Technology and Real Estate: Streamlining Acquisition Process

Three focuses of my blog are Business/Entrepreneurship, Home/Property Discussions and Technology. Just with every other sector, the real estate world has been impacted and in many ways enhanced by technology. The following guest post is entitled, Technology and Real Estate: Streamlining Acquisition Process.

* * *

Technology has had a profound impact on the real estate industry. It has allowed for more streamlined processes and made it easier than ever to locate your next property. Below are some ways technology can help you during your next real estate transaction.

Online Listings

In the past, finding a property that fits your specific needs could be a challenge. You would have to rely on print advertisements, word-of-mouth, or brokerages to see listings that met your criteria. After which, you would have to set up appointments to view the properties in person.

However, with today’s technology, this is no longer necessary. Most property listings are online, and you can effortlessly search by specific criteria such as location, price range, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.

It’s an excellent way to save time and streamline your real estate acquisition process.

Virtual Tours

Another advantage of technology in the real estate industry is virtual tours. It can be highly beneficial if you’re looking to purchase a property but live in a different city or state from the property you are interested in.

Virtual tours give you a realistic way to view a property without being physically present. You can view the properties remotely via video walkthroughs, which means that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to get a glimpse of what the property has to offer.

It eliminates the hassle of arranging viewings and makes finding the right property for your needs easier.

Applications

There are different apps to buy a house, and they can be beneficial in your search for the perfect property.

For example, some applications allow you to search for homes based on location and find information about schools, crime rates, and other essential factors. It also provides user-generated reviews of neighborhoods.

These apps show you updated listings in real-time, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on a newly-listed property. It also allows you to make an offer or schedule a viewing in the blink of an eye. So whether you are searching from afar or prefer a more digital approach, it can be a valuable tool to help navigate your search.

Property Checklists

Of course, buying a property is a considerable investment, and you want to be sure that you are making the best decision for your needs. This part is where technology can help.

Nowadays, many online checklists are available to help you evaluate a property and ensure that it meets all of your requirements. These checklists can help you stay organized and on track during your search, so you don’t worry about making mistakes.

Plus, you can refer to these checklists when it’s time to negotiate the purchase price. By having a list of all the must-haves, you can be sure that you are getting the best deal possible on your dream home.

Professional Support Services

Once you’ve found the perfect home for your needs, it’s crucial to have reliable, professional support services to help with the acquisition process.

From working with a realtor and mortgage broker to having an inspection team verify that all systems are in good condition, having an experienced team on your side can help you navigate the buying process with ease.

Many websites offer a list of qualified professionals in your area to ensure that you are working with the best possible team for your needs. It allows you to tap into the resources and expertise of experienced professionals to feel confident that you are making the best decision for your next property.

Loan Matching Services

Technology has also made it easier to get pre-qualified for a mortgage and compare different loan options. In the past, you would have to work with a bank or broker to find out what you qualify for and compare interest rates.

Nowadays, online services can help you do this quickly and easily. You can input your information and estimate the monthly payments for different loan types. It can help you streamline your search and enable you to find a property that fits within your budget.

Besides, it gives you a better understanding of your financing options and allows you to shop around for the best deal.

Automatic Payment Systems

When you’re buying a property, there are a lot of payments that you need to make on time. It can be challenging to keep track of everything, from the deposit to closing costs.

Fortunately, technology has helped you stay on top of your payments with automatic payment systems. You can set up automatic payments for your mortgage, insurance, and other associated costs.

It takes the guesswork and stress to make sure you’re making your payments on time. So you can focus on enjoying your new home.

Technology has revolutionized the real estate industry and made it easier for buyers to find their dream property. From online listings, virtual tours, applications, property checklists, professional support, and loan matching services to automatic payment systems, there are different ways that technology can help streamline your real estate acquisition process. Keep these in mind when you’re ready to start your search.

How To Keep The Cost Of Housing Down

Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Home/Property Discussions. One of our major costs is housing. It’s one of the costs that can destroy our personal finances if it’s not properly controlled. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Keep The Cost Of Housing Down.

