Tuesday, April 23, 2019

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Whirlpool Tub

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Are you buying your first whirlpool bathtub? Let us help you narrow down the choices. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Will it fit in the bathroom?
Make sure to measure your bathroom before you even look at a whirlpool, including any space you might gain taking down dividing walls or showers. “Most whirlpools come in three standard sizes,” says Morey. “Five feet, five and a half and six. But you can’t just consider the tub size — they’re all designed to be dropped into a deck, and that will take up more space, with the bare minimum adding at least a half-inch to your measurements on all sides.

“If you think you’d like to hold a lot of stuff like candles and oils near the water, you’ll also need extra space on the deck,” says Morey. “If you’re over six feet tall, you may want to forfeit deck space for more tub room.” Source: HGTV

Is your current heating system enough?
If you choose to heat your whirlpool with your existing in-home heating system, make sure it can handle the amount of water needed to fill the whirlpool. With an external system, the water in the tub will get cool quickly due to the circulating jets, so you will need to frequently refill the tub with hot water. A 50 gallon quick recovery system should be sufficient.

The other option is a self-heating system. A self-heating whirlpool comes with its own internal heating system that circulates the tub water and reheats when necessary. This is a good energy-saving option and the best way to keep your water temperature consistent. Source: DoItYourself

Which type of jet should you pick?
Choose between water jets or air jets. Water-jet whirlpool tubs force water through jets, giving more pressure and a forceful massage. In air-jet whirlpool tubs, air is forced through tiny holes for a lighter massage. A combination whirlpool tub uses both, but will be more expensive and may use more energy.

  • One drawback of water-jet and combination tubs is that you can’t use bath salts or oils, as these will damage the pumping mechanism.
  • Another water-jet and combination tub drawback is that some water stays in the jets, and mold can develop if they’re not regularly cleaned out. Source: WikiHow

We can help you figure out which brand or type of whirlpool tub will work best for your needs. Find out more when you call us today!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Whirlpool Tub appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2W6LBE4

Spring Landscaping Tips

Now that winter has passed, it’s the season of new beginnings. This spring is the perfect time to start working on improving your home’s curb appeal by doing the following tips:

Do your research
Similarly to a do it yourself project, plan out your strategy for your landscaping in advance. Are you going to break it up in phases, or are you going to hire a landscape professional to help you plan? Ask for guidance from your local nursery or neighbors who have beautiful landscaping! They can probably give you as good of advice as a professional. Source: Freshome

Check for damage
In colder climates grass starts growing in April, but early spring is a good time to test the soil’s pH so that you can assemble the right amendments. Remove turf damaged by salt, plows, or disease to prepare for the seeding that should follow in a few weeks. Work in a ½-inch layer of compost to keep the new seed moist, increasing the germination rate. Begin seeding once forsythia starts blooming in your area.  Source: ThisOldHouse

Plan for the future look
When selecting plants for your landscaping, consider how large each will grow over time. This provides you with the opportunity to space everything out perfectly, and more importantly, ensure that the proper plants are planted in the best areas in your yard. Most plants will have the estimated height and growth requirements available prior to purchase. If not, this is something you will definitely want to know before purchasing. Source: BHGRE

Prepare the lawn mower
You may not be mowing the grass for a while, but when the time comes, you’ll want your lawn mower is in good condition. If you didn’t remove the dirty oil or replace the spark plugs during the fall, now’s the time to swap out the used oil for new oil and replace old spark plugs. Also, lightly lubricate the wheel bearing, height adjuster, and any other moving parts, following the manual’s instructions. Make sure to have the lawn mower blades sharpened by a professional, so they’ll cut the grass evenly. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Do you have damaged paving stones in your front yard? Give us a call! We can help make it look better.

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1
(604) 360-2114



from Kerrisdale RD http://bit.ly/2vj2Hme

Monday, April 22, 2019

Job Opportunity: MeetElise – Director of Customer Success

MeetElise is a NYC and DC-based startup using artificial intelligence to make good housing affordable to all by making it less expensive to manage apartment buildings.

They are looking to hire a Director of Customer Success to develop the customer success process (onboarding, support, insights) and lead the customer success team.

About the Director of Customer Success Role

MeetElise is growing quickly and you’ll be building out a customer success process that will support customer growth to our first million apartments by the end of 2020 and beyond.

Your Objectives

  1. Develop a customer success process and team that can onboard and serve 1 million apartment units by 2020.
  2. Set ambitious customer service metrics and exceed them.
  3. Gather and distill insights from our customers about how to make our products better.

Key Activities and Questions

Build out our customer success process.

  1. Metrics
    1. What metrics do we need to ensure we provide efficient and exceptional customer service?
  2. Customer Onboarding
    1. How do we make onboarding and training an exceptional experience for our customers?
    2. How do we significantly reduce the time and effort MeetElise spends onboarding each customer?
  3. Customer Support
    1. How do we prioritize competing customer support requests?
    2. How do we provide complete solutions as quickly as possible?
  4. Customer Insights
    1. How do we create a regular feedback loop with our customers so we’re constantly getting better and building the right things?
    2. How do we identify the biggest problems and product growth opportunities?
  5. Contract Renewals and Upselling
    1. How do we build strong relationships with our customers?
    2. How do we encourage our customers to use more MeetElise products?

Hire, lead, and retain a driven customer success team to help you achieve all of the above.

Our Ideal Candidate

  1. You’re excited about providing customers with an exceptional experience and solving the housing industry’s problems with AI.
  2. You love building processes, bringing order to chaos, and know how to prioritize.
  3. You’re hungry to learn and constantly experimenting to make things better.
  4. You’re excited to join a small startup team and pitch in anywhere (including sales).
  5. You have 4+ years in customer success and 2+ years managing a team.
  6. You’ve worked at a B2B startup and 6 day work weeks don’t scare you.

