London Homes

Factors To Consider When Hiring Luxury Building Contractors In London

Kathy Contractors January 4, 2019April 8, 2024builders, extensions, london, real estate london 0 Comment

One of the smartest ways that you can invest your money is to purchase real estate. However, the disadvantage of buying real estate is that you will always pay a markup so that the seller and real estate agent can make a profit. As a result, you may end up paying tens or even hundreds of thousands more for a property than it is actually worth. One way to combat this is to actually build your own real estate or do a loft conversion on top. If you’re thinking about building a high-end property, then you will need to hire luxury building contractors in London. However, before you randomly choose a building contractor, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before finding and hiring one.

Avoid Paying More Than You Should

Now, all luxury building contractors are not equal and some are better than others. There are also many contractors that overcharge for their work, so if you don’t do your research, you may end up paying much more than you should. As a result, you need to do your research when it comes to hiring a good contractor. You can go around and ask real estate agencies or people you know for recommendations. Also, the quality of work is crucial since you don’t want to build a property and it starts crumbling or having structural issues within a few years of being built.

Review the Type Builder You Need

When time is limited and there is nothing left to study about each type of builder like luxury builders and office space builders, then you might think about asking your partner, a good friend, and other people you trust to suggest a good builder. Especially if they have used one before. If you thinking of renovation then a renovation company would be better rather than someone who has done only Lofts. Be sure to ask around and you’ll soon see that some builders are better than others. In terms of their pricing and workmanship.

Once you’ve gotten the names of a few luxury building contractors, you should then do some further research. This means turning to Google and you should search the company name. It will take some time, but you should read as much as you can about the company and take special note of any past customer complaints or even legal issues. Make sure to also look into house clearance companies and cleaners to handle the messy aftermath of construction. If a particular company has lots of negative reviews or legal problems, then avoid hiring that company. Instead, choose a company that has mostly positive reviews.

In summary, once you find at least one or a couple of good luxury building contractors in London, you should request a quotation for your particular job. This will help you to get a better feel of each of the contractors and you’ll be able to choose one that is suitable to you and your needs.

Revitalize Your Workspace with these Cheap Office Renovation Ideas

Kathy Office removals January 11, 2023April 8, 2024 0 Comment

Other than your own house, your office is most likely the place where you spend the most time. Working a nine-to-five in a boring, dull office could leave you watching the clock before lunch. It is also the first impression that any potential clients will get of you or your business. So, here are some cheap office renovation design ideas for you to consider.

Fortunately, if you are up to the task, there are many ways to improve your working space. You could easily turn your cold, drab office into your home away from home. The best part is that you won’t need an enormous budget to take on this project.

1. Add Office Furniture and chairs

A lifeless pine desk and an old chair in the corner simply won’t cut it. There is a lot more to office furniture than regular desks and tall bookshelves or chairs. Make your office comfortable for you and your clients by adding a sofa or lounge chair. Choose furniture that matches your overall theme in design and color. You can look for brand-new pieces or, as a cheap office renovation idea, use the local stores to find cheap refurbished office chairs and furniture. It is a great alternative and you get to participate in re-using by giving a chair or other furniture a new life.

2. Repaint The Walls

This is one of the best ways to give your office a brand-new identity. Unleash your inner artist and choose any color you desire because traditional office walls are a thing of the past. Find a bucket of paint that sparks your interest and grab your paintbrush or hire a builder. If you prefer neutral and natural options, but your walls still appear a bit drab, you can add an accent or feature wall.

3. Change The Lighting

Lighting can make a big difference in the full aesthetic of your office. Cool white bulbs appear brighter, whiter, and more modern than warm white bulbs. If you prefer the warm ambiance of the latter, it is still possible to make small changes to the look of your lights. There are hundreds and thousands of brand-new light fixtures in different designs that will complement your office theme.

4. Let In Some Natural Light

Natural light doesn’t just improve your office, it also improves your mental health. Extra vitamin D from the sun has many health benefits and it will make your office appear brighter and more homely. You can make a big change by adding new windows or replacing the existing windows with larger ones. A cheap office renovation idea that is easier is replacing those thick curtains and drapes with blinds.

5. Redo Your Flooring

Let’s face it, carpets are out of fashion and it is very difficult to keep them clean. Call in the help of a professional and remove those carpets or tiles that have been bugging you for months. Flooring options are endless and you can choose anything from laminated wooden floors to shiny tiles in any design. Your floors can be changed to complement your theme and adding a large rug in the middle could still give you a cozy feel.

6. Redecorate Your Office

Now that the hard part of your office renovation is behind you, it is time for the fun part of cheap office renovation design ideas. Decorate your office in any theme, and with anything you want. It is time to take out those boxes filled with documents to make room for a coffee bar and some art.

Factors To Consider When Choosing House Clearance Company

Kathy Contractors November 26, 2020April 8, 2024 0 Comment

House clearance is a service offered by house clearance companies for moving household items or waste from the property; the work can take several days to clear the property depending on the number of items in the building. Some households have numerous pieces of types of furniture, while others have few. The size of the property and the number of household items are the determining factors, especially for the new-storey building, the building always has wastes that need disposal of even after the builders have completed the work.

