Urban Constructions

Everything you need to know about urban constructions.

Mortgage Defaults at Extreme Levels

Mortgage levels are at an ever high level of 1.5 million, an unprecedented number never before seen. But some analysts are saying these defaults are strategic, scheduled to take advantage of assistance programs being offered by the government. From tax discounts of up to $8,000, or the elimination of the mortgage cancellation tax, it all helps to get people into homes even in this financial crisis. The figures however are only for the first half of the current year, and with more defaults expected to come uncertainty is the only certainty in this recession wrecked world. For those who may be thinking of buying new homes, mortgage rates are at their lowest, making homes more accessible to more people.

April 17th, 2009 Posted by Allan | Information | no comments

Wood Framing – The Comeback

Most homes are made of either cinder block, leaving you with cemented walls and surroundings that can be quite harsh. There is however a growing interest in an older traditional building material, wood. Wood used to be he material of choice due to it’s beauty and ease of use, capable of being shaped, cut and even bent when needed. But technology has progressed so far that it was fast replaced by steel and concrete, besides environmentalists say the wood we use is so much that it isn’t sustainable, much to the delight of the many steel and cement factories. Well guess what, the economy is on the rocks and concrete and steel are way costlier than wood. Another point, the forests we have cut have grown back leaving us with a huge surplus of wood as if waiting to re-take the throne as the building material of choice. In most US states, Wooden framed buildings are restricted to a level of five floors, so most homeowners who opt to have this natural material instead of cement and steel are in for a smooth ride.

March 17th, 2009 Posted by Allan | Information | no comments

Maximizing the space you get


Urban living space is usually smaller than that of a full-fledged house in the suburbs. If you have a hand in the construction, try to give instructions to your builder to give you as much space as possible, especially in storage space. Another way to maximize your space is to choose your furniture carefully have a good idea of how much space your have and then base your furniture purchases on it, like the bed, couch, sofa bed, cabinets and closets, desks, tables, chairs, and others pieces of furniture. If possible, try to visualize what you want so you don’t buy too much stuff. Also, try to make as much space as possible by combining smaller spaces and taking out internal doors if possible and having temporary walls installed.

February 27th, 2009 Posted by Sherill | General, Information | no comments

More Abandoned Neighborhoods Pose Risks to Public

abandonedhomesMore and more neighborhoods are becoming extinct,victims of the current housing market crash. People who face eviction simply opt to abandon their homes way before the sheriff gets there to kick them out leaving unpaid bills and unhealthy homes that are often ransacked by vandals and stripped of their contents. Everything goes, the fixtures, wires, and even the pipes used in the plumbing, they are all stolen, stripped ungraciously form their place to be sold as scrap in what is fast becoming the worst economic conditions since the great depression.

January 30th, 2009 Posted by Allan | General, Guide, News, Related Topic | no comments

Urban Green

pavingstonesPeople are hearing more of the word, “Green Development” and it is fast becoming the norm of the development industry. Greening the city is the best way to compensate for the shortcomings of past philosophies in development which took it’s toll on the urban environment.
Flash flooding with rainwater that overcame drainage systems, soil erosion and other disasters that would otherwise be non-existent should the environment and land have been considered when the land was being developed. Today, we have porous concrete for parking lots that allows rain water to seep into the soil underneath reducing wash out. Better water treatment and sewage systems and much more green technologies being built into cites as they are remade, ready for the next generation.

December 30th, 2008 Posted by Sherill | General, Information, News, Related Topic, Trends | no comments

Inform Employer Before Moving

Image Source: businessbvi.freshmango.com

Inform your employer that you are moving. Call your company’s human resources department and give them your new address and telephone number, this is essential for pay and 401(k) information. You also need to call and inform other financial groups if you have investments with them too. You must measure the doors and check if your furniture can be brought out of your current house and brought inside your new house as they are. Some might have to be dismantled from your current house then reassembled at your new house. Next, call your utility supplier such as gas, water, electric newspaper and magazines, cellphone and telephone, cable and internet providers. Tell them your exact moving date so they can promptly transfer service and make for a smooth transition from the old to the new house.

November 26th, 2008 Posted by Allan | Guide | no comments

Buying Ecology-Friendly Houses


Image Source: english.seoul.go.kr

Eco-friendly houses are fast becoming popular due to the rising costs of energy. These houses use green building materials which eradicate indoor air pollutants and allergens, promote water, energy and space conservation. Eco friendly houses are generally a little bit more expensive at the onset but are worth it in the long run because of the savings you make and their high resale values. Buyers interested in Eco friendly houses are first and foremost concerned with energy saving building methods, utilizing green building components and healthy indoor air (eco friendly houses=energy saving construction methods+ utilizing green construction components+healthy indoor air). Eco friendly homes usually have a smaller floor area. Their driveways are made of porous material with a cistern beneath it to collect rainwater for non drinking purposes. Needless to say, although not part of the building, the appliances used in these homes are also eco friendly.

October 8th, 2008 Posted by Allan | Information | no comments

Greening The City


One sad effect of urbanization has been the increase in pollution and garbage problems. Of course, we are all aware of the detriment to our health city living can bring. For those who can’t take it, they’ve packed up their bags and moved back to the suburbs. But for those who have no choice but to stay put, there’s a growing movement to fight back and take part in beautifying the city. One way is through urban gardens. All over the country, communities have transformed vacant lots into beautiful gardens. Vegetable and flower gardens have replaced what were previously eye sores in the metro. Added benefits are that city folks now get to enjoy fresh, organic vegetables from their gardens. Moreover, urban gardens have fostered a sense of unity in the community, as well as provided a venue where young and old alike can have a productive social interaction.

September 29th, 2008 Posted by Allan | General, Guide, Information, News, Trends | no comments

Dubai Rotating Skyscraper – Innovation at Its Best


Image source: www.bjinvest.gov.cn
Given the number of stunning, almost miraculous constructions going on in Dubai, it’s hard to single out one which outdoes others in its novelty, magnificence and uniqueness.

Construction:
According to Dynamic Constructions, only 90 workers will be needed on-site. Compare this to more then 2000 workers normally required to build this kind of structures, and you will know the difference. Building the center and floors separately, but at the same time will result in a lot more swift completion of the project.

Rotation:
This is what makes this skyscraper truly phenomenal. Each deck of this Dubai skyscraper can rotate independently, giving the skyscraper a new shape and a new dimension every moment, making the building a visual treat. These floors will be remote controlled with residents having the option to decide on the speed and direction of their liking. What’s more? Top five floors would be controlled through voice activated remote controls.

Wind Powered:
Wind energy is the power generated by wind through wind turbines. This process is clean and it doesn’t produce any type of air pollution. Dubai rotating skyscraper will have wind turbines placed within its structure. These turbines are capable of generating more energy then what is needed for expected energy consumption of skyscraper. Thus providing loads of energy back into Dubai energy grid.

August 14th, 2008 Posted by Allan | General, Guide, Information, News, Related Topic, Trends | no comments

Notification of Demolition

1.jpgAccording to Aaron Brashear, chairman of the Buildings and Construction Subcommittee for Brooklyn Community Board 7, the only communications that the builders need to do is to notify the neighborhood about the demolition. The notice can be done through registered mail which is actually required by the Department of Buildings. You are considered a good developer if you notify six or seven weeks before the demolition. It is not good if you give the notice only a week before or worst is that people will not get any letter at all. Some of the most common complaints whenever there is a new construction going on near an existing building are garbage, dust, debris and noise every morning and late at night.

July 10th, 2008 Posted by Allan | News | no comments