Are you thinking about building a property instead of purchasing an existing home? If so, then it’s important to approach this the right way. You might think that building a home is never going to fit into the budget that you are working with. However, don’t be so sure. It’s possible that you can build a home for less than you might realise. You just need to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps here. If you don’t do this, then the costs could quickly build and you could end up with nothing more than a money pit that is constantly draining your accounts. Here are some of the challenges of building a home that you will need to address the right way. Finding The Right Contractor First, you will need to take steps to find the right contractor who will build your property. Choosing the right contractor will depend on a variety of different factors. For instance, it’s important to choose a professional solution that will be able to work within your budget. You should mention your budget whenever you are speaking to a contractor that you are considering working with.  Of course, it’s not just about the cost. You will also need to ensure that you are getting the right quality solution when you choose a service like this. We recommend that you think about checking referrals as well as reviews before settling on the business that you are interested in working with here.  You might also want to consider looking at the portfolio of previous work that the team has completed. A company should always be able to provide you with evidence like this. If they can’t then you should question whether you can trust the services that they are promising to deliver. It’s likely that all is not as it seems here.  Money Concerns Next, you should think about how you are going to pay the cost of building your home. As already mentioned, building a home may not cost as much as you might expect. But you will likely still need to handle costs here the right way. We recommend that you explore different mortgage options that could be suitable for you. Self build mortgages are available on the market and this will provide you with the funs that you need if you don’t have a substantial amount of money in savings for a project like this. Do be aware that your chances of obtaining a mortgage like this can be contingent on numerous factors. For instance, you might be classified as self-employed. If that’s the case, then you should think about exploring self employed mortgages. A solution like this will mean that you can get a mortgage even if you don’t have a fixed career or hold a set position.  If you are concerned about the cost of building a home like this, we recommend that you think about saving a deposit similar to the money that you would put together for a typical home. This will make your home purchase far easier to handle and manage effectively from a financial standpoint.  Location, Location, Location  Next, you should think about the location of where you are building your new home. It’s important to make sure that you do build your home on a quality plot of land. If you fail to do this, then you can end up in a situation where there are issues with the foundations of the home or the general design.  You should also make sure that you are choosing a location with a good infrastructure in place. Problems with the infrastructure of a location will mean that it’s always going to be more difficult to sell the property in the future and that’s the last thing you want. As well as treating this as a home, you also need to think about it like an investment. It has to be something that you can make money off when it’s time to sell. You don’t want to end up with a built home that is going to leave you with a substantial loss. One of the ways to avoid an issue here is to make sure that you are building your home as part of a planned development. The right planned development will mean that your home is part of an up and coming area that is already gaining the attention of buyers and investors.  Delays Finally, it’s possible that you face delays when you are building your home. This is a concern, particularly if this is a property that you want to move into. It can be a nightmare if you end up with nowhere to live for an extended period as well as mounting costs. The good news is that there are ways to avoid delays when you are building your property. For instance, you can think about ensuring that you choose a contractor that will handle all the permits and individual requirements for you. You might also want to consider choosing a builder that has significant levels of experience in this area.  Other issues can lead to delays too. For instance, you might find that there are delays getting the materials that you need for your home build. One of the ways that you can handle this is by making sure that you take steps to prepare plans for this long before you start building the property. Preemptive thinking could save you a lot of time with processes like this.  We hope this helps you understand some of the key challenges of building a home from scratch. If you take the right steps here, then you can guarantee that this is going to be a relatively smooth process without too many headaches that you will need to navigate. Do be aware that building your home does provide you with a lot of significant benefits. For instance, you can get a property that you have always dreamed of, complete with some amazing features that are

