Jeanna and Ron’s Dog-Resistant Raised Garden Bed - Today's Homeowner

Jeanna Walters-Fancella and her husband, Ron, wanted to do two things: beautify their backyard and plant herbs to repel fleas and ticks.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/jeanna-and-rons-dog-proof-raised-garden-bed/

Today’s Homeowner Radio Show for June 30, 2018 - Today's Homeowner

Listen to the Today's Homeowner Radio Show for June 30, 2018.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/todays-homeowner-radio-show-for-june-30-2018/

Braided Picture Wire Too Expensive? Make Your Own! - Today's Homeowner

You can make picture wire with everyday household items including a power drill, galvanized wire and a nail.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/braided-picture-wire-too-expensive-make-your-own/

#ProjectSpotlight: The perfect summer extension

When summertime rolls around, you want your home to be as versatile as possible. Though we don’t tend to see as much sun as other countries, we still get our fair share of sunshine that can translate to some gloriously warm days. In these instances, we want the rooms in our home to be as comfortable as possible, both in temperature and in space. That’s where a lovely, spacious extension comes into play.

The Maughan family wanted a garden room they could use all year long, as well as a way to extend their kitchen. In the end, they opted to remove their old veranda and small, outdated conservatory, converting both spaces into an extra long and space-filled extension with beautiful French doors. They then transformed the rooms into a bright and airy lounge, and an especially roomy kitchen. It’s safe to say that in the Maughan household, summertime never felt so good.

Here’s what Mr. and Mrs. Maughan had to say about their new extension:

Q: How long have you lived in your property?

A: 18 months.

Q: Why did you decide to have a tiled roof extension, and what will your new living space be used for?

A: We chose a tiled roof to enable us to use the extension all year as a garden room, and to extend the cramped kitchen space.

Q: Did you get a quote from any other companies? If so, what made you choose Anglian?

A: No – we used Anglian previously and were impressed with the initial design ideas. The salesman and surveyor spent a lot of time achieving our targets.

Q: Before contacting Anglian, were you aware of our tiled roof extension option? If so, how?

A: No, not specifically, but we always intended to have a tiled roof.

Q: What factors determined your final choice of style and colour?

A: To match in with the existing property roof tiles. A lightweight roof system enabled more glass.

Q: What’s your opinion of the Anglian service and installation you’ve received? Did you have any concerns or requirements?

A: We got written confirmation through Anglian that planning permission was not required to satisfy our concerns. We’re very happy with the installation, particularly with the team that erected it.

Q: How has the extension improved your living space?

A: It has enlarged our living space space, both as an area to relax in with lovely views of the garden, and as a more improved layout in the kitchen.

Q: Would you recommend Anglian to your friends and family?

A: Definitely.

What home improvements are you making this summer? Tag @Anglianhome in your Instagram pictures so we can see!

The post #ProjectSpotlight: The perfect summer extension appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/projectspotlight/projectspotlight-the-perfect-summer-extension/

Our top outdoor entertaining tips for this summer

Summer is finally here! In true British-style, thoughts are turning to outdoor entertaining. From sizzling barbecues and relaxed alfresco dining, to sophisticated soirees and gorgeous garden parties, an open-air get-together is a fixture in the social calendars of many Brits this time of year.

To inspire all those who want to open their gardens and entertain in style,we’ve come up with five top outdoor entertaining tips for how to set the scene for the perfect party.

1. Keep it simple

As with many things, sometimes less is more. The stunning white and green theme at the recent royal wedding was simple but effective and can easily be recreated for your own garden party.

Flowers can add a sense of luxury to any event; a vase of beautiful white peonies, hydrangea or roses mixed with bright greenery can make a stunning centrepiece for your table, while a hand-tied bunch of fragrant lavender with raffia make for a rustic place-setting. And is there anything more British than bunting? Some simple hessian or brightly-coloured bunting draped in your garden can help create that sense of occasion.

2. Light it up

Summer entertaining can often go on late into the night. To help keep the party going and create a romantic ambience for your guests, atmospheric lighting is perfect. Some simple lanterns carefully placed around the garden, candles on the table and pretty fairy lights can all add a warm and sophisticated feel to your garden party.

3. Take a seat

When entertaining guests, it’s important to make them feel at home and relaxed. Providing plenty of seating is a good way to help everyone feel comfortable, while a basket of cosy blankets can help keep the party outside even when the temperature drops. Using cushions on your seating is an easy way to bring your own personality into the garden; use clean, simple colours for a classic finish or add some colour for a vibrant, outdoor summer feel.

