Category: Finance

A do-it-yourself wooden fence is one of the most budget options for fencing a country house, garden or summer cottage. Despite the large selection of building materials, wood is still very popular with private construction.

About wooden fences

Wooden fences differ in height, translucency, design of sections, type of construction. Sections are made with a height of 1.5 to 2.2 m. Depending on the filling of the spans, the translucency of the fence is in the range of 0% to 50%.

Fences are built on wooden or metal supports, on screw piles, less often on a concrete foundation with brick or stone pillars. The type of foundation depends on the wind load in the building area, the type and characteristics of the soil, and the construction budget.

If a classic picket fence can be installed on poles with driving or concreting, then a high solid fence with large windage will need a more solid foundation. In areas with subsidence or wet soil prone to frost heaving, it is recommended to place the sections on a pile foundation. A high solid wooden fence on metal poles is more suitable for a private house. Blind sections can only be placed on the front side of the yard. Between the sections, you will have to build a picket fence or other fence, the translucency of which is at least 30%. However, if you get the neighbours’ written consent, you can put a blank fence along the boundary.

It is better to install translucent fences that freely let in sunlight and do not interfere with natural air circulation in the country.

Benefits of wood fences

Wood is one of the most accessible materials. When compared with fences made of metal, brick, concrete or natural stone, wooden fences will be the most inexpensive. In addition to the affordable cost, a board fence has several advantages.

• Simple and fast installation. To put up such a fence, you only need a basic set of tools and the ability to use them. It takes 1-3 days to install a fence in a country house.
• Environmental friendliness. Wooden fences do not emit toxic compounds, do not affect the condition of the soil in any way, do not heat up under the direct rays of the sun, which is very important if flowers or berry bushes grow next to the fence.
• Large selection of design options. A country cottage or country house can be fenced with a picket fence, lattice or solid fence with wrought iron decorations.
• Maintainability. A wooden fence is easy to repair. You just need to dismantle the damaged boards and put new ones in their place.
• Saving. A light wooden structure does not need a massive foundation, like a brick or concrete fence, which means you can save on foundation materials, reduce labour intensity, and reduce construction time.

Cons of wooden fences:

• Wood has a short lifespan—rain, wind, snow. Gradually destroy the structure of the tree. The average service life of wooden fences is 10-12 years.
• Constructions made from natural materials require regular treatment with antiseptics and fire retardants. To protect the fence from woodworms, mould and fungus, it must be treated with protective compounds at least once every 3 years.

Poorly dried and treated wood deforms over time – it “leads” and twists from the sun’s direct rays and high humidity.

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Porch railings need to be designed with the following considerations in mind: what is the primary use of your porch, how much traffic will the steps and hand rails get, are there any special requirements (such as ADA compliance), and do you want something that goes well with your home’s architecture?

For a porch used primarily for seating or lounging, pick long-lasting materials such as wood or stone. For example, brick can be fitted in place around wooden posts or on top of a stone column. In some areas of the country, decks with built-in benches make good use of otherwise unused space. A pergola is like an open trellis that creates a shady area without walls and gives you the option of installing a variety of vines.

For areas that will get a lot of foot traffic, metal railings are durable and require less maintenance than wood or stone. Metal is also an excellent choice for coastal locations that are exposed to salt spray, as it can withstand the corrosive effects of salt air better than most other common porch materials. Other options include composite lumber (made from recycled plastic) and glass balusters surrounded by steel or aluminum components.

Follow your local building codes when deciding on a railing material. For example, metal balusters must be spaced at least 16″ apart in residential applications; many cities have stricter guidelines that increase the minimum spacing to 24″. Handrails should not project more than 4–6 inches above the top of the baluster.

Also, if you have wood stairs, be sure to install a metal rail on at least one side (and preferably two). This meets building codes in many areas for steps without handrails.

