Whether you’re looking to sell your house or just want to increase the value of your biggest asset, here are some sure fire ways to add some pennies to the value of your property.  Add or convert some spaceOne of the main things prospective buyers will be on the lookout for is how much space you have to offer. If you have an area in your home that serves as nothing but a storage area for old trinkets and dust, why not hire a professional to convert it into something useful. The most popular conversions include basement and loft conversions, but recently there has been an influx in the amount of homeowners converting spaces like the garage. The same goes for adding more space to your home, which can be done in the form of a conservatory, an orangery or even an extra room like a bathroom which has been...

From the creator of the first telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, to one of the inventors of the television, John Logie Baird and Alan MacMasters — the inventor of the first electric bread toaster — Scotland has a rich history of famous names who have created items which have become commonplace in our homes.The scene in Scotland continues to be bright, especially where interior design is concerned, as Glasgow fitted kitchen specialists DM Design has discovered when taking a look at Scottish designers to keep an eye on: Mairi Helena Based in Edinburgh, Mairi Helena is a designer of high-end luxury home accessories which take inspiration from a photographic portfolio of Scotland and catching the eye for their abstract surface pattern designs and unique fine art feel.Speaking about her work, Mairi said: “With both my parents being textile designers, I was brought up with an appreciation of design. Previously with the...

Whether you are a seasoned tradesman or just breaking into the business, insurance is one of the first things that you need to take care of to ensure that your business is protected at the appropriate level. By taking out tradesman insurance, you can protect the various aspects of your business, including your ongoing work, equipment, as well as compensation costs that may follow a legal claim against you.What is Tradesman Insurance?Tradesman insurance it is available for builders and any other types of tradesman, and it can pay to repair or redo the work that in progress is its managed by an event such as flood, fire, or vandalism. You need to know from the start that different kinds of businesses require different kinds of insurance. Many insurers offer to combine various policies that you may need into a package, which they may advertise as tradesman insurance. Depending on your...

 * If you're looking at a planning gain. You will need 10 - 12 weeks from the point of completion before you start work, factor that into your holding costs. * Don't forget the contingency, so many people think they'll add a small percentage of around 5% but believe me this closer to 12% * Ask your builder to sign a contract, where you clearly have staged payments for jobs completed.  PLEASE vet your builder, if you have someone who is much cheaper but has no insurance, registered address etc. this can cause problems (do your homework).  Make sure your builder is aware of the required building regs as this is important.  Add penalties if jobs run over (on a good faith basis though as building is weather dependent). * If you're doing multiple properties, get a refurb blueprint.  I would stick to the same kitchens, paint, flooring, carpeting etc. as it makes...

The main aim is to get as many people through the door as possible, so make sure you're bumping up your adverts on your various advertising portals. Viewings & dressings Viewings - book your viewings strategically, show them all available rooms. Sometimes tenants will tell you they have one budget, but then miraculously find more money when they see a bigger/better room. That being said, if you have a smaller room in your HMO that's struggling to rent but also have a slightly bigger & nicer room to let in the same house, if you've showed them the smaller room and they seem to like it - don't show them anything else (the bigger room will always let out faster).  Make a good impression as viewers have friends who will spread the word!Rents - Always try to achieve higher rents! Don’t be unrealistic, but have a look on the market and...