Dad was an old school master builder and known for his quality workmanship. When his crews built a house, it was solid, boxy, and built to last. Before he could follow in his footsteps, the credit crunch of the 1960s hit, he closed shop and we farmed, but I’ve always been interested in developments in the construction industry.

Traditional structures are built with wood or steel frames, and with materials not being as plentiful as they once were, wood frames are no longer of the quality they used to be. I still have friends who are in the construction game and one is a drywall repairman. These days, one of his biggest frustrations is trying to hang drywall on frames that aren’t square and have warping in the studs. If the underlying structure is not square and flat, the finish may not look as good as it should. He often falls behind in his work while artificers are called in to adjust their work.

Also consider the time and use of materials in the construction of the frames, their assembly and finishing, all of which add to the cost of the structure. Also consider the foundation of the traditional structure, the many stumps to stabilize the floor or the concrete slab. Then there is the bug test and decay test to add to the costs.

Used shipping containers are built to carry 20-ton payloads, across the world’s oceans, without distorting or corroding. They’re built to precise measurements so they can be stacked on top of one another, loaded onto trucks, trains and ships, and precisely locked in place so they don’t shift in transit. They are designed so that they can carry their payload of 20 tons supported only on the four corners of the container, without deforming and I repeat, they can be stacked one on top of the other. They are sealed to be weather resistant and secure to prevent break-ins and theft.

Of course, they have been used for some time for storage sheds and offices on construction sites, because they can be easily relocated without damage. They are designed to be lifted and moved by cranes and forklifts. In places like Papua New Guinea, they are used as corner stores due to the security they offer as burglar and burglar proof structures. They are built to be safe.

Mining companies have seen the benefits of using shipping containers as accommodation for their workers in mines for some time, as they can be outfitted in a shop, transported to a mine, and quickly set up and inhabited.

There has recently been discussion that the use of shipping containers as housing could be a useful alternative to housing the poor and homeless, but the criticism has been that this will create ghettos of poor housing, creating more problems than it would solve.

I would suggest that the humble shipping container represents the biggest revolution in the construction industry for some time. As other materials become less available and the problems described above persist and increase, shipping containers, which have outlived their original purpose, litter shipyards around the world. They are ready-to-use housing modules, awaiting discovery and use. They are inexpensive building blocks, stronger and more durable than traditional materials and methods, that can be erected faster and with greater precision than our current housing styles.

When placed on solid foundations, they are cyclone/hurricane proof, would better survive earthquakes and landslides and can be used both above and below ground level.

Of course there are some limitations. Modules predominantly come in 8-foot widths and 10- or 40-foot lengths. Cutting them smaller would compromise the strength of your design. They already come at standard ceiling height for housing. However, the sidewalls can be opened for larger living areas, but layouts must be multiples of standard shipping container dimensions. And of course they look like shipping containers, unless of course, with a bit of imagination, you clad them like you would any other form of housing. And there will be some building authorities for whom these are beyond their ability to perceive the benefits and approve them.

Realistically, the limitations are just our lack of imagination in using these amazing building blocks for safer, greener, and cheaper shipping container homes. They have been approved as housing structures and additions in various authorities around the world and any change requires effort to achieve.

For those who can catch the vision, here is an opportunity waiting to be explored further.

More and more people are saying that living in the city and buying lakeside properties for sale. They want to enjoy beautiful views, find some privacy and lead a more relaxed life. Sometimes these dreams can be realized immediately after realizing that income can be earned from a lakefront purchase.

Many people would jump at the chance for a little peace, quiet, and tranquility. The mere possibility of replacing the wave sound machine with actual waves can bring a real level of calm. When you find properties for sale by the lake, choose the perfect place, buy it and turn it into money.

Waterfront properties retain their value

In addition to having fun and living a more relaxed lifestyle, you can expect your lakeside property to hold its value much better than its city counterpart. These properties are limited in number and are generally in very high demand. Economics 101 says that limited supply plus high demand equals great value. That value can also be passed down to family members for generations, so you can consider it an investment in your future.

rent your property

In addition to a future investment, lakeside properties for sale can also generate income soon after purchase. Vacationers love to rent lakeside homes! In fact, there are websites dedicated to listing beachfront homes for rent. Those sites often offer the owner options to list the property for rent by the month or week.

Many lakeside properties for sale will also have a boat dock or jetty. This saves the owner money because he will not have to pay mooring or docking fees at a marina. The pier or pier also presents another way to generate income: you can rent the pier or pier for someone’s celebration.

