4 Etiquette Rules Every Landlord Should Observe

When it comes to home investments, it is up to the owner on what they want to do with the property. They can either live in it or have it as a generated income. Perhaps, there are even some of you here invested in Davao apartments and have it rented out, right? But before deciding to have it as your source of extra income, there are things you should know about what and what not to do when you are a landlord.

As a landlord, there are also a lot of responsibilities that you need to observe to avoid any misunderstandings between you and the tenant. Generally, being a landlord is not that hard as you think it is. For as long as you are you’re doing the duties of being a landlord properly, then there will be no problems at all. But if you’re planning to have that kind of investment yet you don’t have any idea of being a landlord at all, then you might want to refer these things you should observe.

1. Find good tenants

This is one of the most important things you must consider if you want to have a peaceful investment. You better find a good tenant to avoid headaches in the long run. Moreover, if you think that that particular tenant can’t be trusted when it comes to a written or verbal agreement, don’t waste your time entertaining and welcoming them into your apartment. There are still a lot of people out there who can be a good tenant. Be patient and carefully select a good one.

2. Give proper notice

Aside from the written agreement that you made, you should also not forget to notify your tenant whenever there are changes you want to make. Notifying your tenants will prevent you from a heated argument with them. Of course, if there are changes that your tenants would like to complain, at least you heard their side of the story. Perhaps, there are circumstances that prevent them from doing such. And giving a proper notice will give both parties the chance to understand both sides. This is also important when you want to terminate a tenant, at least they will have enough time to find another apartment space to rent.

3. Make timely repairs

One way or another, there will be times that your tenant would request a repair. Perhaps, a leak in the bathroom needs some repair. And a good landlord would attend to the request of their tenant immediately. Of course, this is also one way you can show to them that you care and value their stay. Additionally, if there are things you want your tenants to clarify when it comes to the damages in the apartment, you should both come up with an agreement to make sure it is going to be a win-win situation.

4. Respect your tenants

Of course, this goes without saying. If you want your tenants to respect you too, then you should respect your tenants. If they have a different culture, then you have to respect them for who and what they are. In this way, you tenants would love to stay longer in your apartment. And if both parties value respect with one another, there will be no problem at all.

Advice for the tenants

If you are a tenant, there are also responsibilities that you need to observe. One is to follow the policies your landlord gave to avoid misunderstandings on both sides. Moreover, if you want to have a peaceful living in the apartment, then you better follow the guidelines provided. And if you have some confusion about the agreement especially when it comes to the monthly dues, then don’t hesitate to ask your landlord about it. With this, you will be able to stay and live without something to worry about.

 

Condo Living 101: Controlling Four Common Pest Infestations

A clean and spotless house is the epitome of having a healthy family.

The cleanliness of the very environment in which you foster and raise children in, cultivate relationships with one another and forge memories plays a very pivotal role in the kind of health its residents would have. And as it is, a house that does not get enough cleaning and maintenance is a precarious place that would possibly generate diseases and a breeding ground for common pests as well. These pests may seem like innocent and unwanted roommate of yours, but more often than not they can be more sinister than your ordinary trespasser as these pests may bring various ailments and infirmities into your home.

If you are a renter, this issue is commonly the landlord predicament, but if you are on your own, you are not left with much of choice but to be aware of how to handle it on your own. See the list below for a few tips on how to get rid of these uninvited guests.

1.) ANTS

Do not automatically dismiss ants as pests as they can be somewhat beneficial. Ants kill more dangerous pests such as fleas and bedbugs that could be detrimental to your health. However, if you are keen on keeping a pest-free home, then the main thing you should consider is that ants are drawn to food. Naturally, one way of getting rid of them is to make sure you do not leave any exposed food out. Additionally, you can get rid of them by applying scents such as cinnamon in places where they are commonly found.

2.) FRUIT FLIES

Fruit flies are known for being a constant source of vexation when they are buzzing about while you are enjoying your food and they certainly do have an effect on your appetite. Get rid of them simply by utilizing a trap you can craft yourself. Simple pour apple cider vinegar in a shallow dish and add just a drop of dish soap and add a bit of water to it. Wrap the top with plastic and poke a few holes which would be big enough for the flies to get through. The vinegar will bait these pests, but the dish soap will trap them.

