Building a house from scratch is an exciting endeavor. The house is built to your specifications, and you get to see the project through from start to finish. The following broadly outlines the three phases of the home-building process.

Planning

The first phase is planning. Many individuals and families first look at existing homes on the market and see that none of them are quite right, so they decide to build one from scratch. The planning phase also involves securing financing, purchasing land, choosing a floor plan and selecting a contractor for home design Jacksonville FL. In some cases, you can modify an existing house plan so that it better meets your needs. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires or other disasters, you may need to make some modifications to ensure your home is as safe as possible.

Building

Once the plans are in place, it is time to begin preparing the lot and building the home. Most people hire a general contractor to coordinate every step of the process. There will be carpenters, painters, electricians, roofers and others. Although many homeowners leave everything up to the contractors, some choose to work on smaller projects toward the end of construction to save money.

Finishing

The last phase begins with the final inspection. This is where you and the builder walk through the home and identify any problems that need to be addressed before you move in. After the issues have been noted, a schedule should be set for repairing them. The repairs may be completed before or after you close on the home. Reach out to the builder if you have any questions or concerns.

The above outline covers only the broad strokes of the home-building process. Completing a custom-built home is a complex endeavor and can take six months to a year or longer.

Like many across the nation, you may be working from home for the time being or even indefinitely. Maybe you’ve converted a seldom used desk or second bedroom into your work-from-home (WFH) office, or maybe you were fortunate enough to already have a complete office space. Whatever your situation may be, comfort is a major factor in daily productivity. Along with an ergonomic chair, large enough desk space, and a supply of coffee, the temperature of your WFH space and the amount light it receives during the day is critical to focus. If you’re feeling too warm or the area has an unbearable glare, your discomfort will likely impede your work flow for the day. Maybe where your office is located is one of the warmest parts of your home. In this case, we know it’s challenging to sit focused for hours on end without needing to turn a fan on, change clothes, or leave the room entirely to work elsewhere. What should you do to make your WFH setup more efficient? There is an easy solution that can be implemented fairly easily that will keep your WFH space cool, perfectly lit, and comfortable.

Solar screens provide the cooling that uncomfortably warm rooms need during the day. They do this by cutting down on glare and amount of sunlight entering the room. This effectively dims your WFH space, too, so you have the perfect working conditions to get your daily tasks completed. Here are all the benefits of solar screens that you should know about when considering adding them to your home.

They Block the Sun’s Heat

When you install custom solar screens in your WFH office or other space you use to work, the screens will prevent a large percentage of the sun’s heat from entering through the windows. How can screens realistically do this? They’re designed with durable, vinyl-coated polyester yarns that are uniformly woven. The screen colors—which is often offered in colors like black, beige, brown, and grey—block the heat and reflect the light away from your windows. Instead of sweltering as the afternoon sun sets on the windows where you’re working, solar screens will make the area much cooler and more comfortable to sit in for extended amounts of time. Plus, solar screens can block the sun’s harmful UV rays so your furniture and your skin will be better protected.

They Provide Light Control

Not only do solar screens keep unwanted heat out, but they also provide a dimming effect for your windows. If you constantly battle morning or afternoon glare reflecting off of your computer monitors or glasses, screens can be a significant game changer! While they allow enough light in for plants, screens will erase that annoying glare so you can clearly focus on your tasks at hand.

Screens Offer Daytime Privacy

If your windows face your neighbor’s house or a public street, solar screens can offer excellent daytime privacy. When you’re trying to focus or make calls, the last thing you want to do is worry about people peering into your home. While you will be able to clearly see out, others will not be able to do the same.

Incredible Energy Savings

You may have noticed that working from home has saved you money by not heading out to the office every day. You can add to those savings when you install solar screens! Since your office or designated space will be cooler, you won’t need to run your air conditioning as frequently. This is an incredible benefit that you may have not considered.

Installing solar screens is relatively easy and cost-effective. You’ll need to have them custom made to the specific dimensions of your windows and determine whether you’ll need screens for traditional windows or half circle arch screens for arch windows. If you don’t have solar screens installed in your home, don’t be surprised when you fall in love with their heat reducing and cost-saving perks! While working from home may not be your ideal situation, there are ways like this one to make your at-home office or other work space as efficient and comfortable as possible so you can be at the top of your game.

