#MyBachelorPad continues… The Kitchen ‘Power Up’.

Posted on July 29, 2013 by DarrynLee

In the past I have always been put off by white kitchens and at first I knew it needed a boost. Only recently (thanks to my bro @KyleWilliamLee’s obsession with superhero characters) did I decide on a ‘superhero’ themed kitchen. I mean if it is going to be slightly cheesy then the kitchen is the place, right?

If you recall my first post on #MyBachelorPad a little while ago, the kitchen is relatively cool but it is missing something. Here is a pic of the kitchen currently, fairly modern but minimal character. This shall be the before pic.

This is where the magic happens.

The plan is to paint the white area behind the clock red which will continue in the open shelves below as a red background. At this point I am no sure if this will be replicated on the right side wall behind the dustbin.

If you look below this is the first of four comic framed images which will find a home on the red wall behind the clock. 4 different comic covers of 4 different superheros. And that’s where it stops at this point.

Any ideas or suggestions to add to the theme? Sound off in the comments or drop me a mail in Let’s Talk.

These comic framed images are available from Get Graphic at Canal Walk – Details: http://www.canalwalk.co.za/shop.htm?shopMGID=33082

Financing Your First Home Sweet Home, In Short.

Posted on July 11, 2013 by DarrynLee

Purchasing your first home is one of the most important commitments you will ever make. The majority of us are not conveyancers or property specialists and there is a digital mountain of information out there on the process and what is required of you. I had no experience on this and searched numerous sites and forums for information and at first was very confusing.

All that I knew from the start was how much I could afford on a monthly basis based on the ABSA repayment calculators. It is also important that you have an idea of how much deposit you are able to put down on the bond for the property. This will affect your bond approval and what repayment you are afforded. The banks currently favour first time buyers for approvals BUT all this means nothing if you do not have a good credit rating.

If you have short payed or missed a monthly payment on any credit account or loan it will reflect badly on your profile. This will negatively affect your application and more than likely return declined. Pay your bills people, it’s the right thing to do.

The first step in purchasing your first home would be sourcing a credit profile to make sure you are credit worthy. The bank will not lend you money if you have a bad record for paying current loans. If you do not have a credit history, the first thing to do is apply for a retail account such as Stuttafords or Edgars clothing account. Build up a credit history with perfect payments and you will be set for the application process.

Legally you are allowed one free credit profile per year which is available at any reputable credit bureau. I sourced mine from Experian™ credit bureau. {URL in image below}

The next step entails making an offer on the property (assuming you have found the property your heart desires) which involves a legal document called a Deed of Sale or simply an Offer To Purchase aka OTP. This needs to be vetted by an attorney or conveyancer as this document is legally binding and details all the terms and conditions for the sale.

Once the Deed of Sale has been agreed on and signed, you can proceed to the bank and apply for the bond.

In short –>

Save, save, save for a sizable deposit on the property.
Build a good credit history with on time payments.
Work out an affordable monthly budget for the repayments.
Make an offer on the property by means of an Offer to Purchase or Deed of Sale.
Once agreed and signed (OTP), head to your bank and apply for the bond.
On approval, the transfer and bond attorneys will be in touch for you to furnish required documents and sign bond papers.
Lodgement to the deeds office can take up to 18 days so its a waiting game.
On Registration fees are due to the transfer and bond attorneys. (You are looking at around R20,000 for both but this depends on the price of the property and excludes Transfer Duties)

The whole process can take up to 3 months so prepare for a long winded period of patience and correspondence.

I have banked with ABSA for more than 15 years so it was an easy decision to go with my current bank. They afforded me an excellent interest rate (which was below prime) and the service was fantastic – I was notified about the approval within 2 days!

Have any questions? Feel free to pop over to Let’s Talk or Sign off in the comments.

For more information or to apply for the ABSA FlexiReserve Home loan visit URL in image below –>

Lighting, Camera, Action.

