Things to Consider Before Navigating the Commercial Real Estate Property

Searching for the commercial property for investment? Well, it’s quite challenging especially when you are new in the real estate business. Commercial properties generally speak of to those properties which are widely used for business motive such as hotels, pubs, hospitals, retail stores, etc.

While considering the property, you need to consider a couple of things such as the yield of that property, Market value, location, pitfalls, and benefits. This sometimes causes anxiety to buyers, but if you are an experienced one, so these tips are simply great to open the best opportunities for you in investment.

Hence, when it comes to investment in commercial Real estate property in Australia, you need to consider some factors in your mind, so you can earn the best returns in the future. 

Here are 7 tips we have rounded up that you will need to work on:

1. Choose the Right commercial property

It is the most important factor that you should ask yourself first is why you need the property and for what purpose? With your answer, you will know about what kind of property you need to search on. Properties are of two types in which one offers substantial depreciation, which proprietor can use to compensation taxable income. And the other one which offers Rental benefits, this usually purchased on cash returns. Once you are clear with the property type, then you can go for further strategic approach with Brisbane Office

2. Check the Market value of that property

Independent research is highly important while searching for commercial property. Always make sure you have checked the yield value of that property because you are investing only to get the best profits. If the historical market value was not worthy, so investing in that property is not a good idea. Choose the property which is yielding high profits in each passing year. With this, you have some confidence to strengthen profits for the future.

Ensure the scope of the marketability of that property too. It is vital to analyze that property offers the latest specifications along with the best interior design that naturally improves the cost of your building.

3. Leases

While considering properties on a lease, it is vital to check complete documentation to confirm how long the lease will go and if it is so what are the probabilities that property will go to re-leased. Here the tip is, you need to understand and read out all terms and conditions carefully while signing out for the property. Also, ensure the debt amount related to that area such as security mortgages has already taken by another person.

In case you are getting trouble in understanding documents, you can take the advice of the lawyer who can verify all the documents for you. With the help of a lawyer, you can easily avoid the shocking surprises for the future as well.

4. Conveniences

Having a property in a perfect location where market value is higher with the best art-infrastructure, sounds a piece of cake for you. And it is a good idea for investment that offers large numbers of facilities. The facilities may like car parking, retail facilities, space, sports arena, backup, electricity, etc. If you want to invest in the best, and then make sure you are investing in the property where you are getting maximum facilities.

5. Location

While checking out for the commercial property, location is highly important. In these criteria, first, you need to be clear that you are taking property for long term profits. While investing in commercial properties, it is always good to invest in high scope markets and rental income. Consider your local market and best commercial areas that offer you well-established facilities, warehouses, infrastructure and more.

6. Analyze the maintenance cost

The maintenance cost usually varies from place to place. Some tenants don’t describe these things to the buyer. So as and smart buyer, you will need to consider all the costs before buying the commercial property. Check out all costs briefly so you can calculate your cost that you can offer to your clients. You can also keep proof of all these documents, so in the future, you will not meet with surprises. You are investing your money so go wisely.

7. Tenant experience

If you are buying property from the tenant then you need to keep an eye on him and their services. Ensure the tenant has years of experience and has a clear reputation in the market. Also, ensure the complete value of that property for the last 10 years. With this, you will get a good idea to analyze the risk that you are taking for investing in a property.

Investing in commercial property in Australia has many odds. So, it is vital to check all the risks involved in the property and also the future risks that have chances to trouble you. If you are finding yourself safe after risks, then investing in that property can be a good option. Commercial properties do not include the benefits of home loan, so keep in mind everything and invest in the best.

Wrap Up

Before any paperwork even after consultation with the experienced tenant, you must do individual research based on market value, price, and risk. We would recommend you take the advice of a lawyer because he is the one who can give you a beneficial deal with all legal documentation. Moreover, you must follow the given tips while investing. Good Luck!

Top Benefits of Couch and Loveseat Covers

The use of sofa and loveseat covers adds a new look and feel to your living room furniture. It adds a new life to your living area as well. In fact, you will get these covers in premium quality cotton that is second to none. 