Note: We value potential over qualifications, so we’re willing to take a risk on someone who can grow into this role.

Location: New York, NY or Washington, DC

Compensation and Benefits

  1. Competitive salary
  2. Stock options
  3. 401K
  4. Medical, dental, vision
  5. Gym membership (or physical activity equivalent) stipend
  6. Maternity / paternity leave
  7. Flexible vacation (we trust you’ll get the work done)
  8. All the tools you need (computer, monitors, etc.)
  9. Team outings and home cooked meals

Interested? Please send your resume (or link to detailed LinkedIn profile) and an email introducing yourself and why you want to join MeetElise.

Apply Now

The post Job Opportunity: MeetElise – Director of Customer Success appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.



from GeekEstate Blog http://bit.ly/2Zr2nzT

Sunday, April 21, 2019

AEC Hackathon 6.2 – Seattle

The AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) Hackathon is coming back to Seattle for another year. The event was created to give those designing, building, and maintaining our built environment the opportunity to collaborate with cutting edge technologies and its developers and designers. It is a community of innovators that include all elements of the built environment, not just AEC, all around the world.

Date And Time: Fri, April 26, 2019, 6:00 PM – Sun, April 28, 2019, 6:00 PM PDT

Location: UW’s Center for Research & Education in Construction (7543 63RD AVENUE NE, BUILDING 5 BAY B, Seattle, WA 98115)

Schedule:

Friday evening, April 26th 

6 pm Doors Open (Open to the Public)

7 – 7:30 pm

7:30 pm Lighting Rounds / Team Formation

10 pm Adjourn

Saturday, April 27th

9 am Doors open

11 AM – 12 PM Magic Leap workshop with engineers from the Magic Leap Team

12 PM – 1 PM Lunch and Hacking

1 – 2 PM Unity and AEC – Mark Schoennagel of the Unity AEC Team will lead a workshop. Mark is the Lead Evangelist focused on the Automotive and AEC verticals while leading the Americas team of Unity Evangelists.

2 – 3 PM The Future of Real EstatePanel Discussion 

3 – 4 PM The Future of ConstructionPanel Discussion

10 pm Adjourn

Sunday, April 28th

9 am Doors Open

1 pm Hacking Concludes

1:30 pm Artificial Intelligence and Real Estate, Bryan Copley, CEO of CityBLDR

2 pm Team Presentations (Open to the Public)

6 pm Adjourn

Get Your Ticket

The post AEC Hackathon 6.2 – Seattle appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.



from GeekEstate Blog http://bit.ly/2Pm6h8w

Cody Bellinger’s MVP Day in Milwaukee

 

[Box Score]

If Cody Bellinger wins the MVP award after the 2019 season, look back to this game on Easter Sunday as a possible hallmark event.

Bellinger had two RBI singles in the game when he took away a home run from the incumbent Christian Yelich. Of course, after a 5-2 lead evaporated with an Eric Thames home run off Kenley Jansen; Bellinger had more heroics in store.

The unthinkable happened. Bellinger homered off Josh Hader in a 5-5 tie ballgame, and the Dodgers won the game 6-5.

Once again the day belonged to Bellinger, who stole the show with his bat and his glove. The Dodgers took three of four in Milwaukee, and have an off day on Monday.



from Diamond Hoggers http://bit.ly/2IxcXAf

Friday, April 19, 2019

Alice’s quotes

__________________________________ EN ESPANOL AQUI>>> Alicia ___________________________________ I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is ‘Who in the world am I?’ Ah, […]


from Paulo Coelho http://bit.ly/2Go8wnS

Thursday, April 18, 2019

4 Important Tips When Using Essential Oils in Your Bath

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

More and more people are falling in love with aromatherapy. It doesn’t just smell good, it also provides health benefits depending on which oil you choose to use. But be careful about putting it in your bath without proper research beforehand, or you might risk burning your skin. Take note of the following tips:

Avoid direct contact with essential oils
“When it comes to putting essential oils in the bath, remember — oil and water don’t mix, which is to say the essential oils are not water soluble,” warns Teachey. Translation: When you climb into the tub, the small drops of oil can adhere to your skin (and tender nether regions!) just as if you’d applied the undiluted oil directly your skin, which can irritate and burn. Ouch!

Use carrier oils
You don’t want essential oils just to sit on top of the water; you want them dispersed throughout. The best way to do that is combine essential oils in a carrier oil first, like coconut, olive, sunflower, or jojoba. “For a single bath, three to 12 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil is sufficient to create a very aromatic, therapeutic bath,” says Teachey, who suggests stirring the bath before climbing in to help circulate oils. Source: GoodHousekeeping

Choose skin-friendly essential oils
As much as we love essential oils, there are some that don’t belong in the tub. Avoid essential oils that can irritate the skin or mucus membranes. On this list: basil, lemongrass, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, peppermint, cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and bay. Source: HelloGlow

Don’t stay for too long
Soaking for just the right amount of time in your luxurious bath will ensure that you get the most benefits from your aromatherapy session.

  • You’ll want to soak in your aromatherapy bath for about 15-20 minutes to get the most benefits. Staying in longer can dry out or damage your skin.
  • Consider using bath props, such as a pillow or rose petals, to help you relax further.
  • A warm washcloth over your eyes will also help you enjoy your bath. Just make sure to warm it in water under the faucet so that you don’t get any essential oil in your eyes. Source: WikiHow

If you’re looking for bathroom fixtures that are trendy and sophisticated, we have those in store for you. Call us!

