Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 2
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THE ROAD to home ownership can be a long, hard one, with some rocky patches and pitfalls along the way. However, there are many qualified and experienced experts available to give you advice so that you can make the most informed choices which are best for you in all ways. Whether consulting architects, draughtspersons who draw simple plans, engineers, quantity surveyors, valuators, the Town Planning Department, lawyers, and mortgage finance loans personnel, be sure to ask them all the questions you can think of before making decisions and starting the actual processes involved. Of course, you need to make up your mind about your personal choices, and, if applicable, that of your spouse or partner, and family. There are also housing developments, both Government and private, which are sold as a package, with plans passed, and other aspects of documentation processed, and some prefer to go this route as they see it as less work and stress for them. Others have a strong desire to build their own homes if they have inherited land, or have bought land; or to buy an existing house and renovate it to suit themselves. Whatever process you choose, owning a house is a big investment, the most expensive purchase most people make in their lifetime, so it is best to be as wise as possible in
trying to establish a Smart Home. What does this constitute? A number of factors. Here are 20 guidelines: • Your mortgage should be affordable to you, being honest about living expenses and keeping some emergency savings. • If your final plans are grand, then you can start small, and expand. • Choose reputable design and building professionals and ask to see examples of their work and let them know your wishes and needs, including if you plan to have children, or wish facilities for disabled or geriatric residents. • Read your contract well and ask questions before signing. • Discuss the placing of the house on the land with architect and contractor. • Take into account the usual rainfall direction, sunrise and sunset sides, and views. • Ask how natural light and windflow can be considered in the plan. • Include rainfall saving methods and equipment. • Discuss alternative energy or best energy uses such as solar and natural gas, not only for warming water, but generating electricity, cooking, air conditioning and lighting. • Plan landscaping to suit your wishes and needs for fruit and food as well as beautiful plants and lawns. • Exteriors and interiors should look sharp when
STORIES for this 20-page Smart Homes feature were written by Senior Reporter Dawn Morgan. LAYOUT AND DESIGN: Deputy Business Manager Lyle Jones and Sub-Editor Julia Haynes. COVER ARTWORK: Graphic Artist Kevin Webster. PICTURES: Rawle Cubard ADVERTISING SALES: Advertising Sales Executives Adrian Bowen and Kelly Johnally.
it comes to design and colours of finishes. • The foundation needs to be strong with pest treatment from the ground up. • Materials used should combine for durability. • It should be erected with storm and hurricane resistant techniques. • Roof designs and construction should be storm/hurricane resistant and maximise cooling effect. • There should be enough entrances/exits and fire safety and alarm features. • Use strong doors and good locks for entrances/exits and have windows that lock, with insect screens for wind flow. • If buying a house, have expert valuation and estimates of what you will have to spend on up-dating electricity, plumbing, repairs, and finishes before agreeing to the asked for price. • Factors such as resale value, adding on rooms or an apartment, or being able to rent part of the house in the future should be considered.
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Insure the materials and workers during construction; and the building and contents just before or upon completion.
THE NATION presents this 20-page special feature on SMART HOMES to assist you with suggestions and ideas to make the path to home ownership easier
for you, with the backing of selected advertisers who provide quality services and sell products and materials used in the construction industry.
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Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 4 BUILDING FROM SCRATCH gives you the most control as you can have the design of your dreams and all aspects of the finishings as you would like it.
WHICH IS BEST, to buy or to build?
The answer may come quickly to some, but a bit of time should be spent deliberating which choice would be more suitable for your individual and family needs. Building from scratch gives you the most control as you can have the design of your dreams and ensure that the materials used measure up to maximum strength and durability; and all aspects of the finishings are as you would like it. New wiring and plumbing will last you for many years and be of a capacity to allow
you to expand your electrical usage, to store rainwater and to channel some of it for household or yard use. However, if you are in a great hurry to have a house, or a building to use as a business, then buying an existing one can be what is smart for you as it fulfils your schedule. However, do not neglect to have it independently valued and the wiring, plumbing, roofing and state of walls inspected, as the amount of repair or refurbishment work you will need to do should form part of your negotiation with
the seller or the seller’s agent and gain you a deduction. During the challenging economic times you may also get a bargain if a building owner has been trying to get a sale for a long time and is ready to take “the nearest offfer” to the original selling price. And while on the subject of bargains ... some investors or prospective home owners look around for spots of land they like, with an old and crumbling building on it, which they can buy at a good price, destroy the existing structure, and build exactly what
they want. A good percentage of Barbadians and foreign buyers also prefer to buy into developments, whether of middle or upmarket range, as much of the negotiation, legal red tape, financing, and other paperwork has been well-organised by those selling the lots, and in some cases managing the construction. Buying into a well planned development can also bring you ameneties such as tennis or golf, a community swimming pool, gardening services, and perimeter security.
