Tag: Garden Repairs

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How can I winter-proof my home?

Winter-proof your home

As the crisp autumn air settles in and temperatures drop, the impending winter season prompts the need to prepare our homes for the chilly months ahead. With rising energy prices, it’s crucial to find ways to stay warm without excessively relying on heating. The recent energy price guarantee, which has been effective from October 1st, emphasises the importance of energy efficiency as annual bills for most UK households are expected to hover around £2,500. So below, ASK Building & Repairs talks about the best ways to winter-proof your home.

To help you stay warm and reduce energy costs, here are ten practical steps to winter-proof your home:

Banish Draughts in your Winter Proof home

Address the age-old issue of draughts by employing draught excluders or rolled-up blankets to seal gaps around windows and doors. Curtains can also serve as an effective barrier against chilly winds.

Clear Your Gutters

Prevent potential damp issues by clearing leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters. Ensure there are no overhanging branches that could contribute to clogs, potentially leading to flooding or leaks.

Boiler Check-Up Before Winter

Before the cold weather hits, give your boiler some attention. Please turn it on for at least 15 minutes weekly for general maintenance. Perform a pressure check (1-1.5 bar) visible at the front of the boiler. Schedule an annual professional service to ensure it operates efficiently.

Bleed Your Radiators before the cold hurts

Enhance radiator efficiency by bleeding them twice a year. This simple process removes air pockets that may hinder optimal heating. Feel the radiators – they should be hot at the bottom and excellent at the top.

Insulate Your Pipes

Prevent heat loss and potential freezing by insulating your pipes. You can easily purchase insulating tubing from DIY stores.

Check Insulation

Evaluate your home’s insulation, focusing on the loft, a primary area for heat escape. Discuss insulation improvements with your landlord or, if you own the property, consider investing in proper insulation.

Roof Inspection

Safeguard your home by checking the roof for broken or slipped tiles. Early detection can prevent leaks and water damage. If needed, seek professional assistance.

Locate Your Stopcock

Familiarise yourself with the location of your stopcock, usually found under the sink. Turning off the water supply can prevent pressure buildup and potential burst pipes in case of flooding or frozen pipes.

Chimney Maintenance

Whether you have an active fireplace or a sealed chimney, ensure it’s well-maintained. Water trapped in the vent can lead to damage, so check for any issues and address them promptly.

Smart Thermostat Consideration

Explore the benefits of a smart thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature efficiently. This technology ensures a constant, comfortable heat and can save energy.

By proactively addressing these key areas, you can ensure your home is well-prepared to face the winter chill while keeping energy costs in check.

Contact ASK Building & Repairs for help on winter-proofing your home

If you want to make your home winter-proof, ASK Building & Repairs are on hand to help. We’re always happy to hear from you on how we can help, and we’ll always be happy to provide a quote for any work that needs doing.

Just contact us via info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk – we’d be delighted to hear from you.

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How can a local repair company help me prepare my garden for autumn?

Now the evenings are drawing in, you might be tempted to leave any gardening jobs until next year when spring returns. But there are still plenty of things you can do to protect your plants and prepare your garden for the cold weather. Although we’re best known for carrying out local repairs in Derby, we also provide a range of outdoor services to make gardens easier to maintain for our customers. Here we look at the jobs you could do over the coming weeks that will help your garden survive the winter, and why it’s not too early to be thinking about the changes you want to make next year.

Clear up leaves and debris.

The leaves might look pretty as they change colour, but it’s worth sweeping them up as they start to fall. By clearing up leaves and other debris from your paths, grass, and paving slabs, you’ll let in as much light as possible and prevent mould from building up. Think of it as giving your garden a quick tidy up. Even a few minutes will make a difference and the outside of your house will be easier to navigate around.

Weather-proof your decking.

Autumn is the ideal time to prepare your decking before the harsh winter weather kicks in. Begin by removing any mould with a specialist cleaning product before staining it to add colour and protect against UV damage. Finish off by adding a waterproof sealant to stop any moisture from seeping in to extend the life of your decking. A company specialising in local repairs can help you with this and make sure your decking doesn’t pose any safety hazards before it’s prepped up for the colder months.

