A garage is not just a home for your family vehicle; it can be a center of activity for each individual in your household. It is a good place to store your tools, a place to fix broken appliances, and even a place of solitude if the house is getting a bit of a crowd for you.
But it's not that easy to make your own home garage. It takes a lot of planning and attention to specific details on what is a garage for you. Here are some easy tips to get your started in planning one for your very own home.
Determine The Use
For starters, you need to determine what your garage is for. Is it just a shelter for the family vehicle? Do you plan to repair your bicycle or any appliances in it? Do you plan to use it for storage purposes? So on and so forth. By asking yourself these questions, you will have a general idea on what a garage really is.
It's the Size That Counts
Once you have a grasp on your concept of a home garage, you need to plan out how big yours will be. Take into consideration the various activities that you plan to perform in it. Get the size of the vehicle, layout and measure the specified storage area, the working area, and so on.
Location Of Your Garage
As with all home architecture, it is very important to find the perfect location for your garage. Most are placed beside the house with three entrances: one for the vehicle, one as entryway into the house, and having a backdoor as third.
Other garage locations are set apart from the house to avoid unnecessary clutter in your household. They can be placed behind the house connected with a driveway or a pathway; or beside or in front of the house itself. In truth, a garage should be very accessible for the entire family, and planning out its location to maximize convenience is a good advice.
Home Garage Fixture
Lighting is also very important in a garage. Since the place is perpetually closed, and windows have just enough height to let the air out, you need adequate lighting to help working in the place bearable. For starters, you can start of with ceiling lights to provide adequate lighting in navigating around the garage. Using lamps and recessed lighting directly on of the working area, and so on.
These tips will definitely help you with your home garage plans. If you are having problem with design or style, then go look for a contractor or an interior designer to help you out.
If you need information on garage design plans, visit http://www.garagedesignplans101.com.
Tips In Planning For Your Own Home Garage
Foreign Home Buyers - 10 Tips For Buying Florida Real Estate
Below are 10 tips for International homebuyers who are considering a vacation home or investment in Florida real estate.
1. Use the Services of an Experienced Realtor
One of the biggest differences between the US real estate market and many other foreign nations is buyer agency. Hiring a Realtor in the US for representation does not typically cost the home buyer anything. Commissions are paid by the seller. Buyers can have an agent help them with all aspects of a real estate purchase at no charge. It is essential that foreign homebuyers align themselves with a Realtor possessing experience and expert market knowledge. An experienced agent will help buyers find the most suitable home and negotiate the best price and terms.
2. Consider the Services of a Real Estate Attorney
There are many US Tax laws that can have serious implications for foreign buyers. Hiring an attorney that is experienced in US Tax laws can lead to significant tax savings when it comes time to sell the property. A Real estate attorney can also help avoid unnecessary tax liabilities when buying real estate.
3. Consider setting up a Qualified Domestic Trust
United States real estate held at death by an alien of the United States can be taxed at very high rates. A properly setup Trust can help to defer the tax until the assets are taken out of the Trust.
4. Consider the Cost of Hurricane Shutters When Buying a Home in Florida
Hurricane Shutters are not a small investment. Most small homes are looking at a spending a minimum of $3,500 to protect their homes. If you are interested in buying a larger home and they have installed quality hurricane protection you should keep in mind how much money the sellers invested when negotiating a price.
5. Remember Sprinkler Systems
I am sure you are aware that it can get very hot in Florida. Homes need built in sprinkler systems to maintain the beauty of the landscaping. However, there are many homes that do not have sprinkler systems and there are those that do not have functioning sprinkler systems. The cost of adding or repairing a sprinkler system is considerable.
6. Barrier Islands vs. the Mainland
There are many buyers that believe they want to live in a barrier island because they have heard about the beauty and the instant water access, but there are those that are unhappy with their choice. There are many benefits of living on the mainland. For example in Sarasota, there are luxury condos in Downtown Sarasota that are minutes away from beaches and entertainment. You can have waterfront views and a boat and avoid paying the high prices of living on a barrier island.
7. Maintenance Fees
Maintenance fees can be quite high depending on where you buy. You will also have taxes and homeowners insurance costs to consider and sometimes the maintenance fees will put home buyers over their yearly budget.
8. Family Neighborhoods
Sarasota has neighborhoods that tend to be quieter than others and we have those that are full of children and all the noise that comes with them. If you are hoping to buying a home where you will have peace and quiet let your Realtor know. A knowledgeable Sarasota Realtor will know which neighborhoods are best suited to your needs.
9. Homeowners Insurance Deductions
Talk to your Realtor about which aspects of a home will give you a deduction on your homeowners insurance because they could save you a lot of money in the long run.
