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Simple and sweet

How to Value a House

Two things to consider in valuing a home are, first, how does it compare to similar homes that have sold recently? Is the asking price fair? And second, what value do you place on the advertised features and amenities? Yes, other people might value them highly, but do you?

Zestimate home valuation, RealestateABC.com, Reply.com are among the many algorithmic (generated by a computer model) starting points in figuring out the value of a home. It shows you how the home is relative to other homes in the area, but you need to add in all the things that only someone who has seen the house knows. You can do that using My Estimator, and then you create your own estimate and see how it stacks up against the asking price.

Looking at "Comps"

Knowing whether an asking price is fair will be important when you're ready to make an offer on a house. It will be even more important when your mortgage lender hires an appraiser to determine whether the house is worth the loan you're after.

Check on with your agent, Zillow.com, propertyshark.com, or other websites to see recent sales of homes in the area that are similar, or comparable, to what you're looking for. Print them out and keep these "comps" in your three-ring binder; you'll be referring to them quite a bit.

Note that "recent sales" usually means within the last six months. A sales price from a year ago may bear little or no relation to what is going on in your area right now. In fact, some lenders will not accept comps older than three months.

Market activity also determines how easy or difficult it is to find accurate comps. In a "hot" or busy market, with sales happening all the time, you're likely to have lots of comps to choose from. In a less active market finding reasonable comps becomes harder. And if the home you're looking at has special design features, finding a comparable property is harder still. It's also necessary to know what's going on in a given sub-segment. Maybe large, high-end homes are selling like hotcakes, but owners of smaller houses are staying put, or vice versa.

Real Life Example

Who: A brother and sister were looking for a house to buy together in Honolulu a few years ago.

Circumstances: They wanted a place with room for their mother as well as for the brother and his wife to live.

The house: They found a good candidate near the university, tucked away with a few other small homes in an area surrounded by mid-rise apartment buildings.

The dilemma: Their agent (and, later, the bank's appraiser) had a difficult time finding comparable properties. Even though the housing market in Hawaii was jumping, none of the other small, older homes in the neighborhood had been sold recently, and no others were being offered for sale. However, the siblings had been house-hunting for several weeks and believed the asking price was fair.

Solution: The bank's appraiser had to search for sales in other neighborhoods of about the same age and to make a number of allowances in order to place a value on the house. As it happened, the final appraised value was quite satisfactory to the bank.

Critical Elements

The elements most critical to an accurate comparison are:

• Area or location. Although the ideal comps will be right in the same neighborhood as the house you're interested in, it may be necessary to go farther afield, to a generally similar neighborhood, with homes that were built at about the same time. The more familiar you are with the characteristics that distinguish one neighborhood from another -- and the more familiar with the state of the housing market in these areas -- the better you'll be able to judge whether the comps are truly fair comparisons.
• Amenities. Does your target house have a pool? A great view? An extra, or "bonus", room, such as an in-law or guest suite over the garage?
• Size. The number of rooms, the total square footage of the house, the size of the garage, and the size of the lot all make a difference in finding good comps.
• Age of the house. Generally appraisers like to compare homes of similar age, since they will usually have similar amenities. (Of course, a house built in 1950 and completely remodeled in 1999 is not strictly comparable to a house built in 1950 but never remodeled. See My Estimator to adjust for these situations.)

Sometimes unknown or unexpected circumstances can skew prices:

• If a home sale was the result of a divorce or death, for example, the seller(s) might have accepted a lower price just to get the deal over with. If the sale price of a comp looks unusually low (or high), see if you or your agent can find out more about it.
• Factors well beyond your control -- actions by the Federal Reserve Board, national and international events (read: elections, wars, oil prices) -- can cause housing prices to rise or fall significantly in a matter of weeks. While it's tempting to think you might be able to "time the market", it's probably better for your mental health just to roll with the punches and accept that last month's buyers' market is gone and sellers have advantage.

What's It Worth to You?

If you're working with an agent, you may find yourself experiencing some upward pressure: "Yes, it's priced a little higher than you were looking for, but it's got [pick one: an extra bedroom, a really great backyard, a family room, a pool]."

To be fair, first-time buyers, and even experienced buyers, can apply this pressure all by themselves: "Gee, look at this one: for just a little bit more we could get..."

Amenities such as new wall-to-wall carpet or a swimming pool might be a real selling point for some buyers. If you're not one of them, you need to make this clear to your agent.

