Nov 28, 2018 | blog
The act or process of saving money with the purpose of using it in future when required is known as investment. An investment helps in safeguarding and securing the future of a person, who can use these savings at the time of need, such as:
- For future business investment
- To start a new business venture
- During losses in business
- In case a person loses his/her job
- During health problems
- For basic and further studies of their children
Investment can be in the form of saving money or an asset. Investment can be understood by its two classes:
- Fixed income investment such as bonds, preference shares, and fixed deposits.
- Variable income investment such as business ownership and property ownership.
Out of the many options of investing your money, investing in property is one the most convenient and popular method of long-term investment. Property investment is not a new technique, but quite an old mode of investment. This method can never go out of trend as people trust investing their earnings in a property, which has proven to be an important asset with time. When a person invests in a property, his main purpose is not only to protect his income but create and increase his earnings as well.
Although convenient, property investment needs to be done with proper precautions and after a thorough research. There are some mistakes that a person can make during this process which can lead to losses. In order to avoid these mistakes, and to make a perfect and profitable investment which will flourish even more in future, you must consult a property dealer/company when you plan to purchase a property. Taking bits of advice from an experienced property dealer is part of your research work. They play an important role in your journey when you are looking for a property investment, by helping you out at every stage and in every decision. An ethical, talented and an experienced company or an individual will tell you honestly about the perfect timing for investment, a great and fruitful location where future profits can be earned, and will not take advantage of your limited knowledge of the area. Usually, they work just to earn more commissions; that is why you must choose a company who works ethically and has all the qualities as cited here.
As property investment is a very huge investment, one tends to be very confused, fickle-minded and finds excuses to back out of the plan many times during the process. That is when you should remind yourself with all the benefits of investing in property, which mainly are:
- Guarantees security: Unlike many other large investments, property investments give you a guarantee of safeguarding your investment. When you invest in stocks or other bonds, there is no assurance whether they will get you profits or losses. But you can be sure of the money that you have invested in a property. Return on investment is much higher in this investment than any other.
- Great opportunities: Once you take the leap and purchase your property, a vast number of opportunities will open for you for making profits. If you are smart enough to invest in the property which is located at a great location, there will be many people who would want to rent that place for the purpose of living, or for doing their business, depending upon the type and area of your property. These opportunities ensure the regular flow of cash in the form of rents, which serves as a great source of income and add up to our financial security and stability.
- Your property is your protector: Whatever the scenario is outside, your property is always available as your knight in shining armor. At the time of need when you need a large amount of cash, you always have your property to put on rent, or for sale. A property is a very useful asset. Even at the times of recession, you can be sure of one place that is still yours, and you can brainstorm on how you can make profits out of it.
Capital growth: If you have invested in a potential location, the value of your property will definitely increase. This is the best outcome of investing in a property, that you can get twice, thrice, or even more of what you invested. You do not need any specialized education or training to invest in a good property, you just need to think practically, logically and then follow your instinct.
Nov 17, 2018 | blog
Are you thinking about a prefab home? If so, you aren’t alone. Lots of people go prefab. Here’s an overview of the types and benefits of a prefab home.
More than 22 million Americans now live in prefab homes.
Prefab homes offer an alternative to rising home costs and aging properties in suburbs across the country. But pre-fabricated homes also offer a number of other attractive benefits.
But what is a prefab home? The term actually covers a variety of home styles, sizes, and build types. Each has their own specifications. If you’re thinking about buying a prefab home, you need to understand these differences and learn why one might be a better option than the next.
Keep reading to learn about the different prefab home types, as well as their benefits and drawbacks, to help you make the right choice for your new home.
Mobile or Manufactured Homes
Mobile, or manufactured, homes sometimes get a bad rep. This is thanks to film and television depictions of so-called “trailer parks.”
But in reality, the term “mobile” or “manufactured” homes means a basic, universal style of prefab homes.