 

Contact:

Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Important Tips When Using Essential Oils in Your Bath appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2IIEyOa

Elmstone at Westerleigh

Elmstone at Westerleigh by Polygon is a new 4-storey condo development located at Polygon’s masterplanned community of Westerleigh, Abbotsford. This project will offer a collection of 142 stylish 1- and 2-bedroom homes, sizes range from 600 – 1,145 square feet. The homes at Elmstone is located steps from Club West – a 9,000 square-foot resort-style clubhouse just for residents – and features West Coast contemporary architecture with traditional touches like rich brickwork and metal detailing. Inside, these bright and airy homes will have spa-inspired bathrooms, laminate wood flooring, and gourmet kitchens with spacious islands, sleek stainless steel appliances and polished stone countertops.

The post Elmstone at Westerleigh appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2VXT3l2

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Different Ways to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Chilling in the bath is one of life’s greatest pleasures. But, if your tub is dirty, you might feel stressed instead of relaxed. To ensure its cleanliness, here are some things you can do:

Regular Cleaning Routine
For gentle weekly cleaning, look for store-bought cleansers that are marked “safe for porcelain enamel”, or make your own by mixing a few tablespoons of dishwashing soap with about a gallon of hot water. Use a rag or soft sponge to scrub the porcelain, and then rinse well with water. Source: Home.HowStuffWorks

Removal of Rust
If you have a rust stain (or any other marks or filth that the above techniques can’t touch) you can try this method as a last resort:

  1. Cover the stain with table salt
  2. Take half of a lemon and squeeze the juice over the salt
  3. Scrub the salt/lemon mixture with a clean cloth or a nylon sponge
  4. If the stain still doesn’t come up, leave the paste-mixture on the stain for an hour or so, then squeeze more lemon juice on the stain and try scrubbing the stain again
  5. Rinse and wipe clean Source: ApartmentTherapy

Keeping the Tub Shiny
Squeeze lemon oil onto a soft cloth and rub the sides of your bathtub. The lemon oil also forms a protective coating that helps stop water spots, soap scum and minor stains. Avoid rubbing the oil on the bottom of the tub because it can be quite slippery. Source: Hunker

Quick Clean
Need to do a quick tub cleanup before guests arrive? Grab the handiest item — your shampoo! It does a great job on soap scum because it rinses clean. You can use it to buff a shine into your chrome faucets as well. Source: RD

If you’re looking for the best-looking bathtubs, we have lots in store for you. Unlike others, we also offer maintenance and repairs. Contact us for more info.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post Different Ways to Clean a Porcelain Bathtub appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2ValBKJ

The Gables at Nelson Park

The Gables at Nelson Park by Vandwell is a new city home development located in the heart of Vancouver’s West End. This project will offer an exclusive collection of 6 homes, sizes range from 706 – 1,526 sq ft. The Gables at Nelson Park has a wide selection of city homes to choose from!

The post The Gables at Nelson Park appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2VV1cXq

Sanctuary: An Astronomer's Home Observatory

Jonathan Fay lives a double life. By day, he works in software engineering, but once the sun goes down, he opens a window to the heavens - right in his own backyard.

The amateur astronomer designed and built an observatory behind his Woodinville, Washington, home to house his 12-inch telescope. There, he gazes at planetary nebula and photographs galaxies. For Fay, having his own sanctuary is out of this world.

How would you describe your sanctuary?
My observatory is a place of peace where I can collect my gear and spend time with the universe. The nature of astronomy in the Pacific Northwest is challenging, but I’m able to open the dome and start observing without having to set up ahead of time and rush to cover things up when it rains.

What do you like best about the physical space?
It’s separate from the activity of my home, and it’s quiet. I don't disturb anyone else, and they don't disturb me.

What's your home like? Is your sanctuary an extension or departure from your home?
Our home is a two-story wood and brick home. The observatory blends nicely with the house and barn in style, but the dome clearly sets it apart.

Did you have your sanctuary in mind when you chose your home?
No. A few years after I moved in, I realized I needed a more permanent place than a second-floor porch off the bedroom to set up my new telescope.

What was the tipping point that made you decide to create a sanctuary?
When I would do astrophotography imaging runs on the second-floor porch, people would turn on lights or walk around, and the light and vibration would ruin the image. My wife didn’t like having to shut down her life for my hobby.

How did you build your sanctuary?
I designed and built the observatory. I had some occasional help from friends when I needed lifting or a second pair of hands. I also had help from my kids handing me screws and nails while I worked.

Sanctuary_Fay_exterior_05

What was the biggest challenge in creating your sanctuary?
Round stuff is hard. Especially when it has to rotate and be level. The dome was a hemisphere, so it was round in more than two dimensions. Woodworking tools are not optimized for round things.

Has your sanctuary always looked the same, or has it changed over time?
We recently added wood floors from carpet. And we put on a new roof when we re-roofed the rest of the buildings on the property.

How much time do you typically spend in your sanctuary?
Sometimes many hours for several days in a row. Sometimes I go weeks without going inside. It depends on the ebb and flow of life - and how bad I need it.

How did you get into astronomy in the first place?
My aunt gave me a telescope when I was about 12. Since then I have loved space and astronomy, but when I could put a computer-controlled camera on a telescope, that made me want my own Hubble in my backyard.

Sanctuary_Fay_interior_01

Does your hobby influence what you do professionally or vice versa?
Building my observatory, writing all the software for it, and doing astronomical imaging helped me create the WorldWide Telescope project with two of my co-workers. Now millions of people can visit space on their computer or planetarium because of it.

Do you share your sanctuary with anyone? What about your home?
I will share the observatory with just about anyone who asks, and sometimes I invite people to join me. I share my home with my wife and five active kids. So sometimes a getaway is in order!

Sanctuary_Fay_portrait_08

 

If you had a do-over, would you change anything about your sanctuary?
While I love the look of the dome, I would make the shutters open wider to accommodate a bigger telescope.

