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The Dos and Don’ts of House Washing

House washing is one of those jobs which is much easier said than done. But your homes exterior is exposed to the harsh elements and environmental factors such as traffic fumes, sea spray and spider webs. So, in order to keep your home looking well maintained it is important to carry out house washing at least once a year. As your homes paint job is not just for looks it also plays an important role in protecting your homes cladding from the elements. This can be an arduous and long process especially if your home is multi-level, which is why sometimes it is better to leave this job to the professionals, like Endeavour Property Services who do house washing throughout Auckland. Although for those more DIY inclined we will cover some basic dos and don’ts to remember when washing your homes exterior.

DO

Secure windows, doors first -It is important before you start washing your home to ensure that all windows are doors are tightly secured. As if not you may risk having water and grime leaking into your home.

Wear safety goggles – It is important that you are always be sure toprotect your eyes especially when you are washing your house as dirt and debris may get in your eyes.

Spot test a small section- Before getting too far along it is always good practice to insect the area. Then you can tell if the cleaning solution or brush you are using is causing any damage, before moving on and completing the job. But if you see any evidence of damage, switch to a regular hose. If it looks good, continue!

Pre-treat – Squirt especially soiled areas with cleanser before getting started with the hose. For a gentler alternative to harsh mildew killers, try a solution of oxygen bleach, which is a form of hydrogen peroxide. You can give especially grimy areas a quick scrub with a soft brush, too.

Work from top to bottom – It is always good practice to work from top to bottom when washing your home. This is because when cleaning the grease will drip downwards first. So, by cleaning top to bottom you are not dirtying areas you have already cleaned.

Wait for a warm dry day – The best weather for washing your home is a warm and dry day. As it is not only the safest conditions for working on a ladder, when cleaning in wind you can cause dirt to spread further making the clean less effective.

Call in the experts if you don’t have the time to do it or feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Use a soft brush – Always be careful when selecting a brush to clean your house with as it is surprisingly easy to damage your homes paintwork if you select a brush that is too coarse.

Don’t spray water directly at the windows – When rinsing your house, it is important not to spray the water directly at the windows as this can cause water to seep through at the joins of the window and window frame. And strong water streams can even break glass, which is very dangerous. 

DON’T 

Underestimate the power of pressure washers – A pressure washer’s biggest strengths—speed and power—make it a dangerous tool. If not used carefully it can not only damage your homes paintwork and cladding itself, it can also cause damage to yourself. Some pressure washers are so powerful they can cut through skin.

Don’t bring the nozzle to close to the surface – it is important to read the manufacturers guide before using any water blaster or pressure washer. As if used to close to surfaces it can cause a lot of damage.

Use hot water – It is often thought that hot water is necessary when cleaning your homes exterior although this is not the case. Although this is not the case in most cases using water straight from the hose does the job. And it save you trips to your hot tap.

Never spray stucco or brick straight on – As this can cause the water to penetrate the cracks in these surfaces causing damage to both the cladding and your home.

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Is interior designing for you?

What is interior designing? Interior designing is the art of decorating or designing the interior of your house to give it a much pleasant and coordinated look. A room which is properly decorated will add a modern and posh look to the whole house. It will also give out positive vibes from it. People, who will visit, will for sure get impressed.

But are you the one who is always getting compliments on your taste of interior designing? Are you the one who is always arranging the furniture? Do you love decorating various rooms in different styles? If yes then you were born an interior designer. You have got it all in you. But before you make interior designing as your career preference, remember that it might be a life altering choice. The challenges you will have to face on a daily basis might excite you, but many of them will also not appeal you.

Given below are certain things which you should keep in mind while pondering whether interior designing is the best option for you or not.

The first thing you must know is the difference between a designer and a decorator. In short, the main difference between them is education. An interior decorator doesn’t have any proper qualifications for this job. He has a natural passion for it and thus promotes himself. But an interior designer has to go through extensive study process to get him a proper degree to call himself a professional interior designer.

This is not science which you can just learn. It is a type of art-form which you can pursue only if you have the talent for it. You must have the innate ability to identify the colours, architecture, spatial arrangements and textiles that go together. The best interior designers have become successful just because they have a knack for design since they were born.

Without the proper education, you would think that interior designing majorly consists of furniture, colour and fabrics. Though these are quite important aspects of interior designing, there is a lot more to it. Interior designers are required to do a lot of tasks which might be more of work than fun.

You might think that the salary you will receive after completing such an extensive education would be quite high. But an entry level interior designer’s median salary was observed to be approximately 42,380 US dollars per annum. Of course a lot of other specificities are taken in account while deciding your salary. But in all your experience and your skill will be the most important factor.

To become an interior designer you have to be a great people person. You have to please your client at all costs. Some clients might have a clear idea on what they want, but you will also come across those who think they know what they want, but not be satisfied with the end result. This is where interior design consultants come into action. They will help the clients figure out exactly what they want, whilst keeping them in total control.

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What Are The Signs Of Leaky Basement

You have done lots of efforts to keep your basement well-maintained and dry. But, suddenly you find your basement have become pool of water and get confused, how did this occur. Well, you can guess so many things against leaky basement, still you fail to detect the exact problem and sign of leaky basement. That’s where this article can bring you some needful information for you to have an initial solution.

Here are some of signs that will be helpful in detecting the leaky basement.

  Mold

  Mold is the first thing that can be detected when you you examine your basement and that is very common to occur. A mold is the result of moisturised atmosphere around the basement and bring mushy smells too. A mold not only looks ugly but also bring so many health hazard. This can be dangerous especially when you stay with your family. If you notice such mold, it is advisable to have immediate  Leaky Basement repair  by a team of experts.

