Latest news with #homeImprovement
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I bought a derelict house with my boyfriend of six months – people say renovations ‘destroy even long married couples'
A YOUNG woman has been warned after buying a derelict house with her boyfriend of six months, Bekah, from Manchester, and her boyfriend Ian first met six months ago on Hinge and have already bought a house together. 2 2 But they decided to go for a derelict building to save them money and renovate it themselves. Bekah revealed that she and her partner, who is a builder, had just enough money to buy the house, so were hoping that sharing the journey on social media would help pay for the work. She said: "Even though we've only been officially boyfriend and girlfriend for six months, we decided to pool our money and take the leap on this huge project. "We've both always had dreams of renovating houses and we're the perfect team to do it together." In the video it was clear the couple had already got to work, they hired gardeners to help strip the ivy taking over their house which was a bigger job than any of them imagined. She said that the overgrown ivy had caused structural issues in the house and that wasn't all. As Bekah got busy tearing off the wallpaper, she found that much of the structure was rotten and covered in mould. "I steamed off wallpaper in most of the room while documenting it all on this new account which I've made with the hope of being able to monetise some of the renovations," she explained. While she was terrified to see just how much work they had to do, she was grateful to those watching the videos, which helped her pay for the work. In a recent video, she shared how the garden clean up had cost her £500, but she had already made £400 from the TikTok creator fund after filming the process. Trolls say council houses can't look nice but my stunning hallway will prove them wrong And she hoped to do the same with the rest of the house. "My aim with this project is that if I vlog every single thing. hopefully, I can monetise so things will cover themselves," she added. The clip soon went viral on her TikTok account @ renovationstyled with over 349k views and 36k likes. While many were excited to follow the renovation project along, others warned it could break their relationship. One person wrote: "Renovations can destroy long married couples. If you survive this you know that he is 1000% the one!!" Another commented: "If you can renovate a house together you can survive anything." "Going to be a stunning house.. Be well worth it," penned a third. Home upgrades that add the most value to a house The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers. Zoopla shared a list of upgrades that will instantly add value to your home. Loft conversion - increase of 15% Off-street parking - adds £50,000 to property price New kitchen - increase of 15% Garage conversion - increase of 15% Cellar or basement conversion - increase of 10-15% Open plan living space - increase of 3-5% New bathroom - increase of 3-5% Meanwhile a fourth said: "If you can survive a Reno together nothing can stop you." "Can't wait to see the progress! You've done so much already,' claimed a fifth
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wayfair's anti-Prime Day sale includes up to 70% off mattresses, patio furniture and more
Amazon Prime Day may be getting a lot of fanfare this week, but did you know that Wayfair's in on the deals game, too? Yup, the furniture brand is hosting a Four-Day Flash Sale through Friday, July 11. You can take advantage of up to 70% off everything from couches and cookware to mattresses and patio furniture. Whether you're doing a major overhaul of your home or just want a few little upgrades here and there, now's the time to grab fabulous finds for both your interior and outdoor spaces. As an interior designer, Wayfair is one of my go-to sites to score amazing prices on furnishings for my clients. So, what do I have my eye on right now? This Adirondack chair is down to $137 (was $269) — I love that it comes in so many colors, including bold shades like red and turquoise. Also on my list: This $200 fire pit (down from $350) to go alongside it. Shopping for inside the house? My favorite cooling sheets are just $19 and this popular convertible couch is on sale for a low $238. There are thousands more deals up for grabs at Wayfair and prices are as low as $10. Check out my top picks from Wayfair's anti-Prime Day sale — and, remember, items are sure to sell out, so get clicking now.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Amazon is clearing out DeWalt tools for the lowest prices of the year during Prime Day
You can never have too many tools. Right now, Amazon is in the midst of its massive annual Prime Day sale, which runs through July 11, and the retailer has dropped prices across the board on just about every DeWalt power tool you would want. The sale also includes accessories and tool belts, so you can complete your tool kit or just make a really convincing Bob the Builder cosplay. Remember, if you don't have an active Amazon Prime subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. Even if you have a full kit of power tools, this is a great buy as a backup to keep in your home, camp, truck, or wherever else you might need a tool. The kit includes a drill for making holes, a driver for putting in screws, and a powerful flashlight so you can see what you're doing. You get a pair of batteries and a charger, as well as a carrying case in which to lug everything around. This is a fantastic gift for just about anyone who is even curious about building things or taking on home improvement projects. If you want to have an instant power tool collection, this is a great way to start. This five-tool kit includes A pair of batteries, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, an oscillating tool, a drill, and a driver. Plus, you get a charger and a burly carrying case. You could demolish and rebuild just about anything with this kit, a box of screws, some wood, and an old shop radio playing classic rock. For $50, you really can't beat this deal. It offers a total of 84 pieces, including a set of fastening bits, SAE and metric sockets, a ratchet, and a screwdriver with interchangeable tips. This is a great gift for anyone who works on cars or anything mechanical. If the 84-piece set isn't robust enough, move up to this 200-piece kit. It includes full sets of sockets, more driver bits, more ratchets, a full set of combination wrenches, and even two sets of Allen keys. I have something very similar in my truck at all times after buying it during last Prime Day. I can't believe how often it has come in handy. