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by UK Oak Doors
on Aug 29 2012
Sometimes it’s hard to explain exactly why you love something and cherish it above other similar things you could have chosen instead, anyone that's been to a wedding and heard the groom's speech will know what we mean. Art is another good example where ambivalent appeal defies precise explanation and this only adds to its integrity and cache.
This may seem like the most romanticised introduction to a blog on doors imaginable, even more so than the tipsy groom mentioned above, but it’s quite common for people to hold a deep fondness for really good wood. In fact our fondness and love for good wood is bordering a medical condition but we are comforted by running UK Oak Doors as this has brought us into contact with other sufferers of the condition, or ‘customers’ as we like to call them. Sometimes however, on receipt of a solid oak door from UK Oak Doors customers may be perturbed to see that it is made up of two or three separate boards not one big lump so we thought we’d explain a bit more about how we make them and why...
Single board construction or not?
As much as we’d like to use one whole lump of oak for one door this would be extremely expensive for the customer and even more costly to the environment. The number of trees to door ratio would be excessive and the finished product would be prone to movement too. So what are the alternatives? Well, you can use cheap materials for the core (ie particle board) of the door structure then stick on a wood veneer, that practice is widespread across other internet suppliers (also known as engineered doors). It’s cheap but not very cheerful. This is like eating a hamburger with dog food stuck between two buns, from a distance it looks fine but it’s not going to fool anyone for very long.
A dog food burger, charming – What’s the other option?
The other option is to construct the door from separate boards of solid oak. We choose to use three boards for the best mix of strength and resistance to warping. We have tried two and four boards but for the majority of doors the best mix for long term stability and warp resistance is three. This maximises the long term life of the door whilst ensuring what you see is what you get – 100% solid oak using mortice and tenon joints with no composite or honeycomb core and no veneer.
Veneered doors have a much shorter life and wear and tear is immediately obvious and unappealing whereas with solid oak doors wear and tear adds character providing they have been adequately protected with oils or waxes. Only the most superior oak is chosen for the doors meaning you are guaranteed to get gorgeous swirls of oak grain rippling from top to bottom that like a fine wine will get better with age. Also, by using solid oak you can trim down doors more than with veneered doors to get the best fit for your doorway.
Apart from the look of the grain what makes UK Oak Doors so special?
As much as we’d like to take credit for the look of oak grain,we can’t, it’s one of natures gifts. We can however take credit for using construction methods that show off the oak at its best and for the longest possible duration. We use mortice and tenon joints for the most solid possible build quality. How many companies can supply you with a product for around a couple of hundred quid that will be handled and operated on a daily basis that with only a bit of regular maintenance will still look good at the turn of the next century? And all of the wood used in construction is 100% solid European oak taken only from sustainable forests which overall means we must adhere to PEFC guidelines to ensure the minimum amount of waste packaging and environmental impact from start to finish.
If you suffer from the same condition we do, a deep passion for good wood, unfortunately there is no cure. But you can satisfy your affliction with a 100% solid oak door from UK Oak Doors, don’t worry, help is at hand.
News
Woodland Trust Names Sixty Diamond Jubilee Wood Sites
by UK Oak Doors
on Aug 22 2012
Queen Gets Wood!
Jubilee Wood Sites
The Woodland Trust has revealed the locations of sixty sites for new woods in the UK. In a project to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee landowners have planted millions of trees with each plot averaging around 60 acres, which is about the same as 30 football pitches. The landowners included schools, colleges, race courses, local councils as well as the National Trust. The plan is to plant a total of six million trees in 2012 which includes 250 smaller woods as a lasting commemoration of the 60 years of the Queens reign. Both the Queen and Prince Charles are said to be thrilled. Prince Charles is well known for his love of trees including a well reported penchant for talking to plants.
The flagship wood is being created in Leicestershire in the National Forest Estate although so many landowners came forward to offer their support that the options for the organisers were numerous. The emphasis has been on sustainability and to create thriving eco-systems within the areas so it’s not just about the trees. The flagship wood in Leicestershire will be bigger than the total area of Regent Park in London and the National Trust said it would create a habitat for wildlife ranging from otters to Yellowhammers.
