5 Easy Steps to Own a Kit Home

With the price of housing these days going through the roof, most young people have begun to give up hope that they will ever own their own home without being in massive debt. There still is one great option, being kit homes. Kit homes actually are affordable housing options, and provide a sense of security in knowing that not only is it yours, but that you no longer have a landlord who can kick you out on a whim. The following are 5 easy steps to owning your own kit home.

Research

If you want a kit home, there are lots of options out there for you, so you should do a fair amount of research before you decide on a home. Most kit home companies have good websites that allow you to view their different options, and you often also have the ability to customise many of the available kit home designs.  While you are going through your short list of design options, make sure you work out exactly what the cost of each option will be to get to completion.

Choose One

Having done all your research and made all the tough decisions regarding what you want from your dream kit home, you now have to make a decision. When making your decision, keep in mind any future needs you may have for extra space, such as a possible newborn, as you may want to be thinking ahead to how future add-ons could work with the current design.

Make Changes

Once you have chosen a design, you have the awesome opportunity to make some changes if you’d like. Your options aren’t quite endless, though talk to the company whose design you like about what changes are possible. The kit home company will often have some great suggestions as to how to make use of your space to best fit your wish list. It will cost a little more, though being able to even slightly customise your kit home is a huge benefit.

Get Council Approval

To build pretty much any structure you need approval from your local council, so the council will have to approve of the plan you have for your property. Usually the kit home company will be able to assist you with this process, as they are very familiar with what needs to be done. This is usually just to make sure that what you want to build will be structurally safe, and of course fees are involved in getting this done.

Build It

The big advantage of kit homes is that they are far easier to build than a regular house and you can do a lot of the work yourself, saving you lots of money. The kit home company generally won’t organise the assembling of your kit home for you, so you will likely need to hire a builder to get the home built. Putting a kit home together is far quicker and easier than a regular house, so you won’t have to spend a fortune getting it done. This means you will be living in your new home sooner, and still with money enough to start furnishing it.

Lighting Up Home Security

Home security is a big issue for many of us. We not only want to feel like our family is safe and protected, but we want to ensure our home is a place where we can feel comfortable and secure. We’ve all seen television programs about Hollywood’s big mansions, flooded with spotlights and bright security lighting, a guard at the front gate and hi-tech alarm systems which transmit video footage to a monitor but we can’t all afford that. Nor would many of us want to – after all, if your home becomes something that resembles a prison, what’s the point?

So how do you achieve a reasonable level of security that will mean you and your family are safe, but you don’t have to remember countless codes, run from one door to the next when you get home, and head to the police station if you forgot your keys and don’t have ID?

1. Lighting

The first step is to increase your lighting. Security lighting, triggered by movement, is an excellent way to deter would-be-criminals, and alert you to the presence of someone on your property. This level of security is inexpensive, easy to find and only requires installation by an electrician. Combine it with locks on your windows and secure entry ways, and you can feel safe and secure in your own home. This form of lighting also makes it safer for guests who are visiting in the evening, but doesn’t involve keeping the light on all night.

2. Video

The next step up is ‘back-to-base’ security. This basically involves the use of video and sensors, which are transmitted back to a security office somewhere not too far away. If the sensors are activated, the guard is alerted and they send a car or let the police know you may need assistance. Don’t be worried, they are equipped for false alarms, so they normally ring the contact number you have provided before setting off to save you.

3. Animals

It may seem old fashioned, but a dog can be a big deterrent. Would you enter the yard of a house where you could hear an angry animal? If you train your dog well, they will not bark all night, so sounds of unrest will generally indicate that something is going on outside.

4. Get in Control

One of the most advanced options hands the reins over to you. Automating your home means you have access to footage and to controls in the house whenever you want to. This means if you are away and feeling uneasy, you can simply turn on the computer, log in and direct cameras in your home to show you live footage.

Security is not something to compromise on, so if it is a concern in your area, look at combining some of the above options, or talking to a contractor about what is best for your property’s home security systems.

Flooring Options for Verandas and Patios

If you’re designing or redoing your veranda or patio, there is a large range of outdoor flooring options you can choose from.

Timber

Timber decking is a common choice for verandas and patios. Hardwood timbers are considered to be very durable when treated and are effectively resistant against the elements and against insects. If your veranda or patio does not have a roof, though, timber decking will need to be regularly maintained and can need re-staining and re-sealing every few years.

