Have you recently decided to reduce some costs by learning to do things like plumbing yourself? Let’s be honest; calling the plumber for doing something you can do yourself can be somewhat of a loss. Things like unclogging the drains, sealing the pipes, or changing the fittings, are easier than
Flat roofs are currently among the top trending commercial and residential property designs. Moreover, interior décor and property magazines now feature flat roof properties in their listings. This might lead you to wonder: ‘What is so tempting about flat roofs that slanted roof designs are missing?’ Well, flat roofs are
When you hear the term ‘industrial revolution’ – what does it bring to mind? Perhaps factories in Victorian-era Great Britain and images of archaic locomotives (scenes which came to Australian shores by the mid-late 1800s). Did you know that this revolution is just the first of four that have changed
If you’re running an American business with no agent services, you may wonder why you need a registered agent in your operations. It’s a valid question though. Should you find agent services or be on your own? In answering this question, this post discusses the roles of agent services, like
When you purchased your fixer-upper, you must have had some inclination to fix it up. What you’re going to do with it afterwards can be decided at a later date, but for now you need to get it up to standard so that someone can live there, whether it’s you
Football attracts hundreds of thousands of fans to stadiums every year. Playing football without fans in an empty stadium is an incomplete experience. For many fans, watching their favorite players on their TV screens is not satisfactory enough. Football fans across the globe have been filling up stadia every other
SDL Property Management explains what block management is… Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management is known by various names in the industry; leasehold management, property management and estate management to name a few. If you’re thinking of getting into block management, but you
Stressed, overly anxious or subconsciously scared? Naturally, the “new normal” has come with a flood of negative emotions. For many of us, this has led to successive sleepless nights, weighing down on us throughout the day. As we adapt to life under lockdown, working from home, being separated from friends
House prices in Dublin fell by 1.3% in the last year, according to CSO figures. Property prices are now rising by just 1.1 per cent, the lowest level in more than six years, as the pick-up in housing supply continues to cool the market. The latest figures from the Central
Have you recently decided to reduce some costs by learning to do things like plumbing yourself? Let’s be honest; calling the plumber for doing something you can do yourself can be somewhat of a loss. Things like unclogging the drains, sealing the pipes, or changing the fittings, are easier than you would think. Learning about the various tools you can use to do the simpler plumbing work can help you maintain your house efficiently without spending much money. Want to start somewhere? Consider investing in these plumbing tools that are must-haves in your plumbing kit. You may not need them frequently, but you’ll have them handy whenever you have a plumbing issue. Drain Cleaning Tools Although keeping drainage tools in the house may seem unnecessary initially, they can be really helpful. Investing in good quality drain cleaning tools will save you many costs later, especially when your pipes need immediate cleaning. Here are the drain cleaning tools that you must have. No matter how much you need to get these, you can save a lot of costs later on since you’ll have these handy. 1. Drain Inspection Camera The first and most important thing you need in your drainage tool kit is a drain inspection camera or a borescope. You should be able to take it deep enough, and the picture should be clear for you to inspect where the blockage is. When choosing a sewer camera, you need to have criteria based on which you’ll select the tool. Choose wisely, as the best sewer camera will feature self-leveling for stable viewing as well as 120-degree views. This will help you locate the clog effectively so that you can dissolve it. 2. Hand Auger Although this is more like a traditional version, hand augers are useful enough to break apart drain clogs that aren’t too difficult to clear. Plumbers use these circular hand-held devices to steer a cable down a drain with a hand crank and clean out the clogs. 3. Plumber’s Snake A plumber’s snake, also known as a snake machine, is a motorized version that helps to break down and clean out very stubborn and deep drain clogs. These are flexible and have enough strength to move deep into the clog and break it down. 4. Hydro Jet This high-speed water jet is very effective in blasting out light clogs in the sewer. It comes with a hose that’s designed to blast water at high pressure in the clogged line and break the clog. The dirt then comes out of another opening and is dispensed off. Wrenches There are quite a few types of wrenches to choose from. Of course, there are the basic ones, like the torque wrench and the faucet key, that almost every household has. There are other types of wrenches that you must have. Why do you need them? Investing in these can save you a lot of money in fixing plumbing fittings. 1. Internal Pipe Wrench Does the name suggest anything? Although a bit less common, plumbers use the internal pipe wrench to remove rusted nuts, bolts, and other rusted internal parts in old pipes. This helps in changing the pipes systematically, or just cleaning out and replacing the internal parts, thus saving costs. 