Eight Ways to Add Value to Your Home By : Roselind Hejl

“Two story brick traditional with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, island kitchen, and large deck!” Sound familiar? We often talk about houses in terms of room count, along with a list of finishes, such as tile floors, granite counters, or faux paint. While this vocabulary conveys certain facts, it does not provide the tools to think about how to re-design a house in a fabulous way.

It is valuable to be able to make the decisions that transform a poor design into a house that is memorable, enduring, and widely appealing. To do this we need to go deeper than simply updating finishes or increasing square footage. We must think about how the structure shapes the feelings and experience of its inhabitants. In the words of Winston Churchill, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” When a house has design flaws, we know intuitively that it does not feel right. On the other hand, a well designed house can make us feel inspired, enriched, and touched by a sense of order.

We often see houses that have some elements in the structure and site that appeal to us, but cannot be lived in without remodeling. Often our clients say that they want to find a house with good bones (meaning good basic design), that they can update. The truth is that most houses have some good design and some bad design. Painting walls and updating fixtures will not cover bad design. You will need to think about the house in a deeper way. Use these design processes to help you make the difficult decisions that will result in a house that many people would love to live in.

1. Relate the house to the site.

Think about how the house integrates and interacts with the land around it. This awareness is a basic, but often ignored, beginning. The connection and interplay between interior and exterior spaces enhances both in a powerful way.

Manage the views from each window. Is there an undesirable view into a neighbor’s home or yard? Is there a nice view that is blocked by a wall or fireplace?

Notice how the walkway leads to the street, where privacy is needed, where noise buffering is needed, how drainage will work.

A side area could be a private garden, accessible from the main bedroom. A front porch overlooking the street could bring the house into a relationship with the neighborhood.

2. Bring in natural light.

Houses can be transformed by adding windows and other light sources. Generous light feels safe and uplifting, and attracts people toward it.

Natural light raises the level of importance and the beauty of rooms. Light all main rooms from two sides, if possible, to reduce glare and balance the light. Use glass doors, windows, skylights, transoms, or light tunnels.

Keep passive solar techniques in mind as you add windows and shading devices. The control of solar energy for light and heat is fundamental for an efficient and comfortable home.

3. Break down hard barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Glass doors, screens, and walls that slide open can create semi-transparent walls, forming indoor/outdoor spaces that have enormous appeal.

Breezeways, garden rooms, bay windows, and screened porches are spaces that people love. These bring people into contact with the outdoors, yet may be furnished in a comfortable way.

4. Think of outdoor spaces as large rooms.

When all areas of the site are thought of as living spaces, new ideas open up. These outdoor spaces expand the house by creating a sense of semi-enclosure in various ways.

Their edges can be defined by trees, fences, wings of the house or other buildings. For example, an outdoor room may be a shady natural space on the site enclosed by a line of trees and shrubs.

Outdoor living spaces can be courtyards, walled gardens, trellis covered breezeways, stone patios, or outdoor showers. Think about their use and connectedness to the house.

Often, we see an exterior space that is built as an isolated destination place – a second floor deck, for example. If you have to make an effort to go there, the space will not be used. Outdoor spaces are most used when they are on paths used by people coming and going. This is why a front porch is a very appealing design element. People naturally meet here, and the porch connects with neighbors walking by.

A popular outdoor living area is the backyard deck. This is often seems to be an afterthought, tacked onto the house. Can it be covered and screened?

5. Consider widening roof overhangs or adding propped shutters over windows.

This is a green building technique in warm climates, blocking solar penetration.

The view of the outside roof structure seen from inside the house evokes a sense of shelter and protection.

If possible, extend the roof in some areas to create covered porches or breezeways. Rooms that are simultaneously open and protected are very appealing.

Inside the house, exposed rafters, rustic beams, or wood surfaces on the ceiling create feelings of strength and character in the home.

6. Review traffic flow – a crucial, but often ignored, design element.

Walk down the paths that bring you inside the front door, then lead you to various rooms through the house, and again to the outdoors. Do they cut through the middle of living areas? When this happens the living area will never feel complete and comfortable.

Circulation paths should lead along the edges of main rooms, and efficiently to private rooms. A maze like floorplan creates a sense of wasted energy and confusion. Few exterior doors may result in a subtle feeling of being trapped.

Bring multiple uses to hallways and connecting spaces with bookshelves, windows or window seats.

Set apart the main entrance with details such as a covered place to stand, special doors, benches, or potted plants.

7. Compare the sizes of rooms in proportion to each other.

People have an intuitive sense of the correct hierarchy of spaces. Small living spaces will seem wrong when combined with large bedrooms.

Homes with awkward design can often be improved by removing walls to make one large space from several smaller ones.