Protect yourself while you make money

The general rule when renting any property is that the tenant will not treat it in the same way as you. Since it’s your property, be as selective as you like about who you allow to use it. The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a competitively high rental rate. Don’t be afraid to ask for a deposit. Tenants are more likely to take care of your place if they have extra money at stake. You should also take some time and list any restrictions you’d like to implement, such as no smoking or pets. You can even limit the number of people who are allowed to stay overnight. Finally, just in case, don’t leave anything of value in the house when you rent it.

Commercial mortgage borrowers often ask us how lenders determine the rates they offer on commercial mortgage loans. There are many criteria lenders use to determine rates, but lenders will assess the relative risk of a loan when reviewing a loan application. The lower the risk, the lower the rate. The higher the risk, the higher the rate. It is important to understand what factors are important to lenders and insurers.

– Borrower qualifications. Lenders will look at a borrower’s or guarantor’s net worth, liquidity, cash flow, credit history, and real estate experience to determine overall risk. Lenders like to see borrowers with a good ownership and management history of similar properties. They want to see enough cash reserves to cover unexpected problems that may arise and they hope to see borrowers have a good track record of paying their bills on time.

– Location and market of the property. Good quality properties in large metropolitan and suburban areas are considered lower risk than inferior properties and properties in smaller rural areas. Good properties in good locations are easier to rent in the event that tenants move or in situations where the remaining lease terms are short. For example, if a property in a poor location becomes vacant, it will require a significant amount of renovation to attract new tenants.

– Maintenance mix. Multi-tenant properties with good quality tenants and long-term leases are highly desirable when financing office and commercial properties. Lenders don’t like vacancies, high turnover rates, and ever-changing properties. Lenders like to see well-managed properties that attract and keep long-term tenants.

– Stabilized occupation. Lenders look for properties that have enjoyed high occupancy levels with minimal interruption for the past 2-3 years. Properties with vacancies and fluctuating rental histories are considered higher risk. Lenders will request operating statements for the last 2-3 years. They expect to see consistent occupancy and increased net income. Properties that fluctuate wildly with income and expenses will raise a lot of questions.

– State of the property. Properties in good condition with little deferred maintenance are considered lower risk than properties in need of major capital improvements. Properties in poor condition will generally require the lender to set aside or deposit funds for repairs and maintenance. Properties in poor condition tend to perform worse than well-maintained properties.

– Leverage. Loan-to-Value is very important in determining risk. A 50% LTV (loan to value) loan will be priced better than an 80% LTV loan. If a property experiences difficulties, there is much more room for error in low leverage loans.

-Debt coverage. This refers to the excess in net operating income over annual mortgage payments. The more excess cash flow a property produces, the lower the risk. Excess cash flow can be used to mitigate turnover, repairs, or other cash leakage.

At the end of the day, lenders do not want to expose their lending institutions to undue risk. A borrower should be prepared to address all of these issues to the lender’s satisfaction at the time of application to increase the chances of getting approved for a loan at the lowest rate possible.

Once you qualify for a business mortgage loan, it’s helpful to have an idea of ​​your proposed monthly payment up front. A commercial mortgage calculator is a very useful and useful tool. Whether you’re buying a new commercial building or refinancing an existing business loan, it’s helpful to know how much of a loan you can afford at current rates. A commercial mortgage calculator will calculate your monthly payment for you. You will be prompted to enter the loan amount, number of years, and interest rate. The mortgage calculator will calculate your monthly payment.

One of the many benefits you’ll find when choosing condos for sale over other properties is that you don’t have to worry about any exterior maintenance. When buying a family home, you should have a budget set aside for those unexpected external emergencies, like a damaged roof, a fallen tree in your yard, or even damaged exterior walls. When you buy a condo, because it’s a complex, the HOA will handle all of the exterior work, so you can enjoy your home now and in the future with complete confidence.

Another great benefit of condos for sale is security. These days you want to keep your home and family safe and secure. Having added security is an important benefit in giving you complete peace of mind, giving you the convenience of a gated and ready property. You can lock your front door and walk away for a week or two knowing that everything will stay safe inside and you don’t have to worry about someone trying to break in while you’re gone.

Of course, condominiums come with the added benefit of a host of amenities and facilities. Most of these complexes will offer you the comfort of a private property with a community pool and maybe even a gym, depending on the complex. Some will come with dirty clothes. With these added conveniences, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while having your own space that is modern, luxurious and finished to the highest quality.

The condos for sale are in the affordable price range. They are more expensive than an apartment, but are usually on par with a single-family home, depending on where you shop and the area. Of course, location is essential, and if you’re looking for luxury and comfort in a prestigious area, you’ll find condos for sale cheaper than surrounding homes. This helps you get your foot on the property ladder in an exclusive area, offering you a good long-term return on your investment.

