Estimating the full cost means evaluating both the direct and indirect costs of a flood.

Direct costs are the items that are directly damaged – Your home, belongings, etc.  These are mostly obvious.

Indirect costs are expenses incurred because of the flood – But not direct water damage.  For example, hotel stays while your home is being repaired, lost business, etc.

Direct costs can be further broken down into structural and belongings.  And this is the order that you should begin your inspection.

Structural costs include all of the damage that was actually done to your home.

Direct Costs

Structural

Start your inspection from the top down.  Depending on the cause of the flooding, this will usually start with the roof.

Inspect the roofing materials to make sure that no further rain can enter from the top, causing further damage.

Then work your way down the exterior.  Check the siding or other surface material, etc.

Pay special attention to the windows and doors, as once again, those can invite further water damage, even if the brunt of the storm has passed.  Besides, with the weather in Panama you know the next storm is right around the corner.

Spend a lot of time investigating your foundation.  Make sure that it is still structurally sound, there are no cracks and there is no chance of collapse.  This is one area where it pays to bring in a professional.

Actually in most cases of flood, a professional should be brought in for everything.

Since you are working on the exterior anyway, this is the time to investigate your front and back yard.  Check and record any plants that may have been damaged. Pay special attention to large trees which could have been weakened, and are in danger of falling on people, cars or your home.

Belongings

Moving to the interior, the first things you need to do is check and clean out your belongings.

It is critical that personal belongings that have gotten wet are removed so they can be dried out.  This includes carpeting.

You need to make a decision as to what personal belongings you want to clean and dry, vs. what you just want to dispose of.  Keep a record of both.

If there is any chance that sewer waters have entered, err on the side of disposal.  Also, anything with staining will be very difficult to clean, so try to dispose of items like mattresses, couches, etc.

If you have items that are irreplaceable, there are professional restoration companies that might be able to clean and disinfect appropriately, but these can be very expensive.

If you have installed carpeting (very rare here in Panama) bring in large fans to try and dry them out.  Except in the case of sewer damage or staining, in which case, disposal is your best option.

After your belongings are removed and drying, you need to check the ceilings, walls and floors.  Look for wet or cracked ceilings and walls.  If you home has insulation, make sure that it is not wet, and if it is, get a plan to dry it out – quickly.

Investigate your counters, sinks and showers for damage.

In a flood situation, it is likely that electrical wiring got soaked.  If you power is out, do not attempt to turn it back on until after a thorough inspection by a professional electrician.  The same is true of gas lines.

Finally, investigate your foundation.  Look for cracks and staining.

The most important thing is to get everything dry.  This includes hidden water.  Most structural building materials won’t be too damaged by flooding, but if they are not dried out completely and quickly, mold can form which can threaten the health of your family and cause smells that you will not be able to get rid of.

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are much more difficult to estimate.  Some are obvious, like the costs of hotels.  But others are less so.  For starters, you will probably be eating out more often than if you had the ability to cook.

You also have to consider the costs of lost income.  This could include closure days if your business was damaged, but could also include days off work while you deal with insurance and repairs.

Another indirect cost that you might not think about is your future insurance costs.  Depending on your policy and the type of flood, your premiums in the future could go through the roof.

Estimating, calculating and assessing flood damage is difficult and time consuming.  There are many items that you may not think about, and these can end up costing thousands.

With any type of flooding situation, it is usually best to call in professionals.  Both from your insurance company and from professional flood restoration firms (or your qualified contractor).  Do not rely on only one source.

It is critical that as you are estimating your flood damage you keep accurate notes.  Write down everything you notice.

And, as you begin your repairs, keep all of your receipts.  These will come in very important when you are dealing with your insurance company.

Flood damage, especially when caused by storms like we have seen in Panama this year can be devastating.  But by taking a methodical approach to assessing the flood damage you can go a long way towards rebuilding your “broken” home.

Panama Beach House Renovation

One of the biggest, fastest Panama remodeling projects you can do is painting your exterior.  Painting a house may seem simplistic, even monotonous, and to a certain extent it’s true. You can really only move a paint brush over the same spot so many times before you find yourself ready to quit. This is why many people hire professional painters to get the job done. After all, they get to do all the dirty work, and you get to watch TV.

For those of us who don’t have the luxury of hiring someone to take the work load away from us, however, the dreaded exterior painting idea sits long in our storage shed and eventually becomes a reality. Truthfully, it’s not the painting that you need to worry about. It’s the preparation, and this is a step by step guide to preparing for home exterior painting the right way, so that you can save time and money, and the anxiety of wondering whether or not you missed a step.

The first item on your preparation list is to gather the necessary tools. You will need paint, of course, a putty knife, a paint scraper, sand paper, possibly an electric sander, a new paint brush (or a few), likely a heat gun for the hard to reach areas and a pressure washer for high areas that may not be safely accessible, such as eaves.

Once you have collected these items and have them readily at your disposal, you’ll need to secure any items that may get damaged in the process, or that may hinder it in any way.

Damage in this case could mean flying debris (if you need to do any re-siding), paint chips, paint droplets, and cleaning agents if you’ll be using them. Take care to shut down the air conditioners in your home if any are exposed to the areas you’ll be painting in. Use a canvas drop cloth to cover walkways, plants and bushes. Plastic drop cloths are sold in hardware stores but are not recommended for covering plants. Additionally, if there are any plants that will interfere with your work at ground-level pull it away from your work area and tie it off so that it doesn’t spring back and mess up the paint.

