Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof is an effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills. If the cost is prohibitive for you, there are loft insulation grants and freebies available. These are for households that qualify, to help cover the outlay. Around £3m measures were delivered through The Energy Company Obligations (ECO) grant by the end of December 2020.

Energy Savings Trust states that when installed correctly, loft insulation should pay for itself many times over in its 40-year lifetime. Unfortunately for some, the cost of insulating your home can prove too expensive, which is why the government created loft insulation grants to help those in need.

‘They’re aimed at those who need them most, such as those on low incomes or people who are receiving benefits such as Pension or Universal Credit,’ says property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at MyJobQuote.co.uk.

With ever increasing energy bills, now is a good time to look for ways to reduce your home’s energy consumption. One of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions is to install loft insulation.

According to Energy Saving Trust, installing 270mm loft insulation will cost around £395 for a detached house. However the benefits far outweigh the initial outlay, with a potential yearly saving of £380 off your energy bill.

What loft insulation grants are available in the UK?

Image credit: Future PLC

Read on to find out what loft insulation grants are on offer and if you’re eligible.

1. The Energy Company Obligations (ECO scheme)

This was put in place by the government to help reduce England’s carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty. It’s funded by individual energy suppliers who, if they have more than 150,000 customers, are required by the government to promote the installation of measures that lead to financial savings on energy bills. This includes the installation of insulation and/or a boiler replacement.

Bear in mind that the number and type of measures each supplier will install is down to each individual supplier. To find out which energy companies are currently part of the scheme, visit the Ofgem website.

It’s likely that you will qualify for the grant if you own your own home (or have permission from your landlord) AND you currently claim the Warm Home Discount and are in the ‘core group’. You also qualify if you or someone living at the property receives benefits such as child benefit, universal credit or pension credit. For a full list of qualifying benefits visit Ofgem. Alternatively, if you are living in social housing with an EPC rating of E, F or G, you may also be eligible for the scheme.

• How to apply You have to apply for the ECO grant via your home energy supplier and each company’s process is different. But as an example, British Gas customers can register their interest on the company’s website. One of its trusted partners (who is TrustMark registered) will contact you to assess your criteria and whether your home is suitable. They will also advise on any financial contribution you may have to make, as you may not be offered the full 100 per cent of the cost of installation. If you decide to go ahead, all arrangements are made directly with the installer. Any financial contribution is paid direct to your installer.

2. The NEST scheme

Image credit: Velux

The Welsh government provides free advice and support to help people improve the energy efficiency of their home, which can include a package of free home improvements such as a replacing a boiler, central heating or insulation.

You could be eligible for free energy efficiency improvements if you meet all three conditions below:

1. Ownership or privately renting (not from a local authority or housing association)
2. Your home is energy inefficient and expensive to heat
3. You or someone you live with receives a means tested benefit. OR has a chronic respiratory, circulatory or mental health condition and an income below the defined thresholds.

• How to apply To find out what means tested benefits qualify and what the health eligibility criteria is, visit NEST. To apply, call 0808 808 2244 or request a call back via an online form. A Nest advisor will ask you some questions to see if you and your property qualify for free home energy efficiency improvements. If you qualify, they will arrange for a Nest assessor to visit to see what energy efficiency improvements they can offer.

3. Warmer Homes Scotland scheme

Image credit: Future PLC/William Goddard

Much like England’s ECO grant, this is designed to help people make their homes warmer and more comfortable by installing a range of energy-saving improvements that save money on your utility bills. In most cases all costs will be met by the Scottish Government, although sometimes a customer contribution is required.

• How to apply There’s a plethora of criteria that you need to meet to qualify. These include being the homeowner or the tenants of a private-sector landlord. You need to have lived there for at least 12 months and the house can’t be bigger than 230m2. You also need to receive certain benefits. For a full list of requirements, visit Home Energy Scotland. You can apply for the grant by calling 0808 808 2282 or using the online contact form. You’ll be offered a survey of your property and a referral to the managing agent Warmworks Scotland.

