoming less about something boring and utilitarian, and an extension of personality and style’ explains Emma Anthony, Textiles Designer for Dunelm. ‘They are a quick and easy way of injecting some fun, pattern and colour into a bathroom. As a less permanent solution, they are a fab investment for renters, or those that like to change things up regularly to create new looks.’ Whether you're living in a rental property or you want to upgrade your bathroom on a budget, a new shower curtain is a quick, easy and cost effective way to give your bathroom a new lease of life. Take inspiration from our shower curtain ideas and get ready to give your bathroom the simple makeover it's been waiting for. 1. Choose a simple white shower curtain in a monochrome scheme Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole Keep your bathroom feeling clean and fresh with a simple white shower curtain. In this monochrome bathroom colour scheme, the pared-back shower curtain blends seamlessly into the scheme, allowing beautiful features like the gold shower fittings to stand out. A touch of greenery adds to the fresh feel and breathes life into the bathroom. 2. Add subtle softness to an industrial-style bathroom Image credit: Future PLC/ Dan Duchars In this bathroom, a subtle floral shower curtain adds softness and balance to the otherwise industrial decor. The rest of the bathroom has a lot of straight lines and rough finishes, from the rectangular basin and the upcycled vanity unit to the wooden floorboards, and the shower curtain does just the trick at providing soft and flowing contrast. 3. Make a statement with a larger-than-life pattern Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole "Currently, my favourite looks for shower curtains are those with lush, green tropical prints, which really give a sense of bringing the outdoors in and boost mood," says Emma Anthony. In this bathroom, the bold leafy pattern of the shower curtain works magnificently alongside the grey and pink of the rest of the bathroom. Try it yourself, or choose another bold, larger-than-life pattern – perhaps animal print or geometric shapes. One of the best things about shower curtains is that they are easy and relatively affordable to change, so they provide an opportunity to really have fun and go bold. Even if it doesn't work out (though we're sure it will!), you can soon replace it! 4. Keep it traditional with an oval shower curtain rail Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles Freestanding baths are as popular as ever, and an oval shower curtain rail is the perfect accompaniment. Not only does it ensure that splashes are prevented from every angle, it also works aesthetic wonders! Hang a pair of long, white shower curtains, and for a fully authentic period look, choose traditional shower fittings and a clawfoot bathtub. 5. Add a splash of colour to an all-white bathroom Image credit: Future PLC An all-white bathroom can err on the side of clinical, but a colourful shower curtain is the perfect antidote. You can go as bold or as subtle as you wish – this bathroom introduces a subtle splash of green and yellow with a bird and leaf-print shower curtain. As this example shows you can fix a shower curtain around a curved bath, to create a small shower enclosure. 6. Give your bathroom some extra texture Image credit: John Lewis & Partners Introducing a different texture to your bathroom can add interest and depth to the space, like the soft, crepey shower curtain in this scene. The stripey design adds a minimalist nautical feel to the bathroom, which is otherwise decorated with neutral tones. 7. Make it pretty and practical with tiebacks Image credit: Future PLC Don’t assume tiebacks are only usefully for your living room curtains, they can be highly functional – if not more so for shower curtains! In a space where the shower curtains threatens to hang around bringing the decor down a decorative tieback can keep it in place and add a pretty touch. A wall-mounted curtain tie back anchors the curtain to avoid it simple hanging and making it feel like an unsightly necessity rather than an attractive attribute to the scheme. 