Once you’ve settled on a conservatory design, then it’s time to choose the floor surface. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new build or sprucing up an older extension, there are various options open to you.

Natural wood

This looks classy but can be higher maintenance and more vulnerable than other surfaces such as tile or laminates. If there are temperature fluctuations, it may be best avoided as it can expand and contract with hot and cold extremes, although it does create a very high quality finish.

Engineered wood

This gives a real wood ‘look’ but is more durable and likely less expensive to lay. There can still be issues with expansion and contraction in hotter and colder conditions, and you may need to factor in the cost of a UV lacquer to help prevent sun bleaching.

Carpet

This is a less popular option due to its vulnerability to foot traffic. If the conservatory serves as a gateway to the garden or patio, then frequent cleaning or removing stains may be result. It’s a ‘warm’ surface, so may be worth considering if outside access is less or non-existent and year-round use is desired.

Laminate

This is very cost-effective and can be bought in various finishes to look like wood, tile or stone. Laminates can be very durable and low maintenance; for example, spillages can be wiped up easily.

Check the quality of the product, though; some cheaper laminates might not have as effective water repellent properties as some of slightly higher price.

Stone

The ‘Rolls Royce’ of flooring options for many, stone is usually the most expensive option but ticks many boxes in terms of water resistance, durability, low maintenance and - to top things off – it delivers an elegant and classy look. Limestone, marble, granite and slate are the four usual alternatives to choose from.

There can be an element of risk from slipping if water gets on it, and some darker varieties may be a bit warm for bare feet on hot days, while being noticeably colder in the winter. Overall they’re a good choice for longevity, and the ‘cold feel’ drawback can be offset by underfloor heating.

Tile

Tiles offer another classic and classy surface - and sometimes they are preferred to stone as they can possess a warmer look. They are usually available in the following tile types:

• Terracota - thicker and retain heat well but more prone to scratching

• Porcelain - hardest type so more durable

• Quarry - robust and available in shades of brown, red and grey

Bamboo

This maybe a bit of a ‘wild card’ flooring option, but it makes for an unconventional and environmentally friendly choice; bamboo grows quickly, too, so stocks are soon replaced.

Be aware that bamboo tends to darken over time, but it’s certainly tough, may be worth considering if you’re looking for something different.

Consider carefully

Different floors fulfil different needs - and different budgets of course - so it’s worth taking the time to choose the right floor. In particular, try and think of the year-round implications of your chosen surface and whether your conservatory may be asked to fulfil double duty in warm and cooler conditions.

Mark Caulfield is the Founder of bespoke conservatory designers, The Caulfield Conservatory Co, who are based in Harrogate.

Summer is one of the best times of year to do some much needed maintenance for your home. The great weather is the perfect time to do outdoor inspections, and with the everyday heat you’ll want to ensure your air conditioning is in great working condition too. Read on for the full list of repairs, improvements, and maintenance you should plan to complete during beach and barbecue season.

Take Advantage of the Weather

Summer is typically the best time of year to get in your much needed repair and maintenance, especially if you weren’t able to do your annual spring cleaning. Because you’ll be able to be outdoors, this is the best time to do outdoor maintenance and checks as needed.

Two of the most important things to focus on during the warmer months are your sprinkler or irrigation systems as well as any developing cracks or holes in the driveway. For your sprinkler system, it’s best to check as much of the line as you can for leaks while also ensuring the sprinkler heads are positioned evenly over any plants or lawn. This helps to keep water waste down while keeping everything else green. As for the driveway, if you live in an area with tough winters, small cracks can develop and spread over time as water freezes and melts. You can keep small cracks from getting worse next year by filling them in with an asphalt sealer or a concrete repair caulk.

Just because it’s nice being outside, don’t disregard the house inside though. Checking pipes is a good idea to do during warmer months in order to spot any leaks or damages. Winter can be tough on pipes in older homes, and it’s good to check pipes in newer homes as well. Additionally, people typically use more water in the summer than other seasons due to using the hose, watering plants, and filling up kiddie pools or even full size pools. Don’t flush money down the tubes with an existing leak during these high water usage months.

But Don’t be Disadvantaged by it Either

Summer can be the hottest and most humid time of year too however, which can be a drag if you aren’t prepared. By focusing on a few different areas, you can keep cool and keep your house in great shape too.

The first thing to consider is your air conditioning. Central air conditioning will require some different checks than individual air conditioning units. For central air systems, you’ll want to change the filter and clean the two separate components – the condenser and the evaporator. However, for any repairs that are a bit more complicated, it’s best to call a professional repairman. As for the air conditioning units placed in windows, you’ll want to also change the filter and trim any shrubs, bushes, or other plants that may be blocking units outside the windows they’re placed in. This will help the unit to circulate air better while keeping the unit working more efficiently and for longer.

