HaMuch

Albanian tradesmen looking to fill Polish gap as Brexit bites

20th September 2018 David Harris

Huge hike in numbers of Albanians searching for work in UK
HaMuch.com figures suggest kitchen fitting, extensions and plumbing most popular
Albanian workers targeting Kensington, Islington and Central Birmingham

Building work pricing site HaMuch.com has uncovered an unexpected trend that may give an indication of just who will be fixing your boiler or installing your kitchen after Britain has left the EU.

The HaMuch.com website shows hourly and daily rates, so homeowners can search by price before posting a job or selecting which local tradesmen they want to employ. It also gives tradesmen an idea of the going rate in their area.

Most of HaMuch.com’s traffic has always come from the UK, but data managers at the website noticed that many recent searches have been coming from Albania – shooting up more than twenty-fold in the last few months. Figures have leapt from just 10 searches from Albania in March to 194 in June and 255 in July, a rise of 2550%. The figure is still rising and shows no sign of stopping.

The majority of the website’s non-English-speaking country searches like “heating engineer near me” are now from Albania, which has leapt way ahead of Poland, Lithuania, Romania and France. This bump in search numbers came as Brexit Secretary David Davis resigned and the announcement of the Chequers Agreement by Theresa May, as well as pressstories about potential labour shortages once the UK quits the EU.

“The bump in Albanian traffic foxed us at first,” says HaMuch Managing Director Tarquin Purdie. “So, I started to ask around amongst the few Albanian tradesman in the UK that I know. One that I have had previous dealings with said that workers in his country are more clued up about the UK than we might think. They have seen news about Polish or French people feeling insecure here and starting to leave, and many think that means a new market opening up for them, at better rates than they can make at home. We are seeing twenty to thirty searches per day from Albania so far this month and I don’t expect that to slow down soon.

“The highest number of searches from Albania have been for kitchen-fitting work, bathrooms, extensions and general plumbing work. They are getting an idea of what trades in the UK charge, as well as the areas where work or competition may be. The most popular areas for search amongst those looking from Albania have been Heating Engineer in Kensington , Plumber in Islington and Builder in Birmingham. These are certainly areas with high traffic for all kinds of building work, so they know what they are looking for.”

The findings from HaMuch come just days after the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) released the findings of a survey that showed UK companies are struggling to fill vacancies as fewer UK citizens move here and others leave. The CIPD noted that applicants per vacancy are falling year on year, with companies forced to raise wages to aid recruitment.

Albania is not currently an EU country, but is expected to be admitted soon and is undergoing pre-entry preparations. Albanian workers can apply for working and business visas for the UK, which may become easier if the government decides that certain trades are in short supply after Brexit.

Upgrade Your House: Build an Extension

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

As a home owner you are always looking for ways to improve your property and increase the value of your home. One way to do this is to build an extension to your home. Larger homes are generally more popular and it can be a great way to add value to your property.

Many homeowners agree that the rising costs of houses make it easier to rather spend money on your existing home and improve it, than selling it to find a better property. That’s why you can consider doing an upgrade in terms of an extension.

Popular extensions that homeowners often choose include bathrooms, kitchens, and loft conversions. No wonder the number of planning applications has risen by 25 percent during the last five years. But always keep your budget in mind as you need to do a renovation that you can afford. Get accurate estimates from builders first, before you decide to go ahead.

If you want to build a home extension, keep the following in mind:

Call in a professional to get the job done properly. Ask friends for recommendations or visit HaMuch to find a local expert close to you.
Make sure that the extension you choose will suit the style of the house. Modern extensions are always desirable but if it’s a very old house, it may not look as appealing and may influence your property value when it comes to selling.
Always be realistic. Extra bathrooms and kitchens are often very good choices for family homes and a garage can also add value.
Lofts are always a good idea. They add value to a home and allow you to maximise the space you have available, for the whole family to enjoy.

If you are ready to build an extension to your home, start by getting a valuation from an expert to assess what you can do to your home, what space is available, what type of extension you can do, and whether you need additional planning permission.

Visit HaMuch to find a building expert in your area to help you build an extension to your home and add value and functionality to your property.

Upgrade Your House: Turn Your Office Into a Place Where Work Gets Done

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

If you want to work from home it’s essential that you ensure you have the right working environment. Designing your home office conversion for productivity is a great benefit and also a great way to add value to your home.

Many people work from home but not everyone has the right space to utilize, which is why you should make the most out of what you have. With a few great tips you can turn even a small working space into a productive environment.