* * *

It is no secret that the cost of living is rising the world over. Everything includes the price of houses, the cost of rent, the amount you spend on gas and electricity, and your weekly grocery bill. What is more, prices are seemingly only going one way. If you are looking for new ways to stay on top of your finances and avoid getting caught out by price spikes, here are some ideas to help you keep one of the biggest expenses down, the cost of housing.

Photo credit; Pixabay from Pexels

Don’t overstretch

Think very sensibly about your budget. This is not just how much you can possibly afford but how much you should afford. Does your housing budget still leave you with sufficient funds to save money each month and meet all of your other commitments? Is it a comfortable budget or a top-end stretch? To avoid falling foul of price rises it is important not to stretch your budget, but to leave plenty of change for emergencies and unforeseen (and inevitable) price rises. As tempting as your dream home might be, try to have a practical approach and consider whether you really need it. This applies to whether you are buying your home or whether you rent property. Don’t forget with bigger properties comes bigger bills, more maintenance, and higher repair bills. If you don’t need that guest bedroom for an extra big garden then don’t pay for it.

Consider living in a shared house

This can be a particularly useful means of accommodation if you live in some of the big and particularly expensive cities such as London or New York. Living in a shared house can be an incredibly affordable means of living and help you keep your overall expenditure down. You will still have your own bedroom, potentially bathroom, space, and comforts but for a considerably reduced cost. You will only be paying for the room you sleep in and sharing all of the utilities with your housemates. You can also look for shared accommodation that provides your own private bathroom.

If you are considering shared accommodation then the most important thing to consider is the people that you choose to live with as this can have a huge impact on your happiness within the shared house. You want to ensure that they are people who have a similar interest or working pattern to you. People that you are comfortable sharing communal areas with and having a conversation with where required.

Rent out a room in your house

If you own your own home and have a spare bedroom then why not consider taking on a lodger? You will have complete control over who you rent your room, you can determine the rent payable and set the availability timescale and ‘house rules’ to suit you. It can be a great way to help pay your bills or mortgage each month and considerably reduce the cost of living.

How To Reduce Your Plumbing Repair Costs

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. One of the key costs to owning a home is your plumbing costs. If you manage them correctly, your plumbing costs can be controlled. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Reduce Your Plumbing Repair Costs.

* * *

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family of four uses about 400 gallons of water every day. Indeed, water is crucial to domestic life, and you have your plumbing system to thank for delivering clean water to your home. This system is vital but is often hidden from view and doesn’t get much attention. Therefore, it is very frustrating to discover that you need plumbing repairs, particularly if it is an emergency. What’s more, these repairs can be quite expensive, so it is best to find numerous ways to reduce costs. Below are some effective things you can do to lower your plumbing repair costs.

1. Know how to shut off the water

Image Credit

Water damage is one of the main reasons why many experts recommend never handling a plumbing issue yourself. This damage is hard to clean and expensive to restore, so you should avoid it at all costs. Therefore, know how to shut off your water to limit the damage caused by plumbing mishaps and save money. Sinks, toilets, and other individual plumbing components have shutoff valves. A toilet’s valve is located behind it, while a sink’s valve is under it. Consequently, simply turn these valves to the right to shut the water off and reduce the odds of water damage. Additionally, know where your home’s main water shutoff is, so you can turn it off during a major flood to cut water supply to your house and reduce repair costs.

2. Go trenchless

Trenchless sewer line repair is always worth considering to save money when your plumbing system develops a problem. This method of repairing sewer lines involves structurally restoring existing pipes internally using the failed or spoilt pipe as a host for a new one. As a result, there is no need for disruptive and expensive trench digging and regular pipe repair and restoration of floors, cabinetry, walls, foundations, and any impacted surfaces. Your sewer lines will be inspected and clean, and a flexible tube will be directly inserted into the existing drainage pipe. This tube contains epoxy that hardens to form a new structural line, creating a new pipe within an old one. Besides saving you money, this method is faster, less intrusive, and more environmentally friendly than traditional repair.

