Category: Home Improvement

How to Sell an Apartment in Cyprus

Buying an apartment or any type of property is always a difficult thing. Another difficult thing is usually to sell a property. It is usually difficult because properties are usually illiquid assets. It is difficult to find someone to buy your property at the price you want. In this article, we will look at the best way to sell the apartment at a good price in Cyprus.

Repairs of the Apartment

An important thing you need to do is to ensure that it has been repaired. This means doing several things such as replacing the toilet, replacing the sinks, and repainting it. These simple things might sound simple. However, the reality is that they can help determine the amount of money that a buyer will spend on the apartment. Most people want to buy an apartment and spend no money on minor repairs. You can get a company that does these repairs to do it for you.

Stage the Apartment Well

Staging is an important process when you are buying an apartment. Staging is simply the process where you make the apartment appear good. This involves putting decorations, putting sofas, and putting a bed. An apartment that is staged well can sell more than one that is not staged. Also, staging will help you get better photos of the apartment. There are two ways of doing this staging. First, you can use your own furniture and decorations. Use this option if you have quality furniture pieces. Second, you can use a company that does staging. There are such companies in most cities in Limassol. These companies charge a small amount of money. Others are free, provided the buyer decides to keep the properties.

A Good Agent

You can sell the apartment by yourself. However, if you want to sell it faster and at a better price, we recommend that you find a good property agent like CENTURY21. These agents have been in the business for a long time. They have offices around the world and have a good reputation of selling properties. Hiring a good agent creates a situation that is a win-win for you and the agent. For you, your apartment will be sold faster. On the other hand, agents make money only when the apartment is sold. As such, they have the motivation to sell the apartment.

Video and Photos

Most people who are buying apartments first start their process in the internet. They search online in portals to find their preferred properties. We recommend that you embrace the internet and list your property in some of the popular portals. Most portals charge a one-off price to post a property. The benefit of doing this is that you will gain more exposure. Another benefit is that you will keep all the money if you find a buyer.

Summary

There are many reasons why you might want to sell your apartment. Maybe you want to exit your investment. Also, maybe you want to move to another country. Regardless of the reason, you want to find the best price for the apartment. You also want to sell the apartment faster. Following these tips will help you achieve all these.

Re-Decorate a Bathroom on a Limited Budget

Expensive Countertops

Granite countertops are beautiful, and they are much cheaper when you buy them for a bathroom because they cover a much smaller surface area. If you’re set on having one, try and be open minded about what colour you would like. The most popular colours will be the most expensive, so if you aren’t fussy about a particular colour, you could save money here.

You could also buy damaged countertops which aren’t perfect. The more obvious the damage the cheaper the countertop will be. Think carefully about this as the damage could be somewhere on the countertop where you will be attaching fixtures and fittings anyway so the damage won’t even be seen.

You could also steer away from countertops altogether and consider upcycling an old dresser. Lots of people are doing this now because it’s trendy and it’s cheap. It’s simply a case of crafting the right holes out of the top of a vintage dresser and treating the wood to protect it from water. This could be a great solution if your budget won’t stretch to granite and you’re a fan of upcycling.

Paint, Paint, Paint!

Painting is the cheapest way of transforming a bathroom and it’s probably the most effective as well. If you are choosing to paint remember it will take more time that other rooms because of all the fixtures and you will need to make sure the paint is mildew and moisture repellent.

Limit the Amount of Tiling You Use

Tiling a whole room can be expensive, so try to limit the tiles you use to save money. Perhaps you could just use floor tiles, or use a strip of tiles on the wall and paint everywhere else. Remember you don’t have to have tiles everywhere to make an impact. If you have the time you could even try and source recycled tiles which could be much cheaper or seek out discontinued ceramic tiles. If you really want something with some impact such as natural stone tiles or high gloss porcelain tiles then just stick to a small area of tiling. And if you know someone who can put them up for you, again this will save you money. Don’t be afraid to call in favours, a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits can go a long way!

Choose the Stucco Contractor

Get Multiple Bids

The biggest mistake that homeowners make when picking out any type of contractor is only getting one or two bids as part of the process. You should treat this project just like you would treat a commercial job – you need to secure multiple bids in order to select the best option for your needs. It should be noted that the lowest bid doesn’t automatically win. Instead, you need to weigh all factors, including price, experience, referrals, and more before selecting the company you will hire. It should only take a day or two to contact multiple companies with a request for a bid, so you can have much of the information you need within a short period of time.

