10 BEST INDOOR PLANTS

A well decorated home with wall paints and furniture that match is a sight to behold. Now, imagine placing a well-chosen flower at corners, near furniture or at entrances. Flowers bring life and feel to any room if well chosen. So I have made a list of my top ten indoor plants.

GERBERA DAISY

© PINKE | Flickr

The Gerbera daisy is a daisy-like flower that originates from South Africa. It comes in pleasant colors and varying sizes. It grows to about twenty inches when mature. This beauty also clears the room of benzene and trichloroethylene. It is easy to cater to so long as it has adequate exposure to sunlight.

WARNECK DRACAENA

This beautiful flower has characteristic stiff leaves. The leaves usually come in green, white or sometimes gray colors. The dracaena is most suitable near the edges of the wall. It grows well without much exposure to sunlight. It is a favorite for some because of its lively – yet not flamboyant – feel.

HEART LEAF PHILODENDRON

© Melina Stathopoulos | Flickr

Heart Leaf Philodendron as the name implies, features heart-shaped leaves. Although they can be grown in pots, they look even better when hung from a basket. Hanging the flower, the leaves are able to spill from the basket, hanging in the air. The heart leaf philodendron is a poisonous flower when eaten. It should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

MOTH ORCHID

© Penn State|Flickr

These pretty flowers come from the Himalayan mountain of Southeast Asia. This flower has about 60 species. When taken proper care of, this flower has the potential to bloom a few times a year. If neglected however, it may bloom once or twice within the year. It helps remove formaldehyde.

LADY PALM

© Steve Kennedy|Flickr

When this flower blooms, it adds to the appeal of the room, though this growth may take time to nurture. It serves well as a privacy screen between rooms. This flower helps in removing benzene, trichloroethylene and the ammonia from textiles and tiles.

SNAKE PLANT

© Rhonda Fleming Hayes|Flickr

Snake plant flower though common is a great asset to any room. They are fitting for bathrooms where they help remove formaldehyde that is emitted from tissue papers. These flowers do not require regular care to flourish. Their need for sunlight is minimal as they easily thrive in shady room corners.

BAMBOO PALM

Bamboo palm flower does not require a lot of sunlight to thrive. In fact it does best under shade and its beauty makes it a must have in a sitting room. It is very effective at ridding the environment of benzene and trichloroethylene. It is perfectly placed when near furniture. Cleaning the leaves of this flower keeps it clean and free of pests.

PEACE LILY

© VinceFL|Flickr

This is yet another must have especially if you have white walls. The Peace Orchid – a native of Southeast Asia – features a spadix encircled by a spathe. It is a popular indoor plant that cleans indoor air of the three most common VOCs (trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde.

ASPARAGUS FERN

© Marcel Molina Jr.|Flickr

This is a climbing plant. It originates from Southern Africa. It has a sturdy green stem, covered with spines. It comes in a variety of species. It rids the room of toluene, benzene and octane. It brings a natural feel to any room.

AZALEA

Gorgeous and sweet smelling this indoor flower comes in a variety of colors: pink, white, red, yellow etc. The Azalea grows slowly. They are not only good looking, these flowers also remove chemicals like formaldehyde from the room.

HINTS FOR COMPLETING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

To forestall incomplete projects, it is recommended that all construction projects should be properly outsourced to professional contractors who will determine the success of the construction project. 

By articulating a plan that details every process from the point of design to the point of project completion. The bulk of their work can be broadly broken down into two;

• Project Management
• Pre-Construction work

Project Management

According to the Project management Institute, Project management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and participation satisfaction. It further states that project management processes falls into five groups which includes;

1. Initiating: This is the phase of project where the scope of work is defined, the objectives are established and the deliverables expected are identified.
2. Planning: The planning phase is the stage where the best courses of actions for the construction projects are defined and refined in other to attain the projects objectives.
3. Executing: This is the stage where all the resources, human and otherwise are properly coordinated to carry out the project plan.
4. Monitoring and Controlling: This is the stage that ensures that all the project objectives are met and also corrective actions are taken in case any problems arise. In this phase, performance reporting and risk monitoring and control are core.
5. Closing: This stage plays the watchful eyes of the controlling processes that eventually lead to closing where the project is accepted and brought to an orderly end.