When choosing your railing design, make sure it complements the style of your home. You don’t want something that sticks out like a sore thumb or clashes with the other architectural elements surrounding it. For example, a traditional Victorian home would not look good with sleek modern-style slats and spindles , while contemporary homes usually do not go well with elaborate Victorian scrollwork . Match up paint colors and finish materials as well — like matching dark brown wooden posts with mahogany colored pickets instead of painted white pickets — and you’ll create a look that is uniform throughout your home.

If you have any special concerns — like if the steps will be used by someone with disabilities or if there are high winds or other weather conditions in your area — ask for help from professionals at local building supply stores. They can guide you through all of the available options, assess your needs and local codes, and recommend solutions that fit your budget. If they do not have an answer to a specific design question, this should be a red flag about working with them because it suggests they may not know their own products well enough to give you good advice on any number of issues.

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A good Construction Daily Report is essential for maintaining a record of progress on your project. Every day there are several duties carried out on the construction site, and they must remain documented. But when you’re dealing with sometimes hundreds if not thousands of individual tasks per day, it can be difficult to decide which ones to include in a Construction Daily Report, and how much detail to provide.

For example, you might be required by law or by your client to submit regular updates documenting all work carried out at the site, including demolition works; landscaping activities; cleaning tasks; fence building; painting & decorating jobs; waste management actions etc…

Before we get started it is worth mentioning that delivering accurate and detailed records will go a long way to helping you (and your client) avoid problems at a later stage in the project’s life cycle, specifically with regards to health & safety issues, and applications for building permits or planning permission; because by documenting all works from day one of the projects, you should have plenty of evidence to demonstrate that you have fulfilled all applicable legal requirements. This includes but is not limited to: receiving approval both for commencement of construction activities and completion thereof; having all necessary permits & licenses in place before starting work, and proving that adequate precautions have been taken to minimise any potential impact of construction activities during the project.

A lack of required paperwork or faulty records may lead to your client (or his insurance company) having to deal with a whole host of issues that could go on to cost them dear, so it is well worth taking some time out at the beginning of your project(s) to establish an efficient reporting process and then stick with it!

We’ll now look at each type of daily report in turn: Construction Daily Reports, Demolition-Only Works Forms, Fencing/Waste Management Daily Action Forms, Cleaning Tasks Report Forms etc… But first, we’ll tackle some generic tips for ensuring that reports are submitted on time, and correctly!

Do Not Overlook The Obvious When Checking & Submitting Your Construction Daily Reports Every Day

Just remember: How you write up your Construction Daily Report is just as important as the information it contains. So make sure to read through every document carefully before submitting it to anyone else. Because after all: anything which might be deemed incorrect or misleading will only give your client (and his insurer) grounds to claim against you; so it’s best to get things right from day one of a project!

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Any professional activity implies developing and implementing various projects: large, small, long-term, short-term, large-scale, and local. All types of projects have one thing in common: managing them consists of various tasks, which are most convenient to perform with the help of special programs.

What project management consists of

Work on a project can be divided into several stages. On each of them, performers will need different tools and functions included in special software.

1. Developing a plan. At this stage, as a rule, lists are drawn up: the main steps, the necessary materials. It is important here to work with any convenient document formats: text, multimedia, tables, etc.
2. Planning. The timing of the project is indicated, the exact amount of resources for it. Tasks are distributed among the participants. You can’t do without such a tool as a task scheduler.
3. Implementation. The performers proceed with the main steps based on the previously compiled lists and time frames.
4. During the main part of the work, it is important to systematize all the processes to see which steps have already been passed, which tasks have been completed, how much money has been spent. And, most importantly, does it bring the expected result. For this, various schemes, graphs, diagrams are used.
5. Suppose there are multiple people involved in a project. In that case, it is important to set up a schedule to ensure that they all have the same employment and speed up the implementation time by optimizing the participants’ activities. They must quickly communicate with each other and have access to all data. Therefore, the software must include a chat, messenger, or mail service. Also, synchronize documents in real-time, share them, and the ability collaborates on one file.
6. Also, so that no one has forgotten about important tasks, you need a calendar, the ability to set reminders, and send mass mailings of any important information.
7. Summarizing. When the project is completed, comparing the results with the original plan and analyzing all the steps taken will help evaluate the results. Automatic data analysis will make this step easier.

