Smart Homes October 2017

Jazz Up Your Home With Art

Making your home your sweet retreat.

The ISLAND HOME COLLECTION

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT COURTS Featuring the Roswell Bedroom Set.

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Credits GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER M. Anthony Shaw EDITOR IN CHIEF:

From The Editor

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Eric Smith MAGAZINE EDITOR & DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER: Lyle Jones HEAD OF ADVERTISING - NATION GROUP Paulette Jones CIRCULATION MANAGER Adrian Bowen – Tel.: (246) 430-5500 Email: adrianbowen@nationnews.com WRITERS: Cara Briggs, Cherita O’Dell, David Hinkson, Natalia Nunes, Leanne Tasher, Katrina Francis-Worrell PHOTOGRAPHY: Dan Christaldi, Christoff Griffith DESIGN/LAYOUT: Imageworx ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Stephanie Barnett – Tel.: 246 430-5515 stephaniebarnett@nationnews.com Danielle Beckford – Tel.: (246) 430-5495 Email: daniellebeckford@nationnews.com Asha Jones – Tel.: (246) 467-2852 Email: ashajones@nationnews.com INDEX PAGE ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Alison Licorish – Tel.: (246) 430-5552 Email: alisonlicorish@nationnews.com

he word ‘home’ evokes positive feelings for many. Home is the one place where we want to feel completely at ease and happy. So, it’s not surprising that we pour lots of attention and effort into our living spaces. In this issue, you will get tips on how to give your home a ‘facelift’, upgrade your décor, secure the property, and protect your investments.

There are countless ways to enhance your home aesthetically, and have it reflect your personal style. Perhaps the most common method is to introduce beautiful works of art into the space. In this issue, we explore the power of art and how it can potentially transform your home.

Life is filled with tough decisions, even when it comes to financing a new home or choosing the best home for you. We break down ways in which you can manage your budget and purchase your dream home in the article “For Love or Money”. If you already occupy the home you love, you’ll find advice on how to protect your investment useful.

Quite soon, many persons will be in celebration mode. The Christmas season, as is customary, is always a joyous occasion. This issue contains loads of tips and tricks to help make the season bright. This year, the finalists of the Ashley Furniture, Smart Homes Magazine Design Challenge chime in on the trendiest decorations for the holidays. We also take note of the catastrophic impact of this particularly active hurricane season. The article “Deck the Halls with Boughs of…Holly?” reminds readers to treasure the simple things in life.

Warmest regards,

sher Leanne Ta MEMBER EDITORIAL TEAM

Kelly Henry – Tel.: (246) 430-5554 Email: kellyhenry@nationnews.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Wendey Delaney – Tel.: (246) 430-5517 email: wendeydelaney@nationnews.com PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Ltd. (246) 434-6719

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Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies.

For general info email: smarthomes@nationnewscom. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2017 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2017

08 Mi Casa Es Su Casa 12 Shortlist of the Best Home Upgrades 16 Should I Buy For Love or Money?

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18 Home Improvement: Protecting Your Investment 20 Top 7 Cleaning Mistakes to Wipe Out 24 Creating Your Dream Entertainment Room 28 Artistically Improving Your Décor 32 Ready...Set...Design!

36 Deck The Halls With Boughs of...Holly?

40 Home Security: A Personal Safety Guide 42 How To Manage Relocation Stress 44 Home Smart: A Termite Treatment Guide

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Mi casa es su casa:

A Guide to Entertaining House Guests

by Leanne Tasher

WE’VE ALL been a guest at someone’s house. Some of those visits have been pleasant while others left us muttering ‘I’m never coming here ever again’. Evidently, being a gracious host takes quite a bit of know-how.

SMART HOMES turned to vibrant, highly-esteemed event manager Monica Drayton-Worrell to bestow guidance.

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rayton-Worrell, wife of former Central Bank of Barbados governor Dr DeLisle Worrell, has organised countless events, including highprofile soirées and dinners. She’s entertained Heads of State, CEOs of companies, heads of universities and institutions, and well-known luminaries in Barbados, Trinidad and Washington, DC. According to the experienced hostess, any successful affair involves thorough planning and preparation.

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Time of Day “The first thing you need to consider is the time at which you’re hosting the gathering. Once you’ve figured that out, you want to think of the person who is coming - whether it’s an ambassador, great friend, or a dog lover- the personality of the individual is important.

“Your home is your home, don’t change it for anyone; you are welcoming them into your space. However, you have to make sure it is comfortable. Your home should have a welcoming feel,” she said.

Freshen up Potential embarrassment alert! If your home is messy or musty, it’s time to bring out the broom and mop bucket. It would be very awkward to have someone see something that should’ve been tucked away or even worse, thrown away.

“Make sure that all areas of your home are clean.

When you make guests feel comfortable, it shows that you respect and appreciate them. You should be able to show them around your house without worrying about untidiness.

“Also, take caution while using strong fragrances or air fresheners. It’s best to use products with a light, fresh scent just in case your guest has allergies or respiratory challenges. You can deodorise with cleaning agents (whether chemical or natural, e.g. vinegar), and use a vanilla-scented candle - anything that isn’t overbearing,” explained Drayton-Worrell.

Décor Planning meet-ups can be very exciting, but hold it! Before getting carried away with elaborate decorations, consider the reason for the visit. Drayton-Worrell said if your guest isn’t in high spirits, for example, the colours used should be suitable.

“If the visitor is on a sorrowful mission- for instance,

they may have lost a loved one, you may not want to use bright reds and so on… Knowing your guest is one of the most important things. Most people like simplicity and may become timid when they see too much. Present what you have tastefully.

“For cheerful occasions, you can place flowers in strategic places and decorate with timeless pieces. If you’re not comfortable deciding on a colour scheme, I would suggest white. You can’t go wrong with white or beige. For example, you can use a crisp white table cloth with gold tones.

“If it’s an evening affair, such as a dinner, don’t be afraid to mix and match tableware. Some persons have plates for formal occasions or fine china for special occasions, but blending them together adds a bit of uniqueness to the table, and is pleasing to the eye.

“Always put out your finest flatware if you can. Show that you’re happy to have guests over. And don’t fuss if they mistakenly break something. You show concern for the person; ask, ‘Are you okay?’ Remember, the guest is the most important part of everything you do.”

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment or think outside the box. The event manager of 15 years noted that, for example, décor can double as fragrance: “You can use thyme as a decorative piece for morning brunch, or plants and mason jars with pebbles.”

