Archive for February, 2010
How To Choose Perfect Spanish Property
Let’s assume you’ve already chosen the geographical area in Spain you want to live in. So what else should you think about? It’s so easy to fall in love with a property and sign the dotted line before you’ve thought it through sufficiently. I strongly advise you to make yourself a check-list.
In addition to the usual stuff, ask yourself the following:
1. Do I really need to be near a beach, or is a pool sufficient?
The further inland you go, the cheaper the property. Even if you can’t afford your own pool, most villages have a public one and many apartment blocks share a communal pool.
2. Old or new?
Older properties will be cheaper, but bear in mind how much money you will need to spend to make it into your dream home. Older properties will require more maintenance. New properties are usually covered by a 10 year insurance, but may lack the character you are looking for.
3. Are views important to me?
If you want a first-line sea view, you’ll pay extra for it. If you want rolling mountain views, make sure your house is not too exposed or isolated. Winters in Spain can be surprisingly windy, cold and wet.
4. What direction does the house face?
Do you want to be able to sit in the sun? If so, check that your outside space faces south to fully enjoy those rays all year round.
5. Do I need handy shops?
In larger towns, this isn’t a problem. However, if you move to a small village, be prepared to purchase from white vans bearing bread, fish, fruit and vegetables. These mobile shops often visit villages daily. Listen out for their hooting as they announce their arrival.
6. What about medical care?
Find out how close the nearest hospital is, and whether there is a doctor’s surgery close by. In small villages, a doctor may visit once a week, or not at all.
7. Can I get broadband access here?
Many villages are too remote to enjoy broadband. (How I wish I’d thought of that!) However, as long as you have a telephone landline, you will get a dial-up internet connection. There are alternatives, like satellite, to acquire broadband, but they will be expensive.
8. How strong is the mobile phone signal?
In our village, we get a signal about 80% of the time. However, we only get a Movistar signal (Telefonica) and our visitors’ mobile phones on other networks are useless.
9. Do I want to be in an all-Spanish community or close to other expats?
Choose carefully. If you want to enjoy an authentic Spanish life-style, don’t choose an urbanisation that is obviously full of fellow expats. However, if you choose a tiny, remote village like we did, there may be no other foreign residents, and nobody will speak English. For most people, a balance is best.
10. And finally… try before you buy.
Consider renting a house in your chosen location first. Then you can take the time to find your perfect house. Not only will you become familiar with the area, but you’ll be in a great bargaining position to buy your perfect home.
Want to find out more about living in Spain? Victoria’s book ‘Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools’ is packed with irreverent humour, animals, eccentric characters and sunshine.
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Why Flat Roofs are Not The Best For Your House
Flat roofs may be a cheap choice at the beginning but as time passes by you are going to realize that they are not necessarily the best option for they present a number of problems. They have a high cost of maintenance meaning that you will have to spend a lot of money on their care. Flat roofs are highly susceptible to damages, which require that keep replacing them every now and then. Replacing these flat roofs is not an easy task and may take many days before the process is completed.
The coatings of flat roofs usually wear off within a short period of time. They are likely to get damaged if the weather is too hot or too cold. Too much rain may also cause considerable damage to the flat roofs. Flat roofs do not allow for easy flow of water to the ground. This water may cause the roof to rust or cave in. pitched or slanted roofs do not have this problem. The water flows easily down the roof leaving very little or no room for damage.
The water that accumulates on the roof tops usually weakens the roof material causing leakages. The water can also cause untold damage to walls especially if the house has just been built. During the winter season, a lot of snow will collect on top of the flat roof. Taking the snow out is hard enough, not to mention that damage that it can incur not only on the roof, but to the entire house. These roofs are uneconomical for top floors.
Flat roofs offer little or no ventilation. When it is very hot, these flat roofs usually absorb incredible amounts of heat making the house to be uncomfortably hot. Many people are forced to add a layer of insulation to avoid overheating. The same case applies during the extremely cold seasons when the roof lets in cold into the house. Slanted roofs on the other hand allow for energy conservation.
Flat roofs also present security concerns. Burglars will find it very easy to get onto your roof and into the house before you know what is happening. With a slanting roof, it would be hard for the thief to balance his weight, thus reducing the chances of burglary. Another security issue concerning flat roofs is their inability to withstand natural calamities such as strong winds and earthquakes. The design of slanted roofs makes them to withstand the pressure caused by these forces of nature.
When building a house, make sure that you choose the slanting roof as a design for your rooftop. This will save you a lot of utility and maintenance cost as compared to flat roofs. Pitched roofs will from the effects of adverse weather conditions and will last longer.
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Lincoln – City of Prosperity
Lincoln was the third city of the realm in prosperity and importance in Norman times. Fortunately this year the City Council have managed to find enough resources to keep the Tourist information Office near to the Castle open. Visitors can now find out about the attractions that Lincoln has to offer.
The Collection runs a series of exhibitions and themes across the year.
