Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Homefullness is a growing trend in the world of interior design, and it can completely transform the way they are felt and recognized the sensations provoked by the environment of the house where they live. It is a concept that starts from the adaptation between well-being and decoration, aiming to generate feelings of tranquility and balance. And today, in order to transform your home based on this concept, SUPERCASA brings you everything you need to know. What does Homefullness presuppose? The main premise of this concept is organization. Harmony , order and organization are key factors to achieve homefullness in your home, with tricks that, although simple at first glance, can take some time to internalize in your daily life , especially if you live with animals and/ or children. Keeping spaces in order is more difficult than one would expect, however, you can adopt some techniques to maintain visual order, that is, the order you see at first sight. Simple tips to achieve homefullness We know that in the rush of everyday life, especially if you live with other people, it may not be simple to achieve all the goals we propose here, but there are techniques that can help you unravel the order behind the chaos. 1. Decompose and dispose of what you no longer use A harmonious house presupposes serene spaces without great visual confusion , which offer space to relax. Here, to help you in this goal, it is important that you look around you, in the various rooms of your home, and realize exactly what are the elements that cause you anxiety, a sense of disorganization and that make your room seem tighter. These are the objects to be disposed of, if they have nothing to add to your well-being. Simplifying the decor of your home will help you achieve the feeling of homefullness, believing that less is more, and a house with less junk will make you feel more comfortable. 2. Connect with natural elements One of the strategies that can help you achieve an interior harmony with the spaces of your home is through the use of natural elements, such as plants that can spread around your home, in strategic places. Invest in these decorative elements and also make sure, if you have a garden, that it is well maintained and you want to spend more time outdoors. 3. Create sacred spaces An organized life also presupposes taking time for yourself. For this, it is essential that there are, in your home, sacred spaces where you practice your well-being and meet with yourself , either to read a book, listen to music or simply take a nap. Surround yourself with calm and relaxing elements, such as those plants we mentioned above, aromatic candles and neutral colors. The truth is that homefullness may not be for everyone , but it is certainly a step towards a more peaceful and relaxed life, even for the most disorganized. And if you can not put into practice all the advice, the important thing is that you feel good about the space you created for yourself, in your home. Stay for more Lifestyle tips with SUPERCASA Notícias . Find out which pieces to use in the decoration of your kitchen , Discover the 5 most contracted household services in 2023 or Transform your home without spending much money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Moving forward with works at home requires, from the outset, a good available budget and some patience , and it can be a complex process and with some associated concern, since unforeseen events can always appear that force you to spend more money. However, you do not need to be apprehensive, because there are tax benefits for certain properties that are subject to rehabilitation , and which we are making known today. If you are reading this article because you are selling your home and would like to improve it in order to increase its sale value and attract potential buyers , we suggest reading the article 4 essential valuation strategies in selling a house . And if you are in fact planning to move forward with works or renovations , you will find here all the necessary information about the expenses you can count on, charges and possible tax benefits. Get to know it! What is the first step before the work? Before hiring a team or construction company, we advise you to ask for different budgets . This is step number one when it comes to contractors, whether in your home or any other building that needs interventions. Any person responsible for the property, should start by asking for different budgets, contacting different professionals, and ask them for a complete evaluation of the specifications: how long the work will take, how much it will cost, what materials will be needed and what is the feasibility of the intervention. Based on the various scenarios, when analyzing the proposed budgets, you will have an initial perception of how much money you should have available for the renovations you want to perform in your home, preparing also for potential unforeseen and acquiring knowledge of the prices that are practiced in the market, for a better decision about which company is ideal to perform the work . It is important that you only consider budgets that already include VAT, because without this tax the value will be higher in the end, and may surprise you at the time of payment. When considering VAT, you get a real sense of the final value, being able to make adjustments to the materials contemplated according to the limit you have in your budget. A few points to remember: • You should not accept a budget just because yes , however, if you exceed the deadline that determines the period in which the conditions