Have you ever wondered what types of people visit online casinos? Well, the short answer is all types. Even when you think of brick-and-mortar casinos, the demographics are changing. We used to see only rich people in their elegant black-tie outfits, however, when you step into a casino hotel in Las Vegas today you will find all sorts of people. If you want to play casino games online the choices are almost infinite and online gambling is available for everyone over the legal age in countries where it is legal to gamble. So who visits online casinos? A Portuguese iGaming expert, Martim Nabeiro gave us the answer to this question.  The Free-game Lovers You may be surprised to learn that most online casinos offer demo versions of their games. People who are only after entertainment and not money often play free games at casinos. In these games, players don’t risk anything but they can’t cash out anything even if they win. They can still enjoy the great gameplay and kill some time in a way that is more interesting than just watching tv.  Most online casinos that accept players from Portugal, such as casino888 offer free games after registering and some do even without registering.  The Money-makers Everybody’s dream is to make money while playing games but it is not a very easy path. That being said, there are people in gambling who make money consistently. While with most games of chance, you have to be simply lucky to win, you may turn your skill into money in blackjack, poker and sports betting. There are professional poker players playing at online casinos who win more often than not using their excellent strategy, people skills, and experience.  Problem Gamblers Problem gamblers are the players who are addicted to casino games. They only make up a small percentage of all online casino players but they generate a significant part of the casinos’ income as they tend to spend a lot of money on games. Reputable online casinos take responsible gambling seriously and if they detect problem gambling behavior they will reach out to the player and stop them from depositing more. However, nothing stops these players from simply going to another casino and continuing playing games there.  The Casual Players This is the category where most online casino players fall into. There are many people in online games and casino games who visit just for the excitement and fun. They can afford to lose some money and usually play for small stakes. For example, they can play on a slot machine for an hour and only wager €5-20.  Casual players tend to play often – e.g. every day after work. They sometimes win and sometimes lose and this is what makes them come back. They often play with their friends, inviting them to casino sites and thus earning casino bonuses for the referrals.   The High Rollers High rollers don’t only exist in land-based casinos. In online casinos, you will find high roller tables where the minimum bets are much higher than at the standard tables. The high rollers often lose a lot of money but they can usually afford it. Most of them play typical casino games such as baccarat and roulette but they can be found at the poker tables too or by the slot machines placing maximum bets.  The Time-killers You would think that online casinos are only visited by young or youngish people, but then you would be wrong. For example, online bingo is very popular among older ladies – just like attending physical bingo halls in Portugal. To play bingo you don’t need a lot of money and you can spend a very long time there. You can chat with other players and make friends, have conversations, and generally spend time.  Conclusion In online casinos, you will find all sorts of people – young and old, men and women, rich and poor. Some are after pure entertainment, some desperately want to win money, some consistently make money and some just want to make new friends.

Picket Fence Perfection It is incredible to live in a part of the world where you can have a front porch that’s open for neighbors and passers-by to see and enjoy; it’s something worth celebrating by making a bit of an effort at dressing your porch really beautifully – and not just at Halloween or over the festive season. Rebekah Lowin writes for Country Living that there’s plenty you can do, even with a relatively small space – but to remember that your porch, or patio, “are the first things your guests are likely to see when they arrive.” That’s why dressing them up a bit in a fun, quaint, quirky, or elegant way to match or enhance your home cannot go amiss. Lowin emphasizes that it’s all about elevating your home’s curb appeal, not making your wallet screech and groan. It’s about creating an outside space that makes guests feel at home, if not a bit impressed; creating a quiet nook for your morning coffee or evening glass of wine; and even where the kids can zone out a bit, sans screentime, while they swing back and forth on a cozy porch swing. Decor decisions, decisions Brown rattan furniture can combine seamlessly with a nature-inspired palette of greens and blues for your upholstery and cushion covers, while a stone path adds a touch of interest to a patio that’s elevated a bit from the road. Wreaths add cheer all year long, not just at Christmas, and you can paint the porch ceiling with a shade to match the furniture below. Prefer a rocking chair to a swing? This type of furniture is highly weather-resistant, plus you can add the pillows you find most comfortable rather than going to the expense of having it covered. Whites and neutrals provide a classy backdrop for a range of flowerpots – possibly hosting a fine display of red and pink hydrangeas, as just one example of a plant that needs little attention. The distressed look on wooden chairs and tables is eye-catching, whether you created it yourself by following a specific painting technique or it’s a true vintage item. Then, if you have wooden beams overhead, consider stringing a selection of lights above, which will provide more gentle illumination than a harsh lamp, for example. And consider a trip to the nursery and a small investment in a pretty climbing plant, such as a rose, that will make a doorway or arch stand out once it’s grown a little. Some people love the twee (read: dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint). If that’s you – and there’s no harm in displaying your taste for all to see – two or