4 Safety Tips to driving in the rainy season

Headlights: Headlights help light up the road and make the road more visible to you and other drivers, so when driving in the rain it’s advised that you utilize them. Most Toyota cars (popular in Nigeria) have fog lights, for more visibility, it’s more difficult to spot a car coming in the opposite direction when they do not use their lights. 

Hydroplaning: Hydroplaning occurs when you drive on wet roads and high speed.. You must ensure not to make sudden motion because you might lose control of your car . It is very important you drive slowly and avoid speeding when there is heavy downpour and don’t drive close to other cars so you won’t have to stop suddenly. 

Windscreen: First of all ensure cracks and damages on your windscreen are fixed immediately. Then ensure your wiper is functioning well and replace old wipers which are sold in traffic all over lagos. They help free your windscreen from clogs and blurring moist. These two steps alone and now you can see 5 times clearer even in a heavy downpour. 

Be alert: Always look out for large vehicles such as trucks and trailers while driving because they lose control during heavy rainstorm and most drivers find it very difficult driving under such wet weather. Always keep some distance from big vehicles on the road at all times when driving to avoid accidents.

The post 4 Safety Tips for Driving During Rainy Season appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

Do you know that the best way to maintain electrical appliances is to perform regular routine maintenance on them?

This is very important because it extends the working lifecycle, improve the performance of the appliances and promote energy efficiency.

A well-maintained electrical appliance works more efficiently, in turn, reducing your utility bills. Further to the benefits already mentioned, proper care of your electrical appliances keeps you and your family safe from accidents.The following are ways to perform routine maintenance on your appliances.

Portable appliance test (PAT): This applies to all electrical appliances and it involves the use of a simple electrical multimeter to check the earthing (grounding) continuity and resistance of the appliance. The resistance is most efficient at 0.4Ω but must be less than 1Ω. The exercise also involves visual inspection of the cable, plug and installation to ascertain their credibility. It helps reduce power consumption, safety risk to the user and electrical damage to the appliances.

The best way to maintain electrical appliances

Ovens: This could be cooking, microwave, toaster etc., oven usage and operations are characterized by food splatters and spills over time.  An oven must be cleaned regularly because charred food and built-up grease accumulate in the oven and convert it into carbon. First, spray your oven fully with water and pour a layer of baking soda paste. Leave it for an hour and then wipe up the paste with a cloth and you will find a shiny and clean oven.

The best way to maintain electrical appliances

Washing machine: decalcify it and change the filter: To ensure your washing machine smell fresh and run optimally, you need to clean it regularly. The inner surface of a machine builds up lime scale caused by hard water. To descale your washing machine, regular cleaning is required. The first step is to run an empty hot water cycle. You can add baking soda to it and then finish the cycle. You can also repeat these steps with white vinegar.

washing machine

Refrigerator: Regular maintenance of the refrigerator is required to ensure that the refrigerator smells good and increase the life cycle of the refrigerator. This process involves defrosting of the refrigerator, avoid the use of electrical appliance to defrost. Once the ice is dissolved, clean the freezer with a towel or sponge to soak up the defrosted water. Make sure that water does not seep into the temperature selector, drain hole and channel while cleaning.

www.fieldcolimited.com

The post How well do you maintain your electrical appliance? appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

“In what way?” some may ask, while others might just jump to the conclusion that emotions are an innate component of the human race and therefore not much of a debate to be had in that regard. However when you consider the extent of the power of our emotions and the impact it has on so many facets of life, it might be worth reading on to determine the debate for yourself.

Research findings suggest that our emotions and feelings play a decisive role in purchasing which is often triggered by seeing a product or upon exposure to a well-crafted promotional message.  Most times our decision to purchase or choose a property (in this context) or not, depends on motives which are most times dependent on thoughts, urges, feelings or emotions. If emotions are so powerful,then there is every likelihood that from time to time you maybe be losing out on an ideal choice because of the extent to which you have allowed your emotions to play a role in your decisions.

Have you taken time to think about why you decided to spend more money on your ‘Dream home’ instead of choosing the other house presented to you by your agent? Can you honestly say your decisions were as a result of thorough research and considerations such as economy and social knowledge? Or have you relied solely on instinct?

According to IBM Magazine, it is said that buyers do not make logical, rational decisions; they make emotional decisions and then justify those decisions after.  As an emotional buyer, you are most likely to negotiate less effectively therefore cheating yourself. Emotional intelligence therefore is key. It is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and to harness those emotions when applying them to tasks like thinking and problem solving.

