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Asbestos Is A Word That Has Become Synonymous With Health Problems! If you’re selling an older property in Derbyshire, you may be worried about the asbestos it contains. Asbestos is a word that has become synonymous with health problems and danger, so if your existing home contains asbestos, it’s natural to have concerns about how it could affect your property transaction. Fortunately, the team here at Bennet Samways has handled the buying and selling of many properties containing asbestos over the years, so here is our expert advice. Asbestos – What Is It? Although many people think asbestos is man-made, it’s actually a mineral that occurs naturally. There are six kinds of minerals covered by the term “asbestos”: amosite, chrysotile, anthophyllite, actinolite, and tremolite. Asbestos is an excellent building material due to its toughness, insulating properties, and soundwave and fire resistance. It was regularly used in many different products such as adhesives, flooring, textiles, cements, insulation products, and roof felts. Which Properties Are Likely To Contain Asbestos? If your property was built after 2000, it is unlikely to contain any asbestos. However, if your home was constructed before 1999, it’s likely some kind of asbestos is present. It could be: In the roofing materials In the flooring materials In Artex In the ceiling tiles In the airing cupboard In pipe lagging Around the boiler Behind the fuse box In the soffits Around the water tank Behind the fireplace In the guttering In panelling Am I Legally Allowed To Sell A Home Containing Asbestos? It’s entirely legal to sell a home that contains asbestos, but if you’re aware that your property contains asbestos, you must disclose it to prospective purchasers. If asbestos is discovered in your property during the buyer’s survey and you didn’t know it was there, there will be no legal repercussions for you. You’re not legally required to be aware of any asbestos in your home before listing it for sale. That said, getting a survey carried out before listing your property is wise since if prospective buyers learn during their survey that your home contains this potentially hazardous substance it may have a negative impact on your sale. If you’re aware of any problems, you won’t experience unwanted surprises. How Will Asbestos Affect My Home Sale? Legally, asbestos won’t affect your home sale, but the attitude of your prospective buyer towards the discovery could result in the sale falling through. Asbestos in your home may also affect your property’s value depending on how much of it is present, its condition, and where it’s located. Since it’s costly to remove asbestos, the price of your home may be adjusted in order to reflect the expense of the works to remove it. Alternatively, you may find it more cost-effective to arrange for its removal yourself before listing your home on the market to avoid the price reduction. If you’re selling a property in Derbyshire, don’t hesitate to call our team on or drop us an email at stuart@bennetsamways.co.uk. We can offer you our expert advice about asbestos in your home and how it may impact your sale.

Here’s How to Find the Right Amount of Coverage for Your Home in Bennet Samways With such a vast range of companies offering a spectrum of different policies, it can be challenging to know where to begin your search for home insurance. Building Insurance v Contents Cover Home Insurance can be broken down into two distinct types of protection. The first is buildings insurance, which covers the structure of the home. It provides a safeguard should damage occur to the walls, windows, or roof of your property. On the other hand, contents insurance covers the valuables inside. Upon opening the policy, your insurer will usually ask for details of any expensive items in the home. In the event of a fire or flood, you will be able to claim money for items such as laptops, jewellery, and furniture. Is Insurance Compulsory? Home insurance is not a legal requirement. However, it is strongly recommended. Knowing you have a robust insurance policy in place will settle your mind in the event of a disaster. It can also save you vast amounts of money, providing for repairs and replacements you might not otherwise have been able to afford. However, for those with a mortgage, the rules may be slightly different. Most mortgage lenders will add a clause into the contract that stipulates a valid building insurance plan must be in place. Conversely, for those in rental properties, the landlord must have a building insurance policy. It will then be up to you as the renter whether to take out content insurance. Insurance Add-Ons Many additional features can be tagged onto a standard home insurance policy. These are beneficial to many homeowners, as it allows you to develop a bespoke approach for your family’s current needs. Legal Expense Cover Legal expense insurance will cover the family for any legal proceedings relating to the home. Many policies also take this one step further and provide insurance pertaining to personal injury, death, and employment. This insurance will usually fund the costs associated with appointing legal representation, and some insurers even cover the loss of earnings incurred during a dispute period. You should be aware that insurers will only incur the costs for legal representation where there is a reasonable chance your claim will be successful. It is also worth noting that legal expense insurance taken under a home policy will not cover disputes relating to your car, divorce, or illegal activity. The value that is accounted