QUAFORCEa BATHROOMS ASUNIQUE AS YOUAquaforce 2009 Ltd, 32 Boghill Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4QS

T: 028 9084 2202 E: info@aquaforce.org.uk W: www.aquaforce.org.uk COMPLETE BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT

10 Feature HomesHeating Your Home

Ballyhackamore FocusGoing Up - Loft Conversions

Home Security

launching January 2014SELL YOUR HOME WITH US

www.milkestates.com

Hi Belfast!

I am delighted to introduce you to the new monthly Belfast Homes PropertyPaper. We invite you to sit down somewhere comfortable and have a good, longread. Inside our first issue you will find lessons in home security and homeheating, tips for winter-proofing your property and information about loftconversions. For the arts and crafts lovers among you, Alistair Crossey fromVintage Chic NI talks you through how to source and successfully restyle oldfurniture, and we’ve compiled a list of our top ten quick and clever Christmasdecoration ideas.

This month’s 10 feature homes are situated within a 10 mile radius of Belfast CityCentre. You can read all about Coopers Mill in our New Homes section, andNorthern Property in our Agency Focus section. Ballyhackamore in East Belfastis the subject of this month’s Area Focus feature.

Whether you’re looking for a home or just browsing, we hope you enjoy everysingle page.

Best wishes from everyone at Belfast Homes.

BethBeth Evans

EDITOR’S LETTER

Publisher Contact:

Lamb Promotions Ltd.Conway Mill, Conway Street, Belfast, BT13 2DE

Telephone: +44 (0) 7525 424 202Email: info@lambpromotions.comWeb: www.lambpromotions.com

Belfast homes Property Paper

VINTAGE CHIC

We chat with Alistair Crossey about bringingnew life to old furniture06ROUNDUP

More information about some of the greatbusinesses who helped make BH happen10HEAT YOUR HOME FOR LESS

Take a look at the different options forheating your home this winter13FEATURE HOMES

Ten of the best homes for sale in and aroundthe Belfast area14NEW HOMES

We introduce you to an exciting newdevelopment called Coopers Mill20AREA FOCUS

Just on the outskirts of the city, we take acloser look at Ballyhackamore24SECURE YOUR HOME

Keep the burglers at bay this festive season,BH offer some practical tips28EXTENDING

Utilise that empty space at the top of yourhouse with a great loft conversion30DECOR

Some hints and tips on getting your homeready for the man in red32AGENCY FOCUS

Find out what goes on behind the scenes at alocal estate agency34OUTSIDE

Help on preparing your home for winter38All submissions to Belfast Homes Property Paper are made on the basis of permission topublish the submission in Belfast Homes Property Paper and its licensed editions worldwide.In the case of a picture selection, the editor’s decision is final. Any material sent is at theowner’s risk and although every care is taken neither Lamb Promotions Ltd or its agentsshall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of BelfastHomes Property Paper are accurate. However we accept no liability for misprints ormistakes that appear in this publication. Lamb Promotions Ltd 2013.

Belfast Homes Property Paper was on the hunt for inspiration. We had a room we needed to freshen up but wedidn’t have a massive budget to blow on it. We stumbled across a charming chap called Alastair who runs WindmillInteriors NI and also a furniture upstyling company called Vintage Chic NI. We asked him for some style tips…….

VINTAGE CHIC

Belfast homes Property Paper | page seven

importantly, your personality. Bold colourscreate bold statements so only use them ifyour mind set allows you to. A neutrallypainted piece of furniture is suitable forseveral rooms so if you feel like a changethere’s no need to buy more furniture – justdo a spot of rearranging!

We have recently started using DecoupagePaper. This is great as it totally changes thelook and feel of any item. Use it on a tabletop, inside a chest of drawers or even on theside of a unit. Remember that when usingthis paper attention to detail is extremelyimportant. Decoupage Paper is available inmost local, family run craft stores. Look upyour local college’s evening classes. Mostoffer useful arts and crafts classes.

Everybody wants a fantastic piece offurniture that creates a talking point andimpresses visitors. Let Vintage Chic NI takeall the hassle out of researching, planningand restyling. Save money and time…Restyle with VNI...

Looking for vintage furniture? Have a lookat:www.facebook.com/vintagechicniwww.facebook.com/windmillinteriorsni

I'm an interior designer with over 20 years’experience in my field. I recently set up acompany called Vintage Chic NI with mypartner. Both of us bring our own littlesomething different to the business.

I am passionate about every aspect of myjob, be it redesigning a client’s whole house,focusing on one room or even just selectingnew furniture for a space. I have found thatover the past 4-6 years the householdincome has become a lot tighter andtherefore outgoings have grown. This hasled to my clients wanting to do much of theinterior design work themselves. For thisreason, I offer a consultation service duringwhich I come to the client’s home andspend some time discussing their needs. It'sa very relaxed and worthwhile meeting. Wediscuss their furniture and assess whetheror not it's suitable for the room. I usuallyadvise the client on how to restyle theirfurniture. Most clients don't have a clueabout restyling furniture, but it's actuallyvery easy to do – it just requires a lot oftime. It can take around 7 full days tocomplete a simple side table. To do this, youwould normally apply 3 undercoatsfollowed by 3 top coats and it is alwaysbeneficial to finish it off with a coat ofvarnish. This seals the item and allows youto use it on a daily basis without damagingit.

These days I'm noticing more and more thatwe're having to source items of furniture forour clients. We receive 10-12 privatemessages a day from clients asking us tofind an item and then restyle it for them.This keeps the cost down and allows peopleto enjoy their very own stylish, one-offpiece of furniture!

If you’re restyling your own items, use acolour that suits your room and, most

Belfast homes Property Paper | page nine

Dress This House is a highly successful home staging consultancy service based inBelfast that specialises in providing low cost staging services for your home tohelp you attract potential tenants and buyers.

Just like wearing a suit to a job interview, your house should smarten up to lookits best when it’s on the market. Up until now, staging a home for the propertymarket has been the responsibility of the owner. Where once it may have onlyinvolved cutting the grass and putting away the laundry, sellers are now havingto work much harder to attract a buyer.

Dress This House promises to recommend all the changes, no matter how big orsmall, that are necessary in making a property stand out. We have a wealth ofknowledge and experience in home staging and styling, helping homeownersboost their property’s marketability for the purpose of sale or rent. Weunderstand the importance of each of our client’s property needs andrequirements, and allow them to be involved in the design process as little or asmuch as they desire.

If your property is in need of a revamp, get in touch today. We are known forgoing above and beyond our clients’ expectations!