The outside spaces will be cleaned for you, the pool will be maintained, and the equipment in the gym will be working at all times. If the building has an elevator, it will be serviced regularly. These are all things you don’t need to worry about, you can furnish your condo, move in and start enjoying condo living in no time.

Of course, when there are benefits, there are always some drawbacks and the same applies to all condos for sale. That’s why if you’re looking for a property to buy and considering a condo, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of all the property options within your budget to identify if this is the right option for you going forward. .

One of the downsides to buying a condo for sale is that you have strict rules to follow. The HOA will establish rules that all units must follow. The reason for this is to make community life more enjoyable for everyone.

The second drawback is that you will have to pay HOA dues, which are in place to pay for all exterior and daily complex maintenance, so your condo will always be a nice place to live now and in the future.

Compared to owning a home, living in a rental apartment is incredibly easy. Why do the work yourself when you can enjoy the following benefits?

Dedicated property and maintenance staff to call if something goes wrong

No snow shoveling, lawn maintenance, or pool/sauna care

A single monthly rent check usually pays for everything (rather than multiple separate bills and fees when you own a home or condo)

You get more for your money

Believe it or not, you can usually rent an apartment or house for much less than the cost of buying it, especially if you live in a larger city. And if you want to be downtown, renting is almost always more affordable than owning a condo (and you also get a lot more living space, since downtown apartments are often much larger than downtown condos).

Plus, apartment renters don’t have to put up the thousands of dollars in down payments, closing costs, and fees for things like building inspections, legal advice, land transfer taxes, and insurance.

And this doesn’t even take into account the cost of the loan: In the first five years of ownership, most mortgage payments are applied only to interest, not principal. This is money you won’t get back when you sell your home (and you’ll still have all the added hassles and costs of putting your home on the market).

That tax relief is not guaranteed

Getting a big tax cut is supposed to be one of the biggest perks of owning a home, but you can’t always count on getting this cut. If your annual mortgage interest payment, plus any other deductions you’re entitled to, isn’t more than your standard tax deductions, you won’t receive any tax benefits for owning a home.

However, if you rent an apartment, you will always receive some form of tax relief, since a large portion of your rent is tax deductible each year.

maximum flexibility

Leasing provides a tremendous amount of flexibility. You can pack up and go immediately at the end of your lease (which can be monthly or yearly, whichever works best for your lifestyle); no waiting to sell or worrying about the real estate market before you move. For many people, the freedom to live where they want and when they want is a huge benefit that simply cannot be overlooked.

Minimal Risk

For homeowners, the stakes are high if their finances tank. When they can’t pay the mortgage, the lender has huge leverage: the house and all the equity invested in it could be in jeopardy. That’s not to say there aren’t consequences if a tenant can’t pay rent, but the financial devastation that comes with losing your home is far greater than being evicted from their apartment.

In addition, there are several social service programs that are run by all levels of government to help people in need pay their rent so they don’t get evicted. Are the banks so lenient or understanding when it comes to paying the mortgage?

Ultimately, making the decision to rent an apartment or buy a home involves much more than simply comparing rental rates, mortgage payments, lease length, and tax breaks. It is a combination of all the personal circumstances that are happening in your life, both now and in the years to come.

Retirement from a job or service takes on new COVID-19 significance if you had retired at the end of last year, like this writer. Retirement or retiring at 60 typically means you’ve had enough work and turmoil in offices and now deserve to relax at home, which basically translates to staying home. He doesn’t usually smell like a rat when he’s told to stay home; but when people around you start reacting to your unemployment situation, you realize that they react in the same way, quite abominable. They say, ‘so, you’re retired… now you’ll be sitting at home! Relax and enjoy!’ Now, you see the difference between staying at home and sitting at home, the latter being an ‘undervalued thing’. It really shocks you when some of your dear relatives and even your dearest spouse also react in a similar way. In particular, your spouse, who has been so accustomed to you coming to the office every morning without fail that he/she may begin to chafe or eternally find fault with your sitting-at-home incarnation. He can continue with her normal activities as before, marketing, kitchen help and occasional outings; but the stigma of ‘sitting at home’ does not go away. There is a meaning why I am using the word ‘stigma’. Of course, my clever readers must have already guessed the ‘meaning’.

A little taken aback by the ‘stigma’ you might as well try to put up a good fight against: that you are a writer or a painter or a musician or a professional and so your work would continue or that you explain to them the beauty of the majestic saying ‘you only retire from a job, no of life and work.’ Unfortunately, neither of these would hold up with either person or spouse; because whatever the scenario, you will perform only from ‘sitting at home’.