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ANYONE SEEKING to erect a building must make formal application to the Town & Country Development Planning Office (TCDPO), The Garrison, St Michael. This applies whether one is building a wood or concrete structure, or using a mixture of materials, and whether the building will be used as the owner’s residence; owner’s residence and part rental; total residential rental; or business premises of various types. However, in the case of large developments, application of the basic outline can be made prior to seeking full building permission. Outlines should include the principle of the development and the site location. This will be followed up by detailed plans including building designs, access roads and roads within the development. Environmental impact studies may be required before permission is given for developments and businesses. In addition to needing approval for specific plans, there are statutory standards that apply, such as change of land use; placement of buildings at legal distances from other structures, and the need to indicate the roads around the property. Building is
restricted within The Scotland District because of the vulnerable terrain, which is under the protection of The Soil Conservation Unit; and also in any Zone 1 water areas of the island; and those squatters who erect illegal structures in such areas can have their buildings demolished. Plans for developments, large and/or complicated buildings are usually drawn by registered professional architects. However, for less expensive and simpler structures, there is a cultural practice of a draughtsperson producing plans based on designs which are in common use. Applications should be accompanied by drawings showing all sides of the proposed structure, and the basic internal layout, providing such copies as are required. Requirements for stated volumes of water storage or access roads are also detailed on building plans. If all the information related to the proposed building is not submitted at the time of application, delays can be expected in securing approval. Before erecting a chattel house, permission should also be sought, and this entails submitting four copies of the
Look deep into land purchases THE WELL-KNOWN ADVICE “caveat emptor” (let the buyer beware) given to people who are thinking of making consumer purchases, also applies to those looking to buy land. THE Town & Country Development Planning Office According to headquarters at the Garrison, St Michael. (FP) Chief Town Planner Mark Cummins: “if location plan to a scale of changes, with new drawings purchasing land, 1:2500m showing the proposed submitted. the onus is on the location of the building and The applicant can list an buyer to carry out access roads in the proximity. If agent with whom (TCDPO) will due dilligence as to at some time in the future, then communicate. However, owners of chattel houses or owners should exercise their the suitability of the other wooden buildings wish to right to check on any matters land for the re-build in concrete, then they think necessary with their purpose intended. application needs to be made engineers, architects, quantity Whereas there are before this work proceeds. surveyors, contractors and if in maps which show Additions or extensions doubt that everything is not major water MARK CUMMINS which are desired to be made above board to seek courses, seasonal CHIEF TOWN PLANNER (FP) to existing buildings, or altering information and advice from water courses are the approved plans of a Town & Country Planning. a matter of local knowledge” thus it would structure while it is still under The mission of that Office is be wise to ask people in the district as to construction, which are “to ensure that all members of known flood areas. fundamental to the integrity of the public are accorded an In addition, if a site visit to a proposed the building, or that extend or efficient and timely planning spot of land shows evidence of sinks, change the outer design, need service in order to provide the to have additional applications best physical environment Continued on next page made, describing such possible for the island.”
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such as mortgage and building events. He notes hollows, or openings then it “later this year we will be holding a seminar for small is the responsibility of the potential purchaser to have contractors which we will geotechnical surveys done, advertise, in order to ensure that such persons in addition to the more are well informed about common borehole testing, carried out. This will ensure Town Planning regulations. the said land is appropriate for the proposed development and can bear the weight of the desired building/s and car parks and roads where applicable. Whereas persons sometimes accuse The Town & Country Development Planning Office (TCDPO), especially via call-in radio programmes, of “changing water zones” Cummins explains: “It is the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) that is charged with the responsibility for water zones. The Planning Office deals with the land use management of the watershed. “Designations of zones related to the underground water table are based on research in the first instance, and then updated research before any change is made. We then follow those designations in granting or not granting approval for building.” All applications for building need to be submitted to Town Planning, and there is a handbook for a nominal price of BDS$10 to guide you; as well as an informative website www.townplanning@gov.b b and questions can be asked by visiting their Garrison, St Michael office or phoning. The Chief Town Planner recommends that people make every attempt to ascertain if the contractor who they are thinking of hiring is qualified, and what building he/she has done, before finalising your contract. In addition, he advises: “Should your contractor suggest additions or changes to your submitted plans, which involve the building itself, then application has to be made for those alterations or additions. Those who wish to change a wooden building to a concrete structure, albiet on the same spot, and even of the same size, need to make application for such building improvement.” Cummins and other members of staff take part in educational outreach by participating in public fora
• From Page 5.
We also speak to groups who request our expert advice, including banks and credit unions.” The staff of Town Planning “is given every opportunity to improve training in the planning profession locally and
abroad, up to the Masters level; and through the Government Training Division courses in human resources, communications, management, and other disciplines can be accessed”.
The Chief Town Planner — or his nominee — consults with several governmental bodies such as Coastal Zone Management, Emergency Management, Caves of Barbados Board, Urban Development Commission,
Soil Conversation Board and also has discussions with the University of the West Indies, Barbados National Trust; Barbados Museum, and other parties, because of the multidisciplinary nature of town planning.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 7 BARBADOS IS HOME to many professional architects, and therefore anyone looking to build residential or commercial property should have no problem in getting their dream design. Our tropical setting and mix of cultural traditions plus modern trends can give rise to a very wide variety of design options and creative use of colour; while including features to protect buildings from normal weather as well as high winds, floods, storms and hurricanes. Fire stafety and access for persons with disabilities; as well as designs suitable for the elderly and parents with (or planning to have) children can also be part of the building plan. Of course, the owner needs to communicate their wishes and ideas of what they want the building to look like, and the functions that will be carried out within it, plus any special requests. The architect will then present a design in keeping with those directives, and the budget for the building. Some owners ask more than one architect to submit designs to give them greater choice. YOUR choice of home style will depend on a number of factors including When the proposed design is seen, owners should budget, personal taste and the space you have to work with. (RCs) ask questions about anything they do not understand, as this is the best time for any design changes to be made, before the final plans are drawn and submitted to the Town & Country Planning Officefor approval. Architects also consider the best way to locate the building on the land, taking into account desired views from certain rooms, normal wind flow and common rainfall direction, as well as the sides facing sunrise and sunset. The shape of the land, and whether it is flat, hilly or has some undulation, and its location to roads, water courses, and other buildings will also play a role in determining the placement of the building. Architects, in consultation with engineers, can also include design elements to utilise natural light and capture wind flow to minimise artificial lighting, and the use of air-conditioners and fans. Alternative forms of energy such as solar and natural gas can be used, where they will eventually lower the cost of paying for electricity, once the intital investment expenditure has been paid off. Landscaping and where and what type of trees to plant also have an effect on the environmental comfort inside and outside of the building/s. Other professionals such as quantity surveyors and engineers can be consulted by owners and architects in order to maximise good decision making before land purchases are finalised, during planning and construction. Some architects also have existing plans for various type of houses, and of commercial properties they have already built, which you can view and use as the basis for similar buildings, with such changes as you wish. Simple and lower cost house designs can also be obtained from architectural firms or drawn by someone trained in rendering such plans. However, for elaborate designs, multi-storied or large structures, architects have the qualifications and training to design all the elements to combine in a beautiful and strong building; and they can manage the project at every step up to completion. Architects, engineers, and other professionals base their fees on the cost of the building/s involved.
