5 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Kitchen

We all know that installing solar panels, reusing plastic bags and cycling to work all contribute to having a positive impact on our carbon footprint, but when it comes to inside our homes, what can we do to save energy or be more environmentally aware?

Kitchens are a room in the home which consume a lot of energy and power from the multiple electric and cooking appliances. As well as this, you should also consider the food waste, cleaning products and materials which we use in the kitchen. Despite all of this, the kitchen is also one of the easiest rooms to make eco-friendly, if you know how.

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Take A Closer Look At Your Appliances

When it comes to buying new kitchen appliances, do some research into whether there are energy efficient models that you can buy instead of regular ones. For example, refrigerators that have a built-in top or bottom freezer are often much more efficient than having two side by side models, as less cold air will escape when you open the door. If you need a new oven, then consider investing in a convection oven, as this type of oven tends to use a fan in order to drive heat from the source to the food, making it cook 25% quicker than conventional ovens.

Even if you do have energy-efficient appliances installed, it is possible that you may still be wasting energy. Cooking or reheating food in the oven uses a lot of energy and, if you have a microwave which you could have used, then it is unnecessary. Even the small things can make a difference, such as using lids on pans when you cook.

Refrigerate Food The Right Way

As well as maintaining the actual function of your refrigerator, the way in which you store food also matters when it comes to using it to the full efficiency. For example, safely allowing hot food to cool before you store it in the fridge prevents it from having to work harder to cool it. You should also cover your food to stop it from releasing moisture into the fridge.

When left uncovered, foods will emit moisture into the air and this means that your fridge will have to work harder to remove it. You should also store food in reusable food container rather than in cling film or foil as this cuts down on your carbon footprint and helps to keep your fridge working at its full potential.

Minimise Any Drafts

As many kitchens are located at the back of the house, they can become cold and drafty. These drafts can have a serious effect on your household bills and energy efficiency and this breeze can find its way into other rooms of your house. If you have a conservatory attached to your kitchen, then this may also cause a draft issue.

There are some simple ways to combat this which will minimise the effects of this chill in your home. Investigate where you are experiencing the drafts as it will more than likely be an exterior wall which is causing the issue. Look for obvious causes, such as vent holes or fan extractors and see if you can add in any extra insulation. When it comes to conservatories, these can be typically much colder in the winter months so adding in soft furnishings, such as rugs or covered furniture or soft covered luxury garden furniture which you can use in both the summer and winter, will absorb some of the chill.

Clean With Natural Cleaning Products

If you take a look, you will find that a large majority of kitchen cleaning products are in plastic bottles and packaging. Choosing natural cleaning products over synthetic ones can be just as powerful without all of the toxins which can have a damaging effect on your health and environment. If you make your own cleaning products, then not only will you cut down on packaging and production waste, but it will be much cheaper in the long run. You may be surprised when you realise just what can double up as a cleaning product which you already have in your cupboards. 

Hiring the Right Electrician

Do you need to have some electrical work done at your home at some point in the future? If this is the case, you need to be sure that the electrician you hire is very skilled. Otherwise, you could be looking at some very serious problems down the road. You will not find any shortage of electricians in your local phone book. This can make the selection process very confusing if you do not know what to look for. You should not be in a rush to hire an electrician. Take the time needed to explore all of your options. Here are the things you need to take into consideration.

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1. Make sure the electrician you hire has a license and insurance coverage.

Some people will hire an electrician without asking to see his license. This is a huge mistake that these people will often regret. You need to see the person's valid license in order to determine if he or she has received the proper training that is required by your state. You should never assume that the electrician you hire has a license. This might not be the case. You should also ask to see the electrician's valid proof of insurance. Make sure that it has not expired. This will cover any damage that might happen while he is working.

2. Get some references from the Better Business Bureau.

You would be wise to see what info the BBB has compiled about all of the electricians who work near your town. You will be able to get a good sense of the quality of work they will perform for you. Make sure you carefully read each profile so you know who you are dealing with. The BBB is a great resource when you are looking for electrical services Richardson.

3. Compare the hourly rates of various electricians.

Not all electricians are going to charge the same thing. You should never assume they will do this. That is why it would be in your best interests to get quotes from several electricians to find out which one of them is the cheapest.