Now that we know this, let us consider how we can reduce the effect of our emotions when it comes to making a major decision especially in real estate.  First, we need to be aware of what emotions are triggered and augmented when we hear the glossy and enticing words of the sales person to leading us into the purchase of that property or when making that decision to move in.

Your emotions may stem from the interplay of any of the following:

1. Greed. “If I make a decision now, I will be rewarded.”
2. Fear. “If I don’t make a decision now, I’m toast.”
3. Altruism. “If I make a decision now, I will help others.”
4. Envy. “If I don’t make a decision now, my competition will win.”
5. Pride. “If I make a decision now, I will look smart.”
6. Shame. “If I don’t make a decision now, I will look stupid.”
7. Love

So what do you need to do in order to control your emotions from superseding your logical, rational reasoning and robbing you off your hard earned Naira?

Here are a few suggestion we recommend:

• Don’t be bullied by time: It is okay to fall in love with a property but don’t give yourself unnecessary pressure. Take time to mull over it.
• Keep emotional attachment at arm’s length: This might be easier in theory than in reality but it is advised that you come with a plan and an expectation of what you want. Focus is highly important here.
• Gut/Instinct: This doesn’t work all the time and should not be solely depended on. Research, have a plan and Stay focus on it. You need to ask certain questions such as the type and size of the house, how close is it to a school, grocery store, the bus stop or the most you are willing to pay etc. If you are buying it with a partner, then you both have to agree on a mutual criteria so at the end of the day, you are both singing the same song to the agent.
• Analyse: We assume that you would have taken pictures and written certain things about the different properties that have been shown to you. However be sure, to look at the pros and cons of all of the properties you have visited, compare prices, best features for each of them and which one meets your most important criteria. This will give you a clearer view.

Once you have completed these recommended steps, you’ll notice that your emotions are nicely tucked in the backseat of your mind giving way for a more rational, logical and better choice.   Decision making in real estate can be daunting, overwhelming and scary but a grounded approach to such decision takes the edge off the process.

Our Property Transactions team, are skilled in helping you make informed and grounded choices about your real estate needs.  If you are currently seeking to make a decision in real estate, then contact us for advice and guidance.

ptg@fieldcolimited.com

The post Emotional Intelligence in Real Estate appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

It is mind boggling to me that investors, landlords and occupiers having spent money on a property seem to lack further interest in ensuring that its value, quality and looks are kept intact.    I had a discussion recently with someone who seemed knowledgeable and whilst discussing the capex and opex of owning and operating a car, they dropped the bomb shell that “I don’t have to maintain the car because I bought a very good ‘Tokunboh’ (oversea used) car”.

It made me think.  If people can have such attitudes towards a high maintenance item such as a car, what are their view towards property which has greater longevity? Surely to think that a property and its facilities will last another 365 days without complete failure is folly? For landlords and property investors especially, having a well maintained property is essential to their property remaining competitive and attractive in the property market.

The word maintenance is widely used but done so loosely without a full understanding of the term. In simple terms:

Maintenance is everything that we need to do or not to do to ensure an asset, equipment or gadget is fit for purpose every time throughout its life cycle.  There are two main types of maintenance; Proactive and Reactive maintenance.

Proactive maintenance is about ensuring assets do not break down and are fit for purpose throughout their life cycle. There are two main types of proactive maintenance- preventive and predictive maintenance.

Preventive maintenance involves establishing the lifespan of the components of the equipment and replacing them shortly before the expiring date whether or not they are bad. The expiring date is usually advised by the manufacturer, imposed by statutory bodies or recommended professional bodies. For example, changing the engine oil of a generator after it has ran at 100 hours irrespective of whether the oil is good or bad. Another example is the servicing of an AC component at three month intervals whether or not they are dirty or require servicing. The benefit of this type of proactive maintenance is that it reduces the failure rate of the equipment to the barest minimum.  This maintenance is recommended for sensitive and important assets, the disadvantage however is that this approach can be quite costly and not cost efficient.

Predictive maintenance involves confirming from time to time if the component(s) of an asset requires maintenance based on the recommended specification for the component. The confirmation is done using test equipment and trade experience etc. This can be a good maintenance strategy for cost efficiency although it is not as effective as preventive maintenance.

Reactive maintenance is doing what is necessary to repair or replace an asset(s) to make it fit for purpose. In this case, it means that the asset can no longer perform the purpose it was installed for without repair, e.g. a generator shuts down and refuses to start or a leaking tap in the kitchen sink etc.