07966 876 859frances@dressthishouse.infowww.dressthishouse.info

DRESS YOUR HOUSE FOR SUCCESS

BARR SECURITY SOLUTIONS

Barr Security has been providing solutions to bothdomestic and commercial clients since 2003 and hasSSAIB certification, the quality standard within theindustry. Our engineers have over 20 years’experience within the electrical trade as well as theaccess control sector. Thanks to our well-establishedrelationships with security suppliers, we can offerour customers a vast range of security products tomeet their own specific needs. Total securitysolutions available include intruder alarms, accesssystems, CCTV security, anti-theft, fire security andmaintenance.

028 9023 2824info@barrsecurity.co.uk5-7 Conway Mill, Conway Street, Belfast

CAREFREE CANDLES

Scentsy is the new, safer way to fragrance yourhome or workspace. With NO flame, NO soot and NOworry, it’s the perfect alternative to candles andtealights. Scentsy Wax Warmers are handcraftedceramic units with built in LED bulbs, which emit anambient light, and a warming plate on which you canmelt a choice of Scentsy fragrances includingCocoLemongrass, Sweet Pea and Vanilla, and CleanBreeze. Scentsy fragrances are made using food-grade wax which does NOT evaporate into yourhome’s environment like conventional wick candles.

07866 886 620carefree-candles.scentsy.co.uk

DORIS AND JEANNIE INTERIORS

Doris and Jeannie Interiors, situated on the Belmont Road, Belfast,offers home accessories, furniture, fabrics and local crafts. They are theBelfast stockist of Chalk Paint™, a decorative paint by Annie Sloan™. Itis a unique formulation in a range of heritage colours which can be usedon furniture and walls for a distressed look, without priming orundercoating. Kathy Carter, the owner of Doris and Jeannie, has abackground in Art and Design, having been head of Art at a local schooland provides help and advice on how to use the paint. She also offersworkshops in a friendly, relaxed environment, demonstrating thedifferent finishes the paint can achieve. The shop is packed with quirky,interesting home accessories and furniture. You can be sure that youwill find something a bit different if you come in!

25 Belmont Road, Belfast | www.dorisandjeannie.co.uk028 9543 8177

ROUNDUPABOUT THE EXPERTS

RJS PATTERSON & SONS

Plumbing and Heating Engineers

RJS Patterson & Sons is a third generation familybusiness which has become one of Belfast’s leadingplumbing and heating companies during its 40+years of quality service. All RJS Patterson employeesare fully qualified, reliable tradesmen who aretrained to deal with every aspect of plumbing andheating (both oil and gas). Based in South Belfast, RJSPatterson covers all of Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn,Newtownabbey, Glengormley, Holywood and more.

� Free estimates� Weekend work� All types of plumbing and heating work

carried out at reasonable cost

lisa@rjspatterson.com028 9081 7899

GMS INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

GMS Intelligent Systems specialise in the management and integration ofintelligent home solutions, via a structured cabling system (at building stage), tofuture-proof your home. Thus enabling incorporation of Digital Lighting,  HighDefinition (HD) Distribution,  Aquavision TV,  SONOS, Hi-Fi systems,  HomeCinema systems, Telephone, Wireless Networking,  Security Systems, IntruderAlarms, CCTV (linked to your smartphone) and  Electrical Installations.

As of 2008, GMS Intelligent Systems are official, authorised SONOSinstallers/retailers. SONOS wireless Hi-Fi systems let you play music in everyroom of your home, effortlessly. GMS Intelligent Systems can offer you a fullSONOS guarantee, all the latest SONOS equipment and updates, and theexpertise needed to install a state of the art system such as this in your home.

11 The Oaks,Armagh,BT66 6NYT: 0800 2985009M: 07754789163george@gms-intellsys.co.ukwww.gms-intellsys.co.uk

LEATHER CLINIC

Professional Leather Repairs

You can be sure that we possess the necessary skills,knowledge and experience to accommodate yourspecific requirements. We operate out of ourcustom built workshop in Belfast, and canaccommodate large and small jobs alike. Servicessupplied by the Leather Clinic comprise as:

� Leather Car Interior Repair� Biker Leather Repair� Leather Sofa Repair� Leather Sofa Restoration� Leather Alterations� Damaged Leather Repair

Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs:

07793 462 072www.leatherclinicbelfast.co.uk

GRAEME KERR BOILER SERVICES

Winter can spell disaster for boilers. Cold weather causes condensate pipes tofreeze and blockages can lead to leaks which, if ignored, could result in thecomplete shutdown of your boiler. If you are experiencing any problems withyour boiler, give Graeme Kerr a call. A family run business, Graeme Kerr BoilerServices has been installing, maintaining, servicing and commissioning boilersacross Co. Antrim and North Down for 40 years.

Tel: 07518 871 395

DISABILITY CENTRE

This one-stop-shop provides an important resourcein the community offering customers everythingfrom remote control stair lifts, walking aids andscooters, to shower tray enclosures for level andeasy access. Walk-in baths featuring a specialhydrotherapy system are also available at theDisability Centre, and are ideal for those sufferingfrom rheumatism, arthritis and circulation problems.A wide range of accessories are also available. If youcan’t find what you’re looking for in store, thefriendly team will be happy to source it for you.

Castle Street, Portaferry028 4272858007802 298 910

Belfast homes Property Paper | page eleven

AQUAFORCE

Aquaforce 2009 Ltd are an established local buildingcontractor offering a reliable and professionalservice to both private and commercial clients.   Weare the complete building contractor who can takeon any project with confidence.We can help you with:

� Building Works� Extensions� Renovations� Loft Conversions� Bathroom Refurbishments� Home Insurance Claims� Heating and Plumbing� Conservatories� UPVC Double Glazing� Damp Proofing� Woodworm Treatment� Disabled Adaptations� PVC Fascias and Soffitts

T: 028 9084 2202 | www.aquaforce.org.uk

In the current climate home heating costs mount as the weather grows colder.If you’re worried about the cost of heating or you think you’re paying morethan you should be, you might find it beneficial to hire an energy auditor. Theywill take everything into account from the efficiency of insulation andappliances to the overall structure of your home. They should also assess yourneeds, daily family lifestyle and energy usage patterns. Once the audit iscompleted you should be told what needs to be changed in order to promoteimproved energy efficiency in your home. Implementing these changes shouldhelp to reduce your energy bills.

Installing proper insulation both in the attic and between inside walls will makea dramatic difference to the cost of your heating bills. Insulation is measuredby the amount of heat allowed to pass through it, therefore high valueinsulation will ensure very little heat can escape.