4. Create some shade

There’s nothing better than a bright sunny day spent relaxing in the garden with friends and family, but don’t forget to provide some outside cover to keep people out of the sun’s glare. There are some great tents and tepees available for little ones, but you could even get them involved in making their own den! A big umbrella or parasol will make sure your older guests are protected from the midday heat, allowing sun-worshippers to still catch some rays if they wish.

5. Be prepared!

Sometimes the best laid parties just don’t go to plan – particularly where the great British weather is concerned! Be prepared for rain or shine with a gazebo or small marquee, which can also make a pretty feature in the garden. If you really want to entertain your guests in style, a bespoke conservatory or orangery makes for a stunning, versatile and welcoming space all year round. Plus, they’re easy to temperature-control for the odd chilly night come late summer.

Remember, we can’t really do much about the weather – ultimately it’s all about spending precious time with your friends and family, and enjoying good food and drink!

The post Our top outdoor entertaining tips for this summer appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/fun/our-top-outdoor-entertaining-tips-for-this-summer/

Why MDF is better than softwood

In the UK, MDF skirting boards have become a popular alternative to the normally standard softwood. Should you ever find yourself needing to match existing skirting, you'll most likely have softwood skirting. This is because it is the most commonly used materials for skirting boards and architraves. However, there can be many issues when using softwood for skirtings. Firstly, because it is a natural wood, it has knots throughout the material. Although you can treat and fill these before installation, there's no guarantee that they will stay put - a lot of the time they simply fall out. Secondly, softwood has a tendency to bow and warp with temperature and moisture changes. The only reason that softwood should be used nowadays is when you're looking for a natural wood finish. If you plan on painting the boards, always use MDF. Now, with MDF you don't get the natural imperfections found within softwood. MDF will never warp - it always stays straight. MDF is also mostly ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/construction-materials/10412-Why-MDF-is-better-than-softwood.html

Top Tips On How To Control Fire Ants That Have Invaded Your Lawn

The Red imported Fire Ants entered the U.S through Alabama from South America around the 1930’s. These insects thrive in humid and warm climates and have slowly spread through the Southeast. The fire ants are reddish brown, small ants with a measurement of around ¼ of an inch in length. These ants build big nests inside the ground, along with mounds that range in size from a couple of inches to around 2-feet in height. In some cases, fire ants may move into your home during excessive drought and heavy rains. The fire ant can become particularly troublesome in pasturelands that are undisturbed, where it is common to find several large mounds. About The Fire Ant Colonies This species of ants prefers to build their mounds in sunny and open areas such as lawns. It is also common to find mounds close to driveways and sidewalks that give off and absorb heat. In the well-maintained lawns, the mounds are usually not more than a couple of inches in height. However, the lack of ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/pest-management-ecology/10410-Top-Tips-On-How-To-Control-Fire-Ants-That-Have-Invaded-Your-Lawn.html

Summer Tips for Comfortable Living - Today's Homeowner

Summertime offers more opportunities to enjoy the Great Outdoors, but before you have some fun in the sun, you need to make sure your home is ready for the season. “Today’s Homeowner” hosts Danny Lipford and Chelsea Lipford Wolf have these summer maintenance tips: Clean all windows For busy homeowners, follow these simple steps for […]

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/summer-tips-for-comfortable-living/

5 Energy Saving Tips for Washer and Dryer Machines

If you want to have clean clothing and linens, then you must use a washer and dryer to launder these items. It can become expensive to wash and dry things, but there are several ways to save energy by reducing your water, natural gas or electrical usage. If you are a landlord who supplies a coin operated electric dryer for your tenants, then these suggestions will help you to save energy, and here are five tips for saving energy while laundering at home or in an apartment building.   Tip 1: Install Electric Heat Dryers In Your Rental Property   In the past, natural gas was the least expensive option for commercial or home appliances such as washers and dryers, but today, that has changed because using electricity is cheaper. If you have ancient dryers in your apartment building’s laundry room, then it is time to upgrade to modern electric dryers. Before choosing new dryers for your rental property, make sure to comparison shop, and remember that you may need to have ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/appliance-repair/10408-5-Energy-Saving-Tips-for-Washer-and-Dryer-Machines.html

What Is a Gutter Machine and Can It Help You Grow Your Business?

