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Summer home security tips

Summer home security tips | H is for Home

Summer is here, which means that many of us will be opening our windows, leaving the car window open to let fresh air in and even leaving our doors unlocked so we can come in & out with ease. Sadly, this is when most opportunist thieves and burglars strike. You might pop out to the shops and leave your bedroom window open by mistake or forget to close the car window when we return home. So, here you’ll find some helpful tips and advice on how you can beef up your home security this summer.

Wooden fence in front of a hedge

Your perimeter

Take a walk around your property and see for yourself how easy it would be to gain access. Try to see it from a burglar’s point of view and see how you’d find your way in. Gaps in fences, broken fence panels, gates with no locks – all these are access points and give an indication about how the rest of your property might (or might not be) protected. Replace that rotten old fence and even reinforce your perimeters with hedges and trees – check out The Tree Center for a range of privacy trees.

Hedge with a heart-shaped hole cut out

Plants and shrubs

If your garden is looking a little overgrown, now is the time to cut back that hedge, mow the lawn and keep everything in order. There’s nothing better for a burglar or thief then somewhere to hide, and your overgrown hedges and bushes might provide the perfect place. If you keep your property looking well maintained and kept, then it gives the impression that someone is there often, and things are well taken care of and someone is always watching!

Wooden ladder in a garden leaning against the wall of a house

Put away your things

We all like to spend time in our garden and back yards during the nice weather, and it might seem obvious to leave everything outside for you to come back to again the next day. However, leaving expensive possessions out in your garden is only advertising them to potential thieves. Expensive toys, barbecues & accessories, gardening equipment and even your lawnmower should all be put away in your garage or garden shed, so they’re out of sight. After all, if this is the kind of thing you have outside, what expensive electrical items could be inside? Be smart and lock them all away.

Leaving items like ladders and tools around in your garden is also a bad habit that needs to be broken. Anyone could use that ladder in your garden to gain access to the bedroom window you left open.

Man locking a set of glazed French doors

Your doors and windows

It might seem obvious, but we’ve all been guilty of heading out for the day and leaving a window open or even the front door unlocked by mistake. Take the time to check every door and window in your property now and see if it could do with replacing. If the windows have locks, do you have the keys for them? Do you have secure locking mechanisms and deadlocks? And try to get into the habit of remembering to check all the windows and doors before you leave!

Let’s hope these tips help you to protect your home effectively. However, even if you’ve opted for CCTV installation, extra locks to your doors and windows, or a guard dog within your property, it still pays to remain vigilant and aware of what’s happening around you.

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A guide to improving your home’s kerb appeal

A guide to improving your home’s kerb appeal

Home improvements are a great idea if you are a home-owner as they can make living in the property much more enjoyable, plus they can also add a great deal of value to your home which is ideal if you are considering a sale down the line. Additionally, it can be exciting and rewarding to see the project coming together although there may be a few disruptions while work is carried out. There are also endless possibilities when it comes to home improvements and what will be right for you will depend on the type of home you have, your circumstances and the amount of money that you have to spend.

Equity release

Financing the work

First, you need to decide how much money you want to spend and how you will fund the work. If you do not have savings to dip into, many home-owners over the age of 55 are finding that an equity release is a good option. If you’re unfamiliar with what is involved, you can easily learn more about equity release with Sunlife. If you’re wondering where can money released from your home take you, you could improve anything from new carpets and flooring to building a conservatory or redecorating your whole house.

Architect drawing house plans

Improvements to consider

Now that you know how much you have to work with you can decide on a project. Here are a few good options to consider:

Extension: An extension will give you a lot more room to work within your house and is a good idea for growing families or those that feel constricted by the amount of space that they currently have.

Conservatory: Conservatories are a great way to add a bright and airy space which are perfect for warm summer days. They can be used in many different ways too whether you want a lounge-type area of somewhere filled with plants.

Kitchen remodelling: The kitchen is the heart of the home and somewhere that you should be able to comfortably cook in. Remodelling the kitchen can transform the home, particularly if you have added space where people can socialise. It is also a superb way to increase the value of your home and attract buyers.

Rendering the external façade: First impressions count and opinions about a house are made before someone even steps inside. Adding a fresh stucco to the front elevation can transform the look of a building stuccorepairtucson.com is a specialist in this area.

Garden: There is nothing better than spending time in the backyard during the warmer months of the year. Making improvements like decking, water features, and a shed can be affordable and add value to the property.

Builder with a spirit level

Hiring the right people

Now you will want to find the right people for the job, and this is an area that many people worry about as you hear many horror stories. Going on word of mouth is a good idea but always research companies and look for good reviews and previous projects that you like the look of.

Home improvements can transform the property and make it somewhere that is much more practical and enjoyable to live, as well as add-on value to the home. It can also be daunting, but the above information should help any home-owner to get the project completed with relative ease.

