General Costs of Burial Plots

Everyone recognises that a funeral can be an expensive event. Most people do not realise, however, quite what the costs will be. There are a wide array of funeral costs but it is the ones that aren’t considered that actually tend to cost the most. One of the more expensive elements of a funeral is buying the burial plot. This article considers the costs of getting the right spot.

When to Buy

Buying a burial spot is something that can be done well ahead of time. You can buy it for when you are ready to depart and this can be a huge help to your family. A burial plot will potentially be very expensive so buying in advance or at least adding funeral cover to your life insurance will greatly ease the burden on your family when you depart.

Remember that if you wish to be buried in the same area as family members, you will need to buy plots in advance to ensure that you can have your wish. Buying multiple plots at once will usually get you a discount, however.

How to Buy

1.       Choose your Cemetery.

Choosing your cemetery will probably be an easy choice. It will usually be somewhere with a close family connection and an aesthetic surrounding. The prices of plots within a cemetery will vary hugely so be aware of this.

2.       Look Around

Go to the cemetery and ask for a map of the available plots. Plots will be available in many locations around the cemetery, but the ocean view will be noticeably more expensive than the ones further from the sea.

3.       Compare Prices

Picking a few ideal spots and comparing the prices is a sensible idea. You will find huge variations and sometimes it just isn’t practical to opt for the ocean view.

4.       Consider the Grave

The type of grave you opt for will also have a big impact on the value of the plot. Consider whether you want a mausoleum, a flower garden, or a cremation burials plot. If you are planning for a family tomb to be created then there will need to be some significant planning carried out so you will have to approach the cemetery well in advance of the first death.

5.       Consider Other Fees

Many cemeteries will have opening and closing fees which aren’t included in the cost of a plot. Be sure to consider the cost of the actual burial because this expense could push your budget over otherwise.

6.       Inform the Funeral Home or Buy Directly

If the funeral and burial is an imminent event then be sure to inform the funeral home of your decision to buy. They will then handle the purchase and the arrangements for opening and closing along with those of the ceremony. If you are shopping for future use then you can make the purchase of a plot directly with the funeral home. In this case it is essential that you include this information in your Last Testament and Will because otherwise the Executor may not carry out your wishes.

Should You Become an Owner Builder?

Becoming an owner builder is a huge task but it is one that could potentially save you vast amounts of money. Building a property yourself will allow you to achieve a higher level of quality for a lower price and the feeling of producing your own home is one that cannot be beaten. This being said, there is little doubt that it is a monolithic challenge and one that will potentially end up very costly if you do not do it right. Being an owner builder requires a certain level of expertise because a house is not something you can pick up at IKEA and screw together. Here are some things you should consider before opting to become and owner builder:

Managing the Project

As an owner builder you will literally be in charge of and on top of the entire project. This means that everything from land acquisition to building permit applications and insurance will all fall under your list of responsibilities. There is a huge amount more behind a home construction than would first be imagined and completing it correctly is vital. If you buy land then it does not necessarily mean that you can build upon it without worry. Running this project will be a full-time role that will not let you sit back and relax until it is successfully complete.

Excessive Preparation

When managing a project on a construction site the key is preparation. It is essential to be prepared for every eventuality and this can be a very complex requirement. When materials arrive, for example, access needs to be arranged and space needs to be created. In most cases the material will have to stay where it is dropped and most materials are somewhat weather sensitive. This means that the area has to be ready well in advance and items need to arrive at precisely the right time of the build so that you can accommodate.

Preparing for deliveries is manageable but preparing for the arrival of rain when your roof is still a pile off wood is somewhat more vital. In this case, and in many other cases, a mistake or a failure to prepare could end up costing you thousands of dollars and also delay the build dramatically.

Structural Integrity

Remember that the home you are building needs to support your family and your life. It is vital that the structural integrity of the home is faultless and your ability to achieve this needs to be solid. Constructing a home should not be something that you learn on the job as every inch of it needs to stand together.

Safety

As owner builder you will be responsible for the safety of everyone on your site and this is a huge responsibility to take on. Given that even hand tools dropped from the roof of a house could cause a fatality, it is vital that safety is number one. The responsibility of this cannot be taken lightly because it is a serious issue and one that could ruin you financially even if no injuries take place. Insurance costs will be significant but more seriously than this, people’s lives will be in your hands.

Purchasing the Perfect Dining Sets for your Home

The dining set is not just another piece of furniture; it is a place where the family will gather together to have close communication and further develop a greater relationship. But with the numerous brands, styles and materials of dining sets all over the place, it seems a little bit complicated for consumers to buy the right dining sets that will be suitable for them. The first thing you must consider before buying your home dining sets is your budget. Once you have finalized this, relax and consider the following tips carefully, because a dining set is something that will last for many years.

The first thing you must take into consideration before you buy your dining sets is the size. The size of the dining table you want to purchase must correspond with the size of the space you want to put it in. A small dining set will look terrible in a large room, while a 21’ x 12’ room cannot accommodate a table with 16 chairs. Make sure that you consider all measurements before you make any decisions. You should also consider the size of your family and the guest you’ll possibly be hosting, so people don’t get uncomfortable when they visit you.

The next thing you want to consider is the shape and style of the dining. When deciding on style, it is paramount that you put the original style of your home into consideration. Check the surrounding décor and ensure that the furniture you’re buying fits in perfectly with the original settings. Most dining tables are usually rectangular in shape, but if you have a family that likes to communicate during meals, then you should consider a round dining table. If the numbers of people that come to your table are never static, then shop for tables with leaf inserts so you can make it larger when you’re expecting more guests.

