The Best Outdoor Entertainment Ideas for Solihull Homes

outdoor entertainment ideas

Summer is finally here, and there’s no better way to celebrate the return of the sun than with some quality outdoor entertainment. Whether you spruce up your Solihull garden entertainment area with new lighting, or install an outdoor cinema for your friends and family, there’s loads you can do to embrace your outdoor space.

If you’re looking to inject some fun into your outdoor entertainment area, then look no further – because we’ve got some great ideas you can try. Read on to find out more. 

Outdoor entertainment ideas

Get audio visual ready with an outdoor TV and speakers

outdoor entertainment audio visual

Setting up a home cinema in your garden isn’t as expensive as you might think. Outdoor TVs start at fairly modest prices, and when paired with waterproof audio equipment, can seem as good as the real thing. Just be sure to spread your speakers out evenly if you want to create a true cinematic effect. When you work with a Solihull audio visual specialist, they’ll be able to advise you on things like screen positioning so that light pollution doesn’t adversely affect your movie-watching.

Set the tone with ambient lighting

When you move from day to night, having the right kind of lighting is essential. Not only does it help you see, but also sets the mood for the evening ahead. Finding the right lighting for your outdoor entertainment areas depends on the space you have available, but there are lots of things you can do, such as:

  • Creating silhouettes with ground-level lighting
  • Using spike lights to make trees glow
  • Use flames for a cosy vibe
  • Use lights to create a welcome path for your visitors
  • Use festoon bulbs for overhead lighting
  • Invest in pool and hot tub lighting.

Create an outdoor bar

Whether you go full on Tiki bar or have something sleek and minimal, an outdoor bar is a great place to entertain guests. You could even use a great audio visual system to make the bar the central focus of your event, with the best sound, lighting and tech. 

Get set up to play music

Getting sound right is the key to having a great time outdoors, so investing in quality audio equipment like Sonance or Bose speaker systems is well worth the money. When paired with the correct amplifier, speakers and controller, you’ll have an amazing sounding outdoor entertainment area. 

Make a BBQ space

Summer offers the ideal time to get out the bbq, so don’t forget to dust yours off and have it ready to go! People often congregate around the bbq and outside bar area, so you could make this a focal garden entertainment area with floor cushions, festoon lights, great music and drinks. 

Make a garden entertainment area

We’re all big kids at heart, and outdoor games can be full of fun. From giant jenga to boules and more, creating a garden entertainment area full of games is a great way to entertain your guests.

If you’re looking for more audio visual tips or ideas for outdoor entertainment for your Solihull home, contact the team at Veritais who’ll be happy to help.

How can a chartered surveyor help you when moving house?

how a chartered surveyor can help when moving house

Moving house is up there on the list of the most stressful events you’ll experience in your life. Even if everything seems to be running smoothly there are still factors beyond your control and a lot of procedures and paperwork to be completed before you can exchange contracts and pick up your keys. To help make the process as simple and stress free as possible you’ll need the help of a chartered surveyor.  

What does a chartered surveyor do? 

A chartered surveyor assesses buildings to find defects and identify future issues and possible repairs that might be required. They can also provide a valuation of a property if requested. These services are particularly useful if you want to know whether you are making a good investment, or just to provide peace of mind ahead of purchasing a property. 

What services do chartered surveyors provide? 

In brief, chartered surveyors carry out building surveys. These surveys involve inspecting the interior and exterior of a property to provide a report detailing any defects or future issues so that you have the right information available to help you decide whether to proceed with a sale, or perhaps to renegotiate based on the report findings. 

When do you need to contact a surveyor? 

It is a good idea to find a local chartered surveyor once you have put in an initial offer on a property and had it accepted. As most offers are made on a ‘subject to survey’ basis, it is accepted that once you have had a survey on a property that you might return to the agent and try to renegotiate the price based on what the survey has uncovered. 

What issues might a home survey reveal? 

There are 3 levels of homebuyer survey, ranging from a very simple condition report to a full structural building survey. The level of survey you choose will depend on the age and condition of the property and the alterations you may wish to carry out in the future. In general, a level 2 homebuyers report or level 3 building survey are the most widely used and these can uncover issues such as: 

  • Damp 
  • Subsidence 
  • Structural damage 
  • Asbestos 
  • Electrical issues 
  • Faulty drain pipes 
  • Roofing issues – such as missing tiles or flat roof wear and tear 
  • Woodworm or beetle infestation – particularly in timber framed houses 
  • Invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed 

What can you do about a bad home survey? 