Run to failure is a special form of reactive maintenance used for equipment that are not essential or assets that are more expensive to maintain than to replace. In this instance, the equipment is used until it has reached the peak of its wear and tear before changing it. A good example is the bulb we use in our homes.

The most advisable type of maintenance strategy is the Reliability Centered Maintenance strategy (RCM). This involves the right mix of all the above mentioned maintenance strategies based on the critical condition of the equipment, maintenance cost versus replacement cost and availability of maintenance service experts. This method is very effective and efficient and can be used in all types and forms of facilities.

The existence of all property assets and the building itself require effective maintenance to elongate their lifespan, to be fit for purpose, and to perform their set objectives. The choice of maintenance is greatly dependent on the knowledge and experience of the users or facilities managers and the availability of the right resources.

Whatever strategy you choose to adopt, it is important to note that maintenance is a vital necessity and not to be left to chance, which in many cases is also a cheaper option than breakdowns and emergencies.

By Oladipupo Bakare (Lead Property Manager)

Our property management team applies the RCM strategy and keeps robust records of maintenance to ensure the best service to our landlord clients and residents.  If you have need of maintenance for your property you can contact us at pmg@fieldcolimited.com where we will be happy to assist you.

The post A Maintenance Culture Left to Chance. appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

When we think about the fact that most of our lives is spent more at work than with our families and friends, it is imperative that the health of your employees are properly addressed and catered to effectively.  Doing so increases productivity, as a happy and rested workforce is one that is energized and enthusiastic about working.  It also reduces absenteeism and improves staff retention.

To ensure that the office environment is conducive, we share below some things you can implement into your office space.  Your office space must factor in healthy environments with the provision of passive features such as air quality and light and should also include active features which encourage certain behaviours such as exercise and good nutrition.

AIR QUALITY:

Indoor air quality is top of the list when it comes to providing a conducive office space.  Poor air quality can have serious health impacts on people particularly those with respiratory problems and allergies.  Therefore seek to install proper ventilation and air filtration in the office that can ensure purified outdoor air and that can effectively remove pollution from source to provide good air quality. Also enhanced humidity control should be installed to eliminate unhealthy biological growth.

LIGHTING:

Lighting has been scientifically proven to have specific effects on our alertness levels and circadian rhythm – our natural body internal clock.  Proper changing of light at the right time is the key to keeping our circadian rhythm balanced, which is why when we are in a place where there is bright light or on a sunny day, we generally feel good and energetic, contrary to when we are in a dim or dark place. Quality of lighting is also important to avoid headaches and tension on the eyes, particularly when in front of the computer or having to do a lot of reading. To make the office a conducive environment, install circadian lighting, which is lighting that emulates or at least complements the natural cycle of light and dark and works in tandem with natural daylight to provide the perfect balance.  Lighting should no longer been seen as a basic feature or as just an aesthetic feature, it should be properly consulted on to ensure the best type of lighting suited for your office.

LANDSCAPING AND PLANTS:

Spending hours on end in a lifeless environment can never do our mental health and well-being any good.  A typical office is filled with machines, books and other innate office objects that provide very little connection with nature.  As humans we are inherently nature lovers and thrive on being in environments that gets us as close to nature as possible.  Therefore having greenery in and outside of the office space improves the quality of the physical environments we occupy. Where possible provide a garden or green space outside of the office that can be a work break space or at least provide serene views for moments of downtime in the office.  Office plants are a great way to infuse nature into your space no matter how small or big and is an easy way to connect your employees to the natural environment.

MOBILITY:

It has now become a common fact that a sedentary life is a health risk that increases the chances of heart disease and premature death.  Research from a study reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that there is a 29 percent of increased risk of dying from heart disease if we sit for more than 6 hours a day.  This is an astonishing fact that cannot be ignored.  We have already established the amount of time the average employee works in the office and can estimate that the large part of that time is spent sitting in front of a screen.  For an office space that is conducive for your employees, it must provide them with opportunities and activities that will encourage them to get out of their seats regularly during the day.  Practical alterations to locations of water filters, photocopiers and printers etc can subtly get staff moving.  Some of the more innovative ideas practiced by more forward thinking companies have been providing meeting rooms where attendees stand and work stations without seats, some offices provide gyms and fitness programs and incorporate them into the work day.  Use your office space to be creative about encouraging more movement.

Changing your office space into a more conducive environment is an investment and one that requires the right attitude and desire to want to improve the health and wellness of your employees. Making the needed changes does not have to be expensive, nor difficult to deliver, however there must be a commitment to the implementation to bring about the success.  Physical improvements in the office to improve well-being is a collaborative effort of all stakeholders and a cultural adjustment in the office.

