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Roof terrace ideas for your Laurieston Living home

With longer summer nights and the better weather slowly making an appearance, what could be better than being able to enjoy it from the comfort of your own private roof terrace?

And you could be doing just that this summer, we have just two three bedroom townhouses remaining in our Laurieston Living development, each with a nine foot roof terrace.

But just how do you make the most of of this available outdoor space? This blog post should provide a little inspiration.

 

roof garden ideas for your glasgow city centre home

  1. Invest in comfortable seating for your roof terrace

Firstly we would begin proceedings by searching for the best chairs and coffee table options for your seating area. Think comfort and convenience, you don’t want to have too much effort getting out of your lounging position.

Take the above image for example, this sleek rooftop garden uses wooden decking and grey padded seats with extended widths on arm rests to place drinks. All of which is complemented by potted plants and shrubbery to add a little greenery to the area.

This is the ideal inspiration if you’re looking to keep things minimal. Otherwise go wild with L shaped couches, hammocks and more if you’re looking to be a little bold.

 

bar/ dining are roof terrace design ideas in glasgow

  1. Bar/ dining area options for your roof terraces

Next, think about your social space within your rooftop terrace. Consider an outdoor kitchen or pizza oven and create a cosy and inviting outdoor bar/ dining area – perfect for having family or friends round. Or even just for yourself to enjoy.

Make sure seats are set at a comfortable height, that there’s plenty of space for everyone and you’ve picked easy to maintain surfaces. Remember these will be subject to the Scottish climate, even when covered.

 

use decorative lighting in your roof garden ideas, new build glasgow

  1. Think about coverings and overhead decoration for your roof terrace design

And talking about covers, what options do you have prepared for protecting you overhead and allowing you to enjoy your private space all year round?

Whether it’s a pergola too create shade in warmer weather or a retractable canopy for the rain, you can also use these accessories to create a little privacy from neighbours or passersby.

String lights are also a great roof terrace decoration, adding a little sparkle at night.

 

main planting options to decorate the roof garden within your new glasgow home

  1. Finish your contemporary roof terrace with some plants

And finally, when it comes to plants, stick to those suited to warmer weather with minimal maintenance.

Think snake plants and cactuses, these can be impactful in small quantities, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space.

 

townhouses with roof terrace in glasgow city centre

Interested in purchasing your own townhouse with roof terrace?

A reminder that we only have two three bedroom townhouses remaining, each with a nine foot roof terrace. If you would like to get in touch with our team for further information regarding Plots 52 or 53, please contact 07498 057114 or e-mail lauriestonliving@urbanunionltd.co.uk.

Prices start from £320,995.

Energy Efficiency as Standard

Moreover, by being close to parks, amenities, and exceptional public transport links, you’ll have less reliance on the car.

So what makes our properties at Pennywell Living so energy-efficient?

  • Hi-efficient combi boiler
  • Fully insulated
  • High performance double glazed windows
  • Energy-efficient appliances
  • Less reliance on the car
  • Access to ‘Green’ mortgage deals

You’ll also have friendly neighbours, a vibrant community, super-fast connectivity and a great location. Your perfect easy-to-manage, energy-efficient home is now available at Pennywell Living in Edinburgh.

Here are some other ways you could save money on your bills this winter:

Use LED lightbulbs

LED lightbulbs last longer than standard bulbs and are efficient, too – helping to keep your energy consumption down. This is especially important in the winter when it’s darker for longer.

Use a microwave and air fryer

An oven uses a lot of electricity, and by switching to an air fryer which heats up straight away and a microwave which can heat food quickly, you’ll save money. Available from £35 in supermarkets.

Turn off appliances

By leaving your electrical items on standby, you will consume energy even though the items aren’t being used. Turn them off at the plug to keep your electricity bills down, including your television, games consoles, computers, printer, lamps and rarely used items. You could also invest in wireless plugs you can control from your mobile phone. When you purchase a new appliance such as a fridge, freezer, computer or monitor, they will give you the energy rating. Try to opt for items that are energy efficient and rated D or above.