Once you have an obstruction free workspace and have ensured that nothing of relative importance will be damaged, remove the shutters from your home and repair anything that needs work that will eventually be painted over. This step could take a while depending on how many items need to be repaired, but it’s worth the time and effort to nitpick at this stage.

Next, start removing the old paint. This may or may not be a good time for the pressure washer, depending on whether or not you know how to use one or how long you want to spend in the preparation stage. In the hands of someone inexperienced, a pressure washer has enough force to carve a gulley into the foundation of your home. Additionally, at the right pressure, a pressure washer will not remove all of the loose paint from the targeted areas.

Ultimately, it may be quicker, depending on your home, to just use the hand-scraper right out of the gate and keep the pressure washer on you in case you really need it. For pillars or eaves, use the heat gun. Place your putty knife where you want to start scraping and aim the heat gun at the edge of the putty knife. As the putty knife slides under the paint, follow it with the heat gun so that a clean paint ribbon is stripped from the surface. Take care to aim the heat gun away from yourself at all times.

Next, sand everything down, taking care to use your putty knife to fill in any cracks in the wood with wood-filler, which can be purchased at any major hardware store. Many people like to sand only where they’ve scraped, but if a house really needs a paint job, they likely hit most of the siding on the first step, anyway.

Start at the top of your house and work your way down. For the hard to reach areas, like eaves and the top shingle, try using 80-grit sandpaper and sanding it by hand. A belt sander works if the shape of it fits the surface you’re looking to sand down, but your ultimate objective is to take the edges off the paint that remains bonded to the house and smooth it out with the surface that still needs to be painted. Some people like to scrape and then go back and sand. Others like to sand as they go. Either way, do not make the mistake of substituting scraping for sanding.

The purpose of scraping is to remove the paint that is no longer bonding with the wood. Painting over loose paint will not fix the problem. It will only make it worse. Depending on what brand of paint you get, a few coats could last you up to ten years. If you skip the first step and paint over loose material, you will be lucky if it lasts you ten hours.

Finally, use the pressure washer, if you have one, on the lowest setting, taking care not to let the stream hit the house where it shouldn’t (i.e windows). Remember, pressure washers can cause serious damage, so consult a professional before using one if you are unfamiliar with how it works. Different brands have different gauges and different switches. Not every pressure washer is the same. Once you have sprayed the entire house, start at the top on one side.

Using goggles or otherwise suitable protective eyewear, mix a bucket of water and trisodium phosphate. Trisodium phosphate, much stronger than bleach, is a chemical that strips the old paint of its gloss and cleans the area. This step may seem unnecessarily hazardous, but in reality it is critical to the success of the project. As you work your way down, the trisodium phosphate strips the exterior of your home of dirt, grease, grime and anything else that would prevent the primer from properly adhering to it once it has been applied. Rinse the areas to which you have applied trisodium phosphate thoroughly as you complete each section.

The next step in preparation is the longest step that you’ll have to take. It’s like watching paint dry…well, almost. It’s actually watching the house dry. Depending on the type of paint that you plan on using, the drying time for the house varies. The drying time can also vary depending on whether or not you used the pressure washer. The best way to avoid a disaster is to wait another day if you’re not sure the surface is dry enough. If you plan to use a latex paint, a day is usually sufficient. If you plan to use an oil-based paint, give it a week.

Finally, look around for any nails in your siding that may have been shaking loose from the sanding and hammer them back in, caulking any unwanted crevices between door jams and windows as you do so.

You are now ready to paint your home.  This is a Panama remodeling project you are sure to be proud of.

If you are ready to start a Panama renovation project, be sure to contact us first.

It’s beautiful here. Last week I visited a tropical jungle homeowner who grows cacao seeds. He makes fabulous chocolate bars and sells them in Bocas Del Toro. As we walked his property, he said, “You know, I tried to grow vegetables here, but there’s no way in the jungle!”

He’s wrong. There IS a way to grow a lush vegetable garden, you just have to work with the weather in Panama. It’s not nearly as difficult as it sounds. Here are some climate and weather in Panama fast facts:

• Panama’s “summer” is winter in the U.S.
• The average temperature in Panama is 81 °F.
• Mountain areas such as Boquete are cooler and windier.
• Caribbean side is more humid and rainy than the Pacific.
• The driest part of Panama is the Azuero Peninsula on the south coast.
• The hottest part of Panama is around David (near Costa Rica‘s southwest border).
• Daytime lasts about 12 hours because Panama is near the equator.
• Panama never gets hurricanes.
• Rainy season is late May to early December.
• Dry season is from late December to early May.
• The rainiest areas are in the western mountains on the Caribbean.

You have to understand the feast-and-famine rains. The deluge during the rainy season will make you think more about building an ark instead of a garden. The heat and humidity when there’s not enough water reminds you just how precious rain can be! The weather in Panama may not be what you’re familiar with, but it does have a certain consistency, a reliability that you can work with.

Forest gardening is creating edible fruits and vegetables in a wild environment without cutting down trees or clearing land. In Panama, growing fruit is easy, but edible plants and vegetables offer a challenge: you want to incorporate your plantings into the ecological and biodiversity of the forest without compromising the integrity of the rainforest.

