Category: Home Garden

This is how you find the right construction financing

Finding the right construction financing is a mystery for many future homeowners. The range of different options on the market is too large. A question that will probably arise: Which construction financing suits me and my project? Fortunately, there are various options for realizing and financing your dream of owning your own home.

annuity loan

This method is most often used to finance your own property. A bank grants the loan, which is paid off in fixed monthly installments. The annual rate (annuity) of interest and repayment is divided by 12 calendar months, with the amount of these rates remaining constant over the entire term. Sufficient equity is recommended here so that the amount of the loan is lower and less money has to be raised for interest. The lower your own assets, the higher the bank usually sets the interest rates. A plus point here is the interest security, since the interest rates remain unchanged over the entire term. However, this option offers little flexibility unless the annuity loan is invested for different terms.

full financing

If little or no equity could be saved, full financing can be the right construction financing. With this option, however, the borrower should have an above-average income, since the lender will help finance the lack of equity and the ancillary construction costs. However, this is reflected in high interest rates.

home savings contract

The home loan and savings contract is a popular means of building finance. It enables equity to be invested at an early stage. To ensure that the equity capital is as high as possible, it is advisable to conclude a home loan and savings contract at a young age. An advantage of the home loan and savings contract is the tax subsidy from the state, since the employee savings bonus and the housing premium can flow into the financial product. There are considerable differences in the tariffs of home loan and savings contracts, which is why a comprehensive comparison is a must.

KfW funding

The support of a loan from the KfW bank can be particularly valuable for construction financing. This grants grants through various programs subject to certain conditions. Projects for age-appropriate conversion, an energy-efficient building and the use of renewable energies through solar power storage and photovoltaic systems are supported, for example, by the KfW bank with grants. Before starting new construction or refurbishment, it is important to first apply for funding from the KfW.

The station wagon does it

If the right option cannot be found immediately, a combination of different options could be the solution. For example, a combination loan can be the ideal middle ground. The borrower is granted an instant loan and a home savings contract over the entire term. This method is particularly attractive when it comes to short-term construction financing decisions.

If funding through grants is an option, a merger between the KfW bank and other options such as equity and annuity loans may be the right choice. Which type of construction financing or possibly even a combination of several options is the right one can best be determined after assessing your own financial situation and personal future planning and should be well thought out in advance. If the desire to own a home arises at a young age, a home loan and savings contract is recommended. It enables an early investment of equity. If the dream of owning your own four walls came about in the short term, full financing or a combined loan could be an option. In all cases, it should be checked whether there is a possibility of funding from the KfW bank.

Water damage discovered: these are the next steps

It is all the more important to know what to do when water damage occurs. Because the faster you react, the better you can handle the situation. Unfortunately, it happens again and again that those affected forget important steps in the rush. This can later cost money and nerves.

1. Immediate measures for water damage

If the damage is discovered, the first thing to do is damage limitation. If there is water damage due to a burst pipe or water from an adjacent apartment, the main line must be turned off. Neighbors must be contacted, as must the landlord.

When it comes to water damage caused by forces of nature – such as rain coming through the roof or flooding – things are a little more complicated. For nature has no master tap. In such situations, life and limb must be protected immediately. Children and people with disabilities should be removed from the home and the fire brigade called.

Whether in a rented apartment or in a house: It may be necessary to switch off the electricity as well. If the water damage occurs near power lines, there is a risk of shocks and short circuits. Safety always comes first in such situations.

2. Act quickly

Water damage emergencies are rare. The vast majority of water damage is one thing above all: annoying. Because they do not destroy the whole house and do not necessarily make the apartment uninhabitable, but they do cause damp air, mold growth and limited usability of the premises. In such cases, the preservation of evidence is important. Insurance companies and landlords should be involved in the whole process. Videos and photos can be valuable later when it comes to questions of guilt or costs.

Drying should then begin as soon as possible. With the drying technology from Kreß you get fast and reliable support. Because the faster the damage is repaired, the less serious the consequences. Unfortunately, much water damage is difficult to assess with the naked eye, which is why getting help from an expert for such damage is almost always the best solution.

