Whether you’re buying a house or selling your own, thinking of remortgaging or just curious, here’s how to judge what your house is worth.

For most people, their home is by far their most valuable asset. With household budgets under greater stress than ever, this is an excellent time to take stock of the cash tied up in your bricks and mortar.

Why do I need to know what my house is worth?

Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith

Most obviously, if you’re thinking of selling your house, you need to decide on an asking price. And if you want to buy, you need to understand what your budget will be.

But valuations are not useful only if you’re moving home. You may want to remortgage, in which case the bank will need to know your home’s value. A valuation can also tell you whether money spent on home improvements such as a kitchen extension or loft conversion would be recouped in a later sale.

How do I find out what my house is worth?

Here are some guidelines for getting an accurate house valuation.

Research recent sales and current asking prices in your area

Online agencies such as Zoopla and Rightmove provide instant listings of similar properties. Using their form, submit your post code, your number of bedrooms, type of property (house or apartment) and price bracket to see what’s on the market.

The listings will show how long a property has been on sale and whether its price has been discounted. Look at the interior photography and floorplan to see how similar your property is to theirs.

The UK House Price Index from The Land Registry also carries recent selling prices.

Invite at least three agents to view your property

There is now a sharp divide between online agencies such as Purplebricks and Yopa, which charge flat fees of as little as £999 to sell properties, and traditional high street agencies such as Foxtons or Savills, which charge a percentage of the eventual sales price. Each group offers distinct advantages to a home seller, so invite at least one from each side.

After showing them around, ask them to give you two quotes: the highest price that your property could be sold for, and the price that would attract the most attention from buyers. Then ask them about the merits of each. Pitching high is a sign of confidence; it may attract buyers who want a high-spec, modernised home they can move straight into, without having to refurbish.

‘We see a lot of ‘mortgage rich’ buyers,’ says Tom Cottrell of online agency Yopa. ‘Their banks will lend them enough to buy an expensive property, but they don’t have the cash to do it up.’ But aim too high and you may get no offers at all.

Pitch low and you could prompt a bidding war, leading to a sale above your original estimate. On the other hand, it could dissuade buyers who suspect there is a problem with the property.

Calculate what your home’s features add to the valuation

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Compare your property to others locally and spot the differences. If a home has three bedrooms and is selling for £600,000, perhaps your four-bedroom home will sell for £800,000. A large garden (say 50 feet plus) can add 10 per cent to the selling price.

Positives include recently-installed, energy-efficient heating systems, wooden flooring, original features such as fireplaces in older properties, high ceilings, new windows, generous storage, suitable space for an office, and a utility area.

In combination, if you have several of these advantages compared with local sellers, you could value your property at a premium. To attract the highest offers, it’s all about the pictures, says Alekos Kleanthous of online estate agency Purplebricks. ‘Get a photographer round on a bright day, to show the home in the best light. Make every room clean and tidy – take out any clutter,’ he advises.

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

In addition, consider kerb appeal. Make sure the exterior of your home is appealing: get rid of any litter or weeds.

How accurate are property valuations?

Some estate agents will give you a high valuation in the hope of attracting your business, knowing that in all likelihood the sale price will be lower.

They also put in high estimates as a bargaining tactic, giving buyers the impression that they’re getting a good deal when they reduce the price.

Others will provide a lower valuation, hoping for a quick sale and with less hassle. This is why you should get multiple valuations and decide which is best for you.

Do you have to pay for a property valuation?

No, estate agents provide valuations free of charge. You may want to hire a chartered surveyor to give you a more detailed report on your property, and you’ll pay a fee for this.

One final thought: It’s tempting to aim for the stars when putting a value on your property. Realistically, your life will be simpler and less stressful if you can conclude a relatively quick sale. You could also save money on fees and interest payments, especially if you’re buying somewhere else. The agent is probably already in touch with suitable buyers, so they know what people will pay. Listen to them.

The post What is my house worth? An expert guide to accurately valuing your home appeared first on Ideal Home.

The best rattan garden furniture makes a timeless addition to the garden, blending classic good looks with contemporary design, and with most modern ‘rattan’ garden sets made from weather-resistant PE-rattan (a plastic polymer woven to look like the real thing) rattan outdoor furniture is a low-maintenance option for the patio too.