2. Adjustable Wrench This is nothing extraordinary, just something every household should have in their toolbox. However, this is something very essential. Most of the fittings and screws in faucets and plumbing lines are hexagonal. An adjustable wrench has a hexagonal fit which helps fix these parts of the pipes using enough torque. The bigger the diameter of the wrench, the longer it will be, thus providing more torque for bigger fittings. 3. Basin Wrench Unlike any traditional wrench, a basin wrench is a T-shaped wrench whose design will allow you to use them in very confined spaces. Due to the length of this tool, it’s effortless to turn and fasten or loosen the faucet parts under the sink. There are various sizes of basin wrenches, so you can choose whichever you think fits most of your sink fixtures. 4. Pipe Wrench Pipe wrenches are the most common tools plumbers love keeping in hand. They essentially help in doing most plumbing fittings. Have you seen plumbers use one wrench to hold the pipe while rotating the fittings in the right direction? Yes, those tools. Investing in pipe wrenches can help you effectively cut off costs when you need to change pipes or fix something in the plumbing lines. Of course, you should learn to use it in conjunction properly. 5. Faucet Key A faucet key, also known as a faucet wrench, isn’t a traditional wrench. It’s an X-shaped wrench that helps to loosen and tighten all types of faucets that would be hard to open otherwise. Depending on the fittings you aim to fix, you can find various sizes of faucet keys in the market. By measuring the diameters beforehand, you can choose the one that’ll fit the sillcocks and spigots in your home well. Other Plumbing Equipment You Should Have There are other types of equipment that you must add to your plumbing toolkit if you don’t have them already. These tools won’t only help in plumbing and drainage work but will also be helpful in other cases. Knowing how they work can also help you fix things quickly. Here’s a list of these items and what their functions are. 1. PTFE Tape Polytetrafluoroethylene film tape, or PTFE tape, is mostly used to wrap around pipe threads. It seals the threads to each other securely. There are a few names for this tape- thread seal tape, Teflon tape, and plumber’s tape. There are a few types of this tape, white, yellow, red, green, copper, and silver, each serving its purpose separately. Use them for sealing hose ends, natural gas fittings, water heater pipes, welding lines, pipes for medical purposes, and other types of pipe fittings. 2. Pipe Cutters Sometimes, you need to replace pipes, whether they’re old
Flat roofs are currently among the top trending commercial and residential property designs. Moreover, interior décor and property magazines now feature flat roof properties in their listings. This might lead you to wonder: ‘What is so tempting about flat roofs that slanted roof designs are missing?’ Well, flat roofs are popular for several reasons. Flat roofs provide a cheap alternative for small businesses needing a tiny space for operations. However, small space units became increasingly hard to achieve with sloped and curved roofing designs. The desire for small living units due to changing lifestyles and the growing need for small office spaces has fuelled the demand for flat roof properties. The trend is primarily driven by consumer demand for clean, simplistic, and futuristic designs for properties with flat roofs. Apart from the simplistic aesthetic appeal, especially when paired with OptiLight roof windows or similar stylish ones, flat roofs are cheaper and easy to maintain. Additionally, insurance companies have started to offer personalised policies for businesses that construct, repair, maintain, or retrofit flat roofs, which is a crucial consideration when hiring the right contractor. The cover protects the numerous industry-related risks. You may be wondering how to go about installing a flat roof. Here are six factors to consider: Your roof’s slope determines the rate of flow of precipitation. The greater the elevation, the higher the velocity. A flat roof is not entirely ‘flat’ to facilitate gravity-aided drainage. A slight slope also prevents leaves and other foreign debris from accumulating on the roof. Therefore, the flat roof should have a slight and well-balanced tilt to prevent stagnation of water and debris, which is essential to its longevity. If you’re brainstorming on a better design for your roof or planning a flat roof replacement, it would be proactive to consult a qualified contractor. If it’s relatively calm where your home is, you’ll have to do regular cleaning to remove debris and leaves that accumulate on the flat roof. A regular cleaning routine helps to ease the flow of water from the roof to the gutters, but you must determine whether the existing drainage system works well with your flat roof. The process should be easy if you plan to erect a building right from the foundation. However, if you plan to replace a sloping roof with a flat one, it would be advisable to consult property developers. The contractors will determine if the flat roofing will match your roof drainage system and advise you about any modifications that will be needed. Flat roofs provide enough space at the top for water storage tanks and even water pools. Yet they also have a structural load limit. You may have opted for a flat roof because of its better storage space. Thus, if you’re planning on having more loads