3. Long-term consequences and tasks

Recognizing, limiting and documenting damage – that is important. Unfortunately, that’s almost never the end of the story. Because then it’s about removing the damage and that usually goes beyond a simple drying machine. But who pays for that?

This is always a point of contention between landlords and tenants, but also between homeowners and insurance companies. That is why the documentation mentioned is so important. Because if you wait for the landlord or the insurance company to take care of you, you often lose valuable time. So most people trade themselves and therefore have costs.

Even if landlords and insurance companies don’t get in the way, there are still a few things to consider. One should not assume that all damage is visible. If the water ran down the walls, they must be dried and repainted. But what about the floor underneath? Did the water run between the floorboards or even where cables run? Did furniture get damaged?

Restoring the old living situation takes a lot of time. Whenever possible, many people take a few days off. If you cannot do this, enlist the help of friends or family members. Postponing important steps to repair the damage should be avoided at all costs.

Plan leaf disposal in good time: Autumn is coming soon

Leaf disposal is something that can easily be planned in advance. And yet it happens again and again that hectic suddenly arises when the temperatures drop and the leaves change color. Both the number and the quality of the devices must be right – this applies in particular to municipal leaf disposal. Unlike private leaf disposal, this involves tons of leaves and dirt.

Therefore rely on special equipment

Some dealers have specialized in leaf disposal. Dealing with them makes sense because you can expect quality advice. Of course, foliage equipment can also be bought in hardware stores, but there is no guarantee that you will get tips on the right equipment for your own needs.

Leaf vacuums in communal areas have to deal with a lot of dirt and rubbish. Cups, paper, masks – all these things are sucked up and the devices should be prepared for them. In turn, it is important for the employees that they can work with the leaf blowers in different situations.

Because there are sidewalks and streets to clean, but also playgrounds, parking lots or uneven terrain. In such situations, one benefits when ergonomic work is possible. Some devices can have extendable arms and at the same time work as quietly as possible. Although special devices cost more to purchase, they can reduce working hours and ensure fewer downtimes in everyday work.

Leaf disposal does not only start in autumn

As mentioned at the beginning, autumn comes to municipalities every year. Nevertheless, not everyone manages to prepare for the masses of leaves. This is especially a problem if you are dependent on the special devices mentioned. They often have long delivery times.

If not taken care of in time, numerous problems will arise. On the one hand, it can happen that not enough equipment is available to enable every employee to work – then leaves can either not be collected and disposed of at all or only by hand. This takes longer and therefore costs more.

Without special equipment, some areas such as playgrounds or hiking trails may not be accessible at all. However, the longer it takes to remove leaves, the higher the risk of accidents for pedestrians, cyclists and cars. However, the image of a city or municipality also includes the first impression, so external presentation should not be taken lightly. Foliage equipment for the fall should therefore be ordered long before the first leaves fall.

Guarantee correct use and maintenance

Another reason not to choose and order foliage equipment at the last minute is that employees need to be given the opportunity to learn the ropes. The more useful the device, the longer it usually takes until everyone feels safe with it and correct use becomes second nature. It doesn’t take weeks, but it does take a few days, during which 100 percent effectiveness cannot be expected.

The earlier the devices are on site, the more time there is to familiarize new and old employees with the devices. And if there are problems, the dealer can be contacted. Because reputable and reliable suppliers of foliage equipment are always available for queries.

Purchase advice based on specific requirements should also be guaranteed. It is therefore worth looking for a long-term partner for leaf disposal, especially for municipal requirements. Good dealers react to customer requests and can give precise advice and specific tips on using the devices.

Plan the move correctly – this way it works without any stress

The timely preparation

In order for you to be able to complete the move without any stress, the entire move should be planned at an early stage. If, for example, disposal and storage is required when moving, this should be requested with sufficient advance notice. In this way, the necessary storage space and disposal options can be planned and you don’t have to resort to an expensive emergency solution or, in the worst case, take everything with you to the new apartment. Family and friends should also be informed in good time about the relocation plans if their help is needed. A move always means that many items, some of which are heavy, have to be moved. In a short time, if there is not enough manpower, the entire move can be delayed and you will reach your physical and mental limits. This does not have to be the case if helping hands are informed in good time. Note that a moving company with sufficient time buffer should also be requested. This way you are guaranteed to get the support you need.