For one thing, you'll establish that you're serious about your budget. It will also help the agent negotiate for you later. If the seller can find another buyer who appreciates those features, more power to him. The point is that for you the new carpet is actually a negative if you'll want tear it out to get to the hardwood floor underneath.

Also, be sure to compare the listing description to what you see. Is everything there that was promised? Question anything that's not clear. Sometimes a listing will say something like, "square footage doesn't match tax records." What does that mean, exactly? Is there an addition that was made without permits, for example? That might be okay for now, but how will that affect the re-sale value of the home? -www.zillow.com

Blazing Beauties

To create a cosy ambience in your home without the mess and hassle of a fireplace try a sophisticated stove. With a myriad of modern and traditional styles to choose from, there has never been a better time to kiss messy grates and draughty chimneys goodbye. House and Home, Ireland’s best loved and biggest selling interiors magazine gives you the ultimate guide to stoves. 

Though a roaring fire may be a beautiful sight to behold, it can also be messy and hasslesome when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, not to mention expensive when it comes to purchasing and installation. Stoves are a warmer, more economic and more energy efficient option. 

A stove is a better option if you are purchasing it for heating needs, as it is more efficient at providing heat. While stoves and fireplaces have the same fuel inputs, they give different heat outputs. With rising fuel costs, this makes it a very attractive prospect, as a stove will provide the same heat in a shorter space of time than a fireplace. Flueless models are glass fronted, and so you do not have the large ventilation outlet that exists with a fireplace, cutting out the cold air that reduces the effectiveness of the heat generated by a fire. This glass door is also an excellent safety device eliminating the danger of sparks flying out into the room. A stove is a device used purely for heating purposes. Consequently the size of a particular model that you choose to buy will reflect the size of the room that you wish to heat. In this respect, stoves are a very versatile option, since they are available in a variety of sizes and styles that work well in modern homes and very often take up little space. 

The primary consideration when deciding what type of stove to purchase is whether or not to have a flue; for those with a flue, this will dictate were the stove is to be situated. If you don’t have a flue, you may either have one installed or opt for a flueless model. If installing a flue it is vital to have access to an outside wall or roof. If an outlet is not available a flueless stove is the only option. However it is advised that you steer clear of a flueless stove if it is intended for use for more than four hours a day, due to potential dangers of insufficient ventilation. 

With a vast array of styles on offer you won’t be stuck for choice when you go stove shopping. There are many modern models available in a variety of finishes that include stainless steal and soapstone. Bright, high gloss colours are available in a veritable rainbow of shades. 

Another advantage of a stove over a traditional fire is that the installation process is considerably less time consuming. The cost, on the other hand could be greater, as fireplace costs normally include installation fees, while the price that you pay for your stove covers the item only. Stoves must be installed by a professional as considerable consideration must be given to ventilation and also to ensure that the installation complies with all relevant regulation. www.myhome.ie

Dining Room Chic

Is your dining room formal or informal, a separate room or part of the kitchen or living areas, this room should always be planned around a table and chairs. Your dining room should be inviting and comfortable—a place where people wish to linger, even after the last plate is cleared away.

WHAT IS YOUR KIND OF DINING ROOM?
Most often, formal dining areas are in a separate room, while informal dining areas are more commonly out in the open—frequently attached to the living room, family room, or kitchen. 

Before decorating the dining area, you should first determine the level of formality you'd like to achieve. This decision will have an enormous impact on the colors you'll choose, and the overall look of the décor. 

FORMAL DINING ROOM
A formal dining room is an excellent place for entertaining. Elegant and refined, these rooms can make even the most casual get-togethers seem impressive

Warm colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows, work especially well in more formal spaces. Psychologically, these colors help to stimulate the appetite, making them an excellent choice for rooms where the primary purpose is food and entertaining.

For the best dining experience, use warm hues that are muted or shaded such as golden or creamy yellows, spiced oranges and terracottas, wines, burgundies, and dusty roses.

INFORMAL DINING AREAS
Dining rooms don't necessarily have to be formal, especially if they're connected to a living room or kitchen, as is common in many contemporary homes.

In these more open and casual dining areas, the decorative style usually follows that of the surrounding environment. Your dining room should look as if it's a natural extension of the rest of your home. For example, putting an ultra-modern dining area into a country-styled home might make the room appear off-balance with the rest of your home.

