Boost the kerb appeal of your property and create an inviting outdoor space, by tuning in to some of the key exterior design trends for 2016. Whether you’re renovating a rented property or giving your own garden a revamp, we’ve picked out a few of the top trends for the year ahead.

Stylish outdoor living 

The Great British weather may be a little unpredictable, but when the sun shines you don’t want to miss a moment. So bring the inside out with all-weather furniture that would look just as good in the living room as the garden. With a little help from a landscape gardener, you can create a space for outdoor living that catches the morning sun or late afternoon rays, and fill it with furniture where you can entertain and relax.

Sizzling fire pits

As the sun sets, there’s something quite tribal about gathering around a fire. Fire pits are a growing trend in 2016, and an impressive focal point for any outdoor space. Whether you’re designing your garden or creating a communal area for your apartments, fire pits are available in many different varieties, from integrated designs to heaters that double up as barbeques. 

Sustainable materials

Sustainability is a hot topic that doesn’t seem to be cooling off anytime soon. To make your property more eco-friendly, use sustainable products for drainage, guttering and furniture that will add value to your exterior. If you really want to prioritise your carbon emissions, consider using your roof space for solar panels, or installing a biomass boiler in a tucked away portion of the garden, to generate free electricity for your property.

Lighting with ambience

Outdoor lighting has come a long way from blinding outdoor lights and automatic security lights. Nowadays, lighting is just as important for exterior design as it is for internal décor.

The sophistication of LED lighting has opened up a wealth of possibilities for garden design, from twinkling fairy lights to dimmer switches and solar lights. With the help of a qualified electrician, it’s easy to create an ambience in your outdoor living spaces, and balance practical needs with aesthetic design.

From simple changes to major renovation work, there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space this Spring. With careful design and regular maintenance, it’s easy to create and manage a garden that you, your customers or tenants will love. Need a little help from an experienced team of gardeners and landscapers? Brighter Facility Management can help. Give us a call on 0113 243 1077, or email info@brighterfm.co.uk to arrange a site visit.

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However, to minimise hassle and expense as a landlord, it’s essential to think carefully about the steps to becoming a landlord, and take a few precautions that will save you headaches later down the line.

Let’s take a look at some of the key things to consider before you enter the rental market:

Insurance

To protect the value of your investment, it’s crucial to take out specialist insurance that provides adequate cover for your tenancy. As a landlord, you should have a policy that covers third party damage, to ensure that you don’t bear the brunt of any accidents or incidents.

Mortgage

If you’re investing in property to become a landlord, you’ll need a buy to let mortgage that allows you to rent the property out to a tenant. However, many landlords who have inherited property don’t realise that they may need to change the status of their mortgage before they can legally take on a tenant. Explore your finance options to ensure that you can secure funding before you make any decisions. 

Tenancy

With these costs in mind, think carefully about the type of tenancy you’d like to take on, and the rent you’re planning to charge. After your mortgage, insurance and tax bill, will you be making an attractive return on your investment? Remember to account for any unseen expenses that may be deducted from your income over the course of the tenancy and between lettings. 

Facility Management

Even perfect tenants can cause headaches when issues with boilers, appliances and plumbing arise. So it’s crucial to have a team of trusted trades people who can handle maintenance and repairs. For a new build, the maintenance costs of your property are likely to be significantly lower, but you’ll still need to take care of boiler servicing, gas safety certificates and more.

By partnering with a facility management firm that specialises in landlord services, you can save time, stress and money, with one contact for all of your property management needs. Your facility manager will also make sure that your décor and furnishings are up to scratch, to maximise your rental value.

Becoming a landlord isn’t as simple as posting an advert online and opening your door to potential tenants. Take a measured approach to renting your property, with a clear understanding of your financial prospects and the support of a facility management firm. In doing so, you can ensure that you get the best possible return on investment, with a low level of risk and hassle.

Want to find out more about our landlord services? Email info@brighterfm.co.uk or call 0113 243 1077 to speak with a member of our team

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Whether your central heating system has decided to hang up the towel, or you’re thinking of upgrading an old, inefficient boiler, let’s take a look at the some of the key things to consider when replacing your boiler.