Are there any specialist loft insulation grants for pensioners?

The ECO, Nest and Warmer Homes Scotland schemes all offer insulation grants to those who receive a pension credit. But you still need to check with your energy supplier for the ECO, and Nest and Warmer Homes Scotland direct, as each will have its own set of criteria you have to meet.

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The enjoyment of a relaxing shower can be ruined if you can’t find your favourite shampoo or you end up tripping over bottles every time you step in the shower. When space is at a premium, organised shower storage ideas are a must.

Broadly speaking, there are two basic types of shower storage for any shower idea. First, comes built-in storage, which includes tiled alcoves, niches and shower shelf ideas, all of which need to be factored-in at the planning stage. Secondly, there is freestanding storage, which can range from shower caddies and hanging organisers to hook-on racks or suction storage. Of the two, freestanding storage is a super-easy option, with off-the-peg storage buys freely available.

Shower storage ideas

‘Shower baskets and shower caddies are the ideal way to organise all of those essential toiletries and keep them at arm’s reach,’ says Brenna Ryan, Bathroom Design Expert at Victorian Plumbing. ‘Thankfully, they’re no longer just practical features, but stylish ones too, available in a host of on-trend finishes such as matt black and rose gold.’

‘Aside from these, shower caddies can also be wall mounted, portable, extendable and rust-proof and are a great way to complete your bathroom’s look while adding practical storage too.’

1. Build in a smart recess to store supplies

Image credit: Cosentino

Building a recessed shelf or niche into your shower or wet room is a clever way of sneaking in extra storage in spaces where it might otherwise be lost.

Recesses can be created in the space between a stud wall and framework or in an area where unsightly pipework has been boxed in. But they are something that will need to be decided on at the planning stage, so consider the options before the shower area is tiled.

Create impact in a simple white shower scheme by edging a tiled shelf recess with gold-coloured edging. A contrast accent trim will draw attention to the area and adds a stylish touch in a metallic finish that complements shower and bathroom fittings.

2. Double-up with twin storage

Image credit: Ripples

A panel of statement shower tile ideas in a bold pattern and striking colourway will add wow to a plain white bathroom. If space allows, consider building-in side-by-side storage alcoves so you’ve plenty of space to stash showering essentials. Position alcoves either side of the shower fitting to create symmetry.

Double alcoves or a single longline recess are worth considering in a larger walk-in shower or wet room to provide additional storage. To make fitting easier, consider buying pre-formed recess units, available to buy from tile merchants and DIY stores. Designed for pre-wall installation, the units come in a variety of sizes and provide a fully waterproof base for tiles.

3. Corner supplies with neat shelving

Image credit: Future PLC/Bridget Peirson

Corner-shaped shelves or baskets are a great way of working extra storage into a small shower cubicle. Angled so that they fit neatly into a corner, without protruding too much into the showering area, stack them two or three high to give plenty of storage for soaps and toiletries.

Consider floating corner shelves (like these) with discreet, invisible fixings. Some designs will need to be installed at the tiling stage with the fittings hidden under tiling, while others can be affixed using silicone.

Alternatively, if installing shelves into an existing tiled shower, some drilling might be required to secure shelf fixings in place.

4. Opt for an easy-access shower caddy

Image credit: Wayfair

If built-in storage isn’t an option, there are plenty of off-the-peg buys and freestanding pieces that will solve any bathroom storage issues without needing permanent fixtures.

This neat shower tidy can clip onto a glass shower door or be hooked over the shower head, with suction pads that will hold it securely in place. With two tall shelves to accommodate longer bottles and drainage holes so it doesn’t get waterlogged, the shelves also have handy cut-outs so you can store bottles spout down for easy dispensing.

