What is “Mood Lighting”? Well, imagine the following scenario: You are expecting friends around for an in¬formal dinner, and let’s assume that you will be dining in the kitchen. First you have to prepare the starter and main course and then tidy up and lay the table. During preparation and cooking you will need good, strong, ambient lighting. Tidying up and lay¬ing the table could be performed with softer, ambient lighting. When your friends arrive, it would be cosier to have an aperitif under incidental lighting, perhaps with wall-washes (wall lights pointed at the walls). The meal could be enjoyed perhaps with soft lighting, accented with a couple of candles. Time to prepare the dessert and coffee: well, just light the relevant work surfaces, without upsetting the overall mood. A number of lighting scenes have been created in this example through subtle use of lighting. These scenes (moods) can be changed simply by flicking a light switch or pressing a button on a remote. “Intelligent” lighting systems can be pre-programmed so that you can re¬call a specific scene easily, promoting the exact mood you wish to convey. These lighting systems can be used in any or all rooms in the house. One of the greatest benefits of these systems is that you can create moods, irrespective of the wiring set-up in your home. The following photos uses examples of different settings from our own self build.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Home Design Rules of Thumb
Recently a friend asked me to help him figure out the proper size for a family room addition he was designing for himself. He was looking for a rule of thumb that would guarantee a comfortable, "architecturally-correct" space - a short cut to a good design. He wanted access to the magic formulas that we apply in our practice. "C'mon," he said, "let me in on the secrets."
That got me thinking about how a blank sheet of paper ends up with a house design on it, and how we assure ourselves that what we've drawn turns out as we expect it to when it's built.
That's a scary prospect for a client - how are they ever sure that the representations they see on paper, on the computer screen, and in model form will really end up as their dream home?
Buying a car or an existing home is far less risky - you can test drive a car first and you can walk through an existing home. But it's quite a leap of faith to commit to the design and construction of a new home. You just don't know exactly what you've got until you've got it.
For those reasons I've great respect for the people who walk through our door. They're usually crossing into uncharted territory, are willing to turn over control of their dream to someone they barely know.
But what about those rules of thumb - the ones that we design professionals keep secret from the public? The truth is that although there aren't any hard-and-fast, black-and-white architectural edicts, there are a number of important concepts that help in determining the comfort and utility of most residential projects.
The first of these is research. And this is, perhaps, a bit of a secret. Before any meaningful design work can begin on any kind of architectural project, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the problem. It starts with documenting the physical context - the site, existing structures on and near the site, the views, the climate, slope of the site, solar orientation, etc., because really good architecture responds to its environment. The project budget and schedule are likewise thrown into the mix.
The other part of the context is less tangible, the context of the client's dreams and desires. And although some clients bring to the table great volumes of information about what they want, most need some nudging to help express and articulate what's been bouncing around in their heads.
So Rule Of Thumb Number One is: Good research leads to good design. Profound? Not really, but certainly essential and often underutilized.
Rule Of Thumb Number Two: Start Slow. This can be an agonizing prospect for the client who's been thinking about their new home for months - planning, dreaming, collecting ideas, visiting other homes and generally gearing up to get started on the design.
But the potential danger is in arriving at a solution too soon. As a design begins appearing on paper, it becomes more "real" and, in the client's eyes, more difficult to change or even discard completely. A slow start means keeping the design "loose" and deferring any irrevocable decisions until a number of different possibilities have been explored.
Rule Of Thumb Number Three: Design From The Inside Out. This is a big one, and perhaps the most often abused. Good design fits the use, not the other way around. This can be something as small as making sure that a bedroom fits a king-size bed, or as large as deciding whether you really need a dining room, living room, and other "formal" spaces in the house. The intended use of space and particular manner in which the occupants will use it should be the primary consideration in the designing the shape and character of any house.
Whether you're working with a design professional, or trying your own hand, keep Rule Of Thumb Number Four in mind: Ask Questions Early and Often. Part of the Architect's job is to be sure that the design drawings adequately communicate the intent of the design to you, but you've got to let him know what you don't understand. There are a lot of design tools available to help make the design more "real" including computer models and physical models, and the more you make use of these, the more you'll understand the design and be able to predict what the "real thing" will be like.
So that's what I told my friend with the inquiring mind. He took a little more time to explore how his family would use the room, even moving his furniture out onto his back lawn to figure out how much space he really needed. The result was a somewhat smaller family room than he'd imagined, but one that was more useful. But still he wasn't sure he'd been allowed a big enough peek behind the curtain. "C'mon," he said, "let me in on the real secrets."
Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect | Luxury Home Plans
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Taylor,_AIA
That got me thinking about how a blank sheet of paper ends up with a house design on it, and how we assure ourselves that what we've drawn turns out as we expect it to when it's built.
That's a scary prospect for a client - how are they ever sure that the representations they see on paper, on the computer screen, and in model form will really end up as their dream home?