Consider the use and function of each room. Is the room to be used privately, such as a bedroom, study, or library? Or, will the family gather here to cook and eat informally? Some houses include formal areas, others do not. Some have many rooms, others are very open. There is no right or wrong decision here. Houses that have a true and intuitive appeal have a clarity as to the function of each room.

8. Choose materials as an integral part of the design – not as decorator selections made at the end.

For example, structural materials can be exposed, or flooring can be used to connect and unify spaces.

Bring in the beauty and texture of natural materials. Use materials that offset each other – warm and cool colors, rough and smooth textures, solid and delicate walls.

Use materials to connect the house to the site – for example, a wood clad house surrounded by woods, or a stone house next to outcroppings of stone. Or, connect the house to the neighborhood with historic colors and siding.

Repeat materials and colors to unify the interior and exterior.

Keep Your Property In Good Shape: Stay Profitable By : James Klobasa

However, you do not require thousands of dollars for that. Only a little amount of cash will do. This little expenditure will eventually turn out to be a highly profitable investment, as it will attract your tenants, and you will be able to bargain a higher rent from them.

Replacing The Old, Ugly Switch Plates
One of the common mistakes that most real estate investing landlords and rehabbers do is that they paint the entire unit except for the old ugly switch plates. Ridiculously, sometimes, they even paint over them. Do not overlook such things, and get them replaced by new ones. It may cost you as little as about 40 cents each. Even if you have to replace the switch plates in the entire house, it will cost you somewhere around $15 only. While you do this, try to be creative and innovative. Consider nice brass plates for the foyer, living room, and other obvious areas. For that, even if you go for the most expensive ones, it will not cost you more than $4 each.

Improving The Condition Of Doors
Doors can be another inexpensive replacement. For example, if you have ugly brown doors, it is always a great idea to replace them with decent white doors. If you do not at all want to expense that much, for real estate investing rental purpose, you should at least consider replacing the downstairs doors.

Replacing The Door Handles
Just imagine an old door handle, especially with crusted paint on it. If you let it remain unrelated, what impressions will its drab look create on your real estate investing tenants? If you do not want to spend expense on that, consider replacing them with new brass finished handles. It will not cost you more than $10 overall.

Painting The Trim

If you do not want to paint the entire interior of the house, you should consider painting the trim at least. It will substantially enhance the look of the real estate investing house. If your house is one of the new, modern, custom homes with typical beige or off-white walls, with bright white trim, painting the trim with a semi-gloss bright white paint will certainly be a great idea. The same goes with the floor trim.

Improving The Foyer Area
Besides the front door, it is the foyer area that creates the first impression for the real estate investing tenants. You should consider gracing the same with linoleum floors. A good one will not cost you more than $100 in materials.

Kitchen Cabinets
I will not suggest to you to replace the complete kitchen cabinet, but you can at least consider painting them. If you have style wooden cabinets in a lovely dark brown shade, paint them using a semi-gloss white and finish them with colorful plastic knobs. However, it is not necessary to paint the inside of them.

Do Some More
If you have done everything to improve the look, do some more. How about adding a nice colorful mailbox instead of the usual old black one? Your tenant will be impressed with the creative look this adds to the house.

Always remember, in real estate investing business, you never get a second chance to build a first impression.

Property Valuations – What To Ask When Trying To Pick A Good Appraiser

Valuers (or appraisers as referred to in certain countries around the world) form an important part of the general economy, not just the property industry.

Types of Property Valuations

Property valuers generally specialize in a sector of the property market or in a specific sub sector of the property market. There is also plant and equipment valuers but in this article I will focus on the larger market of valuers, property or real estate valuers or appraisers.

The different types of property reports that can be conducted are:

Commercial
Retail
Industrial
Mixed use
Rental review
Litigation
Property development feasibility studies, analysis and valuations

The most common valuation type is in the residential valuations field and the sub sectors are:

Acreage
Alpine
Apartment
Bed-sitter
Coastal property
Duplex
Executive property
Flat
Government
House
Land
Leased property
Luxury property
Property investing
Property investment portfolio evaluation
Retirement living
Rural
Semi-rural
Semi-detached
Serviced apartment
Studio
Student apartment
Terrace
Townhouse
Unit & unit block
Villa

More specialized valuations include the following (it is advisable to ask the valuation firm that you are considering if they have had previous experience before commissioning to perform a valuation):

Townhouse development
Villa development
Unit block
Single tenant office
Retail strip shop
Combined office retail
Owner occupied
Leased property
Multi-tenant
Mid rise office
Small shopping centre
Warehouse
Vacant land
Special use property
Golf course
Ski resort
Unique property
Hospitality-related property (hotels, resorts, inn valuations, motels, conference center valuations)

Regardless of property size, type, or construction material (from brick to steel to weatherboard homes), a property valuer can service all your property valuation needs as long as they are qualified to do so in that field.