Buy now: Cubiko shower caddy, £34.99, Wayfair

5. Pick an easy-fit shower stand

Image credit: La Redoute

Ensure plenty of shower storage without worrying about drilling any holes for fixtures and fittings. This clever extendable storage rail will work whatever the size of shower enclosure, using a spring-loaded support rail that slots into place so it stays firmly put. Corner-shaped baskets give stacks of storage for shower gel, sponges and other essentials.

‘Try not to have too many products at one time,’ says Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn at youneedavicky.com. ‘The trick is always to have the minimum amount possible, so there are less belongings to manage. So many beauty products are now multi-use, so you can simplify your routine and keep your space better organised.’

Buy now: Extendable shower shelf, £50, La Redoute

6. Go for gold with luxe fittings

Image credit: Victorian Plumbing

Free-draining racks and wire baskets are a sensible in-shower storage option to ensure that shower products aren’t left sitting in a puddle of water. It’s always worth paying a little extra and opting for rust-proof fittings that have been coated or pre-treated for protection.

Choose complementary finishes to give your bathroom a chic, co-ordinated look. Swap standard fittings for on-trend brushed brass taps and shower rose to give a plain bathroom a luxe, new look. Brushed brass has been treated to give it a duller, matt look when compared with polished brass, and offers a more durable finish that will attract far fewer fingerprints.

Buy now: Arezzo brushed brass wire shower basket, £99.95, Victorian Plumbing

7. Choose practical, slimline shelving

Image credit: IKEA

Keep essentials for all the family close to hand with freestanding shower storage that can slot in at one end of a walk-in shower enclosure or sit just outside a smaller shower cubicle.

Opt for plastic or powder-coated storage that won’t rust or be damaged by excess water. Free-draining shelves are also sensible so that water doesn’t pool on the surface (so soap won’t go soggy).

‘We know how important it is to design the right furniture for different types of bathrooms,’ say the design team at IKEA. ‘That’s why many of our bathroom storage units and accessories are made of plastic – perfectly suited for shower/bath spaces – where you can bathe, shower and splash as much as you like, without worrying about exposing your furniture to too much water.’

Buy now: Vesken shelf unit, £9, IKEA

8. Supplement in-shower shelving

Image credit: Aqata

Having too many toiletries out on display will only make the shower area feel cluttered, so a shelf or niche that will hold just a few essentials is a good idea.

A slimline shelf unit just outside the shower area will give storage for extras so that toiletries and towels are to hand when you need them. Ladder shelves are a neat option for small bathrooms as they take up little floor space and are easily moved. No fixings or drilling into tiled wall is required, simply prop against a wall.

9. Add style with glam standout storage

Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter

Tiling the shower area and niche in the same continuous tile throughout looks sleek and streamlined and will allow the niche to blend in with the background. On the other hand, if you want to make the area more of a focal point, tiling the niche in a contrast tile is an easy way to add wow.

Keep to the same colour tile but add visual interest by using smaller mosaics in the inset area. Or go for gold and match tiles to standout fittings with luxe gold polished tiling in the niche area. Add a row of border tiles for extra sparkle.

10. Double-up on space with a mirrored recess

Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter

Using mirrored areas in a small bathroom is a clever way of making a tight space feel brighter and more spacious. Instead of tiling a shower recess area, use a mirrored panel as a backing. It will give the illusion that the shower area stretches back further than it really does and make the shower storage area feel bigger too. A downlighter will add extra sparkle and illuminate the area after dark.

11. Opt for an easy-up option

Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith

For super-easy shower storage that doesn’t involve any drilling into hard tiled surfaces, try simple suction caddies. Ideal for holding lighter-weight toiletries, wash cloths, sponges and even plants, they grip to smooth surfaces using suction and are easily removed should you need to shift them around.

No tools or adhesives are needed to put the caddies up, just make sure the surface is clean and push down on the fitting to secure it. To remove, just insert a credit card between the suction pad and the wall to release the suction.