Identifying and sealing air leaks in your home will help to save energy andreduce heating bills. Leaks can be quite apparent, like under-the-door drafts,but some can go unnoticed for years, and this will cost you. It is possible to hirea fully qualified technician to carry out air leak tests in your home (they areusually carried out as part of your energy efficiency audit). The blower door testpressurizes the house and can reveal the location of many air leaks.Alternatively, there are ways to locate air leaks yourself: go around the insideand outside of your house inspecting all corners and any other areas where twobuilding materials meet, look for gaps around pipes and wires, and check to seeif windows and doors rattle – if they do they are letting air out. Once you havelocated leaks you can caulk or weatherstrip them, which should fix theproblem.

Have radiators fitted with thermostatic controls to regulate heat in each room.

Heavy window drapes help to insulate bedrooms and living rooms, keeping outthe chill in the evening air.

Often used as prominent design features, heavy area rugs serve another farmore practical function – they add an extra layer of insulation to the floor,trapping cold air and preventing it from cooling the room. All the more reason

to buy a nice big, plush rug for the living room.

Always remember that there is such a thing as being too hot. You don’t want tolive inside an oven, do you? When you’re in the house keep the thermostat ata reasonable temperature, so that you’re not too cold, but you’re notoverheating either. Every degree bumps up the cost of the bill.

Which home heating method is best for you?Electric can be expensive and will cost more than other heating methods onthis list unless you get it from an environmentally-friendly source such as solarPV.Gas - According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)approx. 69% of UK homes have a gas boiler. It is one of the most cost effectivehome heating methods: it can cost up to a third less than electric.Oil is becoming scarcer, so prices can only rise. Oil boilers are not very eco-friendly or cost effective. Over the last 12 months, home heating oil has been26.38% more expensive than natural gas (Consumer Council for NorthernIreland).Wood fired boilers or stoves are relatively inexpensive and eco-friendly,provided you get your wood from a sustainable, local source. You might wellneed 2 tonnes of wood to get you through one winter, though, and fetching itcould burn a lot of your own energy.Renewable technologies such as solar water heating systems, heat pumps andbiomass boilers may seem expensive, but in the long run they may be worth itas electricity, gas and oil prices are constantly rising. The Renewable HeatPremium Payment scheme provides domestic households in Northern Irelandusing renewable heat sources with financial funding.

For further information regarding the Department of Enterprise, Trade andInvestment’s RHPP scheme, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk

HEAT YOUR HOMEFOR LESS

Belfast homes Property Paper | page thirteen

77 Northwood Road, BelfastAn immaculately presented semi-detached villa extended to provide superb familyaccommodation set within this most sought after and established location andcompletely refurbished and presented to 'show home' standard. The bright andcontemporary accommodation comprises 3 bedrooms, superb roof space withVelux style roof light, lounge, extended luxury fitted kitchen with dining area withbuilt-in oven and hob, integrated fridge, integrated dishwasher and luxury fullytiled bathroom with double width shower and pvc fascia and eaves. The dwellingfurther offers uPVC double glazing throughout, oil fired central heating, cavity wallinsulation, extensive use of quality flooring throughout, solid oak interior doorsand has undergone comprehensive refurbishment to include landscaped gardens.With secure off street parking for several cars and garage, this immaculate familyhome offers so much to the demanding buyer.

Selling Agent: Ulster Property Sales - 028 9072 9270

FEATUREHOMES10 INSPIRATIONAL HOMES FOR SALE

28 Lyndhurst Avenue, BelfastStunning contemporary designed luxury split level detached villa commanding aspectacular site affording panoramic views over Belfast City and beyond.Completely refurbished to create a luxury family environment, the dwellingoverflows with magnificent features with the highest standard of finish andfitments. The spacious interior comprises 4 bedrooms, master bedroom withen-suite shower room, 3 reception rooms with feature Bi-fold doors leading to afull width balcony overlooking Belfast, stunning newly fitted luxury kitchen withgranite work surfaces, dining area and Ivory bathroom suite. The dwelling furtheroffers furnished cloakroom, utility room, walk-in wardrobe / dressing room, PVCfascia and eaves, uPVC double glazed windows, gas central heating and extensiveuse of solid wood strip floors, new exterior doors and landscaped gardens withbrick paved double driveway.

Selling Agent: Ulster Property Sales - 028 9072 9270

Belfast homes Property Paper | page fifteen

3 Helgor Park Mews, BelfastLocated in a cul-de-sac off Helgor park, Circular Road, Belfast this attractive threebedroom town terrace is an ideal opportunity for a young professional or first timebuyer to acquire a home of their own in this popular locale. Comprising open planliving/dining room, three bedrooms, modern fitted kitchen and white bathroomsuite this property also benefits from a private, easily maintained pebbled gardenat rear, oil fired heating and PVC double glazed windows.

Selling Agent: Cucou - 028 9065 5999

17 Richmond Avenue, HolywoodThis exceptionally well presented town house boasts ease of access to a range oflocal amenities, Holywood exchange Retail Park and an excellent array of primaryand secondary schools whilst Belfast City Centre is a short commute. Internally,this home is beautifully presented and comprises four well proportioned bedrooms,separate lounge and bathroom with contemporary white suite. Other benefitsInclude front and enclosed rear gardens and driveway with ample parking, gasheating and PVC double glazed windows. This property is sure to create instantinterest with little to do but move in.

Selling Agent: Cucou - 028 9065 5999

40 Forest Street, BelfastAffordable asking price and high rental demand provides an excellent opportunityfor both first time buyers or investors seeking a well presented property within adesirable location just off the Falls Road in West Belfast. This good sized, mid-terrace consists of a bright lounge with laminate flooring and french doors leadinginto the kitchen which boasts a good range of high and low level units. Its whitebathroom suite consists of a white three piece suite, partially tiled with vinylflooring. On the first floor you will find two well proportioned bedrooms, both withlaminate flooring. No doubt this property will appeal to a wide range of potentialpurchasers. If you are seeking a property that requires little work, and is withinclose proximity to Belfast City Centre and all local amenities, then 40 Forest Streetwill be perfect. Additional features include and oil heating...

Selling Agent: Northern Property - 028 9032 4555

6 Meadowhill Grange, BelfastVery rarely do homes in such pristine condition come onto the market, leavingprospective new home owners little to do but move in. Externally, to the front ofthe property there is a good sized driveway and lawn. Once entering it isimmediately clear this is a property that has been maintained to a very highstandard. Quality sandstone style tiling runs throughout the hallway. Entereddirectly from the hallway is the convenient downstairs W.C. To the front of theproperty is a generous sized living room, with laminate flooring and beautifulfeature fireplace. Double doors provide access to the second reception room whichalso benefits from laminate flooring. The kitchen can be described as being thenicest room downstairs with its range of luxury walnut and cream units. Its clearthe owners have taken pride and consideration to create a room which really is'The heart of the home'. The kitchen units are complimented by tasteful tiling,integrated appliances and designer lighting. A breakfast bar over looks the rearpatio and decking area, with fantastic views of the Mourne Mountains. Theexcellent standard of this property continues upstairs, where the spacious landingleads to all three bedrooms and family bathroom. Externally to the rear is a fullyenclosed patio and large south facing decking area which offers breathtaking views.