Whether you’re looking for a rattan garden table and chairs for alfresco dining, a rattan corner sofa for creating a swoon-worthy outdoor living area, or a rattan sun lounger for soaking up some rays in style, we’ve curated the best options around, along with our go-to retailers for shopping all things rattan.

If you’re after a wider selection of outdoor furniture, including wooden and metal options, make sure to check out our guide to the best garden furniture of the year, but if you know rattan is the look for you, read on to discover the Ideal Home team’s top picks for style, practicality, and budget.

Where to shop for the best rattan garden furniture

Want to jump straight to the stockists with the best selections of in-stock rattan garden furniture? We’ve curated a list of our favourites below. Otherwise keep on scrolling to find our top picks of the most swoon-worthy rattan garden furniture you can shop this season.

• Browse rattan garden furniture at Aldi
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Amazon
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Argos
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Barker and Stonehouse
• Browse rattan garden furniture at B&Q
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Dobbies
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Homebase
• Browse rattan garden furniture at John Lewis & Partners
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Moda
• Browse rattan garden furniture at OnBuy
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Robert Dyas
• Browse rattan garden furniture at The Range
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Wayfair
• Browse rattan garden furniture at Wowcher

The best rattan garden furniture on the Ideal Home team’s radar

1. Habitat Mini Corner Sofa Set with Storage

An affordable rattan corner sofa set

Seats: 3
Materials: PE-rattan with a steel frame

Reasons to buy:
+ Affordable
+ Compact design useful for small patios
+ Hidden storage

Reasons to avoid:
– Steel frame will need more protection from the elements than an aluminium option

Available in two colourways, this chaise rattan garden sofa from Habitat is a bestseller for good reason. The compact dimensions mean it works well on a small patio or in a courtyard garden, and the hidden storage in the accompanying padded footstool is a real added bonus. Made from PE-rattan with a steel frame this option will need a little more care than an aluminium-framed option to prevent rusting, but that’s reflected in the price point, which at well under £400 is pretty hard to beat.

Buy now: Habitat Mini Corner Sofa Set with Storage

Shop more: rattan garden furniture at Argos

2. Homebase Florence Garden Corner Sofa Set

A durable rattan corner sofa with an aluminium frame

Seats: 7
Materials: PE-rattan with an aluminium frame

Reasons to buy:
+ Timeless design
+ Spacious seating
+ Durable low-maintenance  rust and weather-resistant aluminium frame

Reasons to avoid:
– You can find cheaper corner sofa sets, but they’re likely to have less durable steel frames

If your budget will stretch a little further, then this timeless rattan corner sofa set with dining table is a great investment. It may seem pretty expensive straight off the bat, but that natural-look PE-rattan upper is woven around an aluminium frame which makes it rust- and weather-resistant and means you can leave the set outside all year round (minus the cushions) without worrying about the over-winter storage that a steel-framed set would require. You also get a lot for your money, with the five-seater corner sofa and good-sized outdoor dining table accompanied by two padded footstools that can be used to turn the sofa into a chaise for some laidback R&R, or used as extra seating around the table, plus all fifteen well-padded cushions are included in the price.

Buy this item: Florence Garden Corner Sofa Set

Shop more: rattan garden furniture at Homebase

3. Bigzzia 4-Seater Rattan Garden Furniture Set

A budget rattan outdoor lounge set

Seats: 4
Materials: PE-rattan with a steel frame

Reasons to buy:
+ Affordable
+ Three colour options

Reasons to avoid:
– Steel frame will need more protection from the elements than an aluminium option

Featuring a two-seater sofa, two chairs, a coffee table, and contrasting seat cushions, this rattan outdoor lounge set is a budget option that doesn’t compromise on style. It’s not as robust as more investment pieces on our list, but if your decision is being guided by price point then this set is well worth considering. It’s also available in three colourways to match your outdoor decor scheme; either black with white cushions, dark brown with cream cushions, or a Scandi-inspired grey rattan-effect weave with coordinating pale grey cushions. The table is topped with safety glass, and the cushion covers are shower-proof and can be removed for easy washing, although for longevity we’d suggest keeping the non-aluminium framed set covered or in storage during inclement weather.

