Archives for March 2016

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If you are in the process of planning for the future, you should be looking to get onto the property ladder. Real estate is a great way to keep the cash flowing even when you are in your golden years. The only issue you have is getting a mortgage. Unless you have a fortune under your mattress, you will need the bank’s help. And, of course, you want the best rate possible so that you don’t have to pay a premium. Luckily, you can find those tricks in the list below. Enjoy!

Increase Your Credit Score

The first thing to note is that a bank won’t give you a loan if you don’t have a decent credit score. They may be unscrupulous, but they aren’t stupid. So, you need to make sure that your credit score is up to scratch. Anything that is negative isn’t going to wash, which is why you need to work to repair it first. Once repaired, you can work on making it better. Some simple tricks include getting a credit card and paying off your debts. These actions show the bank that you are responsible and punctual with your payments.

Get A Good Broker

You are not a financial expert, and you shouldn’t try and pretend. What you should do is find a broker that is an expert. Then, you can use their knowledge and experience to your advantage. Any broker worth their salt will be able to find you a great deal on a mortgage. With their contacts, they can haggle and negotiate. Plus, they can help you get your finances in order so that you look like an appealing candidate.

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Apply For A New Job

Banks figure out your mortgage rate off two things: your income and your debts or your outgoings. Common sense dictates that if you increase your income or decrease your debts, you will be eligible for a better mortgage. Lowering your debts isn’t easy because you obviously don’t have the money. If you did, you wouldn’t be in debt. Making more money is a bit easier. You can put in overtime at work, or look for a better role within the company. It’s worth noting that you need to stay in the same line of work because they also use your employment history.

Start Saving Now!

The amount you put down as a deposit is important because it lowers the cost of the monthly premiums. A large down payment shows that you have the money to afford your mortgage, plus it acts as collateral. If you start saving early, you can save enough to affect your monthly repayments. You will have to come up with ten percent as a minimum deposit, so you’ll need to start saving anyway.

Buy In An ‘Up And Coming’ Area

You will hear this term a lot because it’s one of the euphemisms Realtors like to use to boost a property’s appeal. But, it is a term to watch out for because it can save you a fortune. The location is going to dictate the price of the house, which is going to dictate the cost of your mortgage. If it’s low, your mortgage rates will also be low. Plus, the area could become prosperous in the future. When that happens, you can sell for a big profit.

When you see some of the workplaces out there, it can be easy to feel envious. I mean, look at these photos from the offices of Facebook! Sometimes it’s a wonder that people can go to offices like that and still call it work. When people think office jobs, they don’t usually think of a place with much personality. They think of uncomfortable chairs, horrible fluorescent lighting, bland carpeting, suits, ties, polished shoes.

Why are there offices out there that look more like playgrounds of luxury than professional places of work? There are two main reasons for it. One is that it makes people who don’t work there want to work there. It helps foster this rock star image for its employees, so people become envious of them, and thus want to become one of them. Facebook aren’t deluged with job applications just because they’re such a big company. It’s also because their offices are so cool!

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Another reason is that it increases the happiness and comfort levels of the employees. The type of employees who come to Facebook are usually programmers and creative types. These guys are going to feel suffocated in an office such as I described in the first paragraph! Having a fun office fits more with their personality, reducing stress and increasing productivity.

Here are some of the things you can do to give your workplace a more luxurious feel!

Throw in a little decoration

This is probably the easiest the thing to do. A lot of office walls are a bare, sterile white. Not very inspiring, is it? If you already have an active office filled with employees, the first thing you should try is some decoration. I don’t necessarily mean flowers and vases here, though I’m sure some of your employees would find them very pretty. (Some may be allergic to certain types of flowers, though!)

Your decoration should be more original and personal. Ideally, it would have something to do with your workplace specifically. Some paintings would definitely work a treat. If any of your employees paint, why not see if they’re willing to have their work on display? Even if you don’t work in a creative industry, you’ll be surprised how many creative employees you have!

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If your office landlord is okay with it, consider getting some murals painted directly onto the wall. You could hire a freelance painter to create and apply unique pieces for you.Facebook famously did this back in 2003 and paid the painter in shares. (Those shares become worth $200 million when the company went public!) You can also have mural painted on the walls outside…

Considering the office exterior

The outside of your offices are the first thing an employee or a potential employee are going to see. It’s what will make people walking across the street look over at your building and think “I want to hand in my job application there!” Sometimes, however, you can be quite limited in what you can do. If you have a business in the heart of the city, then it’s likely you’re renting a floor of office space. In this situation, the best thing you can do is possibly have fun things visible from your windows. If you have any cardboard cutout characters, stick them next to the windows! If you own an entire building, then you have more freedom.