3.) RATS/MICE

Of all the rodents that a homeowner or a condo unit owner has mice and rats are ones, they fear the most. Having them in your place of dwelling would make you an irresponsible and reprehensible homeowner as having them is the pinnacle of house filthiness. However, it is inevitable that these rodents would turn up in homes but getting rid of them is very straightforward. As they are attracted to peanut butter, simply putting that on a mouse trap would allow you to catch the rodent. Alternatively, you can try spraying peppermint on a couple of cotton balls and place them on their various entry points as the smell would deter them from entering.

4.) SPIDERS

 

Like mats and rice, spiders cannot stand the smell of peppermint oil. However, if your spider infestation would require more stringent measures, then you may need to spray a residual insecticide on the corners and cracks of your condo unit or condo. This will stop these pests in their tracks.
As a condo unit owner, understanding how to get rid of these space invaders for good is an integral part of maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of our residences—an imperative aspect when it comes to a healthy home and lifestyle. Remember, the swankiest and lushest condo unit whether in QC or wherever would be an uninhabitable place to live in when it is fraught with pests. After all, a dirty home is home to diseases and these pests– no matter how luxurious.

For Homeowners: Morning Rituals You Should Try to Become a Winner

 

 

One way or another, our home plays a big role in achieving our goals in life. And whether you realize it or not, the activities we do at home can also affect our attitude for the entire day. That only means, your day will always start and ends at home. But let’s face it! It is not all the times we encounter happy moments at home. Sometimes, we need to reevaluate the things that caused a gap or tension around our home.

Although problems may be around the corner, successful people won’t allow such unwanted situation to ruin their day. It doesn’t matter if you are living in a condo in BGC, Taguig, you too can have a good morning vibes. But the real question is – HOW?

Basically, starting your day right at home is not that hard as you think it is. Although there are times that you need to adjust to adapt the situation you are in, then you must also know that there are also certain ways where you can follow to make sure that you can achieve the desired outcome. And to give you some ideas, below are some morning rituals or things most successful people do at home.

They wake up before or just after the sun rises with ease

Always remember that morning is important. It can either break or make your day. If you are not keen enough on doing the right thing every morning, then you might not like the way you start your day. However, successful people avoid such unwanted situations by getting up early before or just after the sun rises. Just so you know that you can always get good vibes and other benefits when you wake up early since it put your mind at ease and prevents you from panicking when it comes to time management.

They revisit their to-do list made the night before

One of the nature humans have is being forgetful. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t mend it, right? That is why having a to-do list is one of the important things you need to have. It’s not just about taking down notes, but it also helps you to remember the things you need to do for the day. And revisiting it the night before makes sure that you don’t forget important things or tasks. Moreover, for you not to be confused, you better check the tasks that you have finished working with.

They get active

Successful people don’t just settle for a norm. They tend to seek constant change in everything they do. That is why engaging in physical activities makes them feel energetic and productive to every task they do. Moreover, engaging in an active lifestyle would also mean they are physically and mentally fit to do the everyday tasks. Well, there are actually a lot of activities you can engage with. You can do some exercise such as running, a 7-minute full body workout, 20-minute yoga session or a 30-minute jog around your neighborhood. This will keep your body fit for the day.

They do something that reminds them of their goals

One thing that most successful people never forget is to set their focus on their goals. And one thing that helps them remember such is doing something that would keep them in mind that they have something to reach and that is their aim. The more they are focused on their goal, the more chances they will be most likely to get what they want in life. That is why they tend to start their mornings with activities that would draw them closer to their goals.

They update their knowledge bank

Every day is a learning day. Yes, cliché as it may seem, but this holds dear and true to every successful people. Although they may have a lot of experience already, they still strive to learn something new each day from the people around them. Moreover, they also tend to read books that would help them gain more knowledge on a particular topic. That is why they will always find a way to learn something out from everything they observed.

Home Security 101: Five Essential Things to Have and Do

My house is my refuge, an emotional piece of architecture, not a cold piece of convenience. ~Luis Barragan

Our homes, may it be the cheapest house and lot in Laguna, the Philippines, are our personal sanctuaries where we should feel most safe, protected and at home. It is that one place that we can count on to shelter and shield us from any harm that the outside world may bring upon us. The living spaces we reside in do not only function as dwellings but safe places where we can foster the growth of our children, nurture and cultivate relationships and serve as the comfortable respite from the day’s activities.

