Water-Saving Tips for Your Lawn and Garden
Water-Saving Tips for Your Lawn and Garden
In the summer months, municipal water use doubles. This is the season when Canadians are outdoors watering lawns and gardens, filling swimming pools and washing cars. Summer peak demand places stress on municipal water systems and increases costs for tax payers and water users. As water supplies diminish during periods of low rainfall, some municipalities must declare restrictions on lawn and garden watering. By applying some handy tips, your lawn and garden can cope with drought conditions and you can minimize water wastage.
General Tips
Much of the summer peak demand is attributed to lawn and garden watering. Often water is applied inefficiently, resulting in significant wastage due to over watering, evaporation or run-off. Here are some general watering tips to help avoid wastage:
Before watering, always take into account the amount of water Mother Nature has supplied to your lawn or garden in the preceding week. Leave a measuring container in the yard to help you monitor the amount of rainfall (empty it once per week) and follow the tips below to help determine how much water to add. Also bear in mind any watering restrictions that may apply in your municipality.
Water in the early morning, before 9 a.m., to reduce evaporation and scorching of leaves from the sun. Water on calm days to prevent wind drift and evaporation.
Set up your sprinkler or hose to avoid watering hard surfaces such as driveways and patios. If you’re not careful, it’s water and money down the drain.
Water slowly to avoid run-off and to ensure the soil absorbs the water.
Regularly check your hose or irrigation equipment for leaks or blockages.
Collect rainwater from your roof in a rain barrel or other large container and keep it covered with an insect screen. Direct the down spout of your eavestroughs into the rain barrel.
Choose an efficient irrigation system. A soaker hose placed at the base of plants on the ground applies water to the soil where it is needed — rather than to the leaves — and reduces evaporation (see Figure 1). Drip or trickle irrigation systems are highly efficient because they deliver water slowly and directly to the roots under the soil surface. This promotes deeper roots, which improve a plant’s drought resiliency. If you use a sprinkler, choose one with a timer and that sprays close to the ground.
Figure 1: Soaker hoses have tiny pores that emit water slowly and directly to the soil. Place them at the base of plants on the ground.
Tips for Your Lawn
Established lawns1 generally require about 2.5 cm (1 in.) of water per week to thrive.2 If Mother Nature is providing this amount of rainfall, your lawn will thrive without supplemental watering. When rainfall does not provide adequate moisture, your grass may start to turn brown. This does not mean it is dead — it’s simply dormant. An established lawn will recover and resume its green appearance shortly after sufficient rainfall returns.
Apply these tips to save water and money without compromising the health of your lawn:
Apply about 2.5 cm (1 in.) of water not more than once per week and skip a week after a good rain. The correct amount can be estimated by placing an empty tuna can on your lawn as you apply water evenly across the surface. When the water level reaches the top of the can, you’ve applied about 2.5 cm (1 in.) of water which is all your lawn needs. You can time how long it takes to reach this level, then set the timer on your sprinkler.
Water thoroughly. Deep watering at this rate is better than frequent, shallow watering because it encourages deep roots.
Don’t water your lawn excessively. When it’s waterlogged, it may turn yellow and develop fungus and diseases. Oxygen and mineral uptake may be restricted on heavy clay soils. Too much watering can also lead to thatch and fertilizer leaching.
Check with your municipality to see if watering restrictions are in effect.
Avoid mowing and unnecessary traffic on your lawn when the lawn is dry or dormant.
Don’t cut your lawn too short. Set the blade on your lawn mower to cut no lower than 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 in.) so that the roots are shaded and better able to hold water.
Aerate your lawn once a year in the early spring or fall to improve water penetration. Afterwards, top-dress by applying a thin layer (max. 15 mm — 0.6 in.) of organic material and rake to distribute evenly. You can overseed after this to help thicken the lawn.
A thick, vigorous lawn is the best prevention against weed invasions and can better withstand heat and dryness. A healthy lawn needs nutrients, such as nitrogen. Application rates, sources and timing will depend on many factors including soil type. As a rule, a healthy lawn with good soil needs about ½ kg (1 lb.) of nitrogen per 100 sq. m. (1,075 sq. ft.) of lawn area every year. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nitrogen to the lawn, and reduce moisture loss.
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1 Newly seeded or sodded lawns have greater water demands.
2 Actual water requirements depend on individual conditions, such as soil type.
Tips for Trees, Shrubs and Flower Gardens
Here are some water-saving tips for trees, shrubs and flower gardens:
Direct water to the root system. In the case of trees and shrubs, the roots that take up the most water are generally located within the top 30 cm (12 in.) of the soil and near and even beyond the drip line. This is the area directly below the outer tips of the branches.
Plants have different watering requirements at various stages of their growth. Keep soil moist in the first growing season. One rule of thumb is to water trees with a one-hour trickle using a soaker hose at least once per week, barring a good rainfall and more frequently during hot weather. Taper off watering in the fall. In the second growing season, water twice per month in late spring and summer. Once established, trees that are well-selected should require little or no watering other than that provided by rainfall, but ensure they get adequate watering during periods of low rainfall or drought. Actual water needs depend on factors like soil type and species.
Water perennials and vines well in the first growing season after planting. One rule of thumb is to water with a one-hour trickle at least once per week using a soaker hose for the first three weeks, barring a good rainfall, and subsequently during hot dry weather. Afterwards, perennials selected to match site conditions should need little or no supplemental watering. If you notice wilting or browning on your perennials, water to a depth of 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.) to help restore the plant’s turgidity and vigour.
Apply a layer of mulch about 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in.) deep over the soil surface of the garden to retain moisture, moderate soil temperature, control erosion and suppress weeds. Wood chips, bark and crushed rock are just a few of the materials that can be used as mulch.
Use a soaker hose placed at the base of plants, rather than using a sprinkler. This will help to apply water to the soil and roots — rather than the leaves — and reduce evaporation.
Grass under your tree competes with the tree’s roots for water. Remove the lawn and apply mulch instead which helps to retain water.
Designing a Water-Efficient Garden
You can create a lush, colourful garden, like the one in Figure 2, that requires little maintenance or water by applying the seven principles of xeriscaping — an approach to designing landscapes so that their water requirements correspond to local climatic conditions. While these are sound principals for any garden, they are particularly useful if you live in a region with low rainfall or that experiences water shortages.
Figure 2: Xeriscape design
Sketch your lot including property lines, buildings, driveways and features that will remain. Add trees, shrub and flower beds, lawn areas, patios, decks, etc. (see Figure 3). Consider the specific conditions of your yard, taking into account that water requirements will differ in shady versus sunny spots, and slopes versus flat areas or depressions. Moisture availability for your plants will also differ according to your soil type. Sandy soils drain water whereas clay soils hold water. Some places, such as narrow side yards, may be hard to water.
Shrubs and perennials should be grouped together in mulched beds. Trees should also be clustered in mulched beds rather than isolating individual specimens in lawn areas. This will help to reduce moisture loss and competition.
First, find out what type of soil you have and improve its water retention capabilities accordingly, for example, by adding compost or other organic materials.
Avoid many small or narrow lawn areas in favour of a consolidated lawn, to make them easier and more efficient to water. For primarily visual areas, consider water-efficient ground covers, perennials or shrubs. For foot-traffic routes or narrow spots, such as side yards, a permeable inert surface such as wood chips or natural stone requires no water.
Consult your local garden centre or the references at the end of this article to find plant lists. Know your site including its soil types. In shady areas, use shade-tolerant species or consider a woodland shade garden. In sunny spots, use drought tolerant, sun-loving species or consider a wildflower meadow. Drought tolerant species should be used on rapidly-draining slopes (avoid turf grass), but you can consider moisture-loving plants in depressions or low spots. For a water-saving lawn, choose a species best suited to rainfall levels in your region. Low-maintenance lawn seed mixes are commercially available. Check your local seed companies or garden centre.
Follow the tips listed in the previous sections.
Figure 3: Sample xeriscape with meadow and low-maintenance lawn
Other Outdoor Activities
Lawn and garden watering is not the only outdoor activity contributing to summer peak demand. You can lower your water bill and relieve the burden on municipal water supplies by doing the following:
Use a broom instead of water to remove debris from paved surfaces such as driveways.
Use a bucket and sponge to wash and rinse your car, instead of a hose.
Cover swimming pools when they are not in use to reduce evaporation.
John Carle RE/MAX Real Estate Edmonton 102 12650 151 Ave Edmonton, AB T5X 0A1 John@Knock-Knock.ca http://www.knock-knock.ca 780-937-7534 / 780-701-9090
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Home Page > Finance > The Value Of Real Estate
The Value Of Real Estate
Posted: Sep 26, 2010 |
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What is real estate value? It isn’t what you have into your house. It isn’t what you feel it is worth. It is what the market will pay. How do you figure out what the market will pay? For single family homes, the best way is by seeing what similar homes have sold for.
