The idea of owning your own home is a dream that a lot of people share and it can often feel as though it’s something that will never fully escape the realm of fantasy. Of course, there are a lot of blog posts and articles all about how to afford a home in today’s market while also staying within a reasonable budget, but for a lot of people, that’s only part of the issue. The other side of the issue when people are buying homes is that they end up having to compromise what they want out of a home. This can happen for a whole number of reasons, the most common being financial of course, but many people fail to realise that there are a lot of things that you can do in order to get around this issue if you’re just willing to think outside the box a little bit.
It’s not always easy to adjust the image in your mind of what you really want your perfect home to be, many of us spend our lives with a pretty specific idea of our “forever homes.” But by making just some simple adjustments to the assumptions that you make about what makes a home a worthwhile place, you can come to some really interesting places that can end up making your home life far happier in the long run. With that in mind, here are just a few things that you might want to try that can help you find your perfect and take your dream of being a homeowner out of the realms of fantasy and into reality.
The first way that a lot of people end up getting stuck when they’re thinking about buying a home is that they only ever think about the obvious property options out there. Sure, the image of the little house with the white picket fence or the luxury top floor apartment are both great, but they’re certainly not the only options out there. One of the things that a lot of people have discovered over the last several years is the potential for homes that move around with you. This means things like vans or even houseboats. For one thing, these are actually much cheaper to buy than a house, and the running costs are often not that different as well. Obviously, the main selling point is the fact that, if you get tired of one place and decide that you want to move on, you don’t have to worry about selling your home and finding somewhere new, you can just take it with you wherever you go. Sure, you’d have to get used to something of a minimalist style of living since you wouldn’t really have all that much space, but a lot of people find that this kind of lifestyle can be incredibly freeing and that they hardly even miss all of the clutter and junk that used to dominate their lives.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to live out of a van in order to find an alternative to a classic house. There are all kinds of static properties that are a little different and provide you with all kinds of options. Plenty of properties are converted from other kinds of buildings such as churches, mills, and even commercial buildings. If you’re willing to expand your idea of what really makes a great home, you’d be shocked at just how many options you find will open up to you.
Think about house sharing
The burden of buying a house can often simply be too much for one person to afford. This means that a lot of people seem to be faced with the reality that they’ll never be able to buy a home. However, if money is the issue, why not consider buying a home with someone else? Of course, the most obvious version of this would be buying a home with your partner, but what if you’re single? Well, a lot of people find themselves enjoying a living situation with close friends or family members, so why not consider getting onto the property ladder with someone else? By combining the income and credit score of multiple people, buying a home becomes a whole lot easier and it also greatly increases the budget that you have to work with.
Not only does house sharing make life significantly easier when it comes to your finances, there’s also the matter of not having to deal with all of the upkeep of a property by yourself. Having someone else around means that the various tasks around the house can be far more evenly shared. Not only that but house sharing can be an incredibly fun and fulfilling thing to do on it’s own. It creates a closeness between people that really can’t be achieved any other way and if you’re living with someone you care about, you never have to worry about being stuck on your own ever again!
Of course, there is always going to be the potential for problems when multiple people live together, so it’s worth taking a long time to really consider this option. You might even want to spend at least several months renting with that person/people before you commit to something so significant.
One of the biggest issues that a lot of people find is that, even if they have a decent budget to work with, they simply can’t find the right home no matter where they look. A common reason for this is because people end up being somewhat limited in the scope of where they’re looking. They might only be searching for homes within a radius of a few miles. Sure, this is often because of things like work or family, but if you’re able to extend your search further afield, you might just find something really special. Whether it’s looking across the rest of the country for houses, or if you find a condominium on the other side of the world, it never hurts to extend your search a little further. Sure, the idea of moving to another country just to find the perfect home isn’t going to be something that everyone can entertain, but if it is an option for you, it’s worth at least looking into.
After all, not only does looking at properties in other countries massively open up the options for you in terms of just how many properties you’re able to find, but it also means that you have the opportunity to do something that many people wish they could try in getting to actually live somewhere totally new. It’s a scary prospect a lot of the time but being able to start over somewhere new when you find a beautiful home in another country is one of the most fulfilling and exciting things that you can possibly do in your life.