Selling Agent: Northern Property - 028 9032 4555

12 The Firs, NewtownabbeyLocated within minutes walk of Whiteabbey village offering local shopping,restaurants, schools and churches, Shore Road leading to Belfast and Carrickfergusallows easy commuting as Whiteabbey Train Station is within a short walkingdistance.

Selling Agent: McMillan - 028 9080 0000

23 Pineview Road, NewtownabbeyThis well presented detached property is situated off the Whitewell Road,Newtownabbey. The property offers generous family accommodation with a goodgarden to the rear. Close to shops, schools, public transport and the Abbeycentre,this property is conveniently located.

Selling Agent: McMillan - 028 9080 0000

Belfast homes Property Paper | page seventeen

41 Leverogue Road, DrumboConstructed in 1997 this substantial detached home is positioned on a 1/2 acrelandscaped site with fantastic views over surrounding countryside. Although in avery rural setting the property is only 4.5 miles from Forestside Shopping Centreand easy access to Carryduff, Drumbo, Lisburn and Malone. An excellent familyhome in an idyllic location.

Selling Agent: Ulster Property Sales - 028 9064 1264

43 Glenmore House, Lambeg'Glenmore House' was the 18th Century former residence of the first ViscountConway, one of the Province's leading Linen Barons. This historic listed building setwithin enclosed grounds has been in recent years meticulously restored andconverted into a luxury apartment complex.

On entering the magnificent common reception area one begins to appreciate thequality and ambience of the property. Ideally situated for commuting, GlenmoreHouse is within a minutes walk from both rail and bus routes and only a few minutesdrive from Lisburn and South Belfast.

Accommodation Comprises: Reception Hall, WC, Lounge with gas fire, Kitchen, 2Bedrooms overlooking Lounge, Bathroom. Specification includes:- Double glazedwindows; Gas fired central heating; low voltage lighting; door intercom with C.C.T.V.Shared features include:- Remote controlled entrance gates into courtyard; ampleparking area; landscaped gardens with views over the surrounding region andextending to the River Lagan.

Selling Agent: Fred Dalzell & Partners- 028 9266 6638

Belfast homes Property Paper | page nineteen

COOPERSMILLSTUNNING NEW HOMES

Belfast homes Property Paper

excitement of picking our kitchen really allowed usto imagine our dream house. We were so impressedwith the standard of finish when we got our keys inJune. For a newly married couple who didn’t havemuch, moving into a house with all the appliancesincluded was a godsend! The show house was like adream for us - so well finished and homely.” - SarahMcAuley

“We’d recommend Coopers Mill to everyone as thereis a huge variety of house types and prices to choosefrom, every one of them individual, with landscaping,superior finish, private driveways and gardens givingthe development a real ‘community’ feel.” - AdamCartlidge

“The prices here are really good and they are lovelyhouses. We knew we wanted a brand new home andthese are turnkey which is brilliant.” - Heather Hoey

“The quality of turnkey finish is second to none. Thevalue for money is incredible.” - Ian Todd

You’re onto a winner at Coopers Mill.

With over 80 homes sold this year, the success atCoopers Mill shows no signs of abating. So much so,that the McGinnis Group have brought forward abrand new phase of homes and invite you to jointhem on Thursday 5th December to celebrate. Twospectacular new show homes will be unveiled thatevening and there will be live music and festive treatsfor you to enjoy.

At the 2012 UK What House Awards, Coopers Mill,Dundonald was awarded the ‘Best Starter Home’accolade. Battling against all the major UK housebuilders, Coopers Mill stole the show and was said to‘offer something extra special.’ The judgesrecognised the ‘high specification and attention todetail throughout' and deemed it ‘a clear winner’ ofthe Gold Award. They were sold on the ‘quality offinish for such a reasonable price’. This is anothermajor achievement for Coopers Mill, which last yearwon silver at the same awards.

John Paul McGinnis from the McGinnis Group said;“We are thrilled with this Award. We strive every dayto provide well designed, high specification andaffordable homes and we are delighted that this hardwork has been recognised by What House”.

“We recognise that customers are more discerningthan ever before and we want to offer them a housethat they can love living in. We hope that this Awardwill give purchasers additional reassurance thatbuying a good home at Coopers Mill means they arebuying the best in the UK.”

A visit to Coopers Mill makes it clear why it was theclear winner and many happy residents will alsotestify to this.

“The house is completely kitted out and the qualityis just amazing which makes this a great investmentfor our family’s future” - Paul McGilloway

“We watched our house being built on a weekly basis- seeing what changes had been made. The

Belfast homes Property Paper

Continued from previous page…

Price: Starting from £115,000

Size: In excess of 750sqft to approximately 1225sqft

Address: Coopers Mill, Upper Newtownards Road,Belfast

Showhouse: Sundays 2-4pm. To arrange a viewing orfor more information contact joint selling agents.

Situated in the East of the City, Coopers Mill is locatedjust off the Belfast - Newtownards dual carriageway.The development is only 15 minutes from Belfast CityCentre, 5 minutes from Newtownards, 10 minutesfrom Comber and 2 minutes from Dundonald. Itenjoys an enviable location convenient to the UlsterHospital and Stormont with the George Best CityAirport only 15 minutes away.

www.themcginnisgroup.com

Price: Starting from £115,000

Size: In excess of 750sqft to approximately 1225sqft

Address: Coopers Mill, Upper Newtownards Road,Belfast

Showhouse: Sundays 2-4pm. To arrange a viewing orfor more information contact joint selling agents.

Situated in the East of the City, Coopers Mill is locatedjust off the Belfast - Newtownards dual carriageway.The development is only 15 minutes from Belfast CityCentre, 5 minutes from Newtownards, 10 minutesfrom Comber and 2 minutes from Dundonald. Itenjoys an enviable location convenient to the UlsterHospital and Stormont with the George Best CityAirport only 15 minutes away.

www.themcginnisgroup.com

BALLYHACK’MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

East Belfast has a diverse and interesting past, just like those who sprung from it: it is the sharedbirthplace of author and scholar C.S Lewis, footballer George Best and singer Van Morison. TheEast Belfast we know today was once a major contributor to the city’s industrial success. It washome to a glassworks, a foundry, and the world’s largest ropeworks. On top of this, almost everyfamily in East Belfast had links to Harland and Wolff, which, at its peak, employed over 30,000people. Nowadays East Belfast is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly which holds itsmeetings in the Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

Photograph by Steo Linden

Often looked upon as a miniature city in itself,Ballyhackamore on the Upper Newtownards Road inEast Belfast is a flourishing, vibrant area. In recentyears, Ballyhackamore has become a boom village,boasting a large, growing community of qualityshops, cafés, restaurants and bars. The main streethouses every convenience imaginable, including alibrary with disabled access, a post office, andseveral banks and supermarkets. Strandtown BaptistChurch, Belmont Presbyterian Church and St.Colmcille’s Parish are all situated nearby.