It is best to choose a program or package that will contain all of the above features for quick and convenient work.

Which software to choose

Conventionally, programs for project management can be divided into:

• free and paid (one-time purchase or monthly payment);
• single-user and multi-user;
• online and offline versions.

The choice largely depends on the specifics of the activity. For a large corporation, where dozens of people can work on one project, functional multi-user products with regular online access are needed. A freelancer will have enough software designed for one user with a smaller list of options.

Whichever software you choose, we always recommend purchasing only licensed products. This allows you to be confident incorrect operation, use all the advantages and functions, and receive timely technical support.

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The work loan is a loan that allows you to finance a renovation project or any other type of development linked to a property.

You should know that the credits called “work credits” you find on the net are trade names. Therefore, the work load is quite simply a consumer loan, the amount and repayment period adapted to a project of renovation or development of a property.

It is, most of the time, a personal loan without proof of use.

Affected credit

Affected credit is a loan taken out for a specific purchase. You start repaying your loan only after receiving your good or service. If you do not get the credit, the purchase is cancelled (if the credit request is stipulated when ordering) and vice versa.

This can limit your room for maneuver in your work since you will need to obtain approval from your organization each time before incurring the costs.

Revolving credit

It is a revolving reserve of money that you can use for your work.
This reserve is fed as you repay. An associated credit card usually accompanies this credit.

The revolving credit is often more expensive than others because its rate is higher. However, if you plan to do the work yourself, a credit card offered by a DIY chain can indeed be attractive if it additionally offers bonuses as you shop or discounts.

How much can you borrow with a work loan?

It all depends on the credit you choose. If you opt for the personal loan (consumer credit), you can borrow between 200 and 75,000 $ over a repayment period of at least 3 months.

If you need to do big jobs that require more than 75,000 $, you can use a home loan that will allow you to borrow larger sums of money over a longer repayment period.

Before you start looking for the most advantageous credit, you must also know what work you need to do and how much you need.

Therefore, first of all, start by listing your needs and setting up your renovation project.

You will need materials, but also probably professional services if you are not much of a handyman.

When you have calculated the total amount you will need for your renovation project, you can start looking for offers using our credit comparators.

This will allow you to compare offers more efficiently.

The benefits of credit for works depend on the credit chosen.

That if you opt for a personal loan, it will probably be easier to obtain than a mortgage, but it will be offered at a higher rate, which will cost you more in the end.

As for the credit allocated for works, you will understand:

Although you may negotiate a better rate, it will be less easy to obtain since the bank will ask you for quotes when a renovation project is complex and often accompanied by unforeseen circumstances.

If what you have announced is not carried out, the affected credit is automatically canceled, which is not really reassuring for such a project.

When it comes to revolving credit, it is only worth doing this if a large DIY store offers you a credit card with great perks like bonuses or discounts that can help your home improvement project.

In this case, you will pay a little more, but you will recover the difference between the bonuses and reductions while having great ease in managing your credit.

The downside is that you cannot exceed the maximum amount provided for in the revolving credit agreement you signed.

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You are having problems making ends meet. Or you want to realize your projects. Or simply you would like to finally make yourself happy or please your loved ones. It is not always easy to raise the necessary money.

No matter what your income, the key is in managing your budget. Remember, it is always possible to save, even with a small salary.

• Track your expenses and income
• You may think that doing your bookkeeping is unnecessary or even a waste of time.
• We are talking about basic accounting here, that is to say, the list of your expenses and income.
• Think again.
• Make regular on your expenses, and your income is essential if you want to have money aside easily and quickly.