Dream designs, basic styles – your choice
Good materials give sound structure IT IS BEST to only use good quality materials in constructing your building, as this will mean the highest degree of durability and strength for your structure through the years and its ability to withstand damage from rain and wind of a regular nature and also when storms bring higher winds and torrential rains. Having a strong building protects you and your family; your tenants; or, for a commercial building, staff, clients and patrons. Using good materials also means that if for some reason you need to sell the building in the future, it will have much better resale value than one which was made of less desirable materials. The challenges are not just about selecting the right type of woods; and whether to use concrete blocks; poured concrete or pre-fab sheets; but also in how you put together your materials. In this regard, your architect can direct your contractor; or, if just using a draughtsperson and contractor, ensure that the builder is qualified and experienced, and will be managing the workmen, to ensure they are not skimping on using the right quantities of steel, nails and screws; mortar mixes, glues and other adhesives. If sub-standard connections are done, it could result in tiles becoming loose, and various type of damage from storms. Your vision of the appearance of your building can also have an influence of the types of materials used, but the bottom line is that the structure can be beautiful as well as strong.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 8 by GRENVILLE PHILLIPS II
Construct safer houses
LET US IMAGINE that you have built and furnished your house, placed all of your irreplaceable possessions inside, and occupied the house with your family. Ten years later, disaster strikes and you suffer severe damage to your house and its furnishings, loss of your heritage possessions, and harm to your family members. After an investigation has been carried out, you learn that all of the damage to your property and harm to your family were easily and economically avoidable. How would you feel? Suppose that your immediate neighbours had taken those easy and economical steps, thereby protecting their properties and families. How would you feel then? I imagine that you would feel awful. Fortunately, as you read this, you can make the choice to significantly reduce your risk of experiencing such losses and emotional pain. However, to benefit from this decision, you need to demonstrate your choice with relevant actions – some of which are described in this article. Strong structure
Your house’s structure should protect you from natural hazards like hurricanes and earthquakes, and from fires. This structure consists of foundations, ground floor, internal and external walls, suspended floors, external windows and doors, and roof. Therefore, if you want to protect your possessions and family members, you should ensure that your building is constructed to a safe structural standard. Eighteen years ago, the building standards of Barbados were formally published for use by designers, builders, and government regulators. Shortly thereafter, Barbados experienced an unprecedented building boom. Had houses built during that boom period been constructed in accordance with the Barbados National Building Code (BNBC), then they would be expected to have a low vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards, and the occupants could justifiably face forecasted natural hazards with a measure of confidence. Regrettably, nearly every person who built their houses in Barbados during the past 18 years did not direct their builders to follow the structural requirements of the BNBC and did not ensure that their builder complied with them. Therefore, all such homeowners can confidently assume that their houses will sustain severe damage, their possessions will be lost, and some of their family members will be harmed, during a major hazard. Building boom Why are the houses built in this last building boom so vulnerable to natural hazards, that our current Prime Minister confessed to being “flabbergasted at the fragility of the housing accommodation in Barbados”. The answer is quite simple. At the start of the building boom, the Barbados construction market was flooded with new and inexperienced builders, who, if left unsupervised, could only build a structurally unsafe house, and one which required an inordinate amount of maintenance. By divine providence or fortuitous coincidence, Barbados’ national standards were already published and easily available to any person for the sum of $100. Then the unthinkable happened. Inexperienced builders were allowed to offer their substandard and unregulated services to an unsuspecting public. Incredulously, these builders were not even required to follow the minimum Barbados building standards, and thus left perhaps the most depressing building legacy that could scarcely be imagined. Thousands upon thousands of substandard houses all destined to be turned into rubble during the first major disaster. Hurricane overdue Barbados is long overdue for a major hurricane, which has been estimated to significantly damage approximately 75 per cent of the houses here. Therefore, every homeowner is consciously or unconsciously preparing to either assist those who will suffer loss, or to experience the misery of suffering loss. Homeowners are generally oblivious to the fact that they have paid to house their families in fragile accommodations, and will only realise how dearly they have paid when facing the horror of a building collapsing around them during a major earthquake. Having visited
post-disaster areas and inspected the typical damage, I am confident that we can avoid the misery that normally accompanies a major disaster, but action is needed. Dismiss myths The initial action that is required is to address the prevailing myths that are commonly used to justify nonaction. The most entrenched myth is that a properly built house is prohibitively expensive. For the record, it costs a homeowner a similar amount of money to have a house built badly as it does to have it built properly. The second most entrenched myth is that Barbados
Continued on next page.
