Home Improvement – Real Estate

If you want to maximize the value of your home, you’ll find garage doors are an easy and affordable method to increase your home’s curb appeal. A good garage door will distinguish it from the rest of the neighborhood. For something extra special, custom made garage doors can be designed to your specifications.

The most common types of garage doors are: Retractable, Canopy Side, and Hinged Sectional Retractable. Where limited space in your driveway is an issue, sectional garage doors are the right choice. They open and shut vertically, allowing cars to park very close to the door without keeping it from opening. Among the wide variety of designs, the most popular garage doors are sectional, upward acting, and self storing.

The Types of Garage Doors

Gone are the old manual doors. Today you’ll find that remote controlled and motorized garage doors have produced a more usable garage. The most popular style is the overhead garage door.

The primary concern in planning your garage door is the material used. Selecting the best garage door materials for your needs will depend on a few things like the style of your home, and how warm you want your garage to be. There are 3 main materials for garage door construction: Wood, Steel and Fiberglass.

When you’re planning to install a garage door, you must consider door type and materials. You can also incorporate into your plan such things as heated garages or unique window options.

The Most Popular Style is the Overhead Garage Door

Overhead garage doors are by far the most popular type of garage door available to homeowners. With automatic stop and begin features, people find overhead garage doors easy to use, with wonderful options and safety features.

Overhead garage doors work with a rolling system. The door rolls up and stores along the roof of the garage. Overhead door features to look for are that they are smooth, quiet and compact. Installing an overhead garage door is simple; do it yourself, or get help from the manufacturer. Popular garage door manufacturers include Garaga, Liftmaster, Raynor or DBCI.

Most people who shop want to find the best value for their money. That is the main reason why they search hard to find sale furniture. However decorating with it may be a different story.

Many people may not know how to include sale furniture in the rooms of their homes. It might take a bit of ingenious on your part, along with some practical suggestions offered to you.

Decoration Starters

To help you on your way, you might want to first understand that it is perfectly acceptable to mix modern and classic pieces, sets, and accessories together. It is also quite trendy today to use modern sale furniture items carefully placed in classic, Victorian, Renaissance or any other common design theme used.

Mixing and matching items from different eras helps make redecorating more fun. However, it also requires that you know what you are doing, so you can make the best impression possible.

For instance, you will want to consider the following simple tips:

Remember that less is usually more. What this means is that it although you are encouraged to select just the right pieces for your creative redecoration project make sure you do not get swept away by the wind. You need to be reasonable in this regard or no one will even like your display!

Consider the lighting of the room. You would be surprise how much effect the way a room is lit determines how well sale furniture and accessories will look in a room. You need to take this factor into consideration, whether you choose blue, yellow, multicolored, soft, or bright light. With that, as you choose the right décor as well as the right types of lighting you will create the right mood every single time.

Utilise room-appropriate themes. This point cannot be emphasized enough. In fact, this is probably one of the most important aspects of setting the right scene in each room. For instance, beware that the patterns and colors used in your shower room are going to be far different than what you would use for your dining area or your kitchen. This is also true if you use location or character themes, as well as decorations from different eras.

Never be too proud to ask for help. Plenty of people have had to ask others how to decorate their homes. This is true whether they use sale furniture items or not. Not everyone is gifted in this area so it is always beneficial to seek advice from others. You might also want to read free furniture design tips posted at sale furniture websites.

THE CODE

The code basically breaks down the method to meet the higher window load requirements in two ways:  the window itself, and its installation.  It says that the window must be able to withstand the “large missile impact” of a 9 pound 2×4 hitting the window at a speed of 34 miles per hour without penetrating the opening. The glass may break, but the opening must not be penetrated. Then, the windows and doors also have to withstand 9,000 cycles of positive and negative air pressure, such that a real hurricane could pull a regular windows right out of its frame.