Pack before moving

It’s a really bad idea if you don’t start packing boxes and filling boxes until the day of your move. It is better to get things ready for transport days before the upcoming move that are no longer used anyway. Decorations, the contents of drawers and books, for example, can be packed in advance without needing them until you move into the new apartment. Perhaps the first boxes can already be stowed in the trunk or on the back seat of the car. Every kilogram that no longer has to be carried when moving is a real blessing.

Don’t forget children and pets

Of course you will not forget your children and pets in the old apartment. Much more is meant by the fact that care for children and pets is guaranteed during the move. Although children can also lend a hand, small children and pets in particular are a time factor when moving that should not be forgotten. It’s best to have friends or family watch over loved ones so you can focus on the move. Animal and babysitters are also an interim solution so that you can clearly focus on the move.

Renovation work when moving out

Rented premises in particular must be returned to their original condition and handed over in a clean swept condition before leaving. Of course, painting the walls, filling holes and all other work that still needs to be done takes time. You should not underestimate this, especially if you are already mentally in the new apartment. Depending on what needs to be done, this can also be done before the move. For example, drilling holes can easily be filled days before the actual move.

Appropriate planning must be carried out to ensure that a move does not end in chaos. The earlier a move is planned, the better the chances that manpower, storage space and the like can be organized.

What to consider when moving abroad

The removal goods must be declared at customs

If you want to move from Germany to Switzerland, you can generally import used household goods, ie existing household effects, duty-free. It is important that a complete list of all removal goods to be transported is prepared in advance. The quickest way to clear customs at the border is to label all goods in transit, such as moving boxes and pieces of furniture. This makes it easier for the customs officials on site to assign them and avoids long waiting times at the border control.

A notice: If you are moving from Germany to Switzerland, it is worth taking a look at the website of the Federal Customs Administration (FCA for short). Sample lists for registering removal goods when moving from Germany to Switzerland are provided there, which you can use as a guide.

As far as route planning and the moving date are concerned, you should note the specific opening hours of the customs counters in Switzerland. It is best to get information about this from the responsible authorities in advance. In Switzerland, there is also a driving ban on trucks with a total weight of 7.5 tons or more on weekdays after 10 p.m., on Saturdays after 1 p.m. and all day on Sundays.

Composition of the costs when moving to Switzerland

Just as with moves within Germany, the costs for moves abroad also depend on various factors. One of them, for example, is the mode of transport. While land freight by van or truck is mostly used domestically, air freight can also make sense for extensive moves abroad. However, the significantly higher costs have to be considered. One of the most important factors is the volume of the move, which means the size and weight of the entire household contents. Because the specific price is determined taking into account weight and space requirements. Last but not least, the moving date also influences the total costs. A comparison of moving prices for different seasons often shows that the costs to be paid in the summer months are significantly higher than in the winter. If you want to transport a lot of valuable items (e.g. art objects or musical instruments such as a piano), additional insurance can make sense, but moving companies will charge a surcharge for this.

Cleaning garden furniture quickly and easily: the best tips and tricks

Whether it’s a comfortable seating area, chic lounge sets, chairs and tables made of wood, plastic or metal, sunshades, beach chairs or swing chairs – garden furniture comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors and made of a wide variety of materials. But almost all outdoor furniture has one thing in common: they need a lot of care so that they still look good years later. And that not only applies to older models, but also to new items, even if you paid attention to quality when buying new garden furniture. But what is the best way to clean and care for the garden furniture? What can be done against heavy soiling, brittle wood and unsightly discolouration? And why should one completely do without both the wire brush and strong cleaning agents in the best case?

Intensive UV radiation, rust, moisture, dirt and frost – as we all know, our beautiful garden furniture has to withstand a lot and defy wind and weather at any time of the year. But before you tackle the outdoor furniture with heavy equipment and the chemical club, you should consider that not all materials require the same care. For this reason, we show in the following list how garden furniture made of plastic, wood and metal can best be maintained and even protect the environment at the same time. And a little tip first: if you clean your garden furniture on lawns or near the flower beds, you can use the water directly to water the plants.

