Tag: Home Repairs

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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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How can you improve your commercial premises?

ASK Building & Repairs offer great conversion work on your commercial premises if required.

Maintaining commercial premises isn’t always an easy task and can feel like a full–time job. From building work to improvements and repairs, keeping on top of things is a huge task, but it can be made easier with the help of a local builder.

As well as helping to make the right impression for tenants and visitors, improving your property can increase its value and make it more attractive to potential renters. Here we discuss what you can do to make the most of your commercial premises, why seasonal changes mean new maintenance jobs and how a local builder can take the pressure off your shoulders.

Think about kerb appeal

If someone is visiting your property, what they see will influence their perception of you. Whether it’s a client, an acquaintance or a potential employee, if they think your premises look run down and shoddy, this assumption won’t reflect well on you and could even affect your professional reputation.  

Begin by looking at the exterior of your building. Does the external paintwork need updating? Are any hedges and shrubbery kept tidy and trimmed back? And are the parking spaces clearly marked out?

You may not notice these things if you see them every day, but they’ll be spotted by visitors instantly. By speaking to a local builder such as ASK Building and Repairs, they can advise on how they can enhance your property’s kerb appeal so it makes the right first impression. 

Keep on top of seasonal maintenance tasks

Unfortunately, England isn’t known for its predictable weather and changes in the seasons mean a different reason to take care of your commercial premises. Spring, for example, is the perfect time to assess any landscaping or gardening work needed in time for summer. It’s also a good opportunity to look at exterior paintwork, tackle fence repairs and clear the gutters after the autumn months.

On the other hand, the darker nights of winter mean other jobs need attending to, such as ensuring there’s enough lighting in the car park and checking ice doesn’t build up on the gutter line of the roof. These are all tasks that can be done by a local builder or property maintenance company that will make sure your building looks its best and stays safe for visitors all year round. 

Upgrade the reception area

If you’re thinking of improving the inside of your premises, it’s wise to emphasise the reception space strongly because it’s the first area visitors will see when they walk in. Adding a skylight or blinds that can be kept open will make the most of the natural light, while a fresh lick of paint will also make a huge difference to the waiting area. No one wants to walk into a dark and dreary-looking building, so adding soft lighting could also be considered to create a welcoming and hospitable environment.

Other maintenance jobs such as plastering, electrical re-wiring and the installation of new doors all have the potential to improve a property and set the tone for the visitor’s expectations. Although confident DIYers may feel comfortable tackling some of these tasks, employing the help of a local building and repair company can save a lot of time and shorten never-ending to-do lists. 

Insulate your commercial premises

Thanks to energy costs shooting up over winter, many people insulated their homes to keep them warm. But the benefits of insulation aren’t restricted to domestic buildings and have the capacity to improve commercial premises too. As well as protecting against damp and mould growth, professionally installed insulation can reduce heating bills and lower a building’s ECP eating. This, in turn, can raise the property’s value and influence the decision to become a tenant.

Insulating a commercial building also creates a more comfortable environment for employees and visitors by preserving heat, maintaining a comfortable temperature, and reducing sound.

Speak to ASK Building & Repairs About Upgrading Your Commercial Premises

Suppose you’re interested in having your commercial property insulated. In that case, it’s worth speaking to a local builder who will be able to discuss the project’s logistics and answer any questions you have. 

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Find a brand you can trust with your home repairs in Derby

ASK Building & Repairs are trusted home repairs in Derby

Whether you’re searching for a new car, choosing a new phone or researching home repairs in Derby, you want to invest your time and money in a brand you can trust. No one wants to waste their money on an unreliable and inconsistent business, but how do you know if the company and service you choose live up to your expectations?

Here we look at the experience ASK Building and Repairs has in different business sectors, how we’ve built strong relationships with local companies and why we work hard to be known as a brand you can trust with your home repairs in Derby.

Lots of experience across different business sectors

Even though Derby is a fairly small city, competition in the building and repairs industry is tough. We’ve often quoted for jobs knowing that other local builders were trying to win the work and that we’d be up against some big names. However, over the years, businesses and public buildings in Derby have chosen our repair services to improve their premises, and we’re really proud of this.

