The Christmas tree is coming out of the loft, the decorations are being hung and the house looks festive and cosy.

But what happens when Christmas and New Year have passed and the decorations are put back into storage? Do you, like many people, suddenly realise how dull and tired your house looks without those twinkling lights? Have you noticed the chips in the skirting board; faded wallpaper and misted double glazing? 

Is it time to give your Basildon home some much-needed TLC?

Whether you just want to spend a few pennies putting a lick of paint on the wall or thousands on an all-singing, all dancing extension, thebestof Basildon has a whole host of recommended local tradespeople ready and raring to help you refresh your property.

Local builders Barnes Webster and Sons Ltd may predominantly work for the construction industry, but they are also highly respected for their domestic projects, ranging from new builds and extensions, to refurbishments and alterations.

Is your bathroom less of a sanctuary and more of a nightmare? Perhaps it's time to call in the experts. Covering Basildon and the surrounding area, Ultimate Choice Bathrooms is a specialist bathroom design and installation company. With more than 20 years' experience, Ultimate Choice Bathrooms gives you the option to purchase only or take advantage of its full design and installation service, during which you will guided through the entire process. 

For general plumbing services, the name to choose is Your Trusted Plumber. Are you replacing your  radiators? Just bought a washing machine, or dishwasher? Bought the bathroom or shower but need it installed? Need some tiling done? Call on Your Trusted Plumber!

I would normally say that 'winter is the time when you are most aware of any leaks in your roof' but let's face it – with the complete lack of summer, you've probably noticed any issues throughout the whole of 2012! Still, if you do need to contact a flat roofing specialist, we suggest speaking to High Tech Membrane Roofing.

Sometimes the best way to refresh a home is with a new coat of paint. But if you don't have the time or inclination to do it yourself, why not contact Basildon Decorating? The painters and decorators can decorate one room, paint or wallpaper, or completely redecorate your entire home. No job is too large or too small.

Are the curtains starting to look shabby? Have you considered installing blinds or shutters? Reynolds Blinds has an exceptional reputation for the fitting of a wide range of blinds and shutters, including Roman blinds to vinyl shutters; conservatory blinds to Silhouette blinds.

Of course, the exterior of your home is just as important as its interior – with that in mind, Basildon Driveways specialises in all aspects of paving, landscaping and design. The local business can also plaster your walls, remove or lop trees, lay turf, install decking and much more!

We all have those little jobs we put off... why not ask a reliable, recommended handyman to do them for you instead? Based in Basildon, Kelvin the Handyman offers a wide range of DIY services, ranging from replacing and fitting new locks to kitchen fitting and fence painting!

And finally, what's the point in spending all that time, effort and money making your home look fabulous if intruders can get in and take your treasured belongings? Peak Security Systems Ltd specialises in CCTV, access control and door entry intercom, and intruder alarms, giving you total peace of mind.