Prune back your garden hedges.

Although many people assume that summer is a good time to trim back the hedges in their garden, holding off until autumn has many benefits. By waiting until the season changes, you’ll avoid disturbing any birds who are hiding away during the nesting period. It will also help to maintain the hedges’ shape, which will provide shelter from harsh weather, and enable you to enjoy any late blooming flowers such as roses that add colour well into autumn.

Scarify your lawn and lay down fresh turf.

Arguably more technical than it sounds, scarifying your lawn is the removal of dead grass, moss, and other debris. This can be done with a metal rake and helps to improve the health of your lawn by making it easier for water, air, and other nutrients to be absorbed into the soil. It’s also a good idea to give your lawn a last mow or two before it gets too damp and lay down fresh turf if you need it. As a local repairs company, we regularly install lawn edging to make future maintenance easier, so this is an option worth considering if you’re not a fan of gardening or struggle to find the time.

Start thinking about any garden changes you’d like to make.

Spring may seem a long way off, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make new plans for your garden over autumn and winter. Plant any hedges that you’d like to add and relocate dormant trees and shrubs to a different space if you fancy a change. You can also get rid of any weeds and grass that are growing where you’re planning to put new plants as this will help them to grow faster. Although spring and summer really give keen gardeners the chance to shine, there’s still work to be done in autumn, so make the most of the dry days and the challenges that come with the changing season.

Contact ASK Building & Repairs for help with your local repairs and garden maintenance.

Contrary to popular belief, autumn is the ideal time to book in gardening work. Not only do contractors typically have more availability at this time of year, but it means your garden will be ready to enjoy when the evenings are lighter, and the weather improves again.

If you’d like ASK Building and Repairs to help you get your garden ready for autumn, or you want to enquire about booking in some work, please contact Guy by calling 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com.

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DIY Home Building Repairs in the UK: Tips and Tricks for Successful Projects

How have you found the school holidays so far? Is it a constant juggle between family time, work, and jobs that need doing around the house? Or have you managed to get away for a bit? If you’re very much in camp one, then you may have found that the summer DIY jobs and successful building projects you had planned have fallen by the wayside.

Tips to help your summer DIY projects run smoothly.

As much as the six-week holidays can be a welcome break from the school term routine, there’s a lot to factor in and those home improvements you had in mind can easily get pushed to the back of the queue. If you’re still determined to get a few things ticked off your to-do list, we’ve put together some pointers to ensure your building projects are successful and you avoid a DIY SOS over the summer holidays.  

Are you confident in tackling your home repairs?

Are you a confident DIYer? Someone who loves getting stuck into home improvement? If you’re a dab hand at painting, and mending a fence panel is second nature, then tackling some home repair jobs probably won’t feel too overwhelming. However, if you’re thinking about trying some DIY that you haven’t attempted before, going into unfamiliar territory while the kids are at home may well be a challenge too far, even if you’re optimistic!

Factor in extra time to complete your DIY and building projects.

If you want to make improvements to your home and get some successful building projects under your belt, be realistic about the time you have available and the experience you have in that area. Ask yourself what could go wrong if you make a mistake and whether the impact of that could cost more money in the long run.

Also, be aware that some DIY jobs such as electrical or plumbing work may need to comply with certain regulations so shouldn’t be attempted for safety reasons. Roofing jobs should also be left to the professionals because working at height is dangerous and it’s easy to cause further damage. So don’t be afraid to delegate your building or repair projects to contractors in Derby who will both save you time and get the job done quickly.

Do you have the right tools and equipment needed to complete the DIY project?

If you’re keen to tackle home repair and DIY tasks yourself, make sure you weigh up the safety risks they impose. This means making sure you have the correct tools to do the job properly, buying PPE if you need it, and preparing your home before you start your project.

If you’re keen to get started on some painting and decorating work, for example, you’ll need the correct brushes, a ladder, perhaps a pasting table, and coverings for your floors and furniture. Likewise, if you want to give your garden a makeover, you might need to stock on up on tools and materials such as a wheelbarrow, a pruning saw, shale, or fence panels. You may also have to organise a skip to dispose of any waste correctly.

Speak to a professional for safety advice.