Warm neutral colors—like red-toned or yellow-toned neutrals—work especially well in dining rooms. From warm rosy taupes to golden honey beiges, these colors are calm and comforting, creating a very pleasant dining atmosphere.

Open dining areas tend to look best when continued in the color schemes of the rooms that surround them. If cool colors are used in these rooms, try to use warm accent colors—such as touches of red, orange or yellow—to help stimulate the appetite.

A PLACE TO LINGER IN
No matter what level of formality you choose for your dining area, make sure that it is comfortable and welcoming. 

Hospitality is one of the oldest of human impulses, and your goal should be to create a space where you, your family, friends and acquaintances will want to spend time, both during and after meals.

Use padded seating to encourage people to linger at the table. Install dimmer switches so you can adjust the lighting to a level that's just right for the occasion

WHICH STYLE FOR YOUR DINING ROOM?
TRADITIONAL WARMTH
A traditional style is generally formal, sophisticated and timeless, using antiques or high quality furniture reproductions, rich woods, overstuffed seating and understated colors. The emphasis is on comfort, style and classic, refined elegance. 

MODERN ELEGANCE
The contemporary look treats interior spaces almost as pieces of three-dimensional art, balancing form, shape, color and texture, and banishing clutter and fussiness.
Surfaces are plain, colors are usually clean and pure, shapes are geometric.

COUNTRY COMFORT
Country today is an assemblage of related styles, with names that include rustic, peasant, pastoral, natural, floral, romantic, nautical, beach, cottage, country house, colonial, New England, Shaker and Provençal, to name a few. Furniture will be simple and hand-crafted; and an absence of modern artifacts.

ECLECTIC STYLE
Casual can also be called eclectic—it’s a well-chosen and harmonious mix of furniture, fixtures, colors, textures and treasured accessories that appeal to you.
Casual requires a confident hand to team up ancient and modern, to combine, say, the clean lines of contemporary with the warmth of country.

NOW THAT YOUR HAVE REDECORATED YOUR NEW DINING ROOM IT IS TIME TO PARTY! 
Here are a few tips to a successful party:
Prepare the house: Remove all valuables, breakables and eatables, and store them in a safe place. Establish whether this party is going to take over the whole house, or just a section, and cordon off accordingly. 
A few flowers arrangements (preferably low ones) around the rooms will show you made an effort for your guests and will create a welcome feel to the party. No need to splash on flowers, a few roses or country flowers from your garden will do the trick  
Be sure that you decorate your home for the people who will enjoy it. Don't set your table with the finest linens if you’re having a barbecue and don't use your favorite china for little children who might break them.
Choose a colour theme from glasses to napkins and ornaments
For a laid back atmosphere, display your food in a buffet style and have a centerpiece on the food table, whether it is an ice sculpture, a chocolate fountain or an antique candlesticks or even an art piece, it will create a unique ambiance and is sure to have your guests talking about it.

The House Doctor:
Question of the month: 
Which flooring would you recommend other than carpet for a busy hallway?

Firstly you are right about not using carpet in a busy hallway as carpets will get dirty very quickly as well as keep smells and won’t dry quickly if you walk in with wet shoes. I would recommend tiling with natural slates or with matt tiles (as you will see dirt and wet patches more easily on shiny marbles and tiles) in darker shades suck as grey, dark beiges, terracottas as those will be easier to maintain. Don’t disregard wooden floors but do opt for oiled floors as the oil used to colour the wood will also protect your floors from humidity and dirt. www.myhome.ie

Make Your Home Happy

The design of your home can seriously affect the way you feel, as your environment brings out the best and worst in you. House and Home, Ireland’s biggest selling home interiors magazine, can teach you how to make your home a happy place, with this essential room-by-room guide. 

The Kitchen: 
The kitchen is the heart of the home, which is why people are drawn to it. When you consider all the life that takes place in kitchens, from cooking to relaxing, it is important to remember that when designing the room thoughts should not be limited to where to place the fridge or the cooker. 
Design your kitchen around your life: you need to understand how much time you spend in the kitchen, how this time will be spent and how you would like this time to feel. 
Do not allow your kitchen to be hidden or partitioned out of sight. Design your kitchen so that people are drawn near to you as you cook. Consider a kitchen/dining room or draw some stools up to the work surfaces. 
Natural light is good but not essential, as we use our kitchens most in the evening. They’re about warmth rather than light. If you have only a couple of rooms that give good light, save them for the bedroom and the bathroom. 