Build it yourself
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If you’ve looked everywhere and no matter what you just can’t find a home that quite fits what you really want, then why not just create your perfect home for yourself? Many people find building their perfect home to be a fantastic alternative to buying it. Sure, it’s a long process and not necessarily one that everyone is willing to deal with, but if you can survive the extended period of time that building a home takes, you’ll be left with a property that exists to your exact specifications. You don’t have to worry about repairs or renovations because your home will already be just the way you want it, ready for you to move in. Not only that but the cost of building a house really isn’t that much different from the costs involved in simply buying one.
That being said, there are obviously practical considerations that you have to make when it comes to building a home instead of buying one. The most obvious is that you’re going to have to work with a lot more people. Rather than just working with an agent who helps you find a property, you’ll need to work with architects, construction companies, and more. But all of that just means that you have far more control over the kind of home that you end up with than if you were buying an existing property. If you’ve got the time and ability to plan for it, building a property can give you everything you want from a home.
Of course, not all of these options are going to be for everyone. A lot of people are never going to enjoy living on something like a houseboat or living with other people. But if you really want to find a home that you will really love without having to spend your entire life saving for it, then it’s always worth at least considering some alternative options, even if they might seem a little odd at first. Just being open minded and willing to try different things and you might just find yourself surprised at what opportunities present themselves to you.
It’s nearly impossible to deal with moving out to a new apartment and avoid procrastination. An enormous amount of things, appliances, clothes you didn’t realize you have can easily get you overwhelmed. How many empty boxes do you need to pack all your stuff? Which room needs to be packed first? Where to start?
Below, you will find the ultimate apartment moving checklist that will help you ease the moving process and make it less stressful and hectic. As you get rid of items you no longer need, pack your boxes in the correct order, and prepare your new apartment for moving in, it will go faster and much smoother. Check it out!
Get Rid of All the Stuff You Don’t Use
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The first thing you should do when moving to a new apartment is to get rid of all the things you don’t use anymore, as they will only add unnecessary weight to your boxes. Start by sorting out all the stuff you don’t use. The easiest way to do it is to put everything in one place and then go through it. Clean out your closet, drawers, and cabinets, and donate everything you don’t need anymore to charity.
Perhaps you have some cushions or pillows that are battered. In that case, you might be better off giving them away and purchasing new ones that will fit better with your new home’s interior design. If you would like to see the best personalized pillows – click here.
If you have a garage or a basement, get rid of all the junk you have accumulated over the years there as well, including unused appliances, furniture, and spare parts. If you have a lot of stuff, consider hiring a professional team of movers to take care of it for you. In this case, you will get a chance to get rid of all the useless stuff while saving time and effort.
Organize Your Moving Boxes
Once you have removed everything you don’t need or want anymore, it’s time to organize your moving boxes. There are a few things you should pay attention to while packing your stuff:
Get at least five sturdy moving boxes with a capacity of about 100 pounds each. They will help you carry items from your previous apartment to your new one without breaking or tearing.
Use small boxes for small items such as cords, chargers, accessories, light bulbs, etc. In this case, use strong plastic containers with lids to keep everything together and prevent them from falling out during transport.
You can find moving supplies in most home improvement stores. These include large plastic bins (for clothing), paper bags, shoe boxes, etc.
Prepare Your New Apartment for Moving
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Moving to a new place is not always easy. Sometimes, you will need to do the heavy lifting yourself. In this case, make sure to prepare your new apartment in advance. It will be much easier for you to move in when you don’t have to run around looking for a place to put all the heavy boxes.
Here are several points you should pay attention to when preparing your new apartment:
Clear a temporary space for unpacking. Divide all the stuff into categories that will help you sort it out easier.
Clean the entire apartment (or at least the room you will use as a storage space).
Prepare all the furniture and items that will go into the new place.
Pack Your Moving Boxes
Now it’s time to pack your moving boxes. Here are a few useful tips for you:
Make a list of everything you want to put in each box. This will help you arrange your stuff correctly and avoid chaos when unpacking.