There Should be a Guarantee

When you get the bids, make sure to ask if the work will be guaranteed once it is completed. A quality contractor will stand firmly behind their work, so don’t hesitate to ask this question. If the labor and material are not covered by some form of guarantee, you should quickly move on to the next bid. There are plenty of contractors out there who are willing to stand behind their work, so there is no reason to work with one who isn’t.

Keep It Clean

Stucco can be messy business. Make sure there is a plan in place to protect the rest of your property from the mess that can be made when stucco is put in. You don’t want to be left with a huge cleanup project after your contractor has left the job site, so ask specific questions as to how they will keep the rest of your property as clean as possible.

Call References

All contractors should have references, and it is no different for those who work in stucco. Don’t just ask for references, however – be sure to call at least a couple of them to inquire as to the quality of work that they received. This is your best chance to get an unbiased review of the work that was completed, so have a list of specific questions prepared when you give a call to one of the provided references.

Identifying Ventilation Expert

Options For Ventilation Systems

One of the ways you can ventilate your home is the natural method. This is where cold air from the outside moves into the home from openings that are at a lower level in the home. When the air enters the home, the warm air that is already inside is pushed up since it is lighter and it is extracted from openings that are at a higher level. Natural ventilation can work for you depending on the design of your home. However, if your home is sealed, you will need to use mechanical ventilation so that you can have adequate air flow in your home.

Maintaining The Right Amount Of Moisture

Mechanical ventilation such as the Heat Recovery Ventilator gets rid of the stale air from your home and replaces it with fresh air from the outside. The system has a unit where the incoming and outgoing air passes. Heat is removed from the stale air and is transferred to the incoming cold air. Depending on the system that is installed in your home, the heat that is recovered can be anywhere between fifty and ninety percent. The system gets rid of excess moisture so that your home is free from mould, bacteria and mites. Your indoor air should also not be too dry as you can end up suffering constant nose bleeds and cracked lips.

Finding The Right Ventilation Expert

It can be very frustrating to have a home ventilation system installed only to discover that it is not working according to your expectation. In order to minimize the risk of disappointment, it is important to identify the right ventilation expert for the job. A professional will assess your entire home and will recommend a system that will give you the best results. The ventilation expert you choose should be licensed to make ventilation system installations. He should also be insured and should offer you a guarantee of the work that will be done.

Choose the Perfect Countertops

When looking to purchase new cabinets and countertops it is important to look for a few key points first. The most important factor in buying cabinets and countertops is to first realize what type of countertop you would like to invest in. Countertops come in a variety of forms and it is up to the purchaser to decide what countertops would fit them best. Corian for instance is heat resistant and is nonporous and does not absorb bacteria when preparing food. Another type of countertop is Granite which is heavier and does well over time. Laminate is another form of countertops which is typically cheaper but offers a variety of different colors and options for purchasers. Glass and cement countertops have also gained popularity for consumers. Finally when shopping for cabinets, the type of wood and design is just as important as picking the right countertop as well.

When shopping for cabinets and countertops it is important to shop around for the right deal. Going to different companies, asking around, and finding the right bid could potentially make or break finding the right deal. There are many different cabinet and countertop companies out there, finding the right one is the hard part.

Countertops and cabinets do come in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. When purchasing a countertop it is important to note how thick you’d like your countertop to be as well as how you want it to fit in your kitchen. Good countertop companies will work with you to ensure that the final product fits well with your home and nothing looks out of place.

Also ask your provider about the edges of your countertops. Different bevel edges offer a variety of choices. However, some edges are rounded off which is great for homes with small children, and some can be sharper given your living environment a more sleek look.

Choosing Bathroom Sink Unit

Firstly, bear in mind that many units actually come in standard sizes for many bathrooms, so you will not have too much to worry about in this regard. The best thing to do is to take measurements of your property and then consult a specialist retailer and see what they have in these sizes. Even if there is not one in the ideal size, they will likely have options just a little larger or smaller.

These sink units may be entirely suitable, and it helps to play around with a few possibilities to work out what will look best and what will suit your storage needs best too. However, sometimes you will need customised cabinets of certain heights, depths and widths, in which case it is important to ask your retailer where to you can go to source these items.

