Latest news with #homeimprovements
BBC News
5 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Energy grants for low-income households in Hull
Low-income households in Hull can apply for funding to make their homes warmer and cheaper to City Council said it had secured £3.4m from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to help reduce fuel poverty and enable eligible residents to make energy-saving home money will be allocated over a three-year period, officials scheme covers things like wall, loft and underfloor insulation, air-source heat pumps and solar panels. Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for housing, said: "Even though we're currently experiencing warm, summer weather, it's really not that long until things turn colder, so we want to let residents know that there is help available ahead of the autumn and winter."Because there is limited funding available, we need to make sure it's used wisely to help us support those who need it most," he be eligible certain criteria must be met and people can find out more and apply via the government website or by contacting the council's warm homes team. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air shares tips for renovating home comfort systems
Amidst rising house prices, the trusted home service company reveals best practices for high-impact home improvements STERLING, Va., July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- America currently faces a housing deficit, which has led to real estate price increases in many parts of country. In response to this trend, Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air, a trusted home service provider based in Northern Virginia, reveals tips and best practices for homeowners who opt to renovate rather than relocate. "High prices make it challenging for many families to consider buying a new place, but there are plenty of cost-effective ways to make an existing home more accommodating and comfortable," said Daniel Fuentes, co-founder of Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air. "Improving the home's comfort systems is a good place to start, as doing so can not only enhance quality of life, but potentially boost the home's overall value." Often, homeowners can adjust comfort levels and maximize energy efficiency without the need for a full system upgrade. Regular maintenance tasks, including routine filter changes and annual inspections, can optimize a HVAC system's performance and extend its longevity. Investing in a smart thermostat and ensuring adequate insulation can contribute to more consistent temperatures and more predictable utility bills. "Annual duct cleaning is another important step, allowing homeowners to ensure their comfort system works properly and to reduce the spread of dust and allergens through the house," Fuentes said. For homeowners who do wish to upgrade their entire system, seeking an ENERGY STAR®-certified unit can improve energy efficiency. Newer units that offer zoning systems can help homeowners personalize comfort levels, maintaining different temperatures in different parts of the home. "For any homeowner whose HVAC unit is 10 years or older, it's wise to start planning a replacement," Fuentes said. "Upgrading to a newer model can enhance the home's value while also unlocking the latest advances in comfort and performance." For more information on Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air, call (703) 783-4099 or visit About Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air is a residential service company proudly assisting homeowners in Northern Virginia. For more than a decade, the company has been a trusted provider for plumbing installation and maintenance, as well as a full spectrum of HVAC services. Founded by a team of seasoned plumbers, Cardinal is known for high standards of quality and a robust commitment to homeowner satisfaction. Additional information about Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air can be found at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cardinal Plumbing Heating & Air Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
21-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
English Home Improvement Boom Fades with Approvals at Decade Low
Planning approvals for home improvements in England are at the lowest in a decade, the latest indication that high interest rates have tipped the housing market in buyers' favor and given them the pick of properties available for sale. Consents for householder developments reached 151,177 in the year through March, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government data collated by Savills Plc show. That's 27% below the average over the past decade and an 8% drop on last year, the real estate broker said in a statement Monday.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Anglian Home Improvements review: our best installer for national coverage