If you are not happy with the results of your home survey and the chartered surveyor has unearthed issues and possible future costs that you haven’t foreseen or budgeted for, then you basically have three options: 

  1. Pull out of the sale 
  2. Ask the seller to fix the issues 
  3. Renegotiate the price 

As long as your offer is subject to contract then you are within your rights to pull out of the sale or request a change in the price. Depending on how many offers the seller has had or how keen they are to achieve a quick sale, they may be willing to fix the issues or reduce the price so that you can resolve them once you move in without having to be out of pocket. 

When renegotiating or asking for the price to be lowered, it’s advisable to be honest about the issues, citing only what the chartered surveyors report entails and having done your research on what would be a reasonable price to fix the issues. 

How to pick a good chartered surveyor 

Now that you know what you need to do and the different types of report available, it’s time to discuss choosing a good chartered surveyor. It probably makes sense to work with someone locally, as they’ll be able to visit the property promptly and easily, but you should also do your homework in terms of their credibility and qualifications. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the governing body for surveyors, so choosing a chartered surveyor who is registered with them will give you the reassurance that they are properly qualified. In addition to this, look for their reviews, both on their website and on Google, to see what others in the same situation have to say about their services. 

Once you have chosen your surveyor and instructed them on the type of survey you require, it is time to relax and await the report, confident in the knowledge that whatever it uncovers, you are better to be informed than to proceed with a sale not knowing the condition of a property. 

JTM Building Consultancy is a firm of chartered surveyors in Sutton Coldfield, offering both residential and commercial building surveys across the West Midlands. For more advice on the types of survey available and what you need to do when moving house please visit their website jtmbc.co.uk. 

Father’s Day gifts for the Dad who has everything

Dads are notoriously difficult to buy for and once you’ve exhausted all your best ideas for their birthday or Christmas presents, it doesn’t leave much in the way of inspiration for Father’s Day. Yet, every third Sunday in June, we celebrate everything that is wonderful about dads, step-dads, fathers-in-law and dad-like figures, so it’s only right that you have a fitting gift to show him how much he means to you. If, like millions of others, you are struggling to find a present for Dad, here are just a few Father’s Day gifts that you might like to consider. 

To beard or not to beard 

fathers day gifts beard kit

If the dad figure you are buying for sports a fantastic beard, help him to keep it this way by giving him a beard kit. By choosing one that fits into a neat little tin, you’ll give him the power of grooming on the go – perfect for holidaying and trips away from home. 

fathers day gifts razor

If he prefers the clean shaven look, why not invest in a good quality razor so that he can keep up his sleek appearance and have something that looks great on the bathroom shelf? 

gift for fathers day - shaving soap

And, to accompany the razor, what about a shaving soap bar? Nicer than gifting a can of shaving foam, it’s the perfect gift for every dad who shaves. 

Father’s Day gifts for dads who like to travel 

gift ideas for dad - rucksack

If he’s a regular holidayer, day tripper or adventurer, you can’t go far wrong with a practical luggage gift that will enable him to pack all his necessities. From weekend bags for hotel trips to rucksacks for dads who like to explore, a high quality, durable bag makes a great Father’s Day gift. 

gifts for dads who like to travel

Or, if he is hankering for a new adventure, why not inspire him with a travel book? Bring new destinations to life with glossy photos and give him some itinerary ideas and your gift might be the reason behind his next adventure!  

Taking a tipple to the next level 

fathers day gift - wine cooler

If the dad figure in your life loves a tipple or two but you don’t want to end up just getting him another bottle of his favourite wine or whisky, why not get him a drinks-related gift to enhance the experience? Books, bottle openers and wine coolers are just a few of the cool Father’s Day gift ideas that you might like to try.

Gift ideas for city gent dads

gift ideas for dad - shoe shine kit

If he’s a city gent and proud of it, treat him to something this Father’s Day that will enhance his experience of working in the city. From a suit cover to keep his work suit pristine whilst travelling for business, to a shoe shine kit to ensure he always makes a great impression, just because he’s a workaholic doesn’t mean you can’t treat him! 