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger (DCK240C2) $129 (was $259) Dewalt 61147S 3300 PSI 2.4 GPM Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer $359 (was $499) DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set, Impact Ready, FlexTorq, 40-Piece (DWA2T40IR) $20 (was $29) DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit $119 (was $304) DEWALT Shop Vacuum Wet and Dry, Cordless and Corded Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner Shop Vac 20V MAX, Portable Shopvac, Tool Only $119 (was $195) DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw Cordless with Brake, 7-1/4 Inch, Tool Only $139 (was $279) DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander Cordless, 5-Inch Sander Tool, 8,000-12,000 OPM, Variable Speed Dial, Storage Bag, Battery and Charger Included $149 (was $249) DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool Cordless Brushless, 4 1/2 Inch, with Paddle Switch and Kickback Brake, Tool Only $140 (was $249) DEWALT Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set, Pilot Point, 21-Piece (DW1361) $21 (was $25) DEWALT 20V/12V MAX Laser Level, 3 x 360, Green, Bare Tool Only (DCLE34030GB) $403 (was $609) DEWALT Line Laser, Self-Leveling, Cross Line, Red Beam (DW088K) $125 (was $219) DEWALT Stud Finder, 3/4', Locate Framing Studs Efficiently with LED Arrows, Ideal for Wood and Metal, AAA Batteries Included (DW0100) $14 (was $17) DEWALT Professional Tool Belt Organizer With Suspenders and 25 Pockets, Heavy Duty Construction (DWST540602) $80 (was $97) DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set, Impact Driver and Drill Bit Set, 100-Piece (DWA2FTS100) $36 (was $58) DEWALT FLEXTORQ Right Angle Drill Adaptor, 4-in-1 System, 12-Inch (DWAMRASETFT) $28 (was $35) DEWALT Leather Tool Belt, Durable, 11 Pocket Professional Belt (DWST550112) $49 (was $72) DEWALT Digital Torque Wrench, 3/8 inch Drive, 20-100 FT-LB, with Storage Case (DWMT17061) $189 (was $209) DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blade Set for Metal Wood Iron, 12 Piece Bi-Metal Increased Durability Blades, with Storage Case (DW4892) $22 (was $27) DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set, Impact Driver Bit Set, FlexTorq, 35-Piece (DWA2T35IR) $24 (was $46) DEWALT Laser Level, 3 Spot Beam Line Laser Pointer with Built-in Magnetic Pivoting, Green (DW083CG) $156 (was $206) DeWalt Impact Socket Set 1/2 Drive, 10 Piece 1/4″ to 1/2″ Impact Socket Adapter Set (DW22812) $35 (was $50) DeWalt 4-Foot Fiberglass Step Ladder, 375-Pound Load Capacity, Type IAA, DXL3410-04 $116 (was $151)
CNET
08-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Lightweight and Lighted, My Favorite Electric Screwdriver Kit Does It All, and It's 33% Off for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day sale: The Hoto electric screwdriver kit is available for $40 right now as part of Amazon's July Prime Day sale event. That's a 33% discount on an already affordable -- and highly recommendable -- household staple. No matter where I'm living, I usually wind up needing to make some repairs, do basic maintenance or build some new furniture before I can really settle in. But even if you don't enjoy that kind of thing, I've found that having the right tools can make a world of difference. Right now one of my favorite tools, the Hoto electric screwdriver, is available for just $40, a discount of 33%. One of my favorite things about this 3.6-volt screwdriver set is its capsulelike design. It's minimalist and compact, so it's easy for me to stow it away in a drawer. It comes with 12 2-inch S2 steel magnetic bits, making it a cinch for me to change for different projects. It weighs under a pound and provides three different torque stages and a high rotational speed of 220 rpm. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Despite the lightweight construction, this screwdriver also has a circular LED lamp that automatically lights when in use and helps me aim when I'm dealing with dark spaces. Plus, this model charges using USB-C, which is highly convenient -- and a full charge can run more than 1,000 screws before it needs to refuel, which means I don't have to stop and recharge while I'm working on a project. The "screw-unscrew" buttons and the smart instant stop are both user-friendly features as well. Electric models can save you a lot of time on home projects like putting together furniture or installing decor and are less physically demanding to use than their manual counterparts. I bought this screwdriver set three years ago and have used it to assemble rocking chairs and furniture, as well as changing out hardware on cabinets. I've enjoyed the convenience of having a set with multiple bits ready to go -- and the compact design also makes it easy to store. Whether you're buying it for yourself or as a gift, this is a great option for any home. Best Prime Day Kitchen Appliance Deals Score some of the best discounts of the year on top kitchen tech during Prime Day, and our shopping experts have rounded up the only deals worth taking seriously this year. See Now Why this deal matters Occasionally, investing in new tools is a good way to make projects around your home a little easier. This screwdriver set is convenient and I continue to love this tool even after years of use. It normally lists for $60, but this discount slashes that price to just $40. But since it's listed as a Prime Day deal, this price might not last much longer.