Type of boiler

Nowadays most homeowners, landlords and business owners opt for combi boilers, which offer an unlimited supply of instant hot water. Whilst these units may be more expensive to buy than conventional and system boilers, they eliminate the need for a cylinder and/or tank. This also means you only pay for as much water as you need, making them both convenient and efficient.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to lower the running costs and emissions of your properties further, biomass boilers are growing in popularity. However, bear in mind that biomass boilers rely on deliveries from a local pellet supplier, and often need filling manually. They also require adequate storage space, which generally makes them unsuitable for businesses and rental accommodation.

Make and model

Once you’ve decided on the type of boiler you’re looking for, you’ll be faced with an overwhelming amount of choice. When narrowing down your options, look for A-rated boilers that will offer efficiency levels of 90% or higher. Most reputable boiler brands, such as Worcester Bosch and Vaillant, will offer a warranty period of 5 years or more, to give you peace of mind that you’re protected if anything goes wrong.

Boiler installation teams

Choosing a boiler is half the battle. To ensure that your central heating system runs like clockwork, it’s crucial to find a boiler installation team you can trust. Always make sure that the heating engineer you use is Gas Safe registered, and has previous experience installing the make of boiler you have selected.

Whether you’re replacing a boiler in a commercial environment, rental accommodation or your own home, find a firm with experience in your field. That way, you can ensure that you get superb service as well as quality workmanship; that could mean minimising downtime for your business, or booking your installation at a time convenient for you.

Replacing your boiler doesn’t need to be a burden. By identifying your needs and choosing only reputable manufacturers and trades people, you can ensure that you make the right decision first time.

Need expert advice on the best boiler for your needs? Brighter Facility Management’s experienced heating engineers can help you every step of the way. To have a chat with our team, call 0113 243 1077 today.

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Whether you’re a landlord, property manager, homeowner or property developer, we’ve got some tips to help you boost the energy efficiency of your building.

Maintain your heating system 

The better the condition of your heating system, the better its efficiency, so invest in regular maintenance to keep your central heating running smoothly. Bleed your radiators, have your system serviced on time, and consider an annual power flush to keep your heating system in top condition, all year round.

Proper care and maintenance not only improves the energy efficiency of your central heating – it can also prevent breakdowns and prolong the lifespan of your system.

Upgrade your boiler

However, you can only do so much with an out-dated boiler. Older models are far less efficient than new boilers, and over time their performance deteriorates significantly. If your boiler is less than 80% efficient, you should think about upgrading to save money on energy bills and reduce household emissions. 

Air tightness testing 

Heating your property is one challenge – keeping it warm is quite another. However, it’s difficult to improve the energy efficiency of your building if you don’t know where heat is being lost.

To this end, it’s a good idea to arrange an air tightness test if you’re serious about boosting the efficiency of your property. This will pinpoint air leakage spots in the building, to facilitate a snagging process that will eliminate gaps and draughts. 

Replace windows and doors

One of the most common sources of air leakage is through windows and doors, so consider replacing these when renovating a building with old fittings. Condensation in windows, warped exterior doors, or draughts beneath internal doors are all signs that these fittings might need to be replaced. A rated windows and doors will improve energy efficiency, and enhance the security of your property. 

Improve insulation

Whilst modern properties have in-built insulation as standard, many older properties lack this design feature, meaning that heat is lost through the walls and roof of the building. Roof insulation is a simple and cost-effective way to target heat loss, and lock warmth in to your property.

From small changes to major improvements, there are plenty of ways to enhance the energy efficiency of older properties. Whether you’re looking to boost your EPC rating or reduce running costs for yourself or tenants, follow these tips to identify and address inefficiencies in your building.

Take the burden out of facility management with support and maintenance from Brighter FM. From replacing windows and doors to servicing your heating systems, we provide a reliable service at competitive prices.

Photo Credit: Steven Depolo

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Whether you’re fitting out an office or working on residential properties, here are some of the biggest interior design trends for the year ahead.

Vibrant colour trends

Bold is beautiful in 2016, as a vibrant colour palate inspires designers to be brave with their décor and inject personality into their interiors. Break away from neutral shades by choosing jewel colours such as ruby, emerald and sapphire

However, you can’t please everyone with your choice of colour, so you’ll be pleased to hear that clean and crisp shades of white are also on trend for 2016 – ideal for apartments where simple décor is essential.