You and your spouse are moving in together and debating between a one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment. You shouldn’t be having this debate because a two-bedroom is such a great option for young couples moving to a new place in a thriving and exciting city.

How to Use an Extra Bedroom

When you rent a two-bedroom apartment as a couple, you open yourself up to many exciting possibilities. First of all, you can convert one bedroom into an entertainment area where you meet with friends or spend time apart. Remember – the best couples know that they need to take a break from time to time to stay healthy. However, you can also use your extra bedroom to make money.

How is this possible? By converting your spare bedroom into an office where you can work on a side hustle when you’re not at your day-time job. Many people convert extra NYC bedrooms into areas for massages, writing centers, a work area for many types of businesses that they run after work or on the weekends. And when seeking out a two-bedroom apartment in NYC, make sure that you pay attention to amenities that make the move-in easier and more affordable.

Amenities That Make This Easier

Though a two-bedroom apartment may cost you more initially, many are available with a free three-month rental plan that makes it easier for you to get on your feet and start making some money in your new job. Others offer benefits such as decreased heating and cooling bills or adjustable utilities that you can tweak based on your two-bedroom apartment and your needs as a couple, further cutting costs.

Ensure that your complex also has good amenities for children, should you and your spouse ever want to convert the spare bedroom into a place for an upcoming child. Daycare options are great as they allow you and your spouse to work instead of staying at home with the young one. You may also want to consider complexes with play areas for children, such as various types of gyms and playgrounds where they can play and make friends.

Start Your Search Today

Whether you’re looking for a 2 bedroom luxury apartment East Side Manahttan option or plan on moving to another neighborhood, you and your spouse should have a much better time if you find a way to make a two-bedroom option work for your needs.

Looking for an ideal apartment to live in is not as easy as home searchers might think. Given that people have different tastes and preferences, then it makes apartment searching more complicated. The best part is that there are plenty of apartments in the market that individuals can choose from. For instance, if a person is looking for spacious apartments, peter cooper village, they can find one at https://www.petercoopervillage.com/.

A substantial number of people might prefer to live in spacious houses, especially if they are to live with their family. Other individuals might prefer to live in small apartments. Regardless of the apartment’s size that a person is looking for, they will always have options to choose from.

Spacious apartments are some of the most preferred houses since they provide the residents with enough space to carry out their activities. A person might not have enough money to buy a home, and therefore, renting a spacious apartment is the best choice. A spacious apartment would accommodate the whole family as one looks for funds to buy or mortgage a home.

Living in a spacious apartment makes it possible for the residents to buy enough furniture since they have space to store it. In the future, such people would not have to buy more furniture once they have owned homes. On the contrary, living in a small apartment might restrict someone from furnishing their houses with their preferred furniture type.

Therefore, if an individual is seeking to furnish their houses or raise a family in a leased or rented apartment, a spacious one should be their first consideration. Landlords understand the needs of home searchers, and most of them have adopted the design of building spacious apartments. Hence, getting a spacious apartment at Peter Cooper Village is not as challenging as it used to be.

Additionally, the internet has made it easy for people to look for spacious apartments without walking around the neighborhoods. Spacious apartments peter cooper village allows people to find an ideal apartment as they focus their energy on their jobs. All that an individual need to do is search for an apartment with the specific details they are looking for. As a result, a person will not have to struggle to create the illusion of a bigger space in the house. They will already have a spacious house to suit their preferences and fit their furniture.

Arе уоu lооkіng for thе present tо wоо уоur wоmаn and mаkе you thе hеrо thіѕ Vаlеntіnе’ѕ Dау? Cаn’t handle thе thought of саndу аnd flоwеrѕ? Tаkе the сlаѕѕіеr step: nо mаttеr at whаt point you are in your rеlаtіоnѕhір, jеwеlrу іѕ the іtеm tо mаkе a wоmаn’ѕ heart mеlt, and thеrе is ріесе tо mаtсh еvеrу relationship аnd budgеt. Hеrе аrе some іdеаѕ to help you fоrmulаtе that perfect рlаn with tіmе tо ѕраrе so that your
girlfriend gifts for valentines day are absolutely perfect!

