Guides & Advice
Guides & Advice
Your guide to installing wallpaper in your home in Malta
Wallpaper is steadily becoming a popular home trend in Malta. Many homeowners are turning to wallpaper to better customise their rooms to their personality and tastes. And with growing demand, more and more stockists are supplying an array of beautiful wallpaper designs and brands to suit all styles and budgets.
If you’ve never used wallpaper in your home before then you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Why not just stick to a good old-fashioned lick of paint? The truth is that while a creative use of paint can add plenty of colour and drama to any room, wallpaper simply offers decorative appeal that paint never can.
The benefits of adding wallpaper in your home
Here are just a few reasons why wallpaper may be your best bet to add greater individuality to your home.
It showcases your personality – When decorating your home, you want each space to accurately reflect your tastes. And wallpaper really enables you to showcase your unique personality to the max. From clean and minimalist designs all the way to flamboyant floral patterns, wallpaper is a brilliant way to express your inner you. And whether you love animals, books, sports, art, superheroes, travel, or anything else imaginable, you’re bound to find the right wallpaper design that perfectly reflects your passions and can establish the ideal mood for your rooms.
An endless choice of patterns and designs – While paints come in plenty of hues and shades, entering the wallpaper world provides an endless choice of textures, colours, patterns, and designs to make your walls look entirely unique. From simple one-colour designs to classical damasks, abstract motifs, photorealistic murals, and even decals that contain quotes or images, you’re simply spoilt for choice. Textured wallpaper can even add three-dimensional depth and warmth to a room. There really is no limit when you come to design your dream space using wallpaper.
Wallpaper can look great in almost any room, however you need to be aware of potential issues that may cause damage to your wallpaper. For example, if you’re hanging wallpaper in a room without adequate ventilation, this may lead to steam and dampness which will cause the paper to peel. Also, if you have young kids, it’s a good idea to go for highly durable materials that can be easily wiped down of any handprints and smudges. As well as choosing your ideal design, you’ll also need to think practically to ensure your wallpaper lasts.
Makes a feature out of specific spaces – One of the great things about wallpaper is that it can be used sparingly to great effect. You don’t need to cover an entire room in the same pattern. Instead, you might opt to decorate just one wall to transform that space into a real feature that draws the eye. Wallpaper is also great to highlight other features in your room. Say you’re a fan of antique furniture, Art Deco ornaments, or Scandinavian-style joinery, then you can find the perfect wallpaper design that will really complement and amp up that décor style within your room.
Considerations when installing wallpaper in your home
For all its decorative benefits, wallpaper can be a deceptively tricky material to install on your own. You might think that hanging a few strips of paper on a wall is kid’s play, but there are a few important factors to consider before you start the actual wallpapering process. Logistics, space, materials, quality of wallpaper all play a crucial role to the final effect of your chosen design.
Here are some common considerations when preparing to apply wallpaper in your home.
Choosing the right wallpaper types
Not all wallpapers are the same and the sheer number of variations available can be downright confusing. There are paper options, silk-woven, vinyl-coated, fabric-backed, organic textures, peel-andstick wallpapers, and so many other options. Not every wallpaper type will be appropriate for your walls. That’s why it’s essential to first understand which wallpaper material is best suited to your requirements before you even go about selecting your dream pattern. Speaking to an expert is a must here. They will save you on time and money to find the ideal wallpaper variety that is guaranteed to stick to your walls, and which won’t simply peel and fall down after time.
Humidity in the home
The majority of wallpaper brands are manufactured in countries where humidity in homes isn’t a major concern. In Malta, however, humidity continues to be a major issue for many homeowners. With this in mind, you’ll first want to check your chosen wall for any signs of damp or water damage. It’s important to rectify these issues before applying wallpaper to these areas. Otherwise, you might find that your lovely new wallpaper will start to bubble and peel shortly after installing.
Secondly, if certain areas of your home are prone to the effects of humidity, you may want to consider looking into more durable wallpaper materials, such as vinyl coated wallpaper, which can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. This will ensure your wallpaper will remain in good condition for you to enjoy for many years to come.
Prepping walls
In addition to checking for signs of damp, you will also need to make sure your walls are clean of any nails, cracks, or stains before you start hanging the wallpaper on it. Holes or protrusions will need to be patched up and removed to create an entirely flat surface which won’t cause air bubbles behind the paper. It’s also a good idea to wipe the wall down to remove any dirt and dust. All this ensures that when the paper is applied, it will be bond tightly to the walls. It will also make it easier to align the seams properly. Otherwise, you may find that the wallpaper will begin to move or pull, creating inconsistencies in the overall pattern over time.
