A resource for those seeking information on organizing and transforming spaces.

Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Demolishing Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know First

House demolition usually takes a couple of days to be fully done, but it can depend on the size of the building. But most of the work is done before the actual act of demolishing.

We partnered with an equipment company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

House demolition usually takes a couple of days to be fully done, but it can depend on the size of the building. But most of the work is done before the actual act of demolishing. 

Consultations

The first thing you want to do is to do a thorough inspection. After this is done, make sure to collect all of the required permits to go through with the project. The complexity and amount of permits required to undergo a demolition vary from the size of the demolition in question.

Experience of the Demolition Expert

Demolition is not a simple process and a lot of things can go wrong when doing it. This is why you should ask your demolition expert how many years has he been in the business. As well as the complexity of the projects he has previously undergone, reviews aren’t a bad place to start either. If you have a particular problematic roof, it would be good to know that the hired expert has experience handling it. 

The Question of Permits

In order to proceed with your project, you will be required Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) approval. For a consultation with the permits it is best to go to your local council, while a CDC can be attained via your demolition company. And you will be required to notify the neighboring properties of a demolition taking place next to them. You should notify them about seven days before the demolition process takes place.

Pay Attention to the Hidden Expenses

One of the traps with demolitions is that they will lure you in with the “all-inclusive” line, where they pay for everything. There will be a lot of potential hidden costs, so you have to be aware of this fact, as they can boost the price after the contract has been signed due to unforeseen elements. Some of these hidden expenses include:

    • Clearance paperwork

    • Temporary fencing

    • Sewer works

    • Asset protection permits

What are all the Services that the Demolition Company Will Provide?

Since you’ve read this far, you understand that there is more to a demolition process than just tearing the building down. The sheer scope of the services that the demolition company will provide should definitely come into question when deciding for which company to go for. Will the demolition company be liaising with your neighbors in order for no damage to be done to the surrounding properties? Will they be providing the permits necessary for the project? Will they be clearing the obstacles during the process? All of these things are points that you should be looking out for when hiring. Ideally, you don’t want to do your house demolition and then later pay for damage done to your neighbor’s property.

Disconnect Current Services

Before the demolition can commence, you need to disconnect any existing services (such as water, gas, and electricity). Contact your electricity company around 5-6 weeks before the demolition takes place. Do not forget to degas the air conditioner as well. The demolition company might help you out with fencing, disconnecting the power, and hiring a portable toilet.

Manual Labor

Manual demolition is the physical start of the process. This is done in order to remove the hazardous materials from the site, such as asbestos (which most houses will have). Asbestos is notable for killing over 5,000 workers a year in the UK, so it should be handled by the professionals. During this stage, recyclable materials can be salvaged for later use. 

The Machine Part of the Work

After all of the hazardous materials have been removed, it is time for the mechanical part of the demolition. Mechanical demolition is known for being the most cost-effective and the most efficient way to do home demolition. It is also the most common way of doing so. In this process, the house is removed by using John Deere excavators along with other heavy machinery. Then the resulting debris is transported to the closest waste management facility (provided you care about the environment, which you should!).

Cleanup

Once the entire process is complete it is time to clean up the remains. You will have to remove the remaining debris. This can be tricky at times so its best to ask your demolition company to assist you.

Read More
Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

The Best Upgrades for Your Backyard Pool

If you have a pool at home, you’ll likely benefit from knowing more about the best upgrades for your backyard pool and how they reduce maintenance.

The Best Upgrades for Your Backyard Pool

Everyone loves a backyard pool during the warmer weather, as the water is perfect for a party or just a simple dip to cool off. Although a pool can be amazing, there are plenty of improvements that make maintenance and using a pool an easier experience. Here are some of the best upgrades for your backyard pool.

Pool Enclosure

The first and most drastic change is a pool enclosure, which transforms your exposed pool into a protected area. A pool enclosure still gives you access to the fresh air but also protects you and the pool from outdoor debris and pests. Pool enclosures make cleaning easy and provide a host of other benefits, and that’s not even accounting for the extra advantages of adding a solar screen. Therefore, a pool enclosure is one of the best upgrades for your backyard pool.

Pool Lights

Although most people use pools during the day, having a pool in your yard means you can also take nighttime dips. However, swimming in the dark is dangerous, and you should never do it. Try installing pool lights that brighten the water and make the pool safer for use at night.

