When it comes to owning a car, we all dream of buying one new one, however, we all know that they can be expensive.

With new DVLA number plates coming out soon, and plenty of places to buy a new car such as Peter Vardy Holdings, there are a few things you should consider if you’re thinking of buying new, which I’ve highlighted below.

Holding Value

As we all know, cars are the type of item that begin to lose value straight away. This is particularly true when you buy a new car, as it’ll depreciate in value as soon as you leave the dealership. Because of this, think about what car to buy based on how well it holds its value.

This means that when you finally decide to sell, you will have lost as little money as possible. Cars by Mini, Audi, Volkswagen, Lexus, Ford and Vauxhall are all very good cars when it comes to holding value.

Best Time to Buy

Knowing the best time to strike is key to ensuring you get the best car for your money. This will all depend on the type of car that you want. Therefore, once you’ve done your research and decided on the vehicle that’s best for you, have a look to find the best time to buy that specific model.

Things that can impact this are payday weekends and the style of the car, as convertibles will be more expensive in summer, meaning winter is the best to buy. Also, think of buying in the months that see quarterly sales, such as March, June, September and December.

Needs

Make sure you cover all your needs when it comes to the vehicle and don’t compromise. By this we mean don’t opt for the car that looks better and costs more, but doesn’t offer you the space or mod cons you require.

By doing this you’ll end up realising you’ve made the wrong choice a few months down the line, ending in you needing to get a new car that caters to your needs.

Additional Costs

So, you may have the money to buy a new car, but don’t let that go to your head. Once you’ve purchased the car you’ll need to run it. Because of this, make sure you do your research beforehand, finding out how much petrol or diesel the car will use and how much it costs, and how much it’ll cost to have insured.

You should also check to see how reliable they are, because you don’t want to end up paying to have it fixed regularly, which could cost a small fortune.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

When it comes to interior design, it can be hard to achieve that completed and tidy look without the use of a professional interior designer. This is because an interior designer is aware of all the tips and tricks it takes to make a room complete. One of the best tips is to upgrade the finer details as this can make a huge difference to how a room looks but it is often overlooked with people focusing on the colour, rugs, artwork etc.

Moulding

Moulding can look fantastic in older homes and a great way to add visual appeal and elegance to the ceiling (an area often overlooked in interior design). There are all kinds of style and types to choose from so you should be able to find one which suits your style and looks impressive.

Door handles

The door is another often overlooked feature of a room but the first thing that you look at before entering and the last thing that you see before leaving. There are a few ways to make your door more attractive but upgrading the door handle to something stylish and classy is the most effective. Similarly, changing the cabinet handles can make a big difference in the kitchen and anywhere else with cabinets.

Electrical sockets & switches

Most people do not think about electrical sockets and switches when decorating a room yet these can take up a fair amount of space and your eyes are often led there through cables and wires. Upgrading by choosing more attractive materials, patterns and colours can make a big difference and make the room look more modern. Places like Schneider Electric have a wide range to choose from which can upgrade any room.

Curtains/Blinds

The curtains/blinds are an area that takes up a huge amount of wall space but are often ignored. Choose large drapes from a nice material for the winter months and then replace these with something lighter in the summer to add style and practicality.

Lighting

Lighting sets the mood and atmosphere so it is incredibly powerful in interior design yet many homeowners leave the lighting as it was when they moved in. Experiment with a range of light sources and try different lamp shades to create the desired atmosphere in the room that you are decorating.

It is the finer details that really complete a room to give it that professional look and these are just a few ways that you can achieve this while decorating.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post

For many of us, our home is our sanctuary. However, full-time parenthood can be busy. And so, we often struggle to fulfil our DIY duties.

But there are some tasks that need to be dealt with immediately. Keeping your living space free of damp and moisture is one of them. Both can affect your health and your wallet.

Luckily, there are quick and effective ways to protect your abode and save money.

Check for Damp and Mould

For a damp and moisture-free home, this can be the best place to start. Check for damp and mould regularly, and you can easily avoid this problem.

You may even be able to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Typically, damp is caused by leaking pipes, rising damp (which usually occurs in basements), or roof damage. You can maximise the healthiness of your home by performing inspections on a frequent basis.

To stay on top of this task, why not create a damp and mould checklist? You could print this off and display it in your home. In doing so, you’ll be able to make sure that you minimise any risk of it entering your property.

Prevent Condensation

Excess moisture is one of the main causes of damp and mould. And this is largely caused by condensation.

This occurs when an indoor area can’t store any more moisture. Also, it can accumulate over time. There are daily activities that could stop this from happening. Opening windows while you shower, or cook, are two examples.

Likewise, leaving doors open can improve ventilation around the house – and this could prevent moisture from building to excessive levels.

If you live in a basement flat or a particularly damp area, make sure to do this as often as possible. That way, you can maintain a dry, clean and happy home for years to come.

Heat Your Home

Another way to inhibit the build-up of excess moisture is through heat. When it’s cold, droplets can form on indoor surfaces, such as mirrors, windowsills and walls.

A well-insulated, heated property is less likely to suffer from this. Is your home typically chilly? If so, you can alleviate its potential for growing damp by increasing its warmth.

You needn’t ramp up the heating, though. Something as light as an electric heater can help you to achieve this.

Specialists that deliver reliable heating sources, like Coopers of Stortford, can mean the difference between a dry and a damp home.

With the right tools and knowledge, you can guarantee that mould never enters your house or apartment.

Once you know how, you can easily keep your home damp and moisture free. Thanks to these tips, you’ll be able to stop this from ever becoming an issue. Therefore, you may never have to deal with – meaning less worry and more time to enjoy where you live with the people you love.

Disclosure: this is a collaborative post