Gifts for dad to put his stamp on the home 

gifts for dads - lamps

It isn’t just mums that like their trinkets and home accessories, so don’t let dad miss out on putting his stamp on the family home. Give him a gift that everyone can enjoy by choosing an unusual lamp, photo frame (with you in it of course!) or garden accessories that match his personality and interests. 

Father’s Day clothing gifts 

fathers day clothing

You can’t go wrong with clothes, as long as you know his size and style preferences. For sporty dads you could pick up a rugby shirt or polo shirt. For outdoor dads, perhaps a gilet or tweed waistcoat, or for smart dressers (or those who you can’t fit into any other category) a soft lambswool jumper makes a lovely gift. 

If all else fails… 

socks

…There is always cologne, or socks! 

For all of these Father’s Day gifts and more visit Roxtons.co.uk and browse their gift collection for the man who has everything. 

Shopping for Hot Tubs in Staffordshire

hot tubs in Staffordshire

When you are shopping for hot tubs in Staffordshire, there are many things to think about when it comes to not only choosing the right hot tub for you and your family, but finding the right hot tub showroom. Understandably, a hot tub is quite a big investment, but by following our advice, you’ll find it less daunting to filter through all the hot tub models on the market, along with where to buy your hot tub cleaning chemicals and accessories to ensure you get maximum enjoyment for a long time to come.

Let’s take a look at some of the important steps for shopping for hot tubs.

What size hot tub do you need?

Hot tubs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you should consider your needs when choosing the right hot tub. It always pays to do some initial research into the different model sizes available and how they will fit your requirements, as well as how much space you have.

  • Small hot tubs seat between 2 and 4 people – some models may feature lounger seats for couples, whilst a 4 seater hot tub can seat a whole small family.
  • Medium hot tubs seat between 4 and 6 people, making them ideal for a larger family.
  • Large hot tubs may seat 7 or more people, which is ideal for families that enjoy socialising in the hot tub.

As well factoring in how many seats you need, you must also consider the outer dimensions of different models and the area that you would choose to install a hot tub. A general rule of thumb is that at least 12” of clearance is needed, but with 18” of clearance around where the control panel is located. After your initial research into finding a hot tub that meets your size and seating specifications, it’s always worthwhile talking to an expert.

Visiting the right hot tub showroom

As well as finding a showroom that is near you, it’s important to find a company that is reputable (do they have favourable reviews online? Have they been recommended to you by people that you trust?), a place that has many different hot tub models from top brands on display, but also a showroom with staff who are friendly and knowledgeable.

We would advise that you take note of the space you have as this will help sales staff to assist you in finding a suitable model. When you have the chance to view a range of models up close and learn more about the special features available, such as lighting, hydro massage jets and built-in bluetooth speakers, you’ll no doubt think of many more important questions to ask before you think about making a decision.

As well as asking questions about different brands and models, you should also ask important questions such as:

  • Does the showroom also provide installation, maintenance and servicing? For peace of mind, it is always best to trust the professionals to take care of installing your investment, and to be confident you know who to call in the event of a problem.
  • Is there an option to try before you buy a hot tub? Some showrooms allow you to try a hot tub out to help you make your decision.
  • Does the showroom stock essential accessories to suit each available model? For example, you should consider finding the right hot tub cover, steps and shelter to suit your hot tub. 

What chemicals and cleaning materials do I need?

In order to keep your hot tub water clean and safe, as well as helping to keep your tub in good working condition, a combination of chemicals is needed. It’s important to ensure that you balance chemicals to achieve a safe pH level for the water, so it’s important to find a hot tub supplier who can also provide a regular supply of hot tub chemicals and talk you though what you need to make sure your hot tub is protected – using the incorrect products can not only damage your hot tub, it can also be dangerous for users.

As well as applying the correct chemicals, you will also need to consider hot tub maintenance on a regular basis, including interior and exterior maintenance and filter care.

What power supply does my hot tub need

A hot tub needs a power supply to function. As well as powering jets, lighting and speaker systems, a hot tub of course needs power to heat the water so that it can be ‘hot’. 

Typically, hot tubs will require a 13AMP or 32AMP power supply. A 13AMP hot tub can run on a standard plug socket, however, a 32AMP powered model will require a dedicated power outlet. Remember, it is required by law that electrical work in households is carried out by a competent person, so this should be discussed when making a purchase and arranging installation and commissioning.

