Allen Ferreira is The General Manager and co-owner of Atlantic Cleaning and Maintenance, a one-stop-shop for all cleaning services and an award-winning company he founded with his brother, Ellison, and father John, in 2009. Together, they have decades of cleaning experience. 

In addition to the regular cleaning of homes and offices, their team of around 50 staff have worked at the hospital, tackled post-construction clean-ups, mould decontamination, post-hurricane flooding and they can even clean-up crime scenes. They also do steam-cleaning, window cleaning and power-washing. He talked us through the different cleaning services available to help keep your house spick and span. 

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES 

For routine housekeeping, their cleaners can be hired as frequently, or infrequently, as you need. For example, weekly, bi-weekly or just once a month, and rates start at around $38 per hour, dependent on location. This may be a premium on hiring individual cleaners directly, but Mr. Ferreira explained that they always provide an alternative cleaner when staff members are away, and they are insured. If one of their cleaners breaks something, Atlantic will pay for it. Also, you don’t have to sign a contract. 

There are two options for their housekeeping services. The homeowner can supply their own cleaning products and equipment or Atlantic can provide it all. The latter, however, will be added to the cost. 

“I do a site visit, I speak to the clients and I get to understand what they’re looking for. From there we work on a schedule and what the plan of action is,” said Mr. Ferreira. 

If you want the cleaner to bring their own equipment and supplies, they will adhere to your product preferences: “When it comes to the chemicals, it depends on what the client’s looking for. If they want an organic touch to it, or if they just want regular cleaning products,” he said. 

For wooden floors, for example, a client might want the Boma cleaning system instead of regular mopping, “for that nice wood finish”. 

If clients need help finding the right cleaning products, Mr. Ferreira has a list of recommended items and directs them to D.E. Mortimer on Harvey Road, Paget: “I’ve worked with them for years,” he said. He also advised against cordless vacuum cleaners: “I don’t trust those batteries. For longevity, you’re better off with cords,” he said. 

To make cleaning more efficient and to help prevent mould, he also recommended washing the cleaning cloths regularly, ensuring enough air flow throughout the house by opening windows, arranging for air-conditioning units to be deep cleaned by a professional once or twice a year, washing dishes daily, and using pest control measures around the outside of the house. 

Even if you have a regular cleaner, Mr. Ferreira recommended paying for an occasional deep clean: “It’s good to get a team, once a year, to go into your house, clean your windows inside and out, clean your ceiling fixtures, move furniture out to clean behind the furniture, because there’s only so much someone can do for three to four hours.” 

MOULD REMEDIATION 

Should you get a build-up of mould in your home, this would require a “mould remediation technician” and the amount of work involved will depend on how bad the mould has become: 

“It can be just a slight wiping of the surface with a mould decontaminate or it can be construction work, where you have to put air scrubbers and commercial dehumidifiers in place,” he explained. An example of the latter would be if the mould has got underneath the floor: “You have to rip up the floors, treat the mould underneath, put new floor down. That’s where we have to get an indoor air quality specialist to come in to test before the project takes place, and after the project takes place.” 

Mould isn’t always obvious, but warning signs include the smell or, he added, “if you find that something’s off with yourself. You’re getting rashes and you don’t know why.” 

Mould can be treated with regular or plant-based decontaminants. The latter is, he said, “a bit more expensive,” but is recommended if there are children or pets in the home. 

POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING 

Anyone who has had construction work done on their home will be familiar with the very fine dust particles that linger for weeks, even after the work has finished and you have cleaned the house from top to bottom. Doing a post-construction clean-up, said Mr. Ferreira, is actually a three-step process: 

“We’ll clean it and the next day you’ll still find that little fine dust so it’s best to do it in stages. You clean, the movers come in. You then clean again, and then once the person’s finally in, you go clean again.” 

STEAM CLEANING 

For rugs, curtains, sofas and other furniture that can’t be easily washed, steam-cleaning is an excellent way to launder them. Smaller items can be dropped off at their Pembroke office or, for a similar price, Atlantic will send someone to your house, with all the equipment. 

FLOOD CLEAN-UPS 

Some of the most difficult cleaning jobs Mr. Ferreira has ever dealt with have been as a result of hurricane-related flooding, especially basements, which he described as “mould central,” adding, “dehumidifiers need to be put in place, air blowers need to be put in place. We have to make sure there’s sufficient air flow.” 

Flooding may also require immediate action: “If someone calls me – ‘I have my elderly parents, I have a baby and it’s flooded’ and your heart goes out to that person. If no one can do it right now, I will grab the truck and go out and do it myself.” 

For more information visit atlanticcleaning.bm or call 236-4051 

The post Keeping a Clean House appeared first on RG Magazines.

Buying fewer groceries, driving the car less, and eating out less are some considerations – but perhaps, one of the more feasible options is to cut down on our electric bill by taking advantage of the many energy-saving opportunities that now exist. 

Apart from simply turning off the lights in rooms you are not in at the moment – or turning down, or off, the A/C, there may be value in considering a home equity loan from the Bank to renovate or upgrade some of the areas in the house that need attention. 

I chatted with Teresa Gibson, Vice President, Consumer Credit at Butterfield about seeking such a loan. 

