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Design Your Dream House With a Purpose
There are well over a million new housing “starts” in the United States each year, but only a small fraction of those houses are custom designed. It’s a sad thing. Your house is the largest single investment most people make in their lifetime. Your house has a major impact on you and your family. It’s not just an object, it’s your home. It’s the environment you occupy and interact with during a larger portion of your life than anywhere else. And we are all shaped and influenced by our environment.
“But I can’t afford a custom house design,” you say. Well that may be so, but even if you are selecting from standard plans or picking out a plan from a book of house designs, you can make better choices and understand what your perfect house can be by learning a little about what constitutes good design. You need to raise your level of awareness.
As an architect I am often asked, what is the most important consideration when you design a house? In my opinion, the single most important quality is that there needs to be purposefulness to the plan. In order to achieve this, your home plan should have a main theme or concept as the core of the design plan. This should lend organization, as well as flow, to your house plan.
The most direct and simple methods of organizing a plan is often the best. One that I have used as a basis of many plans is the classic “four square plan.” The main shape of the house is a square, with an axis that acts as a connector. This is the idea used in the classic “Georgian Style” house. The main rooms of the home are in each of the corner squares, with a hallway and stairwell as the center acting as a connection between rooms on the same floor. The upper floor would also have a similar pattern with bedrooms in the corners, bathroom at the end of the hall. As you walk through a home like this, the spaces feel right since they are organized in a way that makes sense.
Take a look at a typical house plan. It will probably have some of this purposeful organization as the underlying concept. Perhaps the center hall is wider in one area, such as in the foyer. The stairwell may curve, or go off to the side of the center axis. You may find larger room in the rear that still fits in with the organized plan. Try to think about how you want your rooms to fit together and make the spaces flow in an orderly way.
Other organizing concepts are more complex, and may be the right one for you. Thoughtful planning will help you arrive at a meaningful, and purposeful floor plan. No matter what, your house design requires a plan that fulfills your needs. A house may be elaborate and expensive, but without a plan with integrity and unity, it …
Trends in Public Space Refurbishments
Refurbishments of public spaces can be major issues. They tend to be big budget, and facility managers have to look for cost effectiveness as well as good designs. This is particularly the case in flooring, where large areas have to be managed. Finding the right commercial floor covering is the answer to dealing with these often demanding situations.
Public areas- big spaces and design
One of the most difficult types of public space refurbishment is the typical situation with very large spaces to be redesigned and upgraded. The need is to achieve good long term value, as well as design values. The most effective way of approaching these issues is to use a visualisation system which can explore different flooring options.
Best practice using visualisation technology is to compare a series of design options against the public space setting to get a clear idea of the design factors. You can also compare pattern options, and get a clear idea of the overall space. The additional advantage of visualisation is that you can compare a range of design modes across a big range, allowing a wide range of choices.
Note: The great advantage of visualisation technology is that at the planning and recommendation stages it provides a clear picture of the design options. This both simplifies the description process and provides a clear audit and estimate track for the various choices.
The cost factors- Maintenance, product life and repairs
These public areas are also long term maintenance issues and often have significant budget costs. Durable flooring is a natural issue, because real cost is defined over the life of the product. Maintenance and repairs can add significantly to the cost over time.
Carpets for public spaces need to be easy to maintain. Repairs should be possible using in-house resources, rather than requiring full service for minor issues. This is a cost factor that can’t be ignored, because heavy usage and wear and tear naturally create the possibility of added costs in these areas.
Modular carpet flooring- An all round solution
Modular carpet tiles are the solution to all these issues in one package. This type of carpet is very heavy duty, designer carpet tiling with a huge range of design choices. These are the new generation sustainable carpets, which are based on a new manufacturing paradigm incorporating a full environmentally responsible product life cycle.
There are many major differences with modular carpeting:
Repair and maintenance are very easy, and tiles can be replaced in minutes if required. This drastically reduces real cost over time.
These carpet tiles have individual backing, making them much stronger than old style conventional carpeting.