presented to you are valid, there may be changes and adjustments that were not contemplated. • To formalize the acceptance of the service ask for a written agreement to safeguard your rights - you can, in this case, sign the budget document, asking for the signature of the entity that will do the works, and this officialization makes the document a contract. • After all completed - contract, payment - an invoice must be issued . What fees are associated with construction costs? It is normal that the rates vary according to the type of goods or services provided, however, the Value Added Tax will be one of the taxes that will always have contemplated, varying its value. • In the case of a labour service, the 6% VAT rate will be applied; • Building materials are covered by a standard VAT rate of 23% (excluding value less than or equal to 20% of the total cost of the work; • For other complementary services, namely cleaning, maintenance of green spaces or other maintenance, the applicable VAT rate is 23%. It is most likely that different VAT rates appear on your invoice, and products and/or services in this situation should be identified separately. Note that the invoice must include the identification of the company providing the service , the identification of the customer , the detail of the goods and services invoiced, the dates on which the goods and/or services were delivered and the dates on which the payments were made, prior to the completion of the operations, if the date is not the same as the issue of the tax document. Know the tax benefits associated with the remodeling of a property Probably did not know, but the truth is that the rehabilitation of real estate can be associated with several tax benefits , namely through the reduction or exemption of VAT, IMI, IMT and IRS, generally applicable to properties located in Urban Rehabilitation Areas (ARU). With each benefit, there are criteria that we explain: VAT The lowest tax rate, of 6%, can be applied, according to the VAT Code, to contracts in real estate located in areas classified as ARU and to contracts carried out in real estate related to housing. IMI In the case of the Municipal Real Estate Tax, the exemption can last up to 3 years , in the event that the property targeted for rehabilitation is older than 30 years or is located in ARU, being exempt from paying the tax. IMT As with IMI, with the Municipal Property Transfer Tax you can also benefit from an exemption, in this case, if you buy a property with more than 30 years or that is located in an ARU, provided that it initiates rehabilitation works within 3 years from the date of purchase and, in case the property is already rehabilitated, is intended for the owner’s own and permanent housing, or even rented for this purpose. In the case of IMI and IMT, the benefits are still conditioned by the levels of conservation status, which must be improved, as well as a positive assessment and good requirements for energy efficiency and thermal quality. IRS In the IRS, there are some benefits associated, and in the case of the charges for the rehabilitation of real estate there may be a tax discount that reduces up to 30% of the expenses , up to the limit of € 500 if the property is located in an ARU and is recovered under the rehabilitation strategy - these are deductions applicable not only to works for own and permanent housing , but also to properties for rent. Then, in addition to the discount, you can deduct the expenses paid for maintenance and rehabilitation works in the properties for rent in Annex F of the IRS declaration, which concerns real estate income, provided that they are carried out up to 2 years before the start of the contract. Finally, associated with the IRS, it can obtain benefits generated by capital gains, provided that the property has been sold after the rehabilitation works, if it is located in an ARU and has an autonomous tax rate of 5%. In this specific case, the condition to receive this benefit is that the works have left the property in a state of conservation up to at least 2 levels above what was verified before the intervention, as well as a level of conservation, at least, Good. Are you ready to move forward with the redevelopment now that you know all the associated benefits, charges and taxes?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The housing crisis in Portugal has generated a growing demand for innovative and efficient solutions for building or remodelling properties. In this context, the turnkey house concept has gained popularity as a comprehensive and convenient alternative. In this SUPERCASA Notícas article, well explore in detail what a turnkey home is and its advantages. What is a turnkey house? The term turnkey house refers to a complete, integrated service that covers both the remodelling and construction of properties. This service encompasses all the processes, from labour to the necessary documentation, respecting the pre-defined budget, deadlines and current legislation. By opting for a turnkey house, homeowners can enjoy a personalised, worry-free solution. Key decisions to consider When embarking on a turnkey project, homeowners face three fundamental decisions: - Choosing the ideal plot for construction or remodelling. - Defining the type of construction , adapted to their needs and objectives. - Selecting the architectural project that best suits their personal style and preferences. Once these decisions have been made, the company responsible for the project takes on the full management of the work , from logistics to execution, guaranteeing a high level of personalisation and quality finishes. Choosing the