“A home equity loan is a consumer loan allowing homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home. It can be used to consolidate debt or fund a child’s education, but it can also be used to make home improvements,” Ms. Gibson explained. 

One of the more useful uses of the loan is to insulate part of the home such as ceiling areas, window frames, or outside doors. It is amazing how much energy can be wasted when air circulates freely around the home – both inwards and outwards. 

Extra heat seeping in during summer can easily result in your A/C unit having to work harder to keep the room cool, and that can cause the electric bill to increase significantly. 

Probably the first place to look at will be the attic. We rarely go up there to check if there are any gaps or holes in the roof areas, etc. Perhaps if we see some uninvited guests with four feet, we might be tempted to climb up to check them out – but otherwise, we probably haven’t been up there in years. 

Likewise, if there is a basement in the house, there may be many sections of floorboards – and wall joints – needing some padding or re-lining. 

Similarly, hot water pipes can be insulated to prevent excessive heat loss. 

It is probably advisable to have any improvements be carried out by professionals. Self-improvements may seem cost-effective in the short term – and indeed may be worthwhile. However, to be sure of an effective and long-lasting job, the professional approach may be the best way to get the job done properly. 

“Another way to use a home equity loan could be to purchase and install solar panels, which may significantly reduce energy bills in the long term. This is an investment for the future as the savings from the reductions in energy bills will only be felt over many years – and of course, the cost of the loan, by way of repayment and loan interest, must be factored in. A long-term view is essential,” said Ms. Gibson. 

You may also consider buying more energy-efficient appliances when replacements are required. Today’s advanced technologies – in a variety of cases – have significantly improved overall energy use – washing machines, refrigerators, hot water tanks, heaters, and so forth. 

“There is an application process for a home equity loan which can include insulation and installing solar panels”, according to Ms. Gibson. 

“We will need information regarding current borrowings from the Bank, the purpose for the loan, the amount, with accurate costs – and of course additional information regarding personal finances.” 

It should also be noted that most of the measures mentioned above – especially solar panels – will also add to the value of the property. 

Call the Bank for an appointment to discuss this with their customer service representatives at 298 4799. 

The post Saving Energy in the Home appeared first on RG Magazines.

The Bermuda cedar tree, renowned for its distinctive appearance and historical significance, is arguably Bermuda’s most beloved endemic plant and has played a critical role in the development of the island, but it is by no means our only endemic plant. 

Our island is composed of a wide range of natural habitats considering it is only 54 square kilometers in size, and our ancestors walked daily through coastal forests, meadows and wetlands populated with a unique mixture of endemic plants including Palmetto, Darrell’s Fleabane, Yellow Wood, Royal Fern, Turkey Berry and St. Andrew’s Cross. 

Despite their importance as the foundation of our eco-system however, several of these original inhabitants are now rarely sighted due to human development and encroachment from imported invasive plants such as Casuarina and Brazil Pepper. 

Even worse, some of these plants are now so rare that the few remaining specimens are in danger of being uprooted by well-intentioned homeowners who don’t know what they are, or don’t recognize their importance to the landscape around their house. 

IDENTIFYING AND PROTECTING ENDEMIC PLANTS 

The Bermuda Plant Finder – An illustrated guide for Bermuda’s Indigenous and Invasive Plants which was developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, contains color photos and a lot of helpful information regarding which plants will most likely thrive in the diverse variety of soil and weather conditions that are found around the island. 

“These rare plants are listed just like old Bermuda houses,” says endemic plant specialist Robin Marirea. “Before you start cutting back old bushes on your property it’s a great idea to look them up in The Bermuda Plant Finder, to identify exactly what they are, because there are certain ones (like cedar trees) which you are not supposed to cut down,” he explained. 

It goes without saying that it is important to ensure that you have correctly identified each of your plants to ensure that it really is an endemic species because it can be confusing to distinguish between endemic and naturalized (non-native) plants. 

This is particularly true when it comes to cedar trees as there are currently several species of ornamental Juniper in Bermuda that are often confused with the Bermuda Cedar because they are particularly similar in appearance. 

According to the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources only about 5% of the original Bermuda cedar population survived the juniper scale insect attack that occurred between 1946 and 1953, meaning that these particular plants are resistant to scale. 

In consequence, growing cedars from the berries of these same trees (or their descendants) will ensure that your seedlings will also be resistant to the scale and develop a strong tab root (deep root system) that will help them withstand hurricanes. 

While it is possible to clone cedar trees from tip cuttings, Mr. Marirea cautions that this form of propagation tends to produce plants with a much shallower root system which makes them vulnerable to the ravages of high winds. 

DECIDING WHICH SPECIES WILL THRIVE ON YOUR PROPERTY 

Ms. Lisa Green, Co-Author of A Practical Guide to Garden Management in Bermuda, recommends taking a drive around your own neighbourhood to see what is growing well in your area of the island and then checking with commercial nurseries and private growers to see what is available. 

Asking friends and neighbours for permission to take cuttings or gather seeds is another way to introduce endemic plants to your garden that are likely to thrive, provided you have the time and the patience to propagate them yourself. 

As tempting as it might be, however, it is important to resist the urge to tamper with or remove plants in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and Micro-Forests as these are all resting on protected land. 

