Latest news with #MyBuilder
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I didn't want to fork out for a bigger house so got my child a ‘shed-room' in our garden – I saved £12k on an extension
A MOTHER has revealed that she didn't want to fork out cash to move house, but was in desperate need of more space. Rather than hiring a van, packing up her stuff and paying high stamp duty fees, instead, Kerri, who is from Belfast, got her daughter a shed room, which she put at the back of her garden. 2 2 Now, not only does her child have more space, but she managed to save thousands of pounds on an extension. It won't come as a surprise to many that planning a bedroom extension in the UK is a significant investment. According to My Builder, the cost typically ranges from £20,000 to £80,000, but the exact amount you'll spend depends on various factors, including the size of the extension, the materials used and labour costs. Luckily for Kerri, she was able to get her hands on the cosy cabin for £8,000, saving her £12,000 if she was to spend the minimum amount on a single bedroom extension. Posting on social media, Kerri gave her followers a close-up look at the garden bedroom, which not only fits a double bed and a large wardrobe, but a dressing table too. Kerri confirmed that she got the 12x10 shed from DK Joinery and Sheds, on Facebook. It 'took a week to build' and she claimed that it 'holds the heat so well' and is the 'perfect size for my daughter.' Thrilled with the tiny home, Kerri beamed: 'Never getting over this, best decision ever, money well spent.' She then added: 'It's a great set up…comes complete with insulation, rubber roof, electrics wired to your home with six sockets, floor of your choice, spotlights inside and out and electric heater. 'I just had to paint inside and furnish.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ kerridf, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 70,000 views. It's also amassed 873 likes, 58 comments and 243 saves. Social media users were impressed with Kerri's shed room and many flocked to the comments to express this. One person said: 'Love it.' Another added: 'Looks fabulous.' A third commented: 'Great job.' Rules on turning sheds into bedrooms MANY people are turning to smaller outdoor structures to create more room in their homes but here's the rules you need to stick to if you live in the UK and want to do it yourself. Planning Permission: Generally, outbuildings like sheds are considered permitted development and do not require planning permission if they meet certain criteria (e.g., not taking up more than 50% of the garden, not being forward of the principal elevation, and being single-storey with a maximum height of 2.5 metres if within 2 metres of a boundary). However, converting a shed into a habitable space like a bedroom may change its classification, potentially requiring planning permission. It's best to check with your local planning authority to confirm. Building Regulations: Any conversion that involves creating a habitable space must comply with building regulations. These regulations ensure the safety, health, and welfare of people in and around buildings. Key areas covered include structural integrity, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, damp proofing, electrical safety, and escape routes. Insulation and Heating: Proper insulation is essential to make the space comfortable and energy-efficient. This includes insulating walls, roofs, and floors. Adequate heating must be installed to ensure the room can be used year-round. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent condensation and ensure good air quality. This may involve installing windows that can be opened or mechanical ventilation systems. Electrical Work: All electrical work must comply with Part P of the building regulations. It is advisable to have electrical work carried out by a qualified electrician. Water Supply and Drainage: If you plan to include a bathroom or kitchen facilities, you will need to ensure proper water supply and drainage systems are in place, complying with relevant regulations. Fire Safety: Fire safety measures, such as smoke detectors and fire-resistant materials, must be incorporated to ensure the safety of occupants. Access and Egress: The converted space must have safe and accessible routes for entering and exiting, including emergency escape routes. Neighbour Considerations: If your property is in a conservation area, listed, or subject to other restrictions, additional rules may apply. Before proceeding with the conversion, it is highly recommended to consult with your local planning authority and a qualified professional to ensure all legal requirements and safety standards are met. At the same time, one user asked: 'Did you need planning?' In response, the mother confirmed: 'No, it's in my back garden, housing are fine with it as I needed extra space rather than move.' Not only this, but someone else wondered: 'Is there heat in it?' To this, Kerri replied and shared: 'Yes, there's an electric smart heater just hung at the side of the bed. Rarely used as it holds heat very well.' Meanwhile, one user snapped: 'No bathroom.' But Kerri isn't bothered by the shed room not having a loo, as she acknowledged: 'I don't need one, I have one downstairs right outside it.'