On-point patterns and prints

As colours become an increasingly integral part of décor, patterns and prints are being brought into the spotlight too. Geometric designs are having a huge influence on interiors right now, especially for features such as tiling and textiles. Floral patterns are also having a comeback, with statement wallpapers helping to make living spaces stand out – perfect for businesses that want to give their a premises a distinct look a feel.

A touch of luxury

As the UK economy prospers, luxury design is back in vogue, with sophisticated materials and intricate finishes high on the agenda for 2016. Elegant marble surfaces, oversized mirrors and metallic hardware are just some of the interior design trends to watch right now. If you can afford to spend a little extra on decadent design features, you’ll reap the rewards from your tenants, buyers or customers.

Recycled styles 

However, you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to make an impression with your decor. On the other side of the scale, upcycling has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and is tipped to be a top interior design trend for 2016. As urban concepts grow in popularity, the industrial look and feel can be achieved with cost-effective scrap materials, given a new lease of life in features such as lighting and furniture. 

Striking the balance between the latest styles and enduring designs can be tough as a landlord, property developer or business. However, by tactfully incorporating these trends into your décor, you can add value to your property and make a great impression on visitors.

Whether you’re redecorating your property or fitting out a commercial space, bear these interior design trends in mind to achieve stunning results with staying power from your next project. Need help with your painting and decorating? Brighter FM specialises in refurbishments and re-let works!

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To help you get the most out of your properties, we’ve got a few suggestions on how to increase their rental value.

Invest in energy efficiency

Over the past few years, the public has woken up to the importance of energy efficiency. Not only does reducing carbon emissions help the environment, it can reduce the bills of eco-friendly households significantly.

As a landlord, presenting your property as energy efficient can help you attract cost-savvy tenants. So look for ways to boost the energy rating of your properties, from upgrading old boilers to improving insulation in key areas of the building.

If you own affordable housing and have low income tenants in your properties, you may be able to take advantage of grant funded boilers as part of the government’s ECO scheme.

Create an outdoor space

Whether you’ve got a large apartment block or private houses, create an area where your tenants can enjoy outdoor activities. This could be as simple as a well-kept communal lawn, or could involve a play area, BBQ patios or ponds and woodlands. Dedicate the time and resources to landscaping your outdoor space, and you’ll benefit from higher rents, happier tenants, and manageable maintenance costs.

A lick of paint 

Your property may have a fully functional kitchen, bathroom and living areas on paper. However, it the décor looks tired and out-dated, you’ll struggle to command the rents that you seek for your property. A fresh coat of paint, new carpets, and a few aesthetic improvements such as contemporary furniture can make a remarkable difference to your property. And the more interest you attract from potential tenants, the more picky you can afford to be.

Regular maintenance

Securing good tenants is one challenge, keeping them is quite another. To this end, it’s essential to prioritise the maintenance of your properties. However, keeping on top of tenants’ request can be a constant battle, particularly if you’ve got a large portfolio.

A facility management firm can take care of this for you, maintaining your property and grounds to a high standard, and dealing with any problems as they arise. So you can focus on more important matters, without worrying about losing tenants when their contracts come to an end.

To protect the value of your properties and justify rent increases, it’s vital to continually invest in maintenance. Whilst hiring facility managers is yet another expense, the value they can add to your properties will far outweigh the costs in the long run. From renovation work to cost-effective ways to boost the appeal of your property, follow these tips to optimise the value of your houses or apartments.

Looking for a reliable team of facility managers? Find out more about our landlord solutions, or give us a call on 0113 243 1077 to speak to an advisor.

The post 4 Ways to Increase Your Rental Value appeared first on Brighter FM.

In the wake of the events, the extent and costs of flood damage are only just coming to light. Let’s take a look at the impact of flooding in the UK, and how those affected can go about restoring their properties.

The cost of UK flooding

With record rainfalls that soon defeated flood defences, Storm Desmond and Eva led to evacuations, deaths and extensive damage to homes and premises. Insurance claims alone are predicted to reach nearly £1.3bn, with the private cost of ruined carpets and furnishings, damaged electrics and waterlogged buildings set to be much higher.

