Beautiful Homes March 29, 2015 by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

MARCH 29, 2015

by NICK NUNES ANOTHER WORD for a home is the hearth, and, at least phonetically, that’s close to heart. Every home should be a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of life and the exhaustion that comes with both the business world and the personal trials we all must face. That is exactly the reason why taking care in creating your own personal haven is important for making your home work for you. More than just a warm place to have a meal or rest your head, the home is where you create a space that is entirely geared towards the bits of you that you’re comfortable with displaying and welcoming those closest to you to take part in. Whether you rent or own, your personal space is something that should not just speak to your personality but also address a sensibility of function. When renovating, redecorating, or just looking to add some touches to your personal space, it is important to look at all the ways that the home works for you. Function over fashion is always important as fashions change and so do tastes, but the functionality of a space will ever be useful in your life to keep clutter at bay and bring purpose to days that most need it. Whether you are simply looking for little accents to add to an already completed space or looking to redo a

whole room, there are a lot of ways that can improve your living spaces. You can work on the functionality of a room with innovative ideas for extra storage or you can take a look into the energy efficiency of a room and consult experts on the best way to improve for purpose. In these times of economic unrest, the little changes to brighten up a room can make a big difference for the atmosphere of your home. A paint job can lighten a space or just some mouldings to accentuate a wall can make a big difference. Whichever route

you decide to take, there are a myriad of experts throughout Barbados that can help you find that special feng shui to improve your mood and accent your daily life. Especially looking at the family aspect, finances, functionality, and growth in the future are extremely important aspects to consider when looking to make changes, big or small, to your home. For the family, it’s important to take into account the dynamic that family has as a unit and as individuals. No one wants to be confined and feel constricted, and it

is already well known that the best work is done in a zone of comfort. To improve responsibility and accentuate an easy flowing life, take a look at all the aspects that go into your home and decide the best passage to make peaceful progress on the way to a happy home life. From garden renovations and landscaping ideas to refining your home’s cooling and going a little green, this special feature is going to delve into the possibilities for creating and personalising your own personal paradise into a truly beautiful home.

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IT IS WISE to use what ever options are available to protect your investment. (FP)

by NICK NUNES

CONSIDER UTILISING technology when protecting your home. (FP)

SOLAR POWERED security cameras can be used to good effect. (FP)

WHEN IT COMES to the security of the home, there is never a reason to risk loss. From physical security like burglar bars to electronic surveillance, keeping your home safe and preventing the potential for heartbreaking loss are paramount to keeping a home from the tragedies of hubris. When working towards the protection of your home, loved ones, and assets, it is important to know what you need and how to go about achieving the type of security you are looking for. It is recommended that everyone have fire insurance. Although the likelihood of a fire in most houses is infrequent, the probability of loss in this type of exposure is very high. The potential damage may extend to include the burnt property; water damage from extinguishing the fire; structural damage to property caused by the fire, et cetera. Fire insurance, flood insurance, and all other kinds are best to be looked into when going about buying or renting a home. Living in Barbados, hurricanes are a real threat. Whether the damage comes from wind, water, fire, or any other unforeseen happenstance, it is important to make the proper preparations before the need arises. Insurance is a service that allows the policyholder to transfer some of their financial exposure in event of a claim by a specified peril. This service is activated following a claim to reduce any anxiety caused in finding the resources to rebuild, replace or repair insured items, since the financial burden is met by the insurance company. The benefit of purchasing property insurance is the peace of mind that is provided in event of a claim. There are many people who may not have experienced or had to resume life following a fire or other major peril. But for those who have experienced this situation, they have seen the benefits in having people to advise them through the claims process; based on the coverage,

