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Finding Your Dream Home in St Albans: Tips for House Hunting in a Competitive Market

  • July 20, 2023

Finding Your Dream Home in St Albans: Tips for House Hunting in a Competitive Market

Introduction

St Albans, a historic city nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers. With its charming neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient access to London, it’s no wonder that the property market in St Albans is highly competitive. If you’re on the hunt for your dream home in this bustling city, here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges of a competitive market and find the perfect property.

Define Your Priorities 

Before diving into the house hunting process, take the time to identify your priorities. Consider factors such as location, size, amenities, and budget. Knowing what you’re looking for will help you stay focused and make informed decisions during your search.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage 

In a competitive market, it’s crucial to be prepared. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a clear understanding of your budget and show sellers that you’re a serious buyer. This step will also expedite the buying process once you find your dream home.

Work with a Local Real Estate Agent

Partnering with a knowledgeable and experienced St Albans estate agent who specializes in the St Albans market can be a game-changer. They will have insider knowledge, access to exclusive listings, and the negotiation skills needed to help you secure your dream home in a competitive market.

Stay Updated with Online Listings 

Set up alerts on popular property websites and stay updated with new listings. In a competitive market, desirable properties can go under offer quickly. Being one of the first to know about new listings will give you an advantage and increase your chances of finding your dream home.

Attend Open Houses and Viewings  

Actively participate in open houses and property viewings. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for different neighborhoods, … Read the rest

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Why Use Hot Tub Enzymes for Hot Tubs or Spa Care

  • July 14, 2023

Why Use Hot Tub Enzymes for Hot Tubs or Spa Care

A hot tub is a luxurious amenity that provides relaxation, therapeutic pros, and a great place to unwind. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure your hot tub’s durability and optimal performance. There are various products available for spa care.

However, hot tub enzymes are popular for their exceptional cleaning and maintenance properties. This article will explore why incorporating hot tub enzymes into your spa care routine is wise.

What are Hot Tub Enzymes?

Hot tub enzymes are specialized products that help maintain water cleanliness and clarity in a hot tub or spa. They are formulated with a blend of natural enzymes and bacteria that work together to break down and digest organic contaminants in the water. Enzymes effectively eliminate oils, lotions, detergents, and other organic substances accumulating in the water.

Reasons to Use Hot Tub Enzymes 

  1. Improves Water Clarity

One of the main reasons to utilize hot tub enzymes is their ability to enhance water clarity. Enzymes break down organic matter like body oils, lotions, and cosmetics that accumulate in the water. Enzymes avoid cloudy water by eliminating contaminants, leaving your hot tub crystal clear and clean. You can enjoy a pristine spa experience without worrying about impurities affecting the visual appeal of your tub.

  1. Avoiding Unpleasant Odors

Using your tub regularly leads to the accumulation of organic compounds that emit unpleasant odors. Hot tub enzymes efficiently digest these compounds, removing foul smells and ensuring a fresh and inviting atmosphere in your spa. By addressing the root cause of the odors rather than simply masking them with fragrances, enzymes provide a durable -lasting solution for an odor-free hot tub experience.

  1. Prevents Scale Formation

Calcium and other minerals naturally found in water lead to scale formation on the surface of your hot tub. The deposits not only detract from the appearance … Read the rest

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Chula Vista father receives free $100,000 home remodel from Rebuilding Together San Diego

  • April 28, 2023

Wheelchair bound, Tom Lukasiewitz, was taking showers in his front yard until Rebuilding Together San Diego came to his rescue.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — A small San Diego non-profit organization that offers free home remodels is looking for more community support. In this Zevely Zone, this is part two of my two-part series on Rebuilding Together San Diego. 

Nine years ago, Tom Lukasiewitz a longtime Chula Vista contractor, was perplexed by what was happening to his body. “All of a sudden I just started feeling weaker, things just didn’t add up and all of a sudden I just was falling out of the blue, my leg would give, and I’d say what’s going on?” said Tom who is 51 years old.

Neurologists diagnosed Tom with a rare disease called Inclusion Body Myositis. “All of my muscles deteriorated. I got weaker and weaker and weaker. I went from walking with a cane, to a walker, and now permanently into a wheelchair,” said Tom.  

As a contractor, Tom was always willing to help a neighbor which is why Rebuilding Together San Diego rolled up their sleeves on his birthday. “Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,” sang a group of volunteers at his home. 

“You can’t not love this guy, he is so positive,” said project manager Deanne Hutchison from Rebuilding Together San Diego. As if Tom had not gone through enough, Deanne told us his home also caught on fire. “The community came together like nobody’s business and Tom’s life has been completely turned around,” said Deanne.