I would suggest checking that the Valuer is registered with the local government or regulatory body of property Valuers / appraisers before asking for any work to be conducted.

It is also advisable to see if the valuation / appraisal reports are covered by a well known professional indemnity insurance provider such as Lloyds. Valuers insurance policies vary so see what the valuers professional indemnity (PI) advantages and disadvantages are as well as its limitations.

Another mindful check method is to contact your local or country governing property body or government organization to see if the individual appraiser or property expert is adequately qualified and whether they have current qualifications that is recognized by that body. This is always a good sign to separate the professional or registered valuers from those that are not.

How To Build Your Own House – If you are looking for a new home

If you are looking for a new home, one of your best options may be to build your own home. Purchasing a home that is already built can be quite expensive and may be out of your price range, but building it yourself offers a cheaper route that will leave you even more satisfied with your home since you can design it yourself.

Hiring someone else to build your home can also be quite expensive, so why not take control of your new home and the price, and self build the home just the way you want it. Self building is becoming quickly popular in places like the UK, and people from all professions are beginning to build their homes this way.

Planning and Designing
One of the first tips that you will need to take if you are going to self build your home is to start planning and designing. It is important that you take the time now to get your planning done, because doing so will make the process much easier. Start thinking about where you want to live and what kind of a house you would like. Also you will want to find out the building regulations that are in place where you desire to build as well.

Locate Land
Once you have basic plans in place for your home, you will want to start looking for a great site to build your home on. When you are considering the land that you purchase, there is more to a great home site than a great view, although a wonderful view is an added bonus. You will also want to take into consideration whether or not the land already has permission to build. If it does not, it make awhile before you are able to build your home on this land. Be sure that you take the time to consider a variety of plots of land before you make your final decision.

Assessing the Land
Things that you need to consider when purchasing property for your home include how large the plot is, services like sewer, water, and electricity, trees on the property, and how accessible the property is to vehicles. Take things into consideration and you are sure to find a great plot of land for your new home. If the land has problems such as no water or the land is not level enough for a home and will consider a great deal of money to fix that, then you may want to consider another piece of property. Be sure to remember that you do not overspend on the land, so you have plenty of money budgeted out to actually build the home.

Once you have the planning done and a great piece of land, you are ready to get started on your dream home. Within a few months you will be able to enjoy the comfort of a home that you built yourself. Having a self built home can provide you with personal satisfaction and can save you a great deal of money as well.

Home Insurance Claim – Home Insurance Companies In India

Owning a home in India was a dream before because of the lower living standards but as the living standards increased additionally, the real estate rates increased exponentially. So it still remains a dream. But if you own one you would certainly do anything to protect it. The home owner certainly counts his home as his biggest asset. So protecting the dream home has become a mandatory practice for all homeowners. The home insurance companies provide aplenty options and schemes to ensure the safety of your prime possession.

The general practices involved in home insurance as followed by the home insurance companies in India:

Areas Covered Under Home Insurance

The home insurance policies protect against various natural and man made disasters including:

◦Thefts and Burglaries

◦Fire

◦Earthquake

◦Floods

◦Explosions etc.

Calculation of the Home Insurance Premium or Amount

The factors to be kept in mind while calculating the insurance premium and accepting the home insurance quote being offered by the home insurance company are:

◦Area of the House (calculated in sq.ft.)

◦Location and neighborhood

◦Approximate rate of construction (calculated in Rs. Per sq.ft.)

◦Permanent construction on the land

◦The time period offered for the insurance premium (monthly, quarterly or six monthly depending upon the insurance amount) Property more than 50 years old is not covered in home insurance

◦The insurance policy offered is standard or flexi covering

Home Insurance Claim

In case of the above-mentioned disasters, the home insurance companies settle as quickly as possible. For customer care 24 hr helplines are also being set up to fasten the claim procedure and provide better customer service. The claim settlement procedure home insurance includes:

◦Personal information like the contact details

◦Details of the policy undertaken

◦Inspection of the site by the company appointed surveyor

◦Claim is processed within two weeks of the complete documentation

◦Approval of the claim letter is sent to the claimant with the settlement amount approved

◦Payment of the home insurance claim cheque.

Documentation

The home insurance companies follow a fixed procedure to settle the insurance claim. You are required to submit completed documents in order to fasten the claim procedure. These include:

◦Duly completed and signed claim form

◦Copy of the FIR

◦A Final Police Report

◦Copies of all invoices, price lists

◦Letter of indemnity

Below mentioned is a comprehensive list of the top home insurance companies in India. All the companies offer varied insurance policies and quotes with attractive premiums to suit your needs. Choose wisely and ensure complete documentation of all the offers and quotes made. Also refer to the home insurance companies ratings available on many sites online.