being provided with temporary alternative accommodation and receiving a payment to assist them in rebuilding. There are many without adequate insurance coverage who, following the disruption of a fire, are in a position where they have no place to sleep and no resources besides their savings to start over. Beyond insurance for disaster is the preventative measure to be taken for the worst of human behaviour. There is little that makes one feel more vulnerable than the intrusion of a stranger into the sanctity of the home. Many people that have been burgled find the ordeal to be traumatic and some even feel the need to move away from the memory of the atrocity. Home security has taken leaps into the future and become surprisingly affordable over the years. From motion detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide monitors, security cameras, and monitored access control, it is now possible for the home to be guarded and under surveillance to safeguard your tranquillity. Companies today can provide a range of comprehensive services from intruder alarms to perimeter protection which can make the difference in not only recovery of loss but prevention of initial ingress. Statistics show that the likelihood of a robbery is decreased by the mere presence of a security service. But having a security system just for show is only a small step in maintaining the tranquillity that is well worth the pledge. Though the display of a guarded protection agency may deter the event of a crime, when one is committed the true duty of protective satisfaction comes with the ability to secure and reclaim property. Though most donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy the sight of burglar bars, they are extremely functional. If ingress is attempted through burglar bars, it most likely causes a bit of a ruckus and hopefully a neighbour will be alerted if the abode is empty. However, whether you need the security for guarding lives or assets, the presence of a security alarm system with a well monitored configuration is priceless.

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by NICK NUNES RIGHT NOW, the world is in a precarious place. Financial security is a commodity that needs to be actively sought after and the things we value need to be protected. The woes of the economic world are most notably affecting the generation of millennials, many of whom are struggling to find their footing in the state of this economic world. Presently, the world, and specifically those millennials, is experiencing a time of some of the most crippling debt and painfully sparse job opportunities for several generations. Once upon a time, it was possible to walk into the world with a secondary level education and find modest, but gainful, employment. At present, entrylevel jobs are no longer presented as such. Tertiary education, coupled with heavy levels of work experience, is the prerequisite for almost every job on the market. The problem of debt accrued from loans can be a daunting crutch to anyone, whether it’s student loans or property investment or the financing of a new business venture. Managing personal finances and setting up a safety net for the future are things that need to be pursued at the earliest opportunity. Insurance and investment are ways of securing the things that you hold dear and giving yourself something, not just to fall back on but to hopefully pass on to your progeny. From employment freezes to layoffs, the world is an uncertain place. It makes sense to look into ways of enhancing and growing your personal security with an appropriate contingency plan. Seeking advice from experts in investing, financing, and insurance is part of making the move up the economic ladder. Being hands-on and actively involved in all your pursuits are what get you to that level of economic security. More than just knowing who to talk to about your financial future and business endeavours, is putting yourself into the process and learning to the best of your abilities and absorbing as much as you can from the experts you utilise. Probably the most major purchase of the average person’s life is going to be a home. Whether you’ve appropriated the wealth to make a one-off purchase or you’re laying down the foundation for a mortgage, or even just planning to rent somewhere extravagant, proper financing of your future home is probably the most important aspect of not losing it. Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or remodelling a home, there are expert companies here in Barbados that can advise on ways to cut costs and improve profits. Energy savings and ecofriendly improvements are a big way to help towards the successful financing of a home. By looking at future energy savings, you may also be looking at improving the property value and the financing options for your hearth. If you’re shopping for an energy-efficient home, an energy-efficient mortgage (EEM) can help you qualify for a more expensive home. There are EEMs designed for both new homes and existing homes. With an EEM, you can purchase or refinance a home that is already energy efficient or you can purchase or refinance a home that will become energy efficient after energy-saving improvements. Most energy efficient financing programmes offer both types of EEMs, as well as home-improvement loans for making energy efficiency upgrades to your existing home. If you’re buying a home, obtaining financing is a critical step in the process. Once you have the seller’s acceptance of your offer, you’ll need to decide what type of financing to obtain. From savings and loan associations, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and commercial banks, there is a whole world of opportunity to find the financing that fits your need.

PLAN AHEAD when looking to purchase your own home.

(FP)

info@emeracaribbeanrenewablesltd.com www.emeracaribbeanrenewablesltd.com

MARCH 29, 2015

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

AIR CONDITIONING, windows, fans are all effective solutions for beating the heat in your home.

by NICK NUNES THE HEAT IS ON and summer is on its way bringing higher temperatures and that humbug feeling you get from high humidity. Being on an island means that, thankfully, the trade winds will keep blowing. But for many homes, the layout of the house or even the location, the winds may not be able to reach all the way to where the cool is really needed. Small islands like Barbados have the benefit of the wind reaching all the way across without mountains to divert the flow. However, small valleys and flora can be a detriment to keeping your house cool and ensuring the movement of air to counteract the horrors of a humid home. Vents, windows, skylights, fans, and air conditioning, are all perfect solutions to beat the heat while keeping your home eco-friendly, financially functional, and energy efficient, all while possibly improving your property value. Achieving an

