Ideal Home

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• Do I need life insurance for a mortgage? How does it work?
• Bifold doors – everything you've ever wanted to know
• Before & after: see how a savvy IKEA shelving hack totally transformed this living room
• How much does an extension cost? Plus ways to cut the cost of yours
• Kelly Hoppen warns against committing this faux pas when decorating a bathroom
• Best juicer 2022: for a fresh glass of juice, every morning
• Cheap DIY garden path ideas - 12 easy ways to create an inexpensive outdoor walkway

Do I need life insurance for a mortgage? How does it work? Posted: 08 Apr 2022 04:00 AM PDT You don't have to buy life insurance when you take out a mortgage, but it's a sensible thing to think about when making a major financial commitment such as buying a house. No-one can be sure what the future holds, and life insurance means you know mortgage repayments will be covered if you're not around. ‘No-one likes to think about death, but you should think about how your dependants would cope with payments if you were to die,’ says David Hollingworth of the mortgage adviser L&C. Do I need life insurance for a mortgage? No, lenders won't insist that you take out life insurance to get a mortgage. Lenders expect to be able to get back any money lent to you through the sale of the house if necessary, so life insurance isn't about protecting them. Rather, it's about protecting those closest to you, who depend on your financial support. Still, many lenders will urge you to take out life cover at the same time as getting a mortgage, and it's usually wise to protect your loved ones should you die. Think about how a long-term partner, spouse or children would manage repayments if you weren't around. ‘If you have children it's particularly important to consider how they'll be financially cared for should anything happen to you,’ says Jonathan Harris, director of independent adviser Harwell Protection Group. Even if you have a partner who works and earns a good salary, you can't be complacent. In the event of your death, would they be able to continue earning in this way? Particularly if you have children. Life insurance can be invaluable in this situation. Equally, if you live alone, you will have less need for life insurance alongside a mortgage. If you pass away before paying off the mortgage, your mortgage becomes a debt against your estate and will need to be repaid before money passes to beneficiaries. Image credit: Futre PLC/ Colin Poole How does life insurance work? There are several different types of life insurance to choose from. For example, 'level term insurance' gives you the same amount of cover over the policy's term, and may be used to run alongside a mortgage. You might decide you want a policy to run for 20 years, for example, with the payout covering both your mortgage and other outgoings. However, mortgages are generally taken out on a repayment basis these days. So you pay off interest and some of the amount originally borrowed every month, and your mortgage balance reduces over time. 'Decreasing term insurance' is designed to run alongside a mortgage, with payouts that fall every year, and you set the policy payout and term to match your mortgage. This is usually a cheaper form of life insurance. Ideally, you want to take out life insurance as soon as possible. Insurers consider your age and health when setting your premium, and younger people generally pay less than older policyholders. You'll pay around £18 a month for £150,000 worth of level term life insurance. For example, at age 35-45, rising to more than £30 in your 50s. The most expensive kind of life insurance is 'whole of life insurance'. As its name suggests, this covers you for your entire lifetime (as long as you keep paying the premiums). So beyond the mortgage term. What insurance is a legal requirement when taking out a mortgage? The only insurance that's legally required when taking out a mortgage is buildings insurance to cover the cost of repairing damage to the property's structure. This will be stipulated in the mortgage terms. Still, don't get hung up on what's mandatory. Chris Sykes, from broker Private Finance, says: ‘We always recommend that clients also take other forms of protection like life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover when taking out a mortgage.’ Income protection insurance, for example, will make sure your family has a regular income or lump sum if you're unable to work after a serious illness, so that bills will be paid. Harris says: ‘With more people now surviving serious illnesses and left living with the impact of the condition, needing alterations to the home and often ongoing private medical treatment, making sure you have cover in place is more essential than ever.’ It is a good idea to seek independent financial advice before choosing the cheapest life, critical or income protection insurance policy. It's vital that the policy is suitable for you and that it'll pay out when your family needs it most. Harris adds: ‘Consult an independent adviser with access to all insurers across the protection market to receive the right advice and policy for you. This'll ensure you get comprehensive cover, as not all insurers' products or claims handling are the same.’ The post Do I need life insurance for a mortgage? How does it work? appeared first on Ideal Home.

Bifold doors – everything you've ever wanted to know Posted: 08 Apr 2022 02:01 AM PDT Whether you’re building, extending or simply looking to revamp your home, it’s important to find the right door solution. Bifold doors are one of the most popular – and on trend – ways to open up your home. Like skylights, bifold doors flood your home with light, but work doubly hard by providing an access point to the outdoors. Plus, unlike sliding or French doors, bifolding designs stack neatly out of the way. This offers wonderfully unobstructed views of your garden, and creates an expansive feeling inside. However, when you’re making such an investment, you’re bound to have a fair few questions. We’ve rounded up the experts to make sure you’ve got all the info you want and need. What is a bifold door? Image credit: Schüco/Tim Crocker First things first. What actually is a bifold door? It’s become a ubiquitous term for contemporary wall-to-wall glazing, but it does have its own unique properties. ‘Bifold doors are glazed doors with individual panels that fold into narrow stacks and glide to the side either outwards or inwards,’ explains Jordan Vincent, Architectural Project Manager at Schüco. ‘This allows you to open up your home completely to the outdoors.’ Do bifold doors add value to homes? Image credit: Origin When you’re adding bifold doors to your home, you want to know if it’s going to add value, or if it’s just a superficial aesthetic addition. Luckily, the many benefits of bifolds mean that they are proven to increase the value of your space. ‘Some experts estimate that bifolding doors can add around 5-10% to the valuation of a property,’ advises Victoria Brocklesby, COO, Origin. ‘Generally, installing great glazing will instantly improve kerb appeal and the additional light bi-folds bring into a home can transform the feel of indoor spaces to make them more enticing.’ ‘Our own research shows that over half of Brits that don't have enough natural light in their home are looking to move or renovate in the next 12 months, which shows the real-life value of fixtures like bifolds.’ ‘Installing bifold doors can add value to your home by creating a real wow factor,’ agrees Jordan from Schüco. ‘By filling your home with natural light and increasing the sense of space bifold doors can make your home more appealing to potential buyers – if you can bear to leave. It's important to choose high quality doors from a reputable brand that will stand the test of time as well as to use a qualified installer.’ What are the benefits of bifold doors? Image credit: IDSystems So why are bifold doors seen as superior to other folding door solutions? ‘The real benefit of bifold doors is their ability to completely open up an aperture,’ says David Clarke, Marketing Manager, IDSystems. ‘When the doors are stacked back to the side of the opening they can create a completely seamless transition between inside and out which is ideal for entertaining and for making the most of warm, sunny days.’ ‘Bifold doors instantly transform a living space like no other home improvement can,’ adds Victoria from Origin. ‘They open a multitude of possibilities for homeowners by changing the functionality of spaces, increasing natural light, and creating a seamless transition from inside to outside. Due to their ability to offer unique low, non-weathered threshold systems, features from the interior of a home, like tiled or wooden floors, can be continued into the garden to blend the two spaces, to enhance and extend the useable living area.’ They’re also a great addition for more petite areas. ‘Bifold doors are perfect for smaller openings as they can open up to 90% of the aperture,’ notes Matt Higgs, Director, Kloeber. ‘Opening configuration is key when designing how the bifolds fit in to the space and how they'll be used. Think about where furniture will be placed and the flow from internal to external. Consider a single opening traffic door, to avoid opening up the whole set (ideal for children or pets that want to access the garden). A level threshold with similar flooring inside and out will help create a cohesive living space, perfect for entertaining.’ What are the problems with bi-fold doors? Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole Although that all sounds great – nothing comes without a downside. The main issues with bifolding doors are connected to the size of the frames and movement problems. Compared to sliding doors, bi-fold doors have more framing profiles visible when they are closed. ‘Typically, the British climate does not allow the doors to be completely open for more than 3 or 4 weeks a year so it is likely the bifold doors will be closed more often than open,’ notes David from IDSystems. ‘In those circumstances sliding doors, with larger panels and narrower frames maybe the more suitable option – particularly for larger openings where the bigger panes of glass in sliding doors really come into their own.’ In terms of movement, a lot of the issues can be avoided by investing in the best quality systems you can. ‘Above all, a well-designed bi-folding door set should be easy to operate,’ says Rob Owens, Product Manager, Westbury Windows and Joinery. ‘Heavy, clunky, loud doors that are prone to getting stuck will become unused and neglected, making them a poor investment. If manufactured to precise measurements, they will flawlessly fold and slide with smooth movements.’ ‘One discrepancy in the door sizes, even by a single millimetre on either side, can affect the functionality of the whole unit and prevent it from opening,’ continues Rob. ‘This is why choosing a quality product that has been crafted by experts is certainly a worthwhile investment.’ How much do bifold doors cost? Image credit: IDSystems Just as there’s variation in how much an extension costs, bifolds have quite the range. This depends on size, quality and material. ‘Bifold doors start from around £900 per panel including installation,’ advises David from IDSystems. ‘But some systems are priced from £1600 per panel.’ Alternatively, for a more budget option, expect to pay around £2,000 for a three-door set of uPVC bifold doors. Also, installation will be extra – usually around another £6-800. How many bifold doors do I need? Image credit: Kloeber The dimensions of your opening will determine the number of doors. Odd numbers look best – three or five are the most popular. If everyday access is required, make sure there is a single lead door that can be opened outward. ‘There are few limitations to the number of panels, or 'sashes', used in a bi-fold door,’ notes Victoria from Origin. ‘The minimum is two, while there is no real maximum. Opting for bespoke doors means you can choose the width and configuration of the panels, depending on how many you would like. However, homeowners should keep in mind that bi-fold doors that span over 6 metres in one aperture tend to require tracks to be connected to one another.’ That said, less is more in terms of bifold doors. ‘Bifold door panels are typically around 900mm to 1100mm wide,’ advises David from IDSystems. ‘So the easiest way of working out how many panels you require is to divide the opening size by the panel width. If in doubt it is always best to go for the fewest number of panels possible so that you maximise the amount of glass because more panels would mean more visible frame.’ ‘We wouldn't recommend going for panels over 1200mm. This is because the weight of the doors can impact the longer term performance of the system. And at that size the panels will extend out on to your patio and take space when opened.’ What are the best materials for bifold doors? Image credit: Westbury ‘Bi-fold doors are made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, uPVC, and composite,’ says Victoria from Origin. ‘High-grade aluminium is the modern choice as it offers great aesthetics. It is also far more durable than uPVC, meaning your doors will maintain their alignment better over their lifetime. Powder coated aluminium is also more resilient to corroding, rotting, or warping.’ For a more classic look, good quality wood is another option. ‘While bi-fold doors are available in a range of different materials, to achieve an elegant and timeless look then timber doors will look beautiful and are also highly functional when a premium wood, such as Accoya is used,’ advises Rob from Westbury. ‘Using a strong and durable wood like Accoya, which is an engineered timber made only from sustainable tree species, will ensure the longevity of your bi-fold door.’ Both aluminium and timber have different aspects to take into account, so consider what’s right for you. ‘Timber is very strong, secure, thermally efficient, sustainable and cost effective,’ notes Matt from Kloeber. ‘Meanwhile, aluminium is low maintenance and has slim sightlines.’ Are bifold doors weatherproof and will they make a room feel cold? Image credit: Kloeber Large glass expanses can feel chilly compared to a solid wall so decent thermal performance is crucial. For how to keep your house warm in winter look for the lowest U-values, which indicates the heat lost in watts per square metre. To comply with building regulations, bifold doors must be 1.8W/(m2k) for replacements, or 2.0W/(m2k) in new builds and extensions. But there's nothing to stop you aiming lower – triple glazing go down to 1.3W. Ensure they pass the weathertightness test (BS 6375 Part 1). Do bifold doors need a track? Image credit: IDSystems Easy question – yes they do. Bifolds are mounted on tracks and should slide, fold and stack smoothly and with minimal force. Flush fitting tracks with recesses into the floor reduce trip hazards, and look slick. However, be aware that they can make it harder to achieve a watertight fit. Are bifold doors safe and secure? Image credit: Westbury As a large access point into your home, bifolds must conform to current security standards and the lead door must have a multi-point locking system. For extra peace of mind, invest in a lock featuring an anti-pick/drill cylinder. If you have little ones running around, request finger-safe gaskets to prevent doors slamming shut on tiny hands. ‘Bi-folding doors are very secure, as they have multiple locks spread across the leaves,’ adds Rob from Westbury. The post Bifold doors – everything you've ever wanted to know appeared first on Ideal Home.

Before & after: see how a savvy IKEA shelving hack totally transformed this living room Posted: 08 Apr 2022 02:00 AM PDT When the owners came to view the house, it was in a poor state but they fell in love with its potential. It was an ex-rental and had been empty for ages. The boiler was beyond repair and the toilets didn't flush! Every room needed urgent attention before they could move in. Once they had tackled the boiler, bathroom and kitchen, the next room on the list was the living room… Before Having bi-fold doors fitted instantly transformed the space, letting in natural light and connecting the space to the garden. A long column radiator was installed to heat the room and new flooring was laid throughout the ground floor. The changes made a huge improvement, but the owners still didn't feel like it was an inviting space. They put it down to making the classic mistake of putting all the furniture up against the walls in an attempt to make the room feel bigger. After Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles Having researched furniture configurations to best suit the shape of the living room, they settled on placing the sofa and armchairs in the middle of the room with a coffee table in the centre. An old tatty sofa has been revamped by covering it in strips of wooden beading. The coffee table is an IKEA hack, which was picked up on Facebook marketplace for £10. IKEA Billy bookcase shelving hack Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles The living room shelving ideas are the part of the room the owner is most proud of as she completed the whole process on her own. ‘I'd dreamed of a wall of custom joinery but it was way out of our budget,’ she says. ‘I decided to make my own by customising four IKEA Billy bookcases.’Transforming’ them into bespoke built-in shelving for under £350.’ One of the best bits about having open shelves is the opportunity for endless faffing and styling. ‘It's become a running joke in our house that I'm always re-styling my shelves,’ the owner tells us. Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles The owner installed the wall panelling herself using MDF strips. ‘I went a bit mad and did all the ground floor,’ she says. ‘It gives a bit of interest to white walls.' The grey Scandi-style tub chairs were sourced on eBay for just £110 each. They allow more flexibility with the layout of the living room. Living room view through to kitchen Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles Previously there was a little window in the aperture. The owners removed it to create a view from the kitchen into the living room and garden, opening up space. Floral prints, lots of natural textures and earthy tones help to bring flow between the garden and living room. Are you inspired by the DIY prowess of this budget-conscious home owner? Why not give it a go yourself? Additional words: Maxine Brady The post Before & after: see how a savvy IKEA shelving hack totally transformed this living room appeared first on Ideal Home.