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If you’re lucky enough to own offices where you have control over the exterior grounds, then you have the most freedom of all! There is a lot of potential in the grounds surrounding a work building. If you have a garden, even better. A garden can be seen as both a blessing and a curse for a company. It’s a blessing because it’s nice to have an outside area where employees can go to relax. But some see it as a curse because you have to maintain it! Maintaining is very important, though, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it. Having a beautifully designed garden will give employees the feeling that their job doesn’t take them far away from nature. It’s probably too much for you to do yourself, though! If you’re considering commercial garden maintenance, discover more at Atkins Inc.

Rooms for relaxation or fun activities

One of the problems with modern offices is that people often stay in that office during their lunchtime. Many eat their lunch at their desk because it seems like too much of a hassle to do anything else. If you have rooms dedicated to eating lunch or for play, that creates a much more stress-relieving atmosphere.

Many modern offices have a lounge room. This is a room with seating and a television, often coupled with some video game consoles. Giving employees an opportunity to play video games against each other is a great way of letting them blow off some steam. It’s also a great way of getting a community feel. Even people who aren’t playing the games love to watch and commentate! If you don’t think video games are right, you can also consider getting some old-school foosball tables.

Workstations with character

Telling employees they need to keep their desk clear of anything except company property is a little stiff. That’s a blunt way of putting it, but not an inaccurate one. You should allow employees to personalise their workstations! People tend to be more productive when their desk is covered with more familiar, less corporate things. They feel more relaxed and more at home.

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This, to an extent, also includes a bit of desk messiness. Yes, it can be an eyesore if you’ve got clients coming to visit. But the fact is that when people are working hard or brainstorming, they pay less attention to their neatness. Just let it happen! You should really only intervene if they’re leaving uneaten food around on their desk, or if their mess is starting to spread onto other desks.

All of this is great, but…

At the end of the day, none of the above means much if you don’t have a great work environment. All the decorations, art and games in the world won’t make a difference if employees don’t enjoy their job. And what helps people enjoy their job the most is a genuine, friendly culture.

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Weather can cause huge issues to households, more than a family might even realise. Storms can cause flooding in the home, damage in the garden and most of all, problems with the roof.

And it is not just the weather that can cause problems to roofs. Improper installation of tiles can be just as dangerous and cause huge issues if not fixed.

Roof problems are overlooked and if left untreated, can cause permanent damage which can be costly. If people know what they are looking for, some issues can be prevented. Below are some of the biggest issues.

Damp is the most significant issue to a roof and can cause defects and wear to the tiles. Terrible weather may cause gaps between the tiles, which then could lead to leaking to the loft and the rest of the home. It is potentially horrendous if there are any objects of importance in the loft and the house which then will be damaged. It will lead to having to make a claim on the insurance, which is never cheap.

It’s also worth watching out for tiles which may have slipped or have come loose, due to the weather. It’s best to check the patio or decking regularly, to see if there are any stray tiles, especially after there has been heavy wind or rain. It’s also worth considering the lifetime of the tiles, if there are more than a couple missing, it is time for it to be relayed. Read more here about how to notice tile issues on the roof.

The Ariel may also cause damage to the roof, especially if it has been moving around in the wind. If the Ariel has recently been installed, a problem may have been occurred when walking about on the roof while fitting it. Homeowners should make sure the Ariel has not moved out of place or got damaged in certain weather, which might cause problems to the roof.

Cracking is also a significant problem which, if not resolved, can cause to further expensive problems. The start of this issue can be seen in the loft or the ceiling. Also, if any cracking or mould appears in the home or outside the home, it could mean that the attic has improper ventilation. This issue may also be found if the household gets a high energy bill. This video shows what else people can watch out for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6RUvJeL8gE.

Certain issues may be able to be completed by people in the household. However, as previously discussed here, it’s best to research first and find some proper tools to complete the job.

Otherwise, more damage may be done if the job isn’t completed correctly, and this is one of the biggest causes of roof problems. Most people take on home improvement with your family’s best interests at heart. But it’s best to get experts otherwise improper installation will cause bigger problems.

It is best to research roof contractors properly. Otherwise a cheaper option may lead to the roof not being installed correctly and further leaking then may occur in the household.

Every homeowner has aspirations of building a better home environment. Even if you have the perfect property, it will need modernization on a regular basis to ensure that it stays ahead of the latest trends. However, the prospect of completing those costly and time-consuming projects can feel daunting.

It doesn’t have to be, though. One of the most important tasks is to get your priorities in order. The list of potential projects is endless. Therefore, it’s imperative to start with ideas that will bring the biggest upgrade.

Here are some of the jobs that should be at the top of your to-do list.

Increase Security

If nothing else, the home should keep your family at all times. If it doesn’t fulfill this basic requirement, then there is a serious problem. As such, this job has to be one of the first items on your agenda.

Ensuring that your home is safe and sound doesn’t require huge amounts of work. But the rewards of getting those aspects perfected cannot be underestimated for a second. Aside from the physical benefits, the peace of mind is set to dramatically improve your time in the home.

