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Richard Rivin is a forensic architect. For more than 20 years he has analyzed building failures to determine what went wrong. In a recent interview from his Norfolk home, I asked him to shift his thinking 180 degrees and talk about what makes a project go right. What can homeowners do to help ensure a happy ending, with all parties congratulating one another for a job well done? With residential work, Rivin said, two factors that contribute to success are often overlooked. .
PERTH'S red-hot property market has delivered home owners a staggering $200-plus a day profit in the past year as house prices soared to unprecedented levels. What your home is worth Perth's median house price for the last financial year rocketed 28.2 per cent to $350,000 - the biggest increase in the nation. It got better in June, with the median house price hitting $425,000. According to the Department of Land Information's latest figures, house values in all Perth suburbs soared nearly 30 per cent, or $216 a day. Mandurah had the hottest real estate in the country, with prices soaring 55 per cent in June 2006 to bring its median house price to $450,000 compared with $290,000 in June 2005. Local, overseas and interstate investors were the driving force behind Mandurah's ascendancy, with rare waterfront land and development sites in high demand.
WILMINGTON -- After Eric Bunker scored his second touchdown of the night, the home crowd headed to their cars. It took time, eight years actually, but Masconomet got past Wilmington, 21-0, for its first victory here since 1998. ``I can't tell you how many times they beat us since 1998," Masco coach Jim Pugh said. ``I was very impressed and proud of our kids." Masconomet (4-1, 1-0 Cape Ann) almost doubled the offensive production of the Wildcats (250 to 129 yards ). Andrew Dyer and Eric Bunker combined for 156 yards rushing and two TDs. In the first half, Wilmington tried to pound the middle with Rich Barry, keeping Division 2A's leading passer, Kyle Moon, ready to throw to the division's leading receiver, Greg Stewart. Instead, Moon, a junior, went to the sideline after the first half with a leg injury.
If you thought winning the lottery would be a ticket to see the world, think again. Jackpot winners of the UK's National Lottery are just as likely to take a holiday in Britain as they are to jet off to the Caribbean, according to a survey published by lottery operator Camelot. Nottingham University interviewed 34 jackpot winners who had each scooped more than 1 million (BD705,400) to discover how they had spent their money. And rather than choosing far-flung climes, UK and European destinations remained popular, with all the winners having taken a holiday in Britain after they had landed the jackpot. "Winners may shell out on a new home and more holidays, but the majority aren't snapping up penthouses in the capital and cruising in the Bahamas," said Richard Tunney, psychology lecturer at the University of Nottingham.
Oscar winner Robert De Niro has paid millions for the former home of Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein. The Hollywood actor bought the lavish 15-room property on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, from Weinstein's ex-wife, Eve, for a reported $23 million. The property features stunning views of Central Park and includes a luxurious film theatre, installed by movie mogul Weinstein before the couple divorced last year. The star, 63, will share the property with his wife of nine years, Grace Hightower. Among his new neighbors are Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, who own the apartment directly below De Niro's. (This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network) .
San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection is hosting several free workshops for the public at an all-day summit in San Francisco. Dubbed Meet the DBI Pros, the event offers workshops for architects and builders as well as homeowners interested in the basics of permits and resources. Workshop topics include how to get a permit; condo conversion; lead paint laws and enforcement; seismic safety; disability access; landlord-tenant responsibilities; and how high-rises are changing the San Francisco skyline. There will be a special afternoon panel on the department's increasingly used peer review process, which taps engineering experts in the Bay Area to help evaluate complex building projects. Bring your own lunch, or buy from the concession at the event. The summit is 8:30 a.m.
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