The open-plan kitchen you wish you had

The Affleck team recently finished a truly spectacular house renovation in Clapham. The back of the house has been completely transformed in to a bright modern kitchen, with sliding glass walls that open the house to the garden space. Perfect for enjoying the long summer nights we're currently dreaming of.

The project was the outcome of a very productive partnership with Millar + Howard Architects; who share their design thinking below.

If you would like a kitchen like this Affleck are offering a complimentary 3D kitchen design service - find out more below.

Architectural Design

Millar + Howard Architects

The house on Kerrison Rd initially presented itself as a timepiece, having had only 3 owners since it was built in Victorian times. There was still an outdoor privvy, many of the original features, and almost no mod-cons.

The aim of the project was to retain a sense of the history whilst creating bright spacious 21st century living space with plenty of personality. So the principal rooms at the front of the house and the entry hallway were kept and carefully restored, while at the back the cellular 'servant' rooms were opened together and to the garden; the rear wall literally peeled open on two sides of the garden. This allows for a light-filled kitchen living space with a tropical courtyard twist.

You can see more fantastic work from the Affleck London Kitchens team in our project gallery.

3D kitchen design... for free

Affleck offer free consultations on kitchen design, and for a limited period as part of this service you will receive a complimentary 3D kitchen design - bringing your dream kitchen to life.

If you would like a kitchen like this give us a call free on 0800 316 9595 - to arrange a free design consultation at a time to suit you.

Autumn Promotion: The Brilliant Boiler that Pays for Itself

Get 'Which? Best Buy' rated Worcester Bosch boiler installed by Affleck's expert Gas Safe registered engineers, and safe disposal of your existing boiler from as little as £1700 + VAT, with a free heating survey - a guaranteed best price on a like-for-like basis

Promotion ends 09/11/2012

The Best Boiler Installation in London: the Boiler that pays for itself

According to Which? The average annual fuel cost for a condensing gas boiler is £720* (*based on the needs of a three-bed, semi-detached and well-insulated home). New condensing boilers provide 95% heat per unit of gas, older model boilers only give 70% heat from every unit of gas – which means when compared to an older model you will be saving 25% on your heating costs or approximately £200 a year*, not to mention the additional cost and hassle of servicing an old one.

The Worcester Bosch gas boilers Affleck install are fully guaranteed for 5 years and have a typical life of 12 -15 years, meaning that the savings made more than cover the cost of the new boiler installation. You may also be eligible for a government grant to help pay for it.

Why not get your home really warm and cosy and save yourself time money and hassle? Call us on 0800 316 9595 to arrange your boiler installation at a time to suit you.

Signs your boiler could need replacing

• Constantly breaking down – how many times have you called out a plumber to work on you boiler? More than once a year is a troubling sign.
• Age – if your boiler is over 10 years old it could be coming to the end of its safe working life
• Slow to heat the house – if it takes longer than 45 minutes to heat all radiators in your house then you may need a new boiler
• Money –  A gas bill that is increasing over the prevailing rate is a sign that your boiler is not working efficiently
• Unable to control temperature – if you are unable to regulate the temperature of the boiler there is probably an underlying fault

Why change your boiler now?

• The sooner you switch the sooner the boiler pays for itself.  When compared to a older model you will be saving approximately £200 a year on gas bills, a figure that will rise as fuel bills increase.
• Guaranteed unbeatable price. Affleck will install one of the high efficiency Worcester Bosch condensing boilers (rated best buy by Which?) with 5 year warranty  at a price guaranteed to beat any quote on a like for like basis
• £35 additional discount  for all clients who share this promotion and their feedback via Affleck on Facebook:
• Like 'Affleck Property Services'
• Share/tweet our promotion on your Facebook wall
• Write/tweet your feedback on your Facebook wall and share on Affleck's page

Why use Affleck?

