Category Archives: Reviews

How to Choose an Estate Agent

Selling your home can be a frustrating process. To make it easier, you need to find the right estate agent. With so many companies out there, you should consider your needs before you choose. Here are the factors you need to keep in mind.

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Cost

One of the biggest decisions is how much you can afford to spend. People are turning to online agents because they cost less and charge a one-off fee. High street agents often use a commission-based structure for payments, but some people choose high street agents because they like the personal approach.

Previous Experiences

Sometimes the best way to find an agent is by seeking advice from family and friends. If they’ve sold their home, you can ask them what they thought of the agent they used and whether they’d use them again.

Research

One of the best ways to gauge agencies’ customer service levels is to check their social media. It shows how dedicated they are to selling a property, and you’ll see how their customers review the service.

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You can also use review sites to get an idea of how estate agents are performing, such as https://uk.trustpilot.com/categories/real-estate-agent.

If you’re wondering how do I sell my property online in Cheltenham, firms like https://www.ocheltenham.co.uk can help you.

Narrow Down Your Choices

Once you’ve researched and sought advice from family and friends, you should create a shortlist of potential agents. It’s best to use online reviews and reach out to estate agents to see what they can offer.

Reaching out to estate agents gives you an idea of which has the best chance of selling your property.

Can You Trust Them?

Reviews are great to get a general idea of a company, but they’re not completely reliable. Check on their credentials and see if they are a member of a trade body like the NAEA property mark.

Think About Technology

Agents who haven’t moved forward with technology will have more trouble selling your property. Look for agencies that offer online booking, live chat, and online valuations.

Are You Happy?

You need to consider which agent you feel most comfortable with. It’s important to find a company that has professionalism and dedication at its core. You need to have overall confidence in your agent.

Choosing a new toilet seat

You might not think there’s much involved with choosing a new toilet seat but scratch the surface and you’ll find more bewildering choice than you imagined. There are plenty of different designs to suit any kind of bathroom. As well as having different toilet unit options, there are also different shapes, different sizes and of course, different colours to choose from.

To help avoid stumbling through a toilet minefield, here are some pointers:

Identify your current toilet pan shape and measure the distance between the two fixing holes on either side at the widest point. Also measure the distance that the pan protrudes into the room from the wall or cistern. This will give you a good guide to work from.

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Toilet Seat Options

Soft close – These are a common seat type these days and often come as standard. Slow closing hinges prevent the seat from banging down quickly, protecting the seat and pan from damage and annoying noise! They are great for younger children to prevent trapped fingers as well.

Hinges – There are two most common types of toilet hinge. Top fixing seats are fed by two bolts into the pan, when the bottom of the pan is inaccessible. As they are tightened from below, the toilet must remain accessible. Soft close hinges are another option, as are quick release hinges which make cleaning super easy. For all your toilet hardware needs, consider Bathroom Suites Northern Ireland.

Shapes – The shape of your toilet will impact on what seat shape you can install. A square toilet seat on an angular toilet provides a great contemporary aesthetic, whereas a rounded or D-shaped seat is ideal for a more traditional rounded pan found in many bathrooms.

Materials – Seats can either be purchased in plastic or wood. Wood comes in a variety of colours and finishes and give a classic, sophisticated look. Plastic seats tend to be cheaper, can be moulded into more shape variety and come in a wide range of colours, from muted to very bright!

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Thermoset & Thermoplast

You will likely come across these two terms when shopping for a new toilet seat. Thermoset is made from a synthetic resin and hardening agent to provide a scratch resistant and easy to clean material. It has the appearance of ceramic and is highly popular.

Thermoplast is also made from synthetic resin but has a more plastic look and feel to it. It is lighter in weight but not scratch resistant and dust can stick it quite easily. However, they are cheaper as a result, so make a good budget option.

Colours – It’s not just material and shape you need to decide as there’s a large choice of colours available to suit every bathroom décor. Black and white remain popular, classic choices. White is ideal as it goes with any décor design and blends well with features such as the bath and sink. It is fresh, bright and hygienic looking.

Thinking or singing out loud in the bathroom.

Whatever it is about the immersion of water with people it seems to bring out something in them. Take getting into the shower and starting to feel like you can sing or solve the problems of the world. What is it about the application of H20 and soap that suddenly seems to spark off a variety of emotions that imbue us with the ability to sing chart hits. Or at least that we think we can. Maybe it’s the environment of the bathroom itself. A Bathroom Renovations Dublin company  like http://www.bathroomrenovationsdublin.ie/ can help you get started so that your signing is framed by the best scenery you can hope for.

