There are many different shapes and sizes of swimming pools, as well as different types of swimming pools to choose from. If you are considering putting in a swimming pool or purchasing a professionally installed large indoor or outdoor swimming pool, you will need to first decide on what type of swimming pool will best suit you. This all depends on what you need or want the swimming pool for, what its primary function will be and what other roles it will play as part of your home. It is also important to note how much space you have in your garden or outbuilding to accommodate the swimming pool. The following are a few different examples of the types of swimming pool you can have and what they are best used for.
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Types of Swimming Pool
Top 5 Tips For Having Your Loft Converted
Having a loft converted is no small job, but it needn’t be as complicated as you might expect. All it takes is some careful planning ahead of time, much of which you can get loft specialists to help you with. Here is a quick guide to some of the top tips when it comes to working out all aspects of your loft conversion.
1. Is your loft suitable for a conversion?
Before calling in the experts it is a great idea to do some thinking yourself as to whether your roof and loft are suitable for conversion. Some checks you can do include thinking about the shape of your roof, where modern trussed rafter roofs (built after 1965) can be more difficult to convert and can also cost more money. If you are unsure you can ask a loft conversion company to take a look – many will do this for free.
2. Hire a professional
You may be thinking of a DIY loft conversion, though it is a lot easier and safer to call in the experts. Do you really know how to make your conversion structurally sound? Can you waterproof your dormer? Do you know if your boiler needs to be upgraded for plumbing in the loft? How to install a staircase? All of these can have a huge impact on health and safety, which experts can deal with safely and more conveniently.
3. Consult an architect
An architect or surveyor will be required in order to determine the loads that will be placed in the building to make sure that your property is still structurally sounds. This is extremely important in all building and planning regulations, so will be required on top of your builder.
4. Building regulations
Not all loft conversions will need planning permission, but you will always need to check this for sure before going ahead with any work. Even if you do not need planning permission, you will still need to comply with building regulations which will include inspections. It is much easier to check regulations before starting work – which will also save you money by avoiding problems down the line.
5. Find a way to finance your conversion
There is no point dreaming and planning your conversion before analysing the costs and whether you can afford it. The first thing is to work out your budget and make sure you can stick to it. Bear in mind that conversions can cost several thousand pounds. They will add value to the home, but don’t just build them with this sole purpose in mind. You will not be making any money unless they add value to your lives for a few years.
When working out your budget this will not just include building work but will also take into account: surveying fees, fire safety, any sound insulation, heating, and plumbing/ electric if required.
Source: Loft Conversions Online.
Eating Patterns – following your baby’s needs
My experience of increasing gaps between feeds, the amount taken and the effect on sleep patterns for a formula fed baby of 5 weeks.
I try to never let my babydrain a bottle – if he does finish one off, the next feed I make an extra ounce… he usually then takes half an ounce or so more than the last feed and stops. I then continue to make this amount each feed until he drains the bottle again and then I add another ounce.
This is how I have progressed with him eating more.
I was worried last week that he might be eating too much,
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Croatia – Its Rich Heritage
Croatia is a land of natural beauty and enjoys a varied landscape with different cultural traditions. Croatian property styles vary across the country, from Istria with its Italian influence, often referred to as “the new Tuscany”, down to Split, a town built in a Roman palace, and further south to Dubrovnik, a one time maritime and cultural rival to Venice, preserved in its pristine renaissance beauty.
Hvar with its lavender and its “A” list celebrities contrast with the traditional cultural attractions of Korcula. Each of the many Croatian islands offer something different. The islands also offer ideal opportunities for Croatian property investments and development.
Buying a holiday home on the Croatian coast has become increasingly popular with both Croatians and non-Croatians alike. Strict government planning regulations ensure that Croatia will maintain its natural beauty and of course with limited supply, property prices continue to appreciate.
For sailors of all types of boat, Croatia and its islands offer a perfect environment for a holiday afloat with well equipped mooring and easy access to towns and villages, sailing in Croatian waters is an experience which cannot be surpassed.
Croatia offers abundant choices for those looking to invest in property developments and, or existing properties. Winkworth, with its extensive knowledge of Croatia is the natural partner of choice for holiday home owners, smaller and larger investors; investment funds and developers looking for sites of differing sizes.