GRENVILLE PHILLIPS II (FP)
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 9
Protecting what you value most From Page 8. only has a draft building code. For the record, the 1992 edition of the Barbados National Building Code (BNBC) was published as a draft document for comment. The 1993 edition of the BNBC was published for use. The third most entrenched myth is that building standards are only for large buildings. For the record, the BNBC provides homeowners with the relevant technical advice normally provided by architects, and civil, structural, environmental, transportation, mechanical and electrical engineers, for the sum of $100. Further, major natural THERE ARE MANY myths concerning building standards in Barbados which can hazards normally cause the most damage to houses. easily be clarified by checking the Barbados National Building Code. (RC) With these debilitating myths addressed, homeowners should now resolve to take the necessary steps to protect what they should value most – their families. Let me suggest the following. 1. Barbados’ National Building Standards should be freely available on the Internet so that stakeholders are all aware of the standards that builders in Barbados are supposed to meet. This singular act can benefit every existing and potential resident of, and visitor to Barbados. To my knowledge, the only stakeholder who will not directly or indirectly benefit from this singular act, and the only person who stands to gain the most if it is not done – is satan. Therefore, Homeowners should lobby their parliamentary representatives to have this completed with dispatch. 2. Persons planning to build houses in Barbados should ensure that their building contracts obligate their builders to comply with at least the minimum structural requirements of the BNBC. 3. During the construction process, homeowners should ensure that someone periodically checks that the building is being built as contracted before making interim payments. It would not be fair to end this article without addressing perhaps the greatest mental obstacle to action. namely, the assumed value of a house. If the construction of a house in Barbados was financed by a mortgage institution, then the institution likely attributed a questionable value to it. Ground zero value The value of a house is not the same as the cost of the materials used plus the cost of labour used to assemble them. If the quality of the construction materials, and their method of assembly, does not meet the contracted structural standard, then a structural engineer will normally assign the assembled product a value of zero. The homeowner should be under no contractural obligation to pay for a sub-standard product. Mortgage institutions make the false assumption that all of the building materials are structurally sound, and that they have been assembled properly. This is very naive thinking and it gives homeowners a false sense of security, which will be shattered if they stand next to rubble that was once their house, following a major disaster. Therefore, the time for action is now. Without prolonging this article unnecessarily, let me take this opportunity to address Richard Hoad’s promotion of building substandard houses (in his Weekend Nation “Lowdown” column), and then rebuilding them following a disaster. Firstly, since it costs the same to assemble building materials badly as it does to assemble them properly, why would anyone intentionally choose the former? Secondly, are the approximately 300 000 dead Haitians crushed under substandard buildings during the 2010 earthquake not enough to take safe houses seriously? Since the cost of building is directly related to the size of the house, then my parting comment would be to only build the size of the house that you can afford to build properly. Grenville Phillips II is a past president of the Barbados Association of Professional Engineers (BAPE) and a Fellow of the Institute of Structural Engineers.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 10 & 11
SMART BUILDING today and in the future includes thinking “green” in terms of working with the natural environment rather than against it and using alternative sources of energy HAVE YOUR HOUSE designed out to make the maximum use of natural lighting and air flow. (RC) AT RIGHT: The energy conscious can harness the power of the sun to supply household energy needs. (FP)
rather than those based on fossil fuels. Some of the most basic considerations are unfortunately overlooked by many who own or construct buildings which end up being hot concrete squares or rectangles which depend on lots of artificial light and cooling. With greater creativity, the available daytime light and planning ventilation windows to guide windflow through the building can make buildings more enjoyable for those inside and also lower energy costs. Even at night, having a skylight feature adds a romantic touch to view the stars from inside the building. Solar energy is using an available source which shines on us every day and we have successfully mastered this in terms of our warm water heaters. However, photovoltaic energy can be used to heat or chill and thus has many potential uses. By using solar panels, electricity can be generated for personal use and excess fed into the national grid, lowering your Barbados Light &
Power bills or even resulting in the company having to pay you for drawing down on your source. Natural gas for cooking, airconditioning and lighting is increasing, especially with hotels, large commercial buildings and up-market developments. Advancements in using wind energy are also going forward and these can be placed in the sea as well as on land. Whereas the installation cost of the alternatives is a factor to consider, such decisions and initial spending are based on calculations that in X-amount of years in the future, the cost would have been paid for and energy use would by then be very affordable at low cost.
FAUCETS, TOILETS and showers come in water saving designs. (FP)
YOU CAN BE BUDGET SMART and have a smart looking kitchen and laundry room by purchasing energysaving appliances, which are designed to use lower levels of electricity and water. This also applies to your toilet, shower, and bath. Kitchens and bathrooms can be designed and built to have appliances fit flush into the countertop and cabinet areas, with very attractive finishes and in designer colours. Whereas it is more common to have white or
cream appliances and bathroom ware, there are some colour choices available, and a trend for stainless steel refrigerators and using unusual colours for kitchen cabinets and countertops. Modern designs are indeed combining great styling with “green” technology in low-water capacity flush toilets, water saving shower heads or those with adjustable features, and washing machines with variable
settings allowing you to lower water use according to the load sizes. Even the designs of faucets have become decorator pieces and some have features that minimise water wastage. If your appliances are old, and you notice a spike in your electrical usage, it is a good idea to have an electrician or appliance technician check your refrigerator and other items as if something is faulty, it could be pulling a lot more energy than usual.