for can range between £25,000 – £100,000, so it is worthwhile to conduct a thorough investigation if you believe that your household would benefit from this cover. Emergency Protection Home emergency cover is an excellent addition to standard insurance policies. As the name suggests, this will protect your family against emergencies in the home, including damaged pipes, a broken boiler, or a pest infestation. Insurers class an emergency as anything that makes your residence uninhabitable or dangerous. However, as a homeowner, you should be aware that there are exclusions to this emergency guarantee. Where reasonable care has not been taken, or the insurer believes the damage was caused by negligence, the issue may not be covered. Additionally, the policymaker will have an extensive list of events that they deem not to be an ‘emergency situation’. This might include the boiler breaking in the summer months. It should also be noted that emergencies happening within 14 days of the policy starting will not be covered. Contents Insurance for Students As with other rentals, building insurance is the responsibility of the landlord for student properties. However, many students and their families choose to add contents insurance to the home, protecting any valuables. Student contents insurance can be a stand-alone plan or added to the family home policy. This will cover student possessions in the event of a burglary, fire, or flood. Home Insurance for Unoccupied Properties Many properties are left empty for a variety of reasons. These include the fact that some owners may have second homes, properties are regularly renovated, and some homes are passed between family members through inheritances. However, homes left unoccupied for more than 30 days are not covered by standard home insurance and will require a different policy from a bespoke company. Home Insurance Recap Home insurance comes in two primary forms: building insurance and contents cover. Neither of these are compulsory, yet strongly advised, regardless of whether you rent or own your home. There are several ‘add-ons’ to standard policies, which can make a massive difference to the overall cover your home receives. Thinking of buying, selling, or letting your property? Bennet Samways are your local property experts for the Derbyshire area. Call us on 01335 818550 or email stuart@bennetsamways.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

Preparation Is Key To A Successful Home Move With Children Moving house can be a stressful experience, but if you’re moving with kids, that piles on the pressure even more. If you’re stressed, your little ones can easily get overwhelmed, too, so knowing how to minimise the hassle is crucial. Luckily, we have some helpful advice for home movers in Derbyshire looking for tips and tricks to simplify their move. Talk To Your Kids About The Move In Advance Your children may not understand precisely what you mean when you tell them that you’re “moving house”, so make sure you’ve taken the time to explain clearly to them what to expect on moving day. Many young children become anxious about leaving behind the comfort of their old home and find the prospect of moving into a strange, new home daunting, so preparation is vital for a successful move. Visit The New House With Your Children Take your children to see where they’ll soon be living, show them their new bedroom and explore the new area they’ll call home. This will help them feel comfortable with the coming changes. Encourage Your Children To Share Their Thoughts Explaining to your children what will happen on moving day is essential, but it’s just as vital to listen to any concerns they have. Ensure you answer their questions thoroughly and honestly and reassure them about any worries they’re experiencing. Choose The Right Moving Day Choosing the right moving day can be difficult, but if you put some thought into it, your children will have a better experience. While deciding to move during the summer holidays may seem like a good idea, it can often be easier for children to move during the term time since being at school or nursery helps to occupy their minds while allowing you to get things done without them getting under your feet! Make It A Game A top tip for moving home in Derbyshire with your youngsters is to make the lead up to the move, and the day itself, into a fun game. This makes moving home more enjoyable for all of you and helps your children engage with the process. Let your children pack some of their belongings, label boxes or pack a special box to help your pets move too! Don’t Pack Essential Items Although packing everything correctly is vital to minimise the risk of loss or damage during a move, you must also consider your children’s needs. If there are any items they can’t manage without, such as a specific cuddly toy, leave it out of the packing boxes so they can keep it with them throughout the move for comfort. Settle In Quickly Settling your children in their new home in Derbyshire as speedily as possible gets you all off to the best start, so making sure you know where all the familiar items that your children know and love are, is key. Getting those essential items unpacked immediately makes them feel comfortable and at home. Make sure to stick to familiar routines, too – sticking to traditional bedtimes is an excellent way to demonstrate that living somewhere new doesn’t mean everything has to change. If you’re still searching for the perfect property in Derbyshire for your family, check out the Bennet Samways website at https://bennetsamways.co.uk and give us a call on 01335 818550 to arrange a viewing.