5 Tips on how to save for a down payment on a house in Dubai

Are you tired of paying rent at the end of every month and planning to have your own home? Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in life. One of the main reasons that hinder most people from buying their own house is the cost involved. In Dubai, you are required to pay a down payment and the balance is spread over a certain period of time. However, since the down payment involved is too high for most people, they resort to paying rent.

Currently, there are numerous new real estate projects in Dubai. So, if you are looking forward to owning a home, you will find many options located in different parts of the city. For example, there is a rich selection of apartments for sale in Downtown Dubai at varied prices.

Here are some tips on how you can save for the down payment

i.             Budget

The first step to start saving for the down payment is to know how much the house will cost. This will depend on certain factors such as your financial position, the location of the property, etc. You will need to research the price range of the house you are looking for. After determining the amount of money the house will cost, you will need to create a budget.

ii.            Minimise the expenses

How you normally handle your finances will determine how much money you will be able to save. Start by looking at your gross income and how much goes into paying regular bills and expenses. Tracking your spending is a great way to see how much you spend on unnecessary stuff. You can save significantly if you cut down on some of the expenses temporarily or permanently. For instance, instead of using a taxi, you can start using public transport. Always find affordable alternatives as much as possible.

iii.           Open a saving account

Opening a saving account is one of the best ways of saving up for the down payment. This way, you will be able to separate your everyday spending from the down payment fund. Setting up an automated plan is the best way to operate a saving account. A certain amount of your salary will be automatically transferred to your saving account.

iv.          Downsize

If you are living alone, you can move from a one bedroom apartment to a studio apartment to cut on your monthly rent. Also, if you are renting in a leafy suburb, you can find other affordable locations where you will pay less money. 

v.            Pay off your credit cards

If you really want to save for the down payment for that apartment in Bluewaters Residences which you have been eyeing since long, you will have to reduce the credit cards that chip away your monthly income. Make sure you have paid all the debts to focus on saving.

5 legal tips every tenant should know

Dubai is regarded as the land of immense opportunities. As a result, this desert oasis attracts a huge number of expatriates to live and work. Since there are numerous real estate projects in Dubai such as the Emaar Beachfront apartments & the City Walk apartments, you are guaranteed to find a place that suits your needs. As a tenant, it is very important to get a good understanding of your rights and responsibilities.

Here are some of the legal tips you should know

i.             Real estate agencies

According to the Dubai real estate laws, all agents and agencies must be registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). If you are dealing with an agency or agent that is not registered, chances are you are being conned by fraudsters. It is always advisable to check and verify whether your broker is registered before giving out your money.

ii.            Cost involved

It is important to know the extra cost involved above the normal rent. In most cases, rent in Dubai is paid using post-dated cheques. This means that the rent is paid a whole year in advance. On top of the rent, you will have to give a refundable maintenance deposit which 5% of the rent amount. Also, you will be required to set up a DEWA account at the cost of AED 2000 for apartments and AED 4000 for villas.

iii.           Condition of the property

The landlord is required by law to hand over the property in a working condition. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure the property is in good condition before moving in. Since most properties are rented before setting up the DEWA account, it is important that your contract has a clause that allows you a few days to check whether the water systems are working correctly. 

iv.          Rental increase

In Dubai, landlords do not have the liberty of increasing the rent anyhow or as they wish. Any increase in rent is regulated by the rental increase calculator. So, rent can only be increased by the amount stipulated by the calculator. Nevertheless, rent cannot be increased by more than 20% no matter the market conditions.

v.            Eviction

Landlords are allowed to evict the tenant before the expiry of the tenancy period only under the following circumstances.

·         If the tenant fails to pay rent on the agreed time.

·         If the tenant subleases the property to a third party with the approval of the landlord.

·         If the tenant uses or allows the property for illegal and immoral activities.

·         If the tenant uses the property for purposes not stipulated in the contract.

5 ESSENTIAL RULES EVERY REAL ESTATE INVESTOR SHOULD KNOW

The real estate sector in Dubai is poised for rapid growth in the coming years due to the boom in the banking and financial industries in different parts of the world.  One of the most prominent features of the real estate in Dubai is the off plan market. Currently, there are numerous off plan properties  in Dubai that are expected to be completed soon such as the Madinat Jumeriah living and Meraas Bluewaters  Residences.

