February 3, 2012
How to choose a removal company
Moving the contents of your home to a new one is daunting and can be both physically and mentally exhausting, especially if you are on a tight deadline. Choosing the right removal company can make all the difference.
- Get several quotes well in advance of your completion date. The cheapest quote may not always be the best one, many larger removal companies offer a packing service too so that you can ensure everything will be taken care of.
- Get recommendations.
- Start the process in plenty of time, it can take a couple of weeks getting quotes and finding available dates – some companies are booked up weeks in advance.
- Plan ahead – provide the removal company with details of your new property’s access points and layout, ie how many flights of stairs, will furniture fit through the doors.
- Get insured – most removal companies provide dedicated moving insurance against loss or breakages whilst in transit, however, make sure this is the case before booking anyone. You should also contact your own contents insurer to find out if your policy will cover your contents whilst it’s being moved!
- Avoiding the cowboys! It’s a good idea to check that any companies you choose are members of either The British Association of Removers or The National Guild of Removers and Storers who are both committed to excellent standards and professionalism.
January 31, 2012
Buying a home is cheaper than renting
According to research done by Halifax, buying a home in the UK is over a £100 a month cheaper than renting. The typical monthly cost of buying a three bedroom house was £600 towards the end of 2011, making it £116 lower than the average monthly rent of £716 paid on the same property.
This will be welcome news for December’s mortgage seekers when mortgage approvals reached a 19-month high and grossed some £9bn.
Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said: “The affordability gains for buyers relative to renters in the last three years have been significant. The average mortgage payment has fallen dramatically over recent years as a result of falling house prices and mortgage rates. At the same time, rents have risen due to strong demand for rented accommodation.”
read more on this article by the Telegraph
source: the Telegraph
January 25, 2012
Government loses second case on solar tariff cut
The government has failed in an appeal against a decision which blocked its attempts to reduce solar subsidies.
read more on this article direct from the BBC
January 5, 2012
Solar panel installations – DECC announce figures for 2011
The Department for Energy and Climate Change have reported since the December 12th deadline the number of solar pv installations dropped by a staggering 98% based on figures for the week prior to the 12th.
The figures released by the DECC illustrate the boom following the Government’s announcement to cut the FiT rate on 31st October and how in just 6 weeks the UK more than doubled its capacity, with 43% of 2011’s capacity being put in place after the announcement.
The deadline has no doubt been devastating for a considerable amount of our clients but the requirement for our desktop appraisals since the deadline shows that installations are still going ahead, albeit at a much slower pace.
Our figures for November showed that out of all desktop appraisals undertaken for that month, 83% passed successfully with no strengthening works being required.
To find out how we can help you and provide the MCS installer’s clients’ with complete peace of mind, check out our services for solar pv installers here or call to speak to one of our advisors on 0800 027 5130.
December 16, 2011
Judge grants High Court hearing over FiT cuts
A judge has ordered an urgent hearing of a High Court challenge over Government plans to cut financial incentives afforded to solar photovoltaic technology…..
read the whole article from the Solar Panel Portal
December 7, 2011
Thinking of moving in the New Year? Here are our top tips on how to get your property ready to sell and secure the best possible price
January is a popular time for homeowners to market their property. Follow our simple tips to prepare your property for the market and make your home more attractive to prospective purchasers.
December 2, 2011
Winter-proof your home this December with our top ten tips!
As the nights draw in it’s time to prepare our homes for the winter chill, sub-zero temperatures, wind and rain.
Storm, flood and escape of water from frozen pipes are the biggest risk to homes in the winter months.
Adequately winter-proofing your home will make sure you aren’t left counting the cost and can also have the added benefit of reducing both your fuel bill’s and your CO2 emissions.
Prevention is key; most cases are preventable, it’s all about locating the problem and fixing it before it’s made worse by the ravages of the winter season.
- Pipes – the first step is to check lagging on water pipes and cisterns in unheated areas.
- Stop Tap – make sure you know the location of your stop tap so that you can turn off in an emergency – make sure stop taps are in good working order.
- Dripping Taps – should be repaired,
- Central Heating – get your boiler serviced prior to the onset of winter. If you are going away for the weekend, it’s a good idea to leave your central heating on low to prevent pipes freezing.
- Roof Tiles – check for any loose or missing tiles as you don’t want any rain coming in.
- Guttering – clear the build up of leaves to prevent rainwater spilling over, check the ends of guttering for blockages. Icicles hanging from guttering in a cold spell are also an indication of where your gutters may be blocked or leaking.
- Creeper plants – these can cause cracks in exterior brickwork which can be exacerbated if moisture gets in and then freezes.
- Tree branches – overhanging branches should be pruned back to avoid potential damage to your property.
- Chimneys – if using a wood burning stove or real fire, remember to get your chimney swept regularly as a blocked chimney is a major fire risk.
- Loft insulation – fitting insulation and draft excluders will not only keep your house warm but also reduce your energy bills.
- Finally, remember to check your building and contents insurance policies are up to date!
November 4, 2011
The solar pv industry is far from dead : a look at the future for solar in the uk
Following Monday’s official announcement that the FiT rate is to be cut to 21p Brewster’s solar team have been rushed off their feet fast tracking structural calculations to aid our MCS clients in the rush to install before the deadline.
For most of our clients the announcement has hit hard and some are still in a state of disbelief and uncertainty for the future.
David Owen, CEO and Founder of Solar Media Ltd talks us through the recent FiT cuts and what’s likely to happen next click here to read more
October 31, 2011
Brewsters expand range of solar products to include wind load calculations
Due to the growing number of enquiries from our MCS clients we have recently launched ‘Wind Load Calculations’ as a stand alone product.
The process is simple, complete one of our crib sheets and our Engineering Team will do the rest. All calculations are prepared in accordance with BS 6399 Part 2.
With prices starting at £25 + VAT if purchased in conjunction with a standard desktop appraisal or £75 + VAT if purchased alone, keeping compliant and within Code couldn’t be easier.
For more information and guidance, call our Solar Team on 0800 027 5130.
October 13, 2011
Stephen joins the Solar Team at Brewsters
Brewsters are proud to welcome Stephen Smith to the Structural Engineering team based at Head Office in Wallasey.
Stephen, who graduated from Leeds University with a Masters in Civil Engineering has brought with him a wealth of knowledge in construction management and will be providing our MCS clients with solar reports, technical advice and assistance.