on top of the roof, ensure that it’s constructed using the correct materials to withstand enough pressure. This will ensure that the roof remains durable. R-value defines a roof’s resistance to heat transfer. High R-values insulate heat properly, and the same is true vice-versa. The R-value also depends on the roofing materials. A relatively hot area requires roofing materials with high R-values for proper insulation, whereas a house in a colder region can do with lower R-values. A good contractor should be able to guide you on the specific R-values needed for your roof. The edges of a flat roof tend to be sensitive to strong winds compared to a slanted roof. Hence, it would be better to assess the wind speed in your location. If the place is windy, invest in more durable building materials to withstand the pressure and ensure your roof isn’t blown easily at the first sign of a storm. Before settling for a flat roof, check the deck’s structural integrity below the older roof. A deck that adequately bears the weight of a slanted roof should also be capable of supporting a flat roof. A heavy or unstable roofing deck can affect the stability of a flat roof. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you can reconstruct your roof decking to uphold structural integrity. Conclusion When choosing a new roof, you’d want to consider flat designs because they’re simplistic, cheaper, and easy to maintain than curved and slanted roofs. Before installation, consider factors like drainage, maintenance routing, and the maximum load the roof can hold. For the best results, always go for a roofing contractor with vast expertise in installing flat roofs. It’s better if they’re insured to cover for any potential damage.
When you hear the term ‘industrial revolution’ – what does it bring to mind? Perhaps factories in Victorian-era Great Britain and images of archaic locomotives (scenes which came to Australian shores by the mid-late 1800s). Did you know that this revolution is just the first of four that have changed the face of the world in the time since? Here, we’ll take a look at each of the four industrial revolutions and how they have altered global society. The first industrial revolution When was it? Between approximately 1760-1820 – concentrated mainly in the United Kingdom, continental Europe and the United States. Related technologies were then taken to other parts of the world. What changed? Handheld tools were replaced by huge machines that were powered by steam or water and enabled the creating of factory production. As working life changed the world over, incomes and populations soared, setting the human race onto a path of continued growth that we remain in now. How have we changed? As factories continued to be made and everyday items became increasingly monetised, one of the unforeseen results of this revolution was the rise of capitalism in its most modern sense. This alteration to how we live is often labelled as the most significant change that the human race has ever experienced. The second industrial revolution (The technical revolution) When was it? This period of near-constant scientific and technological discovery is generally placed from the late 1800s until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. What changed? Advancements in medicine saw previously widespread diseases start to be eradicated, while railroads became widespread and energy, water and sewage systems becoming more sophisticated saw the rapid expansion of urban areas the world over. Electrification also streamlined many of the manufacturing processes that had emerged in the first industrial revolution. How have we changed? The inventions of the telephone, automobile and aeroplane made the world a much smaller place for many people and helped to continue the globalisation that countries such as Britain had previously began in the previous era. Increased productivity and the creation of many modern business practices resulted in likely the quickest economic growth periods the world has ever seen. The third industrial revolution (The digital revolution) When was it? The latter third of the 20th century, starting in the late 1960s – some advancements extend this era into the modern day. What changed? Analogue and mechanical technology was replaced in many cases by digital technologies. The mass production of certain components led to the rise of computers and mobile phones – both which were underpinned by wireless technologies like mobile networks and the internet. How have we changed? Business again was turbocharged, with the internet in particular leading to the creation of completely new industries. Forex traders can now operate in seconds, retail business can offer goods across the world and brands subsequently are marketed on a global scale before local considerations. The fourth industrial revolution When was it? We’ve only just entered into Industry 4.0 by most experts’ reckoning and may be still in the first decade of it. What changed? The rise of technological advancements like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and complex robotics are blurring the lines between human and mechanical experiences. Manufacturing processes that have emerged in the previous revolutions are now increasingly automated and run largely without human influence. How have we changed? Cloud computing, social media and the internet of things mean we are now more connected across the world than ever before. The rapid change has led to governments – including Australia’s – needing to draft new legislation so that regulations remain relevant in our changing world.