Remember to put all the heavy things on the bottom and lighter items on top. This will help to ensure that the boxes won’t fall apart when carrying them.
Use large, sturdy boxes for bigger and heavier items. Make sure to pack them tightly, protecting them with sheets or blankets to keep them from shifting during transport.
Pack fragile items in bubble wrap, newspapers, tissue paper, or any other soft material. If there is a high chance of an item breaking, you can protect it with a moving blanket.
Label all the boxes with a marker or tape. Each box should contain only one type of item. It will be much easier for you to store everything in the new place if everything has been clearly labeled.
Move Your Stuff to Your New Apartment
When moving day comes, make sure to have everything ready at home before loading your car. Here are some valuable tips that will help you move your stuff quickly:
Put all your moving boxes in your car or truck and secure all of them with ropes or straps. When driving, make sure they don’t shift around too much and don’t fall out of your car.
Do not hurry while carrying your heavy items. Lift them steadily and carefully, so they don’t get damaged by dropping them on the floor. Use two people if needed.
If you can’t carry everything by yourself, ask for some help from friends or neighbors willing to lend you a hand. You can also contact moving services сompanies to get help with your move.
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Clean the Apartment You’re Moving Out From
This is the easiest and the last thing you need to do. After you have moved out of your previous apartment, you should take some time to clean it before leaving. Here are a few tips that will help you get ready for your landlord:
Wipe down all countertops and appliances.
Sweep and vacuum the floor. If there is a carpet, make sure to vacuum it thoroughly.
Disinfect all the floors and walls. Also, clean the toilet and bath/shower.
Wash down the shower curtain and any other bathroom accessories.
Put away all the dishes and other utensils.
Clean the kitchen sink and fill it with fresh water. Make sure all the faucets work correctly.
Remove all personal items from the refrigerator. Empty the freezer and wipe it down.
Touch up any marks or scratches on your walls or floors. Use paint, touch-up markers, or putty to cover them up.
The Bottom Line
Moving to a new apartment is always stressful, but it’s not impossible. If you are careful and organized, you will move your stuff without damaging your belongings or forgetting anything. Once you get rid of everything you don’t need, pack your moving boxes in the correct order, and prepare your new apartment for moving in, everything will go faster and smoother.
Don’t get discouraged if things don’t all go smoothly. With thoughtful planning and a careful approach to organizing all your stuff, you will be able to prepare yourself to move to a new apartment without losing or forgetting anything and on time. And later, you will have time to find the best small treadmill for apartment you’ve just moved in or any other appliances you are missing.
Now that you know what to pay attention to, you can start packing and be sure that you will move to a new apartment without any problems. Sometimes, you will need to do the heavy lifting yourself, but you will manage to do it without rushing or making mistakes with the right attitude and the right approach. Good luck!
It’s hard enough moving across town, but long-distance moves are a whole other venture. Long-distance moves shouldn’t be a stressful endeavour, and luckily, moving companies are available to help. If you’re looking for how to quickly and safely move your home’s belongings, then these tips will come in handy.
Pack Your Items in Advance
There’s no faster way to prepare for a long-distance move than by packing your items in advance. If you’re not able to pack everything beforehand, at least make sure that the top of every dresser and closet is cleared off, so there aren’t any hidden boxes or breakables left behind.
Label Boxes before Loading Them
It’s important to label boxes before loading them onto a moving truck. This way, there won’t be any confusion when it comes time to unload the contents at your new destination.
If you’re having trouble deciding what labels to use for your specific items, then you can write the room or area where you plan on placing each item. Many professional movers will also offer labelling services at an additional cost. You can choose to leave everything to them and only ask for a detailed packaging report after they’re done packing your items.
Deconstruct Bigger Items
Another way to make your belongings easier to transport is by breaking down bigger items. This means taking apart furniture pieces like chairs, tables, and dressers to be packed into smaller boxes or bags.
The trick with this method is that you should only disassemble the item enough until it fits in a box of manageable size. Otherwise, you might end up with pieces too small or oddly shaped to carry.