House clearance can also happen when you are planning to renovate a house in preparation for selling. When choosing a house clearance company in London; there are several factors you ought to consider before settling on a qualified company.

Formulate your work plan

You ought to have a good plan on where to start packing your household items, starting with one room that requires a lot of time. The kitchen might have fragile utensils and might take time to arrange and pack. Your stores might have heavy machinery and parts that need disassembling and wrapping so as not to spoil other items.

Separating the waste from useful items

Separating useful, repairable items like electronics from non-repairable is very crucial. Make sure you mark them using different colours; it will ease loading and unloading the items. Hazardous items, like car batteries, used tyres, engine oil, and broken glasses, ought to be handled with care. It is not advisable to throw the above items into the bin but requires disposing of, as authorized by the local authorities.

The experience of the house clearance company

Make sure you take your quality time to research the experience of the company you would like to use to carry out the house clearance on your property and what to expect from the company. If the company has been in operation for many years, then you are more guaranteed that the company will handle your work with perfection. Companies with no experience might not be the best choice for your work.

The reputation of the company

Research for the feedback of the former clients of the company, on the company website and social media. If you visit their websites, you will be able to find the way the reputable house clearance company is being rated by their clients. If the house clearance company has a bad reputation then, consider looking for another company. Companies with a good reputation always attract many clients and have feedback.

The machinery or tools for the Job

Consider the house clearance company that has enough machinery for easy movement of the items from your property. If the company does not have enough tools, then it might take a long time to clear the building. Clearing, a new storey building, the company needs to have enough trucks to transport waste materials from the site.

Enough and efficient labour force

Always carry out thorough research about the labour force of the house clearance company before you sign the contract, a company with enough labour force will carry out work efficiently within a short time and vice versa is true.

The Charges

When you are signing a contract, you ought to know the total cost of the contract. Some companies have hidden charges that you come to realize after the completion of the work. There are charges like an offloading fee and a parking fee. You ought to scrutinize the quotation and contract papers well before signing.

The Total cost

Consider the total cost of the services offered by the house clearance company, and choose a cost-effective and affordable rate that is ok with you.

When searching for a house clearance company, take time to find the right company that will handle your work efficiently.

Master Your Internal Office Move: A Comprehensive Checklist

Kathy Office removals August 9, 2019April 8, 2024london, relocation 0 Comment

Embarking on an internal office move can seem daunting, yet it presents a fantastic opportunity to revitalise your workspace and enhance productivity. The key to a successful transition lies in meticulous planning and organisation. This guide offers a detailed internal office move checklist to navigate the complexities of an office move, ensuring a smooth, efficient process with minimal disruption to your daily operations.

1. Assemble Your Move Team

Start by forming a dedicated move team. This group should include representatives from various departments, ensuring all areas of your business are considered in the move planning process. The team will be responsible for coordinating the move, communicating with staff, and addressing any concerns that arise.

2. Create a Detailed Move Plan

Developing a comprehensive move plan is crucial. This should outline every aspect of the move, including timelines, budget, floor plans, and specific tasks assigned to team members. A well-structured plan ensures everyone knows their responsibilities, helping to avoid last-minute chaos.

3. Inventory and Tag Assets

Conduct a thorough inventory of all office assets. Tagging items with labels that indicate their destination in the new layout can significantly streamline the clearance process. This step not only aids in organisation but also helps in identifying any items that may no longer be needed, which can then be sold or donated.

4. Communicate with Your Staff

Effective communication is essential. Keep your staff informed about the move’s progress and how it will affect them. Providing regular updates can help alleviate any concerns and ensure that everyone is prepared for the transition. Consider creating an internal FAQ document to answer common questions.

5. Arrange for IT and Telecoms Setup

Ensure your IT department is involved early in the planning process. They’ll need to arrange for the transfer of all technological equipment, including computers, servers, and phones. Planning for this well in advance of the move date is critical to avoid disruptions in service.

6. Plan for Day-One Essentials

Prepare a day-one essentials kit for each employee. This should include items they’ll need immediately upon arriving at the new space, such as access cards, a building map, and basic supplies. Ensuring employees can start working without delay is vital for maintaining productivity.

7. Review and Update Business Information

Although an internal move may not change your address, it’s a good opportunity to review and update your business information. This includes contact details on your website, email signatures, and business cards. It’s also an excellent time to declutter digital files and update any internal directories.

In conclusion, a well-executed internal office move checklist requires careful planning, coordination, and communication. By following this checklist, you can ensure a seamless transition to your new office space, minimising downtime and keeping your team productive and happy. Remember, the success of your move hinges on the details, so start planning today!

Top Tips When Looking For Real Estate In London

Kathy Real Estate April 8, 2024real estate london 0 Comment

If you’re trying to find real estate in London, then you need to find out what your options are. And, you need to know if you’re going to get charged a fair price. That’s what you’re going to get some help with finding out more about here.