THE WINDOW

To meet the penetration restriction, window manufacturer’s all use a similar type of impact window glass that’s much like a heavy duty car window.  Florida’s Best Windows and Doors manufacturing process is basically the same as it is with most window manufacturer’s:  their design consists of a clear plastic interlayer sandwiched between two panes of glass.  Two types of interlayer are used:  Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and SentryGlas Plus (SGP).  The SGP is more rigid and less likely to tear than PVB.  For that reason, some manufacturers use it in their larger windows, or those windows designed for the highest wind zones.

The glazing system is also an important factor: a silicone sealant that may be strong enough to hold the glass in place in a Zone 3 impact test, but would likely fail in a Zone 4 test, causing the window to fly out of its frame.  Windows in the higher test category would instead use something more like a construction adhesive for its glazing system. “The difference, says Kurt Mendez of Florida’s Best, is between Elmer’s glue and super glue.”

Window manufacturers also reinforce the frames in order to meet requirements.  Lawson Industries uses a one piece sill plate (this also helps to prevent water leaks into the home) and interlocking meeting rails which ties the sash together when shut.  Heavier locks also place a role in meeting impact tests, as they can be critical on certain types of windows, such as casements.  For a casement window, the only thing holding the window sash in place under negative pressure is the hinge on one side and the lock on the other.

Today, virtually all of the major window manufacturers make a high-grade, impact-resistant window that has been certified to meet protective standards. The current gold standard in testing is the Miami-Dade County hurricane impact test (http://www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode/online_product_search.asp).  Remember, it is your life and your property. Essentially all of Florida, and all the coastal regions of the United States should prepare for possible wind speeds of 110 mph or greater.

INSTALLATION

For the window to withstand hurricane conditions, something similar to the 9,000 cycles of positive and negative air pressure they undergo in impact testing, the installation is every bit as important as the quality of the window.  Dave Olmstead, spokesman for PGT Industries in Venice, Florida, agrees that no matter how strong a window is the attachment to the building structure is critical. Olmstead says a window that is 53-inches by 76-inches would have 28 square feet of exposure, and with a wind speed of 146 mph from a category 4 hurricane would result in a load on the window equivalent to 1,958 pounds of pressure. For the window to perform correctly, the load has to be transferred to the building itself, which is done by using suitable anchors to transfer the load from the window or door frame to the rough opening without causing failure.  Therefore, the installer needs to be knowledgeable in how to use this system and its different anchoring mechanisms.

Through the construction side of our business, we have had to make major repairs to structures as a result of poor window installations by other contractors – everything from using the wrong sealant to the extreme of installing regular windows instead of the hurricane impact windows the customer paid for.  Something as small as the using the wrong sealant can cause significant damage to a home – rotting framing members, structural damage, mold, etc.  Since leaks are often inside the walls long before a homeowner notices them inside the house, they are often not detected until there is major damage and then expensive repairs have to be made.  This experience is invaluable for our installers.  In addition to the installation training we give them, they get to experience firsthand the things that can go wrong with window and door installations and how to prevent them in the work that they do.

EXTRA BENEFITS
Benefits from impact-resistant windows extend beyond the storm belt to broader security and environmental concerns. Impact-resistant windows are considered to be security features because they are so difficult to penetrate or separate from their frames that they reduce break-ins, theft, and property damage. On top of physical and financial protection, impact-resistant windows also can preserve mental health. Who hasn’t been disturbed by car alarms, barking dogs or noisy neighbors?

“They do a good job of keeping outside noise outside,” Olmstead says. “With almost every homeowner, that’s the first thing they notice: How quiet the home [became]. Noise abatement is far more important than people realize.”

There are insurance breaks for new homes built with impact resistant windows, and for existing homes remodeled to include the tougher windows and frames. This discount can be as much as 50%.  Check with your homeowner’s insurance carrier to see what kind of a discount is available.

Choosing a garage door needn’t be painful, but as with any other home improvement project you should keep your wits about you and take all the advice that is available. In that spirit, I suggest you keep an eye on the following five secrets of choosing the right garage door. They’re particularly applicable to garage doors in Perth, but the same principles apply just about anywhere in the world.