Do you wish you had found your sanctuary sooner?
It came at the right time for me, and I returned to update it when that time was right.

What advice would you share with those who dream of having a sanctuary someday?
You’re not getting any younger. Just go for it, even if you don't use it as much as you think you need to to justify the cost. It will always be a great story to share.

Related:

Originally published July 2016.


from Zillow Porchlight http://bit.ly/2mk11Gf

Sleep Under the Stars in a Bubble Home

This Tiny Home Is Ready for Outer Space

Ground control to Major Tom: Here's a home unlike any other we've seen.

A lifelong architect went intergalactic to find inspiration for one of his latest designs: a tiny home shaped like a lunar lander.

Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River in central Washington, the roughly 250-square-foot home is hexagon-shaped, perched nearly 9 feet above the ground on three massive steel beams.

Inside, earthlings are greeted by an open floor plan. A breakfast nook has a porthole-shaped window overlooking the river and the hillside; a kitchen with stainless steel appliances provides space to cook up a feast for an astronaut.

A large geodesic dome skylight showers the room with sunlight.

Just off the bathroom, a deep-blue sink and cerulean-colored mirror have a Mid-Century Modern feel (appropriate, considering humans first walked on the moon in 1969).

The bedroom sits below a small ladder and can comfortably sleep two people. 

Upstairs, there's enough room for a small outdoor deck where you can gaze at area wildlife, including eagles and lynxes.

If the space reminds you of the tiny well-intentioned living quarters of a boat, it's no coincidence. The lunar lander's owner and designer, Kurt Hughes, is a boat designer by trade.

He translated his three decades of boat building to home building - in fact, the wooden table in the dining nook is recycled from the Hughes' first sailboat.

Beam us up, Scotty.

Photos by Zillow’s Marcus Ricci.

Related:

Originally published May 2018.


from Zillow Porchlight http://bit.ly/2InIHXq

Monday, April 15, 2019

Areas to Check for Spring Home Maintenance

The winter cold can wreak severe damage to your home if left unchecked. While you’re doing your annual spring cleaning, keep your eye out for anything that might need repair on the following places:

Drainage
Good drainage is the soul of a happy house. To keep your hacienda smiling (and help put the kibosh on mold, mildew, termites and basement leaks), check to make sure the soil slopes away from foundation walls at least six vertical inches over 10 feet. That’ll move rain and snowmelt far enough away to prevent problems. Source: DIYNetwork

Outside faucets
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot. Source: HGTV

Driveways and paths
Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt and other hardscaping materials. Take a walk around your property to look for damage to walkways, paths and driveways, and schedule repairs as needed. Asphalt can often be patched, but damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely. Source: FamilyHandyman

Roofing and gutters
Spring is a good time to see what damage winter storms, snow, and ice may have done to the exterior of your home. Take this time to inspect the roof; you can do it easily and safely from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Look for loose, curled, or missing shingles and any bent or damaged flashing around chimneys, skylights, or points where the roof makes contact with the house. Note where repairs are in order and make sure to get them done. Next, clean out your gutters and downspouts. With those spring showers on the way, you definitely want to make sure your gutters are clear of debris so that they function properly. Also use this time to inspect your home’s foundation and chimney; repair any cracks or crumbles. Small fixes now could save you money and headaches later. Source: BobVila

Rest easy as you enjoy the beauty of your surroundings this spring. Leave your home projects to the pros! Call us!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1
(604) 360-2114



from Kerrisdale RD http://bit.ly/2Gnuh8g

3 Design Tips for Your Master Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

To create the master bath of your dreams, include the following pieces of advice on your design process:

Choose a relaxing color palette
Color has the power to energize and to soothe, to wake you up and calm you down. Consider the mood you want to evoke before selecting your palette of materials. As you develop your bathroom color scheme, remember that color comes from more than wall paint and fabric. The hues in the cabinetry wood and in the stone or tile you choose for floors and walls play a major role in creating an overall color personality. Even the sink and tub contribute to the bathroom color scheme, whether they’re made of white porcelain, dyed concrete, or stone. Source: BHG

Have a universal layout
Another trend in master bathrooms is the use of universal design. This approach, designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities, includes wider doorways, showers with no raised lip around the bottom, larger shower doors and more room around fixtures. Once thought of as industrial-looking, universal elements such as grab bars now blend seamlessly into even the most luxurious master bathrooms. Source: HGTV

Create lots of storage
Since most people have many hygiene products, a bathroom remodel is the perfect time to increase your storage space to ensure better bathroom organization. Add bathroom cabinets, drawers, shelves or even carts to store all of these necessary items.

Cabinets that have molding and glass fronts increase the appeal of the bathroom by giving it more character. If you can’t replace your cabinets, consider adding decorative knobs and pulls to update the look. Source: HomeAdvisor

With the luxury bathroom you have in mind, you should only use bathroom fixtures of highest standards. Take a look at what we have in store for you, and call us if you need any assistance!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 3 Design Tips for Your Master Bathroom appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2UTO0Vt

The Peninsula in New Westminster

The Peninsula by Aragon Properties is a new 22-storey condo and townhouse development located in Port Royal, New Westminster. This project will offer 163 units, sizes range from 741 – 2,249 sqft. The Peninsula is the crown jewel of Port Royal, a 52-acre master-plan community decades in the making. The architecture is a vehicle for modern design, with a striking façade of glass subtly curving towards the water and a modern brick exterior facing the community. A marina exclusive to Port Royal residents offers the rare opportunity to moor your boat steps from home.