GROWING ENDEMIC PLANTS TO SHARE 

“The local nurseries do stock some of the more common endemic plants,” says Ms. Green. “But the nurseries just can’t keep up with the demand – we really need more individuals who have space to propagate endemic plants on an individual basis.” 

“Even if you already have all the plants that you need for your own landscaping, growing these plants as a pastime and sharing them with friends or donating them to the National Trust’s Annual Plant Sale is a great way to help ensure that these species will survive by making them more accessible locally,” she explained. 

Church sales, House Sales and even Emoo and Facebook Marketplace are also great places to keep your eyes peeled for endemic plants that people have grown at home. 

PROPAGATION TIPS 

“The key thing to understand is that you can’t just plant one endemic plant (or source all of your cuttings from one plant) and expect it to thrive,” cautions Mr. Marirea. “Ideally these plants need to be planted in clusters of 6-8 because some species generate both male and female plants, and you need both to be present in order for them to flourish.” 

Additionally, it’s important to understand that some endemic species have a longer lifespan than others and you will need a garden management plan just as you would for any landscape project – a Bermuda Olivewood tree, for example, which can grow to a height of 25 feet will last lifetime, while a St. Andrew’s Cross shrub, which seldom grows more than 18 inches high, has a much shorter lifespan. 

Resources: The Bermuda Garden Club has published three comprehensive books on gardening in Bermuda which turn up regularly at The Barn and Jumble Sales. 

A Practical Guide to Garden Management in Bermuda, can be obtained free of charge at Waterville and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo – contains both information regarding how to rid your garden of invasive plants as well as tips for replanting with endemic species. 

The Plant Finder Guide contains lots of helpful information regarding the best method and time of year to propagate each species http://www.gov.bm/sites/ default/files/plantfinder-april-2016.pdf . 

The post Landscaping with Endemic Plants appeared first on RG Magazines.

Due to Bermuda’s small size and limited number of dwellings, you might be tempted to think that any property on the island would sell easily but even when the market is “hot” nothing could be further from the truth. 

A home’s location, condition, pricing, seller’s attitude and even the behavior of existing tenants can all influence the amount of time that it takes to attract and secure a qualified buyer. 

I sat down with two of Bermuda’s most experienced realtors, Cesa Edwards of Bermuda Longtail Real Estate Ltd. and Judy Maybury of JBM Realty & Associates, to get their insights regarding some of the most common reasons that homes sit on the market and how to make these properties more appealing to potential purchasers. 

How has the Internet impacted Home Sales in Bermuda? 

Thanks to the internet, both ladies agree that today’s purchasers are savvier than ever before. 

Gone are the days when the only way to gather any accurate information on a property was to make an appointment to view it in person. Potential purchasers can now tour the inside of a home from the end of a laptop and sellers need to ensure that their virtual listing contains high quality images that accurately depict the features of a property as well as a detailed written description. 

Failing to create a compelling online listing can dissuade potential purchasers from ever going to see a property – costing the seller both time and money. 

How Does the Asking Price Influence the Likelihood that a Property Will Sell? 

An overpriced home, no matter how appealing, will struggle to attract buyers. 

These days even cash buyers will usually pay for an appraisal to determine a property’s fair market value and listing a home with an inflated asking price can cause a deal to fall through – either because the purchaser walked away, or because the bank refused to mortgage a property for more than it was actually worth. 

“Everywhere in the world real estate is all about price,” says Mrs. Maybury. “It is critical to price a house in alignment with the current market conditions and comparable sales.” 

Mrs. Edwards agrees. “It might be tempting to put a high listing price on a property to see what happens, but sellers need to ask themselves if they would ever agree to purchase that property at the price and terms they are asking for,” she said. 

“Not only does an unrealistic asking price increase the amount of time it takes to secure a sale, but a subsequent price reduction can actually make some buyers suspicious that there is something wrong with the property,” Mrs. Maybury said. 

OTHER COMMON REASONS THAT HOMES DO NOT SELL 

There are lots of reasons that a home can be challenging to sell including the density of the neighbourhood, proximity to a major road, exposure during hurricanes, privacy and safety concerns, distance from Hamilton and proximity of amenities such as grocery stores and transportation. 

While these location related challenges are not things that you can really change about a property that you are selling – there are many other fixable issues that can make a property less desirable if not addressed. 

Minor flaws and peeling paint can make a big difference in how a property is perceived and they need to be remedied before a home is put on the market. 

Even small issues such as mildew and clutter can be very off-putting to a buyer who is seeking a “move-in ready” property. 

“Home staging is not necessary in every situation,” says Mrs. Edwards, “but ensuring that a property is clean and free of too many personal possessions can make it easier for a purchaser to visualize themselves living there.” 

“Especially if a property is vacant, it is very important to cut the grass and maintain the landscaping – both to make a property feel welcoming and to make it easier for potential buyers and their agents to gain access to the property,” says Mrs. Maybury. 

How Important is the Marketing Strategy? 

Effective marketing can make all the difference in selling a challenging property. 

“In Bermuda we are experiencing a seller’s market in some price ranges, but we also have a buyer’s market in certain other price ranges and situations,” says Mrs. Maybury. 

