House

If you’re thinking about making the move to Bangkok but need to figure out where specifically you’d like to live, the first and most important question on your mind will be: “how much?” How much is the average cost to rent a Bangkok condo? Which areas are the most expensive?

In this article, we’re going to look at some prices, ranging from the lower end, some mid-class quality condos, and all the way up to the luxury-end of the spectrum. Here’s everything you need to know…

What’s the average cost to rent a condo in Bangkok?

The average cost to rent a condo in Bangkok is around the 15,000 THB mark (approx. $417 USD). This price is considered very good for cheap apartments to rent in Bangkok.

This will get you a reasonably sized studio / 1-bed apartment with all of the Western features you’d require to live comfortably.

The price may also include exclusive access to a shared swimming pool, fitness centre, free room cleaning, and more.

All in all, it’s a very good price for a level of comfort that would cost a significant amount more in most Western countries (e.g., an average 1-bed apartment in London would be around $1,300).

How much is it to rent a cheap condo in Bangkok?

At the much lower end of the spectrum you can get an apartment with basic facilities and a fridge for somewhere the region of 5,000 and 10,000 THB per month ($140 – $280).

This is very cheap but you will be living in a basic condo with minimal facilities. No swimming pool or fitness studio, you won’t have much of a kitchen, and the bathroom will be bare.

In any case, if you plan to eat out every evening and don’t expect to spend much time at home, it’s an affordable way to save money and keep a roof over your head.

How much is it to rent a luxury condo in Bangkok?

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, you’ll be looking at somewhere around 30,000 THB as a starting point (about $1,000 per month).

This cost will go up depending on where you are located (e.g., the central business district is highly expensive / the closer you are to BTS and MRT stations, etc.).

Luxury apartments will be more spacious, have larger balconies with a view, quality fixtures, fittings, and appliances, lavish furniture, kitted kitchens, dreamy bathrooms, and plenty of in-house facilities, such as a pool, fitness room, sauna and steam room, restaurant, and more.

All in all, if you’re happy to spend between $400 and $900 USD per month on rent, you’ll be able to enjoy top quality accommodation with all of the amenities you could ask for.

When it comes to maintaining your roof there are a surprising number of things to be considered. From the guttering to the indoor fireplace and the actual chimney stack, you can’t afford to forget about any area if you want your chimney to remain in tip-top condition. Keep reading for some key points on how to properly maintain your chimney stack.

What are Chimney Crowns and What is Their Function?

The chimney crown is the top part of your chimney. It’s made of brick, stone or mortar and rests above the chimney’s flue. The purpose of it is to protect the top of the chimney from weathering and similar damage. The crown achieves this protection by covering and sealing the top of the chimney’s opening around the edges. It also helps to deflect moisture away from the top of the chimney.

A well-built chimney crown should last for many years. However, over time they can become weathered and deteriorate, especially if they are not cared for properly.

How to Check Your Chimney Stack

To keep on top of everything and to understand the signs that there’s something wrong, you should safely check your roof and chimney yourself. Despite this, you must never attempt to climb onto your roof without appropriate safety equipment and professional training because it is incredibly dangerous. Missing parts, leaks and fallen debris are all signs of issues. You should be able to spot obvious issues from the ground, but height will prevent you from seeing the roof up close.

To get a proper roof health check, you should therefore arrange for a professional roofing inspection to be carried out annually.

Signs You Need Chimney Repairs:

Some of the telling signs you need a chimney repair include the following:

• Rusting metal
• Debris from the chimney interior
• Cracks in the chimney crown
• Damp
• Missing capping
• Water damage around or below the chimney
• Damaged chimney flashing

Does Your Chimney Need Repointing?

If you spot gaps within the mortar around the bricks, your chimney stack probably needs repointing. In locations where chimneys are susceptible to weathering like Durham roofers will look at your chimney and ask the following questions:

• Is there missing grouting? This might show through cracks in the mortar joint.
• Does the chimney look in poor condition? If it’s started to disintegrate, its structure might need repairing.
• Have you noticed any moisture ingress in your attic? Gaps in the roof could be causing rainwater to enter your property.

Does Your Chimney Need a Capping Cowl?

One of the more complicated parts of chimneys are capping cowls. These are covers placed at the top of the chimney stack. A capping cowl might be installed for ventilation purposes, stopping downdraughts and reducing the risk of fire. The caps are also good for keeping out birds, preventing chimney blockages and stopping rainwater from entering the chimney or your home.