3. Prepare for repairs

Image Credit

Home Guide’s 2022 plumber rates reveal that a plumber can charge you $500 to $800 for large repairs and $125 to $350 for little jobs like repairing sinks and toilets. However, it is essential to note that a plumber will charge you more if they have to spend a lot of time on your issue. Plumbers often have to handle other tasks in addition to their plumbing repair works, and they always charge homeowners more for the additional time spent. Therefore, keep your repair costs down by preparing the place for them so they only have to focus on the main plumbing issue. For instance, if your basement is flooded, clear the excess water out yourself before calling a plumber. Similarly, you can move your possessions out of the way and rip out your drywall to offer easy access to this area if necessary. This way, your plumber will spend less time on your issue and give you a cheaper bill.

Adding A Vintage Element To Your Interior Décor

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. If you’re into home decorating and décor, you may be familiar with vintage elements. The following contributed post is entitled, Adding A Vintage Element To Your Interior Décor.

* * *

Improving the way your home looks is a lifelong ordeal – it’s going to take a while before you find a style you truly love and enjoy! And even when you do, there’s no telling when you’ll need a fresh coat of paint on the wall to satisfy how you feel in 5 or 10 years time. But that’s no bad thing; a good style is one that’s ever evolving and always feels like you.

Which is why vintage elements are still so popular in the modern era. We love to see hints of times gone by in the rooms around us, and some people dedicate their taste to recreating the aesthetic of the 50s and 60s. So why not add a few touches of those eras to your own interior decor?

Pexels Image – CC0 Licence

Pick an Era

When you’re aiming for a more vintage look, it’s a good idea to avoid period mixing and simply go for one over any others. If you’re a 50s fan, for example, it can be easy to dip into the 40s or 60s, but this can lead to a totally confused look. You might even come across as a bit amateur in your interior decorating prowess!

Think about what era’s aesthetic is your favorite. If you’re a geometric design fan, it’s going to be the 20s. If you love that midcentury style, then it will be the 50s. If you’re more of a bright, brash and loud person, the 70s is where it’s at.

Have a Focal Point

Focal points are cornerstones of room design, and if you want to add a new element to your current decor, you’re going to need a new focal point to focus on. So take one or two rooms in your home, like the living room and the kitchen, and take your love of vintage to the max. After all, you don’t want your new highlights to be overbearing, but you still need to capture some ground with them.

For example, maybe you can use something like this Marilyn Monroe Ballerina print to tie a feature wall together? If you’re someone who loves the golden age of Hollywood, this is definitely a decor idea to consider! All in all, you need something to act as a statement piece, and then you can simply dress the room around it.

Dress Your Room Inside Out

Speaking of dressing the room, make sure it’s done from the inside out. You want your focus to be in the center, and for that impact to get less and less the further out of this area you go. For example, if you’re hanging 80s prints on the wall, you don’t also want to have an 80s style wallpaper underneath them. If you’ve got a vintage coffee table and bookshelf, make sure it’s layered against other contemporary furnishings.

Vintage decor uplifts any room you walk into. If you want your own style to have more personality, this is a great way to manage it.

How To Protect Your Property Against Damage

A key focus of my blog is home/property discussions. A key consideration when owning a property of any kind is protecting it against damage as that there will be infinite opportunities for that to happen. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Protect Your Property Against Damage.

* * *

Damage to property can come in many forms, from natural disasters to accidental damage. Regardless of how it happens, property damage can be costly and disruptive. The blog post will discuss some ways that you can protect your property against damage. It will cover both natural and man-made disasters, as well as ways to prevent accidental damage. Read on for tips on how to keep your property safe!

Photo by Jessica Bryant from Pexels

1) Natural Disasters Can Cause Extensive Damage To Property

A natural disaster can cause extensive damage to your property, often leaving you with a costly repair bill. Some of the most common natural disasters that affect property are hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. If you live in an area that is prone to these types of disasters, it is essential to take steps to protect your property.