Both women agreed that it is important to make sure that your marketing is directed toward the right audience because what one person might consider a challenge, might well be a desired feature for the right buyer. While city living, for example, might be off-putting to some people due to noise or congestion, it might be the ideal lifestyle for a young professional who wants to walk to work and enjoys eating out. 

How Important is it to Choose the Right Realtor? 

Particularly if you are selling a challenging property, you need to make sure that you are working with an experienced realtor who has a good business reputation with colleagues, banks, lawyers, and property surveyors alike. 

Tactfulness and professionalism are also essential. 

“Every real estate transaction is like a marriage – in order for things to work, neither party can feel compromised, neglected or disrespected,” says Mrs. Edwards. “Both parties need to leave the table feeling satisfied in order for the sale to go through and this is particularly true when you are selling a challenging property.” 

Selling a challenging property requires a strategic approach that considers all the factors influencing the sale. 

By thoroughly evaluating the property, setting a realistic price, creating a strategic marketing plan, and effectively networking with other real estate professionals, even the most “unsellable” homes can find the right buyer and transition from sitting on the market to sold. 

The post Selling the Unsellables appeared first on RG Magazines.

But while this age-old resourcefulness remains impressive even in today’s rapidly advancing world, it’s far from perfect for the modern-day homeowner. 

If it doesn’t rain for weeks, our tanks run dry – meaning we have to join a sometimes lengthy queue for the costly water trucking service. 

That’s where, for many residents, Watlington Water comes in. 

“Our customers just have to check their tank levels. If they need water, they don’t have to call the trucker, they don’t have to wait for the rain, just open a valve and top up their tank,” said Jon Burull, CEO of Bermuda Waterworks Limited, which operates Watlington Water. 

“You can top up your water tank for $34.31 per 1,000 gallons compared to $120 for a trucked load.” 

Watlington Water was founded on the back of a dream by Sir Henry Watlington, early in the 20th century. 

Sir Henry, also known as Harry, had a vision of tapping groundwater sources to supply the island with fresh water to help it cope with the burgeoning demands of the tourism industry. 

According to Harry’s Dream, a book about Watlington Water’s history written by Jonathan Bell and Roger Crombie in 2008, Sir Henry faced a long battle to set up his water supply company. 

His plan to test Bermuda’s groundwater resources was rejected by the House of Assembly in 1924, so he ended up testing the water himself. The results were so pleasing, he formed a new plant on Parsons Lane at the personal cost of £80,000 in the 1930s. 

Water was processed at the plant before being piped to a reservoir at Prospect, and was then transported via pipelines to Hamilton, the Princess Hotel and Elbow Beach Hotel on the South Shore. 

A network of pipelines was developed throughout the city and along the South Shore. 

As the company continued to expand, a reverse osmosis plant was set up in 1994 on the North Shore, Devonshire, abstracting water from seawater wells and removing the impurities to produce drinking water. 

The company originally focused on supplying hotels, who had great need for water as the tourism industry started to boom. 

Roger Todd, CEO designate at Bermuda Waterworks, said: “Over time, there has been a shift in tourism and some of the major hotels have closed. At the same time, condominium developments, Airbnbs and guest houses have increased.” 

“Expanding on the mains piping that was originally to the city and west hotels, now we are servicing a lot more residential customers.” 

Several more reverse osmosis plants have been added to the Devonshire complex over time, while a 3-million-gallon storage tank has been built in Southampton to cope with higher demand; pipes and other infrastructure have been continuously upgraded. 

The company now supplies about 3,200 customers from its base in Devonshire all the way west to Somerset Village. The Bermuda Government operates a separate pipe-water network that covers the eastern parishes of the island, using water from their production plants at Tynes Bay and in St George’s. 

Mr Todd noted that many water tanks are not big enough to meet people’s needs without a top up water service. 

“If you have a ranch-style house, or maybe a small Bermuda-style cottage, your catchment is probably sufficient,” Mr Todd said. 

“But as land has become a premium and condos have become a staple in Bermuda, now you have multi-level, multi-occupancy dwellings with a single catchment. 

“With most condo developments built today, the size of the roof catchment is not sufficient to service all the residents from rainwater alone. Some condominiums rely on Watlington Water on a weekly basis as a top-up service.” 

Many people have invested in brackish water wells on their property, to supply well water for laundry and flushing toilets. 

“But those wells, you have to pay to build them and to maintain them,” Mr Todd said. “If the well collapses or the pump fails it can be a costly repair.” 

“With Watlington Water, you don’t have to do that. You just subscribe to the service, and you open your valve at the meter when you need it.” 

Bermuda Waterworks Ltd is continuously expanding its metered water network by connecting private estates to its piped mains supply. 

While Watlington Water is a high-quality drinking water, homeowners must also ensure their roof and tank are clean, particularly after a storm. 

“Watlington is only a top-up supply and blends with the water in your tank,” Mr Todd explained. 

“Prior to a storm, some homeowners take precaution and plug their roof drains to prevent salt spray and vegetation from entering their water tank. If you don’t plug your drains before a storm, you could end up with foliage in your tank. 

“Decaying organic matter in you water could create bacterial issues. So, you have to be very careful to maintain you roof, storage tank and plumbing system according to Public Health guidelines and best practice. 

“Contrary to some old wives’ tales, a slate roof does not filter water.” 

This is one reason for the success of another division of Bermuda Waterworks Ltd: bottled Pure Water. 