• Guaranteed to beat any on a like for like basis
• Free heating survey
• Gas Safe registered engineers
• Considerate and friendly service from the initial quote to your final visit

Considerations when getting a boiler installed

• A boiler installation will take 1-2 days during this time you will be without heating or hot water -  Affleck can arrange the works to be carried out at a time convenient for you to  minimise inconvenience
• When installing a new boiler Affleck engineers always lay full flooring protection and will treat your home like our own , with the utmost respect
• Only 40% deposit is required to book works;  the final 60% is only payable on completion and sign off by our Head of Heating and Plumbing

Gas boiler grants – get more money off your boiler

You may be eligible for a grant to cover some of the cost of a gas boiler installation from the Warm Front Scheme – English residents who own their own home or privately rent could be eligible for a grant of up to £3,500 towards heating and insulating their home. This scheme is being phased out over the next few years.

Contact Affleck for boiler installation in London on 0800 316 9595

Gas Safety Check: Gas Safety in your Home

Gas Safety can seem dull but it’s a responsibility that can’t be avoided for landlords, tenants and new home owners.  Make sure you know the basics of Gas Safety in your home.  The most important place to begin is with a Gas Safety Check and then by installing a Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Affleck are supporting Gas Safety Week is from 10th – 16th September and aim to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of looking after the gas appliances in your home.

Useful Gas Safety Numbers

• Gas Safe Emergency Number (England, Scotland & Wales) – 0800 111 999
• Gas Safe Register – 0800 408 5500
• Affleck Property Services - 0800 316 9595

What is a Gas Safety Check?

Gas Safety Checks can only be carried out by a registered gas safety engineer.  Many people are most familiar with CORGI but the regulator for gas safety check is Gas Safe Register. Any certified Gas Safe Engineer will do the following safety checks:

• Check the ventilation supply around the appliances is safe
• Check whether the appliance is burning the gas safely
• Check all the gas safety features are in full working order
• Check your flue or chimney to ensure the gases produced from combustion are being safely removed
• Shutting off any malfunctioning appliances

Gas Safety Check Cost

Affleck's highly qualified gas engineers can carry out a Gas Safety check for £75 + VAT for a home and up to two items, additional items are charged at £30 + VAT each.  This is one of the best rates in for Gas Engineers in London.

Protecting your Home from Gas Leaks

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a highly dangerous gas, produced by an incomplete combustion in solid, liquid or gaseous fuels.  It is produced by devices that burn fuels.  On a domestic level Carbon Monoxide can potentially be produced by malfunctioning boilers, cookers and fireplaces.  Any malfunctioning working devices in poorly ventilated areas can create elevated risks of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Protect your home from potentially lethal gas leaks by installing Carbon Monoxide Alarms or indicators.

Carbon Monoxide Indicator

The black spot carbon monoxide indicator is low cost and easy to stick up.  This device will only change to a darker colour when it detects Carbon Monoxide, therefore you will have to check it regularly to stay safe.  Black Spot detectors cost around £5.  However given their limited life-span - typically 90 days - we recommend only using these as a backup option.

Audible Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Audible Carbon Monoxide alarms are more reliable than Black Spot alarms and provide a greater warning as it makes an audible sound when it has detected the toxic gas. This makes it a much more reliable detector and the battery life can last up to 5 years.  The prices for audible carbon monoxide alarms range from £15 - £35. When buying an alarm look for the British EN 50291 mark - also written as BSEN 50291 or with the CE mark, the alarm should also have a British or European Kitemark.

Where to position a Carbon Monoxide alarm

Do not place the alarm right next to a door or in a closed cupboard; position the alarm so it is in a central area in a hallway or living area in the same room as a gas appliance. Fix the alarm on a wall at head height or on a table or bookshelf being at least a metre away from a boiler, fireplace and cooker.

Qualified Gas Safety Engineers

When fitting a new appliance or having a yearly check in your home you are legally obliged to use a registered gas safe engineer. Always ask for their ID so they can prove that they are fully registered.

Getting a cheap Gas Safety Check

No-one wants to pay more than is necessary for their Gas Safety Check.  Ask at least three different companies with registered gas engineers for quotations on the job you need to be completed. This will help you to get the best price in your area.