STERLING SILVER

Inеxреnѕіvе, аnd уеt bеаutіful, ѕtеrlіng ѕіlvеr jеwеlrу соmеѕ іn an еndlеѕѕ аrrау of ѕtуlеѕ. From brасеlеtѕ tо rings, necklaces and earrings, buyers hаvе a grеаt selection оf sterling. Thіѕ can bе traditional jеwеlrу, оr mау contain gеmѕtоnеѕ fоr аn аddеd “blіng”. If your rеlаtіоnѕhір is new, or уоu hаvе limited funding аnd still wаnt jewelry аѕ a gіft, ѕtеrlіng іѕ thе way to gо. Evеrуthіng frоm a simple brасеlеt to a promise ring саn be fоund in thеѕе selections.

PRECIOUS GEMSTONES

Selecting a gеmѕtоnе fоr уоur girlfriend can bе a lіttlе trісkу. Whіlе looking, соnѕіdеr her tastes, drеѕѕ ѕtуlе, and items ѕhе аlrеаdу wеаrѕ. When іn dоubt, соnѕult a best friend whо mау bе able tо hеlр. Precious gemstones hаvе dіffеrеnt meanings, and if уоu wаnt tо gіvе mоrе thаn a ѕіmрlе gеmѕtоnе, rеѕеаrсh the meanings оf the dіffеrеnt ѕtоnеѕ and find the оnе thаt ѕауѕ whаt уоu want to communicate.

PEARLS

Pеrhарѕ one оf the mоѕt сlаѕѕіс “gems” tо give for Vаlеntіnе’ѕ Dау are реаrlѕ. Peals аrе believed tо make one аblе tо ассерt love and tо ѕее thе gооd раrtѕ of оnеѕеlf, thеrеfоrе it іѕ a fаvоrіtе at wеddіngѕ. If gіvеn a ѕіmрlе ѕtrаnd of реаrlѕ, you аrе giving an important mеѕѕаgе thаt уоu find уоur beloved wоndеrful аnd wаnt them tо dо thе same, as wеll аѕ рrоvіdіng a classic аnd tіmеlеѕѕ piece of jеwеlrу that will be trеаѕurеd fоr уеаrѕ.

DIAMONDS

For thоѕе whо wаnt to mаkе thе serious іmрrеѕѕіоn, diamonds аrе the rоutе to gо. Whеthеr an еngаgеmеnt rіng, оr a dіаmоnd pendant оr еаrrіngѕ, dіаmоndѕ are classy аnd lаѕtіng. Thіѕ gіft wіll mаkе уоu thе еnvу оf аll hеr frіеndѕ аѕ ѕhе flashes her new sparkly. Nо gіrl wіll еvеr turn dоwn a dіаmоnd. Just mаkе sure you get one that ѕuіtѕ hеr ѕо ѕhе саn wеаr іt all the tіmе.

HEART JEWELRY

Nоthіng ѕуmbоlіzеѕ Vаlеntіnе’ѕ Dау bеttеr than a hеаrt. Heart jеwеlrу is аvаіlаblе in any оf thе ѕtоnе оr mеtаl сhоісеѕ – bу incorporating a hеаrt іntо the jеwеlrу design, уоu аrе gіvіng a keepsake frоm thаt dау. It can be a heart twisted іn thе ring, a реndаnt, оr hеаrt linked bracelet. Thеrе wоn’t bе any ԛuеѕtіоn аbоut whether іt was a Vаlеntіnе’ѕ gіft wіth the mеmоrаblе heart signature. This is a neat trаdіtіоn tо ѕtаrt іf уоu hаvе a lаѕtіng relationship, and makes thе nеxt уеаr’ѕ іdеа еаѕіеr аѕ уоu аdd tо the heart соllесtіоn.

If you have a patio or any place outside where you can gather with friends and family, relax and have a good time, you’ll want to make it as welcoming and comfortable as you can. A patio is a great place to have a barbeque, a birthday party, roast marshmallows or read a good book. It doesn’t take much time, effort or money to really make your patio a place that everyone wants to hang out. There are a few essentials that will make this happen every time. 