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What’s on the menu?

Again, this depends on the time set. For example, you can offer light refreshments like tea cakes before noon. You may also: - Prepare a light, healthy breakfast -Lay a table with a cold jug of orange juice -Serve a chilled bottle of champagne (Yes, you can have champagne during breakfast).

Afternoon/evening visit -Have at least three different kinds of wine- for example, a Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot grigio.

Of course, asking your guest(s) about their dietary preferences beforehand is always the safest bet.

Entertainment Take a moment to consider everyone’s comfort. If you’re catering to a small group of friends, chances are they will mingle effortlessly and keep themselves entertained. But, in most cases, there’s always someone present who is a bit shy, Drayton-Worrell noted.

“Be sure to engage that person. Try breaking the ice with neutral topics or statements; for example, ‘Outside is so hot, isn’t it?’ or ‘That’s a nice shade of nail polish’anything that is genuine and would bring them into the conversation.

“Having non-national guests over can be a great opportunity to share aspects of Barbadian culture. When entertaining diplomats from overseas, I would opt for something local such as a CD with Arturo Tappin, calypso, or jazz- all of which would be light, background music.

If you choose to have live performances, try something jazzy.”

The Goodbye It’s very nice to present a going-away gift, such as a flower.

“I like to give my guests an orchid as a small token of appreciation,” Drayton-Worrell said. “You can also share sweets or guava cheese— it’s those little touches that matter.”

“Let’s say they’re staying over, give them the best room. Make sure you clean the bedding, give them fresh, starched linens, extra pillows, toiletries, and a set of towels (not white- the guest may feel afraid to use it. Try another colour such as a soft green),” she added.

When it comes to extending warmth to others, it’s absolutely necessary to anticipate their basic needs.

Hopefully, these tips have made you feel a lot more prepared to answer the door whenever a welcomed guest arrives.

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Shortlist of the Best

Home Upgrades

by Cara Briggs

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ny construction project, whether a dream home or investment property, can usually be classified as an important and costly financial undertaking. Considering this, it’s only good practice to dot your i’s and cross your t’s so to speak, whilst making the best choices for your particular home or rental property.

If you’re thinking about improving your home, consider the following: • The value of your house (This affects what you’ll get back on your investment.)

• The value of houses in your immediate neighbourhood • The current housing market • How soon you sell • The quality of the completed renovation project itself

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To get started, you should compile a comprehensive list of the aspects of your home you’d like to change or upgrade. If you’re planning on selling, talk to your real estate agent and make a selling plan.

You should also seek the advice of a locally licensed and registered civil engineer or architect to address any structural or special design issues you may want to correct with your upgrades.

Here are some home improvement ideas that are not only pleasing aesthetically, but can also improve your home’s equity and overall value.

Thorough Maintenance and Repairs Home maintenance and repairs should always top the list of any remodeling to-do list, especially if the property is to be sold.

Any prospective buyer would want to feel like the home’s important structures such as the roof, walls and foundation support as well as basic systems like plumbing, electrical and any ventilation or cooling systems are in tiptop shape.

Have your home inspected by someone with expertise.

Even if you aren’t looking to sell, regular home inspections may be able to catch minor issues before they spiral into larger, more costly fixes.

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A Little Paint Goes a Long Way When it comes to how much you can potentially spend on a remodel, prices can range from a couple thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Get the biggest bang for your buck on your project by considering a colour change.

Fresh paint, in modern colours, can go a long way towards updating the look of your home. Consider fresh neutral colours if you plan to sell or for an investment property. If you’re remodelling your own home, consider consulting a colour wheel and choosing your favourite complementing colours. The possibilities are endless.

You should also consider using low-VOC paint; this makes your remodel more eco-friendly, and helps your family avoid breathing in dangerous chemicals, like benzene, which is an off-gas from most types of fresh paint.

Add Square Footage If your home only has one bathroom, one of the best remodelling choices you could ever make, for functionality and improved house value, is to add another.

Renovation experts estimate an 80 to 100 per cent return on investment when essential rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens are added or upgraded.

When it comes to finding room in your house for an extra bathroom, take a look at any extra rooms or underutilised spaces. Consider other spaces, such as closets or areas under the stairs. To add a half bath, you need at least 18 square feet. If you want a full bathroom or wet room, which includes a stand-up shower, you need at least 30 square feet of space to work with.

Like any project, the cost of adding a bathroom depends largely on the types of additions and accessories you want to use, and the cost of each of these items. You can save money by frequently checking local hardware stores; they often drastically reduce prices on sinks, tubs, fixtures and toilets that have been floor models.

Upgrade Windows and Doors With all the modern window designs available today, it’s relatively easy to upgrade the older more traditional louver windows with something more modern, and instantly give your property a facelift. If completely replacing older windows is a bit out of your budget, a new coat of paint for wooden or metal louver frames can also make a big visual impact.

Curb Appeal One of the first things people notice about your home, is how it looks from the outside. Small fixes like pressure washing, a new coat of paint, cleaning the roof, windows or landscaping can all add up.

If you have a nice walkway, accentuate it with flowers or lanterns. If the first thing a visitor sees is your big wide garage, try to guide their eyes into a beautiful front yard, or paint your front door in a bright colour to guide the eye there. These things add value.

Basic upgrades add the most value to your home. Keep the paint fresh, fix the roof when it leaks, replace wood that rots, and get rid of any mould that you find. These types of chores keep your home from deteriorating over time.

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Should I Buy For Love or Money?

by Cherita O’Dell

“Oh, I so love this house! Sugar plum, it has a valley view, the air’s sweet up here, and the master bedroom is massive.” “But, honey, it’s at the top of our budget. Things might get tight.” “Don’t worry honey, we’ll be fine. Happy wife, happy life, remember? This is the one.”

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his is a common scenario at the climax of many house shopping missions. The buyers fall in love with the house of their dreams. It checks all the boxes – the water pressure is great, it already has security enclosures and there’s AC in the master bedroom. The black granite countertop contrasts beautifully with the stainless steel appliances, and the double-vessel sinks in the bathroom are divine.

It’s only two miles from work and a stone’s throw from the kids’ schools. Perfect!

A house should be your home, your retreat. It should be the place you want to run to after a tough day at work, your entertainment zone during the holidays, and the place where you make memories to last a lifetime. Therefore, finding a house that makes your heart flutter should be the primary goal, shouldn’t it?

