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Earthbag building (sometimes called sandbag building) is surely one of the lowest cost, most practical building methods. First used by the military for building durable, bullet and blast resistant structures, this building method has recently experienced a surge of interest among do-it-yourself builders. There are now an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 earthbag structures, including homes, offices, shops, schools, temples, clinics, orphanages and even ecovillages.

One of the strongest selling points is affordability. A simple earthbag dome, for example, using recycled grain bags and earth can be built for around $100. A larger, more comfortable home can be built for around $500-$1000. The EarthDome House at Terrasante Village in Tucson, Arizona is just one example.

Earthbags are ideal for owner-builders. The necessary skills for each step of construction can be learned in a few minutes. It boils down to simply filling bags with an appropriate fill material (typically subsoil or gravel) and tamping them solid. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. Also, few tools are required – shovels, buckets, garden hose. The few additional tools needed (tamper, slider) can be made cheaply and easily.

Earthbag buildings are sustainable since they are made primarily of earth from or near the building site. Earthbag domes do not require wood, thereby reducing pressure on our forests. Expensive concrete foundations are not required if you use gravel-filled bags. In addition, these structures are safe, quiet, nontoxic, rodent proof, and fire, hurricane and flood resistant.

Energy efficiency is another strong plus in favor of building with bags. The massive earth walls stabilize interior temperatures in hot climates. In cold and hot climates, earthbags can be filled with an insulating material, such as lava rock, pumice, vermiculite or perlite. Some builders are experimenting with rice hulls for insulation, which are often free for the taking. In general, lightweight insulating materials (such as those just mentioned) require far less labor than those of tamped earth and provide comfort through the harshest winters or hottest summers.

Earthbags can also be used to create underground (root/storm cellars, etc.) or earth-bermed structures, privacy and retaining walls, planters, furniture (built-in benches, etc.), and many other uses. Earthbags are very adaptable and work just as well for domes as they do for structures with vertical walls. They also excel at creating free-form, curving structures.

As earthbag building grows by leaps and bounds, NGOs and other organizations are exploring their use for emergency shelters. Millions of victims of wars and natural disasters need low cost housing and temporary shelter. More durable than tarps and more comfortable than tents, earthbags work perfectly since even unskilled workers can build their own shelters – all without destroying local resources.

It is a great thing that people are becoming highly concerned about the environment and the planet. There are stringent efforts taken by people to take care of the planet in all aspects. With the increased awareness about the environment, people have started focusing on reducing the carbon footprint that actually ruins the environment.

One major way to reduce the carbon footprint and take care of the Earth is through recycling. There are many materials that can be recycled such as paper, glass, metals and plastic. When it comes to the construction industry, using the shipping containers for building is the best way to save the environment.

Numerous cargo ship containers can be found abandoned in shipyards but these can still be used in a great way. Many people have opted for this growing trend as it is possible to recycle these containers and transform them into great looking homes. Well, here is a guide that details the environmental benefits of the shipping container enclosures.

Recycling Intermodal Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are designed to be durable and long lasting. And, during their lifespan, these containers travel several thousands of miles across the world. When the shipping container owner maintains them well, it is possible to make them last for even a decade. But as we live in a disposable society, people trend to replace old things when they buy new ones. This applies to the shipping containers as well.

As there are numerous shipping containers up for sale, it is possible to recycle them and use them for various purposes. One best way to give life to these is by building container homes. These homes offer several benefits such as,

1. Environment friendly
2. Unique looks
3. Functional and flexible
4. Affordable
5. Durable

Shipping Container Enclosures are Like Building Blocks

Designing an environment friendly home is possible with the use of shipping containers. These container enclosures are considered to be building blocks that are stacked together similar to the building blocks that children play with. These can be stacked either side by side or one on top of the other as per the requirement. It is possible to build a custom living space by creating large open rooms. This is possible to achieve by placing the containers side by side and taking off the internal walls.

Besides being restricted to homes, the shipping containers can be used for container site office structures as well. It is possible to weld the containers together to create a multiple story structure that is sturdy. People can create bespoke homes that are unique and eco-friendly with shipping containers.

Container Enclosures Use Less Cement and Concrete

The process of manufacturing cement and concrete is harmful to the environment. So, using recycled shipping containers to build a structure is definitely environment friendly. It is still important to use concrete but it will be used only to lay the foundation, which causes less harm. The amount of concrete depends on the size and structure of the building. If it is a taller building, then it will require more foundation to support its overall weight.