The Living Room: 
The reception room was so named because it was, literally, somewhere were families received people so that it was wasn’t necessary to bring them into the rest of the house. 
Living rooms should be designed to encourage living. 
Deicide what you want to do in the living room and design it around that, i.e. read, watch telly etc. 
For most, lounging is a lot more comfortable than sitting and certainly on a family level it seems to work. 
We are hardwired to be happy with some connection to nature, it doesn’t have to be direct contact such as a view of a garden but even introducing some natural material will meet this need. 

The Bedroom: 
The bedroom is the room we will spend most of our lives in and is worth some effort. 
It’s well worth having a bed that’s interesting because the bed is like a stage. It really helps if it is visually and sensuously pleasing. 
Having a good mattress and decent bedding is well worth the investment when you consider how much time you spend in bed. 
Include lamps candles windows and a fireplace to soothe the mood. Add flowers and plants to nurture and look at, and fill the room with music and ideas to help you dream. 

The Bathroom: 
The bathroom should be viewed as a place rich in the promise of privacy and pleasure. 
The bathroom is one of the few places in which we can really be on our own and for this reason it has tremendous allure. The bathroom allows us to really pay attention to ourselves. 
If you have extra space it would be worthwhile considering moving the bathroom, perhaps into an unused bedroom etc. 

If you have very limited space, open it up by getting rid of the bath and installing a fantastic shower instead. www.myhome.ie

How to look after you Carpet?

One of the great myths surrounding new carpets is that they should not be vacuumed. This is most definitely not the case and you can vacuum your carpets from the time they are fitted. 
When a carpet is new it has a tendency to shed fluff. This is not something to worry about, the fluff is just loose fibres and does not indicate any fault with the carpet; you should simply vacuum the fluff away.

Remember to vacuum your carpets at least once a week. Dirt and grit become trapped in all carpets. As the carpet is walked across the dirt and grit will grind against the fibre of the carpet causing the carpet to wear and become dull. 
If you are aware of areas in your home that you know will receive a high amount of wear you may want to consider using rugs to protect your carpet, or better still, have a good quality carpet protectant applied. Protectants not only help prevent permanent staining, but also help you vacuum clean more effectively, removing more gritty particles.

SPILLS
Spills are a certainty, so the best way to deal with them is to be prepared and know how best to tackle them. Mistreated spills can become permanent stains and unwanted features on your carpets. 
The best thing to do with any spillage is to act quickly, the faster they are tackled the easier they will be to remove. Always avoid allowing a spill to dry on your carpet, except in the case of some materials such as tar or mud which are easier to remove when dry. 
Dyes from cloth or paper towels can, in the presence of some liquids, migrate into carpeting and soft furnishing materials. Therefore, when trying to remove stains, only use towels which are colourless (white) or are known to be totally colourfast. 
When working on a stain, always work form the outside, and towards the center. This will prevent spreading of the staining material. Remove any solids in the staining material first using a spoon, spatula or other blunt instrument. 

If you have a spillage do not scrub your carpet. Scrubbing will damage the fibres of the carpet and while you may succeed in removing the stain you will have damaged your carpet and altered the look of the pile. Dabbing a spillage with an absorbent cloth or paper towel is the best . 

Boiling water should never be applied to spillages as it can cause permanent damage to the structure of carpeting. Any water used to treat stains should be tepid to warm, but not boiling. 
Remember, the stain you are trying to treat is on the top surface (pile area) of the carpet, so saturating the carpet such that the carpet backing and underlay become soaked, is unnecessary and saturation will probably cause delamination, local shrinkage and the formation of unhealthy moulds and mildew beneath the carpets surface. 

Avoid using shampoos and washing up liquids or any other non-specialised cleaners. If you clean spills with these products you may notice the return of your stain in a matter of weeks. This is because shampoos can leave behind sticky residues which cannot be fully rinsed away without saturating the carpet, and will attract and gather dirt where you don't want to keep it.

Cleaning up spills and keeping your carpets in mint condition will be much easier if you have your carpets treated with a fabric protector. You should look for a supplier who can apply a fluoro- chemical protector with acid dye blockers for best results. Your carpet and fabric care expert will advise you on the options available to you. 

Different stains require different treatment. 