13AMP hot tubs may generally be cheaper as they have fewer expensive electrics, 32AMP models will provide a better hydrotherapy massage and will cost less to run in the long term, so it pays to invest.

What are the best hot tub brands in Staffordshire?

As you would guess from the gulf of prices, not all hot tubs are equal. The easiest way to choose a model that offers excellent build quality, waterproofing, insulation, air jets, filtration system, control panel and special features, is to choose a world renowned brand, such as Jacuzzi. We would recommend sourcing a Jacuzzi supplier in Staffordshire.

For a one-stop shop for hot tubs in Staffordshire, where you can view the latest Jacuzzi models, as well as stock up on all essential chemicals, cleaning materials and accessories, and benefit from excellent customer care, visit All Weather Leisure at their Cannock or Shrewsbury showroom.

Apartment Cleaning Services: Cleaners Aren’t Just for Houses

apartment cleaning services

Whilst you may think of domestic cleaning as being house cleaning services, domestic cleaning extends to any residential property, be it a large family home, or a small flat or apartment. Whilst cleaning an apartment is unlikely to take up as much time as cleaning a large house, it can easily eat into your time, so let’s look at some of the reasons for investing in apartment cleaning services, as well as the range of services you might benefit from.

Why use apartment cleaning services?

It’s important to clean any home regularly, whether it is a house or an apartment. Regardless of the size of your dwelling, germs can spread just as fast and dust will not build up any slower, so regular attention to tasks such as dusting, hoovering and surface cleaning is essential. Whilst you may choose to take on these tasks yourself, there are certainly benefits to using professional apartment cleaners.

A sparkling clean home

Anyone you speak to who has an especially clean home will tell you that this is only achieved through regular cleaning. The longer you go without dusting, vacuuming, scrubbing and polishing, the more the dirt, dust and grime will build up. By calling in the professionals to carry out regular cleans, you’ll ensure that your apartment is sparkling clean and when you clean up after yourself routinely, this will be much easier and will take much less time!

More time to use as you choose

Whilst an apartment will usually be smaller than a house, if you are working full time, alongside other commitments and maintaining a social life, it’s likely you won’t have too much time left to simply relax, let alone give your home a deep clean. Hiring an apartment cleaning service will leave you with much more time to do the things you want to do.

Fast cleaning

When you take on cleaning tasks yourself, even in an apartment, they can eat up a lot of time, and in many cases, this is because you aren’t cleaning in the most efficient way. Professional apartment cleaners know exactly how to clean your home from ceiling to floor in the fastest and most efficient way, providing excellent results. Professional cleaners will always aim to work in the way that is least disruptive to you.

Clean away germs and bacteria

All surfaces and fixtures in a home carry germs and bacteria that can easily be spread. Professional cleaners not only know how to clean a home efficiently, they are experts in getting rid of germs, preventing them from spreading around the home and therefore, minimising the risk of anyone that lives with you from getting sick.

No need to worry about cleaning tools and supplies

When you hire a professional cleaning service, you won’t need to worry about providing expensive supplies. Experienced apartment cleaners will bring the supplies and preferred tools to do their job in the most efficient way possible.

apartment cleaning company

Find your local apartment cleaning company

Apartment cleaning services are ideal for students, young professionals, older people with poor mobility and anyone who wants to keep their living space in the best condition, whilst gaining time to spend as they wish. 

To find a local apartment cleaning company, visit domestique.co.uk

Reasons to Invest in a Home Cinema Room

home cinema room

Investing in a home cinema room can be one of the best home improvements. Here, a group of West Midlands home cinema specialists explore why.

When you’re looking to invest in your home, there are plenty of ways to do it. But one that creates the most wow factor is adding a home cinema room. Whether you’re watching sporting events or your favourite flicks on the big screen, there’s something to be said for cosying down with an all-round cinema experience. 

Reasons to invest in a home cinema room

A home cinema offers the ultimate comfort and convenience

A trip to the cinema might be exciting for two minutes – until you get seated next to someone chomping on popcorn and wittering on. On the other hand, a home cinema allows you to create the perfect environment – from sound and lighting to seating and of course, who you invite to enjoy the experience with you! 