First, start by choosing the right space. You may not even realize but you may have plenty of unused spaces that you can turn into an office. This can be a basement or attic, a corner in a spare room, an open place in a hallway, or even an unused closet or alcove. The most important thing to remember is that the space is private.
Next, pick a productive colour combination. Some colours are just better than others when it comes to setting a productive mindset. For e.g., yellow is optimistic while blue is soothing. White is neutral while a drop of red can get you energized. Green is one of the best colours and many professionals will agree that it’s perfect for productivity.
Lighting can be a great way to make any space look larger than it really is. Choose your lighting carefully as you want natural light that is stimulating, but you can use softer lights as well, such as table lamps, desk laps and standing lamps. Fluorescent lighting may seem like a good option but it’s a bit too harsh and bright.
Always consider ergonomics. Consider things like adjustable chairs and ergonomic training to significantly reduce soft-tissue injury over time. It will also increase your productivity. For e.g. when you work on your computer your monitors should be eye level and your elbows should be at right angles. If your body is properly aligned you’ll feel much better while working.

Visit HaMuch to find an expert in your area to assist you with a professional home office conversion where you can be productive and work gets done.

Upgrade Your House: Turn Your Garden Into a Mini Oasis

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

Your garden is an extension of our living space and it’s a great way to add value to your property. You can turn your garden into a beautiful retreat and a place where you can truly enjoy spending time. That’s why you should consider converting your garden into your own mini oasis to really enjoy the outdoor space you have available.

Here are a few great ways you can turn your garden into an oasis:

Plant flowers and greenery. Be creative when you choose plants, especially when it comes to working out what needs the most sunlight. Find out about the maintenance that certain plants will require as you don’t want to spend too much time maintaining plants every day.
Add a pergola. A beautiful steel pergola is a great way to add a beautiful seating area and truly turn your garden into a peaceful space. Steel pergolas are strong and durable, and you can cover it in shade cloth to block out the sun during the day.
Be creative with the elements. You can add other elements and accessories such as stones, gravel, and even a beautiful water feature. This will make your outdoor space even more enjoyable and relaxed. You can convert your garden into a tranquil space by choosing just the right elements to use.
Add outdoor furniture. Another great way to turn your garden into a relaxing space is to add outdoor furniture. Choose durable furniture that will withstand the elements and that will look great for years to come.

Always try to have fun when converting your garden as it’s a personalised space that you can use just the way you want it. Best of all, when you do it right, you can add value to your property and create a space that the whole family will enjoy.

Work with a landscaper or garden expert to utilize the space you have, choose the right plants and greenery, and choose the best layout available. You can enjoy professional advice and a beautiful garden with quality workmanship. It’s definitely worth the investment.

If you want to convert your garden at home, visit HaMuch to find a garden expert in your area to help you turn your garden into a place you love.

Upgrade Your House: Convert Your Garage Into a Place You Love

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

Your garage can be much more than simply an outdoor storage space. A garage has so much potential and you can really choose a garage conversion to turn it into a space you love. This is definitely a valuable space you can use.

If you have a double garage it can take up a lot of space, especially if you do not use the space at all. If it has a solid foundation, walls and a roof, you can turn it into an enjoyable space that can offer you a great return on investment. This is especially for those home owners who park their car in front of the garage and leave the garage empty.

There are many ways you can convert your garage into a space you’ll love:

Turn it into a family play room
Convert it into a cosy guesthouse
Add a lounge with a bar
Turn it into a romantic retreat
Convert it into a game room
Convert it into a home gym

Another great option is to turn your garage into a workspace or a home office. This is ideal for anyone working from home or wanting a workspace that is separate from your house. A home office will save money as you won’t have to rent additional offices, not to mention the convenience of working right at home.

Your garage can be a great addition to your home, especially if you turn it into a great space that you can utilize. Not everyone wants a garage space that just stands there, which is why you can add real value to your home by converting your garage. If you have kids, you can use this as a playroom and convert it into something else in a few years when they are all grown up. It’s a truly versatile and cost-effective way of adding value to your home.

When you want to do a garage conversion, be sure to get the help of an expert builder to ensure you have the right planning permission and get quality workmanship from an experienced team. You’ll have a space you love and add value to your home as well.

If you want to do a garage conversion, visit HaMuch to find a building expert in your area to help you turn your garage into a place you love.

Upgrade Your House: Turn Your TV Room into a Cosy Space

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

If you have a dated TV room that you want to spice up and utilize, there are many ways in which you can turn it into a cosy space that everyone can enjoy. We look at a few great tips from experts on how to turn your TV room into a cosy space.