Here are some tips for dealing with common stains.
Blood- Firstly soak up the liquid with an absorbent cloth or tissue. Using a clean white cloth, moistened with cold water, dab the area repeatedly until the stain lifts. If the blood has dried into the carpet you will need to dissolve it first with warm water. If the stain has dried and cannot be removed, you should obtain the services of a reputable carpet care specialist. 

Tea, Red Wine, Coffee, Juice etc.. - again, begin by soaking up the liquid using an absorbent clean cloth or paper towels. Using another clean white cloth, moistened with warm water, dab repeatedly until the stain lifts. If, having repeated this process several times, the stain has not been fully removed, you should consult a reputable carpet care specialist. 

Chewing Gum- You should never tackle chewing gum until it has been frozen dry. You can buy agents to freeze gum in carpet at hardware stores. Once the gum has been frozen you can remove it easily by breaking it up. 

Grease- Using a spoon, spatula or other blunt instrument, remove as much of the grease as possible. Treat the remainder by spraying on a little "Grease Remover" (available from your local Carpet care specialist) and then dabbing with a clean cloth towel to absorb the suspended material. It may be necessary to repeat the process several times to achieve total removal. 

This information is provided in association with: Chem-Dry Ireland Ltd.,
the DRIER. CLEANER. HEALTHIER™ carpet & upholstery cleaning experts.
For more information on carpet care see www.chemdry.ie

Membagi Ruang dengan Sekat Kayu

Masalah terbesar rumah mungil adalah bagaimana menyediakan ruang yang lengkap, dan di mana menempatkan ruang-ruang itu, agar rumah tidak terkesan sesak. Kemudian masalah selanjutnya adalah, bagaimana membuat rumah itu terlihat indah. 

Ruang Utama 
Sekalipun luasnya cuma 60 m2, rumah bergaya Jawa ini sanggup menyediakan ruang-ruang utama, yaitu ruang makan, 1 ruang tidur, ruang keluarga/ruang tamu, dapur, dan 1 kamar mandi (di dalam ruang tidur). 

Ruang tidur dan kamar mandi berada dalam satu ruang tertutup. Sementara ruang makan, ruang keluarga, dan dapur berada dalam satu ruang yang “menerus”. Untuk mendapatkan privasi, semua ruang ini tersembunyi di balik sekat/dinding kayu yang ada di dekat pintu utama (lihat Denah). 

Sekat Kayu 
Yang unik di rumah ini adalah: pembatas ruangnya banyak menggunakan sekat kayu, bukan dinding bata. Bata hanya digunakan pada dinding yang berbatasan dengan ruang luar dan kamar mandi. 

Kayu ini lebih tipis dibandingkan bata (dinding bata tebalnya 15 cm, sedangkan panel kayu sekitar 5 cm). Dengan demikian sekat ini tidak “memakan” ruang terlalu banyak, dan sekaligus membuat ruang terlihat lebih indah dengan ukir-ukirannya. 

Tembus Pandang 
Siasat lain yang dilakukan dalam penataan rumah ini adalah membuat lubang di semua sekat. Lubang ini sebetulnya adalah jendela, yang dibeli sekalian dengan teralisnya yang menyerupai jeruji penjara. 

Dengan jendela berteralis ini, berdiri di manapun kita bisa melihat ke ruang lain. Dari foyer bisa melihat sampai ke ruang tidur, dari dapur bisa melihat sampai ke foyer. Rumah pun jadi tidak terlihat sesak. 

MADE MARDIANI KARDHA/RAHMA YULIANTI-www.kompas.com

keunggulan kayu jati

Kayu Jati Termasuk jenis kayu keras yang bernilai tinggi dan sangat diminati di dunia. Kayu Jati Jawa terkenal
sejak beberapa abad lalu karena kualitasnya. Kekuatan kayu, warna kecoklatan indah, serat yang
unik dan ketahanannya terhadap segala cuaca tidak tertandingi oleh jenis kayu lain. Selain tidak
mudah patah akibat benturan dengan benda metal, kayu jati tidak membutuhkan banyak perawatan.

Karena ciri-cirinya tersebut, kayu jati banyak digunakan untuk bahan baku: pintu, rangka jendela,
interior dan eksterior furniture, lantai atau flooring, ukiran. Bahkan di beberapa negara, kayu jati
digunakan untuk decking kapal atau yachts.