Again, spraying and fighting the forest to protect your garden is fighting a force of nature stronger than you know. Cultivate and learn how to grow with the forest, not against it.

Tomatoes are the fruit we love to call “vegetable.” Tomatoes will thrive on your apartment balcony overlooking the Pacific ocean, in your jungle garden or in your traditional garden in the lush and beautiful Boquete and David highlands.

Tomatoes need more sun than many plantings, and less water. November/December are shaky months for tomato plantings because the number of shady days decrease and the amount of rainfall increases those months. They require good drainage, and in Panama, where it can get quite warm, add some mulch around the base of the plants to keep the moisture in.

Here’s another tip: If your tomatoes don’t seem to be thriving, the PH of your soil may be too low. Spread a small amount of coffee grounds around the plants.

Wherever you live in Panama, talk to the locals about which type of tomato does best in your area. Tomatoes can take as long as 2-3 months to harvest.

I bought cherry tomatoes at my mercado this week; when I told my friends, one said, “Wow! I haven’t seen a cherry tomato here in years!” It turns out cherry, roma, and plum tomatoes thrive in the tropic lowlands of Panama. Our tomatoes are more orange in color because the heat slows the growth of tomatoes’ red pigment. As always, it’s best to pick them green and let them ripen inside.

Beans
Beans are Panama’s oldest crop and have grown here since prehistoric times. They need full sun (arguable, since cacao beans grow in shady tropical rainforests), and Panama’s weather and rainfall are perfect for growing this versatile staple. My favorite is a bean about the size and with the flavor of a pinto, but the color of a kidney bean.

Edible greens and mushrooms will thrive in your forest garden. You might also consider Jersualem artichokes, perennials requiring minimal care.

Spinach as we know it is not easily available in Panama. But you can grow varieties of acelga and quail grass in your Panama garden. The difference between acelga and spinach are minimal, but it is, by definition, a chard. Quail grass is not a “grass” at all but a leafy plant high in vitamins A, C, iron and calcium. Some people call it “purple spinach.“ This plant does well all over the country of Panama. It works just as well as spinach in salads and cooking, as tastes just as good. It is recommended that you place the plants about 10” apart; they will grow up to eight feet.

All gardens do much better in the higher elevations of Panama. The areas to investigate for vegetable gardening include El Valle, Boquete, and David.

Near the coast, yucca and ñamé, pumpkin varieties and chayote squash are suitable plantings for your garden. In fact, I haven’t eaten a potato in Panama in years because ñamé is a better potato substitute.

Onions and leeks thrive in Panama gardens and the weather in Panama lends itself to several varieties of cabbages and lettuce. Most people who live here have herb gardens.

Once you understand the weather in Panama, you can put your green thumb to work. Jardinería feliz!

What are your favorite tropical fruits and vegetables?  Post a comment below.

Seven – Panama Real Estate Development

The Panama commercial construction boom is obvious when you look at the cranes perched all over the city.  While the Panama condo building boom has certainly slowed down over the last few years, it has been replaced by new office towers dotting the skyline.

This boom has brought increased prices.  And that means the Panama businesses that use these commercial buildings need to look at smaller and smaller offices.  Businesses are forced to get by with the same job functions and employees as before.  But in a much smaller space.  Efficiency is at a premium.

While at one time, businesses were able to setup their offices “half hazard” with whatever “felt” right, now, a more methodical plan is required.

Break Your Business into Departments or Functions

The first step to effectively designing your office space is taking into account what tasks need to be accomplished.  And then breaking the business into departments.  It doesn’t matter how small your company, you will find your business functions can be broken out.

Employees within each department should be grouped together.  It is very inefficient to have staff that needs consistent interaction to be placed at opposite ends of a building.

Split out Job Roles and Function

After breaking down the business into various units, you need to take it one step further.  Think about the job requirements for each employee.  What equipment is needed by each in order to do their job?  Consider computers, phones, fax machines, printers, desks and other equipment.

Different roles may require similar office equipment such as printers and fax machines.  For example, it is likely that everyone from marketing to receptionists will need access to a laser printer or fax machine.

But, others might use specialized equipment that only they will ever touch. Your receptionist will never need to use your large format plotter.

Consider Existing Workflow Data

Even more important than the breakdown of departments and employee job descriptions, is actual data on a typical days work flow.  If your business is already running, this data should be easy to capture.

Observe how your employees work and interact on a daily basis.  And try to design efficiently around that.  Once again shared equipment is an obvious way to reduce floors space, and making it accessible is valuable for efficiency sake.  But, if several different roles are printing all at the same time, this could cause a backup.

If you are creating a new business, this may be more difficult.  You need to make the department considerations above, but ensure that flexibility is part of the plan.  Layout your office design in a way that will be easier to change if you notice efficiency improvements you can make at a later time.

Discuss Design with Your Employees

Your employees, even if they are new and never worked with you can be a great source of data for your office design.  Many will have experience at other offices and that information may be valuable.  Their primary purpose of being at work may not be enjoyment, but happy employees are generally more efficient.

Discuss with them what road blocks and obstacles they see to making the most efficient use of their day.  Ask what would make their job easier or more enjoyable, and try to work that into your space design.  You might not be able to provide private offices to everyone, but perching someone’s desk right next to an air-conditioner, noisy generator, or very busy piece of equipment may make it difficult to do their job.

