Business : BDC Blog News
7 Steps Involved In Buying A New Home

7 Steps Involved In Buying A New Home

For those who are looking to buy a new house, the process can seem daunting. It’s important to understand what steps you need to take in order to ensure that you’re making an informed decision and that your purchase goes smoothly. Here Is A Guide To The Steps Involved In

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Why Rental Properties Should Consider Replacement Windows

Why rental properties should consider replacement windows

Whenever you’re replacing windows in your rental property, you need to consider the climate. This is because the climate would have an impact on the type of window that you should install.  Areas that are prone to storms: If you have a rental property in an area that gets a

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What Are The Benefits Of Internal Glazed Doors?

What Are The Benefits Of Internal Glazed Doors?

Internal glazed doors might be a popular choice in modern homes, but many homeowners are still not sure of the benefits they offer. While some like them for aesthetic reasons, others may install them for practicality. If you aren’t sure whether you should install solid wood doors or glass doors,

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Why Pursuing a Career in Logistics has Great Future Prospects

Why Pursuing a Career in Logistics has Great Future Prospects

Introduction Logistics is integral to every part of our modern lives. In many ways, it can be argued that logisticians allow for many of the conveniences we enjoy. They are responsible for getting things to their destination in record times. Importantly, logisticians link the supplier to the customer and help

Read More »
A Comprehensive Guide To Custom Saw Manufacturing

A Comprehensive Guide To Custom Saw Manufacturing

As the saw manufacturing process has changed over the years, so has the need for customization. In the early days of saw manufacturing, each saw was made to order and was often a one-of-a-kind design. Today, however, most saws are mass-produced, and there’s a greater demand for customizable saws to

Read More »
Three Layers Of Lighting Design

Three Layers Of Lighting Design

For years, lighting was a neglected part of interior design. However, interior designers and architects now appreciate the aesthetic appeal of architectural lighting. The layers of lighting will enhance your room’s visual appeal and compliment the decor. The three layers of lighting design are ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient

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Who owns the most valuable Christmas movie homes?

Who owns the most valuable Christmas movie homes?

With the Christmas season upon us, estate and lettings agent, Barrows and Forrester, reveals that the most valuable home to feature in a popular Christmas film or TV show belongs to the glamorous Edina Monsoon, although even Del Boy is sitting on nearly half a million pounds worth of property. 

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Job Security: Why is construction a good industry to be in?

Job Security: Why is construction a good industry to be in?

Job security is the single most important aspect for workers in the UK when it comes to remaining in work roles, according to a recent survey by worker advocates Acas. The survey revealed that job security beat out development opportunities and even effective leadership, with 43% of workers naming it