Traditional homes built from the ground up on site by constructions teams. Prebuilt homes come in several pieces from a factory. Then, those pieces are shipped to the site and assembled there.
In some cases, the entire manufactured home may be built in a factory and then shipped to a sale lot or to the homeowner’s site.
The industry has largely moved away from the term “mobile homes,” instead now coining them “manufactured homes.” However, these properties can still be taken apart and moved with ease.
These homes are often some of the most affordable prefabricated homes.
Manufactured homes are available in three sizes; single wide, double wide, and triple wide. Unlike other forms of prefab homes, manufactured homes often offer the least number of options for customization when it comes to size and layout.
But if you’re looking for an affordable home that’s quick to build and can be moved later on, a manufactured home might be the right choice for you.
Modular Homes
Often considered to be a step up from manufactured homes, modular homes offer greater customization to homeowners.
Like manufactured homes, modular prefabricated homes are often built in pieces in a factory and assembled onsite. Unlike manufactured homes though, you can choose from any number of sizes and layout to choose a home that better fits your needs.
With increased customization does come higher costs.
But because homes are not being entirely built onside by construction teams led by expensive contractors, you’ll still get incredible savings compared to building a traditional home. And you’ll get to choose the home style, size, and layout that best fits your family’s wants and needs.
While choosing a manufactured home builder might be more about cost and quality, when choosing a modular home builder you’ll also want to look for one who offers the style of home you’re looking for.
The professionals from Pronto Homes suggest you check out several styles before choosing the home that’s right for you.
Pre-Cut Homes
If you’re willing to put in a little more work and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, then pre-cut homes can be a great way to save some money.
Pre-cut homes are a type of prefab home that is only partially assembled. Basic pieces are put together, and all or most of the supplies needed are gathered and placed in a kit.
These kits are then sold directly to homeowners who can either assemble them on their own or pay an additional fee to have them assembled by professionals onsite.
Pre-cut home kits are often used for building log cabins, dome houses, weekend homes, or other smaller properties. This means fewer materials and a smaller size, making it easier for the average person with no contracting or construction experience to assemble the kit.
Panelized Homes
Panelized homes are the least pre-fabricated options on this list. Unlike other prefab homes that are almost entirely built in a factory or pre-cut homes where all of the necessary pieces are gathered and placed in a kit, panelized homes have only the walls built ahead of time.
These “panels” are then shipped to the build site. Once there, they must be assembled, which can take over a week compared to just a few hours or days to assemble other prefab homes.
Once the panels are assembled, the rest of the home must be built, including interior work, outer siding, etc.
Panelized homes do still offer savings compared to a traditional home built entirely onsite. They also offer greater flexibility in size and style choice compared to other pre-fabricated home options.
Shipping Container Homes and Tiny Houses
A growing trend in prefab houses is the use of recycled materials and smaller floor plans.
Shipping container homes are exactly what they sound like; homes constructed from recycled or new shipping containers.
Besides their trendy, modern look, shipping container homes offer a number of benefits. They are inexpensive, durable, and are often designed to be energy efficient, inside and out.
Tiny houses are a bit more diverse. While they may be built out of a variety of materials, what these homes share are very small square footage, often less than 1,000 square feet.
These homes are designed to maximize their square footage, with hidden storage and dual-purpose furniture.
Like shipping container homes, tiny homes are often highly energy efficient, and an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Choosing the Right Prefab Home Option
Now that you know a few of your prefab home options and their benefits and drawbacks, it’s time to choose the right option for you.
No matter which you choose, know that you’ll have plenty of big decisions to make when designing your home. From choosing a style and size to picking your layout and figuring out what kind of furniture you’ll be able to fill it with, the work doesn’t stop once you’ve simply decided on a type of home.
If you’re ready to learn more about what goes into designing a modular home, check out these tips next.
The professionals from Pronto Homes suggest you check out several styles before choosing the home that’s right for you.