Think About Furniture

If you already have office furniture, you need to consider its size and shape.  If you don’t this is the time to think about the style you are going after.  Office equipment is being designed more efficiently all the time and is specifically aimed at getting the greatest amount of use out of your commercial building space.

Are you going to be using large executive style desks?  Or more efficiently designed cubical layouts?  Do you have a “public” facing receptionist, who needs to be close to the front door?  And how much space is their desk going to take up.

Do your executives desire large private window offices?  Do you need a conference room or shared / collaborative workspace?

Plan Layout

In a small office, having one printer for each job role may take up to much space.  But, if you stick a printer in a corner out of the way some where, it’s inconvenient for users at the other side of the building.

Common equipment should be grouped in a central location accessible to each department and role.

On the other hand, if one department or role needs a specialized piece of equipment, it should be moved out of the way so others aren’t interrupted in their day to day activities.  If equipment will only be used by one employee, it should be placed in their office, cubical or desk.

Talk With Your Architect / Designer / Builder / Landlord

At this point, you will have considerable data about how your business operates, what departments need to work together and the individual job role requirements within each department.

You understand where equipment can be placed so that is easily accessed by everyone who needs it.  While being out of the way of those who don’t.

This is the point to sit down with your architect / designer and figure out exactly how much floor space you have to deal with.  Consider the shape of the space, the furniture size and the departments.

With the floor plans in place, it is easy to visually move around the placement of furniture, equipment and even personal.  You can actually use cut-outs to imagine how your staff will accomplish all of their tasks in the best way possible.

The most important thing to consider when designing an efficient Panama commercial building space, are the functions necessary to run your business.  If employees are blocked from doing their job, or if common tasks are difficult or cumbersome, efficiency is going to drop drastically.

Your goal should always be to share as much as possible, and to allow flexibility in layout and work flow.

Promoting the benefits of spaces that have multiple uses, as well as office equipment and furniture that is versatile will go a lot further than trying to feed egos with private equipment and offices that are never used.

Also, continually monitor the use of your space and look for inefficiencies that can be fixed, or improvements that can be made.

As the price of commercial building space in Panama continues to rise, it is important for every business, regardless of how large or small to try and use their space footprint as efficiently as possible.  Through proper planning, and considering the specific individual tasks that are needed for your business, you are well on your way.

Concali’s architects and design build team are here to help you with your Panama commercial building needs.

Panama Bathroom Renovation Picture

When doing a bathroom remodeling project in your Panama house, there are 2 basic principles: First find a competent, experienced and honest contractor with a good reputation, and second, have a solid, well laid-out design in mind before you begin the bathroom remodeling job. Perhaps you need some ideas for inspiration?  If a country style bathroom is what you have in mind, you are in luck.  Many of today’s newest trends in Panama bathroom remodeling offer a wide array of country style products with a retro edge.

What Defines “Country Style”?

Country style is a way of decorating that uses elements in a room to create a warm, inviting and informal look – a country space has that “lived in”, causal feel.  New England Shaker, French Country, Victorian, and rustic Tuscan Farmhouse are just some examples of country style.  A country décor is usually painted in muted colors to replicate an aged appearance.  Exposed brick, white beaded board or woodwork, and simple white bath fixtures are its trademarks.  Including natural textures with accessories such as baskets, mirrors, twine, tin, glass, iron and natural stone and marbles add to the authenticity.  Window treatments and upholstery are often made with vintage floral, checked or striped fabrics.  Natural finishes or painted and distress furniture give the further illusion of patinas caused by nature’s hand.

No matter what particular country style you choose, Panama bathroom remodeling should always include elements that reflect your personality and individualism. The following are some inventive, simple and easy ideas for fixtures, tile and floors, furniture, and accessories that, when incorporated into your design scheme, will result in a unique and creative bath that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

Fixtures

Bathtubs & Showers: A vintage claw-footed tub placed in a bathroom as its focal point is a trend that has seen a revival in recent years.  Even though tubs are still rare in Panama, this would certainly be a way to make an impression.  Manufacturers are designing roll top, footed tubs with floor-mounted plumbing or combination bath/showers with a circular shower curtain rod.

New fixtures that look old are the best of both worlds: Country charm with all the modern conveniences.   Don’t want to replace a perfectly good but plain, nondescript rectangular bathtub?  Consider dressing it up by installing paneling that echoes the existing woodwork, or paint and stain the panels to match the overall bathroom composition.  Lining shower stalls with marble, stone or the ever-popular white subway tiles, lends itself perfectly to the country atmosphere you are creating.

Sinks and Toilets:  To achieve the country look it’s best to go with pedestal sinks or vanities that are evocative of Shaker, Victorian, Baroque, and Rococo eras – many models are widely available.  Another wonderful way to bring a country atmosphere to a bath is by retrofitting a flea market find or old dresser from the attic into a sink/vanity.

Cut out the drawers and top for fitting plumbing and a drop-in sink.  Take it one step further and choose a vessel or bowl sink, which are reminiscent of the time before indoor plumbing, when washbasins were all the rage.  Protect the wood with either polyurethane or have a slab of marble, stone or stainless steel cut-to-size and placed on top to avoid warping from the onslaught of moisture.  The look is elegant and casual at the same time.  Matching styles of toilets and bidets complete the look.