(FP)

energy-efficient household means reducing its energy consumption by using efficient appliances and implementing energy-saving strategies. Installing energy-efficient bulbs and fans are great for reducing the heat in the home. Combining these with smartly placed vents and an Energy Star-rated cooling system are perfect ways to reduce energy waste and improve the cool comfort of your home. Sealing draft-prone areas, the points at which dissimilar building materials converge or the building envelope is penetrated, reduces uncontrolled air infiltration. Taking a look at these areas is of high status when looking to install an air conditioning system. According to easyearth.com, “Trees, vines and shrubs can be used to shade your home and reduce your energy bills. Trees or shrubs can also be planted to shade air conditioning units, but they should not block the airflow.

“To be most effective, trees should be strategically located on the south and west sides of your home. Vines provide shading and cooling, and are quick to grow. Trellises should be placed on the hottest side of the house, and blocked out at least six inches from the wall to protect the wall and provide a buffer of cool air. Shrubs protect the lower portions of walls from heat gain by blocking sunlight.” Curtains, blinds, shade screens, and even redoing your windows are all great ways to improve the air quality of your home. With regard to the summer, sheer curtains and shade screens can help to allow the flow of cool air while helping to keep out the humidity. Moreover, shade screens can also have the added benefit of the ingress of pests. With the warmth and humidity, mosquitoes will be on their way. Keeping out pests and keeping your home cool and dry are good ways to eliminate that horrible possibility.

TREES CAN help keep your home quite cool. (FP)

email: cebsales@electricalindustriesgroup.com. web: www.centuryeslon.com

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

MARCH 29, 2015

WHETHER INSIDE or out, a simple paint job can do wonders for your home. (FP)

by NATALIA NUNES I KNOW I CAN’T be the only person who gets bored with my home’s appearance and has visions, almost daily, of the pictures I’d like to paint, changing the canvas of my surroundings, inside and out. According to the frequency with which these visions for my perfect spaces change, it’s a good thing that I don’t have the bankroll to match my creative dreams or I would send my family batty. I once overheard my hubby saying that if he walked through our home in the dark of the night, he would probably trip and break something as I’m always changing around the decor. Guilty as charged and totally unapologetic. Turn on the lights, babe. A room can look totally different or just subtly so, quite easily. Let’s talk kitchens. Storage, storage, storage. If you don’t have enough storage, I wouldn’t recommend that to be taken on as a do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. There are competent companies that can save us from the stress of major mistakes with the intricacies of installing cupboards. If your storage is adequate but just sad looking, that’s a good DIY project. Think of going lighter or darker paint-wise. If you just want straight painting, that’s easy; if you want textured painting, Google different methods and choose the one you feel confident you can manage. Hardware. Think earrings and necklaces – accessories. Knobs, handles, they’re an easy yet bold revamp. If you prefer something understated and don’t want to steal the thunder of your cupboards’ surface then concealed methods of opening like ridges are the way to go. So many choices. Not every kitchen has a window. If yours does, consider whether or not you want to have it dressed. If you do, decide whether you want curtain-type coverings or blinds. Think of the reason you’d like to dress the windows – aesthetics only, privacy or protection from the sun’s rays, heavy breeze or rain. Generally, I measure a three-inch perimeter around the opening so that the area being covered has a border wider than the opening. If you’d like the area to appear bigger than it is, you can increase the border to suit. Sometimes a window is an odd size and for balance, the size of the covering can be adjusted so that it appears bigger or further to one side. How it pleases the eye is what’s important. The hardware in your sink – faucets and taps – are not to be forgotten if yours are dated but again, a pro is my preference rather than messing with plumbing on my own. Walls are normally quite a large surface on which