Figuring replacement cost isn’t very useful. It’s difficult to say what land is worth in a city center where none is left for sale, for example, and tough to gauge depreciation of the home itself. Valuation from replacement cost is used as a secondary method, and for unique homes that can’t be compared easily with others. However, the primary method of real estate appraisal used for homes is a market analysis using comparable sales.
Real Estate Value 101
First find at least three similar homes in the same area that have sold within the last year, and preferably within the last six months. You can find this information is in county records (sometimes online now), or from a real estate agent with access to the multiple listing service. Make sure you have the basic sales information: sales price, terms of sale, description of the property, etc.
Here is how you use this information to find real estate value. Write down the selling price of your first comparable. Review the description item by item, adding to the sales price of the comparable for each thing it doesn’t have that your subject home has, and subtracting for each thing it has that your subject home doesn’t have.
This sounds confusing, but it will make sense once you try it a couple times. For example, if your subject home has a second bathroom, and the a comparable doesn’t, you add the value of the bathroom to the sales price of the comparable. If a comparable home has a blacktop driveway, and the subject home doesn’t, you take the value away.
What you are doing is rectifying differences, to see what the comparable home WOULD have sold for if it was just like yours. Suppose a comparable sold for 0,000, with one less bathroom than your subject home, and a bathroom is worth ,000 in your area (ask a real estate agent for help with these figures). You ADD ,000 for the bathroom it doesn’t have. You subtract, say ,000, for the paved driveway it does have, that your home doesn’t have. 0,000 plus ,000, minus ,000 gives you a comparable sales price of 1,000.
Do this with all differences between the subject home and each comparable. Once done, average the three comparable prices. If, for example, the three comparables now have adjusted sales prices of 1,000, 162,000, and 149,000, add the three figures and divide by three. The indicated value of the home is 4,000.
All appraisal is an inexact science. You might only find comparables sold over a year ago, and have to estimate appreciation in the area. If a comparable sold with seller financing, you have to decide how much this affected the price. Still, for all of it’s flaws, for single family homes this is the most accurate method for finding true real estate value.
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Home Page > Finance > Real Estate > Real Estate Value
Real Estate Value
Posted: Oct 06, 2010 |Comments: 0
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Real Estate Value
By: Kate O’Toole
About the Author
Ms. O’Toole has an extensive 20 year career in many aspects of real estate. She has been a property manager, loan originator, real estate broker, investor, and wholesaler. Please go to the link below to contact Kate for more advice or to comment on the article, would love your feedback and discussion.
http://www.wholesaledealsco.com/
(ArticlesBase SC #3416838)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Real Estate Value
What is real estate value? It isn’t what you have into your house. It isn’t what you feel it is worth. It is what the market will pay. How do you figure out what the market will pay? For single family homes, the best way is by seeing what similar homes have sold for.
Figuring replacement cost isn’t very useful. It’s difficult to say what land is worth in a city center where none is left for sale, for example, and tough to gauge depreciation of the home itself. Valuation from replacement cost is used as a secondary method, and for unique homes that can’t be compared easily with others. However, the primary method of real estate appraisal used for homes is a market analysis using comparable sales.
<b>Real Estate Value 101</b>
First find at least three similar homes in the same area that have sold within the last year, and preferably within the last six months. You can find this information is in county records (sometimes online now), or from a real estate agent with access to the multiple listing service. Make sure you have the basic sales information: sales price, terms of sale, description of the property, etc.
Here is how you use this information to find real estate value. Write down the selling price of your first comparable. Review the description item by item, adding to the sales price of the comparable for each thing it doesn’t have that your subject home has, and subtracting for each thing it has that your subject home doesn’t have.
This sounds confusing, but it will make sense once you try it a couple times. For example, if your subject home has a second bathroom, and the a comparable doesn’t, you add the value of the bathroom to the sales price of the comparable. If a comparable home has a blacktop driveway, and the subject home doesn’t, you take the value away.
What you are doing is rectifying differences, to see what the comparable home WOULD have sold for if it was just like yours. Suppose a comparable sold for 0,000, with one less bathroom than your subject home, and a bathroom is worth ,000 in your area (ask a real estate agent for help with these figures). You ADD ,000 for the bathroom it doesn’t have. You subtract, say ,000, for the paved driveway it does have, that your home doesn’t have. 0,000 plus ,000, minus ,000 gives you a comparable sales price of 1,000.
Do this with all differences between the subject home and each comparable. Once done, average the three comparable prices. If, for example, the three comparables now have adjusted sales prices of 1,000, 162,000, and 149,000, add the three figures and divide by three. The indicated value of the home is 4,000.
All appraisal is an inexact science. You might only find comparables sold over a year ago, and have to estimate appreciation in the area. If a comparable sold with seller financing, you have to decide how much this affected the price. Still, for all of it’s flaws, for single family homes this is the most accurate method for finding true real estate value.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/real-estate-value-3416838.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #3416838)
Kate O’Toole -
About the Author:
Ms. O’Toole has an extensive 20 year career in many aspects of real estate. She has been a property manager, loan originator, real estate broker, investor, and wholesaler. Please go to the link below to contact Kate for more advice or to comment on the article, would love your feedback and discussion.
http://www.wholesaledealsco.com/
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Ms. O’Toole has an extensive 20 year career in many aspects of real estate. She has been a property manager, loan originator, real estate broker, investor, and wholesaler. Please go to the link below to contact Kate for more advice or to comment on the article, would love your feedback and discussion.
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Categories: Driveway Paving Cost Estimate Tags: Estate, real, Value
Ten Tips For A Speedy Sale Of Your Property
Ten Tips For A Speedy Sale Of Your Property
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Home Page > Finance > Real Estate > Ten Tips For A Speedy Sale Of Your Property
Ten Tips For A Speedy Sale Of Your Property
Posted: Mar 24, 2008 |Comments: 0
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Ten Tips For A Speedy Sale Of Your Property
By: Thomas Pretty
About the Author
Real estate expert Thomas Pretty looks at way to make your property for sale more appealing to buyers, increasing the speed of sale and price you may receive.
(ArticlesBase SC #367917)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Ten Tips For A Speedy Sale Of Your Property
When putting your property up for sale there are certain strategies that you can employ to reduce the time your house spends on the market and improve the price you may receive at time of sale. The biggest mistake most property sellers make is not understanding the prices that houses in their area sell for. Having a keen understanding of the local property market is vital in achieving a decent price when it finally comes to making a sale.
What must be understood is that the value of your property is not determined buy you, it is not how well you think your house performs as a family home or any improvements you have made. Ultimately the value of your home if defined by the buyers, for those are the people with the money, and their willingness to spend their money should be your main concern. Things that you may think are great selling points may actually harm the sale of your property. Try and put yourself in the mindset of the buyer; if you can appeal to them a sale may be more forthcoming. Here are ten helpful tips to selling your home.
1. Understand the market.
As previously stated it is imperative that you should have an understanding of the property market in your area. Look at the values that similar properties have sold for as this can be used as a rough guide to achieving an estimate of the price you will receive. It may even be worth getting the literature on those houses to show buyers that the price of your property is in line with current market estimates.
2. Make a decision on the minimum price.
After you have seen the property for sale in your local area, work out a figure that will be the minimum you can take. Tell your estate agent this figure but make sure they understand that offers should come in above this figure as negotiation is key to receiving the right price.
3. Get the aesthetics right.
Your first action to make the property more eligible for sale is to focus on the outside, giving the door a fresh lick of paint and ensuring the gardens are well kept is a great way of hooking buyers before they have even entered the property. This work should be carried on inside, making sure you show off the space in your home will make your house more appealing for buyers.
4. Spruce up the neighbourhood.
If a neighbour’s garden is quite messy and there is litter on the streets it can be worth paying local kids for litter picking services and even some gardening. It may make you unpopular with some neighbours but you are moving so it should not be a great concern, after all pursuing a sale should be your strongest consideration.
5. If things look bleak, change tact.
If the strategies you are pursuing for a sale are not working, do not be afraid of trying something different. Increasing the advertising and lowering the price are both ways of doing this.
6. Listen to buyers.
Listen to what the buyers are saying about your property as they look around. Do not take their comments as criticism but instead as advice on how you should improve your home. If they say you bathroom is too dark, make it lighter. The sale depends upon the buyers liking your property.
7. Look at the average sale time in your area.
Look at property for sale in your area and how long it has been on the market for. If your house is taking longer than the average, maybe your price is too high.