Buying a car or an existing home is far less risky - you can test drive a car first and you can walk through an existing home. But it's quite a leap of faith to commit to the design and construction of a new home. You just don't know exactly what you've got until you've got it.
For those reasons I've great respect for the people who walk through our door. They're usually crossing into uncharted territory, are willing to turn over control of their dream to someone they barely know.
But what about those rules of thumb - the ones that we design professionals keep secret from the public? The truth is that although there aren't any hard-and-fast, black-and-white architectural edicts, there are a number of important concepts that help in determining the comfort and utility of most residential projects.
The first of these is research. And this is, perhaps, a bit of a secret. Before any meaningful design work can begin on any kind of architectural project, it is critical to have a thorough understanding of the problem. It starts with documenting the physical context - the site, existing structures on and near the site, the views, the climate, slope of the site, solar orientation, etc., because really good architecture responds to its environment. The project budget and schedule are likewise thrown into the mix.
The other part of the context is less tangible, the context of the client's dreams and desires. And although some clients bring to the table great volumes of information about what they want, most need some nudging to help express and articulate what's been bouncing around in their heads.
So Rule Of Thumb Number One is: Good research leads to good design. Profound? Not really, but certainly essential and often underutilized.
Rule Of Thumb Number Two: Start Slow. This can be an agonizing prospect for the client who's been thinking about their new home for months - planning, dreaming, collecting ideas, visiting other homes and generally gearing up to get started on the design.
But the potential danger is in arriving at a solution too soon. As a design begins appearing on paper, it becomes more "real" and, in the client's eyes, more difficult to change or even discard completely. A slow start means keeping the design "loose" and deferring any irrevocable decisions until a number of different possibilities have been explored.
Rule Of Thumb Number Three: Design From The Inside Out. This is a big one, and perhaps the most often abused. Good design fits the use, not the other way around. This can be something as small as making sure that a bedroom fits a king-size bed, or as large as deciding whether you really need a dining room, living room, and other "formal" spaces in the house. The intended use of space and particular manner in which the occupants will use it should be the primary consideration in the designing the shape and character of any house.
Whether you're working with a design professional, or trying your own hand, keep Rule Of Thumb Number Four in mind: Ask Questions Early and Often. Part of the Architect's job is to be sure that the design drawings adequately communicate the intent of the design to you, but you've got to let him know what you don't understand. There are a lot of design tools available to help make the design more "real" including computer models and physical models, and the more you make use of these, the more you'll understand the design and be able to predict what the "real thing" will be like.
So that's what I told my friend with the inquiring mind. He took a little more time to explore how his family would use the room, even moving his furniture out onto his back lawn to figure out how much space he really needed. The result was a somewhat smaller family room than he'd imagined, but one that was more useful. But still he wasn't sure he'd been allowed a big enough peek behind the curtain. "C'mon," he said, "let me in on the real secrets."
Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect | Luxury Home Plans
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Taylor,_AIA
Construction Equipment Basics
Cranes, excavators, loaders, and any other large equipment you might find on a construction site are considered construction equipment. While some of you might see construction equipment as hammers, saws, and other smaller items they are in fact construction tools. Are you looking for some construction equipment to help you with your next job? If so you need to know a little bit about the equipment available.
Cranes: You can have many types of canes from the all terrain hydraulic crane, to the boom truck. A boom truck is a piece of construction equipment that has a flat bed with a crane on it rather than a smaller cab for the crane with tracks. This crane system can be used to haul the material as well as move the crane about while hydraulic cranes tend to need a trailer and then roll off to be placed on the ground. These types of cranes tend to rotate 360 degrees.
Excavators: These are consider bobcats, and backhoes of the construction equipment. The size you will need is again dependent upon the job you will have. Most construction companies have a variety for the type of work and land they will have. Bobcats usually work out well when you have a little job, where as backhoes are great for digging larger holes.
Loaders: The are also many types of loaders from a front end loader to a wheel loader. Loaders are often seen used for road construction as well as other construction jobs. These are tractors that have a bucket on the front and use a hydraulic system to raise the bucket and dump the material either in a dump truck or off to the side.
Construction equipment is important whether you work on housing sites or road construction. The equipment you choose will depend on the type of work you do and will also be determined by the terrain you work on.
Phil Nichol writes for a number of construction, remodeling and home improvement websites. For more detailed information on construction equipment such as loaders, excavators and backhoes please click on the links. There you will find articles and resources to help you with any construction project you are planning including a guide to specific construction equipment manufacturers and the pros and cons of buying new versus used construction equipment, as well as specific details of which pieces of heavy equipment you should use for which job. Visit: http://bestconstructionequipment.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Nichol
Cranes: You can have many types of canes from the all terrain hydraulic crane, to the boom truck. A boom truck is a piece of construction equipment that has a flat bed with a crane on it rather than a smaller cab for the crane with tracks. This crane system can be used to haul the material as well as move the crane about while hydraulic cranes tend to need a trailer and then roll off to be placed on the ground. These types of cranes tend to rotate 360 degrees.
