HaMuch

Improve your property value: Pipes Replacement

6th April 2018 [email protected]

When it comes to the property you own, there are points to keep in mind that go beyond it being a roof over your head. Your property is not only your home and comfort zone, but an investment that you are making for the long run. Whether you decide to pass on your property as inheritance or sell it for a profit later on in life is an open choice that is always available to you. As such, it is important to always keep in mind how to improve your property value. An old, worn down property probably won’t be worth as much as one that has been well kept and looked after properly, both internally and externally.

One of the main things to keep in mind when it comes to property value is renovation and remodeling. Renovation often includes plumbing. Plumbing is required from time to time in order to avoid drain clogs, worsening of house pipes, bad odors coming out of the pipes or any other such discomforts. In fact, one of the main ways of keeping your house hygienic is by ensuring your plumbing is done right!

Renovation Needs

Renovation implies getting partial makeovers done for your home or sometimes, full makeovers for your home setting. Hence, renovation costs will of course vary depending on the amount of work you would like to get done.

As for plumbing, whether it’s a simple leak that needs tending to,lead pipe replacement or getting rid of an old pipe, plumbers pretty much handle a range of works. Plumbers deal with sinks, the sewage and drainage. In order to get good plumbing, you do need to keep the money factor in mind.

Plumber costs are based on plumber hourly rates and at times plumber day rates. There are rated plumbers to re-plumb a whole house as well. It’s also a good idea to ask your plumber questions pertaining to their experience before finalizing any one plumber. Asking them to come and visit your house to see what they need to work on is also a good idea in order to ensure both parties are clear on the terms.

For all of your plumbing needs, and great rates on experienced plumbers, do check out hamuch.com for great deals on a host of works related to your home.

Getting a Smart Thermostat

27th March 2018 [email protected]

Purchasing a smart thermostat will help you set the right temperature throughout the day and in accordance to your daily schedules, making your life a whole lot easier; not to mention, smart thermostats save you heaps of time and money.

What is a Smart Thermostat?

If you haven’t heard about a smart thermostat, it’s basically a thermostat with advanced communication and connection features which allows you to set up automatic temperature settings based on your daily needs and individual schedules. Certain thermostats with Wi-Fi connectivity have advanced functions that can be made great use of.

Programmable or Non-programmable Thermostats

Smart thermostats can either be programmable or non-programmable. Programmable Thermostats can help you to set your house temperature automatically based on preset timings. This will help to conserve energy since the device will ensure minimizing the temperature while you are out of home and maximize the temperature while you are home. Non-programmable thermostats on the other hand require the homeowner to put it in the heat or cool mode manually.

Digital Thermostat are the new line of thermostats in the market that do not contain moving parts to measure the temperature. There are built in thermistors and resistance temperature detectors to measure the temperature. The overall built up of digital thermostats is different to old thermostats that require constant setting.

Different Types of Thermostats

The following is a list of several types of thermostats that you can consider purchasing based on your specific requirements:

Nest Thermostat – under non-programmable thermostats, this is considered the best smart wi-fi thermostat presently available in the market. This one is considered extremely intelligent and helps to save energy.

Honeywell Thermostat or Honeywell Wireless Thermostat – this smart wi-fi thermostat is similar to the nest thermostat but is available at cheaper prices. You can purchase the honeywell thermostat in different colours as well. When it comes to non-programmable thermostats, this thermostat is in highest demand as it is easy to set and has a smart look to it. The features of a simultaneous display of set temperature and current temperature, slide switches which make switching from heat to cool or vice versa easy and overall ease of usage make it a favourite among home owners.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat- this thermostat has the features of Nest Thermostat or Honeywell, except it is available in cheaper rates.

Central Heating Thermostat – these thermostats work to keep the house heated. There are a variety of central heating thermostats available in the market.

Warmup Thermostat – this thermostat, similar to central heating thermostats works to keep the house warm.

Smart Heating Controls – smart heating controls include connecting with your phone to make note of its location in order to control your heating. Basically, depending on how far or how close you are from home helps the app determine which temperature to keep your house in for your comfort. Certain apps need to be downloaded in order to keep your phone connected with the thermostat. Over 30% of energy can be saved using some of the smart heating controls.

If you haven’t purchased a smart thermostat yet, it’s time to consider switching to one to make your lives more comfortable. After all, the right home temperature can either ruin your day or make it complete. Last but not the least, keep all your heating systems running smooth by providing regular servicing. Find the best heating engineers near you ASAP with hamuch.com for quick and easy setup and installation of your thermostat and stay free of all the troubles and worries!