Wallpaper installation can be a messy and costly job, especially if you’re new to it. You need to be prime your walls correctly and be gentle when handling the sheets. Incorrect installation can cause the wallpaper to droop, peel, or even tear, which will mean you’ll waste money replacing sheets or having to re-do entire walls.
Appropriate glues and adhesives
Just as there are many variations of wallpaper, you’ll also need to consider the right glue or adhesive that is right for your paper. Unfortunately, finding the right adhesives is not that easy in Malta as many home décor shops don’t stock a large supply of wallpaper glues. However, there are several wallpaper specialists who ship over good quality adhesives from the UK and other countries where wallpaper is more popular. Choosing the wrong adhesive may not only damage the wallpaper, rendering it unusable, but it can potentially cause damage to walls. That’s why it’s always best to tread carefully and speak to an expert before you make your purchase.
Hire a professional wallpaper installer
The above considerations are all to be made before you even start hanging the actual paper on the wall. When you come to the wallpapering itself, it’s important to know that there’s a definite skill and talent to hanging wallpaper correctly. You’ll need to ensure the paper is hanging straight with the use of a spirit level, seams are aligned precisely, adhesives are correctly and evenly pasted. You will also need to be adept at cutting away the excess paper to fit the length of your wall. A small mistake may cause rips or tears in the material.
That’s why it’s always recommended to hire a professional. They can ensure that the right steps are taken to prep and prime your walls and get the job done with minimal hassle and hiccups, meaning all you’ll have to do is sit back and enjoy your newly decorated room.
Ready to wallpaper your home? Then it’s time to call in the pros. Explore all verified wallpaper stockists and specialists listed on Check Your Traders here.
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Guides & Advice
Looking for pest control services in Malta? Here’s what you need to know.
When you spot insects or rodents running amok in your home, it can come as quite a shock. Not only will the sight of such pests make you feel ill at ease in your home, but creepy crawlies are likely to start causing damage to your property in no time at all. They also spread infection and disease that can be harmful to you, your family, and even your pets.
Unfortunately, due to the islands’ warm weather and humidity, pest problems are a common occurrence in Malta and Gozo. So, if you’re looking to nip your pest infestation in the bud, here’s everything you need to know.
Most common pests in Malta
Before you call in the pest control professionals, it’s good to identify what pests you’re dealing with and the potential problems they can cause within your home.
Ants
Ants may appear relatively harmless however they can quickly infest a home in colonies of thousands, which will cause several health and hygiene problems. Firstly, ants are known to borrow through walls, door frames, skirting, and even wooden furniture, leaving behind holes and little piles of dust and debris. Aside from the damage to your home, ants pose a number of health risks, including spreading bacteria and, in extreme cases, have been known to cause allergic reactions.
Termites
While termites aren’t known to carry diseases harmful to humans, they can cause severe damage in your home by chewing through wooden furniture. Living in a home that’s infested by termites may also be harmful to people prone to allergic reactions and asthma attacks. They also multiply fast, meaning you’ll need to act fast to nip them in the bud.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are without doubt one of the worst pest problems we have in Malta and Gozo. That’s largely due to the country’s warm and humid weather, which spurs cockroach populations to feed and reproduce at an alarming rate. These scavenging insects are known to feast on almost anything, including rotten food, cardboard boxes, leather, soap, and even faecal matter. This means they can spread diseases such as dysentery and gastroenteritis. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast when you spot a cockroach in your house.
“Many people wonder why pests are entering their home in the first place. The answer is usually one of three things: food, water, and shelter. That’s why it’s always recommended to not leave food and crumbs out in the open, on table and countertops. Garbage bins should be adequately sealed and taken out frequently. Humidity in the home will also need to be dealt with as many insects thrive in moist areas. A dehumidifier may be a worthwhile investment to keep certain types of insects out of your home.
Hornets
Oriental hornets are indigenous to the Mediterranean and have become a rising problem in Malta over the past few years. The species is attracted to urbanised areas, often nesting in cracks, ventilators, and air conditioning pipes around homes and offices. They are highly territorial and will aggressively attack if they feel they are being provoked. Worse still, they are capable of inflicting multiple, painful stings that can cause facial swelling and difficulty in breathing, which may require medical attention, especially among young children. For this reason, it is never recommended to approach a hornet’s nest. Always call in the professionals.
Rodents
Dealing with rats or mice in the home is a nightmare situation for anyone. In Malta, they are particularly known to infest homes that are situated close to open fields or abandoned buildings. With their sharp teeth, they can chew on anything they get their paws on, causing holes in walls and cupboards. They also carry a high risk of disease especially when you come in contact with their droppings and saliva, which can be toxic to humans and cause severe infection.