Salt Water Chlorination

One issue a lot of people have with their pools is balancing the chemicals in the water for safety and the smell of chlorine that comes with proper pool care. Luckily, there’s a newer method that’s becoming popular: salt water chlorination. This method replaces your water with a special mix that’s safe for swimming, doesn’t have the smell of chlorine, and gives swimmers less eye irritation.

Auto-Filler

One major component of pool maintenance is keeping the water level at the right height, which is quite a hassle and requires constant attention. An auto-filler is a very useful tool that can sense when the water level is lower or higher than safe and put in or take out water as necessary. This can save your pool equipment from damage and prevent overfilling of the pool, which can cause floods.

These upgrades and devices can help keep your pool clean and increase how often you can use your pool. That’s what makes them so useful for anyone with an outdoor pool at home.

Read More
Design Ben Soreff Design Ben Soreff

Ideas for Designing a Stylish and Comfortable Family Room

Your family spends a lot of time in the family room. There is no reason the lived-in spaces can’t be both functional and stylish. In fact, the more accommodating a style and design becomes, the more compelling the space becomes. Whether you go modern, formal, rustic or simply approachable in the idea of the room, there are great ideas to blend style and comfort in the family room.

Your family spends a lot of time in the family room. There is no reason the lived-in spaces can’t be both functional and stylish. In fact, the more accommodating a style and design becomes, the more compelling the space becomes. Whether you go modern, formal, rustic or simply approachable in the idea of the room, there are great ideas to blend style and comfort in the family room.

Make It a Multipurpose Room

It makes sense to make the family room a multipurpose one. It can be made both grown-up and kid-friendly with sophistication using durable materials such as performance fabrics. With different zones and strategic layouts, you can also accommodate storage pieces. These are very useful in easily hiding eyesores and minimizing clutter when you are having guests over.

Utilize Color and Texture

Yes, it is most often advised to use neutral colors and build in layers, but there is nothing that says you can’t be bold. Color and texture can be used on the walls, in the window coverings, as accents on segments, such as a pitched ceiling or one wall. Even using colors like gold or black to highlight areas means it does not have to be a solid appearance. 

You can also add texture to the different elements in the room to create interest. This includes floor coverings, furnishings, and accessories such as throws and covers. Think outside the neutral box.

Choose the Right Couch

These days, sectionals offer far more than they first did. The beauty of a sectional couch is the built-in flexibility. Whether you maintain a sectional in its gathered form or split the pieces up around the room, you have more choices. With power reclining, a chaise, or a sleeper, you can instantly adapt the room with this one sectional couch to accommodate many desires. A sectional can fill the corner space and give you something to build from, occupy a single wall and leave more floor space, or split the room and mark different areas. The possibilities are wide open.

Accentuate Standout Features

Sometimes the standout feature, such as a showcase fireplace, seems to command the room. So, build from that. Use the showpiece as the focal point. Seating stemming from the best positions to enjoy the fireplace engenders social connection and thoughtful repose. You can impose a coffee table in the same way, and rather than use it to gather miscellaneous objects, fill it with a collection of pots and planters that both enhance and juxtapose the otherwise formal and traditional appearance.

Use Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans have grown in popularity, at least with builders. Without the walls and separations, there is more wide-open space to consider. This makes conjoining the living spaces easier. Where a kitchen and family room are nearly occupying the same space, what better way to make the most of the two most popular rooms in the house? Use your couch or sectional to designate the division while still enjoying the lighting and the style in both rooms as one combined living space.

Mastering design challenges is not impossible. Gather ideas as there is no shortage of them in books, magazines, and on the Internet. Take a look at your space when empty and then imagine the use of the space in unconventional ways. Keep all the members of your family and how they enjoy the space in mind. You may even find ways to keep your family more engaged in the process.

Read More
Home Organization Ben Soreff Home Organization Ben Soreff

Guest Post - Practical Strategies for a More Organized Home This Winter

This article will cover some strategies that will help you maintain your home this winter while still maintaining your sanity.

In winter, we have a tendency to get a little bit more disorganized. The cold weather and dark days can make it a little bit harder to stay on top of things.

This article will cover some strategies that will help you maintain your home this winter while still maintaining your sanity.