If you’re running an American business with no agent services, you may wonder why you need a registered agent in your operations. It’s a valid question though. Should you find agent services or be on your own? In answering this question, this post discusses the roles of agent services, like Swyft filings registered agent service, and their importance to your business. What Are Registered Agent Services A registered agent is a person or business that acts as a legal representative for your company. It’s their job to receive service of process (i.e., papers that inform the company they’ve been sued) when it’s sent to your business. If you’re running a small business and don’t have an office with a receptionist or someone to answer the phone during regular hours, a registered agent can help you by receiving these documents on behalf of your company. Registered agent services are a necessary part of forming a business in most states in the country. The states require that all businesses have a registered agent, and it’s your responsibility as a business owner to find one. Should You Find One Or Be Your Own In answering the question mentioned above, this post looks at the advantages of outsourcing your registered agent services to companies capable of carrying out duties. Some of the advantages of finding one are: Registered Agent Service Is Required In Every State To Be A Corporation Or LLC Registered agent services are required in every state to be a corporation or LLC. These services ensure that your business is legally registered and that you have a physical address in the state where it’s registered Registered agent service isn’t required for a sole proprietorship or partnership. However, it does provide an added layer of protection in case anything goes wrong with your business. If you choose to incorporate without using an online registered agent service, then you’ll need to make sure that someone who lives within the state where your corporation or LLC was created provides their home as their official address for correspondence from government agencies and other businesses. A Registered Agent Receives Important Legal And Tax Documents For Your Company States require companies to have a registered agent who acts as the business’s first point of contact for important legal and tax documents. The registered agent is responsible for receiving all correspondence sent to your company, including court notices, subpoenas, and other legal documents. The registering agent also has the power to authorize someone else (such as your attorney) to receive these documents on behalf of your company. In addition, if you’re not available or don’t want to be bothered by some mailings (e.g., junk mail), the registered agent can choose which pieces of mail need personal attention from you and which ones don’t. Registered Agents Give You Privacy A registered agent is a third party that provides official documentation on behalf of your business. It’s like having a secretary who lives in your building but is always there to assist, except instead of taking phone calls and answering emails, they manage your paperwork for you. To register your company with the state and make sure all necessary filings are made properly, you need to disclose personal information about yourself as an officer or owner of that company. This includes things like social security numbers and banking information, things which should never be shared with anyone outside of trusted family members or close friends. But when you choose a registered agent service provider, they take care of all the heavy lifting so that nothing slips through the cracks. They handle all government filings on behalf of your business while keeping your personal information safe, even when it comes time for taxes. Registered Agents Are Professional And Accessible Registered agents are professional and accessible. As a business owner, you need to think of your registered agent as a partner who’ll be there for you at all times. Registered agents are available 24/7 to answer questions or help you with any matter related to your company’s operations, whether it has to do with tax matters or audits, legal issues or litigation, employment law concerns, and other human resources issues. Plus, registered agents are expert communicators and often lawyers themselves. This means that they’re well-versed in their field of expertise (your industry), so they can give you the best advice possible on how best to handle specific situations that may arise, as well as provide feedback from an outsider’s point-of-view when it comes down to making decisions about how things should be done moving forward. Registered Agents Help You Stay Compliant One of the most important benefits of using a registered agent is that they help you stay compliant with state and federal requirements. These include tax requirements, including those that require you to report business income and file your government obligations. They also help you comply with state requirements for business in various states, including the licenses required for each location your business operates. Registered Agents Make Life Easier For Your Administrative Assistant You don’t have to worry about paperwork with a registered agent service; you can delegate the administrative tasks of your business, such as managing and filing your documents with state and local governments, as well as answering questions about legal compliance. For example, as a construction agency, having a registered agent will save time for other things. With a registered agent service, you can count on being able to reach someone at any time of day or night. If you have an issue that needs resolving immediately, whether it’s a question or concern about tax filings or something more severe like fraud or theft, they’re there ready and willing to help. Regarding legal matters about running your company, things can get complicated quickly if they’re not appropriately explained. Registered agents are trained professionals who understand these complexities to help explain how things work in plain language that anyone, even without much experience in this arena, can understand quickly