The Diamond Woods as they are being referred to will only be made up of native tree species and can be found in the following areas, Truro in Cornwall, Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides, next to Loch Ness in Scotland and at the Universities of Nottingham, Warrick and York. In fact there were so many offers of land to plant commemorative trees that 25 ‘Princess Woods’ are now planned to commemorate the years before the Queens accession.
Georgina McLeod is director of the Jubilee Woods for the Woodland Trust and she said,
"We're absolutely delighted that so many different organisations and landowners have joined with the Trust to create these 60 very special Diamond Woods. They will help make a massive difference to the environment and pay a special tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.” Yet many people across the UK have expressed their dismay that millions of pounds is being spent on the jubilee without any lasting legacy or anything to show for it. Georgina McLeod addresses this point, “By the end of the project millions of people will have planted trees, a testament this to the nation's love for trees and our second longest reigning monarch." It is good news for supporters of the monarchy and republicans as the woods project will benefit the whole country, not just the people either but millions of forest dwelling creatures now with new digs after this year.
News
Impranol – The Only External Treatment We Recommend
by UK Oak Doors
on Aug 09 2012
We're aware that the most time people spend on considering the look of their front door is spent on choosing the actual style of the door. Should it be a modern looking contemporary door or does the architecture of the house deserve a more classic and traditional entrance? We are also aware that this is probably the fun part too as you are choosing the greeting your house will give you, your family and your guests every time upon arrival.
News
Lights, Camera, Action – Could Your Home Star In a Movie?
by UK Oak Doors
on Jul 31 2012
OK, so most of us are understandably house proud. We've put a lot of thought, effort and bank holiday barneys into getting our home just how we like it and sometimes getting your mates round for a BBQ isn't enough to show off your new solid oak front door. So what do you do? How about making it the set for a Hollywood blockbuster for the ultimate bragging rights? Well it might be a long shot but homes of all types and sizes are required by location managers for TV and film sets and pride would not be the only reward as it pays well too.
So what sort of homes are required?
Sarah Eastel of film-locations.co.uk has over 2,500 properties on the books from all over the UK and now with the popularity of viral videos for the internet that figure is growing too. She explains, "Within the M25, where most production companies are based, we cover the whole range: from deluxe apartments and mansion houses to normal family homes, run-down flats and even derelict properties."
Obviously film and TV programs cover a huge spectrum of story lines from fantasy to gritty realism and so there’s a need to authentically reflect this as a backdrop for the action. Some families have enjoyed a nice little bonus when a disused barn has been chosen for a new TV program after hearing nothing for years from the location management companies.
What’s it worth?
The price paid to the owners of any film location set varies hugely depending on the property but anything from £500 to £3000 is achievable. Don’t forget there will be a huge amount of disruption that accompanies this as it’s not just the film set area that will be occupied by those working on the film.
There will also need to be changing rooms, make up areas, a canteen and storage facilities. Sometimes these are provided in trailered facilities by the production company but in other circumstances the production crew may request the use of the rest of the house. This is entirely negotiable but it might be the case that the money you earn for renting out your house is immediately spend on a holiday for the family elsewhere, which isn't a bad deal is it? You would also be paid 50% of the fee for the ‘set up’ time it takes the production company to get the place ready for filming and any renovation costs to get it back to how it was before the film crew arrived.
Interested?
If you google “Location Managers for TV and Film Sets” you will be furnished with a selection of companies that can help. All you need to do is to send off a few digital photos of the property that you think may be of interest and wait for the reply, good luck!
Images courtesy of sxc.hu
News
Restoring A Property to Its Former Glory
by UK Oak Doors
on Jul 13 2012
The Art of Restoration...
For us it can be telly heaven. Watching an over ambitious novice property developer wildly underestimate budgets and timescales whilst forcing his wife and new born to live in the shed for three winters. That’s the melodrama whilst the ‘against all odds’ editing provides the satisfying sense of achievement with the glory of final completion.
Sure, it’s possible to tell how over budget the build has gone with the sound off by the owners subsequent hair loss but it’s the satisfaction of seeing a previously dilapidated wreck transformed into something wonderful that makes the journey cathartic and not 'docu-schadenfreude'. And stalwart of TV, Grand Designs, is by no means the only option. Beeny’s Restoration Nightmare and Restoration Man have provided a salacious fix of highs and lows amongst others.
Realistic Vision
So what’s it really like to restore a period property from tumble down wreck to domestic bliss? Micheal Booth is a property developer who took on an impressive renovation project in Yorkshire, he reveals the faith you need to have in the potential of a property.