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to make a statement. Paint is your friend. Even though it sounds quite simple, there is some homework to be done where walls are concerned. First thing I normally do is clean the walls. Being a FROM COORDINATING colour to rearranging furniture, kitchen, grease from frying foods actually can get options abound for giving your home a facelift. (FP) into areas that absolutely do need a good wash off. Prepare yours by purchasing a new mop. Put a mixture of warm water, dishwashing liquid, and elbow grease into mopping the walls – you’ll be happy you did. Painter’s tape is such an added ease to painting. If you don’t trust yourself to paint within the lines, HERE’S A WONDERFUL recipe for cleaning grout on your buy a few rolls, they aren’t expensive, and enjoy the floors. I’ve tried it and it actually works: straight lines they credit you with, the professional Seven cups tap water, ½ cup baking soda, 1/3 cup lemon look of precise, straight lines. juice, ¼ cup vinegar – pour all ingredients into a spray bottle,

7 shake to combine, spray on floor in segments, allow to sit for five minutes, and then scrub with a clean, damp mop. You will be pleasantly surprised how well this economical potion works. Your floors will look considerably cleaner. If the grout is damaged, re-grouting is a simple DIY task. Please get instructions from your local hardware store. Very often stoves, refrigerators, deep freezes and the like, rust in areas even when they really aren’t that old. Using a fine grade sandpaper, remove the rust and wipe clean with a soft, dry rag. Using a uniform colour for all kitchen appliances which is obtainable from either a paint store or a hardware store, first spray with a primer and then spray with the desired colour. Please wear a mask and open all windows and doors while spraying. Some spray paints don’t require the use of a sealant but I like to use it for a bit of longevity. Voila! Your old appliances will look stunning with a facelift and you will enjoy the added boost yourself. Kitchen and bathroom upgrades generally increase the value of a property so go ahead and improve your assets while getting a kick out of knowing that you did it yourself. Shoulder pats and high fives will be in order.

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12/19

MARCH 29, 2015 SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 9

8. MARCH 29, 2015

by NICK NUNES

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTHING like having a deck or gazebo in which to relax and enjoy the outdoor life. (GPs)

THE SUMMER is soon here and whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an outdoor entertainer or not, the benefits of your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outside space are not to be neglected. With all the things that we acquire in life, extra storage is always a plus. A functional space outside of your home is a great asset not just for reducing clutter and keeping clutter under control but also for improving property value and adding a little spice to the al fresco feel of your environment. Elegant or understated, a good deck will increase the value of your home, open up an unused area, create storage, and enhance your view. As do-ityourself goes, installing a deck is a pretty big task and shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be taken lightly. The benefits of a deck and the types you can create are only limited to your own imagination. From raised decks with storage underneath to screened in areas for a little sun and wind without all the nuisances of nature, a deck can add a dream room that you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know you were missing. If you simply love being outside or entertaining outside, the inclusion of a deck, or even a gazebo, can greatly increase the flow of your personal space and create a visually stimulating extension of your home. As with any major home improvement project, knowing is more than half the battle. Consulting experts on your options is the first thing you should do before jumping in head first. The Caribbean is a beautiful place, but when it comes to creating a space outside, a lot has to be taken into consideration. Stability, functionality, endurance in the event of inclement weather, all need to be heavily considered before beginning any outdoor project. When composite decking first hit the market around 25 years ago, it was heralded as the best thing to happen to deck building since decking screws. Composite wood is great because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less vulnerable to degradation from salt, sun, and pests. Decks have become an extremely popular, lowcost way to add living space to a home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy sitting outside day or night. They open up the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining. Also, when installing a deck, maintenance is of utmost importance. The wear from weather is one thing, but the advance of moss, algae, and plant litter are also things that need to be tackled to keep a deck in shipshape. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an area that can accommodate the attaching of a deck to your home, a quaint way to create a shaded outdoor space is with the addition of a gazebo. As with a deck, you can screen in your gazebo and make a wholly enclosed space adjunct to your home. The function of your deck or gazebo always has to be the forethought to its creation. Will you be grilling and serving food? How large of a party may be possible in the future? Is this going to be a place of rest and relaxation or fun in the sun?

When speaking about a gazebo, most people spring to the ideal of the octagonal white garden accent away from everything but the garden itself. Today, home gazebos can range as wide as your imagination. Square, rectangular, round, enclosed with screen or with glass, all types of gazebos with all sorts of functions are ready to become the centrepiece of your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to add storage, a place to entertain, a space for solitude, or even an extra dining area, the installation of a deck or gazebo can add a dry space, an air of function, and a dreamy quality to your home.