If you have children, then it’s vital that you childproof the property. Cover sharp edges with foam protection and ensure dangerous elements are kept out of reach. Young inquisitive minds can attract danger. Prevention is the only solution.

Fix Faults

New computers and TVs are great additions to the home. Before worrying about those luxury items, though, you must be practical. There’s nothing worse than living in a property with broken items. In truth, solving these issues will have a far greater impact on your daily lives.

Many of those jobs can be completed by any DIY enthusiast. Even if a specific job is best left to an expert, conducting your research for the best solution is key. Reading air conditioning repair information, for example, will help you form more calculated decisions. Similarly, the internet is a great resource for finding out about plumbing leaks and common household problems.

Moreover, tasks like improving shower water pressure can have a telling impact on your comfort too. Those little luxuries in life can go a long way to improving your relationship with the home.

Revamp Wasted Space

Faulty items are a shame, but wasted space is a homeowner tragedy. One of the most common mistakes is leaving the guest room in a dormant state. Seriously, stop. Transforming that area into a usable space will instantly add a new dimension to the property.

Building a home office can make your home feel more futuristic. After all, computers now play an integral role in our everyday existence. This can be particularly useful if you work from home too. Alternatively, you could transform the space into a home gym or a playroom for the kids.

Anything has to be better than letting it collect dust. Besides, it will naturally give you more room throughout other areas of the property too.

Increase Light

Arguably the best way to brighten up your home is to do it in a literal sense. The lighting properties are something that we commonly overlook. However, improving this single element will inject an added energy to your property. You’d be a fool to dismiss the benefits.

Increasing the natural lighting can be achieved by dressing the windows in a more effective manner. Meanwhile, painting the walls in a lighter shade will help the light rebound. If privacy is a concern, window films can make windows translucent to provide a winning solution.

Don’t forget the electrical lighting too. Installing a dimmer switch can allow you to create various moods. You’ll be amazed at the difference this can make.

Think About Sleep

There’s a long list of processes that you complete during your day. But sleep is the one that takes up one-third of your day. As such, it’s imperative that you make the most of it, especially if you want your body to feel energised during the waking hours. For this reason alone, upgrading your bedroom is vital.

Finding a more comfortable mattress will transform your sleep patterns and your life. It’s not just about the quantity; it’s also about the quality. Even small upgrades like new bed sheets can have a telling impact. Build a bedroom fit for royalty, and you’ll feel like a king throughout the waking hours.

When things are stressful, there’s nothing quite like knowing you have a great bed to return home to. If that’s not an extra incentive to make the upgrade, I don’t know what is.

We may not be planning on selling any time soon, but it is always wise to plan ahead. Small, affordable changes to the interior and exterior of a home over a long period of time can be a better option than rushing. Often, when the time comes that we want or need to sell our home, organising renovations can be stressful and expensive.  For that reason, sprucing up the house bit by bit in small ways while we’re still happily settled can be far more positive. Not only will it be more valuable and easy to sell if the time ever came, but it will be a more pleasant space for us too!

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Keeping on Top of Structure

Bathrooms, lounges, and gardens are all a matter of taste. But aspects of the home like rot, damp, collapsed floors, or leaking rooms can’t be overlooked. Most potential buyers will commission a thorough inspection. It might discover problems you didn’t even know you had. It can be bitterly disappointing to be faced with a hefty list of expensive problems to fix, or else risk devaluing the house. Getting on top of potential problems early is the best policy all-round. If you’ve suffered any storms or flooding, for example, invest in a mold & disaster cleanup service. If it is only smaller issues, call in a professional to deal effectively with those too. What may seem like a high initial outlay is actually likely to save you a good deal of money down the line.

High Value Areas

The kitchen, garden, and bathrooms of a property are all recognised as being significant in determining the value of a property. If extensive renovations are not an option (or not necessary), a few simple additions or changes can make a big difference. The garden, for example, is often overlooked when valuing a house but can be a huge selling point. Adding a patio, barbecue, or other built-in features can be a huge attraction to a family or buying couple. Even ensuring the grass is well kept and that there are plants and flowers create a much better impression that an unkempt space that needs a lot of work. It helps for potential buyers to be able to visualise their family and social lives in particular spaces. Pleasant features and details help them to do this, and are a bonus for you too!

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External Upkeep

Keeping the front of the house fresh and presentable can be an important part of the value. First impressions are difficult to recover from. However beautiful a property is inside, a neglected exterior can be offputting. Rather than attempting a sudden “face lift”, work in small steps over the long-term. Replace tiles as and when necessary. Ensure that the driveway is adequately paved, and that the front door is clean and freshly painted. It is also important to ensure the drains of the house are working effectively and not creating damp or an odour. It is never more obvious than when you approach a house for the first time.

With a little extra investment over the long-term, it is possible to keep a house in attractive, saleable condition even if you choose to stay put.