"The decay was total throughout," he remembers, "but I couldn't resist it. It became a wool merchant's house after it was built in the late 1800s and still had a wonderful sense of grandeur, but it had been converted into three apartments in the 1970s and hadn't really been touched since.” However, having faith will only get you so far as the vision for how an old property that was designed for a previous age or non domestic use will be transformed to modern day living needs to be realistic. Realistic in terms of budget and function.
Life During The Build
could your family live in this?
As prospective developers consider the possibility that the collective value of their assets will allow them the funds to play Grand Designs the figures get in the way of hum drum basic planning. Where for example will you live during the build? If a previous house is sold to pay for the project can the kids be packaged off to the grand parents for 12 months? Maybe you don’t mind living on a building site but will the family? As a extremely fortunate piece of luck Micheal Booth managed to extend the completion date after the sale of his house for another year. "There was no way I could live in it while I did it up," he says. "I stripped everything back to a shell and allowed a year to put it back together again."
Period Features Balanced with a Contemporary Feel
Micheal's property is well over a hundred years old so there were an abundance of period features that could be preserved. Here again though there must be a consideration for the long term future of the residents of the building as much as the romance of the long term past and the hindrances that can bring.
Do you want to rescue a period building to preserve as a monument to the past alone or can you retain a buildings ancestral character whilst allowing new life to flourish in contemporary fashion unrestricted? Or more to the point will the local building regulators be open minded enough to let your architect design for today in sympathy with the region's history. Micheal was allowed to replace single pane windows with double glazed sash windows, drop the ceiling to accommodate wiring and even remove a few walls to make the space more ‘liveable’. Of course, features such as architraves, skirting boards and doors were replaced with precise copies to match the cherished originals.
Be warned though because many who successfully renovate a property and are quids in at the end of it often enjoy the project so much it becomes more than a one off and becomes a lifetimes work. Micheal admits honestly, "I've really enjoyed renovating this place and had every intention of staying here, but I've seen a wonderful old farmhouse which I've fallen madly in love with and I have to sell this place in order to buy it.”
News
Oak Processionary Moths A Threat to the Olympics?
by UK Oak Doors
on Jul 11 2012
Unwelcome Guests Without Tickets Set To Spoil Olympics in London
It’s not often that an ecological news story breaches the sports section of the Sunday papers but recently a small caterpillar from Holland did just that. Indeed, it's not often anything from Holland makes the sport section outside of football but now there is a genuine concern that the oak processionary moth (OPM) could spoil the Olympics this summer. And no, they don’t work at Heathrow as immigration officials either.
The actual moths themselves aren’t the real reason for alarm but the caterpillars that proceed them in their life cycle and the 63,000 hairs they are covered in. These hairs are particularly toxic and cause a host of allergic reactions and the problem is made worse because as the hairs can detach from the host becoming airborne, so a person doesn’t need to actually come in to contact with the caterpillar itself. Reactions range from asthma attacks, skin and throat rashes, running eyes, dizziness and vomiting.
What’s this got to do with the Olympics?
The OPM has actually only resided in Britain since 2006 after they hitched a lift from a batch of oak trees imported from Holland. Since their arrival they have spread as far north as Sheffield but they are largely focused in the south east of England and London, hence the concern for athletes and spectators for Olympic events. Currently the problem is under control but there are concerns that as a result of the milder winters over the last few years populations of OPM will be worse this year and take up residence in and around Olympic event sites despite not even having tickets.
However, people are questioning the real impact the problem will have on the Olympics, not least because of the seasonal timing of the OPM life cycle. The problem caterpillars emerge from their communal nests around May or June, devouring the leaves of their host Oak tree. They pupate in early July before completing their transformation to moths before the end of the month so the poisonous hairs of the caterpillar should be all but gone by the time of the first kick of the women's football on the 25th of July 2012. The adult moths then lay their eggs during the summer for the process to begin again the next year.
Therefore, many argue the real concern should be for the trees over the long term, not a sports event over two weeks in one year. Ecologists fear that the OPM could be prevalent around the south east of England within five years and that is troubling for those with direct experience of these pests. Tony Kirkham, head of the arboretum at Kew Gardens says,
“You can slow them down but we will never find them all. They will always keep increasing... We use spray to keep them at bay but even the nest removals at Kew don't totally control oak processionary moths”.