8. Get an idea of the services you agent will provide.
Before you sign the sale agreement ensure you understand exactly what your agent is going to do to assist the sale of your house. Write these down so you have proof of the promises they have made.
9. Get repair estimates.
If there are any problems with you house such as the roof or plumbing get an estimate for the price of the work. If a buyer wants five thousand off the price for work and you can provide an estimate for only two, the price you receive should be higher.
10. Make worthwhile improvements.
Improvements can sometimes get great returns on the original cost. For instance paving the driveway for a thousand can usually add a couple of thousand if not more to the eventual sale price.
By following these ten helpful hints you should be able to sell your home in no time; and for the price you want. Be patient and the right buyer will come along that will care for your property as well as you have
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Real estate expert Thomas Pretty looks at way to make your property for sale more appealing to buyers, increasing the speed of sale and price you may receive.
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Real estate expert Thomas Pretty looks at way to make your property for sale more appealing to buyers, increasing the speed of sale and price you may receive.
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Do It Yourself Real Estate Appraisal
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Home Page > Finance > Do It Yourself Real Estate Appraisal
Do It Yourself Real Estate Appraisal
Posted: Jun 19, 2010
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Do It Yourself Real Estate Appraisal
By: Geraldo Bowers
About the Author
Read about eyebrow dandruff and regrow eyebrows at the Eyebrow Care website.
(ArticlesBase SC #2687665)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Do It Yourself Real Estate Appraisal
For single family homes, there are two basic methods used in real estate appraisal. They are replacement cost analysis, and using comparable sales. A third appraisal method, based on capitalization, is used for income properties, and is covered in another article.
In figuring replacement cost the question is: What would it cost to buy this land and put this house on it? If the land (improved) would cost ,000, and the house could be built for 0,000, the value indicated would be around 0,000 – if the house is fairly new. If it has used up 10% of its useful life, you can deduct ,000 for depreciation.
Replacement cost is not really a very useful measurement. It is difficult to say what the land is worth in a city center where none is left for sale, for example, and tough to gauge depreciation. It is used as a secondary method, and for unique homes that can’t be compared easily with others. The primary method of real estate appraisal used for homes is a market analysis using comparable sales.
Real Estate Appraisal 101
To get a good idea of what a home should sell for, you need to compare it to homes that have sold. Find at least three similar homes in the same area that have sold within the last year, preferably within the last six months. This information is available in the county records, or from a real estate agent with access to the MLS (multiple listing service).
Now the confusing part. You start with the selling price of each of your comparables. If your subject home has a second bathroom, and the a comparable doesn’t, you add the value of the bathroom to the sales price of the comparable. If a comparable home has a blacktop driveway, and the subject home doesn’t, you take the value away.
You are rectifying differences, to see what comparable homes would have sold for if they were like yours. So if a comparable sold for 0,000, and a bathroom is worth ,000 in your area (ask a real estate agent for help with these figures), you ADD ,000 for the bathroom it doesn’t have. Then you subtract, say ,000, for the paved driveway it does have. This gives you a comparable sales price of 1,000.
You do this with all differences between the subject home and each comparable. When done, you average the three comparable prices. So if the three comparables have adjusted sales prices of 1,000, 162,000, and 149,000, you add the three figures and divide by three. The indicated value of the home is 4,000.
Of course all appraisal is an inexact science. If you can only find comparables sold over a year ago, you have to estimate appreciation in the area. If one sold with seller financing, you have to decide how this affected the price. For all of it’s flaws, however, for single family homes, this is the most accurate method of real estate appraisal.
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What Is My House Worth?
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Home Page > Business > What Is My House Worth?
What Is My House Worth?
Posted: Feb 14, 2010 |Comments: 0
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What Is My House Worth?
By: Rob Harding
About the Author
If a luxury patio home, in a gated, golf couse community with low maintence is what you are looking for… go to http://www.FairwaysBuildersCO.com
(ArticlesBase SC #1859569)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – What Is My House Worth?
Have you ever wondered “How much is my house worth?” I have some thoughts for you to consider. First, if you don’t really need to move, it is worth whatever you say it is. If you think, “I wouldn’t sell this house for less than 0,000,” then it is worth that much to you. If you need to sell it, though, what it is worth to you is irrelevant.
Market value is the only relevant value once you are ready to sell. This is the value according to all the home buyers out there. They don’t care what you spent renovating the house, or what you originally paid. Spend ,000 adding a pool, and they may only pay ,000 more for the home. Real estate is worth what the market says it is worth.
How Much Is My House Worth – Part One
To estimate the market value of your home, use “comparables.” This is how appraisers do it. Find at least three similar homes nearby that have sold within the last six or maybe twelve months (these are your comparables). This information is in county records (sometimes online now), or ask a real estate agent with access to the multiple listing service. Get the sales prices, terms of sale, description of the property, and other information.
Take a comparable, write down the selling price, and review item by item. Add to the sales price of the comparable for each thing it doesn’t have that your subject home has, and subtract for each thing it has that your subject home does have. Once you try this a couple times, it will make more sense.
For example, if your home has a second bathroom, and the comparable doesn’t, add the value of the bathroom to the sales price of the comparable. If the comparable home has a blacktop driveway, and your’s doesn’t, take the value away. You’ll have to estimate what these things are worth, or ask for professional help. You are rectifying differences, to see what the comparable home WOULD have sold for if it was just like yours. If a comparable sold for 2,000, with one less bathroom than your home, and a bathroom is worth ,000 in your area (ask a real estate agent for help with these figures), then you ADD ,000 for the bathroom it doesn’t have. Subtract, say ,000, for the paved driveway it does have, that your home doesn’t have. 2,000 plus ,000, minus ,000 gives you a comparable sales price of 2,000.
Do this with each comparable, then average the three comparable prices. If, for example, the three comparables now have adjusted sales prices of 2,000, 2,000, and 9,000, add the three figures and divide by three. The indicated value of your home is 4,300. This is about what it should sell for.
How Much Is My House Worth – Part Two
Appraisal is an inexact science. If you can only find houses sold over a year ago, you should probably estimate appreciation in the area, and add that. If one sold with seller financing, you have to adjust for how this affected the price. These complications make it tough to appraise your own home, so what if you need help?
There are other ways to find out what your house is worth. You can pay for a professional appraisal. This way you will also have something to show to prospective buyers who doubt the value. Be sure to tell the appraiser about anything she might miss, like a newer roof, or specially imported tiles.
Some online services try to tell you what your house is worth? They don’t have enough access to sold prices of homes around the country to have a program figure the value of your house. Instead, they usually just take your basic information, e-mail address, and phone number, and sell this “lead” to a real estate agent that will contact you.
It is better to find a real estate agent on your own, and ask “How much is my house worth?” Find one who has sold homes in your area, and ask if she can do a “market analysis” of your house value. Agents provide at no cost, hoping to get your business. Often, if the agent has experience and has worked in your neighborhood, they’ll do a better job than an appraiser, and the price is right.
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If a luxury patio home, in a gated, golf couse community with low maintence is what you are looking for… go to http://www.FairwaysBuildersCO.com
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Categories: Driveway Paving Cost Estimate Tags: house, Worth
Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
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Home Page > Home Improvement > Construction > Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
Posted: Mar 23, 2010 | Views: 351
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Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
By: Frank Gichuhi
About the Author
Frank Gichuhi
Architect.
www.a4architect.com
+254 721 410684
(ArticlesBase SC #2032392)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Residential Development In Kenya, Nairobi. Feasibility Study
WWW.A4ARCHITECT.COM
Project: Residential Development in Kenya, Nairobi.
Client: Mr. E.O.
Location: Syokimau, Mavoko Municipality, Mombassa Road.
MARCH 2010
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a project proposal for the construction of a middle class residential estate on a parcel of land situated at Syokimau in Mavoko Municipality.
The project has been conceived, designed and will be implemented by www.a4architect.com for Mr. E.Ol .
The estimated development cost for the project is KES 70,000,000.
The project completion period shall take 12 months from ground breaking to hand over.
Returns shall be in the range of KES 30,000,000.00 with gross profits falling in the range between 40 and 50 percent.
WWW.A4ARCHITECT.COM
A4architect is a dynamic property consulting company specializing in providing a one-stop service for the management and development of a variety of property development projects. It provides its clients, who may be property owners, developers or tenants, with the expertise to guide a project through the complex development process from concept through to building completion.
Depending on the requirements of their client, A4architect can provide a full or partial consulting service. The company’s involvement can vary from sourcing suitable sites, arranging local authority approvals, managing the professional team or providing a complete project management service.