Along with carrying out renovation work on schools, we’ve won contracts to correct structural damage in hotels, repaired shops to make them safe and restored properties on behalf of letting agencies. Our experience across different sectors has been extremely varied, which has helped shape the ASK brand and reputation in our home city.

We build relationships as well as properties

There’s no doubt that the work we’ve completed across different sectors in Derby has given us lots of industry experience, but how can this help you choose a home repair service you can trust?

As a local business, we take our reputation within the community very seriously, meaning our high standards and hard work have led to a lot of repeat business. It means a great deal to us when managers and organisations trust us to improve the premises that people use every day and value our service enough to use it again. The relationships we’ve built over the years have turned Derby businesses into loyal customers, and we hope this provides reassurance if you’re looking for a reliable company to repair or update your home.

ASK us anything about the repair work we’ve done

Regardless of whether our customers need a roof repairing or want a garage conversion, we hope they see ASK Building and Repairs as a company they can trust. We understand that choosing a home repair service is a big decision, so we’re happy to answer any questions you have about our work.

Through Derby, we’ve made commercial and domestic buildings safer by carrying out roof repairs, solving plumbing issues, completing electrical work, and remodelling rooms, and we can show you photos of these projects if you’d like to see them.

We also have testimonials from the different businesses and individuals who’ve used our services, so you can see what our customers have said about the repairs we’ve done in the past. We’ve worked hard to build and maintain professional relationships over the years and want our future customers to feel we’re a home repair service they can rely on to make life easier. 

Contact ASK Building & Repairs

If you’d like to speak to Guy at ASK Building and Repairs about home repairs or a renovation project you have in mind, please email info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk or call 07773 019 410. He will be happy to answer any questions you have and arrange to visit your property so you can discuss the work in more detail.   

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How do I stop a leak in my roof?

ASK Building & Repairs hep people to fix leaks in your roof.

When we think of a leaking roof, the picture that pops into our heads is usually that of water pouring through a ceiling. While the signs of damage can be much more subtle, there’s no doubt that a leaking roof is a cause for concern and something that needs resolving. As a building and repair company in Derby, we’re often asked the question, ‘How do I stop a leak in my roof?’ In this blog, we discuss what to do if you have a roof leak, how to stop it temporarily and why hiring a professional roofer is the best solution.

What causes a roof to leak?

Many things can cause a leak in your roof. General wear and tear is the most common culprit, but broken/loose roof riles can lead to water trickling. Bad weather is another factor that can cause damage to a roof, mainly if there’s been a lot of rain or strong winds.

How do I find the leak in my roof?

If you suspect you have a leak in your roof, it’s a good idea to identify the problem so you can see the extent of the damage. Start by seeing if you can spot any signs of water on the walls and ceiling, such as watermarks and damp patches. If you have access to your loft, pop up and see if you notice a musty or mouldy smell or excess moisture. Circling the area with chalk (if you have any) will help you mark the original location and indicate how far the water is spreading.

A good time to investigate a leaking roof is after rainfall, as visible water can help you to pinpoint where the drip is coming from. Just don’t attempt to climb onto the roof yourself. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but you could accidentally cause more damage, which could bump up the cost of repairs.

Can I stop a leak in my roof?

Unfortunately, a roof leak won’t heal itself. The longer you ignore it, the worse the damage will be, which means bigger repairs in the long run. Because mending roofs and working at height is dangerous business, it’s best to leave the work to a professional roofer, however, you can do some first aid to try and minimise the damage. This won’t necessarily stop the leak, but can it help to keep costs down:

Catch the water

Try and contain the water in a bucket by placing it under the leak. This will also give you an idea of how much water is collecting.

Release the built-up water

This can sound a bit daunting but it’s a good idea to pierce a hole and create a channel for water to escape from. This will help you to control the flow of the leak too.

    Move furniture out of the way

    It goes without saying, but moving any furniture or belongings out of the way is also a good idea so they don’t suffer any water damage. You could also cover your carpet with plastic sheeting if you have any to hand.

    Take photos

    If you plan on claiming repair work through your insurance company, it’s worth taking some photos, as you may need to provide them as part of your claim. ASK Building and Repairs can help you with this, as we have plenty of experience in completing work under home insurance policies.