The bottom line is, if you’re not sure whether your chimney or crown is damaged, it’s best to have a professional look at it. Experienced roofers will be able to tell you whether the crown is in a good condition and if not, recommend appropriate repairs. One thing that is for certain is that you must never leave roofing or chimney repairs to an amateur – it is not worth the risk.

There are several misconceptions about flat roofs and this article aims to address them. Keep reading on and discover how five commonly heard misconceptions about flat roofs will be debunked down below.

1. Rain has nowhere to go

It’s likely that this myth comes from the word ‘flat’ in the name flat roofs. This misconception regarding flat roofs is a common one but actually there is no such thing as a completely flat roof. Every roof has some sort of gradient in it to direct the moisture off the roof and onto the ground.

While flat roofs are actually not completely flat, it is easy to understand why people may think that they are. Flat roofs tend to have a small wall that stands just above the sloped area called a parapet. This means that the sloped part of the roof is hidden and cannot be seen from the ground.

2. Flat roofs can’t handle the weight of snow

While snow might seem concerning, especially in areas where there is a lot of it, every properly built flat roof is engineered to suit where it is located. In these cases, the chance of flat roof failure is extremely low. In areas where there is a lot of snow, it can be dangerous to have the snow shed from a roof that isn’t designed properly.

For snowier locations like the North East flat roofing solutions can be found by a professional roofer who will help you to make informed choices.

3. Flat roofs are leakier

You would probably never guess it but flat roofs are actually less prone to leaking than regular pitched roofs. This is because the materials used to weather-proof flat roofs cover a larger area than the shingles used on a pitched roof. Large pieces of rubber material are stuck to the surface of a flat roof, and fewer gaps between the pieces means that there is less chance of water getting under them.

However, a roof of any type can be susceptible to leaks, especially if it is not maintained properly. Because roofs are always exposed to the elements, it is nearly impossible to completely leak-proof any roof forever.

4. Flat roofs are too expensive

When you take into account the long-term savings you can make by installing a flat roof, it works out as a very affordable option. The costs of installation are lower than for traditional roofs and they often last longer too. Another bonus is that they are quicker to install and require less maintenance over time which also saves money.

Flat roofs can be installed with fewer materials than pitched roofs which have a more complex design. Pitched roofs also take more time to install, which increases labour costs.

5. There are limited design possibilities with flat roofs

Contrary to popular belief, there are many design possibilities for flat roofs and you are not limited to one traditional look. Lots of flat roof styles can be used to create unique looks for your building. Often, skylights and solar panels are added to create an extremely unique look with practical benefits. With such a range of possibilities, you are likely to be able to find a style that suits your taste, no matter how unique it is.

All in all, flat roofs are a severely underrated roofing choice, especially when they are designed and maintained well. To keep your flat roof in pristine condition, you should consider getting a roof health check from a professional roofer at least once a year.

If you’ve ever had to lug firewood from outdoors into your home, you know it can be quite a chore. Not only is it heavy and awkward, but it’s also dirty and can track mud and debris into your home. A log holder is a perfect solution to this problem. A log holder is a simple yet effective way to transport firewood indoors without any hassle. Here are some of the benefits of using a log holder.

Convenience

One of the best things about a log holder is that it’s so convenient. No more struggling to carry heavy logs into your home; simply load them into the holder and wheel them inside. You can even get a log holder with built-in handles for extra convenience.

Log holders are perfect for homes with limited storage space because they keep firewood off the ground and neatly organized. Most units come with removable canvas or nylon bags that make it easy to transport logs from the holder to your fireplace or wood stove.

Staying Warm and Toasty

Another great benefit of using a log holder is that it helps you stay warm and toasty all winter long. By keeping your firewood close at hand, you’ll always have plenty on hand for those cold nights when you need it most. A log holder also makes it easy to build a fire in your fireplace; simply place the logs in the holder and arrange them in the desired order before igniting them.

Protecting Your Home

One final benefit of using a log holder is that it can help protect your home from damage caused by firewood. When left on the ground, firewood can attract pests like rodents and insects, who will then make their way into your home in search of food or shelter. A log holder helps prevent this by storing firewood off the ground and out of reach of pests.

Keeping Your Wood Organized

If you’re a fan of cozy fires on chilly nights, then you know how important it is to have a good supply of firewood. However, storing firewood can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of it. That’s where a log holder comes in handy. A log holder helps you keep your wood neatly organized so that it’s always easy to find what you need. Plus, it prevents the wood from getting wet or pest infested. As a result, a log holder is not only convenient, but it also helps to protect your firewood supply. So if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your wood tidy and dry, then a log holder is the perfect solution.

