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Metro
4 days ago
- Business
- Metro
7 unique kitchen renovations that will have you picking up your paint brush
From chaotic family breakfasts before the school-run, to gossips over wine and nibbles with your mates, it all happens in the kitchen. The room is the heart of the home — and it's also the most expensive to renovate. According to Checkatrade, the average price of a bespoke refurb is an eye-watering £35,000. So, if you're spending some serious cash on your kitchen, it needs to deliver. That means combining beauty with function, creating a space that works just as a hard as it looks good. This year Metro is partnering with the Home Awards to bring readers the best in UK property. Voting is now closed across the 20 categories covering interiors, gardens, furniture innovation, home accessories — and of course, kitchens. As we wait for the finalists to be announced at the end of the month, here's a look at the seven of the entries in the Best Kitchen category, showcasing inspiring design, from salvaged finds to chic low-cost cabinets. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Estelle Bilson took full advantage of her kitchen's original 1970s features. Still in amazing condition after 50 years, the units were carefully restored and reused, while the retro tiles were sourced partly from eBay, as well as from a friend who had stripped them out of her own kitchen. The result is full of charm, character, and colour. Inside her 400-year-old cottage, Sabrina Gilles has created a kitchen that radiates joy. Painted in vintage cornflower blue and filled with salvaged pieces, the space blends French country style with rustic texture. A reclaimed pottery board became worktops and shelves, and aged brick tiles add warmth. Every detail feels lived-in and loved, giving this cottage kitchen a big heart. This is where fun meets function. Sharon Schoffing's kitchen had to serve as a vibrant family hub, a place to relax, and an occasional party venue. Her challenge was to play with bold colours and patterns without overwhelming the space. The solution? Careful zoning and hidden utility. The old pantry was transformed to house the washing machine and dryer, tucked behind a chalkboard-painted door that doubles as a playful space for notes, reminders and recipes. Nikki Shore's kitchen makeover proves how far a paintbrush can go. She refreshed the space using only green and pink paint, even giving the fridge a luxe new look. A standout pink range cooker adds impact, and a disco ball hanging from the ceiling turns the room into a place for dancing as well as cooking. A playful, creative way to refurbish on a budget. With no budget for an extension, Roxanna Fregona decided to make the most of the space she had. Her kitchen became a tribute to the garden just outside, with leafy wallpaper near the doors and open shelving filled with plants. Show stopping touches such as a copper sink, aged brass hardware and detailed skirting bring a high-end feel. There's even a custom-built nook for the dogs to relax in. This Harry Potter inspired kitchen feels like it belongs in the world of the Hogwarts. With floating witches' hats and stars hanging from the ceiling, the space brings a sense of magic to Chelsea's 1800s cottage. Original beams and exposed brickwork keep things grounded and cosy, whilst being in keeping with the quirky theme. Charlotte St Paul's kitchen is where Scandi minimalism meets raw industrial edge. More Trending A mix of concrete, metal, wood and glass gives the space texture and depth, while earthy green walls ground the look. Open shelves made from recycled scaffolding planks hold an eclectic mix of objects that make the space feel truly personal. View More » The concrete worktop will continue to evolve with time, making this kitchen as organic as it is functional. Ufurnish is handing out awards for the following categories: Best Bathroom – optimising your bathroom for best effect Best Bedroom – where opulence meets relaxation – sponsored by Blinds2Go Best Before and After Transformation – incredible transformations Best Dining Room – an inviting place to entertain Best DIY Creation – beautiful home grown looks Best First time Home renovation – making a great start Best Furniture Retailer – what you want, when you need it – sponsored by Furniture News Best Garden – your outdoor room Best Hallway – making the most of a forgotten space Best Home Office – Productivity at home Best Interior Instagram – showcasing 'the look' Best Kitchen – where style meets function Best Living Room – rooms you can relax in Best Nursery + Children's Bedroom – making bedtime fun Best on a Budget – big looks with small funds; Best Rental Inspiration – getting the most out of your rental space Best Showstopping Home Feature – something that wows Best Use of colour – expression through colour Overall Judges Choice – what experts like The Overall Public Vote – what the public loves most Finalists for the awards will be announced June 30. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: What I Own: We paid £360,000 for our commuter town three-bed by the sea MORE: Major high street chain announces £25,000,000 revamp with at least 30 new stores MORE: Friends fans keep making the same joke about US store that's launching in UK