The principals behind the firm have several years experience in designing and managing to completion several projects of various natures as part of design and implementation teams for leading Project Management firms in Kenya as well as the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
THE PROJECT
The project comprises the construction of residential units for at Syokimau on a subdivision measuring just about 0.5 acres.
The overall theme of the development would be one of maximizing on the plot use whilst maintaining reasonable individual privacy. The selection of the type and size of units to be erected as well as their layout has been done with the foregoing being foremost -A scenario where the property is developed for sale.
PHASED CONSTRUCTION
In order to ease the impact of the overall cost of the development it is proposed to carry out the construction in phases to be jointly agreed on with the client. There will be 5 blocks with each block housing 5 units so the phases can be organized in the basis of the blocks.Each of the phases shall be planned to deliver units that are complete and ready for occupation. This will facilitate pre-selling of some of the units prior to the end of construction. This would be achieved through pro-active networking with property managers and estates officers in large corporations. The foregoing will result in further cushioning of the net effect of the cost of financing the project.
In order to enable planning of major infrastructural requirements such as water storage and soil water disposal right from the outset, a master plan of the entire development shall be evolved. Thus the capacity of some of the facilities may initially exceed the needs of the accommodation provided, but this would be done with the full knowledge that the development will grow to fully utilize the facilities provided.
Auxiliary features would include paved driveways and parkings, extra water storage and planted landscaped gardens. The country ambience would further be enhanced by having strategically planted trees which would serve the added role of acting as wind breaks.
DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
The development budget is as follows:
25 No. three bedroom apartments in five blocks.
Cost of construction per unit=KES 2,500,000.
Total cost of construction for 25 units = KES 62,500,000
• The development budget includes professional fees
1.00 Building details
1.10 Type of houses :3 bedroom flats.
1.11 Number of blocks :5
1.12 Number of flats in each block :5
1.13 Gross floor area per Unit m2: 100
1.14 Building Cost per m2 :25,000
1.15 Building cost per unit :KES 2,500,000
1.16 Overall building cost :62,500,000.00
2.00 Construction cost
2.10 Preliminaries 1,562,500.00 2.5% of item 1.16
2.11 Building works 51,562,500.00
2.12 Infrastructure 9,375,000.00 15.00% of item 1.16
2.13 Subtotal – Construction cost 62,500,000.00
3.00 Incidental costs
3.10 Professional fees 6,200,000.00 10.00% of item 1.16
3.12 Land Cost- [0.5 acres] KES 7,500,000.00
OVERALL PROJECT COST 62,500,000.00 + 7,500,000= KES 70,000,000
SALES PROJECTIONS
1.10 3 bedroom flats
1.11 Projected sale price/unit 4,000,000.00
1.12 Overall sales revenue=25 X 4,000,000= 100,000,000.00
1.13 Gross anticipated profit =KES 100,000,000 – KES 70,000,000=KES 30,000,000.00
1.14 Gross profit margin 42.50%
LOCATION
Syokimau Estate is situated 15 minutes drive from Nairobi’s Central Business District along Mombassa Road. The estate is served by an all weather road with the site of the proposed construction being found 0.5 kilometers from the recently upgraded Mombassa Road.
The estate is connected to the mains water supply from the Mavoko Municipal Council and also has easily connected electricity supply.
The immediate locality consists of subdivisions each measuring an eighth an acre. Developments in this area are an almost equal mix of single family and multi family residences. The occupancy is also almost equally mixed with tenants and homeowners in fairly equal proportions. The majority of the buildings here are of reasonably well constructed and maintained. The site will be located in close proximity to the Great Wall apartments.
MARKET DESCRIPTION
Given the proximity of the site to Nairobi’s CBD as well as the good communication available, the site would realize good returns on a multi family residential development.
The planned development intends to maximize this potential by creating accommodation that is spacious whilst at the same time making optimum use of the space available.
At the moment, there are similar developments in this area, notably the Great Wall Apartments. Further, there is a shift in the trend of housing purchases with potential buyers preferring to purchase housing in smaller courts or estates rather than housing in large estates. This is partly fuelled by the rising insecurity and the need to form smaller more closely integrated neighborhood communities. The planned development would thus meet an existing need.
COMPETITION
In the locality of the planned development, there exist several properties which are either owned by the residents or are rental properties. The closest competition perhaps comes from the Great Wall Apartments. These are however not impressive in terms of the room sizes and number of bedrooms offered.
SALES PROJECTIONS
It is planned to start marketing the development for sale even as the construction begins. Consequently it is anticipated that by the time the first block is completed there shall be an inflow of funds that can either be utilized to start construction of the next phase.
The sale price for each unit has been set at KES 4,000,000.00. This is slightly higher than the KES 3,500,000.00 asking price for the Great Wall Apartments which has 2 bed roomed units. The price is however justified by the upgraded quality of the planned development in terms of finishes, design, number of bedrooms[3], size of the house and location.
EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT
A4architect will in this provide the client with a full design/build service. This shall include
1. Design and specification
Architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings shall be prepared and necessary approvals sought.
During the various stages of the design, the client shall be kept fully informed and client approval sought prior to proceeding to the next stage. The engineering design shall be done by registered engineers under the guidance of A4architect. Detailed specifications shall be developed with close consultation with the client.
2. Project estimates
Subsequent to completion of the design, a firm estimate shall be done for the project
3. Preparation of tender and contract documents
After final design has been done and client approval obtained, tender documents shall be drawn up for the general and specialist contractors. The specialist contract documents shall be prepared with guidance from the relevant engineers.
4. Tendering
Selected contractors shall be invited to tender for the various work packages. We shall then analyze the tenders returned and forward our recommendation to the client.
5. Contract documentation
With the contractors have been selected, we shall draw up the required contract documents and enter into contract with the contractors on the client’s behalf.
6. Project management
Subsequent to the contracts being signed and mobilization to the site, we shall provide superintendence and project management. This will entail ensuring that the project is brought in on time and under budget by constant monitoring of operations on site and remedying any issues that may prevent timely completion or cause expenditure to exceed the budget.
7. Contract administration
We shall handle all matters relating to the various contracts including but not limited to stage payments, performance bonds, extensions of time and relationships between the various traded involved in the project’s execution.
8. Sales and marketing
In conjunction with an estate agency approved by the client, we shall produce a presentation package to be used in the sales and marketing of the units.
PROJECT TIMELINES
a) Design to Tender
The design to tender process will take a total of 2 months. This will include commissioning of all engineering design, preparation of bills of quantities and obtaining of all relevant approvals for the development.
b) Construction
Construction of the entire project is estimated to take a maximum of 10 months.
MARKETING AND SALES
Marketing of the properties is planned to start even before ground is broken for the start of the construction. This will serve the dual purpose of creating awareness of the availability of quality property for sale and to confirm the validity of the market intelligence.
A suitable estate agency will be commissioned after consultation with the client. The agency will be supplied with a virtual presentation kit that will include a walk through movie of the development. A prospectus of the development will also be made for distribution to potential purchasers.
In order to provide a more tangible feel of the development, a show unit will be built within eight weeks of commencement of the project. This will enable even the doubtful potential purchasers to appreciate the quality of the development.
FEES STRUCTURE
Overall fees charged shall be 10% of the final contract sum. The fees shall be spread over the various stages as follows:
Fees Due
A
Inception
Inception and client brief
Physical survey and information review
Sketch design and basic project proposal
5% of fees.
B
Design and design development
Final design and presentation with budget estimates
Final specifications
Engagement of consultants and preparation of electrical, structural and mechanical services
drawings
Development approvals
30% of fees.
C
Pre-tender process
Preparation of tender documents for general and specialist contractors
Identification of suppliers for client supplied items to be fixed by contractors
Shortlisting of general and specialist contractors
10% of fees.
D
Tender process
Tendering for general and specialist contractors
Tender analysis
Contract award by client on advice of Project Manager
15% of fees.
E
Project Administration
Co-ordination meetings conducted by Project Manager
Close control of work schedule
Monitoring of quality of works and ensuring compliance with specifications
15% of fees.
F
Project Accounting
Budget control
Certification of stage/progress payments
10% of fees.
G
Project closeout
Completion inspection with client
Preparation of final account in conjunction with general and specialist contractors
Preparation of schedule of making good defects
10% of fees.
H
Post contract administration
Final inspection after elapse of defects liability period
Confirmation of making good defects after retention period is over
5% of fees.
Total
100% of fees.
Notes on fees structure
1. Negotiations and any other work arising from the submission of application to the Local Authority or the submission of application to the local authority of the statutory bodies constitutes additional services to be charged for on a time basis.
2. Normalization of contract will be by the signing of both copies of a document mutually agreeable to both parties.
3. Fee notes which will be issued on completion of stage B, C & D respectively. Fee notes for stage (A), & (B) will be based on Project Estimates at those stages.