This is why any form of breach into our private refuges is the pinnacle of any homeowner’s trepidation and anxiety. It matters not whether you are living in a lush estate or elsewhere because burglars do not discriminate. When they see an opportunity to steal, they will steal.

Installation of home security equipment and gadgets may be a way to discourage unsavory, uninvited guests and pilferers from marking your home as their next potential target. And though installation of these state of the art devices would allay your fears of possibly having your house burgled, complementing them with classic security measures would be your home’s best avenue for security.

And the great thing is? Some of these would not even cost you anything at all.

1.) Update exterior locks

Deadbolts may look clunky and may seem outdated, but they should be the primary lock when it comes to your exterior doors as this is the primary door that separates your home from the outside. Your throw bolt which is the part that enters the door frame should extend deep into the frame.

It does not stop there, however. You should also make sure that your windows (especially the old ones) have window locks installed that still work well.

2.) Choose solid doors

When it comes to exterior doors, you should not want anything fancy such as glass doors which are not only easy to break but would give potential miscreants and thieves a peek into what they can potentially steal from your homes.

Exterior doors should be made entirely from wood or are otherwise wood covered or enclosed in a steel shell. Additionally, these doors should not be weaker than the lock you place on it.

3.) Consider having a dog

Dogs do not only function as your furry and cuddly pet companions, but they can also serve as your home’s chief insecurity as well. They do not have to be incredibly huge to deter robbers from raiding your homes as their bark would be enough to prevent thieves.

Dogs are known to be loyal to their owners and would easily recognize who is an unwelcome guest. Alternatively, if you are allergic to dogs, you can install security alarms that would mimic a dog’s bark.

4.) Trim areas where robbers may potentially hide

Having a beautiful lawn can aesthetically augment any home, but having an unkempt one can be to your disadvantage. Bushes, shrubs, and trees positioned near doors and windows can be tricky spots for robbers. This way they should be routinely trimmed and cut down. Thieves can easily hide behind these plants and go undetected.

5.) Have safety

If there is an imperative need to invest in anything that would contribute to home security, acquiring a safe should be your first bet. These safes do not only function as an obstacle for your thieves in accessing pivotal documents and items, but they also keep those precious items in case of a fire which effectively doubles its purpose.

Should you have documents (marriage certificates/licenses, birth certificates, social security cards) and small items of great value (jewelry and spare cash for instance), placing them inside a safe is the best way to conceal them or if discoveredkeep them from falling into a thief’s hands.

 

Home Living: The 5 Golden Rules For Effective Family Bonding

Have you ever remember when the last time you bond with your family was? Perhaps, not all of us are able to maintain the pace of the “You-Family” relationship considering how busy we are at school or from work. Generally, you are not alone in this matter. There are actually a lot of us here who forgot about the bond that we should keep. It doesn’t matter if choose to live in any properties in Ayala Land Philippines, there is no reason for you not to bring back the times where the bond is unbreakable.

A lot of you here might wonder “Why do we need to bring back the times?” Remember, you can’t call your house a home if there is no love in it. Nobody would like to live in a place where all you can hear or see are the fights of your family members. Right? That is why there should be a time where you and your family would bond – even if there are no problems at all.

For some, this might be a challenge for them. Perhaps, they just don’t know what and where to start. Basically, creating a bond with your family is not as hard as you think it is. And to give you some ideas, below are some simple yet effective golden rules when it comes to family bonding at home.

1. Eat dinner together

It is understandable that you may not eat breakfast or lunch together since some of you might not have the same time in on their office or school. However, you also have to make sure that at least at dinner time, you can all eat together. Why? Because it is on the kitchen table where you can gather and share some thoughts with each other. This can also be the time how good your family member can cook. And whether you realize it or not, there are actually a lot of activities you can do while eating a good and satisfying dinner.

2. Watch movie together

This is one of the most effective ways to bond with your family. Through watching movies in the living room, you can share your thoughts about the movie. Moreover, watching your favorite movie is fun. How much more when you have your family members around? It would definitely be more fun than ever. Well, just make sure that you all agreed on what to watch for your family to relate such kind of movie genre.