  Tie holes

  Tie holes are those holes that are formed during concrete foundation including wood and steel rods. Once, the foundation is done, the woods and steel rods are removed and filling the holes with cementitious based products. It is important to patch those holes properly, if not treated well and patched properly, it can be the serious issue and can be the weak spot in the concrete wall that ultimately prone to leaky basement.

Water stains

    A leaky basement can leave water stains and patches on the walls of your house. You can notice these stains around your kitchen, bathroom and even bedroom. The stains are not only looks ugly but also leaves a bad impression amongst your guests and friends. If you are noticing such daunting signs, treat them immediately to give your house a luxurious look.

Honeycombing

    Honeycombing is the process to identify rough and pitted concrete surface that can be occurred due to improper filling of the concrete against the formwork. You will need honeycombing when you probably didn’t use right type of material while surfacing the floor. Honeycombing your house means, your basement can emerge with some serious issues such as crack and uneven flooring that can easily penetrate water on the basement.

No matter how often you look after your basement or have a regular inspection, it can be leaky if the initial foundation is not done properly. However, the above-mentioned signs will be helpful in detecting leaky basement.

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Benefits of Contracting A Reliable Office Cleaning Service

With the vast amount of employees spending around 40 hours weekly in their business environment ensuring a clean, healthy office becomes a necessity to office managers. While many offices depend solely on its workforce to ensure a clean working environment, hiring a professional window cleaning can make a significant difference. Furthermore, office window cleaning if handled by these professionals will not only save you money but also business time. Here are some of the reasons why contracting an office window cleaning professional might be a good idea.

Green cleaning

These professionals know the importance of reducing carbon footprint. Also, their services are geared towards ensuring a greener office window cleaning and helping you be more environmentally friendly as well.

Increase productivity

A clean office window allows employees to focus on their work. A dirty window in the office environment can distract workers. With a thorough office window cleaning service, employees will become more productive and enjoy spectacular views of their surrounding environment. Hiring a professional office window cleaning company guarantees that your office runs like a newly bought machinery. Plus, the cleaner your office is the more productive your workers. Furthermore, they will keep their own personal space well organized.

Customized cleaning

Are you looking to clean specific areas in your business window? In truth, every company has its own unique cleaning requirement and so by contracting a dependable cleaner, you can be rest assured of getting the office window cleaning services you require. Rather than offers a standard general cleaning, this professional cleaning service provides a tailor-made cleaning service to suit your business’s exact needs.

Healthy environment

One way to ensure a healthy work environment and further make your building more appealing is by cleaning your office windows. Without professional cleaning companies, dirt and dust can easily build-up in the window pane. With many employees eating at their desks and opening the windows for ventilation, it is easy for bacteria and germs to spread. The amount of dirt and bacteria found on an office window can make workers fall ill easily, resulting in reduced productivity and increased sick days. Office window cleaning services are skilled and knowledgeable in sanitation practices helping to ensure your office is clean and bacteria free.

Saves time and money

If employees are tasked with office window cleaning the time spent doing so can add up to many hours that would have been better utilized to further improve the business. Consulting a professional office window cleaning gives you and your workers peace of mind. Knowing that you’re creating a clean, welcoming working environment means that every employee will carry on with their tasks without worry about cleaning the office window. Hiring a reliable cleaning service ensures your staffs work more efficiently and concentrate on completing the task they were hired for.

Proper tools and equipment

Qualified office window cleaning services are well equipped with the right tools and equipment required to perform seamless office window cleaning to the highest standard. Regardless of what you need, be it industrial cleaning tools or environmentally friendly cleaning products, these professionals are adequate equipped to ensure your office window is cleaned thoroughly.

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Finished basement – the benefits

With space at home becoming scarcer and scarcer, people are considering transforming their basements into living areas where the basements can be used as additional rooms in the house, study room, personal working area and others. Many real estate companies today are seeing a rise in the number of clients looking for finished basements because of the value that they have to offer. In the olden times, basements were just used as storage rooms where people would just store items that they did not need too often in their homes. However, the demand for finished basement is on the rise since people can do so much more with such rooms.

There are many benefits for having a finished basement in your home. This includes:

Increased value for your home

One of the most important reasons why it is important to have a finished basement n your home is that it increases its value. This is very important especially if you are planning t dispose your home in the future. The presence of the basement will help you get more value from the home. In fact, it is a big selling point in the market today. More and more people are looking for homes with basements that they can use for many other different reasons.

Increased space in your home

Anther reason why t is important to have finished basement at home is that you get more room to work on. With the growing population today, homes are becoming smaller and smaller. This makes it hard for pole to have an extra room where they can install offices, study spaces as well as gyms. However, with the presence of the basement, you have more space in your home. This is a cheap way of getting more space without having to reorder or expand your home.

Privacy

Another benefit of having a finished basement in your home is that you get more privacy. There are times when you have a project that needs to be completed in time. When such times arrives, you can lest be assured that a finished basement is the best place to handle such projects. This is because the basement offers you with the privacy that you need in the long term.  With the basement, you can be able to concentrate on the projects that you are having without anyone disturbing you. This is very important for it can save a lot of you time while at the same time providing you with a convenience space to work on.

Great styling

Last but not least, you wan to have a finished basement in your home so that you can implement all the crazy styles that you want in your home. When you have great ideas about transforming your home, you can first start by implementing them in the basement and if they turn out well, you can then move ahead to implementing them in the rest of the house. The basement can give you space you conduct a pilot trial of your new ideas.

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Is Refinishing Your Basement Worth the Cost?