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MARCH 29, 2015 SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 9

8. MARCH 29, 2015

by NICK NUNES

THEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTHING like having a deck or gazebo in which to relax and enjoy the outdoor life. (GPs)

lumber, foundation and wall

H[WHULRU Ă&#x20AC;[WXUHV Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHV

hardware and garden

8:00am to 5:00pm OPENING HOURS: Weekdays: Saturdays: 8:00am to 3:00pm Speightstown, tel: 422-4101 | Waterford, tel: 425-1370 email: mail@barbadoslumber.com

Free delivery Islandwide

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

MARCH 29, 2015

by NICK NUNES HOME IMPROVEMENT can sometimes seem daunting, especially when it comes to landscaping and changing the layout of your outdoor space. However, low-impact landscaping and mild improvements can make a huge difference in appearance and atmosphere. Whether you’re going the route of redoing the entire surrounding of your house or simply improving on the existing landscape, transforming the surroundings of your home can completely revitalise and even expand your living space. Peace and mindful rest are hard to come by these days, especially now that school is in full swing. Everyone has their own particular brand of area to promote a restful sanctuary and calm the mind from the hazards and distractions of everyday life. Though not

DECORATIVE WALKWAYS, flowers of all types, and even outdoor furniture are all useful when landscaping your home. (FP)

everyone is the outdoorsy type, it isn’t too difficult to create an Eden that everyone will envy right in your backyard. Going the economical or low-cost route is simple. Accents and a little gardening can vastly improve the spaces around your house and create an entirely new space that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Plant choice, garden paths, and water accents are modest ways to improve the landscape and keep costs down. Creating a path with natural-looking stones that meander through your garden can change the entire way you view the flow of an outdoor area. Going further by adding some flowering shrubs to the path and spicing it

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A DIP IN YOUR new swimming pool offers a great way to unwind after a stressful day.

• From Page 10. up with specifically chosen colours are great ways to have a low-impact landscape facelift. Another import piece of accomplishing a lowimpact or eco-friendly landscape is the ability to blend with the existing ecosystem and climate by taking the natural patterns of precipitation, drainage, sun, and wind into account as well as seasonal change, indigenous plants, and wildlife. It’s important to recognise that there can be many different microclimates on any one property. The goal is to be respectful of, and integrate with, what naturally exists by choosing plants and materials that naturally thrive within the given environment. Beyond the addition of shrubs, trees, water features, and the like could be the simple addition of some outdoor furniture. For those who thrive on change, easily movable outdoor tables and chairs surrounded by small potted plants are simple ways to create an outdoor dining or entertaining area. It’s important to take a macro view of your available space and imagine the finished product before tackling something you may regret afterwards. One of the first things designers take a look at is a way to create cohesion between the landscape and the home. A good flow is integral to making a space that doesn’t appear too abrasive or unconnected. When venturing into a big change, like the addition of a pool, pond, or other permanent structure, the wisest option is to speak with a consultant about the options available for your specific space. Consultants can also help you cleverly utilise property lines and avoid future heartaches and legal matters. A built-in stone barbecue or fire pit is a great addition to an outdoor space as long as the feng shui of the landscape is complemented by it rather than contrasted. No one wants to be entertaining at night and having people trip with food or drink in their hands. Also, you don’t necessarily want something hidden away completely. A little mystery is good and a winding path can bring a magical feel but maintaining an elusive utopia is more difficult

(FP)

than the upkeep of an oasis that is tasteful and neat. Art for art’s sake is all well and good but when it comes to the home and garden, function wins over fancy and you can always dress up functionality as tastes change. Paths, water features, barbecues, and quiet sitting corners all have their specific purpose and it’s paramount to address the purpose of any home improvement before diving in with shovels flailing and good intentions alone.