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : BDC Blog News

7 Steps Involved In Buying A New Home

7 Steps Involved In Buying A New Home

For those who are looking to buy a new house, the process can seem daunting. It’s important to understand what steps you need to take in order to ensure that you’re making an informed decision and that your purchase goes smoothly. Here Is A Guide To The Steps Involved In Buying A New Home: 1. Determine Your Budget: Before starting your search for a new house, it’s essential to have an idea of what you can afford. Take into account all of your existing debts and expenses, as well as any income limitations, when coming up with a budget for the purchase. Additionally, consider getting pre-approved by a lender, so there are no surprises or disappointments once you start looking at houses. 2. Start Looking at Houses: Once you have a general idea of your budget, start looking for houses that fall in your price range. Utilise home search websites and contact real estate agents to get an idea of what is available in your area. Additionally, consider attending open house events or visiting model homes so you can get a better idea of what kind of features are included with the different homes being offered. When it comes to buying a house, there are certain details that you should pay close attention to. After all, this is likely the largest purchase of your life, and any missteps can be costly and regretful. To help ensure that you make an informed decision when selecting your new home; Here are some key points to consider: 1. Location One of the most important aspects of choosing a new property is where it’s located. Look at factors such as transportation links, local amenities (shops, restaurants etc.) and nearby schools if applicable. Additionally, take into consideration how far away the area is from family members or other important contacts in case you need help with something like moving in or repairs. 2. Structure Take a look at the structure of the house itself and make sure that it matches what you’re looking for. Are there enough bedrooms? Is the size of the kitchen adequate? Is there enough outdoor space, or is it on a busy street where noise levels will be an issue? Think about how much work needs to be done to get the home in peak condition – if you’re just starting out, making major renovations may not be feasible, so keep this in mind as well. 3. Maintenance Be sure to inquire about any ongoing maintenance fees or costs associated with living on the property – this could include mowing lawns, paying for pool maintenance etc. Additionally, check what the local property taxes are like in the area, as this can add up over time. Knowing these costs beforehand will help you budget better and ensure that you’re not surprised by any additional expenses. 4. History Make sure to do some research into the history of the house and find out if it has been renovated or had any major repairs done recently. Also, look into whether there have been any complaints filed against the property or its owners that could give you cause for concern. This information can be found through real estate agents, online sources and public records, so you should be able to get a good idea of what may have occurred on the premises. 5. Inspections Before signing a purchase agreement, make sure to get an inspection done on the property. This can help detect any issues that may not be evident from a visual examination, such as structural damage, electrical wiring problems, roof defects or pest infestation. A professional inspector will be able to identify these and provide you with a report so that you can make an informed decision. 6. Financing Lastly, consider what sort of financing options are available to you. This could include getting a Poor Credit Mortgage from a bank or other lender, borrowing from family and friends or even taking out a loan. It’s important to be aware of all the costs associated with each option so that you can make an informed choice about how to finance your purchase. 3. Make an Offer: When you find a house that meets all of your criteria, it’s time to make an offer. Most offers include earnest money and contingencies like inspections, repairs and appraisals. It’s important to take the time to read and understand the details of any contract prior to signing it, so there are no surprises or misunderstandings. Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash 4. Close on the Purchase: After you have accepted an offer and all of the contingencies are satisfied, it’s time to close on the purchase of your new house. This is when the title company will coordinate with the buyer and seller to make sure that all paperwork is completed correctly and that any money owed for the sale has been paid in full. Once this process is complete, you’ll officially be a homeowner! 5. Get Home Insurance: Now that you’re a homeowner, it’s important to get home insurance in order to protect your investment against unexpected disasters. Talk to your real estate agent or a local insurance professional about what type of coverage is right for you and how much it will cost. Having this protection in place can give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected if the worst should happen. 6. Make Necessary Repairs and Upgrades: Once the sale has closed, take some time to go through the house and make any necessary repairs or upgrades prior to moving in. This could include anything from replacing fixtures or appliances to upgrading insulation or windows. Depending on the condition of your home, it may be best to hire a contractor for larger jobs to ensure that everything is done correctly. Moving into a new house can be an exciting time. It is also a time of stress and hard work, but with the right preparation, you can make it go more

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Why Rental Properties Should Consider Replacement Windows

Why rental properties should consider replacement windows

Whenever you’re replacing windows in your rental property, you need to consider the climate. This is because the climate would have an impact on the type of window that you should install.  Areas that are prone to storms: If you have a rental property in an area that gets a lot of storms and other extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, etc, then this type of weather will make your windows break or become worn out much faster. It is best to get windows that are well-insulated and have tempered glass for rental properties in these areas. They will help protect your property from intense weather, pressure changes, etc.  High temperatures: Another thing that negatively impacts your windows is heat. If your rental property is located in an area that experiences extremes in high temperature, then you need to install windows that have good energy efficiency. This will go a long way in keeping the air within the home and the hot air on the outside of the home. You should also get windows that have a high R-factor and great insulation. This will help to make your air conditioning work better and more efficiently as well as reduce your electricity bills in the summer.  Low temperatures: Rental units that are located in areas that get harsh winters would require the best possible windows. This is because the snow and moisture can easily break and rot the windows. Also, you will need windows that have a high R factor as well as excellent insulation so that the electricity bill is kept within an acceptable range.  Coast: Properties that are on the coast have to deal with seawater, lots of temperature changes, wind, etc. Unfortunately, these elements will cause damage to your windows as time goes by. So, you should get windows that have low conductivity, tempered glass, and excellent insulation. This will also make your property more desirable and if you decide to sell will help sell your house fast.  Fault lines: In addition to paying attention to temperature changes and moisture, you also need to consider movement when it comes to windows. So, if your rental is located in an area that typically gets lots of earthquakes, then you will need to get windows that are made from tempered glass. You can also get windows that are sprayed to strengthen them and prevent shattering.  The good thing about window replacement is that you don’t need to do it regularly. However, when you do need to replace them, you should have the knowledge to select the best type of windows for your rental property so that you get the most out of your money. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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What Are The Benefits Of Internal Glazed Doors?