3. Take time to sit and talk

This might be a little bit awkward for some people, but this is also one of the most effective ways to keep your relationship with your family. If you think that there is something wrong with one of your family member, then this is the time for the both of you to sit and talk. Of course, nothing beats a good heart to heart talk. If there are any misunderstandings going on, then you definitely should solve it by giving it some thought of sitting and talking it down about it.

4. Assign each person a day

Assigning a person to do the household chores a day can also help maintain the relationship. Of course, if there is something they can do, they will not think of going out since they are bored at home. However, when there is something that they can do to make them get away with the boredom, then you might as well assign them with different tasks each day.

5. Create a family tradition

This might be optional, but this is also effective tips for you to apply. Well, you can go for an annual theme day or go out for a summer vacation. With this, there will be something to look forward to. Moreover, having this kind of activity will create an exciting and fun part of living your life at home.

Top 7 Hacks to Improve Your Outdoor Décor

A lot of us here may have experience decorating the interior of their home. In fact, interior designing can be an easy task that they can do some DIYs on it. But the real question here is, do you do the same with your outdoor decorations? Some of you have tried but not to the extent they are happy and satisfied with it. Right? Generally, it doesn’t matter if you are living in Marquee Residences or any other real estate properties, improving your outdoor decoration is within your reach.

But just because it is an outdoor décor, that doesn’t mean it is going to be that hard for you to do. Well, you can say that there will also be some things that you need to consider before deciding on what you should do with it. Of course, you are not just going to do something that can ruin the beauty of it, right? However, if you are one of those homeowners who doesn’t have any idea at all on what and what not to do when it comes to outdoor decorations, then below are some hacks you can easily apply when you make some outdoor improvement.

1. Hammocks

Hammocks are one of the things you definitely want to have for outdoor use. Of course, when you want to relax from a tiring day at work or from school, you hammocks can definitely help you get the satisfaction that you want. Moreover, this is also good when you want to have other ambiance aside from your bed. You can take an afternoon nap in your backyard. And yes, there are actually different styles of hammocks. Well, you can choose the stylish one to make a good look outside.

2. Choose a palette

If you want to have a homey feeling or a tropical one, then you can choose to use palettes for your tables or chairs. If you have a piece of the palate in your backyard that is not used to you anymore, then you might as well turn it into a table or chair for your outdoor use. With this, you don’t need to buy furniture for your backyard. Of course, you can do it on your own if you just know how. Moreover, you can also paint it to whatever color you want for it. Just make it stylish, and it will definitely be nice to look at.

3. Tropical touch

One of the many reasons why most homeowners love to have their backyard is to have some relaxation with it. Well, why don’t you bring an island or tropical feel in your backyard? Yes, you can definitely do such thing by incorporating a little palm tree print with your lounge chairs cushions. Moreover, try to add little pink flamingo whenever possible. With this, you can definitely have a comfortable feeling being around your backyard.

4. Intimate setting

As a homeowner, it is up to you on how you going to make your backyard the way you want it to be. And if you are one of those homeowners who want to have more than just a relaxation, then you can, of course, have an intimate setting in your backyard. Well, image your backyard is your room without walls, and how will you design a room to make it more intimate to have.

5. Add a fence

This is one of the many things you should consider when you want to improve your backyard. Obviously, without any fence, there might be a danger when you will not put one. Also, this will also give you a sense of safety when you want to spend your time outside your home.

6. Build a daybed

Aside from the hammocks you have, you can also build a daybed. This is one of the many things that help you feel relax whenever you want to have one. Well, building a daybed is not that hard as you think it is. You just have to make sure that you are doing the right thing when it comes to installations, then you can have a beautiful daybed in your backyard.

7. Potted plants

Of course, this! A good tropical feel will never be complete when there are no potted plants. Yes, plants in your backyard are important to have. They don’t just add beauty, but they also are beneficial to your health. Of course, this will also give you a tropical feeling when you also include palm trees in.

 

Home Living: How to Deal with Bad Neighbors

A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing. ~Hesiod

Say what you may about choosing the perfect location for your home, but it remains a fact that you can never be as discriminating and selective when it comes to your neighbors.

Where you live is of no consequence as you can have a luxurious and posh townhouse or a luxury condo Philippines Ayala, but unless you live in a gated abode with walls high enough not to be breached, interacting with your neighbors is an inevitability. No matter how you put it, living with bad neighbors is still a pressing social issue until today and unless you could afford a change of address, you would need to do something about it in order to make your home living a lot more pleasant and comfortable.