Here are some rules you should know before investing in real estate

i.             Don’t be led by emotions

Many investors make the mistake of falling in love with a property by how it looks. They then invest their money without running the numbers to ensure it has the potential to increase in value. Also, some investors end up spending more on the upfront making it almost impossible to make a profit after the purchase.

ii.           Have enough money

Investing in real estate is not cheap but most investors enter the market without preparing adequately. There are certain unexpected costs that may require additional money on top of the buying price. For example, your tenants can cause damage that may cost you thousands of dollars. In addition, you have to be prepared for possible losses. The real estate market is never constant and sometimes the value of the property can go down. Therefore, it is advisable to have a financial cushion to handle the fluctuations.

iii.          Don’t rent to anyone

One of the biggest challenges facing most investors is finding a good tenant. A wrong tenant could damage your property, fail to meet their rent obligation or disrespect other tenants. The process of evicting them can be long and costly. So, it is very important to do due diligence to the tenant before renting them your property.

iv.          Invest in the right neighbourhood

You should invest in a neighbourhood where the property is likely to increase in value. Even though there is no guarantee that the property, even located in a good area, will increase in value, investing in an ideal location may increase the odds. A neighbourhood that is close to essential amenities like schools, hospitals, banks and retail outlets may be good for investment.

v.           Don’t let the property remain vacant for long

There are certain factors that may cause your property to stay vacant longer than expected. It may be because of poor management, too high rent, low demand and more. You should investigate further to ascertain the cause of the vacancy.

5 Ways to Breathe your Apartment Balcony a Cozy Vibe

A small outdoor space is always in the wish list for most city dwellers. We love to spend time in the balcony to get fresh air, sit under the open sky, watch the stars, have a look at the outdoor activities or just to admire the beauty of nature. If you own a luxury residential project in Bhowanipore, a breathtaking view of the cityscape is ensured from the apartment balcony. Balconies are usually situated in a unique place of the home and separated from the room area by a door. So, it becomes the best place to unwind and enjoy a book or listen to some music in peace and silence.

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The most important factor of balcony decoration should be, comfort. Also, your personal taste and lifestyle should ooze style and vibrancy. Here are a few cool ideas to decorate it well:

1. Set up the sitting arrangement

Be it morning coffee or cosy candlelight dinner, place a table and some chairs in your balcony and make the most of the open space. In warm days, it’s sheer bliss to enjoy your cuppa in the evening in fresh air while looking at the sunset. Opt for the furniture that can be folded and kept inside if it is needed. You can also place storage bench into the space that will provide storage as well as extra seating space. If you are living in a rented flat and don’t want to invest in outdoor furniture, just get a statement rug and pair it up with some colourful throw pillows for a cozy vibe.

2. Bring in greenery

If you are living in the heart of the city, it is assumed that there will be very less greenery around. But there are newly developed premium residential apartments near Victoria Memorial in Kolkata from where the sight of abundant greenery will soothe your eyes. Bring the green spread to your cozy corner too by adding planters filled with lush plants or growing herbs and seasonal flowers to make it look and smell good. Artificial green carpet imitating the lawn can be used instead of tiles. Hanging potted plants in the balcony are also very much in vogue nowadays.

3. Accessorize the space

Install a shelving unit for displaying potted plants and decor items. Thus blank wall space will be utilized and also free up a lot of space. Hang a chair or hammock to create a laid back attitude that will make you feel like you are on a vacation every day sitting in your 4 bhk apartment in Bhawanipore, South Kolkata. If you want to ensure some privacy, use tall bamboos to create a natural wall. Add some shade with retractable awning to guard yourself against rain and sun.

4. Use the proper colour scheme

Don’t hesitate to experiment with bold colours in your balcony. Colourful rugs and pillows are perfect to infuse a happy mood. If you have a small balcony to work with, carry the same colour scheme that you have in your home into your outdoor space. Use quirky colour pallets to give the space a bohemian feel if it’s suitable for you.

5. Light it up

Ensure adequate lighting to make use of the place day and night. Glam it up with fairy lights or candles, they make for better relaxation in the evening. You can add plenty of string lights above the place or outdoor lanterns for creating a magical vibe. Outdoor pendant lights or sconces can also be installed for late night hangouts if you are hosting a small party in your 3 BHK Luxury Apartment near Alipore, Kolkata that is spacious enough for such small celebrations.