Choosing a Removal Firm

The first thing to think about is where you get your moving quotes from. If you have any particularly expensive or delicate items to be moved, then you may find some firms which specialise in doing so. Remember to get quotes from a few different firms, rather than just settling for the first one you call. It is important to look at more than just the financial part of the quote. The price is, naturally, important, and you know what budget you need to stick to. However, you also need to look at exactly what the removal firms you get quotes from are prepared to offer. Ask them for their policy (in writing) on damage to your items. Also ask them if their staff have training in how to move fragile items, and what precautions they take to ensure that such items survive the journey intact. Such questions should be fairly revealing about how they will treat your favourite pieces.

Ensure Insurance

If the worst does happen, and even with the best care in the world, it may do, what can you do? Any reputable firm will have public liability insurance which should cover any such eventuality. In order ensure that you will be able to get back the cost of your furniture, check before booking any firm that they do have such insurance. If they don’t, do not even consider using them. Apart from the actual problem that you’ll have if they do cause damage, it is likely such a firm will be cutting corners elsewhere too (regard any particularly low quotes with a degree of healthy suspicion for this reason). If you need to make a claim on their insurance, then you’ll need to liaise with the removal company to do so. It’s best in these situations to keep calm and be reasonable. Of course, you won’t get your antique dresser or designer mirror back, but as long as the company (and you) have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that they were protected, you have to accept the breakage. Human error will always occur. The aim of making an insurance claim is to get compensation for your loss with which you will be able to at replace it with something similar, even if it’s not the same.

You could also consider taking out your own insurance. If you have a really valuable item to transport, then it might be worth thinking about doing so. Sometimes, your home insurance policy will allow you to insure particular items as an extra even when they are out of your home (although of course, if you are moving home you will need to make sure the insurance applies to your new home too). Generally, a removal firm’s insurance should be all you need to cover your goods, but your own insurance might give you extra peace of mind.

The Last Resort

If the worst comes to the worst, and you have booked a removal firm who don’t have insurance, and they have then broken or damaged your prize possessions, then the best option available to you is to pursue them through the small claims court. Remember, they are in the wrong, and should have had insurance, so you have a reasonable claim to make. Of course, if your broken item is more of sentimental value than financial, it may be best just to lick your wounds and learn your lesson, but otherwise? Make sure you get your money and buy something even more fabulous!

 Author: Izzy A. Woods

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Seating, in particular, is often relatively un-stylish. Partly that is practical: people want a comfortable sofa more than one that is nice to look at (and that is more than fair enough – coming home after a hard day’s work to an uncomfortable sofa is not much fun). It is also partly because of a lack of options: it can be difficult to find exciting, well-designed living-room furniture that also meets the needs of a busy family. It’s difficult, but not impossible. There are a few ways to make sure your living-room is as stylish as the rest of your home.

Whole-room design

Putting in a new kitchen generally means ripping everything out and starting again. Very often, that’s not so in the living-room. Sofas and chairs in particular are expensive, so many people tend to make-do with what they already have, even if what they have doesn’t fit their ideas for the rest of the room. If you can’t afford to replace your seating, then try and update it with new covers, or pick out elements in the design of them which you can link to other things in the room (for example, if they have chrome feet, make that part of your theme by bringing in chrome picture frames or a chrome fire surround).

Statement pieces

Living-room seating can be a great way of making a statement, so if you are able to bring in new seating, do. Be brave with the designs you choose and make them the centrepiece of the room. The key to finding something that will really act as a focal point of your living-room is to be imaginative. Look a little further than the high street chains: there are many online suppliers and small ‘boutique’ furniture shops which may be able to help supply something that meets your practical needs and looks great.

Think carefully about the configuration of seating and how it fits the room and space you have. You don’t need to go for a traditional three-piece-suite. A corner sofa or modular system that you can adjust according to how you want to use it can work really well, for example. Another option is to have one large sofa for general family use, and one or two statement chairs which don’t match, but contrast.

Use your imagination

As with any kind of design, let your imagination run riot initially. Then consider whether what you want is practical. If it isn’t, then work out ways to compromise. Everyone has their own style, but if you’re struggling to put a living-room seating design together, perhaps these ideas will give you a kick-start:

-          For sophisticated urban homes limited on space, a leather loveseat combined with a couple of leather chairs can be attractive and flexible.