On many occasions, I have seen clients select properties which eventually become a noose around their necks. You see, it initially starts off as their dream house, the one that they’re excited to landscape and furnish with the trendiest décor. Soon, the payments start to feel burdensome.

Meeting the financial needs of the household becomes more strained as there just never seems to be enough disposable income. Where did it all go wrong?

But there are those who establish early that the ‘love bug’ won’t be their demise. So, what do they do instead?

They become Scrooge-like in their budgeting. As much as they are passionate about that house on the hilltop, sitting on four acres, catching the best breeze and enjoying the most scenic view, they opt to go way below budget. They believe they have chosen wisely by picking their fourth choice, their hot house, which is an hour from work, with no room for expansion and no front lawn. All of their financial obligations will be met, their bills paid on time and enough left over to enjoy a monthly family dinner on the town. But their house simply serves as shelter, a place for storage and to rest their heads. The house brings no extra joy; it’s simply a means to an end. Where’s the love?

Just because a lender says you can afford a mortgage, doesn’t mean you should pursue it. It may get you the dream house, yes, but what about the quality of life thereafter?

Consider your monthly salary. After taxes are deducted, after you pay your health and life insurance, car insurance and mortgage payment, what’s left? Now, let’s take that balance and try to buy groceries, pay the internet bill, gas up the car and buy daily lunch. Are you covered?

The reality is that you want to be comfortable taking care of all of your household necessities and financial obligations. Additionally, you ambitiously want to meet various financial goals such as saving for retirement, your children’s university fund, house repairs and vacations.

And, in the instance of any eventualities, you strive to put aside at least six months’ expenses for an emergency fund.

So, what do you do? I recommend establishing what you qualify to borrow first and assessing the terms of the monthly repayment. Alright, now be true to yourself as to what you can comfortably afford. Settle that monthly

figure in your head and go back to your lender and tell them you want a mortgage that can accommodate that.

Now, put on your blinkers, stay in your lane and hunt within your budget. Trust me, there are houses with your preferred characteristics in that pool. Don’t rush it! Stay focused. You can close on your dream house and not be “house poor”. So, should you buy for love or money? Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds?

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Home Improvement: Protecting Your Investment

by David Hinkson

As with everything else in life, from time to time, you will have to do some maintenance on your home to keep it comfortable and in good shape. Naturally, minor repairs like changing a faucet, replacing the internals of a toilet, upgrading lighting fixtures and replacing chipped tiles are fairly normal, as well as installing mirrors or security lighting. But as the house grows older, it will call for more intense work, for example, replacing the entire roof, rewiring or remodeling the bathroom. Some homeowners may also go further and want to add a garage or apartment to the property.

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epending on the nature of the work you want to do, your budget and your skill set, you may either want to do the work yourself, bring in a relative in the trade, or hire a contractor. In each case, upgrading your home is not a task to take lightly.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s first word of advice on such projects is, “If you are handy with tools and have the experience, you can save money by doing many of the jobs yourself, but if you do, make sure you buy high quality materials; that is, products that look good, are easy to maintain, and last a long time, and buy them only from reliable dealers.”

However, for the bigger, more technical jobs, it is best to hire a contractor. Now if you go that route, you must proceed with caution as contractors come in all sizes (from “one-man operations” to big corporations), and with a wide variety of price ranges and reputations. Therefore, it is important to “do your homework” before getting started. If you know anyone who has done the type of building project you want to undertake, ask them who they worked with and their impressions of him regarding cost, work ethic, quality of the work he produced and so on.

Check out his business place and find out what wholesale suppliers and hardware stores think of him. If he is going to arrange loan financing, find out which financial institution he uses, and talk with them to ascertain his track record.

Before making a final decision, check out at least three firms and get estimates from each of them. Make sure that each bid is based on the same specifications and grade of materials, and if they vary too widely, ask a few questions: the possibility exists that they might be using different suppliers or the quality of the materials may not be the same. Regardless of your budget, do not automatically settle for the lowest bidder; you may “get what you pay for” in terms of a poor job that may require expensive correctional work in the long run!

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If you have the wherewithal and the job is not that “big”, you can pay for the work cash, and sometimes people with rented properties use the accumulated rent money to finance repairs. However, this approach can be problematic; for example, in the case of an apartment building with a high turnover of tenants. Borrowing from your credit card can also create challenges owing to the interest rates associated with it. Generally speaking, getting a home improvement loan from a financial institution is considered the best option.

Now, you can either seek it out for yourself or have the contractor arrange it. After checking to see whether your credit is satisfactory, the lending institution will define the terms and conditions and you must agree to them before signing the note.

Any contract you sign with the builders should clearly state the type and extent of the home improvements, and the materials being used. Before you sign, have the contractor spell out for you in exact terms how much the entire job will cost you; how much interest you will pay on the loan; how much you will pay in service charges; and how many payments you must make to pay off the loan, and the amount. After the job is finished, according to the terms and conditions of the contract, you must sign a completion certificate. This document shows that you have approved the work and materials, and you have given the lender permission to pay the contractor the money you borrowed.

There are two other crucial steps you must take for any major home improvement project. If you are adding on a garage or apartment, get the necessary permission from the Town and Country Planning Department first. Once the work is finished and the payments are settled, notify your insurance company and get the property revalued.

Your premium may increase, but at least all the upgrades will be covered in the event of a catastrophe.

Cleaning Mistakes to Wipe Out

by Katrina Francis-Worrell

Christmas is just around the corner and with the holidays come a long list of chores, especially if you intend to entertain guests. Nevertheless, your preparation must be done right. To help you make your home spotlessly clean, here are seven cleaning mistakes to avoid.

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Flawed Spraying Technique Spray cleaners are convenient, when used correctly. Spraying products directly onto the surface being cleaned can cause a build-up of dust or damage the surface. Avoid this by spraying the cleaner onto your cleaning cloth and use the cloth to apply it to the surface.

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Making the Sponge a Bacterial Haven In our kitchens, the sponge is used daily to scrub the grime off of cutlery and crockery.

This regularly exposes them to moisture as they retain food and grease particles.

Sponges, therefore, become a haven for mould and bacteria to grow and must be cleaned frequently.

SMART HOMES OCTOBER 2017

Neglecting the Knobs Doorknobs, handles and the faucets are in frequent contact with every member of your household. Yet these unassuming surfaces, which house germs and bacteria, are easily overlooked. Always remember to include them in your cleaning.

