How to Manage a House Construction Project

After you have your architectural design approved by the local authority, the next step is to commence construction work.

Careful selection of your building contractor is crucial. Invite several reputable building contractors to quote on the blank Bills of Quantities and give a specific return date for the quotes.

With the help of your architect, analyze the quotes in terms of previous similar works performance, time period to finish the contract and the pricing.

Construction contracts are available at the architectural association of Kenya offices, professional centre, Nairobi.There is a provision for a performance bond to bond the contractor to carry out the works as specified and within a given time frame, failure to which he forfeits a specified amount of money, usually 5{a35e9624d39d09a786c5f8acdb55c526966431d9c107db63c11fc3d9ba4fafc9} of the contract sum.

Once the building contractor finishes the contract, the architect inspects the works and if satisfied, he issues a practical completion certificate to certify that the works are practically complete and the owner can move in to the house. This document enables the building contractor to get back his performance bond from the bank.

The construction contract also specifies the amount to be retained from each payment, usually 10{a35e9624d39d09a786c5f8acdb55c526966431d9c107db63c11fc3d9ba4fafc9} of the contract sum. Once the contractor is through with the contract, half of the retained amount is paid to him and the other half is paid after 6 months-this period is known as the defects liability period. This retention will be used to rectify any damage that might occur after 6 months from … Read More

The Best Interior Design Ideas for Your Home

Most people want to have the best and the perfect home because home is the best place for them to get relax after they have done their activities. Furthermore, in home you can gather with your family and of course they can stand in their home if the home is comfortable. Having a nice and comfortable home is important and of course this is their dream. To have the best and the perfect home you should have the best interior design idea.

There are many companies that offer and provide the interior design for you and of course you should choose the best one. Choosing the best designer is not difficult; you only need to know their reputation in handling this job. Besides, with them you can also have a discussion about your interior design for your home. You can tell them what you want and they can give you the best solutions. They can help you in getting the best and with them you can easily get what you want. They can make your dream come true and of course this will not be difficult for them. Furthermore, in designing your home, you should also match the color and the theme in your room so that you can get the best that can harmonize.

In mix and match the color and the theme in your room is also not easy because it needs skills and creativity to do it. Having the interior designer is the perfect solution for you … Read More

Ask Danny | Ep. 14: Answers to Your Homeowners Insurance Questions

This week, Danny Lipford chats with Michelle Tennant from Erie Insurance to discuss how folks can find peace of mind with homeowners insurance. (3 Echoes Content Studio/Erie Insurance)


This week, I’m talking with Michelle Tennant, vice president of Product Management in the Erie Insurance Personal Lines division.

Michelle has been with Erie since 2001 and has helped to develop Erie Insurance’s Auto, Umbrella, and Renters insurance products, as well as its Homeowners insurance coverages.

Erie Insurance has been in business since 1925, and for nearly a century we’ve been providing home, auto, business and life insurance.

We are based in Erie, Penn., and we serve customers in about 12 states. We know insurance can be complicated so with every policy, we have a knowledgeable independent agent within your community that can guide you through the process to get the right coverage for your life.


Insurance policy, seen on a desk beside a pair of reading glasses.
Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event of a disaster. (Mohamad Fazil Bin Ramli/Getty Images)

Why You Need Homeowners Insurance

Every homeowner has homeowners insurance but many don’t know why — what is the purpose of homeowners insurance?

Michelle: Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event something crazy happens, like an accident or weather-related event that damages your home.

At Erie Insurance, we think about this in a few different ways.

First is the home itself — the structure. It would cover the exterior of your home if there is damage.

Next is your personal property. A policy will cover valuable items that are

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