What Are The Benefits Of Internal Glazed Doors?

Internal glazed doors might be a popular choice in modern homes, but many homeowners are still not sure of the benefits they offer. While some like them for aesthetic reasons, others may install them for practicality. If you aren’t sure whether you should install solid wood doors or glass doors, here are the benefits that interior doors with glass provide: 1. Keeping the Heat In Internal glazed doors can be an excellent way to improve the heat retention of your home. The glass panel of the door allows natural light to flow freely, thus creating a brighter space, while the solid core reduces heat loss thus keeping you warm. A glazed oak door is a classic option capable of complementing any home, while a gray or white finish offers a contemporary look. Whether you are looking to bring some new style to your hallway or update your kitchen, an internal glazed door can be a great investment. 2. Adding Style to Your Home Internal glazed doors come in a wide variety of styles, which means that you should not have any problem finding one that suits your home’s style. You can find glazed doors made of metal, glass, and even wood. Internal glazed doors made from wood are most popular since they give a classic look to any room. Still, there are other types available, such as the ones made from glass that give off a very modern look to a room. 3. Great for Socializing and Ensuring Privacy Internal doors are an important part of your home since they serve as the gateway between different rooms. The doors are typically solid wooden doors, but you may prefer something different. Internal glazed doors allow natural light to filter into the room, helping it brighten up and make it feel more spacious. Still, they can give you privacy if you want. If you want to combine socializing and privacy in your home, then internal glazed doors are an excellent option. The doors usually have glass panels that let light through while still allowing some privacy. They are great for those that love entertaining and keep their homes open plan, but still have times when they require some peace and quiet without being disturbed. 4. Available in a Wide Range of Designs Internal glazed doors come in a wide range of styles and designs that you can choose from. Some of the internal glazed doors have glass in a range of different patterns while others are solid. Internal glazed doors can be used to provide you with privacy er even to add a decorative feature to your home. 5. Can Be Integrated with the Existing Décor Internal glazed doors allow light to pass through them, which makes the room appear bigger and this is their most important feature. The doors also make your home feel more spacious and give it a contemporary edge. The best thing about internal glazed doors is that that can be easily integrated with the existing décor. 6. Glass is Long-Lasting and Durable Glass is a long-lasting and durable material that can be used in a variety of situations. It is also incredibly easy to clean, which makes it a natural choice for doors with glass panels. Stained glass panels also help to add interest to a door. Glass allows light to pass through into a dark room, making it appear brighter than it actually is. Clear glass is the best option for contemporary homes that want to look open and bright, while frosted glass can provide privacy and still allow light into the room. 7. Glass Provides Natural Light Even in Darker Areas Internal glazed doors allow natural light to pass through the interior of the home thus eliminating the need for artificial light. So, when you have glazed doors in your home, you can save on electricity bills without compromising your home’s lighting. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Why Pursuing a Career in Logistics has Great Future Prospects