Plenty of people think about remodeling their basements. Many do it because they want more space to work with or they want to create specific rooms that they don’t have in the rest of their house. For instance, a finished basement could be used for workout space, for a guest room, for an additional living room or a play area for your children. There are plenty of possibilities for a remodeled basement, but it’s important to consider how such a change will affect resale value. Without a large enough improvement to your home’s resale value you could be pouring a significant amount of money into a basement project that isn’t going to pay off in the end. That’s bad news and not a good way to spend your cash. That’s why it makes sense to ask whether or not a basement remodel will pay off.

Will a Basement Remodel Retain its Value at Resale?

Every year Remodeling Magazine puts together a Cost vs. Value report for remodeling projects. One of the projects included in that 2016 report was a basement remodel and in that report it showed that the project retains approximately 70.4% of its value during resale. That’s an excellent figure for a remodel project and it shows that you can invest a serious amount of cash into your home basement without losing it all if you decide to sell your home later on.

A Cost Effective Option

A basement remodel is one of the most cost effective enhancements that you can make to your home. It retains more of its value than adding a two-story addition, a bathroom remodel, a kitchen remodel or adding on a variety of rooms. If you’re looking for a way to get the most out of your home, with a reasonable investment, there are few options that are as good as finishing up a basement as long as you have the space for it. If you’re thinking of putting an addition on your home, or doing another remodeling project that you could do in the basement instead, you would be better off making the modifications to your basement if you can.

Enhance Your Home with an Exciting Basement Project

No matter what it is that you want out of your home, your basement gives you the additional space that you need for a theater, for a man cave, for an entertaining space, a bar room or whatever you can come up with. Not only that, but you can go ahead and make your dreams come true knowing that the changes you make will pay off in the end. You’ll enjoy a nice boost to your total home value when it comes time to sell, and you’ll have a space that you love the entire time that you live there.

IF you do decide to remodel your basement, just make sure you use quality materials that will hold up to the moist conditions of a basement, and that you get qualified professionals to handle the transformation for you. Hiring the best contractors costs a bit more money, but it’s worth the expense to get a space that you truly love.

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Safety Within A Warehouse

Warehousing is a storage unit for large quantities of merchandise or products. Warehousing can be small or large, depending on the size of the business and the quantity that needs to be stored. There are safety regulations that need to be followed within any of the outside exterior and interior of a warehouse.

The safety is focused on preventing injuries to workers and visitors. As well as preventing damage to the products being stored. There are safety standards safety that need to be followed for machinery, hazardous materials, electrical wiring, and fixtures, storing of the goods and the shelving where materials are kept.

One being safe while operating or being around machinery. As a safety measure, certification is needed to drive a forklift. This is to help the individual who’s operating the forklift, learn how to drive and operate it correctly. Some of these guidelines include training, driving safety and recommendations for speed, maintaining the safety of clearances, and any hazardous materials associated with operating a forklift.

Another is hazardous material safety.  Employees are made aware of any they may come into contact with. Training is required to inform employees where the hazardous materials are located in the exterior and interior of a warehouse. You learn how to handle the materials accurately and what to do in case you come in contact. All hazard materials contain labels. Protective wear needs to available to be used when handling, being near and in contact with. Knowing the specifics on how to store the hazardous materials is also important. Businesses are required to have a specific area where you can find the specifications for handling, storing, and cleaning of the materials.

Electrical wiring is said to be one of the leading causes of injury or damage. Warehouses should have ground fault circuit interrupters to minimize any risks. If you see any live wiring or exposed wiring you need to tell your supervisor right away. You should be trained on how to use extinguishers and what kind to use to put out any electrical fires. An evacuation plan should be known by all employees and have practice drills.

The products within the warehouse are stored mostly on shelving. Be aware of what’s being stored and how you are storing. Know when storing goods of what would be a harmful interaction with other goods. You need to be familiar with using safety measure on loading, stacking and removal of the goods.

OSHA has all safety regulations, recommendations on storing and handling, list of possible interactions and what kind of first aide that would be needed, in case you come into contact. It’s your employer’s responsibility to go over, show where the OSHA regulations book is kept and any training of safety.

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Building Your Own Backyard Tennis Court

Most times we are so caught up in the chase for money, career and other life goals that we end up not having a good time to ease ourselves of the stress that comes with the chase. However, the good thing about the choice of tennis as a relaxation sport is that, it enables you stretch every joint in your body, ensure an increased blood circulation and also keeps you in perfect shape. And the wonderful thing about all these benefits is that, it can be achieved right in the comfort of your backyard.

So getting tennis court builders to construct a good tennis court at your backyard is not a bad idea. Rather it’s a great step towards ensuring a good and healthy lifestyle through your relaxation.

Construction Of The Tennis Court

Before embarking on the construction of your backyard tennis court ensure that you seek the professional advice of tennis court builders. These experts will offer you all the necessary information, tips, blueprint and other vital things that are required for the construction of a tennis court in your backyard .

In that case, you have to inform the tennis court builders the kind of tennis court you wish to have in your backyard. Setting up a grass court in geographical regions that experiences difficulties in growing grass is usually an exercise in futility. Whereas, concrete tennis courts are easier to maintain and also has a longer lifespan. But its construction is often very complex which is why you need the services of professional tennis court builders to handle the construction process.

Meanwhile, before you seek the services of professional tennis court builders you have to get details about your proposed site, the information should include, the site’s space, water, electricity, its susceptibility to certain climatic effect and also the project’s budget. Tennis court builders will then work to give you a good value for your money based on all the information you have provided to them.

The following factors are also very important to consider before starting your backyard tennis court project:

Your neighbourhood:A backyard tennis court is often more thrilling to own if you stay in a conducive neighbourhood that boast of friendly neighbours. But if you are unlucky to have troublesome neighbours then get ready to be receiving a lot of backlash and complains about how the sound of the tennis court and sound from the tennis balls machine disturbs their peace.