Note specifically that every construction is a project on its own and for it to be successfully executed, has to follow the principles of project management. These principles are guaranteed solutions to cost effectively and efficiently complete a project.

The art of project management ensures that every detail about the construction project is sorted out before commencement. A major factor of the project management process critical to the success of every construction project, is the initiating and planning process. This process phase also known as the pre-construction work, is the most important aspect of every project and is handled by a professional contractor.

construction engineer working with level 

Pre-Construction Work

Pre-construction work focuses on the preliminary planning and engineering that defines the construction projects scope, identifying potential issues and analyzing the cost impacts that will ensure the most efficient use of resources and money. Pre-construction work is needful because it helps the contractor or project owner to determine if the project is even viable or not. 

The following represents the possible outcomes or deliverable of a pre-construction work when handled by a professional contractor;

1. Project scope: This is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks and deadlines.
2. Execution plan: This is the aspect where the project strategy is defined. It describes the role of both human and material resources outlined for the project such as who does what and how. It also defines the policies, procedures and priorities of the project.
3. Risk analysis: Statistics show that most construction projects are often exposed to risks and hazards, arising either from purely contractual and legal problems, unforeseen circumstances or natural hazards. More than often, contractors are faced with unexpected events, which were not calculated in the offer and the programme of works, leaving the contractor with unforeseen costs and losses. Risk analysis can be used to evaluate and calculate certain risks which shall be tendered in the contract.
4. Constructible review: This is the process of identifying obstacles before a project is actually built to reduce or prevent errors, delays, and increase in cost.
5. Integrated Project Schedule: This is a schedule that indicates the entire detailed task required to accomplish the work effort as described in the project scope.
6. Engineering: This process deals with the designing, planning, construction and management details of the project.
7. Procurement plan: The actual plan of what you have decided to buy for all the project materials and the source.
8. Site plan and evaluation: This is a document detailing every important information on the evaluation of the construction site project. The plan can help prevent any possible conflict or crises.
9. Basis of design: This explains the set of conditions, needs and requirements that will be taken into account in designing the construction project

The above deliverables from a professional contractor can help the project owner make a better informed decision on possible ways to make the project a reality. It will further avail the project owner on how to evaluate the different scenarios upfront and have a well defined path on how the construction project will go without fail.

JUST MARRIED? TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME

Married couples often have the upper hand when it comes to buying property. Thanks to combined incomes and higher spending power, coupling up can take you one step closer to purchasing your dream home.

However, there are some important differences in the home-buying process for couples and singles. With this in mind, global property portal Lamudi has provided a cheat sheet for newlyweds and other couples looking to enter the real estate market for the first time.

LOOK AT BOTH YOUR FINANCES

If you and your spouse both have a good credit history, your chances of qualifying for a mortgage increase. By pooling your combined income, you will be able to afford a larger down payment and get a better deal on your mortgage. Be honest with your partner about your credit history – from any existing credit card debt to outstanding students loans – so you are well-equipped to approach a financial institution. 

CONSIDER GOING SOLO

If one partner has a lower credit score, you might need to consider applying for a mortgage without your spouse. The person with the lowest credit score is most likely to come under the microscope during the application process. If it is possible that your partner’s poor credit history will hurt your chances of qualifying for a loan and securing the property you want, you may decide to leave them off the application.

INVESTIGATE A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

For unmarried couples who are nevertheless looking to purchase a home together, a home buying partnership agreement could be worth your while. This serves as a kind of prenuptial agreement for your home and protects both parties if the relationship does not work out. The legally binding agreement will outline the ownership terms, who pays for expenses such as mortgage repayments and taxes, and how the property will be divided in the event of a break-up. 

TRACK YOUR FINANCES

Once you have qualified for a mortgage, developing a good system for monitoring your combined finances is essential. The first step is to create a shared budget that you will both adhere to. Simple measures like applying for a joint bank account can simplify the process of tracking your finances. You might also consider using a budgeting app to stay organised. Above all, set a regular time to sit down together and review your goals and your financial position, and make sure you stay on track. 

TOP ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS

Eco-friendly materials are designed to cause the least possible damage to the environment and preserve human health when compared to common products.

Eco-friendly materials are durable and have a longer life span. These materials foster energy efficiency in buildings, and stem from renewable sources, meaning they should be locally available and can be recycled.