According to an article published on http://www.bbc.co.uk, your living room needs renovation with sofa cushions, throws, and of course covers that steal your guests’ attention. The most essential aspect is the choice of material. No matter what you choose, the type of sofa and loveseat covers will lay the foundation of the color scheme of your living room. There are many benefits of using couch and loveseat covers. Here are some of the top advantages of the same: 

The fresh look of your home

Many homeowners think that home decoration or buying new couch covers will cost them dearly. Wrong! You will find quality materials and even eco-friendly sofa covers at a price that you can afford. For example, if you consider buying a new sofa cover, it is way cheaper and affordable than buying a new chaise longue. You can render a fresh look and feel to your old couch or loveseat without creating a dent in your wallet. 

Using recyclable sofa covers will not only make your living room furniture last for a long time but also prevent the dumping of an old sofa in the landfills. This way, you can contribute to a greener environment. Couch and loveseat covers are easy to slip over your existing furniture upholstery for that perfect look and feel. 

Enhances your home interior design

You want to take your home interior design to the next level. Yes, it is possible. Did you know that you could use a couch cover or loveseat cover as part of your home décor? It would help in improving the design and color scheme of your living space. 

There are many homeowners, who use couch covers to give their living area a seasonal facelift. It is just like a few people buy new window curtains every summer and winter. Sofa covers are useful if you embellish or shift to a new house and need to match up your living room furniture with the new color scheme of your new house or apartment.

Practical use

Though you can use a sofa or loveseat covers for improving the aesthetics of your living room, slipcovers also serve many practical purposes. Couch covers make your furniture durable, protect these from wear and tear, and keep the sofa upholstery clean and spotless. Slipcovers are easily removable and machine washable effortlessly. You can protect your sofa and loveseats from stains, blemishes, and spills. It helps to keep your sofa color and shape intact without further damage. That is the reason why pet owners prefer a sofa and loveseat cover. Pets leave their body fur and muddy paw marks on your couch. When you have slipcovers, you can clean these marks and keep your furniture intact. Couch covers also make your living room furniture look new and fresh. 

Conclusion

Now that you know about the benefits of sofa and loveseat covers, you will feel motivated to use them to protect your living room furniture.

10 Things to Immediately Do Before Start Your Shutter Design

The first shutters were installed in the colonial Georgian period where most houses featured the federal-style architecture. It was not until the Victorian Era that the blinds and drapes took over, leading to the fall out of shutters. 

The colonial house designs re-emerged in the late 1800s, bringing back shutters. Early homes included solid-panel or board-and-batten shutters. These were used together with pricey yet fragile glass. Later on, builders started installing fixed-louver shutters which provided protection from external elements, maximized privacy, and enhanced the circulation of fresh air. 

Today, shutters are continuously decreasing in numbers across the globe. The only ones that remain now are inoperable. Despite this, functional shutters still provide a number of benefits. They block excess sunlight when closed, steer away prying eyes, insulate the house during winter, and protect against heavy rains and howling winds. 

Here are 10 things to do before starting your shutter design: 

1. Measure your window openings

The last thing you want is to fit shutters that are either too small or too big for your window openings. The right shutter size should fir the window opening entirely. A common sight that you’ll see on some ancient houses is a slender, tall shutter weirdly installed on a large picture window. A well-sized shutter should fold neatly between the window casings and leave some room for the perimeter.

2. Don’t install them backward

In case of louvered shutters, check to see which side should face the house and which side should face away from the house. The louvers are normally designed to direct water away from the house when closed. This will only happen if they are properly installed. When opened, louvers will have their edge pointing up. When closed, they’ll be pointed downward. Check to see if your vinyl shutters and molded right. If they are, ensure that they do not get installed facing the wrong orientation.

3. Have the right hardware

Shutters that are directly mounted to the house can collect debris and water. This could accelerate their wear and tear. Ensure that you have operable hardware that is of the right quality. Such hardware provides enough space between the house and the shutters for easy maintenance and air circulation.