Scotsman
27-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Asian Hornets: How to keep your home and garden safe
Asian hornet Last year, the UK continued to experience some occurrences of Asian Hornets. While it was hoped a British winter would kill them off, it appears that the pests have survived - meaning it's likely they are now around for good. This means gardeners have to get used to deterring these pests if they want to be able to enjoy their outside spaces this summer and protect native wildlife. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... the reliable way to hire tradespeople, has put together some advice on how people can protect their home and garden from any potential invader. From removing food sources to sealing off gaps in your brickwork, there are many actions that can be taken to discourage hornets and other pests. Hornets of any variety are not desirable to have around, but Asian hornets are particularly problematic. They have been responsible for wiping out honeybee populations across Europe, and can kill as many as 50 bees a day. They can also deliver a nasty sting to humans, which can be serious should you be allergic. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andy Simms, from MyBuilder, said prevention is essential when it comes to Asian Hornets. 'While it's currently unlikely that people will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place. Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app. 'Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork. It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too.' Below are MyBuilder's essential steps to take to protect your home and garden from hornets: Remove food sources Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hornets will come to your garden looking for food sources, so the first step is to remove anything that will attract them. Fruit in particular attracts pests, so immediately remove any fallen fruit and don't leave any remains. Other food sources could be uneaten pet food, scraps left for wildlife, and bird feeders. Seal rubbish and move bins Sealing your rubbish bags and putting them into a bin prevents the smell of rotting food from attracting hornets. Compost bins also attract hornets, so keeping them sealed is very important. If possible, move your bins away from your home and garden. Plant off-putting plants Certain plants have a scent that is off-putting to hornets. Plants such as spearmint and lemongrass will deter them, as well as support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Position them in areas where you most want to be rid of hornets, such as around the edges of patios or by any seating areas. Prevent the establishment of a nest Asian Hornets can make nests in trees/hedges. To stop Asian Hornets from establishing a nest in your garden, consider trimming back trees and hedges to reduce nest spots (but make sure you check your are legally able to trim first), and pick up dead plant debris that could shelter hornets and fill in holes in the ground to stop an underground nest. Seal off key entry points Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The eaves and soffits of your property can form cracks over time, which gives Asian hornets perfect entry points into your home as they search for sheltered locations, away from predators. To stop this happening, seal cracks with filler, before sanding and painting the area once dry. If this is a complicated job, call a local roofer for help. Install hornet traps There are many different types of traps you can use for Asian hornets, but traps that are especially made for them are the best because, if not, bees and other important insects can get trapped in them too. Your trap should be hung in a tree at head height, in a sunny area and away from deep shade where hornets are unlikely to forage. Traps typically range from £20 from most retailers.
Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Asian hornets 'here to stay' how to keep them out of UK gardens
The UK has seen a number of sightings of Asian hornets in recent years, and it seems the pests have survived the winter - meaning they could be around for good Last year, the UK witnessed several sightings of Asian hornets and despite hopes that the British winter would eradicate them, these pests have persisted, suggesting they're here to stay. This spells trouble for British gardeners who will need to take measures to deter these invaders if they wish to enjoy their gardens this summer and safeguard local wildlife. Asian hornets are particularly troublesome; they've decimated honeybee colonies across Europe, capable of killing up to 50 bees a day. Their sting can also be quite severe for humans, especially for those with allergies. Andy Simms from MyBuilder emphasises that prevention is crucial when dealing with Asian hornets, reports the Express. He said: "While it's currently unlikely that most of us in the UK will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place. Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app. "Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork. "It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too." One method to deter Asian hornets from invading your garden is through strategic planting. Certain plants emit a scent that hornets find rather unpleasant, making them less likely to linger if you have these plants. Experts suggest planting spearmint and lemongrass, which not only deter hornets but also support pollinators like bees and butterflies. These plants should be positioned in areas where you most want to keep hornets at bay, such as around the perimeters of patios or near seating areas. It's also crucial to seal off any potential entry points to your home. The eaves and soffits (overhanging parts of a roof) of your property can develop cracks over time, providing perfect entry points for Asian hornets seeking sheltered spots away from predators. To prevent this, fill in any cracks, then sand and paint the area once it's dry. If this task seems too daunting, don't hesitate to call a local roofer for assistance.