Buy this item: Bigzzia 4-Seater Rattan Garden Furniture Set

Shop more: rattan garden furniture at Amazon

4. John Lewis & Partners Alora Garden Bistro Set

A good value aluminium-framed rattan bistro set

Seats: 2
Materials: PE-rattan with an aluminium frame

Reasons to buy:
+ Timeless design
+ Durable low-maintenance  rust and weather-resistant aluminium frame

Reasons to avoid:
– You can find cheaper bistro sets, but they’re likely to have less durable steel frames

Stylish good looks and durable, weather-resistant aluminium frames make this rattan-effect bistro set a great buy. Rust-resistant aluminium is also a lighter weight option than steel, which makes the set easy to move around the patio to follow the sun, and means you can rest a little easier about rushing to cover the set should the rain clouds gather. As part of John Lewis & Partner’s Alora collection there is also a wide selection of coordinating outdoor furniture if you want to create a cohesive look for your patio or backyard.

Buy this item: John Lewis & Partners Alora Garden Bistro Set

Shop more: rattan garden furniture at John Lewis & Partners

5. Gardenline Rope Effect Coffee Set

A contemporary rattan-effect outdoor set

Seats: 4
Materials: PE-rattan with a steel frame

Reasons to buy:
+ Affordable
+ Contemporary design

Reasons to avoid:
– Steel frame will need more protection from the elements than an aluminium option

If you love the natural organic feel that rattan brings to the garden, but want something a little more contemporary, then this Scandi-inspired PE-rattan outdoor lounge set from Gardenline could well fit the bill. A part of this year’s Aldi garden furniture collection, its accompanied online buy plenty of other great value outdoor buys, including the Gardenline hanging egg chair that proves a sell-out each season (which is hardly a surprise considering it’s one of the cheapest on the market) and a whole host of other stylish bargains, including an Aldi rattan-effect chaise garden sofa that gives the Habitat option at the top of this list a run for its money.

Buy this item: Gardenline Rope Effect Coffee Set

Shop more: rattan garden furniture at Aldi

6. Moda Halo Corner Sofa with Charcoal Fire Pit

A luxury rattan garden set with a hidden fire pit

Seats: 9
Materials: PE-rattan with an aluminium frame

Reasons to buy:
+ Timeless design
+ Range of colour options
+ Modular units allow for multiple configuration options
+ Adjustable backrests for lounging
+ Durable low-maintenance  rust and weather-resistant aluminium frame
+ Built-in fire pit
+ Plenty of seating

Reasons to avoid:
– An investment

If you have a little (OK, a lot) more cash to invest into your outside space, then this timeless rattan corner sofa set from Moda comes high on our wishlist. The modular sofa units can be clipped together into a variety of configurations to create the layout that best suits your outside space, and with the five-seater sofa, plus four padded footstools there is plenty of seating for all of the family, plus guests. As well as a rust- and weather-resistant aluminium frame that provides long-term protection and durability against the elements, this set also comes with plenty of hidden surprises to delight. On top of the hidden fire pit in the centre of the coffee table which is sure to wow guests, both end units of the corner sofa feature adjustable flip-up bases that allow them to transform into uber-comfortable loungers. Bliss.

Buy now: Moda Halo Corner Sofa with Charcoal Fire Pit

Shop more: rattan garden furniture at Moda

How to choose the best rattan garden furniture

Most modern ‘rattan’ garden furniture is usually made from PE-rattan or polyrattan rather than real, organic rattan. Both terms are slightly different names for the same woven synthetic plastic polymer that is fashioned to emulate the appearance of natural rattan.

Why not use real rattan? Although the natural fibre is what inspired the rattan look we all love, the organic material needs a little more TLC to survive outdoors, requiring protection from damp and moisture, and needing to be shielded from direct sunlight and wind which can cause it to become brittle.

Plastic, as an alternative, is waterproof, UV-resistant, frost-resistant, and requires very minimal maintenance in comparison, leading to it being favoured by manufacturers for low-maintenance outdoor options.

The downside, of course, is that unlike biodegradable natural rattan, most PE-rattan garden furniture is currently unrecyclable at the end of its lifespan. Although some advances are being made in repurposing single-use plastics for the manufacture of the polymers needed to create the furniture in the first place.