Your budget: It’s important to inform the tennis court builders of your budget and also the expected duration of the construction work. It’s only when you give them this information that they will strife to give you the result that you seek.

In conclusion, tennis court builders are there to ensure that clients get what they desire from a backyard tennis court, they do this by ensuring that you are given great value for every dime you will spend.

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Having Your Car Keys Replaced from AMCO Locksmiths of Perth

The situation is one that is annoying. You’ve lost your car keys, and likely you were in a hurry to get somewhere. While you want to kick yourself, it happens to the best of us. Car keys are one of the easiest items to lose, and unfortunately, with many of the keys being transponder keys these days, they losing your car keys can mean a costly replacement. AMCO Locksmith is a Perth locksmith that offers affordable locksmith rates.

When you require a locksmith, the need for a locksmith with the qualifications and experience to call himself a security expert is necessary. Security is always a priority, and you don’t want to risk security or professionalism in your locksmith, not even with an auto locksmith.

Aside from professionalism and affordability in your locksmith list of criteria, you likely require a quick response time. The longer you are stranded, the later you’ll be where you need to be going, and the more your anxiety level rises. AMCO Locksmith is a trusted automotive locksmith in Perth that provides car owners with a rapid response time.

We handle all types of automotive security issues like replacing lost keys, duplicating keys, broken key extractions, ignition key switch repairs and replacements, trunk unlocks, and Security Repairs and Installations Perth. We use only the highest grade materials and the best techniques with industry-specific equipment.

24 Hour Automotive Emergency Locksmith Services Perth

We understand that security issues with your car don’t always occur when you plan. At AMCO Locksmith, you can have the quick service of a qualified locksmith 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We know that lost keys for the car are an urgent situation, and you need an emergency locksmith that will get to you fast. We are that locksmith. We respond quickly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

We provide upfront quotes that can be obtained over the phone and online. With us, you know what you will pay for your security service before our arriving to provide the solution. When we are your technicians, you have a locksmith you can trust, as well as offers value for money.

Get the quality security services of a fully qualified Automotive Locksmiths Perth. Contact AMCO Locksmith via telephone or visit our homepage to complete our “Get a Quote” form.

Call us at 08 9444 2089.

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Why Should You Hire A Professional Kitchen Contractor

For most of the women kitchen used be the heaven of the home. But, with the increase in males learning cooking, it has become the universal heaven. Who does not want their heaven to be attractive and modular? Kitchen renovation can turn your simple and old kitchen into a beautiful room. However, renovating your kitchen can be a troublesome and difficult job for many. So, the best way is to hire a professional kitchen contractor into your magic kitchen.

Below stated are some of the greatest benefits of hiring a professional kitchen contractor:

  You Relax While They Work:The first and foremost reason for hiring a professional kitchen contractor for renovating your kitchen so you can sit and relax while they get the work done for you. They are experts and know where to buy things and how. You don’t have to work on any of these renovation tasks. Just choose the stuff you want to be put in your space and the professionals will work according to your vision.

Save Time:Remodelling and Renovations is not a one day task, it takes weeks to get it done. Unless you have a good professional experience and training in remodeling the kitchen, attempting yourself that project will take longer time. So, hiring a team of professional will save you time in long run and professional of course work faster, as they have experience in the same.

Better Value Of  Work:By hiring a team of professionals not only will you will get best financial value out of the project but you can avoid construction and design mistakes. You will also get good and long lasting value in terms of aesthetics, style, and utility. A professional will ensure that the stuff you are getting and the products you are using are the best investment.

No Hassles With Approvals:Generally, before starting any new construction or work outside or inside a residential property requires permits and approvals from authorities.With years of experience in this profession, contractors have terms with the higher authorities to get all the paperwork formalities completed than the normal time. They know who to approach and where to submit the paperwork. There knowledge and experience of the entire process helps them get the permissions for renovating your kitchen in short span of time.

Budget The Project Easier:Professional Contractors with years of experience can guide you through all the available options that fit in your budget. It removes you from the responsibility to calculate all the options for yourself.  You can save yourself the precious time, money and other hassles by hiring a professional team of contractors. This makes the process a less troublesome endeavor and stressful.

Conclusion:The above mentioned reasons for hiring a professional kitchen contractor are true facts that people actually know but sometimes ignore or forget at the time of dealing with these tasks. So, instead of  getting stressed and spending your time and money hoping it works as you had thought, hire the professional contractors and let them do their job !

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Looking for Instant Value in Your Home's Sale? Consider Roof Shampooing

When it’s time to sell your home, there always are several improvements that can be beneficial. From fresh paint on the living room walls to adding colorful potted plants to the front porch, it’s often these details that attract serious buyers and help close the final deal. Prospective home buyers will even notice things like a roof with black stains.

To help sell a home faster and for list price or above its list price, consider the improvements that offer the best value. Removing any black marks or stains from the roof can transform the look of the entire home, making it appear fresh and attractive almost instantly.

“What Are Those Black Roof Stains?”

This is a question home buyers will likely ask when looking at a home with an unclean roof. What looks like soot or mold on the roof actually may a type of blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma. It usually appears like a black stain or streak, standing out unattractively on light-colored shingles. This algae detracts from the overall beauty of your home and can turn off potential buyers. In addition, if it’s left untouched, the algae can affect the shingles by aging them prematurely and causing deterioration. The stains may also be moss or a variety of lichen.