LOVELY, DURABLE and practical, Decoran solid surfaces give a lift to your entire kitchen area. (FP)
WHEN SELECTING counter surfaces for your kitchen, consider the durability of the product; attractiveness of colours and colour combinations; and the ease of keeping it clean and hygienic. This will help you to focus and choose from the wide variety of available products. Three of the most popular and practical choices are Decoran, Granite and Quartz. DECORAN SOLID SURFACE - a seamless, non-porus, practical countertop with molded sinks and coved backsplashes. GRANITE NATURAL STONE - is a very popular kitchen surface. It is normally slightly more expensive than the Decoran benchmark surface but has a unique natural beauty and unparalleled hardness.
QUARTZ ENGINEERED STONE - is a recently designed, modern product which is locally provided. It combines sheer strength and hardness with non-porous practicality. Whichever surface suits your application, always remember your kitchen is a long-term investment, that it is important to the enjoyment of yourself, family and guests in preparing meals and snacks, and the quality and design factors in it relate to the resale value of your house. Therefore, you should choose a reputable supplier who can offer you the widest variety of selections and styles, who provide the necessary warranties, and who will be sure to give excellent design advice and service during and after this project.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 12
ROOF DESIGNS should please the eye and be storm resistant while keeping building cool. (Pictures by Rawle Culbard.)
Top it off with a look that lasts THE CROWNING GLORY atop of your building should not only be a joy to behold, adding the topping on your beautiful building, but also increase the comfort and security of the inhabitants, in terms of strengthening the structure. It makes good sense to have discussions about the merits of various roof designs and materials, considering the hurricane-resistance as well as the cooling properties of the materials used, if that is an important factor. Some materials used in roofs and ceilings can make buildings cooler as well as avoiding the use of dark colours on the roof. Modern building methods of using special harnesses, straps or ties to anchor buildings to resist strong winds help your house to survive storms. The integrity of your roof is important to riding out storms, since if the roof flies off then the entire building is open to attack from torrential rain and wind, damaging and or destroying the contents, and perhaps injuring the occupants or making them sick in the aftermath. Note that most of those who suffered damage or destruction during the passage of Tomas last year lost their roofs or part of them. The various considerations, including the way the roof style and materials flatter the building’s architectural appeal, can all be combined for a strong and beautiful roof, whether it is of metallic sheeting, clay or plastic tiles, or shingles. Concrete roofs are often selected by people who wish to have a roof they can climb up to and enjoy with family and friends; or which can serve as a base for building another storey on top of it when such can be afforded.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 13
RUNOFF WATER from roof can be stored in drums or tanks. (RCs)
TAKING WATER FOR GRANTED is not a wise attitude, because having clean water is so essential to our health and survival, as well as enjoyment of life, that being without it makes us feel deprived. If our taps’ delivery of their usual flow is cut off for many days, such as in the case of a disaster, whether localised to our community or island-wide damage occurs, then we can become very uncomfortable and find life unbearable. For such reasons it is best to collect rainwater from our roofs in run-offs into specially designed drums which can be stored in underground tanks or specially designed drums, at ground level or placed higher on platforms or on concrete roofs. Buildings of appreciable size are manadated to include stated
Free rain – store water quantities of stored water in order to satisfy the Town Planning Department. However, in your own interest, all building owners should have some form of water storage to keep you going in times of low-rainfall and drought or to serve you in emergency situtations. Stored rainwater can be used for flushing toilets and watering gardens and lawns as well as washing garage
floors and driveways and for other purposes to lower your potable water bill. In fact, with some updated plumbing and filtering, stored water can also be used in the kitchen, laundry room and shower. The rain is free, you only have to pay for the equipment and installation, so why not invest in having water 365 days of the year?
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PROTECTIVE painting keeps surfaces fresh and attractive. (RC)
Protect against pests PRESERVING YOUR BUILDING and enabling those who live in it (or who work there or do business there in the case of a commercial structure) depends not only on having a beautiful design, strong structure and pleasing finishes, but also in ensuring that it is resistant to pests. This is a constant reality faced by building owners in our tropical climate. When building, treatment for termites and other pests should be done from the ground up, at some stage during the erection of the structure and then when it is nearly or totally finished. Professionals will give you a schedule for necessary treatments at various times. Whereas some people prefer to do the spraying themselves, they should wear protective gear, read and follow the directions. In addition, the experts will be aware of what substances deal with particular termites, insects, and reptiles and what to use if people on the property have allergies or asthma, or if some chemicals can affect pets. Of course, using treated wood in your building and also applying surface treatment solutions improves its resistance to termites. Using non-treated wood, while immediately less costly, will make it more likely that you will have to replace the wood in the near future. The area of the yard surrounding the buildings should also receive treatment and various traps and deterrent devices can be employed.