Reduced Carbon Footprint is No More a Dream

In addition to building shipping container enclosures using recycled containers, it is also possible to reduce the carbon footprint by incorporating other such recycled products. In tropical climates, wooden shingles made using sustainable sources or recycled materials can be used to cover the exterior of the building. Even plants with large bushes or trees can be used to give shade to the building from the sunny climate.

Adding an external roof in order to provide shade is also a feasible option. This can be done by installing solar panels to reduce the energy consumption. Though solar panels aren’t sufficient to generate all the power that is needed, it can be used to power some appliances, which will reduce the use of electricity at least to a specific level. Some of the notably things that can help in achieving an eco-friendly home are,

1. Rainwater harvesting
2. Recycling bins
3. Compost heap
4. Vegetable and fruit garden

Get Enough Space for a Garden

Eco-friendly homes constructed using recycled shipping containers help in creating enough space for a garden that can grow vegetables and fruits. The organic waste that is disposed of can be placed on the compost heap, which fertilizes the garden. It is also possible to collect the rainwater and use the same to water the garden. If everyone makes the effort to create a garden in your home, it is possible to achieve a greener Earth.

Affordable Homes

An eco-friendly container enclosure made out of recycled shipping containers will definitely be great. In addition to being environment friendly, such homes are also affordable as these are built using recycled and reused materials. And, the overall carbon footprint is also lowered as such homes will be installed with solar panels and high-quality insulation.

Faster and Easier to Build

When it comes to construction of container enclosures, time will not be a major concern as such structures are easier and faster to build. It would not take a long time to construct shipping container homes and container site office structures as there is minimal effort needed to raise such structures.

Though there are many environmental advantages associated with such homes, these are not perfect ones. One major downside is that these homes are considered to be temporary shelters by many people. As the containers are not too spacious, it will result in less free space for the occupants. The notable aspect is that these container homes need expensive steel reinforcements when they are stacked together.

Why go through a realtor to sell your home when you can sell it yourself and save thousands of dollars? When you use a realtor to sell your home, you must pay real estate brokerage fees. Instead of paying these fees to someone else you can sell for sale by owner and put these thousands of dollars into your pocket instead of someone else’s.

The major reason that people don’t sell their homes themselves is because they do not have the time and patience it takes to sell the home. Home sellers find themselves racing for the phone every time it rings because they don’t want to miss out on a deal. Selling real estate in Florida can be made easier through use of a for sale by owner, FSBO, website.

How many people do you think will see the for sale by owner ad in your local newspaper? Your ad might reach a hundred possibly a thousand readers, some of which may not be interested in purchasing a home. By posting your home on a FBSO site, your ad reaches thousands of people that ordinarily it wouldn’t reach. The extra exposure increases your chances of selling your home.

Too often for sale by owner homes stay on the market for weeks and even months without a single offer. Perhaps the biggest cause of this is a lack of visibility. If people don’t know your home is for sale, they won’t know to make an offer on it.

Home buyers are increasingly using the internet as their means for purchasing real estate. This creates the perfect opportunity for home buyers to take advantage of the internet for selling their homes. Listing your home on a FSBO site enables you to sell your home quicker than other kinds of real estate listings.

Prefab houses should not be classified as mobile homes. This is a common myth. As more people learn the truth about modern prefab homes, they are becoming more popular. These beautiful and customizable homes are affordable, environmentally friendly, and very easy to build.

Prefabricated houses are homes that are built predominantly off site. A homeowner chooses a floor plan and the panels are then assembled. Once assembled, they are shipped to the building site. The construction crew will then assemble the panels and build the home. Since there is less to build on site, the home is built significantly faster than a standard construction home.

A lot of people like the fact that they can get a home built faster. When there is a particular plot of land that is desired, it can be time consuming to wait for an architect to design the home, hire the construction crew and build the home from the ground up. With prefab homes, things are different. The homes can be chosen from a wide array of models in a catalog. Then the pieces are shipped to the site, leaving assembly as the only thing really left to be done.

The less construction is done on the site, the less labor is typically required which reduces costs. Depending on the model, the materials, and the location of the home, it is possible for homeowners to save about 20% off of a new construction home. In today’s economy, many people are watching their budget so this is a great option for those who want a custom built home that is more affordable than a site built home.

Home buyers are beginning to learn more and more about prefabricated homes. Standard home builders can be limited in their offerings. They build within a specific community and offer three or four models to choose from. There are often no options to make changes to the sizes of the rooms, the total square footage or anything else.