-          For a retro, sixties look try to get hold of a second-hand Eames chair or a modern copy. This design classic adds instant style to a room.

Go for a luxury look with something more old-fashioned. How about an elegant chaise longue? Or a high-backed wing chair? Both can be either understated, or indulgent, with metallic decoration on the feet and patterned fabric.

-          See if you can make your own seating, or hire a professional to do it. With the requisite carpentry skills and some wood un-used space in a bay window can be turned into a comfortable window seat (make the seat hinged, and you also have some useful storage).

There are, of course, countless other options. Good interior design is about matching up your lifestyle, aspirations and interests to create something that feels like yours. If you love design, don’t allow your living –room to let you down – put some thought into it and make it somewhere you love to relax in.

 Author: Izzy A. Woods

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“Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort.

It can be argued that all central heating radiators are equally efficient insofar as the energy put into a radiator will equal the amount of heat it gives out.  In other words, all properly functioning radiators with same heat output capacity, will give out the same amount of heat as one another and will use the same amount of energy to do so.

Radiators are just vessels designed to release energy in the form of heat.  The amount of heat they release will depend on the amount of energy put into them.

In asking “Which central heating radiators are the most efficient?”, customers could mean:

1. Which radiator gives out the most heat for its size?
2. Which radiator is the cheapest to run?
3. Which radiator wastes the least fuel?
4. Which radiator heats up the quickest?

Relevant factors to consider in answering the above questions and ensuring you get the right radiator(s) for your specific needs are considered below.

Size and surface area

Its surface area determines the maximum heat output capacity of a radiator.  The larger the surface area, the higher the potential heat output.

Surface area will be greatly increased by convectors, fins, or double or triple panels.  So for example, the heat output capacity of a flat single panel radiator will be considerably less than a radiator of the same size (height x width) with double panels, and/or convectors or fins.

When considering one model of radiator, then generally, the bigger the radiator, the bigger the heat output.  However this is not necessarily the case when comparing one model of radiator against another.

Water content

In theory, the less water a radiator holds, the less time it takes to heat up, and the less fuel is would require to reach full temperature.  Consequently, the lower the water content of a radiator, the more “efficient” it could be considered to be.  However, in reality, there is little difference in the level of water content across radiator models, although over an entire system the slight variation would multiply.

Design

The shape of a radiator and its design does have an effect on the amount of heat it radiates, but again this is due to the particular surface area of the model.  For example, a tubular radiator with hollow tubes offers a lot more surface area than a flat panel design without fins as the heat can be emitted from both the outside and the inside of the tubes.  So the design of a radiator does have a direct effect on its maximum heat output.

Material

A radiator’s material of manufacture does not have a direct impact on the amount of heat it gives out.  However, the material will be a determining factor in the speed in which the radiator heats up and cools down.  For instance, aluminium heats up quickly and cools down quickly, whereas cast iron heats up at a slower rate and cools down at a slower rate.

Finish

Science proves that the finish of a radiator affects its heat output in varying degrees.

There is a principal known as “emissivity” that enables experts to measure the ability for heat to leave (or radiate from) the surface of an object.

Levels of emissivity vary between finishes of radiators.  Painted radiators have a higher level of emissivity than bare metal radiators, meaning that painted finishes absorb and release heat more than bare metal finishes.  Matt finishes have a higher level of emissivity than gloss radiators.  Even the colour of the finish can affect the level of emissivity.  For instance, black paint has a higher level of emissivity than white paint.  However, the difference in the emissivity of radiators is negligible and would only be realised in laboratory conditions.

Only a chrome finish has a noticeable affect on the heat output of a radiator as chrome has a very low level of emissivity.  The chrome coating works on the same principal as the space blankets (the silver insulation blankets) used to keep athletes warm.  The chrome coating, whilst looking beautiful, does reduce the ability of the radiator to radiate heat.  Chrome (chromium plated) radiators are proven to emit approximately 20% less heat than the equivalent sized radiators in a painted finish.