If you are interested in thinking differently about how your workplace can better support your office investment and/or your workforce, contact us for your property needs.

www.fieldcolimited.com.

Twitter: @fieldcolimited

Instagram: @fieldcolimited

Linkedin: Fieldco limited

The post How Conducive Is Your Office Environment? appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

In our line of business we see many homes on a daily basis some of which are appealing and inviting and others not.  So what makes a home the right home to invest in or live in?  Well aside from the obvious such as location, structural build and price, we believe that the aesthetics of a home also play a key role in making that  all very crucial decision.

Below we share with you some tips on how you can ensure that your home is looking great and how to make your home more attractive and inviting to investors, buyers, tenants or just your family and friends.

1. Choose the right colours. Many people under estimate the power of colour and are unaware that colours can invoke certain emotions and reactions in people.  There have been countless property viewings in which clients are instantly repelled by the property due to the choice colour painted on the walls, this invariably means that the client will incur further costs  to repaint, if the property is chosen.  It is imperative therefore that careful consideration is given to the choice of colours in a property.  Typically it is recommended that cool colours such as blues, greens and purples should be used for bedrooms and warmer colours like grey, red and beige should be used for rooms like the living room or dining room.  We are sharing more tips on suitable colours for various rooms in the home on our Twitter and Instagram pages this month of May, so if you are interested in finding out more information on this be sure to follow on both our social media platforms @fieldcolimited.

2. Making the most of a tight space. Although not a typical feature with Nigerian homes, there is a growing trend now of building smaller sized apartments and houses as opposed to properties that were built 10 or 20 years ago with generously sized rooms.  Room sizes are indeed getting smaller.  This can pose a constraint if you do not know how to maximize the space that you have.  Some of the ways that you can divert attention from small spaces is by creating an illusion of a more open and larger space.  For example:

• Avoid bold patterns or overstuffed furniture.
• Choose a few large pieces rather than several smaller ones.
• Use mirrors and glass to create reflections and bounce light around the space.
• Hang curtains higher above the window frame to give the illusion of higher ceilings, which will make your space appear larger.
• Also if you want your ceiling to look higher, then painting it a darker colour will produce that effect.

3. Give your home a good vibe. There is always a feeling one gets when entering a space or a property.  The human antenna picks up vibes and energy which can determine how comfortable we feel being in an environment.  To ensure that your home is mood boosting, steer clear of clutter.  Clutter invokes stress and disorder.  When a home is filled with so many things it can lead to agitation and irritation.  Flowers are also an ideal way to freshen your home but also to create a pleasant feel to your home.  They brighten up a room and add life. Fresh flowers might be a challenge or expensive to get regularly, however nice realistic faux flowers will also work well particularly when put in a nice elegant vase.

4. Garden space. The outside space of a property also matters, this goes beyond having parking space, swimming pools or tennis lawns. How about garden space? Nothing invokes a relaxing and meditative mode more than a garden or at the very least a section outside dedicated to greenery and plants.  The presence of potted plants and nature have positive psychological effects and health benefits as well as adding a peaceful ambiance to your home.

There are of course many more ways that your home can be made appealing and attractive, and without unnecessary expense.  All of our tips shared above can be implemented with minimal expenditure and time.  Making your home more attractive does not have to mean undertaking major renovation or redesigning.  Be creative with your space and infuse personality and energy into your home.

For the whole month of May we will be sharing a lot more home improvement tips so be sure to stay tuned by following our social media platforms.

The post How To Make Your Home More Attractive. appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

With the current economic downturn in Nigeria, which has caused many sectors of the economy great strain, but which has also opened up great opportunities for self-reliance, is sustainability set to become the new trend across the different sectors, especially real estate?

There is no doubt that from this point forward it can no longer be business as usual if we are to see the resurrection of our economy any time soon and if sectors and industries are to survive this storm.  In Nigeria we now have to learn to use our own resources and to do so wisely which brings to mind the issue of sustainability.  Sustainability is embedded in the notion that as we strive to meet the needs of the present generation, we take care to ensure that we do so without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their own needs.  Clearly Nigeria has not operated on this principle in the most optimal way and is now being forced to start taking this concept much further than just a global ideology.

So what does this have to do with real estate? A lot, is the short answer to this question.