One of the good things about standard sizes is that they are designed to make sure that sink units and toilet units are not intrusive in your space. These items generally tend to be relatively minimal so that you will have a good amount of storage but will also have a lot more open space in your bathroom – which is good to avoid knocks and bumps.

The second thing to think about is the style of your units, and whether they match the overall theme of your bathroom. This can be hard to get right, especially as there are so many beautiful designs and models out there all vying for your attention.

It helps to decide whether you prefer a modern or a traditional looking bathroom, as this can help you define a few models of sink, units, toilets, showers, lighting and mirrors that will likely all work together. However, it certainly does not hurt to get the advice of a seasoned professional in this regard.

In many cases, retailers will be more than happy to suggest a few different models that will work with the theme that you have planned for your home and your bathroom, and for this reason it is a good idea to ask several vendors what they suggest that will fit in with your plans. You can then consider which models of the ones suggested will likely look best with your interior design scheme.

Thirdly and finally, remember that a unit for both your sink and your toilet is the best way to make use of your space in the bathroom, especially in more limited areas. This is because they increase storage as well as conceal pipe work, which gives a sleek and tidy finish to the room.

It is also worth noting that these options are often great as pipe work is easy to access when there is a problem, which is not necessarily the case when there are wall mounted sinks or toilets installed. This can make for a very practical and great-looking solution for the bathroom.

Flannel Top

Flannel is going to be one of your best friends, on those cold winter nights. Flannel sheets will fit any bed ranging from a California king bed to your infants crib. Flannel although initially only made of wool, is now made with either wool, polyester or cotton. Normally, your sheets will be brushed to create a nice soft flannel, but you can also receive non brushed flannel as well, but that is normally very coarse. Your sheets are going to be two of four types of flannel. The first being cotton flannel which is cotton flannel that is either single or double napped which will take care of its softness. The second type is ceylon flannel. This type is an equal mix of wool and cotton which makes for a very warm and nice sheet. For weaving, the flannel is either plain weaved or till weaved which the fabric is then napped. Then the fabric is treated with dye to get the desired color, and depending on the manufacture it can be napped a second time to add even more softness to the fabric.

Many people love their flannel sheets but not so much in the dead heat of summer, as if you kept the flannel sheets on you might die of heat exhaustion. Storage of flannel sheets is as easy as their treatment. Keep in your good old linen closet, away from direct sunlight and make sure they get a good cleaning before you put them away for the summer. For cleaning, to prevent them from fading make sure to wash them in lukewarm water. Try to avoid high detergents, as mild is the best to keep the fabric soft. For drying, instead of letting them sit on the clothes dryer, you can throw them in the dryer, but do make sure that is on a low heat setting. I will say even in the winter the feeling of a warm flannel sheet on the bed is second to none.

When looking at flannel sheets make sure that you realize that thread counts are not the same as cotton or polyester sheets. Flannel rather is going to be rated on the fabric rating. The higher the number, the better the flannel sheets. For instance, the longest lasting flannel sheets are those with a rating of 5 ounces for every yard, this will allow for the best warmth and softness. Cheaper sheets unlike cotton will not last, it is that simple. Invest in a good pair of flannel sheets and they will last you years, a great investment!

The popularity of flannel is second to none in today’s youth but, for sheets it is a bit different. Although the most common flannel pattern is the lined pattern, the most popular are those with solid coloring. The best part of flannel is it makes matching home decor a breeze and accentuates any room with just a quick flash of color. If you have a memory foam or oversized mattress the good news is many brands have started to bring out deep pocket sheets.

Coloring and patterns are always a deciding factor in flannel sheets. Remember, if you are buying high quality sheets you are going to get a lot more time out of them. So, if you are looking at patterned sheets it might be best to consider the more expensive sheets, as those patterns will fade over time and look a little shabby. Look for flannel sheets that have yard dyed fiber and you should be good for worrying about fading of patterns or colors. The most popular colors are those of the darker variety like the reds, blues, greens and blacks. For those women in the house that are wanting to add some color to the room, flannel sheets also look great in a purple or a pink. Remember, sheets are the base of the bed, and if you are warm, comfy and looking great you are going to have some great mornings.

Functions of Doormats

Doormats come in different shapes and sizes. The doormats serve different types of purposes. So, it is necessary for a person to select the correct doormat which ensure that it fits the purpose. There are several brands and stored available for the mats. You can visit any reliable store and can easily choose a doormat depending upon your need. The doormats are considered wonderful for multiple reasons and here are just a few written below.