The Forestry Commission and the Royal Botanic Gardens have collaborated with local authorities to try and wipe out nest in London but enough have survived to continue to pose a problem for Oak trees in Britain. One hope is that by connecting the problem to an Olympic hungry public, awareness of the OPM problem will be raised over the long term after the torch has been passed from London to Rio.
News
Generation Rent: The Decline of Home Ownership in the UK
by UK Oak Doors
on Jul 09 2012
The shake up in the housing market from the fallout of the credit crunch three years ago looks like it will have long term implications for first time buyers. A new study has polled thousands of 20-45 year olds who currently rent their home for their views on the housing market and where they stand within it.
News
Incorporating Gothic Style Ironmongery
by UK Oak Doors
on Jun 29 2012
‘Gothic’ these days is a term most likely heard when used in reference to a pasty looking teenager with communication issues but in design circles it has a great legacy. In fact the term ‘Goths’ and ‘Gothic’ are from the same lineage but after getting somewhat confused during the 80’s now mean very different things. Actually Gothic design in architecture and home design also suffered from an identity crisis during the Victorian age when it had a celebrated revival. That revival led to the unique design of some of Britain's most famous buildings and some popular items of ironmongery seen in country cottages and grand homes today.
Hand Forged Gothic Thumb Latch
First lets look at some popular ironmongery inspired by the Gothic look. While it may not suit many homes the Gothic style thumb latch is the perfect partner to the right door. As well as their own brand, UK Oak Doors supplies the "From the Anvil Collection”; both are made using traditional blacksmiths techniques and so ensuring they are truly authentic.
The design is based on the original designs now hundreds of years old still seen in castles across the land and the technique used to make them means no two are ever the same.
They are available in three different finishes, Beeswax, Traditional Black and Pewter Petina. Part of the charm of choosing these latches is that they can be matched up to the Arrowhead T-Hinges for that real Gothic charm and character.
Predominantly Gothic architecture was seen from the fall of the Roman Empire right up until the renaissance in the fifteenth century. It was particularly seen in churches and cathedrals as these were the main buildings of any towns as the majority of homes were of simpler wooden frame construction though it did influence the large manor houses of the gentry.
However it was the Victorians that revived it somewhat petulantly in a switch against classical styling and common symmetry. The classic example of Gothic revival is the Houses Of Parliament which was rebuilt in 1836. Designed by AWN Pugin it is a triumph of iconic styling and perfect for such an important building but it wasn't until the latter half of the century that the Gothic revival started to influence interior design in the home.
As with before the renaissance the grand items of furniture and design require a grand setting to make them truly work. Large chandeliers and huge sturdy tables and chairs need big rooms to sit in but some of the Gothic influence filtered down to smaller items like the Gothic thumb latch.
It might be difficult for the average home to include a huge open limestone fireplace but the right doors with the right handles to match is something most rustic home owners can manage and thankfully UK Oak Doors can supply them for you.
Images courtesy of sxc.hu
News
Should You Buy A Home In A Conservation Area?
by UK Oak Doors
on Jun 27 2012
Conservation Area? Isn’t that for ducks?
"unfortunately Mr Smith your application for planning permission for flats has been turned down on this occasion..."
Go to school, get a job, get married, buy a house, have kids, get rid of kids, move to countryside.
This is roughly the plan many couples have as to how they hope things will turn out in the long term, particularly those that are currently part of the rat race in large metropolises. Most people assume that it would not be until they moved to the countryside that they would have to consider the implications of buying a home in a conservation area. But they’d be wrong.
Some families are finding that the perfect location for their next home is relatively expensive for the size of the house and it’s not in the rolling hills of Bucks but deep in the heart of the town. This could be due to the fact the home is located in an urban conservation area, a tag guaranteed to bump up the price of buying and maintaining houses. Here's why...
So, What is a conservation area?
The official definition is as follows, "any areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to protect or enhance".
the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
This comes from Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, sequel to the initial 1967 Civic Amenities Act. Even though the first conservation areas were only created in 1967 there are now over 9,000 in England in total. It is generally applied to groups of houses rather than 'stand alone' buildings of historic interest as is commonly misunderstood. So when the council look to give an area ‘Conservation area’ status they are looking at the overall character of an area rather than individual homes and buildings.
