July 2nd, 2011 -- Posted in New Construction |
The introduction of a suitable national housing policy must meet the following objectives.
1. To achieve the maximum net addition to housing stock: by establishing a nationwide programme of sites-and-services and settlement upgrading projects for low-income target groups, by supporting the decrease in the average price of complete house units,by recognising the importance of the popular sector contribution towards the overall housing delivery system through cessation of demolition activities against squatters, positive incentives to stimulate self-help building, and maintenance of adequate possibilities to obtain secure tenure.
2. Very good of housing as an important contribution to national economic development.
3. Priority given to urban housing over rural housing.
4. Priority provided to low-income groups, however the recognition from the need for countries to reply to the requirements
of all income groups.
5. Discouraging use of housing subsidies in public places sector programmes.
6. The encouragement of the public sector role in housing along the following lines:
a) To build: Mainly sites-and-services and settlements upgrading projects and also to limit construction of complete houses towards the introduction of recent housing concepts,to take risks where the private sector will not,and to supplement construction until the private sector has the capacity;
b) To invest in: Encourage the development of a housing finance system throughout the country by providing initial equity and “seed money” and to assist housing finance institutions to mobilise private savings;
c) To facilitate: Encourage the public sector to facilitate private initiative in housing through improvements
within the legislative base, the housing administrative system, encouragement of the building materials industry, and the provision of coaching programme.
July 2nd, 2011 -- Posted in New Construction |
When cold weather begins to creep in, keeping the inside of your home warm and cozy turns into a main concern. Thankfully, no matter the temperature outside, it isn’t too difficult to create your interior space the perfect spot to wait out the winter.
First, look at the insulation of the country living house plan. Caulking small cracks and gaps can produce a huge difference in the efficiency of the home’s heat. Weatherstripping and exchanging curtain sheers for heavy drapes can also wonders. In extraordinary instances, decorative curtains can be placed over doorways to seal out drafts. This is helpful when keeping heat in bedrooms and from rarely used spaces. Fireplaces ought to be inspected and cleaned in preparation for additional frequent use through the winter. Screens should be placed on surface of chimneys to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped.
Surprisingly, some decorative elements may also do wonders for developing a warm space in cold temperature. Most homes having a log home house plan have wooden or stone flooring. While beautifully eye-catching, these flooring options can be unbearably cold when the outside temperature drops. Melting snow can also make bare floors a security hazard. Decorative rugs would be the perfect solution against both issues. A sizable rug positioned on surface of those freezing cold tiles will assist you to lessen the degree to which they are able to lower the temperature inside your rooms.
Some of the best decorative elements are the ones which are both lovely and functional. Dark, rich colors like plum and scarlet are attractive and warm. These colors could be incorporated in decorative pillows and throws placed around rooms for added comfort. Quilts just within arms reach through the home provide a special touch while being useful. Baskets are perfect storage for blankets and firewood, keeping these things handy, yet out of sight.
Beyond basic d�cor, lighting is important for creating a desirably warm atmosphere. Cold weather typically brings shorter daylight hours. Insufficient natural light causes a number of strains, so prevent problems with accent lighting. It seems like houses nowadays don’t include enough lights within the ceiling. In case your country farm house plans lack within the overhead lighting department, kerosene and oil lamps, spicy scented candles, and fireplaces are perfect for creating ambience and improving a room. Investing in a gas fireplace will also make life easier. It will not only heat your home, it’s easily lit and can stay that way until you decide to turn it off.
July 2nd, 2011 -- Posted in New Construction |
For most people Spain epitomizes the moving abroad dream: a country that offers the prospect of year-round sunshine, lower living costs and a more relaxed pace of life.
Unsurprising then that year after year Spain has proven to be probably the most popular destinations for expatriates from around the world, with 10% of its 45 million population now made up of foreigners.
The beneath the alluring sheen of the Mediterranean sun all is not well.
An article about the BBC website* reported that the country’s industrial output fell 15.1% in November 2008 compared to the year before, the biggest drop on record. This manufacturing slump occurs the surface of the collapse already witnessed in Spain’s construction sector, showing the nation’s woes are spreading over the economy and raising fears of a deep recession.
And there was more proof of by using the discharge of figures showing unemployment hit 3 million in 2008, a 12-year high. Not the best time perhaps to be relocating towards the country.
For anybody considering moving to Spain at present there is a silver lining though, for the reason that the credit crisis has led to an ample supply of properties and tumbling house prices.
On the flip side however, the effectiveness of the euro implies that anyone coming from a non-euro country will now find it relatively more expensive to buy property and live there.
For instance, over the course of the year before the British pound had a 52-week high of 1.35 euros. At that rate, a 300,000 euro house might have cost approximately �222,000.
However the pound during the time of writing is down at 1.11 euros (having almost hit parity over the Christmas period). Therefore if that same house has dropped even as little as 250,000 euros it might still cost �225,000 for a British buyer.
And the strength from the euro against currencies such as the pound and US dollar has raised the general cost of living in Spain and elsewhere in the eurozone for a lot of expatriates, not least retirees on pound or dollar denominated pensions.
Within this sense then it’s a glum picture. And similar circumstances and scenarios can be found all over the world. This recession is of truly epic and global proportions, with apparently nowhere safe from its impacts.
Yet it’s not all bad news for prospective expatriates.
I still read many articles exhorting individuals to move abroad, bemoaning the parlous state of the home countries and economies, and referencing places for example Australia and New Zealand, Turkey, Costa Rica and Mexico where properties and living costs remain cheaper, and the sun does still shine.
And of course they’re right … to some extent.
There will always be good property deals to be had somewhere on the planet. You can always find locations where the food bills or perhaps a wine bottle will be a fraction of that which you pay now, and where you can take in some sun while your pals home freeze their butts off.
But when you are seriously considering moving abroad you should take into account all the lifestyle factors when making your final decision. Don’t just base your choice about the latest currency swings or property deals. Be cautious too about how comfortable you’ll feel with the local culture, what health or educational services they have, what lengths you’ll be from close friends and family.