Design options include a vast range of different styles, including pattern, plain, multiple colours, and variable mixes of design. (This is where you can really appreciate the visualisation process, and look properly at design possibilities.)
Modular carpeting approach has been a big success in universities, commercial flooring, hospitality, retail, health care and education, creating the public spaces of the future…
Frugal Home Design – “There’s an App For That”
So, you’re sitting in your favorite easy chair and the home decorating bug bites you. It’s time to stop procrastinating and paint that room or hang that picture.
But, as soon as the bug bites, you begin to feel its sting, because now you have to leave that cushy comfy easy chair and hit the hardware store to get the supplies you need.
Well this is your lucky day because – “There is an App for That”!
Say you want to paint the room, but you are unsure of the color. If you have a cell phone that supports Internet applications then snuggle back in and find your color through that fabulous phone!
Yes, there is an amazing App that will take you from general colors to the specific color hues, so you end up with just the right color combination for that home decorating paint project.
To get started of course you must first download the App (it’s only $1.99) and then start by creating a file for the room you want to paint. Next, you touch the screen and begin browsing through every color under the sun as they scrolls by based on the selected and related coordinated pallet collections.
Touch the colors you like and drag them to a work area to manipulate them to see how they look together. Once the choice has been made, the App will identify color names and the manufactures (from the top 6 in the industry) and you’re done.
No more hours wasted starring at the color swatch sampler wall at the home improvement store.
So, what if your home decorating inspiration is a simple wall shelf or art hanging project, but once again, you are short a ruler, level or plumb bob to get the shelf level and the display plumb. No worries because “There’s an App For That”!
This little App is super cool (also $1.99). It contains 5 handy home decorating tools: plumb bob, bubble level, steel protractor, ruler and a surface level. Inaccurate, eyeball measurements is a thing of the past. These tools are now as close as your phone and they are so fun you’ll want to dig up everything and anything to hang, just to play with this addictive little toy.
The ball moves, the plumb bobs and when you get it “just right” it will beep with smug satisfaction. These measuring tools look and feel amazingly real. It leaves you feeling like you are not using your phone at all – You gotta try it.
So, where can find these “must have” home decorating Apps? – []…
Laminate Flooring As an Alternative to Other Types of Flooring
Whenever it comes to decorating a home, everyone wants to make their home look as good as possible. They also want their style and creativity to show through on the projects they undertake. Every part of their home should show a unique pizazz and flair that cannot be matched anywhere else. One of the most difficult decorative choices to make in a home is what types of floors should be used in which rooms. Nowadays hard wood and tile seem like they are the way to go. However, laminate flooring looks realistic and is able to offer several advantages that these floors cannot.
The first advantage is in the maintenance and upkeep department. Hard wood is extremely delicate. There are only certain products that can be used on it, and even then it can only tolerate a small amount of it. Even if these rules are followed perfectly, there is still no guarantee that they will not need to be restained or varnished at a later date. Tiled floors have grout in between them that always seems like it needs to be cleaned and no matter what gets done to it, it still never looks like it did whenever the tiles were first installed. However, laminate flooring is able to tolerate chemicals that hard wood cannot. And, whenever it comes to grout, there is no problem because there is not any. The grout that appears on the laminate is a realistic representation of grout and cleans just as easily as the rest of the floor.
Second is durability. It pretty much goes without saying that wood floors are not very durable. Everyone does their best to protect them from those chips, dents, and scratches that occur so easily. Special pads on the bottoms of furniture and not allowing any woman visitor to walk across in her high heels are just a couple of the preventatives so many have taken. Tiling is more durable than wood; however, if something heavy such as kitchen ware or furniture is dropped on it while moving, the tiles will crack. Laminate, however, is extremely durable. Unlike tile, it will not crack if something is dropped on it. While with extreme force it may be possible to scuff or tear it, it is still able to resist much more than wood flooring is able to resist.
