Affordable ways to winterize your home

Nov 13,2017 / By Priyanka / No Comment

It is challenging to conclude what is most unpleasant about winter— the constant cold feet and hands, or the fear of opening a heating bill after a month of leaving the thermostat turned up overnight. Since overwintering for a period of time is not an option, the best way to manage is to make sure your living space stays as warm as possible.

Here are a few simple and reasonable ideas to weatherproof your home for winter:

Close the storm windows are the simplest yet most unnoticed way to keep the cold air out. Be sure that your storm windows are in good shape and closed properly all around your home. Storm windows help to provide an added layer of protection against the cold winter air.

You might be surprised to know that heavier shades or drapes will both enhance your space and add a warm layer between you and the tedious weather outside. If your windows are facing the sun, let the sunlight in and turn on nature’s heater.

You can buy a door draft stopper and place them on your outside doors to help keep away the draft that oozes under the door. You can also buy a plastic “door sweep” that runs along the bottom of the door to seal it.

Protecting your hot water heater saves energy by reducing heat loss through the sides of the water heater by 25-40%, which will help you save currency on your energy bills.

Electrical vents can let a surprising amount of cold air in. You can seal those vents to keep electrical outlets sealed and remove the covers whenever you feel like.

Loading up on insulation is one of the best ways to save your energy bill so add more between your attic floor, walls, and basement ceiling to stay pleasant. The basement probably needs a knowledgeable contractor because of the issues of moisture, which can lead to mold. You can also seek out greener types of insulation made from recycled materials like newspaper, denim or wool that are formaldehyde-free.

Real Estate Smart Residential Living

Studio Apartment or One Bedroom Apartment: Which one is a better option to rent?

Nov 9,2017 / By Priyanka / No Comment

Are you planning to rent an apartment on your own? You may be confused on whether you want to live in a one bedroom apartment or in a studio apartment. These days both types of apartments are very popular for single occupants and each one has its own pros.

Here is how to decide whether a one-bedroom apartment is better for you or a studio apartment is the best option.

Reason why you should rent a one bedroom apartment

One-bedroom apartments catch the attention of tenants who wish to have more space and multiple rooms in their apartment. You will have more room to entertain your guest in a one bedroom apartment. The extra space means that your bed and other personal belongings will not be getting in the way (and potentially disappointing you from welcoming friends over). Also, having a living room means you can have a pull-out couch so visiting family members will have a place to stay when they are in town.

Reason why you should rent a studio apartment

Individuals who rent a studio apartment enjoy paying less rent each month, which converts to significant savings year after year.

The simple floor plan of a studio makes it reasonably easy to beautify. Studios are ideal for tenants who don’t have many possessions that they need to display or keep handy in their apartment.

When everything you own is placed in the same room, it is much easier to keep track of and find what you need. Staying in studio apartment forces you to prioritize what you really need and love so you eliminate the rest.

You should decide if you need the upgrade

Thinking between renting a one-bedroom apartment or a studio apartment boils down to thinking of a one-bedroom apartment as an upgrade (since it costs more) and deciding whether the upgrade is worth to you.

As you read in the article above, one-bedroom apartments offer certain advantages in return for the higher rent, but these advantages are not helpful to every occupant.

Also, some occupants who have enough money for a one-bedroom apartment choose they would have a preference, or at least would not mind, living in a studio apartment. If this is your condition, look for a studio that offers excellent views of your city or a nearby park or lake, or in a building that offers more facilities.

Know the difference between Porches, Balcony, Verandas, Patios and Deck

Nov 7,2017 / By Priyanka / No Comment

Having a well-designed outdoor is a fortunate circumstance for all homes and all seasons. Some of us have balconies, others decks, porches, patios, or verandas. While most of us have an inclination to swap these terms (and to believe they all have the same meaning), each of them has its own character and specifications.

Porches: They are generally low and covered structures, located in the entryway of the building. Porches can be both: open structures without windows; or covered interior extensions which protect the house from irksome weather conditions. Their roofs provide shadow; which is exactly why porches are the perfect area for relaxation during summer; still, porches differ in different parts of the world, both in term of function and look.

Balcony: It is an outdoor extension of a building’s upper floor; with an averagely one meter-enclosure (railings, balusters etc). Balconies can be made of any solid and good looking material; there is no strict construction rule. Balconies provide outdoor areas for various activities; especially for apartment owners who lack the satisfaction of having a personal yard.

Verandas (known also as verandahs) stand for all sorts of enclosed platforms around the house. In fact, they play the role of a ground floor balcony, such that surrounds the house and gives access both to the doorway and the back door of the house. While verandas are mostly an opened area and can be used for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Patios: They represent the living space outside your house, either a proper garden or a basic relaxing area. Depending on their size, patios can be both enclosed and uncovered. They are usually made of bricks, concrete, stones, gravel or flagstones. Generally, patios are attached to the house but again it all depends on your requirements, wishes, and possibilities.