Thinking about space

The space within your garage is a valuable asset. Land use costs in the Perth can get pretty steep, and Perth’s garage doors often waste more real estate than they need to. Be wary of garage doors that rob you of that space – it is usually not worth saving money on cheaper doors, if they will rob you of valuable cubic feet of usable space. Hinged doors opening inwards tend to take up more space inside. The standard sectional design is best – most of the space sectional garage doors need to operate is above your head, where it is not used much anyway. These sectional doors take up hardly any space inside our outside, and as such they can justify a higher price-tag. If you house is in a high-density area of Perth, sectional garage doors are therefore the ideal choice for you.

Let there be light

A second secret: you should be thinking about your garage door not just as a door, but as a window. So many of Perth’s garages end up as needlessly dingy rooms, lit by bare light bulbs – but there is no reason for it to be that way. If you’re ever going to work in your garage, you’ll really benefit from getting some natural light in there. Adding windows to your garage door doesn’t add much expense, but it will make your garage a much more pleasant place to spend time. So garage tinkerers should get windows in their garage doors: Perth’s sunlight is far easier on the eyes than mediocre garage lighting.

Keeping safe

‘Badly installed garage doors can injure your children’. Yes, it sounds like I’m trying to scare you – but I’m afraid it’s true. I don’t know of anybody who has been injured by garage doors in Perth, but if the city has escaped so far, it’s only a matter of time. The risk is reduced enormously if you take sensible basic precautions. Employ a trustworthy, safety-conscious firm to install your garage door, and get them to explain what precautions they are taking. Demand that the doors meet appropriate safety standards. For instance, they must reverse if they hit an obstacle in their path – because that obstacle could be you.

Then once you have the garage door, you will need to keep them safe by checking and maintaining them properly. Keep your garage doors well-oiled and clean, and above all well-balanced. Have them serviced regularly (once a year is appropriate): it won’t take long or cost much, and easily justifies itself through your increased peace of mind.

Locks and keys

Garage doors need to be just as secure as every other entry point to your home. If you are installing a remote-controlled set of automatic garage doors, you need to be sure that the security mechanisms in the remote control are at least as reliable as the physical bolts protecting your front door. The security of electronic devices is an area where it is notoriously easy to be hoodwinked by impressive-sounding jargon, so I would advise you against trying to understand the ins and outs of the system yourself. Instead, look for a reliable business selling garage doors, one which has been in business for some time and has satisfied customers. Check out the models of doors they suggest on the Internet or with knowledgeable friends, looking to see if there have been reports of security problems with them.

Buying home, condo or any other real estate in a market that is protected from a bursting bubble is every investor’s dream. Knowing where to look for these bubble-proof markets and how to identify them is crucial.

There are some important factors that investors should consider when searching for stable investments such as single-family homes, condos or any other type of real estate. Some of these factors include a fast growing population (which positively impacts the demand for housing), a solid and diverse economy (which impacts employment rates and subsequent demand for housing), rising incomes (which impacts buyers’ ability to purchase real estate), a developing infrastructure (which contributes to the appeal of a city or community), and restrictions on future real estate development (which limits future supply of real estate). Investing in real estate within communities that meet these criteria may prove to be more profitable than communities that are missing one or more of these factors.

A recent report by Business 2.0 Magazine identified U.S. cities that have consistently demonstrated price appreciation in the real estate market. The October 2006 issue of the Magazine identified the top 5 real estate markets that demonstrated an upward price trend over a long period time. The top-ranking cities were:

1. San Francisco, California
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Seattle, Washington
4. Boston, Massachusetts
5. New York City, New York

San Francisco topped the list with an average annual home price appreciation of 4.2% from 1949 to 2006. In contrast, the national average was 2.3%. Strong restrictions on real estate development and a limited geography helped push San Francisco to the top slot.

Los Angeles ranked second in the report. The average annual home price appreciation in Los Angeles was 3.7% from 1949 to 2006. Reductions in available land and increasing restrictions on further development helped pushed Los Angeles to the number 2 slot.

Home prices in Seattle, which was third on the list, demonstrated an average appreciation rate of 3.2% from 1949 to 2006. While Seattle made the top 5 list, recent easing of building restrictions may cause Seattle to fall out of the top 5 over the next few years.