Pack Light Boxes
Long-distance moving can go for more than a day, and you don’t want to worry about packing heavy boxes when moving house across the country. The best way to avoid this problem is by packing light boxes that are easy for you and your movers to lift, carry, or climb stairs with.
Packing lightweight items such as books and smaller appliances makes the most sense if your goal is to create a lot of space in medium-to-large moving crates. This will allow you to fill in smaller spaces with other items without worrying too much about weight limits.
Work With a Professional Moving Company
Another way to move houses more efficiently is to hire a professional moving company like Osmon Moving and Storage to do the whole work for you.
Many benefits come with hiring a professional company, including having insurance to protect your belongings. This means you don’t have to worry about being held accountable for anything broken or lost during transportation.
You also don’t have to worry about loading and unloading trucks; all you have to do is point and direct, while everything else will be taken care of.
With these five tips, you can always rest assured that your things will arrive safely and on time. While professional movers have all it takes to move your items quickly and safely, you can always make their work easier by preparing ahead of time.
Buying a home today is a massive commitment Not only financially, but also in terms of dedicating lots of your time, moving your family, and work considerations, to name a few. Not to mention, this is before you’ve began thinking about how much further renovations need to be done to the property. Moving home is notorious for being one of the most stressful things that you will go through in your lifetime.
To give yourself reassurances that the property you are interested in is indeed the right one for you, it’s vital that you get licenced professionals into the property to do detailed inspections before you commit yourself to investing your life savings into purchasing. A roof inspection is an essential part of buying a new property. If the roof inspection finds that there is serious roof damage which will cost thousands of pounds to repair, then you should seriously consider withdrawing your offer for the property in question.
Carry on reading to find out more about our guide to reasons why getting a roof inspection is so important before you commit to buying a home.
Although paying for a roof inspection to be done by a licenced NFRC professional roofing firm may initially seem like a lot of money when you are buying a home, it should turn out to be a worthwhile investment and one that you won’t regret having made. Roofing professionals have expertise and know how to look for and identify all types of roofing issues, no matter how big or small they may be. As well as identifying current major roofing damage, top roof inspections can identify any small problems which potentially in the future could become major problems that will be very difficult and expensive to repair.
Professionals carrying out roof inspections will save you money in the future by looking out for:
Leaks, cracks, and rust
Weather damage
Installation problems
Damage to vents, gutters, and drains
Mould or fungus
A roof inspection firm will be able to identify any structural problems or poor-quality materials that the roof of a property you are thinking of buying, has. Fixing maintenance problems etc with roofs can cost you thousands of pounds, that’s before factoring in the value of the cost of the damage done to goods inside your home.
When getting building surveys and roof inspections done for an older property you are considering buying, it’s also a wise idea to get a bat survey done, for bats love to roost in roofs and dark places. Bat droppings are a sign that bats are present in a home; they are dark brown or black and approximately 4 to 8 mm in size. Bat surveys also often required to allow you to get planning permission when conducting work in your attic or on your roof. To get the services of a quality UK bat survey firm with over 10 years’ worth of experience, take a look at Bat Surveys.
A Property with Extensive Roof Damage Will Be Hard to Sell On
Whenever involved in the process of buying a new home, prospective homebuyers should keep in mind how easy it will be to resell the property should they want to do so in the future. There is nothing worse than wanting to move house and sell your property, but finding yourself stuck as no one out there wants to buy your property due to the damages to its roof. It is highly likely that anyone looking to buy your property in the future will employ professionals to carry out surveys that will cover roof inspections.
Structural problems with a property are the sort of fundamental issues that building surveys are looking out for as red flags. Structural problems in a roof can ultimately cause a roof to collapse entirely. Not only does a roof collapsing endanger the lives of those living inside the property who may not be able to react in time, it can also cause mammoth financial costs for the damages done to the furniture and goods inside your home. Repairing or replacing a roof with structural problems that has collapsed will also be a big financial hit that can cost you thousands of pounds.