10. Owning a Home with a Pool and/or Jacuzzi
The Florida Department of Health reports, "Deaths from drowning for children less than age five in Florida are more than double the national average and are higher than any other state in the nation. More than two-thirds of these deaths occurred in swimming pools."
Most people dream of having a home in Florida with a pool and it is a great dream, but everyone needs to consider pool safety. Again, ask your Realtor what you should be looking for and/or avoiding.
There are many more tips and laws that are important to International buyers. It is important for International home buyers to choose a Realtor that knows the Florida real estate market well.
John Allen is a Sarasota Florida real estate agent representing buyers and sellers of fine real estate. He specializes in Sarasota condominiums, waterfront properties and golf course homes. His award winning website is http://www.buysarasota.com.
Home Organization Tips - Get Your Family Involved
Organizing your home is an important task. There is no doubt a clean and organized home relieves stress and makes life smoother for the main caretaker of the home. However that person, usually the wife, is not the only person who benefits. Everyone can benefit from an organized home. Things are easier to locate, cleaner, and let's not forget the wise old saying, "If Mama isn't happy, nobody's happy!" This task however, doesn't have to be achieved by doing it all yourself. You can get everyone involved.
Before you start the venture of organizing your home, talk to the rest of your family. If your spouse already shares the load, that's great. It will probably be easy to get him on board. Tell your family what you are planning and give them clear reasons as to why it is important. Let them know how it will help the entire family. Tell them that by getting organized and keeping things organized, you will all have more time to enjoy together. Things will be easier to find, because everything will have its place. Let them know that this will also bring more peace and relaxation to your home because it will be less cluttered.
You can make this a family project. The whole family can be proud of their accomplishment when you're done. Give your children a simple list of things to do, such as going through their toys and pulling out the ones they don't play with anymore. Instead of always picking up their toys for them, encourage them to do it with you and eventually by themselves. Help them learn to put their dirty laundry in the correct bins. Small children love to help out. Give them simple things they can do. This will help them learn to help as they get older. Always show appreciation for their help. It will encourage them to want to help more.
Remember, this goal of home organization is to help you and your family. Try not to become a drill sergeant or be to overbearing. It may be hard for your husband and children to change their habits. Be patient and give gentle reminders of the new way things are to be done. In time, your family will appreciate the organized home they have helped you create.
For more great home organization tips, visit my site at http://practicalhomeorganization.com/ and pick up your free report, "Practical Home Organization Tips to Save Time and Sanity."
Tips To Sell Your Own Home Privately
People are turning to the Internet to buy everything from groceries to cars. It only make sense that many people start their new home search by hitting the web and the search engines.
Savvy home sellers that are selling their home without a real estate agent will take advantage of the online tools that are available to help sell their home.
There are many ways that selling your home online can benefit you. One big benefit is convenience. Selling your home online can also be extremely cost-effective.
An ad on a web site can often be cheaper than a traditional classified ad and you may also be able to ad photos for free.
The top classified ad site on the internet is Craigslist.org. Online classifieds, like their newspaper counterparts, can be used for everything from selling your home to finding a roommate.
It is only natural that people have begun to market their homes on the community bulletin board system. With more than 80 percent of potential home buyers turning to the Internet, Craig's List can give you a lot of exposure for free or for a small fee.
You can also list your home on for sale by owner websites. FSBO websites are getting extremely popular and in general they will allow you to post multiple photos, videos, descriptions and even purchase your own yard signs. This web site puts multiple homes in one location so potential home buyers have a large number of available homes in one location.
Don't make the mistake of overlooking the value of having a web site for your home. There are web sites for everyone and everything from movie stars to someone's pet Yorkie; why not put up a page for your home. Setting up a website for your property for sale can be done for as little as no money nowadays with free hosting accounts available on the internet.
Setting up a web site for you home is easy. It will also allow you to post as many photos of your home as you have space for. You have almost unlimited space to list special features and the results of any inspections. You can even put a form online for potential buyers to contact you with more questions. Having your own web site allows potential buyers to find you and take a virtual tour of your home.
This is a fantastic way to instill interest in a potential buyer which can lead to a sale. Make sure your put the web site address on any advertising materials like classified ads and flyers.
Using online tools to sell your home will help make your home sale go so much easier. You can sell your home faster by reaching an almost unlimited number of potential buyers. Local fliers and classified ads in the local newspaper will only reach so far, but buyers from all over Canada and the world can access your home online.
This makes it easier for people relocating to your area to find you. These buyers are often highly motivated.
Online home sales can help your sell your home fast and for an amount that will meet your expectations.
Sell homes using the for sale by owner method by visiting the author's website.