Tile & Flooring

Wall and Shower tiles:  There are so many ceramic, marble and stone tiles to choose from it can be quite daunting.  Generally speaking, a country-style has neutral-colored tiles such as white honeycomb or rectangular subway tiles.  You can introduce white painted wainscoting around the main area of the bathroom and tile only around the shower and bathtub.  It might be fun to lay-in borders with small, decorative hand-painted tiles or creating a mosaic design in the floor. The rule of thumb: Keep it simple and add pizazz with decorative accents and furnishings later.

Flooring: Tile floors are the most practical and easiest to maintain, but real wood or laminate are always a great option too.  Recalling days gone by, consider wood floors painted with a checkerboard or diamond pattern, rustic wide-wooden planks, black and white honeycomb tiles, and terracotta pavers.

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

The earmark of a perfect country style bathroom is found in the details.  Once you’ve chosen the fixtures, color palette and genre of your country motif, the next part is the fun part…accessorizing!  Use some imagination and whimsy.  Think homemade and homespun.  Here are just a few more accent ideas to finish-off your bathroom remodeling project in true country form:

New England Shaker

Shaker style is defined by function and austere simplicity.  Lines are clean, natural woods are common with colors limited to red, blue, yellow and blue-green.  Some interesting elements to use:

• Rectangular and square baskets to hold towels
• Plain pitchers and glass jars to display cotton balls and Q-tips
• Shaker peg racks to hang robes
• Hurricane lanterns and candle holders
• Handmade oval boxes
• A Shaker stool or chair

French Country

French Country style is romantic, casual, and completely charming.  The concept comes from the Provence region in the South of France –  French country atmosphere is achieved with rustic furnishings and a soft, elegant color scheme.  Why not throw in:

• Toile de joy sink skirts
• Dried hydrangea in silver vases
• Small Chandeliers
• Jars filled with soap or bath salts
• Wrought iron furnishings
• Monogrammed Towels
• Brocade balloon shades on windows

Victorian

Victorian interior design was inspired by the period of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901.  Elements include upholstered furniture, wallpaper in floral and fruit motifs, and the use of dark woods and a color palette of deep, warm earth tones.  Leaded stained glass and ornate fireplaces were also popular.  Opulent yet understated features to include:

• Wallpaper of lace patterns
• Gilded mirrors
• Wire bird cages
• Porcelain faucets
• Wedgewood and Blue Willow ceramics
• Stained Glass windows
• Glass and Porcelain drawer pulls

Tuscan Farmhouse

Tuscan style country baths have a rustic, earthy, sun-backed quality.  Textures are rough, accents are made of iron or terracotta and furniture is sturdy and distressed.  A painted mural or trompe l’oeil is often found in a Tuscan home.  Here are other ideas:

• Mosaic inlaid accent tables
• Italian majolica ceramics
• Antique egg baskets to hold washcloths
• Rugged plaster walls
• Oversized terracotta floor tiles
• Crackle finished paint on furniture

Eclectic Country

The eclectic philosophy is simple: combine elements and styles from different time periods into one space.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match contemporary with vintage, toss in splashes of color and textures, and add personal touches wherever you like.

A Country Bath is Born

Use your imagination, explore, be bold and have fun.  Remember, a bathroom remodeling project is a wonderful way to bring the country vibe into your new bathroom and your Panama lifestyle.

Visit our Panama Bathroom Remodeling page to learn more about how Concali can make your country bathroom dreams come true.

Panama Kitchen Renovation

When deciding how to remodel your Panama kitchen, a country style theme is perfect if you are looking for a classic look that features unique elements of design that you simply will not find anywhere else.

Popular kitchen renovation ideas for a country style remodel include the installation of items like wooden cupboards or a farmhouse sink. For those who may be a little scared of this design, there is no reason to worry.  You can easily create your own modern country kitchen with any features you would like no matter what type of budget you are working with.

While a country style is still quite rare in Panama, it is extremely popular in North America.  HGTV says that the country style is not only a space that invites the notion of family gathering, but is also very similar to what most consider being the look of a traditional style kitchen. As the kitchen is typically the gathering place where homeowners not only cook, but also enjoy their meals, a country style kitchen is perfect because of the home style feel it portrays.

If you are thinking about a country style kitchen design remodel for your home, consider utilizing these tips during the planning process.

Gather Inspiration 

When planning out your Panama kitchen renovation you will want to consider any inspiring ideas that you have. This means that you should be looking through magazines and websites online to gather together as many kitchen design ideas as you can. Print out these ideas and put them in a folder for access at any time. Despite you possibly thinking that you will have to redo your entire kitchen, you may begin to notice after going through your design inspirations that you really only need to add a few new elements to your kitchen to give it a fresh look.

Talk to a Contractor 

When you begin your Panama kitchen remodeling project, it is important not only to have a detailed design plan, but also to determine who will be doing the remodeling. Even if you choose to work on this project yourself, it is always smart to contact a local contractor.

By showing them your current kitchen and discussing what you want to change, most can give you specific estimates in terms of material cost and how much labor is needed. This way, if you do not have much experience in kitchen remodeling, you will not end up overestimating or underestimating both time and money.

Country Style Design Ideas 

The important thing always to remember about the country style kitchen is that it focuses on the aspect of traditional with a few signature elements thrown in. Consider these ideas and possibly add one into your remodeling project.