Due to the irreversible environmental impact of building constructions, eco-friendly building materials are the best way to combine growth in the construction industry and preserving the Earth’s resources. 

Many materials can be used for building but we will focus on the top eco-friendly building materials by category:
Flooring

• Bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, stone tile, green linoleum, FSC wood planks, recycled wood planks, natural or recycled carpets, recycled rubber, recycled tile

Roofing

• Recycled metal, slate tile, clay tile, fiber cement, FSC wood shakes, green roof, sustainable wood, recycled rubber tiles

Exterior cladding

• FSC wood siding, reclaimed wood siding, green-certified framing materials, concrete sourced from local suppliers

Walls and ceilings

• Recycled-content drywall, FSC wood framing, salvaged structural members, recycled plastic boards, reclaimed wood. Others include green gypsum board, green plywood, clay/lime plaster, bamboo, cork, palm wood.

Insulation

• Use panels made from sustainable and non-toxic sources, loose fillings from newspaper and fibers treated with fire retardant, batted cavity insulation of treated fibers to replace fiberglass. Other materials include: recycled newspaper, recycled blue jeans, recycled plastic, wool, spray foam.

Paint

• Use paint with low or no VOC, natural paint, non-toxic stain. Use natural or recycled fiber paper for backing and non-toxic inks for wall coverings, dyes for print patterns or paints.

Do you know any other eco-friendly building materials? Have you used any of the materials mentioned above? we would love to hear your about your experience, do share with us using the comment boxes below.

The Emerging Markets: Economic Outlook

The International Monetary Fund has forecast that over the next few years, around 70 percent of world growth will come from developing countries. Emerging economies - such as Nigeria,Indonesia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Mexico - are expected to see significant growth over the coming decade. Economic advances in these countries has supported the world economy through tough financial periods in recent years, with particularly strong development in the construction, real estate, and technology sectors.

Looking forward to 2015, the economies of emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are projected to further strengthen. Due to rising domestic imbalances and a challenging external environment, Southeast Asia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2012-2013 was below average for the past decade; despite setbacks and lower than expected growth levels in the first half of 2014, a steady GDP growth is projected for the coming years. Figures from the OECD Development Centre’s Medium-Term Projection Framework (MPF-2014) reveal that the real gross domestic product (GDP) rate in Southeast Asia is forecast to average 5.4 percent per annum between 2014 and 2018.

Paul-Philipp Hermann, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Lamudi, commented: “GDP strengthens the property market in the emerging countries. Alongside the rapid growth of internet technologies, less developed countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America are emerging as competitive players in the global real estate market, and thus becoming increasingly attractive to investors.”

Figures from the World Investment Report 2014 , published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), reveal that foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow into Africa increased by four percent to $57 billion in 2014.

As a result of infrastructure developments, emerging middle classes and local innovation, industries such as automotive, IT, construction, real estate and retail are becoming increasingly attractive investment opportunities. Developing nations in Asia accounted for almost 30 percent of the global FDI total in 2013, with a total inflow of $426 billion. In Southeast Asia, inflow increased by seven percent, to reach $125 billion. In Latin America, Colombia has experienced an eight percent increase to $17 billion in 2013, providing exciting new opportunities for foreign investors in the financial industry.

The emerging markets present an impressive number of opportunities for investors. FDI Intelligence reports that in 2013, Asia-Pacific remained the leading destination for foreign direct investment, with projects bringing capital investment to $184.76 billion. The Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, both saw strong growth in greenfield FDI, with major growth recorded in Jordan and Mexico. Africa also saw an increase of 10.76 percent in inward capital investment from 2012 to 2013, attracting $51.98 billion. According to FDI, the top five sectors by capital investment in 2013 were: coal, oil and natural gas; communications; renewable energy; business services; and real estate.

Most emerging markets have large, young working populations. The Middle East, Africa and Latin America have the largest number of citizens under 30 years old, with countries such as Mexico, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria home to some of the world’s youngest populations. According to market intelligence firm Euromonitor International, emerging and developing countries house 89.8 percent of the global population under the age of 30 - up from 85.3 percent in 1980. These young populations are not only contributing more to the economy through work, but also spending more on consumer goods and more enthusiastic to spend time and money on technology.

