Green Real Estate Appraiser

Need a New Roof? Green Roof Options for Your Home

Posted on May 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

When considering how to make your home greener, while also saving money and the environment, you may have missed out on one potential area of improvement: your roof.

A “green roof” can mean different things to different people. Sometimes green roofs are actually green; otherwise, they just have a lower environmental impact than traditional roofing options.

If you prefer the look and feel of standard shingles, or, are limited by local zoning or HOA community guidelines, you may be limited as far as making your roof green. This doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Ways to decrease your home’s environmental footprint include:

• Recycled rubber roofing shingles. These are made of recycled materials, offer similar lifetimes as asphalt shingles and are more cost effective.
• Thermal shingles. These reduce the sun’s heating impact on homes to save on cooling costs during the summer.
• Steel shingles. Steel is one of the most recycled products in the world, and it holds up well under the elements, making it a reasonable alternative material.

Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

Because going from a standard roof to a greener option is a large undertaking, you’ll likely work with a contractor to accomplish it. Here are a few questions to ask to get started:

• How experienced are you in installing green roofs?
• Do you have photos of completed projects, and may I contact those homeowners?
• How long will this project take from start to completion?
• How should I prepare for how it will impact my daily routine?
• Do I need to pull any permits?
• What – if any – industrial machinery will be used, and how long will it stay on my property?
• How firm is the estimate – or quote – for my project?

Being prepared is the best way to ensure you’re satisfied with your final product.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Dubai’s Newest Project – “The Floating Seahorse”

Posted on May 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

Dubai is known for its extravagant development projects, like the indoor ski resorts, rotating skyscrapers and “miracle gardens,” to name just a few.

But the newest project, “The Floating Seahorse,” is exceptionally lavish: it’s a floating home with underwater rooms.

Dubai developer Kleindienst Group revealed the visually stunning renderings for “The Floating Seahorse” at the Dubai International Boat Show in March 2015. They say they’ll build 42 of the structures, which are essentially boats without the propulsion, and plan to have them completed by the end of 2016. The floating properties were designed and engineered to be part of “The World,” Dubai’s large artificial island project.

The buoyant structures will have three levels: an upper deck, a main floor at sea level, and an underwater level. The master bedroom and bathroom will be completely submerged, with panoramic underwater views.

According to a Kleindienst Group press release, the name of the project is connected to protecting sea life in the Arabian Gulf: “We will create an artificial coral reef beneath the luxury retreats which will be a protected area in which seahorses can safely live and breed,” the company said.

As of this month, 35 of the 42 units had already been sold, according to Gulf News. Considering the average summer temperature in Dubai is 104 degrees, living underwater sounds like a solid plan

Eco-Friendly Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space this Summer

Posted on May 26, 2015 | Leave a comment

Now that the warmer months are on their way, your outdoor space is about to be the center of attention. Entertaining family and friends on your patio is one of the season’s greatest pleasures, and your eco-friendly lifestyle should be reflected in your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re trying to find ways to update your outdated furniture or you’re just looking to add color and texture, here are a few ways to stay Earth-friendly while giving your patio a makeover.

Embrace natural fibers in vibrant shades.

One of the easiest and most versatile ways to bring color to your outdoor garden furniture is by swapping out old cushions for new ones. Skip the synthetic fabrics and reach for organic cotton and durable hemp; both are naturally grown without the use of harsh chemicals and dyes. You can also find cushions that are filled with organically grown soy, corn, or cotton for a natural alternative to synthetic fiber-filled cushions. Try to keep your cushions out of the harsh sun and rainy weather to extend their life and to prevent colors from fading. Many outdoor furniture manufacturers offer eco-friendly cushions with natural dyes made from fruit and vegetable extracts to bring vibrant colors to your space.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Need a New Roof? Green Roof Options for Your Home

Dubai’s Newest Project – “The Floating Seahorse”

Eco-Friendly Ways to Update Your Outdoor Space this Summer

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