How much does an extension cost? Plus ways to cut the cost of yours Posted: 08 Apr 2022 01:00 AM PDT It's tempting to answer that question with a question: 'How long is a piece of string?'. But actually, unless you have a unique and innovative architectural showpiece in mind, it is possible to estimate how much an extension costs with some level of accuracy. Breaking down the ballpark costs at the start means you'll know what kind of market you're in when it comes to the interior fittings and help you to prioritise how your budget is spent. There's no getting around the fact that we're talking double figures here, whatever kind of extension you have. And that's scary. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways you can trim the costs and still have a great quality addition to your space. Here are the answers to all the big questions… Image credit: Future PLC How much does an extension cost? The cost per square metre of an extension will fluctuate depending on the property market in your area. So even extension ideas for small houses can prove costly depending on where you live. Architect and director of DesignFor-Me (an architect-finding service) Emily Barnes says 'The rule of thumb is now £1,500 per square metre for a basic to mid-range extension. In London and the Southeast, this rises to £1,800-2,000 per square metre.' So, if you are outside London/Southeast, according to DesignFor-Me: What 30k will buy you… A basic, 4m x 5m single-storey extension. This covers build costs only and none of the extras and interior fittings (see below). What £55-60k will buy you… A small 3m x 6m two-storey extension (build costs only)/ What 70-80k will buy you… A small 3m x 6m two-storey extension with architect-designed cladding, bespoke glazing and a designer kitchen. In London and the Southeast, you'll pay more than the rest of the UK, due to higher labour and material costs. Robert Wood, MD of London-based construction company Simply Extend says, 'Including VAT, a single-storey side return extension starts at £44k, a rear extension starts at £55-60k and a wraparound extension, which is a combination of a rear and side extension, connecting at the corner, costs from £65k.' Try Homebuilding & Renovating's extension cost calculator to get an estimate of your project. How much does it cost to hire an architect? Architects' fees scale according to the total budget of the project. According to an independent survey by research company The Fees Bureau average charges break down as follows: £25k project, 10.7%; £50k project, 9.9%; £75k project, 9.5%; £150k project, 8.7%.  Your final bill will also vary depending on the location, the complexity of the project and the level of service you opted for. The architect will usually put forward an itemised proposal breaking down the different stages of the work and their percentage of the total fee. This is to help you budget, but also makes it easier to decide if you want to opt out of parts and source them differently. In simple terms, the stages are: Concept and design, technical plans for approval, and construction management. So, you could work up your own simple concept and even use free online software to create a design plan, then hand over to the architect for full tech specs with structural calculations, building regs and project management. Or, you could use them for the initial stages, then hand over to your builder for the rest.  In fact, you don't HAVE to hire an architect at all. There are other routes: for example, if you know what sort of design you want, you could hire a structural engineer instead. According to myjobquote.co.uk, this will cost between £400 and £4,000, depending on the complexity of the project. You could use a design-and-build company if your project is simple, or commission a firm of architectural technicians to supply technical plans. There's a whole raft of these online, offering packages for just a few hundred pounds. However, bear in mind that if your extension is big or in any way out of the ordinary, an architect can save you money by giving you the best ideas for the space you have and controlling costs from start to finish. Image credit: Future PLC What additional costs are there? At the very minimum, you'll also have to stump up for… Planning and approvals fees Submitting a planning permission application for an extension will set you back £206. Or, if you're building under Permitted Development rules, it's advisable to get a certificate of lawful development for your extension, at half the cost – £103.  According to the HomeOwners' Alliance, the fees for building regulations approval costs around £100 to submit your plans, then £200-400 for site inspections. This varies from one authority to another, though. You'll need a party wall agreement if your extension will be at or close to a shared wall. Liaise with the neighbours directly, well in advance, to maximise the chance of them assenting to your official notice. Otherwise, you'll have to pay surveyors' fees (£150-200 per hour) and the cost of a party wall award (about £1,000). Drain surveys are increasingly popular with architects. It involves putting a camera through to check the depth, flow direction, size and condition of pipework before planning additional drainage. This might lead to relocation of drains, which will add a cost. It is a statutory requirement to consider the ecological impact of your project and it's possible you'll need a Wildlife Assessment Check. Use Biodiversity in Planning's free online tool to see if you're likely to need one. If your home is listed you might need an Archaeology and Historic Buildings Report. Image credit: Future PLC Don’t forget to factor in the cost of fittings and furniture for your new space VAT Don't get caught out – check all quotes as they're likely to be exclusive of VAT. Wiring Any new space is going to need power. Plus, brace yourself for the possibility that your electrician will find a problem with the existing wiring that needs sorting. Interior fittings You'll have kitchen cabinetry and appliances (average £10k), a new bathroom suite (average 5k), or new furniture to buy. Plus heating (underfloor or rads), flooring and lighting.  Other possible costs: If you're adding a bathroom, also factor in… Plumbing costs Upgrading your boiler and, if you have one, shower pump to cope with the extra hot water If you can't live in the house while the work is done, you'll also need to budget for removal and renting elsewhere as well as updating your insurance policy to cover your property during the work.  Related: Kitchen extension ideas – to maximise the potential of your extended space   What’s the cheapest way to build an extension? There are lots of ways to shave costs down – here are 16 for starters. Some will be doable for you; others won't: 1. Consider if you REALLY need one Can you get the extra space you need with a garden building, garage conversion instead or conservatory instead? These are all considerably cheaper options and usually fall under Permitted Development Rights, so you won't have to get planning permission. Could your space needs be served by a conservatory instead?  Image credit: Future PLC 2. Build it yourself Chris Thompson, a keen DIYer, tackled a two-storey addition to his period cottage himself and chronicled the experience in his blog, www.diyhomeextension.co.uk. 'The obvious pro is financial,' he says. 'General estimates are that 80% of a builder's quote is to cover labour costs, so you're saving that. However, the con is that it will take longer. If you're realistic about timescales and know what you're getting into, that doesn't have to be a problem, though. Builders have to work within a timeframe to make money; you don't. You'll be able to do things exactly as you want them done and have pride in the result. I know mine is done properly.'  3. Avoid site snags A clear site makes for easier groundworks at the start. When planning the footprint of your extension, you'll save money if there are no trees to take out or drainage to move. You could also save on labour costs if you remove shrubs and paving yourself. 