Where are conservation areas?
The rich architectural history England is so proud of means that conservation areas are just as likely to be in towns as idyllic country villages seen in Midsomer Murders. The unique character of conservation areas will mean they are more desirable to buyers and so prices will reflect this, inflating values by as much as 20%. To some the feeling that you are buying a piece of protected history is worth the extra investment.
What Does it mean in practical terms?
Regs can apply to garden, guttering, satellite dishes etc
In more ‘day to day’ practical terms the conservation area status means that the look of the area cannot be changed or altered without the permission of the governing body. It is the local authority that will have they say over demolition and alterations to property. And it’s the last part “alterations” that those considering purchasing a home in a conservation area should be most aware of.
When the governing body assesses the area and deems it to require protection they assess everything that makes up its character. This includes trees, open spaces, windows, guttering and roofing. And here is where people need to think of the real implications of owning a home in conservation area. Many of the items on the protected list will require replacing over time so the home owner is unable to google the cheapest local supplier but may well have to find a specialist to fit an exact replica of the previous item. This will be expensive and applies to a surprisingly high number of aspects to property maintenance. Something to think about when reviewing those property websites with a glass of vino.
Images courtesy of sxc.hu
News
Hanging A Door Using T Hinges: A How-To Guide
by UK Oak Doors
on Jun 18 2012
T-hinges are as much a part of the style of a country cottage doorway as the door they hold up. Unlike its more common cousins that are usually hidden from view, the t-hinge sits proudly exposed on top of the wood even when closed.
News
Choosing Colour Schemes – The Psychology Behind Other Colours
by UK Oak Doors
on Jun 08 2012
Having already looked at the effects the primary colours have on the ambiance and mood within our surroundings this naturally leads us to consider other colour schemes. Every shade and colour used in modern interior design is a mix of other colours, the likelihood is that if you visited ten houses in a day the only time you’ll see a full red is on a post box on the journey.
News
by UK Oak Doors
on Jun 01 2012
More Than Carbon Sponges...
UK Oak Doors only uses wood from woodland managed by foresters that consider more than just the trees in an area being selected for deforestation and is perfectly in line with the new UK carbon code. The donor trees are taken from areas where the overall environmental impact is considered. Even though UK Oak Doors' solid oak is taken from European forests we were pleased to see the UK government promoting a new woodland carbon code specific to UK forests. Planting one tree at the expense of another is not what responsible foresting or ‘environmentally friendly wood’ is about. Firstly, planting a new sapling will not absorb the same volume of CO2 a fully grown tree will and secondly the deforestation of an area has far more destructive effects on the environment than the calculated carbon deficit resulting from the loss of the trees alone.
“The important thing to remember is that woodlands are not just carbon sponges. They are also vital in supporting a range of threatened wildlife”
Martin Harper, RSPB
Our articles are apolitical to try and give a balanced viewpoint explicitly because the wood we use predates any government in the world but facing facts, deforestation is seen as a dirty word. Which is understandable considering the widely publicised abuse forests have suffered for the sake of commercial profit in third world countries. So many column inches have been spent on the loss of rainforests in South America and alternatives need to be found. However, without wishing to justify it, the poor communities living within these areas are only looking to use the resources available to them in the same way Britain abused and polluted its countryside during the industrial revolution. Even if these deforested areas are commandeered by multi national companies the land use brings desperately needed employment and wealth to these areas. The tragedy is of course that some communities that already live off the land are evicted from their homes and forced to modernise and join cities after centuries of natural living. The third world governments also squander the profits without fully rewarding the local communities for their efforts or loss in many cases.
So, it is a privileged position to be in indeed, to enjoy enough affluence for comfortable living whilst enjoying the freedom of expression to condemn communities in parts of the world far less developed than the UK for their desperate over use of the local resources. Hence, UK Oak Doors supports any resistance to reckless deforestation across the globe but recognises that solid oak wood is a necessary resource in construction and therefore only uses wood from sustainable sources in Europe. Global issues affecting the worlds climate help highlight the efforts that responsible suppliers are making in amending the impact of using potentially threatened resources from unsustainable supplies. However, the government's carbon code still recognises the need for consumer diligence, awareness and a responsibility to shop selectively.