One way to protect your home from a hurricane is by installing storm shutters. These shutters will help to keep the wind and rain out of your home, and they can also help to protect your windows from being broken. Another way to prepare for a hurricane is by packing up any valuable items and moving them into a safe place. This could include putting furniture in the attic or basement or storing them in a safe deposit box.

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, it is essential to take steps to waterproof your home. One way to do this is by installing a waterproofing system on your roof. You can also install flood barriers around your home or move any valuables to a higher floor.

2) Accidental Damage Can Be Costly And Disruptive

Accidental damage is one of the most common causes of property damage. This type of damage can be caused by various things, such as fires, leaks, and accidents.

One way to protect your home against fire damage is by installing smoke detectors and fire alarms. These devices will help to alert you if there is a fire in your home so that you can take action quickly. You should also have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.

Leaks can cause extensive damage to your property, so it is essential to be proactive about preventing them. One way to do this is by regularly checking for leaks in your plumbing system. If you do find a leak, make sure to repair it immediately.

Another thing that you should consider is to get an insurance plan from companies, like La Playa Insurance, so that they can also potentially cover some of the cost of the damage.

3) There Are A Number Of Ways To Protect Against Earthquake Damage

Earthquakes can cause extensive damage to your property, so it is essential to take steps to protect it. One way to do this is by installing an earthquake safety system in your home. This system will help to keep your property safe during an earthquake.

You can also protect your property against earthquake damage by securing heavy objects. These objects can be secured with straps or braces, which will help them from falling over and causing damage during an earthquake. Another way to secure heavy objects is by bolting them to the wall or floor.

In conclusion, there are a number of ways that you can protect your property against damage. By taking some simple steps, you can help to keep your property safe from natural disasters, accidental damage, and earthquakes. Do not wait until it is too late to take action – start protecting your property today!

Top Tips To Help You Reach Success In Property Development

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Home/Property Discussions. If in the real estate business, then you’re going to be involved in property development and all it entails. The following contributed post is entitled, Top Tips To Help You Reach Success In Property Development.

* * *

Perhaps you are just getting started in the real estate industry. Maybe you are currently in the real estate business, but you want to take your company to the next level. Perhaps you have attempted to gain access to the property, but you have found yourself feeling a little trapped and unsure of where to go next.

Hopefully, this post will be of great use to you and provide you with clarity, allowing you to move forward or expand your real estate business.

Image via Unsplash

Collaborate with consultants as early on as possible

In comparison to a single designer, a feasibility discussion with relevant experts will undoubtedly bring substantially more value, cost certainty, and risk identification to a project and provide a competitive advantage if conducted during the pre-acquisition stage. This will also allow for the development of a more accurate project timetable and cash flow model early in the process, which will aid in the identification of any lending requirements and drawdown timelines that may arise.

Property developers are familiar with the cash flow model, and consultants who routinely work with them are likely to negotiate flexible fee arrangements to accommodate drawdown timetables or project milestones. Any expenditures spent would, in most cases, be balanced by the value that has been brought to the plan as a result of the change.

Keep your cost model up to date

It is highly improbable that your early estimates of project expenses will turn out to be correct. As the design for the concept progresses, the materials, construction methods, and areas of work that have been proposed will evolve. These expenses should be documented as part of the development cost modeling process. It is usual for construction costs to rise as the design grows more comprehensive, sometimes due to extra requirements from governmental agencies or the inclusion of specialized design components.

In cases where contingencies have been included in the scheme from the beginning, make a list of the areas of the project that are unknown or where the design has not been completed, as these will most likely be the places where cost assumptions have been made. Then, as the project advances, make an effort to take out these items and put a contingencies agenda item on the project team’s meeting schedule so that you can discuss these items regularly.

Be innovative with your procurement

Regardless of the size or complexity of your project is, the most important thing to do is to ensure that a construction contract is in place. You should put every project to tender to maintain cost competitiveness or even handed over to an investment construction company such as Costas Constructions. Bidding is an effective strategy since it will allow various construction companies to review and provide insight into the scheme, identifying areas that require more risk mitigation measures, design information, or value engineering choices.