4. Simplify the design We'd all love an architecturally interesting glass-and-steel edifice, but unfussy extensions with 90-degree angles rather than clever curves and slants will be quicker – and therefore cheaper – to build. Elegant curves cost more than simple right angles  Image credit: Future PLC 5. Don't make it bigger than you need It's important that your extension is in proportion to your property anyway, but the smaller the job, the quicker it'll go up. 6. Triple-check the plans Making sure every detail is spot-on before ground is broken means you'll avoid changes of plan as you go. For water and sewage pipes particularly, this can be expensive and cause frustrating delays. 7. Do the work in summer Timing the groundworks, build and roofing to take place during the summer months will reduce the chances of your project being paused due to heavy rain, wind, snow or frost.  8. Work to a schedule of costs Choose a builder who will give you a fixed price and work to an itemised list of costs agreed up front, to avoid unexpected extras as the work progresses. 9. Be picky about who you hire A great builder or architect will be able to do quality work that meets building regulations first time, control costs and be alert to ways to save you money along the way. 10. Be your own project manager Usually, the building firm or architect you employ will provide the services of a project manager, but if you have the time and organisational skills, you could DIY. It would involve liaising with the architect (if you're using one), working with the local authority's planning and building control officers, finding tradespeople, directing the schedule of work and sourcing materials. 11. Choose wood instead of block-and-brick Timber-framed extensions cost less, even though the materials are more expensive, because they are quicker to build so give lower labour costs. Tim Bromley, Federation of Master Builders member and MD of Wolfe Design and Build, says: ‘For larger extensions, timber frame can be a quicker option. It doesn’t suit every project, however. Traditional block and brick methods offer greater flexibility when attaching an extension to irregular profiles, such as period properties.’ Building an oak-framed extension can be cheaper than bricks and mortar  Image credit: Border Oak 12. Try ICF blocks instead of concrete blocks Insulating Concrete Formwork' blocks are essentially polystyrene Lego bricks that fit together to create a double wall that's filled in the middle with poured concrete. It's a quick, low-skilled job for reduced labour costs. It's also great for heat and sound insulation. Tim Bromley, a member of the Federation of Master Builders and MD of Wolfe Design and Build comments, ‘The key advantages of ICF blocks are build time and thermal efficiency for large extensions, but the thickness of ICF walls does reduce the internal space. Maximising space is often key in this kind of project, so that’s an important consideration.’ 13. Choose cladding or render instead of brick facing Dressing the block work structure with shiplap cladding or simple render works out cheaper than skinning it with an outer layer of bricks. Expert Tim Bromley confirms, ‘The most cost-effective method for a block-work extension is exterior render, including those with a timber frame.’ Finishing an extension with render rather than brick facing can reduce costs. Image credit: Tibor Silva/Simply Extend 14. Don't mess with pipework When it comes to arranging the interior of your new space, leave soil stacks and pipework where they are – even if it means compromising your dream layout – to avoid spending on relocating them. 15. Buy off-the-peg doors and windows Bespoke glazing is budget-busting, but you can still achieve a light, airy space with Velux roof lights and ready-made windows and doors. If you've got your heart set on bifolds, expect to pay around £2,750 for a 2.7m aluminium frame unit or £1,650-2,000 for UPVC. Choose 'ready to assemble' units and fit them yourself if you're a competent DIYer to save on the additional installation costs. Sliding, rather than folding, aluminium-frame doors tend to be 25% more expensive. Velux centre-pivot roof windows are a cheaper option to bespoke glazing.  Image credit: Velux 16. Trade down on interior fittings Fitted joinery and tiling are beautiful, but labour-intensive. Paint walls rather than have them tiled, choose carpet, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or engineered wood flooring, and find off-the-peg cabinetry you love. Painted walls and off-the-peg cabinetry will bring your project in on budget. Is it cheaper to extend up or out? Robert Wood, Managing Director of London-based construction company Simply Extend says, 'It is in general cheaper to do a loft conversion due to the fact that no foundations are needed as you are building on top of an existing structure.' Most loft conversions also don't need planning permission. However, if your loft conversion would involve changing the roof structure, costs will go up. How much value does an extension add? There's not much new research on this, but a 2017 Home Improvement Index survey by Zopa of 1,550 homeowners revealed that an extension added an average of 16% to the property value and gave a 57% return on investment.  An older report – Nationwide's House Price Index from 2014 – found that extending out or up added 21% to the property value, or 5% for every 10% increase of floor area. Obviously, the added value will depend largely on where you live and the type of space that's in demand, so it's worth researching the sold prices of houses in your area and looking at what improvements they've had. Unless you're in your 'forever' home, it pays to think strategically and add larger kitchens and extra bathrooms in family homes, or a garage in areas with restricted parking. The post How much does an extension cost? Plus ways to cut the cost of yours appeared first on Ideal Home.

Kelly Hoppen warns against committing this faux pas when decorating a bathroom Posted: 07 Apr 2022 11:00 PM PDT Interior designer Kelly Hoppen has revealed the biggest mistake she often sees people make when decorating their bathrooms. Warning: you’ll likely want to do a serious declutter after hearing it. The former dragon and celebrity interior designer Kelly Hoppen has recently collaborated with SV CASA on a collection of home & bathroom accessories and sculptural objects. Speaking exclusively to Ideal Home, she revealed that going overboard on decorative clutter is the biggest mistake she sees in bathroom ideas. Kelly Hoppen bathroom decorating mistake warning ‘First and foremost you want to avoid clutter when dealing with smaller spaces, instead opting for simple, functional yet decorative pieces that add character to a room without overwhelming it,’ she explains. Image credit: SV Casa She points out that people often don’t spend the same time and effort planning small bathroom ideas as they do other rooms in the house. This can lead to a myriad of issues, including mismatched home accessories and one too many decorative pieces. ‘When decorating a bathroom, people often spend less time planning compared to other rooms and tend to use too many clashing textures,’ she explains. ‘As bathrooms are normally quite small in size, it’s important to keep them simple with little luxuries such as new towel rails, runners, and mirrors.’ Kelly Hoppen explains that instead of going overboard with decorative clutter, it is important to think smart and practically about the decorative elements in a bathroom. Image credit: SV Casa ‘For me, bathrooms need to be practical but also unique to you as it is YOUR space,’ she says. ‘Keep the space visually interesting. It's important to add some texture, so opt for a varied mixture of materials.’ ‘I also recommend using accessories with storage compartments to keep surfaces chic and clear. You'd be amazed at what it can do. Also, clutter destroys the harmony of any room, so make sure only the necessities are out.’ Image credit: SV CASA Integrating bathroom storage ideas with your decorative solutions is a perfect way to avoid the clutter faux pas. Woven baskets or the elegant trays from Kelly’s SV CASA collection are all brilliant for storing cotton wool pads and making a stylish statement. Kelly’s new collaboration is full of sleek well crafted bathroom accessories that serve a purpose such as the Mist Collection. Her SV CASA collection is one to save up for but will add a touch of luxe to a bathroom. The post Kelly Hoppen warns against committing this faux pas when decorating a bathroom appeared first on Ideal Home.