Walls had to be fixed, but why stop there? Volunteers painted his house, poured a new patio, put on a new roof and relandscaped too. 

Eric McCormick and Sigel Candia from DPR Contruction were just two of the magic makers. “This guy

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Police seek suspects in home renovation fraud in downtown Toronto | Crime

  • April 27, 2023

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three suspects in a home renovation fraud in downtown Toronto.

Toronto police said a man knocked on the door of a home near Henry and Baldwin streets, and stated he was a home renovator and had observed damage on the home’s roof March 10.

“The suspect demanded to come inside and went into the residence with two other suspects,” police said in a news release. “All three suspects advised the victim the roof needed immediate repairs for a water leak.”

The suspects demanded a cash payment and wouldn’t leave until they received one, police said, adding the victim paid the suspects, who then left, promising to return to complete the work. The suspects didn’t return. They were seen knocking on doors of other homes in the area, police said.

One suspect is described as 40 to 50 years old with a large build and was wearing a green-plaid shirt and a black vest. Another is described as 25 to 35 years old with a thin build and was wearing a dark jacket and a neon safety vest. The third suspect was 25 to 35 years old with a medium build, wearing dark clothing and a neon safety vest and carrying a red-and-black tool bag.

Anyone with information is asked to call 52 Division police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

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Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo at I-X Center March 24-26 | Real Estate

  • April 26, 2023

The Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo will be held from March 24 to 26 at the I-X Center at 1 I-X Center Drive in Cleveland.

Featuring over 225 exhibitors, the expo will feature Patric Richardson, also known as “The Laundry Guy” on HGTV and Discovery+, who will make an appearance on the main stage, designed by Ora Designs, on March 24 and March 25. Matt Fox, this year’s emcee, will also take to the main stage all weekend. Fox is known for creating and co-hosting the first and longest-running show on HGTV, “Room by Room,” as well for hosting and producing the public television show “Around the House with Matt and Shari.”

Produced by Beachwood-based Marketplace Events, the show will also feature The UFO House from Futuro Houses; the Tiny Home Village from Tiny Home Living; the Homes that Roam RV Showcase by General RV and Avalon RV; Doggie Drive, a dog house showcase all built by juniors and seniors at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center with a $200 budget; Let’s Grow, a display of terra cotta flower pots designed by 12 of Cleveland’s television and radio personalities; and a 35-foot putting green by Keepers Turf.

Hours are from noon to 9 p.m. March 24, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 25 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 26.

Admission for adults is $10 at the door, $8 at homeandremodelingexpo.com, $7 for seniors ages 65 and up with ID at the box office, and $6 for children ages 6 to 12.

March 24 will be the themed Hero Day, where active and retired members of the military and first responders will receive free admission with valid ID.

For more information of Marketplace Events, visit marketplaceevents.com.

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Easy and affordable projects to elevate your home for Spring!

  • April 25, 2023

HOUSTON – In honor of today being the first day of Spring, we got some tips on how to give your home a facelift just in time for the season!

Houston renovation experts and stars of HGTV’s ‘Two Steps Home’ and ‘Going For Sold’ Jon Pierre Tjon-Joe-Pin and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin gave us a checklist for some easy home projects you can tackle as Spring gets underway.

Jon and Mary are a local couple with a full-service family-owned home investment and improvement company called ‘Harper Raine Homes.’

At Harper Raine Homes, they offer design consultations, home renovations, home redesigns, and realtor services.

They’ve hosted ‘Two Steps Home’ and Going For Sold’ on HGTV, with episodes streaming now on Discovery+.

SPRING PROJECTS FOR YOUR HOME:

1. CLEAN YOUR GUTTER- Cleaning your gutters is most important this time of year with rain build up that could potentially cause leaks into your home.

2. PRESSURE WASHING- Start fresh! Get your brick, sidewalks and driveways cleared of pollen and winter grime.

3. CHECK YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM- To ensure your grass is properly hydrated ahead of the sizzling summer months.

4. REVAMP OUTDOOR PLANTS AND POTS- Add some color! You can plant new flowers in flower beds or into a pot.

5. STAIN GROUT LINES IN TILE- Quick way to update your kitchen backsplash or bathroom tile

6. BRING GREENERY INTO YOUR HOME- Make them live longer with easy self-care and a self-watering system

Watch the videos above and below for pictures and live demonstrations on the projects mentioned!

For questions, or to request a service, you can visit their website here.

Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.… Read the rest

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Minneapolis between remodel, new building for 3rd Precinct’s permanent home

  • April 24, 2023

The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct headquarters at the corner of Minnehaha Avenue and East Lake Street has been closed since it burned and was looted during the rioting and protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

The 75 officers assigned to the 3rd Precinct are now working out of temporary office space in downtown along Third Street.

