September 2009

Double glazing 'one of the best ways to boost efficiency'
Homeowners can significantly boost their energy efficiency by adding double glazing to their homes, it has been suggested.

Over-50s 'more worried about burglary than ever before'
People heading towards retirement are more concerned about being burgled than ever before, new figures have revealed.

New energy efficiency campaign launched in UK
A new initiative designed to encourage people to cut their energy usage by ten per cent by the end of 2010 has been launched in the UK.

Eco-friendly measures 'as attractive as a new kitchen'
New research has suggested that eco-friendly measures are as attractive to prospective property buyers as traditional home improvements.

Safety services unite over home security
A new initiative has been created to improve the level of home security and safety support provided to vulnerable people in Wycombe.

London low-carbon zones announced
The ten London boroughs which will be receiving cash towards energy-efficient measures over the coming years have been named.

Luxury Cotswold eco home uses latest green technology
Green home improvements have helped a luxury six-bedroom property have a carbon footprint equivalent to an average two-bedroom flat.

Notts resident embraces green home improvements
A Nottingham resident has sought advice from the Energy Saving Trust on how to make his home more energy efficient and now benefits from double glazing and insulation, and is fitting solar panels.

Customers 'missing out on energy efficiency grants'
Homeowners could be missing out on government-funded grants to help make their properties more energy efficient, it has been claimed.

Sudbury Hall success highlights benefits of energy efficiency
Efforts to improve the energy efficiency of a National Trust mansion have highlighted how property owners could benefit from similar moves.

Leicestershire police make home security call
Homeowners in Leicestershire have been urged by the local police force to be vigilant when unwelcome callers visit their properties.

Double glazing coming to Wrexham homes
A number of homes in Wrexham are to be given double glazing under a new scheme organised by the local government, it has been revealed.

Home security 'could help to protect cars'
Car thieves in Liverpool have been stealing the keys for vehicles by breaking into homes, according to reports.

Home improvements 'could have major green benefits'
An expert has called on the government to introduce home improvement incentives that could have a major environmental impact.

Personal savings 'used to fund home improvements'
Home improvement work is often solely funded by personal savings, a new poll has revealed.

Sutton Council to create 'low-carbon neighbourhood'
Residents in Hackbridge are set to have energy efficient measures installed on their properties as part of a new initiative by Sutton Council.

Basement conversions 'a great way to expand homes'
Homeowners in the UK could add value to their properties by undertaking a basement conversion, it has been suggested.

Yorkshire police begin home security drive
West Yorkshire Police has begun an operation to raise awareness of home security in the Kirklees area.

Dangers of DIY home improvement
An incident in Bangor has highlighted the dangers of DIY home improvement.

Property renovations bring benefits for Strictly star
One of the stars of Strictly Come Dancing has increased the value of her property investments with a range of improvements.

'Incentives needed' for greener homes
Financial incentives must be introduced to encourage people to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, it has been claimed.

Savings 'motivate homeowners to make properties greener'
Homeowners are more likely to make energy efficient improvements to their properties if they can save money, it has suggested.

Newcastle police issue security warning
Police in Newcastle have called on property owners to work with them to increase home security in the city.

Eco-home showcased in Barnsley
Inspace has turned a semi-detached family home into a carbon efficient property.

Homeowners 'making most of their properties'
Property owners are doing all they can to keep their homes well maintained, it is said.

£3.2m eco-home offered in raffle
A £25 raffle ticket could get you a £3.2 million eco-house near Stratford in a property competition.

Bristol school gets double glazing to cut energy bills
In order to reduce energy bills and eliminate drafts a school in Bristol has installed double glazed windows.

Energy efficiency 'begins at home'
Improving the UK’s "inefficient housing stock" is the best way towards an energy efficient nation, an expert has said.

Millions of Brits "struggle with bills"
Twenty-five per cent of British citizens are struggling to pay their bills, according to a new study.

Windows contribute to "sustainable construction"
Defra has published a report stating that wood, PVC and aluminium-framed windows have a part to play in creating sustainable buildings.

Defra: Most Brits have double glazing
The large majority of people have double glazing and/or loft insulation in their homes, according to a report funded by Defra.

Double glazing helps school shrink energy use
A Staffordshire school, which is a case study on the Carbon Trust's website, installed double glazing to help to reduce its energy use by 12 per cent.

Improve your home now as tradesmen "compete" to be the best
Business has slowed due to the recession, which has led to a better service from tradesmen, a home improvements expert has said.

DIY retailers agree to reduce packaging and waste
WRAP has gained the signatures of six DIY retail giants in an agreement to reduce packaging and waste.

Double glazing grant called for
The government has been petitioned by The Glass & Glazing Federation to give householders £1,000 to get rid of their old windows and get new double glazing.

Buy-to-let landlords should "buy now"
Buying and improving buy-to-let properties is currently a good idea for cash-rich, market-savvy landlords, according to a letting advice website.

DIY building is "false economy"
DIY building by homeowners is a "false economy" as hidden risks such as subsidence can incur greater costs, according to research by an insurance company.

Welsh Tories back home emissions cut
The Welsh Conservatives are supporting the fight to reduce the UK's carbon foot print by unveiling new plans to install energy saving features into homes in Wales.

Cheap conservatory quote 'preferable to DIY'
Building your own conservatory or installing your own double glazing is not a good idea, according to a home improvements expert.