Best juicer 2022: for a fresh glass of juice, every morning Posted: 07 Apr 2022 06:40 AM PDT Choosing the best juicer can transform your home health game, whether you’re making a ginger shot or a tall glass of celery juice to boost your five-a-day. Even if you’re not fussed about the health benefits and just want to cut down on the cost of buying fresh cartons of juice, the best juicer will extract every last drop of orange, apple, and mango juice from your fresh fruit to deliver a tasty drink for a weekend treat. There are two main types of juicers: masticating, and centrifugal. A centrifugal juicer is often cheaper, and mimics the best blender in shredding fruits and vegetables using blades. The is then strained away from the pulp, and poured directly into your glass. A masticating juicer, also known as a cold press juicer, will slowly remove the juice from fruits by replicating a hand-juicing motion. This can be more expensive, but it will leave the fibres in your drink intact, which means they are often seen as a healthier choice. We have also included a citrus juicer in our guide to the best juicers. A citrus juicer is only suitable for those who want fresh-squeezed oranges, grapefruit, and lemons, but they have a spinning reamer that will take all of the hard work out of making fresh juice. When testing the best juicers we checked for key indicators of a good juicer. The main one is how dry the pulp is, because this means that the maximum amount of juice has been extracted from your ingredients. Juicers are known to be quite hard to clean, so we also considered the cleaning process and the setup process. Best juicers 2022 1. Nutribullet Centrifugal Juicer Best juicer overall Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy:  • Reasonably priced • Two speeds • Excellent recipe book Reasons to avoid: • The pulp chamber is a little small Nutribullet is making home juicing easy with its original juicer. Simply named the Nutribullet Juicer, it comes with a central column for extraction and an external pulp container. The recipe book is glorious, with plenty of inspiring suggestions for health shots and even recipes to use up the pulp once you’re done, which is a fantastic touch for those who hate waste. We found that our juice was mostly froth-free and packed with delicious flavour when testing. There are two speeds, high and low, and the instruction book guides you through which setting to use on which fruits and vegetables to help you improvise your own recipes. As with all centrifugal models, it’s quite noisy, and when juicing apples whole we had to push quite firmly to get the process going. When it begins juicing though, fresh produce is done in seconds. Juice output was reasonably high, but because it juices so fast we did find that softer ingredients like celery and mango had a higher moisture content when testing the pulp. The outer pulp container fills up a little fast if you’re doing juice for a crowd, but it’s easy enough to clean thanks to the angled brush that is designed to scrape all the excess away and scrub the centrifugal mesh. Most parts are dishwasher-safe, which is a real relief when it comes to home juicing. Oh, and did we mention that this juicer is under £100? Ideal Home's rating: 5 out of 5 stars  Read our full Nutribullet Juicer review 2. Philips Viva Cold Press Masticating Slow Juicer Best slow juicer Type: Masticating Reasons to buy: • Reasonably priced • For a masticating it’s easy to use • Storage-friendly Reasons to avoid: • Chute could be wider There are probably three things that can stop juicing from becoming a habit – extensive food prep, more hassle than juice and cleaning up afterwards. Fortunately, these are all points that the Philips Viva Cold Press Masticating Slow Juicer can help with. All detachable parts are dishwasher safe, and the machine is designed to be cleaned in 90 seconds for repeat usage. The feeding chute is wide enough to fit a whole apple, although we found it was still better to cut up large apples as the 70mm feeding chute is not wide enough for everything. As with most masticating juicers we found that it performed much better when we chopped up the ingredients before juicing, because it would struggle to get through apple skin or orange pips. However, it’s a sturdy choice that impressed us with how quiet it was during operation. Our juice had a higher pulp content than most, but it was low in froth because of the slow speeds when juicing. This juicer isn’t too expensive given that it’s a masticating juicer with a sturdy design. The footprint is also not too expansive, which is great news for smaller kitchens. The Philips Viva Cold Press Masticating Slow Juicer also comes with a container that can fit up to a litre of juice, but the pulp collector is a little on the small side. We found that the pulp was a little damp on testing, but the 80% extraction claim generally holds true. Ideal Home's rating: 4 out of 5 stars  Read our full Philips Viva Collection Masticating Juicer review 3. EVO820 Evolution Cold Press Juicer by Kuvings Best juicer for serious juicing fans Type: Cold press Reasons to buy: • Superior quality • Separate citrus module • High juice yield Reasons to avoid:  • Struggled with more fibrous ingredients Getting the most out of your fruit and veg isn't always easy but this is the cold press juicing machine to solve all your yield issues. It's ideal for tackling the trickiest ingredients, such as green leafy veg, as well as being able to make dairy-free milks from nuts and purées for baby food and sauces. Bolt on the separate citrus module and it'll also function as a reamer so you can juice limes, lemons and oranges without peeling. The secret to its success is in the clever design. Where it differs from many slow juicers is that it has an 82mm feed chute equipped with a flip gate rather than a fin to protect your fingers. No fin means it can handle the larger chunks of fruit and veg (including small whole apples) most slow models can't – so there's less food prep and waiting around for your morning juice medley. Other features we found useful include the drip-stop spout (so you can mix juice in the machine as well as protect your worktop from mess) and wrap-around brush for the filter, so clean up was straightforward (although it's not dishwasher-safe). In tests, we found it performed well with hard fruit, such as apples, as only dry pulp was ejected, while one piece of fruit produced a good 100ml of juice, and the same with oranges – three fruit yielded 250ml. Pineapple also processed efficiently, although mango and ginger root were trickier and tended to leave pulp wrapped around the inside. It also made smooth almond milk – thinner than pre-made but with the bonus of being able to use the waste pulp in recipes. The only elements to be aware of is that it's heavy, so best as a permanent worktop resident, and it's pricey, so a more suitable choice for juice devotees rather than those who enjoy an occasional glass. Ideal Home's rating: 5 out of 5 stars  4. Stellar Electricals Juice Extractor Best budget juicer Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: • Great value for money • Good extraction • Comes with a useful jug Reasons to avoid: • A tricky machine to clean Budget-friendly and surprisingly high quality, the Stellar Electricals Juice Extractor is a great centrifugal juicer. It has two speeds, which is great for different types of fruit and veg, and there’s a handy guide that breaks down which foods to juice at which speed. The lid locks tightly into place using the panels at the front and back, and when plugged in the switch glows blue, indicating that it’s ready to juice. This juicer comes with a handy jug that’s marked with measurements at the side. We used it to make a mix of smooth and more frothy drinks, from celery juice (not a favourite) to apple and ginger. When we encountered a lot of foam this wasn’t a concern, because the clever central panel in the 1.25 litre jug catches any froth as you pour, meaning you’re left with a smooth fresh drink. This is a noisy option and we found that it juices incredibly fast, even with solid veggies such as carrot. As with most juicers, it’s a nightmare to clean. All the attachments can be placed in a dishwasher but because the lid of the jug can’t be removed we found that it’s easier to clean this part by hand. Another plus is that you can place apples and oranges in this juicer completely whole, which cuts back on prep time significantly. Ideal Home’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars  5. Smeg CJF01 Citrus Juicer Best citrus juicer Type: Citrus Reasons to buy: • It’s a beautiful machine • Easy to use and clean • Drip-free spout Reasons to avoid:  • Not so versatile The Smeg CJF01 Citrus Juicer is no multi-tasker, but it is a beautiful appliance that we would never want to take off the kitchen counter. It’s larger than most citrus juicers (about the size of