Choose your colours. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint and choose two-tone walls for a great effect. Choosing just the right colour will make a huge difference in the look and feel of the room so using two tone paint will automatically draw attention away from the ceiling and allow for a cosier effect.
Exchange coffee tables for ottomans. If you have a large seating arrangement it can feel a little strange to have too much space between a coffee table and your sofa. Exchange your coffee tables with ottomans and make the most out of your space. It’s also a much more comforting choice to make.
Use tall potted plants. If you have large spaces available and high enough ceilings, use potted plants to fill vertical spaces perfectly. Just make sure that you have enough light in the room to support the plants.
Add a room divider. You can even add a daybed as a room divider, especially in large TV rooms. This can also help you to create two seating areas while keeping the flow between the two areas.
Add an L–space sectional. If you have a large, modern TV room you can add a big L-shaped sofa that will definitely add a lot of comfort to the room.

Experts will also tell you that you should design your TV room with yourself in mind. If you want to spend a lot of time in the room, make sure you have a cosy space for yourself that you can enjoy every day. You can create an intimate spot for two as well.

When it’s time to convert your TV room into a cosy space, work with a designer that can help you choose the right furniture, layout and accessories to create a unique room that is cosy and definitely a big attraction in your home.

Visit HaMuch to find an interior design specialist to help you turn your TV room into a practical and very comfortable space that everyone in the home can enjoy.

Upgrade Your House: Build a Game Room

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

One great way to ensure that you add value to your home is to build a game room. Not only will you impress your guests but you will immediately make your home more attractive and add value overall. That’s why you should carefully plan your game room to ensure that you make the most of your available space and your budget.

Your game room can be anything you want, especially including all the popular games and gadgets you enjoy. If you have a family that also enjoy games and entertainment, this is an even better way to add value to your home and install something everyone will love.

Here are a few tips if you want to build a game room:

Choose the right space. Ideally you should choose a space that is not necessarily too open or have too many windows. Basements often make the most sense as it’s a secluded part of the house that allows you to focus only on what’s inside.
Make sure you are connected. Be sure to check that your game room will have full wi-fi and that you can be connected at all times. No matter what gadgets and consoles you want to use, you’ll likely need to be online to enjoy everything to its full potential.
Choose your display. One of the best things about a game room is that you need to have a big screen to enjoy your entertainment. Choose a television that will handle all your consoles and connections and have truly high definition display.
Arrange your seating. Make the most out of your space by getting a professional to help you with the seating arrangements and general layout of the room. You can even have gaming chairs installed for added comfort.
Add the arcade era. A game room is not complete without those old arcade games, especially a pinball machine. There are many modern-era machines that will fit in perfectly in your newly built game room.

You can add other features such as card games and tables, as well as a jukebox for great music in the background. When you build a game room it’s really about your personal style and what you want to enjoy every day.

Be sure to get the help of an expert if you are not sure about the layout, furniture and what to put in your new game room. When it’s all done, sit back and enjoy your entertainment space and know that you’ve just added even more value to your home.

Visit HaMuch to find a building specialist to help you build a game room at home. Instantly increase your property’s value and add functionality to your home.

Upgrade Your House: Adding a Fresh Coat of Paint with Vivid Colours

31st July 2018 Patrick Smith

As a homeowner they are many ways in which you can add value to your home and adding a fresh coat of paint each one of the best ways to do this. Whether you want to paint your home on the inside or outside, a fresh coat of paint will not only add a brand-new look to your home, but it also adds value to your property.

The choice of colour when it comes to paint is very important as it can immediately uplift or change any room or space in your home. That’s why it’s important to consider vivid colour paint when you want to give your home a fresh coat of paint.

It’s often difficult to choose just the right kind of if you want to base it on prospective buyers. You never know what a new homeowner will like, so the best option is to start with what you have. You start by painting according to your home’s style and maximising its assets.

When you choose vivid colour paint always make sure that you choose the right colour under the right lighting. That is why paint shops often have a lightbox so that you can see how vivid paint colours will look in natural daylight. This helps to ensure that you doing choose a colour that isn’t too strong to completely overpower the walls.

Vivid colours are often a great way to add some style and effect to the inside of room, especially on the ceiling. You can play around with various colours and even choose secondary colours as an accent.

When you choose the right colour for your home, consider the following:

How will it affect your mood? When you choose a colour, think about how it will affect your mood so that you know you have the right feeling when you enter the room.
Play around with colours to match. Choose main and accent colours and make sure they complement each other perfectly.
Take small steps. If you are unsure of how to choose the right colour pain, work with an expert. Start by getting an assessment done on your current paint and get suggestions as to what colours will work best in every room in the house.

Lighting is very important. Be sure to check the colour against natural sunlight as you don’t want to buy the wrong colour. Incandescent lighting will bring our warmer tones and yellows in colour, while fluorescent lighting will add a sharp blue tone.

Visit HaMuch to find a paint specialist that can help you paint your home and instantly give it a fresh new look and add value at the same time.