Last updated Dec 13, 2020 | blog
Don’t let your kitchen intimidate you. DIY kitchen remodels give you the most bang for your buck. Here’s an easy DIY guide to replacing kitchen cabinets.
When looking to remodel your home, your kitchen is likely a place that needs some attention.
Whether it’s your countertop, fridge, or appliances, chances are something is outdated. However, these projects can be expensive, time-consuming, or both.
But, there’s another option you can take: replacing your kitchen cabinets yourself.
While it’s true not everyone is a natural when it comes to handyman work, home improvement is a skill that anybody can learn.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at how you can go about replacing kitchen cabinets on your own.
What You’ll Need
Before we move on, you’ll need the following:
- Level
- Pencil
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Screwdriver
- Drywall screws
- Stepladder (for the top cabinets)
You’ll also need the cabinets themselves. You can purchase ones that fit your tastes from your local hardware store, but the professionals over at RTA Cabinet Supply say it may be easier to order them directly to your home.
Now, we’re ready to begin.
(Carefully) Remove The Old Cabinets
Before you can set up your new cabinets, you’re going to have to get rid of the old ones.
But, you should do this as gently as possible to avoid damaging your kitchen’s walls (or the old cabinets if you want to try and sell them).
After you’ve cleared the way for your new cabinets, it’s best to start with the wall-mounted ones so that the bottom cabinets won’t get in your way during the process.
You can buy your cabinets from a hardware store, but most people find it easier to have them delivered to their home.
Installing Upper Cabinets
As you may have found out by now, cabinets are heavier than most people think. Therefore, you’re going to need to fasten each cabinet to the wall with at least three screws.
Furthermore, these screws should go approximately 2 inches into the wall behind the cabinet. But, let’s start with…
Leveling
Using a level and a pencil, mark a perfectly straight line on your wall where you want the top of the cabinet to be located. Make sure that you leave enough room between the bottom of the mounted cabinets and your countertop, however.
Find The Studs
With a stud finder, locate the studs in your kitchen’s walls and do your best to mark the center of them with a pencil so that you know where to mount.
Corners First
The actual installation of these cabinets is best done with a second person. While one of you holds and balances the cabinet, the other should screw it into the studs after making sure that it’s level.
Mount The Rest
Once you install the corner cabinet, you can use it as a reference when installing the others.
Simply mount the others while using the first cabinet to make sure they’re level.
Installing Lower Cabinets
Now that the hardest part is over, you can begin installing the lower cabinets.
Carefully Align
The process is more or less the same as installing the top cabinets, but it’s much easier because you don’t have to balance while you mount.
Align the bottom puter or corner cabinets carefully underneath the top cabinets, either visually or with a tape measure.
Join Together
Then, add the rest of the cabinets on the bottom row, once again making sure everything aligns properly.
Screw to Wall
When you’re happy with their arrangement, screw them into the studs in the wall.
Replacing Kitchen Cabinets Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above tips, you’ll be able to ensure you have an easy time replacing kitchen cabinets and that your new cabinets properly add to the aesthetic of your home.
Hungry for more DIY information? Check out Carve Your Creation, another great resource for DIY and home improvement tips.
Last updated Feb 12, 2021 | blog
In many cases, a few simple remodeling projects can help seniors age in place. Here are 6 of the most important home modifications for the elderly.
Given that nearly 90% of Americans fear aging, it’s no wonder that homes are still designed for people who are middle-aged and younger.
However, if you’re planning on aging in place, you’re going to need to make a few home modifications for the elderly. These small bits of remodeling will allow you or your loved one to enjoy your home long after mobility issues have started to arise.
Here are six tips to make your home more comfortable for the elderly.
1. Adding a Ramp
As we get older, climbing up the stairs is no fun at all. Even if we don’t need to be wheelchair bound, lifting our knees way up to take the stairs might not be as feasible.
Something as simple as a ramp can make it easier to get in and out of our home. While we might still have to deal with the stairs inside our home, dealing with stairs that are slippery in the winter doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. Instead, a simple ramp at a low incline can do the trick.
