This is a partnership article with SEH BAC
When we came to complete home improvements on our first property we were limited by the fact that we lived in a purpose-built flat block. Replacing the windows meant that they not only had to be a white frame and certain style but they also had to be supplied and fitted by a named provider assigned by the management company. So not only were we limited design but costing too as we were unable to shop around for a competitive price.
When we moved to what would be our first family home, we were again limited on home improvements as the previous owners had replaced the door and windows to the front of the property. So when it came time to replace the back windows and door we opted to stick with the same style so that we didn’t have to redo the front of the property. Although there was nothing particularly wrong with the classic white style frames and they were in keeping with the street. There was an element to not being able to make our mark on our family home. There was no street appeal and you could easily walk or drive past it and not recall seeing it.
A helping hand in home improvements
A relocation almost four years ago has opened the door for new home improvements. With a new front door top of my renovations list, followed by a garden room and finally windows.
Although I might have a wish list of things I would like to do to our current home, I have to confess that we are somewhat clueless as to what is available and the options open to us. Having been in the situation where our decisions have almost been made for us in the past, we have failed to make ourselves knowledgeable about the different styles, designs, materials and even colours available.
A recent trip to SEH BAC double glazing showroom in Ipswich has not only shown me how much home improvement options have moved on in the last ten years. But has also given me food for thought on how much the little details can make a big difference. Let me share with you some of the details, designs and styles that I took away with me from my trip to SEH BAC.
Give your home street appeal
One of the first things people will notice about your house when walking or driving down the street is your entrance door. Over the years we have had traditional wooden doors that have warped and become unstable. So gladly welcomed the classic white uPVC door that you will find up and down streets all over the UK. Functional? yes, nice to look at? no. So what is the solution? Composite doors.
A mix of the traditional style wooden door look that makes the entrance to your home so much more appealing. Whilst incorporating modern security and thermal performance to ensure that your door is not only keeping you secure but your home warm. Available in a wide range of styles from the traditional panelled door to more modern sleeker designs. All of which are available in a choice of colours and finishes.
Windows are the eyes to the house
The introduction of double glazing offered homeowners the chance to upgrade from a single pane, drafting windows. With the fix before that being secondary glazing, which I don’t think anyone loved but it was a means to an end. Offering some relief from the drafts and heat escape, however, often resulted in condensation, mould and mildew if not cleaned regularly.
Having only really had the option for white uPVC style windows in the past I was pleased to see that there were so many more options available. With different window styles, designs, glazing and colours all ready to customise depending on the style you are looking to achieve or to match the area in which you live in.
I can recall when brown wood effect style uPVC windows were the only alternative to white, nowadays there is a whole palette of colours available. With the grey colour palette catching my eye, as I feel this would match almost all homes.
Depending on whether you are looking to update a traditional style home or looking to add your own personal touch to the window, glazing is a great way to do this. With beautiful stained glass style elements, frostings and designs available.
With new windows to look out upon, why shut them away behind curtains? SEH BAC offers a range of window shutters, which are making a big comeback in interior design circles. Offering both the privacy and light deflection that homeowners want whilst matching interiors designs without needing to be changed from year to year as colour schemes are updated. If window shutters are not your style but still wish to add privacy and deflect the light where it is needed, built-in window blinds might be the option for you. These are wonderful for keeping children safe too as you don’t need to worry about cords and cables.
Do people still get conservatories?
Hands up who thinks that conservatories are cold in the winter and too hot in the summer… (puts my hand in the air). Let’s face it, over the years conservatories have had a bit of a bad reputation. Not only about being comfortable to use for around one or two months a year but from a cleaning point of view etc. Well, things have moved on… a lot!
Let’s start with the different styles and designs of modern conservatories, orangeries and home extensions available. Whilst the traditional style is still very much available and still has a place in the market. This too has updates and upgrades that at first glance you might not notice. From improvements in the rooflines, roof materials and glazing.
Orangeries which might sound like they are only suited to grand properties offer the middle ground between a conservatory and a home extension. Stretching the length of the home they can become an extra room that is utilised all year round. With bi-fold doors opening up the home into the garden, whilst built-in blinds allow you to deflect the suns rays. Lighting and heating options can be added as well as beautiful floors to make it look and feel like a home extension. All whilst still giving you the bright, light, airy feel of an orangery.
One of the options that we are exploring is adding a home extension to the home. I’d love a conservatory-style, light, bright room, however, I want the bricks there too (if that makes any sense). As soon as I saw the home extension set up in the SEH BAC Ipswich branch I had found exactly what I had been picturing in my mind. The beautiful big windows and the option of adding bi-folding doors. Whilst the majority of the room is a traditional brick build with a pitched roof and generous roof lights allowing the light and sun to flood the room.
A versatile space that could be utilised as a living area, dining space, entertainment area or a nook for the children to play in with their toys and transforming over the years into a gaming/film area for them.
Feeling confident about home improvement options
After my visit to SEH BAC Ipswich, I do feel so much more confident about future home improvements and the options available. The showroom offered a range of different rooms, design choices and displays. Enabling anyone visiting to see how the different options may work for them given the style of home, design or colour that they are looking for.
If you are thinking about home improvements then I would suggest a trip to your nearest SEH BAC showroom is a great place to start. Their helpful team and an amazing selection of doors, windows and conservatories to help you find what you are looking for.
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