• Repaint the Walls 

When beginning your country style remodeling project, one of the first places to start is the walls. If you’re looking to save money, this is a great way to change the look of your kitchen completely without spending too much money. Popular colors for country style kitchen wall include pale whites, yellows, or light blues. Be sure that before you start repainting the walls, you wash each surface with ammonia or vinegar to get rid of built up dirt and grime.

• Pot Rack 
• • One of the signature elements that comes along with any country style kitchen is a pot rack. You will typically want to hang this pot rack high above the kitchen which not only adds a unique flair to the kitchen, but frees up excess space, as well. Be sure that if you choose to install a pot rack, you install your overhead lights in a way that they will be able to illuminate the space without being blocked by the rack. This type of design element typically looks best when it hangs over an island.

   

• Cabinet Styles 
• • In terms of kitchen renovation ideas when it comes to cabinets with a country style design, you typically want to look for types that give off a “rustic” feel. You can do this in many ways. If you have existing white cabinets, you can show off the natural wood by lightly sanding the surface or possibly applying a glaze. While many kitchens today utilize knobs made with nickel on the surface, this is far too modern for a country style kitchen. Consider adding on iron knobs to your wooden cabinetry for the most rustic look.

   

• Unique Touches & Accessories 

No country style kitchen would be complete without adding in some unique accessories that give it some additional flavor. Consider adding in something like a rooster salt shaker, a few empty mason jars on the counter, and some floral print curtains. Little details like this really help to draw all kitchen renovation ideas together and give the whole room a finishing touch and a sense of completion, to your Panama remodeling project.

Panama Bathroom Renovation Picture

Ah, the bathroom.  The second most important room of the house – after the kitchen.  Actually, to some, it is even more important.  But, what if you are facing a Panama bathroom remodeling project and you only have a tiny space?

This is a common problem when facing a bathroom renovation.

But, fortunately, there are steps you can take to get it right.

With the right planning, there’s no reason even a tiny bathroom can’t be designed into an elegant retreat that is perfect for relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating.

As long as when you begin your small Panama bathroom remodeling project, you keep a couple of areas in mind.

Color

Generally speaking, white, or a light color will make your bathroom feel larger.  For example, you could use white walls.   And then highlight specific areas with splashes of colors in towels and other accessories.

There are places where dark colors can work, even in a smaller bathroom.  A dark color can give your room a cozy feel with a certain elegance all its own.  But be careful, if in doubt, a lighter color in a tiny bathroom is probably a better choice.

Toilet

The Throne – This is probably the first thing people think about when mentioning a bathroom.  Toilets come in to 2 different configurations – a 10″ offset or a 12″ offset.  And 2 different styles – Round or Elongated.

A 10″ offset toilet is mounted closer to the wall, so it leaves more floor space.  And a round toilet takes up less space than an elongated one.

But, an elongated toilet is much more comfortable, so this is one compromise you might want to think about.

One piece toilets – where the tank and bowl is all one unit, take up just as much room as their 2 piece counterparts.  But they do “feel” smaller, which gives the illusion of space.

Another option is a wall mounted toilet which takes up considerably less space in your already cramped room.

Sink

When planning a small bathroom remodel, pay close attention to your choice of sink.  Pedestal and wall mounted sinks take up less space than a cabinet.  And because they are open underneath, they make the room feel larger.

However, they don’t leave any room for storage.   And even keeping tools such as razors and toothbrushes can be a hassle.  Consider adding a small glass shelf above the sink to hold these items.

Storage

If you choose a sink with a vanity, you will gain storage underneath.  But, if you choose a wall mounted or pedestal, you need to look for other options.  This is difficult in a small bathroom.

Your best bet is to add a towel rack for a couple of towels and a small shelf as mentioned above.  Then store everything else (spare towels, toilet paper, etc) outside of the bathroom in a linen closet.

Showers and Tubs

By far, the biggest item in your bathroom is the shower or tub.  Here in Panama, bathtubs are very rare to begin with, so in a small bathroom you should consider having only a shower.

Showers can be custom built to any size, but if you go any smaller than about 36″ you will feel very cramped.  So try to stay a little larger.

Flooring

In Panama, tile is abundant and your best choice.  Other options include vinyl flooring, but that is rare and not very durable.

One tip for a small bathroom is using a diagonal pattern.  This can make your small bathroom seem larger, especially if you have a dark diagonal line on a light tile floor.

Lighting

Lighting is critical to your Panama bathroom remodeling project.  Try to ensure you have at least one room light, and lighting above the mirror.

Natural lighting is one way to make your bathroom feel larger and more inviting.  But a window can take up very valuable wall space in a small room.

An excellent option, if your bathroom is on an outside wall, is to use glass blocks.  Glass blocks let in plenty of natural light, still allow privacy, and don’t take up any space.  Especially if you add them in the shower area where you wouldn’t have shelving anyway.

Remodeling a small bathroom means thinking about things a little differently.  But, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have an elegant and relaxing space.

Just make sure to think about every aspect before you dive into your Panama bathroom remodeling project.

The internet is full of ideas for designing a small bathroom the way you want.  You can find many of them by typing “Small Bathroom Remodeling Ideas” into Google.

Also, contact us and we would love to help.  Our architects and design build experts can tackle every aspect of your bathroom renovation project.

A small Panama bathroom remodeling project is a challenge.  But with the right approach it can still be your favorite room in your home.