Adding a ramp might not be as simple as we think at first. In fact, stairs are actually fairly efficient when it comes to taking up space. Ramps must take up more space in order to be easy to climb.
Adding a concrete ramp with a strong railing will be an investment but will be well worth it. Read more now to find out about what kind of ramp options you could have.
2. More Places to Sit
One of the things that are perpetually missing in and around our home as we get older are seats when we need them. Doing the dishes, cooking, or even bathing can be a chore when we’re struggling with balance or standing up. If we have accessibility issues, they might not be an option.
One of the best fixes is to add a shower chair to help when we’re bathing. A shower chair is a great addition for an elderly person as it takes off the burden of having to stand up and risk slipping in the shower. It also lends some balance where we might lose it trying to wash one foot then the other for instance.
Think creatively about more places you could add seating. Being able to sit down and do tasks gives us that extra security and balance when we most need it. Having the option to sit when we get fatigued is important with age.
3. Help Getting Up the Stairs
While adding a ramp to get into a home is one thing, adding a ramp to the interior of a home is something else entirely. It’s often not possible to add anything of the sort.
In homes with high and steep stairs, a chairlift or a stair lift is the perfect solution. While it’s a fairly extreme addition to a home, it’s one that is necessary to make it easier to age in place. When you’re looking to stay in your home no matter what your mobility limits are, you need to make serious modifications.
Even if a stair lift is too much for you, consider adding a second railing. If you have a wide staircase with a railing attached to the outside of the staircase, perhaps a second one that’s parallel will help. Having a second railing means that going up the stairs will be half as hard with that extra hand to help stabilize you.
4. Moving Handles Around
All over a home there are handles to doors and cabinets that are small, unforgiving, and can be difficult to open. Rather than having to struggle with these, you could always switch them out.
For elderly homeowners, traditional handles might not work as well. They might look nice, but they might not be easy to grab ahold of. Rather than continuing to struggle with them, you could make modifications.
Handles on most cabinets aren’t permanent. They were designed for a certain aesthetic, but often the handles can be moved.
Having handles in user-friendly and easy-to-reach places allows you to be able to get the things you need with no hassle at all. You can open doors and closets without having to bend down or move your hands in awkward positions.
5. Greasing Up Hinges
One of the things in the way of elderly people who are trying to age in place is the number of doors and drawers that exist in general.
We often forget to take care of them. There aren’t many people who take apart their drawer system to inspect for debris on the bearings unless there’s something wrong with the drawers.
However, some regular maintenance can go a long way. A little bit of troubleshooting now can ensure that you won’t be dealing with major problems later.
Simply spraying hinges with WD-40 can ensure they’re easier to open and easier to close.
6. Taking Things from High Shelves
In most homes, when we run out of space to store laterally, we start moving things up. If we have a surplus of kitchen items or ingredients, they’ll go up on a shelf rather than being crammed into a drawer.
However, as we get older, it’s harder to put things up high.
Now is the time to get creative with storage. Find short, stackable containers that don’t reach any higher than eye level for your elderly loved one. Put art and things to look at nice and high but keep all the practical things low to the ground.
Home Modifications for the Elderly Can Be Simple
Home modifications for the elderly don’t have to entail a chop saw, a power drill, and a whole lot of dust. They can be as simple as moving a handle or clearing a path to an appliance.
Knowing what your loved one needs is the most important element of making a home more friendly for the elderly.
Check out our latest guide to making a bedroom optimized for elderly people.
Nov 17, 2018 | blog
As if you needed any more reasons to choose quartz for your home! Here are 5 benefits to picking beautiful quartz countertops over the rest!
If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen, it might be time for a new countertop.
But, you shouldn’t settle for low-quality material that will be more trouble (and money) than it’s worth. If you’re going to make home improvements, you should do it right.