Mr Todd said: “People may have potable water that is safe to drink but has an undesirable taste. You’d be happy to shower with it, do your laundry, flush the toilet, but when it comes to drinking, they prefer the taste and assurance of our premium quality bottled water.” 

This doesn’t necessarily mean lumbering those heavy water bottles across the grocery store car park. 

Bermuda Waterworks offers island-wide delivery service to homes and businesses, a drive-through service, and a self-service refill station open 24 hours a day at its Devonshire headquarters. 

To set up an account for Pure Water, visit bwl.bm or email purewater@bwl. bm. Specify the frequency and volume of bottles you want delivered and you’ll be added to the delivery route. Simply leave your empties outside and they will be replaced by new ones. 

To sign up for Watlington Water, visit bwl.bm and fill in the application forms to see if your area is included in the network. 

The post No Rain, No Problem appeared first on RG Magazines.

Whether you are contemplating renovating a single room or the entire house, homeowners always face the same problem – how do you find, hire and co-ordinate the comings and goings of the multiple tradespeople required to get the job done? 

I met with Stephen Mayor of The Maintenance Co. to get some advice for ensuring that your next home repair or renovation project runs smoothly. 

What Does a General Contractor Do? 

A general contractor is responsible for overseeing and managing construction or home renovation projects from start to finish. They act as the primary point of contact between the homeowner and the workers, ensuring that all work is performed correctly, on time, and in compliance with safety regulations and building codes. They also provide the homeowner with updates on the project’s progress, address concerns, and communicate any necessary changes. 

“In Bermuda at the moment we mostly have large construction companies and individual tradespeople who are very specialized such as plumbers or electricians,” says Mr. Mayor. “That’s fine if you want to under-take a large scale project like building a brand new house or just make one small repair, but the moment you try to fix two or three things at the same time it starts to get tricky.” 

“We fill the gap with a one-stop-shop dedicated maintenance and handyman service that takes the guess work out of finding, hiring and scheduling all of the various people required to complete a small to medium sized home repair or upgrade.” 

“We prepare a detailed cost estimate, including materials, labor, equipment, and other expenses. We also monitor the budget throughout the project which means you only have one bill to pay rather than having to deal with multiple vendors and payment schedules,” he said. 

Managing diverse specialists independently can quickly become overwhelming, leading to missed deadlines, costly mistakes, and unnecessary stress. 

As in the rest of the world, in Bermuda there is currently a shortage of properly trained tradespeople. Those with skills and experience are in high demand and often expensive or difficult to schedule for a small job. 

“Because our company has forty years of experience in the building industry, we have long established relationships with a wide variety of specialist tradespeople – we literally know which particular plumber would be best suited for each individual job – and we take care of ensuing that they are on hand precisely when they are needed,” Mr. Mayor explained. 

“In a typical home remodel, for example, you might need new wiring, plumbing, flooring, painting and air conditioning work to be done. We get hold of each trade and line them up in the right order, for the right amount of time,” he said. 

“If you don’t do this correctly you can run into delays in completing the work, and delays are the number one reason that projects run over budget,” he explained. 

Is it a Good Idea to Cut Corners by Doing Some of the Work Yourself? 

Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, many homeowners might be tempted to think that they can do the demolition part of a renovation job themselves. But is this a wise idea if you are not an experienced handyman? 

“Taking down a wall might seem as easy as swinging a sledgehammer but is the homeowner going to be prepared for what they find inside the wall?” Mr. Mayor asked. “In Bermuda you might suddenly find yourself looking at wiring issues, dampness, mould, or even termites and discover that the job was much more involved than you initially anticipated.” 

What Should You Do If You Decide Go it Alone and Start Running into Problems? 

“Ideally you would start by letting an expert who has comprehensive knowledge and is trained to consider all the possibilities provide a free quote so that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into before you start,” he said. “But if you have already embarked on some work and you are feeling truly overwhelmed it’s really never too late to bring in a general contractor to sort things out.” 

What is Your Key Piece of Advice for Anyone Who is Planning Home Repairs or Renovations? 

The key to delivering any home repair or renovation project on time and on budget is always going to be to start with proper project planning and project management. 

“You really need to start by figuring out what you want to do and then make your plans based on what you can afford – otherwise you really do run the risk of getting midway through a project and discovering that you cannot afford to finish ,” advises Mr. Mayor. 

“Even though it costs money at the front end, you can save yourself money (and a lot of headaches) in the long run by getting proper plans from an architect or a designer because then you have all of the correct specifications for the job,” he said. 

Although tackling home repairs or renovations can seem like a daunting task, enlisting the help of a general contractor like The Maintenance Co., can simplify the process, ensuring their projects are completed on time and within budget. With their expert knowledge, established relationships with skilled tradespeople, and a commitment to seamless project management, a general contractor provides a one-stop solution to keeping your renovation journey smooth and stress-free so that you can focus on enjoying your home. 

For further information visit www. maintenance.bm or call 543-5000. 

The post Why Hire a Contractor? appeared first on RG Magazines.

Designing the right laundry area for the space you have however, can be tricky. Before you get onto the fun features, you need to consider plumbing, dryer vents, appliance size, folding areas and storage space, all of which need to be in the right place in order to work well. 