If your construction project involves a renovation, conversion, or addition to an existing structure, it is typical for a separate strip-out or enabling works contract to be established. This will allow any concealed components of the property to be viewed and provide more certainty to the budget and schedule.

After consulting with your Project Manager, Architect, or Quantity Surveyor, they should be able to give you several distinct contract choices, each of which will outline the differences in design control, risk proportion, and contract handover methods.

What Should Landlords Do When A Tenant Moves Out?

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Home/Property Discussions. If you’re renting property, there are several moving parts. You must consider what happens when tenants move in, and also when they move out. The following contributed post is entitled, What Should Landlords Do When A Tenant Moves Out?

* * *

Due to the nature of the private rented sector, no matter how great a tenant is, they will eventually want to move on. They may have saved up enough money for a deposit on their own home, or they may need a larger or smaller home. They could just desire a change. It doesn’t matter why they’re leaving; what matters is that it will happen. No landlord should assume a tenant to stay in their home indefinitely.

When this time comes, it’s critical to get the property ready for the next occupants as soon as possible to prevent losing rental money for an extended period of time. Here are some ideas on what you can do to guarantee that you can re-rent your home quickly while it is vacant.

Photo by Annushka Ahuja from Pexels

Inspect The Property

This is a job that you should complete before the current tenant leaves so that you can resolve any concerns with them. If you are unable to schedule things correctly, you will need to investigate the property as soon as possible after they depart. Alternatively, you could hire an inventory company to do the job for you. This is usually preferable since they will have an unbiased opinion and will provide you with a detailed report of any damage or trash left behind.

If there are any difficulties, you must discuss them with the tenant as soon as possible and come up with a way to deal with them. This might mean calling in experts such as The Patch Boys for repairs. If the tenants are unwilling or unable to fix the issues, you could demand their deposit to cover the cost of repairs, which can be handled via a dispute agency. Otherwise, you must repay the renter’s deposit within a set timeframe.

Clean It Up

Depending on how long the tenants lived in the house, you may have to repaint the walls, hang new wallpaper, or repair the carpeting. Due to regular wear and tear, this is usually not the responsibility of your previous renters. In an ideal world, they’d have cleaned up before they left, but if they didn’t, you will need to pay a cleaning company to come in.

Personalizing the property with your own furniture is another option. Even while it isn’t a requirement, showing prospective tenants how they could personalize a home helps speed up the rental process. Your letting agency should be able to tell you whether or not this is essential. This would be a waste of time and energy in certain locations where the rental market is robust. In other cases, it may be just what you need to have the house rented as fast as possible.

Change The Locks

Even if you have the most trustworthy and reliable renter, changing the locks after they go is a smart idea. You never know if there is a duplicate key or if copies have been made. Of course, a lease contract will normally demand any copies to be returned at the conclusion of the lease, but if they can’t be found, forgotten, or misplaced, you may never hear about them. By changing the locks, you can ensure that the residence is safe and that future tenants have exclusive access to the keys.

What You Need To Know Before Buying A Property To Let

Three focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money, Business/Entrepreneurship and Home/Property Discussions. It be very lucrative and rewarding to let (rent) properties to tenants. It can be a complex game though and there are keys to being successful. The following contributed post is entitled, What You Need To Know Before Buying A Property To Let.

* * *

Renting out your property is a great way to make some extra money. It can also be a great source of passive income if done right. However, before you venture into the world of property letting, there are a few things you need to know.

While buying a property to let may sound like an easy way to make money, it also comes with great responsibility. You will need to be on top of upkeep and repairs, find tenants that will pay the rent on time, establish good relationships with your tenants, and more. For anyone considering this move, here are some tips for getting started.

Image credit

Finding The Right Property

Finding the right property to buy is the first step. You need to be sure that the area you’re buying in is lucrative with high demand. This will help you get more for your money when it comes time to sell. Also, before purchasing any property, you need to do some research on the area. Look into how many rental properties are available in the area and what they are renting. If too many properties are rented at below-market rates, this might not be an excellent place to buy.