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Unprotected Cleaning The skin is the body’s largest organ and it is covered with pores. These pores absorb the chemicals that come into contact with your skin and can be damaging. Thus, when you are cleaning, protect your skin from the harsh chemicals. Cotton-lined gloves tend to be the most comfortable choice.

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Neglecting a Much-Needed Change That repulsive odour in a mop bucket filled with dirty water desperately indicates a need for change. Monitor the condition of your cleaning solutions and cleaning cloths, because you can’t clean with something that is dirty. Avoid spreading dirt and germs around by replacing them as they change colour or become dirty.

Failing to Follow Instructions Cleaning products often come with detailed instructions on how to use them. This guide normally includes directions for use, lists the appropriate surfaces, and gives important warnings. Failure to abide by the manufacturer’s recommendations often results in unwanted consequences and unnecessary losses.

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Mixing Chemicals Though it may seem obvious why this should not be done, it still happens far too often. Persons mix chemicals that should not go together, for a stronger cleaning solution. However, they end up producing dangerous fumes that can render them unconscious, cause them to be hospitalised, or even kill them.

Creating a Dream Entertainment Room

by Leanne Tasher

Installing an entertainment room within your home has lots of perks. It’s the ideal space for being carefree, enjoying all your favourite electronic devices, and socialising with family and friends. It may even increase the resale value of your home.

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Typically, due to lack of space or resources, many people use the living room or bedroom as an entertainment hub. However, persons tend to be noisy while having fun, which could disturb neighbours. Here are a few pointers that will help you set up the ultimate recreation room.

Budget As you can imagine, creating a ‘rec room’ could be quite costly.

Therefore, you may need to consider your budget before selecting your favourite devices.

Comfort The whole aim is to create the perfect getaway. Choose a room that is spacious enough for your devices. You don’t want the space to be too cramped. For added convenience, install appropriate furniture and appliances such as a mini refrigerator, and microwave. You can use fold-out couches, which give you the option to lie down while watching TV or sit up while playing a game.

Sound and lighting Being able to control the sound within the room and lighting can greatly enhance your experience. Try using sound absorbing materials such as acoustical panels. Try using light control dimmers to manipulate light intensity.

Internet connection You will need high-speed internet from a reliable service provider.

There’s no way you can use a basic network package for an entertainment room. You may need a bandwidth of about 50 megabytes per second. This allows you to, for example, stream Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime without buffering.

Voice assistance Technology is changing the way we interact with the world. It is even making our homes ‘smarter’. With Amazon’s voice-based smart home assistant ‘Alexa’, persons use their smart phones to operate a lot of home appliances and devices. You can talk to the app as you would another person, giving it various commands.

For example, “Alexa, wake me up at six in the morning,” and “Alexa, what’s on my calendar today?”

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Entertainment room must-haves: • Smart television These TVs allow you to connect to the internet; therefore, you can also entertain yourself via streaming services. To feel like you’re a part of the action, try a high-resolution, wide screen TV. Ultra HD 4K resolution TVs are the latest craze. These days, some persons are grabbing for the curve display, where the screen curves towards you. This also has a very sleek look.

• Gaming You’ll have a blast using the latest game consoles such as Xbox, Play Station and Wii. Each set up has its own sell points; for example, the play station allows for more personal gaming. On the other hand, the Xbox tends to be more family/group-oriented. The entertainment room can also include non-electronic games such as table tennis and a billiards (pool) table.

• Speakers Get the best of audio technology, which delivers extremely accurate sounds. A highly rated sound system is the 7.1 Dolby surround sound.

You can also try a wireless bluetooth speaker that can work with other smart devices.

• Security It seems as though crime is on the rise. By using the latest technology, however, you’ll be able to better monitor your home. After installing many high-cost items, you should definitely ensure that your home is secured. By integrating your appliances, devices and cameras with your phone, you can monitor your home, even when you’re miles away.a

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Artistically Improving Your Décor

by Katrina Francis-Worrell

Enhancing your home’s décor can be as simple as adding art pieces to each room. Visual art comes in many forms, including drawing, sculpting, painting, and craft. Any of these art forms can make for remarkable creative accents. And the most beautiful thing about art is that it is not limited to a specific medium or materials. Anything can become art!

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f you don’t know much about art, try visiting local art galleries and exhibitions. There, you’re sure to find inspiration and pieces which speak to your tastes and interests. Additionally, visiting a gallery allows you to meet the curator and artists themselves. They could provide guidance, ideas or general feedback.

Recently, Artists Alliance Barbados hosted a pop-up gallery at Norman Centre Bridgetown, entitled ‘Home’. This was a great opportunity, for the novice and art expert alike, to take in the works of over fifty local artists. Some pieces, for example repurposed objects, proved that anything can become art, or rather, a masterpiece!

True to its name, the exhibit was set up as a home. The art pieces were displayed in sections, each of which represented a different part of the home. Thus, viewers were able to appreciate how they could be used in a space to bring it to life. The artworks included paintings, woodwork, sculptures, ceramics, and even textile art.

Art accents in the home can be both decorative and functional. Consider these ways to enhance various rooms in your home using different forms of art.

Use Art for Your Furnishings Centre tables, side tables, rugs and mirrors traditionally serve a functional purpose in the home, but there’s no need for them to be boring. Store bought items are within themselves a craftsman’s work of art. However, if you relish the idea of being unique or owning pieces with a wow factor, consider a personalised commissioned art piece. Not only would it be functional and decorative, its design would also tell a story conceptualised by either you or the artist.

Use Art to Invite Conversation Nobody likes being ‘entertained’ at a home where you could hear the smallest pin drop. If you or your guest(s) feel uneasy at a gathering, a powerful piece could stimulate conversation and put everyone at ease. Therefore, in areas such as the sitting room or living room, paintings or sculptures, which speak to social issues, could be placed to get conversations started.

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Use Art as Accessories Ceramics are also a good artistic addition to the home. Many local potteries make full crockery sets of plates and bowls in varying sizes and colours, which could be used to adorn the dining room table. Alternatively, simply use a uniquely sculpted clay vase for the centrepiece. This final touch would place focus on the table.

For your bed sheets, comforters, or even decorative throw pillows, consider bold artistic designs such as tie dye or batik patterns.

ON THE COVER

The artwork of Cy Hutchinson, Kraig Yearwood and others.

