Our customer requested a propane firepit with dual service as wood burning. The stone base weighs 2 tons. The flagstone radiates out across the lawns complementing the sunset view

Benjamin Hale
Urban kitchen photo in Philadelphia

The Pros and Cons of Fix and Flip Real Estate Investment Last week, we covered The Pros and Cons of Buy and Hold Real Estate Investment for rental property investors. This week, we want to talk about the other most common type of real estate investment: “fix and flip.” The Appeal of House Flipping We all love the house flipping shows on HGTV and other reality channels. They’re great and they make the prospect of buying, renovating and flipping homes for big profits seem super sexy and fun. However, any experienced real estate investor will tell you it’s not quite as easy as they make it look. There’s a lot of work that goes into a successful fix and flip investment. The basic premise of a fix and flip investment is pretty simple. You buy a property, usually one that needs some work and is available at a great price. You renovate the property, making the necessary repairs and upgrades to maximize its resale value. Then, you sell the property on the open market for the highest possible price. You get in and out as quickly as possible. Full-time flippers will move from property to property or will have multiple properties being worked on at the same time. Rather than the “buy and hold” strategy where you keep the house while earning rental income and equity over time, you are looking for the quick sale to earn your profits. If you are going to explore house flipping—whether as a full-time career or just a side hustle—you will want to know exactly what you are getting into. That is why we are going to cover the pros and cons of fix and flip real estate investment in this article. The Pros of Fix and Flip Here are some of the pros of fix and flip investing: Faster Return on Investment—The biggest appeal of fix and flip investing is that it gives you a quicker return on investment. Buy and hold will take you longer to see your ROI. House flipping allows you to see your full profit (hopefully) as soon as the house sells. The average house flip for an experienced investor is around six months. It may take longer for a first-timer who is just learning how to do certain things. Fairly Safe Investment—As long as you do all your projections and calculations carefully and avoid any major problems along the way, house flipping is a relatively safe investment strategy compared to something as turbulent as the stock market. Real estate markets are generally predictable and the short time frame of a flip helps you avoid losses if the property happens to depreciate over a longer period of time. Exciting—There is a reason why there are so many reality shows based around flipping and none based on buy and hold investing. It’s an exciting process to buy a home, gut it and completely renovate it. Then, you get the ultimate reward of selling it and collecting the profits—as long as you do things right. The Cons of Fix and Flip Here are some of the cons of fix and flip investing: Upfront Expenses—A house flip will require a lot of upfront expenses. We’re not only talking about financing the house itself, but all the renovation costs and other expenses involved in the flip. You are laying out all that money at the beginning and only seeing your returns when the property sells. This can create cash flow issues and stress if you fall being schedule or go above your initial budget. Taxes—House flips will usually create dramatic swings in income year over year, and that can increase your tax bill. You have to pace things correctly to take advantage of specific capital gains tax rules. Capital gains taxes are higher on any property owned less than a year, so you have to find that balance of how long you own any specific investment properties and how long it takes to complete the renovation and sale. Before you get too deep into fix and flip investing, you will want to talk with your tax advisor to make sure you have the right plan in place. Surprises—All real estate investment is susceptible to surprises. You don’t always know what lies behind the walls until you start the renovation process. You cannot plan for everything as a real estate investor, but you have to be prepared for anything. It is a good idea to add some wiggle room in your budget and overestimate your renovation expenses/timeline to cover any surprises that may come up. These are some of the biggest pros and cons of fix and flip real estate investment. Of course, there are other things you need to know as an investor, so be sure and do your homework in order to get the most out of your investment portfolio. Both fix and flip and buy and hold strategies can be highly lucrative if you do things right. There are no wrong answers, but there are wrong ways of doing things if you truly want to be successful in this field. If you are looking for great investment properties to fix and flip, join the exclusive PropertyLark home buyers’ network. If you qualify, you’ll have access to our exclusive off-market deals and analytics tools that will help you identify the best investments and get the highest possible ROI. Fill out the contact form and questionnaire on the PropertyLark buyer’s site to apply!