Opting for the most durable PE-rattan garden furniture your budget allows can, therefore, become an important way to minimise some of the environmental impact of polyrattan furniture, and that means considering the type of frame that gives rattan garden furniture its structure; namely whether it’s constructed from steel or aluminium. Plus, of course, opting for the most durable rattan garden set your budget allows will save you money in the long run. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each metal and their outdoor durability.

Can you leave rattan garden furniture outside?

Whether or not you can leave rattan garden furniture outside in the rain without it becoming damaged is largely due to the type of metal frame the set is constructed with.

The most affordable rattan garden furniture will generally be made with a steel frame. This makes for heavier furniture, and you’ll want to make sure you look for powder-coated steel. This is because steel is highly corrosive when it comes in contact with water, and the frame will rust quickly outdoors if moisture reaches the metal surface. This problem is ‘solved’ by powder-coating the steel in a dry paint powder that’s cured through an electrostatic process to form a hardwearing seal from the elements.

The downside of powder-coated steel is that if that painted surface chips then rusting can occur quite quickly, so you’ll need to repair any knocks to maintain that waterproof seal. Joints and fixings which are hard to thoroughly powder-coat and open to abrasion can also become a weak point, allowing moisture to penetrate and reducing furniture’s lifespan.

As such most manufacturers will recommend you store steel-framed rattan garden furniture in a sheltered environment during inclement weather to prolong its lifespan. This can be inconvenient if you don’t have a garage or shed for storage, plus, steel is pretty heavy to move. A waterproof outdoor furniture cover will help to protect steel rattan furniture from the worst of the elements, although it’s hard to prevent damp from penetrating over time, so expect steel-framed options to have a shorter lifespan overall.

Aluminium is the alternative. This is a non-corrosive metal, meaning the surface oxidises to form its own barrier to water, so aluminium doesn’t need any powder-coating or maintenance to maintain its integrity (although it may still have a powder-coated finish for aesthetic purposes). It’s also a lightweight metal and much easier to move in comparison to steel if you’re likely to be picking up your rattan garden chair to chase the sun.

And the best news is that due to its enhanced weatherproofing, aluminium-framed garden furniture can be left outside all year round, so you don’t need to worry about storage. (Although, nothing is completely impenetrable to the elements, so if you have the space then protecting your garden furniture over winter is still wise).

However, the downside is that these benefits come with a cost, with aluminium-framed rattan garden furniture usually the most expensive to purchase. Of course, the added durability that comes with this non-corrosive option can make it the most cost-effective in the long term, as long as you don’t mind the initial outlay. And if you find an aluminium option on our garden furniture deals page, it will be well worth snapping up!

The post The best rattan garden furniture and where to shop for it appeared first on Ideal Home.

With lots of us looking to extend and improve instead of moving, the popularity of renovations such as adding skylights and rooflights is on the up.

’Whatever you like to call them – roof window, skylight or rooflight – they all serve the same purpose, which is to bring natural daylight into your home,’ explains David Mayo, Managing Director of Sterlingbuild. ‘They bring in a substantial amount of light to a room all year round. Which in turn can give that area a feeling of being bright and airy.’

As with most renovation projects, the planning and installation process of installing skylights naturally brings up a whole load of questions. While they might offer more light in a room, do they also make it colder in winter? And what about direct sunlight and heat in the summer months? And what’s involved if you decide to install one in your home?

Skylights and rooflights – the lowdown

We explain the nitty gritty when it comes to installing skylights to your home. From the costs involved, to the intricacies of planning permission and all the confusion that might entail. Our guide will take you through everything you need to know (and the things to avoid) when bringing some extra light into your home.

What is a skylight?

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Young

‘A skylight is essentially a window, located in the roof, that brings daylight, into a room,’ says Natalie Goodridge, Marketing Manager at Lamilux. ‘They’re a popular design choice for residential new builds and extensions with limited natural daylight. They can also offer the added benefit of supplying a room with fresh air through opting for an opening skylight for ventilation.’

However, not all rooflights are the same and there are some key differences worth considering.

