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Archive for September 2015

Gravity-Fed Irrigation and Pond Construction in Yunguilla Valley

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | September 30, 2015

Because of the fertile earth, the acres of undeveloped land, and the pleasant, year-round climate, a lot of residents have taken to farming in the Yunguilla Valley. Of course, growing produce is not as easy as it seems. You’ll need to work out several things to ensure that you will reap what you’ve sown. One of these things is irrigation. Two popular options in the valley are gravity-fed irrigation and ponds. Let’s take a closer look.

Gravity-fed irrigation

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to keep your plants hydrated and healthy, you should consider installing a gravity-fed irrigation system. Considerably more affordable than other irrigation options, gravity-fed irrigation works well in Yunguilla Valley as the area receives just the right amount of precipitation in a year.

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How it works

A gravity-fed irrigation system needs the following components:

  • A water reservoir
  • Support structure
  • Piping
  • Timer and filer
  • Valves
  • Drip lines

At the most basic level, gravity-fed irrigation works by filling an elevated reservoir with water. A pipe attached to the bottom of the reservoir allows water to flow to a basic drip irrigation system, which you can control manually or by using a battery-powered timer.

To keep your system going, you’ll need to maintain it. The hosing and your timer’s battery must be replaced every season, and you’ll need to flush the filter periodically. Before using it for another season, do make sure to wash the container with bleach as well.

Pond construction

IMG_1166Farm ponds are another option to solve your irrigation problems, but can be quite costly. Here are some things you should remember about pond construction.

There are two types of ponds. An embankment pond is basically a dam located across a stream, while an excavated pond is formed through digging. If you’re in a flat area, an excavated pond is highly recommended as it’s easy to construct.

Estimating the amount of water your pond can hold is very important as it affects its depth and size. Also, don’t forget to determine the cost of the following: drain pipe installation, spillway construction, dirt removal, and other processes.

 

Ecuador Home Builders

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | September 5, 2015

The great thing about real estate in Ecuador is the availability options. If none of the current offerings suit you, you can always opt to buy land and build your custom dream home from the ground up.

At LIVETHELIFE, we can help you do just that. From planning and designing your home to the actual construction, we can turn your dream home in Ecuador from plans to beautiful reality.

Whether you want your home to be Mediterranean style, French Provincial, or you’d prefer a beach villa with an Ecuadorian flavor, LIVETHELIFE will help you achieve your vision. Rely on us for everything from the color palette you’re keen on to the types of plants you like in your landscaping,

Our extensive network of reputable builders and contractors in Ecuador allows us to give you a realistic estimate of the building costs you’ll have to shoulder. We’re not afraid to haggle with suppliers in order to get you the best possible quotes on materials and labor so you can turn your dream home into reality.

Low construction costs in Ecuador

It’s oh-so-easy to live in Ecuador. The cost of living is low – and so are the construction costs of a custom home.

Previously, Ecuador welcomed an influx of migrants and American expatriates. They helped grow the economy and introduced new housing options.

With the brief uptick in house prices sliding back down, there is now an oversupply of housing in places like Quito and Cuenca.

Of course, construction costs in Ecuador vary, depending on the quality of the materials you use and the labor you employ. At LIVETHELIFE, we make sure to connect you with reputable contractors that will provide high-quality local materials that are within your budget.

If you’re looking to build a custom home in Ecuador, we at LIVETHELIFE will help you find vacant lots and assist you in sourcing materials and labor. Simply get in touch with us using any of the contact details listed on the site.

Buying Luxury Homes in Ecuador

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | September 2, 2015

Everybody dreams of living the good and sweet life, and Ecuador promises just that with its collection of luxurious estates. Whether you’re looking for a splendid villa with majestic views of the Pacific or a Mediterranean-style mountain retreat nestled in the Ecuadorian Andes, Ecuador’s luxury real estate options are exciting, diverse, and most of all, exceptional.

To prepare yourself for a life like no other, here are some things you should remember when you purchase luxury real estate in Ecuador.

1. Get in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor.
Only the most knowledgeable of real estate professionals have access to Ecuador’s prized collection of luxury homes. You can hire a Realtor or, better yet, get in touch with us here at LIVETHELIFE to learn more about your luxury real estate options.

2. Inspect the property thoroughly.
A luxury home is certainly an investment that you’d want to get your money’s worth on. It goes without saying that you should personally tour the property and ask any and all questions about the home’s features and amenities.

Better yet, hire a specialized home inspector to scrutinize the property you’re interested in. Make sure the inspector you get is an expert on features that often come with upscale homes like:

  • Sophisticated security systems
  • Lawn irrigation systems
  • Pools, spas, fountains, and ponds
  • Exterior fireplaces
  • Landscape lighting
  • Surveillance systems
  • Central air-conditioning and vacuum systems
  • Automatic screens and awning

3. Take care of financial matters.

Listing agents of luxury real estate are only interested in showing to qualified buyers, so it’s best to get your financing approved before you start shopping around. This will prevent delays when you’re ready to make an offer.

4. Get a local real estate attorney on your team.
A local real estate lawyer will help you with the legalities of purchasing real estate in Ecuador. Hire based on reputation, recommendation, track record.