Plastic/plastic garden furniture:

Probably the biggest problem with plastic garden furniture is the discoloration of the material caused by UV radiation. In addition, the sun’s rays can also quickly lead to cracked and brittle areas in which the dirt can settle more easily. A commercially available protective film is recommended here, with which you can easily cover the outdoor furniture as soon as you are no longer using it. In order to remove the dirt and at the same time to take action against the unsightly formation of algae and moss, it is usually sufficient to wash the plastic furniture several times a season with lukewarm vinegar water, a little washing powder or a pinch of baking soda. Insider tip: A little toothpaste can work wonders for particularly stubborn dirt. And of course the garden furniture can also be cleaned every now and then with the practical high-pressure cleaner – but you should definitely make sure that the nozzle is at least 40 to 50 centimeters away from the furniture, otherwise damage can unfortunately occur quite quickly .

Wooden garden furniture:

First of all, it should be said that the same applies to cleaning wooden furniture as to spring cleaning in the house or apartment: The cleaning agents do not always have to be chemical – because it is well known that wood in particular does not really go well with the synthetic club. Instead, the tables, chairs and loungers made of teak, rattan or acacia should be cleaned with homemade soapy water (made from natural soap) and a microfibre cloth or a commercially available washing-up sponge. If the soiling should be heavier, you can use a mixture of soda and cornstarch, which you apply to the affected areas, leave for a few hours and then wash off with (luke)warm water. Important: After cleaning the wooden furniture, it should be treated with a suitable, natural-based care oil. The light film of oil is quickly absorbed – especially when the furniture is left to dry in the sun – and protects it from dirt in the long term.

Metal garden furniture:

Even if garden furniture made of metal – whether stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum – is basically very robust, it also has to be cleaned at regular intervals. When it comes to cleaning metal furniture, however, you can always be a little rougher, as it is quite stable and hard-wearing. However, emery paper that is too coarse, which can be used to remove rust, leaves unsightly sanding marks and scratches. So caution should be exercised here. Otherwise, mild soapy water, ecological detergent and a root brush are also excellent for removing all dirt in no time at all. And if the hinges squeak, the slide rails are dirty or screws can no longer be loosened so easily, a natural silicone spray can provide a quick remedy. So cared for and cared for, there is practically nothing standing in the way of a wonderful garden season with shiny metal garden furniture.

5 reasons for a garden house – that’s why garden houses are so practical on the home green space!

Reason 1: Garden houses can be used in many ways

A garden shed does not only have to serve as a tool shed or storage place for garden tools. The garden house can be used according to your own wishes. Whether as an additional place of retreat, as a wellness oasis or as a location for family celebrations and parties – garden houses can be used according to your own requirements. In order to get an overview of the different models and sizes, it is worth taking a look at the internet. The gartenhausfabrik.de platform offers a good overview of very different models of garden houses. For example, a garden shed can be used as additional outdoor living space, which can also serve as a guest house in the summer months. Of course, the seating area can also be set up in the garden around the garden house, so that you can spend a relaxing time there with the family. If you also have a desire for wellness and relaxation, you can also set up a sauna or a relaxation zone in the garden house.

Reason 2: Different models fit harmoniously into the overall picture of the garden

Of course, the shape and size of a garden also influence the choice of a garden house. In narrow and elongated gardens, it is more likely to build a small garden shed, while you can build very large garden sheds if there is plenty of space. The selection of garden houses ranges from mini garden houses to wellness temples that can accommodate up to eight people. A garden house can also be made to measure. However, these models are often a bit more expensive than ready-made kits.

Reason 3: A garden shed is easy to maintain

Most garden sheds are made of wood. Because wood is a very robust and natural material that blends harmoniously into the natural setting of the garden. By impregnating the wood, the garden house is protected from the weather, mold and insects for many years, so that the maintenance and care of a wooden garden house is very low.