Excavators: These are consider bobcats, and backhoes of the construction equipment. The size you will need is again dependent upon the job you will have. Most construction companies have a variety for the type of work and land they will have. Bobcats usually work out well when you have a little job, where as backhoes are great for digging larger holes.
Loaders: The are also many types of loaders from a front end loader to a wheel loader. Loaders are often seen used for road construction as well as other construction jobs. These are tractors that have a bucket on the front and use a hydraulic system to raise the bucket and dump the material either in a dump truck or off to the side.
Construction equipment is important whether you work on housing sites or road construction. The equipment you choose will depend on the type of work you do and will also be determined by the terrain you work on.
Phil Nichol writes for a number of construction, remodeling and home improvement websites. For more detailed information on construction equipment such as loaders, excavators and backhoes please click on the links. There you will find articles and resources to help you with any construction project you are planning including a guide to specific construction equipment manufacturers and the pros and cons of buying new versus used construction equipment, as well as specific details of which pieces of heavy equipment you should use for which job. Visit: http://bestconstructionequipment.info
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Nichol
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Build Your Own Home - The World of Wacky Property
Are you looking for an alternative to the standard two up, two down, red brick house in the suburbs? Do you want to live in a home with a difference? Well, you're not alone; inspired by TV shows such as Grand Designs, more and more people are designing and building their own quirky property that is very different to the average home.
The chance to live in a home that you've designed and even built yourself is a huge draw for many adventurous architectural types. The ever rising costs of buying a property in the UK, has meant that building your own home is now a much more economically viable option compared to a decade or two ago; and adventurous individuals are using the current economic atmosphere to build a house of their dreams.
Self built homes are often regarded as being of a higher construction quality than commercial developers' properties. The personal touch, and the fact that the designer will actually be living in the property, tends to mean that they won't scrimp and save on materials and construction; whereas some less scrupulous construction companies tend to have less consideration for running and maintenance costs, and are generally more interested in meeting basic building regulations and keeping construction costs down.
Some estate agents say that self builds can be a little harder to sell than the average red brick home. The fact that self builds are very personal to their creators, means that they may have limited appeal, especially in some of the most quirky designs, such as church conversions or eco-friendly houses. In saying that, although the appeal may be less widespread, these designs are so different from the average home that there is always somebody, somewhere who wants a room with a slightly different view.
The range of quirky property which is being built by individuals is huge, and is not limited to any one place or style; interesting self builds are popping up all over the country; from modern concept property in Lancashire, to rustic and rural thatched projects in Scotland, to inner city urban conversions in London.
If you need inspiration for your own self build project, here are a few ideas: how about converting an old river barge into a modern, floating home? Or try to build with straw bales - a surprisingly sturdy, cheap and easy building material with excellent insulating properties. And you could always go green with an off-grid eco build, using wood as the main material and incorporating photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and a composting toilet into the design.
Self build homes are on the increase, and there are even specialist self build mortgages and insurance available, so rather than buying a ready made home, why not build your own?
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan
The chance to live in a home that you've designed and even built yourself is a huge draw for many adventurous architectural types. The ever rising costs of buying a property in the UK, has meant that building your own home is now a much more economically viable option compared to a decade or two ago; and adventurous individuals are using the current economic atmosphere to build a house of their dreams.
Self built homes are often regarded as being of a higher construction quality than commercial developers' properties. The personal touch, and the fact that the designer will actually be living in the property, tends to mean that they won't scrimp and save on materials and construction; whereas some less scrupulous construction companies tend to have less consideration for running and maintenance costs, and are generally more interested in meeting basic building regulations and keeping construction costs down.
Some estate agents say that self builds can be a little harder to sell than the average red brick home. The fact that self builds are very personal to their creators, means that they may have limited appeal, especially in some of the most quirky designs, such as church conversions or eco-friendly houses. In saying that, although the appeal may be less widespread, these designs are so different from the average home that there is always somebody, somewhere who wants a room with a slightly different view.
The range of quirky property which is being built by individuals is huge, and is not limited to any one place or style; interesting self builds are popping up all over the country; from modern concept property in Lancashire, to rustic and rural thatched projects in Scotland, to inner city urban conversions in London.
If you need inspiration for your own self build project, here are a few ideas: how about converting an old river barge into a modern, floating home? Or try to build with straw bales - a surprisingly sturdy, cheap and easy building material with excellent insulating properties. And you could always go green with an off-grid eco build, using wood as the main material and incorporating photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and a composting toilet into the design.
Self build homes are on the increase, and there are even specialist self build mortgages and insurance available, so rather than buying a ready made home, why not build your own?
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Regan
Ten Ways To Make Your New Dream Home Greener
Are you building your dream home? If your dream of the future includes a brand new home, you are in a position to make your dream house one that is good to the environment. Here are ten choices that can make your new construction home a lean green machine.