We spoke to expert interior designers Jill Henneberger and Patti Crouch of By Design, to get their advice about how to get the most out of your laundry room makeover. 

APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES 

The first decision to be made is what exactly is going into the space. For washing machines and tumble dryers, research based on your own personal needs is crucial, as is appliance size: 

“The size of equipment has increased over the years so often, not enough depth is allowed for the size of modern equipment,” they warned. “Specifications and clearances must be carefully checked. Dryer venting distances affect efficiency of the unit, so location should be a consideration. Where possible, place it on an exterior wall.” 

They also recommend installing a floor drain in case the washing machine leaks or an item needs to drip dry. If a stylish floor is a priority, they are available as “an inconspicuous tile in drain.” 

Deep sinks, drying racks, a designated space for laundry hampers and, if the room is doubling up as a mudroom, shoe storage and a bench, are all useful fixtures to include in your laundry room design: 

“Quite often, we have incorporated a pantry, coat closets, kids’ cubbies for school bags and pull out sorting bins,” they said, adding that they have even designed utility areas for the benefit of four-legged members of the family: 

“We have designed laundry areas that consider pet needs – large sinks for bathing, adequate spaces for dog beds, crates, food storage and feeding areas. Dutch doors are often considered practical so pets can be kept in the laundry area while still keeping the room open and ventilated.” 

LAYOUT 

Areas to dry, fold and iron are crucial to any laundry room layout and, if space is tight, stacking your washing machine and tumble dryer on top of one another is an option. However, Ms. Henneberger and Ms. Crouch point out that “side by side front-loading configuration will afford more folding surface plus you can have shelves or cabinets above.” 

Drying racks that are attached to, or built into a wall, have also become popular, as are hanging rails: “Almost every laundry we do now has a drying rack and, or bar of some sort and, if space allows, it is usually incorporated,” they shared. Options include fold out racks and hanging bars that are incorporated into cabinets. Retro style rope pulley units, which drop down and raise up to the ceiling, have also made a popular come back. 

LOCATION 

If you are doing a full renovation with the flexibility to choose exactly where your laundry room will go, Ms. Henneberger and Ms. Crouch recommend having one with access to the outside. This allows them to double up as mudrooms: 

“It is great after a trip to the beach, a run, or a day on the boat, if you can just enter the laundry and rid yourself of the items and clothes that need to stay there,” they point out. If possible, however, it’s also helpful to have it near to the bedrooms and bathrooms and should be easily accessible for all members of the household to use. Separately, good ventilation and air-conditioning will help the room stay dry. 

If the laundry room is being relocated, they warned that it may be worth consulting a plumber to make sure the water supply and drainage is attainable for that location. 

FUN FEATURES 

While the need for a functional laundry area is nothing new, in By Design’s experience, “the new generation of homeowner not only demands their laundry to have functionality, but should reflect their sense of style, and flow cohesively with the rest of their home.” 

They also added that “a laundry room is a place you can have a little fun. If you have to do laundry, the space should make you happy.” This can be achieved with a patterned backsplash or floor tile, or a strong colour for the cabinets or walls: 

“Pembroke Tile and Stone’s Equipe line of tile is full of great colours, sizes and shapes that can be added to make any room’s backsplash pop,” they said. “We also like the Lunada Bay line from Pembroke Tile and Stone for backsplashes. 

“Encaustic cement type tiles are a great way to add pattern to a floor and there are so many options in colour, pattern and scale.” 

They did warn however to stay away from textures that catch dust and lint, such as certain window treatments that “can often have a texture or cells that can trap lint.” Some cabinet finishes and natural wood shelves can also have textured surfaces, which again, can trap the lint. 

THE IDEAL 

If money was no object, they agreed that their ideal laundry room would contain lots of storage, have a big folding area like an island, be bright and airy, have access to the exterior, a floor drain, a pet washing zone, hanging space for drying and ironed clothes, and be located near to the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

“Laundry rooms were once considered utility rooms and quite often part of a storage room,” they said. “In new, or newly renovated homes, the ideal laundry room is a well thought out, dedicated space.” 

The post Laundry Room Makeover appeared first on RG Magazines.

Since the end of WWII, however, increasing contact with the world at large and adoption of associated consumerism have brought us to the point where we are much more “disconnected” from the natural world – in short, we have lost sight of the consequences that our actions and choices are having on our island home. 

And yet, Bermuda remains a closed eco-system which paradoxically means that we are also uniquely positioned to re-develop a truly sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystem rooted in the principles of permaculture. 

I sat down with Mr. Eugene Dean, the Founder of Greenrock and Agricultural Engineer Mr. Malachi Symonds to gain a better understanding of some of the opportunities and challenges we are currently facing. 

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY? 

“Sustainability is the art of closing circles,” says Mr. Malachi Symonds. “For example, if a chicken eats plant material, and then subsequently produces waste that is used to fertilize the soil, which in turn produces more plant material for the chicken to eat – that is a closed circle which is sustainable.” 

How much do you feel the average island resident really understands about sustainability? 

“The way we have been living for the last 50 years has taken us away from the concept of living in harmony with nature,” says Mr. Eugene Dean. “You know the world is completely upside down when natural processes are being referred to as ‘alternative’”. 