Getting into Belfast from Ballyhackamore couldn’tbe easier: the number 4 Translink Metro lineoperates a full service. Stops include DonegallSquare West, Albert Clock (Queen’s Square), CentralStation, Short Strand and Connswater – a full journeylasting between 5 and 10 minutes depending ontraffic. A taxi from the City Centre takes under 10minutes and typically costs approx. £6 - £7.

When it comes to nightlife, Ballyhackamore is nearthe top of the pile. Thanks to its many trendy barsand restaurants, the village hums with activity in theevenings. Horatio Todd’s is a hugely popular, award-winning bar named after a local pharmacist whoowned a shop nearby. The décor reflects the bar’snamesake – genuine prescription bottles and flyersfrom Horatio’s shop adorn the walls. Horatio’s offersa huge selection of delicious food and drinks, livemusic during the week, and DJ sets at weekends. The

Point Bar & Grill, just a 4 minute walk away fromHoratio’s, is another busy venue offering greatdrinks promotions throughout the week.

If you love pampering yourself, Ballyhackamore isthe place to be: beauty salon, Lust, offers a hugevariety of beauty treatments while Peter Oliver’s andJason Shankey’s Male Grooming shops cater to themodern man. Avid shoppers won’t be disappointedeither: Ballyhackamore village is lined with a bustlingarray of shops and businesses. You will find giftshops, interior stores, coffee houses, bistros,chemists, travel agents and much more. Theneighbouring Belmont Road has its own shoppingvillage, and although it’s smaller and quieter thanBallyhackamore, it’s definitely worth the short trip.

You needn’t travel too far to enjoy high qualitycuisine, either. Niell’s Hill (formerly Aidens) is knownas one of the best restaurants in Belfast, and isfamiliar to those with a passion for fine dining. Neill’sHill has recently brought out a new, more affordablemenu, so it can be enjoyed by everyone. Il Pirataserves simple, rustic Italian food in a cool,minimalistic setting, and Red Dragonfly offers a hugemenu of mouthwatering Asian cuisine. Pizza loverswill be glad to know that Little Wing and GreensPizza can also be found on the Upper NewtownardsRoad. As if Ballyhackamore wasn’t already comingdown with good food establishments, it has plenty ofpopular takeaways to choose from, such as the busy

Kebab House and highly praised Mexican eatery,Baja Cantina. With prices to suit every budget, andgood quality food to suit every taste,Ballyhackamore is fast becoming a top destinationamong food lovers.

Parents with young children are spoilt for choicewhen it comes to picking the right school: there area number of local nurserys close by, all under 10minutes away by car. Children can then make aneasy transition into ‘big school’, as there is anabundance of reputable primary and secondaryschools nearby.

There is a wide range of properties available inBallyhackamore. Earlswood Road and CyprusAvenue are among the most sought after leafysuburbs in Belfast. These attractive, tree linedavenues offer stunning Victorian and modern redbrick villas. Elsewhere in East Belfast you will finddetached and semi-detached family homes,bungalows, apartments, town terraces, and periodresidences. Ballyhackamore is a burgeoning area ofBelfast which currently has plenty of attractiveproperties on offer, to rent and to buy.

Belfast homes Property Paper | page twenty-five

1 - Horatio Todd’s2 - The Point Bar and Grill3 - Peter Oliver4 - Jason Shankey5 - Neill’s Hill Brasserie6 - Il Pirata7 - Red Dragonfly8 - Little Wing9 - Greens Pizza10 - Kebab House11 - Baja Cantina12 - Strand Cinema13 - Connswater Shopping14 - Doris and Jeannie

1 - Braniel Primary School2 - Greenwood Primary School3 - Our Lady & St Patrick’s College4 - Grosvenor Grammer School5 - Campbell College6 - Bloomfield Collegiate7 - Strandtown Primary School8 - Castlereagh Nursery

1 - Strandtown Baptist Church2 - Belmont Presbyterian Church3 - St Colmcille’s Parish

Entertaining / Shopping Schools Faith

Take a look at this area map of Ballyhackamore which shows some of the many things you can see and do there.Ballyhackamore is brimming with schools, churches, bars, shops and restaurants. A cross section of these arehighlighted above (all locations are approximate).

13

14

11

2

1

6

12

32

7

1

4

3

25

10

8 7

9

5

3

18

4

6

Upper Newtownards Road

Belmont Road

Holywood Road Road

Comber Greenway

Knock Road

To N/Ards

To H

/Woo

d

To Lisburn

To Belfast

HOME is where we eat, sleep and live, not to mention where we store all ourworldly possessions. It is absolutely essential that we do our best to protect ourhomes and everything in them. Most burglars are opportunistic and will look forhouses that appear unoccupied and unprotected. If you’re going away for a fewdays or just nipping out for a while, taking the following precautions should helpto deter thieves:

ONE: Leaving a few lights on can make it look as though someone is in the house.Be careful if you are away for a long time though, as some burglars will recognisethat a light staying on all night usually means there’s nobody home. Using timerswitches is a better idea – lights turn on and off at intervals around the house, justas they do when there are people inside. Digital light timers are reasonably pricedand readily available from electronic shops, in store and online.

TWO: Before you go on holiday for a considerable amount of time you shouldeither have your mail redirected to another address or ask a neighbour or friendto collect it for you. The last thing you want to do is advertise the fact that yourhouse is empty, and newspapers piling up on the doorstep are a telltale sign thatyou’re away. The Royal Mail offers a mail redirection service on their website:www.royalmail.com

THREE: When stepping out for a short time, leave the TV or radio on just loudenough for anyone approaching the house to hear it. This old trick is effective asmost burglars will wait until they are absolutely certain a household is unoccupiedbefore breaking in.

FOUR: If you don’t have a garage, an empty driveway can be an open invite toburglars. If possible, arrange for a neighbour to park a car in your driveway whileyou’re out of town.

FIVE: If you have a dog, communicate its presence by putting up a clear sign on agate or another prominent place at the front of your property.

SIX: Spare keys are best left far away from the door. Instead of leaving a spareoutside your house, give it to a trustworthy neighbour to mind.