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Four red flags for buyers to avoid a moneypit home – or face forking out £25k in repairs
Read below for the best tips to get on the housing ladder GOOD FOUNDATIONS Four red flags for buyers to avoid a moneypit home – or face forking out £25k in repairs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOUSE hunters who fail to notice a handful of red flags on a property could end up forking out nearly £26,000 in repairs. Trying to get on the property ladder is already costly enough, with buyers expected to save for a deposit, pay stamp duty charges and solicitors fees. 1 Jeremy Leaf shares tips for buying a home But prospective owners who fail to spot issues like mould, or faulty plumbing could end up forking out more in repairs. The Sun spoke to Jeremy Leaf, north London estate agent, who said buyers should go into property viewing with their "eyes open". "When you're buying a house, it's a big commitment and you're going to get some nasty surprises," he shares. The expert has shared the four biggest red flags buyers should look out for to avoid paying up to £25,700 in repairs. Japanese knotweed - up to £20,000 When viewing a property, Jeremy said wannabe homeowners should keep their eyes peeled for Japanese knotweed. This plant grows quickly and can cause damage to buildings, plus it's extremely difficult to eradicate. Japanese knotweed, which was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the nineteenth century, can only be removed with costly specialist treatment. Our home is so mouldy mushrooms and flies infest walls - it's making us sick The plant can be identified from its distinct features, such as large, heart-shaped leaves, hollow bamboo-like stems that have a zig-zag growth pattern. So if you suspect the plant may be present in the home you should ask the seller or estate agent. That's because the issue could cost up to £20,000 to fix depending on the severity of the issue. Alex Peters, author of Checkatrade cost guides, said: "There are numerous ways to remove Japanese knotweed with average removal costs at £1,750 but this can range from £950 - £20,000 depending on the scale of the problem. "Methods include domestic herbicide treatment, full excavation & removal, sifting and screening and on-site relocation." Asbestos - up to £3,750 Abestos was commonly used to insulate homes, but was banned in the UK 26 years ago because it was discovered to be a health hazard. It can be identified by its fluffy texture when found in buildings. Jeremy said that sellers can try and obscure it and make it difficult for a buyer to find. In some instances, the property expert said that people looking to shift their home have parked old cars in front of walls in the garage to cover up the substance. "People can go to great lengths to obscure defects and properties, if they want to," he said. To have asbestos removed, you will need a qualified surveyor to carry out an inspection, Alex from Checkatrade. "This costs in the region of £200-£1,000 and they will identify the type of asbestos in your home and any associated risks." He added: "Average removal costs can range from £950 - £3,750." Electrical and plumbing deficiencies Buying a house with electric and plumbing deficiencies could end up costing you up to £750. Jeremy said house hunters should closely examine plugs and switches in the home they are considering buying to see if they work correctly. It may also be worth running taps and the shower to see if everything is working as it should be. Alex said the best way to check out any problems is with an electrical safety check. This is a sort of MOT for the electric systems in your home. He said: "The average cost of an electrical safety check roughly starts at £100 - £250. "It is wise to have an electrical safety check every 5-10 years and this should always be completed by a qualified electrician." Alex said that if you require extra work to be conducted by an electrician such as adding new wiring or mending broken electrical equipment, electricians could charge £55 per hour or £400 per day. Meanwhile, the cost to repair a burst or leaking pipe could cost up to between £50 to £350 per day. Mould - £1,200 Fixing mould in your new property could end up costing you £1,200. So it may be worth keeping your eyes peeled for the substance to avoid forking out for repairs once you move in. Alex said buyers should "always be on the lookout for mould" as it loves to appear in hidden areas. The fungus is often found in areas that are damp, dark, and not easily visible. These spots can include behind furniture, in loft spaces, beneath carpets or floors, behind curtains, and inside toilet tanks. It is also worth checking out windows and cupboards where condensation and moisture builds quickly. You can also ask the seller or estate agent if the property has experienced issues with mould in the past and if they have been resolved. Alex said issues caused by mould are "numerous" and it is always "better to remove the problem as soon as possible to stop it from spreading and causing damage".
Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Why now is the perfect time for a home extension
Homeowners dreaming of an extension should act now, as the cost of building works has dropped by almost a third in a year. Trade directory Checkatrade found that the average cost of a building job had fallen by 28pc to £12,065 in the three months to March, compared to the same period in 2024. Experts said low demand for large renovation projects and wider availability of building materials had pushed costs down. Figures published by the Department for Business and Trade's latest building materials supply index found that deliveries of bricks had risen by 8.5pc compared to January last year, while concrete deliveries were up 4.2pc. The report found that building material prices were stabilising, having dipped below their peak in 2022 when supply chains faced heavy disruption. Building materials and labour soared in the wake of the pandemic, and Checkatrade said costs were further pushed up by the effects of Brexit. Jambu Palaniappan, of Checkatrade, said: 'We've seen demand for some of the bigger home improvement jobs dip over the past year, and as demand has slowed, prices have followed, making it more affordable for people to get work done. 'This drop in costs, combined with the usual seasonal uptick we see at the start of the year, has led to a big rise in certain types of home improvement projects recently, as consumers take advantage of better prices.' The website also found the number of interior design jobs commissioned had risen by 33pc since last year. Painting and decorating searches also increased 22pc. The website said general 'handyman' costs had also fallen significantly from £592 to £389 in the past 12 months, with tiling and electrical work similarly dropping by 25pc to £1,307. Jane Hewson, 64, a homeowner from Herefordshire, said she was planning an extension to the small barn next to her home with the hope of downsizing into it. She said: 'I don't want to move out of the area as I love it, but until recently it's been very difficult to get a decent builder.' Ms Hewson said she was provided quotes of around £95,000 plus VAT to extend the barn, but in more recent months has seen the price come down to the region of £75,000. She said: 'I was pleasantly surprised, but I don't think prices are going to come down again.' Although prices are falling, the Federation of Master Builders (MFB) has warned homeowners to exercise caution when approaching builders who do not have a licence. The trade body, together with the Homeowners Alliance lobby group, has called on the Government to introduce a mandatory licensing scheme for housebuilders. Without one, the MFB said homeowners had 'no legal safeguards to ensure builders meet basic standards'. Brian Berry, of the trade body, said: 'We can't allow just anyone to call themselves a builder any more. The Government must step up and bring in a licensing scheme that puts quality, safety, and accountability first.' Paula Higgins, of the Homeowners Alliance, added: 'I would hate to think how many people have fallen victim to rogue traders or poor-quality work, how many millions of pounds of households' money have been lost, and victims left to clear up the mess over the past decade alone. 'When it comes to appointing a builder, homeowners shouldn't have to cross their fingers and hope that their builder is one of the good ones. The Government needs to protect homeowners through licensing.'
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I saved thousands fitting a new bathroom myself – people love our Amazon mirror & floor to ceiling tiles came from B&Q
Plus, ten DIY hacks that will transform your home for just £1 each WATER GLOW-UP I saved thousands fitting a new bathroom myself – people love our Amazon mirror & floor to ceiling tiles came from B&Q Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COUPLE have left people with their jaws on the floor after giving their bathroom an epic glow-up with no prior experience. If you're looking to have your bathroom fitted professionally, this will cost you around an eye-watering £7,000 - or more, depending on the size, according to data by Checkatrade. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 One thrifty couple wowed social media users with their epic bathroom makeover on a budget Credit: FACEBOOK/DIY ON A BUDGET OFFICIAL 2 Thanks to doing everything themselves, they spent just £4,000 for the gorgeous glow-up Credit: FACEBOOK/DIY ON A BUDGET OFFICIAL But as many cash-strapped households are looking for cheaper alternatives, one DIY-loving couple recently stunned everyone with their gorgeous bathroom makeover. What's more, not only did they achieved the stunning results themselves - but they also saved thousands in the process. Chloe Newlove took to Facebook to share snaps of the process from the very start to the very end - and while it did take them several months, the final result was worth it. According to the thrifty woman - one of the members of the DIY On A Budget Official page - the pair had ''no experience''. Before the jaw-dropping transformation, the bathroom was pretty plain, featuring a bathtub, dark grey wall tiles, as well as cream tile flooring. The slow reno process started with getting rid of the existing bathtub and sink, as well as removing the wall tiling, stripping the room completely. The DIY enthusiasts then installed the brand new bathtub, a stunning white sink, before tackling the light grey wall tiles - all of which they did themselves. The Johnson tiles Urban Concrete White Matt Stone effect tiles, Chloe revealed in the comments, were from B&Q and cost just £23 for a pack of six. The gorgeous Johnson Tiles Marlow Beige Matt Cement Tile Effect Porcelain Indoor Wall & Floor Tiles were also purchased from the beloved retailer. If you want to get your hands on this stunning flooring, you'll have to be quick - as they're currently on offer, down from £22.50 to just £13.50 for a five-pack. I transformed my council house hallway for under £60 - the old laminate has vanished but critics say it 'looks cheap' Another fabulous feature that instantly gave the room a more modern yet cosy feel was the round light-up mirror they found on Amazon. Sharing the jaw-dropping results online, Chloe revealed the total costs came to just £4,000 - saving the money-smart pair an astronomical sum. 10 DIY hacks for under £1 each These simple and affordable DIY hacks can help you get creative while saving money Homemade Air Freshener: Mix baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place it in a small jar with a perforated lid to keep your home smelling fresh. Upcycled Tin Can Planters: Clean and paint empty tin cans to use as stylish planters for herbs or small plants. Custom Phone Stand: Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or an old plastic credit card to create a custom phone stand. Decorate it with washi tape or paint. DIY Lip Scrub: Combine sugar and a bit of honey or coconut oil to make a natural lip scrub. Store in a small container. Personalised Bookmarks: Use old greeting cards or decorative paper to create unique bookmarks. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon for a finishing touch. Decorative Mason Jars: Paint or decoupage old mason jars to use as decorative vases, storage containers, or candle holders. Easy Cable Organiser: Use empty toilet paper rolls to organize cables and cords. Decorate the rolls with colorful paper or tape. Magnetic Spice Jars: Attach small magnets to the lids of small jars and stick them to a metal board or fridge for easy-access spice storage. Handmade Coasters: Cut out squares from old corkboard or felt and decorate them with paint or fabric to create custom coasters. Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use it to clean surfaces around your home. 'Love it, who needs a professional' Since being uploaded on the popular page, the glow-up has taken the internet by storm, winning Chloe more than 130 likes in less than 24 hours - and heaps of praise. Dozens of fellow DIY lovers flooded to comments totally amazed by the stunning makeover. One person said: ''Soo gorgeous!!! You should pat yourself in the back for that!'' Someone else chimed in: ''That looks absolutely amazing.'' ''Love it, who needs a professional,'' a third added. ''Bathroom looks stunning,'' another was singing praises.
