Property Makeovers

For many of us, our home is one of our main assets so how can we make the most of it, keeping up with the times, increasing our own comfort levels and improving its value? A new kitchen or bathroom is often the starting point, or perhaps the garden needs landscaping, you want to extend or even demolish and start again? Perhaps the stone or wood has been ravaged by time and needs a spruce up, or the floors are old-fashioned? Or maybe you just don’t know where to start?

As Bobby Knight of Sand and Blast highlights, one look at these pictures will show the difference that sandblasting can make. Also known as abrasive blasting or shotblasting, sandblasting involves spraying a surface with small abrasive particles. The interaction with the surface occurs at a very high speed and can have dramatic results. The technique can be used for a wide range of applications but is most popular in the preparation of surfaces before painting them, in the removal of smoke damage, or to remove paint and/or grime build up on stone, wood and metal. The abrasives that are used have different textures and density and must be selected carefully to ensure they suit a specific purpose. For this reason, experience and expertise in choosing the right medium and grade for your project is imperative. One of the major benefits of sandblasting is its simplicity. Carried out by professionals it is not strenuous as long as the correct equipment is used, and cleaning up is straightforward if the right procedures are followed. It is versatile too and can be used for heavy duty tasks such as stripping pavements through to more delicate operations. As the images highlight, the right equipment and knowhow will ensure an ideal outcome and perfect results. www.sandandblast.com

Jon Prince of Jon The Carpetman is often asked about the latest trends and the best floor covering for the style of house and footfall. He tells us that the fastest growing sector of the flooring market right now is for luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), a product that replicates the appearance of real wood or stone and which has specific benefits. Firstly, LVT is extremely versatile; you can create your own design using decorative borders, feature strips, or even have your own design specially

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First choice, best price, direct from factory. Paving and cobblestones, pool coping stones and stairways. Large stock available. www.guionie.eu

email: r.guionie53@gmail.com phone: 06 23 53 36 78

SAS Guionie, St Front, 47120 Pardaillan (Duras) With over 132 colours to choose from in the Farrow & Ball collection, in all different fi nishes from emulsions to distemper to exterior eggshells and beautiful hand printed wallpaper, it’s easy to create the result you are looking for. Right now it’s all about shutters, front doors and windows with many inspirational photographs to choose from, from traditional to contemporary and, for the more daring, some bright colours.

candice@fabrica.boutique Tel: 05 53 24 70 19 17, rue de l’Engin, 24500 EYMET

cut! Secondly, LVT can be more practical than the natural alternatives with the good quality versions being waterproof, easy to maintain and warmer underfoot. They can also have a lifetime residential guarantee! There are three main types of this style of flooring • Glue down, which gives endless design and style opportunities in both wood and stone. • Loose lay, a click together system giving a fast installation option without disturbing the original sub-floor. • Acoustic click together to give maximum sound reduction, utilising a built-in underlay. For these reasons, LVT may be ideal for those who want a new floor which is inspired by wood or stone and which can be installed with minimum disruption. www.jon-thecarpetman.com

Stuart Parkes of Papillon Architecture explains that architects are highly skilled and professionally trained to turn your aspirations into reality. They will guide you through the design, planning and construction process whether you are constructing a new building or adapting an existing property. Applying impartial and creative thinking to projects large and small, architects add value, whether from maximising light and space, adding functionality, or achieving the best return on your investment. Whatever the size or type of project, it makes sense to at least talk to an architect for advice before you start. If you need planning permission, and in France an architect is obligatory for projects that create 150m² of habitable floor space or more*, it is sensible to engage an architect to take you to at least that stage in the process. They can also prepare construction drawings with technical specifications that describe your agreed proposals for selected builders to cost. Appointing an architect as your project manager provides quality control over the build and can reduce stress and avoid potential disagreements. They carry out regular inspections, deal with queries, instruct any additional work required, monitor progress on site, keep track of costs, value works and certify payments due to the builders. A good architect will actually pay for themselves - more than once. You will reap the reward and the building will be hugely better and deliver much better value for it. *Companies and large agricultural and industrial buildings will also need an architect. www.papillonarchitecture.com

You can find a wealth of registered, English-speaking artisans and professionals in our online business directory.

Cost Effective Pricing & Delivery Extensive Range of Colours Available Professional Colour Matching Service Brexit Proof, Quick & Secure Delivery Free Colour Chart Available Free Advice Call +44 (0)1422 713416

Our family run business was established in France in 2007 and has been successfully designing and installing beautiful kitchens ever since. Michael Staines, who has more than 30 years of experience in the field, works together with Timothy and Felicity to ensure every project runs smoothly and professionally. The Just Kitchens team can offer you a completely personal service from design to finished space. We will take your initial ideas through to the reality of a beautiful and practical kitchen, fitted to the highest standards. You are always welcome to join us for a coffee and chat about your project at one of our showrooms in the Gers, SW France. Please see our website for details: www.justkitchens.fr We would also love to hear from you by email or telephone: Tel: 05 62 58 03 64 Email: justkitchens.fr@gmail.com

Q UALITY PAINT & WALLPAPER THINKING ABOUT HOME RENOVATION? La Belle Maison is an independent retailer of Little Greene’s high quality, exceptional wallpapers and environmentally-friendly paints. We stock every fi nish including oil and masonry, kitchens and fl oors, and every colour. Free consultation to help you choose the right fi nish and free sample pots to ensure the perfect colour. Facebook: @la.belle.maison or call Beverley on 05 53 64 37 43

10 Avenue de Marmande, Allemans-du-Dropt, 47800 05 53 64 37 43 - www.la-belle-maison.com

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