Why Pursuing a Career in Logistics has Great Future Prospects

Introduction Logistics is integral to every part of our modern lives. In many ways, it can be argued that logisticians allow for many of the conveniences we enjoy. They are responsible for getting things to their destination in record times. Importantly, logisticians link the supplier to the customer and help foster working relationships that benefit all parties involved. In this article, we’ll look at why a career in logistics unlocks a bright future. Market Leading Salaries Like other careers salaries is experience dependent but graduates just starting their career can expect to earn 25,000 USD. Once experienced logisticians can demand salaries above 70,000 USD. Salaries in the sector are expected to grow following difficulties in the sector requiring talented individuals to solve supply chain issues that raised their heads in recent years.  Fast Sector Growth Globalized economies require fast and effective delivery of goods. This turn requires great logistics that also then relies on great truck drivers. This demand has resulted in impressive sector growth. Some economists believe that to meet this demand 50,000 workers will be needed to be added to the workforce in the next few years. If you would rather be behind the wheel than in the office check for cdl a drivers jobs here. No Specialty Qualifications Needed A career in logistics tends to suit a particular mindset, this means that employers look for skill and experience, rather than a qualification. Some employers may require an undergraduate degree depending on the economic subsector. Often medical logistics and pharmaceuticals will require candidates with a degree related to those specific industries, as an example. Industry Variety Seeing that so many other industries are dependent on logistics to function it opens up a wide variety of possible career paths. This means that you can work in a variety of locations and a variety of positions. You can work on a factory floor, or in an office, as well as open up the possibility to travel to exotic locations if that’s what you want. A Vital Role Working in logistics means getting the right products to the right destination, this is crucial to keeping the wheels of the economy moving. Logistics then is vital to an organization’s success and is the responsibility of those in the logistics department. The responsibility is real but so is the sense of achievement. Conclusion A future in logistics looks bright for those choosing this career path when entering the job market. The job entails a significant amount of responsibility but also includes a massive sense of achievement when the job is well done. The job suits the analytical minded amongst us and can pay well ensuring financial health and security. And with the rise of delivery services, work in logistics is definitely one of the best side hustles that you could do Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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The Ultimate Tips for Staying Productive When Working From Home

The Ultimate tips for Staying Productive when working from home

Many companies have allowed their employees to work from anywhere! They can easily work from home, and utilize communication tools to work with each other. Space and time are no longer a limitation. But keep in mind, this doesn’t mean that you can be lazy or not pay attention to your work. You also have to stay productive to ensure that your work quality is still perfectly tailored. Keep on reading below to know the ultimate tips to help you stay productive even when you are working from home.  Prepare Yourself Don’t think that when you work at home, the atmosphere can be relaxed, like while you’re watching television. You should avoid this as far as possible because it will result in your productivity at work decreasing. Try to prepare yourself as well as you can even when working at home. Take a shower as early as possible, have breakfast, then make coffee or tea to accompany your work later. Creating an atmosphere like in the office can increase your productivity when you have to work at home. Define the Right Workspace Studies show that having a specific workspace is important to help you focus.  Having your workplace at home where you “go to work” can create fewer distractions and help you stay focused. If you have your workspace at home, that’s great, but since every home is different, you have to make the most of the available space.  A great place to put it to work well is the kitchen counter or dining room table. If you can, avoid working in your bedroom.  Because your body and mind associate the room with sleep.  Working in the bedroom rarely works. In short, you should avoid sleeping and work in the same space. You should also make sure that your workspace is in great condition, be it from the lighting, the temperature, and the tidiness aspect of the room. What you can do to ensure everything is in good condition is by cleaning it up every evening after working hours are finished, and also don’t forget to hire professional help who can help to regularly maintain your home office. For example, hiring Luce Aircon professional technicians to regularly clean your air conditioner, thus you don’t ever have to worry about your air conditioner failing you in the middle of a working situation! Create an Office-Like Atmosphere As mentioned above, when you’re at home, you can make it feel like an office atmosphere. You can make coffee or tea first thing in the morning, then get ready to face the laptop that has been placed on the table. If necessary, you can add a few other elements so you can create an office atmosphere at home. You can buy work lamps, or other office decorations, then put them at home. An office atmosphere will be created at home thereby increasing your work productivity.  Create a Regular Schedule This one can be a challenge for many people, but keeping a work schedule and meeting with your team can help you maintain a regular work schedule. Don’t let your office-to-home transition stop you from keeping to a tight schedule.  Do you usually get up and exercise before work? Do you have a set time for lunch? Try to keep this activity at home also, because the more familiar and consistent your work schedule is, the better. Adding new habits like watching movies or playing games in the middle of a schedule can cause problems and destroy productivity. It does not mean that you can’t be flexible with your schedule.  Remember, the key is finding a routine that works for you and keeps you focused. Create and Maintain a Morning Routine Similar to keeping regular work hours, developing a morning routine can help you have a more productive work day. Making plans to fill in the mornings that you repeat every day can have a positive effect on your work life and mindset. Many successful people attribute their personal and financial success to their strict morning habits.  Likewise for you, now is a great time to start, if you haven’t already.   This also applies to how you dress or make up.  Many people who work from home will relax in their pajamas all day. Sure, occasionally wearing pajamas when working is fun. But believe it or not, your work clothes can affect your quality of work. Try to use professional attire even when you are working from home. You may not have to wear a fancy blazer or dress, but a nice and simple blouse or shirt can still do wonders for you.  These are some important tips that you can follow to have productive work even when you are away from the office. By applying these tips, slowly but surely – you will find the balance between work and personal life with ease! Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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A Comprehensive Guide To Custom Saw Manufacturing

