Tatters at Royal Westmoreland Barbados
By Emily Collins Construction • Project Management • Tips and Tricks • • • 0 Comments

How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Vacation Home in Barbados

Building Your Own Slice of Paradise: How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Vacation Home in Barbados

Barbados is a small island paradise in the Caribbean, an increasingly popular destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway. The island’s stunning natural beauty, crystal clear waters, and laid-back lifestyle make it an ideal location for a vacation home.

However, choosing the perfect location for your vacation home in Barbados can be daunting. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, we will provide some tips and advice on choosing the perfect location to build your vacation home in Barbados.

Consider the Type of Vacation You Want

The first thing to consider when choosing a location for your vacation home in Barbados is the type of vacation you want. Do you want a secluded and private retreat or to be in the heart of the action? Do you want to be close to the beach, or would you prefer to be nestled in the lush tropical greenery? Understanding your vacation needs will help you determine which location is best suited for you.

If you want a secluded and private retreat, areas like St. James, St. Peter, and St. Andrew are great options. These areas offer stunning natural beauty and a sense of tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere. On the other hand, if you prefer to be in the heart of the action, then areas like Christ Church and St. Lawrence Gap may be more to your liking. These areas are bustling with activity and offer many restaurants, bars, and nightlife options.

Consider the Accessibility of the Location

Another important factor to consider when choosing the perfect location for your vacation home in Barbados is accessibility. How easy is it to get to the location? Is it close to the airport? Are there transportation options available? These are all critical questions to ask yourself.

If you want easy access to your vacation home, areas like St. Philip and Christ Church may be your best bet. These areas are close to the airport and have good transportation links. On the other hand, if you don’t mind a bit of travel, areas like St. Andrew and St. Joseph may be more to your liking. These areas are more secluded but offer stunning natural beauty worth the journey.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a location for your vacation home and you plan on renting out your property is making sure it’s easily accessible for your guests. In addition, you’ll want to ensure it’s convenient to get to from the airport and other vital amenities your guests will want to enjoy.

Consider the Amenities and Services Available

When choosing the perfect location for your vacation home in Barbados, it’s important to consider the amenities and services available. For example, do you want to be close to a grocery store or a pharmacy? Are there restaurants and bars nearby? What about healthcare facilities? These are all important factors to consider when choosing a location.

Areas like Christ Church, St Michael and St. James are great options if you want easy access to amenities and services. These areas offer a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops. They also have good healthcare facilities and are close to the airport. If you prefer a more secluded location, areas like St. Andrew and St. Peter may be more to your liking. These areas offer stunning natural beauty but may not have as many amenities and services.

Consider the Security and Safety of the Location

When choosing the perfect location for your vacation home in Barbados, it’s important to consider the security and safety of the area. You want to feel safe and secure in your vacation home, so choosing a location with a good reputation for safety is important.

Areas like St. James, St. Peter, and St. Andrew are known for their safety and security. These areas have a low crime rate and are considered some of the safest places on the island. However, if you want to be extra cautious, purchase in a community with 24-hour security, such as Royal Westmoreland or Apes Hill Barbados (our friends at Residence Barbados can help with this). If not, investing in a security system for your vacation home is a good idea.

Consider Beach Access

One of the main reasons people choose to build a vacation home in Barbados is for the stunning beaches. When selecting a location, it’s important to consider how close you want to be to the beach. If you want to wake up and take a morning dip, you might want to look for a property right on the beach. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more secluded location, you might prefer a property set back from the beach but still within easy reach.

Consider the Price

Finally, it’s important to consider the price when choosing a location for your vacation home. Barbados has a wide range of properties available at different price points, so it’s important to have a clear budget in mind before you start your search. Also, remember that the property’s price is not the only cost to consider – you’ll also need to factor in the cost of upkeep, utilities, and any other expenses associated with owning a vacation home.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect location for your vacation home in Barbados requires careful consideration of various factors, from beach access and accessibility to safety and security, local amenities, and price. By taking the time to research different areas and weigh up the pros and cons of each, you can find the perfect spot to build your own slice of paradise. The team at Berkan Construction can help you with your decision with our wealth of local knowledge. Just contact the Berkan Construction Services team today to discuss your project.

Image: Tatters at Royal Westmoreland constructed by Berkan Construction Services Inc.