Roof Damage is Hard to Detect
Roof damage can be hard to detect, and it is certainly not necessarily something that can be seen with the naked eye. Problems with roofs are often internal and not visible from looking at its surface or its tiles from the outside. Trained roofing contractors with professional experience and all the right gear and equipment are your best bet for successfully identifying roofing damage in the property you are thinking of buying.
So, even though you may normally consider yourself a dab-hand at DIY around the house, you most likely won’t be able to solve major roofing problems in your new property. In fact, attempting DIY roofing may mean you end up causing a lot more damage to the property’s roof. More damage to the roof will mean you will have to spend more money on the services of a roofing professional than you would’ve had to initially before giving your DIY roofing a go. With this one, it’s a bright idea to leave it to the experts.
Finding Yourself a Reliable Roofer After You’ve Bought a Home
Sadly, it may be too late, and you may have bought a new home and you are now encountering issues with your roof. Draw up a shortlist of 2-3 contractors to take look at the roof and provide you with quotes for the job. You should focus on selecting a contractor who you believe provided you the best quality advice in their quote, and not necessarily decide to go with the cheapest option in the different quotes you were given for the roof.
Getting a roof inspection is an essential step in the process of purchasing any home or successfully getting planning permissions granted in the UK these days. If following inspections, a roof looks to be damaged or substandard, you must reassess whether purchasing that property will still be worthwhile.
Your house is a major investment and as such it must be treated properly. It’s the one place where you feel safe, and where you spend quality time with friends and family. When you’re considering any kind of renovation work or improvements you need to take them very seriously, especially when having a roof renovation project in mind.
There are many reasons why you may need to consider having your roof renovated and various factors to consider before you do so. Once you understand the different aspects of a roofing project, you can sketch out an actual roadmap and have peace of mind that you’ll be managing things efficiently from the start.
Here are some of the essential factors you should take into consideration when it comes to roof renovation.
Choose A Proper Roofing Company
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When faced with a major investment such as a roof renovation, it’s probably best not to choose your roofing contractor lightly. As a matter of fact, beyond the cost, several other factors can influence your decision-making process when hiring a roofing company.
First, it’s important to check whether the roofing contractor is licensed and possesses roofing insurance. If so, you also need to ensure that the insurance coverage is valid for the whole duration of your roofing project.
Next, get offers from your favourite contractors and carefully compare them afterward. Take into consideration their experience, and bear in mind that going with the lowest offer might not always be in your favour. Finally, it’s a good idea to check some reviews of the roofing companies and have a look at the previous work they’ve done.
Identify Your Roofing Needs Properly
You’ll need to recognize your roofing needs before you start with your roof renovation. For example, what type of material you’ll use, do you need to re-roof only a portion of the roof or have an entire new roof.
When you contact a roofing contractor, don’t forget to ask for an inspection. Since they’re the experts, they can find the smallest of issues that should be repaired, and they will determine if your roof needs to be replaced.
By identifying your roofing needs, the degree of work as well as who will be performing it, you will have an accurate idea of the project’s cost. It will then be easier for you to plan your budget.
Consider Materials
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The style and appearance of your home can be dictated by the materials you choose for your roof. You have the following main options to choose from:
Cedar
Nothing can beat the elegance of a cedar roof. It’s costly and demands regular maintenance, however, it’s long-lasting and energy-efficient.
Slate
This lasts for a century and can’t burn. Plus, it’s waterproof and fungus or mould has a tough time appearing. Although it’s quite expensive, it offers a unique esthetic.
Metal
This material lasts approximately 60 years under normal conditions and is ideal for being installed on top of existing roofs.
Asphalt shingles
This is the most common material. Effective under any environmental condition. Impact-resistant shingles are a smart way to go if your home is a victim of rainstorms.
These are only some of the materials used today. Lately, solar tiles are becoming more and more popular as well. Therefore, check with your roofing contractor what works best for your house.
Check building regulations
Like every big home improvement project, planning permission and building regulations approval may be required when you’re replacing your roof, especially if you’re changing it dramatically. So check with your local authority and be clear on the rules before bringing the contractors on site.
Whether you are renovating your roof or replacing it, ensure you have all the needed information before you start the project. That way, you’ll prevent any unpleasant surprises further down the line.