In theory, the optimum radiator when looking for high heat output and rapid heat up time, taking all factors into account (no matter how minimal their impact) would be a matt black aluminium radiator with the greatest surface area for its size.

In practice, there are many other aspects that will determine the best radiator(s) for your project, including, aesthetics, dimensions to fit your space, budget and availability.  Your choice will be governed by which factors take priority.

For more advice on choosing the right radiator(s) speak to a radiator specialist such as Feature Radiators.  Contact their expert team directly on 01274 567789, meet them at their large West Yorkshire showroom, where they have over 160 radiators on display or visit their website.

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Here’s our list of circumstances when it really is time to admit defeat and call in a London handyman service!

Electrical problems? Call in a London handyman service!

Electrical problems can be particularly tricky and one wrong move can find you shorting the whole house! What’s more, there are now regulations prohibiting unqualified householders from dealing with certain types of electrical work – it’s much safer all round to call in your local London Handyman service. Any London handyman service will have electrical experts who can help you out and deal with electrical problems quickly and safely.

Taking your time over a job? Call in a London handyman service!

We’ve all been there – a job needs doing but you just can’t find the time and your spouse is getting on your back about it. The simple answer to the problem is to call in a London handyman service. A good London handyman service will be able to send someone round within a few days and that will be the problem sorted and will keep your partner happy – using a London handyman service can sometimes keep a marriage together!

Haven’t got the necessary skills? Call in a London handyman service!

Do you have all the skills a London handyman service can offer? That’s unlikely so next time you are fretting about whether you can do a job or not then why not stop worrying and get on the phone to a London handyman service. A London handyman service will be able to offer expertise across a wide range of trades and can take any problem off you hands.

Need more than one person? Call in a London handyman service!

If you have a job that needs more than one pair of hands then you might want to look for the number of a London handyman service. Friends and neighbours can be less than reliable but a London handyman service will be there on time and will be there for as long as you need them.

Need a range of jobs doing? Call in a London handyman service!

If you’ve got jobs building up around the house and garden then it really might be time to call in a London handyman service. A London handyman service can deal with anything from plumbing, to paintwork to gardening.
Also the beauty of a using a London handyman service is that they can invariably send a few people round who can get it all done on the same day.
This is the beauty of using a London handyman service – they have a range of operatives covering a range of different disciplines. In fact, a London handyman service is a one stop shop for all your maintenance needs!

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Domestic heating is a key area where we, as consumers, can all make costs savings and try to minimise our energy wastage as well as our utility bills.

Below are some key tips for keeping your energy usage and consequently your heating bills down.

Consider installing Thermostatic Radiator Valves.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves, or TRVs, come with an in-built temperature sensor. A thermostatic valve will maintain a room at the temperature you have selected, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.

This means that you can make the most of any “free” heat the room receives, such as that from the sun (solar heat gain) or from electrical or gas appliances. As the valve is controlled automatically, it adjusts itself, ensuring the radiators perform as efficiently as possible, reducing energy waste. For this reason, TRVs are the environmentally friendly valve choice as they prevent energy being wasted by overheating a room.

There is now a wide range of stylish thermostatic valves available in both contemporary and traditional styles in a variety of finishes. For instance, Feature Radiators offers a wide range of TRVs on the valves page of their website.

Please be aware that building regulations require TRVs to be used for all new builds except:

- For one pair of valves on a system, which can and should be manual, so they can be left fully open at all times. This is needed to allow the system to function properly. Usually such manual valves will be put on the radiator/towel rail in a bathroom or entranceway, as more constant heating is needed in these areas.

- In rooms where there is a room thermostat that controls the boiler.

Although not essential, TRVs are recommended for larger radiators (above 1800 watts, or where the radiator is oversized for the room) and for use in kitchens where temperatures tend to fluctuate dramatically (due to additional heat from ovens, fridges and other appliances).

Ensure your central heating system or heaters are on timers.

Timers are now available for gas central heating systems, electric radiators and electric central heating systems. This has been the standard for boiler systems for a while but now they are available on other forms of heating. For instance, iRad, the electric radiator from Feature Radiators, is available with a wireless controller enabling specific times and temperature modes to be set, minimising energy wastage.

Insulate, insulate, insulate!