A Comprehensive Guide To Custom Saw Manufacturing

As the saw manufacturing process has changed over the years, so has the need for customization. In the early days of saw manufacturing, each saw was made to order and was often a one-of-a-kind design. Today, however, most saws are mass-produced, and there’s a greater demand for customizable saws to meet specific needs. There are unique reasons you might need a custom saw. Perhaps you have a business with a special application that requires a saw with specific dimensions or capabilities. Or maybe you can’t find a saw that meets your needs ‘off the shelf.’ Whatever the reason, you should know a few things about custom saw manufacturing before you begin, and this blog will be your guide. What Is Custom Saw Manufacturing? Custom saw manufacturing is the process of creating saws that are specifically designed to meet the needs of a customer. It can include anything from creating a custom blade to designing a new saw. Custom saws are often exclusively designed by manufacturing companies such as Pacific Trail Manufacturing and used by professionals and businesses that need a saw designed for a specific purpose and have requirements that a standard saw cannot meet. Different Types Of Custom Saw When it comes to cutting wood, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of custom saw you need will depend on the project you’re working on and the materials you’re using. Here are the different kinds of custom saws to consider for your next project: A custom table saw is a specialized piece of woodworking machinery designed to cut large pieces of lumber into smaller, more manageable pieces. While a standard table saw is designed to cut lumber already cut to size, a custom table saw is designed to cut lumber still in its raw, unprocessed state. A custom table saw is typically much larger and more powerful than a standard table saw, and it is also equipped with several specialized features and attachments. For example, a custom table saw may be equipped with a longer table top to accommodate larger pieces of lumber, and it may also have a built-in dust collection system to keep the work area clean. While a custom table saw can be a valuable addition to any woodworking shop, note that these saws also come at a price. As such, they are typically only purchased by professional woodworkers or serious hobbyists. A custom miter saw is a powerful and versatile tool used to make precise cuts in wood for various projects. The most common use for a miter saw is to cut molding and trim. It can also be used to cut dowels, tenons, and other small pieces of wood. A miter saw consists of a blade mounted on a swiveling arm. The arm can be positioned at different angles to make various cuts. The most common cuts are 90-degree cuts, but miter saws can also make 45-degree cuts and other angles. Miter saws are very precise tools. They can make exact measurement cuts, which is why they are so popular for projects requiring precise cuts, such as molding and trim. Custom miter saws are available with different blade sizes, which determine the thickness of the wood they can cut. The blade is very sharp and can cause serious injury when not used properly, so always use the saw carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A custom circular saw is a power saw designed to cut through wood, metal, or plastic. It typically has a circular blade mounted on an arbor and is driven by an electric motor. Custom circular saws are available in various sizes and configurations and can be used for multiple applications. Circular saws offer versatility for numerous tasks, such as cutting lumber, sheet metal, or pipes. They can be handheld or mounted on a stand and are available in multiple blade sizes. Custom circular saws are also available with various attachments, such as a miter gauge or rip fence, which can be used to make more precise cuts. A custom jigsaw is a saw used to cut a specific shape out of a piece of material. Jigsaws typically have a blade that is mounted on a reciprocating arm. The arm moves the blade up and down, and the user guides the blade along the desired cutting line. Jigsaws can be handheld or table-mounted. Most custom jigsaws are built with variable speed control, allowing the user to adjust the blade speed to match the material being cut. Some jigsaws also have an ‘orbital action’ feature, which causes the blade to move in a small circle as it cuts. It can be helpful when cutting curved or irregular shapes. Custom jigsaws are available from many manufacturers. Some companies specialize in selling jigsaws for specific applications, such as woodworking or metalworking. Other companies produce general-purpose jigsaws for various applications. When choosing a jigsaw, the right blade will depend on the thickness and hardness of the material and the desired finish. A custom bandsaw is designed to cut through thick wood and metal. These saws are typically used in industrial settings and are made from high-carbon steel, which makes them incredibly durable. The blades on these saws are usually thicker than standard blades, allowing them to cut through tougher materials.   Custom bandsaws are an excellent investment for anyone who regularly works with metal. They can save a lot of time and effort. Custom band saws can be very expensive, but they offer a level of precision and power unmatched by any other type of saw.   Benefits Of Custom Saw Manufacturing If you’re in the market for a new saw, you may wonder why you should go with a custom saw manufacturer. Custom saws are made to specific specifications, such as this video… They can be a benefit if you have particular needs that a standard saw can’t meet. Here are a few benefits of custom saw manufacturing: How To Get The Best Custom Saw Running a business is hard enough without worrying about finding