The post The Peninsula in New Westminster appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2GfMIL6

Geek Estate Mastermind Soirée in New York City

MetaProp’s Proptech Place

The first ever Geek Estate Mastermind SoirĂ©e in New York City: an evening to mingle and celebrate the industry’s progress with real estate tech founders, execs, VCs, and practitioners. MetaProp will host the event on April 17th from 6:30-9:00 in their new office, Proptech Place, in the heart of New York City at 214 West 39th Street.

Open to both members of Geek Estate Mastermind and their guests.

Wine, beer, and snacks provided by Geek Estate Labs.

Tickets are limited, and will be allocated first come, first served. We only have a few slots left…

RSVP NOW

The post Geek Estate Mastermind Soirée in New York City appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.



from GeekEstate Blog http://bit.ly/2Iy7tUP

Smart Home Technology for Landlords

We live in a world where homeowners can turn on the AC, unlock and lock the front door, turn on the lights, and detect water leaks – all from the office, the airport, or across the country. Home automation systems have gained popularity due to overwhelming success of computer-to-computer communication, commonly referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). As smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices continue to advance each year, consumers have access to smart home technologies that were once reserved for the elite.

Smart home technologies can be wired into the structure of a house with a central control panel, or offered through external devices like electronic plug adaptors or standalone sensors. These home automation systems create smart homes, connected over wireless networks and linked directly to a mobile device allowing users to control smart devices from an app. Smart home users benefit from added security, comfort, energy management, and convenience, all while easily and remotely monitoring their home.

Landlords and property managers can greatly benefit from the use of smart home technologies in their rental properties – not only to attract tech-savvy tenants who will pay higher rent for these amenities, but also to actively manage maintenance, improve security, and prevent property damage. Here are some of the leading innovations in smart home technology and the benefits for landlords.

Lubn smart lock

Smart Locks: A common issue landlords face is providing approved access to maintenance personnel or contractors who need to work on something inside a rental unit. Smart locks and remote access allow landlords to unlock a unit using an app on their smartphone from wherever they are, and then re-lock it when the contractor vacates the unit. This avoids the hassle of coordinating schedules to meet in person or having to give out keys. Remote access can also come in handy when property managers or real estate agents are showing the property to a prospective renter.

Smart Appliances: Smart appliances can inform a landlord if an appliance requires maintenance, eliminating the need to rely on tenants to report problems in a timely manner. Sensors and comprehensive analytics will monitor the appliance and detect changes in performance, preventing problems before they even occur. Landlords can catch even small issues before they become bigger, expensive problems.

Moisture Sensors: A smart moisture sensor can detect excess moisture and send an alert to avoid excess water damage from plumbing issues, burst pipes, or flooding. Strategically placed moisture sensors can help detect unwanted water in areas that tenants might not be monitoring on a day-to-day basis – under the sink, under the washing machine, or in the basement. With a relatively small upfront cost, this smart technology can save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage.

Smart Irrigation Systems: Landlords toe a fine line between wanting to maintain landscaping efforts and wanting to actively manage water usage. These systems can go beyond a programmed timer for watering lawns and flower beds, also monitoring weather patterns, soil moisture content, and temperatures to adjust water usage accordingly.

Smart Utilities: Technology like smart LED light bulbs, smart plugs or smart thermostats can help reduce a landlord’s energy costs and increase profitability. If you are responsible for the utilities in your rental property, you’ll decrease your expenses and be able to actively manage energy use. If you don’t control the utilities at your rental property, renters will appreciate the opportunity to save money on their monthly utility bills, and you’ll likely attract energy-conscious tenants. When landlords are in between tenants or a property is vacant, the ability to remotely control energy usage will not only save money, but help to prevent issues like frozen pipes.

Smart Security Systems: Smart security systems like doorbell or driveway cameras have gained popularity due to the fact that they allow you to monitor your property from anywhere. There are highly customizable systems that allow you to keep an eye on things yourself, or pay a subscription fee to have your property surveilled by a professional service. Tenants will feel safer with the ability to check who is at the door from their smartphone, and landlords will be able to monitor the property when tenants are away or the property is vacant. Just be sure to respect tenant privacy when the property is occupied.

Research shows that household penetration in the smart home market is at 33.2% in 2019. Smart home technology can help landlords improve landlord-tenant relationships, eliminate emergency maintenance calls, and prevent expensive repairs. Not only will these tools make your job easier as a landlord, but they will attract renters as you keep up with the technology demand.

The post Smart Home Technology for Landlords appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.



from GeekEstate Blog http://bit.ly/2GopTWN

10 SEC READ Satan holds a clearance sale

Conscious of the need to move with the times, Satan decided to sell off a large part of his stock of temptations. He placed an advertisement in the newspaper and spent the whole of the next day attending to customers in his workshop. There were some amazing items for sale: stones on which the virtuous […]


from Paulo Coelho http://bit.ly/2Uz15nw

Sunday, April 14, 2019

Braves Take Down deGrom On Sunday Night Baseball

The Braves and Julio Teheran had a sneak attack for the Mets and Jacob deGrom on Sunday Night Baseball. Atlanta took down the game 7-3. Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Ender Inciarte all stole bases.

Acuña did his usual, knocking in a run and factoring in; he’s slashing .302/.431/.642 on the year without really getting hot yet. ESPN gave mention on the telecast (Hank Aaron was in the booth) that Acuña’s chase rate is so low, he could continue to really hit for serious power because of his ‘eagle eye’.

Overall, I don’t see the Braves hanging around for the long haul this season due to lack of pitching in the bullpen and starting rotation. However, their talent up and down the lineup is undeniable and they’re fun to watch.

Josh Donaldson hit another bomb, second straight day on that taking place. So for those that thought Donaldson was done, he’s playing some good ball of late.

