Construction

Extend or move: how much does an extension cost?

February 12, 2019 by derick

“For homeowners who are taking into consideration a home expansion, then this posting can present you with some ideas regarding how to engage in building your ideal home expansion. It is important to complete the task right in the first place to prevent future problems and additional expenditures.”

When you purchase a home you don’t really consider your future requirements as much as your current circumstances.

You’re more focused on your budget, the home location, condition and design. At that point, most new homeowners don’t consider if they might need extra space in the future for children, elderly parents, other family members etc.

Eventually, they can be forced to squeeze into a smaller house, share bedrooms and bathrooms and generally feel uncomfortable. In such cases, there are two options – either move and purchase a bigger house or invest in a home extension.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both so you should consider the decision carefully…

Do’s And Don’ts Of Buying Furniture

June 20, 2018 by derick

“Obtaining the appropriate size of an appliance will not only let you save on the paying for it but also enable you to save energy consumption at home and home space. Therefore, make to a point that you only buy appliance that fits your requirement. Always be wise in knowing what you really want.”

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https://www.realtor.com/

Before purchasing an appliance, you need to have the essential knowledge of what and where to look for the appropriate one. In order to help you in this activity here are some tips to take into account.

A. Be energy efficient

Obtaining an energy efficient is the the first thing to take into account when buying an appliance. Energy efficient appliances as the name suggests is helpful for the entire family eventually because it doesn’t consume much energy and thus, decreases the power bill or energy utilization of the family.

To ensure that the appliances are energy efficient, you should buy those which are certified by dependable bodies like Energy star.

You shouldn’t be worried when purchasing appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and air conditioners. This is because these units usually have rigid energy targets.

B. Search for any imperfections

When buying a product, do not fall easily on its style since there may still be dents and scratches that are not visible at first glimpse.

Lots of people avoid obtaining dented units hence many companies see them as a burden. However, even though these appliances have dents or scratches, they could still be of high quality.

To purchase the dented units you only need to see your local manufacturer that will sell the appliances to you. The favorable side is the fact lots of the manufacturers sell the units at low prices; so, you’re going to get high quality units at suprisingly low prices.

Even so, once you settle on acquiring these items, do not just focus on the cash that you’ll save. Also make sure that the efficiency is not affected with these imperfections.

C. Avoid knock-offs

Even though, you might find premium generic products that might save you lots of money, you need to avoid getting them.

It’s because generic products tend to keep screwing up from time to time therefore you may be forced to regularly engage a service man to correct the units which is often very expensive on your part.

To be guaranteed, buy products that are tested and proven on the market. The good side with buying from trusted brands is basically that you get a guarantee; thus, you could always return the item to the manufacturer in the event it ceases to work.

D. Check on the correct size of the appliance

The tendency of every consumer is that they buy appliances that happen to be really big. As an illustration, they will buy the biggest refrigerators only to discover that they’re not really fully utilized. Half of it is empty.

Getting the correct size of an appliance will not only allow you to save on the buying it but will also allow you to save energy consumption at home and home space.

Hence, make to a point that you only acquire appliance that meets your requirement. Be wise in understanding what you really need.

Pros and Cons of DIY Home Improvement

April 26, 2018 by derick

“House upgrading and maintenance could demand very much. This might be precisely why many people prefer do-it-yourself building initiatives instead of just getting qualified personnel. Undoubtedly, the concept of getting this done all on your own brings enough charm because it is a hit and win game almost all the time. On one side, you could remove expense for innovations and fixtures in your own home while it feels simply amazing to recognize that you’ll be able to perform a many things at a flexibility of your choice and manner.”

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Nowadays, sometimes the things that had been categorised as non-do-it-yourself have remarkably turn into Do-it-yourself considering the effectiveness it brings in saving the costs of accessories and improvements. Some people are convinced that they are able and handy enough to carry out changes and fixes on your home so they ought to get it done themselves rather getting professional. It’s been the best alternative in order to save a lot of money.

DIY or do-it-yourself improvements have both benefits and drawbacks. It helps you save cash on easy renovations and repairs, provided that you are doing an outstanding job. Yet, there is still the chance of a terribly executed task, especially if you do not possess the required abilities. This might lead to much more serious challenges, that may then eventually result in much larger expenses for you. Prior to finalise your own preference of whether or not to commence with your Do-it-yourself plan, there are lots of things that you have to remember to consider.