Property in the Emerging Markets

Markets in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East are experiencing booming real estate sectors, fueled by a growing middle-class and strong economic performance. Southeast Asian cities are seeing the fastest increase in apartment, condominium and commercial property prices across Asia, according to property consultants Knight Frank.

The company’s Prime Asia Development Land Index - analyzing property prices across the continent - reveals that over the past two years, prime residential and office development prices in Asian increased by 50.4 percent and 38.3 percent respectively.

The high-end property segment in Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa is growing, and is forecast to continue this expansion in the coming decade. Over the past two years, house prices in Jakarta have grown by 184 percent, fuelled by Indonesia’s fast-growing middle class and the increasing demand for high-end property in the city. Furthermore, capital cities Manila and Yangon have also been highlighted by experts as cities with property markets to watch, in terms of residential, industrial and commercial real estate.

With a strong economy and improvement in areas like transparency and governance, more investors have turned their attention to the Philippines’ capital. Manila has a young demographic, receives a significant amount of capital from Filipinos working overseas and a similar workforce culture to the west. Its residential, retail and office sectors all have strong investment prospects. Global bank HSBC last year named Mexico the “the safest bet for investors in the region”.

In a study of the top emerging markets from 2013, the bank chose Mexico ahead of Brazil and Argentina as Latin America’s investment hotspot. Investors see signs of change in Mexico, with drug-related violence and crime on the decline and businesses benefiting from reforms enacted since the 2012 elections. Foreign investors are attracted to Mexico due to perks such as value for money, which is more favorable than in the US and Europe, and appealing exchange rates.

A number of countries, expected to become economic powerhouses of the future, have been grouped into the so-called MINT – Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey – and PINE countries - the Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria and Ethiopia. The young populations, increasing wealth and economic stability and attractive geographical locations make these particularly good options for investment, infrastructure development, and construction.

CURRENT MARKET SENTIMENTS CONCERNING PROPERTY PRICES IN LAGOS

Many people still believe property prices are too high 

Market sentiments the world over is never static but statements like “when would property prices come down?” has been prevalent in the Nigerian property market for a long while.

Although In the past 12 months, a gauge of sentiments concerning property prices showed some improvement, it still remained solidly in the negative territory, against a backdrop of a fall in the buying power of many. This can be seen in the fact that although property prices did not rise astronomically (A 3 bedroom luxury flat that sold for N45million in early 2012 has increased in price by just 6.7% to sell for N48million at present), many people are still of the view that prices are way too high. This attests to the fact that this is a perception problem that needs to be worked on by Estate Agents.

Mr Titus Oludaisi of Jide Taiwo & Co believes that some buyers generally do not really consider the value of the house before saying the price is too high. He is of the opinion that convincing buyers that prices are fair by looking at it from the rental returns they would be making from a property is a good strategy. “When you break down values in terms of facts and figures, they begin to reason that the price is fair,” he explained further.

Mr Chiedu Egbuonu, a partner with Country Home Real Estate has a contrary experience. At the times he had tried to do some arithmetic by calculating the rental return on investment, he finds that the property is not as attractive. So basically, he resorts to telling buyers that the price he is offering is the going rate. “I also tip in the fact that the property appreciation is high in locations were I sell and I project what the property would likely sell for in a few month’s time,” he added.

He opines that buyers in the medium and low income property market segment hold greater negative market sentiments. 

In another interview, Mr Gbenga Shodunke, an Estate Agent  with Ubosi Eleh & Co. is of the opinion that Estate Agents can reduce such sentiments by telling prospective buyers of the number of properties that have been sold and how much they were sold for. 

International Sales Expert Alen Mayer Explains that price objections could be viewed from three categories: 

Those that object mainly because the prices are higher than they can afford to pay. These customers desire a cheaper grade of products. 

Objections that are made solely for the sake of argument. Many customers think it is their duty to make many objections in the course of buying, and their most frequent objections are to price. 

Those objections which are made with all sincerity. The customers object because they sincerely believe that the prices are too high for the products. They are sincere in their objections, and believe in what they are saying.

He advises that when you encounter a price objection from your prospects; try to understand to which class of this three this objection belongs and then try to handle it properly.

 Original copy found here: Current Market Price