Irish Times
07-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Interiors: Good design is as much about what you leave out as what you put in
When planning a home redesign , it's easy to focus on what to add: a bigger kitchen island, an L-shaped sofa, a walk-in wardrobe. But often, what makes the biggest difference is what you leave out. Circulation space, the clear floor area that lets people move naturally and comfortably, is one of the most essential ingredients of a well-designed home, yet it's often overlooked. Here are some key areas where space is commonly forgotten and how to give each area the breathing room it needs to work well. Open-plan living When planned well, an open-plan space becomes the heart of the home – a place where cooking, dining and everyday life work in perfect harmony. But one of the most common pitfalls is trying to squeeze too much in, which quickly makes the space feel cramped and awkward to use. The key is to be realistic about what the room can comfortably accommodate, while preserving enough clear floor area to move easily from one zone to the next. Not every open-plan room has enough room for a full kitchen, dining and living area. If space is tight, it's often wiser to prioritise a generous kitchen and dining zone and, if possible, include a single armchair or a quiet reading corner. It's far better to get two zones right than force in a third and lose the open, airy feel that makes this layout so appealing in the first place. Around a dining table, allow at least 800mm to 1m between the table edge and any walls or furniture behind it. This means people can sit down and stand up comfortably, and there's still room to pass by without asking everyone to shuffle in. READ MORE When positioning your sofa in the living area, think about how far back you sit from the TV – a good guide is to sit about one and a half to two and a half times the diagonal size of your screen away from it. For a 50-inch TV, that's roughly 2m to 3m – close enough to enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed. Kitchens The kitchen is one of the busiest spaces in any home, so having enough room to move around comfortably makes all the difference to how practical and enjoyable it is to use. In a galley kitchen or any narrow layout, allow at least 900mm for the main walkway. This is just enough for one person to pass through without feeling hemmed in. Where possible, aim for more. If you're including an island, it's best to leave about 1.1m to 1.2m between the island and surrounding counters or appliances. This extra bit of space means two people can work side by side or pass behind someone at the hob or sink without bumping elbows. If you plan to have stools at your island, leave at least a metre of clear space behind them so there's plenty of room to sit comfortably and for others to pass by without disruption. [ Seek the pattern: how to infuse your outdoor space with summer staycation style Opens in new window ] At all costs, try to avoid layouts where the kitchen doubles as a main circulation route – for example, if people need to walk through it to reach the garden or another part of the house. This can make meal prep and busy family times feel chaotic and frustrating, with constant interruptions just when you need space to work. Utility rooms Utility rooms are another space where people underestimate the importance of clear floor area. As a guide, aim for a minimum width of about 1.6m. This allows for a standard counter or appliance depth of 600mm, plus at least a metre of standing space in front. Always leave at least a metre of unobstructed floor space in front of appliances so you can bend down with a laundry basket without banging elbows on walls or doors. Bedrooms Bedrooms can quickly feel cramped if circulation space isn't properly planned. Start by ensuring there's enough room to move comfortably around the bed. Allow at least 500mm to 600mm on each side of the bed for bedside tables and easy access. At the foot of the bed, aim for at least 800mm so you can walk by without needing to shuffle sideways. [ Renovations: An interior designer's advice on how to make them easier Opens in new window ] If you have wardrobes opposite the bed, leave 800mm to 900mm between the wardrobe doors and the bed edge so you can open them fully and step back while choosing what to wear. An ideal size for a double bedroom with built-in wardrobes is around 3.8m by 2.8m. Walk-in wardrobes Walk-in wardrobes appear on nearly every wish list, but without enough space, they can feel more like a cramped corridor than a luxury. For a walk-in to work well, allow at least 1.6m in width if you have storage on one side only. For hanging space on both sides, you'll need closer to 2.2m for two rows of wardrobes and about a metre of clear walkway. Opting for open shelving without doors helps make the most of every millimetre. Good design is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Prioritising generous circulation space throughout every room ensures your home looks beautiful and feels calm and is a joy to live in.