Whenever it comes to decorating a home, everyone wants to pick out things that look decent and are affordable. Laminate flooring fits both of these. It provides the appeal that hard wood and tile provide, yet is cheap enough to not break the budget. This allows a homeowner to also spend time and energy into perfecting other parts of the home while still being able to be proud of the work they have put into their new floors. The many different patterns and styles allow homeowner to express their creativity in a room and create something that is truly unique and different.…
Why Home Buyers Should Insist on a Home Warranty
If you’re buying a home, you’re taking on a big investment and a big expense. Most of us try to buy as much home as we can afford, possibly leaving us with little leftover cash for a while. If an appliance or major system in the home has a problem that we didn’t foresee, it can get very expensive. For this reason, many homebuyers look to new construction so that all the appliances and systems are new and under warranty.
However, it’s not necessary to avoid buying older homes. And, in today’s market, it’s easy to get a great deal on an older home. And, if you get a home warranty that covers the home’s major systems and appliances, you don’t have to worry that you’ll have to pay for a major repair in your new home.
Home warranties can be written to cover plumbing, heating and cooling systems, some structural systems like roofs and your major appliances, like the range. Home warranties can be constructed in many different ways to fit your specific needs. You can get the home warranty for the first year, and then renew at the end of the first year if you choose.
Home warranties are not expensive, but as a home buyer, you shouldn’t worry about paying for it at all. Rather, you should request it from your seller when you are negotiating the contract. In today’s market, sellers expect such a request, and are usually more than happy to provide a home warranty as an incentive to get buyers to consider their home for purchase. And, since they are not expensive, sellers are usually willing to allow you to choose the warranty, up to a certain dollar amount, and have them pay for it at closing.
You may even find that some home sellers are offering a home warranty as part of the sale of their home. However, if they are not, you should ask for it when you make an offer.
A home warranty can provide you peace of mind about the major systems you’re purchasing in your new home. With most home warranties, you call one number for any problem that you have and they find the right professional to complete the repair. Some even offer a toll free number that is open seven days a week. So, don’t forget older homes when you’re house hunting, and when you find the right home, don’t forget the home warranty.…
How Do I Know When I Need a New Septic Tank?
Determining when you need a new septic tank can often feel like you’re playing psychic. Oftentimes, a damaged system can keep working until one day, it suddenly fails – and you’re stuck with tons of repairs, a yard full of septic tank cleaners and a massive invoice.
Septic tanks are generally quite hardy, and can last up to three years before they need to be pumped. However, a damaged tank can be quite difficult to fix; add years of wear and tear on top of that, and it often makes more sense just to buy a new one altogether.
If you’re not sure of when you need a new septic tank, then this list of damaged septic tank symptoms should help you determine when it’s time to call in the professionals:
• As previously mentioned, septic systems will only need to be pumped every three years, or even longer. However, if you think you’ve needed to pump a lot more than usual, then it might be time to replace it with a totally new system, as it may be a symptom that you and your family have outgrown your old tank.
• Go out to the landscape surrounding your septic system and examine the water. Are there any puddles that have collected on the ground? Does the ground seem constantly moist, even when it hasn’t rained for some time? That’s a big indicator that your septic system is leaking out water. If the leak is along the ports, a septic tank professional can easily fix it; however, if the damage has occurred on the tank itself, then it might be time to consider upgrading to a new tank, as these repairs are costly and time-consuming.
• While you’re checking the ground, see if any trees surrounding your septic tank system have grown larger over the years. Many professionals report seeing tanks that have been damaged by growing tree roots. If there’s been a change in your landscape, forget calling a tree removal service – contact a septic professional to see if they can install a smaller tank or a new one elsewhere on your property.
• If you’ve had your septic system for a couple of decades, you might want to contact a professional to give your tank a check-up. Older tanks may properly function now, but like with anything, it can quickly break down and result in an expensive clean-up job. Spare yourself the hassle – and the cost – by replacing an old system with a new one.
Self-diagnosing a damaged septic tank can be difficult; that’s why it’s often better to leave the process up to the professionals. If you suspect that you need a new tank, don’t wait for it to completely break down before contacting your local professional.
You’ll be sparing yourself from plenty of hassle, expense and frustration!…
What Warranty and Insurance Do New-Build Homes Require?
