If you are on a low fixed rate, the last thing you want to do is lose it. The good news is that in many situations, you can raise funding without altering your main deal. We will now cover the basic options, when they work best, and what to look out for.

Second Charge Basics

A second charge is a newly secured loan against your home, which sits behind your existing mortgage. You will keep your existing deal, and all of the new borrowing will have its own rate and term. The extent of each loan depends on income, outgoings, credit history and loan-to-value (LTV) status. Read more on this page.

If your main mortgage has a considerable early repayment charge or your situation is a bit peculiar, this is another route to consider. Because it is secured, you may benefit from a longer term and larger amounts than any unsecured option, while keeping your cheap core rate.

Keep My Rate?

Yes – that’s the main benefit. No changes will happen to your fixed rate, and only the new borrowing will, as each one will be separate. Remember, your common day-to-day payment is for the main mortgage, while the …

Maintaining a healthy and attractive lawn in Spokane, Washington requires more than occasional mowing. The local climate presents challenges that demand consistent attention, knowledge of grass types, and seasonal timing. Spokane lawn care services play a vital role for homeowners who want to enjoy a green, lush yard without devoting hours to maintenance themselves. From weed control to soil care, reliable providers offer much more than the basics, helping transform patchy turf into thriving landscapes.

Spokane’s Unique Lawn Challenges

Spokane’s climate features cold, snowy winters and dry, warm summers. That balance makes it ideal for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass. These grasses grow actively in spring and fall, slow down in the summer, and enter dormancy in winter. Proper care is essential to make the most of each season and avoid long-term damage.

Mowing height is a critical factor in Spokane’s environment. Cutting the grass too short leaves it vulnerable to heat stress and weed invasion. Most lawn experts in the area recommend keeping the blades around three inches high and following a consistent schedule. Leaving grass clippings in place after mowing helps nourish the soil and maintain moisture.

Watering practices also make a difference. …

When you realise that strange stickiness underfoot is actually gum you almost immediately begin to dread whether your carpet’s ruined forever.

However, before you resort to desperate measures, know that this isn’t necessarily the end for your precious floor covering.

Here’s what to do to remedy the situation most effectively.

1. Freeze the Gum

Chewing gum has a way of turning up where it’s least welcome, pressed deep into the carpet like it’s settling in for good. Fortunately, it’s no match for a little cold treatment.

Slip a few ice cubes into a freezer bag and place it directly over the gum. Leave it there for fifteen to twenty minutes, giving it enough time to harden. Once it’s solid, ease it off with a blunt-edged tool. A spoon works beautifully.

Your light touch will go a long way here. A gentle lift is all it takes to avoid damaging the fibres. There’s no need for chemicals, and it wouldn’t leave any traces behind. You’ll just get a clean carpet, as if nothing happened at all a minute ago.

2. Use Vinegar for Softening

This common household item doesn’t get enough credit. It’s mild, reliable, and effective. Plus, it happens to …

Foundation issues are one of the most important problems a homeowner can face. A strong, stable foundation supports the entire structure, and when it starts to fail, it can lead to serious safety hazards and expensive damage. At first glance, some cracks or sloping floors might seem like a simple fix, but the truth is, not all foundation problems can or should be handled alone.

If you’re weighing the choice between doing it yourself and hiring a professional, this guide can help. For homeowners searching for a foundation repair company in Georgetown, TX, understanding the pros and cons of each approach is key to protecting your home and your wallet.

Why Foundation Problems Happen

Before deciding how to handle a repair, it’s important to understand what causes foundation damage in the first place. In areas like Georgetown, soil movement, poor drainage, improper construction, and extreme weather can all contribute. Texas soils, particularly clay-heavy ones, expand and contract as they absorb or lose moisture, putting pressure on foundations.

Over time, this stress causes cracks, settling, or shifting in your foundation. Once these issues begin, they rarely go away on their own.

The Appeal of DIY Repairs

The idea of …

A swimming pool is a great addition to any home. However, maintaining it can be a challenge. Weather changes, falling leaves, and insects can make pool maintenance time-consuming. That’s where a pool enclosure comes in. It protects your pool from external elements and enhances its overall appeal.

Have you ever wished to swim in any season without worrying about the weather? A well-designed enclosed outdoor pool allows you to do just that. It keeps your pool clean and warm, extending your swimming season. You get a comfortable space while reducing maintenance efforts.