• Skylight/rooflight Both terms refer to a window, located in the roof
• Roof window A roof window is as it sounds – essentially a pane, or panes, of glass installed into a flat or pitched roof.
• Roof lanterns These have the appearance of small conservatories – they can be fitted to a flat or pitched roof.

Whether you’re installing a roof window, a skylight or a roof lantern there are various options available. These can allow for ventilation or limiting the amount of light which enters your room.

Where should I position my skylight?

Image credit: Velux

Where you position your skylight or roof window is an important decision. Skylights and roof windows let in daylight all day. But, depending on the direction your house and room is facing, you’ll get more concentrated brightness at different times of the day.

‘One of the first things to consider is where you would like the light to come in and what effect you’re looking to create,’says Scott Leeder, Marketing Director at Velux. ‘You should start by looking at the direction of the windows and the sun. Think about where and at what time of the day, you will need the most daylight in a particular room.’

‘You might be considering installing a roof window in a new flat roof kitchen extension,’ says Scott. ‘You’d like plenty of natural light to flood the space whilst the family enjoy breakfast together each morning. Then you should consider the orientation of the building and where to put the roof window to make this vision a reality.’

What are the skylight pros and cons?

Image credit: Velux

The advantage of having more light in a room might seem obvious. But there are plenty of other benefits to installing a skylight. Natalie from Lamilux agrees. ‘Skylights can provide homes with a pleasant indoor climate thanks to maximising natural daylight and optional natural ventilation,’ she says. ‘Scientific research demonstrates health and wellbeing, and productivity benefits, can be linked to good indoor air quality.’

Pros of skylights

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

The main advantage of skylights are:

• Access to natural light. They let in more light than windows. Some research shows up to 40% more exposure to natural light. Sunlight can play a great role in lifting our spirits and making us feel happier. Natural light helps to keep our ‘circadian rhythms’ in check, which helps to regulate healthy sleep patterns.
• Better air quality. Skylights can provide homes with a pleasant indoor climate. This is thanks to maximising natural daylight and optional natural ventilation. Scientific research demonstrates health and well-being, and productivity benefits, can be linked to good indoor air quality.
• The feeling of space. The addition of a skylight introduces more light into a space, which in turn, can make your room look and feel bigger.
• Saving on energy costs. More natural light means less reliance on artificial, electric lighting. Sunlight can also help heat up a room. Cross ventilation from skylights and roof windows that open can also help cool them down. They have an air conditioning effect – both potentially cutting down your energy bills.
• Adding resale value to your home. It goes without saying but an attractive, bright and airy space is enticing to home buyers.
• Health benefits. Natural sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D, which is vital for maintaining a healthy metabolism, bones and muscles.

Skylight cons

There are, however, some potential drawbacks that are worth considering. Installing skylights can add to the length of a building project. This includes the ordering and delivery of the units themselves and then organising of installation. If not planned for and installed properly, you may find yourself facing problems.

The cons of installing skylights can include:

• Too much light. Knowing what a room will normally be used for might have a bearing on the positioning of a skylight. For example, direct light on a television could be a problem.
• Too much heat. Have a proper consultation beforehand to make sure the position of any skylight or roof window isn’t going to expose you to prolonged direct sunlight. This is especially important in the summer months.
• Breakage from falling objects. If there are trees surrounding your property, laminated glass could be a good option. In the even of a branch falling your roof or skylight won’t shatter.
• Leaks. Investing in poor quality equipment or having someone untrained do the installation can result in leaks. This’ll either let water in or heat out.

What frame options are there?

Image credit: Future PLC/Dominic Blackmore

Once you’ve opted for a skylight there are a number of different frame options available. A variety of manufacturers offer uPVC, wood and aluminium capped frames. And with a wide choice of colour and particular design elements it’s possible to find a skylight or roof window that fits perfectly with the aesthetic and practical demands of your room.

‘Think about your internal environment and what matches your décor,’ says David from Sterlingbuild. ‘If you have white uPVC windows then a white finish roof window will match perfectly. In addition, depending on the room the window is being fitted in different finishes suit different needs. A PVC or polyurethene window is designed for high moisture areas. This is perfect for a kitchen or bathroom.’

What’s the cost of adding a skylight?