Consider the type of material your dining table should be built from. There are dining tables made of wood, which are the most popular ones. If you decide to choose a dining set with sturdy wood like cherry or maple then you should be ready to spend more money, but they last longer than other types of woods. Wood is also very much preferable because it is easy to clean and maintain. If you’re someone who worries about scratches, then go for antique with cravings since it hides scratches. Glass dining tables on the other hand look elegant and can fit into any kind of home design however; it can damage easily and may not be the right choice for a family with very young children.

Apart from budget, style, size and material you should also consider the colour scheme. Ensure that the colour of the dining sets correspond with the colour of your home. In addition to colour, also consider the quality of the dining sets. Even though it may cost you extra, a quality dining set will take a lot of abuse and last longer, helping you save plenty of money in the long run.

Children's Bedroom Furniture

When designing the room of a child there are certain things parents need to consider especially when it comes to buying furniture. Children unlike adults are very playful and will always go around destroying some things. This is why most families prefer to have their rooms furnished with wooden furniture since this is a hard material that cannot break easily. Wooden furniture also has the advantage of not being damaged unlike steel that can rust with time.

Many furniture shops offer children's bedroom furniture at reasonable prices. There are special discounts for baby cribs and double Decker beds. A parent however needs to be sure that the type of wood used to make the beds is of good quality. This means it cannot grow mould or develop cracks with time. The wood has to be strong especially since children are known for bouncing on their beds.

It is always recommended there should always be space in the children's room to play. Filling the room with all types of chairs and tables will make it look crowded and in most cases the kids will prefer playing in another part of the house. The bedroom should be a haven for the children to play therefore parents should but only what is required and leave enough space for other activities.

Wooden furniture has many advantages especially when it is being bought for children. First, it does not require much maintenance compared to steel. Second, the furniture is unique and can be carved into numerous designs. Third is even when they break it is easy to repair them since a person will only need a hammer, nails, and probably wood glue. It will hence last long.

Wooden furniture is cheap when compared to other materials. People do not have to purchase this furniture from stores in case it is too expensive. They can hire expert carpenters who will construct the kind of seats or bed an individual wants. They are cheap to hire and bargains are allowed. Individuals can also buy the furniture on hire purchase basis and pay in small amounts until the debt is fully covered.

A child' bedroom will not require much stuff. It will only need a bed, table, and chair for homework purposes and probably drawers for storing clothes. The design of the furniture also matters since the kids need to feel comfortable in their own rooms. A baby room however does not need all this stuff. A crib and drawer will do the job.

Another important issue to note is that certain ant species love to dwell in wood. They have a painful sting in case they feel under threat. Other insects like spiders and cockroaches love making their homes in wood where there are gaps. To prevent this problem a person should ensure the wood is painted or regularly check for such insects.

There are many children's furniture stores that can be found on the internet. A list of shops will appear with details or price and where they are located. Doing this search is the first step to looking for quality furniture for the kids. Their opinion also counts therefore parents can go furniture shopping with them and see what they like.

Bagelen (Sweet Crispy Dried Bread)

 Have you ever tried this snack? My husband’s friend gave us a box of bagelen a few days ago. For me, it’s an un-boring snack. The box is almost empty now.

Mellow Yellow

How to Save Money on Electricity

Sick of paying super high electricity bills? Saving money on electricity is becoming increasingly difficult given rising energy costs. Here’s how you can save money on electricity around your home or office and reduce your carbon footprint.

Kitchens

Kitchen appliances often use a lot of electricity. One of the key ways to save electricity is to upgrade your appliances to those with better energy-star ratings. This includes refrigerators, ovens, microwaves and dishwashers.

When you’re cooking at home, also make sure you use the correct-sized pans with larger burners, rather than smaller burners with the heat turned up higher. Other things you can do include defrosting your freezer regularly and using the dishwasher only when necessary.

Living Areas & Bedrooms

Living areas and bedrooms will use most electricity via electrical appliances like televisions and lights.

Switch off or unplug your electrical appliances when they’re not in use, especially the television – never leave it running when you’re not in the room. Leaving your TV on standby means it’s also using electricity, which you will need to pay for, so consider turning it off at the powerpoint altogether.

It’s also a cost saver  to replace your incandescent light bulbs with LED or fluorescent bulbs, which will create the same amount of light but use much less energy. Also remember to turn off lights when you’re not in the room.

Air Conditioning & Heating

Air conditioners and heaters use substantial amounts of electricity, particularly when used non-stop. Consider dressing cooler in summer and warmer in winter when around the house to reduce the need for these appliances.  In summer you could replace your air conditioner with ceiling fans where possible. In winter, to preserve heat, you could consider insulating your home or installing double-glazed windows. Remember to keep the doors shut of any room not being heated or cooled and keep curtains and blinds closed too, since much heat can be lost through windows.

Bathrooms & Laundries

One of the best ways to reduce your electricity bills is to install a solar hot water system for use in your bathroom and laundry (and also in the kitchen). Solar hot water systems use only 75% of the energy from regular heating systems and also reduce your carbon footprint dramatically.

Lights and electric fans should also be turned off when you’re not in the laundry or the bathroom.  When it comes to laundry, only use your washing machine when you’ve got a full load. If it’s a warm day, dry your clothes outside instead of in the dryer.

Outdoors

You may not realise it, but you could also be using a lot of electricity outside of your home. If you’ve got a pool, your filter pump will contribute to your electricity costs, so run the filter only when necessary or even just once every few days. You can also limit the amount of debris in your pool by using a pool cover.

If you have a heated pool, consider getting rid of your heater and replacing it with solar heating instead. This uses renewable energy from the sun and also eliminates the need for an additional electricity cost.