Keeps the home neat and clean

You will usually discover that your pets and kids bring lots of dirt particles inside the home. You can easily avoid it by placing the doormat in the front door. It will absorb dust and grime particles from entering the door which will surely prevent any mess in the room. Once you will place it in your home, you will discover that you will have to clean the floors less than before. In short, a clean environment is necessary for a healthy body and mind.

Pets and children

Pets are popular for coming with their muddy feet and creating a mess. Try placing a doormat which will help your four-legged friends to clean their feet. These doormats help the pet to take the dirt out of their paws leaving the house much cleaner than before.

Siding Efficiency

This discovery should come as no surprise, as media outlets and activists all over have turned going green into a worldwide movement, making environmentalism a consistent aspect of our global political discourse. At the same time, homeowners are increasingly trying to figure out ways to keep their bills low in this recovering, but still shaky, economy. If you’ve tried all the tricks, and your monthly energy bill is still too high, there may be one big roadblock in your way: your siding is working against you.

The rise of suburban communities in the 20th century saw houses being constructed for more cost-efficiency. Building companies began experimenting with other materials like vinyl and aluminum. Although both offered the same amount of insulation, the vinyl technology was not yet fully developed. The vinyl aged quickly, slumping off of houses and often requiring replacement within years of installation. Aluminum, however, gained massive popularity for being cost efficient and low maintenance, eventually becoming one of the most common materials used in the ever-growing suburban America. Although many other options exist today, there are still millions of Americans and people all over the world who have aluminum siding on their home. It costs them thousands a year on their energy bill.

So what kind of siding offers the best value? Wood shingles and beveled wood will always be the most energy-efficient options, but these can be pricey and require consistent maintenance. Many homeowners are too busy and have been spread too thin financially to make it happen. Instead of wood, experts and critics favor a relatively new entrant: insulated vinyl. This new insulated material is less expensive than wood, requires minimal maintenance, and keeps structures more insulated. This means that homeowners are now not only getting the greatest possible value from their siding, but also from their AC and heating units. Insulated vinyl seems to be improving things for manufacturers as well, as they are now able to produce a much wider variety of colors than ever before. They are offering their customers greater customization and greater satisfaction.

So how do you know if it’s time to make the change from aluminum to a more energy-efficient material? Take two fingers and slide them across the material, and then look at your fingers. Are they covered in a chalky substance? If so, it means that your aluminum may be on its way out. Look into energy-efficiency levels of siding materials and determine which makes the most sense for you and your home. Whatever material you choose, you’ll be glad when you start to see the savings.

Protect Home From Rain Water

  • Sturdy roofing: If you install worn out or missing roofing materials for your home, the water will easily seep in and damage your house structure. Therefore, always consult with professionals for any roofing related services. Also, you should inspect your roofing twice every year, but if there is any severe storm you should always check your roofing. Look for molds or any water marks underneath your roof.
  • Exterior Paints: Run a quick check on your exterior paintings because heavy rainfalls are very dangerous for. If you find bubbling, cracking or peeling in your exterior paints, repaint the affected area with quality paint that has the tendency to resist water.
  • Foundation: Again, run a quick check the foundation. Repair all the cracks to avoid water from leaking into your home. First concentrate in the large cracks. They need immediate attention and repairing.
  • Basement: Now the next thing you need to inspect is the basement. If there is a water leakage, you will find signs of water seepage. Check your carpets for any wet spots. Don’t forget the corners. You can also sniff your walls for molds and mildews behind your walls. Take appropriate steps to remove all these unwanted things from your wall. Hire a professional if the problem is serious. Molds and mildews feed on your walls, and if they get inside your house, it can cause health problems. Call a professional pressure washing company to clean each and every corner of your house exteriors.
  • Gutters: You should always clean your gutters to eliminate any dirt or debris. Or else, the rain water will back up and damage your house again. Window ledge, decomposed boards and water leaking into your foundation or your basement are some of the common problems you will face with clogged gutters.
  • Downspouts: Lastly, check your downspouts to see where the water is being dumped. If your downspout is dumping water 5 feet, then use gutter damage to dump it further.

When taking care of your house in the raining season, do not ignore the damp on your outside walls otherwise, it will seep inside. Also, if you want to get your exteriors painted for before the monsoons, go for modified paints with silicon because they repel water and you can enjoy the weather worrying about your walls at least.