a small kettle) but immensely easy to use and set up. The electric juicer starts to spin as soon as you apply the pressure of lemon or orange, and this is strained by a removable pulp filter. Simply click down the side spout to fill a cup with fresh OJ or lemonade, and enjoy. As the name suggests, you can’t juice anything other than citrus in this option, but it’s a fantastic brunch companion that comes in a massive range of colours. We were really impressed with the yield, and it feels intuitive to press down on when you’re holding your halved orange or grapefruit. Another great feature is the spout, which is drip-free and clicks down to release your juice when you’re ready to pour. The body is made of die-cast aluminum which feels classy and high-quality, and the attachments are all dishwasher safe. We found that rinsing everything straight after use was an adequate way of keeping the juicer clean, though. Ideal Home’s rating: 5 out of 5 stars  6. Sage SJE830BSS The Nutri Juicer Cold XL Best juicer for beginners Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: • Wide feeding chute • Not too noisy • Can take whole apples Reasons to avoid: • No anti-drip spout The centrifugal Nutri Juicer Cold XL is easy to assemble, feels reassuringly robust, cuts down on chopping with its 88mm chute (which can accommodate whole apples) and everything can go in the dishwasher, with the exception of the pusher, or be rinsed in seconds. All of which means you can make juice quickly and with minimum mess. There's also a quiet option for processing soft fruit, so you don't have to let everyone for miles around know that you're juicing, and a boost option for tackling hard veg. Besides its speeds, there are smart design features, such as its large pulp container and two-litre juice jug with an airtight lid, meaning that you can juice a batch and it'll keep for up to three days in the fridge, and a flexible nozzle that allows you to juice straight into a glass. However, it's worth noting a few downsides, such as the lack of recipes included and the fact that there's no anti-drip spout, so it's wise to keep a glass in place after you've finished or face cleaning up splashes. In our tests we used the quiet speed to juice citrus fruit, which worked fairly well, although there was more moisture left in the pulp than we would have liked. Two oranges made about 100ml of juice, which was quite foamy and would have benefited from a separator within the jug. Spinach leaves produced a lot of waste with not much juice. However, we had more success with apples on boost, which created a clear, sweet juice with no visible residue, and pears using the fast speed. Both produced minimal dry pulp and a good amount of juice for the fruit used. As long as you're not juicing wheatgrass, this is a great all-rounder of a machine, though you may need to experiment with the speeds to get the best results. Ideal Home's rating: 4 out of 5 stars  7. Braun Multiquick 7 Juicer Best for value juicer for money Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: • Fast to use • Impressive yield • Low-maintenace Reasons to avoid: • Noisy Efficient, easy to assemble and packed with features, the Identity Spin juicer delivers plenty of bang for your buck. Not only will it whizz through large pieces of fruit and vegetables in seconds, with even whole apples fitting down its 7.5cm chute, but the anti-drip and anti-splash spout also ensures your worktop stays spotless throughout. A 900W motor and two speeds help it adapt to hard and soft fruit, while a 1.25-litre lidded jug with a foam separator allows you to store juice. The machine is especially noisy in operation. In testing, it produced a glass of juice in around 15 seconds, a good yield that was only slightly less than more expensive machines. Where the Identity Spin may not appeal to everyone is in its equally efficient design – it's rather chunky, and at a weighty 6.2kg, not as suitable for lifting in and out of a cupboard. However, clean-up is a big win for fans of low-maintenance kit – all the parts are dishwasher-safe and there's a cleaning brush for whisking away stubborn fibres from the micro-mesh filter. Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars  8. HR1947 Avance masticating juicer by Philips Best juicer for small kitchens Type: Masticating Reasons to buy: • Easy to store • Can take heavy use Reasons to avoid:  • Prone to surges • Could use better guidance in recipes If the idea of yet another appliance cluttering your kitchen fills you with horror, you'll love this clever compact juicer. Measuring a mere 11cm wide, it's skinny, stylish and a doodle to stash away thanks to dedicated cable storage and parts that fit inside the pulp container. It's simple to assemble and afterwards, can be cleaned by hand in less than a minute. The Avance has a few quirks, however. One is a narrow feed tube, so while you might save time on cleaning up, you'll spend some of that chopping beforehand. It's also prone to surges when food needs a firm push through, so it may splash the worktop. The recipe book would benefit from some extra guidance amongst the ideas, too. Those things aside, the juicing yield is high, it's near-impossible to clog as there's no sieve, and it's quiet enough to maintain a conversation while it's in use. Pricey for a machine that only produces juice, the Avance's diminutive size and minimal maintenance makes up for this. Ideal Home’s rating: 3 out of 5 stars  9. Smeg SJF01 Best juicer for style Type: Masticating Reasons to buy: • Gorgeous design • Two strainer options • Comes with cleaning brushes Reasons to avoid:  • That price tag Start saving up now for this gorgeous, design-led masticating juicer. In contrast to all the contemporary versions on the market, this machine combines retro curves with modern technology – but it comes with a premium price tag. Available in four colours, it's not only impressive to look at on the kitchen worktop, it's also fantastically functional. Inside it boasts a 43rpm squeezing system with a choice of two strainers – fine and coarse – for creating silky smooth or thicker juice with pulp. These were more difficult to clean than some but the included brushes were invaluable. Another notable feature is its density regulator lever that helps to get the last few drops out at the end. The slow juicer performed well in testing, producing a high yield quickly from both hard and soft fruit and vegetables, but that's not the only good reason to buy. What's just as convincing is its impressive construction: combining an auger made from durable material Ultem, a 150W induction motor and a sturdy base, this feels every inch a machine that'll be happily juicing for years to come. Ideal Home’s rating: 4 out of 5 stars  10. Ninja Cold Press Pro Best budget slow juicer Type: Centrifugal Reasons to buy: • An entry-level option • Handles soft ingredients well • Easy to clean Reasons to avoid:  • A fussier choice If you're thinking of starting a fresh juice habit and aren’t willing to budge from a cold press model, this is a good pick. For starters, there are two filters, so you can choose from a variety of different pulp levels. The whole thing slots together very easily, and it’s certainly appealing for its compact dimensions. The feeding chute is small though, so it’s best to chop up fruit in advance. Because it’s a cold press juicer this machine works very slowly. It also has a sensitivity to seeds and skin, so we found that there was a lot of prep needed to get a quality glass of juice.On the plus side though, it’s a very quiet machine, and most of the parts can go in the dishwasher. The price is also very reasonable for a cold press juicer. When we juiced apples the machine definitely struggled on the finest pulp setting, and we had our best results when using the most easygoing filter. It also helped to peel the apples in advance, otherwise the skin clogged up as it left the machine and made our lives a bit trickier. Ideal Home's rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars  How did we choose the best juicer? NutriBullet juicer This guide was first written by Rachel Ogden, a very experienced homes and interiors journalist who has reviewed hundreds of kitchen appliances over the years both on Ideal Home and at Trusted Reviews. When she first wrote the guide, Rachel reviewed all of the juicers hands-on and included her thoughts when writing the guide, so every product we feature here has been tried and tested by the Ideal Home team. The best juicer guide is now managed by Millie Fender, our in-house small appliance expert who tests all the top juicers and new releases on a rolling basis. When testing Millie takes into account the ease of assembly and general use, the amount of froth and pulp in the finished juice, and the speed at which a juicer can produce juice. Of course, different types of juicers can produce fresh juice at different speeds, so if