right construction company The choice of builder plays a crucial role in the success of the project. As such, SUPERCASA Notícias suggests that you carry out thorough research into the company, including visiting previous building sites, looking up references and trying to find out a little about its financial situation. In addition, if you plan to take out a building loan, its essential to select a reliable and competent builder to guarantee approval of the financing. Thus, turnkey houses have emerged as a comprehensive and efficient solution for building or remodelling properties. By opting for this service, homeowners can enjoy a worry-free experience, with guaranteed quality and personalisation. Other articles like this that may interest you: Are you buying a house on plan? Advantages and disadvantages , Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money or Buying a new house or remodelling?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to the Portuguese Furniture and Related Industries Association (APIMA), exports from the Portuguese furniture cluster rose 10% more than in 2022, reaching a record figure of 2,199 million euros , 24% more than in 2021. Thus, for the first time , the clusters exports reached a sales value of more than 2,000 million euros , which represents around 90% of the turnover attributed to the segment. During 2023, as APIMA admits, there will have been across-the-board growth in this clusters main markets , with France and Spain capturing more than 50% of sales, with Germany in third place in the ranking. However, the President of the Association, Joaquim Carneiro, points out: despite having recorded the best result ever, we cant help but show some concern about the market fluctuations caused by the national and international scenario we are facing , adding that the countrys economic and political instability, but also the war in Europe, which has been going on for more than two years, are having a strong impact on the European economy. More recently, the conflict in the Middle East has had implications for the movement of goods by sea, caused by the attacks in the Red Sea, and were seeing political instability in markets that are very important to the sector, says the associations leader, stressing the need to look at all these constraints responsibly, but also as an opportunity to continue investing in added value, innovation and the sustainability of Portuguese companies. Read more: Looking for a furnished house? Discover the best ones on sale , Furniture exports increase by 11% in 2023 and Discover the latest decorating trends
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In the quest for tranquillity and harmony at home, we often underestimate the impact that organising a space can have on our well-being. From decoration to daily cleaning, every detail counts when it comes to creating an environment conducive to relaxing and recharging. SUPERCASA Notícias gives you four tips for keeping your space organised and welcoming: 1. Minimalist decor Adopt the less is more philosophy when decorating your space. Instead of overloading the room with a profusion of objects, opt for a minimalist approach. Choose essential items and avoid strong colours that can cause visual noise. By reducing the amount of visual stimuli in the room, you reduce stress and agitation, providing a sense of space and calm. 2. Tidiness and cleanliness Keeping your space clean and organised not only promotes a feeling of calm and tranquillity, it also improves the quality of the air you breathe. Choose to clean your space with small daily tasks that allow you to get rid of clutter and dust, reducing the stress and anxiety caused by the accumulation of household chores. 3. Keep the house ventilated Dont underestimate the power of good ventilation. Leaving windows open regularly is key to keeping fresh air circulating and avoiding unpleasant odours and bacteria in the room. In addition, proper ventilation helps prevent damp-related health problems such as mould and bacteria, especially in areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. 4. Use organiser baskets Organiser baskets are valuable allies in the fight against clutter. Versatile and practical, they can be used to store a variety of items, from toys to kitchen utensils. To maximise efficiency, adopt a colour scheme to differentiate the baskets in different rooms and dont forget to label them to make it easier to identify the contents. By following these simple tips, youll be well on your way to creating an organised, welcoming space conducive to relaxation and well-being. Looking for more tips for the home? Read also: Have a small house? 5 tips to make it look bigger or Decorating tips for homes with pets
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction A spacious home is always more welcoming than one that is too crowded and cramped , which can give the feeling of claustrophobia and discomfort. Having a small home can lead to these problems, such as poor use of space . However, there are tricks you can use to turn a very small room, or a property with only a few square meters, into an attractive and spacious place. So, if youre looking for this efficient organization for you and your property, take a look at the 5 tips SUPERCASA News brings you! 1. Make the most of natural light and opt for light colors Light is extremely important in a small house. A small property can easily become cavernous, dark and cramped if there is little or no natural light. Its important to let the light in and, for the best result, play with colors to your advantage. Opt for light and light-reflecting colors to convey the idea of space and luminosity. If there arent many points of natural light in your home, such as windows, balconies, doors or skylights, you can opt for artificial light that gives the same effect. It certainly wont be the same, but it can help to make your rooms look less dark and small. Mirrors also work extremely well for this purpose. 