Bottom Line

Overall, a log holder is a great investment for any homeowner who burns wood for heat or ambiance. Not only is it convenient, but it also helps protect your home from damage caused by pests. So if you’re looking for an easy way to transport firewood indoors, be sure to invest in a quality log holder today.

 

Depending on where you live in the US or Canada, you might experience the 4 seasons in a large variety of ways. If you’re in the midwest, you will have harsh humid summers and bitterly damp, cold winters. If you live in the northern parts of the states or in many parts of Canada, you will have exceptionally cold winters where losing power or your furnace can be incredibly taxing and dangerous.

For people who don’t live in areas with mild winters like the southern states, it’s imperative that your home furnace is operating as efficiently as possible at all times.

Furnace repair is never something you want to have to do, but it is something that unfortunately does happen. The last thing you want is to have it happen right in the middle of a cold front that brings freezing temperatures and snowfall.

You might need a furnace repair if…

Here are some signs you might need to go ahead and get your furnace repaired.

1. You are having some difficulty starting up your furnace
2. You are getting strange or burnt smells coming from your furnace
3. The pilot light for the furnace is a blue or different than normal color
4. Poor heat output from the furnace
5. The furnace is much louder than normal
6. Air quality in your home is poor
7. Your carbon monoxide detector is going off

If your carbon monoxide detector is going off, you need to immediately look into the issue. Follow the instructions found with your carbon monoxide detector or furnace to remedy this issue immediately and for anyone in your building to be safe.

For any of these other issues, you can contact your local professional HVAC specialist or companies and they will be able to provide you with the proper information related to how you can best go about fixing your furnace before the coldest weather hits.

 

A beautiful home can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be costly without considering the budget. Home renovations are expensive and should not be taken lightly, but they can also greatly benefit your life. When you’re considering undertaking a large home project, following a budget is an important step to make right up front, especially if you want that project to pay off.

Why Is It So Important to Have a Budget?

Budgeting is a good way to prepare for a big home spending decision. It allows you to anticipate and plan for the costs of your home project and make smart decisions regarding the purchases you make while completing your renovation.

A budget provides a structure of sorts—an outline that you can use to guide your project planning so that you end up with a finished product that will last and provide the value it costs you—not just now but in the years ahead. For example, when installing a barn door, you can use your budget to calculate how many to buy and how much it will cost.

In addition to helping you keep tabs on spending, having a budget is also an excellent way to prepare yourself for the many expenses that can easily come up during your home renovation.

Many homeowners don’t realize that more than 50% of the cost of their home renovation project will be spent on labor, not material costs. The reason that is so is because of the high labor rates that are common in this field. When deciding on a project, you must understand what it will cost to complete the work so that you can budget properly.

Another aspect of planning with a budget is knowing your current financial status. If you’re living month-to-month and don’t have any cash saved up, then paying your mortgage or utility bills may easily be out of reach.

You also need to understand your net worth or financial position. If you are carrying a high credit card balance and not generating any interest, then it can be easy for you to fall into the trap of continuing to make those purchases. Budgeting allows you to see your financial position in terms of where you are heading and finds solutions that will allow you to achieve your budget goals while still living within your means.

A budget correctly formed around your home renovation project can help you make the right decisions regarding where to allocate your funds and will allow you to have a home renovation that is a pleasure, not a burden. For instance, when you have a proper budget, you can choose a central air conditioning unit instead of a window AC unit, which would be more expensive but will require less work in the long run.

Home renovating on a budget is possible with the following tips that help you to keep track of your spending and overall renovation goals. Using a home renovation budget can help you to decide which projects on your list are possible and which ones need to remain a dream project for now.

Using a budget is one of the best ways to get the most out of your money, both for the upcoming home renovation and in the years ahead.

1. Develop a budget plan before you get started. Determine the cost and timing of all current home renovations currently in your home. Please review what you hope to accomplish with each of them, and develop an overall plan for the direction of your renovation project. Review this list with your spouse or other household decision maker to see if any holes in the plan should be filled before it is approved.
2. Select the items that are important to you and those that are not, and determine which will take priority. Then work back from your desired overall result. What needs to be completed in the first quarter of the process to ensure you can complete the first project on your list? What do you need to get done to complete that part of your vision, and what is required to accomplish those objectives? This way, you can plan out your budget properly and make the correct financial decisions with each new phase of your home renovation project.
3. Be aware of unexpected expenses. Decide now how much money you would like to have in your budget for repairs to your home and how much extra money you are willing to spend on home renovations. How much-unexpected income or expense can you expect?
4. Determine your goals for each item on your list. Each room of your home has certain needs. Determine what you want to accomplish with that particular room and the budget you need to ensure the renovation project can be completed within the projected time range.