Here at The Pod Factory we always want to put our customer first. We understand there isn’t a one size fits all solution for every Pod owner. Our Pods are designed not only to be independent living spaces like Offices, Studios and Apartments, but have the ability to be joined together to make multi Pod structures. Our Pods can be fitted together in numerous combinations. Side by side, top to toe, ‘T’ shape…. The options are endless!! For small or oddly shaped areas this is a life saver. We also have the option to ‘stack’ our Pods leaving a much smaller footprint. We feel we have solutions for commercial customers, charities and student accommodation with our rapid build modular buildings. We’d love to hear from you if any of these projects sound interesting to you http://thepodfactory.ie/contact-us/ The interior layout can also be amended to suit specific requirements. For example, a full kitchen may not be needed in a shared living space, The Pod Factory also offers a kitchenette! Another example is a full bathroom, you may not have a need for it, The Pod Factory offers a toilet and basin! We recently reached out to our friends and followers on social media to ask them what they wanted to know about our Pods. Below we listed the most common questions, there were others, we were flattered with a question ‘How can I come work with you guys?’…. We must be doing something right!!! What do our customers ask us? How much are the Pods? Are they easy to finance? Our Pods vary greatly but a starting guide price would be €28,000. We work with finance companies to assist you in applying for finance and providing you with the documentation required to make to process as efficient as possible What are the payment terms? Any finance agreement is not with The Pod Factory directly so terms are set out by the lender. Customers who buy a Pod pay a 50% deposit upon ordering and the balance is paid in the final week of the Pod build How big are they? What are the dimensions? We have so many Pod variations we couldn’t possible list them all. However, the most popular Pods at the moment are 17 square meters, 22 square meters and 2 bedroom Pod which is 52 square meters. Our Pods are 3.6 meters wide (7 meters wide for the 2 bedroom Pod) and vary in length. For specific measurements and sizes please feel free to call or message us http://thepodfactory.ie/contact-us/ Can you add them to existing houses like an extension? Yes you can, please contact us so we can get your specific details and discuss your needs How long will they last? Do they require a lot of maintenance? Our Pods are built the same way houses are built – to last a lifetime. We have designed and engineered each one to endure many weather conditions, each Pod is built using light gauge steel system. They are extremely low maintenance! All products come with their own manufacturers warranty What type of heating is used, is there a choice of heat systems? How cost efficient are the Pods to heat? Because of the way our Pods are designed and engineered (wrapped in airtightness membrane and insulation) they offer a high insulation value. They are easy to heat and the retain any heat generated. The Pods can be heated using any conventional heating system. Currently we are using an electric system with a gas combi for water heating. For convenience we use lpg for the supply of the gas which means it comes from a barrel as opposed to being connected to a main line. The radiators we use are designed to be the most energy efficient radiator available. There are various features and controls built into the radiator programme including PID Intelligent Control that ensures accurate temperature efficiency to 0.2C. This technology is far superior to other forms of heating such as traditional storage heaters and dry element radiators Do I need to apply for Planning Permission? Each County Council varies and there are a number of factors involved. We would advise you to speak to your local planning office. However we construct Pods which are within the size and height restrictions set out Where can I see a Pod? We have 3 beautiful Show Pods on display in Navan, Co Meath. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am until late. We also do Saturday and Sunday viewings by appointment so you can have plenty of time and privacy to view our Pods and ask all the questions! How long will my Pod take to build? Our Pods are considered ‘rapid build’. From the day of order confirmation it usually takes 6 weeks. We build our Pods indoors so we are not weather dependent How much time do you spend on site? The standard ground works are completed in a day but as all sites are different we will confirm at the time of the site survey. All other building is completed off site at our purpose build factory so the Pod is delivered to site turnkey ready