The Pros of DIY Home Improvement

Well, aside from carrying out straight home improvement functions, how about we begin to discuss the fixing. Assume your sink is intensely clogged or maybe your dishwasher stops responding to your requirements, you can always find some basic DIY repairs you can attempt yourself, which if went good could save you a good amount of cash which a professional service may charge, often times for very easy solutions too.

Minor fixes are mainly done with a DIY activity due to the fact they have come to be simpler because of the instructive materials you can obtain from the Internet and also construction companies. When you alone worked on a home project, you will get the fulfillment that you simply won’t experience in the event that you engaged a person to perform everything for you. Also, If you are going to complete the improvement by yourself, it’s easier to make transformations particularly if you often change your mind very often.

The Cons of DIY Home Improvement

Alright, right now we’re on some serious facet of DIY. Think about if it’s your very first attempt, you’ll obviously need lots of tools, designs, items, and also other necessities to perform your job effectively which can be not often available around your residence. Actually, having those DIY products looks a bit costly thing to do while somebody else could finish up performing more cheaply.

Moreover, mishaps can happen at any time, anywhere. Such a thing happens very much in building projects. Once you work with a service provider, you’ll be assured that the house and the workers for the task are protected by insurance policies. Whenever you face accidents, you don’t need to bother about extra expenditures. Moreover, improvement can be observed in a short period of time since they will dedicate plenty of time on the project as opposed to performing it your own. Therefore, it’s necessary to realize when it’s advisable to perform it, and the time that it’s more practical to work with a contractor.

Moving Up: 7 Tips for Your 2nd Story Addition

February 23, 2017 by derick

Planning is the key when taking on a project that involves removing your roof. Before you plan your 2nd story, research what obstacles will need to be dealt with.

When you need to add space to your home and don’t want to expand farther out onto your property, the only place to go is up. Adding a second story can double the living space and is an exciting change for you and your family, but there are a few things to consider before getting underway with this remodeling project.

Make sure it’s allowed.

Discuss with your remodeler how local zoning and health regulations may affect your plans. Rules and regulations, such as allowable “Floor Area Ratios”, “Lot Coverage”, and “B100” are critical to know about up front before you start designing and building.

Check the foundation and structure.

Your home’s foundation and framing might have been structured to support only a certain amount of weight. Before increasing the load, have your contractor examine the foundation and current structure to determine what structural reinforcement needs to be done to support an additional structure.

Determine the size of the second story.

Some people add a full second story to their home, while others might just want a partial addition.

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how they stick out to the left.

We recently expanded a home by adding a second story bedroom and some dormers. Your decision might be based on space needs, budget, or both. If you expect that you will need more space in the future but don’t have the budget now, consider building the second story area you need, but saving the finish work for later. It’s more cost-effective to do the structural work all at once than to go back and add to it in the future.

You don’t need to know exactly where and how large each room will be. You don’t have to have figured out where the staircase will fit best or the right placement for the bathroom plumbing. A good Design-Build remodeler can take care of drawing up the plans based on understanding what you want the second story add-on to achieve. In progress Clark Construction of Ridgefield, Inc. gambrel addition in Redding, CT.

When you add a second floor to your home, you will likely want to make changes on the main floor. You probably have one or more bedrooms that will move upstairs, so what do you want to do with those rooms once they are vacated? Do you want to create a larger space by knocking down walls?

Your Guide to Parquet Flooring

January 25, 2017 by derick

The timeless beauty of traditional Parquet flooring never ages or go’s out of fashion. It’s unique beauty and versatility means it can come in many different styles and colours.

A Kitchen Warmed by Natural Wood

Instantly recognizable for its repeating, geometric patterns, parquet flooring is a centuries-old technique historically valued for an upscale appearance. Visit an upscale chateau or villa in Europe and you’ll often find parquet floors. In the U.S., parquet floors were popular in the 1950s and 60s.

Although the term “parquet” refers to flooring made with short pieces of wood arranged in geometric patterns, such as herringbone and basket-weave, most modern parquet flooring is made up of narrow strips of wood glued to a backing and cut into 9″ x 9″, 12″ x 12″, and 18″ x 18″ square tiles.