1. Quality Furniture

The one thing that every patio needs before anything else is some good furniture. The Charming Bench Company outdoor furniture will provide your patio with seating that is both stylish and comfortable and that will stand up to any type of weather. 

2. A Fire Pit

A fire will add a whole other dimension to your patio and what you’re able to do with it. You can always cook over a fire pit, of course. S’mores and hotdogs are a summer staple and the options for things to roast don’t stop there. A fire pit is also a great way to keep warm on cool night or on chilly winter days when you want some fresh air. 

3. Outdoor Lighting

Finding a unique way to light your patio will make it even more inviting. It’s also a fun way to show off your personality and greatly extend the time that you will be able to use your patio. You can choose lighting that is bright and provides plenty of light or you may prefer lighting that is softer and gives off more of a glow that will help you see but still allow you to enjoy the darkness of the evening. 

Spending time outside is good for everyone’s physical and mental health and a patio is a great way to do that. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a patio you’ll definitely want to put it to good use. 

The past few years have been quite radical for the multi-billion dollar beauty industry. With scathing criticism from, several quarters, the industry is looking for ways and means to reinvent itself. From rising costs to poorly made products, from unethically sourced ingredients to mass marketing campaigns, the industry has been called out by fans and critics alike.

Big names in the industry have refused to mend their ways and have doubled down on paid advertisements, branded campaigns, and celebrity endorsements, others have taken a different route. The route towards responsibly sourced organic skincare is gaining in popularity every single day.

In this article, we profile Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny, one of the leading proponents of organic makeup, skincare, and hair products. We discuss several aspects of the problem existing in the industry and assess whether her approach has been successful or not.

Who is Amanda Jo of Organic Bunny?

Amanda Jo started her life as a blogger and influencer who was looking to help women gain knowledge and information about the best beauty products. She herself states that when she first started, she was just a normal woman who liked using skincare and makeup products.

Over the course of several years, she gained experience in the industry and was able to see some stark realities. In particular, she saw that many brands were only about misleading consumers and making money off them.

In her own words, she states that she felt tricked and cheated when she started realizing what the industry was propagating. Luxury was a word, which was getting thrown around a lot. In the garb of offering luxury products, cosmetic brands were using high-end packaging and using mega-celebrities to pass off substandard products.

The Current Problems in the Beauty, Skincare, and Makeup Industry

According to Amanda Jo, the following are the major problems in the industry-

1.The Overuse of Chemicals and Toxins in Products-

One of the most striking problems, which exists is that even the biggest brands still use lab-made chemicals, harmful waxes, and toxins in their products. This includes various dyes, which can trigger allergies or other harmful medical issues in people who use them.

2.Hiding behind Marketing and Advertising-

The questionable role played by celebrities who endorse these products encourages others to use them. According to her, many celebrities who endorse these products on television shy away from using them in their real-life as they know how harmful they are for human use.

3.Unaffordable Prices-

Amanda Jo points out that many brands make five to ten times the profit on each product by their pricing strategy. In order to come across as non-attainable and fuel aspirations, brands price their products on the higher side. This makes people believe that they are very good.

4.Brands who cheat by using the word Organic and Natural-

Some brands are faultily advertising themselves as being organic and natural when they are still peddling chemicals. Amanda Jo states that brands like Tarte and Lush have frequently misled people by promoting themselves as organic but being super dirty.

5.Brands use Insecurity to Fuel Sales-

There are some brands that still resort to age-old traditional marketing strategies to show women losing out on jobs or lovers because of their skin. This is an emotional trick, which plays on the mind of the consumer and forces them to go for the brand.

The Final Word

Amanda Jo concludes by saying that it is essential to love oneself and all things related to us. She insists that consumers should dig deeper and research more when choosing or purchasing products. The attempts to use greener and cleaner products should always be something consumers should keep striving towards. Natural and ethically sourced makeup, skincare, and beauty products are always in vogue.