Many people don’t want a “cookie cutter” home. Modern prefab homes can be easily customized. Since the premise of this style of home is the assembly of panels, the panels can be adjusted based on the desires of the homeowner. If someone wants a larger kitchen, a larger garage or even a different sized living room, it’s possible to get this.

Homeowners are able to work with a building specialist at the prefabricated home company. Once a basic floor plan is established, adjustments can be made. Then the floor plan will be sent to the production team that will begin creating the different panels. Those will then be shipped and assembled on site.

Modern prefab houses are hardly what anyone would consider a mobile houses. While in the very basic sense they can become a mobile home, they are not the same. They are stronger, more customizable, and more attractive. Stone, stucco and brick can be added to the outside of any prefabricated home. This adds a custom look that creates something unique for the homeowner.

Everyone wants to be able to obtain their dream home. The problem is that traditionally constructed homes are often very limited in their offerings. Even if you find a site constructed home that has everything you want, they are often expensive and without customization options. With the prefabricated homes on the market today, it’s no surprise they are becoming more and more popular. Today’s homeowner demands more, and prefab homes deliver.

Everyone has dreamed of owning their dream house. A place they can call your own. It’s a place of sanctuary to shelter you and your family. Manufactured homes have always been a good option. Putting your money into it is worth while, although, a lot of people are still unsure whether to purchase one.

Factory built houses come in all shapes and sizes. They come in various floorings and fashion that it is easy to find one that will suit your taste. Aside from being way cheaper than houses constructed right on the location, these homes also give you a chance to design your home. Ranging from $20,000 – $100,000, they are ready for transfer to any location you’d want your house to be set.

A Factory Built Home: What is it?

Also known as a prefabricated house, manufactured homes are units of houses constructed in a huge factory. After purchasing, it is then dragged to the site where it can be put ready for transfer to another location or mounted on the ground through masonry groundwork.

Prefabricated homes are constructed upon certain set of codes which administers mobility, fire safety, effectiveness, style and sturdiness. All of these sets of guidelines are closely monitored by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The same set of guidelines also manages the electrical, heating and plumbing systems.

The Basics About Prefabricated Homes

Here are some of the things that you need to know about manufactured or prefabricated homes.

• They are houses built in large factories.
• After they are constructed from the factories, they are wheeled to the chosen site for the house. It is done by transporting the whole house one portion after the other.
• Prefabricated home cost less than the houses constructed right on the site.
• They are used to be regarded as mobile or trailer houses. They come in many designs.
• They are constructed under the guidelines set by the HUD or the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• After transferring the house’s portions in the site, they are put into pieces.
• Its market value depreciates as time goes by.

So, now that you have the basic knowledge about what a factory built home is, I guess you can clear up your mind and start weighing things. Buying a house is really a good investment of your hard-earned money and considering the given details about prefabricated homes, counting it as an option is not a bad idea after all.

Over the past decade or so, manufactured homes (still commonly referred to as mobile homes) have become a great option for new homebuyers. Unlike the old shoddy mobile homes in trailer parks that people think of, manufactured homes now come as two-story homes or even town homes and include features like cathedral ceilings and fireplaces.

The basic configuration for manufactured homes, however, is still single wide or double wide. Single wide or single-section mobile homes are made of one main unit. The average single side manufactured home usually has about 1,100 square feet of living space while double wides average about 1,700 square feet. Needless to say, there are also larger manufactured homes, but single- and double-wides are still the most common sizes.

Manufactured homes do have their problems. According to Consumer Reports, single-section homes have more problems with floors, roofs, windows, and doors while multi-section home problems tend to be related to the joining of the sections.

In part the problems relate to the fact that the home is built in a factory and then transported to another location via flatbed truck. The motion involved can have a negative effect on the joints and connectors. However, manufacturers of quality homes do their best to correct any problems that may occur during transport.

Nowadays it may even be impossible to tell the difference between a mobile home and an on-site home unless you have seen it being built. The most common difference is that manufactured homes tend to have a lower roof slope because the home has to be moved under highway bridges.

On the other hand, the materials now used tend to be comparable to the quality of site-built homes and, other than roof slope, generally resemble “regular” homes. Indeed, if a manufactured home were not located in a “trailer park”, most people would be hard-pressed to tell the difference.