8. Balance a colour scheme Image credit: Future PLC If your bathroom has a fairly neutral vibe, such as this monochrome suite, you may want only one accent colour in small doses. In this instance the sunshine yellow accent colour is picked up by on the fabric blind material with small decorative touches. To avoid overwhelming the scheme these homeowners have avoided a colourful shower curtain. Instead they have incorporated the monochrome theme with a colour-block pattern, that coordinates without feeling too much. 9. Feel pretty with pastels Image credit: John Lewis & Partners This whimsical watercolour shower curtain in pretty pastel shades of pink and purple adds a soft, feminine touch to this bathroom, especially when contrasted with the white painted brickwork. Add a pastel-hued bath mat and towels to tie the scheme together and create the bathroom of your dreams. Buy now: Ginko Floral Recycled Shower Curtain, £15, John Lewis & Partners 10. Contrast traditional with modern Image credit: Dunelm The roll-top freestanding bath with claw feet in this bathroom contrasts playfully with the modern grey and white geometric design of the shower curtain. Playing with contrast between traditional and modern bathroom features is a fantastic way to add an element of fun to your home. Buy now: Elements Geo Grey Shower Curtain, £8, Dunelm How should I arrange my shower curtain? Shower curtains should hang inside of the bath, as this will stop water from splashing out onto your bathroom floor. If you prefer the aesthetic of the curtain hanging on the outside, just wait until it's dry – and remember to pull it back inside every time you shower. Alternatively, look for a shower curtain with a liner on the inside. ‘A great tip to keep your shower curtain looking stylish while remaining practical, is to find one with a lining that can hang inside the bath or shower tray when in use, while the outer layer can still look great and keep dry,’ recommends Emma Anthony. ‘Alternatively, try experimenting by layering a simple plain white with a beautiful design – the plain one will offer water protection and can be washed or replaced easily, while the outer one gives the design edge to your bathroom.’ What can I use instead of a shower curtain? If a shower curtain just isn't doing it for you, then the best alternative is a glass shower screen. They're more expensive in the short run, but they pay for themselves in the long run, making your bathroom feel bigger and brighter and even adding value to your home! Are shower curtains hygienic? They are, so long as you take care of them! Over time, shower curtains can become dirty, thanks (or no thanks) to a build-up of soap scum, mould and mildew. But they can be washed and refreshed to give them a new lease of life, and most can even be cleaned in the washing machine – check the care label first though. The post Shower Curtain Ideas – cost-effective ways to upgrade your bathroom appeared first on Ideal Home.

Sophie Robinson shares her unconventional lighting tip to make your kitchen look more inviting Posted: 28 Jan 2022 11:00 PM PST Deciding on kitchen lighting can be totally overwhelming. You really need to be able to see what you’re doing but don’t just want harsh spotlights. Sophie Robinson, interior designer and host of Dream Home Makeovers with Sophie Robinson on Channel 5 has shared a kitchen lighting idea to make the space much more cosy. Sophie Robinson (image credit: Channel 5) Sophie Robinson’s kitchen lighting tip Sophie Robinson recommends adding a table lamp to your kitchen worktop. ‘I think it’s really nice to have styling moments in the kitchen, so it’s not all utilitarian. ‘I’ve got a decorative table lamp with a silk shade on my worktop that you would normally see on a living room side table,’ says Sophie. The interior designer recommends we borrow living room ideas in this way, and use them in the kitchen. Image credit: Pooky It could be a lamp, a vase, a lovely tray, or even artwork and wallpaper. ‘I love my little lamp on in the evening,’ says Sophie. ‘You need task lighting for when you’re cooking food, of course you do, but there are other parts of the kitchen where you just want a lovely glow.’ Sophie comments that we hang out in our kitchens so much, spending time there as a family in the evening. So of course we don’t want harsh light and clinical bright white walls. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sophie Robinson (@sophierobinsoninteriors) Mini Glass Table Lamp, £39.00 at Urban Outfitters Create a warm glow for evenings hanging out with friends and family in the kitchen with a mini glass lamp like this one in gold, from Urban Outfitters. View Deal We want kitchen ideas that create comfort and softness. ‘A table lamp on a worktop is an instant way to switch it up,’ says Sophie. As well as all-important lighting, the queen of colour is also a huge advocate of injecting colour into the kitchen by painting the cupboards. ‘That will just elevate your kitchen instantly. ‘Bank Holiday weekend, a pot of paint, knock yourself out,’ she laughs.  Dream Home Makeovers with Sophie Robinson airs Wednesday at 7pm on Channel 5. The post Sophie Robinson shares her unconventional lighting tip to make your kitchen look more inviting appeared first on Ideal Home.

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