Repair now, avoid regrets THE OLD ADAGE “a stitch in time saves nine” aptly describes the need to be proactive in doing repairs and renovations to your property. Normal wear and tear, regular weather, and the additional force of strong winds, heavy rainfall and even flooding can add to the swiftness with which your building degrades. Neglecting to do repairs, whether fundamental to the interiors and exteriors of the structure, or even if to improve or re-apply the trowelled and painted finishes, is to invite further decay in the months and years ahead. For example, if you notice the slightest evidence of termites, and you feel it is something you can ignore, you do so at your own peril, because the problem you can see may be infinitesimal in comparison to the deeper infestation. Another example is if you have a wooden house and spaces have opened up between the boards, which can lead to increasing moisture coming inside, not to mention insects. If high winds hit the building during storms, those openings will increase the possibility of damage or destruction of the walls and wind getting inside and lifting off your roof. Therefore, doing an annual or semi-annual inspection of your building is essential to keep it in proper shape. Be sure to walk with a notebook and pen so you can jot down your observations. A measuring tape can also be useful. You can do this alone or with your contractor or building maintenance manager. Having a list and measurements, plus expert advice on the extent of the problem establishes what needs to be done, and, if applicable, in what order of priority. Do not be surprised if the contractor finds a need for more work than you envisaged, but ask for explanations as to why X or Y has to be done. The next step is to have the cost of the work, with estimates of materials and labour done. This will be a main factor in you deciding if you can pay for it out of pocket, savings, maintenance, or emergency fund. Of course, if you are handy and a good do-ityourself person, you can save money on labour by doing all or some of the work yourself. However, be very honest with yourself about your level of competency and do not attempt work that is really out of your depth and then have to still call in an expert to take care of the original problem, plus your mistakes. Adding on to your building or renovating rooms can mean consulting an architect, who will recommend if engineering consultation is required. For simple renovations, your contractor may be able to handle the job without such management and direction. However, be sure to have drawnings done and to see if the proposed changes are to your liking, then get the estimates of materials, labour, and the time-frame for the work. Permission has to be sought from Town and Country Planning Office for any additions to your building, or any renovations which would change the outer structure from that of the original design. If you are increasing the footprint dimensions or height of your building, for example, there are rules of distance from neighbours and so on that would apply. When your additions or renovations are completed, you can increase the value of your building insurance to reflect the improvements. The resale value of your building also increases, should you wish to sell after your repairs or renovations.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 15
Mark land with fences THERE ARE VARIOUS REASONS to fence your property and to have entrances controlled by a wide gate for vehicles and a smaller, convenient one for persons on foot. Erecting a fence is a way of alerting people that they need to respect the area as having a property owner, and of establishing a line of security, keeping out pets and other animals, and stopping passersby from trampling over your lawns and gardens. It can also give you more privacy and peace by giving you the ability to decide who you will allow to enter the premises, and when. There are several choices of materials and styles of fencing, including the low cost wire sheeting; picket style wood or plastic fencing; using wallaba poles and other wood; concrete walls; medium or large stones, with or without spiky cacti; or simply a
FENCING CHOICES may vary according to budget and style but, whatever your choice, make sure it compliments your home. (RCs) hedge of plants that animals will avoid eating, and be unable to move through. Gates range from those made of wire sheeting or wood; specially designed aluminium gates which can be ordered in different lengths; to state-of-the-art
designs, which can have electronic opening and closing features; and allow for communication between the gate and those within the building, thus providing more safety and privacy protection. Garage gates can also be controlled
electronically to allow the home occupants to use a remote when approaching, and make their parking easier. The design of your gates can add to the exterior beauty of your premises, including lighting at the sides, via electricity or solar style lights.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 16
Keeping your cool at home KEEPING COOL is much to be desired in this tropical climate, where it becomes even warmer at some times of the year. Those who are planning to build should ensure that their architects, or draughtspersons are rendering designs which allow for the natural flow of breeze through the building. In addition, including air-conditioning in at least some rooms can give you optimum comfort and many people see the bedrooms as the priority, as this gives them more restful sleep allowing them to breathe easier thus avoiding tossing and turning and not getting all sweaty when relaxing in bed. Ceiling fans are wonderful for circulating air and can be used in any room, with some designs incorporating lights in decorative fixtures as well. Some people prefer the gentle stirring of air from a ceiling fan in bedrooms and having one or more in your living room allows your family as well as visitors to relax, chat, or enjoy music in a cooling atmosphere. Standing fans are very affordable and come in several sizes, from small desk or counter top models, to floor standing varieties which create gentle to strong breeze. They are excellent when you want to direct the breeze to your face or body, but can be put into oscillating mode when there is more than one person in the area. There are also bigger standing fan designs meant for cooling larger rooms or for commercial use in stores. Some of our hotels are using natural gas to power their air-conditioning, and as Barbados and the world seeks to use more alternative methods of energy one can expect this trend to increase.
IN THESE HOT TIMES fans, whether ceiling, standing or desk, are a must to beat the heat. (RC)
Natural gas safe and reliabe NATURAL GAS via pipeline is available in several areas of Barbados to residents and businesses; is provided to private developers, including up-market properties; hotels and restaurants; as well as being used by Barbados Light & Power at its Spring Garden plant. Natural gas can also be used in lighting and airconditioning and as a refrigerant, as well as in powering vehicles. It is a local product, available in areas of Christ Church, St Philip, St Michael, St James, St Peter, St Thomas, St Andrew and parts of St George. When natural gas is burnt it produces virtually no emissions of sulfur dioxide, greenhouse gases or solid waste, as compared with other fuels such as oil and coal. Thus natural gas contributes to environmental cleanliness, producing no soot, odour, or pollution, and as the slogan of the National Petroleum Corporation (NPC) says it’s “pure, clean and safe”. Although its use in Barbados is limited at this time, internationally, natural gas is an essential raw material for many common products such as paints, fertiliser, plastics, antifreeze, dyes, photographic film, medicines, and explosives. It is used to produce steel, glass, paper, clothing, and brick. On the home front, residents with piped gas have a constant supply of natural gas with which to cook and do not have to stop preparing meals to go out and purchase a bottle of gas. This is why it is also highly favoured by restaurants. Pipelines are located underground and except in exceptional circumstances (such as when a deluge of floodwater broke the road and roadsides in the Lazaretto area years ago and affected a gas line) is a reliable cooking product. In any event, the technical staff of NPC turn out in the aftermath of storms to check their lines for any leaks or breakages and repair them as soon as possible. In the event of an approaching storm or hurricane, residents can turn off the natural gas valve which is usually located outside of the kitchen, or, if having any difficulty in locating it, can receive guidance by calling NPC. People should also call the experts immediately if a leak is suspected or damage is done to a gas line.