    Although you could apply a generous amount of roof patch to the leaking area, this will only serve as a temporary fix to stop the leak from causing any further damage. If you want to stop a leak in your roof, we’d always recommend speaking to a professional who can assess the damage and repair your roof safely.

    Why should I use a professional roofing service to stop a leak in my roof?

    If you’re a confident DIYer, the thought of fixing a cracked roof tile that’s causing a leak might seem simple, but it’s a dangerous job that’s best left to the professionals. Not only will they have the correct equipment, they’ll also be able to identify any other structural issues that need attention before they cause problems in the future.

    Hiring a qualified roofer will also give you peace of mind that the repair has been done properly. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to your roof by accidentally breaking tiles and worsening the water leak. Ultimately, having a leak in your roof can be very stressful, and professional roofers are very experienced in solving the problem quickly, safely and with minimum disruption.

    Contact ASK Building & Repairs in Derby

    If you have a leak in your roof and would like to find out more about getting it fixed, please give ASK Building and Repairs a call on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com. We’ll happily come out to your property to take a look at the problem and provide you with a no-obligation quote that will cover all aspects of the repair.

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    Using trusted builders in Derby like ASK Building & Repairs

    Finding trusted builders in Derby - use ASK Building & Repairs

    As a building and repair company, we receive a lot of enquiries from people who need work doing to their homes as part of an insurance claim. It could be that a pipe has burst in their kitchen and caused water damage. They often come to us if they are struggling with finding trusted builders in Derby.

    Or that a wall needs repairing after being hit by a car. But regardless of the circumstances, our customers often ask us whether they need to use the contractor recommended by their insurance company or if can they use a trusted builder in Derby instead.

    Here we discuss the benefits of choosing your own building company to carry out repair work as part of an insurance claim and how ASK Building and Repairs can help you.

    You are in control of the trader you have in your home

    As the policyholder, you are entitled to choose who carries out the work if you have repairs done to your property as part of an insurance claim. It’s quite likely that your insurance company will try and persuade you to choose a contractor they recommend because they have been offered a discounted rate for the work they receive.

    But this can often lead to contractors cutting corners because they need to complete more jobs to cover the cheaper rate they charge. You are very much in control of the builders you have in your home, so whether you’re happy to go with the insurance company’s recommendation, or you want to choose a trader that you know and trust, the choice is entirely yours.  

    What are the advantages of choosing your own trusted builder if you need insurance work doing?

    We regard ourselves as being trusted builders in Derby and understand the importance of feeling comfortable with the people who are working in and around your home. If you choose your own contractor to carry out our repairs as part of an insurance claim, you will have more control over the situation.

    Finding trusted builders in derby

    You may well know a builder who has completed work on your home before who you like and wants to use again because of their attention to detail. It could also be argued that the insurance company choose their contractors based on cost as opposed to reputation, which doesn’t always bode well, particularly if some of the work will be unsupervised.

    Dealing with an incident involving property repairs is stressful enough, so selecting a builder you’re familiar with and who is local to you can make the situation much easier.

    ASK Building and Repairs can help if your insurance company are dragging their feet

    The truth is that even if you’ve been paying into a policy for years, insurance companies will try and find a loophole if they can. ASK Building & Repairs has plenty of experience in completing work as part of home insurance claims and are happy to advise where we can.

    All too often, clever wording is used to try and sway the property owner into making a decision they’re not happy with, so speaking to us can give peace of mind, especially if the insurance company aren’t accommodating your needs.

    ASK Building and Repairs can also liaise with the insurance company on your behalf to cut down on admin tasks and help to free up your time. We make the process of finding trusted builders in derby so much easier.

    Finding your trusted local builders today – ASK Building & Repairs

    If you’d like to speak to Guy about any property repair work you need doing as part of an insurance claim, you can call him on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com.  

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    How should I choose a local building and repair company?

    Choose a local Building and repairs company available by ASK Building & Repairs.

    Choosing a local building and repair company to care for your home and garden repairs is a big decision. Not only are you investing your time and money into their business, but you need to ensure you’re happy with whoever works in or around your property.

    As reputable builders in Derby, we understand that it can be challenging to know whether you’ve chosen the right company for the job you need to do. To simplify things, we’ve put together some of the questions we think it’s worth asking building and repair companies before you agree to their quotes.