Algae, moss, or lichens typically develop on the north-facing side of the roof, where the shingles receive less light. A combination of shade, usually provided by tree cover, plus moisture contribute to their growth. The spores of algae like Gloeocapsa magma can travel by air, so if your neighbor’s home has it, it’s likely your roof will have it too. According to home expert Bob Vila, the algae loves “to feed on the calcium carbonate contained in most asphalt shingles.”

Roof Shampooing can Make the Difference

Avoid pressure washing the algae black stains from your roof. A pressure washer can affect the integrity of asphalt shingles and even cause them to cup, which can lead to leaks and water damage as windblown rain hits up and under the shingles. To safely and effectively remove black stains from your roof and improve the value of the home before selling, look to a professional team. Roof shampooing can revive the look of your roof and save it from premature aging and the need to re-shingle it. These services offer a budget-friendly, environmentally safe, fast way to remove those ugly black stains before the first potential buyers arrive for a walkthrough. Additionally, this method of roof shampooing doesn’t use bleach, which is toxic and can corrode metal. A professional cleaning will extend the life of your roof adding value to the home and making it look great.

At the End of the Day, Curb Appeal is King

Clean homes, both inside and outside, sell faster than homes that are cluttered and dirty. Before selling your home, make sure it looks its absolute best from the curb. It has been shown time and time again by real estate agents that these first impressions are paramount. When contracting to have the roof shampooed, you may want to opt to brighten the driveway and the deck at the same time. Professional cleaning can remove dirt, grime, mold, algae, and more from concrete patios, walkways, the driveway, and from wood decks as well.

Exterior cleaning can make a huge difference in a home’s appearance—and ultimately its time on the market and final selling price. These are important improvements that add value to the home without breaking a seller’s budget. Contact a company today for roof shampooing and other improvements to help increase the home’s value before putting the For Sale sign in the yard!

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Wet Room Shower Screens: Why They are So Practical

Wet room shower screens are installed to improve the overall look of the bathroom. They look elegant and classy. However, there are other reasons why people opt to use them. Here are the practical reasons why shower screens are used.

They help avoid water splashing

With the help of the screen, water is prevented from heading outside of the shower area and splashing on other bathroom fixtures. Your towel will not end up getting wet, nor will the tissue rolls, nearby. You can waterproof other areas, but using a shower screen is the simplest solution. It also minimises the risk of slipping and injury. For older people and children, this is a huge help.

Increase privacy

Although walk-in showers are getting more popular these days, some people are not totally comfortable with the idea. They would rather have an enclosure just for added sense of privacy. When they are enveloped in one area, they have a warm and cosy feeling. For some, it is just a matter of preference, but for others, it is a must.

There is additional storage available

By installing a shower screen, you can also have robe hook clips installed over the top. You can easily hang towels or robes just outside the shower, where they are easy to get. A hanging rack is also an option where you can easily organise beauty and hair care products without getting worried that they will get wet.

There is no visual barrier

Wet room shower screens are very minimalist in nature, clear and frameless enclosures that won’t obstruct vision. You will still see the entire bathroom while showering. This creates an illusion that there is plenty of space available.

Maintenance is easy

If you hate cleaning the bathroom, install a wetroom shower screen. They are very easy to maintain and are really hygienic. There are not a lot of parts that need cleaning. Even the glass panels don’t have to be cleaned all the time since they are hit by the water each time you shower. The growth of mould in nooks and crannies is also not to be worried about since they are not present in the shower screen. Regular cleaning will suffice. You won’t have to spend several hours just to get it clean.

Check your bathroom now and measure it to find out if a shower screen would fit, and how much space would be taken up. If you really want to go for a shower screen but there is not enough space available, consider renovation. You can extend the bathroom and you can have a really huge area for showering. This change in your bathroom will definitely be worth it.

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The Inherited Tenant: Proactive Information for New Investors

The inherited tenant is something of a rite of passage for the new investor. It occurs when an investor purchases an occupied rental property and the tenant or tenants has a valid, binding lease that extends past the change of ownership. For some, the situation will be a positive one, with both tenant and investor able to forge a good working relationship. In a few cases, however, new investors may find themselves dealing with a difficult tenant who signed their lease agreement under a previous landlord and is firm in their resolve to remain in the unit. This quick guide offers helpful information that new investor owners can use to minimize problems when working with any tenants they may have inherited from the previous owner.

Existing leases

The first order of business for a new rental housing investor should be to review existing leases for any inherited tenants and determine how their remaining lease periods align with their plans for the unit. Because existing lease agreements survive a change in ownership, new owners will need to be prepared to honor the original lease terms.

Buy outs

If an inherited tenant is agreeable, the investor-owner may be able to buy out the lease for a mutually acceptable amount. While many tenants are happy to accept this type of offer from a new owner, some may choose not to move. In this case, the new investor will likely be forced to bide their time until the lease runs its course. During this time, the new owner cannot raise the tenant’s rental rate or make any changes in the lease terms without the agreement of the tenant.

Rehabbing issues

Many new investors have plans to rehab the rental property after the purchase, but this may also not be possible if one or more inherited tenants are currently residing in the property and have valid leases. It may, however, be possible for the new landlord to move forward with improving vacant units while waiting for the inherited tenant to complete their lease. In some cases, the inherited tenant may also be willing to allow improvements to be made to their unit, as well. In any case, investors should always attempt to have a good relationship with their tenants — inherited or not. If this type of agreement is reached, investor-owners should always make sure to properly document this agreement and to give proper notice before commencing the rehab.

Raising rental amounts

When inherited tenants have a valid lease, new owners cannot change the rental amount or terms unless the tenant agrees. If however, the tenant’s lease term has expired and they have become a month-to-month tenant, it should be possible to raise the rent or make other changes, as long as proper notice is given to the tenant or tenants involved. In most cases, the notice period must be at least thirty calendar days.