Images courtesy of sxc.hu
News
Top Five Things to Consider When Choosing Interior Doors
by UK Oak Doors
on May 21 2012
Professional interior designers have always placed the correct choice of interior doors high on the list of importance when considering where to get the most ‘bang for your buck’ on a redecoration or remodelling project.
News
A Guide to the Specification of Different Door Hinges
by UK Oak Doors
on May 14 2012
There are aspects of home renovation that are exciting and rewarding, after all you are deciding on the surroundings you and your family will be living in for some time to come. But then again, there are also the more mundane details that need to be taken care of.
News
by UK Oak Doors
on Apr 18 2012
Where, what and when to buy...
Buying a first home until recently came with some quite sizeable savings compared to the purchase of subsequent homes, zero stamp duty on homes of less than £250k for one and there are still some savings for first time buyers to make against the purchase of new builds.
However, there are many things the first time buyer has to purchase that the second time buyer does not. These include things like beds, dining tables and sofas etc. So with all this extra expense, what about the chore of decorating your first home? Obviously, people are going to need a bed and mattress and some basic furniture more than freshly painted skirting boards but there is a huge advantage to being able to paint and decorate an empty house rather than one that’s full of cherished items and brand spanking new furniture. This article assumes that first time buyers have a limited budget and need to prioritise purchases, so the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge should probably look elsewhere.
Pull together, not apart...
your love nest should have you looking in the same direction not the opposite!
The first thing to do is create a list of items that are an absolute necessity. Things like bed, mattress, curtains, plates and cutlery etc. Make sure you do this together with your partner if you are buying a new home with someone else. This is a good idea because often one person takes the lead with the boring aspects of home purchases, things like weather proofing and securing the property.
Unless both of you share this critical information the budget could be blown on a kettle instead of a mortice lock. On the ‘necessity list’, note down what can be borrowed until the January sales or found in the course of time over eBay and what are you insistent must be bought 'asap' and new? If your budget is really tight it’s worth borrowing items so you can save up and wait to pounce when big ticket items drop in the sales or pop up on the internet at rock bottom prices. Above all, don't rush to purchase things just for the short term buzz of your moving in party looking its best.
the work of Picasso, the yorkshire terrier, available in a limited run of prints
Once you’ve ascertained your available budget for furniture and soft furnishings you’ll have a good idea of how much is available for decorations. As mentioned above, it’s a huge bonus to be able to decorate an empty property, especially if you have pets and they won't be running around the place. It’s also a bonus to be decorating a place where the furniture has yet to be set up and can be easily covered by sheets. This is particularly true when it comes to working on the ceiling whether it’s plastering or painting it. With regard to the budget you will need to prioritise each room by its expected usage, after all there’s no point fretting over the net curtains and ghastly pink paint of the spare room if it’s only going to be used for storage for the next six months.
'Why' before you buy
"of course it doubles as a bed dear, that's why it cost more than your ring"
Spending time online looking at different styles of interior design is a wise way of seeing what will work in your own home. So many of the fashionable looks and styles seen on home decor shows on TV can be bought at a fraction of the price by shopping around.
Shopping around without the credit card is a good way to avoid costly impulse purchases that will derail the project in one swoop. Shopping around with a conservative friend is another way. Someone who can be trusted to ask why you are buying something and if you really need a shiny new 'instant boil' kettle when you don't have any boring old pillows!
Images courtesy of sxc.hu
News
by UK Oak Doors
on Apr 04 2012
There is something about a Bank Holiday that makes some wives think their husbands should be occupied putting up shelves or fixing a plumbing problem. Occasionally women themselves decide that there is no better time than a Bank Holiday to hang
News
The True Cost Of Buying A Home: The Fees!
by UK Oak Doors
on Mar 28 2012
Fees Might Be Expensive But Should Never Be Hidden...
When considering buying a new home it’s the headline numbers that grab our attention and get the mind racing. It might be the realisation of what your current home is now worth or that you've seen a ‘do-er upper’ at a knock down price that makes a move to a new house at the top end of a sensible budget now possible. However, it’s not as straight forward as it seems at the outset and it’s not just first time buyers that get caught out, stamp duty alone on a £300k house would be £9,000 for example. There are other unavoidable costs too such as structural surveys, mortgage fees and legal fees to traverse so we've put together a simple check list over a couple of articles for buyers to consider before getting in too deep.