With a pool enclosure, you can enjoy privacy, safety, and a cleaner swimming area. It adds value to your home and improves the overall pool experience. Whether you want a stylish glass enclosure or a sturdy screened structure, there are plenty of options. Let’s explore the benefits, types, and installation process of enclosed outdoor pools to help you make the best decision.

Benefits of a Pool Enclosure:

Pool enclosures offers multiple benefits. It keeps your pool clean, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. With a barrier around your pool, leaves, debris, and insects stay out. This saves time and money on cleaning and chemical treatments.

Another major …

A solar cover reel or solar pool cover is essential for any pool owner. It helps retain heat, reduces water evaporation, and keeps your pool clean. Instead of struggling with heavy covers, a reel system makes it easy to cover and uncover your pool. Using a solar cover also lowers energy costs by reducing the need for a pool heater. This simple solution extends your swimming season while saving money on maintenance.

Have you ever struggled with a bulky pool cover? A solar pool cover reel solves that problem effortlessly. It allows you to roll up your cover in seconds, making pool maintenance hassle-free. With a reel, you can quickly cover your pool at night to retain warmth and uncover it in the morning without breaking a sweat. This small investment makes a big difference in convenience and efficiency.

A solar cover reel protects your cover from damage, increasing its lifespan. Without a reel, manually folding a cover can lead to tears and wear. Investing in a reel system ensures your cover remains intact for years. If you want to keep your pool warm, clean, and easy to manage, a solar pool cover and reel are must-have accessories.

How

Having a pool at home is a dream for many. But outdoor pools are limited to warm seasons. A year-round pool lets you swim anytime, regardless of the weather. It adds value to your home and creates a luxurious experience. With the right design and materials, you can enjoy swimming even in winter.

Imagine stepping into warm water while snow falls outside. A built indoor pool project ensures comfort and privacy. But how do you start this project? The process involves planning, budgeting, and choosing the best materials. With careful planning, you can create a perfect oasis in your home.

Is an indoor pool worth it? Yes! It increases property value and offers endless relaxation. Unlike outdoor pools, maintenance is easier, and you can use it every day. Whether for exercise or fun, a year-round pool is a great investment. Let’s explore everything you need to know before building one.

1. Benefits of an Indoor Pool:

An indoor pool lets you swim in any season. Whether it’s raining or snowing, your pool remains usable. It also offers more privacy compared to outdoor pools. No need to worry about neighbors or weather conditions.

A built indoor pool project also adds value …

The effect of the interior design choices made on the value of a property is frequently the subject of discussion for homeowners as well as real estate agents. When wallpaper is the subject the opinions of people can differ. While some view it as an attractive way to add style to interiors, others are concerned about its durability. It is a matter of whether wallpaper boost the value of your home or make buyers turn away? Understanding the role wallpaper can play in the market for homes can assist homeowners to make educated decisions prior to committing themselves to this decorative aspect.

Wallpaper and Home Aesthetics: A Timeless Appeal

Wallpaper has seen a dramatic return in recent years and offers unlimited design possibilities that paint cannot even begin to achieve. From textures to intricate patterns, wallpapers can change an area and provide an atmosphere of luxurious. Designer wallpapers offer elegant designs that attract buyers seeking uniqueness and style. But the impact the wallpaper can have on the value of your home is largely dependent on factors like quality, design selections, and overall market trends.

Transform Your Powder Room with Elegant Wallpaper

Looking to elevate your powder room’s style effortlessly? A …

With a unique architectural landscape, Perth requires more than lavish paint jobs, with Perth window replacement being a vital intervention that can exponentially boost residential functionality and visual appeal. In an area characterised by intense heat, drastic temperature swings, and exceptional circumstances, windows are more than just an essential architectural feature; they are now a design technology that isolates living areas from the harsh Western Australian environment.

Understanding the Significance of Strategic Window Replacement in Perth

Perth window replacement is more than just an architectural decision; it is more than just a home renovation. The unique environmental qualities of the region necessitate a particular strategy for selecting, designing, and installing window systems to achieve the proper thermal performance, benefit from natural daylight and maximise comfort in the home.

Climate-Responsive Design Considerations

Perth’s challenging climate presents unique demands for residential window systems. Homeowners must navigate a complex landscape of technological options that address intense solar radiation, significant temperature variations, and the need for energy-efficient solutions that can maintain comfortable interior environments throughout the year.

Technological Innovations in Window Replacement

Modern window replacement technologies have never had the opportunity to improve home performance by upgrading windows. However, windows have been re-engineered and …