Select a site that is handy to public transportation or otherwise reduces your dependence on automobile travel.
If you're like most people, your biggest contribution to pollution and energy use is driving. When you choose a home site that reduces your need to use an automobile, you'll be reducing the amount of carbon based fuel that you use as well as reducing the amount of air pollution that you personally contribute. Many of the newest subdivisions and communities are designed to put everything that you need within walking distance of your front door.
Choose a design that makes use of natural features and lighting to reduce energy use.
The design plan of your home can make use of passive solar design to make the most of natural light and shade to reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home. A southern facing roof, for instance, is ideal for installing solar water heating panels. Shade trees on the east and west sides of your house can keep the entire house cooler without the need for air conditioning.
Pick energy efficient windows and doors.
If you're going to splurge somewhere, splurge on the most energy efficient doors and windows you can find. Low-e glass can make it possible to have those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows you want in the study without completely destroying your energy profile. Energy efficient doors and windows provide the seal that you need to keep your inside air in and outside air out. They'll cut down on heat transfer between the indoors and out. Break resistant glass in your windows will increase the ability of your dream home to resist hurricane force winds (which, btw, will lower your insurance costs).
Use high efficiency lighting systems.
Lighting is about more than light bulbs and fixtures. When you choose your lighting systems, consider using programmable timers to turn lights on and off using a sensor, dimmable lighting controls and task lighting areas that will reduce the amount of overhead light that you need. Outdoors, use motion sensors for landscape lighting rather than lights that stay on all night long. You'll see the overall result in lower utility bills and less light pollution.
Use a properly sized heating/cooling system - and be sure that it's Energy Star compliant.
Over and undersized heating and cooling systems waste energy. Choose the right size system for your home.
Use sustainable building materials for floors, countertops, cabinets and other surfaces in your home.
Bamboo floors are all the rage in the building trade right now, but bamboo is not the only sustainable, green material out there. You may actually be more green using local wood than importing bamboo from the other side of the world. Consider concrete, which is surprisingly versatile and stylish in the right hands, and is extremely green.
Install plumbing that conserves and reuses water.
Choose plumbing fixtures that reduce water use without compromising water pressure. These are some of the least expensive choices you can make - aerators in all of your faucets, low flow shower heads, low water use toilet tanks. A new and increasingly popular option is a plumbing system that harvests rain water and reuses "gray water" - water that has been used for washing up, laundry and dishwashing, for instance. Gray water can be used for any purpose that doesn't require potable water - your washing machine, flush toilets, showers, etc. By reusing water, you cut down on the amount of water going through the municipal wastewater treatment and reduce your need for fresh water.
Choose low maintenance landscaping options.
Drought resistant grass and native plants can virtually eliminate your need for an irrigation system because they rely on Mother Nature for their water needs. But there are other options that can make your landscape an active part of your greener strategies. Including a roofed porch or patio adds shade to your property and reduces your energy use by providing an outdoor space to escape the heat. If you choose a pool or spa, look for features like an integral cover to prevent evaporation, timers that turn filters off and on and filtration systems that reduce the need for harmful chemicals like chlorine.
Choose low VOC materials and supplies for floors, finishes, carpets, cabinets and paints.
Volatile organic compounds are gasses that are given off constantly by many of the materials and finishes used in building homes. VOCs can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation and other health problems. They're also damaging to the environment because they contribute to smog. Look for paints, adhesives and other supplies that are labeled low VOC. Opt for light colors when you paint (light colors are usually lower VOC than darker pigments), and avoid carpet and vinyl flooring. Low VOC products are usually comparable price-wise to their conventional counterparts.
Select appliances and mechanical systems that are in the top 20% of their category in the DOE Energy Guide labels.
The Department of Energy labels appliances and mechanical systems for your home with an energy rating. Choose appliances that meet or exceed the standards for Energy Star compliance whenever possible. Consider a tankless hot water heater instead of the standard hot water tank heater, and pick Energy Star compliant appliances for your kitchen, laundry and heating/cooling systems.
Calum MacKenzie is Owner of Real Living Southern Homes a leading residential real estate brokerage serving the Wesley Chapel real estate market. Calum and his wife Kathleen have lived and worked in the New Tampa area for eleven years and have extensive knowledge of the New Tampa real estate and Land O' Lakes real estate markets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Calum_MacKenzie
Select a site that is handy to public transportation or otherwise reduces your dependence on automobile travel.
If you're like most people, your biggest contribution to pollution and energy use is driving. When you choose a home site that reduces your need to use an automobile, you'll be reducing the amount of carbon based fuel that you use as well as reducing the amount of air pollution that you personally contribute. Many of the newest subdivisions and communities are designed to put everything that you need within walking distance of your front door.
Choose a design that makes use of natural features and lighting to reduce energy use.