Here at The Pod Factory we always want to put our customer first. We understand there isn’t a one size fits all solution for every Pod owner. Our Pods are designed not only to be independent living spaces like Offices, Studios and Apartments, but have the ability to be joined together to make multi Pod structures. Our Pods can be fitted together in numerous combinations. Side by side, top to toe, ‘T’ shape…. The options are endless!! For small or oddly shaped areas this is a life saver. We also have the option to ‘stack’ our Pods leaving a much smaller footprint. We feel we have solutions for commercial customers, charities and student accommodation with our rapid build modular buildings. We’d love to hear from you if any of these projects sound interesting to you http://thepodfactory.ie/contact-us/ The interior layout can also be amended to suit specific requirements. For example, a full kitchen may not be needed in a shared living space, The Pod Factory also offers a kitchenette! Another example is a full bathroom, you may not have a need for it, The Pod Factory offers a toilet and basin! We recently reached out to our friends and followers on social media to ask them what they wanted to know about our Pods. Below we listed the most common questions, there were others, we were flattered with a question ‘How can I come work with you guys?’…. We must be doing something right!!! What do our customers ask us? How much are the Pods? Are they easy to finance? Our Pods vary greatly but a starting guide price would be €28,000. We work with finance companies to assist you in applying for finance and providing you with the documentation required to make to process as efficient as possible What are the payment terms? Any finance agreement is not with The Pod Factory directly so terms are set out by the lender. Customers who buy a Pod pay a 50% deposit upon ordering and the balance is paid in the final week of the Pod build How big are they? What are the dimensions? We have so many Pod variations we couldn’t possible list them all. However, the most popular Pods at the moment are 17 square meters, 22 square meters and 2 bedroom Pod which is 52 square meters. Our Pods are 3.6 meters wide (7 meters wide for the 2 bedroom Pod) and vary in length. For specific measurements and sizes please feel free to call or message us http://thepodfactory.ie/contact-us/ Can you add them to existing houses like an extension? Yes you can, please contact us so we can get your specific details and discuss your needs How long will they last? Do they require a lot of maintenance? Our Pods are built the same way houses are built – to last a lifetime. We have designed and engineered each one to endure many weather conditions, each Pod is built using light gauge steel system. They are extremely low maintenance! All products come with their own manufacturers warranty What type of heating is used, is there a choice of heat systems? How cost efficient are the Pods to heat? Because of the way our Pods are designed and engineered (wrapped in airtightness membrane and insulation) they offer a high insulation value. They are easy to heat and the retain any heat generated. The Pods can be heated using any conventional heating system. Currently we are using an electric system with a gas combi for water heating. For convenience we use lpg for the supply of the gas which means it comes from a barrel as opposed to being connected to a main line. The radiators we use are designed to be the most energy efficient radiator available. There are various features and controls built into the radiator programme including PID Intelligent Control that ensures accurate temperature efficiency to 0.2C. This technology is far superior to other forms of heating such as traditional storage heaters and dry element radiators Do I need to apply for Planning Permission? Each County Council varies and there are a number of factors involved. We would advise you to speak to your local planning office. However we construct Pods which are within the size and height restrictions set out Where can I see a Pod? We have 3 beautiful Show Pods on display in Navan, Co Meath. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am until late. We also do Saturday and Sunday viewings by appointment so you can have plenty of time and privacy to view our Pods and ask all the questions! How long will my Pod take to build? Our Pods are considered ‘rapid build’. From the day of order confirmation it usually takes 6 weeks. We build our Pods indoors so we are not weather dependent How much time do you spend on site? The standard ground works are completed in a day but as all sites are different we will confirm at the time of the site survey. All other building is completed off site at our purpose build factory so the Pod is delivered to site turnkey ready

Here at The Pod Factory we always want to put our customer first. We understand there isn’t a one size fits all solution for every Pod owner. Our Pods are designed not only to be independent living spaces like Offices, Studios and Apartments, but have the ability to be joined together to make multi Pod structures. Our Pods can be fitted together in numerous combinations. Side by side, top to toe, ‘T’ shape…. The options are endless!! For small or oddly shaped areas this is a life saver. We also have the option to ‘stack’ our Pods leaving a much smaller footprint. We feel we have solutions for commercial customers, charities and student accommodation with our rapid build modular buildings. We’d love to hear from you if any of these projects sound interesting to you http://thepodfactory.ie/contact-us/ The interior layout can also be amended to suit specific requirements. For example, a full kitchen may not be needed in a shared living space, The Pod Factory also offers a kitchenette! Another example is a full bathroom, you may not have a need for it, The Pod Factory offers a toilet and basin! We recently reached out to our friends and followers on social media to ask them what they wanted to know about our Pods. Below we listed the most common questions, there were others, we were flattered with a question ‘How can I come work with you guys?’…. We must be doing something right!!! What do our customers ask us? How much are the Pods? Are they easy to finance? Our Pods vary greatly but a starting guide price would be €28,000. We work with finance companies to assist you in applying for finance and providing you with the documentation required to make to process as efficient as possible What are the payment terms? Any finance agreement is not with The Pod Factory directly so terms are set out by the lender. Customers who buy a Pod pay a 50% deposit upon ordering and the balance is paid in the final week of the Pod build How big are they? What are the dimensions? We have so many Pod variations we couldn’t possible list them all. However, the most popular Pods at the moment are 17 square meters, 22 square meters and 2 bedroom Pod which is 52 square meters. Our Pods are 3.6 meters wide (7 meters wide for the 2 bedroom Pod) and vary in length. For specific measurements and sizes please feel free to call or message us http://thepodfactory.ie/contact-us/ Can you add them to existing houses like an extension? Yes you can, please contact us so we can get your specific details and discuss your needs How long will they last? Do they require a lot of maintenance? Our Pods are built the same way houses are built – to last a lifetime. We have designed and engineered each one to endure many weather conditions, each Pod is built using light gauge steel system. They are extremely low maintenance! All products come with their own manufacturers warranty What type of heating is used, is there a choice of heat systems? How cost efficient are the Pods to heat? Because of the way our Pods are designed and engineered (wrapped in airtightness membrane and insulation) they offer a high insulation value. They are easy to heat and the retain any heat generated. The Pods can be heated using any conventional heating system. Currently we are using an electric system with a gas combi for water heating. For convenience we use lpg for the supply of the gas which means it comes from a barrel as opposed to being connected to a main line. The radiators we use are designed to be the most energy efficient radiator available. There are various features and controls built into the radiator programme including PID Intelligent Control that ensures accurate temperature efficiency to 0.2C. This technology is far superior to other forms of heating such as traditional storage heaters and dry element radiators Do I need to apply for Planning Permission? Each County Council varies and there are a number of factors involved. We would advise you to speak to your local planning office. However we construct Pods which are within the size and height restrictions set out Where can I see a Pod? We have 3 beautiful Show Pods on display in Navan, Co Meath. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am until late. We also do Saturday and Sunday viewings by appointment so you can have plenty of time and privacy to view our Pods and ask all the questions! How long will my Pod take to build? Our Pods are considered ‘rapid build’. From the day of order confirmation it usually takes 6 weeks. We build our Pods indoors so we are not weather dependent How much time do you spend on site? The standard ground works are completed in a day but as all sites are different we will confirm at the time of the site survey. All other building is completed off site at our purpose build factory so the Pod is delivered to site turnkey ready

Photo: Jeni Lee © 2013 Houzz
Example of a cottage open concept brick floor living room design in Adelaide with white walls

Brad McCallum
Example of a transitional wine cellar design in Calgary

Emily Coles Photography
Trendy home design photo in London

Pool House (2010) Project and Works Management Location Los Castores I, Nordelta, Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina Total Area 457 m² Photo Luis Abregú Pool House> Principal> Arq. Alejandro Amoedo Lead Designer> Arq. Lucas D’Adamo Baumann Project Manager> Hernan Montes de Oca Collaborators> Federico Segretin Sueyro, Luciana Flores, Fausto Cristini The main condition suggested by the owner for the design of this permanent home was to direct the views to the vast lagoon that is on the rear façade of the land. To this end, we designed an inverted L layout, withdrawing the access to the house towards the center of the lot, allowing for wider perspectives at the rear of the lot and without limits to the environment. Aligned on the front façade are the garages, study, toilet and service rooms: laundry, pantry, one bedroom, one bathroom and the barbecue area. This geometry created a long path towards the entrance of the house, which was designed by combining vehicle and pedestrian access. The social areas are organized from the access hall around an inner yard that integrates natural light to the different environments. The kitchen, the dining room, the gallery and the sitting room are aligned and overlooking the lagoon. The sitting room has a double height, incorporating the stairs over one of the sides of the inner yard and an in-out swimming pool that is joined to the lake visually and serves as separation from the master suite. The upper floor is organized around the double-height space, also benefiting from the views of the environment, the inner yard and the garden. Its plan is made up of two full guest suites and a large study prepared for the owners’ work, also enjoying the best views of the lagoon, not just from its privileged location in height but also from its sides made of glass towards the exterior and towards the double height of the sitting room.