Your 5 most common pest control questions answered
Calling in pest control services is, thankfully, not an everyday occurrence. But that means many of us simply don’t know what to expect. Here we answer some of your most common questions to do with pest control in Malta.
1 – Why do I need a pest control specialist? Can’t I get rid of pests on my own?
Should you be spotting the odd insect or pest every now and then, you may be able to deal with the situation using over-the-counter products available from most supermarkets, such as insect repellent sprays. However, these solutions usually only work for a short period of time. Continued pest problems will require a professional pest control service. Pest control technicians possess the expertise to locate where certain pest problems are stemming from and can provide high-quality pesticides and treatments to resolve the issue for good.
2 – Is pest control safe for children and pets?
This answer will largely depend on the variety and quantity of pest treatments used in your home. However, generally speaking, pest control specialists pride themselves on offering low-risk and environmentally friendly solutions that will ensure your children and pets won’t be harmed. Furthermore, such specialists will be bound by rigorous industry safety regulations and guidelines which ensure their products are safe for humans. Whenever in doubt, or should a member of your family (including your pets) suffer from certain medical conditions, it is always best to speak to your pest control expert who will be able to take such factors into consideration and provide guidance before treating your home.
3 – Do I need to leave my home during fumigation?
Here again, the answer will largely depend on the variety of pest your home is being treated for. Most pest control experts recommend staying away from your home for around two to four hours after fumigation. In rare cases, you may be required to stay outside your home for up to 24 hours. However, it may also be completely fine for you to stay at home during the procedure should the products be entirely safe. It is also common for pest technicians to ask you not to approach areas that have been treated for anywhere between 30 mins to an hour to ensure the treatment has had ample time to take effect.
4 – How do I prepare before my home is fumigated?
It is always recommended to ensure your home is clean and clutter-free before pest control begins the fumigation process. Move furniture or appliances away from corners of rooms to give the technician easy access to treat such areas. Also, keep countertops clear and be sure to cover or store away any food. Mopping or vacuuming floors and wiping down surfaces is never a bad idea as it may get rid of pest eggs or droppings.
If you have babies or young toddlers in the home, be sure to store away or cover up any cribs and toys. Children tend to put things in their mouths, so it’s best to reduce the risk of them coming into contact with objects that have been exposed to pesticides. Your pest technician will be able to provide more preparation tips specific to your home and pest problem.
5 – How quickly does pest control treatment work?
While the exact timeframe will depend on the pest in question, in most cases you’ll notice the effects within the first few days after fumigation. In some cases, you might see an initial increase in pest activity within your home after treatment. This isn’t a cause for alarm and is actually a good sign. That’s because it shows the pesticides are working and have begun to disrupt the pests’ normal habits, causing them to perish. While pesticides are highly effective, some pests are extremely tenacious, which may require several visits from the professionals in order to fully eradicate the problem.
Are you experiencing a pest problem in your home? Then there’s no time to lose! Contact a verified pest control specialist today.
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Guides & Advice
Real Estate Licence Malta
About time you say? With the Maltese islands rife with “Real Estate Agents” it seems there is no better time to regulate the profession with a licence. With no qualifications, no previous experience in the sector, anyone is able to start working in real estate in Malta. We cannot open our social media without a house to rent or a property to sell filling up our news feed. It has become a shark’s den full of hungry sharks searching for their next bite of commission.
Very often this role is paid with high commission and a low salary. This can make for a very profitable venture for the Estate Agent businesses, although for the hungry representative who is trying to feed themselves, it can become a battle to the death. Many work multiple jobs to look after their families, on top of working online in the evenings posting properties. This role can be arduous. Having to wade through the tire kickers to find the genuine customer who is serious on making a move. With this mentality comes a host of issues for all involved. The lessee the lessor or the seller & buyer.
Unfortunately, Estate Agencies only worsen the problem by offering a low basic salary or none at all. Of course, there is a risk for any company working with sales representatives in an industry with high staff turnover. They too as a business are searching through representatives to find the hot shot. The person who has a natural talent for sales and therefore is profitable for the company. As we know, any business is only as good as its staff.