Estoppel Agreements 

One of the most troublesome issues many new investors find when dealing with inherited tenants is having a clear understanding of the agreement the inherited tenant had with the previous owner. For this reason, it is recommended all new landlords have inherited tenants complete and sign a document called an estoppel agreement.

This legal, binding document includes detailed information about the tenant and other occupants in the unit, as well as specific information about the previous lease arrangement, such as rental due date, who is responsible for utilities, whether pets were allowed in the unit, and information about security deposits.

Ideally the estoppel agreement should always be completed and signed before the new investor closes on the property. If this was not possible for any reason, it is important that it be done as soon as possible after taking possession.

A properly completed and signed estoppel agreement can help prevent the new owner from losses and potentially fraudulent activity. Common examples include situations in which an unscrupulous tenant claims that they paid a larger security deposit than records show or that they own appliances or other property that conveyed to the new owner as part of the sales transaction.

Legal representation

Inherited tenant situations can be difficult to navigate successfully, especially in situations where the tenant is unwilling to work with the new owner or when the new owner suspects unscrupulous behavior. Seeking the guidance of a reputable real estate attorney might help new investor-owners avoid making costly mistakes or incurring unnecessary liability when dealing with inherited tenants.

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How Car Insurance Calculation Works with an Example

Ever wondered how car insurance calculation works? Or the basis of the sum insured and the amount of premium paid annually?

Driving your favourite car with your hard-earned saved money is a big milestone in your life.

And you are in love with your car.

The other side of love is protection. Buying a car is one thing and safeguarding it is another. Car insurance is the key.

At the same time you must understand having car insurance will help you to protect from any financial losses incurred in an unforeseen situation.

But…

To make the most of the car insurance policy, you should know the basic calculation of the sum insured and premium paid. Knowing about, how car insurance calculation works, will help you in the long run.

Consequentially, you can avoid misunderstandings or discrepancies.

We will see how car insurance calculator works with an example.

The type of coverage, one should opt for is a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy as it provides protection to your vehicle & covers liability for a Third Party.

Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy:

This plan offers overall protection against damages to your vehicle due to accident/ other collision, theft, third party legal liability and cover for personal accident.

The quote that you receive is the sum of below components:

Own Damage Premium

Third Party Premium

Premium for Personal Accident Cover for Owner Driver, Passenger & Paid Driver

Charges for Additional Cover/ Riders

Service Tax

PREMIUM: OWN DAMAGE PREMIUM – (NO CLAIM BONUS + DISCOUNTS) + LIABILITY PREMIUM AS FIXED BY IRDAI

OWN DAMAGE PREMIUM:

Own damage cover is optional but highly beneficial. It provides protection to your vehicle in the event of damage due

Natural Calamities (Like Earthquake, storm, fire, etc.)

Man Made Calamities (Riot, Strike, Malicious Damage, Terror Attacks, etc.)

Accidents, etc.

Factors that are determined while calculating Car Insurance Premium are:

IDV or Insured Declared Value

Location (Geographical Zone)

Engine Cubic Capacity (CC)

No Claim Bonus

A) IDV or Insured Declared Value

IDV is the maximum amount one can claim during the policy period. This is the value of your car attached by the insurance company based on the ex-showroom price and age.

It indicates the current market value of your car.

Something to keep in mind about IDV: The IDV changes as the year passes. It means that, when the value of your car depreciates, the IDV also depreciates.

This IDV is related to the Ex-showroom price of the car. Ex-showroom price is not same as on-road (Generally, on road price includes road tax and other taxes) price.

General Grid of IDV calculation:

VEHICLE AGE                                                IDV Percentage

NEW (0 to 6 Months)                                 95% of Ex-showroom

6 Months to 1 Year                                     85%

1 Year to 2 Years                                         80%

2 Years to 3 Years                                       70%

3 Years to 4 Years                                       60%

4 Years to 5 Years                                       50%

Note: The IDV for vehicles aged over 5yrs is calculated as per the mutual agreement between insured and insurer.

Own Damage (OD Premium) = IDV x Premium Rate (Based on Zone, Cubic Capacity and Vehicle Age)

B) Location (Geographical Zone):

In India, the car insurance policies are segregated by location. And it is categorised as Zone A and Zone B (Used for Private Car Vehicle).

Zone A:  Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad

Zone B: Rest of India

Depending on the Zone the premium is calculated.

C) Engine Cubic Capacity:

Premium amount calculated also depends on the engine cubic capacity. If the cubic capacity is more, the premium charged will be more.

Sample calculation of premium:

Let’s suppose you bought a car worth 5 lakhs (Ex-showroom price), Manufacturing Year – Jan 2015.

Location: Mumbai (Zone A) with Engine cc < 1000 cc

VEHICLE IDV:

Two years old, the IDV will be 70% of the Ex-showroom price:

IDV = 0.7 x 5,00,000 = 3,50,000

The Insured Value of your car is Rs. 3,50,000.

Note: Ex-showroom price of the vehicle may differ depending on the insurer you choose.

OD Premium Calculation:

Now, Own Damage (OD) calculation: IDV x Premium Rate

Registration of car is of Mumbai i.e. Zone A with < 1000 cc

Premium Rate = 3.127%

OD = 3,50,000 x 0.03127

OD Premium = Rs. 10,945

No-Claim Discount:

If you have made “no-claims” in these two years of span, you get 25% No-Claim Bonus. The premium amount for the third year will be 25% less.

OD = 10,945 x 0.25 = 8208

Own Damage Premium will be Rs. 8,208

Note: There are certain companies who offer discount depending on the Make, Model & type of vehicle. For detailed discount list, please check with the insurance company.