When you purchased your fixer-upper, you must have had some inclination to fix it up. What you’re going to do with it afterwards can be decided at a later date, but for now you need to get it up to standard so that someone can live there, whether it’s you or someone else. But, how do you go about this? If you’re not sure, then it’s a good thing that we have some knowledge in the area. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you should do now that you have purchased a fixer-upper. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more about this. Have A Vision The first thing that you are going to need to do is have a vision. We’re sure that you have already got one based on the fact that you deigned to purchase the property in the first place. Fixer-uppers aren’t exactly the best looking houses on the market, but you’ve got to have vision so that you can see it for what it could be, rather than what it is right now. Having a vision will help you to create a stunning property by the time that you are finished. It’s important to understand here that it is okay to not have the full vision laid out in front of you right now. You are still in the very early stages of owning this property, and there is no rush to get things done right away. If you want to take some time, go into the property and check that it is what you thought it would be like, what you want to do with it and so on, then take the time to do this. Call In The Experts Location Link – CC0 License Once you have some kind of idea in mind as to what you want to do, that’s when it’s time to call in the experts. You are going to need a range of people coming to see the house before you can even hire contractors to begin on any work. For example, one of the most important services that you are going to need is that of building surveyors. They are going to need to check the property for damage, issues with the foundations and other things like this to be sure that the property is safe to work on to start with. If it’s not, then you’re going to have to spend time and money working out how to get it safe. Calling in the experts will give you a good idea as to where you stand in the grand scheme of things. It will either confirm what you thought you knew, or it would give you a new dose of reality. Either way, you have got to know so that you are able to move forward. Sort Out A Budget Now that you know what you’re working with foundation wise, and now that you have some kind of vision when it comes to what you want to do, you can start sorting out a budget. Think about how much money that you have available, and think about how much of it you are willing to spend on this renovation of the property. It tends to be the case that if you’re going to live in it yourself that you are more willing to invest in it, but you also want to see a nice return if you decide to sell or rent it. Sit down with some of the experts and work out how much you are looking at realistically. This will help you make decisions down the line, guide some of the trickier choices as the budget may not even allow for certain things. Just make sure that you have your budget sorted, and then have another number a little higher that is the absolute maximum that you are willing to spend. Start Getting A Plan Together CC0 License – Pexels Credit As soon as the budget is sorted, you can start getting some kind of plan together. Think about where you want walls knocked out, what you want each room to be, what needs updating and so on. All of this is going to take quite a while to sort, so we recommend blocking out a good amount of time to dedicate to this. If you have been doing this kind of thing for a while now, then you might be able to come up with some kind of guiding timeline as well, but this is not necessary so don’t panic if you are unable to do so. Everything will feel better once the plan starts forming. Consult experts on certain areas and see what they have to say, and then look at what materials you want and so on through the house. Ensure that this matches up with your budget, and then you’re good to go. Hire Contractors There’s a plan and a budget, which means that you can start hiring people to make your vision into a reality. Look into people for the plumbing, the electrics, any foundation work that needs to be done, design experts, structural engineers and so on. You will know what you need based on all of the information that you have gotten up to this point, and you have your budget which shows what you can and cannot afford. Before you hire anyone, make sure that you have spoken to a member of the team and looked at reviews from previous clients. It’s easy to lie online, but past customers will have no reason to do so. Hopefully, you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you have got to do now that you have purchased a fixer-upper. This project can turn into one of the best things that you have ever chosen to do, or it can turn into your worst nightmare, but it’s all about