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Three Layers Of Lighting Design

Three Layers Of Lighting Design

For years, lighting was a neglected part of interior design. However, interior designers and architects now appreciate the aesthetic appeal of architectural lighting. The layers of lighting will enhance your room’s visual appeal and compliment the decor. The three layers of lighting design are ambient, accent, and task lighting. Ambient lighting illuminates the entire room and comes from overhead light fixtures, like pendants. Accent lighting is decorative and highlights points of interest, while task lighting is for specific tasks, like desk lamps.  The three layers of lighting serve specific functions. Interior designers layer colors to enhance the visual appeal of a room. Layered lighting performs a similar function. However, you should consider the room’s purpose even as you figure out how to use the three layers of lighting.  Ambient Lighting The first layer of lighting is ambient lighting, also known as general lighting. This is the layer that comes to mind for most people. It illuminates the entire room and comes from overhead light fixtures. Examples include pendants, chandeliers, ceiling fans, panels, and cove lighting.  Ambient lighting is usually uniform, so the light fixture is fitted in an area that illuminates the entire room. Large rooms sometimes have more than one source of ambient lighting.  Accent Lighting.  Accent lighting is the decorative layer. You can use this lighting to focus on parts of the architecture, artwork, or decors you would like to highlight, especially in the evening when the lights are on.  Accent lighting is a secondary light. It usually illuminates spaces where ambient light doesn’t reach. This light is usually most effective when it is three times brighter than the surrounding area.  Task Lighting.  The third layer of lighting is task lighting. This is supplemental lighting, usually for performing specific tasks. For example, lights for reading, preparing meals, and personal grooming. This lighting may be in the form of table lamps, floor lamps, reading lights, or even portable desktop lamps.  Why Layered Lighting Is Important.  Layered lighting is important because it; What To Consider When Using Layered Lighting. Layered lighting is an important part of interior decor and architectural design. However, you need to consider the following when using the three layers of lighting.  The practicality of installing the layers of lighting. Are you doing major remodeling works in an established house or layering a new house? It may be easier to layer the lights in a new house.  Layers of lighting are a critical part of architecture and interior decor. Always ask about lighting layering from professionals, and see how best to make it a part of your interior decor.

