Double Glazing On The Web

We all know that the English summer is a rare and wonderful thing; however it is because it is so temperamental we often forget to plan for it. After weeks of rain in the middle of July, just when we’ve given up on the idea of summer altogether, suddenly the sun makes a glorious appearance, all is well with the world and we all dive out into the garden to enjoy it. It’s only when you are sitting on the patio, marvelling in the joy of it all, that you remember a very similar day last year, when you decided that patio doors would be a fantastic improvement to your home.

Thankfully installing patio doors is not the stress we often assume it is. Usually it can be completed in just one day! Again, given the surprise element of the English weather this is just as well - no one wants a gaping hole in their property when the heavens decide to open again!

Apparently, according to English Heritage, our country is under attack from the ungainly evils of satellite dishes, speed bumps and shock horror, UPVC double glazing.

These every sights across 21st century Britain are being labeled as blemishes which pose a serious risk to our conservation areas.

Perhaps, perhaps not. Perhaps the evils of home improvements are simply being confused with progression; especially when considering the environmental credentials of double glazing. Either way, the ascetics of double glazing have come a long way and many new builds and individuals considering making improvements, are choosing to opt for woodgrain or similar alternatives to the standard white PVC. 

Proof that sound proofing and better insulating your home, doesn’t have to get ugly.

A quarter of British homeowners are now planning to build themselves out of trouble, according to financial advice website Unbiased.co.uk. But what changes will add value to your property?
Hugo Tugman, founder of Architect Your Home, suggests that any long-term improvements should focus on creating more space. “If you do need to add space, the next best option is to extend upwards – converting a loft is one of the most cost-effective ways to add space. The next option is to extend outwards with a single or double-storey extension.” Speaking in The Independent, May 24th 2009.
Loft conversions can also add both space and value, but homeowners must check with the planning office before making a start.
Given that many people are looking for homes that are environmentally sound and therefore cheaper to run, replacing existing windows with double glazing or installing double glazing and other energy-efficient forms of insulation when extending your property, is another simple way of keeping and even increasing the value in your home.

It’s now an accepted medical fact that our moods can be seriously affected by light levels.  SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) may be an ailment of the winter months when light levels are low, but what about those who live in dim, dreary houses year round?  You know for yourself that if the sun is shining when you get out of bed in the morning you instantly feel better about the day ahead.

I imagine that when we all lived in caves, dark confinement was essential for protection against the wild animals roaming the land.  Times have moved on.  Let there be light!

Doors and windows are the only design elements in your home that are capable of increasing natural light levels - and its natural light that is needed to improve that dark mood of yours!

In the next entry, we’ll look at how to plan your windows and doors for the best possible levels of natural daylight.  In the meantime, beg, borrow, or buy a compass to work out which direction your house faces.

Never has the choice between moving to a new home or improving you new one been so relevant; well, not since the early 90’s anyway. Just when we thought the spectre of negative equity had been vanquished, once again it’s raised its head, gloomy as Christmas Past.

What’s this got to do with glazing and front doors you ask? More than you could ever imagine!

In the Spring of 2007 the average cost of moving was calculated as £9,486, a cost triple that of 2004. When these costs are allied to the depressed property market, its hardly surprising that more of us are choosing to improve rather than move. But there’s more to home improvement than just fitting a new front door, or updating your double glazing. Having said that, adding new windows will add an estimated £5,000 to the value of your property.

However, if you’re going to be flashing the ever-dwindling cash, it makes sense to spend it on the improvements that will add the most value - and we can do better than £5,000!

Adding a loft conversion will add an estimated 12.5% to your property’s value, that’s £27,500 on a £220,000 home! The next three most profitable schemes are shown below:

• An extension to create an extra room will add approximately 10.8%, or £23,700 on that average property
• A conservatory will add 6.7%, or £14,740
• A new kitchen will add 4.6% or £10,120

It has to be said that these values are based on national averages, so they may be slightly more or a tad less in your area; still, they are not figures to be sneezed at!

What all of these projects have in common is that they need glazing and doors. The double glazing industry is viewed rather negatively in the UK, hardly surprising given some of the scams that have been highlighted in various media; the hard sells and the over-inflated prices.

Double Glazing on the Web is different. Take a look, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.