SEVEN: Install motion-sensor security lights outside your home to startle would-beintruders and eliminate dark hiding places.

EIGHT: Probably the most effective thing you can do to prevent break-ins is investin a decent monitored alarm. If you don’t have an alarm you are at much greater

SECURE YOUR HOME

Belfast homes Property Paper | page twenty-nine

Ireland: Monthly Update to 31 August 2013).Numbers of domestic thefts are decreasing eachyear as advances in home security make itincreasingly difficult for burglars to carry outsuccessful break-ins. Always remember to besensible and remain vigilant.

Have a safe and happy Christmas!

risk of being targeted by burglars. In fact, in 2012,security company ADT found that approx. 94% ofburglars would avoid houses with monitored alarms.You should therefore display your alarm on the frontof your house for all to see. As well as this, always tryto remember to set it before leaving and only givethe code to close and trusted family members. Ifyour alarm is looking rundown and old it’s definitelyworth replacing as burglars may take this as a signthat your security system is compromised.

The Christmas season can be a gift to burglars, so inthe coming months it is important to be extravigilant when it comes to home security. Althoughburglaries have decreased in Britain in recent years,the festive season tends to bring a spike in thenumbers. Expensive, unopened presents sit underthe tree waiting to be robbed while homeowners areout celebrating at numerous parties and dinners. Inaddition to the above, over the Christmas periodmake sure you:

ONE: Don’t leave presents on show. If yourChristmas tree is near a window, try to hide thepresents or put them somewhere else untilChristmas Day. They are a big temptation to thieves.

TWO: Lock your windows. Outdoor Christmas lightsare often attached to an indoor power source andwires are fed through windows. Always make surewindows and doors are locked before leaving yourhouse. Carry out regular maintenance checks onyour locks to ensure they are all functioningproperly. Deadbolts are recommended for alloutside doors. Sliding glass doors, which areespecially vulnerable, should be fitted withspecialised locks.

THREE: Don’t leave boxes that once containedexpensive items outside your home after Christmas(ie. iPad, iPhone, TV and Computer packaging).

Advertising the valuables you keep inside your houseis not a good idea. Statistically, January is the monthduring which most domestic break-ins take place inthe UK.

Finally, there are a few very simple things you maynot have thought of which could prevent a burglarytaking place in your home:

ONE: Stand outside your house. What is visiblethrough the windows? Are your valuable possessionson show? If your Plasma Widescreen TV is on displayyou might want to rethink its positioning within theroom.

TWO: Hide external wiring. Savvy thieves are alwayson the lookout for copper to sell. Some thieves alsolook for external wiring so that they can cut off alarmsystems, electricity or phone lines before entering ahouse. If external wiring cannot be removedcompletely, ensure that it is well-protected anddifficult to reach.

THREE: Be careful not to share too much. Socialmedia networks are now a big part of our daily life,whether you like it or not. If you use social media itis vitally important that you remain aware of thedangers it can pose. If you are not selective aboutwho you accept friend requests from, you could behanding classified information to strangers. Check-ins, public RSVPs, a countdown to your next holiday,and pictures of the inside and outside of your homewill give thieves everything they need to plan a breakin.

According to the PSNI’s Crime Statistics, there were2,385 recorded domestic thefts in Belfast during thefinancial year 2010/11, 2,131 during 2011/12, and1,839 during 2012/13. Overall in Northern Ireland,recorded thefts have dropped by 4.2% between2012 and 2013 (Police Recorded Crime in Northern

SECURE YOUR HOME

If you’re seriously thinking of converting your loftand you have a clear idea of what you want, it isimportant that you inform your neighbours of yourplans. Under the Party Wall Act 1996, you arerequired to give your neighbours completeinformation regarding what work will be done andhow long it is expected to take. The Party Wall Actalso prohibits you from using, for your loftconversion, any wall shared by neighbours withouttheir adequate permission.

To save time and hassle in the long run, be sure tocheck the following regulations can be adhered tobefore you start altering your loft:Fire resistance – stairs must be enclosed with a fireresistant door.Access and escape routes – escape/access skylightsand stairwell must be installed.Structural stability – load bearing walls and ceilingjoists may need to be reinforced.Ventilation – it’s vital that clean air is provided andmoist or stale air is vented. If this does not happen,condensation can occur which can lead to numerousstructural problems.

Energy Conservation – loft walls and roof mustretain heat via efficient insulation.

If a conversion doesn’t meet these 5 buildingregulations then it cannot be classed as an extrabedroom (just storage), which may decrease itspotential value.

Soon almost every house on the market will beexpected to boast a good looking, renovated loft.Loft conversions have been in demand for manyyears and there are plenty of trustworthy companieswho specialise in converting these spaces intorooms. It is best to use a specialist company foreverything from checking planning restrictions toclearing up after the job is done. Be aware that mostloft conversions can be done without planningpermission, but if any kind of extension to the roofspace is proposed, it will most likely be required.

For years loft conversions have been boring, blandand beige. But, thankfully, this is changing. Loftconversions are becoming avant-garde – people arebeginning to bring bold colours schemes, unusualfurniture and daring designs to their lofts. The most

GOING UP….THE PERFECT LOFT CONVERSION

Loft Conversions: Add Light, Value and Character toyour Home

Have you always dreamed of having an impressivespare room, a studio bathed in natural light, a gamesroom, an office or just a bit more space? A loftconversion could be exactly what you’re looking for.It’s the easiest and most effective way of addingconsiderable value to your home and is far lessinvasive than most extensions, as, depending on thetype of conversion, much of the work can be donefrom the outside.

The loft is usually the brightest, airiest room in thehouse, so it makes sense to use it. If you have anykind of view from your property you’re throwing itaway by not putting your loft to good use. The loftprovides a vantage point – it’s the highest room inthe house. Putting in good quality, large windowswould bring in lots of light, provide vistas, and makeyour home more attractive to buyers should youever wish to put it on the market. In fact, accordingto the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors(RICS), a loft room has the potential to increase thevalue of your home by up to 25%.

popular loft conversions are master/guest bedrooms complete with en suites/shower rooms. With more and more people working from home nowadays, homeoffices are becoming a necessity, and a loft room makes the perfect setting: out ofthe way of the chaos of the kitchen and the tempting luxuries of the living room.The function and design of the room is entirely your decision. Have fun, try to beadventurous and really get into it. Converting your loft should be an exciting andrewarding experience.

With house prices finally rising there’s no better time to maximise space andincrease the value of your home.

For further information about building regulations in Northern Ireland, visit:www.dfpni.gov.uk

‘O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree! Thy candlesshine so brightly!’

