"Ystadyfodwg Monthly"
our website magazine fact page
with the latest handy hints and top tips!
handy hints
If you know of a good way to tackle things - you tell us - and we'll tell the world!
top tips
Treorchy.net sends many thanks to Richard for his helpful advice.
* * *
How to survive your
building work!
Most people who own a home
will at some time or other need repairs or alterations carried out to
their property. This could be anything from having their guttering renewed
to having their property totally renovated and it can be a very daunting
experience. There are various ways you can help yourself to pick the right
builders to carry out this work and survive with your sense of humour
still intact!
Getting the right advice
If you are having any work
done to your property no matter how small the job always check with
the Councils Planning and Building control sections to ensure that there
are no special regulations that could apply to your building work.
If you intend to alter your
property in any way you may need to have plans of your proposals drawn up
and this could require the advice of an architect or civil engineer. You
can usually find their details in the yellow pages but remember that they
will charge you for their services.
Choosing the right
Builders
There are various ways of
choosing the right contractor to carry out the work to your property. Many
builders advertise in the local press or on television or the radio but
the best way to find a suitable building contractor is to ask any
neighbours or friends that you trust who have previously had work to their
property carried out by a specific firm and if possible go and have a look
at their homes. If you still dont know who to choose you can contact
the local council who will usually have lists of contractors who are
members of various trade organisations such as the Federation of Master
builders.
Getting estimates of
the costs
You can usually get free
estimates from most contractors and it is advisable to get as many as you
can before making your choice. Remember that some builders may not be
available straight away and you may have to wait for weeks or months for
them to work for you if they are particularly busy. There is also the
problem of hidden costs once work begins as you may need additional things
done without realising it at the outset. This is particularly relevant in
older properties such as the ones we live in so be prepared!
Surviving the building work
If you are having major
works done it may mean that you will have to move out of your home for a
period. Be prepared for this and plan ahead by asking your builder for the
estimated length of duration of work. Remember that you may need to rent
alternative accommodation or put your belongings in storage whilst the
work is being undertaken. If you intend to stay at home whilst works are
carried out please remember that at certain times you could be without
certain facilities. You should also remember that there will be dust no
matter how good your builder is!
Decoration and other
hidden costs
Even if you are only having
windows or doors installed your decoration could be spoiled. If the work
was particularly dusty and your furniture was not adequately protected you
may need a specialist to clean it and these costs will be your
responsibility. Remember to have telephone lines disconnected if necessary
beforehand and your builder will also not be responsible for the
electricity used whilst works are carried out!
Keeping your sense of
humour!
Remember that this can be a very stressful time because you are letting strangers into your home and relying on them to do a good job. If at any time you are not happy with the standard of work you must let them know so they have a chance to explain or put things right if necessary. Remember it is your money you are spending and it is no good complaining after the work has finished and you have paid the bill.
Molly Malone, May 2003
| To remove fresh ink, blood or fruit satins from clothing by soaking in a little milk. Launder well afterwards or the milk will leave a stain! |
| Clean stains in vases by putting a handful of uncooked rice into the vase and adding cold water as the rice swells it will lift off the stains. Rinse the vase well afterwards. |
| Clean brass fittings with a soft cloth dampened with lemon juice. |
| Dust painted surface with a damp cloth only as sprays and polishes will leave a residue that traps dirt and requires more frequent cleaning. |
| Consider installing a water meter if you live alone or the children have left home! It could be cheaper than water rates check with your supplier. |
| Pay energy bills by direct debit if the companies offer a discount. Find the cheapest supplier at www.energywatch.org.uk |
| Cover an old three-piece suite with throws to give extra life before replacing. |
| Book
holidays directly rather than through a tour operator for
hotels flights car hire etc..
|
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We firmly believe it is entirely possible that you could - in all likely-hood - suffer anything from incurring a tiny scratch to your little finger - to tragically turning your best curtains a disgusting shade of badly bruised cabbage - after embarking on a course of action suggested here.
Hey, in other words, you try this stuff at your own risk! - and if it does go absurdly wrong - well, we just reserve the right to publish the photos of it!
(some items also appear in our fabulous local evening paper - the South Wales Echo!)
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