Property and construction in general has the largest single share in global environmental degradation and impairment of human well-being.  Buildings play a tremendous role in the huge share of energy, electricity, water and materials that is consumed in our world today.  However at the same time, the construction sector has the greatest potential to deliver significant cuts in CO2 emissions and to inspire a whole new trend of energy efficiency and waste minimization worldwide especially in the much needed parts of the world like Nigeria. There are ample opportunities right now for the Nigerian real estate to start looking more closely at the development of ‘green’ buildings and construction.   Not only does this introduce the reduction of the overall impact of built up areas on human health and the natural environment by more efficient use of energy, water, and other resources, to reduce waste, pollution and environmental degradation, this ultimately also translates to the bottom line of cost savings.  Actions by developers to use renewable energy, reduce waste, conserve water and recycle building materials are grounded in economic decisions to help reduce operating expenses and to mitigate energy price risks.  Simply put, sustainable practices in real estate builds value.

Sustainability is not just another trend to start in Nigeria, but one that can deeply impact the real estate business over the long term. It entails more than just eco-friendly measures, it entails a much wider scale impact across the board. For example the work and home environment is enhanced by better air quality, less noise pollution and greater access to natural light in sustainable buildings which generally tends to lead to increase in productivity levels. A more productive work force equates to a better economy overall.

Waste minimization and less dependency on increasingly scarce and expensive fossil resources lowers operation costs. The fuel scarcity that is consistently repeated in Nigeria is a clear advocate for more sustainable means of operation in real estate. Volatile energy make for the increasingly attractive introduction of more affordable green technologies in construction and for more energy saving materials.  The current economic climate has certainly caused a shift towards sustainable real estate.

Tenant demand for greener homes and workplaces will also become among the strongest drivers in the move towards more sustainable real estate. With service charges typically being part of the top operating expenses for buildings and tenants, sustainable buildings that can conserve up to 30% on average more than conventional buildings will obviously become more attractive for tenants. For property owners and investors satisfying these tenant demands yields the benefits of increased occupancy rates which make it easier for higher rent reviews in the future and thereby eventually resulting in higher building values.

There is however the flip side of the business case for greener buildings and a sustainable real estate, which is that the initial construction costs and even costs of retro-fitting properties to become sustainable buildings are exorbitantly high.  It is true that green buildings are often slightly more costly to construct but typically they have proven to be less expensive to maintain and operate in the long run, so the total costs over the life of the property are in fact less.  Available data shows that sustainable buildings do command higher rents and lower vacancies, lease quicker, and have lower energy and other operating expenses than conventional buildings, together yielding greater net incomes.

Perhaps as inevitable as sustainable real estate seems to be the only way to progressively move forward in Nigerian real estate, it is without much surprise that such change will not come easily.  Costs implications, expertise and technology will no doubt present the challenge to this change, but even small steps towards the recognition of greater sustainability measures in the real estate sector is still some form of victory in a long drawn battle.

Fieldco is an advocate of sustainable measures, our property management team remain trained and abreast of energy saving means of managing our facilities and seek to educate on and implement sustainable strategies on all our properties.

For further information of our services, we can be contacted on customerservice@fieldcolimited.com

The post Sustainability And The Shift Towards Sustainable Real Estate. appeared first on Fieldco Limited.

There is a bubbling of this happening in Nigeria, particularly in the mega city of Lagos.  We have begun to witness new property developments that are set on taking real estate in Nigeria up to another level entirely, by  ensuring that their properties have those ‘stand out’ characteristics.

New developments like the Eko Atlantic City, (which has been dubbed to be the Manhattan of Lagos), 4 Bourdilon- a 25-storey building of luxury apartments on Bourdilon Road and Landmark Village a “state-of-the art development on 38,000 sqm along the Atlantic Ocean waterfront” are redefining architecture as we have know it in Nigeria.

This change is refreshing and very much welcomed.  The real estate in Nigeria, whilst a thriving sector for the economy has been fraught with problems about quality of construction and finishing as well lack of maintenance. This new evolution of ultra modern construction and architectural aesthetics will no doubt force standards to rise, paralleling international standards and usher in a new era of comparable real estate with the rest of the world.

As niche players in the realm of luxury real estate, we get frequent requests for ‘ultimate’ luxury homes and technologically savvy office space, this makes us certain that the new evolution of ultra modern real estate in Nigeria will indeed become the shape of things to come in the future.  We have an extensive portfolio of high end luxurious properties that we market and manage which will be sure to expand into more of these new ultra modern developments coming up.  If you are looking to market your property or seeking accommodation or office space that is a cut above the rest, then send us an email at customerservice@fieldcolimited.com or  visit http://www.fieldcolimited.com/property-listing/

The post The Ultra Modern Evolution Of Nigerian Real Estate. appeared first on Fieldco Limited.