Nowadays more double-wides are sold than single-wides. In great part this is because the typical home buyer want more space, not less, and double-wides offer that at a price that is still far less expensive than a traditional home of the same size. Not only that, but zoning in many areas actually means that double-wide manufactured homes are the smallest size allowed.

As a homeowner, you should also know that double-wide manufactured homes tend to hold…or even increase…their value as compared to single-wide homes.

The experience of losing a loved one leaves anyone in a state of extreme grief and trauma. But the stress level rises when it comes to organizing a funeral service. And for this, covenant funeral homes are the ones that are usually preferred. A covenant funeral home is a business that offers funeral services to the deceased and their families. The services include funeral and a prepared wake, and arrangement for a chapel.

The covenant funeral home arranges services according to the wishes of the deceased and his family. The required permits, paperwork and other things like providing obituaries to the media and making the required arrangements for the funeral in the cemetery, are taken care of by the funeral home. Traditional funeral services include viewing (referred to as visitation), a service at the deceased’s church and a service for graveside committal. In the case of direct cremation, the funeral service receives the deceased’s remains, the necessary paper work is filled and the cremation process is completed.

But, immediate or direct cremation occurs when the deceased’s family skips the cremation service while solely wishing the proper burial of their deceased loved one. For delaying the decomposition of the body, embalming is done sometimes. The embalming procedure includes replacing the blood with some mixture of dyes and chemicals and removing internal organs. Sometimes make up is used to make the deceased look lifelike. Funeral homes usually set large areas where the families can gather for viewing. This area includes a space where the deceased is placed in a casket and displayed. Memorial services and funeral services can be held at the funeral home itself.

Some homes offer prearrangement facilities for the people who want to arrange their own memorial service before dying. But there are few things that are not arranged by these homes. These include the burial garments and the funeral flowers. But the things that are handled by the homes are the hearse, the pallbearer, cemetery location, the coffin purchases, funeral locations, urn purchase, the clergy, the type of music and the option whether the deceased is to be buried or cremated. Some of the well established covenant funeral homes are located in Virginia and Chattanooga. The one located in Chattanooga offers low cost funeral services.

Though losing someone forever is something that gives us chills and immense grief. The one, who was loved when alive, deserves the same honor after death also. He/she should be provided with proper funeral and memorial services and for this, there is no better solution than covenant funeral homes.

Venetian Island homes are among the finest luxury real estate options that can be found within South Florida today. If you are looking for the opportunity to live within a waterfront home that is found within a first-class community within the region, you should definitely learn more about these outstanding real estate options and the actual community in which they are located.

The community in which Venetian Island homes are located is comprised of six man-made islands which include Biscayne Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, San Marco Island, Belle Isle, and Rivo Alto Island – all of which are located between the city of Miami Beach and Miami proper which enables residents of the community to experience the best of both worlds.

Each of the islands are connected via the Venetian Causeway which is one of the leading primary areas which many of the community’s residents and visitors go to in order to go for a stroll, exercise, walk their pets, or simply gaze out at the beautiful surroundings.

All six man-made islands offer a selection of Venetian Island homes which are often waterfront properties that are set upon large lots of land with spacious backyards and boating docks. Being luxury real estate options found within South Florida, property buyers can also look forward to first-class facilities found right on the property which include swimming pools and other recreational options that a lot of people seek when looking for real estate properties.

Needless to say, the captivating views that the community has to offer stands out as being one of the main reasons why wealthy individuals are so inclined to purchase Venetian Island homes from today’s property market. Aside from the actual selection of beautifully designed and fully functional homes, many have come to find the grand splendor of the community’s surroundings to be truly worth their while, especially in the case of people who are looking to find the most peaceful community settings that are available within South Florida today.

Since Venetian Island homes are included in the luxury real estate sector of the local market, interested property buyers should keep in mind that the price range for these options can be relatively more expensive than usual properties. As of the second week of October 2012, the median sales price for luxury homes within the community was $5.05 million.

If you would like to find out more about the availability of options found within one of South Florida’s most amazing waterfront communities, you should contact a real estate agent that specializes in Venetian Islands real estate for more information.

For Sale by Owner

The toughening home market in Ontario is making it tough for real estate agents to sell any kind of real estate. Scotiabank has reported a slowdown in home resales in 2008 and prices have dropped. It is definitely a buyer’s market as economic growth has slowed, and people are looking to cut out realtor fees wherever possible.