THIRD PARTY CAR INSURANCE/ LIABILITY COVER

Third Party Car Insurance covers the owner against any legal liability caused to the third party. It covers any damage or injury caused by the insured’s vehicle, to another person or property.

It is mandatory in India as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.

Features of Third Party Car Insurance are:

Death or bodily injury to a third party

Damage to third party property

Accidental Death or Permanent Total Disability of the vehicle’s owner, passenger or driver

However, claims pertaining to damage happened to the owner’s vehicle couldn’t be claimed.

Motor Insurance Third Party Rates (2016):

The premium for motor third party rates are decided by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDA)

Based on Engine CC:

Condition Relating to Engine Capacity Applicable/ Fixed Premium Rate Not exceeding 1000cc Rs. 2055 Above 1000cc but less than 1500cc Rs. 2237 Exceeding 1500cc Rs. 6164

*Note: Motor Third-Party Insurance Premium with effect from 01st April 2016

If you just buy third party, this is the basic premium you have to pay based on engine cc.

THIRD PARTY PREMIUM CALCULATION:

Now, let’s calculate the Third-party (TP) car insurance premium:

TP: 2055 Rs per annum (CC of the vehicle is <1000cc)

PERSONAL ACCIDENT COVER:

It offers accidental damage and permanent total disability for the owner driver, passenger & Paid driver in case of an accident.

Compulsory Cover: Personal Accident Cover for Owner Driver: Rs. 100 /person (2 Lakhs Sum Insured)

Optional Cover:

Passenger Personal Accident cover: 100 Rs/person with 2,00,000 Sum Insured

Legal liability for Paid driver: 50 Rs

TP Premium includes cover for Personal Accident Liability

Basic TP Premium + Personal Accident Owner Driver

Total TP Premium: 2,055 + 100 = Rs. 2,055

Final Premium: Own Damage + Liability/TP

= 8208 + 2155

= 10,363 + Applicable ST

Additional Discount:

Insurer Discounts: The owner may get some discounts on the premium depending on the insurer. Also, the owner of the car can buy additional “Add-on” covers which I’m going to share below.

Anti-Theft Devices: 2.5% discount or max. Up to Rs. 500 on the premium for cars with Anti-theft devices approved by Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune and duly certified by any of the Automobile Associations.

Member of Auto Association: 5% discount up to maximum of Rs. 200

Voluntary Discounts: Discount given for opting extra deductible over and above compulsory deductibles (It varies from 20% to 35%)

Add-ons’/ Riders:

This add-on may increase your premiums, but are super money saver at the time of claims.

And some additional riders you may opt which will help you during claims are:

Zero Depreciation Cover or Bumper to Bumper Cover

Accessories Cover

No Claim Bonus Protection

Roadside Assistance & Towing Rider

Engine Protection Cover

Medical Expenses & Accidental Benefit Rider

Return to Invoice cover

Consumables Cover

EXCLUSIONS:

Before we wrap up let us also have a look at the major “Exclusions” which are not covered by a car insurance policy:

1) Individual driving without a valid driving license or under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other intoxicating drinks

2) If the accident has taken place outside the geographical area covered under the policy

3) Mechanical or Electrical breakdowns in the vehicle

4) If the insured vehicle used for any unlawful reason, for instance, a private car used commercially

I hope by now, you know how the car insurance calculation works.

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8 ways to keep your home safe this holiday season

It’s that time of the year again. The sleigh bells have started jingling and classic holiday tunes have started playing at the distance. With holiday spirit set in, we are all ready to fully immerse ourselves in the Christmas season. But while you celebrate and merry make, don’t let the burglars steal away your joy!

  Holidays are also the season for burglars to break-in. Reports state that home invasions and burglaries are far more likely to occur during the holiday season than other because it’s easy to lose track of the security of your house when you are busy shopping, partying and merry-making. But whether you are going away for Christmas celebrations or staying at home during holidays, make sure that the security of your house always tops your priority.

Here are 8 tips that will help you keep your home safe this holiday season:

  Brighten up your space

  Never leave your home in dark, especially when you go out. Install motion sensor lighting in and around your house to inhibit the entry of potential intruders. You can also invest in landscape lighting sensors that automatically turn your outdoor lights on at dusk and turn them off at a scheduled time set by you.

  Invest in a good home security system

  One of the most effective ways to secure your house, installing a good home security system gives you undeterred security and complete peace of mind. Power-packed with numerous features and benefits, automated home security systems work 24X7 and guard your property against thefts, break-ins and burglaries. You can choose from a number of home security companies to find one that best suits your needs and budget.

  Protect your valuables

  Never leave your valuables unattended. Keep all the expensive items in an electronic safe, professionally and specifically installed for this purpose only. Also be wary of your passports and other valuable documents because they can be targeted too if not secured and locked away.

  Don’t forget to lock up

  This seems to be pretty obvious. But it’s quite common with all of us to leave our house in a hurry with a door or window open. So this holiday season, whenever you step out, be extra cautious to check if all the doors and windows are properly bolted and locked. Installing door and window sensors can augment your home security a thousand times more.   

  Ensure your alarm is in working order

  Before you step out, make sure your intruder alarm system is on and in working condition. Also, get it properly serviced and reset all alarm codes for complete safety of your home.

  Know your neighbors

  Befriending your neighbors helps you get an extra pair of eyes on your home while you are away. So, socialize with your neighborhood community and ask them to keep a check on your house while you travel and inform you if they see anything suspicious.

  Make sure you are covered

  December is a good time to check your home insurance policy and see if you are fully covered. Make yourself familiar with exclusions, if any, and speak to your insurer if you are going to leave your home empty for a long period of time.