Considering Underfloor Heating

27th March 2018 [email protected]

Underfloor heating is the ultimate heating solution. Thousands of homeowners and customers all over the country are choosing to opt for underfloor heating these days due to its economical benefits in addition to the ambient temperature setting for the room. Once upon a time central heating was considered a huge luxury for homes. A misconception today, underfloor heating is looked at as a form of luxurious heat, except that underfloor heating cost is actually one that lowers the heating bills. Setup and installation is now easier than ever. Go to hamuch.com and find heating engineers close to you. Along with their expertise, obtain better prices (they’re all about wholesale deals!) and enjoy the added benefit of longer insurance too.

Things to Consider for Underfloor Heating

Purchasing Underfloor Heating- In order to purchase underfloor heating components, you can head over to underfloor heating stores that should be available nearby. Try looking up the closest underfloor heating store near you or simply visit Hamuch.com to buy and install your preferred system and avoid all the hassle with ease!
Underfloor Heating Cost– Underfloor heating is a great way to save you money in the long term. If you plan to use underfloor heating as your main source of heat, make sure to use it efficiently by ensuring good insulation. Initially, your savings may not seem much but over time, the savings do add up. The cost of the product itself and installation costs will be paid back within a short time and add to your savings. You will also be saving huge amounts of energy in comparison to normal heaters.
Type of underfloor heating- electric underfloor heating and water underfloor heating.
1. Electric or dry underfloor heating– this method involves electric heating mats that run on electricity and are placed underneath the top layer of the floor. Even though these can be less of a difficulty in installing and can be fit in cheaply, the ultimate costs to run them can be quite high, unless your source of electricity is solar panels.
2. Wet or water underfloor heating– this form of underfloor heating is widely seen in recently built properties. Even though water underfloor heating may take a little more effort to fit in compared to electric underfloor heating, it is very compatible with modern day boilers and cheaper than electric underfloor heating in the long run.
Installation- Many of us install electric and water heating systems ourselves seeing DIY videos online or simply reading the user manual. This is not only incredibly dangerous but also potentially hazardous to the system itself. By law, there are certain parts of the fitting that need to be done by Gas Safe plumbers or certified and qualified electricians. Call in a professional if you are not too comfortable setting up things around the house. You definitely don’t want to try unknown settings with your boiler.
Post Installation- After you have setup your underfloor heating, make note that there are underfloor heating thermostats available that allow you to set the floor heating temperatures automatically. Polypipe & Danfoss underfloor heating falls right under smart thermostats that are available in the market for customers who opt for smart thermostat heating.

Once you switch to underfloor heating, you may end up liking the new heating system more than your old one. For quick, regular servicing needs you can also visit hamuch.com to help you find the best specialist for your heating systems with full on transparency rates! Stay warm, stay happy, stay safe.

Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

27th March 2018 [email protected]

With the start of spring, winter gardens that have dead plants will be done away with and lively spring gardens will be in view throughout neighborhoods. Spring plants are colorful and fill the heart with joy. After all, once we’ve been through the severe cold of winter, pleasant weather alongside vibrant plants is a full package of bliss and joy.

Steps to Prepare Your Garden for Spring

In order to get your garden ready for spring, consider the following five steps:

Firstly, you want to clean out your garden from any lingering effects from winter’s severe weather. You can always hire garden cleaners to get the cleaning job done. Or you can choose to connect with your garden and take up the challenge yourself. Get rid of debris that may have been left behind by storms. Cleaning will also help prepare your garden for the new buds you will be planting. Early spring flowers and spring plants in general tend to have a breathtaking beauty attached, and so you want the perfect clean background to go along with it.

Secondly, you want to get your garden tools ready. If you don’t have a box of garden tools, make sure to buy yourself one. For old tools, clean them off using water and soap and consider using mineral spirits for the tools with wood handles. These mineral spirits aid in protecting your wooden handles from splintering in the future.

Now it’s time to get some TLC for your soil. As you will be planting on the soil, it is essential to have soil that is ready for blooming plants. Rake out the soil using a pitchfork and add on fresh compost. Manure bought from the stores also works well if you don’t already have compost stored in your compost bin. It’s best to put in the compost and nutrients for your soil a good two weeks before planting in order avoid burning the roots of your new plants.

Once all that it done, you should try to find out what flowers are best to plant in spring. For this, it is probably a good idea to visit your local nursery in order to get a better idea of what kind of vegetables and flowers are best to grow for your locality. You may want to discuss the nits and grits with your landscape gardener on the type of look you anticipate from your spring garden.

Lastly, put in your efforts to maintain your garden. From watering your plants, sweeping the weeds that will be falling every so often, to cutting off flowers that are fading or drooping. You want to keep a lookout for anything that seems out of place or untidy.

What to Do in the Garden Now

Once your garden is set and ready for spring, you can watch and enjoy your little utopia of plants, a vibrant ray of colours and a plot of goodness unfold before your eyes. Your garden may just prove to be a source of therapy on stressful days. It will also give you something to put your mind to if you have extra time in hand. You can take up other hobbies while you spend time in your garden; perhaps even discover yourself on a whole new level.