The practice of decorating houses for Chrismas hasbeen around for a long time, with the tradition beingrecorded in London as far back as the early fifteenthcentury. The modern Christmas tree tradition iswidely believed to have its roots in eighteenthcentury Germany, thought many argue the MartinLuther introduced it during the sixteenth century.Originally, Christmas tree decorations rarely differedfrom traditional edible treats, such as apples,oranges, dates and nuts. Think of the multitude ofweird and wonderful items that can be found onChristmas trees today!

Nowadays almost every house on every streetglistens and glows, adorned with shiny baubles andtwinkling lights. Christmas decorations enhance yourhome, getting everyone into the Christmas spirit, andthey needn’t use up much of your time, effort ormoney.

Here’s our top ten simple, cheap and cheerfulChristmas decoration ideas:

ONE. Decorative table centrepieces lookimpressive in either the living or dining room. Fill aglass bowl with shiny silver baubles and place whitecandles around it for a classic, elegant look.

TWO. Collect pinecones and paint them silver orgold. Use glue mixed with water and glitter to make

them sparkle. You can then hang them fromwindows, put them into bowls, or, for an outdoordecoration, place them in a flower trough on thewindowsill.

THREE. Get out your best glassware and fill it withbrightly coloured, hardboiled sweets. So simple, sosweet.

FOUR. Fill vases with pretty plants and twigs.Cranberry twigs and poinsettias are reallyChristmassy. Spray dry branches silver and put themin a large vase in your dining room or hallway. Hangbaubles and ornaments from them for a miniChristmas tree look.

FIVE. Stick stencilled letters to the wall. Spell outwhatever you like – ‘Merry Christmas’, ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’,‘Bah Humbug!’ Stencilled letters are available frommost craft shops.

SIX. Build an edible indoor snowman! Stackthree small oranges on top of one another, usingtoothpicks to hold them in place. Use candy sticks forarms, strawberry laces for the scarf, cloves for theeyes and nose, and layer sweets, wafers and icing tomake the hat.

SEVEN. After you’re finished making cookies, utilisethose tin cutters! Tie pretty ribbons in cheerfulChristmas colours to cookie cutters and hang themfrom your window or your tree. You’ll love looking atthose silver angels, bells and stars! Print out old

photographs and stick them inside the cookie cuttersfor an original way to display your cherished familymemories.

EIGHT. Clothes pegs make wonderful decorationsfor your tree. Simply glue cardboard shapes or tinselto them and peg them on the tree! If you’re feelingmore artistic, cut a mini Santa suit out of red felt andcreate a jolly Christmas character.

NINE. Pretty jar luminarias. Make a snowflakepattern by punching holes in black card. Next wrapthe card around a jam jar and put a tea light inside.Make a number of these to illuminate your drivewayor front doorstep.

TEN. Spell it out. Score big creativity points bymaking the tiles from your Scrabble set into low-keyChristmas decorations. Paint the green tile holderswhite and spell out ‘Welcome Santa’ above thefireplace.

Kids will love making these quick and clever trinkets.Experiment, get creative and have fun this Christmas!

DECK THE HALLSCHRISTMAS DECORATING TIPS

Situated in the heart of the Falls Road Gaeltacht Quarter, NorthernProperty have recently opened another office at Hamilton Street inBelfast City Centre. Having grown a reputation as West Belfast’sleading estate agent and property consultants, they plan to expandtheir services to the Greater Belfast area.

A family business combining experience and enthusiasm. NorthernProperty prides itself on its friendly, professional, down to earthapproach, offered to both clients and tenants. Whether you’rebuying, selling or a landlord with one or multiple properties, ourdedicated team will aim to establish individual relationships to makeyour experience hassle free. Both offices will offer a “one stopproperty shop”, enjoying the services of Northern Mortgages, our inhouse independent financial advisor. Northern Mortgages canprovide customers with not just free mortgage advice, but a range offinancial services such as co-ownership, buy to let mortgages, lifeinsurance, landlord insurance and much more. Coinciding with theopening of our new Hamilton Street office we will be offering 50% offour letting fees and reduced sales fees, with free marketing. If youwould like to avail of our excellent offers or simply just want moreinformation then please do not hesitate to contact Northern Propertyat info@northernpropertyni.com

NEW

LISTING

BUSIN

ESS F

OR SA

LE

Unit 5 Tully Business Park • O/A £39,950

SemiDetached

3

2

D58

12 Ringford Crescent • O/A £45,000

NEW

LISTING

BUSIN

ESS F

OR SA

LE

268 Shankill Road • O/A £49,950 50 Rockdale Street • O/A £69,950

Terrace

3

1

E53

BUSIN

ESS F

OR SA

LENEW

LISTING

8 Springfield Road • O/A £69,950

NEW

LISTING

27 Forfar Street • O/A £71,950

SemiDetached

3

2

D58

NEW

LISTING

45 Springfield Drive • O/A £76,950

SemiDetached

3

2

D65

NEW

LISTING

248 Crumlin Road • O/A £79,950

NEW

LISTING

24 McDonnell Street • O/A £79,950

Terrace

2

1

E51

NEW

LISTING

15 Violet Street • O/A £79,950

Terrace

2

1

C77

NEW

LISTING

3 Whin Park • O/A £84,950

Terrace

3

1

C70

NEW

LISTING

4 Andersonstown Park West • O/A £104,950

Terrace

3

1

D67

54 Mica Drive • O/A £109,950

SemiDetached

3

1

D67

NEW

LISTING

6 Meadowhill Grange • O/A £134,950

SemiDetached

3

2

79 Hawthorne Glen • O/A £142,500

SemiDetached

4

1

D65/C75

Detached

4

2

E44

15 Coolnasilla Gardens • O/A £145,000

Detached

4

2

D64

73 Mounteagles Avenue • O/A £169,950

NOSALE

NO FEEFREESALES & RENTAL

VALUATIONS2 Hillhead Court • O/A £275,000

Detached

4

2

E45

A Basic Guide to Landlord and Tenant Rights andResponsibilities

Whether you are letting a property or renting one, itis important that you are aware of your legal rightsand responsibilities.

Anyone who is letting, selling or managing aproperty in Northern Ireland must adhere to certainlegislation: the Disability Discrimination Order 2006,the Race Relations Order 1997 and the SexDiscrimination Order 1976. Warning: none of theseimportant documents make for light reading.

a period of over 14 days, and the tenant breachesthe terms of the tenancy or becomes bankrupt.

� be given proper notice to quit the tenancy by theoccupant of the property.

� dispose of any items left unclaimed (for aspecified period of time) after the tenant leavesthe property.

The tenant has the right to…

� know and be aware of all terms of the tenancyagreement.