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Mistakes to Avoid When Placing Art in the Home

Here are common mistakes homeowners make when improving décor with art.

• Too High – Hanging artwork too high makes it difficult for the viewer to appreciate. Hang it at the average eye level.

• Too Safe – Some persons stick within a particular scheme, which comes over as too “matchy-matchy”. Spread your wings and find varied pieces which complement each other well.

• Too much – There is absolutely no need to cover every inch of every wall with art. Leave some space. This allows for breathing room to appreciate each individual work of art.

• Out of Scale – Pieces hung near each other should be of comparable scales. For example, hanging a large portrait of a flower vase too close to a small street scene is a faux pas.

• Underwhelming the Space – Size matters. Ensure the piece is not too small for the wall on which it is placed or its position in the room.

• Overwhelming the Space – Avoid using use pieces that are too large for the space. This overcrowds the room.

• Inappropriate Locations – Just as gory photos are inappropriate for the dining room, provocative pieces are not suited for the living room. Choose the placement of your art wisely.

Use Art to Set the Atmosphere of the Room Never place your artwork on a whim. Consider the imagery being portrayed as well as the colours being used. These both have the power to influence a person’s mood and behaviour.

Whet appetites by placing still life portraits of fruit and vegetables in your kitchen and dining room. Use images reminiscent of water in bathrooms and reserve sensual pieces for adult bedrooms. In choosing your colour scheme, research hues that appeal to you or achieve the desired effect.

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Meet The Design Challenge Finalists

by Leanne Tasher

THE TENSION AND excitement surrounding the Ashley Furniture, Smart Homes Magazine Design Challenge has climaxed! Recently, seven eager designers took part in a Mini Design Challenge held at Ashley Furniture Homestore in Haggatt Hall, St Michael. They were judged based on their use of colour, design knowledge, balance, composition, project description, use of theme and overall appearance. When the results were in, three designers were selected: Tameshia Gooding, Anna-Lysa Nicholls and Faheema Patel. These finalists were then paired with homeowners for the final phase of the competition. In the end, Anna-Lysa emerged as the winner!

Smart Homes caught up with the finalists to learn more about their aspirations, get their advice on Christmas decoration and more! Visit the Smart Homes Magazine Facebook page to review the work of your favourite designer.

Pictured (from left to right): Tameisha Gooding, Anna-Lysa Nicholls and Faheema Patel

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T

Tameshia Gooding, 31

ameshia Gooding has always loved being creative.

Drawing, painting, sewing and doing craft are just a few of her favourite things to do. Of all her interests, however, she was most fascinated with architecture and interior design. Her passion, in addition to support from family and friends, led her to pursue an Associate Degree in architecture, and a certificate in interior decoration, both at the Barbados Community College.

Gooding, who joined the competition to “test her skills”, is focused on her aspirations and determined to make it a rewarding career. What Gooding loves most about interior design is being able to admire the end result.

“I love how you can take a space and turn it into something that reflects your personality. For example, whether you want a space to exude elegance or a contemporary feel, is up to you,” Gooding said, adding that interior design has been a life-long passion.

“From young, I would have to help my mother decorate for the holidays, or just when she felt like remodelling the house. I was always roped into it, whether I was willing or not. But through those experiences, I gained an appreciation for seeing how different elements corresponded with each other, to produce the final result.”

Through interior design, Gooding gets a chance to express her creativity, thus taking her ideas from concept to reality. She explained that she is driven by her positive mind-set: “I am a very determined person, so I always work hard to achieve my goals. However, I’m not opposed to failures, because even though they hurt, they become lessons learnt. Sometimes even with all the hard work, things may not go my way, but I’m a strong believer that in life, what’s for you, you will get.”

Gooding describes her interior design style as contemporary, but noted that she appreciates most styles: “I love that it gives off that clean, simplistic, uncluttered feel, and you can have a little bit of freedom with it, where you can pull from a few of the other design styles.”

Here are Tameshia’s interior design tips: • Always have a plan. Figure out what style you’re trying to achieve, colours, choice etc.

• Think about the type of space and its function.

Think about who is going to be using it, for how long, and layout of the space.

• Add texture and patterns to your schemes; having colours is good, but adding a little texture can really bring out a space.

Christmas décor Q & A: Q: Are you a fan of Santa Claus-themed Christmas décor? Why or why not?

A: Personally, no. I understand why people would use him, and it can be fun. It’s just that I don’t necessarily need Santa on anything, as he isn’t what Christmas is based around to me.

Q: What are some ways people can improve their Christmas décor?

A: Getting crafty, and making your own Christmas décor, experimenting with different colours and materials. Your décor doesn’t have to be what is traditionally available in stores.

Q: What are Christmas decoration must-haves?

A: Again, to each their own. For me, decorative musthaves are lights, a Christmas tree with ornaments, and garlands and ribbons.

Q: What are go-to colour schemes you’d recommend for the holidays?

A: Reds, greens and golds are traditional. You don’t have to use all three; I don’t. I tend to stick with gold, as you can add any other colour to accent it, or use it as the accent.

Q: What decorating mistakes should persons avoid?

A: You should always take into account the size of your space compared to that of the furniture. Having too much furniture in a small space can hinder movement and make the space feel cluttered. While not enough furniture in a large space can make a room feel cavernous and incomplete.

You should also be weary of using too many decorative elements. This is something that can creep up on you, though (I’m guilty myself). So start with a few pieces, and add cautiously.

Another mistake persons might make is not having a plan or theme for the space. Just adding random articles and decorations or furniture can make a space look mismatched and out of order.

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F

Faheema Patel, 29

aheema Patel, better known as Famz, is a graphic designer and henna tattoo artist. As a child, she has always been passionate about art. In her final year of college, she conceptualised her company, Junoon Designs. Junoon, she explained means passion and obsession. Since art has become very “natural” to her, she said she found the company name quite suitable. Patel, an animal lover, also hopes to own a brand of T-shirts, with positive, inspirational messages printed on them.

“I’ve always dreamed of having my own space and if I did how I would design it, what colours I would use, what textures, furniture, accents and decorative pieces I would add to my space to make it me.

“My dad’s apartment became available for rent and so my passion for interior design started. I think it was from last year I found myself creating Pinterest boards full of inspiration, watching home décor videos and collecting pieces that I can use in my home,” she said.

Patel is not an interior designer by profession, but believes her passion might lead her to this career field someday.

She said that as a henna artist, she loves interacting with clients, knowing she can make them happy with her creativity/artistic gift.