“Right now, the focus is largely working to buy stuff, as opposed to creating what you need for yourself from what you have around you,” he said. 

WHAT IS PERMACULTURE? 

According to Google, permaculture can be defined as a design philosophy which incorporates principles from ecology, landscape design, and environmental science, to create a farming system that harmonizes (or mimics) natural processes. 

If you plant a berry from a cedar tree and subsequently grow a tree the same size as the initial tree that the berry came from within your lifetime, then you have utilized the principles of permaculture to achieve sustainability. 

How does the philosophy of “working with, rather than against, nature” manifest in practical permaculture practices? 

Successful permaculture utilizes the principles of observation to gradually create a farm that is its own eco-system. “You essentially embark on a learning journey whereby you watch to see how your farm responds naturally and make adjustments based on what you learn,” Mr. Symonds explained. 

How does permaculture differ from traditional commercial farming? 

Unlike traditional farming, which typically utilizes chemical fertilizer and pesticides which are harmful to the environment, and the practice of monoculture (planting only one crop per field), permaculture which utilizes “interplanting” of crops positively enhances soil fertility, water conservation, and ultimately reduces waste. 

“It not only encourages people to reconnect with the land and food production, but it also challenges you to come up with ways to utilize everything you have access to instead of throwing it away,” he said. “Rather than throwing unused food away, for example, you would turn it into compost which nourishes the soil or turn your vegetable scraps into soup stock.” 

How does interplanting crops help mitigate issues like soil erosion and nutrient depletion in Bermuda? 

In Bermuda’s unique climatic and soil conditions mixing several different types of crops together in the same field at the same time mitigates soil erosion and nutrient depletion. This technique helps by providing continuous vegetation cover to the soil (which helps retain moisture) and also allows taller crops to provide both partial shade and to act as a windbreak to small plants. 

The decomposition of intercropped plants also returns essential organic matter to the soil which ultimately enhances soil structure and fertility. 

How might permaculture contribute to building a more self-reliant and resilient society in Bermuda? 

“When you have development without consciousness it leads to social and environmental degradation,” says Mr. Dean. “But when we are conscious and thoughtful we are in harmony and the principles of permaculture actually nurture economic stability because they reduce (if not eliminate) waste because they prioritize utilizing renewable resources and maximizing efficiency”. 

“The challenge is that people need to see working examples to understand how they can do this themselves,” says Mr. Symonds. “Right now, the perception is that it is very expensive and time consuming to start an organic vegetable garden because we have been conditioned to believe that we have to purchase all of the supplies from a store – but this doesn’t have to be the case if you employ a few basic techniques and a little creativity.” 

THE FUTURE OF FARMING 

Overall, permaculture offers a holistic approach to farming that aims to create sustainable, self-sufficient, and resilient agricultural systems, contrasting with the depleting and resource-intensive nature of traditional farming. 

Although a move toward permaculture will require farmers and government departments to work together to design and implement updated policies that protect Bermuda’s natural resources and the wellbeing of its people, it is a task worth undertaking. 

As Bermuda faces the pressing need to reconnect with sustainable agricultural practices, permaculture offers a promising path forward. By fostering a deep understanding of natural processes and emphasizing resource efficiency, permaculture not only addresses critical issues like soil erosion and nutrient depletion but also promotes a self-reliant and resilient society. 

The post Reinventing Sustainability in Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.

As we approach the mid-summer season and vacations, we are opening up our homes, apartments and condos to let the sunshine or fresh breezes in. The challenge is, living in a subtropical island, we are not alone. Since we don’t get to experience a full-blown winter season, with snow and freezing temperatures, we get to experience unwanted guests all year long. 

Unwanted guests, you ask? 

Yes, the insects and rodents that inhabit our island home – the ants, roaches (flying or not), spiders, centipedes, termites, mice, and rats. 

What constitutes a pest problem? 

The professionals I interviewed all agreed on this one question – it really depends on what an individual can tolerate. Seeing one ant wandering along the kitchen counter once a month may be too much for one person but not a major concern to another. 

What do I do if I see a Brown House Spider on my kitchen wall? 

First thing to note about these spiders is you don’t want to touch them or get close to them. You can use insecticide or use a vacuum cleaner to remove them. As a general rule, if you have spiders, the thing to note is there’s a food source nearby. Spiders eat other insects. 

How do I handle centipedes? 

The days when centipedes were mostly at the eastern end of the island are gone. Centipedes like damp and dark secluded areas to nest, so you need to do a comprehensive inspection inside and outside your house to ensure you don’t have any crevasses or entry points. If found, seal them up. 

If you have a garden, make sure to clean up any dead or decaying vegetation. Stephen Mayor; Director and Owner of Eco-Pest LTD, suggested a two tiered barrier approach to not just centipedes but most unwanted guests. “We have a granular and chemical treatment that we use around the base of the property. As insects traverse the barrier the treatment clings to them and they carry it to the respective nest, where either they or others consume the treatment and are neutralized.” 

TIPS FOR KEEPING ANTS AND ROACHES OUT 

As with centipedes, ensure that your window and doors are properly caulked. Justin Tavares of Bermuda Pest Control says, “If you have a garden or plants outside, remove any dying or decaying vegetation as it is a food source for most unwanted pests.” 