4. The payment from stages E to H will be based on the final project costs. These will be paid on a pro-rata basis as the project progresses and will be submitted immediately following the issue of certification of contractor stage payments.
5. In the event that the client selects a phased implementation of the project, fee notes for stages A, B and C shall be based on the estimated cost for the entire project while fee notes for subsequent phases shall be pro-rated to the value of the phase being implemented.
6. All fee notes will be processed, authorized and paid within ten calendar days of the fee note date.
7. Reports or opinions requiring formal client approval are to be discussed and approved within five working days of receipt of the request from the project managers by the client.
8. Disbursements resulting from the execution of the consultant’s duties including reproduction of drawings and documents, fax messages, traveling and food and accommodation expenses outside Nairobi etc. do not form part of this agreement and will be charged at cost.
Prepared By
Frank Gichuhi
www.a4architect.com
+254 721 410684
A4architect.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/residential-development-in-kenya-nairobi-feasibility-study-2032392.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #2032392)
Frank Gichuhi -
About the Author:
Frank Gichuhi
Architect.
www.a4architect.com
+254 721 410684
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FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
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Home Page > Home Improvement > Construction > FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
Posted: May 04, 2010 | Views: 234
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FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
By: Frank Gichuhi
About the Author
Frank Gichuhi
http://www.a4architect.com/2010/05/04/feasibility-study-for-hotel-development-at-south-east-commercial-park-nairobi-cbd/
+254 721 410684
A4architect.
(ArticlesBase SC #2289831)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTH EAST COMMERCIAL PARK, NAIROBI CBD
Project: Hotel Development in Kenya, Nairobi-CBD-South East Commercial Park.
Client: Mr. J M
Location: Nairobi CBD South East Commercial Park.
APRIL 2010
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a project proposal for the construction of a middle class Hotel on a parcel of land situated at Nairobi CBD South East Commercial Park.
The project has been conceived, designed and will be implemented by www.a4architect.com for Mr. J. M
The estimated development cost for the project is KES 355,500,000[USD 4,443,750].
The project completion period shall take 12 months from ground breaking to hand over.
Return on Investment shall be in a period of 1 year.
Total gross anticipated income per annum including food and beverage sales =388,800,000.00[4,860,000.00]
WWW.A4ARCHITECT.COM
A4architect is a dynamic property consulting company specializing in providing a one-stop service for the management and development of a variety of property development projects. It provides its clients, who may be property owners, developers or tenants, with the expertise to guide a project through the complex development process from concept through to building completion.
Depending on the requirements of their client, A4architect can provide a full or partial consulting service. The company’s involvement can vary from sourcing suitable sites, arranging local authority approvals, managing the professional team or providing a complete project management service.
The principals behind the firm have several years experience in designing and managing to completion several projects of various natures as part of design and implementation teams for leading Project Management firms in Kenya as well as the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
THE PROJECT
The project comprises the construction of residential units for at South East Commercial Park, Nairobi on a subdivision measuring just about 0.25 acres.
The overall theme of the development would be one of maximizing on the plot use whilst maintaining reasonable individual privacy for occupants. The selection of the type and size of units to be erected as well as their layout has been done with the foregoing being foremost -A scenario where the property is developed to target the middle income bracket.
PHASED CONSTRUCTION
In order to ease the impact of the overall cost of the development it is proposed to carry out the construction in phases to be jointly agreed on with the client. The project can be phased in terms of vertical floor levels per floor as agreed with the client.
In order to enable planning of major infrastructural requirements such as water storage and soil water disposal right from the outset, a master plan of the entire development shall be evolved. Thus the capacity of some of the facilities may initially exceed the needs of the accommodation provided, but this would be done with the full knowledge that the development will grow to fully utilize the facilities provided.
Auxiliary features would include paved driveways and parking, extra water storage and planted landscaped gardens. The country ambience would further be enhanced by having strategically planted trees which would serve the added role of acting as wind breaks.
DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
The development budget is as follows:
80 No. self-contained accommodation rooms per floor for 5 No. Floors=400 No. Accommodation rooms.
Cost of construction per room fully furnished=KES 40,000 per square meter.
Area for each unit =16m2.
Total cost of construction for 400units = KES 256,000,000[USD 3,200,000]
Cost of construction for Restaurant, Kitchen, Laundry and Offices=
Restaurant-60m2
Kitchen=30m2
Offices-20m2
Laundry-20m2
Store-30m2
Total =160m2.
Total estimated cost of construction = KES 355,500,000[USD 4,443,750]
1.00 Building details
1.10 Type of unit :middle class hotel units.
1.11 Number of floors :5
1.12 Number of units in each floor :40
1.13 Gross floor area per Unit m2: 16
1.14 Building Cost per m2-fully furnished :40,000
1.15 Building cost per unit :KES 640,000 [USD 8,000]
1.16 Overall building cost : KES 260,000,000[USD 3,250,000]
2.00 Construction cost
2.10 Preliminaries 6,500,000.00 [USD 81,250] 2.5% of item 1.16
2.11 Building works KES 260,000,000[USD 3,250,000]
2.12 Infrastructure 39,000,000.00 [USD 487,500] 15.00% of item 1.16
2.13 Subtotal – Construction cost 305,500,000.00 [USD 3,818,750]
3.00 Incidental costs
3.10 Professional fees 26,000,000.00[USD 325,000] 10.00% of item 1.16
3.12 Land Cost- [0.25 acres] KES 50,000,000.00 [ USD 625,000]
OVERALL PROJECT COST 305,500,000.00 + 50,000,000= KES 355,500,000[USD 4,443,750]
INCOME PROJECTIONS
1.10 Accomodation Units
1.11 Projected price/unit per day KES 2,500 [USD 31.25]
Occupancy rate-90%
1.12 Overall room sales revenue per month=KES 27,000,000[USD 337,500]
1.13 Gross anticipated income per annum[room sales] =KES 324,000,000[USD 4,050,000]
TOTAL GROSS ANTICIPATED INCOME PER ANNUM INCLUDING FOOD AND BEVERAGE SALES =388,800,000.00[4,860,000.00]
1.14 Return on Investment/Repayment period= Approx. 1 year.
LOCATION
South East Commercial Park is a new extension of Nairobi CBD and is situated within Nairobi’s Central Business District along LANDHIES Road. The South East commercial park is served by an all weather road with the site of the proposed construction being found 15 kilometers from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
South East Commercial Park is connected to the mains water supply from the Nairobi City Council and also has easily connected electricity supply.
The immediate locality consists of subdivisions each measuring an eighth an acre. Developments in this area are commercial in nature. The majority of the buildings here are well constructed and maintained.
MARKET DESCRIPTION
Given the proximity of the site to Nairobi’s CBD as well as the good communication available, the site would realize good returns on a hotel development.
The site is located 15 km from an International airport and is opposite the largest bus park in East Africa.
The planned development intends to maximize this potential by creating accommodation that is spacious whilst at the same time making optimum use of the space available.
Currently, most Hotels in Nairobi CBD experience a near 100% occupancy rate on a daily basis. The planned development would thus meet an existing need.
COMPETITION
In the locality of the planned development, there are no hotels which cater for the middle class. The closest competition perhaps comes from the low cost hotels in Gikomba area. These are however not impressive in terms of the room sizes and quality of service offered.
SALES PROJECTIONS
It is planned to start marketing the development even as the construction begins.
The room sale price for each unit has been set at KES 2,500[31.25USD]. This is the average charged by comparable hotels such as Kahama hotel in Ngara and Blue Hut hotel along Park road. The price is justified by the upgraded quality of the planned development in terms of finishes, design, and quality of service.
EXECUTION OF THE PROJECT
A4architect will in this provide the client with a full design/build service. This shall include
1. Design and specification
Architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical drawings shall be prepared and necessary approvals sought.
During the various stages of the design, the client shall be kept fully informed and client approval sought prior to proceeding to the next stage. The engineering design shall be done by registered engineers under the guidance of A4architect. Detailed specifications shall be developed with close consultation with the client.
2. Project estimates
Subsequent to completion of the design, a firm estimate shall be done for the project
3. Preparation of tender and contract documents
After final design has been done and client approval obtained, tender documents shall be drawn up for the general and specialist contractors. The specialist contract documents shall be prepared with guidance from the relevant engineers.
4. Tendering
Selected contractors shall be invited to tender for the various work packages. We shall then analyze the tenders returned and forward our recommendation to the client.
5. Contract documentation
With the contractors have been selected, we shall draw up the required contract documents and enter into contract with the contractors on the client’s behalf.