Valuation Fees
You can expect to pay around £250 for a valuation fee. This is to reassure the lender of the value of the home as security before they agree to lend the money and to ensure the property legally exists. The cost of the valuation fee will change depending on the value of the property but on average it’s around £250.
Mortgage Arrangement Fees
As the housing market slowed down and interest rates were forced down so mortgage arrangement fees have risen sharply. To many this is a particularly dubious charge as banks make money in the form of interest on the sum that is lent to a buyer so arranging this to happen is something most people feel the bank should happily pay for. Charges vary between £400 and £1600 and some lenders will charge another one, a reservation fee, to secure a fixed rate. Be warned, both these fees are often non refundable even if the house purchase falls through!
Legal Fees
Legal fees will cost around £500 or more if you have conveyancing too. Some lenders will include this as part of their package but your legal party will need to be approved by them.
Mortgages with fees included...
A word of warning. Many lenders will try to massage the fees into the cost of the mortgage, either to make it appear a less expensive process or because the buyer does not have the money available up front. You may end up paying a higher rate in interest over a long time to compensate them or you borrow the money to pay the fees and the cost is added to the overall mortgage value. Either way this will end up costing in excess of original fees.
On top of these fees are Stamp Duty, Surveys, Removal costs, Repairs, Furniture and other extras. These are covered in a sister article.
Images courtest of sxc.hu
News
See UK Oak Doors at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show: 29th March – 1st April
by UK Oak Doors
on Mar 14 2012
If you’re planning any home improvements or even considering a self-build project then a trip to the NEC at the end of March is a must!
The National Homebuilding & Renovating Show is now in its 21st year and with over 400 exhibitors, a variety of master classes and seminars, demonstrations, clinics and advice centres there is plenty for the home improvement enthusiast to go at.
Exhibiting for the third consecutive year, UK Oak Doors will be displaying a variety of internal and external solid oak doors at stand D116.
External Georgian Door
The latest addition to the solid oak range is the stunning Georgian external door. Featuring 6 panels in the classic Georgian style and constructed using traditional methods, the Georgian external door is perfect for period properties and modern homes. This desirable external door will be on proud display for the very first time at the show.
The UK Oak Doors stand will also feature many classic best-sellers ranging from period and rustic through to sleek and contemporary. Styles on display are set to include the antique barn door, the contemporary 'Mexicano' style, the 4 Panel Victorian door, the Oxbow external door, the Suffolk style frame and ledge, the classic ledge and brace, the 1930’s style, the shaker style and the beautiful stable door range.
Established in 2008, the company specialise in high quality solid oak doors made using traditional construction methods from sustainable European oak. People often expect that they’d have to pay over the odds for solid oak doors, but UK Oak Doors have laid down the gauntlet with competitive pricing, offering a superior product at great value for money.
UK Oak Doors cater for traditional and modern home styles (and everything in between), and continually strive to add high quality new products to the existing lines and firm favourites – all at the same quality our customers have come to expect from us. You can see the full range at the showroom in Burton Hastings, Warwickshire or online at www.ukoakdoors.co.uk. To request a brochure please contact us on 01455 565 565.
1930's Style Door
Contemporary Door
Traditional Barn Door
Ledge and Brace Door
Oxbow External Door
Shaker Style Door
4 Panel Stable Door
Victorian 4 Panel
Antique Style Oak Door
News
Maximise Your Decorating Potential - Part Two
by UK Oak Doors
on Mar 12 2012
"If you want a good finish you need a good start"
This is the second part in a series of decorating articles aimed at helping the home decorator get a professional looking finish with tips from the pro’s. Each section gives simple steps to take to prevent common decorating mistakes that are easy to avoid.
Decorating Over Plaster
wait for plaster to dry fully
If the walls have old plaster that is clean and dry then no further special preparation will be required before decorating but any residue should be dusted down before being sealed with an appropriate stabilising solution.
New plaster requires more attention as applying paint before it is ready will drastically affect the finish. How long it takes to dry depends upon the temperature and humidity of the room but can be judged by watching the colour turn from a dark to light pink across the entire wall with no patches. Remove any small bits of residue on the surface with hessian cloth or similar. Following this you will need to coat the surface of new plaster with a primer. Be careful to select the right primer depending on whether you are going to use a water based top coat or an oil based top coat.