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It’s true when you think about is as there are several times in human existence that the bathroom has played a role in our discoveries. For example, the philosopher Archimedes needed his bath to help him discover displacement of water and he did not achieve this by just standing around awaiting to get the answer to. No, he got into the bath and noticed that the water got out he realised that he could measure the water in the bath before he got in then he would know how much he weighed. His cries of “Eureka I have found it” were swiftly followed by calls to put his bath robe back on as he’d been in the bath at the time.

So, you see its rather why the humble bathroom needs looking after. Another example is the writer Douglas Adams, famous for writing the Hithchikers guide to the Galaxy. he found that he had all his best ideas in the bath. As a result, he would be constantly having them and just letting his mind wander until an idea worth coming too pop into his head. He did find though that his water rates went through the roof. There is no record of Douglas turning to singing though that’s a pretty special thing to do.

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There are still no explanations as to why it happens but as soon as that shower comes on and you start to feel the water on you the singing begins. It’s usually something like Tie a yellow ribbon or a YMCA that gets folks jumping around in the shower. Genuinely acapella ones that do not require much of a backing base line make the best ones and the shower head is firmly gripped and the singer belts out the song. At least you’ll know that it has a stunning book.

A lot of decisions to make

Cheltenham is a bustling and thriving town with a great, vibrant night life. If you are visiting the town for a weekend away of perhaps you are going to be attending the university this year, here are some of the things you can do for an evening:

  • The Theatre – The Everyman theatre has been a staple of Cheltenham entertainment for many years. You can watch the delights of comedy shows, plays, pantomimes and meet with the stars of the shows for a meet and greet lunch or drinks before the performances. The theatre has seen the likes of Penelope Keith and Sir Ken Dodd.
  • A night of music and good drinks – There are many bars and clubs in Cheltenham but for the ultimate night out you should visit the Nightclub Cheltenham locals love https://www.undertheprom.com/ where you can enjoy some great music in wonderful surroundings. Whether you are on a night out with friends or looking for a VIP feel for a birthday party or working outing it is definitely the place to be.

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  • Town Hall delights – Again another venue to watch your favourite comedians, listen to some outstanding musicians or perhaps join in with one of the main exhibitions that take place in this beautiful and historical building in the Montpellier area of the town.
  • Eating at the Brewery – Being the newest of the areas mentioned in this article the Brewery is a shopping and restaurant strewn area of the town. With the likes of Nandos, Harvester, Frankie and Benny’s and Brewhouse Kitchen to name just a few of them. Virtually every culinary delight is covered in this eating quarter along with a cinema, gym and other entertainment facilities.

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  • Mr Mulligan’s Golf – An indoor crazy golf warehouse located in the Brewery area of Cheltenham. This is a great place for people of all ages and includes two different 18-hole crazy golf courses both centred around the themes of dinosaurs and under the sea. With a UV area that not only lights up your golf balls and some of the sculptures but depending on where you stand will also light up areas of your clothing and shoes.

That is just a mere snap shot of what Cheltenham has to offer for anyone looking for an evening out with friends and loved ones or even if you are looking for a place to visit with work colleagues for a Christmas get together. Why not take a look at some of the above and see what they have to offer.

They will all thank you

Working in an untidy and chaotic office environment can be detrimental to not only your employee’s health and wellbeing but might also have an impact on their productivity. Your staff are busy working away at their day jobs and to ask the to clean the office would also have an impact on morale. The best way to combat an untidy office is to look for an Office Cleaning Cheltenham firm like http://intocleaning.co.uk/services/office-cleaning/ who can help out with all of your commercial cleaning needs.

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Here are some of the positive impacts that a clean, hygienic and clutter free environment can have on your employees:

  • Better attendance – Having staff off sick is stressful for any business owner and although it is an occupational hazard you can help to reduce the spread of viruses and illness caused by bacteria. There are thought to be in excess of 8,000 bacteria on your standard keyboard and the flu virus can survive on surfaces for around 24 hours. By having your office surfaces cleaned on a regular basis you can help to reduce the instances of illness, although you will never be able to eradicate them completely.
  • What will people think – we all know that first impressions count, and an unorganised and cluttered office can be a massive turn-off for your potential and existing customers. They want to feel cared for and in safe hands and not being able to lay your hands on their paperwork because of the pile of paper on your desk doesn’t inspire confidence. This also related to your employees. It is important that they well valued and you may find that staff move on quickly if they continually have to move items to get through aisles and if the first thing they have to do in the morning is navigate their way through a mound of washing up, so they can make their morning coffee.