2. Choose functional furniture that suits your needs Cluttering up a room with lots of pieces of furniture just because it looks good can, unfortunately, make the rooms in your home much smaller. Less is more and, when it comes to small homes, its essential to bear in mind that certain pieces of furniture simply wont work. So, if you really need certain furniture, choose functional, minimalist and contrasting designs that make your space feel more spacious. 3. Align furniture with windows One of the tricks that can help you when choosing how to organize the furniture in your rooms is to align it with the windows. With this trick, by keeping the furniture at window level, youll create a horizon line that will give you a feeling of greater spaciousness. 4. Choose glass and/or transparent pieces If you want to give your rooms irreverent and distinctive decorative accents, why not choose transparent, light-colored or glass objects? This choice will help you create more spaciousness and trick your mind into thinking its a more open environment. Combine this with the tips weve given you above and youll have a home that looks spacious, bright and large, even if it is small! For more tips like this, go to SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Portuguese Furniture and Related Industries Association (APIMA) has revealed positive figures for Portuguese furniture exports , which will exceed 2 billion euros in 2023 , an increase of 11% on the previous year and an all-time high . However, despite the exponential results, the cluster has concerns about national and international economic instability. Gualter Morgado, APIMAs executive director, comments: The expected growth for 2023 is in the double digits, and a total value of foreign sales of approximately 2.2 billion euros is anticipated, compared to 1.99 billion euros in 2022. The cluster includes the furniture, home textiles, cutlery, ceramics, bedding, lighting and tapestry industries, and the main destinations for these products are France, with a 32% share, Spain with 26% and Germany with 6%. However, sales to the USA are beginning to soar, accounting for 5.5% of exports in 2023 in this sector. !function(){use strict;window.addEventListener(message,(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[datawrapper-height]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(iframe);for(var t in a.data[datawrapper-height])for(var r=0;r The segments main concerns are the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, which it fears will limit the movement of goods by sea . However, APIMA is confident in Portuguese companies , which are prepared to overcome these obstacles [due to] the positive and resilient stance they are taking in the face of this scenario. Its impossible not to be worried, but its imperative to work hard to find market niches, new market segments and new products to get through this phase , says Gualter Morgado. On the other hand, the President of APIMA, Joaquim Carneiro, points out challenges for the sector in 2024 , but also the resilience to overcome them: despite expectations of maintaining turnover, the beginning of this year will be clearly defined by financial instability and cooling consumption in some of the main international markets. This is not a new challenge for companies in the home sector, so the response that has already proved successful will be reinforced. We will continue to focus on high added value, innovation and sustainability as the main distinguishing factors of Portuguese brands. Read also: Transaction cost: understand how it works , Furniture manufacturers denounce price speculation
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The kitchen is a space in the house with a very specific function, where meals are prepared and also, in some cases, served. Although its a much-used space, its not always the most aesthetic, so here are some tips for decorating your kitchen. 1. Kitchen utensils Since the kitchen is mostly used for its function, why not use some of the utensils as decoration? Choose to buy colored or bamboo pans and other utensils , depending on the style you want to give your kitchen. Colors can also be added to appliances by simply applying stickers . As well as giving your kitchen a new look, youll also be optimizing cooking tasks , since youll have everything much more accessible. 2. Fruit Using fruit to decorate your home is not a new concept, but its not always used well. This is an excellent solution for decorating your kitchen which, as well as adding color, can inspire healthier and more nutritious eating. 3. Plants Incorporating elements of nature into your home decor is always a good option. Plants transform any environment and can be much more than decorative elements. So you can take the opportunity to grow herbs and spices that can be freshly picked to use in your dishes. When choosing your plants, look for species that dont shed too many leaves or pollen, in order to reduce dirt and the risk of plant debris falling into your meals. When decorating your kitchen, dont forget the functional part. Avoid placing too many elements in the most used areas, such as the stove, as these can cause some inconvenience when preparing meals and make cleaning more difficult. Follow these and other topics in SUPERCASA News .