If you're looking for new windows for your home, our Anglian Home Improvements review is here to help. We've done the analysis to guide you through what to expect, from cost to coverage, and how the company compares to the best double glazing companies in the UK. When upgrading your windows, you can choose from both local and national installers. Anglian Home Improvements is one of the largest national providers, but does bigger always mean better? We assess everything from pricing and guarantees to style range and customer satisfaction to help you decide. When comparing options, be sure to get multiple quotes. This not only helps you understand the cost of double glazing, but also gives you leverage to negotiate better deals. Why choose Anglian Windows? Anglian Home Improvements is the longest-running company on our list, established in 1966. Now owned by private equity firm Alchemy Partners, it fits over half a million windows, doors and other home products annually. With operations across Britain, Anglian offers a wide range of services, including windows, doors, porches, blinds and conservatories. So if national reach and extensive product choice are your top priorities, Anglian Home Improvements should top your list. It offers a dizzying selection of uPVC, aluminium and timber models, with all sorts of sizes and colours. Anglian manufactures its windows in its Norwich factory and can tailor them to your exact measurements. The range includes: uPVC, aluminium and timber windows Casement, sash, tilt-and-turn and bay styles Secondary glazing for additional insulation Anglian's uPVC windows are especially popular for their durability and value. Timber frames offer a more traditional look, while aluminium appeals to modern homes. Cost is one of our key assessment factors, and Anglian does have a reputation for being on the pricier side. However, the company also promises to match competitors' uPVC window prices — a strong incentive to shop around before you commit. Still, while it's tempting to let Anglian Home Improvements match the lowest quote, don't stop there. If you have chosen Anglian as your window fitter, then make sure to negotiate and see if any further discounts are available. Anglian Home Improvements also offers money off if you recycle your old windows through the firm, which might make for a further attractive discount. On average, replacing the windows in a three-bed home with uPVC double glazing costs around £4,500, though this depends on your location and specifications. To see how this compares with other installers, check out our guide to UK window prices. Anglian Home Improvements does provide finance options, though the advertised 12.9% APR is less competitive than most personal loans, with rates closer to half of what Anglian is offering being available. If you can, using your savings or arranging external financing may offer better value. A big plus for Anglian, though, is the sheer choice available, with wooden options as well as uPVC and aluminium. The firm will also make sash windows, as well as the usual outward-opening casement style. Modern tilt and turn windows – the ones that will hinge at the bottom to allow a small vent at the top as well as hinging on the side – and bay windows are also on offer, as is secondary glazing. Pros: Wide range of materials and styles Nationwide coverage Established reputation Cons: Higher-than-average prices Mixed customer reviews What to look for in a quote According to our research, the average three-bed house should cost about £4,500 to fit with new double-glazed uPVC windows, depending on location and window sizes. It's important to haggle, perhaps more than with other purchases. Windows are more of a buyer's market, since unless the panes themselves are broken, it's a purchase you can put off, at least for a little while. This gives you the upper hand and allows some time to research the best price and options. Depending on the installer and how tricky your installation is, you may be able to shave up to half off the initial quote you are given. This may seem unlikely, but it's true. That's because many firms rely on Britons' general discomfort over asking for discounts to make expensive initial offers. They also rely on their competitors doing the same. Smaller outfits that feel they need to be more competitive may not be able to drop by as much – use your judgement. As well as using this guide, it is also worth getting personal recommendations. If a company has done a good job at a fair price for a friend or colleague, they will probably do the same for you. How we made this guide We spoke to customers and fitters across the UK, as well as insiders in the double glazing market to find you the average prices for windows of all styles. They gave us tips on how to negotiate and save money, and they told us never to say yes to the first quote you are offered. Why trust us? The Independent has reported on climate and green energy since its founding in 1986. We've reviewed hundreds of energy-saving products and services — from double glazing to the best window finance and other guides on green power.. Our reviews are backed by expert research, real customer feedback and transparent comparisons. FAQs Should I get double or triple glazing? While double glazing is the usual choice for a home outside of a heavily restricted planning area, triple glazing could be a good option for some buyers, especially those in windy locations or those on busy, noisy roads. Expect to pay 15-30 per cent more than for double glazing. These windows are heavier and available in fewer styles. Finding triple-glazed windows in timber and aluminium is difficult. What is the average cost for double glazing? The average cost of a new set of eight uPVC windows for an average three-bedroom home in the UK is currently about £4,500, according to research by The Independent. The price you will pay for a new set of double glazing depends heavily on the style, materials, colours and glazing type of your windows, together with how many you need and where you are in the country. Most buyers opt for white uPVC, which is a type of plastic. It does not rust or rot, an advantage over wood, and it is cheaper than aluminium, the other popular low-maintenance material. It also doesn't bend like an aluminium can. What are the advantages and disadvantages of double glazing? Pros: Great insulation Reduced noise Energy efficiency Available in many styles Cons:
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First Home Improvements review: best installer for long-lasting quotes