The Castle
Lincoln Castle was built on a site that was previously occupied by the Romans. Just after the battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror began building the castle in 1068.
The castle was used for 900 years as a court and prison with many people being executed on the ramparts.
Original features still remain and visitors get great views of the Cathedral, the city and the surrounding countryside from the wall walks.
Lincoln Castle is situated in the North centre of Lincoln. The nearest parking facilities can be found at The Lawn Visitor Centre offer the nearest parking with other places in Union Road, Lincoln and Westgate Carpark, Westgate.
The Museum of Life.
The largest and most diverse Community Museum in the County
Our rich and varied social history collection reflects and celebrates the culture of Lincolnshire and its people from 1750 to the present day. Exhibits illustrate commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life.
As the home to an authentic World War One tank named “Flirt” we also house the interactive galleries of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment, which have won prestigious national awards. Perhaps you can find information about family members who served here?
Close to the museum you can visit the working 18th century windmill, Ellis’s Mill, run entirely by the museum’s volunteer millers (weekends only).
The Museum is regularly described by its many visitors as “a Lincoln gem” and “Excellent value for money”.
We are pleased to offer a wide range of services including exhibitions in our community gallery, a vibrant special events programme, and education sessions linked to the National Curriculum. We also have a number of ‘loans boxes’ which can be hired by community organisations or schools and offer the chance to discover and handle object from the past.
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs users and has a tearoom, gift shop and free parking for cars and coaches.
The Cathedral
Looking at the West front of Lincoln’s fine Cathedral Church of St.Mary, past the pageant of ancient buildings outside the castle walls, the view of its historic soaring towers is awesome. This is the cathedral which John Ruskin called ” the most precious piece of architecture in the British isles” in this Ruskin was right, its sheer beauty is simply magical and its towers can be seen from all around the city.
The Norman cathedral was begun in 1072, and parts from this period can be seen at the west end of the building, where three elaborate portals are surmounted by an exquisite sculptured frieze from 1145. Mostly the cathedral is Gothic in style, and much of the church dates to after an earthquake of 1185. It has been little altered since this time.
The choir was rebuilt in 1192, this was followed by the rebuild of the western part of the church. The Angel choir, so called for its magnificent decoration and huge expanses of stained glass, was added between 1256-80. There-after only minor additions were made.
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Furnish Your Bedroom With Different Lynx Bedroom Range
The bedroom furniture plays an important role in setting your moods and rhythms. The healthy decorated bedroom helps towards the raise your spirit. Bedroom Furniture provides the best environment to sleep and relax. The Furniture which you use in your house speaks in front of your friends and relatives. By choosing the best quality and modern look furniture, you can change the entire picture of your house. Lynx Bedroom Range is among one of the best bedroom furniture brand, Surprising range of modern oak furniture.
The Lynx Bedroom collections are crafted with solid European Oak. Many of the characteristics such as knot, grain variation and colour features have been used as a basic part of the furniture. Lynx Bedroom furniture helps you in the room settings according to your needs. With many matching products and a variety of walnut and natural finish, this range will provide your bedroom a warm elegant look. Have a look at few lynx bedroom range:
Lynx Bedstead
Lynx Bedstead is the great combination of simplicity. A mixture of solid European oak and veneer frame in a rich walnut finish offer the modern look. Its classic range offers flexible quality. It is appeared with the choice of wooden and alloy handles. The Lynx Bedstead variety adds a nicely warm feel to any bedroom.
Lynx 4 Drawer Dresser
Lynx four drawer dresser have a new design and this dresser is fully useful furniture. The spacious drawers are on metal runners and close ever so gently with a stylish no handles look that gives a clean smooth look to Lynx 4 Drawer Dresser. It also provides two drawers with plenty of storage space for any bedroom accessories. It Lynx 4 Drawer Dresser features 2 sleek drawers including one open drawer. The open drawer can be used to place your files and folders.
Lynx 2 Drawer Bedside
Lynx wardrobe is crafted by solid European oak with mellow wax finish. It creates a unique look by blending knots and colours. This bedside table can be easily matched with any Lynx bedstead range and is perfect to reduce space issues. This two drawer bedside table has one open drawer to keep your valuable files or folders.
Lynx 5 Drawer Tallboy
Lynx 5 drawer tallboys have a modern look and fashionable design. The tallboy with 5 drawers appears wonderful with any bedroom range. With the dramatic straight design right away borrow a breath of modern, however useful and stylish, lynx 5 drawers have it the entire. It has a one shallow drawer at top and four deep drawers at bottom that set on metal runners giving this tallboy plenty of storage space.
Fornisca offers a huge range of lynx bedroom furniture with the latest designs and styles with the best services such as free home delivery and assembly services etc. Lynx Bedroom range offers the great value for money and stylish look. You can find high quality furniture at reasonable prices with latest designs that best suits your home. Our main aim is to give the excellent level of services to our customers.
