Author: Jack Shackleton
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What is FENSA and how does it work?
FENSA is a scheme that regulates window and door installation. Specifically, it’s what’s known as a ‘competent persons scheme’. These are authorised by the government. In Fensa’s case, it works like this: The key point of a competent building scheme is that it avoids a separate building inspection. It’s faster, while also protecting the consumer…
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Does a hot tub increase your AirBnB income?
In a word: yes. Getting a hot tub can increase your AirBnB income by 40% on average. In fact, I was surprised how dramatic the effect was. However, it does depend on location. Some areas saw as much as a 77% increase. One was down 1%. But the general trend is indisputably up. How do I…
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Best School Finder Tool for the UK
So you’re moving house to be near a good school, are you? Clever. Best crack out the spreadsheet and start banging in Ofsted data. Or, actually, don’t. You see, all the really clever parents have outsourced the data entry. They’ve turned the country into a blinking mass of targets (schools) and they’ve locked on with…
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Cost of Home Insulation in the UK – Loft, Roof, Wall & Floor
Insulation is brilliant and I love it. And I’m not alone. Everyone agrees that it’s the single best way to save energy in your home. Ofgem says it is, and Which. It can save you over £1000 a year. Insulation might not be glamorous, but it’s crucial. Having bad insulation is like playing with no…
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How Do You Find a School Catchment Area?
Moving house often means the kids move schools. But it can be a minefield. Only instead of mines, the danger lies in two words from Ofsted: ‘needs improvement’. Of course, you can pay for private education , if you can afford it. But the canny solution, as any parent knows, is to move near a…
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Are Online Estate Agents Worth It?
In 2023, I used an online estate agent to sell a house, and for me: yes, using an online estate agent was definitely worth it. However, it’s not for everyone. It can be more work, and less reliable. But it can save you thousands in fees. What are online estate agents, and how do they…
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Solar Panel Costs in the UK by Installation Size
The average cost of a solar panel installation in the UK is £7,819, as of September 2024. This is according to the MCS data dashboard. Costs have been dropping since a high point of £10,428 in April 2023. However, the cost per install varies dramatically. Getting solar panels is really a bespoke construction job, and…
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Quick Property Sales: Are They Worth it and How Do They Work?
Quick house sales are an option if you want to want to sell your property fast, in exchange for accepting lower than market value. How much do quick home buyers pay? Usually it’s 75%-85% of the value of your property. It varies between firms, and you should obviously read the small print to make sure…
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EPC Guide: How to find, use & renew your Energy Performance Certificate
EPCs are a requirement for properties in the UK, and you’ll need one to move house. They’re also actually quite useful. Find our how to read an EPC, find your existing one, and apply for a new one. What is an EPC? EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. It gives a property a score from…
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Do Heat Pumps need planning permission?
No, not usually. However there are some exceptions. A heat pump is deemed as ‘permitted development’. That means that in most cases you can just get on with it. However (as usual) there are some rules attached, which particularly affect smaller properties. The main blocker for some households is that heat pumps can not be…