FSBO.com’s home index recently revealed that on average, FSBO properties were on the market for just over three months and sold for 95% of the asking price. The average amount saved on real estate commissions totaled more than $10,000. That’s a big incentive to move to do-it-yourself real estate sales.

Not that it’s easy for homeowners to sell their homes without the assistance of a realtor. Finding the right buyer with the right price still requires some marketing savvy and a lot of work. The level of knowledge about home marketing has improved dramatically, some of it due to television shows and books that have proliferated on the topic of flipping properties. From remodelling to sales psychology, many people are able to prepare their home and show it to buyers.

Homesellers and buyers are finding that real estate deals can be made without having to pay realtor fees. The question of marketing though is an issue they struggle with. Without having the realtors listing service and an agent funnelling active buyers to their home, how do go about making contact with lots of buyers?

If you’re selling a cottage in Muskoka, Haliburton, or other rural Ontario towns, there may not be any street traffic so posting a sign on the lawn may not generate any serious offers. Other marketing and advertising vehicles will be needed.

Visibility on The Search Engines is Key to Selling Homes today

The Internet is critical to successful selling these days and it is in real estate as well. Search engines, do it yourself sites, and news sites all offer great visibility to homebuyers and sellers. Even the major real estate companies rely on Google to connect with buyers and sellers. The real estate companies draw significant traffic through Google from people interested in everything from real estate, to mortgages to for sale by owner listings. Fortunately, a few web sites show up at the top of the search listings and they are well visited. You definitely want to be advertising with these sites if the cost is sensible and if they will serve single homeowners. Some real estate Web sites won’t.

For Sale by Owner isn’t a new idea. Services to help sellers cut out expensive realtor fees have been around for some time. For these services to be successful, the companies Web site needs to show up in the search engine rankings. A few Home for sale by owner enterprises have their own print magazines which can extend reach into localized markets in small Ontario towns. When you combine that reach via print and via the Web search engines, the overall ability to connect buyers and sellers is strong. These services are often low priced and can help sellers save significantly on realtor commissions.

FSBO services often provide a package of services for a fee that may include a listing in print magazines, web site listings, and various documents along with signs for placement on street locations. Visibility is everything, and these packages may give you all the coverage and help you need to sell your home well. Some will even guarantee that you’ll sell your house or they’ll return the service fee.

Some of the documents include tips on how to prepare the house and stage it for viewing. Check out firms that offer For Sale By Owner listings. The low price may surprise you especially since they offer a very unique service that realtors do not want you to use.

Homeowners, and their real estate agents, are often confronted with many relevant decisions and/ or options. One of those is deciding when staging a home may be called for, and when it is might not be necessary. This is a balancing act, especially when utilizing the skills and expertise of a professional stager, because of the expenses/ costs involved. Therefore, the decision should not be taken lightly, because, for most, their house represents their single largest financial asset. In my over a decade, of being a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, in New York State, I have witnessed the amazing benefits, quality staging, has delivered, as well as realized, the circumstances, where staging was not worth the expense! This brief article will review 5 reasons, selling a house, might benefit from being staged.

1. Doesn’t show well: The reality is, some houses show far better, than others! Sometimes, the way it already is decorated, works well. Perhaps it only needs a little de – cluttering, or moving around. However, there may be instances, when certain rooms or areas, require a potential buyer to have a little imagination, which might benefit from staging. I once listed a lovely house, and was unable to stage it, initially, because there was a tenant in it. When the tenant moved out, and it was staged, it sold the first weekend!

2. Odd – sized or shaped rooms: Is there something about a particular room, which might make a potential buyer, have difficulty appreciating it? Is the size and/ or shape, a challenge? Then, it’s time to seek, at least some sort of partial staging!

3. Warm – up a space: Does the house have any spaces, which negatively impact, the beauty of the rest of the home? How might this space be transformed from a negative, to a positive, or at worst, neutral scenario? Some areas of a house, just need something, to warm – up, the space!

4. Buyers without imagination: Although wise buyers possess the imagination and talent, to visualize what might be, and prioritize what we refer to, as the bones, of a house, many do not have this quality! Staging is an important tool, to combat buyers without imagination!

5. Attract more buyers: The Realtor has done several Open Houses, and there have been a number of viewings, yet the house, hasn’t sold, and much of the feedback, speaks about some cosmetic feature of the property. Doesn’t it make sense, one might potentiate the possibilities, and attract more buyers, after professional staging!

Home staging is not for every situation, but is often, a valuable tool! Discuss this with your real estate agent.