With the arrival of summer, it’s time to revamp your garden and create a vibrant outdoor oasis without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore ingenious ways to make your garden look beautiful with limited or no expenses. From budget-friendly garden hacks to essential summer garden elements, we’ve got you covered. How Can I Make My Garden Look Nice With No Money? Utilise Recyclables for Decorative Accents: Look around your home for items that can be repurposed as charming garden decorations. Old tin cans can become vibrant flower pots, while wine bottles can be transformed into stunning garden borders. Reusing and upcycling not only adds a personal touch to your garden but also reduces waste. Implement a Container Garden:  Container gardening is an excellent way to enhance your garden aesthetics without spending a penny. Utilize old buckets, broken pots, or unused containers to grow colourful flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Place them strategically to create focal points and add visual interest to your garden. Propagate Plants from Cuttings: Expanding your garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Take advantage of plants that can be propagated from cuttings. Many popular plants, such as succulents, herbs, and certain flowering plants, can be easily propagated using stem or leaf cuttings. Share cuttings with friends and neighbours to diversify your garden at no cost. What Do You Put in a Summer Garden? Embrace Blooming Beauties: Summer gardens thrive on vibrant, blooming flowers. Choose a variety of annuals and perennials that bloom during the summer months. Popular choices include marigolds, petunias, geraniums, and sunflowers. These colourful blooms will not only brighten up your garden but also attract beneficial pollinators. Include Lush Greenery: Incorporating foliage adds texture and depth to your summer garden. Opt for plants with different leaf shapes, sizes, and shades of green to create a visually appealing landscape. Plants like ferns, hostas, and ornamental grasses provide an excellent backdrop for flowering plants and can thrive in various lighting conditions. Create a Refreshing Oasis:  Add a touch of serenity to your summer garden with a water feature. Consider installing a small pond, birdbath, or even a DIY fountain using recycled materials. The gentle sound of trickling water creates a calming atmosphere and attracts birds and beneficial insects. Transform Your Outdoor Space If You’re Planning To Sell A Property in Derbyshire Enhance Kerb Appeal: If you plan to sell your property, a well-maintained garden can significantly increase its appeal. Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and weed the flower beds. Adding fresh mulch can instantly refresh the appearance of your garden. A beautiful garden can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Stage Outdoor Living Areas:  Create inviting outdoor living spaces that showcase the potential of your garden. Arrange comfortable seating areas with weather-resistant furniture strategically placed to highlight different features of your garden. This allows potential buyers to envision themselves enjoying the outdoor space. Transforming your summer garden into a captivating retreat doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour. By implementing the creative ideas and expert tips here, you can revitalize your garden without spending a fortune. Embrace the beauty of recycled materials, propagate plants from cuttings, and incorporate colourful blooms and lush greenery to create a stunning summer garden. Whether you’re looking to enhance your outdoor oasis or increase the appeal of your property before you instruct an estate agent in Derbyshire, these budget-friendly ideas will help you achieve remarkable results. Ready to transform your garden on a budget? Explore our comprehensive guide for more summer garden inspiration, and start creating your dream outdoor space today! Don’t let limited funds hold you back—unleash your creativity and watch your garden thrive. Remember, a beautiful garden is just a few creative steps away, and we’re looking forward to seeing it when we value your home! To set the wheels in motion call us on 01335 818550 or email stuart@bennetsamways.co.uk for an initial chat.

It’s exciting preparing to find a new home and embarking on the next stage of your property journey, but of course, there are many factors that must be considered along the way as you find your perfect home in Derbyshire. It’s likely you will view many different properties before finally settling on the right one for you. It’s also likely that you will have certain criteria to fulfil and plenty of boxes to be ticked. These might include the need for your chosen property to be situated in a location of your choosing and its ability to meet the demands of your lifestyle, whether that be in close proximity to good schools, shopping facilities, or if you are a social butterfly, close to cafe culture and a vibrant nightlife. At Bennet Samways our aim is to help you make the correct choices and best decisions when it comes to finding your perfect home in Derbyshire so to make the experience straight-forward and stress free, we have compiled our top tips to ensure you make the right decision. Research is the key to the door What type of property do you require? It’s important to scope out the local area so that you can judge what type of properties are available in which locations and at what cost. For example, Victorian properties may be located at one end of a town, whilst new builds are