When you first plan to purchase a new home, having a good warranty with beneficial insurance is key to the future of your living space. No one ever knows when a problem will come about, so taking the necessary precautions will be vital. After all, you don’t want to get hit with an expensive repair when it could have been avoided by having the right warranty and insurance.
However, you will have to have the right type of warranty for your new build home. This means the Solo for Self Build option. Yes, there are residential, rentals and mixed warranties available, but they won’t fit your needs if you’re trying to purchase a new home. The Solo warranty is a 10-year plan that is geared to offer various options in a two phase system.
During the first phase you will be able to get quality cover and during the building process. If you are using a reputable company, they will continually keep you in the loop to the progress that is being made. If by chance something is out of order you will be the first one to know about it. During each stage there will be a completion process that must be approved. It will then receive a certificate of accomplishment.
Obviously the safety issues are the main goal, but there are also many other benefits that come along with a Solo for Self Build warranty. The most important to some families will be the financing department. Without the proper warranty in place it can be more difficult to receive a proper loan without hassles along the way. Since the mortgage lender will have cover as well, it will make the paperwork trail work faster.
Plus, there is a chance that something could happen during the construction. If by chance the sub-structure is defective while it’s being built, you will not have to pay for any of the costs to restructure it. The most common problem usually revolves around drainage issues in case of a storm. If you don’t have the proper cover, this could end up halting the building until you come up with the money.
When you’re looking over the second phase of the warranty, it will explain in detail all the parts of the home that are covered if a problem occurs. This can range from staircases and ceilings to wall plaster and foundations. In all there are over 12 different areas that are covered, which basically takes up the entire home. When you see it for yourself you’ll have a better understanding of it all.
Then again, there are a few things that Solo warranty doesn’t cover. In this case you may look for additional options to have everything covered. Just keep in mind that this will cost you extra money, so if it’s not necessary, you may not want to get it.
If there comes a time when you decide to move, the Solo warranty can be transferred over to the new home owners. …
The Use Of Moroccan Decor In Your Home
If the goal for your home is a combination of elegance and exotic then Moroccan home decor may be just the style you are looking for. Moroccan decor and decoration has become a very popular choice in the Western world because of the flair for drama and a touch of mystery that this style brings, giving your home a unique look and feel. The country of Morocco has a number of influences which involve different cultures, as well as plenty of mystery. Because of the location you will find both European and African influences, as well as Mediterranean and Atlantic aspects in Moroccan decor and furniture. One of the reasons that Moroccan home decor has become so popular is that it takes all of the positive aspects from each culture and blends them for a unique appearance not found in any other country. The Moroccan style of decoration involves styles adopted from the Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Because of this blend of exotic influences this style is extremely eye-catching and appealing. Luxurious fabrics including reach velvets and sheer silks, exquisite Moroccan furniture, strategic Moroccan home lighting, and a potpourri of the exotic scents all combine to make Moroccan home decor and excellent choice.
Moroccan Decor And The Use Of Color- The country of Morocco includes a vivid mix of colors because the combination of long coasts along the shore, the deserts, and a sun which is extremely powerful. The people of Morocco are surrounded by colors that are rich and vibrant. Colors included in Moroccan home decor are reds and oranges which are bright and eye-catching, greens and blues in various hues, and silvers and golds that sparkle and shine. Color combinations which are perfect or precision placement of Moroccan furniture is not necessary, instead this style is all about turning your home into a comfortable oasis which includes many different colors, textures, and smells. The rich colors that are used are not just used as accents, but rather they are the base as well and are used in all areas of the house. With Moroccan decor it is not unusual to find rooms which are completely painted a single bright color, such as the orange of the setting sun reflecting off the sand of the desert or the green of moss.
Furniture Used With Moroccan Home Decor- Moroccan furniture is generally set lower than typical furniture, so that it sits closer to the floor. This furniture is created using wood or wrought iron and generally includes significant scrollwork and inlays which are mother-of-pearl, as well as being exquisitely carved. Moroccan decor allows you to create an oasis inside, and in Morocco this is important because of the powerful sun which makes being outdoors uncomfortable.