Football attracts hundreds of thousands of fans to stadiums every year. Playing football without fans in an empty stadium is an incomplete experience. For many fans, watching their favorite players on their TV screens is not satisfactory enough. Football fans across the globe have been filling up stadia every other week either to watch their national teams play or to support their favorite football club. Football fans generate a lot of revenue from buying tickets in order to watch their favorite sports teams. They also generate money from playing free bets and paid bets on their favorite teams. Football continues to grow because of patronage from fans. Fans are important stakeholders to football teams, but as their numbers continue to swell, stadiums need to provide the latest construction that is conducive and safe for use. They need to ensure that the stadium can offer all of the latest amenities for all kinds of football fans. Important Football Stadium Design and Construction Trends Apart from amazing architectural designs and breathtaking landscapes, many stadiums worldwide are now using the latest technology and proper safety arrangements to improve the fan experience. The FIFA world cup coming up in Qatar in November will unveil some of the world’s latest stadium constructions. These stadiums cost billions to construct. However, the construction costs are valid, as long as every fan gains easy access, enjoys their stadium experience, and safely gets back to their destinations. The latest stadium construction trends are interesting to see. Some already constructed stadiums are also beginning to renovate and implement these construction trends to make them safer and better for the fans. Here are five trends in football stadium construction making loud statements and sounding a loud gong of commitment to football fans’ safety: – Safe standing areas Standing in football stadiums was common in England. Following the Taylor report on the unfortunate Hillsborough disaster, highlighting the inferior quality of the terraces and barriers, stadiums in England were mandated to allocate seating arrangements to every spectator. In the recently concluded 2021/2022 season, some Premier League clubs trialed safe standing after getting approval from the FA. They utilized rail seating arrangements with terracing and crush barriers in place. Stadium designers are turning to safe standing because it has become quite common for fans to stand on their seats during games, and that practice raises a lot of safety concerns. Their trials were largely successful, and it appears that safe standing will be one of the construction features to look forward to across stadiums in England. The current safe standing arrangements are not entirely designed for fans to stand throughout matches. The standing arrangements can also be converted to seats and used according to the spectator’s preference. – Advanced Lighting Design and Arrangement Lighting is essential in creating unique fan experiences across stadiums. Many stadiums have started to utilize LED lighting which lights up the stadiums once flicked on. These lights can be designed to flicker along to the beats from the stadium’s sound system. These LED lights are great for fan experiences and contribute immensely to reducing energy consumption in stadiums. – Increased Connectivity In the past, stadiums were secluded from the rest of the world. Now, stadiums ensure that every fan stays connected by providing internet connectivity via Wi-Fi and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). A football game is no longer complete without tweets and real-time statistics. Being able to stay connected right from the stadium helps fans enjoy their favorite teams while staying connected with the rest of the world. Stadiums also use connectivity for marketing purposes. Fans can scan barcodes and browse the links displayed on advertisement boards. – Air Conditioning Harsh weather conditions sometimes affect fan experiences in football stadiums. With the increasing use of air conditioners in stadiums, fans can have a smooth experience without weather interference. Air conditioning in stadiums seemed like a far impossibility. Now, they are guaranteed improvements to fan comfort and enhanced spectator experiences. – Free Flowing Traffic Arrangements Stadiums are incorporating a lot of traffic infrastructure and arrangements in their considerations. When fans can easily access the games and get back home without much hassle, it encourages them to come back to see the next game. Stadiums are designing and implementing car parks that allow easy entry and exit. They also include alternative traffic arrangements to connect fans from different sports. Conclusion Other interesting trends that are shaping stadium construction include the hospitality arrangements. Stadiums are also built with adequate fan attractions such as hotels and other interesting entertainment options, including restaurants, parks, and stores where fans can pick up souvenirs. Stadium management companies stand to gain more when their stadiums are fitted with the latest construction trends. Many stadium management companies and sponsors will invest money into their stadiums to generate more revenue in the near future.