Beyond the initial consequences of flooding, properties that have been affected can suffer from ongoing problems with damp, mould and rot, especially older buildings that take longer to dry out. And of course, homes and businesses which were hit this time round may be vulnerable to flooding again in the future.

Recovering from flood damage

If your property was affected by the flooding in December, you’re probably well underway with the clear up operation. However, to get the best possible support from your insurance, it’s crucial to write a list of all damaged goods, and keep valuable damaged items for evidence. You should also take extensive photos of the flood damage to your property before the clean up begins.

Flood water can be dangerous; as well as harbouring contaminants, it can also create a hazard with electrical fittings and appliances. For this reason, you should consider bringing in a team of professionals to help you with the cleaning and repair work. Facility managers will have the tools and expertise to remove flood water safely and effectively, to minimise long-term damage and speed up the recovery process.

Protecting your property from floods

Getting your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible is an obvious priority for flood victims. However, to prevent further upheaval, it’s essential to put measures in place to protect your property before you begin restoration in earnest.

Damp-proofing your walls, installing flood-resistant doors, water-resistant skirting boards and air bricks, and moving appliances and sockets higher up the wall can all safeguard your property from damage during heavy rainfall, to ensure that next time you are better prepared to weather the storm.

The past few months have proven that homeowners and businesses can’t rely on UK flood defences to protect their properties from heavy rainfall. This makes implementing measures to safeguard buildings from the effects of flooding all the more essential as Britain recovers from the impact of Storm Desmond and Eva.

By claiming on your insurance and enlisting professional support to restore your property, you can minimise the risk of future flood damage to your home or premises.

Photo Credit: Mike Dobson

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From amateur trades people to facility managers charging over the odds for simple tasks, are you being ripped off by your contractors? Look out for the following red flags:

Shoddy workmanship

One of the most clear-cut signs of a rogue trader is shoddy workmanship. When managing build work, fit outs or refurbishments, you should keep a constant eye on the work completed, to ensure that problems are flagged up and addressed instantly. If you’re hiring a facility manager or project manager, they should be able to do this for you.

To ensure that you don’t pay for poor quality workmanship, have a read of our recent article on the importance of snagging. Always inspect the work completed by contractors before you hand over cash – it will be near impossible to have it fixed if you’ve already settled their invoice.

Value for money

No matter how vigilant you may be, it’s easier than you think to be ripped off by contractors. Although 90% of the contractors you work with will be honest, reliable and hard working, there are plenty of less credible firms and trades people in the market. Find a team of personnel you can trust and build long-term relationships with your contractors, to ensure that you get the best possible results at a fair price on every project you undertake.

Been let down by your current contractors? Choose a facility management firm with a difference. Contact Brighter FM to request a free, no-obligation quote today.

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Being a facilities management company we always improve peoples lives in the . Weather it be fixing broken coffee machines or repairing a broken door we always take the weight of pressure off of our clients backs and generally make a nice working environment for them. But there are some little things you can do to your own personal work space or desk to make it quite a nice place to work to maximise your work output . I have always found that the better the work environment the better I work overall.

Quotes

Quotes are very popular choices among some workers. If you get one with
little amounts of color and bold simple writing it can be very effective and give a nice sleek design to your work space. Not only that it actually makes you feel better. It triggers a little voice in your head to say “keep on going you got this!”. Its nothing too big but sometimes it just looks nice and gives you that little boost of confidence you need.
A subtle yet effective addition to your work space.

A map of the world

It may just be me being weird but nothing inspires me more to work than this. If ever you feel like your mind is being over worked and you need a thirty second power rest then just look at the map. Study the places, imagine how they look and imagine the people there. Imagine there lives, what there doing and how there feeling. All these thoughts can not only just distract you for a little break but can just give you something to work with. The world is a big place filled with big ideas. Let it inspire your work.

Funny Pictures

Its good to let go every once in a while and take that serious face off. Work is important, but so is your happiness. A funny picture is a good little distraction. It doesn’t completely distract you making you go off task, but its just there to remind you to cheer up. Weather it be funny cat pictures or a joke, it works. There is nothing wrong with letting go and having a bit of a chuckle at work, your not a robot, so try have a bit of fun.