The quotation should include:

• The description of the work and what materials will need to be used
• Make and model of the appliance to be installed
• Location of the appliance in your home

By using a fully registered Gas Safety Engineer you have reassurance that you are having an appliance installed or checked safely. This helps to prevent any leaks and breakages that may occur with an unregistered worker who can’t guarantee a gas safe home.

On the completion of your new appliance the building regulations for England and Wales require it to be notified to the Local Authority (LA) within 30 days. You will then receive a Gas Safety Certificate.

Gas Safety Check for Landlords

Being a landlord is stressful, looking after a number of properties each one requiring a certain amount of attention. The primary concern for your properties is to be Gas safe. It is your responsibility for the safety of your tenants.

You must maintain pipework, appliances and flues in a safe condition, with all appliances to be serviced within the manufacturer’s instructions.  An annual gas safety check must be made on each appliance, chimney or flue, to make sure that all gas fittings and appliances are safe.

Within 28 days of the new Gas Safety Check you will need to present the check record to the tenants or the new tenants when they move in. Your new Gas Safety Check record should be kept for 2 years.

Gas Safety Check for Tenants

When renting a property from a housing organization or a landlord you should request a copy of the gas safety record.

If you own a gas appliance in your rented property you are responsible for getting them safety checked not your landlord.

If you think that your landlord hasn’t used the correct standards to perform a gas safety check you should request a copy of the check. Though if your request is refused there is a helpline with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which can be found on their website www.hse.gov.uk.

Gas Safety Check when Buying a New Home

When moving house you will need to be certain that the Gas Safety Check has been carried out in your new home. You should ask the previous owner for the certificate of the Gas Safety Check by a registered engineer

If one cannot be supplied you should organise a gas safety check before you move into your new home to assess each gas appliance. If an appliance is not working properly it will be shut off and need replacing.

VPhase: 10% off every electricity bill

VPhase units optimise the voltage needed for your appliances, saving an average of 10% on an electricity bills and prolonging the life of appliances as well as boosting your green credentials.

With the average energy bill now at almost £1400 per year in the UK and rising, any chance to save electricity is worth investing in.  Affleck are offering a £400+VAT express service, for the box and professional fitting by one of our qualified London electricians – no maintenance thereafter, just steady savings.

VPhase Marketing Manager Matt Cody explains “Voltage optimisation technology has been saving industry millions each year but this is the first time that it has become available on a domestic scale, making real energy and cash savings possible for households throughout the UK.”  Sounds like good news to us.

How do VPhase units work?

A VPhase unit is a voltage optimisation device designed for use in homes and businesses.  In the UK, voltage levels have historically been higher than in Europe, averaging around 245V compared to 230V.  Most appliances and devices are capable of working as efficiently, if not more efficiently at lower voltages.

The VPhase output in the UK is around 220V; yielding a potential 10% saving in electricity bills for a typical domestic property. For example, appliances such as fridges and freezers can deliver savings of 17%, whilst prolonging their life through reduced voltage and electrical stresses.

There is no maintenance once installed, so you can immediately benefit from the energy and money savings.

How to install a VPhase unit?

A VPhase unit should be fitted directly below the fuse box and operates on both socket outlets and lighting circuits.  The procedure is relatively simple but should only be carried out by a qualified electrician.  Affleck’s London electricians can do the job at a time to suit you for a great all inclusive price of £500+VAT.

VPhase Unit benefits

• Saves money - 10% typical saving off every electricity bill
• No maintenance – just steady savings
• Helps the environment – reducing carbon emissions
• Easily fitted by a qualified London electrician
• 5 year warranty

LED Lighting – Ready to be turned on?

Under recent UK government legislation, the sale of all traditional incandescent light bulbs will be phased out by the end of 2012. So what does this mean? Candle-light or Energy Saving Bulbs only? No - the next-generation light-bulbs are bright, environmentally friendly, save you money and on top of all that they look cool too – welcome: LED lighting.

LED or Energy Saving (CFL) light bulbs?