Finally, do regular checks for mold and mildew growing both inside and outside because of high humidity. You can use a bleach solution or other store bought mildew killing sprays to prevent it from spreading. Additionally, keeping plants away from the house will help prevent any mold from growing on the surface of the house too.

Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.

Chandeliers used to be found only in the living rooms of spacious mansions and grand hotel lobbies and function rooms. Nowadays, though, they can be installed in any home, even yours. Indeed, you can choose from many different types and styles of chandeliers and if you cannot find what you're looking for or don't want to go through the process of having to browse through various catalogues, you can always have a custom chandelier made, especially if you have an innovative modern chandelier in mind.

Indeed, custom chandeliers are offered by many lighting companies. If you opt for these, though, you will be asked a lot of questions to ensure that the finished product meets your exact specifications, so you should have a clear idea of what you need.

For one, you should know the right chandelier size that you require. Keep in mind that the bottom of the chandelier should be at least seven inches from the floor so you have to measure the height of the room from the floor to the ceiling. As for the diameter, you can simply give the area of the room to the company so they can calculate it for you. Remember that a chandelier easily draws attention so if it is too large or too small, it is a mistake people will easily notice, making the entire room less attractive.

Contemporary Chandelier Light

Once the size has been decided, it is time to describe the style of the custom chandelier that you want, which is the more difficult part. First, you have to find out if you want a traditional chandelier, a transitional one or a modern chandelier. A traditional chandelier is usually one with tiers and has a frame usually made of either antique brass or polished brass with the bulbs attached to the frame. With modern chandeliers, however, the design is more varied and minimalist. Aside from these three design types, you can also choose from other more specific chandelier designs, such as Art Deco, Rustic, Asian, Renaissance or even Tropical. There are also dozens of finishes available.

In order to choose the right style, you have to consider the style of the rest of the room, so that the chandelier will complement it rather than go against it. If you can't pinpoint the style of the room, you can just choose one element of it that stands out and use that as the basis for creating the design of your custom chandelier. If you are good at drawing, you can sketch the design of the chandelier you want and then show this to the lighting company to serve as a guide.

In some cases, you can also specify what bulbs you want the custom chandeliers to use so you should take advantage of this option. The bulbs can be exposed or enclosed in spheres or shades and they can be fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, xenon and even LED. They can also be colored or have dimming capacities to create a dramatic effect.

By keeping all these in mind, you can truly have a chandelier that is custom made to meet your needs. It will be one of a kind, as well, so when people ask you where you got it, which they surely will, you can just smile and say that there is no other like it.

Sarah Brighley is a full-time mom and an avid blogger of home improvement ideas. She loves to share the best tips in interior design and furniture.

A property manager is a person who is hired by a real estate owner to take care of the property. Real estate assignments for property managers can include; condominiums, garages, warehouses, apartment buildings, government properties, housing projects, office buildings, shopping centers, and even vacant tracts of land. The property management business can provide one with a highly successful and rewarding career. However it is only ideal for people with certain characteristics. Below is a list of important attributes that property managers must have in order to be successful in their work.

Complete Knowledge Of State Laws

Having complete knowledge of the state laws governing the land and real estate industry is the most important attribute for a real estate owner to have. Every state has its own set of rules that govern the extreme amount of land one can own and how real estate can be managed from getting licenses to how the property is being used. Property management laws keep changing and as such a property manager should always be up to date with the current rules. A simple mistake made by the property manager or a task forgotten, can cause the owner to pay dearly by losing his/her property or paying a hefty fine.

Good Organizational Skills

Property management work is a very hectic job that requires a person with good organizational skills so as to be able to keep on top of things and remain focused. A property manager is required to collect rent, prepare and interpret financial reports, ensure the property is in perfect conditions, prepare monthly records, and keep all court dates. What’s more license renewal documents, rent invoices, rent increase letters, and payment receipts must be prepared and sent to their respective destinations on time. Only an organized person will be able to multi-task, keep files in order, and ensure timely repairs are made to any type of property damage.

Communication And People Skills

A good part of a property manger’s duties involves dealing with people and as such the manager must have good communication and people skills. With good communication skills, a property manager will be able to articulate cases in front of a judge, talk to the owner, negotiate with vendors, and speak appropriately with tenants. Possessing good people skills on the other hand enables the property manager to be able to easily deal with people from all walks of life and create a good working relationship with them as well as solve problems between vendors or tenants.

Ethical And Honest

Property managers are not only tasked with the responsibility of caring for real estate properties but they also handle a lot of money. Thousands of dollars pass through their hands in the form of collecting rent and security deposits. Since the owner entrusts his property and money to the manager, the least that the property manager can do is carry out his duties with the highest level of integrity.

Acquiring property management qualifications is important but not the only necessity to becoming a property manager. Experience and the above attributes are an added plus that ensures the job is done completely and competently.

Colin Grant is a freelance writer who loves writing about real estate ownership and property management. Colin’s favorite site to getting exemplary and dedicated property managers is http://www.jamesgibb.co.uk/.