The importance of insulation in minimising wasted energy cannot be underestimated alongside the amount of money it can save on your utility bills. Improved insulation in your home is guaranteed to dramatically reduce the heat lost through your walls and roof, meaning less requirements for heating and resulting in lower energy usage.

Look at the possibility of having cavity wall insulation and loft insulation installed. Many local councils now run schemes encouraging residents to go for better insulation by subsidising the cost, or even waiving the costs entirely.

Also, better insulation means a lower heat output from your radiators is required. So if you are thinking of opting for new radiators, then more options are available, as the heat output will not need to be as high. For advice on choosing radiators with the right heat output for your situation, it is essential you speak to a radiator specialist or qualified heating engineer.

Consider the future of your heating system.

With stocks of gas and oil rapidly depleting, the future of the standard boilers is uncertain. A movement towards electricity as a cleaner fuel that can be generated from renewable sources is seeing the shift in the type of heating systems that may be installed over the next century.

Heat pumps are very “in vogue”, but installation costs are high and many properties cannot accommodate or are not suitable this type of system.

In order to retain your current central heating system and radiators, why not just switch to an electric boiler. These are currently available but at a relatively high price, but increasing demand is set to see the costs fall and this will provide a simple, practical and inexpensive option for many of us in the years to come.

Other options for modern heating systems include electric central heating that is run by linking independent electric radiators wirelessly. Without pipework and a boiler, installation costs and disruption can be significantly reduced. This new electric radiator technology is really taking off due to its practicality, flexibility and efficiency.

Finally, wear a jumper!

This may seem obvious, but the younger generation often seem to take central heating for granted, and wearing a T-shirt in the house despite sub zero temperatures is deemed quite acceptable by many. However, this is surely a waste of our precious resources and an unnecessary addition to our carbon footprint. Also what can be better than snuggling up under a cosy blanket on those frosty winter nights!

For more information on maximising your energy efficiency within a reasonable budget, contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789, visit their large showroom in West Yorkshire or visit their website www.featureradiators.co.uk

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But radiators are known as strong and durable pieces of engineering, so how can a radiator crack?

When water freezes: its volume expands by around 10%. A radiator full of water that is in a particularly cold room such as a conservatory, can freeze and the expansion of the freezing water can cause cracks; usually at weld points and seams on the radiator.

Radiator experts, Feature Radiators, recommend some options to prevent radiators freezing and the consequential damage.

Firstly, install a “frost stat”. This is a device that will override your regular central heating timer and thermostat by automatically switching on your central heating when it senses the temperature drop below a pre-determined amount.

Secondly, invest in some thermostatic valves as these have a “frost protection” setting. This means that when the thermostat on the valves measures the room temperature as approaching 0°C, the valve opens a little, allowing water into the radiator to ensure that it doesn’t freeze. However, this will only work when the central heating is “ON” as thermostatic valves are not able to turn the boiler on.

The frost protection setting on thermostatic valves is great for protecting your radiators and pipes during the day when your central heating system is switched on and working. However, a frost stat will ensure that you protect your radiators and pipes when your central heating system is switched off overnight or when you’re away during the winter and it is this period when most frost damage occurs.

Feature Radiators also recommends you consider frost damage when purchasing reclaimed cast iron radiators. These are often purchased from salvage yards and can be stored outdoors leading to cracking. Pressure testing of reclaimed radiators is essential to ensure that radiators are functioning correctly and that they are free from leaks.

For more information on radiators, contact specialists Feature Radiators on 01274 567789 or visit their website www.featureradiators.co.uk

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What about the stunningly cool Fidato Desk Memo Station from Zack? It’s different, it’s practical, it looks cool and the quality speaks volumes and shows that you care!

An office must-have from Zack! A combined memo pad, pen or pencil and mobile phone holder – all in one to keep things just where they should be!

Manufactured from top grade brushed stainless steel it will sit comfortably on his desk at the office or next to Dad’s home landline ready for jotting down notes from an important call. Plus, of course, he’ll never forget where he left his mobile again!

Available now from Proleno, on the web at www.proleno.com, on the phone on 0844 357 9855

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The night before he was in his local park on the opening day of the skate park he’d helped get built, it was nearly midnight…

Scary!