Achieving that perfect hairstyle is often much harder than it looks. After all of the treatments, dyes, tools and stress that we put our locks through, our hair can pay the price. If you are finding that you are losing your hair due to damage, here are a few things that you need to do.

Hiding the Hair Loss

If you find yourself feeling self-conscious about the hair loss, you can deal with that issue quickly with hair extensions White Plains NY. With a hairstylist and a salon that understands the importance of supporting hair roots and hair, you can avoid further damage while hiding the areas that are making you feel anxious.

Give Your Hair a Break

If you have stressed out your locks, you need to give your hair a break. You need to first identify what triggered that damage and discontinue this practice, at least for the time being. By giving your hair a break, you can help healthier hair grow back without damaging it during the regrowth process.

Be Careful With Your Product Choice

Products can play both a positive and negative roll in your haircare. While some hair care products can help restore your hair to a healthy state, not all of these products play the same part in your hair’s health. If you have damaged your hair, consider hair masks, heat protectants and oils while you avoid products that have damaging chemicals that can leave your hair fried and frizzed.

Don’t Forget Your Scalp

Many people remember their locks when they think about their hair health; however, especially if you are experiencing hair loss, you must pay attention to your scalp. Your scalp’s health will play an influential part in your regrowth process. Consider a scalp treatment to help you promote a healthy head.

Hair loss can be a nerve-wracking experience. If you have always prided yourself on your luscious locks, but you have damaged them, there are important steps that you need to take. No need to panic, here are a few things that can help you manage your mane.

You’ve finally reached your goal of becoming smoke-free; congratulations! This is a truly remarkable decision and one you’ll be grateful for in the years to come. Your travel options will increase, and you won’t be held back by poor health or the need to locate tobacco wherever you go. It doesn’t matter how you quit, whether it was with the use of nicotine gum or even tobaccoless chew(like those found on https://blackbuffalo.com/), what matters is that you’re done with smoking for good.

Now, it’s time to lay some travel plans with these six amazingly beautiful countries that you simply must visit now that you’re smoke-free. You’ll get the full experience of their might and majesty without the chains of tobacco products holding you back.

What are you waiting for? Let’s jump in.

1. Italy

The crown jewel of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, Italy is one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations. From the beautiful beaches to sprawling countrysides to majestic mountain ranges and an atmosphere all its own, Italy simply must be on your travel list.

Experience the wonder of Rome, the seat of an ancient empire that covered the known world. Or, visit the shifting Island of Sicily or the sinking city of Venice. Art, music, and culture dominate Italian society, and with such a vast and rich history behind it, this is truly one of the most remarkable countries in Europe or on the planet, for that matter.

Italy is the perfect destination for foodies as well, with world-class hotels and restaurants to cater to your palette’s every need. Vacation packages can be purchased starting at around $700-$900, depending on the length of your stay, where you’re visiting, etc.

2. France

Vive la France! Next on our list is one of the most beautiful European countries in terms of culture, architecture, food, and landscapes. The French countryside is something to behold, and the world-class restaurants will leave you spoiled with some of the best food on the planet. Take a trip to Paris, the capital city, and explore generations of history, culture, and experience through the city’s amazing museums and architecture.

France is also said to be the country of love, so it makes the perfect romantic getaway destination for your honeymoon, wedding, or escape. Sip wine by the Eiffel Tower, eat world-class food by the sea, or travel the French countryside and find the perfect French Chateau to settle down in after retirement.

3. Indonesia

Let’s head further east to another beautiful corner of the world: Indonesia. Situated west of the Philippines and South of Vietnam, this sprawling natural wonder features lush landscapes, rich culture, and, of course, amazing food! A vacation in Indonesia is relatively affordable and can expose you to an entirely different way of life than we know here in the Western part of the world.

Discover ancient cultures, secrets of the jungle, and a stunning coastline with beaches and scenic views unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking for a truly unique vacation experience, this is it!

4. South Africa

Africa is a sprawling continent with dozens of countries, millions of species of wildlife, and various biomes to experience. South Africa is a popular vacation destination, as it offers beautiful coastlines, majestic animals, and rich culture. From Cape Town to Robben Island and the Eastern Cape Game Reserves, you’ll never lack for things to do on your adventure.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a safari, you can visit Kruger National Park and see the “Big Five”, which are Africa’s most iconic wildlife species: the African lion, the African elephant, the leopard, the rhinoceros, and the cape buffalo. This is the perfect vacation for the budding biologist or animal lover in your life.