4. Determine minimum offset

The offset of a shutter is determined by the distance between the hinges’ mounting plate and pivot point. A large offset will result in a larger swing or throw of the hinge. This is only required for windows that are highly recessed. Such windows can be found in brick facades. To determine the minimum offset that you’ll need, measure the distance between the deepest part of the window casing to the hinge mounting surface. 

5. Don’t let interference deter you

Sometimes, you may experience some interference from objects nearby as you try to install your shutters. This could result from a tight fit that won’t let the shutter fold flat. Don’t let this prevent you from fitting your shutter. Shutters that have been installed at the tightest of spots end up providing an appealing view. Where there’s less space for hinges, consider using bifold shutters. 

6. Consider the hardware material

The environment in which you live may determine how long your shutter hardware lasts. In the early days, hardware was made from cast iron or wrought iron. Iron is still used widely today with powder-coated steel occasionally taking its place. If your home is close to the ocean, consider using stainless steel or bronze. The best shutters & blinds in Brisbane only function well if the accompanying hardware is of the right material.

7. Choose the style of hinges

The most popular types of hinges used today are strap hinges. Their decorative spade and bean-shaped ends make them an ideal option for many homeowners installing shutters. Another type of hinge that is frequently used is the L-shaped hinge. These work well to reinforce the shutter corners. Either type can be fitted at the rear or front of the shutter. L-shaped and strap hinges fit a pintle. Unlike their earlier counterparts, modern pintles are not simply spikes that are hammered into the framing. They feature lag-screws or flat plates that can be fitted on the window casing or into the jamb. 

8. Choose the right shutter style

Your shutters must complement the architectural style of your house. There are typically three shutter styles that have been widely used across American homes. The first is the board and pattern style shutter. It’s a simple shutter design that is common in several historical buildings. Shutters here feature tightly-fitting boards that have no gaps. The second is the paneled shutter. This type provides the highest level of protection from elements and prying eyes. Hardware includes slide bolts, shutter fogs, and ring pulls. The last type is the louvered shutter. These are suitable for hotter climates and are great for air circulation. Some feature tilt rods that allow adjustment of the louvers.

9. Pick a shutter hold-open

Shutter hold opens are also referred to as dogs or tiebacks. They prevent the shutters from flapping and banging onto the window due to strong winds. They are available in different sizes and shapes and come built with different materials. Pick a shutter hold-open that matches the color and style of your window.

10. Let your shutters match your windows

Houses are built with different window styles. If your window features an archtop design, the accompanying shutters should align with this design. Choose shutters that are of the same shape and size as the window when opened and when closed.

Diet Plans – Nutrition Guide for Different Types of Sports

Almost all athletes need the same nutrition plan where they eat more protein for bigger and stronger muscles and carbohydrates for a supply of energy. However, there are some variations depending on the type of sport someone is undertaking.

Health and fitness experts have come up with different types of nutrition plans to suit a variety of sports. If you are wondering what is best for you, then this article is for you.

Footballer

With a need for speed and muscle gain, these athletes engage in detailed training. They have the goal of gaining more muscles, mobility and losing fat as well. Thus, they need a diet plan that will support this adequately. They need more protein dishes like meat, dairy products, and legumes. Carbohydrates are needed to supply enough energy for training while vitamins and minerals are needed in an adequate amount to support other body functions.

Runner

Running is an endurance sport that requires a lot of energy. A runner will be burning energy constantly as long as they are on the track. Some of them run for many hours a week and they need enough carbohydrates to support this. They also need minerals like potassium and calcium in abundance to support their metabolism and increase bone density for support. Protein can be eaten at average levels to support cell recovery rather than muscle growth.

Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders who are in it as a career participates in numerous tournaments and their dream is to win each one of them. Their goal is to have bigger muscles and lose as much body fat as possible. Thus, their carb intake should be relatively low, but they should never be omitted. What they eat in large amounts is protein both for muscle gain and repair. Many of them also tend to take supplements, and they use websites like steroids-evolution.net as their source.