Look for Reviews Online

London is a good place to call home, only if you can find a home that meets your needs. There are a lot of listings that you can go through online, but this can take some time. If you’re short on time and want to find a place quickly, then you should hire a real estate agent that is in the area. You want to find reviews on them to make sure they’re the right people for the job. Once you do that, you can hire them and let them find homes that meet your needs that you can then check out.

Determine your Budget

Pricing is going to really depend on how nice the home is and whether it’s in a good part of the city. Of course, there are expensive neighbourhoods and there are some that have seen better days. If you want just an average home at an average price, then try to find neighbourhoods that are not known for being really good or bad. An agent can help you with this, and so can doing research on the areas that homes are in that you are interested in renting if they turn out to be a good deal. Or if you’re buying, try to find good builders that are in your price range.

Real estate in London is easy to find, but a good deal on a home is not. You now have some ways to work with that will help you avoid getting a bad deal. Use this advice to your advantage and the end result will be you being happy with the outcome.

Essential Strategies for Selling Your London Home Fast

Kathy Real Estate April 8, 2024real estate london 0 Comment

For whatever reason you might be selling your house, it is not a deal where you want to lose. This is a big investment, and if possible, you want to get your money back and a little more. However, you can’t just rely on the current market to fetch the price you want. In fact, the quicker you sell the house the better.

Here are some things you can do to help get the house sold quicker and protect yourself from negotiating prices that are too low.

1. Increase Curb Appeal

One of the first things to look at is the curb appeal. In other words, how does the house present from the outside? Is the garden tidy and inviting? Does the house show character from the street view?

Potential buyers aren’t going to say it, but they will pay attention to the atmosphere you create before they step into the house. And that atmosphere has everything to do with the exterior of the house.

Get the garden clean and in good shape, because it can mean the difference between a good and bad sale. Nobody likes a messy garden. Think about all the great times you will have when you host the BBQ in your garden.

2. Affordable Renovations

No, you don’t really get your money back with renovations. Unless you invest in the kitchen or bathroom, accept that you are paying a small price for something much bigger.

Renovations, such as a simple coat of paint and a reliable contractor, can bring a new dimension to the home and make it more lucrative. And that’s how you get potential buyers more interested.

3. Get Rid Of Personal Items

If you ask an experienced Real Estate agent, they will tell you to get rid of all personal belongings inside the house. Instead, keep selected furniture in certain rooms, because you don’t want any of the rooms empty but remove the rest of your furniture either by yourself or by house clearance companies.

Ultimately, you want the buyer to see themselves living there, and it can’t happen with pictures of your family hanging around. Thus, you should make it a neutral ground buyers can easily buy into.

4. Call An Agent

If you really want to speed up the sale and get a good price, contact a local real estate agent. They will be able to help in terms of establishing a realistic and accurate price, they know how to handle the marketing, and they have many connections they can use. You definitely can’t go wrong with professional help on your side, and they know quite a bit about the market.

How To Find A Reliable Real Estate Agency In London

Kathy Real Estate April 8, 2024london, real estate london 0 Comment

When looking for a real estate agency, it is always good to look for the best. However, it can become a daunting task to choose the best real estate agency in London as there are very many agencies. Regardless of whether you are a seller or a buyer, the tips below will help you find the best real estate agency in London:

Contact previous clients

It is usually a good idea to ask real estate agencies for a list of homes for sale that they have listed and sold in the past year together with contact information of previous clients. Before contacting previous clients, ask if anyone will be pleased or disappointed with the services offered by a certain real estate agency.

Experience

Research how long the agent has been in the market. A real estate agency that has been in business for less than 5 years will only be learning from you and that may not be good. A good agency demonstrates knowledge of the area and homes in your price range.

Referrals

Most of the agencies have been able to stay in business because clients who were satisfied with their services referred them to family, friends, neighbours, and coworkers. Therefore, it may be a good idea to ask people around you about the agency they have used before and also ask about their experiences with the agency.

Reliable agents value customer satisfaction and try as much as they can to satisfy the needs of their clients. Look for an agency that goes above and beyond its responsibilities and one that is praised by your close friends, family members, neighbours, or coworkers.

Attending open houses

Open houses enable you to interact with real estate agencies. When you go to open to open houses ensure that you ask the agencies for their business cards. If you are planning to sell your home, pay close attention to how the agency is showing homes.

Are the agents polite and informative or are they ignoring you? Do they appear knowledgeable? Are they professional? The answers to these questions will help you choose the best real estate agency in London.

Recommendations from professionals

Another good way of finding the best professionals in London is by asking other real estate agents for referrals. Why? Agents are usually happy to refer sellers or buyers to associates especially if the services you are looking for are not a specialty of the agent referring you.

Keep in mind that some agents deal with residential properties while others only work with new home builders. Others only sell investment or commercial property. Mortgage brokers can also help you find a good real estate agency as they have first-hand knowledge of reliable agencies.