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Panama Kitchen Renovation

Kitchens have changed a lot in the last 100 years.  Here in Panama, kitchen remodeling has gone from a strictly utilitarian job – to more of an aesthetically important part of the home design.

However, as much as kitchen remodeling has changed, some rules still apply.  This is especially true with the work triangle.

The “science” of kitchen design started in the 1900′s.  But how kitchens are used have changed a lot since then.  For starters, kitchens are much larger.  There are also more appliances, and often more cooks.

Back in the 1940′s when the “work triangle” was first defined, there was generally only one cook.  And the major appliances consisted of only a sink, refrigerator and stove.

Now, we have microwaves, bar fridges, wine fridges, multiple ovens and fridges, plenty of small appliances and much more.  Also, often there will be two cooks – or even more.  Plus, kitchens often become a place for entertaining.  Unlike 50 years ago when they were usually closed off by a door and only the housewife had access.

However, much of the science behind Panama kitchen remodeling has stayed the same.  It just has to get a modern twist.

First, let’s talk about the work triangle and what it means.

A work triangle is an imaginary set of lines which define an ideal work layout within your kitchen.

You start with the sink, and draw and imaginary line to the refrigerator.  Then, from the Fridge, you draw an imaginary line to the stove.  And from there, back to the sink again.

For an optimally designed space, there are a few rules that your triangle should follow.

• Each leg of the triangle should be between 4 and 9 feet (1.2m – 2.7m).
• There should be no obstacles intersecting the triangle.  If something has to intersect, ensure it is not more than 12 inches.
• The triangle should be in areas with as little traffic as possible.  People should not be walking “through” the lines of the triangle.
• When totaling the length between all 3 legs of the triangle, it should total between 13 feet and 26 feet (4.0m – 7.9m).

You might be thinking that in the days of huge kitchens and multiple cooks, work triangles no longer apply.  But they do.

They just have to look at them a different way.  First, you need to think in terms of multiple triangles.  And next, you need to consider work zones or functional areas.

As you prepare for your Panama Kitchen remodeling project, think first about the different functions your kitchen needs to accomplish.

In general, there are 5 basic zones in your kitchen.

1. Food Storage (includes perishable foods and non perishable items that are stored in a pantry)
2. Equipment storage (Pots, Pans, Plates, Utensils, Etc)
3. Preparation
4. Cooking
5. Cleaning

As you think about these functional areas, you will notice that there is also a recognizable work flow.  Generally, you will start with some basic equipment, then the food, then the preparation area, then cooking and then cleaning.

After thinking about the zones, think about how you are going to use the space.  Do you only have one cook?  or will there be 2 or more on a regular basis?

If there are multiple cooks, will you also need more than one preparation, cooking and / or cleaning area?

Do you plan on using your kitchen for entertaining?  Should some of your equipment (specifically plates, glasses and utensils) be available to your guests without them walking through the prep areas?  Remember, the goal is to keep that area clear.

Now that you have decided on all of the zones your kitchen remodeling project needs you can move on to the design.

Sit down with a drawing of your available space, and go back and read the section on the work triangle.  Only this time, don’t just think of a single triangle.  Think about multiple triangles.

For example, if you plan on having multiple stoves and / or fridges draw triangles between them.  Just make sure that each triangle follows the rules above.

If you plan on accommodating 2 cooks, imagine a commercial kitchen.  Each “chef” should have access to his own triangle, and the triangles should not intersect.  That way, both of you can work without tripping over one another.

Keep areas of similar function close together.   And keep in mind other rules for good kitchen design.

• Sinks should have at least 24″ of space on one side and a minimum of 18″ on the other.
• Stoves should have at least 15″ on one side and 12″ on the other.
• Fridges should have 15″ on the handle side.  Or if you are lucky enough to have side by side fridges, there should be 15″ on each side.

There are a few other rules you should follow in your kitchen renovation, so contact us, and we will be glad to help.

Even though the concept of a work triangle has been around since the 1940′s, they still are a good baseline for your Panama Kitchen remodeling project today.  You just have to expand on the idea to think in terms of zones and multiple triangles.

If you are looking for a kitchen remodel in Panama, we would be glad to talk to you.  And check out our building in Panama eBook to learn how to work with contractors and more.

Kitchen design has evolved a lot over the last 100 years.  But, good design is still good design.  Make sure your Panama kitchen remodeling project allows for the most efficient work setup possible.

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Panama Institutional Construction Project

Every year, thousands of lives are lost in commercial building fires.  By their nature, commercial structures tend to house more residents than homes, so fires become more dangerous.  As a building owner, you are responsible for the fire safety procedures in place in your commercial building.

It’s never too early to begin thinking about fire safety.  In fact, it should start long before the building has even been started.  But drafting emergency equipment at the design stage isn’t enough.  Once your building is occupied, your plans need to be expanded, practiced and revised over time.

When thinking about fire safety for your commercial building, there are 5 specific areas you need to consider.  Here are a few tips for each.

Prevention

The best fire safety plan for your commercial building involves doing the most you can do to prevent fires in the first place.  This starts with ensuring that your building exceeds building codes geared at fire protection.

After you structure is complete and occupied, inspection and being aware of potential hazards takes over.  Inspect your electrical systems regularly.  Ensure that there is no faulty wiring, and that circuits are not overloaded.  Also confirm that your electrical equipment is in good working order.