Volleyball Players

Volleyball is a game of hands, and the players need strong arms, shoulders, and hips with a lot of mobility. These players are highly engaged in gym exercises like bench presses, rowing, and gym ball workouts, among many others. They need both carbs and protein in a balanced way. Thus, their main diet will be whole grains, meat products, and dairy products. Both vitamins and minerals are also needed to support other body functions. This makes vegetables and fruits an important part of the diet.

Swimmer

Many people enjoy swimming for leisure, but there are many who do it as a sport. They are always in the water practicing, and this requires a supportive diet plan. Swimming engages the entire body, and it is considered as an excellent cardio workout. For full-time swimmers, energy is key. Thus, whole grains, pasta, and rice should appear in your diet plan at all times. For stronger muscles, protein-rich foods should be included as well.

Final Word

As you can see, the nutrition plans are almost the same in all sports, but with small variations. The key players in the diet are carbs for energy and protein for stronger muscles. All athletes need to stay hydrated well by drinking enough water throughout the day. Other beverages like fresh fruit juices and shakes supply nutrients to the body, too.

Functional Medicine Helps People Be And Feel Their Best

There’s a time when we have to undergo several medical tests! It might include everything from the X-rays, blood tests to various diagnostic tests. And when it comes to the outcome, you might find that every medical examination is routine. And yet, your body doesn’t feel the same.

You feel that your mind and body is suffering from something! Such a situation is not uncommon in any way. Do you resonate with this? And are you also wondering the reason for the same? It is because modern-day healthcare has focused long on treating chronic ailments such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. However, today, it is considering treating other conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and heart ailments.  It is here that functional medicine has a huge role to play.

Understanding functional medicine

Simply put, functional medicine is an entirely new way of addressing and treating health conditions. It resorts to a very different method for managing and averting complex ailments. It helps to treat the whole human body, instead of suppressing just a few symptoms. The functional medicine addresses the cause and not the sign. And these causes can stem from multiple aspects of life. To know more about this, you can check out Active Edge Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Columbus.

How does functional medicine work?

The expert functional medicine doctors devote time to their patients! They discuss not just medical symptoms that a patient witness, but also the other patterns, diet choices, exercise habits, traumas, toxin exposure as well as lifestyle patterns. After this, they try and address the root causes of the ailments. It comprises of looking as factors that can affect the patient’s body functions. These include the following:

1.     The genetic make-up

Here the lifestyle choice of the patient is essential. The functional medicine doctor analyses the stress levels, activity, and diet chart.

2.     Environmental impacts

It mostly includes the toxin exposure that one witnesses. It is essential to tap into the root cause of all diseases. Functional medicine acts as the map to detect what caused an infection. A single ailment can result from one or more imbalances in the body and mind. Functional medicine doctors consider the essential role of the mind in both creating and healing the physical ailment. It applies to problems like excess weight gain, digestive issues, inflammation, and many more. Environmental toxins can lead to such issues.

Reasons to opt-in for functional medicine

If you have visited a doctor and felt no better, it’s better to try out functional medicine. Patients suffering from various physical discomforts benefit from functional medicine. It includes the following:

  • Cardio-metabolic conditions, which provide for heart ailments, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
  • Digestive issues such as chronic pancreatitis, ulcers, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and many more.
  • Psychiatric and neurological conditions like migraine headaches, attention deficit disorders, and depression.
  • Skin disorders like eczema, acne and psoriasis.
  • Autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, lumps and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Hormonal issues like menopause, chronic fatigue, and thyroid conditions.

Once you address what created the physical condition with the functional medicine approach, the cure is easy! It is the reason why most people find their best health and wellness with this treatment modality. To learn more please visit https://columbuschiropractors.com/

 

 

 

Best Health Food Blogs to Follow

Healthy food is one of the most important things that should be on your list of daily routines.  Healthy Food makes it easy and enjoyable to eat well and feel great. Healthy living is all about a holistic and balanced approach. Get all necessary information from the blogs we chose you should follow for the best advice to help you live your best life.