Although safety should always be a priority when completing DIY jobs, it goes without saying that extra precautions need to be taken when the kids are at home and may want to ‘help.’ If you’re unsure of what you need to buy to ensure your building project is both successful and safe, it’s worth speaking to a tradesperson. They will help you decide whether the work imposes any risks that are best left to experienced and trained professionals.

Have you factored in enough time to do your DIY work?

If you’re planning on fitting a home repair project into the summer holidays, it helps if you’re realistic about how long it will take. With all the will in the world, tackling a DIY job that you expect to complete in a morning is a less realistic goal if the kids are off school. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should shelve the task completely. But it is a good idea to be aware that the work could take longer amongst school holiday chaos. By allowing yourself more time, you’re less likely to rush the work you’re trying to complete and make costly mistakes.

Remember that rushing can incur extra costs.

There’s no denying that the summer holidays are a good opportunity to get through a DIY list that’s been neglected for a while. Just be aware that rushing and cutting corners to save time can affect the end result and cost you more to correct the damage. This is particularly important if you’re trying to complete DIY work because you want to put your home up for sale and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Are there any DIY jobs on your list that are best done in summer?

If you have a lot of DIY jobs that have built up, it can be difficult to know where to start when you finally get a chance to get cracking. Unless there are urgent home repairs you need to get boxed off, it’s worth prioritising the tasks that best lend themselves to the warmer months.

Summer means more drying time.

We’re the first to admit that the rain has made completing some home repairs difficult. But when the weather is kinder to us, jobs such as exterior painting, fence maintenance, and attending to decking/patio areas are good ones to get started on. As a rule, anything that needs drying time is best done when the temperatures are warm and the days are longer so your handiwork isn’t ruined by dampness or frost.

Summer is also ideal to get started on any indoor painting and decorating jobs you’ve had planned because there are more daylight hours to see what you’re doing. It’s also a good opportunity to clear out your drains and gutters so they’re free of the debris that builds up over winter. While this job might not be your preferred way to spend a day off, it’s a much quicker task if you’re not battling the elements and a good one to get under your belt before autumn kicks in.

Contact ASK Building and Repairs for help with successful building projects.

If you’d like advice on completing DIY jobs successfully or need some help in getting through your to-do list this summer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call Guy on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com and he will answer any questions that you have.

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I need help with my garden

ASK Building & Repairs help with garden repairs.

Despite starting out as a property repair company, one of the most common phrases we’d hear from customers is, ‘I need help with my garden.’ Sometimes people would get in touch because they’d brought a house to renovate and found the garden needed attention too. On other occasions, customers wanted their garden to reflect their lifestyle, so it was easier to maintain. And often, gardens would need gutting and clearing to get rid of dead plants and other debris. In the end, the demand for garden work was so high we decided to add it to the range of home and repair services that ASK Building & Repair provides. Here we look at some of the most frequent requests we receive about gardens and how we can help you.

‘I need help with my garden – when should I book the work in?’

Although we provide garden maintenance services all year round, if you’re after big changes, it’s best to book the work during the cooler months. Not only is it easier to get the materials we need, but our contractors also have better availability. Booking early also means your garden will look its best in time for summer.

Garden makeover

No one wants to be sat outside on a warm evening with their garden in disarray because it’s in the middle of having a makeover. So, by getting the project started in winter or spring, it will be finished when you want to get the most use out of it. If you’re interested in making some smaller changes to your garden, there is a better chance of availability during the summer months, but larger projects are best booked in towards the beginning of the year.

‘I need help with making my garden easier to look after.’

Gardening is a hobby that a lot of people enjoy, but fitting it in can be difficult, especially if you have a large garden that needs attention. Over the last few months, we’ve seen an increase in demand for gardens that are easy to look after without compromising on presentation. The whole point of having a nice area outside is to enjoy and make the most of it, which is difficult to do if it’s overgrown and requires a lot of work.

Make changes to your garden

ASK Building & Repairs can help by making changes to your garden so it’s easier to look after. Adding shale, bark or paved areas all help to reduce general upkeep, and rockeries are self-sufficient but still a great way to display plants and flowers. Whether you have an idea in mind that you want to execute or would like some advice on ways to make your garden easier to look after, we can help.