Mask Off Separate Sections
take the trouble to mask areas off
It takes just a few minutes to lay some making tape to tricky areas before painting. People skilled in decorating hardly ever use masking tape but there’s no shame in the rest of us paying attention to fine details as sloppy edging between different areas looks shabby. Furthermore, drips of paint from the skirting on to the carpet board are even worse.
Take care to use tape with a low ‘stickyness’ on painted walls as you don’t want to undo previous good work by stripping the coat beneath it when you remove it later. When it comes to laying the tape on the carpet or floorboards try to get one edge actually under the skirting board as any drips down the face of the skirting board can pool underneath the tape. This last decorating tip regarding taking care with the skirting boards is particularly pertinent as these will more than likely be coated with a gloss which is much harder to remove than other water based paints.
Sand Down Surfaces
use a sanding block and mask
As with washing walls with sugar soap, sanding down old paint on wooden areas has two benefits. It not only smooths down the surface taking out any unevenness but it provides a better layer for the paint to adhere to giving a smoother finish overall. Use a medium grade paper for general areas with finer grade sand paper for sanding after each coat and the coarse grade for remedial work on rough areas. Using a sanding block makes the task easier, saving your hands getting sore and gives a solid flat contact between the wood and the paper.
Always sand with the grain of the wood to bring out the best surface for painting or varnishing and go the extra mile to sand narrow areas and mouldings where the previous coat of paint is likely to pool. If mouldings are left unsanded the distinct lines between panels become blurred. The edges of mouldings can be sanded with the edge of the sanding block or by folding over the sandpaper. In some cases wetting the sandpaper actually increases the sanding power, just dip the paper in a bucket of water, drip off the excess and use with a sanding block. One last very important decorating tip is to remember to wash off the dust with a clean damp rag or sponge after sanding and allow to dry completely before applying the paint.
Images courtesy of sxc.hu
News
Live or Let Buy... Could The 'Buy To Let' Market Work For You?
by UK Oak Doors
on Mar 02 2012
An Investment With Wings?
Last year saw another rise in the number of buy to let (BTL) mortgages being given and 2010 rebounded 10% higher than the total for 2009. The impact of the banking crisis shook up lenders to revise the promiscuous and financially licentious nature of their lending with its ‘let's cross that bridge later’ attitude to credit. The structural survey on the ground our heavily overpriced housing market was built on came back showing signs of heavy subsidence, the foundations required underpinning which has subsequently cost the UK billions. Unfortunately, to use a technical term, this was a ‘double whammy’ on the economy as a whole.
The UK and world financial markets crashed
As banks amended their credit lending to become more rigorous and stringent in their evaluation of credit worthiness, everybody then realised that millions of people had used the inflated house prices of the previous decade’s property boom to borrow money against the value of their homes, the market for which had just crashed. The UK woke up after the biggest house party of the century with a very nasty hangover.
All this led to a stagnation in the purchase of new homes as even those that could get the funds to buy property were still unsure if prices would fall further after the purchase. However, a canny few dipped their toe in and realised the rental market had the potential to rise. Apprehensive first time buyers were now being asked for higher deposits so were being forced to rent until they could get the funds together for credit approval. And so from a 60% fall in BTL mortgages in 2008 to a consistent annual rise since then there is now some confidence that BTL properties can be a wise investment again.
However, the new buyers of rental property realised that the three main rules of BTL redecorating had never been more true; i.e. 1. understand the rental target market, 2. decorate for a wide audience within that market, and 3. get it on the market ASAP. Tenants look at a property as a temporary solution. They want the security of having a trustworthy landlord but the freedom to move on when they need to.
So, even though a golden rule for BTL properties is to get them on the market as fast as possible this should still mean the quality of the finished property is high. For example, you may only spend £2500 on a simple kitchen but it should still be fitted to a high standard. Tenants are more likely to respect the property if the landlord has shown a high consideration for the people he or she wants to live there. Obviously it is key to look for bargains and kit out the property with hard wearing items that won’t need frequent replacing. Doors for example will take a battering and shouldn't be skimped on but finding a source of high quality oak doors of solid construction at a bargain price is not hard. Natural finish oak doors are a perfect example of the BTL holy grail. They don’t cost the earth from the right supplier, they’re appealing to a wide audience in any market sector and a supplier like UK Oak Doors will get them to the property within two weeks.
Images courtesy of sxc.hu