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction More and more families are choosing to adopt pets to add company and joy to their home. SUPERCASA News gives you the best tips for decorating your home and preparing for the arrival of a new companion. 1. Space If youre thinking of adopting a pet, especially a medium or large dog, its essential to leave enough space in the room for your pet to move around freely. As such, you should make sure that there is space between your furniture for movement, but also save some room for inserting your pets objects, such as its bed, food and water bowl and its toys. You can also choose to lay porcelain flooring in the rooms to make day-to-day maintenance easier to manage. 2. Furniture As you know, having a pet also requires acquiring furniture for it . As such, you can choose to buy furniture that already has space, for example, for the pets bed. Its also possible to create furniture and leisure spaces for pets , using colourful shelves and empty shelves, which not only personalize the space, but also make it more comfortable for the animal to explore. 3. Sofa Your pet will also enjoy the furniture you already have at home, such as your sofas, so its important to choose the right materials to avoid damage or hair accumulation. The fabric best known for being pet friendly is natural or synthetic leather , as it is resistant to odors and easy to clean . However, you can also opt for suede, twill or cotton canvas, as they also withstand damage well and are easy to clean. 4. Carpets For the carpets in your home, SUPERCASA recommends jute , synthetic or PVC or polypropylene fabrics , as they are easy to wash. If you have older pets, you can also choose non-slip rugs , which will make it easier for them to move around. When it comes to colors, choose more sober tones, such as beige and nude, which are perfect for disguising stains or excess hair. Want more decorating tips? Read also: Old houses: take note of these foolproof decorating tips and Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Transforming an old house can seem complicated and expensive, especially if youve recently bought it and are looking to make the most of your investment. However, without having to have a huge budget, there are strategies that can completely change the look of your property and even bring it into line with the latest decorating trends. Renovating a house only requires two things: budget and creativity. So take note of the tips SUPERCASA Notícias has for you today and start preparing the outline of the change. 1. Invest in wallpaper One of the first steps in remodelling an old property is to start with the walls, which may need painting or an aesthetic change. To take advantage of the old look of your property and capture its vintage essence, you can choose wallpaper, a decorative element very typical of the 1960s, which will easily transform your property in the blink of an eye. And although it may seem like a difficult idea to conceive, applying this material isnt as complicated as you might think. However, if youre up for it, you can turn to a company that specialises in this service and see your home quickly transformed into a welcoming, modern space. 2. Look for antique or vintage furniture With these tips you dont need to spend a lot of money. Leave aside the investment in brand new furniture and set off to discover second-hand properties. These relics have the ability to completely transform the room in which they are placed, depending on their size, appearance and colour. You can visit flea markets, antique shops and personalise your home with furniture full of history. The fun part is that you can combine this type of piece with other items of furniture and contemporary decor, adding sophisticated and innovative touches that will bring a pleasant visual contrast. 3. Rethink your spaces This may be a difficult decision, but you may have to make the decision to demolish some rooms or parts that no longer make sense to the architecture of your house, depending on the purpose you have already thought of for each room. Generally, old houses have details that are no longer implemented in more recent and modern construction, and there may be certain spaces with dated features that no longer make sense today. So consider these logistics and rethink the spaces in your home as a whole. Large rooms can be divided, also through the decoration you put in them, and marquees can be transformed into interior gardens or leisure spaces. Like it? Get ready with more tips and read: Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The trends associated with the job market have led the Portuguese to spend more and more time at home, a factor that is accompanied by a greater concern for the preservation and comfort of their space. If the daily working day takes place at home, its essential that factors such as cold, heat or clutter dont interfere with productive capacity. In this context, the YourHero home services platform more than doubled the number of job requests it received for the more than 90 categories it offers , exceeding 60,000 in 2023 compared to 2022, as it announced in a press release to SUPERCASA News . It is now important to take stock of the main needs that the Portuguese sought to fill last year, highlighting the Top 5 of the services most requested from YourHero. 