SDL Property Management explains what block management is… Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management is known by various names in the industry; leasehold management, property management and estate management to name a few. If you’re thinking of getting into block management, but you aren’t sure what’s involved, here’s our guide to what it is and how it works: A quick introduction to leasehold Leasehold flats can be in purpose-built blocks, in converted houses or above commercial or retail premises. A leasehold usually includes everything within the four walls of a flat, down to the floorboards and plaster on the walls and ceilings. The freeholder usually owns the building, including the common parts (eg corridors, entrance way), the structure (eg roof, windows) and the land it stands on. The freeholder is, normally, responsible for the maintenance and repair of the building. If so, the costs for doing so are recoverable through the service charges and billed to the leaseholders. The freeholder or resident management company usually appoint a managing agent to manage their block. What are service charges? Service charges are payments by the leaseholder to the landlord for all the services the landlord provides. Details of what can (and cannot) be charged by the landlord and the proportion of the charge to be paid by the individual leaseholder will all be set out in the lease. What is block management? Block management is the process of managing the communal areas of residential properties through the service charge. Managing a block of flats requires a professional approach, time and dedication. Block management involves constant communication with various contractors in respect of maintenance and repairs, insurance of the building and, in some cases, provision of central heating, lifts, porterage, estate staff, lighting and cleaning of common areas. It also requires a good understanding of legislation and leasehold matters, preparation of budgets and annual accounts, as well as routine inspections to check that the property is in good order. A major part of a role in block management is ensuring that the landlord and leaseholders get value for money for their service charge payments, and the building is maintained in accordance with the terms of the lease. SDL Property Partners is a franchise network which enables you to become a managing agent and offer block management as part of your services. In a nutshell, we’ll get you up and running, providing training, support and back office systems. If you’re looking for a new opportunity and block management sounds like it could be for you, get in touch with our team. If you wish to find out more about getting your property managed by the experts, please visit – https://sdlpropertymanagement.co.uk/contact-us/
Stressed, overly anxious or subconsciously scared? Naturally, the “new normal” has come with a flood of negative emotions. For many of us, this has led to successive sleepless nights, weighing down on us throughout the day. As we adapt to life under lockdown, working from home, being separated from friends and family. Insomnia isn’t another issue that we want to be struggling with during this time. So, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these are the five top tips compiled for you to finally get a good night’s rest. Tip 1: Wind Down Before Bed Reduce Screen Time Technology usage has reached an all-time high since the onset of lockdown. However, for those struggling with sleeping soundly, using your phone, laptop or TV right before bed can be especially disruptive. Take mitigative steps like reducing screen brightness or using a blue light filter. If possible, aim to avoid all electronic devices that emit blue light 1-2 hours before sleep. Listen to Peaceful Podcasts and/or Music Now that you have extra time on your hands, create a calming quarantine-inspired bedtime ritual to relax and clear your head. With social media, 24/7 breaking news and the current blur between home and work life, our brains have become accustomed to – maybe even crave – constant stimulation. Practising mindfulness before bed by listening to soothing podcasts and/or music will help you enter the right headspace to unwind and eventually fall asleep. Tip 2: Develop a Comfortable Sleep Environment Control Room Temperature Temperature is crucial when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Now that it’s summer, being too hot will unsurprisingly interfere with sleep quality. Research shows that most people get their optimal rest at a temperature of 16-19 degrees Celsius. So, if your bedroom doesn’t come equipped with an air conditioner, a high-quality fan is a smart investment. If you also sleep with a partner who has a different temperature preference, having separate duvets can help you both get the rest you deserve. Reserve Your Bed for Sleep and Sex During the lockdown, many of us have found various uses for our bed, be it a substitute for a workstation or lounging area. However, saving this space for sleep and sex will help you get the eight recommended hours of rest by allowing your mind to associate the bedroom with sleeping rather than daytime activities. Reduce Noise Quarantine has given many of us a reason to spend more time with family. Nevertheless, a busy household is less than ideal when it comes to unwinding. Any sound at all can distract your brain from falling asleep so minimising noise is essential. Close your door and windows to reduce excessive sound from crowding your bedroom. Noise-cancelling earplugs or even headphones have also proven to help noise-sensitive sleepers. Turn Off the Light Unfortunately, it’s not only blue light that can throw your brain off sleeping. With summer here, the days have gotten longer. Use your bedroom curtains or blinds to block out sunlight so that your brain knows it’s time to sleep. You also won’t wake up prematurely at the crack of dawn. Tip 3: Use CBD With COVID-19 ravaging our health services, visiting the doctor seems unnecessary when there are plenty of natural remedies. A recent alternative healthcare product that has established itself as a favourite amongst restless