you’re someone who wants a speedy apple juice in the morning, it will be useful for you to know what to expect with your potential purchase. Millie has also written a few standalone reviews of some of the top juicers in this guide, so you can click through and read about her experiences juicing everything from apples to celery, and hear how easy the juicer was to clean. How much does the best juicer cost? It might not be as essential as the best kettle or toaster but add a juicer to your worktop and you'll find yourself using it almost as much as blenders out there. As well as creating exciting drinks to boost your breakfast, the same machine may be able to make frozen desserts, smoothies and even dairy alternatives, such as almond or rice milk. Many of the best juicers come from brands you’ll recognise for other kitchen must-haves. Smeg, Philips, Nina, and Nutribullet all feature in our guide. There are also top picks from Kuvings and Braun, with a price range of £100 to well over £500. A basic model can be bought for as little as £30, but for reliable operation and better build quality, it's advisable to spend more. Budget from £70-£180 for a centrifugal model and at least £125 for an entry level masticating design, with more advanced models costing £200 upwards. A machine that suits your daily routine is the best way to encourage you to make juicing a habit, so it's a good idea not to buy on price alone. Instead, consider how much value different features will add to your new juicing regime. What are the different types of juicer? There are two types of juicer, which are known as centrifugal and masticating. They use different methods to extract the juice and are sometimes referred to as fast and slow juicers. Centrifugal juicers are high-speed machines that extract by shredding the fruit or vegetables with spinning blades, before straining it against metal mesh to separate seeds and pith from juice. As well as being speedy, centrifugal juicers are well suited to handling hard fruit and vegetables, such as ginger, apples and carrots. They're also good for cutting down on food prep time as many have large feed chutes that can accommodate whole apples and veggies. However, as the process adds more air into the juice, you may find that it doesn't store for more than a day or two and discolours quickly. Centrifugal juicers can also be quite noisy although it won't be for long. If you plan to use your juicer mostly for OJ, you may want to consider a straightforward citrus press instead. Masticating juicers are also called slow juicers or cold press juicers, and work by 'chewing' fruit and vegetables before crushing or squeezing out the juice at a gentle rate. This provides a high yield and maximum nutritional content plus the juice may have a longer shelf life. Many 'slow' juicers have almost caught up with centrifugal juicers in terms of speed and they'll also be quieter while in use. Masticating juicers can tackle a variety of vegetables, soft fruit and nuts, so they're worth spending a bit extra on if you plan to juice every day. Most have a smaller chute than a centrifugal machine, so food requires a bit more chopping and prep to prevent clogs. You'll find horizontal machines, which are perfect for tucking at the back of worktops below wall cabinets, and upright vertical models, which take up less space on a worktop. What are the main features to look for? It's key to choose a machine that's easy to use and maintain. Time spent assembling and cleaning can become a reason not to juice regularly. Look for those that can be put together easily and have a non-drip spout. Ideally, they should have dishwasher-safe parts or dedicated brushes for clearing fibres and residue from mesh filters. Power is another consideration. If you're opting for a centrifugal machine, its wattage should be at least 400W so fruit hitting the blades won't slow it down. More than one speed, or automatic adjustment, will also be useful as centrifugal juicers handle hard fruit at high speed. but need a slower one for soft fruit. Masticating machines will be lower wattage, usually between 150-240W as the slower juicing process doesn't require the extra power. One speed should do for all, with a reverse to clear blockages. Look for models that can make more than smooth juice if you're keen to get extra mileage out of your purchase. Additional filters that blend smoothies, make fruit coulis or juice with pulp, and solid inserts that can process frozen fruit into sorbet will make your juicer really earn its place on the kitchen worktop. Other things to consider when buying a juicer A recipe book is essential for getting the most out of your juicer. They’ll often include ideas for mocktails, desserts, savoury dishes, nut milks and more. Choose a model that suits your lifestyle. For example, if you want to juice straight into a glass, check the spout is high enough for one to fit below. Similarly, if you want to spend minimal time chopping up fruit, pick a juicer with a wide feed chute. The best juicers will have a good guarantee. Choose one with at least two years on parts and several on the motor. Other useful accessories include a lidded jug for making and storing juice ahead of time, and storage for spare parts. The post Best juicer 2022: for a fresh glass of juice, every morning appeared first on Ideal Home.

Cheap DIY garden path ideas - 12 easy ways to create an inexpensive outdoor walkway Posted: 07 Apr 2022 03:00 AM PDT While a garden path provides a means of getting from A to B outdoors, that's not all that it can bring to a garden. Paths can be a useful way of breaking up a large lawn or outdoor space, can provide a walkway for access to flower beds and planting, or can be a destination path that leads you to a favourite feature or focal point. And the good news is that installing a garden path doesn't have to cost a fortune, cheap DIY garden path ideas are plentiful and are a brilliant way of giving a humdrum garden idea new focus without having to fork out thousands. Cheap DIY garden path ideas Choice of materials is key for a successful budget garden idea, like wanting to install a garden path on the cheap. Using recycled materials, such as reclaimed bricks, pavers and timber decking is an easy way to cut costs and if you're doing the work yourself there will be no labour costs to factor in. Alternatively, opt for inexpensive materials such as gravel, shingle and wood bark, which can be picked up at DIY sheds fairly cheaply, with bulk-buy deals available at key times of year. 1. Try an easy stepping stone path Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby For a super-quick and low-effort pathway option, there's nothing easier than a simple stepping stone pathway set into a lawn. Stepping stones provide an easy way of getting from A to B outdoors and will cost less to install than a standard path as you'll cover more distance with a fewer amount of stones. When it comes to installation, a stepping stone garden path idea won't require much digging, it'll need just a section of grass to be cut out and a little soil underneath removed before slotting the stone or paving slab in. And adding a small amount of sand underneath can help to level stones out if required. Arrange your path so that the distance between stones is around 20-24 inches from the centre of one, to the centre of the next. Then set the top of the stepping stone about an inch above the soil level so that you can still run a lawn mower over the grass to keep the lawn neat, without the stones obstructing the mower. 2. Lead the way with decking boards Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole Using timber decking boards is another way of creating a low-effort,  cheap DIY garden path idea. A good option if you have a want a wider-than-standard path or you have an uneven area of garden that you want to cover-up and make more stable. You'll need to level-up the area first, which will require digging into the soil or lawn area and raking over to make sure that the surface is completely flat and level. Before putting down deck boards, lay weed-proof membrane to cover soil, which will prevent any new growth from coming through. Once the deck boards are cut to size, lay them in position and secure by drilling two holes into each end and using stainless steel deck bolts to prevent movement. Filling gaps with pebbles or gravel looks stylish and will provide extra drainage too. And using boards like this is a great solution if you want to create a curved path that will meander through the garden or run around an obstacle. 