6. Project management
Subsequent to the contracts being signed and mobilization to the site, we shall provide superintendence and project management. This will entail ensuring that the project is brought in on time and under budget by constant monitoring of operations on site and remedying any issues that may prevent timely completion or cause expenditure to exceed the budget.
7. Contract administration
We shall handle all matters relating to the various contracts including but not limited to stage payments, performance bonds, extensions of time and relationships between the various traded involved in the project’s execution.
8. Sales and marketing
In conjunction with an estate agency approved by the client, we shall produce a presentation package to be used in the sales and marketing of the units.
PROJECT TIMELINES
a) Design to Tender
The design to tender process will take a total of 2 months. This will include commissioning of all engineering design, preparation of bills of quantities and obtaining of all relevant approvals for the development.
b) Construction
Construction of the entire project is estimated to take a maximum of 10 months.
MARKETING AND SALES
Marketing of the properties is planned to start even before ground is broken for the start of the construction. This will serve the dual purpose of creating awareness of the availability of quality hotel service and to confirm the validity of the market intelligence.
A4architect will undertake marketing through the mass media and especially through the internet using a virtual presentation kit that will include a walk through movie of the development.
FEES STRUCTURE
Overall fees charged shall be 10% of the final contract sum. The fees shall be spread over the various stages as follows:
Fees Due
A
Inception
Inception and client brief
Physical survey and information review
Sketch design and basic project proposal
5% of fees.
B
Design and design development
Final design and presentation with budget estimates
Final specifications
Engagement of consultants and preparation of electrical, structural and mechanical services
drawings
Development approvals
30% of fees.
C
Pre-tender process
Preparation of tender documents for general and specialist contractors
Identification of suppliers for client supplied items to be fixed by contractors
Shortlisting of general and specialist contractors
10% of fees.
D
Tender process
Tendering for general and specialist contractors
Tender analysis
Contract award by client on advice of Project Manager
15% of fees.
E
Project Administration
Co-ordination meetings conducted by Project Manager
Close control of work schedule
Monitoring of quality of works and ensuring compliance with specifications
15% of fees.
F
Project Accounting
Budget control
Certification of stage/progress payments
10% of fees.
G
Project closeout
Completion inspection with client
Preparation of final account in conjunction with general and specialist contractors
Preparation of schedule of making good defects
10% of fees.
H
Post contract administration
Final inspection after elapse of defects liability period
Confirmation of making good defects after retention period is over
5% of fees.
Total
100% of fees.
Notes on fees structure
1. Negotiations and any other work arising from the submission of application to the Local Authority or the submission of application to the local authority of the statutory bodies constitutes additional services to be charged for on a time basis.
2. Normalization of contract will be by the signing of both copies of a document mutually agreeable to both parties.
3. Fee notes which will be issued on completion of stage B, C & D respectively. Fee notes for stage (A), & (B) will be based on Project Estimates at those stages.
4. The payment from stages E to H will be based on the final project costs. These will be paid on a pro-rata basis as the project progresses and will be submitted immediately following the issue of certification of contractor stage payments.
5. In the event that the client selects a phased implementation of the project, fee notes for stages A, B and C shall be based on the estimated cost for the entire project while fee notes for subsequent phases shall be pro-rated to the value of the phase being implemented.
6. All fee notes will be processed, authorized and paid within ten calendar days of the fee note date.
7. Reports or opinions requiring formal client approval are to be discussed and approved within five working days of receipt of the request from the project managers by the client.
8. Disbursements resulting from the execution of the consultant’s duties including reproduction of drawings and documents, fax messages, traveling and food and accommodation expenses outside Nairobi etc. do not form part of this agreement and will be charged at cost.
Prepared By
Frank Gichuhi
+254 721 410684
A4architect.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/feasibility-study-for-hotel-development-at-south-east-commercial-park-nairobi-cbd-2289831.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #2289831)
Frank Gichuhi -
About the Author:
Frank Gichuhi
http://www.a4architect.com/2010/05/04/feasibility-study-for-hotel-development-at-south-east-commercial-park-nairobi-cbd/
+254 721 410684
A4architect.
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The 4 Basic Elements to Building a Green Home
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Home Page > Home Improvement > DIY > The 4 Basic Elements to Building a Green Home
The 4 Basic Elements to Building a Green Home
Posted: Sep 29, 2008 |Comments: 0
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The 4 Basic Elements to Building a Green Home
By: Chuck Warrender
About the Author
Chuck Warrender, an experienced custom builder, opened UBuildIt in 1988 to show people how to become Owner-builders and save money or gain equity on their own custom home building and remodel projects. Chuck designed the UBuildIt System for Owner-builders who want to build more home for their money by directing their own construction projects. UBuildIt’s Construction Consultants guide Owner-builders every step of the way and provide a proven system, professional advice and trusted resources. UBuildIt now has over 100 franchises across the US. Learn more about Chuck and how to build or remodel your own custom home at UBuildIt.com
(ArticlesBase SC #582773)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – The 4 Basic Elements to Building a Green Home
Green building is more than the actual construction of your home, though that is a big part of the process. It is a beginning to end process which begins with the selection of your land, the design of your dream home, the materials and practices used during construction and finally, how you operate and maintain your dream home once it is completed. You can incorporate as many or as few of these elements into your home’s design as you choose.
You decide how “Green” you want to be.
Let’s look at the four basic elements in Green Building:
1. Increasing energy efficiency
2. Materials selected for building your home
3. Increasing the efficiency of water usage both in and outside of your home
4. Improving air quality, which improves the health and productivity of your family
There are many parts to each element. Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail
1. Increasing Energy Efficiency
Advanced Framing – Use a framing contractor who can apply advanced framing technique during the construction of your home. This creates a structurally sound home with improved energy efficiency, and lowers material and labor costs. This technique replaces lumber with insulation material and maximizes the wall that is insulated, improving the R-value of the home. On average, advanced framing uses 30% less lumber, which reduces the building costs and saves 2% to 4% of the total energy use. Hot Water Heater – Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home. To increase the efficiency of your hot water heater, locate it near the highest point of usage. This is typically near the shower followed closely by the clothes washer. Pipes – Insulate the hot and cold water pipes within 3 feet of the hot water heater. This reduces standby heat loss. Your hot water heater is continuously heating the piping and water in it, even when no water is being used. Household Appliances – A green built home features appliances that are as energy efficient as possible. The U. S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have developed a program called Energy Star which labels those appliances meeting strict energy efficient criteria. The typical household spends ,900 a year on energy bills. As you can see in the diagram above, a great deal of that energy is consumed by the appliances in your home. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models. Just look for the Energy Star label. The Federal Trade Commission requires that refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers and window air conditioners be labeled with an Energy Guide Label. The label for a hot water heater is shown here. This hot water heater uses 268 therms per year of energy and is being compared to other similar models which use anywhere from 238 to 273 therms per year. This model’s estimated yearly operating cost is 2.When comparing different appliance brands for your new home, be sure to look at their estimated energy consumption. This will impact the operating cost of your home for years to come. Air Sealing – This is advanced caulking which is a part of the airtight drywall approach (ADA). Specifically, caulk or gasket drywall is installed on exterior walls at the top and bottom plates, windows and door frames; on interior walls at the intersections with exterior ceilings; and at electrical, plumbing or mechanical penetrations in the drywall. This approach minimizes heat loss in your home. Work with your drywall contractor to see if he/she uses this method. Radiant Barrier – Reflect heat away from your home by installing a radiant barrier (a sheet of aluminum foil with paper backing) on the underside of your roof. This significantly lowers your cooling costs by reducing your heat gains through your ceiling by 95%. Insulation – Add insulation to your attic to keep the heat in your house. There are some environmentally friendly insulation products made from recycled blue jeans, soybeans, cotton or newspapers. Solar Power – If the sun shines on your home for most of the day in the winter, you have the potential for solar power to reduce your energy costs. A good solar design allows the winter sun to reach a thermal mass like a tile floor which holds heat and radiates it into your home for a period of time. Lighting – Install high-efficiency lighting systems with advanced lighting controls. This allows you to only use the light when you need it. Replace traditional incandescent lights with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs will use 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer. When designing your home or remodeling project, introduce natural daylight into as many places as possible. Thermostat – Use a programmable thermostat to provide you and your family the comfort you want day and night while minimizing heating use when you don’t need it. Ducts – Seal your ducts with mastic and insulate them to R-11. This minimizes the heat loss from your home. Paints – You can mix non-toxic ceramic powder into your interior paint to insulate your walls and reduce the amount of heat passing through to the outside. These ceramic particles create a radiant barrier that reflects the heat back into the room. Redirect The Heat – If you have a ceiling fan, redirect the heat back into your room by reversing the direction of the blades to counterclockwise. This brings the heat back down into your room.