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Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 17
Safety starts from the ground up
FIRE SAFETY FEATURES should be thought of from the stage of building design and inform construction. This means having enough exit doors on ground floors and ample passages to get to them; as well as exit stairs from all storeys of a multi-storey building. Wrought-iron screens on windows and doors can be constructed with release features on the inside. To facilitate quick exit, keys can be kept near to doors, but not in easy reach of someone trying to break in. The strength of the materials of doors inside buildings can also help to isolate fires, at least for awhile, in one room or rooms, while occupants escape. Smoke detectors should be placed in the ceilings of rooms, especially kitchens; and sprinklers can be installed in commercial buildings. Extinguishers and smother blankets should be in kitchens to quell fires; and at various points in large buildings, whether residential, temporarily residential such as hotels and hospitals; or commercial. Families, businesses and institutions should also have fire drills and plans for what to do to escape, who will call the Fire Service, who will direct the tender to the site (if it is remote), and where to assemble far enough away not to be in danger. Banning indoor smoking in homes, hotels and restaurants, and businesses also helps to lower the risk of fires starting when people carelessly leave cigarettes burning. Special care should be taken to store flammable materials away from the main premises in sheds, and the Fire Service should be informed if large quantities of such chemicals are stored by a business, as fires involving some materials need special techniques and materials to put them out. Schools, businesses and institutions can invite fire officers to come and give them advice on fire safety and drills; and there is a programme to install smoke detectors in homes where geriatric and/or disabled people live alone, which is sponsored by an insurance company and carried out by fire officers.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 18 BEFORE BUILDING your dream house, you should have some idea of what you can afford to borrow, based on a realistic expectation of being able to repay the mortgage in the given time. If you have never discussed such financing before, you may be surprised at the total cost of repaying with interest. First-time loan aspirants often make the error of thinking only of the principal sum they wish, ignoring legal and financing fees and interest. Therefore it is best to have initial consultations with banks, credit unions and mortgage finance institutions, and to have some ballpark calculations done, given your earnings and expenses, and to include the cost of insurance and land tax. This will help you to focus on your building budget before asking an architect or draughtsperson to plan the building. If you approach your desire to own your home
the other way around, and secure architectural drawings before making mortgage enquiries, you may find yourself frustrated when you start dreaming about the size of the house, and all the rooms possible, then to be disappointed when you find out you do not qualify for such a large loan, whether you are applying by yourself, or with a spouse or other close relative. You can take a planned growth approach, however, in having staged plans for a starter house, with room for future expansions, and after paying off your mortgage, or having paid
some of it, apply for another mortgage or home improvement loan. You can also ask about an additional loan for buying furniture and appliances you need. Not stretching yourself too thin with a huge repayment figure also means having a more comfortable lifestyle. When you have received the early advice as to how much you could qualify to borrow, and spoken with whoever is drawing your plans, and your contractor, armed with estimates, and proof of your earnings, plus realistic estimates of living expenses, then you can make formal application for a mortgage.
WIN
A SAGICOR GENERAL DREAM KITCHEN MAKEOVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY will have greater comfort and relaxation, and sleep better, if you inhabit a home with security features such as burglar alarms, dead-bolt locks, strong entrance doors, window locks, and other protective facilities. However, the way you and your family live can also have an effect on lowering the likelihood of someone breaking in. Such simple measures as locking windows and doors when going to bed or leaving the house; or in parts of the building that no one is using can help. • Have motion sensor lights installed at the corners of buildings and STRONG DOORS add to the security of a building. (RC) near entrances. about it. • Do not leave jewellery, handbags, or • You can also form a Neighbourhood clothing containing cash or cards, near Watch with the guidance of Police. to open windows where they can be • Screen people seeking entrance to fished out by skilled thieves. your house and teach your children not • When going abroad let your trusted to open the door to strangers. neighbours know and have someone Although anyone can be a victim of pick up your mail or have the post office crime, by making your building as secure hold it for you. • Be alert if you spot suspicious people as possible you can lower the chances of it happening to you. in your district and talk to neighbours
COURTESY OF
Purchase or renew a Comprehensive Home Insurance policy with Sagicor General by March 31st, 2012. You could win a dream kitchen makeover. For further contest details and eligibility visit www.SagicorGeneral.com or call 431-2800 SAGICOR GENERAL INSURANCE INC. IS RATED A- (EXCELLENT) BY A.M. BEST COMPANY. Sagicor General Kitchen Makeover Rules of competition Clients who have taken out a new Comprehensive Homeowners insurance policy with Sagicor General Insurance Inc. or who have renewed their existing Comprehensive Homeowners policy will be eligible to win a ‘Kitchen Make Over’ valued at $15,000 USD from Williams Trading Inc.(W.T.I). To be eligible clients must have either purchased a new Comprehensive Homeowners insurance policy or renewed their present Homeowners policy between April 01st, 2011 and March 31st, 2012. All premiums must be fully paid and no claims must be made on the Company during the period of the competition except those that may have been caused as the result of the operation of a catastrophe peril including Hurricane, Cyclone, Tornado, Windstorm, Earthquake, Volcanic Eruption or Flood. In the event that the estimate by W.T.I to makeover the winner’s kitchen exceeds USD $15,000 the additional cost will be borne by the homeowner. If the winner does not wish to claim the prize of a ‘Kitchen Makeover’ he/she will not be able to receive a rebate or cash value equivalent to the $15,000. The winner will not be able to transfer the prize to another individual if he/she does not wish to claim the ‘Kitchen Makeover’. To receive their prizes, winners must agree to have a photo of their likeness used in promotional material commissioned by Sagicor General Insurance Inc. and/or by Williams Trading Inc. Staff members of the Sagicor and Goddard Group of Companies are not eligible to be selected as a winner of this competition.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 19 WE CANNOT PREVENT storms from coming our way during the hurricane season, no matter how much we hope and pray that they would all swing away from Barbados. That many of them do is nothing more than lucky happenstance, and one day we may face the brunt of an even bigger slam than we received from Tropical Storm Tomas last year. In fact, that day could be this year. The National