Their nervousness is further affected by the general belief that retirees are mostly useless and worn out, and that no one is looking for them, except perhaps the life insurance companies. The combination of such ‘forces’ drives a retired soul to despair; they feel that they are unemployed again and unwanted, so they try to find new jobs or commitments. Some of them, fortunately, find opportunities and accept them with gratitude; not because they find them exciting and adorable, but just because of the overwhelming need to avoid ‘sitting at home’. However, they are very pleased with a discovery: experience, if not skills, is still valued by some in society.

The spread of the new coronavirus or the COVID-19 pandemic has somewhat blurred the distinction between ‘staying home’ and ‘sitting at home’, because suddenly everyone from the busiest professionals to the most grateful retirees around the world They have started to stay at home. , and most of them would contest the ‘sitting at home’ syndrome with the staunch defense of ‘working from home’ which, in a way, has been a great relief to retired workers. His stigma becomes negative for a disease that was also considered a stigma; that particular word was eventually neutralized in both cases.

The greatest crisis of humanity has taught us the meaning and beauty of ‘home’: where you are always safe and happy, and from where you can work as well, or perhaps even better than from offices thanks to the state of things. state-of-the-art connectivity and the integration of the entire world into a single cohesive unit. More changes in the way we behave or think are likely to come by the time the crisis finally breaks, perhaps in the coming months or years. For now, people over the age of 60 are specifically advised to stay home, regardless of whether they sit there or work from there. Conclude with a disclaimer: There has been no generalization of the retirees referred to here.

Determining how much a house is worth is no easy task. Basic home value information is always available, but who are the people to trust when it comes to assessing home value? appraisers? real estate agent? Zillow?

There are many free online tools that can estimate a home’s value, and each site uses different information to determine your best estimate. Why do we trust computers for information like this? Because it is fast and convenient. However, does convenience always lead to accuracy?

Home value estimation websites cannot evaluate – they can simply provide an estimate based on what you tell them. Can a mechanic accurately identify a problem with your car if he doesn’t tell you everything that’s wrong? I do not think so. Home value reductions, such as a cracked foundation, can only be assessed with an online calculator if he tells the calculator that it exists. Even then, he doesn’t know how bad crack is. Try telling an online tool that your foundation simply has a crack and that the entire foundation is not in bad shape. Computers generally work with yes/no answers, and home value calculators are no different.

As if that wasn’t enough, website estimators usually don’t provide definitive numbers. Instead, they provide a price range. If you can’t get a definitive and immediate answer to your home value question, why order an online calculator?

To determine how much value you have in your home, a real estate agent is the best option. They have local knowledge of your real estate market and can provide quick and reliable answers based on recent sales. On top of that, they can judge the subjective conditions of the home, such as a small crack in a foundation versus a damaged foundation that needs repair.

Would you trust anyone who uses the Internet to manage an Internet marketing campaign? No. Working with a local real estate agent to find out how much your home is worth is essential to getting an accurate estimate.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending serves as a virtual online marketplace that connects lenders (people with savings) with borrowers who require funds (in the form of personal loans). This Fintech innovation is changing the way credit markets work. By completely bypassing the bank, it allows for quicker borrowing and lending. Investors get better risk-adjusted returns, while borrowers get quick credit at low interest rates. Since it is a platform where two parties interact, you can register as a lender or a borrower.

Borrowers looking for personal loans register online. The P2P lending platform uses data and technology to assess the creditworthiness of a borrower. You will be assigned a risk category and an appropriate interest rate after your credit check. Creditworthy borrowers get the loan disbursed in the shortest amount of time. If you register as an investor/lender, your account will be opened on the lending platform. You can start investing in consumer loans from as little as 15K. You have the leverage to select the loan you want to invest in. You can build your portfolio by choosing loans from various risk categories.

As soon as the borrower starts paying the interest rates, he will receive the returns in the form of EMI (principal and interest). P2P loans offer returns that outpace inflation several percentages higher than bank savings accounts or time deposits. You can withdraw or reinvest to enjoy compounding benefits.

What makes P2P loans unique?

1. Online application process: Money Lending Online is an instant way to tap into capital in the form of personal loans. It is completely different from the traditional bank and credit union loan approval process; where you must apply manually by filling out long forms and visiting banks to check the status of your loan. In P2P loans, the entire loan application process is online. You just have to register on the web to register as a borrower. Once you upload all the necessary documentation, your loan will be approved based on your credit history and eligibility.

two. Easier loan approval: Banks and credit unions verify your loan eligibility solely based on your credit history (CIBIL score). Online money lenders use alternative information to assess your creditworthiness, including your education, monthly income, credit-to-income ratio, and any other relevant financial parameters.