You can customise the audio-visual settings in your cinema room

A bespoke home cinema installation allows you to transform your dreams into state-of-the-art reality. You’ll be able to choose your own AV receiver, the type and positioning of lighting and other elements like smart technology to provide an all-round cinematic experience from the comfort of your own sofa.

You can enjoy films, TV and sporting events on the big screen

When you invest in a home cinema room, you can kiss goodbye to that tiny TV and say hello to the king of screens. By utilising modern technology, you’ll be able to watch your favourite movies how they are supposed to be enjoyed, without squinting at the TV. Whilst you will only usually enjoy the full cinematic experience for films, your own home cinema room can be used for watching all of your favourite films, TV series, music and sporting events on the big screen, with surround sound, and in complete comfort.

Home cinema provides an immersive experience

With a dedicated home cinema, you can have an immersive viewing and listening experience as possible. What’s more, you’ll have complete control over what you watch without having annoying ads to contend with or times to stick to. 

Investing in a cinema room can increase the value of your home

Incorporating a professionally installed home cinema room can boost the wow factor of your home and increase its value. Furthermore, it gives you an edge over the competition when you come to sell.

A home cinema can be whatever you want it to be

Fancy installing the best sound systems in your home cinema room? How about plush cinema-style seating, or a cosy area to snuggle up in? The beauty of a professionally installed home cinema room is that you can have exactly what you want and where you want, spending as much or as little as you like.

Home cinemas are perfect for get togethers

Covid restrictions have changed the way we socialise, and now, more people than ever are having small gatherings at home. A home cinema offers the ideal attraction for friends and family, giving you a place to get together and enjoy the big screen together.

Home cinemas save time and stress

When you go out to the cinema, you have to get ready, drive to the cinema, find a space, buy overpriced food and drink and deal with other people. Conversely, when you have a home cinema, you can save time and stress by having everything to hand with ease.

West Midlands home cinema specialists

If you’re looking for West Midlands home cinema specialists, the team at Veritais are on hand to answer all you need to know. While it can be tricky to find West Midlands home cinema specialists with the right level of knowledge and experience, Veritais are certified experts who have helped hundreds of people just like you.

Essential Maintenance for UPVC Fascia Boards and Guttering

UPVC fascia boards and guttering

Maintaining UPVC fascia boards and guttering are the bane of many homeowners’ lives. But it’s one of those things that has to be done, otherwise problems can occur. From blocked or leaking guttering, to unwanted rodent visitors, broken UPVC fascia boards and guttering can lead to many potential disasters.

To keep disasters at bay, there are ways you can maintain your UPVC fascia boards and guttering. Here are just a few:

1. Keep your UPVC fascia boards and guttering clear

One of the most common types of problems with UPVC fascia boards and guttering stems from not keeping them clear. For example, if you have cracked or damaged fascia boards that are covered by big trees, you may not notice there’s a problem. The first sign you may have of something being amiss is wet internal walls or mould growing on the inside of your home. What’s more, broken UPVC fascia boards lead to unsupported guttering, which could lead to more serious problems.

If your guttering is full of debris and leaves, the water will have nowhere to go, and could begin ingressing into your property. If possible, regularly clear out your guttering to prevent them becoming waterlogged and pay close attention to its condition.

2. Patch up any cracks or holes in your UPVC fascia boards

A tiny hole in your UPVC fascia boards might not seem like a big deal. But here’s the thing – rodents can fit into the tiniest of holes and it only takes one to start an infestation. As the fascia boards often protect the roof space and rafters of your home, this has the potential to be very serious.

The minute you spot an issue in your board, repair it yourself or call someone who can. If you choose to undertake the UPVC fascia board repair yourself, choose an appropriately sized UPVC screw cap top and use specialist glue to go around the edges. If you have a rodent infestation but can’t see any obvious holes, a roofing specialist will be able to inspect your UPVC fascia boards and guttering to spot entrance signs.

3. Replace damaged parts of the UPVC fascia boards and guttering

If there are areas of your fascia boards or guttering that are broken, replace them as soon as possible to prevent more damage. It’s also wise to check for signs of wear and tear, such as hairline cracks, sagging, standing water and overflowing water. All these things are indications that something is amiss and needs attention as soon as possible. By taking these steps, you can prevent a potential disaster and save pounds in the process.