There are many types of businesses that could potentially benefit from a gutter machine. Whether or not such an investment could help you grow your business, however, depends on several unique factors. Here is what you should know about these machines and how to best utilize them to reinforce your brand by providing value-added services to your clients. What Is a Gutter Machine? A gutter machine is a piece of equipment that gives contractors the ability to create perfectly sized pieces of gutter on a jobsite. There are many types and styles of gutter machines, too. Typically, they can create 5”, 6”, or 7” gutters, and some can even create more than one through a combination design. These machines can also vary depending on how they will be installed and even transported, so it is important to truly familiarize yourself with the variety of machines available and how each one offers something unique. How These Machines Can Grow Your Business There’s no denying ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/construction-materials/10407-What-Is-a-Gutter-Machine-and-Can-It-Help-You-Grow-Your-Business.html

‘Today’s Homeowner’ Wraps 20th Season - Today's Homeowner

The “Today’s Homeowner” television show has wrapped taping for its 20th season. Viewers can look forward to one more 20th season episode, “Addition Rescue,” sponsored in part by Carrier, which airs the week of July 23. Meanwhile, the cast and crew have turned their sights toward season 21. The TH team recently met at TH […]

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/todays-homeowner-wraps-20th-season/

Today’s Homeowner Radio Show for June 23, 2018 - Today's Homeowner

Listen to the Today's Homeowner Radio Show for June 16, 2018.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/todays-homeowner-radio-show-for-june-23-2018/

June Home Maintenance To-Do List - Today's Homeowner

June is a perfect time to take care of those nagging home cleaning and repair chores before the summer heat becomes too much.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/june-home-maintenance-to-do-list/

8 Effective Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away This Summer

Backyard barbecues, playing catch with your child, relaxing by the pool… These summer activities are so close to perfect, but it only takes one tiny little intruder to completely ruin all the fun. Mosquitoes are hard to spot, but their bite is impossible to ignore. Keep them from ruining your outdoor fun this summer by applying these effective backyard mosquito control measures. 1. Eliminate Their Breeding Spots Effective mosquito control begins with ensuring mosquitoes can’t multiply on your property. And since mosquitoes need standing water to breed, you can increase your chances of having a mosquito-free backyard by eliminating all standing water from your property. Fix spots in your lawn that tend to collect water, remove toys and debris from your property, check your downspouts, empty the kid pools, and drain any other water you find. If you have a pool, don’t worry. The chlorine deters mosquitoes. 2. Don’t Forget About Your Birdbath You love the chirps ...

from 411HomeRepair.com https://www.411homerepair.com/diy/pest-management-ecology/10406-8-Effective-Ways-to-Keep-Mosquitoes-Away-This-Summer.html

#ProjectSpotlight: Timber conservatory

Living in a country with a long history comes with its perks, like the beautiful buildings, to start. But this can make home improvements difficult, particularly if you live in a listed area. Living in a conservation area can restrict what kind of home improvements you make, how big they are and the material you use. When it comes to tackling potential home improvement roadblocks like these ones, you need a company that can help you wade through the technicalities.

To construct a conservatory for their listed property, the Hutchings family chose Anglian. They liked that we could not only offer a timber conservatory that would comply with regulations, but flint work that would match their existing property. We could even take care of the planning paperwork, making the whole process smooth and easy. One timber garden room with two sets of French doors and Solaroof panels later, the Hutchings family was left with an added living space that won’t go out of style – just like their property!

Here’s what Mrs. Hutchings had to say about her new timber conservatory:

Q: Why did you decide to have a new living space installed?

A: We wanted the extra space.

Q: What made you contact Anglian in the first place?

A: We liked the fact that Anglian take care of the whole [process].

Q: Did you speak to any other companies, and if so, what made you decide to choose Anglian?

A: Yes, we spoke to other companies but decided to go with Anglian because they take care of the whole process.

Q: Can you tell us if or how the visit from the sales representative helped you in your decision?

A: We already knew what we wanted, and due to the property being a listed building, we had to have a timber conservatory, which Anglian could provide. The rep was great because he made possible what we wanted. We also really liked the surveyor and thought he was great.

Q: What factors determined your final choice of style, colour and material?

A: The conservatory needed to be timber due to our home being in a listed area, so that was a definite. Anglian could also create the same flint work so that the conservatory blended with the house.

Q: What’s your opinion of the Anglian service and installation you received? Did you have any particular concerns or requirements?

A: I was surprised by the service that we received, and don’t think Anglian receive enough recognition. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Anglian, and had no issues.

Q: What’s the best thing about your new installation, and what main differences have you noticed since having your installation?