Check that any stored combustible materials are stored appropriately, and with adequate ventilation.  Make sure that flammable materials are not stored near equipment that

Fire alarm notification appliance (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

generates heat.

Other hazards that you need to be aware of include candles, smoking areas and other places where there are open flames.

Detection

In the case of fire, seconds count.  Your fire and smoke alarm system needs to be working, and alarms need to be placed where they can be heard.

Along with smoke and fire alarms, consider installing carbon monoxide detection systems.   Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas caused by incomplete burning of various fuels.  And it can be deadly.

Regularly inspect your alarm systems to ensure proper operation.

Suppression

Commercial buildings systems have a much larger role in stopping fire once it starts, than individual homes.  Because of their size, they need to be equipped with much of the equipment actually needed to fight the fire.

This includes having ample fire hydrants available for tenant use.  Depending on the building, automatic sprinkler systems, and / or fire hoses and reels may also be required.  It is important that all fire fighting equipment has plenty of pressure to supply water as required.

Evacuation

The most important thing in any fire emergency is the ability to get everyone out safely.  In most commercial structures, especially ones that are several stories high, residents may have a long way to go to find an exit.

All fire exits should be well marked so they can be seen; even in the case of a lot of smoke.  Emergency lighting should be provided in case of power outage.  It’s even better if there are lighted paths to the exit doors.

Building codes usually require self closing solid core fire doors which help to keep flames encased and away from exit areas.

Planning

Commercial buildings can hold hundreds or even thousands of people.  In the case of a fire, it is important to have a plan that will keep people organized and help them to safety.  Plans are designed to reduce panic and get everyone out in an orderly fashion.

Occupants of your building need to be informed of this plan.  And regular “fire drills” should be carried out to ensure residents are compliant.

Panama just created a new law requiring that high-rise buildings have an evacuation plan before granting occupancy permits.

By thinking about these 5 areas – prevention, detection, suppression, evacuation and planning – your building will be a safer place for occupants and visitors.

If you don’t have one already, find a single person or team to head up your buildings fire safety plan.  If your organization does not have a fire safety officer, appoint one immediately and have them get started.

Fire safety in your commercial building is your responsibility.  There are no excuses for not providing a safe space for your occupants and tenants.

Panama Beach House

Do you have a home fire safety plan?  Are you practicing it regularly?  While getting good fire statistics on Panama is difficult, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), roughly 1 in 310 homes report a home fire every year.

In the US, these fires average 2650 deaths and 12,890 injuries per year.

Those numbers are staggering, and while the number of actual deaths in Panama is lower, chances are that per capita our counts are similar.

Also, in Panama, your distance to a fire department might be even greater.  So it is even more vital that you have a home fire safety plan in place to protect your family.  It doesn’t take long, and it could save your life.

Protection First

The first step in your fire safety plan should be ensuring that you prevent fires as much as possible in the first place.  This means walking through your home and identifying hazards like poor electrical wiring, combustibles close to the home, etc.

Notification Next

Most fatal fires occur because people are unaware of the fire.  They often happen at night when the family is sleeping.  Ensure that you have fire alarms on each level of your home.  And outside each sleeping area.

And make sure they work.  Fire alarms should be tested at least twice per year.  In the US, it is recommended that you test them at the start and end of daylight savings time.  Panama doesn’t have daylight savings time, so pick some other dates.  Try to pick 2 dates that are easy to remember, and about 6 months apart.  For example, a birthday for you and your spouse.

Your Home Fire Safety Plan

Your plan doesn’t have to be fancy.  In fact, it shouldn’t be.  Start with a drawing of each level of your home.

Draw a picture of each room, doorway and window.  Proportions do not have to be exact.  Just approximate drawings are fine.

Fire Safety Plan (Photo credit: elmada)

Now that your home is drawn, look individually at each room.  Ideally, you want to find 2 escape routes from each.  Obviously, the door is preferred, but is escape through a window possible?  Do they all open freely and fully?

Many homes in Panama have security bars on the windows. They are a double edge sword.  They keep intruders out; but they can also keep you trapped inside.  Make sure you have quick release latches inside that you can open in an emergency.

It’s important to make sure your children know how to – and are able to – open them.

After your escape routes are planned, decide on a meeting place.  This is so that if you and the rest of your family are separated you can quickly see if anyone is still inside.  This meeting place should be close and easy to find.  But far enough away from the home that you are out of danger.

This is the spot you should call the fire department, if you have a cell phone.  Never call from inside the house.  If you do not have a cell, call from a neighbor’s house.  But try to meet at your meeting spot first to ensure everyone has made it out.

That is all there is to creating a home fire safety plan.  It is simple for a reason.  You want everyone to remember it, even during a real fire.  This includes children.

Practice Makes Perfect

Graph paper (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The other key to staying alive, is to practice your plan.  At least 2 times per year.  Families with young kids should practice more often.  You should set off the smoke detectors so your kids hear them.  The last thing you want is for the child to be frightened and hide rather than executing your plan.

Graph paper will make drawing your escape routes very easy.  You can pickup graph paper almost any where that sells office supplies.  Or, we have attached a simple grid for your convenience.

Download it here and get started on your plan today.

Having a home fire safety plan will keep your family from becoming a statistic.  Your families’ safety is your responsibility.

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