‘I need help with clearing my garden.’

It’s very easy for gardens to become overgrown and need stripping back. This doesn’t necessarily mean that all plants and hedges need to be ripped out and taken away. Instead, it’s a great opportunity to remove any dead overgrowth and past its best so other things have more room to flourish.

Garden clearance is a common request we receive

Garden clearance is a common request if a house has been purchased and the outside needs some attention or if a customer cannot keep on top of their garden and requires more than a quick tidy-up. We can also dismantle and remove any old or unsafe structures, such as sheds and decking and organise skips to remove the debris. It’s brilliant to see a garden transform, and removing waste is the first step to take if you want to start afresh.

Need help with your garden?

If you need help with your garden and would like us to visit your property to take a look, please phone Guy on 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com. We’re happy to help with small garden jobs and more significant projects, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

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Tips on getting your garden summer ready

Utilise builders in Derby

In light of the RHS Chelsea Show that’s being held in London this week, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to discuss all things green with Guy, our director. Alongside running ASK Building and Repairs, Guy is a keen gardener with an allotment where he grows plants, fruit, and vegetables. In this blog, he discusses what you can do to make the most of your garden, current trends and why people looking for builders in Derby could also speak to Guy about getting their garden ready for summer.

Guy, what is your favourite flower and why?

I love sweet peas and carnations because they were my Grandad’s favourite flowers and he used to have them in his garden. They’re quite easy to grow and smell beautiful. My wife also loved those, and I used to pick them for her.

Do you have any tips for people who are quite new to gardening?

Wildflowers are a great choice if you want some colour in your garden and are good for the environment because they attract bees and other insects. You can buy a packet of wildflower seeds from garden centres, and they tend to come back year after year. Sunflowers, cornflowers and sweet peas could also be planted now and are fast-growing so you still have time to enjoy them in your garden over the summer.

What can people do that will make a big difference to the look of their garden?

If you want to give your garden a bit of a facelift, painting your fence a new colour can make an outdoor space look very different. Adding shale or slate is also great for a garden makeover, as it can be used for making borders or pathways. You can dig down through the shale and plant into the soil so your flowers grow but are self-contained.

Use your local builders in Derby to help

It can also be used to keep weeds under control, so it’s a great way to make your garden look neat but with very little maintenance. We cover both fence painting and garden maintenance as part of our services and always enjoy transforming outdoor spaces for our customers.

Are there any gardening services that have experienced an increase in popularity?

Since the pandemic, we’ve noticed that patio areas are more popular because people want somewhere to relax or entertain so they can make the most of their gardens. We’re also getting a lot of requests for rockeries, which are great if you want a low-maintenance garden because the plants in them tend to spread out. They also look great year after year, so they’re a real investment. Artificial grass is another popular choice for those who want their garden to look good but don’t have a lot of time to spend on it. We can help with all of these types of projects so our customers can enjoy a space with very little upkeep.

What sort of plants are good to purchase at this time of year?

If you want to invest in some new plants, check their labels or packets to make sure they’ll survive the frost so you can enjoy them year after year. Lavender is a good choice because it’s quite hardy and won’t get damaged in frosty weather. The bees love it too!

Use builders in Derby to build your roses

Roses, especially climbing or rambling roses, are also lovely and spread up the fence, which looks really pretty. If you plant them now, you should still get some colour this year if you buy a decent-sized plant and look after it properly.

Is it too late to get gardens ready for summer?

We generally advise people to get big garden projects booked in early to avoid disappointment, but we can still help with getting the outside of your home ready for summer. If you don’t want a complete overhaul of your garden but want it to have a bit of a makeover, decking is a great choice and installing steps can add interest or make it more accessible.

As builders in Derby – we can assist you

Regarding planting flowers, bedding plants will be available for another month or so in garden centres, so it’s worth looking and seeing what’s there. Although we’re builders based in Derby, we will always happily assist with any garden projects you have in mind or want to pursue. Gardening is a real passion of mine, and it’s lovely when customers want to discuss their plans with me.

Contact your local builders in derby – ASK Building & Repairs

If you’d like to learn more about the gardening or maintenance services ASK Building and Repairs provides in Derby, please call Guy on 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com.