Composite Decking

An even more popular option for outdoor flooring, however, is composite decking. Composite decking is made from a blend of natural, recycled materials and is highly durable and environmentally friendly. It’s also very easy to install, if you are planning a DIY job and it is very easy to keep clean. Composite decking is also insect resistant and fire resistant and won’t rot or decay.

However, note that composite decking is not ideal for structural or load-bearing work. Composite decking is also not repairable, so if it does sustain any damage, the materials must be fully replaced. Some people also find composite decking less durable than real hardwoods.

Bamboo

Bamboo is fast becoming a popular flooring choice for home owners, particularly for those wanting natural floors with a beautiful finish. Bamboo can be used in both indoor and outdoor flooring, including decks, verandas and patios and is very easy to install. Bamboo is a top choice for builders as it very dense and has the same finish as a hardwood floor. Depending on which type of bamboo you choose, it can be very low maintenance. However, just like a hardwood floor, bamboo can be damaged by moisture.

Tiles & Bricks

Tiles, bricks and paving are very popular when it comes to patios, but they can be used in verandas too. The benefit of paving is that it gives you the freedom to create the look or pattern you want for your flooring area.

As bricks are easy to install, brick flooring for your patio or veranda is a durable and inexpensive choice. Ensure you use bricks that are weather resistant and slip resistant. If you are installing tiles, ensure that they are slip resistant too. Porcelain tiles are generally better for outdoor flooring, since they absorb moisture and water.

Concrete & Stone

Stone and concrete are highly durable options for your veranda or patio flooring, though your veranda may not be sturdy enough for concrete. Stone and concrete pavers are regularly used as flooring and they are cheaper than most other options. If you want your patio or veranda to mesh with your garden, stone pavers can also be used to create stepping stones or pathways. Other options include flagstone, cobblestone and kota stone, to provide a more luxurious look.

Floating Candle

This floating candle was put on our table. Captured when we had lunch at a restaurant. It functions to get away flies around our table.

Mellow Yellow

5 Ways Lighting Can Improve Your Home

If you are looking to sell your house, or if you simply want to improve the atmosphere for your own enjoyment, there are several things you can do to make the most of your house. And these improvements don’t have to break the bank. The most common ways to make your home look its best, without making major changes, are using fresh flower arrangements and good lighting. Although you might not have realised it, lighting has a huge impact on the look and feel of our homes, and it can make a world of difference.

Lighting largely comes from two places – windows and electric lights. Buyers often look for places that have good natural lighting, with big windows. Additions such as skylights add to this and bring an aura of nature that can’t be obtained artificially.

Nevertheless, artificial lights can dramatically impact a space, so don’t despair if your home is not blessed with lots of natural light. Hotel are a prime example of this, they use both flowers and good lighting design to make the best of rooms that may not have much light or personality otherwise.

So how can lighting improve your home?

1.       Security

The most obvious improvement comes in the form of security. While fancy back-to-base systems, and home automations provide amazing security, lighting around the exterior of the home, operated by sensors, will alert you to a guest – wanted or unwanted – immediately. This improvement in security is all from the simple act of flicking a switch.

2.       Feature

Lights can either become a feature of your room, or highlight it. A beautiful lighting display, unique floor lamp, or even a just a shade can change the look of your entire room, and command the attention of your guests.  Likewise, a spotlight directed onto an artwork can make it a true highlight.

3.       Ambience

Lighting can also help you achieve your design desires. If, for example, you are holding a sophisticated dinner in a dining room influenced by formal English dining rooms, soft lighting will go a great way to achieving what you’re aiming for.

4.       In the Bedroom

It is not often spoken about, but lighting plays a big role in the bedroom. For those with less confidence, soft, background lights provide a subtle, sensuous mood. Rather than turning the lights right out, good lighting can be used to make you feel better about yourself and enable you to see your loved one.

5.       On the Bills

Electricity is rising in price. Solar power and wind turbines aren’t at full strength yet but that doesn’t mean that lighting your home has to be expensive. ‘Dollar saver’ light bulbs save an amazing amount of energy and last a long time, meaning that your lighting choice can actually play a role in decreasing your bills.

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Inside a Japanese Restaurant

My husband and I had lunch at this place last Tuesday. I saw interesting decoration inside. But as my husband is a smoker, we prefer to eat outside. Our lunch was so nice. Good place, good food.

The Weekend in Black and White