Before you know it, your renovation will be done and you will be enjoying the fruits of your labor. You saved some money because of the budget you set up, and that is a nice feeling.

 

Did you know that around 52% of adults take a summer vacation? Whether or not you’re taking one, you can still capture some of that summer magic with the right fragrance in your home. If you’re looking for the right scent to make the most of summer, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn about the best summer home fragrances!

Create a Floral Ambiance

When you’re looking to create a welcoming space during the summer months, you want clean and light fragrances. Heavy and overly peppery scents might seem too wintery. Floral scents are a fitting choice, and you can find anything from mists to candles to spread the aromas throughout your home.

For instance, a geranium candle is one of the most ideal summer home fragrances. It’s light, fruity, and even a little bit rosy. Or go with sage for an earthier option on a gloomy day.

Have a home fragrance diffuser? Try essential oils in rose, lavender, or lily. You’ll love the delicate ambiance that keeps you feeling fresh and relaxed. Discover more options that will have your home smelling summery.

Introduce Herbs into Your Space

Sometimes the best home fragrance is a little spicier. Herbs are great ways to add aromatics to your space. They’re even better when you pair them with fruity or floral scents for a bit of sweetness.

Create a tranquil vibe with the aroma of chamomile or cloves. Chamomile is warm and earthy, while cloves are woodsy and even fruity. Your guests might even ask what it is that smells so good!

Or energize your room with the zesty smell of peppermint. When the temperatures soar, you’ll appreciate the refreshing and cooling power of peppermint.

And if you’re sitting outside on a muggy night, go with a citronella candle. Citronella derives from a well-known Asian grass, but its scent is fruity. Better yet, burning one of these candles will smell good and help keep the mosquitos at bay!

Add a Fruity Flair

On a hot summer day, a refreshing fruity smell can create the perfect setting. Grapefruits and other lemony citrus scents will help you feel alert and energized throughout the day. Especially in a kitchen, you’ll love these clean aromas.

Burn a citrus-scented candle during dinner or choose a cucumber-melon option for an afternoon gathering. These soothing fragrances will help you embrace the season. For a tangy take on fragrances, try an orange-scented candle or essential oil.

Get home fragrance oils to use in your diffuser. Add watermelon, peach, and mango to your collection, and mix and match them. Then mix in a few drops of basil or other herbs for a few spicy notes that add to the complexity.

Find the Ideal Home Fragrances

Great home fragrances can elevate your experience indoors. Choose light and fresh scents like roses, geraniums, and fresh fruits. Or go with basil, mint, and other herbs that will spice up your space.

Find more tips to make your house shine. Check back soon for new articles!

 

We all have a general idea of what the bathroom of our dreams would look like, but unfortunately many of us don’t have the space and we definitely don’t have the budget to make it happen. We have to work with what we have and so with some consideration and some thinking outside the box, there is no reason why you can’t get close to the bathroom that you’ve always wanted but were too afraid to create. If you’re thinking of making changes to your bathroom right now then it’s highly likely that you moved into the property when the bathroom was already completed and you didn’t like it back then and you certainly still don’t like it now. It’s time for a change and you need to remember that this is one of the busiest rooms in the house, so anything that you want to have done needs to be done quickly and needs to be done properly.

We are always looking for new ideas like using black bathroom tapware instead of the typical chrome ones and it is thinking like this that can help you to create a bathroom like no other. Many people tend to look over important things like tapware when it is always the small details that make a big difference. The following are just some tips that will hopefully help you to create the bathroom of your dreams.

• Plan the layout – Just don’t start removing some items and replacing them with others without first figuring out the whole bathroom layout and how you want everything to be at the end of all of the work. There may be pipes that are sticking out from the walls which is a common plumbing problem and so it might be a good idea to have these tucked away inside the walls to provide you with more space to work with. You need to consider whether or not there is enough room for a bath and if there isn’t, what kind of shower do you want to install. There are toilets and sinks specially made for smaller bathrooms, so consider these as well.
• Consider the tiles – Hopefully you have decided to put tiles on the floor and on the walls and so this leaves you many different options to choose from with regards to size, colour, shape and patterns. Depending on the size of the space that you have to work with, certain tiles will work better than others. If it is a small space then it might be a good idea to have some bright colours in your tiles to give the room more scope and the illusion of space. Tiles are incredibly affordable and so take your time and make good choices.

This is a room that you and your family are going to be visiting every single day of the week and in many cases 3 to 4 times a day. You’re not going to get another chance to refurbish it for a number of years, so take all of the advice that you can get and use it whenever possible.