ICICI Lombard – Icici Lombard General Insurance

Insure your home and its contents against natural calamities like fire, earthquake, flood, gas cylinder explosion, fire due to electric short circuit as well as man-made disaster like burglary.

Website: www.icicilombard.com

National Insurance Company Ltd.

National Insurance Company Limited was incorporated in 1906 with its Registered office in Kolkata. Consequent to passing of the General Insurance Business Nationalisation Act in 1972, 21 Foreign and 11 Indian Companies were amalgamated with it and National became a subsidiary of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC) which is fully owned by the Government of India. After the notification of the General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Amendment Act, on 7th August 2002, National has become a Government of India undertaking.

Website: www.nationalinsuranceindia.com

Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd.

The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd was incorporated at Bombay on 12th September 1947. The Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Oriental Government Security Life Assurance Company Ltd and was formed to carry out General Insurance business. The Company was a subsidiary of Life Insurance Corporation of India from 1956 to 1973 ( till the General Insurance Business was nationalized in the country). In 2003 all shares of our company held by the General Insurance Corporation of India has been transferred to Central Government.

Website: www.orientalinsurance.nic.in

Flooring in India – Marble flooring, Laminate flooring, Hardwood flooring

Flooring goes a long way in giving a neat look to your sweet home. Besides majestic POP and decorative items, the home should have a great flooring too. The shimmering floors add spice to the decor of the house. The decor of your home finds a new expression with the choice of appropriate flooring materials blending well with its interior architecture. Hence, always use the right kind of flooring to give your home an enhanced look.

Types of Flooring in India

It is basically your home architect who choose the type of materials to be used as flooring in living rooms, bed rooms, kitchens or bathrooms during the period of construction. After the construction is over, you may take the advice of interior decorators to select appropriate floor coverings, such as carpets, rugs or mattresses etc. in sync with the décor of your home.

There are many types of flooring and each one is marked with some distinguishing features. The most common types of flooring in India include

•Marble flooring

•Tile flooring

•Concrete flooring

•Laminate flooring

•Vinyl flooring

•Ceramic flooring

•Hardwood flooring

•Bamboo flooring

Flooring for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Of all these types of flooring, the most popular in India are Tile flooring and Marble flooring. For bathrooms and kitchens, tile flooring seems to be the most suitable whilst it may also be used for other portions of your house. Ceramic tiles are the most preferred flooring materials for bathroom walls and floors.

Flooring for Bedrooms and Living Rooms

Marble flooring, on the other hand, gives your home a chic look and can be used for living rooms, bedrooms and foyers. Other types of flooring are also getting popularized in the country. Proper flooring gives a neat and finished look and makes it easy for you to clean and maintain your house. The architectural design of your home must contain detailed floor plans so that installation of flooring should be done along with the construction process. The color and design of tiles should match the color of walls and ceilings. In fact, the perfect symmetry in the design, style and color of walls, floors and ceilings is extremely important to enhance the décor of your home.

It is normally the building material suppliers in India who supply flooring materials. You can also contact flooring companies to get information about their latest products and also to buy. The companies listed below are some of the topmost companies providing all types of flooring tiles at an affordable rate.

Home Loans Solutions

Homes Loans are a good option to buy residential homes of your choice against the backdrop of escalating prices of prime properties especially in bigger cities. The rate of real estate property has started to soar in smaller cities also and many home seekers are finding it increasingly difficult to buy flats, houses, plots, lands or apartments. For a family of limited income, home loans are the only option left for owning a dream home.

Purchasing the home of your dreams is not an easy task. Especially when you plan to buy a home on loan. Home loan means that you buy a house on installments. In simpler terms, when you want to own a home but can not afford to pay the amount in lump sum, you can pay it in monthly installments with an interest rate. Indeed, the system of providing Home Loan was started on a very small scale by money- lenders and then it spread on a larger scale.

Home Loan Process

The process of taking a home loan has been simplified. Easy home loans at a low interest rate is no more a difficult task. There are numerous nationalized as well as private banks that offer Home Loans in a hassle free manner. There are various factors that you need to take in account. For instance which are the top finance companies offering cheap home loans or loan at a low interest rate? Once this has been decided you need to be careful of the various attractions offered by some finance companies as it may lead you to trouble in future.

Some of the leading finance companies providing housing loans are: HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Central Bank of India etc. These finance companies offer Home Loans to individuals to purchase (fresh / resale) or construct houses. Loans are also provided for home improvement or repair, extension of house etc.