There are many different factors which will contribute to the cost of installing a skylight  in your property. Firstly, there are inexpensive skylight and rooflight options available. Basic rooflight units can be found at DIY outlets for £100 to £150.

Going bespoke, naturally, is more expensive and depending on your particular needs and specification. In terms of price at least, the sky’s the limit. When it comes to cost, David from Sterlingbuild explains: ‘It entirely depends on what you’re looking for, the scale of the project and your budget. Before looking to purchase a roof window you need to decide the type of roof window required and where it will be fitted.’

Installation costs must also be factored in. Going cheap either in terms of the skylight unit itself or the installation could end up costing you dearly in the long term. You might regret going for a cheap option if you have to replace a leaky poor quality skylight or make repairs resulting from poor installation.

What size of skylight do I need?

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

It might seem like a no-brainer – the bigger the skylight, the more light you get flooding a room. But when choosing the size of your skylight and its positioning you should consider the particular practicalities of the room and how it’s used.

Consider the style of your property, both inside and out. A modern, contemporary interior may benefit from large, expansive areas of glass. But what works for the modern home might look a little out of place in more traditional homes and interiors.

Are there standard size skylights?

Rooflights can come in all shapes and sizes,’ says David Mayo from Sterlingbuild. ‘Some come as standard or you can get a bespoke, made-to-measure fit depending on what you’re after. One of the key considerations is the right balance and spread of light. So in many occasions two smaller windows allow for better light distribution than one large window.’

What about bespoke?

‘Our roof lanterns are made to measure’ says James Upton, Managing Director at Westbury windows and joinery. ‘They can choose square, rectangle or octagonal for the lantern shape. If a customer is looking for an oversized roof lantern, we would usually advise to go for two smaller ones. Or we would need to include tie bars to help support the weight of the lantern.’

Do skylights make the room hotter?

With greater levels of light in a room comes increased levels of heat from the sun’s rays. Planning and the positioning of your roof light is key. This ensures you don’t end up with a room that is either too bright or too warm to comfortably spend any time in.

‘There are a few things you can think about to mitigate solar gain in the hotter months,’ says David of Sterlingbuild. ‘Internal and/or external blinds are the most pocket friendly option . You can choose roof windows that will open and close or have a ventilation flap. Or you can opt for a glazing that will reflect UV rays’.

Solar control glass is a special type of glazing that reflects the sun’s rays and limits the amount of heat skylights let into a room. As well as offering UV protection they can help reduce glare while maximising the amount of light.

Do I need planning permission for a skylight?

Image credit: Colin Poole

In most cases, the answer is no. David from Sterlingbuild explains: ‘Generally there isn’t a need to apply for planning permission, as long as the following limits and conditions are met and it is not part of an extension project.

• Any windows installed must protrude no more than 150mm above the existing roof plane
• No alteration can be higher than the highest part of roof or stand out above the roof ridge
• Side-facing windows are to consist of obscure glazing for privacy purposes and should not be openable unless 1.7m above the floor

There can be exceptions for listed building or conservation areas. It’s always best to check with your Local Planning Authority before starting any work.

Can I install a skylight in a conservation area?

Planning permission is always required if your building is listed,’ says James from Westbury. ‘Additionally, if you live in a conservation area or a location of outstanding natural beauty, you are required to obtain planning permission if you wish to change the appearance of your home’.

‘It can be done,’explains David from Sterlingbuild, ‘but it’s imperative you check with your local planning authority before carrying out any work. Especially if you live in a listed building with an Article 4 direction.’

Can you install a skylight yourself?

Many skylight and roof window manufacturers offer installation as well as “supply only” service. That is, the skylight or window unit is delivered and you make the arrangements to have it fitted.
Unless you are a particularly skilled DIY-er installing a rooflight yourself is not recommended. On the surface, what might seem like a fairly straightforward procedure could end up costing you a lot of money.

‘You can install a skylight yourself,’ says David from Sterlingbuild. ‘But we really would strongly advise against, unless it’s your profession. The risks and financial cost of getting it wrong far outweigh the costs involved to get a very good builder to install one, so it’s best to play it safe and leave it in the hands of an expert.’

The post Skylights and rooflights – everything you need to know appeared first on Ideal Home.