The goal of home organization is to make your routines easier and your space more productive. Not only that, but you will be able to have a clean living environment for yourself and your family. And the best part? You don’t have to spend any money on products or services. All you need is some simple knowledge and the desire!

Imagine coming home from work, school, errands or socializing with friends. The last thing you have the energy for is to spend hours cleaning up all over again just so that you can feel at ease in your own home.

Your house needs an organizational plan before it becomes a disaster!

How to Deal With the Clutter and Get Rid of It Quickly

Clutter is a common problem that can easily be solved with a few tricks.

Do you need to declutter? Take a look at these decluttering tips. The process is not easy, but it’s worth it.

We must remember that clutter doesn’t only come in the form of physical items. We also need to clear our thoughts and get rid of mental clutter. The following are some tips on how to deal with clutter for the winter time:

  • Go through your clothes and get rid of anything you don't wear anymore

  • Organize your home's storage spaces

  • Declutter kitchen cupboards or pantry by throwing away expired food or old spices

  • Take control over your inbox - unsubscribe from any email lists you don't read regularly, delete spam emails, make rules to prioritize important emails

Why is a More Organized Home Important in Winter?

Winter is a very cold and rough season, especially for those who live in Northwest Europe. It can be tough to make the house look tidy when there are no leaves on the trees and all of the plants are dead.

It may seem like a daunting task to make your house organized, but it is easier than you think. Start by decluttering your home - get rid of any items that you don't use or have not used in a very long time. The more clutter-free your home is, the less work it will be in the future when winter comes around again.

  1. How to Become Less of a Clutter Person This Winter with These 4 Steps

One of the biggest causes of clutter is when we cling to items that we don't need. They may be useful at one point but they soon become unnecessary and useless.

If you want to declutter your home this winter, these steps will help you do it:

  1. Make a list of all the things in your house that you don't use anymore and never plan to use again.

  2. Get rid of the things on your list by donating them to charity or throwing them away if necessary.

  3. Clean up your living space and throw away any trash that has accumulated because there's no longer anything cluttering up your home!

  4. If there are items that have sentimental value to you, put them in a separate box so they won't get mixed up with other stuff.

8 Great Ideas for Decluttering Your House in just 10 Minutes

Looking at a cluttered house can make you feel overwhelmed, frustrated and unhappy.

In order to get it into a tidy shape, all you need is 10 minutes of your time and these 8 great ideas.

  1. Start small.

  2. Create a "picking station."

  3. Set aside an hour on Sunday night to declutter while watching TV or movies.

  4. Sort papers by person for easy reference.

  5. Put away what you have used in the last month.

  6. Tackle one floor at a time so your mind doesn't get scattered. 

  7. Designate a place for all of your clutter that will help keep things from piling up again.

  8. Use hooks or over-the-door organizers to keep things away from the floor.

How I Finally Mastered the Art of Tidying Up My House and It's Working!

Many people underestimate the power of a tidy home and think it is not worth the effort. But I beg to differ. It has been scientifically proven that a tidy and organized home provides many mental, physical, and emotional benefits to its inhabitants.

For me, it has helped to make a game out of it. Put the timer to five minutes and see how much you can tidy up in just this short time. If you did well, don't forget to reward yourself with a little treat.

Practical Strategies for a More Organized Life

People often underestimate the importance of organizing their life and don’t realize the difference it can make. It is a common misconception that organization is time consuming and doesn’t bring any benefits.

The fact is that organization does not only help you save time, but also improves your general satisfaction and wellness.

Here are some simple strategies to help organize your life:

  • Create a list of goals: The first step in organizing your life is to know what you want from it, so you need to create a list of goals. These may be short-term or long-term goals, but their importance should be the same for you. The purpose of this step is to provide clarity and motivation for all other steps ahead.

  • Make a plan: Once you know your goals it is time for action. Some find it helpful to break tasks down into smaller steps.

Conclusion: Start Organizing Your Stuff This Winter for More Happiness

Organizing your stuff will help you to be more productive and happier. The best time to do it is this winter when we don't have many distractions and we need to slow down a bit anyway.

Bio

This article was written by a real estate team. They are the founders of www.propertyunder20k.com and www.listproperty4free.com with the goal to search the cheapest real estate in the world and make it easy for others to find. The team is made up of landlords, real estate investors, architects and builders from several different countries.  We just love to have a good strong cup of coffee while we write our experiences.

Read More