2. Materials Selected for Building Your Home
Plastic Lumber – This product can be used for non-structural applications such as fences, benches, decks, retaining walls, and picnic tables. It is weather and insect resistant, and will not crack, splinter or chip. It does not need painting and will not leach chemicals into the ground or surface water. By doing this, you minimize the amount of lumber used in your home, reduce your ongoing maintenance costs, and you won’t harm your local habitat. The US is home to 4.5% of the population but is responsible for over 15% of the world’s wood consumption. Engineered Wood – This combines the raw materials of wood veneer and fiber with adhesives to produce such laminated lumber as wood veneers, I-beams and roof and floor trusses. The manufacturing process uses fast growing, small diameter trees, allowing more than 80% of the log to be used in the end product. This produces a product which is very consistent and stable while decreasing the impact on a natural resource. Fiber Cement Siding – This is a composite of cement and wood fiber reclaimed from wood processing waste or small diameter, fast growing trees. It produces a siding which is durable and low maintenance. Many fiber-cement composites offer a 50-year warranty, which increases the value of your home and decreases the maintenance costs. Brick -The process of extracting clay for brick results in limited wasted material. Brick has a limitless lifespan and can be recycled or salvaged after demolition. Recycling – The efficient use of materials when building Green comes in two forms. First, recycle construction waste and use reclaimed building materials during construction when appropriate. Once your home is finished, practice responsible recycling of the materials you use every day. Design – When working with your architect or designer, use standard dimensions, engineered wood and stacked floor plans to reduce the overall volume of lumber used as well as the volume of waste.
3. Increasing the Efficiency of Water Usage Both In and Outside of Your Home
Porous Paving Schemes – Watertight, or “impervious,” surfaces suchas paved driveways, walkways and patios don’t allow storm water runoff to infiltrate into the ground’s aquatic systems. Using uncompacted gravel, crushed stone and open or porous paving blocks for walkways and other light traffic areas minimizes the number of impervious surfaces on your property, allowing storm water runoff. Rainwater Collection – Rainwater collected from your roof is a free source of landscape irrigation water. This collection system consists of a suitable roof and guttering system, a storage tank and a simple filtration unit. Low Impact Development (LID) – This innovative approach mimics your land’s original method of water run-off instead of disposing and treating storm water in large, costly, end-of-pipe facilities. This can come in the form of open spaces, vegetated rooftops, reduced street widths and curbs, pervious parking lots and sidewalks, medians and other buffer zones using more vegetation. Plumbing – Design your home to use recycled water for toilet flushing. Use ultra low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads. Some older toilets use 3-7 gallons per flush while an ultra low-flow toilet uses less than 1.6 gallons per flush.
A family of 4, each showering for 5 minutes per day will use 700 gallons of water per week – a 3 year drinking supply for 1 person in the US. Using a high performance shower head uses 1 – 1.5 gallons of water per minute – up to 60% less than a traditional shower head.
In Your Yard – Mulch exposed soils in your garden beds and improve that soil with compost to a depth of 8-13 inches to increase the ability to hold water. Select plants that have low water and pesticide needs. Planting trees not only beautifies your yard, but will also increase the value of your home while decreasing your impact on the environment. A single mature tree can provide nearly 0 in energy and resource values in terms of cooling, erosion and pollution control. Plus they reduce your “carbon foot print.” Putting the right plants in the right place and developing quality, healthy soil means less watering in the summer, less need for chemicals and less waste to worry about. Chemicals – Avoid outdoor chemicals and fix oil and other fluid leaks to prevent contamination of the water runoff. According to the NY State Attorney General’s office, 95% of pesticides used on residential lawns are considered possible carcinogens by the EPA. Hot water – Use recirculating systems for centralized hot water distribution or utilize “on demand” systems vs. traditional hot water tanks.
4. Improving Air Quality, Which Improves the Health and Productivity of Your Family
The EPA ranks indoor pollution among the top 5 environmental risks. Unhealthy air is found in up to 30% of new and renovated buildings. The electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than 2 average cars. Carpet – Using a low pile or less allergen attracting carpet and pad greatly improves air quality. Wool or PET carpet (made from recycled pop bottles) are good choices. In addition, at installation, have the carpet tacked down, not glued, to reduce pollutants. Many Green Built designs minimize the use of carpeted surfaces, replacing them with hard surfaces which don’t have these pollutants and are easier to keep free of dust, mold and mildew. Paints – Use low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds, such as formaldehyde) paints. Ventilation – While you want to seal your home to prevent heat loss, this creates a need for mechanical ventilation. Ventilation can be provided by quiet fans with automatic controls or by heat recovery ventilators. Talk to your HVAC contractor for the best system for your home’s design. Construction materials – To prevent microbial contamination, select materials that are resistant to microbial growth. Drainage – Provide effective drainage from the roof and surrounding landscape, as well as allow proper drainage of air conditioning coils. Window treatments – Avoid synthetic window coverings or those that cannot be cleaned easily.
Even though there is a lot to think about when using Green Building techniques and principles, it is manageable and doable. We here at UBuildIt can help you work with your architect or designer, subcontractors and suppliers to help you build or remodel your dream home while minimizing your impact on the environment. Taking the time to plan and build or remodel your dream home using UBuildIt and Green Building will positively impact you and generations to come.
Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/the-4-basic-elements-to-building-a-green-home-582773.html”
(ArticlesBase SC #582773)
Chuck Warrender -
About the Author:
Chuck Warrender, an experienced custom builder, opened UBuildIt in 1988 to show people how to become Owner-builders and save money or gain equity on their own custom home building and remodel projects. Chuck designed the UBuildIt System for Owner-builders who want to build more home for their money by directing their own construction projects. UBuildIt’s Construction Consultants guide Owner-builders every step of the way and provide a proven system, professional advice and trusted resources. UBuildIt now has over 100 franchises across the US. Learn more about Chuck and how to build or remodel your own custom home at UBuildIt.com
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Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
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Home Page > News and Society > Recycling > Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
Posted: Jul 09, 2009 |Comments: 0
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Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
About the Author
The Hillbilly Gardener was born Lyndell G. Miller and can be found at
http://www.jerrysplantsonline.com/about_us.htm where he resides as the driving force and inspiration for all things gardening and outdoor living. There are few things about gardening that he hasn’t tried and after spending almost 50 years with his hands in the soil, he gets some of his greatest pleasures from helping others learn the joys of gardening and learning how to do more with less.
(ArticlesBase SC #1023755)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Water, Water Everywhere – Water Conservation Is Everyone’s Business
Water Statistics
Our earth is covered by 71% water. Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? With so much water on this planet why be concerned about turning on the tap and using as much as we want? Well let’s take a closer look at what this 71% is really saying:
Of that 71%, the salt-water oceans and other large bodies hold approximately 97% of the total water.
Of the remaining water, 1.6% of the water is below ground in aquifers.
0.001% is in the air as vapor, clouds and precipitation.
Glaciers and polar ice caps hold 2.4%.
Land surface water such as rivers, lakes and ponds makes up only approximately 0.6%.
A very small amount of the Earth’s water is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products.
Of the available fresh water approximately 70 percent of freshwater is consumed by agriculture to produce food for all of us.
Some observers have estimated that by 2025 more than half of the world population will be facing water-based vulnerability, a situation which has been called a water crisis by the United Nations.
No matter how you arrange the numbers it sounds grim doesn’t it? Perhaps. The sad fact is that for most people in the industrialized world, more than enough water passes within their grasp to meet the majority of their needs. At least the needs of their outdoor world. Sadly, for most of us in the modern world, it is all to often taken entirely for granted. We turn on the tap and expect it to be there, without so much as a thought of what it takes to get it there or from where it comes. Water, more precious than oil, fine gems or precious metals sustains life and has been attributed as a gift from both God and the gods (little “g”). It is fought over, rationed, monitored and carefully controlled. Yet seldom respected, protected or cherished.
The Scenario
Water flows through or lives to the point we seldom give a thought to it, especially after it has served the immediate purpose for which we summoned it. We take a drink from a glass filled with much more than we want to consume, drawn from a faucet that we have let run until the water is cool and afterward pour out, often more than we consume, the remainder to disappear into our sewers. We wash our vehicles on our dutifully paved driveways and watch as it runs off into the storm sewer, taking with it all that detracts from our symbol of status or pride like a loyal servant.
In our evermore health conscious world, we wash and rewash our hands, allowing the powerful solvent abilities of water to carry away all that might cause us biological harm, never giving thought to the fact that waters abilities are far from being utilized. We faithfully take our cleansing showers in order to maintain that “acceptable” level of personal hygiene and in the process run countless gallons of water down the drain until the over consuming shower reaches that “just right” temperature.