Moroccan Decor And Texture Use- Textures and fabrics which are rich and luxurious are liberally included in Moroccan home decor. Fabrics are used in every possible place, and numerous throws and cushions which have a variety of textures and eye-catching colors are included. Lush velvet …
High Quality Discount Hardwood Flooring
Whether you are planning a remodel of your existing home or you are building a new home, saving money is a top priority. There are now available many styles, grains and colors of beautiful discount hardwood flooring. If you have chosen to forgo the option of having laminate hardwood flooring in your home and instead, choose the real feel of hardwood, you know that it can be quite costly. You can save money by installing discount hardwood engineered flooring. This beautiful choice will leave your home warm and welcoming, while keeping you within your budget. Whether you are matching or complimenting existing cabinets, or your new flooring is driving the rest of your home design, you will certainly be able to find a style that meets your needs.
The discount hardwood flooring on the market today comes in a variety of tones, grains and styles. If you have existing cabinets you need to work with, you can either choose to match your new flooring or choose a different color that compliments. Some individuals like a consistent look throughout their home, which creates continuity. Others prefer to have dark cabinets and light floors or light cabinets and dark floors. Typically they keep the grain styles similar, which will bring the different woods together. This design trick is often used for cabinets, mill work and flooring. Whatever your particular style, you can create it easily with the use of engineered hardwood flooring purchased at discount prices.
Laminate hardwood flooring comes in a variety of color tones, as well as different grains. Before making your purchase, it is important to ask yourself a few questions. Do you have indoor animals which will scratch your floors? Do you prefer the look of hardwood or is it important to you to have the real thing in your home? If you have animals that will scratch your floors, you may want to go with a laminate style flooring. If you prefer real hardwood, you will want to purchase the original flooring. Either way, you can find what you are looking for in the discount hardwood flooring available options. You are sure to be satisfied while keeping your budget on track.…
Purchasing a Home Warranty – Important Things to Remember For Home Buyers
Purchasing a home is a very important investment especially for first-time home buyers who are new in the real estate industry. Making sure that you undergo legal and proper processes in buying your house is essentially important. One of the vital components you need to consider during home purchase is securing a home warranty. Home sellers and home buyers alike need to learn and understand the mechanics of home warranty in order to get the most out of it for their advantage.
What is home warranty?
It provides protection for new home owners against any maintenance or repair problems which may occur during the first year of occupancy. It is quite a nightmare for home owners to realize that even if they have just moved in, they are already dealing with various breaks or malfunctions in their new home. Repairs and fixtures certainly cover myriads of systems and items in the house, therefore to have a total peace of mind and worry-free living, it is a sound idea to invest on home warranty. This is an important notion to consider especially for first-time home buyers who basically do not have any home maintenance experience.
How much is it?
When purchasing home warranty, you need to prepare approximately $250 to $400 depending on your preferred coverage. Most companies offer home warranty with special discount rates and policies. The policy may expire or can be renewed since it is paid in advance for one year.
In buying a home warranty, make sure that you have substantial knowledge about it since most home warranties are mistaken with home insurance. Home warranty covers house repairs and replacements of appliances which are not functioning like refrigerator, stove and air conditioning among others. It also deals with roofing or plumbing issues inside the house. Home insurance on the other hand deals with protecting your house from fire or theft and is also liable for injuries incurred in your property or by a member of your family.
How does it work?
Here are some of the things you benefit from for purchasing one.
o Any home system or appliance that breaks or malfunctions are taken cared by the company.
o Home warranty company calls a qualified service provider to cater to the problem covered by the policy.
o The service provider fixes the problem of the policy owner and if an appliance seized to work or functions and is beyond repair, the company pays for the replacement and installation of the appliance. It is important to note that replacement of appliances depends on the policy bought by the home owner.
It is an indispensable tool you can always access especially during hassles inside the house. It is important to ensure that your home systems are functioning well in order to conveniently do your daily chores and activities in the house without worries and delay. With the right warranty company to provide you with your personal and distinct needs, you are sure that you are protected from the …