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Who owns the most valuable Christmas movie homes?

Who owns the most valuable Christmas movie homes?

With the Christmas season upon us, estate and lettings agent, Barrows and Forrester, reveals that the most valuable home to feature in a popular Christmas film or TV show belongs to the glamorous Edina Monsoon, although even Del Boy is sitting on nearly half a million pounds worth of property.  Over the festive period, families and friends will be gathering around the gogglebox to watch and rewatch all of the classic festive films and TV specials. One universal theme that spans almost all of these films is the idea of ‘home’, often portrayed as a cosy, fire-lit festive paradise of fairy lights, mince pies, and mountains of presents under the tree.  Barrows & Forrester has taken a look at some of the most famous homes from our Christmas TV and film favourites, to reveal which, in today’s market, is the most valuable.  Edina Monsoon’s townhouse in Absolutely Fabulous – Holland Park, London – £3.3m The most valuable home on the list is Edina Monsoon’s Holland Park townhouse from the classic British sitcom, Absolutely Fabulous, which has given us numerous Christmas specials over the years.  The average price for a property in London’s Holland Park area is just over £1.2m, but the average price of a townhouse like Edina’s is closer to £3.3m. Sherlock Holmes’ apartment – Baker Street, London – £2.7m  Just across town from Edina’s place is one of the most famous addresses in the world, home to one of the most well-loved detectives to ever grace the page or screen.   221b Baker Street in London’s NW1 is, of course, home to Sherlock Holmes, but the owner of the property is actually his loyal friend and landlady, Mrs Hudson. Today, the average price of a property in NW1 is £858,000, but the average for terraced property like Sherlock’s is estimated to be £2.7m.  McCallister family home in Home Alone – Chicago suburbs – £1.8m On the other side of the Atlantic, we find the generous McCallister family home in which young Kevin finds himself all on his own and under threat from dastardly burglars in the all-time Christmas classic, Home Alone. The large detached house is located in the Chicago suburbs and estimated to be worth around £1.8m. Buddy’s dad’s apartment in Elf – Manhattan, New York City – £1.3m When Buddy, the oversized Elf from Will Ferrell’s modern Christmas classic Elf, leaves the North Pole to track down his dad in Manhattan, New York City, he finds him living in a salubrious apartment overlooking Central Park. Today, this impressive home is estimated to be worth £1.3m.  Bridget Jones – Borough Market flat, London – £878,000 Unlucky in love but lucky in property investment, Bridget Jones lives in a one-bed flat in London’s popular Borough Market. The home has an estimated value of £878,000.  Will Freeman’s bachelor pad in About A Boy – East London – £859,000 In About a Boy, Hugh Grant plays the wealthy but bored Will Freeman and lives in a bachelor pad in London’s EC1 purchased with his dad’s music royalty money. It’s worth an estimated value of £859,000.  Iris’s cottage in The Holiday – Surrey – £719,000 The almost comically picturesque Surrey cottage owned by Kate Winslet’s character, Iris, in The Holiday has a modern value of £719,000. In the film, it’s Cameron Diaz’s Amanda who spends most of the time in the cottage. Dursley Family home in Harry Potter – Bracknell – £435,000 4 Privet Drive, home to the Dursley Family and a young, mistreated Harry Potter before he was aware of his wizarding powers, is thought to be located in Bracknell and therefore has a modern value of £435,000. Del Boy’s flat in Only Fools And Horses – Peckham – £423,000 Del Boy’s flat in Nelson Mandela House, Peckham, which he shares with Grandad and then Uncle Albert, is worth £423,000 on today’s market which Del would no doubt think is lovely jubbly. Gwen’s home in Gavin & Stacey – Barry – £199,000 Finally, the most affordable Christmas house is that belonging to the titular Stacey and her mum, Gwen, in Gavin & Stacey. Located in Barry in South Wales, the terraced home has an estimated value of £199,000. Data tablesData tables and sources can be viewed online, here. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Job Security: Why is construction a good industry to be in?

Job Security: Why is construction a good industry to be in?