Dealing with these types of neighbors can elicit a range of reactions from being passive-aggressive to receptive and accommodating with the latter being the favorable one. Settling with irksome neighbors amicably can cause you a lot of stress but, as it would negatively affect your experience at home, it would be best if you dealt with it and communicated your concern.

The worst that could happen is that they would be uncooperative, but at least you conveyed your issues. The ball would be now in their court in addressing your complaint. If you have a bad neighbor (or think you might be one), consider the steps below in dealing with them.

1.) GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER

This is more of a precautionary measure than an actual solution, but it works. Introduce yourself to the community or befriend new neighbors, say a little “hi” and “hello”, maybe borrow a cup of sugar of some garden tools to start establishing a rapport and a working friendly relationship. Chances are, whenever your neighbor starts doing something that may cause you to take issue, it would be a lot easier to convey your problem than be all awkward about it if they were strangers to you. Additionally, constant chafing neighborly issues rarely happen between two neighbors who actually are in good terms with each other.

2.) DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM

If a certain issue arises, keep notes and photos if necessary. This can assist you in evaluating the problem (or whether there really is a problem), give you some information that would back you up when you tell your neighbor your concern. Finally, when worst comes to worst and everything escalates, you have proof to show authorities instead of looking like a whiny and finicky neighbor.

3.) COMMUNICATE

Do not readily assume that your neighbors are well and aware what your issues are—chances are, they do not know they may have less than neighborly practices. Discuss your concerns with them. Be open and direct about it and be respectful as well. Ask for their side and propose a solution that might be favorable to the both of you and compromise. Whatever you do, do not lose your temper as this will only aggravate the tension between you two.

4.) CHECK WITH YOUR OTHER NEIGHBORS

This does not necessarily mean you are snitching on your infuriating neighbors. This means you are trying to find out if you have a solid claim and whether your other neighbors are experiencing it as well. If some of your neighbors are experiencing the same predicament as you are, they may be more than willing to assist you in resolving it. So, when the time comes that you would confront your errant neighbor regarding your issue, you may have someone to come with you to talk it out.

5.) GET A MEDIATOR

A neutral party that is rather experienced in the area of settling disputes amicably may succeed in resolving your issue better than you can—especially if your bad neighbor is willing to talk. This will save you a lot of money instead of taking up your claim to court and in most cases, it is free and much less hassle. Try looking for a neutral third party or a friendly neighbor who is not involved in the issue in any way and have them assist you in dealing with your concern.

Common Decorating Mistakes Most Homeowners are Still Doing

Decorating your home is one of the things that excite us the most. Although there are times home decorating can also be challenging and frustrating, but the end results would pay it off. Of course, that if you are doing the right home decorating techniques. However, there are just some homeowners who just didn’t realize that they are repeating the same home decorating mistakes all over again. And mind you, this is not a good habit to start with.

Generally, committing mistakes when it comes to home decorating is normal. In fact, it is in mistakes you will learn what and what not to do when it comes to the designs of your home. However, committing the same mistakes all over, again and again, is a reflection that you don’t care about the appearance of your home, especially when it comes to the lifestyle you are in.

It doesn’t matter where or what kind of home you live; be it in Manila properties or any other properties in the Philippines, there is no reason for you to commit the same mistakes again. And if you are one of those homeowners who doesn’t have any idea what mistakes they are making, then below are some common decorating mistakes most homeowners are still doing.

Not considering your lifestyle

Just because the interior or exterior home design is a trend, that doesn’t mean it is also good for you. Nope, not all! Obviously, you are not going to do some renovations to your home if you don’t even need it, right? But if you still continue to follow the trend without any knowledge of whether or not it fits into your home, then you might regret your decision later on.

Following the trend when it comes to home design is not a bad thing at all. In fact, it is one of the many things you can upgrade your home design into something new. However, before deciding to follow such design, you also have to think again and again if you need it, or if it is worth it. Think and then decide. With that, you will know what and what not to do when it comes to the design of your home. Of course, this will also prevent you from committing costly mistakes all over again.