Furniture and soft furnishings 

Move your furniture away from the radiators to allow the heat to circulate, and use thick-lined curtains to keep the heat in your rooms and stop it from escaping from the windows. Heated blankets and throws are also energy efficient and let you stay warm without turning your heating on.

Turn your heating down

It sounds obvious that turning your heating and hot water down by just one degree can make a difference to your annual bills.

If you’re considering a more energy-efficient home, take a look at the new homes available at Pennywell Living in Edinburgh.  We have some exceptional one and two-bedroom apartments for sale in various styles. One-bedroom prices start at £169,995, and two-bedroom apartments are from £189,995.

Over lockdown and restrictions, we all spent a lot more time at home. This increased our household bills – and as of October 1st the price of fuel has risen again. Although we are all being given a grant of £66 per month during the winter months, our bills have still increased. With that in mind, here are some things you can do to keep your bills down now and in the future.

Energy Efficient Homes

By living in an energy-efficient home you can save a great deal of money on your fuel bills. By investing in a new, highly efficient home, your utility bills will be kept at a minimum without having to undertake expensive upgrades. All newly built homes are highly energy efficient and will save you a huge amount on your bills compared to an older property.

Nice day? Keep your blinds and curtains open

An easy change which we often overlook is to make the most of the sun’s heat and let natural light into your home. Not only will it reduce the need for electric lighting, you’ll be surprised how much the sun will keep your home warm even if it’s cold outside. This could save around 60% on your bills compared to lighting and heating your home on a good day.

Check light bulbs

By replacing standard lightbulbs with energy-efficient alternatives you could save up to 75% on your energy bill. They use a fraction of the energy compared to normal light bulbs.

Turn off radiators

If you have occasionally used or unused rooms in your house such as a guest bedroom, formal dining room or snug, consider turning off the radiators in those rooms and closing the doors. This will cut down your bills by around 30%. You can also purchase individual radiator thermostats so that you only use the heat that you need and aren’t heating rooms that are rarely used.

Don’t block the radiator

We often push furniture against radiators, but by having something like a sofa pressing up against it, the heat goes into the furniture and not the room. You need a space or around six inches between the radiator and anything close to it so the heat can circulate. This can save about 10% on your energy bill.

Move seating away from external walls

If you are sitting near an external wall, you are more likely to feel the cold in your home and put up the heating. Try and arrange furniture against internal walls and

Conservatory?

The problem with a conservatory is that it can be too cold in the winter and very hot in the summer – if this room isn’t being used, make sure that you keep the doors closed when it’s cold outside and if you do have a mainly sunny day in the autumn or spring when you would use the heating, open the adjoining doors. It’s also advisable in winter to put a curtain between the two rooms, and you could look at installing a roof to regulate the temperature.

 

Since December 2021, the Bank of England has put up interest rates several times and this has meant that mortgage rates have steadily become higher.

Most homeowners are on a fixed rate mortgage deal and will be unaffected by the rise, but homeowners looking to remortgage at the end of their current deal along with first-time buyers will be affected. However, there are some things you can do to help offset these rises.

Fixed-term deals

A fixed-term mortgage deal means that you are protected from any increases for either 2, 5 or 10 years (longer fixed terms are available but this level of commitment needs some considerable thought). Unlike a variable rate mortgage, your mortgage will stay the same for the term of the mortgage. However, it’s important to look ahead and decide if you are willing to be tied in for a set amount of time because you could have to pay an early redemption penalty especially if you have opted for a 10-year fixed deal. Some lenders will let you ‘port’ the mortgage to your new home.

Mortgage term

If you want to keep your mortgage down, you should opt for a longer term. Depending on your age, you could opt for a 30-year mortgage instead of the standard 20- or 25-year mortgage. Although you will end up paying back more, your montly repayment will be lower. Some lenders offer a 40-year mortgage term but eligibility will depend on how old you are when you first take out the loan.

Mortgage overpayments

Although overpaying won’t result in lower repayments it will offset the higher interest as you’ll be reducing the amount of outstanding debt you owe so you’ll be charged less interest overall.

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