Reason 4: A garden house has a positive effect on health

Wood as a natural material creates a very healthy room climate, so that you can relax in a garden shed. Allergy sufferers in particular can enjoy relaxing hours in a wooden garden house and benefit from the natural building material. Because unpleasant smells, excessive humidity and pollutants are immediately absorbed by the wood, so that you can switch off from everyday life perfectly. Accordingly, garden houses made of wood are also suitable as a good place to sleep in summer.

Reason 5: More order in the garden

Of course, a garden shed can also be used to finally create order on the home green space. Garden tools and equipment no longer need to be stored in the garage or basement. A garden shed can be extremely practical to get the garden ready for the summer and upcoming garden work. In this way, all important utensils and tools can be stored in an orderly and space-saving manner.

Renovate bathrooms – with little money

1. Planning is for preparation

Only with the right planning can the costs be kept within reasonable bounds. First of all, it is necessary to determine which elements are broken and need to be replaced. Is something specific missing in the bathroom that hasn’t been there yet? The condition of the furniture also needs to be reassessed. The first costs can already be estimated and limited here. If the planning becomes too expensive, things should be crossed off the list.

2. Contribute your own contribution

Another adjustment screw in the cost plan is the manual work. Whether tiler, plumber or painter – every trade has its price. Do-it-yourselfers should participate in the renovation and do small jobs themselves. The preparatory work is particularly important when old silicone joints have to be removed or sinks have to be dismantled. All other services performed by the craftsmen are at least tax deductible. This applies to the costs for wages, travel and material. A total of 20 percent must be offset in your own tax return.

3. Clear lines for a modern bathroom

With the furnishings, even older bathrooms become a modern place of rest and relaxation. Clear lines and the minimalist style are popular. That means: less is more. The room does not need a lot of furniture and should be reduced to its function and the bare essentials. Perhaps the cupboard can be saved in one place. In addition, sinks, toilets or bathtubs do not always have to be replaced. Ceramic is an easy-care surface that shines again with water and detergent. Timeless bathroom furniture, uniform colors and clear lines survive every trend and will not require expensive renovation work in a few years.

4. Set stylish effects

A bathroom becomes particularly homely with light effects, fittings and special extras. Modern LEDs are no longer expensive to buy and save electricity in the long run. Indirect light creates a cozy atmosphere in the room. This works via hidden light strips or a light construction behind the mirror. There are also water-saving fittings and shower heads. Not only do they look stylish, they also have a lasting effect.

Decorative items and extras give the renovation a special touch. Not much effort or money is needed here to create more order and get a clean look across the room. This also includes hooks on the wall or towel rails at the right height. The openly visible textiles make the bathroom more homely and prevent unnecessary noise. The designer towel rails from frabox follow the modern style, are permanently installed and are also suitable for small bathrooms. The company stands for quality from Germany and, in addition to the beautiful design, pays attention to durable workmanship. Towel holders are required, especially next to the washbasin, the bathtub and the shower. The choice of model always depends on the size of the bathroom and where the bracket is to be mounted.

5. Good quality saves in the long run

With all new products, not only the price should be in the foreground. The quality determines the longevity and saves permanently. For example, the faucet lasts 5 or 10 years and does not leak. The washbasin does not crack and the furniture remains easy to care for despite the damp room. The same applies to the brackets and small elements. While stainless steel is more expensive than plastic, it suits the bathroom and lasts much longer. If you buy cheap, you haven’t really saved.

Tip: Designer pieces often have a high price. However, the high-quality manufacturers and brands also offer simple products that do not demand that much from the wallet.

6. Paint tiles and redo joints

Tiles are often still okay in terms of quality and durability. The old-fashioned design is often annoying and collides with modern ideas. However, the backsplash does not need to be replaced to create a different look. Tile paint or tile varnish will help. The agent can be easily applied to large areas with a roller, and the joints can be traced with a brush. The base coat dries for about 12 hours, depending on the agent. This is followed by a final coating. This is initially very sensitive and must harden properly. The tiles are only ready for use again after about 5 days. At the same time, a new silicone joint can be drawn. Old silicone quickly discolours or looks unclean. Even older bathtubs and showers appear in new splendor with a fresh silicone joint. With a little manual skill, this work can be done without much effort and creates an immediately visible effect.