JT Atkinson

Being a property developer is an interesting business which can earn you a good income, covering both building projects and renovations. Obviously there are certain things you must do in order to make the maximum profit, such as finding the right location. This does not necessarily mean looking to invest in the best postcodes or in the centre of town. Here you'll pay a premium for the properties without necessarily maximising profits. Being near schools, public transport and open spaces are all essential when selling a property. Knowing the area can help as you may be able to spot the next up-and-coming district, so you can buy low and sell for a handsome profit. Search online to see what the average price for properties is in that area. Also cost in any additional expenses such as stamp duty, solicitors, search fees and renovations. Then you can work out your expected profit margin. Continue reading →

When you’re planning a new kitchen, you need it to be functional and practical and to make the best possible use of the space available. You’ll need to think carefully about your lifestyle and whether you need state-of-the-art innovation or heart-of-the-home cosiness. Do you want to create a space for entertaining or for the family to relax and kick back in? Will you have a utility room or do you need space for cleaning as well as cooking? Continue reading →

Driveway holes can be inconvenient, annoying and unsightly, but thankfully you can patch them up yourself. Continue reading →

For more and more of us, going up, digging down or building out is becoming the savvy way to own the ideal home. Improving rather than moving makes a lot of sense. You can improve your current home and add value for when you eventually choose to move on. Continue reading →

If you want to block pave your own driveway here is a step by step guide to help you, covering all aspects of the process from start to finish. Continue reading →

In the past, wooden garden furniture came in two colours - one was silvery grey as the wood weathered, and the other was brown if the wood had been creosoted. We no longer use creosote because it's environmentally harmful, and we no longer restrict our garden design to shades of brown and grey. A whole raft of great new products means that we can apply the same creativity to our garden furniture that we do to our houses. Continue reading →

Decking provides you with a fantastic multi-purpose surface for your garden and is easier and quicker to fit than paving. It gives a durable and long-lasting area and helps you make more of sunny spots or extends your usable space for dining. Continue reading →

With summer on its way, it’s time to think about how you want to make the most of this year’s good weather. Sunny days can be fleeting, so plan now how you’re going to make the most of them. We've put together this list of five easy things that can make a big difference to your enjoyment of your outdoor space. Continue reading →

There’s still time to enter your firm or business into the Building Magazine annual trade awards for construction. These are probably the most prestigious awards in the industry, but recently, some other awards have been introduced, to recognise contributions in newer areas, such as self-build. Continue reading →

Repointing a wall may seem like a complex task and something which you’d need to employ a builder for. However, although it’s a time-consuming job, with the right tools and a bit of knowledge it’s something that can easily be undertaken by a competent DIYer. Continue reading →