Scotsman
27-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Asian Hornets: How to keep your home and garden safe
Asian hornet Last year, the UK continued to experience some occurrences of Asian Hornets. While it was hoped a British winter would kill them off, it appears that the pests have survived - meaning it's likely they are now around for good. This means gardeners have to get used to deterring these pests if they want to be able to enjoy their outside spaces this summer and protect native wildlife. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... the reliable way to hire tradespeople, has put together some advice on how people can protect their home and garden from any potential invader. From removing food sources to sealing off gaps in your brickwork, there are many actions that can be taken to discourage hornets and other pests. Hornets of any variety are not desirable to have around, but Asian hornets are particularly problematic. They have been responsible for wiping out honeybee populations across Europe, and can kill as many as 50 bees a day. They can also deliver a nasty sting to humans, which can be serious should you be allergic. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andy Simms, from MyBuilder, said prevention is essential when it comes to Asian Hornets. 'While it's currently unlikely that people will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place. Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app. 'Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork. It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too.' Below are MyBuilder's essential steps to take to protect your home and garden from hornets: Remove food sources Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hornets will come to your garden looking for food sources, so the first step is to remove anything that will attract them. Fruit in particular attracts pests, so immediately remove any fallen fruit and don't leave any remains. Other food sources could be uneaten pet food, scraps left for wildlife, and bird feeders. Seal rubbish and move bins Sealing your rubbish bags and putting them into a bin prevents the smell of rotting food from attracting hornets. Compost bins also attract hornets, so keeping them sealed is very important. If possible, move your bins away from your home and garden. Plant off-putting plants Certain plants have a scent that is off-putting to hornets. Plants such as spearmint and lemongrass will deter them, as well as support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Position them in areas where you most want to be rid of hornets, such as around the edges of patios or by any seating areas. Prevent the establishment of a nest Asian Hornets can make nests in trees/hedges. To stop Asian Hornets from establishing a nest in your garden, consider trimming back trees and hedges to reduce nest spots (but make sure you check your are legally able to trim first), and pick up dead plant debris that could shelter hornets and fill in holes in the ground to stop an underground nest. Seal off key entry points Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The eaves and soffits of your property can form cracks over time, which gives Asian hornets perfect entry points into your home as they search for sheltered locations, away from predators. To stop this happening, seal cracks with filler, before sanding and painting the area once dry. If this is a complicated job, call a local roofer for help. Install hornet traps
South Wales Argus
27-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Brits issued Asian Hornets warning - How to keep home safe
While it was hoped a British winter would kill them off, it appears that the pests have survived, meaning it's likely they are now around for good. This means British gardeners may have to get used to deterring these pests if they want to be able to enjoy their outside spaces this summer and protect native wildlife. Hornets of any variety are not desirable to have around, but Asian hornets are particularly problematic. They have been responsible for wiping out honeybee populations across Europe, and can kill as many as 50 bees a day. They can also deliver a nasty sting to humans, which can be serious should you be allergic. Andy Simms from MyBuilder, said prevention is essential when it comes to Asian Hornets. It wouldn't be a @SteveBackshall show without a *very* dangerous creature making an appearance. Here, Steve gets up close and personal with the dreaded Asian hornet 🫣 The Secret Life of Bees. 29th May 9pm. Watch | Stream on 5#bees #secretlifeofbees #hornets — Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) May 29, 2025 'While it's currently unlikely that most of us in the UK will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place. Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app. 'Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork. "It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too.' Below are MyBuilder's essential steps to take to protect your home and garden from hornets: Remove food sources Hornets will come to your garden looking for food sources, so the first step is to remove anything that will attract them. Fruit in particular attracts pests, so immediately remove any fallen fruit and don't leave any remains. Other food sources could be uneaten pet food, scraps left for wildlife, and bird feeders. Seal rubbish and move bins Sealing your rubbish bags and putting them into a bin prevents the smell of rotting food from attracting hornets. Compost bins also attract hornets, so keeping them sealed is very important. If possible, move your bins away from your home and garden. Plant off-putting plants Certain plants have a scent that is off-putting to hornets. Plants such as spearmint and lemongrass will deter them, as well as support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Position them in areas where you most want to be rid of hornets, such as around the edges of patios or by any seating areas. Prevent the establishment of a nest Asian Hornets can make nests in trees/hedges. To stop Asian Hornets from establishing a nest in your garden, consider trimming back trees and hedges to reduce nest spots (but make sure you check your are legally able to trim first), and pick up dead plant debris that could shelter hornets and fill in holes in the ground to stop an underground nest. Recommended reading: Seal off key entry points The eaves and soffits of your property can form cracks over time, which gives Asian hornets perfect entry points into your home as they search for sheltered locations, away from predators. To stop this from happening, seal cracks with filler, before sanding and painting the area once dry. If this is a complicated job, call a local roofer for help. Install hornet traps There are many different types of traps you can use for Asian hornets, but traps that are especially made for them are the best because, if not, bees and other important insects can get trapped in them too. Your trap should be hung in a tree at head height, in a sunny area and away from deep shade where hornets are unlikely to forage. Traps typically range from £20 from most retailers.