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What’s the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?

What’s the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?

If you fancy adding some shade and functionality to your garden, the idea of investing in a gazebo or pergola has probably crossed your mind. Although they’re both similar when it comes to their purpose, they do have important differences that should be considered before you decide to make a purchase.

Because we provide garden services in Derby, people often speak to us for advice on choosing the right structure for their outdoor space. In this blog, we look at the difference between a gazebo and a pergola to help you pick the proper structure and design for your garden.

What are the characteristics of a pergola?

  • A pergola is simple in design, with a slatted, rectangular roof supported by four columns or pillars.
  • Because they have open sides and let in light, pergolas are great for creating a living or dining space where you want to stay bright and sunny.
  • Pergolas can be standalone structures or extend from the side of your property for a more seamless look.
  • They come in varied shapes and sizes to suit the size of your garden and can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, stone or even aluminium.  
  • Pergolas tend to be secured onto the ground, which is why you see them attached to a patio or decking.
  • Because pergolas are open structures, you must add furniture underneath to make it a functional space. The seating isn’t attached or built-in.
  • Pergolas are more versatile than gazebos and easier to customise to your own taste. They’re also very easy to decorate with hanging lights, plants, or vines placed over the top.

What are the characteristics of a pergola and a gazebo?

  • A gazebo is a freestanding, rounded structure with a covered roof, providing complete shade.
  • Gazebos tend to have a more intricate design than a pergola and are more enclosed. They usually have one open entrance and half-walls on the remaining sides, so they offer more shelter from the elements.
  • Because they’re freestanding, gazebos have their own foundation and are usually raised from the ground with a step that takes you inside.
  • Unlike pergolas, gazebos stand-alone and are placed further away from the property. They are best for creating a shaded centrepiece in the garden.
  • Gazebos often come with built-in benches along the sides, so you don’t need to purchase other furniture to sit on.
  • Because they have more structure than pergolas, gazebos tend to be more decorative. Their railings, arches and spindles can be quite ornate, especially compared to a pergola’s four posts.
  • A gazebo is typically made from wood, and it’s very rare to see them made from other materials such as metal and stone.

How do you know whether a gazebo or a pergola is the right choice for your garden?

The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is that pergolas define a space and help you to make the most of it, whereas gazebos create a space because they’re set apart from your property.

Make the correct choice for your home

To make the correct choice for your home, it’s important to think about your needs and what you want to use your outdoor structure for. If you want a more shaded design and a separate space that you can use for entertaining and relaxing, a gazebo is a good choice. However, a pergola is the better option if you want a structure that provides partial shade, more light and an obstructed view.

The other thing to consider before making an investment is the size of your garden. If you have a big lawn, a gazebo is ideal for creating extra living space. But if you have a limited surface area outside, a pergola can act as an extension of your home without requiring as much room.

Speak to ASK Building and Repairs for advice on making the most of your garden and home

If you’re considering purchasing a structure for your garden but would like some advice on the right option, ASK Building & Repairs can help. Whether you’d like a pergola or gazebo installed or you’d like to give your outdoor space a complete makeover, you can contact us at 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk. We’ll answer any questions that you have about the project you have in mind and provide you with a no-obligation quote if you’d like one.

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What are the pros and cons of installing artificial grass?

Artificial Grass - Installing artificial grass with ASK Building & Repairs

Artificial lawns can be a controversial subject. While some people have made the decision to swap from real grass to artificial variety, others are still very much against making the switch. At ASK Building and Repairs, we regularly install artificial grass in Derby and are often asked whether it’s a good investment for the garden. To help you determine whether it will suit your lifestyle, we’ve looked at the pros and cons of installing artificial grass and having it in your garden, so you can make a balanced decision.

What are the benefits of installing artificial grass?

Low maintenance

If you’re not a fan of gardening, artificial grass could be the solution you’re looking for. Because it doesn’t need mowing or watering, it requires very little maintenance and upkeep. This means you don’t have to dedicate time to keeping your garden tidy when you’re busy or if it isn’t something you enjoy.