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TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES in Barbados have reached a stage where solar energy is being harnessed to power commercial buildings and homes. (FP)

by NICK NUNES ROBOTIC VACUUM cleaners and smart appliances have already debuted on the market for improving convenience around the home. We are now living in a technological renaissance that is burgeoning with an artistic elegance of intertwining comfort and function. The small touchscreen devices that are so prevalent today have the capability to manage your household in more ways than keeping memos and organising calendars. Smart homes need not be freshly built and entangled from the foundation up in new tech because the same industrial evolutions can be retrofitted to any home harbouring electrical outlets and an Internet connection. Imagine being able to arm your home alarm system from your phone. That is not a difficult idea to co-opt, but now imagine controlling the locking of doors, turning on and off of lights, managing sound systems, and climate control as well. These are all capabilities that can be

sales@tulejalumber.com

www.tulejalumber.com

retrofitted to your home today. With all the connectivity available today, it’s important to take a look at managing the power that is quite literally at our fingertips. From purchasing Energy Star-rated products to installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) apparatus, energy is one of the main concerns of the future. Barbados is already seeing the grand and admirable expansion of solar energy and it’s about time everyone takes a better look into this aspect of energy management.

According to solarbarbados.com, Khalid Grant a solar consultant, advocate and investor, “The era of centralised power generation where a few large power plants produce electricity is quickly coming to an end. Due to improvements in technology, the power grids of the future will feature distributed power generation from multiple sources located closer to the loads consuming the electricity. Solar PV is one such technology which allows for a highly distributed generation system.” The beauty in solar energy is the availability and its scalability. Whether you’re looking to get off the grid or just get a little bit greener, you can scale up or down to address your specific need. This isn’t some ideal of the future or of faraway lands, Barbados has at

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WITH THE scalibility and availability of solar energy becoming more widespread, the way we power our buildings is becoming more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. (FP)

• From Page 12. least 13 companies that specialise in the installation of solar PV arrays to power any requirement. The Government of Barbados has shown that it is fully committed to the idea of renewable energy and solar PV, thereby preparing the country for even more substantial growth in this sector. Through the Renewable Energy Rider programme, Barbados Light & Power (BL&P) allows for renewable electricity to be generated and the credit from that generation of power used to offset the overall cost of a customer’s account. The maximum size allowed for residential electricity users is five kilowatts (approximately 20 solar panels) while the maximum size for commercial electricity users is 150 kilowatts (approximately 600 solar panels). According to Grant: “Under the current billing arrangement of the Renewable Energy Rider, excess electricity (above what the property consumes) is sold to the grid at a rate of 1.8 x Fuel Clause Adjustment (FCA). As of June 2014, the FCA is 42.7069 cents/kWh, which means surplus electricity from renewable energy sources would be credited to your bill at 76.8724 cents/kWh for June. Accumulated credits roll over to the next billing period. If a solar PV system is large enough, or a house or business uses less electricity via energy efficiency, BL&P may have to pay you.”

Traditional mortgage process

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Face the mortgage monster... or meet an RBC representative. Getting a mortgage can be full of scary surprises. Whether you are buying your ﬁrst or next home, your RBC representative will help you through the process with reduced turnaround times. You’ll also get:

Q Competitive interest rates Q 50% discount on negotiation fees Q Expert advice, guidance and tools Q Plus, free pre-qualiﬁcation to house hunt with conﬁdence Call or visit any RBC Royal Bank™ branch or go online at rbc.com/caribbean Main Branch 467-4000

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- Campaign runs from March 23rd, 2015 to June 30th, 2015 - Special conditions apply. Subject to normal lending criteria. - The cost of borrowing will be made available upon application.

THE GOVERNMENT has shown its commitment to exploring the viability of the various forms of renewable energy. (FP)

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Private Banking Center 431-6500

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MARCH 29, 2015

by NICK NUNES WORLD WATER DAY occurred on the 22nd of this month and that brings into stark realisation that the world’s treatment of water needs constant vigilance. Especially for a small Caribbean island, the wise use of water and its management in the home are important parts of managing a healthy household, both financially and ecologically. For years now, green living has been very much one of the big topics of science, media, and personal spheres. Recently, France implemented a new law which states that the rooftops of buildings in commercial zones will now be required to be partially covered in either solar panels or plants. The green roofs have an isolating effect, helping to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a building in winter and cool it in summer. Why would plants on the roof be beneficial to water management? According to ecologists, they also retain rainwater, thus helping reduce problems with runoff, while favouring biodiversity and giving birds a place to nest in the urban jungle. Furthermore, maintaining a green roof can also prompt the more efficient collection of run-off water to supplement your personal water tank’s supply. Tips for wise water management in the home from Angela Brady at HomeGuides: • Replace your shower heads, faucets and toilets with low-flow fixtures marked with the WaterSense logo. This seal means that the fixture meets United States Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria for water efficiency. • Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth or handwashing dishes. Only run

ROUTINELY CHECK YOUR pipes, faucets and toilets for leaks.