Build strong resistance Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above average season with as many as 16 storms, five of them probably mega strength, and one of those heavy hitters could impact us. Having comprehensive insurance and storing essential items and water every year are just some of
INSURING coverage is just as important during construction as after the building is completed. (RC)
IT IS SO IMPORTANT to insure your property that it is a requirement of mortgages, whether built into the loans monthly figures or paid annually by the mortagee, who has to show proof of such payment to the lending agency. In the case of building, isurance should be obtained from just prior to the start of construction to cover theft of materials and equipment stored on site and also to offer protection to workers in case of injury on the job. The coverage can be expanded at various stages, ending up with fully comprehensive insurance when the building nears completion. After it is inhabitated, then insurance can be obtained for the contents, including appliances, electronic and computerised equipment, works of art, jewellery, cameras and so on. When renovations or extenstions are done, or the property market pushes up the value and rebuilding cost of the house coverage can be increased. Before signing on the proverbial dotted line, ask all the possible questions you can think of to clarify just what type of coverage you will have for likely and even unlikely scenarios. Whereas we all hope to escape disasters of an individual, community or national nature, these things do happen, so it is best to get coverage for flood, fire, wind damage, or storm and hurricane destruction. The price of your premium is based on the value of the building, which includes considerations such as size, type of materials used, and if it is a new or old structure, so do not fear that your payment will be unaffordable. Wooden buildings which have good foundations and are well constructed can also receive comprehensive coverage, and even in some cases where such houses do not reach a high standard of strength predictability against hurricanes or floods, fire insurance may be acquired. If more people who owned modest wooden homes would seek fire coverage, we would have fewer stories in the media about the heartbreak and suffering involved when such homes are razed and the owners have no insurance to help them rebuild. There have been suggestions that Government should orchestrate a programme to provide such insurance at affordable rates; or even build it into annual land tax payments. Bear in mind that with building insurance there is a percentage of repair or rebuilding cost that you will have to pay, therefore for slight damage, you may not receive any funds. However, this should not deter you from obtaining full coverage, as major damage or total destruction will bring you the necessary compensation to do considerable repairs or rebuild a similar structure.
the ways we prepare for survival. However, we should start from the time we are building to include hurricane resistant straps, harnesses and ties to help our structures to withstand severe weather. Those owning older buildings which may not have been constructed with such methods can consult a contractor about what can be done to retrofit the existing structure to make it more resistant, even if it means rebuilding the roof and ceiling. Wooden homes, which often develop spaces between the siding boards may need to be caulked or
have some boards replaced to strengthen the building. The type of windows and doors you have also means you should take measures to be ready to add protection prior to an expected storm. Whereas reinforced, specially treated or manufactured glass can resist some impacts, if strong winds are expected, it is best to have shutters or to nail plywood over the glass. Some of those who are building choose to use windows with designs including wooden shutters outside of the glass; or to ROLL SHUTTERS offer very effective protection have metal or wooden against storm damage as well as thieves. (FP) jalousie style windows.
Friday/JUNE 17, 2011/WEEKEND NATION SPECIAL 20 PLANNING YOUR LANDSCAPING as part of your overall building project is very smart as it gets you and the professionals working for you to focus on the entire outer picture of your property and how your lawns, trees, hedges and gardens add to the total beauty. In practical terms, if your landscape and gardening specialists advise, or you wish to have areas of the yard filled-in, dug-out for pools or recessed bar-b-que or entertainment area, or for large rocks to form one or more peremiter walls or even serve as seating, then some of this work may be best carried out in the early stages of foundations. When the SURROUND YOUR HOME with beautiful building is solar lamps. (Pictures by Rawle Culbard.) finished or nearfinished, depending on the shape of the plot and slope of the land, it can be more difficult to be bringing in or removing large quantities or heavy materials. However, once the groundwork is done, the final addition of plants, Does this tree attract termites, birds trees, fishponds or decorative pools, and and insects? Are there any trees which garden furniture or statuary can be placed. resist these inhabitants? Unless you are a good gardener it is How close to the house and best to consult with experts as to the best overhead electrical lines should trees type of trees and plants to suit your be placed to avoid roots damaging needs. Questions to ask include: foundations, branches interfering with Does this tree drop a lot of leaves wires or endangering buildings during and pods? storms? What is the normal adult height of What types of fruit do you and your the tree? Are dwarf varieties available? family prefer? Do you want your trees
plants and highlight landscape with
Total beauty in landscape planted in a cluster or spread out all over the property? How will the colours of blossoms and flowers look with the colours of the building? Which plants require little care and pruning? (If this applies to your busy schedule and lack of gardening talent.) For some people, having a contract with a nursery, landscaping, or gardening service that will keep your yards in tip-top
shape while relieving you of having to do the work yourself is the answer. Others prefer to do their own gardening as this is good exercise and provides the opportunity for them to grow food and lower shopping costs. The lifestyle you lead, or intend to lead should inform your choices of garden furniture, which can be just for seating, or can include a play area for your young ones with slides and swings. Whether you prefer a koi pond or one with just water plants; graceful statues; bird feeders or fountains are personal choices which should satisfy your tastes and yard activities.
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