predominantly at the other end! With this in mind, if you are searching for a large Victorian property in location A, your research may indicate that you may only be able to secure that particular type of property in location B. So, the question is, will you be happy to compromise? This is the reason it’s vital you research the market thoroughly so that you not only have realistic expectations but are aware that you may need to adjust those expectations in order to find your perfect home in Derbyshire. Top Tip: Think about what you truly need from your home rather than extras you simply desire, and be honest about it! For example, if you work from home, an office will be a need. If you have children, a garden will be a need. If you have a large family, multiple bathrooms will be a need. Whereas a desire could be a log burning stove, a decked area in the garden, solid wood floors or a conservatory. All of the latter can of course be added to a property with good planning and little hassle. Location, location, location Do you need to be close to your place of work, your children’s school or your extended family? Or are you willing to compromise on proximity in order to purchase your dream home in Derbyshire? Think about whether you are prepared to make concessions on some of your specifics, perhaps with a trade-off being a slightly longer commute, living closer to a busy road or a little further from amenities. These factors matter and it’s important you are clear about what is imperative to your happiness in your new home. Top Tip: The right location is often more important than the right house. You can always alter a house and turn it into your home – however, you cannot change its location. Consider this when seeking compromises! Enlist the help of an expert local estate agent Finding your perfect home can be challenging so please don’t attempt to do so alone. Your local estate agent will be able to help you scope the area, arrange viewings of properties that match your criteria, shortlist the properties you love, offer expert advice regarding local schools and businesses in the area and of course assist you through making an offer and negotiating the best price on your dream home. Bennet Samways are here to help you By registering with us and letting us know your preferred location and the type of property in Derbyshire you are looking for, you’ll receive updates as soon as properties matching your criteria become available and you will never need to worry that you’ll miss out on your dream home. At Bennet Samways we take on new properties in Derbyshire and the surrounding areas daily, so register with us today and let us assist you in finding your dream home in Derbyshire. We are ready to help you start the process of finding your perfect home and look forward to welcoming you to our office. Simply call us on 01335 818550 to arrange an appointment or drop in and speak with a member of our friendly team. We look forward to seeing you soon.

How do you update your kitchen on a budget? For homeowners in Derbyshire, it’s fair to say that your kitchen is likely to be the heart of your home. It’s the place where you eat, cook, entertain guests, and spend time with your loved ones. It makes sense, then, to prioritise your kitchen if you’re thinking of making home improvements. But what can you do to update your kitchen if you’re on a tight budget? Give Your Cabinets’ An Overhaul Your cabinets’ surface area is a major part of the overall look of your kitchen, so it makes sense to focus on them when you’re giving your room a makeover. If they’re structurally sound, why not give them a new lease of life by replacing the fronts or even just painting them a different colour? Chalk paint is an ideal option if you want to cover surfaces without needing to do any preparation first. For an extra way to enhance your kitchen, remove a couple of your cabinet doors to create open shelving for a modern new look! Upgrade Your Worktops Apart from your cabinets, the worktops in your kitchen are the largest surface area to impact the room’s appearance. You may think replacing your worktops will be too expensive if you’re on a budget, but if you overlook the quartz and marble options and look at laminate instead, you can get a new look without spending a fortune. Modern laminate countertops come in a huge range of styles, and some have effects that are difficult to distinguish from the genuine article. Wood effect laminate counters are a great look, and they’re a practical choice too. Consider Statement Lighting Your kitchen is primarily a functional, practical space, and with that in mind, you will benefit from some bright spotlights to make sure you can see to cook! However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to achieve a warm, welcoming atmosphere too. If you’ve got a kitchen island, hang a pendant light as a statement piece over it to bring a wow factor to your room. If you don’t have an island, consider fitting a statement light in the middle of your work area alongside a couple of wall sconces to add style. Change Your Hardware One of the easiest and most affordable things you can do to upgrade your kitchen is to change the drawer and cabinet handles. There are so many options to pick from including gloss, brass, matte, square, ornate, and vintage-effect that you’re sure to find something that modernises and enhances your room’s style. If you’re considering giving your kitchen a makeover before selling your home, get in touch with Bennet Samways on 01335 818550. We can help you present your property in the best light.