Outside, we have carefully planted and manicured expanses of high maintenance grass, watered and fertilized to that perfect look and our planting beds are filled with all of the most popular non-native and often exotic plants. Perhaps the beds were once covered with mulch, but it has long since broken down and weeds have become a familiar sight. We faithfully rely on automatic sprinkler systems to keep everything green and lush so that our piece of the world meets with the approval of all around us. The timers are set and everything comes on regular as clockwork regardless of the weather or need and much of the water gets applied to sidewalks and driveways that need it not.
We go back inside because we’re hungry. We get out lettuce and tomato’s and dutifully wash them under running water because we’re very health conscious and are concerned about pesticides left on our food. We rely on the cleansing power of water to carry away all that we wish not consume and are proud of our conscious decision to live healthier. After finishing our food, we dutifully put the few dishes and utensils we dirtied into the dish washer and turn it on because having dirty dishes sitting around is not cool. Having just come inside from being outdoors for our healthful walk, our clothes are dirty so we change and faithfully place them in the washer and turn it on so that dirty clothes don’t stack up.
We are proud of the fact that we surveyed the yard and everything is lush and green just as we expect it to be so that our neighbors will approve. But we failed to notice that one outdoor faucet is leaking and that our children failed to turn off the other one completely after playing with their water toys. Surveying the surroundings, we also failed to notice the puddles of water left at the bottom of that slope after the sprinkler system shut off. But all is green and lush. What’s the big deal? It’s just water – right?
Sound familiar? Sadly this occurrence is all to familiar in our comfortable industrialized societies anymore. All to often we have have become complacent and expectant of what has become a common commodity of our lives. But the reality is that water is not an unlimited resource and it does have its limitations. A reality that many have been made increasingly aware of through droughts, water rationing and strict management. Yet few of us have yet to come to the realization that wise use of water begins with each of us as individuals. We, as individuals are the single biggest user of water and wise use begins with us, our use, and expectations. Yes it true that industry and commerce are big users. But it is us, the individuals who use by far the most. Both in our personal lives and through our expectations in life.
Suggestions To Get Started
There is coming a day for all of us that this little appreciated, thought of and common resource is no longer a resource to be taken lightly and for some, that time has already come. Wise water use, like all green living, is not a thing to do, but rather a way of thinking that is developed over time and transformed into actions. It is not something that one can simply turn a switch, take a pill, or buy. But rather it is developed over time. Below is a list of suggestions to help get you started. Think of this like a test. How many do you do now? How many do you fail at? How many could you do?
When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.
If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a low-flow shower-head. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1000 gallons a month.
Install low-volume toilets.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It’s easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.
Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
Make sure your toilet flapper doesn’t stick open after flushing.
Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets. This decreases water flow and increases its effectiveness when washing hands, etc.
Install an instant water heater on your kitchen or bathroom sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.
Bathe your young children together.
If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam, brick or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush. Be sure these devices do not interfere with operating parts.
Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.
Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.
To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
Children
Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
Don’t buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
Garden
Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.
Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger plants.
Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.
Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.
While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.
Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.
Hardscape And Construction
Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.
In many areas evaporative coolers are a popular form of cooling, but they require a seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.
Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
Winterize outdoor spigots when temps dip to 20 degrees F to prevent pipes from bursting or freezing.
Insulate hot water pipes so you don’t have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
If you have an evaporative cooler or air conditioner, catch or direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn.
Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum number of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness.
Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons each month.
Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn’t allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.
When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don’t throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks, so that every drop goes down you not the drain.
Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. This will cut down on the number of times you run your dishwasher.
Don’t use running water to thaw food.
Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets. This decreases water flow and increases its effectiveness when washing hands, etc.
Install an instant water heater on your kitchen or bathroom sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.
Cut back on rinsing if your dishwasher is new. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the nutrients.
Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent from using the garbage disposal.
Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.
Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.
Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger plants.
Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.
Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.
While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.
Landscape with Xeriscape trees, plants and ground covers. Call your local conservation office for more information about these water thrifty plants.
Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.
Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
Water your summer lawns one inch per week and your winter lawn one inch every two to three weeks.
Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.
Don’t water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don’t need water.
Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it’s time to water. Consider installing moisture sensors.
When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent wasteful runoff.
Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.
While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
Use a Tuna can or buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives.
Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don’t water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Once established, rye grass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.
Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
When you clean your fish tank, use the water you’ve drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.
Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save gallons every time.
Make suggestions to your employer to save water (and dollars) at work.
Support projects that use reclaimed waste-water for irrigation and other uses.
Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community.
Pick-up the phone and report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water management district.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons or more of water every time.
Wash your car on the grass. This will water your lawn at the same time.
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100 gallons.
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device.
Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.
Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day.
Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
When back-washing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
Regardless of size, when you drain the pool, use the water for the lawn and landscape plants. Concerned about chlorine and other pool chemicals? Leave the pool open for a few days and add a circulation pump (like a fountain pump) to circulate and agitate the water. The chlorine and other pool chemicals will naturally dissipate so the water can be safely used.
When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.
Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching.
Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose.
Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Summer lawns need watering less frequently than spring and fall lawns and winter lawns even less.
While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
Grey water is a term not heard much today, but older people will no doubt understand what it is. It basically means any water that is not fit for human consumption, but not no biologically hazardous to humans. In simpler terms, bath, laundry and dish water are all classified as “grey water”. Toilet water is not, and should only go into the public sewer or septic system. In days gone by, before governments wanted to control every facet of our lives, grey water was treated separately from toilet water. It was considered “reusable water” and routed differently from “sewer water”. Now, in the alleged interest of public safety, all “non-potable” water is routed to our public sewer or septic systems.
The truth is that grey water poses no threat to humans and in fact surrounded us, partially as in hand or dish washing, or entirely, as in a bath at some point in its life. This water can normally be reused to water lawns and gardens without harm to either plants, animals or humans. In fact, the soaps found in normal grey water is often an effective insect deterrent. The only potential harm would come from the additives that we have grown accustomed to having in our shampoos and soaps. These come in the form of fragrances, conditioners, colorings, etc. These things quite often may be desirable to us, but are not necessary in the products they come in. In fact, some have proven potentially harmful. But we still want the results regardless of the cost and manufacturers will spend countless millions of dollars annually to make us think they are a magic ingredient that will transform our lives.
In the days before chemicals, most soaps were forms of lye soap (even for bathing), which left little or no scent or conditioners, etc. These were applied afterward in the form or plant-based scents and other homemade recipes. In many studies and surveys, the results of these old methods were equal, or superior to any chemically induced results seen today and posed little potential harm to users, manufacturers or the environment. So effective were these, that many manufacturers are now attempting to go back to these simple products, but in a chemical way.
Consider using unscented products and those with the least amount of conditioners, colorings, etc. While perhaps not as convenient, these can be applied or used after we bathe, etc. if we feel they are absolutely necessary. Often, the end results of using less toxic products (or none at all) after we bathe are far superior to the results obtained by using the products with the additives included. The environment will certainly benefit from it.
Conclusion
Ours is a world of convenience. A convenience that one day may be a luxury we can not afford. As demands on our water resources increase along with the cost of producing it, feeding our vanity and convenience may become totally impractical. It is already irresponsible for all of us and unattainable for many. But change will not come come quickly or easily. It will require a dedicated effort of many small steps by all of us in order to become water efficient and wise consumers of this resource. What are you willing to do to become “water wise” and a responsible steward of this precious commodity? Are you willing to start taking those small steps toward water efficiency or are you one of the millions who will wait until you are forced to do so? Will you be a part of the cure, or a part of the problem that our children and children’s children will have to face and correct? The choice is yours and mine. Choose wisely.
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Hillbilly Gardener -
About the Author:
The Hillbilly Gardener was born Lyndell G. Miller and can be found at
http://www.jerrysplantsonline.com/about_us.htm where he resides as the driving force and inspiration for all things gardening and outdoor living. There are few things about gardening that he hasn’t tried and after spending almost 50 years with his hands in the soil, he gets some of his greatest pleasures from helping others learn the joys of gardening and learning how to do more with less.
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The Hillbilly Gardener was born Lyndell G. Miller and can be found at
http://www.jerrysplantsonline.com/about_us.htm where he resides as the driving force and inspiration for all things gardening and outdoor living. There are few things about gardening that he hasn’t tried and after spending almost 50 years with his hands in the soil, he gets some of his greatest pleasures from helping others learn the joys of gardening and learning how to do more with less.
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Categories: Driveway Paving Cost Estimate Tags: Business, Conservation, Everyone's, Everywhere, water