A: Our property is less windy due to the conservatory blocking it. It has finished off the house and given us more space.

Do you live in a listed property? What home improvements have you made? Share with us your stories with us in the comments below!

The post #ProjectSpotlight: Timber conservatory appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/projectspotlight/projectspotlight-timber-conservatory/

Creating a Backyard Paradise with an Outdoor Fireplace - Today's Homeowner

Adding a Pavestone fireplace to your backyard paradise not only makes a statement, but it also makes your outdoor living space usable nearly year-round.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/creating-a-backyard-paradise-with-an-outdoor-fireplace/

Building Wing Walls with Pavestone Pavers - Today's Homeowner

Pavestone seat walls are a beautiful and functional addition to any paver patio and they’re easy to build.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/building-wing-walls-with-pavestone-pavers/

Chloe Spillett’s top tips for home-styling success

The national winner of last year’s “Styled By Me” competition Chloe Spillett shares her top tips for home and interior styling to help you compose a stand-out snap!

The Anglian Home Improvements Styled By Me 2018 competition is in full swing and entries are flooding in. If you’re thinking of entering but you aren’t sure how to take that prize-winning image, I’ve got a few styling tips to help you on your way.

There’s a huge collective of social media users who love nothing more than to showcase their homes, and I’m not ashamed to say that in this last year, I’ve become one of them. The community of interior-obsessed folk is ever-growing, and the likes of Pinterest and Instagram are great for getting lots of ideas and inspiration for updating your own home.

Sometimes it can be tricky to recreate the trends and looks you see on social media in your own front room.  So here’s my advice – don’t! It’s far better to forge your own unique sense of style and run with it!

My favourite Instagram accounts are the ones that are truly unique, but look a little closer and all of them have a certain “strategies” in common. Here are my top tips to help you style like a pro:

Work the room

All too often I see homeowners trying to create as much floor space as possible, usually by pushing all the furniture to the far corners of the room. Think carefully about the layout of your room, and how you want the space to work for you and your family. Some of the most aesthetically-surprising interiors have sofas pulled away from the walls and large rugs and coffee tables occupying the centre space. You can easily push the coffee table to one side if Wham comes on the radio.

Something old, something new

Styling a new space doesn’t mean you have to strip out all of your old belongings. My own home is filled with lots of antiques alongside newer purchases, and they make a great marriage. Mixing it up a bit can be the perfect way to personalise your interior scheme and to create talking points too. After all, opposites attract!

Include (some) negative space

Sometimes, less is more. I’m definitely more maximalist than minimalist, but that doesn’t mean you need to occupy every inch of space. If there’s too much going on, sometimes a scheme can lose focus. Let’s apply this to styling shelves; rather than lining up objects from one end to the other, try grouping objects together (odd numbers work better than evens). Include a range of different heights and shapes among those objects and make sure you’ve got empty space between your groupings.

There’s no perfect arrangement. I’m always switching things around in our own home – that’s half the fun!

Flaunt it with flowers

If you’ve done all of the above and still feel something is missing, it’s probably flowers. Fresh flowers can make a tremendous difference to our interiors and our soul. Seriously, who doesn’t like flowers?! As Claude Monet once said, “I must have flowers, always and always.” And if anyone knew their blooms, it was him.

Take a good photo

You don’t need to be a professional photographer to take a good photo! I follow hundreds of great Instagram accounts, and they can’t all be photographers, surely? I’m certainly not.

It’s possible to take a decent photo without a high tech camera. You can take a really strong shot on most modern camera phones. If you want to go the extra mile, there are some really great photo editing apps for enhancing your images without the use of Instagram filters.

So there you have it. These are some strategies that stylists can employ if they want to get their interiors noticed. But above all, the ones that really stand out are the ones who know the rules, and how to break them!

The post Chloe Spillett’s top tips for home-styling success appeared first on Good to be Home.

from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/fun/chloe-spilletts-top-tips-for-home-styling-success/

Fine-Tune Your Woodworking Projects with Just One Tool - Today's Homeowner

This set combines all the tools you need to fine-tune wood.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/fine-tune-your-woodworking-projects-with-just-one-tool/

This Household Product Doubles as a Low-Cost, Non-Toxic Fertilizer - Today's Homeowner

This household staple isn't just for sore muscles, small wounds and dry skin. Joe Truini explains how it can be a low-cost fertilizer.

from Danny Lipford - Home Improvement - DIY - Videos https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/this-household-product-doubles-as-a-low-cost-non-toxic-fertilizer/