Knowing Your Responsibilities

Owning a property to let comes with many responsibilities. It’s not as simple as collecting rent and being done with it. You have to be willing to deal with situations that arise – from tenants who don’t want to pay the rent, to problems with upkeep and repairs, to finding new tenants when someone moves out. Read this post by Candea Development, where they discuss how to make sure you are buying the right property for the right reason.

Before you buy a property for rental purposes, think about how you will manage the responsibilities of being a landlord. Do you have time? Is your budget in order? Will you have the energy and patience needed to work with renters over the long term? In addition, find out what your state laws say about renting properties before you buy. Some states may require that landlords obtain a license or certificate before renting their properties.

What Are Your Tax Obligations

Before buying a property to let, you’ll need to know your tax obligations. As an owner of the property, any income generated from renting your property is considered income for you. This means that you will be responsible for paying taxes on the rental income. You will also need to pay taxes on any capital gains if you sell the property. Investing in a property for rental purposes may not be worth it if you don’t want to incur more tax liability.

Run The Numbers

When looking at a property to let, you must know the numbers. You will want to do a rent vs. buy calculation to figure out if renting a house is a better option than buying it. Try to estimate how much you will need to maintain the property, and remember that this number will increase with time. Estimate how much rent you can expect from the property and compare it with what your monthly mortgage payments might be after the purchase. Remember that owning a house is not just about making money – it is also about being responsible for someone else’s home.

Are You Ready For The Commitment Of Being A Landlord

When you rent out your property, you become responsible for repairs and upkeep, ensuring that the rent is paid on time, and maintaining good relationships with your tenants. You will also be required to pay taxes on any income received from the property. If this sounds like something you’re prepared for, consider buying a property to let! It’s essential to think about whether you’re ready for the commitment of being a landlord before you buy a property.

How To Keep Your Home Warm In The Winter

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. Keeping your home warm in the winter will impact both your personal health and your personal finances. Collectively, these will impact your piece of mind. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Keep Your Home Warm In The Winter.

* * *

There is nothing worse than a cold house during the winter. Waking up, needing the toilet, and being afraid to get out of bed because of the biting cold. Those early morning get-ups, becoming tantamount to torture before you can drink that cup of coffee to warm you up. Trying to watch television the evening and seeing your breath in the air. None of these scenarios are particularly good for your health, and luckily there are some great ways you can avoid them. So, let’s take a look at a few now:

Image from Pixabay

Your Boiler
Clearly, one of the best ways to keep your home warm is to have a fully functional boiler. That means you need to have regular maintenance on it, and if it breaks down a lot, you need to invest in a new one. Regular maintenance is generally better to be performed before it gets cold, so late summer. This means that it is far less likely to break down when you need it the most. However, the good news is that you are able to get boiler rentals if your boiler does break down and it is the middle of winter. Generally speaking, it is very difficult to get an appointment for a boiler repair or a new installation over this busy period due to all the breakdowns. But a rental is a great way to tide you over should this occur.

Timer and Thermostat
If your boiler has a timer on it, it is a good idea to set the timer to come on at least thirty minutes before you wake u in the morning, so you do not have to suffer the deep chill of the morning. Another thing to bear in mind when it comes to your boiler is to set the temperature of the thermostat to somewhere between 18 °C and 23 °C. Any hotter is just a waste of energy and is actually too hot for an ambient temperature n your house.

Thick Curtains
Thick curtains do wonders for keeping the heat from being stolen by your windows. Keeping your curtains shut as much as you can on those dull days and evening is a must to retain as the heat in your home. Also, if it is sunny, then open those curtains and allow the window to convert that energy into heat energy. This can increase your home’s temperature without using your heating system, and therefore it can save you money.

Upgrade Your Windows
If you have single glazing you can upgrade to double glazing, or triple glazing. Triple glazing is so much more efficient at retaining heat than double glazing, which is again a lot more efficient than single glazing. The home loses so much heat through the window, as much as 30% can be lost this way. So it makes sense to upgrade if you can. If you do not have the funds at this time to replace all your windows, when it gets very cold, you could layer clingfilm to the windows, which can help prevent hat loss. No, it’s not that attractive and can be difficult to see through, but it may well keep those temperatures above freezing.