1. Food and Health

Food and health are closely related. It’s very important to make healthy choices when we eat every day. All we eat today may come in handy in the future. Making balanced meals not only contributes to the body’s well-being but also helps to ward off diseases and medicines, making the best of everyday life.

2. DIY Home & Garden

DIY Home & Garden started in 2016 and they’ve been growing ever since! They have a local American feel with an international audience. While 80% of their readers are American, they now enjoy traffic from over 90 nations. They adore cooking and baking, and consider home-cooking DIY. They often share original recipes as well as family favorites. There are very few restaurants in the very rural area of North Carolina that they call home, so they cook at home more often than not. In this article, you can read about Recipe for  Chocolate Protein Booster.

3. The Veggie Table

The Veggie Table is a site for vegetarians as well as anyone interested in healthy eating, animal rights, and the environment.

4. Family Focus Blog

Family Focus Blog is a resource for all things family-related from parenting tips to green living tips to family travel. Nashville mom, Scarlet Paolicchi, founded the blog in 2009 and she enjoys offering resources for better family living. She is also the author of three books and very active on social media @familyfocusblog.
On Family Focus Blog you can find great and healthy food ideas, healthy food products, and healthy recipes that kids and the whole family will love!

Bon appétit!

 

Top EcoTourism Destination Around the Globe

With ecotourism on the rise, more and more locations around the world are adopting the principles behind this environmental movement.

With ecotourism on the rise, I did a little research to find the top destinations around the world for an all-out eco-vacation. Each of these places offers visitors something uniquely different. So, consider these locales for your next environmentally friendly getaway.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has made a name for itself in the ecotourism world due to its well-protected natural beauty. It offers coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, not to mention it is nearly one-fourth rainforest. One of the main draws of this incredible natural location is the chance to see volcanoes up close and personal, aside from the many low-impact hotels and resorts.

Norway

Norway is well known for its sustainable living practices, especially in the Fjords. Fjord, Norway is one of the four pilot destinations of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, possibly due to the government’s strict regulations on fishing, hunting, and even drilling for oil.

Australia

Australia is home to some of the most diverse species of flora and fauna that are yet to be grown or encountered in Europe and the Americas.

Australia is one of the most popular choices for summer vacation, visiting alpine villages like Thredbo, pristine beaches, cycling, routes, hiking or even mountain biking.

Galapagos Islands

Home to some of the most diverse and distinct species of fauna in the world, the country’s Directorate of the Galapagos National Park implements a strict visitor management system to ensure the natural area remains protected. With a heavy focus on sustainable tourism, this eco-destination is easily one of the most awe-inspiring locations to travel to.

Palau

This island nation in the Western Pacific is part of Micronesia and offers more aquatic sights than it does ones on land. Coral reefs are home to hundreds of species of fish, which makes them perfect for snorkeling and diving. The Palau Project, a part of Blue Planet United, brings in university students to learn about the island and aspects of ecotourism.

Kenya

On land, the country does offer untouched shorelines and forests filled with diverse plants and animals. The country recognizes its natural beauty and strives to preserve it at all costs.

Portugal

Ecotourism in Portugal is beginning to take hold in this beautiful land. Many places are overbuilt, but some of Portugal’s coastal areas have been recognized as protected landscapes. Their areas include the resorts of Esposende, Sintra and Cascais and southeast Alentejo, near Cabo de São Vicente.

Other areas, especially in the interior are being preserved and set aside for future generations to enjoy.

If I were headed anywhere in the world, these ecotourism destinations would be the top spots on my list. What unique and environmentally friendly places have you visited in your travels? Did I miss any wonderful locations that should have been on this list?

Cuba

Cuba has become a regional model for all other Caribbean islands with regards to sustainable economic development. The small (yet quickly growing) ecotourism industry is helping to stimulate investment and create jobs and wealth for the local community. What’s more, these important steps are helping to preserve the coral reefs and big fish that make Cuba such a special destination. The best Cuban educational tour providers offer immersive socio-cultural experiences so you can meet members of the local community, visit their community projects, and contribute in meaningful ways.