Daily Record
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scotland's plumbers at 'breaking point' with seven in ten firms struggling to recruit
Scotland's plumbing profession has reached 'breaking point' with seven in ten firms struggling to recruit skilled workers leading to the cost of emergency call-outs soaring. The Plumbing and Heating Federation issued the warning amid fears a 'critical' shortage of workers - despite rising demand for plumbers - is causing prices to surge and could lead to a rise in rogue traders. As of April 2025, the average call-out fee for an emergency plumber was £110, according to home improvement index Checkatrade and the average hourly rate for a plumber was £50. A study in 2022 by the firm also found the cost of an average plumbing job had soared by 19 per cent - or around £70 - to stand at about £434. The Federation has now demanded swift government intervention to address a workforce crisis which has seen recruitment of apprentices flatline, citing years of ministerial 'inaction'. Chief executive Fiona Hodgson said: 'The plumbing and heating profession is at breaking point. 'We are now seeing the cumulative impact of government inaction, with funding support frozen for more than eight years. 'Our members continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience amid ongoing global economic uncertainty, but resilience alone cannot replace the need for a skilled and sustainable workforce. 'Our employers have continued to sound the alarm: they cannot find the people they need, and too few have the resources to train the next generation.' The Federation also warned the sector's struggles 'threaten the nation's economic resilience' amid the drive to build more houses and retrofit homes and buildings to meet climate targets. Hodgson added: 'Without urgent government action, our capacity to deliver on housing, infrastructure and net zero targets will begin to manifest in the next two to three years.' The latest State of Trade report from the industry group, also known as the Scotland and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF), found 69 per cent of firms reported low availability of skilled professionals. Meanwhile, fewer than a quarter plan to recruit an apprentice over the next six months. The report, based on three consecutive quarters of survey data, also found just 21 per cent of businesses say they're likely to increase staffing at all, with many citing cost pressures, with 47 per cent gloomy about the country's overall economic outlook. It comes despite rising demand for plumbing services since the Covid pandemic as homeowners began clearing their maintenance backlogs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. SNIPEF warned last year the rising cost of materials and fuel, a shortage of skilled workers and the National Insurance squeeze on employers were all piling pressure on the sector. Logic4Training, the UK's leading training provider for tradesmen, has predicted these factors will continue to cause 'elevated service charges'. Hodgson warned the 'deeper systemic issue' was the 'chronic underfunding of further education and apprenticeships ' which she insisted demands urgent attention at Holyrood. She said: 'Policymakers continue to talk about the value of apprenticeships and the green transition, yet the very trades needed to deliver them are being starved of support. 'If we are serious about installing low-carbon heating systems and driving social and economic mobility, we need thousands more trained professionals. 'That starts with investing in apprenticeships now, not two or three years down the line.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are engaging industries and employers across the country, and will continue to do so as we reform the skills system and introduce a new skills planning approach, which will enable targeted action to address national and regional skills requirements. 'Recognising the need to address current skills needs while reforming the system, we are providing £185million this year to support apprenticeships. But we are also looking at how we secure maximum benefit from this investment, including how public funding is utilised. ' Brexit is a major driver of skills gaps and is holding Scotland back, in addition to current UK immigration policy, which is why we continue to propose a tailored approach to migration for Scotland to ensure that we can benefit from the skills of people who want to live and work here.'