4. Keep a UPVC fascia board and guttering toolkit to hand

While fascia board and guttering repair kit might not be top of your shopping list, it can be useful to have a few items to hand if disaster strikes. While you might not be confident repairing them yourself, a few basic tools can help stem the tide until professional help arrives. Some of the things to have on standby include: a set of ladders, gloves, a bucket, a couple of cap tops and a liquid rubber guttering repair kit. If, however, you have a metal or asbestos gutter, we’d always recommend leaving it well alone until help arrives.

5. Replace wooden fascia boards with UPVC fascia boards

If you do have wooden fascia boards, we would always recommend replacing them with UPVC fascia boards. Wood is prone to rotting which can lead to damaged rafters – not to mention ruining your home’s aesthetic. If the fascia boards of a home are not structurally strong and durable, the roof tiles can become unsupported and the rain from the roof can sweep straight into the guttering.

If you need expert help with your UPVC fascia boards and guttering, call MW Roofline to get expert help fast.

The Five Biggest Advantages of Home Automation

home automation

The last decade or two has seen dramatic technological advancements, even within the home. In fact, home automation has become so common, you may be wondering how to create your own smart home. We can understand why – running a smart home has tonnes of benefits. From being able to track your energy usage more efficiently, to being able to control light switches and more at the click of a button, it’s a convenient way to manage your daily life.

What is smart home automation? 

Before we take a deeper dive into the benefits of smart home automation, we’ll first take a look at what it is. A smart home is a home that allows you to control various elements of your home set up through your phone or tablet. For example, this could be as simple as altering your thermostat from your phone, or as cool as setting the mood with lighting systems by using your tablet. Interestingly, with smart home technology, you can even control audio visual systems, outdoor entertainment and a home cinema using a single central operating system.

 The benefits of a smart home

1. It offers the ultimate convenience

Gone are the days when you need to get up to change the temperature or dim the lights! Now, you can control all electronic elements of your home from the comfort of your seat. This flexibility offers the ultimate convenience, particularly when you just want to get into bed without having to go around turning everything off manually!

2. You can automate the running of your home with smart technology

Smart home programming means that devices can be automated, saving you time and energy. For example, at the touch of a button, you can set up your home cinema room ready for a movie night. From setting ambient lighting and turning the blinds down to making it a cosy temperature, home automation is your best friend when it comes to getting things done efficiently.

3. Smart home automation offers complete flexibility 

You don’t have to go all-out and automate all elements of your home straight away. Luckily, smart home technology is something you can develop, adding more devices over time. Many people find they like to start with the basics, like thermostat control, before moving onto other types of smart automation, like audiovisual.

4. Home automation offers better efficiency and cheaper bills

Running devices when they’re not needed is costly, and with energy prices soaring, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your costs as low as possible. Smart home technology can help save you money by using the right amount of power, rather than running devices when they aren’t needed. What’s more, you’ll have less of an impact on the environment and do your bit to protect the planet.

5. Smart home technology helps improve your home security

Smart home technology isn’t simply for the inside of your home. You can also use it on the outside, too. A great example of this is CCTV cameras and other home security devices. Linked with your phone, tablet or computer, you can now see what’s going on inside and outside your home with the help of cameras and CCTV systems. This is particularly useful if you’re away from home. If something triggers your cameras or outside lighting, you’ll be able to connect in real-time and see what’s going on. The ability to monitor your home remotely doesn’t just offer the ultimate reassurance tool, it also allows you to record anything untoward.

To speak to experts in home automation in or around the West Midlands, contact Vertais.

What to Consider When Choosing a Hot Tub

choosing a hot tub

There are so many exciting hot tubs and accessories out there, so choosing yours can make you feel like a kid at Christmas. Read on to find out what to consider when choosing a hot tub.

Choosing a hot tub for your home is one of the most exciting shopping trips you can go on, but with so many options out there, choosing a hot tub can feel like a bit of a minefield. Don’t fret, because we’re on hand to help guide you through the important things to consider.

Where will the hot tub go?

First things first, you’ll need to decide where you want your hot tub to go. To some degree, the space and facilities you have in that area will determine the shape and size of the hot tub that will fit best. If, for example, you need a small corner hot tub to fit into the nook of your garden, a small Jacuzzi might work for you. If, however, you have tonnes of space outside, you may find you have more flexibility and choice.