Deck: A deck is generally roofless platform connecting a house. Decks are typically made of lumber and are elevated from the ground. It can include spaces for seating, dining as well as BBQing. Decks are usually covered by a railing. In some cases, decks can also be covered by a pergola or canopy.

Such places can be found both in residential and commercial buildings; and are favoured because of the remarkable urban landscapes they provide. The trend is becoming so popular that the construction companies have started to specialize in the design of these modern outdoor havens.

5 ways to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home

Nov 6,2017 / By Priyanka / No Comment

Remember your surroundings affect you more than you are aware of. Your environment basically controls your mood and the levels of your productivity. The home you live in should be your comfort zone and you need to be happy and safe.

For that, you need to do some work around your home, which is the only way to actually appreciate its aesthetics and enjoy it. Creating a welcoming home doesn’t require a special skill set, all you need is a bit of will and determination. Here we are sharing few ideas to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Remove clutter: The first stage of your home enhancement project should be decluttering. You need to remove old things that are no longer useful and make room for new ones. Start by thoroughly cleaning one room per day and you’ll be equally dedicated to all of them.

Look for Inspiration: Revamping your home requires creativeness and it is very important for you to be inspired, so you can be imaginative and playful. Even if you do have a few ideas about where you would like to start, you should check if they are achievable and if there is an enhanced way to do them. It is suggested that you should browse the internet and search for inspirations, watching beautifully designed homes and take new ideas from them and improve existing ones.

Slight Home Repairs: Once your home is clean and ready to be worked on, it’s time to get your toolbox. You know what needs to be fixed and adjusted around your home, but if you don’t know where to start you should perhaps concentrate on your noisy doors, stuck windows and cabinets and all those little bothersome stuff that you always fail to remember.

Fresh Layer of Paint: Revitalizing your walls with a new layer is the refreshment your home very much needs. In case you make your mind up to make this a DIY project, it’s not a bad idea to seek advice from an interior designer so they can help you select shades of paint that will bring out the best in your home. Although, you may have encountered combinations of colors you like while looking for inspiration.

Homey Touches: This is the simplest, but it’s also the most important step – it’s the small things that make a convivial home and it’s the cute details you fall in love with. However, this will require time as well as some money. To give a homey touch you can get things like pillows and picture frames in different shades of your favorite color.

Agreed that home improvement project will take a lot of time and effort, but it is nothing compared to what you will get to enjoy in the end.

Real Estate Smart Residential Living

How to choose the right real estate agent for you?

Nov 1,2017 / By Priyanka / No Comment

Whether you are investing in a property or selling your lifetime home, finding and choosing a real estate agent is a tough job. Rapport is all important when it comes to your real estate agent and your agent needs to be able to safeguard your financial securities.

You need someone who is reliable and listen carefully to your priorities and won’t waste time on properties that don’t fit the bill.
Most real estate agents are in business because happy customers refer them to friends, family, neighbours, and coworkers. Ask the individuals around you who they have used and ask them to recite their experiences with this real estate agent. Popular and successful agents make customer satisfaction as their number one priority. Try to find an agent who goes above and beyond his duties.

Most experts recommend five or more years’ experience—which does not mean that someone with less cannot do a good job. Make sure the real estate agent you choose is licensed by the state and does the job full-time; about half of all real estate agents are designated Realtors, which means they belong to the National Association of Realtors and agree to accept by NAR’s stringent code of ethics.

Real estate agents run real estate advertisement for two purposes. The first is to sell specific real estate. The second is to endorse the real estate agent. Go through your local community newspaper for house ads in your targeted locality. Then have a look at the websites of the agents who are advertising. These agents could be professionals in your locality. Call and check with them about their understanding and knowledge.

Real estate is a local game, and to win you need somebody who knows every nook and corner of the areas where you are looking to buy a property. The agent should be able to give you a thorough snapshot of the market in your area and surrounding areas. They should know about demographics, transport, schools and the sorts of buyers looking for homes in the area.

Inquire about what is currently available on the market in your budget range; they should be able to rattle off a few properties. Look at the agent’s track records, making sure you look at properties the agent has sold newly. Ask for the hard facts, sale prices, time on market etc.

Author Archives: Priyanka

Affordable ways to winterize your home

Studio Apartment or One Bedroom Apartment: Which one is a better option to rent?

Know the difference between Porches, Balcony, Verandas, Patios and Deck

5 ways to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home

How to choose the right real estate agent for you?