Two Inches to the Right from Matt Frodsham on Vimeo.

“We’d organised a DJ to play the day out in a marquee and I just popped out to take a leak. In my drunken state I was stumbling to find a bush when I heard, and felt, a sort of ‘boink’ sound. I knew I’d been hit on the back of the head, and I knew it wasn’t with a fist. I don’t remember much else other than being back at the marquee with a bleeding head.

I was very lucky as a number of my friends and other revelers had spotted me being kicked on the floor and ran over to drag me out. For that I am very grateful.

Living near London, the poem has never been retired and still appears in my performance sets. With youth violence seemingly growing year on year, the poem is as relevant now as it was when I wrote it. People blame hip hop culture, movies, video games, parents, the education system, unemployment, the list goes on. I don’t have the answer.

The saddest thing about “2 Inches to the Right” is all too often, someone from the crowd comes to speak to me after I leave the stage and tells me of their friend who died in a similar situation. The poem gives them hope that some may listen, and think twice.”

Credits:
Animation by Matt Frodsham
Words by Mat Lloyd

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Step One
Cut out blossom (flower) shapes from organza fabric using a Versatip with a soldering tip.

Step Two
To create the individual blossoms, place three organza flowers together, then pinch them all together in the centre and touch the point on the back of the flowers with the Versatip and the soldering tip to fuse them into one blossom.

Step Three
Use a Glue Gun to glue the strung brown sequins onto the cushion cover to form the branches, planning the design carefully first if you want it to run across a number of cushions.

Step Four
Cut out leaf shapes from green fabric and use a Glue Gun to glue the leaves and blossom in place. (Alternatively, you could create leaves using lime green sequins). Add some sparkle to your cushions by using the Versatip to apply the hot fix gems to suggest blossom buds or more blossoms.

Materials required:
White and pink organza fabric (note that fabric must be man-made fibre only)
Brown strung sequins
Green non-fray fabric such as faux suede or felt or green sequins
Clear hot fix gems
Cushion pads with silk covers
Dremel Versatip with soldering tip attachment
Dremel Glue Gun

More information at www.dremel.co.uk

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Marketing Manager Rowena Howell at furniture manufacturer Halo, the home of Beautifully Real Living, has devised a Christmas count down to ensure we enjoy a ‘Beautifully Real’ Christmas.

“We want it all! The beautifully decorated tree, the immaculate house, home-cooked food worthy of Nigella and all our family on their best behaviour,” says Rowena. “We put too much pressure on ourselves and we don’t always appreciate what the season is really about. At Halo we don’t just make furniture, we help make treasured memories and we hope our top tips make this Christmas the best yet.”

Festive Decorations

3^rd December: Really appreciate your living room. Light the fire and cosy up on the sofa for a relaxing afternoon with mince pies and mulled wine to wrap your handmade gifts and write your Christmas cards.

5^th December: Do you always use you dining room to its full potential? Clear out the clutter and invite your friends to a dinner party. Encourage guests to bring a different course each so you don’t spend the evening in the kitchen.

12^th December: Spend quality time with the children in the magical season – sit round the table to make decorations and write letters to Santa for the whole afternoon.

15^th December: According to Mind, half of British adults just want to feel relaxed and loved at Christmas but romance is easy to forget in the whirlwind of to-do lists and preparations. Make time for each other. Leave the TV off, cook your favourite meal, sit at the table and talk about your treasured Christmas memories.

24^th December: Read the children Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’ with milk and cookies before bed to savour the last few hours of the seasonal build up as a treat for you and the kids. Don’t forget to leave some for Santa!

25^th December: Enjoy your Christmas day! Ensure everyone helps with the day’s chores so that you’re not burdened with it all. Remember to take a moment to sit in your favourite armchair and take in the magical feeling of the day.

27^th December: After Christmas day make use of the left overs and go all Bridget Jones! Invite family round for a post Christmas gathering and host a ‘turkey curry buffet’.

31^st December: Top the season off by holding a night to remember on New Year’s Eve. Make a statement with a champagne reception and hire a personal chef to cook an elegant five-course meal in your own home.

For further information on Halo, please visit www.haloliving.co.uk or call 0161 923 0500.

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