Travelling to and within Croatia
Over the last 10 years Croatia has built a first class motorway systems linking Zagreb with Rijeka, Slovenia, Slavonia, Split and the Dalmatian coast. The next section of major motorway will be from Split to Dubrovnik and is due to open in 2010.
The tunnel outside Split has just been names by the EU as the safest tunnel in Europe.
Flights to Zagreb are frequent and come directly from UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Czech Republic, and most major European countries.
Croatia Airlines operate a full internal air service linking all the major cities with frequent flights daily.
From London Heathrow and Gatwick both British Airways and Croatia Airlines fly to numerous Croatian destinations. From Stansted, Easy Jet, WizzAir and RyanAir fly to several popular holiday destinations.
Croatia is linked by a ferry service from Dubrovnik to Bari in Italy and a daily ferry service operates between Rijeka and Dubrovnik. Most Croatian islands are easily accessible by regular air or ferry services.
Culture, Cuisine and Wines
Croatia is rich in culture and culinary heritage with a range of unique organic produce that include truffels from Istria, cheese from the island of Pag and Dalmatian smoked ham. Most Croatian produce is organic and Croatia enjoys an organic farming heritage as opposed to western European industrial scale farming traditions, reliant on pesticides and fertilizers. Each region offers different delicacies from Štrukli pasta dishes in the north west, Slubica pork from the central region, Fuži soup from Istria and Rožata dessert from the south.
Croatia also has a long history of wine making with several hundred different types of wine ranging from Riesling type whites produced in Slavonia to classic ruby reds from the Dalmatian coast, as well as fine dry white wine from Korcula. There are also sparking wines from Istria and various specialist liqueurs such as Grappa and local fruit brandies. Fresh fish is a staple of the Dalmatian coastal diet and Croatia produces excellent olive oils and fine herbs that add to the extensive range of foods and wine that visitors can enjoy.
Berwick-Upon-Tweed to return to Scotland?
After changing hands an amazing 13 times in the past, the local people of Berwick-upon-Tweed have once again taken to the polls to decided in which country their town should be located- England or Scotland?
Results showed that around 60% of locals would prefer their home to be part of Scotland, giving superior public services and free health care for the elderly, as the main reasons for their decision.
The vote was undertaken as part of ITV1′s “Tonight” program, which is due to be aired on Monday 17th February and will include a feature on the town.
Hunstanton: Then & Now
The seaside town of Hunstanton is believed to date back to prehistoric times following the discovery of evidence of Neolithic inhabitants in 1970. This original settlement is now known as Old Hunstanton and connects to the main town.
Henry Styleman Le Strange, a local landowner, decided to turn Hunstanton into a seaside holiday resort in 1846. Many new buildings were errected, mainly from the famous Norfolk carrstone which is still quarried at nearby Snettisham.
Within a few years the town started to become popular with tourists from across the country and had the added benefit of a Victorian pier, until it was blown down during a storm in 1972. Sadly it has never been rebuilt.
Today, Hunstanton is still a fanatastic place to take all the family for a traditional seaside holiday with plenty to see and do for all ages with beautiful beaches, fun fair and an array of interesting shops.
The UK’s most famous ghost?
A debate appears to be raging to decide which is the UK’s most famous and well known ghost!
Candidates range from the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall to the elaborate haunting of Borely Rectory (or the site on which it used to stand).
The real question seems to come down to what makes a ghost “famous”? Is it the number of people who believe to have seen it or the one which has got the most media attention over the years?
I think if we were looking at the latter, the Brown Lady would definitely be the front runner as it’s hard to come across anyone who has not seen “that” famous photograph!
So who do you think is the most famous ghost in the UK… let us know your thoughts.
Norfolk’s Chelsea on Sea
Burnham Market has fast become the place to visit amongst the famous and well known throughout the UK and beyond.
This delightful settlement centred around an array of village greens has attracted holiday-makers from all walks of life for many years, but more recently has seen a huge increase in the number of famous faces poping in and our of the pretty shops and tearooms.
The likes of Robbie William, Richard Briers, and Jamie Oliver have all been spotted along with regulars such as Les Dennis and Anneka Rice.
Tipped as the place to visit this summer if you are looking to “keep up with the Jones” Burnham Market is the ideal retreat for all the family.