Both Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Energy Saving Light bulbs, a.k.a. Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) offer substantial energy savings over traditional light bulbs, however LEDs are the clear winner offering a greater financial savings, with higher longevity and less energy usage, as well as the production materials being less harmful to the environment.

LED Lighting

LED's are currently less common than energy saving light-bulbs due to their slightly higher price. Now LED lighting is poised to become far more widely available and competitively priced; the future default for general home lighting.

When first developed LEDs were limited to single-bulb use, for things like instrument panels, dot matrix displays and fairy lights – which would hardly light your home.

The light of LED's is one-directional, as opposed to the spherical light produced by traditional bulbs. The solution is to encase a cluster of LED's in diffuser lenses, spreading the light in wider beams. This, combined with bases which fit common household light fixtures, has led to LED's being the next generation in home lighting.

New LED bases are designed to fit common household light fixtures

Benefits of LED lighting

• Long-lasting – The life time of an LED is at least 20,000 hours, more than 10 times the life time of a normal energy-saving bulb
• Cost-effective – On average, a 5W LED light will generate the same lighting as a 15W energy saving light bulb does. Although LED’s are initially expensive, the cost is recouped over time through less energy usage and a long lifespan
• More efficient – Use only 2-17 watts of electricity, less than both CFL and incandescent bulbs
• Cool – Do not cause heat build-up; LED’s produce 3.4btu’s/hour compared to 85 for incandescent bulbs
• Mercury free – No mercury used in the manufacturing of LED’s

What does LED lighting look like?

When viewed up close LED lights are small points of light but - like a Monet – from a little further back the light blends together to create a natural uniform light.

Here are some examples of kitchen LED lighting we have used for our clients. They were delighted with the outcome.

LED lighting really is the future.

Just in case you're not convinced that LED lights were cool already – check this out:

Gutter Clearing – a simple guide to saving time & money

Gutters they seem simple, and they are, but they don't look after themselves. Save yourself serious expense by following our guide to gutter clearing.

Gutters protect the outer skin of the property as well as the foundations; a faulty gutter left unchecked can cause serious structural damage, so check them regularly.

What are the signs of a blocked or faulty gutter?

Blocked gutters start sagging with weight of leaves, dirt and water, and can appear to be pulling away from the house. After long periods discolouration of external walls, peeling paint or penetrating damp problems will be an expensive sign that you'll wish you'd spotted earlier.

Key signs of a blocked or faulty gutter

• Water overflowing from gutter during rain
• Warped or sagging gutters
• Discoloured paint/walls
• Wet external walls/penetrating damp
• Damp basement

What damage can a blocked gutter cause?

In addition to damp walls, overflowing water can lead to rotten wooden beams and roof supports, and a damp basement affecting the foundations – none of which are good for your home or your wallet. In the worst case scenario we've seen, the owner had localised subsidence and the downward movement of the soil was affecting the stability of the house – all from a blocked gutter.

How do I clean a gutter?

When you're up a long ladder; go prepared. The best way clear leaves and moss is with a small dustpan brush and a trowel. The debris is brushed into a manageable lump and a trowel scoops it into a bucket. Be methodical and avoid overstretching.

How often should I clean my gutters?

You should clean your gutters at least twice a year, in late spring and late autumn. For areas near woodlands, gutters should be cleaned more frequently.

How much does gutter cleaning cost?

Gutter clearing and cleaning from our experienced roofers costs £95+VAT per hour, which is normally all it takes to do the job - few companies can beat this price.

Water penetration and damp damage can run from hundreds to thousands of pounds depending on length of time left unrepaired so we recommend early action. Think ICC at least twice a year: Inspect, Clear, Clean. If you're unable to do it yourself, call us.

Gutter Clearing FAQs

What causes a blocked gutter?

The most common causes of a blocked gutter is through the build-up of leaves, moss, lichen, bird droppings, snow and ice, roof tiles, tennis balls, and other debris washed off a roof. So wherever you live in London, gutters should be checked for the signs of blockage at least every few months.

Why does water drip from my gutter a long time after it rains?