1. Domestic cleaning As in 2022, domestic cleaning will once again be the most requested category in 2023 . However, in the last 12 months, demand for this service has quadrupled on YourHero compared to 2022, with more than 12,000 requests registered on the platform. Of these, 83% correspond to recurring cleanings (weekly or fortnightly plans). 2. Carpentry Carpentry is one of the areas with the highest demand and lowest supply of professionals in Portugal. In 2023, the number of requests received by the platform doubled, with 60% corresponding to small repairs and restorations. 3. Catering In 2023, with the pandemic completely behind us and the return in force of face-to-face events, YourHero saw an exponential increase in catering requests . Demand tripled compared to 2022, with more than half of the orders received being for parties or corporate events. 4. Refurbishment In line with recent years, in which remote working has grown significantly and, possibly, the need for home comfort has increased, demand for home remodeling services continued to grow in 2023 . Last year, demand for these services more than doubled and, as in 2022, total renovations continue to be the most sought-after, accounting for 68% of requests. 5. Insulation Probably due to the heavy rains at the end of 2022, in 2023 the Portuguese decided to pay more attention to insulating their homes. This was another service that YourHero doubled its demand for last year, with around 70% of requests being for the installation of new insulation and only 30% for replacement/maintenance. As well as solving an immediate need, thermal insulation improves the energy efficiency of homes, making them more pleasant and less prone to sudden variations in temperature. Other topics that may interest you: Open House: how to achieve success when selling your property and Home Staging: discover its importance when selling property
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Were counting down to the big party of the year! With less than twenty-four hours to go, youll still have time to realise some of the ideas weve left you with, to spend an unforgettable night and enter 2024 on the right foot. If youre spending New Years Eve at home, why not try an original theme, or even add a touch of glamour to the decor of the room youve chosen for New Years Eve? SUPERCASA Notícias leaves you with 3 last-minute suggestions that you can consider essential elements for entering the new year in full swing! 1. Turn your New Years Eve into a night of games This idea aims to make your New Years Eve even more special, where you can not only remember moments and events from your year , but also turn your evening with friends and family into an even more interactive moment. Why not set up a game in which each person has to list the highlights of their year, or answer questions related to the theme, such as a trivial persuit of the year that is ending? You can combine the useful with the pleasant and, over dinner, do challenges, create riddles and, when the twelve chimes strike, celebrate all the victories in perfect unity! If you cant think of any original games, or dont have time to create anything worthwhile, you can always resort to traditional board games and revive your guests competitive spirit. 2. Grab your best clothes and throw a themed party Call on the glamour of the roaring 20s to enter 2024 in style! Although this type of party is quite common, it never fails on New Years Eve. You can prepare cocktails, put on some lively music, dress up and party until theres no tomorrow. And to make the atmosphere even more festive , decorate your home with garlands, glamorous balloons and other memorable festive elements that will turn your home into a real party space. 3. Prepare a long and filling dinner The best New Years Eves are those where there is conviviality, animation, diverse conversations and festive spirit . All of this can be fostered around a large table and, in order to never run out of energy, there are strategies you can apply, the most effective of which is to fill your dinner table with food. The aim is not to eat until you drop, but to snack until midnight. So prepare various appetisers, starters, tapas, main courses, desserts or original dishes, and give your guests a long night of socialising and entertainment! As you already know, the three essential elements for a great New Years Eve are good entertainment, the right atmosphere and discreet food and drink! Organise the best New Years Eve and offer your guests an unforgettable party! SUPERCASA wishes you and your family a Happy 2024!
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