  Be mindful on social media

  As tempting as it may be, publicizing your trips on social media can do more harm than good. So, avoid the urge. Posting your travel plans on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels gives out a clear message to the intruders that your home will be empty, increasing the possibility of break-ins.

So, follow these tips and tricks to keep your home safe and make the most of this holiday season.

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Top 5 Things You Need to Know about Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets

If you go through any lifestyle magazine or other home décor related blogs, then I am sure that you will come across the term ‘RTA Cabinets’ several times. Yes, RTA or Ready-to-Assemble Cabinets have created a rage in the world of home improvement and there are various reasons behind it. By working in this industry as an interior decorator for quite some time now, even I suggest a lot of my clients to go for these versatile cabinets. What? Worried where to buy them from? Well, don’t worry; as there are many cabinet companies that sell this beautiful and convenient piece of kitchen furniture.

However, if your idea regarding these cabinets is not very clear, then you need to take a look at the rest of this blog. Keep reading and I am sure that you will be convinced to buy them after reading this blog.

Details:Broken down into a lot of components, these cabinets are generally packed with a set of instructions and hardware. You can choose the material of these cabinets and will also have the option of choosing in between fully finished or unfinished.

DIY Skills:Although many people say that this requires unique DIY skills, this is actually not the case. You can assemble these cabinets, even if you have never tried your hand at any DIY project before. Simply browse through the internet to come across certain pictures and videos, and make it a point to follow the instructions stepwise.

Convenience:The best part about this cabinet is its convenience. It is generally shipped to your door and yes, you can actually customize them according to your style and preference.

Cost:RTA cabinetry is a lot less expensive than the traditional customized or semi-customized kitchen cabinets. So, if you are one of those people who want a budget-friendly kitchen renovation, or the one who has already spent quite a lot of money on getting a new home and is looking out for ways to cut on the home décor cost, then this cabinet will surely save you. And let me tell you that kitchen cabinets are quite costly and they comprise of about 25-30% of a total kitchen decoration.

Added Information: You must be surprised to know that you do not actually have to worry about the shipping costs because generally, they are light-weight, unlike the traditional cabinetry.

Evolution:Well, you might be still under the misconception that RTA cabinets are still those mundane, unstylish ranges of cabinets which come in a limited option of colors and finish. But, this is not the case at all. Just make sure that you pick the right wholesaler that keeps a wide range of products. You can actually order anything starting from the usual browns to the contemporary whites, according to your home interior. Yes, you read that!

So, these are some of the most important things that you need to know about RTA or Ready-to-Assemble cabinets. And, to get some more information, kindly read on.

Additional Tips:

On-spot Shipping Damage Inspection

Make sure you inspect all the materials as soon as you get the box. Check if there are any scratches, dents, discoloration, etc; and if you notice anything like this, get in touch with your retailer immediately.

Tools

Generally, the tools required to assemble these cabinets include:

Screwdriver

Drill

Mallet

Wood Glue

Staple Gun

Clamps

Hammer, etc.

But, this again depends on the type of the cabinet you are going to purchase. So, keep them ready.

Layout and Organize: Lay out everything from beforehand, starting from the screws to other tools, so that nothing gets misplaced.

So, now that you know it all, hopefully, you will buy one very soon. And, to get tips on choosing a cabinet wholesaler, wait for my next blog!

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How acrylic furniture can help in maximize space

Clear Acrylic Furniture is a transparent thermoplastic. It has the look of glass without the brittleness. It is tough and durable. Acrylic décor ideas are gaining popularity by the day. They are also sold under various names like Perspex, Lucite, and Plexiglas. There is immense power in transparency. The clear see-through acrylic furniture gives an appearance of having taken up no space or very little space. It is ideally suited for compact rooms which are not spacious. The transparency of the acrylic furniture inculcates the habit of keeping the space uncluttered.

There are various items of furniture made of acrylic which can be used in different places. They will keep the surroundings well organized and give the appearance of spaciousness.

1.Coffee table of Acrylic

One of the most popular acrylic product is the coffee table. It is ideal for placing in a tight space. Apart from appearing to have taken up very little space, the shiny table imparts a glossy sleek quality to the interiors.

2.Side tables of Acrylic

They are best suited for the narrow spaces beside chairs or couches. They have ample storing space. Every item is clearly visible. They are compact, eye-catching but impart a subtle appearance. Acrylic I beam tables are compact and can be clubbed together to make a coffee table when required. An excellent space saving furniture.

3.Acrylic chairs

The chairs come in a variety of designs ranging from ghost chairs to royal armchair which is a perfect combination of vintage and modernity. The transparency and shine of these chairs brighten up space with a neat and modern look.

4.Dining room furniture

Acrylic furniture for the dining room can be made in any shape that is desired. They can also be combined with other material for upholstery. Dining chairs with embedded cushions, bar stools with printed images are some of the options. The transparent dining furniture imparts glitter and spaciousness to the room.

5.Office furniture

You can use the tables and chairs of transparent acrylic in your compact front office. It will not give the appearance of constricted space that conventional furniture does.  Add a touch of elegance by using the transparent furniture.

6.Kids room

The transparent furniture is ideally suited for your kids’ room. They are tough and durable. They will withstand rough handling. Kids will love the transparent look. The clutter can be easily located and cleared. This will keep the room neat and bright. The smooth edges of the furniture are safe for your kids.

7.Patio furniture

The furniture made of acrylic are not only shatterproof but are weather resistant too. Tables and chairs of acrylic are perfect for your patio.

Conclusion

When you have to furnish your compact living room or other rooms of your home, your best choice is Acrylic furniture. It not only appears to take up very little space but also imparts a neat, glossy and modern look to your interiors. As they are tough and durable, they will serve you well for a long time.