While granite countertops have seen increased popularity in recent decades, quartz is a material that people sometimes forget about. With its durability and beautiful appearance, it could be exactly what you’re looking for.
On the fence about it? We’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at five benefits of installing a quartz counter in your home’s kitchen.
- Durability
As previously mentioned, granite is a popular option for kitchen counter material. This is often due to its increased durability over wood.
But, if having a sturdy countertop is a desire of yours, quartz is the material to use.
Due to how sturdy of a substance quartz is, countertops made from this material are impressively resistant to cracks and chips. This means that you won’t have to worry when setting down pots, pans, or other heavy objects onto the surface.
You also won’t need to be concerned if you drop an object, such as a glass, on the countertop. If you have children, this type of accident is fairly common.
To put into perspective how hard quartz is, it’s ranked a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Diamond is at the top of the list at 10, while granite often has a hardness rating of 6 due to the fact that it’s mixed with quartz and other substances.
Put simply, you’d really have to try hard to damage a quartz countertop. When faced with everyday human interaction in the kitchen, a quartz counter is virtually indestructible.
Quartz counters aren’t just for the kitchen, though. They make a wonderful addition to any bathroom, as well, and are sure to leave your guests in awe.
- Quartz Isn’t Porous
This is a factor that many people forget to consider.
When cooking raw meat, the bacteria from the juices can be difficult to cleanse from a wooden substance if you happen to get it on your counter. This can lead to an unsanitary environment that could even make you sick over time.
Once again, children are also a factor here, as they tend to put their hands on everything they see and are prone to getting sick because of the germs they come in contact with.
Thus, a nonporous kitchen surface is both safer and more convenient to have.
Having one in your bathroom also provides a high level of convenience, since substances like soaps, lotions, and creams will take only seconds to clean up.
Furthermore, the ease with which you can clean it also ensures that you’ll keep your counter looking stellar.
- Appearance
Quartz goes a long way in adding to the aesthetic of your kitchen.
Since quartz is manufactured, the color and appearance are more uniform than wood or granite. While asymmetry may not be an issue for some people, having a clean, consistent appearance is a visual attribute that many can appreciate.
Furthermore, manufacturers are able to add pigments and hues to the quartz, offering a wide array of color options to buyers.
While granite and wood countertops generally only have a few select colors available, quartz counter colors range anywhere from green to blue to black. Thus, the customization options for quartz countertops are endless.
Additionally, you can also choose between a smooth, matte finish or a bit of shine, depending on how the countertop fits in with the rest of your kitchen.
- They’re Low-Maintenance
The aforementioned lack of pores that quartz counters have is a boon for those who choose to purchase them. It’s difficult to create a long-lasting mess if nothing can get stuck in the material.
Other substances can take a substantial amount of scrubbing and cleaning before you can make them spotless.
While granite can be sealed with a wax coating, this method doesn’t last forever, and the sealant will need to be reapplied over the lifetime of the countertop.
If you’re looking to save as much time as possible after cooking, quartz is the right material to choose. A few disinfectant wipes is all you need for most messes.
- Longevity
Since quartz is so durable and unlikely to ever become cracked, chipped, or stained, it has the potential to last for decades.
Without the need to treat the counter with sealant or make any repairs, you’ll be saving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars over time than what you would if you were keeping a granite or wood countertop in peak condition.
Since quartz countertops last so long and maintain their aesthetic over the years, you’ll be able to factor in the cost of the counter into the price of your home if you ever choose to sell. Plus, they’re a great general selling point to have due to the modern look they add to a home.
Thus, if money is a concern, you can consider this type of counter an investment into your property.
For more in-depth information about quartz countertops and their benefits, you can read more here.
Quartz Counter: Final Thoughts
With the information above in mind, you’ll be able to decide if a quartz counter is a worthy addition to your home. Between the aesthetic and sanitation benefits, however, it’ll be difficult to find a better option when renovating.
Want to learn more kitchen remodeling tips? You’ll find useful information in this article.