If it's time for a new set of windows for your home, we're here to answer all your questions on double glazing and guide you through the best double glazing companies in the UK. In this First Home Improvements review, we look at one of the most established uPVC window installers in England. With a long-standing reputation, competitive pricing, and a rare two-year quote validity, First Home Improvements stands out as a top choice for homeowners — especially if you're comparing options based on UK window prices and the cost of double glazing. Why choose First Home Improvements? Area covered: Most of England, particularly the South and East. Founded: 2008 (original business roots date back to the 1970s) Guarantee: 12 years Best for: Good reviews and long quote validity First Home Improvements is one of the longest-standing names in the UK's window installation market, with roots in the 1970s and its current form established through a 2008 management buyout. What sets First apart is its two-year quote validity, which is far longer than that of most competitors. This gives homeowners time to save or consider other options without losing their initial quote. It's one of the reasons why First made it onto our best double glazing companies list. If you're looking for wooden or aluminium windows, First Home Improvements may not be the right choice — they focus solely on uPVC products. But for homeowners who prefer uPVC and aren't served by installers like Coral Windows or Britelite, First could be the best fit. There's plenty of choice within the realm of uPVC, however, including casement, sash, tilt and turn and even Tudor windows. First Home Improvements also markets oval, triangle, round and arched windows. The company also offers a wide range of colours and textures, so there's no need to stick with white if you want a more contemporary look. Its 12-year guarantee is one of the longest in the industry, and combined with competitive pricing, helped First Home Improvement place third in our UK window prices comparison. In addition to windows, First also installs doors, porches and conservatories, and offers a handy online door designer tool, which is very useful if you can't get to a showroom. Like many competitors, First Home Improvements often runs 30% off promotions, so it's worth timing your quote to coincide with these offers. First Home Improvements also offers financing, but details on the website are limited. This often suggests higher-than-average rates, so it may be worth considering independent lenders. For example, for loans of £7,500 to £20,000: TSB offers 5.9% APR over 1–5 years Novuna Personal Finance offers 6% M&S Bank offers 6% over 1–7 years Borrowing £10,000 over 7 years at 6% APR will cost around £2,271 in interest, with monthly repayments of £146. Pros: 12 year-guarantee Good reviews Broad choice of uPVC styles and finishes Cons: No timber or aluminium products Limited transparency on financing What to look for in a quote According to our research, the average three-bed house should cost about £4,500 to fit with new double-glazed uPVC windows, depending on location and window sizes. It's important to haggle, perhaps more than many with other purchases. Windows are more of a buyers' market, since unless the panes themselves are broken, it's a purchase you can put off, at least for a little while. This gives you the upper hand and allows some time to research the best price and options. Depending on the installer and how tricky your installation is, you may be able to shave up to half off the initial quote you are given. This may seem unlikely, but it's true. That's because many firms rely on Britons' general discomfort over asking for discounts to make expensive initial offers. They also rely on their competitors doing the same. Smaller outfits that feel they need to be more competitive may not be able to drop by as much – use your judgement. As well as this guide, it is also worth getting personal recommendations. If a company has done a good job at a fair price for a friend or colleague, they will probably do the same for you. How we made this guide We spoke to customers and fitters across the UK, as well as insiders in the double glazing market to find you the average prices for windows of all styles. They gave us tips on how to negotiate and save money and they told us never to say yes to the first quote you are offered. Why trust us? The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy, including the best window fitters, the best window finance and other guides on green power. FAQs While double glazing is the usual choice for a home outside of a heavily restricted planning area, triple glazing could be a good option for some buyers, especially those in windy locations or those on busy, noisy roads. Expect to pay 15-30 percent more than for double glazing. These windows are heavier and available in fewer styles. Finding triple glazed windows in timber and aluminium is difficult. What is the average cost for double glazing? The average cost of a new set of eight uPVC windows for an average three-bedroom home in the UK is currently about £4,500, according to research by The Independent. The price you will pay for a new set of double glazing depends heavily on the style, materials, colours and glazing type of your windows, together with how many you need and where you are in the country. Most buyers opt for white uPVC, which is a type of plastic. It does not rust or rot, an advantage over wood, and it is cheaper than aluminium, the other popular low-maintenance material. It also doesn't bend like aluminium can. What are the advantages and disadvantages of double glazing? Pros:
