SOAKAWAY COLLAPSE: A NARROW ESCAPE

One morning as I was going to work I noticed my neighbor had hired a workman to dig a soakaway. This was the  period of intense rainfall. I wondered why such project couldn’t wait after the rains. Within two days, the ten-feet soakaway was ready.

Disaster was lurking around. The landlord then called a bricklayer to do the block work. The bricklayer inspected the work and realized he needed more  hands. So, he left to search for workers. While away there was a heavy collapse: part of the building collapsed inside the soakaway. The soakaway was close to the foundation of the building on roofing level. So there had been a pull on it. 

When the bricklayer came back, he was shocked to see the calamity which would have claimed his life.

The landlord too was thanking God for averting the disaster, otherwise he would have been in trouble. Following this incidence, he ordered that the soakaway be covered back immediately.

WARNING TO ALL

Digging a soakaway during the rains is inappropriate. It is far better to wait after the rains before carrying out this project.

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THE DANGERS IN THE RESTROOM AND BATHROOM

The restroom is home to many disease-causing germs. Nothing is as annoying as a dirty toilet. That is why we try to keep things sanitary by helping ourselves with toilet seat covers. No matter how sparkling it may look, toilet seat has dangers: germs on it. Streptococcus,  staphylococcus and E.coli can be found there, but have a little chance of harming you.

The reason is that most organisms can only survive seconds on the toilet seat. In fact, they can't infect you unless they come in direct contact with your genital tract or through a cut or sore on your thigh or leg.

This is not to suggest that the toilet is not dangerous. Among others, toilet can cause broken hips, various injuries, and bruised buttocks if you miss your seat or if the cover slams. So you must take caution when you use the toilet to avoid accidents. Do not stand on the toilet seat.

On the other  hand, the biggest risk in bathroom has to do with getting germs on your hands when you touch a surface containing bacteria after getting up from the toilet seat. Germs may be found in the following areas: faucet handles, soap dispensers, sink surfaces, the flushing handle on the  toilet, the floor, the lock on the door. Indeed, studies at the University of Arizona show that  sinks are the worst place that breeds germs since the water keeps them alive. It sounds strange that the place you go to wash your hands might be the very place  that infects you.

From the foregoing, it is necessary to adhere to the highest cleaning standards if we must have a germ free toilet. Wash the bathroom and toilet regularly with disinfectants. This also prevents the bathroom from been slippery. You must also wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, this  habit you must inculcate in your children too. 

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Buildings and Environs: How your health is affected

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BUILDINGS AND ENVIRONS: HOW YOUR HEALTH IS AFFECTED

A lot of persons never think that the nature of their buildings and its environment affect their health. Indeed, good health is not just all about exercise, balanced diet, etc. It surprises me to see that people build without consideration to their health. Here are few areas to note:

IS IT RIGHT FOR COUPLES TO JOINTLY PURCHASE A PROPERTY?

Been united as a family is a good development and for a couple to think  of buying a property together is an evidence of cooperation. However, there  might be problems with this arrangement when the relationship turns sour. That is, when the couples separate  or divorce. The real life scenario below paints a better picture of this situation.

IS IT WISE TO SECURE A LOAN TO BUILD A HOUSE?

If you have ever thought of this question, then you are at the threshold

 of a big decision. One that will significantly affect the direction of your life.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE THE MOVE

1.      Is the house for residential or commercial purpose? If it is for a commercial purpose, there is the tendency that it will begin generating revenue once built. Also, will it be located in a strategic position?

BUYING LARGE EXPANSE OF LAND IN VILLAGES: THE GAINS AND PAINS

Acquiring landed property is  a nice investment, but when you run foul of the rule it becomes very risky. Property investment is like a dicey game that requires great caution and care. In fact, it presents two possibilities: risk or reward. Your level of experience and skill help to make the shift from risk to reward when you invest. Going to villages to acquire large expanse of land has gains and pains.

THE DANGERS OF BUYING A LAND NEAR THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN TWO COMMUNITIES

From our many years of experience and observation, buying a land close to the boundary between two communities most often than not present problems. Most communities are never contented with their boundary limitation. Having sold all their lands, they attempt to expand their territory into neighbouring community. The host community never welcomes such development. In fact, they put up a hard fight or resistance. Sometimes, this leads to a violent clash.

SMART WAYS PEOPLE STORE THEIR TITLE DEED(HOUSE DOCUMENTS)

Which of these gives you worry about your title deed?

a.       You don’t fully trust your children

b.      It is not safe from unauthorized persons

c.       Fire incidence is unpredictable

HOW AN AGENT MADE A WHOPPING N35MILLION IN A SINGLE TRANSACTION

Hold tight to your seat else you might be blown off by this startling revelation. This incidence occurred a few years ago while I was yet to pick a career in real estate business. The story was narrated to me by a very close source. I must admit here that this was one of the inspiring stories that sparked my interest in the business.

HOW SOME CLIENTS UNWITTINGLY CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR BEEN SOLD FAKE PROPERTY

Some clients set themselves up for a fall. This is largely due to inexperience and greed—desiring that which is above their limit. Some communities have sold all their lands especially those along the road and may have a few left at the outskirt of the community. When a client enters such community, he is hardly turned down or told that there are no available land in their choice area. They try to take such client far inside. But in most cases the client will object going that far for a property and complaining bitterly about the distance.

HOW TO VERIFY THE VALIDITY OF TITLE DOCUMENTS BEFORE PAYMENT

Buying of properties is quite different from purchasing food items on the go. You have to think through deeply to make sure that you have made the right choice. Also, you have to carry out a thorough investigation about the property. To do this, you need to demand for the title documents(house documents) to verify independently the validity of the documents and the ownership of the property.

TITLE DOCUMENTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Title documents(house documents) are legal documents of properties indicating necessary details and owner of the property. There are different types, and are considered below:

INTRIGUE: LEADER SELLS LAND, RESETTLES REAL OWNER

Samuel has a small estate along the major road. Over the fence is another 100 by 100feet land belonging to a retired soldier. It was fenced also. Meanwhile, Samuel started to eye the plot. So, he approached the owner of the plot. The old soldier pegged the price at 7million naira and would never budge.

HOW YOUR BEDROOM COLOUR AFFECTS YOUR MOOD

Colours are a part of everyday life. It can give others information about your personality. It affects your mood one way or the other. Therefore, choosing the right colour combination is very important. In fact, colour has the power to change the shape and size  of furnishings, as well as the shape and size of the room itself.

BROTHERS LOCK HORNS OVER POOR HANDLING OF PROJECT

Blood is thicker than water. This is a very popular saying in Nigeria indicating the precious relationship and love that should bind families together. However, today the glue that holds families together is fast wearing out especially when money is involved. 

A WEIRD SECURITY TIP

This advice may sound absurd to many minds. I write this article based on careful observation and analysis of trends in many areas where there are a lot of jobless youths hanging around, and in which there are a few wealthy people. This scenario paints a better picture. Mr John(not his real name) lives in a particular community. Somewhere around the community, is a special spot where several boys assemble together to smoke and drink. The area is notorious for frequent cases of burglary attacks and robbery incidence. 

ABANDONED ROOFING PROJECT: CAUSES AND PREVENTION

Abandoned Project

Going round, I have observed with surprise, how roofing project is abandoned on the way. It is left there for a long time without putting zinc or aluminum roofs on it. the wood is exposed to the blazing heat of the sun and the pouring rain.

BUILDING OR LAND: WHICH APPRECIATES FASTER FOR INVESTMENT?

This article is written in view of those into buying and selling of property. Sometimes, you may find yourself at a crossroad whether to buy a house or land to resell later and make your gains.

13 SECURITY TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

2flat for sale, 10M, Aduwawa, B/C

Been security conscious is everybody’s business. To stem the tide of frequent cases of robbery incidence, you must take necessary steps. The other day, I was going to a friend’s house in the morning. 

5 SMART TIPS FROM A REAL ESTATE INVESTOR

The day was May 23, 2016. Ogbes & Co. Crew visited a real estate mogul in his residence in the Government Residential Area(GRA). His company name is Patifin Nigeria Limited. If you are a residence at Ugbighoko quarters, Upper Ekenwan Road, you surely must be familiar with that name. He has a big property where his construction company was formerly located. To this day, his property and name is a landmark in that area.

MOATS: ITS DISAPPEARANCE - A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Leveling of Moat

Moats are historical landmarks in Benin City. Legends have it that the moats were dug by the giant warlords. It  surrounded the Benin Empire to protect it from invasion by enemies. Down to this day, you can see visible evidence of moats. But it now serves a different purpose- erosion control.