Category — Recommended Sites

So you want to live abroad for more than a few weeks? You’re going to have to find a rental. But for budget-strapped travelers, this can mean nothing suitable is within your price range. That’s when you get creative, and if you have a bit of hardy can-do sense about you, choose a fixer-upper rental.

There are many homes sitting idle, not rented because those who spend hard-earned money to travel that far want to live in luxury, not in the midst of a construction or remodeling zone. Those deals are often the best for those who don’t mind swinging the occasional hammer.

Where to Start with Your Overseas Rental

Start by looking into short term and long term rentals in the country you want to visit. Make a list of those that look promising. If they seem to have every amenity imaginable, check them off your list. That is definitely not a fixer-upper, and leaves little room to negotiate price. Look for those that are smaller than the ideal, homes that are a bit older, and those that don’t appear to be at their best in the accompanying photographs.

Then call those owners and ask about their property. Would they be willing to work out an arrangement for a year’s time, during which you work on the house in exchange for rent, or at least for a portion of it? Many rental property owners will be happy to provide materials if you provide the labor free of charge. Not only are they getting a nice remodel of their wood flooring or installation of their new wood windows for free, you are spending less money for being in the country of your choice–and that gives you more money to spend on the things you want to do, like a jaunt into the neighboring towns or a visit to another nearby country that has caught your fancy.

The Devil is in the Details

Before you start making serious plans, get it all in writing. What serious improvements is the owner willing to cover? Are they going to pay for all materials and tools as well? How much labor is appropriate to qualify for free or reduced rent? Discuss these plans long before you get to the property for good.

A word of caution: if there is anything you don’t agree on now, you can bet you won’t agree on it when money is involved. When something doesn’t set right with you in the beginning, it’s okay to walk away and look at other properties instead. Remember, you want to have the best experience possible, not one that has been tainted by red tape and disagreements with your landlord.

“Time for a new kitchen you say? Yeah. I’ve heard that before. Actually, I have been hearing it since we bought this house! (And that was about 10 years ago)”. Does this exchange sound somewhat familiar to anyone?

Let’s face it, women like beautiful things and kitchen cabinets are no different. In today’s new millennia, the kitchen is probably the most occupied room in the house. It’s  the place to be. It is where cooking, eating and entertaining all happen. Large kitchens and open floor plans are becoming the new trend thereby making the formal dining room virtually extinct. It is no wonder that people invest the most into it financially. [Read more →]

In June last year, a chap by the name of Henry approached me seeking opinions about setting up an online business selling quality fabrics to the Australian market. The key things I spoke about then were about a user-friendly site display, clear furnishing options, strong delivery capabilities, and above all, easy payment options.

The site, comfortworks.com.au was officially launched on 7 April 2010 and features interactive products and fabric customization options to allow customers to be ale to view their finished product online before making the purchase.

Here’s the story of how ComfortWorks originated:

[Read more →]

San Francisco has long had a history of caring about its community. For decades, the country has looked to San Francisco for guidance on how to take care of one’s fellow man and of the planet. So it’s no surprise that San Francisco is one of the leaders in environmentally friendly communities. From the Green Building Program of Marin County to the Mountain View apartments of Silicon Valley, San Francisco is again leading the way, showing some great new methods for building green communities to the world.

Marin County – Green Building Program

The Green Building Program is a Marin Country project run by Omar Pena, Marin County’s Green Building Coordinator. He is available to offer any technical assistance needed in order to build green in Marin County. The Green Building Program is part of Marin County’s Sustainability Initiative, designed to save energy and protect the environment in various ways, from promoting alternative energy use, to green building to tips on green living. The Green Building Program includes residential green building guidelines and a rating system, incentives for green building initiatives and green building technical help.

[Read more →]

Moggit has got to be one of the most entertaining and hillarious design websites around. It takes a fun and refreshing angle on anything decor and design. My personal favourite feature is divaspeak. I won’t explain it but I’ll let the following pictures do just that

[Read more →]