Julio Teheran went six innings, allowing just one run. It’s remarkable how solid he can be sometimes – and others he can’t get hitters out.



from Diamond Hoggers http://bit.ly/2GdIJPa

Friday, April 12, 2019

3 Bathroom Updates You Can Do Over the Weekend

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Renovation can be such a hassle. It takes so much of your time, money, and energy. If you want to update the look of your bathroom without spending a lot, then these tips are just right for you:

Change light fixture
To make sure this remains an easy DIY project, stick with the same type of light fixture as your existing one—and plan to keep it in the same place on the wall or ceiling. Lighting trends fluctuate a good amount, so it’s likely your current fixture is dating your bathroom more than anything else. Replacing an old light fixture will not only immediately update the style of the bathroom, but it will also give you the opportunity to adjust the amount of light the room receives, whether the current fixture is too bright or too dim. Source: SouthernLiving

Replace old shower head
When it comes to comfort, adding a new shower head is an important update that will look good and help you feel even better. Not only are shower heads more affordable than ever, but they will make your morning routine a welcome part of your day. After all, what beats a refreshing shower that you can customize to fit any need? Installing a new shower head is an easy process that can be accomplished with a good wrench and some plumber’s tape. While you are at it, consider updating the shower curtain and adding non-slip shower mats to complete the new look. Source: DoItYourself

Add style
Accessorize the space with a new bathroom mirror or medicine cabinet. Smaller bathroom decor, like a soap pump, tissue box cover, and beautiful textiles, are easy and affordable ways to adorn your restroom.

To create a spa-like retreat, decorate with soothing shades of blue and white, and accessorize with organic elements like woven baskets, lush plantings, river pebbles, and a teak bathmat. Source: Zillow

We can help you find the perfect fixtures for your bathroom remodel. Contact us so we can give you helpful insights!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 3 Bathroom Updates You Can Do Over the Weekend appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2KsPBgM

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Ronald Acuna Kills a Baseball

The kid with the 10-year extension of recent got extension on one tonight in Atlanta. Yes, the Braves lost the game and many of the fans exited the turnstiles early on this one. But my goodness, did Acuna wake up the dinosaurs with this blast.

The home run was Acuna’s 5th on the season. He hasn’t even been hot yet, and his OPS is 1.059 for the year.



from Diamond Hoggers http://bit.ly/2VEulG5

Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger Takes NL Player of the Week Honors

Cody Bellinger has been named the National League Player of the Week, an announcement that should shock no one who has been watching baseball in the first couple weeks.

Bellinger’s start has been somewhat historic. Not just in terms of Dodgers’ franchise history, but baseball history. According to ELIAS, he’s only the second player in the history of the game to have 7 home runs and 18 runs batted in his team’s first 10 games since 1920. The other was Willie Mays in 1964.

This is the third time that Bellinger has won this award in particular, with the other two coming in 2017 during his rookie season. Of course, he will need to continue his torrid start if he’s going to take home some notable hardware that changes a career like an MVP award. However, you have to crawl before you sprint. Top bookmaker predictions have Bellinger around 25/1 odds to win the NL MVP in 2019, and that number should shrink soon.

You will struggle to find a number that doesn’t look like Bellinger having a cheat code. To go along with the homers and RBI totals, he’s hit in all 10 Dodger games. He leads baseball with 20 knocks, his batting average is .455 and his OPS is 1.512 – these are not typos.

The Dodgers are off to an 8-2 start with Bellinger hitting in the middle of their order. They have also homered in all 10 games. Probably the biggest swing of Bellinger’s season was a grand slam off Madisom Bumgarner at Dodger Stadium last week, but we are at a point where he’s had so many big swings already, they’re beginning to blend together.

Remember, Bellinger burst on the scene in 2017 to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award. He set an NL record that year with 39 homers as a rookie. His OPS that season was .933, so he’s shown capability to dominate a league; albeit not to this degree.

Then in 2018, Bellinger was solid but fell victim to sophomore slumps. His power decreased to 25 home runs and his OPS was just .814, solid but unspectacular.

The sky is the limit with this version of Bellinger – who is displaying the ability to do everything that can be done on a baseball field.



from Diamond Hoggers http://bit.ly/2UJqQRz

Elements of an Easy to Clean Bathroom

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Do you know anyone who loves to clean the bathroom? No one likes it. We all just do it out of necessity. If you are looking for a way to lighten the burden of this chore, then switch to the following:

One piece toilet
If you’ve ever transformed into a contortionist while reaching to clean every last yucky crevice in your toilet, the one-piece model was made for you. Because traditional two-piece toilets have a separate bowl and tank, they have lots of tiny crevices that are hard to really get clean.

You may spend a bit more for a one-piece model, which is molded from a single piece of porcelain, but the amount of scrubbing time you save may make it worthwhile. Plus, you don’t have to get up close and personal with the nasty parts.

Today’s pressure-assisted toilets not only reduce cleaning time, but virtually eliminate backups, thanks to a forceful jet of water that scrubs the entire bowl and removes everything in its path. On this one, you’ll actually save water. Because of their eco-smart designs, these high-efficiency toilets can save a family of four up to 16,500 gallons of water annually. Source: HouseLogic

Wall-mounted faucets
Gravity is working for you, carrying water and soap residue away from the faucet instead of having it all collect at the base. Wall-mounted faucets also keep the counter clear, making it easier to wipe it down. Source: Houzz

Proper ventilation
A quiet fan or open windows will reduce the moisture in a bathroom, therefore decreasing the likelihood of mold. Preventive measures such as proper ventilation can reduce time spent cleaning in the long run. Source: DailyHerald

Less grout
Tile grout attracts dirt and grime, which has to be meticulously cleaned out by hand. Instead of small porcelain or stone pieces, choose large-format tiles or solid slabs for countertops, wet rooms, and wall coverings. If you hate cleaning seams, paint any walls that don’t need tile, or consider using an attractive vinyl or laminate covering. Source: NearSay

We have classy bathroom fixtures that are easy to clean. Contact us if would like to know more!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post Elements of an Easy to Clean Bathroom appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2uXJDdd

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

9 Tips for Preparing a Fabulous Flower Bed

Have you ever ended up with a bed of dead flowers, mountains of mulch and a whopping garden center receipt? Let's do something about that, shall we?