Weather resistant

Unlike natural grass, the artificial kind looks excellent in all weather throughout the year. You won’t have to worry about it going yellow in the summer, being muddy or not draining correctly when it rains. Instead, you’ll have a lawn that looks aesthetically pleasing, whatever the season, and be useable all year round. 

Child-friendly

If you have little ones, artificial grass is a child-friendly alternative because it’s mess free and requires no chemicals or pesticides for its upkeep. Its cushioned texture also makes it a comfortable surface for them to play on, particularly when they’re young. Installing artificial grass is also a good option if you have play equipment in your garden, such as slides or trampolines, because the lawn underneath them won’t fade or discolour.

Good for allergy suffers

Because artificial grass is allergy-free, it’s perfect for hay fever sufferers. Grass pollen is commonly a cause of symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and a scratchy throat, which can make spending time in the garden difficult. Artificial turf is pollen-free, so you’ll be able to enjoy your new lawn without worrying it will trigger your allergies.

Mud free

Muddy laws can be a real bugbear in winter when the weather is wetter, especially if you have a dog who likes digging! Artificial lawns are mud-free, which means no more muddy footprints, no more digging for our pets and less time spent cleaning the floors. 

What are the cons of installing artificial grass?

It can heat up on hot days

As much as England isn’t known for its tropical climate, artificial grass can get hot in extreme heat. Spraying the grass with cool water, wearing shoes and not sitting directly on the grass can all help in the event of a heatwave, but it’s worth noting that a real lawn won’t reach such a high temperature.

It can take the joy away from gardening

As much as the low-maintenance aspect of artificial turf can be a selling point for some people, others prefer the look and smell of a real lawn. If you find gardening enjoyable and take pride in its appearance, you may prefer to stick with real grass instead of synthetic to keep your garden as natural as possible.

Reduces biodiversity

Installing artificial grass could reduce the biodiversity of your garden because it’s not a suitable habitat for wildlife. As much as they can look like the real thing, the synthetic fibres don’t provide any food for living creatures such as birds and insects because they restrict access to the soil underneath. If you’re big on nature, this option might not tick the right box for you.

Natural grass is longer-lasting

Depending on the quality of installation and the type you go for, artificial grass is expected to last 7-15 years. This is still long and will provide you with years of fuss-free lawn. However, some people still prefer the natural option because it requires more maintenance and has a longer lifespan. 

If you’re interested in installing artificial grass but unsure whether it’s the right choice, we’re happy to discuss it with you. Please contact Guy on 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com, and he will talk through the options with you or arrange to view your garden and provide a no-obligation quote.

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How to add value to your home – Part 1

Update your garden with ASK Building & Repairs to add value to your home

If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s important to add as much value to it as possible. This doesn’t always mean you need to begin a big construction project or renovate every aspect of the property, but there are repair and maintenance jobs that will make a big difference to its appeal.

How to add value to your home

First impressions count for a lot when you’re trying to sell up, but as a building company in Derby, we can take the pressure off and help to make your home as desirable as possible for potential buyers. 

Update your home’s exterior to make the right impression  

The outside of your home is the first thing people will see, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good shape. Buyers are likely to decide whether they like a property before they’ve even set foot out of the car, so the exterior needs to make sure it sets the right tone for the rest of the viewing.

Repainting brickwork is a good starting point, along with making sure your doors and windows are clean and damage free. You could also repair any broken cladding or consider adding plants and a trellis to soften the property’s appearance. Sometimes even the smallest changes can make a huge difference to your home’s kerb appeal and help it sell for the price you want, so it’s worth focusing your attention on or hiring the skills of a professional.

Make sure your garden is neat and tidy

Making sure your garden is well-kept and tidy will reflect well on your home. You don’t necessarily need to re-design your backyard, but there are steps you can take to ensure potential buyers have a good first impression of your property.

Adding a fence (or fixing a broken one) will improve privacy, while a decking area will add a functional living area between the house and the garden. It’s also a good idea to carry out basic tasks such as weeding, cutting back overgrown hedges, and ensuring the lawn is mowed and well-kept. If this sounds like too much maintenance, then there is always the option of artificial grass. You could also add coloured plants or paving slabs to your garden to add interest or a patio area for relaxing. Whatever you choose, the main thing is to ensure your garden is neat and tidy and shows viewers its full potential. A landscape gardening company can advise and help ensure your front and back yard is an extension of your home.