The Importance of Credit and How it Impacts Your Personal Financial Status

Often people consider loans and credits as bad elements that can damage financial health, but in reality, it is just the opposite. Ask any financial expert, and they will tell you how good credits are because it empowers you financially. You can build a strong financial base with credits provided you know the right ways of doing it. Most people who despise credit are the ones who fail to manage debts and look upon it as something damaging. Like chain saws are highly efficient cutting tools which can also cause enormous damage if not used correctlycredits too can do a lot of financial good with obvious damages happening from poor credit management.

 

Credits help to improve your lifestyle to enjoy a better life as you can acquire high-value items like house and car by taking a loan and buy other high-value items by using credit cards.  Fulfilling big-ticket wishes instantly is only possible by availing credits and loans. And to get quick access to credit, you must work towards maintaining a good track record of your credits by making timely payments. This is the fundamental learning from any credit education.

 

To make credit cards work for you, it requires a proper understanding of how credit works and how to keep debts under control. You must also learn the differences between credit report and credit score and why these are so important for you. Besides, you must also understand what the credit scoring factors are and how you can maintain a good credit score that gives more access to credit. Let us begin by discussing the basics of credit.

 

Credit – what is it?

In plain words, borrowed money is credit regardless of the manner of borrowing by availing loans or using credit cards, which are the two main types of credits. Also, there are many other types of credits, like using credit lines against open accounts. Although the credits operate in different ways, in the end, it is all borrowed money.

Installment loans like home loans, car loans, and student loans are the most common types of credit in which the loaned money is meant for a specific use. Such loans are payable in monthly installments.

Credit cards are typical examples of revolving credit that entails preserving the credit line after paying it back.  You can avail credit as long as there is some balance in the credit limit. The credit limit can change from time to time, depending on the credit performance of the cardholder and his or her income and credit history. Dependable creditors enjoy a higher credit limit.

 

Easy money with credit cards

Credit cards provided quick access to money that you intend to use from the approved credit limit of the card. Credit cards are open lines of credit that allow you to access funds by paying some fees and charges depending on the types of transactions. From annual fees to transaction fees and from balance transfer fees, late payment fees, over-credit limit fees, and return item fees, various cards charge various fees.  

Paying credit card bills within the due date without carrying over balance does not attract any interest which is chargeable on balance carried forward to the next billing period. Interest rates on credit cards vary according to the type of transaction like cash advances, purchases, etc.

 

Credit reports and FICO score

Across the United States, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion are the major consumer reporting agencies that compile your credit report and generate the credit score that numerically represents your credit history. By using the credit score lenders determine the creditworthiness or reliability of borrowers.

Credit reports form the basis of generating FICO credit score by using Fair Isaac’s formula, which computes the score on a scale of 300 to 850, representing the lowest and highest marks respectively. Higher credit score enables you to get lower interest on loans with easy approvals, and lower is the credit score higher is the interest, and the chances of acquiring the loan are low. However, consumer reporting agencies do not disclose the method of calculating the credit score. The credit scores can vary between the agencies because they may have different data sets of individuals.

Your credit report for the last seven years captures your payment history that includes timely and late payments as well as missed payments. It also reflects all present and past credits. The credit score takes into account the types of credits you experience, and it is better to have exposure to both installment loans and revolving credit by using credit cards.

 

Good credit and bad credit

Good credit indicates that the borrower is dependable because he or she makes timely payments for all credit accounts until full payment of the balance. It means that the person is dependable and takes responsibility for settling the credits in a disciplined manner.  Therefore, lenders would not hesitate to approve loans to the person with a good credit score and even charge lower interest than those with not so good credit score.

In addition to lenders, employers also use credit report and credit score to evaluate prospective employees. Landlords may also refer to your credit score to decide your eligibility as a tenant. Insurance companies might also refer to a credit score when processing many types of insurance, like car insurance and homeowner’s insurance. Sometimes, student loan eligibility also depends on credit score.

Bad credit score can make it difficult to secure new credits and even escalate interest rates.