How big does the hot tub need to be?

If you plan to simply use your hot tub alone or with your other half, a two-seater hot tub could work well. If, however, you like to have outdoor gatherings and host regularly, you may opt for a medium hot tub that will seat around five to six, or a large hot tub appropriate for groups of seven and up. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, though, so do have a closer look into the features of each model, rather than the size alone.

Hot tub features

Some of the elements to look at when choosing a hot tub include:

The jets

Find out how many jets the hot tub has, and whether you can move the jets and customise the flow. There are some hot tubs that are more hydrotherapy focused, so it’s always worth checking – after all, a massage is a key part of your hot tub experience!

hot tub jets

How the hot tub filters the water

Hot tubs often use pleated filters to trap dirt, using chemicals like Chlorine or Bromine to purify the water. On the other hand, Jacuzzi hot tubs have one or two pumps that support hydrotherapy massage, as well as a separate circulation pump that pushes the water through a filtration system.

Whether the hot tub has an in-built entertainment system and lighting

Some hot tubs come with Bluetooth music which comes into its own when you’re having a gathering and want the ambience music offers. Jacuzzi hot tubs also have Bluetooth music systems, some of them more advanced than others. 

Having lights in your hot tub can ramp up the atmosphere, so do check if the model you’re interested in has them inbuilt. Lit waterfall features can add a lot to the ambience of your hot tub.

Whether you’d like hot tub shelter

From wooden hot tub gazebos to metal hot tub covers and more, the list of hot tub shelters on offer is endless. See what works best in your space and fits the hot tub you fancy. A hot tub gazebo can really finish off the hot tub installation, and you can accessories further with lighting, outdoor heaters and more.

Jacuzzi Specialists – Hot Tubs in Staffordshire 

A hot tub is a big financial investment, so do work with a reputable hot tub specialist who can help guide you through the process, and most of all, happy hot tubbing! All Weather Leisure is your one stop shop for hot tubs in Staffordshire, so visit us at our showrooms in Cannock or Shrewsbury.

What is Domestic Cleaning and Finding the Right Agency

What is domestic cleaning

Many of us are living in a perpetual state of juggling – family life, careers, life admin, the list goes on. It’s no wonder, then, that with our busy lives, it can be difficult to find time to do the housework too. The good news is, you don’t have to suffer by trying to squeeze it all in, and there are ways to help lighten the loadThat’s where domestic cleaning comes in. But what is domestic cleaning, and how can it help make your life easier? Let’s dive in.

What is domestic cleaning?

Domestic cleaning is any general cleaning or housework that needs to be done as part of the day-to-day running of your household. From window cleaning and washing, to dusting, hoovering and oven cleaning, the list of domestic cleaning jobs is extensive. 

House cleaning help lightens the load

Although you might already have a strict cleaning schedule, there’s no denying that it can monopolise your time and pull you away from more important tasks. If you’re looking for ways to make your life easier, employing a domestic cleaning company can free up your time and cause you less stress. Rather than wondering how you’re going to fit everything into the day, you can let someone else do it and give yourself more time to breathe.

When you work with a professional cleaning company, you’ll agree on a plan of action together and take it from there. The first couple of cleans may be slight trial and error while the cleaner gets used to your home and requirements, but when you’ve done all the introductory work it’s often just a case of letting the cleaner into the house. 

 What does professional cleaning cover?

Traditionally, house cleaning includes tasks like hoovering, floor mopping, dusting, cleaning furniture and bin changes. But when you work with a professional cleaning company, you can work together to make a list of all the jobs you’d like a hand with. This flexibility works in your favour, since you can offload the tasks you like the least. Some domestic cleaning companies will also offer additional services, such as in-depth oven cleans, window cleaning and more.

How to know if a house cleaning company is reputable

It’s not always easy knowing whether a house cleaning company is reputable, but there are things you can do to feel more confident in your choice. Check whether they have public liability insurance as well as business insurance, ask for references, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s also worth seeing whether they are a member of the Domestic Cleaning Alliance, which is part of the British Cleaning Council. 

What is domestic cleaning? Life changing!

When you know what to look for in a domestic cleaning company, you can move forward, safe in the knowledge that you will have more time, a cleaner home and less to juggle. What’s not to love?