Say goodbye to all your worries. If you need to lend a helping green hand for your beautiful garden, simply visit hamuch.com for the best and expert gardeners and gardening services around you with full transparency rates at ease!

First time buyers: Top Five Tips to Avoid Homeowner Hassles

27th March 2018 [email protected]

Buying your first house can be a stressful experience. Once all of the legal dealings are out of the way, and you’ve popped the cork on your ‘welcome to your new home’ bottle of champagne, the reality sets in – everything from the bricks and mortar to the knives and forks are now your responsibility.
We at HaMuch have put together our top five tips to help make your first home run like a dream.

1. Find the essentials

When you first move in, it can be tempting to focus on where the TV will go and what colour the spare bedroom will be, first make sure you find the essentials. Locate your gas and electricity meters, the fuse box, and the stopcock on day one. Once all your boxes are unloaded from the moving van, you should take readings from your meters, as your suppliers will need this information, and it will avoid you getting over charged.
If you can find your fuse box in the dark and can access (and shut off) your stopcock valve quickly, you will be covered for most major emergencies. When you need the services of an electrician or a plumber, they will ask you where these are, so it’s handy to tell them straight away.

A fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper can help to make it your own

2. Put your own stamp on it

One of the best things about owning your own home is that you can decorate it the way you like. A fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper can help to make it your own. If you’re not keen to get out the pasting table or paint brushes, it’s worth finding a good local decorator who can work their magic on your walls and get the look you want.
If you peel back the paper to reveal a cracked or problematic wall, a good plasterer should be able to skim it for you, making it the perfect surface to paint. You can then hang your mirrors, pictures and shelves to your heart’s content.

Find trusted certified tradespeople in your area

3. Make friends with tradespeople

You’ve committed a lot of money to your new home, so it’s easy to become nervous when jobs too complicated for DIY need doing. Find trusted, certified tradespeople in your area, so you won’t need to worry next time your boiler needs servicing or you need a new plug socket.
Make sure your electrician is regulated to meet UK safety standards, your plumber is WIAPS approved and your gas engineer is on the Gas Safe Register. You can check all of this information from HaMuch when finding a tradesperson.

Double-glazing will also save your money long term on your heating bills

4. Check your security

When you first move in, it is worth making sure you’re happy that the doors and windows are secure. Consider changing the locks if the house is not a new build, or replacing the windows if they’re not double-glazed. This will make your home feel safer and give you peace of mind. Double-glazing will also save you money long term on your heating bills.
You may also choose to invest in a burglar alarm or security lights to help keep your home safe when you’re away. Make sure you choose a reputable company to fit these to make sure you get a reliable service.

A good local gardener on the case will help you fool the neighbour into thinking you're Monty Don with minimum effort

5. Consider the extras

If your house or garden is large, or if you’re working full time, think about hiring a cleaner or a gardener to help keep your house looking its best. It can lift your spirits considerably to come home to a spotless house, and having a cleaner to look after this for you can take a load off your mind.
Gardens can start to look drab without regular TLC, and if you’re not green-fingered, this can start to feel like a chore. Getting a good local gardener on the case will help you fool the neighbours into thinking you’re Monty Don with minimum effort.

HaMuch has more than 11,000 trusted local tradespeople who can help with every homeowner hassle.

DIY Disasters and How to Avoid Them

27th March 2018 [email protected]

Some of us are blessed with almost professional level skills when it comes to home improvements. People who can turn their hand to most repairs or renovations, and looking like they’ve been visited by the Grand Designs team, can be the envy of their less able friends
For others, though, DIY can be a DI-Saster, and end up costing time, money and heartache in the long run. Don’t let that put you off though. With some research, some careful planning, and sometimes a visit from the professionals, you can improve your home for relatively little cost.
Here’s the HaMuch guide to DIY disasters, and how to avoid them.

1. Paint

Painting the walls is a quick and easy way to spruce up your home, sometimes damage can be caused when we whip out the emulsion. A knocked-over paint can or a dripping brush can cause hundreds of pounds worth of damage to your carpets and flooring.
Make sure you cover the whole floor area under where you’re painting with a dust sheet, and be careful when moving ladders around near your paint, to avoid spillages. Alternatively, you can find a decorator through HaMuch, and they will do a professional job and clean up when they go.

2. Plumbing

Never, under any circumstances, attempt plumbing on your own if you’ve had no formal training. Even though the pipes and fittings may look simple from the outside, they are incredibly complex, and can cause severe water damage to your home if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you have a plumbing emergency, the best way to deal with it is to locate the stopcock and switch off your water to avoid flooding or water damage, and find a qualified plumber through HaMuch to make any repairs.