Patel said she entered the design challenge to get out of her comfort zone. Therefore, it would present an opportunity for personal growth. She noted that she has developed a love for designing, and organising spaces – balancing colours, creating storage and making it functional.

The 29-year-old describes her interior design style as “modern”.

“I love wearing colourful stuff, but for my space, I am drawn to monochromes, with little bits of colour, especially shades of blue. Metals are also something I love to incorporate. I also like touches of vintage and rustic pieces.”

Here are Faheema’s interior design tips: • Storage is one of the most important things in design. I believe if you can find ways to make storage, try to, as it will minimise clutter.

• Don’t be afraid to play with colour, but also don’t have too many colours in one space. Choose three colours, you can use grey as a neutral colour. Repeat the colours you chose at least three times, so it looks cohesive.

• Personalise your space. Add personal touches to make the space reflect your personality and things you like.

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Interior décor Q&A:

Q: How have your interior decorating skills evolved over time?

A: Well, I just started playing with interior designing. I have been learning about it for over a year, but I do have a graphic design background. I think the design challenge will reveal what I can really do based on everything that I’ve learned.

Q: What living space do you enjoy working with the most and why?

A: My daughter’s bedroom. I’ve been more excited designing her space than my own. I think children’s stuff is so much fun to put together and it can be so cheery and colourful. But second to that is the living room space and kitchen space, as these are the two areas in the house where I spend most of my time.

Q: When working with a very small living room, what should persons bear in mind and why?

A: Don’t use bulky furniture, which would make the space feel cramped. You can try a two- or three-seater with two accent chairs to make the room a little airy. Also, if using dark colours, use it as accents as it can make a small space look smaller and dark.

Q: What are go-to colour schemes you’d recommend for the living room and why?

A: I would say you can never go wrong with monochromes and neutrals. You can always add and change out accent colours when you’re ready to have a new look.

Q: Elaborate on the effect of various flooring types (wood, carpet, tiles etc.) Does this have any impact on the design of the room? How so or why not?

A: Yes it does! There are different shades of each. But I would say it’s all in a person’s personal preference. Wood gives a natural look. I think it’s one of my favourites out of all. With tiles you can choose something very funky or even a neutral like a marble, which can make a room look quite classy. You can carpet an entire room or use carpets or rugs to create separations in open spaces, for example, a living and dining area.

Q: What decorating mistakes should persons avoid?

A: Hanging pictures too high above seating areas, placing very tall objects in conversation areas making it difficult to see others in your space, and adding too many décor items that it becomes very busy.

Design Challenge Winner

Anna-Lysa Nicholls, 27

A

nna-Lysa Nicholls has proven that she has what it takes to be an exceptional interior designer.

She entered the design challenge for a chance to showcase her skills, and has wowed the judges, homeowners and online fans. Although her academic background is biology, she’s always had a passion for decorating.

Nicholls said her interest in home design peaked during Christmas 2012. This was when her parents asked her to do the festive re-decorating. She thoroughly enjoyed that experience, which made her realise that interior design was her calling.

“I am relatively new in this field professionally, since before it was mainly a hobby,” Nicholls said. “When I saw the challenge, light bulbs went off in my head and I immediately thought of this as a great opportunity to experiment, learn, have fun, connect with other artists in the industry, and build my brand as an interior designer and increase exposure.”

Nicholls believes the greatest thing about her job is witnessing clients’ excitement and shock after their ideas have become a reality. She describes her style of interior design as “minimal but chic”.

The 27-year-old thinks of the home as a sanctuary, a place where you can relax and recharge. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, she believes a well-presented room

Here are Anna-Lysa’s interior design tips: • When designing a space, think about the way you dress; you wouldn’t wear a purple shirt with a green pants and red shoes. Everything has to tie in somewhere and accessories are always added as the final touch.

• Less is always more.

• A room is not complete without a statement piece or a conversation starter.

can boost one’s confidence.

“I believe the spaces you exist in should be your sanctuaries, whether it is your home or office. You should always feel welcomed and ready to execute tasks in the spaces you exist.”

Christmas décor Q & A: Q: Are you a fan of Santa-Claus themed Christmas décor? Why or why not?

A: Personally, I’m not huge fan of it. I think when executed the correct way, a Santa Claus-themed décor can be really nice, but it limits the colour schemes you can use during the Christmas season. I love to put a spin on Christmas décor rather than use the traditional red and green.

Q: What are some ways people can improve their Christmas décor?

A: People can improve their Christmas décor by choosing a great colour scheme, use three nice colours in a 60:30:10 ratio or two colours in a 50:50 ratio. Aim to give the room or house a cosy feel.

Q: What are Christmas decoration must-haves?

A: Mini Christmas trees, pinecones, Christmas balls of various sizes and something with faux fur to mimic the appearance of snow, whether it is a throw for the chair, or the Christmas tree mat that slides under the tree, and of course, a Christmas tree and hollies for the doors.

Q: What are go-to colour schemes you’d recommend for the holidays?

A: I’d recommend silver and gold, red and silver, green and blue, or green and gold.

Q: What decorating mistakes should persons avoid?

A: Avoid over accessorising; less is more.

Here are the finalist during the mini challenge.

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Deck The Halls with Boughs of...Holly?

by Natalia Nunes

Christmas is my favourite time of the year – TOTALLY! And, this year in particular, I’m actually decking my halls with boughs of HAPPY. Multiple hurricanes, an earthquake here and there, and rampant gun violence make me very happy to be here to appreciate the little things in life. Honestly, in the wake of Harvey, Irma and Jose, there’s no way I’ll be spending unnecessarily on more decorations.

M

y family and I donated items that we thought were important to us, but actually are vital to others. This hurricane season was more real to me as for the first time ever; we were stuck abroad and told we had to deplane, as flights taking the Eastern Seaboard route down to the islands would not be able to go that way, because the radar used to guide the pilots is situated in Turks and Caicos Islands. It was damaged. WHAT!? You mean we can’t go home? We are lucky, because we actually have a home to go back to.

That being said, this Christmas will be a Christmas of

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gratitude. I’m grateful for family members who drive me nuts, and those who don’t. To honour that, I will decorate our tree with photographs of my loved ones. Mini photos of family members will hang from our downsized tree, with the odd traditional decoration strategically hung to give it some “bling”. For me, the decorating side of Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. My eight-inch porcelain Holy Family, The Three Wise Men, the Shepherd Boy with the ox, lamb, ass and camel are my priority – they are displayed first in the manger, which is lit to show the reverence even the animals observed.