sleepers is CBD. Unlike other natural supplements like melatonin or lavender that only tend to combat one aspect of insomnia, CBD can help to address the causes of insomnia like stress and anxiety, as well as help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep during the night. Proven popular for its versatility, CBD can be taken as a drink, spray, cream, balm, body oil, snack or capsule to just name a few! A CBD facial mist will leave you with a sense of freshness, serenity and calm. Though the days have seemingly blurred into one during the lockdown, don’t forget your self-care Sunday! Pamper yourself with a CBD oil for a full body massage or a CBD-infused bath bomb so that you wake up feeling not only relaxed but brand new. Tip 4: Control Food and Liquid Intake It’s no wonder that many of us have gained a few pounds since being stuck inside in very close proximity to the kitchen. Fighting off the urge to constantly snack is harder than it seems! Nevertheless, avoiding food and drink a few hours before bed can help you fall asleep faster, as well as stay asleep. Eating a large meal late at night can inadvertently spike your hormone levels so your brain struggles to switch off, whereas drinking too much can lead to excessive trips to the toilet mid-sleep. In particular, try to avoid alcohol, caffeine and excessive sugar consumption before bed to ensure that your hormones levels remain balanced. Tip 5: Establish a Healthy Sleep Cycle Quarantine surely has taken our sleeping patterns for a tailspin. Staying up till 2 am and sleeping in till noon has become routine for many under-25s. It’s no wonder that our body clock has no idea what’s going on! Try to wake up and go to bed at a reasonable hour and at the same time each day. Establishing a stable rhythm will help you fall asleep and wake up easier. Though gyms are currently closed, any form of exercise during the day will help maintain your sleep schedule. Nonetheless, avoid exercising too late as the rush of endorphins can prove detrimental to your sleep. Also Hardcore Videos may help with sleep, so watching prior to going to bed will help with the central nervous system. It may be that you only need one or a combination of these tips but hopefully this guide will have you feeling energised, positive and well-rested in no time – despite the current circumstances! And remember that whatever way you’re adapting to the new normal, it’s completely natural to feel out of your depths.
House prices in Dublin fell by 1.3% in the last year, according to CSO figures. Property prices are now rising by just 1.1 per cent, the lowest level in more than six years, as the pick-up in housing supply continues to cool the market. The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show prices in Dublin, which has seen the largest increase in residential construction, actually fell by 1.3% in the 12 months to September, and were down by nearly 7% in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, which is traditionally seen as a bellwether for the market. The figures come as separate CSO data points to a significant upturn in housing completions in the third quarter, including an 81 per cent jump in apartment completions, most of which were located in Dublin. The latest Residential Property Price Index shows the typical cost or median price of a home in the Republic in the 12 months to September was €265,000. This represented an annual increase of just 1%, the lowest level of inflation recorded since August 2013, and down from 8.5% a year ago. The figures show the median price of a home in Dublin was €368,000. Within the Dublin region, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown had the highest median price (€527,000), while Fingal had the lowest (€340,000). Outside Dublin Property prices in the Republic, excluding Dublin, were 3.6% higher in the year to September. The region outside of Dublin that saw the largest rise in prices was the Border area, at 11.8 per cent, while the smallest rise was recorded in the mid-east, at 0.2%. Property prices nationally have increased by 85.3 per cent from their trough in early 2013. Dublin residential property prices have risen 94.7% from their February 2012 low, while residential property prices in the rest of the State are 84% higher than in May 2013. Separate figures also released this Thursday by the CSO showed that the number of new homes completed in the first nine months of the year totalled 14,764 , an increase of 18% on the same period last year. Last year a total of 17,995 new dwellings were completed over the 12 months and this is forecast to rise to above 21,000 for the whole of 2019. The latest supply figures also indicated an 81.1% increase in apartment completions, up 598 to 1,083. The CSO noted that apartment completions were now almost at the level of single dwelling completions ‘Government initiatives’ “The growth in new home completions is welcome and shows that Government initiatives such as the Strategic Housing Developments and Help-2-Buy scheme are working,” David Duffy, director of Property Industry Ireland, said. However, dwelling completions remain below estimated new household formation of 35,000 per annum, he said. “It now seems likely that housing completions for 2019 will be approximately 21,000. This is below what was anticipated at the start of the year,” he said. “The delay in announcing the extension to the Help-to-Buy scheme and the Strategic Housing Development process created uncertainty for homebuilders,” he said. Goodbody analyst Dermot O’Leary said: “We remain of the view that house price inflation will eventually settle in line with wage growth, currently 3-4 per cent in light of the macroprudential rules.” He predicted a pick-up in price growth in the fourth quarter. Analyst Alan McQuaid said: “There is now clear evidence that house price growth has fallen sharply in recent months, especially in Dublin. “And in some areas, prices are now actually lower than this time last year,” he said. “Overall growth is likely to remain fairly muted in the remainder of the year and into 2020, with the biggest price rises coming from outside the capital,” he added.
