The World Cup has kicked off in Russia, the sun’s out, the beers are flowing, football’s coming home – us Brits just love the summertime! Quick question: When was the last time you fired-up your boiler? “What!?” “The boiler?!” “But it’s 28 degrees outside!?” Yes, the boiler. As we get into the full swing of […]
What was once your new house, has now become your home. And just as that has developed and changed over time, your circumstances, family dynamics, needs, desires, and taste have almost definitely evolved also. Do you put your home up for sale and move out? Or do you choose to renovate and settle in for […]
“If your budget stretches to just one refit in the home, make sure it’s the kitchen. This has now become the showpiece area of the home. We don’t just cook in it, we do homework in it, we watch television in it and hold dinner parties there.” – Phil Spencer, TV Property Expert Wise words, […]
With a few warmer weekends behind us, you may finally have been able to invest some time into your garden, and start getting set up to enjoy the longer summer evenings. After cutting the grass, digging out those overgrown weeds, and clearing anything that didn’t survive the winter, you can take a step back to […]
Like many industries, builders use a variety of jargon − words and phrases that act as shorthand when people who work within it talk to each other. At John O’Connell Building Solutions we know that people outside the industry in most cases won’t understand these terms, so we try not to use them when talking […]
Do you know your Ashlar from your Asphalt? Do you know the difference between a Cesspool and a Septic Tank? What about; Benching, Flashing, Flaunching, or, Haunching? Whether you’re buying a property and requiring a surveyor’s report, or you’re planning on extending your home and needing to get quotes from builders, it is important to […]
Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of property letting or even a seasoned pro, it will always help to have a guide along the way. So here is our handy Landlords Guide to Property Maintenance, for all things concerning building maintenance and upkeep of your rental property. As a landlord, regular […]
With temperatures set to drop to as low as -11°C in some parts of the UK this winter, more cold nights are inevitable. And no one wants to spend their evenings shivering under layers of blankets. Using this handy list of top tips to help keep your home warm and in working order this winter, […]
According to the Office for National Statistics, as of August 2017, the average UK house price was £225,956. Up from the figure of £215,143 recorded for August 2016. That’s a £10,000 and 5% rise in a matter of 12 months. In 2015: £201,973; 2014: £191,932; 2013: £175,982; 2012: £170,902 (All figures from the month of […]
There are many different types of home improvements, all of which can add both to the quality of living for the occupant and significant monetary value to the property itself. A loft conversion is amongst the most popular home improvements due to the fact that they can help to increase floor area and create extra […]