Pictures of loved ones

This is where it starts to get cute. A picture of your loved ones can really keep you going. Maybe it reassures you that what your working for is them so its worth it. If you ever feel down the picture can lift you up and instantly make you feel better. Never doubt the inspirational power of love. I didn’t intend for that last sentence to sound so soppy and cheesy.

Desk plants

Working can sometimes get pretty lonely when your secluded in your own thoughts and your working alone at your desk. That’s where  mother nature comes in!   Not only does watering a plant offer a nice breath of fresh air, not only because they produce oxygen, but because they can offer a nice quick distraction from your ordinary work routine. The plant also adds a more natural feel and colour to your desk. If your really into your plants, you can give it a name to make your work space feel less lonely as well.

Tidy them wires!

It may not seem like much but this can really make your desk feel that much more work friendly. Wires are perhaps one of the most frustrating things in the world. They always get tangled and prove almost impossible and time consuming to unravel. Just tidying them up with simple cable ties can make a huge difference. Less space for wires means more space to work. More space to work means more work can get done at once. 

Snack bowl/finger food

This is probably my favorite one. I love munching, not only can you still work while munching but it seems to keep you engaged in your work more. This doesn’t take much effort to set up either. Bring in some peanuts or plain flavored crisps, the dryer and less smelly the better. Try to avoid greasy foods because it will forever stick on your keyboard and mouse and really make your work-space not so good. The best thing about this is it works for everyone. You can get some healthy foods and just snack on that while your scrolling away at documents. Believe me it works!

The chair

The final and most important part. Behind every great worker there is a great chair. Comfort is key. The more comfortable you are the happier you are. You need a chair that when you sit in it you feel relaxed and comfortable to work there for large amounts of hours at a time. Never under estimate the chair.

Those are just just some of the things you can have in  your work space to add a positive effect. If you guys know any things you use and work for you be sure to let me know. Remember though, if you encounter any problems in the work space, Brighter FM is just one phone call away!

Want to find out more about our services?

Browse our website or give us a call on 0113 243 1077 to discuss your needs.

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What Is Snagging? Why Is It Important?

Construction and property investment are major industries in the UK, as government quotas for new builds drive property development throughout the country. This year, the government announced intentions to build 1,000,000 new homes by the end of the current parliament, sparking a surge in construction as apartments and homes spring up to meet the insatiable demand for housing. Whilst this rush for rapid development offers a lucrative opportunity for investors and home buyers, it does present a unique set of problems. As quality controls slip, snagging is an issue that’s been brought into the spotlight within the industry.

What is Snagging?

Snagging is a slang term, used to define the process of identifying and addressing faults in new properties. These faults could be due to shoddy workmanship, or due to natural causes, such as cracks caused by the settling of foundations. Fail to identify such issues, and you could be left with headaches later down the line as a property owner. For this reason, snagging is becoming a fast-growing industry, with inspections now carried out on an estimated 40% of new builds. These snagging checks can be conducted during the build, or when buying a new property, to ensure that investors and owners aren’t left with an expensive maintenance bill on their hands.

Why is it Important?

Whether you’re looking at properties to invest in or you’ve recently bought a new house, it’s crucial to take a critical eye when assessing the condition of your property. Minor faults now can create more serious problems in the future that are expensive and time-consuming to address, from poorly fitted roofing to air leakage spots in your walls, ceilings and floors.

Snagging is growing in importance, as the fast-paced nature of the UK construction industry means that many new buildings are assembled without proper care and attention to detail. The media may be awash with cowboy builders, but amateurs without the skills and experience to deliver long-lasting results can be just as catastrophic; it’s crucial to choose your contractors wisely to avoid disappointment.

Whilst major defects are unlikely to get past Building Control, poorly completed tasks such as joinery and kitchen installations can easily be overlooked during the build. This makes snagging an essential task for anyone investing in a new property – ideally before you commit to buying or signing off your project. That way, you can ensure that you’re not left with the task of rectifying any problems that arise.

Snagging is an important stage in property development that should be high up your priority list when buying or developing new builds. Enabling you to identify and fix any problems with the property as early as possible, snagging ensures that your investment is as safe as… well, houses!

Looking for reliable contractors to bring your property up to scratch? Or want to get your new build right first time? Contact Brighter FM to discuss your requirements.

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