    Are they local to you?

    When you start to research a building company, it’s a good idea to find out whether they’re local to you and familiar with your area. If you’re in Derby, choosing a local business can have advantages because you’ll be dealing with people who are in the same community. They’ll also understand the importance of providing a personal, reliable service and will be more likely to go above and beyond to maintain their local reputation.

    Who will you be dealing with to find a local building and repair company?

    If you phone ASK Building and Repairs to enquire about a service, Guy will be the person who answers the phone and comes out to your property to discuss your enquiry. By having one point of contact, you won’t be passed from pillar to post and will always be able to speak to the person organising the work.

    You’ll also be able to get to know Guy before the repair or building work begins on your property, and he will be able to put your mind at rest if you have any queries or concerns. One of our pet hates is being put on hold while we wait to be connected to the right person, so we take communicating with our customers very seriously. We’ve even worked with a local marketing agency in Derby to help us with our communication.

    Are they happy to work on smaller projects?

    Some reputable builders in Derby prefer to take on more extensive construction and renovation projects. There will always be a demand for this work, but it’s essential to know that some traders are happy to take on smaller jobs too. Sometimes, finding the time to work through a list of DIY tasks can be difficult when we lead busy lives, and calling in a building and repair company can help reduce our ‘to-do lists.’

    Other factors are also to consider, such as mobility or not having the correct equipment needed to tackle the job yourself. At ASK Building and Repairs, we will never dismiss a job that customers may dismiss as being ‘too small or ‘not worth bothering someone about.’ All property repairs are essential, regardless of the time it takes to complete them, but it’s worth checking to see that the business you enquire with can meet your needs from the start.

    Can they show you examples of their work?

    Regardless of whether you need plastering, plumbing, painting, or gardening services, it’s not unreasonable to ask prospective building companies to show you photos of projects they’ve worked on. This can give you peace of mind if you want to ensure the builder is reputable and has the necessary experience.

    When looking for a local building and repair company, it’s also a good idea to have a look at their social media pages, as these can feature photos of projects they’ve completed in the form of ‘before and after’ posts. Ultimately, if the company you enquire with has any respect for their customers, they’ll go the extra mile to reassure you or address any reservations you have.

    Contact a local building and repair company

    If you’d like to speak to Guy at ASK Building and Repairs about a job you’d like doing or would like to learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can phone Guy on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk.

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    How to add value to your home – part 2

    Add value to your home with ASK Building & Repairs

    In our previous blog, we visited the topic of adding value to your home and what you can do to get the selling price you’re after. As a building and repair company in Derby, we’re often asked to make improvements to properties to make them more appealing to potential buyers. Providing advice on home improvements is what we do!

    From small maintenance tasks such as updating paintwork to bigger projects like insulating the loft, we can help get your home ready for selling so viewers think it’s worth every penny. Here’s how to add value to your home.

    Resolve structural issues

    As much as decorating and updating the inside of your home can boost its appeal, cosmetic improvements are fairly pointless unless any structural issues are addressed first. These can include external defects such as a leaking roof, missing roof tiles and a broken chimney stack, or internal problems like dampness, structural cracks in the walls or a collapsed floor.

    This sort of work will be at the more expensive end of the scale when it comes to getting your home market-ready, but failing to address these tasks could make a big difference to the figure you sell it for. It’s best to discuss any structural issues with a builder or surveyor who will offer professional advice on resolving them. Once your home’s foundation is secure, you can update its aesthetics, knowing you’re in a better position to ask for the selling price you want.

    Rewiring an old house

    Whether you’re selling the house you’re living in or buying a property to renovate and market for a profit, the electrics may need updating if the building is old. Rewiring the house might well cause some disruption, but installing a modern unit with an RCD (residual current device) is a valuable safety feature because it will automatically switch off the electricity if there is a fault. If you reassess the electrics, adding an extractor fan in the bathroom is also worth considering. This is especially important if the room isn’t well-ventilated, as this accelerates the growth of mould.

    You could also think about updating the lighting to make the most of the available space or add extra sockets to make the home more user-friendly. If you’re unsure whether your property needs rewiring or in need of an electrical update, you can speak to us for advice so you can make an informed decision.