Simple, trendy décor A super simple, yet very trendy Christmas tree is a leafless tree with its bare branches. Sprayed with a colour of choice, it takes the traditional Christmas tree to a whole new level. Isn’t it funny how something that would normally be discarded – a dead tree – can be transformed into a thing of beauty? Whatever the colour choice, it can be decorated to reflect the festive spirit of Christmas. Lights, of course, contribute to that so I wouldn’t skimp on those. Something else in keeping with that organic theme is pods from say, a mahogany tree. Sprayed or natural, they are really pretty.

A lovely pot with some earth to secure the trunk, shredded paper to camouflage the earth, or garlands from last year, lit with tiny lights to mimic the night sky, pods and photos hanging from the branches… I’m in the mood to do that right now! But wait, it’s only October.

I remember as a child our teachers giving us projects like making garlands out of colourful paper. That was such fun and the burst of “WOW” from me when MY decoration was put on the tree still lingers in my head whenever I stroll down memory Lane... like now.

Home-made decorations Encourage your children to make personal decorations and put dates on them so that in years to come, they would be conversation pieces passed down from generation to

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generation. Here are examples: • Toilet paper rolls covered in streamer paper – punch a hole or two in them and hang them vertically or join a bunch of the lot with ribbon and string it ‘round the tree.

• Colourful plastic bags – Fold them like you would when you’re making a fan. Bend in half and secure in the middle.

Cut the folded part and before you can say ‘eggnog’, there’s a fan-like decoration!

Selfless gift-giving With the crazy goings-on that take centre stage in the world, maybe this Christmas we could vow to make it less hectic. Perhaps we could visit a hospital with a gift or two for someone whose Christmas-time admission was not on their “To Do” list. Or, we could go to an orphanage with some cookies wrapped in festive bags and a colouring book or four. Don’t forget crayons! How much of our time would that rob, seriously? And in exchange for an hour or two, the joy would be immeasurable. I guarantee the experience will keep the Christmas Grinch away for a long time.

Here’s a thought: for those of us who plan to buy more decorations, share last year’s by donating to a needy home.

There’s always someone whose heart needs warming.

May you all be blessed this Christmas and feel free to deck your halls with boughs of HAPPY.

Home Security: A Personal Safety Guide

by Katrina Francis-Worrell

Safety and security are two concepts with which everyone can identify. Several decades ago, noted American psychologist Abraham Maslow developed the theory now commonly known as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It is depicted as a five-tier pyramid, with safety being the fourth important need. To this day, as crime rates increase, his theory still holds true. Everyone wants to feel safe, and this includes securing the home. So, what can you do this? How can you protect your loved ones from the threat of intruders and potentially violent crimes? Help ensure your peace of mind with these practical options.

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• Home Security Systems Do you simply want to be alerted when a window or door to your home has been opened? Or, would you prefer to have a security company alerted? What about home monitoring? Would you prefer a company to remotely monitor your property, or would you like to do it yourself from the convenience of your smart phone or other device? Depending on how much you are willing to spend, any of these are viable options. Given the technological advancements, home security systems have gone beyond passcode access. Some of the more advanced systems use voice and facial recognition. Contact local security companies to identify the system best suited to your needs.

• Secure Your Surroundings Lock your windows and doors before leaving home, especially if you live in a burglar-prone community. Avoid leaving a spare key in obvious locations. If there are large trees and bushes close to your home, keep them trimmed to eliminate hiding spots for intruders. You should also ensure that the environs of your property are well lit, allowing you to see and anyone else to be seen.

• Mix Things Up Avoid following the same routine daily. Occasionally leave home later and return earlier. Make it difficult for anyone who is watching your movements to predict your departure, arrival and length of time away from home.

Never make it obvious if you plan to be away from home for an extended period.

• Think Before You Post Social media is a great way to communicate with friends and family, and share snippets of your fabulous life.

However, this is also a fabulous way to attract predators.

An innocent post about being away on a family vacation can be an open invitation to intruders. To limit persons’ ability to track your movements, carefully consider what you post on social media.

• Become Part of a Community Get to know your immediate neighbours and those within the wider community, so that unusual or suspicious persons are easily recognisable. Having a good relationship with your neighbours will also prompt them to look out for home when you are not there, just as you would for them.

Create a community watch and share telephone numbers in case they are ever needed.

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How to Manage Relocation Stress

by David Hinkson

Leaving the place you have come to call “home” is never easy, not just from a physical perspective, but also psychological. It can take a toll whether the move is planned (e.g. eviction, divorce or separation, changing jobs) or unexpected (e.g. due to fire or natural disaster). After all, it is your “little corner of the universe”, or as Barbadians say, “piece of the rock”; the place where you have created memories with your family and friends.

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N

aturally, individual responses vary; some people look forward happily to the process, while others become afraid and may “freak out” at all the elements associated with it. In fact, there is a condition known as relocation stress, which is closely related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In more severe cases, physical manifestations of relocation stress include backaches, headaches, stomachaches, high blood pressure, and greater susceptibility to disease and infection. Emotional symptoms include impatience, becoming easily irritated, moody, depressed or withdrawn, and behavioural symptoms like nail-biting, teeth grinding, alcohol or drug abuse, absenteeism, lateness and the inability to focus on easy tasks at work.

There are two aspects of the moving process; the physical act of itself, which can be very draining, chaotic and unpredictable. This leads to the psychological fallout described earlier. Now, under normal circumstances, tenants are given a month’s notice to leave the premises.

One of the main causes of tension is determining what stays and what goes as you pack your belongings.

Everything you own, no matter how small or trivial it may appear, has some sort of sentimental value. But based on practicality, especially if moving into a smaller space or sharing with someone else, you cannot possibly take everything with you. A rule of thumb is- if you haven’t used it or seen it for at least two years, maybe you really don’t need it.

Gaining a sense of control over the move will mitigate the stress associated with it. Make lists outlining the steps you want to take in the process; for example, determine whether you’ll be moving all the items yourself or calling in a freighter, and set up a timetable for the transportation of personal effects, so you don’t get overwhelmed trying to move everything all at once.

If the place you are moving to is unoccupied and you already have the keys, put your non-essentials in place first and then get the truck to bring in the “big ticket” items (furniture and appliances) at month-end. And when you move those smaller items, put them in their designated storage space as soon as possible so your new home does

not look like it belongs on one of those “hoarding” TV shows!