Read this article to learn more about buying a condo with bad credit.

 

Tips for maintaining good credits

Timely payment of bills and maintaining a low balance on credit cards are the best ways of improving credit score. Credit inquiries dent your credit score, and it is best to avoid too many inquiries in a short time. Stay alert about identity theft by monitoring your credit report and credit score at least once a year by obtaining your free credit report to identify any mistakes and arrange for its correction.

Keeping your financial records in order and maintaining a close watch on your financial transactions should help to avoid falling victim to scams and fraud.

Winning Eco-Solutions for Our Homes

Globally, builders, developers, and professional remodelers of family homes are offering more green options than ever before.

Interestingly, the start of this growth can be traced back a decade, to 2009, when the global recession in the residential construction market was at a very low ebb. One conceivable explanation researchers have found is that builders started to use the advantages of green building to attract buyers at a time when the market was exceptionally sluggish.

According to a SmartMarket report by the Massachusetts-based McGraw Hill Construction company, that discusses the growth of green multi- and single-family homes in a “recovering market,” the three primary triggers were:

  1. Continued increases in energy costs.
  2. Changes in code ordinances and building regulations including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Code Council (ICC) 700 National Green Building Standard which is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
  3. Increasing availability and affordability of “green” products.

Additionally, various government and utility incentives placed an important role too. Unfortunately, many of these have been, or are being, phased out.

Statistics provided in the report show a phenomenal increase in green building projects. While builders that undertake very few (less than 16%) single-family home projects decreased progressively from 63% in 2011, 38% in 2013, 23% in 2015, to an anticipated 16% in 2018, those boasting that more than 90% of their projects were green rose from 12% in 2011 to 19% in 2013, 24% in 2015, to a projected 38% in 2018. The figures were similar for multi-family projects: from 69% in 2011, 46% two years later, to a consistent 21% from 2015-2018. Not as many boasted that more than 90% of their projects were green though a similar trend is evident. While there were only 6% in 2011 and 2013, this increased to 9% in 2015 and was expected to double to 18% in 2018.

Similarly, those firms undertaking remodeling projects, of which at least 90% of which were green increased from 7% in 2011 to 25% in 2018. Those admitting that less than 16% of their remodeling projects were green decreased from 70% in 2011 to 21% in 2018.

So what do builders and remodelers do to make homes green?

Eco-Solutions for Family Homes

Around 95% of builders and remodelers regard energy-efficiency as the most important element of green homes. Other important green practices that provide eco-friendly solutions include:

  • Durability of materials
  • Water efficiency that incorporates more water conservation products and practices
  • The use of materials that emit low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Improved quality of indoor air
  • Management and reduction of construction waste and a focus on material conservation and recycling
  • Eco-friendly site planning and development with a focus on environmental sensitivity

The motivation for opting for eco-solutions varies, with the promise of long-term utility cost savings remaining the most powerful argument for going green. Operating efficiency is also a priority, followed by a belief that quality construction, along with durability and the need for reduced maintenance, is associated with so-called green features. Homeowners also consider high performance and sustainability important and, to a lesser extent, the fact that an eco-friendly home will have a reduced environmental impact.

Professionals play an important role in terms of identifying which green products, practices, and features are best for purpose and location. This includes builders, architects, and those providing engineering solutions in Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Moscow, or whichever city you live in or are near to.

Green Products, Practices, and Features

There are so many ways to ensure that our homes are eco-friendly. These are some of the winning solutions for new homes and renovations:

  • Ensure your house is energy-efficient in every possible way
    Switch to high-efficiency water heater and heating, air-conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems that are correctly sized and properly installed. Make sure all lighting and appliances are energy efficient. Insulation should exceed code minimums and windows should exceed code-mandated performance. Opt for above-code energy programs and passive solar design.
  • Do everything possible to conserve materials and resources
    While there are different priorities for new homes versus those being renovated, there is definite value in using more durable materials as well as recycled products or materials that are easily recycled. This is particularly true for homes that are being remodeled. The use of prefabricated components and engineered wood is gaining significant attention and interest as is the use of lumber that is certified to have been sustainably harvested.
  • Put systems in place that will enable you to conserve water
    The ability to conserve water comes from installing appliances and fixtures that are designed for this purpose. Efficient plumbing techniques also help a great deal. Look for WaterSense labels and harvest rainwater if you can.
  • Aim for the very best indoor environmental quality possible
    There are many products and practices that will improve the indoor environmental quality of your home from filtration and air-cleaning systems and low-VOC materials (including paint, synthetic fibers, wood finishing products, and cabinetry that contains formaldehyde) to systems that increase moisture control and ventilation. A company that offers mechanical engineering services in Chicago or wherever you live will be able to assist with the latter.

There is little doubt that the challenges of finding appropriate eco-solutions for your home will be easier if you work with a professional, there is certainly a lot that each and every one of us can do ourselves. It simply requires commitment.

About the author

Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of New York Engineers, an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of 30+ mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City, and has led more than 1,000 projects in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. He is passionate about sustainability and renewable energy.

CBD for Acne: Can CBD Products Actually Help Treat your Acne?

If your acne causes you unbearable discomfort and lowers down your self-esteem already, you should get a natural treatment that can minimize its appearance and prevent its breakout. Avoid throwing your money on those topical creams and oral antibiotics because they may only cause side-effects and worsen your acne problem.

Do you want to know what people are using now to get rid of their acne? Cannabidiol (CBD). Yes, it’s all the rage nowadays. But is CBD really good as an acne treatment? Well, here’s a blog post to answer that question.

What Causes Acne?

The body’s sebaceous glands release sebum to shield our skin from damaging external elements. However, if there’s an overproduction of sebum, it may cause your skin to catch dirt, dust, and other pollutants easily. This mixing of contaminants on your skin can clog your pores, which, in turn, result in the breakout of acne.

Aside from the overproduction of sebum, hormonal changes and genetics may also do their part in causing an acne breakout. An unhealthy diet, stress, and other factors may also increase your chances of getting acne and worsening it.

Cannabidiol (CBD) to Eliminate Acne

You can find studies suggesting that CBD is an effective treatment for acne and other skin diseases. As a hemp plant extract, cannabidiol is abundant with anti-inflammatory properties that can treat pimple wounds and prevent the outbreak of acne. It can also maintain the normal production of sebum in the body.

A study has pointed out that CBD keeps sebocytes in check from releasing too much sebum. This is promising because what causes acne in the first place is the abnormal production of sebum.

Moreover, researchers found that cannabidiol facilitates anti-inflammatory reactions in the cells and prevents peptides and cytokines from activating. When cytokines and peptides activated, they may cause pimples on your skin.

CBD also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can treat infections caused by pollutants. So, if you already have acne, you can apply CBD products like CBD oil or topical cream on the affected area to prevent it from getting worse.

However, you mustn’t expect that all people will get the skincare benefits of CBD. The positive effects on the skin when you use CBD may vary from one person to another.

How Should I Use CBD to Treat My Acne?

Now, do you want to try using CBD oil to eliminate acne? Well, use it along with a carrier oil and apply it on the affected area of the skin. Choose a carrier oil that’s best for your skin to get the most satisfying results. You can try coconut oil, argan oil, or olive oil for that purpose.

There are also CBD products that you can take orally. No matter what form, CBD will have its anti-inflammatory properties. But if you want to get the best results, I recommend CBD products that you can apply directly on your skin, such as CBD oil and topical creams. Here is a review on CBD oil options you can explore.

You should always check the ingredients of the CBD products you’re buying. Fake products are circulating in the market today that contain harmful components and with little or no CBD. For a guarantee, you must buy CBD products from trusted manufacturers.

Takeaway

Yes, cannabidiol can be an effective remedy for your acne problem. CBD helps regulate the production of sebum, and it’s rich in anti-inflammatory properties that heal pimple wounds and prevent acne breakout. However, before you use CBD to treat your acne, you must ensure that it comes from a trusted manufacturer and doesn’t have harmful ingredients.