Ask the experts
Our panel of professionals is here to answer all of your home improvement questions…
Your home improvement questions answered
Q My family and I are looking to upsize soon. What are some small changes we can make to add value to our current home before we sell?
Georgina Harris, Devon
A Jonathan Hey, founder and CEO of Aliwood
Roof Lanterns, says… One thing I always suggest is to apply for planning permission! This can increase the value of a home by up to 10 per cent depending on what the permission is for. It’s also important to consider the property’s kerb appeal. If a home is attractive from the outside, it’s immediately going to garner a lot more interest, so consider an update to your front door or driveway. An extension or conservatory will up a home’s value too, but it’s worth considering a roof lantern as a cheaper alternative. This kind of attractive feature will help to flood your home with natural light while reducing the overall lighting costs – two big selling points for potential buyers!
On top of this, it’s worth making a variety of smaller upgrades throughout your home. You could add a glass screen to your bath in place of a shower curtain, invest in a smart thermostat, upgrade your storage spaces or enhance your cupboards and sinks with some brand-new handles and faucets. Finally, a deep clean is thoroughly important, as is repairing any superficial defects in the house – these essential measures will help to increase the value of your home and can be done over a weekend!
Q We have terribly hard water in our house. Are there any solutions aside from jug water filters?
Anita Rains, Leeds
A Adam Logan, UK Training Manager at GROHE, says…
Water softeners are a popular solution for homes in hard water areas. When hard water passes through salt during a process called ion exchange, the excessive hard minerals are replaced by sodium. Consequently, any scale is removed from your water leaving it softened. Water softening units can require a large amount of cupboard space and regular salt replacement, which can be a hassle. A more convenient option is the all-in-one filtered water tap. These take up less space and require minimal maintenance. Filtered water taps can be installed in your kitchen as a replacement or in addition to your existing kitchen tap. They filter out impurities or minerals that can impact taste and quality to provide freshly filtered water. When considering a model, find one that is designed with an advanced filtration system that is compatible with all levels of water hardness for great-tasting water at the twist of a tap.
Q I’ve recently moved house and although I’ve cleaned the toilet bowl regularly with my usual cleaners, it doesn’t ever look as sparkling as I’d like. I had no problems cleaning the toilet in the previous house. I’d welcome any tips on getting my toilet dazzling again please!
Jackie White, Hartlepool
A Susan Fermor, spokesperson for Dr. Beckmann, says… Keeping your toilet clean can be a challenge and you may feel that you’re forever cleaning the bowl. However, the newly launched Dr. Beckmann Power-Foaming Toilet Cleaner does the job for you!
The product is a fast and convenient way to deep clean your toilet bowl while leaving behind an ultra-fresh fragrance. Simply pop the sachet into the toilet bowl and watch as the foam multiplies into a mountain of fresh cleaning action! All it needs is a quick brush to distribute the foam, leave for 10 minutes and then flush it away.
The foaming cleaner cleanses your toilet quickly and thoroughly, without you having to get your hands dirty! Loved by cleaning Instagram guru, Mrs Hinch, the Power-Foaming Toilet Cleaner, £3, ensures your loo is left looking dazzling.
Q I would love a rich colour for my kitchen cabinetry. However, I’ve only got a small space – is a dramatic shade ruled out?
Miriam Joseph, Nottingham
A Julia Trendell, Design Expert at Benchmarx Kitchens, says… Not at all! A deep colour can help turn a smaller kitchen into a real statement room in your home. However, it is important to select a shade that won’t overpower. Look out for cabinetry that has a muted tone to add a softer touch of colour rather than going all-out bold. The Cambridge Forest Green kitchen (pictured) has a grey undertone that is gentle on the eye, so it’s ideal however big or small your space.
Break up solid blocks of colour by opting for a combination of open shelving and cabinets to enhance available light and maintain practical space. The latest trend for taking cabinets up to the ceiling is a nifty way to maximise storage without eating into your floor space. It can be created by adding bridging units above your wall cupboards for an impressive, high-end finish.
Your choice of worktop has a massive impact on the finished look too, so it’s worth considering the amount of light you have available. A wooden worktop will add warmth to a scheme, but if you need to help bounce light around the room, try a paler shade like white.
Darker shades offer a fantastic background for your finishing touches, especially when used from floor to ceiling. Additions such as brushed gold hardware and glass pendant lighting instantly add a luxe feel and will elevate your look for a polished and seamless finish.
Q My wooden garden furniture has been left outside all winter and is looking a little worse for wear. Do you have any tips for getting it back to its best for the summer?
Susan Jeffreys, Norfolk
A Peter Tyrie, Managing Director at Barlow Tyrie, says… The best way to remove dirt, moss and lichen is to use mild soapy water and plenty of elbow grease. Alternatively, a gentle sanding starting with an 80 grit then going down to a 120 grit is another method to remove any trace of winter debris. Even old teak can be brought back to muster because the silver patina that appears is only on the surface and can be cleaned away.
Resist any temptation to use strong chemicals as this will damage the finish of the wood and impact its visual appeal. You’ll find video after video on the internet of members of the public recommending the use of a jet washer to clean teak and other wooden furniture. We cannot stress enough that this is not recommended. While power washing is very tempting to achieve quick results, aggressive spraying could destroy the cellulose fibres and structure of the wood, which could irreversibly damage your furniture and shorten its lifespan.
As teak can withstand the harshest elements, covers are not necessary. Ultimately, pure grade A teak can stay outside, uncovered, as long as it’s in an airy environment. If you do want to keep your furniture covered when not in use to ensure it stays clean and pristine, choose a breathable covering, which will prevent mould and damage caused by a damp environment.