Address any decorating work and focus on the small details

Painting and decorating are usually the first tasks that spring to mind when it comes to updating your home before it goes on the market. You don’t need to give every room in the house a makeover, but smoothing over the small details will make a big impact.

Painting over any scuff marks or watermarks, replacing loose wall tiles and filling in cracks in the ceiling are all tasks that should be ticked off your list before the estate agent takes photos. It’s also advisable to replace mouldy sealants in the bathroom, get rid of peeling paint and mend any dripping taps so potential buyers aren’t tempted to form a snag list of improvements. These jobs can be easily resolved if you’re a confident DIYer but are also covered by ASK if you want assistance or professional advice.

A range of building services provided by ASK Building & Repairs

As a building and repair company in Derby, we provide a range of services that will help to get your property ready for selling. From painting and decorating, to gardening and brick work, we can visit your home to discuss the work you’d like doing and provide you with a no-obligation quote.

Let us help you add value to your home

If you’d like to speak to us about the project you have in mind, please call ASK Building and Repairs on 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com. He will answer any questions that you have and arrange an appointment to visit your property and discuss the work in person.

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Top 6 home repair jobs to tackle in the spring

Home Repair Jobs are in Derby

Winter is rarely kind to our houses and gardens. Cold temperatures, rainstorms, overnight frosts and strong winds all take their toll and often leave us with a list of home repairs to tackle when spring finally emerges. While some jobs are easy to spot, some require a little more attention so the damage doesn’t escalate and leads to more expense. Find out from ASK Building & Repairs what the best home repair jobs are to undertake in Spring.

What are the best home repair jobs?

There will always be aspects of your home that need maintaining, but the longer days and lighter evenings make spring the perfect time to fix issues that have been neglected over winter and help to get it to summer ready.

Check your roof for damage

Our roofs are in the firing line regarding bad weather, so once the winter months are behind us, having them checked is a good idea to identify any repair work needed. In some cases, you might notice some tiles missing or the flashing around your chimney has come loose. But there might be some damage that isn’t quite so obvious, which could still cause leaks if it continues to be neglected. While it can be tempting to inspect your roof yourself, it’s a job that’s best left to the professionals who will be used to working at height and have the experience to handle and replace any missing tiles. Attempting the repair work yourself is dangerous, but you could cause more damage and dislodge other tiles.

Give your gutters a clean

Because they’re above eye level, our gutters often get forgotten, but they mustn’t be ignored altogether. Over the autumn months, they often become blocked with leaves, mud and other debris, which can stop them from draining correctly and lead to dampness and mould. From an aesthetic point of view, gutters clogged with grime aren’t a pretty sight and could mark the facias on your roof. Even if you’ve had your gutters cleaned during the winter, the weather conditions they’re exposed to often causes the problems to resurface, so it’s worth getting them looked at to remove any remaining sludge that could cause them to clog up and overflow.

Make plans for the garden

As a rule, we don’t spend much time in our gardens over winter, so they don’t tend to look their best by the time spring comes around. Mowing the lawn, replanting flowers and tidying the hedges are all jobs that can be done during the lighter evenings, along with dusting down the patio furniture, so it’s ready to use. Spring is also the perfect time to plan if you want to change your garden by adding decking, paving slabs or a new patio. Because landscape gardeners often get booked up in advance, it’s wise to book the work early so you can enjoy the changes you’ve made when the weather warms up.

Repaint and home repair jobs like fences

Continuing with the theme of gardens, if your fence has cracked or panels have become loose over winter, you might need to commission some repair work to make it more secure. Harsh weather conditions such as rain, sleet and strong winds can all impact the strongest fences and mean they need a bit of TLC in the springtime. Sometimes, repainting is enough to recondition your fence and give it a makeover. Still, there will be occasions when it needs fixing by professionals who can replace broken posts and panels to certify its safety.