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How to facilitate your ageing parent’s life

How to facilitate your ageing parent's life

Our parents are amongst the most important members of our family; they gave birth to us and raised us to become strong and independent people. Therefore, it’s essential to offer parents our full support. There are lots of practical ways in which we can make sure that they have a safe, comfortable life; especially if we can’t be around as much as we’d like.

One of the main things that relatives need to think about is loneliness. Our ageing parents and grandparents sometimes consider themselves a burden and begin to isolate themselves. It’s important to take steps to facilitate and encourage their interaction with other people.

Furthermore, ageing parents and relatives face other daily difficulties at home. Some of these problems may be related to the fact that they begin to lose their mobility, vision, mental abilities or a combination of these. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which we can make their life easier and show them that they can always count on our help.

Elderly woman using a mobile phone

Independent living products

Seniors often experience a sudden change in their physical abilities – their hearing, dexterity, eyesight etc. Therefore, some tasks that they once found easy and took for granted can become truly challenging for them. Regardless of that, there are certain technical aids that can help them to remain self-reliant and retain control of their daily care tasks. Examples include safety kettle tippers and ergonomic tin can and door openers. You could also swap microwaves, telephones and clocks for examples that have bigger displays.

Man sitting on his own looking out to sea

Prevent loneliness

Most elderly people prefer to remain in their own homes, maintaining their independence, even when they find it difficult caring for themselves. Unfortunately, even when family members try to remain involved, it can be difficult to look in on ageing parents as often as they’d like – especially if they don’t live nearby. This can sometimes lead to a lack of social interaction for the aged. They may become lonely and depressed due to the passing of a spouse, neighbour or friends. Fortunately, there are a growing number of opportunities for social engagement these days. The most obvious one is definitely care homes. However, in home care for seniors is a preferred alternative for elders who would rather remain in their own home. With this option, they can receive assistance according to their individual needs.

Man walking with mobility aid

Mobility aids

Currently, there’s a wide variety of mobility aids available to the elderly and infirm. Some of the most popular include power scooters and four-wheel frames. These accessories can help seniors remain independent, allowing them get around and keep mobile. In addition, it may be necessary to improve the layout of their home. Too much clutter or furniture can impair their movement. If they use a scooter or frame, ensure there are ramps installed so they don’t slip or trip. There should be ample floor space to get through doorways, to their bed, toilet and bath. Moving around the kitchen and lounge needs to be made as simple and smooth as possible. Removing some internal doors and having a more open-plan design should be considered.

Besides this, make their home safer and more accessible by improving the lighting – especially along corridors, in hallways and above external doors. Lay down non-slip mats in the bathroom and make sure stair and handrails are well-maintained and secure.

These are just a few ways of ensuring that your ageing parents enjoy a safe and comfortable life.

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The moving-in check list: 5 things to do after moving into your new home

The moving-in check list: 5 things to do after moving into your new home

Moving into your new home will be an incredibly exciting time, as it will mark a new era in your life. Yet, there’ll be things you’ll need to do to freshen up the space and put your own stamp on the property. For a smooth transition, have a look at these five things to do after moving into your new home.

Wet & dry vacuum cleaner

  1. Clean the carpets

Does your new property feature the previous owner’s carpets? While they might look in perfect condition, they could be housing dirt, stains and odours. Make the property feel brand-new by turning to professional carpet cleaners to eradicate stains and smells. For instance, Technicare can remove pet stains and unpleasant aromas from a carpet, so the house feels like your home.

Rafters in a loft space

  1. Review your crawlspaces

It’s hard to take a thorough look at a property during a viewing, which is why you should carefully review all the crawlspaces across the home as soon as you move in. This means getting into the attic or basement to check for potential problems such as mould, pest infestations or leaks. You can then make the essential repairs or install a vapour barrier within a space. By doing so, you can prevent bigger household problems occurring in the future.

Water stop cock

  1. Identify the mains water shut-off valve

If you weren’t informed during a viewing, you should identify the location of the main water shut-off valve, which you’ll need to know if there was ever a water leak the home. It could be located in an underground box with a removable lid within your garden, or it could be attached to your exterior wall. Only ever turn off the water in the event of an emergency.

Smoke alarm

  1. Check or replace smoke and CO detectors

Every home in the UK must have a working smoke detector which can save your life in the event of a fire. In addition to smoke detectors, a CO detector can also identify a carbon monoxide leak within the home. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, as it’s invisible and has no odour. If your home features smoke and CO detectors, it’s important to check they’re both in full working order to ensure the health and safety of your family. If they’re not functioning or appear faulty, you should immediately replace the alarms and regularly check they’re operative.

Wall-mounted burglar alarm

  1. Install wireless alarms onto your windows & doors

It’s important for both you and your family to feel immediately safe and secure in your new home. As well as checking the smoke and CO detectors, you should also install wireless alarms to your windows and doors. The small devices will be activated if a person attempts to open a door or window, meaning they can deter a burglar from trespassing in your home. It will provide you and your family some peace of mind that you’re all safe and secure in your new property.

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