three hanging baskets may be the missing touch that draws upward attention. Gardening lovers may display their metallic trowels and watering cans, which will glisten in the sunshine, and those who barbecue most weekends could put in an undercover fire pit or gas griller. A rustic, farmhouse look can be created inexpensively with a range of repurposed materials, such as metal sliding and iron trim, or a monochromatic theme can be created with a black – or white – church pew layered with (wait for it) black and white cushions for when you need to take the weight off after arriving home from an extended shopping trip or exercise session. Your porch-dressing shopping list US television producer turned interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn writes for HGTV that if you’re feeling a bit lost as to where to begin, there are ideally 10 items you need to assemble for your front porch to turn it into “the welcoming retreat it’s destined to be.” These items range from an outdoor rug, where you can “kick off your shoes and recharge”; a place to “sit comfortably,” that can be dressed up with a spread of cushions; lighting that is warm, and even solar-powered, to add an eco-friendly touch; a practically placed and sturdy table, at about arms-length when you are seated, from which to serve that delicious homemade lemonade; weatherproof art pieces to your taste, such as a sculpture or wall-hanging, that give your outdoor area a personal flavor; as much greenery as possible, such as potted plants “in varying heights and textures”; pet-friendly pieces, like a water bowl or toy, to keep your four-legged kids happy; a kid-friendly spot, such as a swing or mat, where the young members of the family can mess and play without restraint; and the odd versatile item, such as a small stool, which can double as “extra seating or an accent table” when required. Flynn is greatly respected in the design industry and tends to act as the prop stylist for his own projects, so it’s worth taking note of at least some of the advice above and then scrolling through numerous home, garden and decor glossies until you set your peepers on a look for your home that truly resonates with you. Where to find those statement pieces Ceramic flower pots and distressed-wooden furniture, garden seats, and candle holders… You’ll find all of these and more at your local garden center. An upmarket décor shop will hold the doormats, candles, rugs, and cushions. But, unfortunately, neither of these options are likely to prove that affordable, and your next-door neighbor may, unfortunately, pick up the very same item if it’s been mass-produced. So, if you’re on a mission to pick up something just that little bit more unique, scheduling a browse around a decor market or selection of antique shops may prove just the ticket. There’s a clear overlap between how you dress and how you do up your home, with the Belgian fashion designer (who is best known for her wrap dress), Diane von Fürstenberg, famously commenting: “Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it.”

Introduction Toilets truly are the most humble part of the modern home, and when it comes to decor toilets are often neglected in favor of more ostentatious dwellings. Many of us think about decorating the toilets we own – however, we get hit by concerns that it will be a tedious, deeply annoying, and intrusive affair. Some end up doing surface-level alterations just so we can justify our inaction. While this process might look almost unmanageable in its complexity, there are distinct advantages that make redecoration ultimately useful in the long run. We recommend taking a look at victoria Plum for some inspiration. Still unsure about whether to jazz up your bathroom? Read on!  1. Dripping Waterworks and Pipes Find your waterworks to be out of order, or even dripping water? It could be because of shoddy work done by manual workers, the design not fitting the plans of the makers or even limited protection against water for older versions. Because of the importance of waterworks to many of the most vital functions of the bathroom, this may cause even bigger problems for those using the lavatory – who haven’t had their day ruined by a non-functional tap or a leaky faucet? While many will be tempted to settle with mere maintenance work, this is a tedious endeavor that may result in ill-fitting bathroom floor decor, as well as curtains that are incompatible with your repaired faucet.  Redecoration is a solution to your woes, creating a seamless environment for your maintenance work that can blend with the rest of your toilet. This can include redesigning the toilet or even installing modern versions of toilets like those from Japan, which can be activated upon voice command. 2. The Problems are More than Skin Deep One of the disadvantages of skin-deep maintenance is that it must be repeated sooner or later – the economic logic of simply slapping a band-aid on it only works for a while. Ultimately, the more economical and less tedious option is to do a root-and-branch rework of your porcelain throne, and this could take weeks and a lot of time. However, we believe the benefits ultimately justify the effort – because nothing is worse than a cheap fix that doesn’t do its job.  The options on offer for this kind of maintenance, particularly for irritating parts of your toilet like pipes and water equipment, can sometimes be too good to be true: they promise to fix equipment without changing the floor surfaces around them, and without the need to rebuild the waterproofing. Ultimately, these choices are a trap more than a benefit, as they can be unreliable and their solutions will usually end up in more broken equipment and money and time wasted. The only lasting solution that avoids constant financial drain is the use of thorough and well-planned redecorations planned by experts. 