    Insulate your loft to improve your EPC rating

    As energy bills remain sky-high and the cost of living shows no sign of changing, a home that saves money will stand out to a potential buyer. One of the ways you can add value to your property is by insulting your loft and making it more energy efficient. Up to 25% of the heat lost will be through the roof, so making this change has the potential to significantly reduce your outgoings. Providing advice on home improvements is what we do!

    How it adds value to your home

    This will increase the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating, which many buyers check before even viewing a property. Because economic features are very much on the radar, people can often be willing to spend more on a property if they can see their long-term outgoings will be less. What’s more, there is a direct link between improved EPC rating and higher property value, so opting to get your loft insulated could see you get the selling price you’re after.

    Project in mind? – How to add value to your home

    Whether you have a big project in mind or have a snag list of smaller jobs to get through, ASK Building and Repairs can take the pressure off your shoulders and free up your time. We are based in Derby and are happy to view properties throughout the Midlands to provide a non-obligation quote and discuss the work in person. If you’d like to speak to us, please call 07773 019 410 or alternatively, you can email info@askbuildingandrepairs.com.

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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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    Five reasons why spring is the perfect time to repaint the outside of your home

    ASK Building & Repairs can help with your exterior paint work in Derby

    Whether you’re in Cornwall or Derby, updating the paint work outside your home can make a massive difference to its appeal. It’s easy to overlook a property’s exterior in winter when we spend a lot of time inside. Still, as the lighter evenings lure us out of hibernation, it’s an excellent time to turn our attention to outdoor maintenance jobs and building repairs. Here are five reasons why spring is the perfect time to focus on painting projects and get the outside of your home looking its best for summer.  

    Spring provides the perfect painting weather

    Bad weather and paint are not a good combination. Although you can paint outside your home any time of the year, it’s best executed in mild weather. Cold temperatures can cause fresh paint to stain or grow mildew due to excess moisture, and hot weather can make it dry too quickly, then blister and crack. The spring climate is an excellent middle ground to freshen up your home’s exterior because the heat isn’t intense but severe frosts should be over and done with for a while.

    Increases the value of your home

    If you want to sell your property, it must look its best so it appeals to potential buyers. First impressions count greatly if you want your home to stand out for the right reasons, and painting the outside will give it an instant makeover. By making your property look its best, you’ll increase the value of your home and be in a better position to have the asking price accepted. If you’re hoping to have photos taken of your home in time for summer so you can get it on the market, spring is the perfect time to get started on any exterior paint work, which we can help with, especially if you are in Derby, and get the ball rolling.

    Give your home exterior some TLC

    It’s easy to neglect the outside of your home. With so much to do inside, paint work often gets put to the back of the to-do list as we focus on less time-consuming tasks. However, after years of being exposed to UV rays, ice, wind and storms, there comes a point when the exterior paint will suffer and could even change colour. Alfresco painting projects don’t need to be implemented every spring. Still, if the elements have taken their toll and the outside of your home looks stressed, the milder weather this season will give you the perfect opportunity to fix the problem.

    More drying time for exterior paint work in Derby

    Now the clocks have gone forward and British Summer Time has officially begun, we have more daylight hours, and the evenings are longer. This means more drying time for exterior paint work, especially on warm days. If you begin a painting project outside in the winter, the damp and cold weather will affect how long it takes to dry. Whether it’s you or a building repair company doing the painting, the dark afternoons will also affect the working day’s length because it’s nearly dark by 4pm. By carrying out the work in the spring, you’ll have more daylight hours to finish the job, and the paint will dry much better.

    More time for fun in the sun

    Whether you’re planning on repainting your fence or giving the outside of your home a facelift, if you tackle the job in the spring, your home will look its best in time for summer. There are very few who want to spend their days off outside painting in the hot sun or who want to host a BBQ outside a house that looks faded in colour. By beginning exterior projects in the spring, you’ll get the hard work out of the way in time for summer, so you can make the most of the weather and long evenings outside a home that looks its best.

    Contact ASK about exterior paint work in Derby

    If you’d like us to visit your property and offer a no-obligation quote for any exterior paint work in Derby, please call ASK Building & Repairs on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk. We’re always happy to give advice or go through any queries you may have.

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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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