Insulate
Insulation is essential to retaining the heat. Your home loses so much heat through the ceiling, so you need to make sure that you have the right insulation. Look for items like layered rockwool loft insulation, so you can avoid losing excessive heat through the ceiling. Another way to sort out the loft is to convert it into a room. However, that just shifts the insulation into the roof. Consider cavity wall insulation, draft excluders, etc. All these things together can save you a fortune on your energy bill. It may be an idea to hire a professional to come and look at how best to insulate your home. If you have a lot of nooks and crannies where drafts can get in, it is probably wise to fill these will some form of poly filler too.

Radiators
If you have any large objects that are in the way of the radiators, it is time to move them. One of the main culprits in this respect is the sofa. Sometimes we are limited for space and plonk the sofa where it will fit. However, you may be spending hundreds of dollars to heat up the sofa while a minimal amount is heating the air. If you are struggling for space, perhaps you need to rethink the layout or invest in new furniture.

5 Ways To Survive Your Remodeling Job

Two focuses of my blog are Home/Living Discussions and Home/Property Discussions. If you own a property, chances are you’re going to look to remodel it at some point. Remodeling jobs can be a lot of work if you don’t know what you’re doing. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Ways To Survive Your Remodeling Job.

* * *

Remodeling. The word itself inspires at once feelings of excitement for the project that lies ahead while still being mixed with a healthy dose of rampant fear at all the upheaval and chaos that can sometimes come along with it.

If you’re adding an extension or doing a complete overhaul, we got you.

We think that that needs to change, so we’ve created a cheat sheet for you that covers everything from planning to clean up and the bits in between because a remodel, like a change – should be as good as a holiday.

Image By Geralt

#1 PLAN FOR CHANGE

This applies whether you’re planning for a remodel at home or the office. You first have to know what you’re planning on achieving, your budget, and what skills you have access to in your area that can bring about your end result as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible.

Remember the triangle of expectation: You can have it:

Fast and high-quality – but it won’t be cheap.
You can have it cheap and fast – but it won’t be high quality; or
You can have it high quality and slow – but it will be affordable.

Ideally, you want to fit all of your planning within that triangle based on the time, space, and budget resources you have at your disposal.

#2 STICK TO YOUR GUNS (BUT BE PREPARED TO CHANGE)

Once you’ve plotted out and planned for your remodeling job, appointed your contractors, and found your suppliers, stick to your plan! You are going to get nowhere, and you’ll end countless wasted hours and dollars to your endgame if you keep changing your mind. A good artist knows when to put down his brush, but also know this: things can and will go wrong, and when that happens, you’ll make it through a lot more efficiently and with way more sanity if you’re prepared to accept that sometimes not everything is going to go your way all the time.

So that means that having a plan B is always a good idea.

#3 PLAN FOR THE MIDDLE PARTS

Set up a plan to meet with all stakeholders around the midpoint of your remodel to ensure that everyone is on track, spending is in line with budget and that if there has been overspend, it can be discussed and assessed and perhaps saved on other non-essential elements to keep your budget on track too.

#4 WASTE MANAGEMENT

This needs to be factored into your ongoing planning and project management and should start at the very beginning of your remodel. You will need professionals to handle certain types of waste where it’s appropriate. Still, for all of your “regular” trash, you can’t go wrong with a dumpster rental service that sets up a bin on your property and, seven days later, fetches it. Easy as pie.

#5 QUALITY CONTROL AND AUDITS

As your project nears its end before your contractors leave the scene (trust us on this one), you should plan to have all of your contractors and suppliers (where applicable) start conducting regular walkthroughs and provide you with reports on issues, damage that needs to be repaired or what is not going to be delivered on time and what the plan for that is.

You will find that regardless of how complicated your remodel project is or the scale of the project, using these five easy principles can be a solid guide towards remodel heaven.