Purchasing A Listed Property Comes With benefits…And Restrictions! Purchasing a listed property in Derbyshire offers some benefits, but will also come with some restrictions. It’s important to understand these restrictions if you’re considering buying one of the 2% of buildings in the UK that are on the National Heritage List due to special historical or architectural interest. At Bennet Samways we’ve got all the information you need to know about buying a listed home so that you can make a well-informed decision. The National Heritage List Buildings that are believed to be important enough to protect are listed on the National Heritage List for England. This is a searchable and comprehensive record of all of the country’s most significant buildings. If you buy a home on the list, it becomes your responsibility to maintain the property in accordance with the stringent guidelines, and that means, practically speaking, that you need to obtain not only planning permission but also listed-building consent if you want to make any changes. Since taking any action without the appropriate permissions is actually a criminal offence, it isn’t something you should take lightly. Listing Categories Although there are some worrisome elements of owning a home that is of historical interest, it also comes with some benefits. For a start, it’s something you can be proud of, and it can give you an amazing and unique view of the past. Listings fall into one of three categories, with 92% of them being Grade II which is the lowest of the groups. 5.5% of listed properties are in the Grade II* category, while just 2.5% of listed properties are Grade I – a grading that is withheld for only the buildings with the greatest significance. The age of the building is key. Any property constructed before 1700 will certainly be listed. Properties built before 1840 are also very likely to be listed too. Even modern buildings may be listed if they have a specific significance or have been deemed to be under threat. What Does Listing Cover? Graded Listing covers an entire building including its interior. The only exception is when parts of the building have been excluded specifically in the description. Since every listed building is different, what’s actually covered by the listing may vary widely. Therefore, you should look up your listed home in Derbyshire to see precisely how detailed the listing record is. Can I Make Changes To Listed Buildings? Many people believe that it isn’t possible to make alterations of any kind to listed properties, but in fact, this isn’t the case. All changes, however, must be approved as suitable. A key point that regularly crops up is windows. It’s a top priority to maintain traditional windows in a listed building, and repairing rather than replacing is always preferable. New UPVC windows are highly unlikely ever to be suitable. You’ll also have some restrictions when it comes to interior changes. Old walls, roof timbers, plaster ceilings, and old floors will usually need to be retained. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to make changes, even significant ones, such as a loft conversion, but structural engineering services are likely to be required, together with a surveyor or architect who can understand repair issues alongside the home’s historical importance. Will Maintenance And Repairs Be Expensive on a Listed Property? Sometimes, it’s possible to obtain a grant from Historic England that will cover some or all of the costs of the conservation and repair of a listed property. However, anyone who purchases a listed property must understand that the expense of general maintenance and repairs will almost certainly be higher than those involved with non-listed properties, and some changes may be impossible. If you’re interested in buying a listed building in Derbyshire, give us a call today on 01335 818550 or check out our listings on our website at https://bennetsamways.co.uk.

Ensuring Prospective Buyers Get The Right First Impression Is Key Whether you’re selling your property in Derbyshire or are looking for a reliable tenant, kerb appeal couldn’t be more important. Ensuring a prospective buyer gets the right first impression of your property is key, and growing plants will certainly help you achieve this goal. You won’t want to leave expensive flowers and shrubbery behind if you’re relocating, though, and if you’re attracting tenants, you can’t always rely on them to care for your garden in the same way that you would. With this in mind, our team at Bennet Samways have five top ideas for gardeners on the move. Create Vertical Interest Plant pots can be taken with you when you move home, and they can be used to create a cheerful and positive first impression of your property. Sweet peas can easily be planted inside a pot, and when given a bamboo wigwam to grow up, they can add perfume, colour, and height effortlessly. Even better, sweet peas make an excellent choice for cut flowers too, so pop a few into a vase before each viewing and connect your outdoor and indoor spaces perfectly. Self-sufficient Daylilies If you’re a landlord in Derbyshire looking for an attractive plant to make your property look beautiful but without giving your prospective tenants onerous gardening tasks, daylilies could be just what you’re looking for. Reliable, low-maintenance, resistant to disease, and tolerant of inclement weather, daylilies come in many colours and look perfect along pathways since they perform well in all high-traffic areas. Relaxing Lavender Thanks to its calming perfume, lavender is a great choice for planting in pots close to the front door. Incredibly tough and resilient, this hardy perennial adds a beautiful splash of colour while putting tenants and buyers at ease during their viewing, thanks to its relaxing aroma. Quick Colour In Baskets Hanging baskets represent a great way to turn any garden into a lively, colourful spot, and, as a bonus, you can take them with you when you move! Choose easy to care for, bright blooms like lobelias, begonias and petunias for a vibrant first impression. Follow The Spiller, Filler, Thriller Rules Mixed planted containers are a great way to brighten up your home’s entrance, and the secret to success is to follow the three rules of “spiller”, “filler”, and “thriller”. Choose a trailing plant such as ivy to cascade over the pot’s edge as the “spiller”, and low-lying annuals like petunias or lobelias that covers the soil between as the “filler”. When it comes to the “thriller”, you need something tall and dramatic, like ornamental grasses or canna lilies that give a tropical aesthetic. If you’re ready to sell your house in Derbyshire, you can rely on the Bennet Samways team. As experts in the Derbyshire property market, we’re on hand to make your property transaction easier and smoother. Call us today on 01335 818550 to find out more about how we can help.