But now the city is considering two options for putting the 3rd Precinct’s home base back within its bounds, Minneapolis City Council Vice President Linea Palmisano told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

“I would say it’s still a touchy subject in many different ways,” Palmisano said. “There are people who are upset that they don’t have a police precinct that they can go to for any different number of reasons that is right near their geography, and we need to change that.”

One option would be the complete remodel of the existing building. Option two would be the construction of an entirely new location, which has not yet been announced publicly. Palmisano said a remodeling project could cost anywhere between $12 million and $18 million, while a new building would probably be two to three times more costly.

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FILE – Fencing stands outside the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd Police Precinct building. (KSTP/file)

The public will have a chance to give its input.

“There will be online surveys, large community meetings. There will be smaller conversations with people who maybe are not native English speakers. A lot of different ways to get parts of a pulse,” Palmisano said.

Palmisano said the two options will be introduced to the public next week.

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British couple discovers historic paintings during home renovation | Good News

  • April 23, 2023

A couple in England is stunned by what they found behind their apartment walls while renovating their home.

You never know what you’re going to find in your own home, especially if it’s older. In this case, the couple‘s apartment is in a very old building, dating back to 1747.

Luke Budworth and Hazel Mooney live in England in a town called Yorkshire, and they were having new kitchen cabinets installed when their contractors called to tell them they found a painting behind the kitchen wall.

By the time they got home, the new cabinets were already put up so they couldn’t really see the painting anymore, but they were curious and figured there might be more paintings.

Luke got out a tool and started chipping away at the paneling in his living room and his intuition was right. He saw beautiful colors behind the wall. It was another mural.

They have a series of frescoes in their apartment. Fresco is painting directly onto wet plaster, so the mural becomes an integral part of the wall.

They contacted Historic England, which is an organization that preserves history, and they believe the art is more than 400 years old, from the 1660s, and predates the building. They think the building was actually built around the mural.

Preservation of the art is really expensive and tedious work so they are hoping in sharing the story that they will be able to raise funds for its conservation, and that maybe some researchers or students will be interested in doing the conservation work.

They are keeping the murals covered in the meantime, to keep them protected from direct sunlight. Historic England made replicas of the murals for the couple, so they have those up on the walls and they are enjoying

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URA to introduce ‘preventive home maintenance’ model

  • April 22, 2023
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) on Sunday said it is planning to require homeowners of one of its housing projects in Hung Hom to devise regular maintenance plans for their building.

The authority’s managing director, Wai Chi-sing, wrote on his blog that under the proposed pilot programme, new clauses will be added to the deed that is binding on all flat owners of the “eResidence” starter home project, for them to make plans and set aside budget for “preventive maintenance” at the time when they move in.

“If one only begins to collect fund for maintenance work after wear and tear starts to appear in the building, home owners will face heavy financial pressure. This will make them reluctant to carry out renovation work,” he said, adding that it’s the responsibility of property owners to keep their buildings in good shape.

The URA chief also said that the authority will issue a set of guidelines in the second half of this year to help homeowners formulate plans to fix problems in common areas once every ten years.

Wai added that, in the long run, he hopes to study the possibility of amending the Guidelines for Deeds of Mutual Covenant, and introducing regulation for homeowners to carry out building maintenance.

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Inside a $100k renovated French-inspired home at Pinnacle @ Duxton, Lifestyle News

  • April 21, 2023

In this week’s Insider Tour, we visit a 1,001 square feet apartment in the Pinnacle @ Duxton, one of the most unique (and famous) public housing development in Singapore.

The apartment was purchased for $925,000 and underwent a $100,000 renovation to achieve a modern French aesthetic that pays homage to the heritage black and white houses of Singapore.

The first thing that greets you as you enter the apartment is the fluted feature wall, which wraps around to concealed storage and the bomb shelter.

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The entrance to the apartment also features breeze blocks, adding to the overall charm and character of the space. As for the living, the feature wall is covered in wainscoting and the perimeter of the ceiling is dressed up with black crown molding.

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The kitchen features a long counter and a vinyl herringbone floor, and the glass partitions were removed to create an open kitchen setup. The kitchen floor is covered by unique black and white motif tiles that go along with the classic pendant lights.

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Another detail is the french arched doors with fluted panels that lead to the service yard.

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The bathroom doors are quite a sight with French doors, and the bathroom has been done up with black tiles and matching black bathroom fittings that form a good contrast with the white basin.

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The master bedroom features a king-sized bed and full-height cabinets with arched rattan detailing.

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ALSO READ: Designs on Asia: Living with rose-tinted glasses in a 3-room flat in Bidadari

This article was first published in Stackedhomes.

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