The design plan of your home can make use of passive solar design to make the most of natural light and shade to reduce the amount of energy you use to heat and cool your home. A southern facing roof, for instance, is ideal for installing solar water heating panels. Shade trees on the east and west sides of your house can keep the entire house cooler without the need for air conditioning.
Pick energy efficient windows and doors.
If you're going to splurge somewhere, splurge on the most energy efficient doors and windows you can find. Low-e glass can make it possible to have those gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows you want in the study without completely destroying your energy profile. Energy efficient doors and windows provide the seal that you need to keep your inside air in and outside air out. They'll cut down on heat transfer between the indoors and out. Break resistant glass in your windows will increase the ability of your dream home to resist hurricane force winds (which, btw, will lower your insurance costs).
Use high efficiency lighting systems.
Lighting is about more than light bulbs and fixtures. When you choose your lighting systems, consider using programmable timers to turn lights on and off using a sensor, dimmable lighting controls and task lighting areas that will reduce the amount of overhead light that you need. Outdoors, use motion sensors for landscape lighting rather than lights that stay on all night long. You'll see the overall result in lower utility bills and less light pollution.
Use a properly sized heating/cooling system - and be sure that it's Energy Star compliant.
Over and undersized heating and cooling systems waste energy. Choose the right size system for your home.
Use sustainable building materials for floors, countertops, cabinets and other surfaces in your home.
Bamboo floors are all the rage in the building trade right now, but bamboo is not the only sustainable, green material out there. You may actually be more green using local wood than importing bamboo from the other side of the world. Consider concrete, which is surprisingly versatile and stylish in the right hands, and is extremely green.
Install plumbing that conserves and reuses water.
Choose plumbing fixtures that reduce water use without compromising water pressure. These are some of the least expensive choices you can make - aerators in all of your faucets, low flow shower heads, low water use toilet tanks. A new and increasingly popular option is a plumbing system that harvests rain water and reuses "gray water" - water that has been used for washing up, laundry and dishwashing, for instance. Gray water can be used for any purpose that doesn't require potable water - your washing machine, flush toilets, showers, etc. By reusing water, you cut down on the amount of water going through the municipal wastewater treatment and reduce your need for fresh water.
Choose low maintenance landscaping options.
Drought resistant grass and native plants can virtually eliminate your need for an irrigation system because they rely on Mother Nature for their water needs. But there are other options that can make your landscape an active part of your greener strategies. Including a roofed porch or patio adds shade to your property and reduces your energy use by providing an outdoor space to escape the heat. If you choose a pool or spa, look for features like an integral cover to prevent evaporation, timers that turn filters off and on and filtration systems that reduce the need for harmful chemicals like chlorine.
Choose low VOC materials and supplies for floors, finishes, carpets, cabinets and paints.
Volatile organic compounds are gasses that are given off constantly by many of the materials and finishes used in building homes. VOCs can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, skin irritation and other health problems. They're also damaging to the environment because they contribute to smog. Look for paints, adhesives and other supplies that are labeled low VOC. Opt for light colors when you paint (light colors are usually lower VOC than darker pigments), and avoid carpet and vinyl flooring. Low VOC products are usually comparable price-wise to their conventional counterparts.
Select appliances and mechanical systems that are in the top 20% of their category in the DOE Energy Guide labels.
The Department of Energy labels appliances and mechanical systems for your home with an energy rating. Choose appliances that meet or exceed the standards for Energy Star compliance whenever possible. Consider a tankless hot water heater instead of the standard hot water tank heater, and pick Energy Star compliant appliances for your kitchen, laundry and heating/cooling systems.
Calum MacKenzie is Owner of Real Living Southern Homes a leading residential real estate brokerage serving the Wesley Chapel real estate market. Calum and his wife Kathleen have lived and worked in the New Tampa area for eleven years and have extensive knowledge of the New Tampa real estate and Land O' Lakes real estate markets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Calum_MacKenzie
A Beginner's Guide to Buying House Plans
A Beginner's Guide to Buying House Plans
By: Antigone Arthur
A Beginner's Guide to Buying House PlansLearn How to Select a House Plan That Will Result in The Home of Your DreamsBuilding a home for most people is one of the most adventurous and time consuming projects a family can invest in during a lifetime. Because of that, it is important that care be taken when buying, selecting and implementing a house plan.Before buying a house plan, you should first ensure you know what you are getting into.Home Plans: A Beginner's GuideSo what are house plans? House plans easily defined are the blueprints for a home that hasn’t been constructed yet.Some home plans are very detailed and concise, whereas others meet only the bare minimum requirements for a house plan. One of the more common forms of house plans are stock home plans, which are very detailed blueprints that contain everything a person would need to build a home from scratch.Stock home plans are the same as custom blueprints, but less expensive. One of the benefits of buying house plans online in fact is the relative costs savings realized with such a purchase. Most home plans offered online are fashioned after homes that have been built before, yet are also unique house plans because you have the ability to customize them in any way you see fit.How does buying house plans online save you money? If you had to hire a licensed architect or home designer to come out to your plot, examine it and create a custom blueprint from scratch, you’ll be charged up to thousands of dollars more than if you search for stock home plans such as those offered online.Searching for house plans has never been easier thanks to the advent of the internet. Even better, because the world wide web allows so many different designers to contribute their blueprints, you can rest assured you will find unique house plans ever where you turn. Your house will be different from your neighbors, unless the two of you get together and purposefully plan on building the same house.Benefits of Buying House Plans OnlineWhat are some of the other benefits of buying house plans online?