� know the name and address of the landlord.� freedom from harassment and illegal eviction. A

tenant cannot be evicted without a possessionorder issued by a Court of Law. If an order isissued, however, a tenant may be liable for anylegal costs incurred.

� reside in a well maintained property which is inadequate condition for renting purposes.

� have peaceable, private enjoyment of theproperty, free from interference without notice.

� receive prompt repairs and upkeep of damageditems and appliances.

� live in safe accommodation – all equipment andheating systems must meet safety standards.

� a rent book, if rent is due weekly.� a reasonable statutory period of notice should the

If you are in doubt about anything stated in thelegislation listed above, contact the EqualityCommission for Northern Ireland, who will be happyto help:

028 9050 0600information@equalityni.orgwww.equalityni.org

Before renting out a property, you must check thatyou have adequate permission from your houseinsurance company and your lender, if the propertyis mortgaged.

Know your rights!

The landlord has the right to:

� agree the terms of the tenancy.� be swiftly informed about necessary repairs, so

that they may be fixed without causing too muchinconvenience for the tenant.

� enter the premises during social hours to carryout repairs or inspection, providing that thetenant has been given reasonable notice.

� receive rent exactly when it is due.� collect overdue rent payments from the tenant.� repossess the property if rent remains unpaid for

LETTING ANDRENTING

A little help for landlords:

Letting and maintaining a property is extremely timeconsuming and highly demanding. If you have aproperty for rent but you do not wish to take on thefull physical role of the landlord, why not considerhiring an agent to manage your property instead?Your rights, responsibilities and obligations remainintact and will not transfer to the agent. Letting ormanaging agents help landlords with finding tenants,securing and managing deposits, preparing tenancyagreements and furniture inventories, collectingrent, handling repairs, inspecting properties.

It is important that you are clear about which dutiesyou wish your agent to take on and which you willfulfil yourself. Fees and services vary depending onthe agency. Shop around to find the right cost andservices to suit your needs.

landlord wish to end the agreement.� receive the security deposit within a reasonable

period of time, providing all obligations have beenmet.

Accept your responsibilities!

The landlord is responsible for:

� allowing tenants to reside in the property withoutdisturbance.� promptly repairing heating and hot water

systems, electric and household appliances.� making sure all electrical equipment is safe.� providing working smoke and Carbon Monoxide

detectors.� providing fire retardant fabrics and furniture that

meets up to date fire-resistant regulations.� undertaking ongoing maintenance to the property

if required.� keeping structural components (floors, walls,

fireplaces, exterior) in good condition.� ensuring the property complies with current

building regulations.� ensuring all gas appliances are safely maintained.� providing the tenant with a copy of the record of

required safety checks to gas appliances or flues.

The tenant is responsible for:

� paying the rent on time and in full.� ensuring no damage is caused to the property or

its contents.� consulting the landlord about making any changes

to the property, requesting written permission.� reporting any damage caused or repairs required.� providing the landlord with access to the property

when inspection or repairs are required, whenreasonable notice has been given.� giving the agreed period of notice if wishing to

terminate the agreement.� not leaving the property for a period of more than

14 days without informing the landlord ormanaging agent.

This is not an exhaustive list of landlord and tenantrights and responsibilities. The aforementionedregulations are widely acknowledged but individualcases may differ. Both parties should treat oneanother with respect and comply with all theobligations outlined in the tenancy agreement. It isabsolutely essential that you read and understandthe proposed contract before letting or renting anyproperty. If you do not understand something in thecontract, contact your legal adviser/ managing agentto clarify whatever is unclear.

Belfast homes Property Paper | page thirty-seven

When you picture Christmas 2013 what do you see?Spiced mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and piping hotmince pies enjoyed by happy people in a toastyroom? Sounds perfect…. But the winter of 2010/11left a lurking fear in our minds. What if it happensagain?  Temperatures  reaching  ‐18˚,  pipes  freezingand bursting, homes flooding. A disaster! … A disasterthat can be avoided.

It’s been relatively mild so far but we all know a coldsnap is on the way. Carrying out the following taskscan greatly lower the risk of your pipes freezingduring winter:

Insulate your loft and the sides of your water tanks. Ifyou have an older water tank, check that it has anR-value of over 24 – if it doesn’t, you should thinkabout insulating it. If you don’t know the R-value ofyour tank, simply touch it – if it feels warm it probablyneeds insulation.

Insulate those pipes! Keep your pipes warm, savemoney, and increase energy efficiency in your home.Easy-to-fit pipe insulation foam is available in mosthardware shops.

Open the loft trap door for a while on cold days to letsome heat in.

Check all taps for drips. Make sure you re-washerdripping taps – if they freeze they will block the pipes.

If you’re going away during very cold weather, eitherleave the heating on very low or set it to come on acouple of times a day. Most modern boilers have a

frost protection thermostat which will turn on shouldtemperatures get dangerously low.

Keep your heating system well maintained. If it hasn’tbeen checked in a while you may want to callsomeone in to give it a tune-up.

Keep winter outside! There are various measuresyou can take to keep the winter out and the warmair in:

Clear out those gutters to avoid feeling gutted whenwater gets in! Clogged drains allow water to build upand overflow. If the weather is really cold this watercan freeze, which can lead to leaking and seriousdamage. Gutter guards can be attached and used allyear round to block out most of the debris. Whileyou’re up there, it’d be a good time to check for leaksor misaligned pipes. As well as this, check that thedownspouts are leading away from the house’sfoundation – otherwise your house is more likely toflood.

Kill and remove any weeds growing against yourhouse’s foundation. Dead weeds can start to mouldand rot, causing damage to your house.

Statistics show that applying window insulation filmcan stop up to 70% of your heat leaking out ofwindows. It’s an affordable, temporary solution toheat loss.

If you have a fireplace you don’t use, block it off toprevent warm air escaping. You can use a sheet ofcardboard to do this, then cover it up with an

attractive fireguard.

Safety first!

Slippery ice causes a huge number of accidents in theUK every year. Buy rock salt (grit) for your drivewayand the street outside your house. This will help toprevent anyone a having nasty fall as they walk pastor approach your home.

For extra safety, install a motion sensor light outsideso people can see where they are walking.

Keep heaters at least 30 cm (approx. 1 ft.) away fromfurniture and any flammable material.

Be prepared for power outages in extreme weatherconditions: stock food that requires no heating orcooking, and keep a torch and extra batteriessomewhere they can be easily reached. Forentertainment’s sake, a pack of cards is a good idea.

Lastly, make sure you have the contact details of atrusted plumber and electrician to hand… just incase!

None of these preventative measures take too longto do, and doing them should help to see you throughthe winter catastrophe free.

WINTER READY?WINTERISE YOUR HOME

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