Money tips: track your spending

Take 1 hour to 2 hours per month to take stock of your budget (if possible 30 minutes each week).

The important thing is that you keep track of all your expenses and income to analyze your budget and start taking action to improve your situation.

• Save every month, no matter how much.
• Saving must become a reflex.
• This is the ESSENTIAL action to have money saved no matter what.
• The consumer society has “programmed” us to consume.
• All the money we have available.
• Permanently.
• However, it is probably because of this consumer society that you have not yet set aside the money you need.
• Do not worry.
• It is always possible to change your habit and start putting money aside.

How to save money

1. Start by making a goal of saving some money every month.
2. Whether it is 10, 100, or 1000 $, any sum will be important since the most important thing is to transform your “programming” from consumer to saving.
3. Keep this habit for months and years to come, and you will be surprised at the results!
4. Watch your spending

• As we said above, we live in a society that pushes for consumption all the time.
• That’s why we make a lot of unnecessary purchases on the spur of the moment.
• Have you ever bought a product that was not on your list?
• The answer is definitely: YES.

Do you see it?

We, therefore, advise you to monitor your purchases and think before you buy :

• Do I really need the tenth pair of shoes?
• From the last smartphone that has just been released?
• Or to change my television which works very well?

Sell what you no longer use

Take stock of what you have in your attic and cabinets.

1. Are there any clothes, items, or furniture that you no longer use?
2. Or that you have never used?

• If you don’t or no longer need them, sell them!
• Not only will you make room in your home, but you will also benefit from additional income.
• What better way to have money easily and quickly?
• Opt for a better quality/price ratio
• Comparing prices to find the best deal isn’t always easy.
• But it can save you money and therefore have more money at the end of the month.

Every time you make a purchase:

1. Compare the prices of similar products and buy the cheapest
2. Remove from your cart all unnecessary products that are not on your list

To be aware of your results (and therefore that your efforts are paying off!), See how much your receipt at the till has dropped.

Then add that amount up over the weeks and months.

You will be surprised at the results possible with this simple habit.

You will surely be able to put tens or even hundreds of euros (or even thousands of euros?) Aside in a very short time!

Place your money in a savings book

Don’t let your money sleep in your checking account.

Place it.

Why?

1. Because you risk spending it if it’s within your reach
2. Because you will see with your own eyes the amount of your savings book grow.
3. This has a psychological effect: you will have only one desire: increasing this amount and not reducing your efforts to nothing.
4. If you choose high paying investments, you can even make your money grow.
5. Have money thanks to credit

• Surely you don’t want to take a loan from the bank.
• We understand you.
• Borrowing costs money because you will have to pay interest.
• Borrowing commits you because you will have to repay the money that you have just borrowed.
• But borrowing allows you to carry out your projects or, in an emergency, to face financial difficulties.
• Important – Before borrowing
• Take credit ONLY if you really need it.

Make sure you can repay the money you want to borrow along with the associated interest charges.

• How long to have the credit money?
• Adopt good practices
• How to get money no matter what?

You got it: it’s all about the habit.

The key is to adopt good purchasing and savings practices so that you can save money.

To manage your budget well and have money, ask yourself the right questions for each expense:

1. Do I really need this product/service?
2. Have I let myself be influenced by advertisements or by those around me?
3. Is there a product of (almost) equivalent quality at a better price?

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Having a low salary does not mean that you are unable to save.

Quite the contrary!

By having a small income, we are much more inclined to pay attention to it, weigh our purchasing decisions, and reduce our unnecessary purchases.

However, many people with modest incomes feel they are unable to save.

This is not the case since you can always save money on a small budget: it’s all about attitude and especially managing your money.

Many people have even gotten rich from a low income.

It is not only thanks to their entrepreneurial genius, but above all, it is thanks to their ability to manage their low salary at the start.

Be honest with yourself.