Turn off the heating and check on the plumbing

Although the increased cost of living has meant many of us have had the heating on less than normal, when the thermostat is down or turned off completely, it’s an excellent opportunity to address any plumbing issues. Bleeding your radiators, unclogging drainpipes or investigating any slow water leaks are all jobs worth ticking off your list before they begin to present problems or cause damage to your property. It’s also worth noting that the demand for plumbers is less in spring compared to the winter months, so if you do need any work done, the good news is that it will be easier to get it sorted quickly before costs escalate further.

Paint the outside of your house

Although you can paint outside your home at any time during the year, it’s a job that best lends itself to mild weather. Cold temperatures can cause fresh paint to grow mildew or stain due to excess moisture, and hot weather can lead it to dry too quickly, then blister and crack. The spring climate provides the perfect middle ground to freshen up your house’s exterior because the heat isn’t too extreme, and frosts should be over and done with. Giving your paintwork a revamp will also mean your home looks its best in time for the summer months when you’re most likely to spend time outside and appreciate the exterior of your house.

Want some advice on home repair jobs?

If you’d like some advice on any of the maintenance tasks around your home and garden, ASK Building & Repairs are happy to help. We can look at your property if you’d like a no-obligation quote or give our professional opinion if you’re unsure whether you need the repair work done. You can contact us by calling 07773 019 410 or sending an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk.

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Why spring is the perfect time to re-do your garden

Why winter is the best time for garden improvements

We tend to think about the garden improvements we’d like to make during the warmer months. Once the sun starts to shine and it’s warm enough to sit outside, we often turn our attention to the jobs that need doing and wonder whether it’s time to add that new decking, invest in a patio or even have the garden landscaped. But as much as summer can turn our attention to the outside of our homes, it is often too late to get the work done in time.

Garden Improvements in Derby

Although many businesses that provide gardening services in Derby receive the most enquiries during the summer, you might be surprised that the colder months are the best time to book the work you’d like. Knowing what changes you’d like to make to your garden when it’s cold and neglected over winter might be challenging, but here’s why thinking ahead can help.

Shorter turnaround times for Garden Improvements

If you contact a garden maintenance company in June because you’re interested in making improvements, there’s a good chance they’ll already be booked up. This could mean the transformation you’d dreamed of won’t be ready until later in the year when summer has passed, especially if the job is complex.

By planning and contacting businesses that provide gardening services in the early spring, you’ll be much better positioned to enjoy your new garden in the summer. No one wants to sit out on a warm evening with their garden in disarray because it’s being worked on. But by booking ahead in the cooler months, you’ll be able to appreciate the improvements that have taken place and really make the most of your garden once summer hits.

Garden Improvement materials are easier to source

Amid summer, garden materials are in high demand. For gardeners, getting hold of the right goods when needed can sometimes be easier said than done and lead to delayed projects. During the cooler months, these materials aren’t as sought after, meaning suppliers have a better chance of delivering them in the identified time period.

This is especially important if gardeners are working on a big transformation and don’t always know at what point in the project they’ll need certain materials. By booking in the work during quieter periods, suppliers will be more likely to keep up with demand and have the materials available when gardeners need them.

You don’t use your garden as much when it’s cold

When your garden is being worked on, things can get untidy. The digging up of soil and clearing of greenery can be messy, so your garden is often out of bounds when a project is being completed – hardly an ideal situation during the summer when you want to use it the most.

Because improvements to our gardens can make things seem a little disorganised when the project is in full swing, it’s best to book the work in when they’re in low use. By opting to have the work completed in the spring when temperatures can still be quite low, it won’t seem as inconvenient because you won’t be using your garden as much when it’s still a bit cold and damp outside.

Gardening projects can be more difficult in the summer

The ground tends to be softer in the winter and spring months before the high temperatures kick in, which is much easier for gardeners to work with. Whether you’ve chosen a patio, a new fence or decking, excavating the ground will be much quicker and easier if it isn’t rock-hard or very dry because of the sun. What’s more, shrubs and foliage often need to be moved during gardening projects, and they’ll be better protected if they’re not dug up and re-planted at the height of summer.

Learn more from ASK Building

If you’d like to learn more about how ASK Building and Repairs can help transform your garden, please call us on 07773 019 410 or email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com, and we’ll answer any questions that you have.

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