Sanitary Ware
By Emily Collins Construction • Interior Design • Renovation • Tips and Tricks • • • 0 Comments

How to choose the right bathroom sanitary ware

The bathroom is one of your home’s most important rooms. It is an intimate space where you will spend significant time each day. So, choosing the right sanitary ware – bath, shower, enclosures, hand basin, toilet and accessories – is essential for any new build or remodel.

 

Planning well ahead and thinking practically about how you want to use the space, the aesthetic, and general wear and tear can save costly changes later.

 

Homeowners are faced with myriad choices when it comes to their bathrooms. So, the Berkan Construction team has developed this list of things that should be considered while buying sanitary ware to help:

 

1 Understand what you need from each bathroom

 

Before starting, list the items you need and want for each bathroom in your home. For example, if you always shower and rarely take a bath, do you need a tub in each bathroom? Do you need a double vanity unit in a bathroom that children will use? Is storage essential for you? Don’t spend your budget on products you won’t use or unnecessary items.

 

2 Sanitary ware colour and design

 

It’s OK to use various coloured sanitary items in your bathroom to express your individuality. However, be aware of replacing items in the future if things chip or break – and it will be costly to replace if you fall out of love with your chosen colour.

 

If you want to add colour, it might be best to choose white sanitary ware and use tiles, cabinetry and different colour taps etc., to make your design statement.

 

Linear and regular shapes are recommended for those wanting a modern style with clean and simple lines. Consider contemporary-style countertop washbasins and modern wall-mounted items here.

 

For a more classical or vintage look, choose pieces with rounded corners, embossed edges and geometric forms that are floor mounted.

 

Items such as different colour toilet seats (black or grey), metal shelving, brass taps, and under-sink and wall units can help the space reflect your personality and design inspirations.

 

3 Size

 

Sanitary ware must create the right balance between space, mobility and comfort. If your bathroom space is limited, you should choose sanitary items developed specifically for smaller rooms. A large toilet and sink will make your bathroom appear smaller, and you’ll bump into everything! So, choose modern, compact, space-saving items and wall installation that minimises visible pipes and connections.

 

4 Ease of installation and use

 

Although you will be using a professional service to install your bathroom, keep in mind how easy it is to install. It will keep costs lower, reduce installation time and reduce the possibility of errors. 

Sanitary Ware

 

5 Durability and Finish

 

With any new build or renovation, you don’t want to change your sanitary bathroom items for some time. So, it would be best if you chose durable fixtures that will last a long time. Spend your budget on well-built, durable things with a clean, smooth finish that won’t stain or rust and will last. Look for the ISO-certified label, which shows the item has undergone thorough quality testing and adheres to industry standards.

 

6 A focus on quality

 

Remember, an expensive item doesn’t mean it is a quality and durable piece. Some pieces may not be high-quality stainless steel despite the hefty price tag! Check with your professional installation team, especially in areas like Barbados, where the environment can be harsh on items such as taps and toilets. They will recommend brands with a proven track record for durability, price and quality. Use their experience and local knowledge. 

 

It is important to note here that if you are building or renovating in areas like the Caribbean, the availability of products can be challenging. If they are not regularly stocked, items can take a significant amount of time to arrive when ordered, slowing down the installation. And it would help if you considered additional delivery costs and duties. So be flexible and look at the product specifications and all the associated costs.

 

7 Easily cleanable sanitary ware

 

Everyone likes a clean, hygienic and well-organised bathroom. Install bathroom sanitary ware and accessories that are easy to detach and access for cleaning. Your showerhead may look fabulous, but Barbados’ hard water means regular cleaning to avoid limescale build-up. Its performance will be impacted if it is too difficult to access or easily break during cleaning.

 

Choose top-quality ceramic items for long-lasting sanitary ware that can be easily cleaned without the risk of yellowing or loss of brightness.

 

8 Warranty

 

Wherever possible, purchase your sanitary ware through the manufacturer’s official website or one of their authorised dealers. This will guarantee that the items you buy are genuine and include a product warranty.

 

Bathroom design involves many aspects, and keeping up with the designs and styles can be challenging. It’s easy to become confused when so many different brands, patterns, and fashion trends are available. This difficulty is compounded when building or renovating a home on a Caribbean island! Items may simply not be available, are too costly to import or are unsuitable for the environment.

 

The team at Berkan Construction can assist you through the entire process, ensuring that the space is used optimally, quality, functional and great value products are installed, and the bathroom has the perfect finish and aesthetic you want. Contact us today to discuss your new build or renovation project.

 

Source:

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