Style -- You get to choose the style of your home from a selection of thousands of different unique designs
Size -- You can modify the size and select a plan that meets your unique requirements
Amenities -- When buying online, you can pick and choose amenities from literally thousands of different choices. You never have to ‘settle’ for something when shopping online.
Specificity -- You even have the ability to specify your requirements online!
Selection -- From the comfort of your home, you can sort through our database of house plans until you find the one that perfectly matches your unique needs. No need to meet with hundreds of different architects or designers to negotiate price, and no need to tear your hair out trying to find the house plans that best suit your needs.You also have the ability to change a home plan that almost, but does not quite meet your needs. If you need to make a few changes, no problem.Finding the Perfect House PlanHow do you find the perfect house plan for the home of your dreams? Finding the right house plan requires a little planning. There are several things you should take into consideration when looking at unique house plans such as:Family Size -- You want to ensure you select a plan that will result in a home large enough to accommodate your needs. Consider how big your family is presently, whether or not you plan on expanding and how your life might change 3, 5, 10 and 20 years down the line. The whole point of building a custom home is to be comfortable in it for a long time.Lifestyle -- Consider what demands your lifestyle will place on your new home. For example, do you plan on entertaining? This will require additional space. Do you prefer a separate living and family area? What about the dining area. Do you plan on entertaining for large family gatherings (such as during Thanksgiving) or by and large will you be eating most of your meals in the kitchen? If you love to cook, you’ll want to plan for adequate space in the kitchen. Remember that style considerations are also a factor.Some people prefer a country style kitchen whereas others are looking for something more modern. Also take into consideration personal hobbies and interests. For example, will you need a library or exercise area? Write down all of your ideas and intentions before you begin looking at online house plans, and your more likely to find what you are looking for quickly.A Word on SizeThe size of a home is often one of the most critical considerations. Keep in mind that no matter what type of house plan you purchase, you may decide to add on at some point in the future. One of the benefits of buying house plans online is you can see several different versions of a home in many different sizes.You should make every effort to take into consideration the actual size you will need. The square footage of the home you are planning on building will impact the amount of money you’ll need to invest.StylePerhaps the best benefit of buying house plans online is having the ability to look at multiple different style homes. You can check out both exterior and interior designs when shopping, without having to leave your home. Some of the more popular exterior styles include the following:
Country -- characterized by a large front porch, gabled roofline, may be two story
Traditional -- styles in this category are often labeled ranch, Federal and Cape Cod. Most traditional homes are simply constructed with little extraneous décor
Victorian -- Victorian house plans are a variation of the traditional style. Rooflines are often more intricate in this type of home, and may include towers and bay windows. Victorian homes are often more ornamentally decorated than traditional homes, and usually this type of home is a two story design.
Mediterranean -- This style is popular along the East and West Coastlines. Usually the exterior on this style home is stucco. Roofs may be tiled and open air verandas are not uncommon. Many Mediterranean style homes are one story, but it isn’t uncommon to see two story as well. Building your own home from a unique house plan is an exciting adventure. Be sure to enjoy every moment of it, and take care when selecting the house plan t hat will result in the home of your dreams.
About the Author
About The Author:Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as " a plans<>unique>, " a plans<>home>and " a designs< >house>.
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By: Antigone Arthur
A Beginner's Guide to Buying House PlansLearn How to Select a House Plan That Will Result in The Home of Your DreamsBuilding a home for most people is one of the most adventurous and time consuming projects a family can invest in during a lifetime. Because of that, it is important that care be taken when buying, selecting and implementing a house plan.Before buying a house plan, you should first ensure you know what you are getting into.Home Plans: A Beginner's GuideSo what are house plans? House plans easily defined are the blueprints for a home that hasn’t been constructed yet.Some home plans are very detailed and concise, whereas others meet only the bare minimum requirements for a house plan. One of the more common forms of house plans are stock home plans, which are very detailed blueprints that contain everything a person would need to build a home from scratch.Stock home plans are the same as custom blueprints, but less expensive. One of the benefits of buying house plans online in fact is the relative costs savings realized with such a purchase. Most home plans offered online are fashioned after homes that have been built before, yet are also unique house plans because you have the ability to customize them in any way you see fit.How does buying house plans online save you money? If you had to hire a licensed architect or home designer to come out to your plot, examine it and create a custom blueprint from scratch, you’ll be charged up to thousands of dollars more than if you search for stock home plans such as those offered online.Searching for house plans has never been easier thanks to the advent of the internet. Even better, because the world wide web allows so many different designers to contribute their blueprints, you can rest assured you will find unique house plans ever where you turn. Your house will be different from your neighbors, unless the two of you get together and purposefully plan on building the same house.Benefits of Buying House Plans OnlineWhat are some of the other benefits of buying house plans online?