Relocation tips • Let the post office know your address has changed, and have them forward any mail to your new location.

• Make arrangements to clear any arrears you may have on your utility bills, and transfer or cancel those services as necessary.

• Get to know the new place; check out the neighbourhood, talk to some of the people who have lived there for a while, even try out your morning commute with the children to figure out the best route to take for the school run.

• Keep children’s daily routine consistent amid all the chaos. As mentioned in a previous article (Better Health, December 2015) have them help in terms of organising some of the packing and setting up their rooms in the new house.

• Take care of yourself during the process. While you will definitely be getting some physical exercise with all the heavy lifting, going for a run or soaking those tired muscles in the sea will help relieve your stress.

Even if you have to move within a short period, work some quiet time into your routine. Call up a friend

to share a joke, watch your favourite sitcom or movie, and get a handle on your feelings by keeping a journal, which can be very therapeutic. You will be having some late nights as you move items to and fro, but try not to overdo that, especially if you still have work and school commitments.

• Allow yourself and those around you to grieve the chapter that has just closed; this is especially important for your children, who may have lived in the same house all their lives. If they are feeling sad and uneasy (and don’t deny it, you will too), show some empathy, and put a positive spin on things for their sake. Consider the move a new beginning and the start of a new and exciting chapter in your life story.

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How Often Should You Treat Your Home For Termites?

by David Hinkson

They are barely visible to the naked eye and can live as far as 1 500 feet below the ground, but once they surface, they can be a real menace to your home. We are talking about termites, or as we call them locally, “wood ants”.

How do you know when you have a termite problem? Here are a few suggestions: • Papery or hollow sounding timber. Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. When you knock or tap on an area that has termite damage, it will sound hollow or papery due to parts (or all) of the timber having been eaten away.

• Your finger presses through a door jamb. Once the termites have destroyed the structural integrity of the timber, bumps or pressure against it will easily cause damage.

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• Tight fitting door or hard to open window. As termites devour the wood, their excrement or ‘mud’ creates a protective environment that traps heat and moisture.

This causes timber to swell, making it harder to open a window or close a door.

• Cracks in the cornice or door jambs. As termites eat away the timber in your walls or door jambs, it causes a loss in structural integrity and cracks form. However, this may not always be attributable to termites.

• Termite “mud”. Termites construct ‘mud tunnels’ to provide themselves with a safe environment to travel to or protect their food sources. This can sometimes be seen in your home’s brick foundation.

In Barbados, since many homes are at risk for termite attacks, annual inspections are essential for early detection of termite activity.

In Barbados, since many homes are at risk for termite attacks, annual inspections are essential for early detection of termite activity. Inspections also assess the conditions that make a property more susceptible to timber pests and show homeowners ways to minimise the risk of attack.

If you just got rid of a termite nest, you need to have more frequent inspections - at least once every three months. You can go back to annual inspections once you have been termite free for a year or so. If you know that your neighbours have colonies or you have seen a number of swarms in the area, it may be advisable to set out some bait and have it checked every few months.

There are several different methods used for termite control. Normally, you may see pest control companies put holes around the foundation of a house while it is under construction or just after completion. They then place the chemicals used to eliminate these critters into those holes. The “worker termites” consume the bait and take it back to the nest, sharing the poison with other colony members, eventually eliminating the colony.

Above ground, bait stations are placed within the home or other structures, and once again, the termites consume

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the bait and take it back to the nest, ultimately destroying the colony. In case you are wondering, the bait inside the stations is non-toxic for pets and children.

A chemical termite barrier involves applying a liquid chemical to the soil, either under concrete flooring or around the entire perimeter of the building. This method can be used at any stage of the building’s life.

Physical termite barriers are used when you are building or adding a new extension to your home or business premises. It is a layer of protective material, which can be laid before your slab is poured, or as a partial barrier to the perimeter of the structure and pipe penetrations to stop subterranean termites from entering your home. This method can only be used prior to construction.

The reticulation system is a network of underground pipes designed to distribute a termite control chemical evenly throughout a building’s foundations and around the building perimeter. This system allows reapplication of the chemical barrier giving continuous long-term protection against invasion by termites. This method can be used prior to construction and perimeter systems can be installed once the property is completed prior to

landscaping and paving.

So how long do these treatments last? Once they are applied correctly, liquid treatments generally last for five years. Sometimes, if a gap is left in the treatment, the termites can find a way back in before that time period is up, which may be due to a number of factors, including the local environment. Soil treatments can go away in a few days or they can last for years, while bait treatments will last as long as there is bait in the station.

Finally, check around your home carefully and take the following precautions if you want to avoid any long-term problems with termites.

• Remove stored timber, debris and cellulose materials from under, in and around the property and under the house.

• Repair leaking taps and pipes. This will reduce moisture levels, which attract subterranean termites close to or under your property.

• Ensure that vents to subfloor areas are never blocked, as this will result in high humidity and high moisture levels.

• Divert all hot water services and air-conditioning overflows away from the side of house.

• Use only termite-treated timber in garden beds, retaining walls or fence posts.

• Construct timber fences and support posts with a 50mm clearance between the timbers and the soil. Often, the bases of wooden fence palings and/ or sub-floor timbers breach the soil surface. This

allows termites access without detection.

• Do not allow climbing plants or bushy gardens to grow against the structure, as provide termites with undetectable entry points, and the roots of some plants can also penetrate the foundations of your property, allowing termites to enter. Allow at least a 30cm clearance. Also, avoid planting trees that are notorious for sending roots under slabs close to the home.

• Remove dead trees or stumps, as these are ideal sites for termites to nest in.

• Ensure that termite shielding is not damaged or breached in any way, and bear in mind that building alterations or additions can alter or render ineffective previous termite protection.

• Where a house is a concrete slab on ground construction, Barbadian standards state that you should leave a minimum of 75mm of slab edge exposed. Weep holes in between brickwork, found immediately above the slab, should also be left exposed. If you construct gardens, allow soil to be deposited above the edge of the slab, or above pavers over the slab face, otherwise termites can gain entry undetected into your property and breach the previously applied termite barriers.

• Ensure all formwork timber is removed after construction, as termites can often attack formwork and use it to gain access into your home.

So how long do these treatments last?

Once they are applied correctly, liquid treatments generally last for five years.

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