This is often because the seals or joints on the guttering have deteriorated. This problem will usually be made worse by the presence of a blockage in your gutters or down pipe.

Sections of my gutter are not blocked but beginning to sag

This is usually a sign that your gutters have been installed incorrectly, with the gutter brackets placed too far apart. Debris will probably begin to form within the guttering, leading to blockages. If ignored, the guttering will warp out of shape, causing more problems. Therefore, it is easier and cheaper to have the problem resolved as soon as the sagging is noticed.

What is PAT testing?

PAT Testing is routine check for electrical appliances.  It is a legal requirement for landlords and places of work to prove that a PAT test has been carried out by an approved electrician.

What is PAT?

PAT stands for Portable Appliance Testing, although the term PAT is a little misleading as it covers all electrical systems and appliances – not just portable ones - ensuring that they are maintained to prevent danger.

PAT Testing for Landlords

It is a landlord’s legal duty to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe for the tenant at the start of a contract.  Most estate agents require that landlords do a PAT test before letting their property.

A record of the PAT test should be made to show the test has been carried out, who carried out PAT inspection, and when they did it.

How often should a PAT test be carried out?

There are no strict rules or legal requirements about the frequency of PAT tests either in rented accommodation or the workplace. However, it is recommended health and safety best practice to have this work carried out on an annual basis.

What does a PAT test cost?

A typical PAT test for a landlord should cost no more than £100. Affleck are the leading London electricians; we offer a flat rate fee of £80 for PAT testing and a landlord PAT certificate. 

Save Money on your PAT test

The cheapest option for most people will be to ask for an all-inclusive rate, as offered by many reputable electricians.  However if you are able to find a good all-inclusive rate these are some useful suggestions:

1. Dispose of unused electrical items
2. Don’t test new items, as they will be insured for at least one year
3. Check only relevant items that require checking; Class I & Class II electrical items

Useful Links

• Wikipedia: PAT Testing
• NICEIC: Electrical Jargon Buster

'Skip Tax': Consumers to be Dumped with the Duty

On the 18th of May the HMRC issued guidelines stating that Landfill Tax was being increased from £2.50 to £64 per tonne; a tax rise of 2640%! To you and I this means typical prices per skip have gone from around £200 to upwards of £500 - potentially adding thousands to the cost of home improvements.

To add further insult to the industry the tax hike was issued from the Government without any consultation to stakeholders within the construction industry and seemingly no understanding of the knock on effects. We and our several of regular customers are outraged and baffled by this ill-conceived and potentially highly damaging policy.

Environmental Impact

Even if you didn't have building works going on in your home, local neighbourhoods are likely to see more and more building waste being dumped illegally, causing greater social and environmental harm.

In addition to this landfill operators also rely on the building industry for the non-hazardous top layer on landfill sites so there is a risk of the environment being exposed to more hazardous materials and chemicals, as less building waste will be being disposed of with due care at landfill sites. The increase in tax discourages skip companies from trying to separate hazardous and non-hazardous types of waste, as it is now costing them the same amount to dispose of both, and so will have a harmful impact on the environment.

Calling for Consultation

Affleck have sent experienced construction industry professional Paul Rayment to lobby with the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in Parliament and encourage the Government to rethink their approach. We have urged the government to suspend the tax on landfill for a further 6 months, allowing for a full consultation with the construction industry. We are proposing an intermediate tax along with other alternatives, with a 'phase-in' of these taxes to allow the industry make allowances for such a radical change.

Update

The media claim the Government have made a U-turn on tax rates, as a result of Paul's and the FMB's firm and qualified opposition. The HMRC have clarified that the tax increase for non-hazardous waste will not increase, however more clarity is still needed on the criteria materials will be subjected to.

To save a deluge of illegal dumping and major price hike for consumers, landfill operators and skip companies must be engaged to find ways of reducing their rates, as well as improving the environmental effect of waste disposal. Support our demand for fairer taxes on an important, yet struggling, industry so that we can provide you, our customers, with an efficient, environmentally sound and economic service.