Job security is the single most important aspect for workers in the UK when it comes to remaining in work roles, according to a recent survey by worker advocates Acas. The survey revealed that job security beat out development opportunities and even effective leadership, with 43% of workers naming it an important part of their existing role. There are two main elements that render a career path ‘secure’ or not: skills involved, and demand experienced. Typically, you will enjoy a long and lucrative career for specialising in a core skill that will always be needed, whether bricklaying or conflict resolution. With this in mind, then, what makes construction one of the best industries for job security, in which you can foster a steady career? Demand The construction sector is one of the safest in which to cultivate a career, for a number of reasons – the most crucial of which is perhaps the sheer demand it enjoys. Whether commercial premises, landscape architecture or simply the development of new build housing, construction companies are nothing short of necessary for the continued development of vital infrastructure. Therefore, if you’re looking for a role with excellent job security, as well as a consistent pipeline of varying work projects, construction could be a great industry for you to get into. Wide range of career options The construction sector is a wide church, with roles to suit all skills and abilities. The boots on the ground, so to speak, are skilled workers that understand essential building techniques and processes. The construction manager’s job description is that of a delegator-in-chief, picking up people- and time-management skills in order to oversee the timely, safe and proper completion of a given project. However, this list is not exhaustive and is a job well-suited to anyone who enjoys keeping busy whilst juggling a variety of responsibilities. Constructions also need financing, and those finances need managing – meaning roles for development managers and accountants alike, to say nothing of the myriad administrative roles that stitch complex builds together. Every part is important, and high demand for bespoke skills makes the industry especially safe to build a career within. Construction is a constantly growing industry and one which offers great job security. If its of interest for you to enjoy a varied work role in a busy working environment, then investigate what construction could offer for you. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Six Key Principles to Keep in Mind When Designing and Constructing a Bar

Six Key Principles to Keep in Mind When Designing and Constructing a Bar

If you are planning on opening a bar, you can create a space that suits all of your needs by designing and constructing it yourself. It is sure to take a lot of work and you will need to collaborate with various professionals, like architects and construction companies. But first things first: begin by looking at the key principles that you need to keep in mind when designing and constructing a bar. Know Your Budget and Stick to It Before you do anything else, you need to know how much money you are able to invest in the design and construction of your bar. You are sure to have many other expenses during the start-up phase of your business, so make sure funds are allocated for design and construction. Once you know how much money you have to spend, you can begin making informed decisions about what your bar will and will not include. You may also be interested in this article about how to make your budget work harder when it comes to subcontractor selection. Know What the Occupancy Level of Your Bar Will Be You also need to know what your occupancy level is going to be for your bar. You can then ensure you build a bar that is the right size. That does not just include the size of the social areas. It also includes the size of things like your kitchen and bathrooms. Know How to Design a Layout That Works Well for Staff and Customers Spend a lot of time planning the layout of your bar, as it needs to be both appealing for customers and practical for maximum operational efficiency. You will need to consider the position of the bar itself as well as different customer zones. For example, you may have a section for patrons who are dining, an area where customers can sit at the bar, and an outdoor area. The layout should be simple for staff and customers to navigate and have clearly designated areas. Know What Food You Will Serve So That You Can Design Your Kitchen Appropriately You need to carefully consider what kind of food you will serve at your bar. That will affect the design and construction of your kitchen. For example, you will only need a small kitchen if you are solely offering sandwiches, whereas you will need a larger commercial kitchen if you are planning on serving restaurant-level meals. If you are planning on focusing on a certain type of food, you might even want to make your kitchen visible to customers. For instance, if you are planning on making stone-baked pizzas, you may want to have the oven in plain view. Know Whether You Want to Provide Private Rooms You could open up another revenue stream by hiring out private rooms or setting up a membership programme where patrons can hold club meetings in private rooms. For instance, you could set up a brewery membership club. A membership programme could certainly help you to gain a steady stream of cash and attain loyal customers. Take a look at Ollie’s five reasons why you should have a membership club to learn more. Then, determine whether to include private rooms in your bar or not. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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