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  • Modern day illness – stress is being tipped as the modern-day disease and many people are affected on a daily basis. High levels of stress can eventually lead to depression and anxiety and will definitely lead to an unhappy workforce. Trying to work in a cluttered environment is thought to have a massive impact on how clear your thought process is and your overall productivity.

So why not employee the services of a contract cleaner and improve your staff absence levels, employee morae and retention levels and overall happiness in the office.

Interesting facts about the roof above your head

The roof on top of your house, whatever its size, is incredibly important and without it you would be at the mercy of all types of weather. No one wants to be sitting watching their favourite television show and having to dodge the rain drops as they fall from above your head. If you are in need of help with your roof it is worth contacting http://hempstedroofing.com/gloucester-roofers/ who are a Roofing company Cheltenham. ereHere  Here are some interesting facts about roofs and roofing materials:

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Some of the roofing materials we use have been in existence for many years. The oldest materials include stone, clay and thatch. It is thought thatch for example was used in a round 5,000 BC and was a popular roofing option right up until 1,800 BC. Clay tiles have an even longer history with some recorded examples being used as far back as 10,000 BC.

The reason thatched roofs were so popular is due to the natural waterproof nature of the reed used. The reed pieces are bundled together and joined together in an incredibly tight manner. This means that the roof sheds any water that lands on it and a thatched roof can cope well with the impact of water, sleet and even snow.

The most common reason for leaks from your roof is that there has been damage to either the tiles or slates on your roof or to the waterproofing layer. Leaks do not instantly mean that you need a new roof and the sooner you deal with any of these types of issues the less likely there will be permanent damage that will result in a new roof being needed.  Also, don’t forget if you are looking for the culprit for your leak, water travels before it starts to drip down so the damaged tile could be in a different location to where you are experiencing a water leak.

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Many people, especially those who are environment conscious are choosing to have green roofs installed. These are essentially roofing that have plants growing on top of them. It is important that you maintain these, especially the water barrier area. The plants and soil that are installed protect your roof and the building underneath from water and sun damage and any extremes in temperature or fluctuations between the two.

Whatever your preferred choice for roofing material you should always seek the help roofing professionals for the installation.

These 4 Tips Will Make Your Employees Want to Come To Work

If you ask those who claim to love their job, the key reasons for this will generally be their colleagues or their working environment. Forward-looking employers who are in touch with the people that work for them have begun to realise that the environment they provide can directly affect engagement, well-being and even creativity.

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1. Invest in Property

Whether you look at staff as an investment or a cost, you will need to commit to an outlay in looking after them. Creating an engaging work space is important – like you would with your home, treating it well and spending money wisely can add value to your property and your business by showing the best candidates that you take their well-being seriously.

2. Take Advice

Think about what suits the many, not the few. A location must be widely accessible, and not just for those that drive. Adding ‘personal’ touches on behalf of employees is a no-no – no one will feel comfortable. It’s worth taking advice from specialist consultants.

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3. Keep Space Flexible

Setting up the space so employees can work anywhere gives them more autonomy. Hot-desking is not a new theory and does work for many, though it’s important to have space to meet formally and informally.

4. A Smart Office Is Only Half the Battle

Applicants for jobs today want flexibility. Technology has moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and our lives are increasingly demanding. A beautiful work place is important, but the ability to be able to work remotely is also vital. Savvy employers are cottoning on that if they allow employees to work from other premises, like a home office, it can also save them money as the square footage required at their own premises is reduced.

For more tips on how to motivate your employees and make your workplace somewhere they want to be, see the advice from Life Beyond Numbers and make your workplace somewhere they never want to leave.

Of course, it can sometimes be easier to start with a blank canvas and opt for managed offices. Look at examples like http://www.matrix-house.co.uk/basingstoke.html for offices to let Basingstoke and ideas of where you could start.

Your office space will evolve, so don’t get complacent. Repairs and updates will be ongoing, so have someone to keep an eye on it.

Tips and Suggestions for Motor Trade Insurance

You will definitely need adequate insurance if you are involved in trading cars, but you might not know what cover you need and why, so here are some tips.

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Be Prepared

Prospects for motor dealers are healthy, and there have been increases in the number of contract hire agreements being taken out in the past year, but it is essential that you still prepare for potential challenges, so having an adequate motor trade insurance policy to protect your business is very wise.

Road Risks Insurance

Road risks insurance can provide the cover that is a legal requirement for driving all of the cars that you have in your possession. It can cover all vehicles regardless of their individual VRMs, but make sure your insurer knows the type and value of the cars; high-value performance cars will cost more to cover. All drivers need to be named, so keep on top of it and update the policy as staff members change. As stated in Car Dealer Magazine, you need to keep your insurers up to date with all details.