There are many things in life that we do not give as much credit to as they deserve. This has many negative implications. When something is not fully appreciated, we often run into problems that directly stem from not fully appreciating the thing in question. In other words, issues arise due to the gap created from an item not being utilised, or simply appreciated. What we have in mind for this article is the idea of fencing. Fencing is an age-old technique of land bordering and separation, and it has somewhat fallen out of use. We no longer fence our properties now as a lot of the time we buy land sites from developers. However, in the past, land would be passed down from generation to generation, and there was no land registry. Therefore, the only way that one person would know what they owned in comparison to what their neighbour owned would be from what was on his side of the fence. This is where the phrase ‘what side of the fence are you on’ comes from. This article is here to shine some light on this topic. We will discuss just why fencing may be of more importance than you or I may give credit.

To Finish the Design

Let us start at the most fundamental level. Fencing can be a great way to finish off a house. Most people only think of what is inside a house when they are developing or building a new one. They may even give some thought to what the garden looks like, but this is not everyone. A house without a fence can look incredibly bare. It looks like it was left unfinished, even though the inhabitants think that it is finished. This is not good. Many firms provide fencing, like Think Fencing, who aim to offer modern and sophisticated fencing so that you can have a good-looking home. If you are a person who has a home with no fencing, check them out.

The Protection of Your Property

If you live somewhere where there are wild animals, then you are going to need to get fencing. Today, many people use PVC fencing. This is an extra strength fencing that protects the land of the owner. There are constant reports from around the world, especially in countries like Australia, of animals running gardens, breaking parts of a house or eating food from the bins. This can be very annoying, costly and time consuming if you are a homeowner having to put up with this. Well, thankfully, you do not have to put up with this. Buy a fence and protect your home today. Click here for more information on how you can build in a sustainable way.

Provided are some ways that you can use fencing to your advantage. Hopefully this information will help you improve your home life. For more information on the building of homes, look here. Always remember that if you embark on any building project to keep the environment and the fight against climate change in your mind.

 

According to the SEIA, the average cost of installing solar has decreased by around $20,000 since 2010.

Solar power is a sustainable and pollution-free means of power generation with the potential to save homeowners thousands on their energy bills.

Are you ready to enter the age of solar power and start saving on your electricity costs? If so, your first question is likely, ‘How much do you save with solar panels?’

Keep reading to find out more.

The Relationship Between Solar Costs and Savings

Buying electricity from a power company is expensive, but it doesn’t involve the high upfront costs of a solar system. An off-grid solar setup means you’ll never pay an electricity bill again.

Yet, you’ll need to pay out between $13,000 and $17,000 in materials and installation costs first, depending on where you live.

You can save on your solar installation by taking advantage of the federal tax incentive for solar power. This benefit allows you to deduct 26% of the total costs involved in setting up solar panels for home use from your annual taxes.

Many states offer additional solar panel savings that can considerably reduce your initial costs, too.

How Much Does Solar Save You Monthly?

You’ll likely need to apply for a solar loan to pay these expenses, which means you can add interest charges to the final cost of going solar.

Ultimately, you’ll end up with a monthly amount you must pay toward your solar loan instead of paying your electricity bill.

The difference between these two amounts should tell you how much you stand to save, right? Wrong!

Once you’ve paid off your loan, you’ll still have the use of your solar panels until they reach the end of their twenty-year lifespan. When you’re paying a power company for electricity, there’s no end in sight.

How Much Do You Save With Solar Panels on the Grid

If you can’t afford to pay for a solar installation, there are other ways to enjoy savings from solar panels. You can opt for a power purchase agreement.

These arrangements, mean the power company gets your home ready for solar electricity generation without any upfront costs to you. They’ll pay all the costs associated with placing solar panels on the roof of your home and also take back all the electricity they generate.

They do this by connecting your solar panels to their grid via your home. In return, they sell this electricity back to you at a much cheaper price than usual.

Another system, called net metering, means you pay the costs of setting up solar panels and only use grid power when needed.

During peak production hours, your solar panels feed electricity back into the grid and the power company gives you a credit on your electricity bill in return.

The Most Important Savings From Solar

While you’re mulling over questions like, ‘how much do you save with solar power’, spare a thought for the real savings associated with renewable energy.

Clean energy like solar and wind help decrease the number of carbon emissions created by conventional electricity generation. So, when you install solar power, you’re helping to save humanity from the devastating effects of increasing global warming.

Are you interested to find out more about the things you sometimes wonder about? Browse our House blog for all the latest information on a wide range of topics.