Merawat Mebel Jati

Mebel atau furnitur jati sudah terkenal akan ketahanan dan warnanya 
yang memberi kesan mewah dan berkelas. Namun karena pengaruh
lingkungan seperti perubahan cuaca, kelembaban udara, debu, 
dan lain-lain, meubel jati yang dulu ketika dibeli begitu indah kini 
menjadi kusam seperti kehilangan "auranya";. Mungkin kita pernah
mengalami hal ini ?
1. Siapkan kuas halus yang kecil untuk membersihkan sela-sela mebel 
yang sering ditempati debu-debu. Pakai kuas tersebut dengan dengan 
menyapukan di tempat yang susah dijangkau dengan kain lap dan 
sapukan dengan halus sampai bersih.
2. Semprotkan pledge ke permukaan mebel dan sela-sela mebel dan jangan berlebihan.
3. Kemudian lap dengan kain ball (bisa dibeli di toko material) kemudian biarkan kering.
4. Lihat hasilnya, mebel anda kembali bercahaya dan seperti baru kembali.
5. Bersihkan mebel anda dengan cara diatas ini, paling tidak seminggu sekali. 
Untuk harian cukup permukaan mebel anda sapu dengan kemoceng (bulu ayam) 
secara merata.

Amankan Rumah dengan Hati Tetangga

Jika kita perhatikan berbagai pemberitaan di media cetak atau elektronik, kita akan mendapatkan sebuah kenyataan yang mengejutkan. Begitu besarnya angka kriminalitas berupa pencurian dan perampokan, bahkan disertai pembunuhan pada berbagai kompleks perumahan. Apa sebenarnya yang sedang terjadi?

Ada beberapa masalah—dalam pandangan penulis—yang berhubungan erat dengan masalah kriminalitas di perumahan. Salah satunya berhubungan dengan pola pemukiman dan cara bermasyarakat.

Kisah Maling di Kampung
Sebagai orang yang besar di lingkungan perkampungan, penulis masih ingat sebuah kejadian semasa kecil dulu. Suatu ketika, 3 orang perampok yang masuk ke rumah warga dan mencuri sejumlah perhiasan dan barang elektronik. Sang pemilik rumah bernasib baik, salah seorang penghuni rumah terbangun dan berteriak memanggil warga. Karena rumah antarwarga relatif dekat, warga mendengar panggilan tersebut dan segera keluar. Tak sampai 15 menit seluruh maling sudah tertangkap dan diserahkan kepada pihak yang berwajib.

Kisah ini mengajarkan betapa pentingnya interaksi sosial antarwarga, bentukan pemukiman, dan pengaruhnya terhadap antisipasi kawasan tersebut terhadap kriminalitas. Pada perkampungan atau daerah perumahan yang sederhana, ada kehidupan yang dekat dan saling memiliki.

Lingkungan Individualis
Pada sebagian besar kompleks perumahan di kota besar, kita akan mendapati sebuah lingkungan yang sama sekali berbeda. Antartetangga yang bersebelahan rumahnya banyak yang tidak saling mengenal karena sibuk dengan aktivitas masing-masing. Kita bahkan tidak sempat menyapa, apalagi mengetahui nama anak-anak tetangga. Dalam lingkungan seperti ini biasanya masalah keamanan diserahkan kepada satpam yang menjaga gerbang kompleks.

Berbeda dengan di kampung, seorang warga tidak akan peduli ketika ada orang asing masuk ke rumah tetangganya. Bagaimana mau sadar jika dia tidak tahu siapa tetangganya? Itulah sebabnya, pada salah satu kompleks menengah atas di dekat rumah penulis, angka kriminalitas begitu tinggi. Meskipun banyak satpam yang menjaga kompleks, namun hampir setiap minggu bisa terjadi pencurian kendaraan. Bahkan sebuah kendaraan yang sedang dicuci pun dapat hilang karena lengah dijaga oleh pemiliknya.

Banyak solusi ditawarkan seperti pemeliharaan anjing maupun penyewaan hansip, tapi selain kadang kurang efektif, solusi ini memerlukan biaya atau perawatan yang tidak kecil. Penulis lebih melihat pengamanan dengan memelihara penjagaan di hati tetangga sebagai suatu metode yang jauh lebih baik, setidaknya lebih murah dengan manfaat yang luar biasa.

Penulis: Nangkula Utaberta
Peneliti Arsitektur Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Sumber: Tabloid Rumah