3. Add charm with rustic stepping stones Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles For a relaxed, less-formal look than using standard concrete paving slabs, create a stepping stone effect path using circular stones. A lovely way of adding a characterful look to a garden, stepping stone designs range from riven-effect stones to give an aged timeworn appearance, wood-effect stones that mimic the look of old timber or stones inscribed with motifs or mottos. This is a particularly effective budget small garden idea because the path isn’t too imposing on the limited lawn. Plot your path using a garden hosepipe so you can see how it will look, in either a straight line or curved pathway effect, with stones spaced equally distanced apart. Use the stones as a template when cutting turf away. Stones can then be set on sand for a level base or cemented in to provide extra stability. 4. Opt for easy-fit decking squares Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb For an inexpensive and easier alternative to using timber decking boards, try buying ready-made timber decking squares instead. Readily available at DIY sheds, squares are pre-cut to size, so will require zero DIY skills to put them down as a path in the garden. There are a number of options available when it comes to installing timber decking squares or tiles, all of which will require a level base for stability. Single squares can be used alongside gravel or shingle to create a floating-style pathway that is super-easy to lay. Alternatively, consider interlocking deck tiles, that can be slotted together to create a pathway. A temporary solution that is also worth considering, is a pre-assembled decking walkway that rolls out much like a floor runner and is a good idea if you want to create an instant pathway for a party or event, with the option to take it up afterwards. 5. Add character with a reclaimed brick pathway Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Winter Create a rustic country-style garden pathway using reclaimed bricks which can often be picked up for free or fairly cheaply on sites like Gumtree or Freecycle. A huge benefit of using reclaimed bricks is that they will already be worn and weathered, which will add bags of character and look more aesthetically pleasing than brand new brick. Bricks should be laid on a base of sharp sand or mortar to give them stability. The width of pathway will depend on how you intend to use it. Just a brick or two wide will be fine if all that's required is a border for accessing plants and flower beds. Or consider extending the width to four or five foot wide to create more of a focal point feature that will enable two people to stroll along it side by side. 6. Combine slabs and shingle for a natural look Image credit: Future PLC/Holly Jolliffe Combine paving slabs with gravel or shingle to create an easy-going DIY path is a great way to cut costs of a garden makeover. Pea shingle is inexpensive when buying in bulk and makes a sensible choice for hard landscaping if you want to cover a larger area for less. Give a shingled or gravelled area extra focus and direction by adding paving slab stepping stones to lead the way through the garden to features and focal points. Slabs are easier on the feet to walk on and provide a less slippery surface when the weather is wet. Soften a pathway by creating planting pockets here and there along the length of the path. Add scented plants or fragrant herbs in between pavers that will add a wonderful fragrance when the leaves are stepped on or as you brush against them while you walk through. 7. Look to nature for inspiration Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott Create an informal walkway that echoes the look and style of your garden or outdoor space. In a naturalistic setting like this one, a rugged stone pathway looks totally in keeping with the landscape and planting, and blends seamlessly into the setting. A rockery-style pathway makes a good solution in a sloped area or uneven section of garden. Stones can be laid in a staggered formation to ease the way down from one level to another. Create a natural effect by choosing stones and rocks in different shapes and sizes, selecting larger, flat slabs to create walkway steps at the side. 8. Create a pretty patchwork pathway Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Winter Use a combination of landscaping materials to create an informal pathway in a cottage-style garden. Mixing different materials is an inexpensive way of using up spare pavers, decking or reclaimed materials and can give a one-off, characterful look. Contrast materials can also help showcase different parts of the garden or draw attention to transition areas. Create a patchwork effect by combining pavers with contrast brick edging along a pathway that leads to a seating area. Leave out pavers at intervals, filling the space with bricks to create a more relaxed, random effect. Use trailing plants and grasses to border the area and soften any hard edges. 9. Opt for a cool coastal-style boardwalk Image credit: Future PLC/Bridget Peirson Lead the way in with an informal weathered wood boardwalk to create a relaxed, lived-in vibe that's perfect for a coastal style garden. Reclaimed timber scaffold boards are often plentiful and cheap, so make an inexpensive way of decking out an outside area or creating a pathway. Decking ideas can be installed directly on the ground or on a raised framework and will need a membrane underneath to prevent weed growth. Treating the wood will enhance the wood and provide water-repellence so it will last longer and using a grey or whitewashed tone will add another coastal element. Continue the boardwalk vibe by adding pebbles or shingle in the gaps in between boards – this will help with drainage too. 10. Step up with bricks and pavers Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole Use a combination of reclaimed bricks and paving slabs to construct pathway steps in a tiered or sloped garden. Using mixed materials in contrast colours helps to define the edges of steps, making them easier to see, so safer when hurrying up and down the garden. Use large pavers to give a flat, level surface that is stable to walk and step up or down on. Ensure that plants and trailing foliage is high enough off the ground so that it won't obstruct steps or get tangled around feet as you walk by. 11. Soften the edges as you go Image credit: Future PLC/Alisdair Mcintosh Use ground-hugging plants to soften hard lines and sharp edges of slabs and paving stones. Choose low-maintenance varieties that won't damage easily as you sweep past them on your way up and down the path. And opt for fragrant plants and herbs that will release a waft of scent as you brush against them. Creeping thyme is a good choice for a pathway or step, with its delicate lemon aroma. Or try Corsican mint for a shady spot or where soil is poor. Lavender or Lemon Verbena are similar options that will add height planted along a pathway as well as giving off a gorgeous aroma. 12. Light the way in style Image credit: Future PLC/Mark Scott With any garden path, lighting ideas are a must for after dark. While wired-in lights can work out pricey, there are lots of inexpensive options that are easy to install yourself. Solar-powered lights are super-simple to work in along a path or walkway, simply stake them into the ground or an adjoining flowerbed and they'll come on automatically as dusk falls. For garden parties and entertaining, try lining a pathway with illuminated candle bags. Fireproof and biodegradable, simply pop a nightlight inside an open bag and place at intervals along your path. What is the cheapest way to make a garden path? One of the cheapest and simplest ways to make a garden path is to use gravel or bark, which can be bought in bulk from most garden centres or DIY stores. Construction is fairly straightforward, requiring grass or soil to be removed where the pathway is to go, then control fabric put down on top to prevent weed-growth, with gravel or bark spread evenly on top. Although pretty simple in style, gravel or bark won't cost a fortune and doesn't need any specialist skills to put down, so is easy for a novice. To prevent gravel or bark ending up in flower beds, consider adding some kind of edging to contain everything. Steel or aluminium edging is fairly inexpensive and gives a crisp edge, or try a brick or stone border for a little extra expense. How can I make my garden path look nice? Planting is the easiest way of brightening up a garden path and taking it from plain to pretty. If it's a stone, brick or paved path, consider adding pockets of planting here and there along the pathway to add colour. Remove the odd stone in random places along the path or alternatively, use the mortar lines in-between slabs to sprinkle seeds and start planting off. Growing trailing plants and flowers along a path will also add movement and colour. Grass varieties work well along a walkway, as do fragrant shrubs and herbs that will release their scent when brushed past as you walk along the path. The post Cheap DIY garden path ideas - 12 easy ways to create an inexpensive outdoor walkway appeared first on Ideal Home.

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