Posted on July 4, 2013 by DarrynLee

Now this might be a little over the top but it definitely trumps the generic table lamp. I would prefer this as a floor lamp with considerably larger height next to a leather sofa. Nevertheless, a cool and retro fit for any bachelor pad.

Available ON SALE at 5Rooms.com for R492.26 –> http://www.5rooms.com/homeware/campaigns-homeware/lighting-in-a-Flash/eurolux-cinema-tripod-table-lamp-11302.html

Cinema Tripod Table Lamp from 5Rooms.com

Description:

This Eurolux table lamp is made of wood and metal and includes an inline switch. Please purchase one E27 bulb with a maximum of 40W and 220 – 240V.

Features:

Cinema style table lamp
Tripod stand
Inline switch
Requires 1 x E27 max 40W 220 – 240V which is not included

The Ultimate Bachelor Bar Fridge: Marshall Fridge

Posted on July 2, 2013 by DarrynLee

The Marshall Bar Fridge, insanely cool & a must for any bachelor pad right?

I have been on the look out for a small bar fridge to fit in my pad but lets be serious, there is not much choice when it comes to styles or designs. It’s either white, black, silver, blue and if you want to pay extra you can have a flag design on the front door. That just does not do it for me. I need something with major attitude and this Marshall speaker inspired Bar fridge does the trick.

Unfortunately it is only available in the US and shipping to SA would cost an arm and a leg so it might not be a reality just yet. There was a contest to win a unit but that has ended. *assumes fetal position*

Check it out – you’ll thank me once you have –> marshallfridge.com/

BRING HOME A
LEGEND. From the main stage to the man cave, the Marshall Fridge was born to rock. And with worldwide shipping included, the coolest Marshall can now be yours.

Fake Grass Is Definitely Greener.

Posted on June 29, 2013 by DarrynLee

Now this has been a long and useless debate in the family – Fake grass vs Real grass? Is fake grass cheating and for the lazy? Or for the environment conscious?

Personally I think it is a great alternative. Fake (or synthetic if you wish) grass saves on water usage and prevents wastage. It is environmentally friendly, affordable and suitable for all pets. AND it stays green all year round!

So why not? I like the idea so much that I want to install the stuff on my bathroom floor. A whole 2 square metres of it. I have shopped around and managed to source an option through a family member. It comes in sections of 4 square metres and costs around R100 per sqm on average. This also depends on the type and height you are after.

I will need to have it cut to fit under and around the toilet but otherwise a fairly low cost endeavour. When it comes to hygiene there is no problem – it is durable and made for outdoors and it can be taken out and washed/rinsed when needed.

The throne.

Its a win win really. I found a few images online (not many) of examples where the grass has been used indoors. What do you think?

A grass bath?

Indoor grass picnic.

#MyBachelorPad Gallery

Gallery

Posted on June 26, 2013 by DarrynLee

This gallery contains 5 photos.

So here they are, the before photos. The apartment is only 36 sqm so space is a luxury. The previous owner cleverly raised the living room and bedroom area which creates a different level to the kitchen. Smart! Everything you … Continue reading →

#MyBachelorPad. To Be Continued… [VIDEO]

Posted on June 26, 2013 by DarrynLee

Ever since I lived in London I have wanted to live in a city. Mostly for the convenience of location but also because I have a longing to live in New York. For now Cape Town is the closest option.

After months of initially searching rentals, I eventually decided to make a momentous commitment and buy a flat… in the city.

Found my dream starter flat in a historic building in the city centre at an absolute steal. A bargain actually – I was lucky.

Here she is – small but adequate with loads of potential. I plan to fix it up, wall by wall and item by item. On this page I will document each and every fix and renovation and give you ideas and options to hopefully do the same to yours. Feel free to lend your ideas, I’m open to all options and styles.

For now, it is perfect. Take a look..

To be continued…

MISTERRAZZLEDAZZLE.com

Category Archives: My Bachelor Pad.