Boston was fourth in the rankings. The city has seen annual home prices appreciate by 3% over the period from 1949 to 2006. A strong increase in per capita income contributed to Boston’s high ranking.

New York City follows close behind with an average annual home price appreciation of 3% from 1949 to 2006. A limited geography, large population, and finite number of properties contributed to New York’s high ranking.

While there is no guarantee that any of the real estate markets listed previously are truly “bubble proof,” the factors described above may help investors find the profitable markets and avoid “bubble” markets. Since the real estate market is constantly changing, be sure to seek out the services of a skillful real estate agent to help you navigate your next real estate purchase.

Copyright (c) 2008 Michel Lautensack

Owning rental property can be an overwhelming experience for both new owners and longtime investment veterans. Fortunately, that’s why help is available in the form of a professional pResidential Property Management company. But is this the right decision for you? Here are the top 10 reasons to consider why you should hire a residential property management company and how the benefits far outweigh the costs.

1) Rent Collection: A professional residential property management company (”PM’s”) have systems and strategies to improve rent collection and on-time rent payments. This allows you to ensure swift and consistent rent collection. Quick and consistent rent collection is absolutely critical in this real estate market where good cash flow can mean the difference between success and failure as a real estate investor.

2) Local Knowledge of Rental Rates: PM’s have extensive local knowledge of rents and the ability to determine the highest rental rate possible for your property. With the internet and the ability to do large scale searches for rental properties, potential tenants know if your property is overpriced, even by $25. Overpriced properties sit empty while other properties get rented. Knowledge of rental rates is a key factor to fast rentals and quick cash flow.

3) Tenant Screening: A PM requires a detailed written application from each adult with photo identification. Additionally, PM’s will run criminal, social security and public notice (bankruptcy or judgments) searches to determine if the application is accurate. PM’s will also call past and present employers, landlords and other references. PM’s have set requirements and standards for accepting or declining an applicant and thereby ensuring you comply with fair housing rules and other local and state regulations.

4) Marketing Expertise: PM’s have years of experience in how to best market your properties so they are rented in the quickest time possible. PM’s use both offline and online marketing to maximize your properties’ exposure and find qualified tenants quicker. Most PM’s utilizes 10, 20 or even 30 different techniques to rent a property quickly which reduces your carrying cost of a vacant property.

5) Property Law and Regulations: PM’s have extensive and up-to-date knowledge of property laws and regulations and will assist you in making sure you are in compliance with your local, state and federal rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include complying with fair housing regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable local, state and federal laws. Avoiding one law suit will more than pay for any PM’s fees many times over.

6) Tested and Reliable Professionals: residential property management company’s will already have vetted numerous vendors, suppliers and contractors to make sure they provided good quality work at reasonable prices. Failure to properly vet these professionals can be a costly mistake. Many Owners overlook this function because they do not know how to do it or because it is a time consuming and laborious process.

7) Inspection Reports: PM’s perform property inspections before, during and after a tenancy. Additionally, most PM’s will perform routine property inspections at least every 180 days. Your PM should be responsible for preparing frequent written inspection reports for each of your properties. Faults in your property that are found quickly can be resolved before they become expensive items of disrepair.

Financial Records and Security Deposit Escrows: PM’s will provide detailed income and expenses reports as well as cash statements every month saving you the bookkeeping headache. Additionally, PM’s will also manage your security deposit escrow funds and make sure you are in compliance with local and state regulations. PM’s will provide end-of-year tax reports for your accountant or financial advisor.

9) Emergency Calls and Shield You From Tenants: A residential property management company will shield you from emergency maintenance calls and tenant headaches. Imagine never having to deal with late night “my toilet is overflowing” call.

10) Low Costs: A PM should only be charging around 6% to 10% of the monthly rent collected. Assuming a monthly rental rate of $1200 per month that is a fee of $72 to $120 per month. This is less than $4 per day! Can you possible do all these things for less than $4 per day?

11) Bonus Reason! FREE TIME: A good residential property management company will free up your time for doing deals that make money. I mean serious money as opposed to dealing with non-money producing activities like tenant and property management.