3. No collateral required: P2P loans offer unsecured personal loans. You do not have to pledge collateral or any other security deposit for the loan to be approved. Therefore, in case you do not pay an unsecured loan, you will surely face legal jurisdiction, but there is no risk of losing your property.

Four. Best Rates: Lenders charge a low interest rate compared to institutional lenders like banks. With P2P lending platforms, you can enjoy lower rates with nominal service fees (if any). P2P lending companies do not have to maintain the same overheads as banks, which means they do not face similar regulatory costs. Ultimately, you get minimal interest rates on your personal loan.

Do you want to apply online?

Peer-to-peer lending directly connects lenders and borrowers by eliminating the need for middlemen. Before you apply for a personal loan with P2P loan marketplaces, be sure to do some detailed research online. Choose a reputable and reputable platform. If you are considering registering as a lender, invest carefully after carrying out the proper due diligence on each risk category for better returns.

Traditional architecture found throughout the home building industry typically provides for two-story homes with the main living space on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second floor. However, a popular alternative to this floor plan has evolved which is known as reverse living. Read on as I explain reverse living and help you decide when a reverse floor plan might be right for you.

In traditional two-story homes, active living space found in rooms such as the living room, kitchen, dining room, study, and family room are located on the first floor. This arrangement makes it easy to get in and out of the house during the normal course of the day, when homeowners and their families tend to make multiple and frequent trips to and from home and, in the process, want the comfort of a same-sex relationship. floor between your indoor and outdoor living space. The more passive activity of sleep, which typically occurs in bedrooms, is relegated to the second floor, the least convenient level of the traditional two-story house.

The simplest form of a reverse floor plan is the reverse of the living space and sleeping space within a two-story house. This relationship of indoor living to the outdoor environment changes due to view corridors or outdoor amenities, so a client is looking to maximize exposure during their lifetime. This type of floor plan is most common for homes located to take advantage of the panoramic views created by mountains, hilltops, wetlands, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, streams, bodies of water, and urban skylines. By placing the living space on the highest level within the house, views are more easily captured or perhaps made visible when they might be partially or fully blocked on lower levels.

Within a reverse floor plan, bedrooms are relegated to the more inactive areas of the house. In some inverted floor plans, the master bedroom can be included on the highest level of the home, if the owner wishes to appreciate the views in the privacy and serenity of their bedroom.

Now, is a reverse floor plan right for you? It may be if your building lot is located on or near beautiful landscaping or view corridors, whether created by man or nature, and you want to enjoy those views to the fullest!

If you’re building a home or working on a remodeling project, be sure to consider your building materials first. This is important to keep in mind if you have never bought this kind of thing from the plumbing store before. It is important that you choose the right building materials. Below are things you may want to consider when choosing these materials. Keep reading to know more.

purchase costs: Purchase costs are not limited to the initial costs of products or materials. Be sure to consider the cost of installation. Also, you need to find out how quickly you may need to replace a product. For example, it is better to buy products that are expensive but can last longer.

Operating costs: Basically, these are energy costs that are paid monthly. This can include irrigation, cooling systems, heating systems, and appliances, just to name a few.

Appliances and their repair costs: This includes simple things like HVAC air filters. Keep in mind that you need to be more careful when it comes to buying building material for the exterior of your house. The reason is that the exterior of your house will be exposed to all kinds of harsh elements.

How to buy materials for home construction?

This decision depends on the location of your residence and the things you want to buy. We suggest that you choose a local store to purchase the desired items. A great benefit of shopping locally is that you can go into the store and review each item before placing your order. Here are some major selling points:

box shutters: These are very popular with most homeowners as they can be found everywhere. However, you have limited options to choose from when it comes to brands. In addition, they will have a variety of products for customers.

If possible, you can bring a friend with you so that you can finalize the items you wish to purchase. So this is important to keep in mind.

local lumberyards: They do not work with many manufacturers, but they offer a large number of products to meet the needs of builders. The good thing about them is that their experience and stock size are reliable.

Salvage Companies: These vendors are a great option if you want to reuse something like hardware, doors, and a mantelpiece. Although there is a lot of buzz about making things out of pallets, this phenomenon is not new. Therefore, you may want to consider these companies as well.

online resources: This is a great option if you want to buy small items and tools. Many manufacturers introduce new products such as deck building materials that are packaged in squares, as opposed to eight-foot boards.

Food to go

To summarize, here are some tips that can help you when buying home building materials. Keeping these tips in mind is a stroke of genius if you don’t want to end up making the wrong decision. I hope this helps.