Style -- You get to choose the style of your home from a selection of thousands of different unique designs
Size -- You can modify the size and select a plan that meets your unique requirements
Amenities -- When buying online, you can pick and choose amenities from literally thousands of different choices. You never have to ‘settle’ for something when shopping online.
Specificity -- You even have the ability to specify your requirements online!
Selection -- From the comfort of your home, you can sort through our database of house plans until you find the one that perfectly matches your unique needs. No need to meet with hundreds of different architects or designers to negotiate price, and no need to tear your hair out trying to find the house plans that best suit your needs.You also have the ability to change a home plan that almost, but does not quite meet your needs. If you need to make a few changes, no problem.Finding the Perfect House PlanHow do you find the perfect house plan for the home of your dreams? Finding the right house plan requires a little planning. There are several things you should take into consideration when looking at unique house plans such as:Family Size -- You want to ensure you select a plan that will result in a home large enough to accommodate your needs. Consider how big your family is presently, whether or not you plan on expanding and how your life might change 3, 5, 10 and 20 years down the line. The whole point of building a custom home is to be comfortable in it for a long time.Lifestyle -- Consider what demands your lifestyle will place on your new home. For example, do you plan on entertaining? This will require additional space. Do you prefer a separate living and family area? What about the dining area. Do you plan on entertaining for large family gatherings (such as during Thanksgiving) or by and large will you be eating most of your meals in the kitchen? If you love to cook, you’ll want to plan for adequate space in the kitchen. Remember that style considerations are also a factor.Some people prefer a country style kitchen whereas others are looking for something more modern. Also take into consideration personal hobbies and interests. For example, will you need a library or exercise area? Write down all of your ideas and intentions before you begin looking at online house plans, and your more likely to find what you are looking for quickly.A Word on SizeThe size of a home is often one of the most critical considerations. Keep in mind that no matter what type of house plan you purchase, you may decide to add on at some point in the future. One of the benefits of buying house plans online is you can see several different versions of a home in many different sizes.You should make every effort to take into consideration the actual size you will need. The square footage of the home you are planning on building will impact the amount of money you’ll need to invest.StylePerhaps the best benefit of buying house plans online is having the ability to look at multiple different style homes. You can check out both exterior and interior designs when shopping, without having to leave your home. Some of the more popular exterior styles include the following:
Country -- characterized by a large front porch, gabled roofline, may be two story
Traditional -- styles in this category are often labeled ranch, Federal and Cape Cod. Most traditional homes are simply constructed with little extraneous décor
Victorian -- Victorian house plans are a variation of the traditional style. Rooflines are often more intricate in this type of home, and may include towers and bay windows. Victorian homes are often more ornamentally decorated than traditional homes, and usually this type of home is a two story design.
Mediterranean -- This style is popular along the East and West Coastlines. Usually the exterior on this style home is stucco. Roofs may be tiled and open air verandas are not uncommon. Many Mediterranean style homes are one story, but it isn’t uncommon to see two story as well. Building your own home from a unique house plan is an exciting adventure. Be sure to enjoy every moment of it, and take care when selecting the house plan t hat will result in the home of your dreams.
About the Author
About The Author:Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as " a plans<>unique>, " a plans<>home>and " a designs< >house>.
Total Views : 144 Word Count Appx. : 1137
See All articles From Author
"My Home Building Dream" Reaching A Clear & Focused Decision To Build
Can you guess how far it is between these two points? A: The starry-eyed dream of building your own home. B: The passionate and committed decision to build the home of your dreams!
Actually, only you can answer that question accurately ... as it relates to you! Personally, I've noticed that for so many people, the distance is staggering. And the gap is often a deep chasm that results from the dread of the unknown.
You see, the dream of home building, or even remodeling, is often followed by that nasty little devil of fear. So what happens? RETREAT! Yes, we retreat back to our comfort zone, put that dream away for a while and breathe a sigh of relief that we won't have to face THAT devil again for a while!
But, what happens when you dare to face your fears and make a decision? What happens when you actually take the dream and give it life by adding action and the "real time" details that bring building or remodeling your own home into focus? Details like who, what, when, where, why and how?
THE PERFECT HOUSE PLAN
It wasn't long ago that I was displaying house plans and building materials at a Home Show and watched as some folks were eying the home designs on the table. They seemed intent on them and I sensed they wanted to talk to me. I asked them, "Are you planning to build a home?" Their answer was to laugh nervously.