Get your gardening groove back with these nine tips.

1. Start with a clean slate

There are two kinds of flower beds: those that have been well-prepared and those that are covered in weeds.

Give your unplanted bed the once-over. Does it get enough sunlight? Does water tend to collect there? Have you removed all weeds, roots and rocks so your plants will thrive? It's a lot easier to fix these problems now than it is once you’ve planted the flowers and laid the mulch.

2. Start seeds

Start a flower bed from seed to save money, raise unusual varieties and enjoy the satisfaction of having grown a whole garden from a handful of tiny seeds.

Since some seeds transplant poorly, check the packet and make sure you don't have to sow directly in the ground. Start seeds in trays, pots or coir pots, using a seedling mixture, place them in a sunny spot, and transplant as soon as they have developed sturdy stems.

3. Prepare nursery plants

Nursery-grown bedding plants give you instant gratification, but the short time between purchase and planting is crucial to their survival.

Pack them closely in your car to avoid damage, and take them home immediately so that they don't fry in your car during other errands.

Water nursery plants as soon as you get home, as often as necessary after that, and a few hours before planting to help their fragile roots survive the trauma of transplanting.

4. Get the winning edge

Even the most carefully planned border can look sloppy without a clearly defined edge. Avoid those inexpensive and quickly deteriorating edges made of plastic, and choose a more natural and long-lasting alternative.

The cheapest solution is to make a shallow trench around the bed with your spade and maintain it throughout the season. For something more refined and permanent, set an edge of brick, concrete or stone in leveling sand. The initial cost may be higher, but they will save you a lot of work and make mowing easier.

5. Plan for the seasons

Choose annuals if you plan on replacing them in a season or two, and plant perennials if you'd like them to last longer. Plant evergreen shrubs or ornamental grasses to provide structure and year-round interest.

Also consider the plant's eventual height. Plant low-growing flowers (usually annuals) at the front of the bed where you can easily view them and replace them at the end of their season.

shutterstock_395790778

6. Give them space

Follow the guidelines on the seed packet or plant tag as closely as possible. An often overlooked factor is the amount of space to leave around each plant so they have room to grow. To cover a lot of ground quickly, choose spreading varieties like Superbells and climbing nasturtiums.

7. Dig the perfect hole

Dig each plant's hole to be twice as wide as the original pot so the roots will have plenty of room to grow. To give them an even better head start, make a little trench around the inside of the hole so the roots will spread down and out.

This step isn't necessary for annuals, since they won't be around long enough to enjoy their strong root systems, but it is helpful if you have clay soil.

8. Plant it right

When planting transplants and nursery plants, always place them so that their crowns (where the plant meets the soil) are level with the soil in the bed. If the crown is above the soil level, the plant may dry out when soil washes away from the roots. If planted too low, soil will settle around the crown and rot the plant.

Push the soil around the transplant and firmly tamp it in place with a trowel so no gaps are left between the roots.

9. Mulch mindfully

Mulch is essential for conserving moisture and preventing weeds, but one inch is all you need. Established garden beds don't even need mulch because the plants themselves are capable of protecting the soil.

Avoid landscaping fabric, since it actually keeps moisture from percolating into the soil. Instead, lay down sheets of newspaper before mulching.

Mulches vary by region, but whichever kind you use, follow this one rule: Don't ever pile it up against the plants. They'll rot in no time, and you'll soon have nothing more than an ugly bed of mulch in their place.

Related:

Originally published April 2016.


from Zillow Porchlight http://bit.ly/2mCQ930

Good Clean Fun: How to Build an Outdoor Shower

Grand in Mount Pleasant

Grand by Green Oak Development is a new 6-storey concrete development located in Mount Pleasant. Only half a block away from both Broadway & Main, fine cuisine and designer shops are a brisk walk away. This project will offer 18 High-Tech units, with 9-foot ceilings in all residential suites and 10-foot ceilings on the penthouse level. Bridging the gap between luxury and practicality, Grand has impeccable style from lobby to unit, coinciding along many technological advanced amenities.

The post Grand in Mount Pleasant appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2P01VE1

Will Consumers Embrace iBuyers?

I’m a perpetual skeptic of “real estate disrupters”. I believe that Redfin and the other discount brokerages pick at the ~5% margin of sellers who would rather save 1% than have a good experience selling their homes. The massive boom of iBuyers seem to pick at the other end of the spectrum and cater to sellers who would rather give their homes away than put in some work to sell at FMV (less 6.5-7.5% in closing costs.) Because iBuyers are relatively new, we don’t know exactly what that market share is, but my gut is that it’s less than 5%. (Opendoor has been in Dallas for a few years and has ~2% of the market there.) So…it seems to me that these disrupters are fighting over ~10% of the market.

Napkin math shows that iBuyers can profitably purchase homes at a 15-20% discount. Marketing this honestly doesn’t sell. “Click here for a free offer 15-20% below market” would have a pretty poor conversion rate. So, iBuyers market the same way Homevestors has for years: “Sell your home instantly!” “Instant offer!” etc (offering cash and time certainty)… From there, the consumer gets an offer price and then service fees tacked on in order to soften the blow. It’s somewhat of a bait & switch.

As a savvy real estate veteran, I’m not surprised by this in any way. I’ve been curious how consumers would respond to it. After turning off my Adblocker a couple of months ago, I’ve been targeted by Opendoor and I’ve looked through their ads. A complete set of ads are available for review here.