(FP)

the water when you are actively using it. Take showers instead of baths, and turn off the water while soaping. • Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them, and add the food to a composter instead of flushing it down the garbage disposal. • Use clean cooking water for watering houseplants or cleaning garden implements. Never throw such water away. Unless it is chemically contaminated, it is safe for outdoor use. • Purchase a high efficiency washing machine and wash only full loads. Only run the dishwasher when it is full, too. • Repair all leaky faucets, toilets, shower heads, and irrigation systems. According to the EPA, a leaky toilet alone can waste 200 gallons of water per day. • Water your lawn only in the early morning or evening to avoid losing water to evaporation and use rain captured in rain barrels to do so. Aim your sprinklers toward vegetation and away from the pavement. Install soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems in areas with trees or shrubs. These plants need water less often, but they need it longer per session so there’s enough to reach the deep roots. Install moisture sensors to avoid overwatering, which is bad for your plants as well as wasteful. • Sweep outdoor areas clean instead of spraying them with a hose. When a hose is necessary, use a nozzle that allows you to control the water flow and shuts off when you let go. • Cover your pool during extended periods when you're not using it, to hinder evaporation. Also install a water-saving filter. Don’t install fountains unless they reuse their own water on a continuous loop.

MARCH 29, 2015

SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL

CONSIDER finishes, lighting and even changing appliances when transforming your kitchen. IT’S CONSIDERED by many to be the most important room in the house, and while some might scoff at this rating, few can disagree that the kitchen is the hub of the home. Be it small of large, the kitchen is probably one of the most visited rooms in the house. It’s where we store our food and prepare our meals. When friends visit it’s sometimes the liming spot of preference because of its proximity to the source of refreshments. There’s no denying the value of a well laid out and equipped kitchen, the more impressive the better. It’s no small wonder therefore that the kitchen is often the selling point for many house hunters. With value on the many levels that the kitchen brings to the home, it makes sense to show it the love it deserves as you’ll surely be rewarded for it. How do you show your kitchen some love you might ask? First off, take a look around. Do the colours look dated or run down? Does your cabinetry seem due for an upgrade? Are the doors on their last legs? Does your countertop look as though it is a throwback to the 1960’s and does its condition confirm its age? Is it even adequate for your ever growing demands? Does it complement the the decor of the rest of your home, especially the furnishings and accents you’ve upgraded over the years? No need to answer. If you have to hesitate long enough to form an excuse, a renovation is probably in order. If indeed you are, the good news is that many of the financial houses in the market these days are offering compelling packages to those desirous of using the equity they have in their home to fund such projects. With the money matters aside, you’re now free to focus on operation kitchen transformation. Set the tone with colour Paint is one of the easiest ways to transform your space and choosing the right colour is the first step in any project. Depending on your objective, choices this year could lean towards shades of white which are enduring and versatile, yellows, cool neutrals such as pale greens, blues and greys, plus warmer tones in the red spectrum, or the cosy feel of browns. Colours decided, it’s time to consider cabinetry and international trends suggest furniture-style cabinetry and other features will be one of the top trends this year. “This approach,” interior designer Greg Natale said, “marks another step in the evolution of the kitchen as the hub of the home and a treasured space the whole family can enjoy rather than just a functional area that’s used for food prep and cooking alone.” Another emerging trend points toward using open shelving as a practical solution for the kitchen space rather than simply for display. “Open shelving personalises the space, making it feel lived in and warm while keeping the kitchen functional and easy to use,” said kitchen designer Kesha Pillay of Art of Kitchens. She suggested that a combination of open shelf and enclosed cabinets would be ideal, allowing for privacy regarding items best not displayed. Depending on the extent of the makeover, ceiling and floor finishes, lighting, countertop and even appliance changes may occur, the choice will be entirely dependent on budget. On completion, your project will transform your living space in ways unimagined, creatiing increased value and greater appreciation for the castle you call home.

(FP)

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