However some have found a way to get around that risk by passing it on the customers and the staff. By following the law and not providing a commission only role, they often offer an “allowance” to be deducted from any commission the representative earns. The system then can lead to many sales representatives running up a debt with their employer and ultimately leaving the role. This leaves minimal risk to the business. The other alternative offered to many representatives is to become self employed. Home (businessfirst.com.mt)
We can usually see the publics mood by watching our social media channels and boy has this become a problem for the Maltese residents. Our concerns and complaints had previously been restricted to friends and family and maybe a post on our private social media outlets. That all changed in June 2020 when a Facebook group called (2) Landlords to Avoid in Malta | Facebook was created. In only a few months this group has grown to a following of over 6000 people. As you look through the site the posts seem to be mainly complaints of deposits not being returned, and lack of service from Real Estate agents. The validity of these is up to the viewers discretion. A good example of these posts is this lady who has put together her experience of renting in Malta. The Worst Experience as a Tenant in Malta | Lost Right For Deposit | Agency’s Refusal for a refund – YouTube
We wonder what has this set up done to public trust in the industry? With the arrangement as it is, we have found ourselves searching through hundreds of representatives looking for the right agent. When it comes to rentals, many seem to look for the property, not the agent. This gives the Landlords the risk of renting their property to unsuitable tenants. The risk also exists for the lessor searching for a fair and honest landlord. With disagreements and unsuitable matches happening everyday Housing Authority – Home (gov.mt) is here to give both parties a platform for fair ruling.
What can the agencies do to improve this reputation of sell and run? Training, training and more training is required. Finding a suitable property for a lessee or a buyer is already a stressful process. We would like agents who take our needs into consideration and make the effort to sell/lease us homes that are right for our needs. This will then lead a loyal customer base. A few have achieved this level of trust already, unfortunately many more have not.
Thank goodness for the Real Estate Licence! This new ruling could not come at a better time. Giving customers the knowledge that their representative is qualified to provide the service sold. With a deadline of June 2021 things are looking in the right direction for the industry. MCAT are offering these licences MCAST Gateway to industry.
The team at Checkyourtraders.com believe in customer satisfaction and as of June 2021 we will only allow Estate Agents with this licence to list as a Verified listing. So always be aware and protect yourself and your money by using a Verified Estate Agent
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Guides & Advice
How To Rent Safely In Malta
Never rent an apartment without viewing it first
This may sound like a “no brainer”, but you’d be surprised how many people actually do. Photos and images from online listing are all well and good to give an indication but never sign on the dotted line until you have viewed property in person.
Always sign a written contract
Never agree to working with a “Verbal Agreement” this is a recipe for disaster in the long run.
Identify and meet owner
Always request to meet owner before making a decision on your choice of home. This relationship is critical moving forward so work out early who you are dealing with.
Use a credible letting agent
Do your research. There are many choices when it comes to agents in Malta, make sure you choose an agent that is going to offer a full service not just be there at the beginning to take their commission. Making use of search engines, social media and asking locally will give you a good idea of who to use and who to avoid. You want to make sure that you Agent will be there for you if something does go wrong. Communication is a clear insight into the future when dealing with Agents, if they are not capable of replying to your enquires on time, listening to your property requirements and then arranging viewings of properties that meet you requirements then avoid.
Avoid dealing with cash only requests
If landlord/agent requests cash only take this as a warning sign that something could possibly be amiss.
Check current market rates
Avoid overinflated prices. Again a little research goes a long way. Make sure the property gives value for money and is consistent with the Market.
Check above and around
This is a must to avoid. With Construction happening everywhere you look in Malta make sure you look around the property for potential construction in the vicinity. Check for Public Notices and planning permission certificates to give you a clear understanding of what is ahead. Also check with the building itself to see if Airspace is available and if there are any plans to build. Particularly important when selecting a Penthouse Apartment.
Ask for landlord references from previous tenants
The best way to find out what the landlord is like is by talking to previous tenants. References go both ways.
Make sure the landlord agrees to register you with the utility services (Arms Ltd)
When you take a Lease on a new property make sure that the Landlord completes the Form H required to register the number of persons who will be residing at the property to ensure that you will enjoy the same discounted rate of water and electricity that the locals enjoy. If you are not registered with the Utility Service as residing at the property you will be charged at the higher domestic rate, rather than the residential rate, which is a considerable difference of between 25 to 30 percent.
Always do a walk through on the day of move in
Walk through with Landlord and identify any issues with the property, document and take photos if possible. Avoid any issues of mould regardless of how small.
Make sure your agent is familiar with the housing regulations (January 2020)
In January 2020 the Government introduced new housing regulations in relation to the Letting of Properties on the Island. When choosing an Agent, make sure that that Agent is not only familiar with those New Regulations but can explain their effect and ensure they are included in the final Lease Agreement.
Here at letslet we are fully conversant with the new regulations and are happy to take the time to explain their impact/effect upon the landlord/tenant and to guide you through all septs to find you that perfect home!
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