3. Toxic Chemicals Are In Your Walls Old homes often suffer from a dual problem: not only is their equipment failing, but the very substance which their homes are made of may also be toxic for outsiders. Lethal substances will force contractors to stop work on renovations before it continues, and will certainly sidetrack your plans for a redecorated toilet if they are found. Hence, owners should conduct appropriate measures to ensure that toxic chemicals are absent before they start. In this way, you can remove the threat and create the clean and aesthetic toilet you’ve always dreamed of!  4. Better and More Efficient Arrangements for Bathrooms When it comes to refitting your toilet, there is 1 thing separating the good and the great – efficiency. While acceptable refits usually end with an aesthetic improvement, truly impressive refits can revamp the whole atmosphere and even the “feel” of the room, making it easier to use, more efficient at providing services, and even more spacious. This revamping process offers the opportunity to truly rethink how your toilet works – from overall architecture to the positions of individual installations, the ambiance, and utility of your bathroom can be transformed as well. It might be that once you’re done, your toilet will take pride in place amongst the rooms of your house! 5. Give Your Toilet A Personal Feel Sometimes the best way to showcase who you are – your flair, your quirky art choices, even your love of weirdly shaped mirrors – can be through the choices you make when redesigning your home. The role of the humble toilet should not be ignored in this regard. Despite popular belief, the colors and design of your toilet can create a unique and distinctive room that shows the best of you. Every element of traditional toilet design is up for grabs: the color of your porcelain throne, the texture of your tiles and your panes, even the material accent of the fittings – with a multitude of options, the sky is the limit and your creativity the starting point for endless adventure. 6. Porcelain Worth A Million Bucks If a man’s home is his castle, the toilet is surely a key banquet hall – and every banquet hall becomes more expensive and awe-inspiring the more you add to it. For those seeking to sell these castles, however, they also make your package more attractive. If done well and in good taste, the installations of your toilet can ultimately make or break a home sale and bring monetary rewards.  7. Keeping Your Toilet Leak-Free Waterworks and pipes that are more than 20 years old have the unhappy propensity to develop leaks and create water spillage. This is more than just a nuisance, however: water corrodes over the long term and your home is likely to suffer the consequences of a leaky pipe long after the responsible party has been replaced. It is therefore imperative that these leaks are identified and their parts replaced as soon as they are found. This costly and tiring endeavor is likely to involve more than one portion of your toilet – to fully

Daval Furniture, award-winning British designer and manufacturer of quality fitted furniture, look ahead to SS22 with this bespoke garden room project complete with outdoor kitchen living space in partnership with local oak building specialists, Paragon Oak. Both award-winning companies are based in West Yorkshire, a mere 11 miles apart, so it was easy for the lead designers to collaborate to create a Daval kitchen living space within a Paragon Oak oak-framed building for a manor house in West Yorkshire. This instantly added an extra dimension to the living and entertaining spaces available for family members and guests in the client’s rural property. The Mayfair kitchen in Talpa, a contemporary matt finish in taupe, is the ideal choice to complement the natural oak hues of the timber. “We all really enjoyed working with Paragon Oak to install a made-to-measure kitchen to enhance indoor outdoor living for the client. We are very proud to partner with other experts in our vibrant local design community so that we can pool our knowledge and develop new concepts together. With an upsurge in investing in the home and garden predicted for 2022, the luxury kitchen market is willing and able to support property owners and developers who are keen to optimise their surroundings as home comforts continue to be of prime importance,” said Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval. Daval was commissioned to design and install the custom made cabinetry and also sourced and supplied the fixtures and fittings including the dining table and chairs for the garden room. “We are really pleased that our design team and Design Partners nationwide are being recognised as experts in creating lifestyle interiors in which custom-made kitchens play a key role. As sustainability is fast becoming a must-have element in all interior projects, we are proud that all our raw materials are sourced from reputable suppliers and that we have a closed-loop production system which minimises carbon emissions and waste products,” added James Bodsworth, Design Director at Daval. Each Mayfair cabinet by Daval is sustainably sourced and takes a fresh approach to Scandi-style design, with a smooth matt finish slab doors which are easy to clean and maintain. Made-to-measure and made-to-order for every project to suit the property and the needs of the home owner, this classic u-shaped kitchen includes a floor-to-ceiling storage with an integrated fridge freezer and induction hob, deep drawers and generous cupboards for storage on the working side of the peninsula with room to seat four in comfort at the breakfast bar. The Scandi theme continues with designer Wishbone seating, matt black knurled Buster + Punch cabinet pulls, industrial-style pendant lights and bespoke wall-mounted shelving. A breakfast bar with stylish rustic three-legged bar stools enhances the luxe minimalist feel of the space with marble-effect worktops, integrated fridge and a Neff induction hob