Buy now: Tisken toothbrush holder with suction cup, £2.50, Ikea

12. Illuminate in-shower storage

Image credit: Future PLC/Jamie Mason

If you’re at the bathroom planning stage and are including a storage niche or recess into your shower build, it might be useful to factor in extra lighting at the same time. A downlighter fitted into the recess will create a stylish focal point as well as illuminate the area for easy access to showering supplies.

In areas where lighting fixtures might come into contact with water, such as in the bathroom, you’ll need to consider the IP safety ratings. The more susceptible to water penetration fittings are, then the higher the ‘IP’ rating they are required to have. A rating of IP65 is advised for lighting Inside the shower area, but your electrician will be able to advise.

How do I add storage to my shower?

If you’re at the planning stage of a new bathroom or shower, then including built-in storage into the layout, such as shower shelves, alcoves or recesses is a great way of utilising every inch of space.  It’s a great way of tailoring storage to your exact needs. Once the storage areas have been built-in, the surface can be tiled to co-ordinate with the shower area, which gives a fully waterproof finish that is easy to wipe clean.

Adding storage to an existing shower is easy enough. There are plenty of off-the-peg buys that can be fitted into a shower as a permanent fixture. Such as wire baskets, corner shelves and slimline caddies that will fit into the space unobtrusively for a neat look.

Alternatively, consider free-standing storage units, hanging caddies and slot-on storage for a non-permanent option. These will require no fixings and are easy to move around and take away, should you have a change of bathroom.

Where should a shower caddy be placed?

Positioning should be in the easiest-accessed spot. Many shower caddies are designed with a hook-over fitting that is designed to hang over the shower head, so you can grab shampoos, conditioners and shower gels with ease. Alternatively, some designs have a slot-on fixing, so that the caddy can be slipped over a glass shower door or screen. These usually have suction cups too, that will keep the caddy securely positioned.

Floor-standing caddies are another option. But these will require more shower floor space so are best for larger walk-in showers or wet rooms. As caddies are likely to get wet from water splashes and steam, always opt for a material that won’t get water-damaged, such as plastic and powder-coated or rust-proof steel. Make sure that feet are non-slip too, so that the caddy stays in one place.

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A recent study has revealed the UK’s 10 least desirable cities. Unfortunately for Londoners, the capital came out on top of the list of less-than-ideal locations.

Nearly two-fifths of respondents said they just wouldn’t consider moving there. Conversely, York was proven to be the most coveted city to move to, with 89% dreaming of having a property there.

BestHeating is a designer radiator specialist. The company asked 2,000 homeowners where they most and least wanted to live in the UK.

Image credit: James Merrell

The UK’s least desirable city to live in

The fact London came out as the least desirable is linked to property market trends of the last 18 months. Many left cities and making the most of the stamp duty holiday.

On top of this new tendency to leave urban areas (despite the significant cost of moving house), record-high house prices are another key factor. House prices rose by 11.8% in September last year, bringing the average house price to £270,000, according to ONS data.

38% said they would never consider living in London, although Birmingham followed close behind. 37% did not want a house there.

Image credit: Alamy

34% said they wouldn’t want to live in Glasgow, either, despite the average house price being lower than £200,000 in Scotland. ‘Buying a house is the biggest commitment you can make,’ says John Lawless, content marketing manager of BestHeating.

‘So it is interesting to see that we appear to favour moves to less populated areas rather than the liveliest and most inhabited cities like London or Birmingham.’ John comments that the desire to live in either York or Bath suggests we seek space, greenery, and somewhere with a sense of history.

The 10 least-desired cities

London – 38%
Birmingham – 37%
Glasgow – 34%
Liverpool – 33%
Manchester – 32%
Sheffield – 28%
Leicester – 27%
Leeds – 26%
Newcastle – 25%
Nottingham – 24%

Most desired place to live

Image credit: Alamy

Despite its average house price surpassing £305,000, the historic North-eastern city of York is the most coveted place to live in the UK.

Bath was the second most in-demand place at 87%. This is ahead of Exeter (84%) and Brighton (82%), showing that the south of England is highly sought after by home buyers.

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