"We have our building lot and as soon as we find the right home plan, we'll build" they answered with another laugh. Now, as this didn't seem that funny on the surface, I knew there was something behind the laughter. As it turned out, they'd been looking for that "perfect house plan" for six long years! Needless to say, they had not made a strong decision to build.
CLEAR DECISIONS BREAK DOWN BARRIERS
To make a long story short, I was able to help these folks decide upon a house plan. This didn't happen because I knew just what would be good for them. It only happened as I helped them gain the clarity they needed through a series of questions and answers about what they really wanted and why they were stuck in neutral.
Could you gain some clarity? What's holding you back? Are you looking to break those barriers that have kept you from moving forward with your home building dream? See if you can relate to one or more of the following limiting mindsets ... maybe one of them will get you closer to that empowering decision so your path can be cleared.
The home building dream is only a wish until you make it specific and measurable: What specifics are missing in your wish list?
Wanting to build but having no idea what that new home will really look like does not make for a good aiming point: When will you create that one vision that turns your fuzzy homebuilding picture into a sharp vision?
Simply thinking that you want to build a home, but having no idea what the cost of building is, means you're happy enough with the warm, fuzzy feeling of "some day maybe:" Who will you contact to determine building costs of your area?
Looking at house plan after house plan without narrowing down the features and benefits that really work for you: Why do you choose to remain so general and what are you fearful of?
THE POWER OF DECIDING TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOME
Nothing happens until you make a decision! The powerful action of deciding exactly what you want is the catalyst needed to make a whole series of decisions. Dozens of decisions come together once you gain focus.
So, what will you do today or tomorrow to bring you closer to a decision about what you want in a home?
Will you identify the one single scariest feeling you have now and resolve to find an answer?
Will you find one single decision that you can definitely make and follow through on? Progress is made by taking one step at a time.
Define your home dream first. It's empowering!
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Inglima
This article has been viewed 26 time(s).Article Submitted On: January 24, 2008
Actually, only you can answer that question accurately ... as it relates to you! Personally, I've noticed that for so many people, the distance is staggering. And the gap is often a deep chasm that results from the dread of the unknown.
You see, the dream of home building, or even remodeling, is often followed by that nasty little devil of fear. So what happens? RETREAT! Yes, we retreat back to our comfort zone, put that dream away for a while and breathe a sigh of relief that we won't have to face THAT devil again for a while!
But, what happens when you dare to face your fears and make a decision? What happens when you actually take the dream and give it life by adding action and the "real time" details that bring building or remodeling your own home into focus? Details like who, what, when, where, why and how?
THE PERFECT HOUSE PLAN
It wasn't long ago that I was displaying house plans and building materials at a Home Show and watched as some folks were eying the home designs on the table. They seemed intent on them and I sensed they wanted to talk to me. I asked them, "Are you planning to build a home?" Their answer was to laugh nervously.
"We have our building lot and as soon as we find the right home plan, we'll build" they answered with another laugh. Now, as this didn't seem that funny on the surface, I knew there was something behind the laughter. As it turned out, they'd been looking for that "perfect house plan" for six long years! Needless to say, they had not made a strong decision to build.
CLEAR DECISIONS BREAK DOWN BARRIERS
To make a long story short, I was able to help these folks decide upon a house plan. This didn't happen because I knew just what would be good for them. It only happened as I helped them gain the clarity they needed through a series of questions and answers about what they really wanted and why they were stuck in neutral.
Could you gain some clarity? What's holding you back? Are you looking to break those barriers that have kept you from moving forward with your home building dream? See if you can relate to one or more of the following limiting mindsets ... maybe one of them will get you closer to that empowering decision so your path can be cleared.
The home building dream is only a wish until you make it specific and measurable: What specifics are missing in your wish list?
Wanting to build but having no idea what that new home will really look like does not make for a good aiming point: When will you create that one vision that turns your fuzzy homebuilding picture into a sharp vision?
Simply thinking that you want to build a home, but having no idea what the cost of building is, means you're happy enough with the warm, fuzzy feeling of "some day maybe:" Who will you contact to determine building costs of your area?
Looking at house plan after house plan without narrowing down the features and benefits that really work for you: Why do you choose to remain so general and what are you fearful of?
THE POWER OF DECIDING TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOME
Nothing happens until you make a decision! The powerful action of deciding exactly what you want is the catalyst needed to make a whole series of decisions. Dozens of decisions come together once you gain focus.
So, what will you do today or tomorrow to bring you closer to a decision about what you want in a home?
Will you identify the one single scariest feeling you have now and resolve to find an answer?
Will you find one single decision that you can definitely make and follow through on? Progress is made by taking one step at a time.
Define your home dream first. It's empowering!
You can learn so much more about home building and remodeling online. One great option is to take advantage of a very informative yet simple to follow *free* e-course that you can find by clicking here http://www.DreamHomeCreation.com You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Inglima
This article has been viewed 26 time(s).Article Submitted On: January 24, 2008
Thursday, 17 January 2008
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