Ask the EXPERTS
Our panel of experts answer all your home improvement dilemmas
QI want to create a vegetable patch in my small city garden. What’s the best way to create raised beds without needing a lot of DIY know-how? Katie Gurry, Chelmsford
AHenry Blake, Managing Director of WoodBlocX says… Raised beds are a great way to grow fruit, veg and flowers in a small garden, but if you don’t have great DIY skills it can be difficult to know where to start. However, you don’t need any special skills or tools to build a WoodBlocX raised bed and they can be any size you like. Being a modular system, all of the wood is precut to size so there’s no cutting required, making the beds really easy to build. Just follow the step-by-step instructions provided with your order. While building is quick and easy, the most exciting part is coming up with a raised bed design. You can use our handy calculator tools to add your measurements, or use our free design service. Our team of designers can work with your ideas, and the space you have available, to create something unique to your garden. Using clever design to maximise the space, we can include different shapes and planting levels, and even an integrated bench. Before you buy any raised bed, take some time to consider if the area you’ve chosen for it gets enough sunlight throughout the day, and what height would suit you best. Our raised beds can be built on any surface, making them perfect for small patios or lawn areas that are in need of a planting boost. Prices start at £197.60, with all structures guaranteed for 15 years.
QOur two cats leave hair all over the housefl Can you recommend a vacuum that can cope with getting it out of carpets and furnishings?
Abby Ferguson, Ipswich
AJoseph Yaxley, Head of Product Management for VAX, replies…
It’s hard to restrict where pets rest. Their hair may be found throughout your home, whether that’s on floors, furniture or in other spaces you didn’t think they’d findfl I’d recommend a cordless vacuum that’s specifically designed for homes with pets. They’re lightweight and highly portable so can be easily grabbed for a quick daily clean. They’re also ideal for cleaning upholstery. Pet hair can be hard to remove if it becomes entwined in carpet fibres or furnishings, so choose a cordless vacuum with a range of accessories – a crevice tool is a must for furniture seams, pet beds and floor edges. VAX has also developed a flexible powered hose to work with its compact mini motorised tool, which has a rotating brush bar to easily lift away dirt and pet hair.
QI’ve been searching for an extra-large, washable doormat that will cope with muddy boots and paws. Do you have any ideas? Zaheera Ahmed, London
ADaniel Prendergast, Managing Director at TheRugSeller.co.uk, responds… Many rugs can now be easily washed in a domestic washing machine, plus they’re super absorbent so make a great first line of defence for wet, muddy shoes or paws. A great option for a large, machinewashable mat is our Cotton Plain Washable Anti-slip Doormat, available in four sizes, up to 80 x 150cm, and five colours. It’s made from 100 per cent cotton and, if you have a good-sized washing machine drum, even the larger rugs can be popped in on a 40°C cycle.
The Buddy collection is a top-selling washable rug and runner range, with options available in 16 colours and up to 300cm in length. They’re power loomed with a 100 per cent polypropylene yarn, which, as well as being machine washable, is stain-resistant, colour fast, fade-resistant and anti-shed. The range is also very hard-wearing, so an excellent choice for busy households.
QI’m planning to invest in new kitchen flooring and would like to extend it outside into a patio area. What sort of tiles should I choose for both indoor and outdoor use? Grace Ellis, Cumbria
AHarriet Goodacre,
Brand Communications Manager and Tile Consultant at Topps Tiles, has this advice… Choosing tiles that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use is a great way to create a consistent look and, also, revitalise your garden. Opting for tiles over decking or concrete slabs brings a real sense of luxury – they’re also easier to maintain over time. When looking to achieve a more premium finish, we recommend porcelain tiles. These are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use as they’re frost-resistant. Look for designs with slipresistant properties, too, to ensure they’re safe all year round.
Porcelain tiles are easy to clean and maintain in all seasons, making them the ideal choice for a stylish indoor-outdoor look. In addition, porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of styles and colours, including a realistic marble effect.
The Berkeley Essence range is a great choice if you’re looking to add a little character. The striking blue and grey colourway creates a truly timeless look and can work with a variety of decorative styles, making it an adaptable choice suitable for any home.
QOur 1970s dormer extension (onto a 1920s solid-wall bungalow) has freezing-cold bedrooms in the winter and is swelteringly hot in the summer. What’s the most cost-effective way to improve the insulation to regulate the temperature of these rooms? Lisa Summerscales, Bagshot
ABrian Horne, Senior Insight & Analytics Consultant, Energy Saving Trust, explains… Insulating an existing dormer room is possible, although some spaces will be easier than others. Most dormer rooms feature a combination of horizontal ceilings, sloping ceilings, some vertical walls backing onto loft space and sometimes some external wall areas. If there is good access, horizontal ceilings can be fitted with insulation in the same way you would insulate a loft space. Any sloping ceilings will need to be removed, with insulation board fitted between and over the rafters, and new plasterboard and plaster over the top. Vertical wall areas will also need rigid insulation board and, if there is sufficient access, you may be able to add this from behind without replacing the wall. Any solid external walls will need to be treated with internal or external wall insulation too.
You could also consider replacing windows and roof lights with higher performance versions – certainly if there are any single-glazed units fitted at the moment. The Energy Saving Trust recommends speaking with a professional installer to provide you with bespoke advice and a breakdown of costs to make sure you get the most effective results for your budget.