Consumers can get an easy, competitive cash offer quickly (no mention of a discount):

It definitely seems like there’s been some consumer backlash and Opendoor is defensively addressing this:

What are some of these misconceptions? Primarily that they don’t provide competitive offers. From their ad:

“When we decided to try [Opendoor], it was with low expectations. They would never make a fair market value offer. Wrong. Their offer was completely fair. They would charge us a gazillion dollars on repairs. Wrong. They didn’t nickel and dime us, and they made it easy to know exactly what to fix. They would charge us too much to buy it. Wrong…

There were TONS of comments on this specific ad. A lot of the comments were clearly from agents, but many were clearly consumers. 90% angrily addressed the offer price the consumer received. One commenter asked why Opendoor removed reviews from their Facebook page and Opendoor responded that they were moved to https://www.reviews.io/company-reviews/store/opendoor-com.

Review.io is a third party review site that’s relatively easy to astroturf. Around 200 reviews were posted exactly 3-5 months ago. They tended to look like this:

Around 2 months ago, negative reviews started trickling in. Roughly 50% of their most recent reviews are 1 star and can be read here.

It looks like the majority of consumers won’t be happy with below-market offers on their homes. When you couple the marketing message of “We’ll bring you a fast, fair, cash offer” with a borderline offensive offer, it seems that consumers get, well, offended.

The post Will Consumers Embrace iBuyers? appeared first on GeekEstate Blog.



from GeekEstate Blog http://bit.ly/2VzftIV

4 Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

The start of spring, as we all know, signals the time to tidy up. Create a spotless bathroom for you and your family by following these instructions:

Snip the curtain
Short shower curtains look tidy and tailored, and they don’t trap dust and moisture. To create the look in your bathroom, cut a fabric curtain 2 inches longer than the desired length, then fold and sew a 2-inch hem. Leave the plastic liner hanging full-length in the tub to contain water from the shower. Source: MarthaStewart

Make the mirror shine
Just mix one to two teaspoons of dish detergent in a large bucket of warm water and wash down the mirror. Then, use a squeegee to wipe off the suds horizontally. You can either use a sponge or newspaper to dry the area: just be careful because smudging can occur due to the ink. Source: HuffPost

Freshen up the fabrics
Grab all your clothing, towels, washcloths and other linens from the bathroom and throw them in the washer. While you’re at it, think about the items you just gathered. Were any of your fabrics worn out? You don’t want your bathroom looking messy and dingy. Keep what’s acceptable or take the opportunity to completely renovate your fabrics.

Don’t be afraid to incorporate bold colors and unique patterns in your washcloths and towels. Changing your window treatments and/or shower curtains are also great ways for giving your bathroom a total makeover. Make sure you wash whatever you’re keeping and find a neat place to store extra materials.  Source: AngiesList

Scrub the grout
Take a look at the grout in your bathroom and decide for yourself on the right plan of action. If your grout is mildly stained and grimy, a simple scrub clean will do — start with vinegar, then move on to a baking soda paste if you need a little more muscle. The time consuming part of this is just systematically working your way across each inch of grout in every direction — that’s what might take all day. Source: ApartmentTherapy

If your old bathroom fixtures are too dirty to clean up, or if they’re not working properly anymore, then it’s time to switch it up with new ones. Browse our website to see high-quality, beautiful and affordable options.

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 4 Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2GcFGI2

4 Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Put Off

Spring season has always been a symbol of a fresh start. Make good use of this chance to do an annual maintenance check on your home to see which areas need immediate attention. Prioritize the following:

Roof and siding damage
Roofs are the most vulnerable to water infiltration, given their exposure to the elements and the laws of gravity. On a sunny day, use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which are signs that the roof is near its end of life. Also check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents for cracks. Siding is also susceptible to leaks, especially where it meets windows and doors. Source: ConsumerReports

Condensation on pipes
Your basement or crawlspace is usually the coolest spot in the house because of the insulating effect of the ground. That means that warm, moist air coming inside condenses on surfaces, including your pipes, causing dripping or sweating. Besides being annoying, dripping raises the humidity level in the house and increases the chances for mold growth. To reduce this problem, make sure all vents to the outside are closed, and add foam pipe insulation to the parts of the pipes you can reach. Source: HGTV

Rotting deck
Wooden decks are vulnerable to rot and deterioration. (Especially if they don’t receive much sunlight.) Sometimes, a few boards or one section will rot. Other times, the rotting is pervasive. This can make the structure unsafe and cause the rails to loosen. Source: PopularMechanics

Chimney sweeping
You can put off a lot of cleaning tasks, but chimney cleaning isn’t one of them. Hire a professional chimney sweep once a year to make sure your chimney is free of creosote, birdnests and other flammables. Source: TheBalanceEveryday

Leave your big roof repair project to the professionals so you can be sure it’s done right.  Call us today!

 

Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains
8279 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5X 4W1
(604) 360-2114



from Kerrisdale RD http://bit.ly/2D5Slul

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

10 sec reading Never be ashamed to feign weakness

A wise Chinese master has this to say about the strategies of the warriors of light: ‘Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm.’ ‘Do not be ashamed to make a temporary withdrawal from the field if you see that your enemy is stronger than you; […]


from Paulo Coelho http://bit.ly/2YTalBs

2209-2249 East Broadway

2209-2249 East Broadway by Epix Developments is a new 6-storey condo development located on East Broadway, Vancouver. This project will offer 87 condominiums, sizes range from 464 – 997sqft. A total of 95 vehicles and 109 bicycles spaces will be constructed over a two-level underground parkade.

The post 2209-2249 East Broadway appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



from Projects – Vancouver New Condos http://bit.ly/2Iku9I2