3. Electrics

Unless you have been professionally trained, you should never attempt any electrical installations yourself. Find a trusted, qualified electrician through HaMuch, and you will have the peace of mind that the new electrics are safe and up to UK standards.
Electrical disasters can occur with basic home improvements too, as, for example, many people accidentally drill holes through wires when hanging pictures or mirrors. Most DIY shops sell basic wire and cable detectors, that can quickly tell you whether it’s safe to drill or not.

4. Building Work

It’s the brave DIY-er who would attempt any form of extension or building work on their own. If you’re looking to make any big structural changes to your home, make sure you consult your local authority to see if you need planning or building control permission before you start.
You can find a trusted, local builder through HaMuch, who will be able to give you a quote as to how much the work will cost, and can advise you on any permissions you need to seek.

5. Central Heating

Installation, servicing and repairs of gas central heating systems should always be carried out by a Gas-Safe qualified engineer (formally CORGI). DIY installations can risk carbon monoxide poisoning as well as expensive damage to your home, so always find a trusted engineer through HaMuch.
To get the best from your boiler, get it serviced every 12 months to make sure it is still safe and working efficiently. This will save you money long-term on your energy bills, as well as avoiding potentially costly breakdowns.

How to Avoid Kitchen Sink Dramas

27th March 2018 [email protected]

House maintenance can seem like an endless battle with homeowners banging their heads against the wall when it feels like yet another repair needs doing, or the boiler is on the blink – again!

Whatsmore, homeowners tend to agree that finding the right tradesperson for a job can be a real challenge, and many people are left scratching their heads not knowing where to start their search or who to trust.

Here are three simple steps to find the right person for the job, avoiding the pain and strain of poor services, and instead feeling confident while the true professionals take care of your much-loved home.

1. Check and compare costs

You might have a quick job that will only take a couple of hours, or you may be considering a project in your home that will take weeks or months to complete. Likewise your budget may be tight and you need to get the job done on a shoestring, or you could have a big pot to play with to wave a magic wand, transforming your house.

Whatever your budget, you will want to check and compare costs quickly and easily. HaMuch allows you to simply check costs for jobs by the hour, and by the day. All the costs are open and visible on the website, there is complete transparency. So, all you need to do is search for a tradesperson in your area, and use HaMuch to compare the costs. Easy!

2. Check and compare availability

HaMuch has created a unique feature to make your life considerably easier when searching for available tradespeople.
With a cost-comparison feature to save you time when finding a service makes HaMuch stand out from the crowd. You can breathe a sigh of relief as the days of fruitless calls to unavailable traders taking you back to the drawing board time and time again – are over!

HaMuch has transformed finding an available tradesperson: one click, add your details, and the tradesperson will swiftly let you know their availability without the fuss.

3. Check credentials

Everyone has heard a ‘rogue trader’ story, or has watched programmes on the telly where people’s houses have been worse off for hiring the wrong person for the job. However, there is a quick and simple solution to get the very best people to work on your home and that is to check the credentials on the HaMuch website.

Simply search for the service you require in your area, click on a tradesperson and their credentials will appear alongside comments and ratings.

After your chosen tradesperson has completed their job, share your story by returning to HaMuch and rate their hard work, praise their performance with a high star rating and post a comment.

Checkatrade vs Rated People vs MyBuilder

27th March 2018 [email protected]

Comparison of Tradespeople Websites

On-line websites and Apps have changed the way we run our lives, Amazon is now the world’s retailer and while Uber has had a set-back, in London, it’s a safe bet that we will be using one Ride App or another instead of flagging down Taxis longer term.

Nowadays when we need a heating engineer near me or plumber near me how many of us still turn to Yellow Pages? How we find and select tradespeople is undergoing a similar revolution to retail and taxis with a range of websites offering new ways to simplify the process of selecting and communicating with electricians and builders (including Yellow pages with their online sister – Yell).

If you have used any of following tradespeople websites please give your feedback;

Websites	How websites work	Prices listed	Reviews listed
HaMuch	Tradespeople listed, customer contacts	Yes	Yes
Checkatrade	Tradespeople listed, customer contacts	No	Yes
Trustatrader	Tradespeople listed, customer contacts	No	Yes
Trusted Traders		No	Yes
Yell	Tradespeople listed, customer contacts	No	Yes
Local Heroes	Customer submits job, tradespeople respond	Yes	No
Rated People	Customer submit job, tradespeople respond	No	Yes
My Builder	Customer submits job, tradespeople respond	No	Yes

HaMuch

Customers see hourly and daily prices for tradespeople. Customers search and get a list of relevant local tradespeople ranked by cost. HaMuch is free to use, shows all contact details and other information such as business description, photographs and reviews plus some HaMuch tradespeople display discounts vouchers redeemable against call outs.

Very simple 3 step process;

Select Trade
Select more specific Service
Enter Postcode or Town