Most folks are aware that keeping your kitchen area clean is a must, but so is having the appropriate waste containers to keep refuse in until pickup day. Also, keep in mind that putting your trash out on the wrong day just creates a buffet meal for the rodent population! 

At what point do I need to tent my house? 

According to Justin Tavares, “When in doubt, you should call the experts,” because you will most likely not be able to determine the extent of the problem by yourself. 

“In some instances, you might just have one piece of infected furniture that is infested with termites or Powder Post Beatles,” says Stephen Mayor. “And if that’s the case, you can have that piece treated for a very reasonable price.” 

What is the best advice to newcomers to Bermuda? 

Since we live in a sub-tropical climate, it is important to be mindful that pests are going to be with us year-round. We can limit the risk by keeping our respective areas clean and clutter free, trimming back dying or dead vegetation, ensuring a good seal around our living spaces and by all means, ask questions regarding what you see. 

The post Dealing With Pesky Pests appeared first on RG Magazines.

Jeremy Johnson is principal of Horizons Architecture and is an experienced architectural designer. He shares his knowledge and experience about everything you need to know and prepare for before embarking on any residential building project. 

Before you build or renovate a home, who should you speak with first? 

If you require a loan, it will be the bank. They will want to talk about your assets, liabilities, debts, age, job security, total income and the asset you want to build or renovate. They will also discuss how you plan to deal with the financing. Ultimately this meeting should culminate in you understanding what they are willing to loan you, and under what conditions. 

Then, you need to engage a team, which will include an architect or designer, and an experienced contractor. It may also include an appraiser, a structural engineer, a surveyor and, for more complex building projects, a project manager. 

What is the procedure for obtaining planning permission to build or renovate a residential property? 

By law, all building and renovation projects require approval from the Department of Planning (Planning). 

The process varies depending on the size, location, zoning, use and condition of the site. Other factors could also include the proposed location and extent of the development, as well as neighbouring conditions like existing densities, encroachments, public roads or protected zones. 

I recommend retaining your architect to develop a scheme. They will use this to engage Planning on an initial consultancy to determine viability and the ideal process it should go through to gain the necessary approvals. 

Once the application process has been determined, drawings will be developed in accordance with Planning’s recommendation. Submission happens via the architect. Planning vet the application and then send out the invoice for payment. Once paid, signage is issued notifying of the intent to develop. These bright red signs must be posted on the site for 14 days. Two pictures of these signs must be issued to Planning to show their location and context. 

A comprehensive set of drawings will prevent a multitude of potential issues. Correspondence and drawing revisions go to and fro between the architect and the planner until both are satisfied with the result. The drawings are stamped off and the client has the green light to commence the works on site. 

What are some common planning issues that arise when an owner is building or renovating? 

The three most common planning issues I come across are, firstly, the client needs to create and register a CSS (Customer Self Service) account with Planning. This can be done at https://planning.gov.bm/index.php/ customer-self-service/. 

Secondly, finding the owner of neighbouring properties when a Neighbour’s Acknowledgement Form is required can sometimes prove difficult. Thirdly, if price increases occur over the approval period, this can make commencement of the works challenging. 

Are there any additional planning requirements to consider when renovating or building to accommodate vacation rentals? 

This is a bit of a grey area. What I do know is that if the lodgings become the primary use of the property, the owner must apply for a ‘change of use’. If the tourist accommodations are not the principle use of the property, the house will remain as residential use. 

What obligations does a property owner have towards their neighbours? 

Where works take place within the setback to a common boundary line, there is an obligation to get the neighbour affected to sign a Neighbour’s Acknowledgement form. 

The neighbour has the right to view the drawings before they sign and they have the right to abstain from signing. Signing does not constitute agreement. If a signature cannot be obtained, the applicant must send a registered letter to the neighbour. The registered receipt, and the proof of collection from the post office, must be submitted to Planning to show that adequate effort was made to acquire the signature. 

When budgeting, how much ‘extra’ do you advise owners to set aside for unforeseen building issues? 

The bank requires that 20 percent be added to the requested amount for the protection of the project. This is a good gauge because it means that in their experience, this is a safe number to understand how much over budget a project can go. 

In addition to making timely repayments, what other obligations must owners fulfil when borrowing money from a bank in order to build or renovate? 

The bank requires a project manager to qualify payments during construction. This does not have to be someone who is intimately acquainted with all of your finishes. They just need to be able to state to the bank that the payment request from the contractor or client is reasonable and is going toward the construction of the project. 

What are some common mistakes people make when embarking on a building or renovation project? 

The one that hits home for me the most is when people choose the cheapest design service they can find. Although I understand why they do this, it may not save money in the longer term. This is because good design matters. If a building or renovation project does not function well, or does not speak to you personally, you are stuck with it. 

What other advice would you give to residential property owners before embarking on a residential building project? 

Don’t skimp on quality. Use a good designer, employ the best contractor you can, and buy good quality products, because Bermuda is a brutal environment. Building and renovation will always cost more than you expect, but it will cost a lot more in the long run if you cut corners. 

It’s also important to listen to advice from the experts and those who have built or renovated before. I still listen to advice because there is always something to learn. 

For the full list of residential building requirements and regulations, visit planning.gov.bm. 

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Building and Renovations appeared first on RG Magazines.