Liabilities Insurance

Have cover to ensure you can protect yourself in the event of a customer being injured or their property being damaged and them then suing you for compensation. Claims such as this can involve huge sums of money, and most insurance policies such as those provided by https://www.quotemetoday.co.uk/motor-trade-insurance will provide at least £1 million to £5 million or more for such instances.

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Liability insurance can also provide you with cover needed for potential claims from customers regarding issues with defective workmanship on vehicles that you have serviced or repaired.

Don’t forget employers’ liability insurance. This is a legal requirement, and it is needed to cover potential successful claims from employees in circumstances where they have been injured at work or developed a long-term illness from their work whilst employed by you.

Premises, Stock, Tools and Equipment

Make sure your policy covers all of your trading needs: your stock, the premises, your customers’ cars and all of your equipment and tools needed to trade. Regardless of how heavily involved in the motor trade you are – running a full-time business or simply selling the odd car in your own time – you will certainly need to ensure you have adequate cover.

 

Will the Government Relax Its Private School Inspection Plans?

OFSTED is the word state-school teaching staff dread, not least for the endless amount of extra work an inspection piles on to their already overloaded plates.

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The Point of School Inspections

In brief, official school inspections exist (in theory at least) to ensure all schools are delivering a good and, crucially, a standard form of education. There are several areas looked at during an inspection, including learning materials, which should be following the national curriculum guide, monitoring student achievements, and generally making sure that money received is being well spent.

The Independent School Inspection

Many independent schools are exempt from the official OFSTED visits and inspections, though they are still subject to their own school inspection service and protocol. In contrast to the state-school ordeal, these are generally considered a positive and useful exercise – pretty much chalk and cheese.

Although OFSTED don’t insect every fee-paying school, they do monitor the reports these schools get from their own assessors, and recently some of these have raised concerns regarding their validity. In turn this has triggered debate and speculation regarding OFSTED playing a larger role in the inspection of private schools, much to the horror of many.

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The Objections

One of the key benefits of an independent school is the freedom granted to deliver a comprehensive educational experience based on, at times, specific philosophies. This could translate to teaching and learning approaches, the way content is delivered and even sometimes what is delivered. For example, Gloucestershire private schools such as https://hopelands.org.uk/ are able to deliver education tailored to nurture the needs and abilities of individual children, while strict religious-based schools seriously focus on providing a ‘whole life’ approach, with education which focuses primarily on fulfilling religious-cultural expectations and values.

Orthodox Schools

Perhaps nowhere has the possibility of being forced to closely follow government standard procedures caused issues than within the Charedi School network. The almost exclusive focus on religious study by pupils at these establishments has led to several being deemed poor by the independent assessors, forcing OFSTED to step in and consider their future as independent education operators. However, after several levels of talks and promises to make changes, it seems the government is ready to step back and observe the situation further rather than forcing change right now.

Buying, hiring or leasing: which is the best van option for you?

If you’ve started up your own business and you’ve viewed a van that would fit your needs perfectly, it’s worth bearing in mind that there are various ways you can pay for it. Instead of buying it outright and using a lump sum that could be better spent elsewhere, a van hire contract or short-term loan scheme tailored to you may make the approach more affordable. While some firms boast their own squad of vans, other businesses rent out their vehicles.

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Choosing the best option for your needs

A positive aspect on the purchasing front is that there are no mileage limits imposed on the vans, as is customary with most hire contracts. However, the value of the van will depreciate as the years go by. While purchasing a van will ultimately lessen the tax bill, it is certainly not an investment.

Leasing may be a more attractive model as it doesn’t require a lump sum, and subsequent payments are generally low. It’s easy for business owners to upgrade or change vans every few years. As an added bonus, there are tax incentives. When it comes to the end of the period, you just hand back the van. Of course, there are negatives; for example, repairs may not be covered by the provider and as a business owner, you won’t own the vehicle at the end of the period.

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Hiring a van ensures the professionals are on hand

Hiring a van from a provider such as https://www.fleetwayrentals.co.uk/ will ensure a professional service. At van hire Gloucester, there is no need to make a lengthy commitment, and you can make pick-ups and drop-offs whenever it’s convenient. It’s certainly a flexible option for firms requiring variable resources.

According to The Federation Of Small Businesses, statistics show that there were a record-setting 5.7 million private sector businesses at the beginning of 2017, and that small businesses, which would be the most likely to hire vans, accounted for 99.3% of private sector businesses in January 2017; 99.9% were considered small or medium-sized.

It’s clear that there are advantages and disadvantages to each approach. When it comes to opting for the best fit for your needs, it’s important to ask yourself if you want control over your vehicle.