Having more than one focal point

Having a focal point at home is used to feel more inviting and offer a more comfortable place to stay. This feature can be your picture, mirror, or dramatic piece of furniture that catches every person’s eyes. But there’s a caveat, though, a good focal point can only do once. If you tend to have more than one focal point at home, this might not be a good idea, since it can make the room feel disjointed and leaves a person’s eye without any rest.

For you to be comfortable, you have to choose one focal point that would complement the place. Don’t be overwhelmed with the spaces you have at home and just choose one to make a good and satisfying focal point.

Too many throw pillows

Throw pillows are one thing that gives beauty to our home. Obviously, it doesn’t just add beauty, it also gives us the feeling of comfort whenever we want to relax at home. Throw pillows can also give a homey feeling or ambiance on the place. However, having too many throw pillows at home is also not nice to look at. Instead of giving us the comfort that we want, it gives us the feeling of annoyance since we don’t know where to seat already.

When it comes to adding throw pillows on the couch, you have to make sure that there will be a space where you can still seat. Perhaps, 2-3 pillows on a couch are enough.

Not testing your paint color

Colors are important. The color of your home doesn’t just add beauty, but it can also create a mood or ambiance at home. And if you are not careful enough when choosing the right color paint for your walls, then you might not like the end result of the interior and exterior design. Before anything else, you should not forget to test the color before choosing and buying a particular paint. If you think that the color of the paint is a little bit dry to look at on your walls, then it is better for you to find another paint that would match or complete the design of your home.

Moreover, you also have to make sure that the paint is durable enough to last longer than any other paints. Yes, there are paints that can easily be torn off especially when it rains. So, you have to choose the right color paint for your home.

Five Ways to Conserve Water and Cut down Your Water Bill

Without a doubt and over the years, water has become a rather scarce natural resource so much so that essentially, it could be considered as a commodity rather than an ecological supply. And with the atmospheric heat reaching impossibly high levels, we have quite possibly been living with a potential onslaught for an oncoming drought. Seeing as this is the current circumstance we are in, it would be understandable if your water bills are pricier than they used to be–which is probably one of the reasons why you should start conserving water more.

But regardless of whether you are trying to go green and help mother earth or just basically cutting down on utility costs, there is a real and certain advantage to conserving water. Additionally, conserving your water supply would likely prevent water pollution in nearby rivers, local watersheds, and lakes. Apart from that, another great perk is through water conservation, you can extend the life of your septic system as you will be effectively reducing soil saturation and reducing any pollution due to leaks. If this is not enough to convince you of its many benefits, then perhaps the easy ways to do it below will. Because whether you are billeted in a residential home, or are currently settling in condominium units such as Arbor Lanes, there is a multitude of ways you can conserve water and cut down on this particular utility bill and below is just a fraction of them.

TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS

More often than not, the shower offers us a certain kind of solitude that allows us to wallow deeply into our thoughts. However, this avenue for contemplation is often equated with wasting too much water during long showers. To prevent this from happening, limit your showers to approximately 5-7 minutes and whenever possible use the traditional pail and dipper as you will be conserving more water this way.

CHECK FAUCETS AND PIPES FOR LEAKS

Leaks from pipes and faucets can really accumulate without you noticing. A worn faucet with a small drop can yield up twenty gallons of water per day while larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons. With this is in mind, you should routinely check your pipes and faucets for leaks.

USE YOUR DISHWASHER AND WASHING MACHINE SPARINGLY

Although dishwashers and washing machines were intended to make arduous tasks more convenient and easier to accomplish, these are also two main appliances that waste a lot of water. Whenever possible, hand wash your dishes and clothes especially if there is a smaller number of plates and clothes than usual. Use these appliances only when you are assured they are fully loaded with dishes and utensils or a full load of clothes for optimum water conservation.

DO NOT LEAVE THE WATER RUNNING WHEN RINSING DISHES

Leaving the water running while rinsing your soapy dishes is one of the ways you waste a lot of water every single day. If you have a basin, fill that with water instead and rinse your dishes and utensils there. Another way to do this is to gather your washed dishes on a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water.

STOCK UP ON RAINWATER

Whenever possible, install a basin or a catch barrel somewhere in your house and nifty pipes which would divert rainwater into the catch barrel during the rainy season. This would enable you to save extra water which could be used for a variety of things such as watering your yard and garden, cleaning your cars and even giving your dogs a bath. As much as possible, do not use a water hose as likewise, this is another way you would be wasting water daily.