5. Greece

Greece is another European country known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and thousands of years of philosophy, conquest, and more. Considered the birthplace of democracy, Greece was once home to some of the world’s mightiest empires, most eccentric thinkers, and the foundation of our very laws.

If you’re an architect fanatic, you’ll love Greece. Many of the ancient structures are still standing, built to defy the elements for millennia, standing as a monument to the prowess and power of the civilizations that created them. Greece also boasts some of the most amazing scenic views in the Mediterranean and world-class food that’ll have you coming back for more.

6. Peru

Last, but certainly not least, we’ll need to head West once more to Peru, which is located in South America just west of Brazil. Featuring the stunning Inca city of Machu Picchu, seated high in the Andes mountains, Peru has plenty to offer to the casual tourist and historical enthusiast alike. But Machu Picchu isn’t the only thing that you can see in Peru.

Colca Canyon offers an excellent hiking experience with scenic views, you can visit the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, or you can take the time to explore the sprawling Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest tropical forest, which is home to about 30 million people and supports one in ten of Earth’s total species.

Being a success in the real estate sector is not easy. For every one person who succeeds and gets to become a millionaire, there are hundred others who fail. This is because, like any other field of investment, success in real estate depends on a number of factors.

However, most people start with are the strategies for success, rather than concentrating on eliminating the mistakes. Some of the most seasoned investors point out that it is all about reducing and diminishing mistakes. This is what sets the foundation for winning strategies and success.

In this article, we are going to look at five critical mistakes real estate investors should look to avoid making at all costs. However, before we come to the mistakes, let us discuss about real estate investing and why many people find it very desirable.

Why you should start considering Investing in Real Estate?

Many people criticize real estate for being an area, which requires a very high level of initial investment. What these people fail to realise is the fact that high investment lead to higher returns and better profits.

You are not going to be buying huge commercial or residential spaces and trying to sell them overnight. You are going to hold on to them for quite some time. If you are good at identifying opportunities, you will double or treble your investment in a few years.

In other words, the amount of winnings from one single sale will be so huge, that it will outperform any major area of investment like stocks or gold. This is why people who are successful real estate investors are often millionaires.

List of 5 Mistakes Real Estate Investors should avoid

1.Not Setting up a Team-

If you really want to maximize potential from real estate, you need a solid team. This team should comprise a researcher, an accountant, a legal attorney and a handyman. This will allow you to get the right research and information collection, keep your finances in order, manage paperwork and run errands. For optimum performance, a team is a pre-requisite.

2.Ignoring Information and Research-

The first task of an investor is to identify opportunities and take strategic action. However, this cannot be possible if you skim on research and information. Preparing your detailed research and information plan by taking help from real estate wholesaling books will allow you to take informed decisions and minimize risks. It will also allow you to make better predictions.

3.Having a Poor Relationship with Banks and Lending Institutions-

Investors who are successful maintain the best relationships with financial institutions. In this field, it is all about ensuring that you are getting the best lending rates, flexible payment options and greater guarantee and security. It is important to invest in your relationship with the management of the banks and other financial institutions to help you at the right moments.

4.Taking Impulsive Decisions-

When it comes to real estate, like any other investment, ‘if it looks too good to be true, it’s probably false’. Do not let your decisions be guided with emotions or feelings. You always need to be rational and logical when taking investment decisions. If you need some time to think over it, take it. Remember, avoiding loss is always better than making profits.

5.Not Having a Plan B-

We have been misguided by people who say that having a Plan B makes us complacent. That is not the case. This is because real estate investments are very expensive. You always need to have a Plan B in the event something goes wrong, which it will, sooner rather than later. This will protect your investments and allow you to weather the initial storm comfortably.

Conclusion

If you are able to eliminate the above-mentioned mistakes, you are well on your way to becoming a success in this highly competitive field. Can you think of some other mistakes, which real estate agents and investors should look to avoid? Let us know below.