• If, for example, you buy a toy for your child because he insisted on it and you didn’t want to deprive him of it, this is an absolutely unnecessary expense.
• If you are in this situation, know that you are not the only one.
• A lot of parents buy crazy amounts of toys and other unnecessary gadgets for their children.
• They think it is their duty or good for the child – which is not necessarily the case.
• On the contrary, the child understands that there is a right to everything and will only ask for more.
• He will have a hard time appreciating what money is worth and will not even realize the efforts you make to provide for his unnecessary desires.
• You have to know how to say no when necessary.

Calculate your monthly income

This calculation should be quick because it is your salary.

If you are a micro-entrepreneur or have another situation, calculate all the income that falls on your account each month.

If your income is irregular, take an average over the year.

Analyze your monthly budget

You are now able to have your monthly budget with your expenses and income in front of you.

Whether you’ve jotted it down on a piece of paper or your computer, you need to have the big picture of your monthly budget.

By differentiating your expenses and comparing them to your income, you should be able to see your “ financial health.”

Two cases are possible:

1. The sum of your income is greater than that of your expenses. This means that you are already able to save money and that your salary management is sound. You can always do better, either by saving more or by increasing your income.
2. The sum of your income is less than the sum of your expenses. In this case, you must be having a tough end of the month and struggling to manage your money. So this is a sign that you need to take action. We will start right away.

Switch to real management of your budget

This step is very important if you often find yourself in financial difficulty.

It is also useful if you are struggling to save and want to manage your money better to carry out the important projects to you.

To manage your money, you can start by:

1. Plan a monthly spending budget that allows you not to be in the red at the end of the month and, if possible, to save. This expenditure budget must, therefore, be lower than your income.
2. Check your accounts regularly throughout the month to verify that you are not spending more than expected. For example, at mid-month, you shouldn’t have spent more than half of your spending budget. Be careful to take into account fixed costs such as rent, which falls only once a month.
3. If you spend more than planned, be careful the rest of the month and limit your spending as much as possible.

If you have already tested this method and it does not work for you, we advise you to switch to a more precise management of your expenses (see below).

At first, you will have to put in some effort, and it will not be pleasant.

But then, good management of your money will be natural.

Specialized software will allow you to have good budget management thanks to its features:

• Make statements by category of expenditure
• Use transaction categories
• See your budget in the graphical form if you are visual
• Reconcile with your bank statements

Reduce your electricity, water, and gas expenses

If you have paid these expenses every month, know that this is not necessarily the best solution.

Even if it allows you to have fixed monthly payments, this operation does not allow you to analyze your consumption, let alone compare the different months.

You don’t pay for what you consume now. You pay based on what you have consumed before.

Admit that this does not help much when you want to save money on a small budget.

On the contrary, if you pay the bills on your actual consumption, you can compare immediately and thus be able to take action.

Here are some ideas for actions to reduce these expenses:

• Use your washing machine and/or dishwasher only during off-peak hours.
• Systematically turn off the lights and educate your family to do the same.
• Unplug appliances on standby that consume and weigh on your bill
• Do not let the water run while washing your hands or doing the dishes because this increases the bills.

Reduce your fixed and variable expenses

We have given you some ideas previously for your electricity, gas and water bills, and your insurance.

You can also reduce other expenses:

• Your rent. If you are in the red at the end of the month, would it be possible to move to pay lower rent?
• Food. If you eat out often or buy ready-made meals, consider cooking your own meals and bringing leftovers from your meals to work. This will save you a significant amount of money at the end of each month.
• Transportation. Is there a way to spend less money? Is it possible for you to go to work by bike, for example?

Generate additional income

To save more, carry out your projects, and have money to deal with the unforeseen, you can generate additional income in addition to your small salary.

And especially to be able to perpetuate this attitude over the long term.

This will allow you to fund projects that you think are impractical today.

So what are you waiting for to make possible your ability to save money every month even with a small salary?

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