Condo 101

Inspect a Condo Unit Before Buying

Rene — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:43:23 +0000

1. Design and Layout – check the design of the unit and the layout of the floor plan such as rooms, doors, windows. Is the unit in the direct path of the sun? If that’s the case you should consider that in summertime you may spend a bit more energy and money for airconditioning.

2. Noise – from both inside and outside sources visit the unit you want to buy at different times because there are times when it so peaceful but check it at weekends or during rush-hour period to see if the noise is bearable or not.

3. Privacy – We all want our privacy and we must find the perfect unit to help maintain our privacy, check the unit decks and patios to make sure your safe from prying eyes and such.

4. Security - Comes hand in hand with Privacy, Is there a security system in the building complex and in the unit, is it properly lit at night Is the unit or building secure and have ample security to deter criminals?

5. Amenities – Every building has ameneties that are widely available to residents, such as a pool, a hot tub and community room. And always check and ask the buliding management if there are fees for usage and maintennace of these said amenities.

6. Parking – Which is near an elevator, stairs, or close to your unit. And is properly lit.

The Downside of condominiums

Rene — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:00:03 +0000

Although staying in a condominium would be a good way to start on the road to independent living, it might not be such a great idea for everyone.

Things to consider about staying in a condominium is that there are higher safety risks, considering that you may be living on the top most floor and that at any time natural disasters could strike. Moreover, staying in a condo costs a lot, from the fees to the unit itself. Consider your needs before picking out that condo, it might not be for you after all.

Nature in such a Little and Urban Space (Part 1)

Rene — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:44:50 +0000

While there are a lot of advantages in settling in an apartment, there is one disadvantage that we all surrender to: the lack of garden space. It’s such a shame that because of this, a garden-less home is not only something to deal with but also the lack of space to raise and keep a pet.

Well, we can’t do anything about pets except maybe for some fish you can keep in a bowl or small aquarium, or perhaps toy dogs that don’t need so much rolling space. However, we found ways of bringing nature into your apartment!

1. Fresh-cut Flowers

Having a number of vases full of nicely arranged fresh flowers each week is the way to go. Now what you need to know is how to make these arrangements last longer.

2. Houseplants

A little gardening skill might be needed for you to keep houseplants fresh and alive as they pretty much stay indoors. Cacti and hanging plants are the best survivors.

To be continued…

Source

Condos and Attics?

Rene — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:56:24 +0000

While most condos are one-floor only. Some units have upper floors. Some are split level, with open mezzanine areas. If you live at penthouse level, even, you might have a sort-of attic. Some people choose to use these as sleeping rooms. You can try to renovate the upper area and decorate these for use not just as storage room, but also as guest rooms as well. These upper floors can be used as playrooms, guest rooms, or even a multimedia room, where you can set up your home theatre system!

Image source: www.satterwhite-log-homes.com

Condo as a Second Home

Rene — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 07:34:27 +0000

Whether as a vacation home, a rental property, or simply a real property holding you keep for investment purposes, a second home can offer you as many advantages as your primary residence.

For one, your second home can be your home away from home, where you can relax and enjoy your time with your family. Lakefront or beachfront condo units might be the best choice for you. After the hustle and bustle of your workweek you know that you have a place where you can get some much needed R & R.

What’s even more exciting than this is that a second home investment can be very financially rewarding. There is tax deductible interest, and the potential real estate appreciation. Also, if you choose to rent or lease out your property, the potential rental income can be very rewarding.

Do You Spend More in Condos?

Brian Yalung — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:47:20 +0000

Expenses are the bane of most people today and apparently, a lot of us would think that we can minimize on it when we turn to smaller places to live in like condominium units. Apparently, this belief does not necessarily follow.

Remember that one thing that goes along with condo living are the dues necessary to make sure the proper maintenance for amenities around will be taken care of. Some people fail to realize this when they are offered condos for living and not until they are already moving in will they be able to realize these costs that they have to settle as well.

Get Used to the Space Limitations

Brian Yalung — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:50:47 +0000

Condominium units are always criticized to the limitations that they provide most people. While many would prefer the wider spaces, condominium units do not have that luxury.

Today, it is hard to get the ideal living setup due to a congested market today. Lands are not as open as before where you could put up an ideal house as you wish. Also, most of these lands are bought by developers to put up various improvements that can hold multiple living residents so that they can accommodate people who need housing today. You just have to get used to space limitations we have today.

More Greening Tips

Rene — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:57:44 +0000

LED lighting has entered mainstream and is beginning to show their advantages over even the energy saving technology that are CFL lamps. These devices are electronically driven to produce more light per wattage or amount of electricity consumed. They are smaller meaning the space normally consumed by traditional lighting can be used for more important uses and they do not produce as much heat as traditional lighting technologies making them the choice for the lighting technology of the future. Though browsing the home builders depot, you may be surprised at their high initial cost, but not to worry for this is easily made up for with savings on your electricity bill as it does in fact eat less electricity. Greening the many urban areas we live in is a must for these areas are some of the most polluted the world over.

Condo’s Thrive in and Around Metropolitan Areas

Rene — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:38:09 +0000

Areas around busy business centers are now filled with condos in all shapes and sizes and for people of all walks of life. These commercial properties thrive due to the need for housing that is near most people’s workplace and also near to most conveniences of modern life. Whether you are a retiree seeking a place close to everything you hold dear, or the office worker who seeks to lessen transportation expenses, these properties are a blessing though they can cost you. Even with today’s ever lower rental rates, such property still entails a huge investment for housing that only active businessmen tend to have and with the economy still deep in the grasp of this recession, time will tell if these luxury properties still manage to keep their occupancy rates high, a major driving force of their price.

Condo Task Lighting Techniques

Rene — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:56:29 +0000

As with any home, task lighting is a very important part of your overall lighting solution to bring the condo back to light. Task lighting is the most important of the three types of lighting systems for the home for it focuses on the functionality of the spaces we use frequently, shedding light as we need it to safely and properly complete tasks in and around the home. Task lighting through drop lights that are suspended from the ceiling allows you to vary the amount of light on a working space, or under the shelves and cabinets, counters get light to allow easy kitchen work safely.
Upgrading with CFL fixtures, you save and help the environment at the same time. It is vital that light be shed where it is needed for without proper task lighting you may get glare and unwanted shadows that can easily cause nicks and scratches when you work the space. Use ample lighting and select the proper wattage that is bright enough to illuminate the space yet not too bright to cause unwanted glare. Safety is the focus of task lighting compared to ambiance lighting that merely sheds light onto the whole area, and accent lighting which brings hidden gems to light, both of which are more on the effect side of the lighting system