Manufacturers offer motifs, designs, and color variations that, once installed, form visually striking patterns. Most wood parquet tiles are made from oak, ash and walnut, but you can find exotic species available at rather exotic prices. Some makers offer decorative borders and edgings that add even more visual texture to floor designs.

The thickness of wood parquet flooring varies from 5/16″ to 3/4″. The strips of wood are bonded to either a plywood backing or a mesh made from plastic, paper, or cloth. This creates lightweight tiles that are easy to install. Most parquet tiles are made with tongue-and groove edges and are designed for glue-down applications, but some thicker materials can be nailed to a subfloor.

Wood parquet comes unfinished or prefinished. Unfinished tiles can be custom stained, and prefinished tiles have tough sea …

Step-by-Step Building Guide

January 19, 2017 by derick

Building your own home is an experience you will remember forever. There is however, a right way, and a wrong way. As you build your home there are several steps that need to be taken. These steps need to be planned out so they do not create pitfalls.

The House Designers understands how exciting it is to build a new home! In an effort to make the process easier, we have put together this step-by-step home building guide to help you understand the different building phases and how it all comes together.

1 FOUNDATION: The foundation of your home is a critical element in the building process because it is what holds up the entire structure. Constructed correctly it prevents future problems that can affect your home’s safety and efficiency. After the ground is excavated, forms will be built with framing lumber (you can clean and reuse for framing) and then concrete is poured into each section. You’ll need to decide what type of foundation you want — basement, slab or crawlspace. After the foundation has set (approximately one week) and the form boards are removed, the framing of the home begins and it’s at this point you can start to see the layout of your new home take shape!

2 FRAMING: After the foundation is poured and set, the form boards are removed and framing of the house begins. Just as much as our skeleton serves as the structure for our bodies, the frame of a house is the underlying structure of the home. As the framing progresses, you will see the layout of your home unfold, and you’ll be able to identify different rooms, doorways, and windows. If your home seems smaller than you imagined at this point, don’t panic. It is simply an illusion!

3 INSPECTIONS & FRAME WALK: Inspections are a very important part of the home construction process and ensures that every element of construction is done correctly. After the initial inspections, your builder will ask you to walk through your home. At this point you can visualize what your dream home will look like since the walls and trusses will be framed and the roof sheathing will be installed. A framing inspection is next!

4 HOUSE WRAP: Certain climates offer a higher risk of moisture, which can cause mold and wood rot occurring in the home. Therefore, a protective barrier known as a house wrap is installed to prevent the structure of your home and its interior from getting wet, moldy or rotting. The house wrap ensures that all moisture will remain outside the home.

5 ENCLOSING YOUR HOME: Once framing has passed inspection, your builder will begin enclosing your home and install exterior sheathing, shingles, the roofing system and the windows and doors. Since windows and doors are one of the most visible features of your home inside and out, you’ll want to carefully select the perfect doors and windows. Make sure your windows have the performance, durability and …

See more: https://www.thehousedesigners.com/articles/homebuildingguide.asp

9 Free Bar Plans

December 29, 2016 by derick

Designing a custom cabinet bar, or other type of home bar, has to begin somewhere. The approach that works well for me when starting a project is based on a principle made famous by the author Stephen Covey: “Begin with the end in mind” is based on the principle that all things are created twice.

Print off one of these free bar plans to help you build the home bar you’ve always dreamed of. There are free bar plans for indoor bars, outdoor bars, and even tiki bars, to help you get just the style you’re looking for.

Building a home bar can be a simple project and pretty budget friendly. The free bar plans all include building directions, diagrams, material lists, tool lists, photos, and some even include videos.

After you’ve used these bar plans to build you dream bar, how about using a wine rack plan to give you even more storage space? You may also want to use some free woodworking plans to build a dining room table, farmhouse table, entertainment center, bookcase, coffee table, kitchen islands, shed, pergola, or even a picnic table.

Backyard Tiki Bar Plan from Popular Mechanics

A handmade built Tiki bar. — Popular Mechanics

Popular Mechanics has a free tiki bar plan that starts with a shed plan but uses weathered materials to create a complete tiki bar feel.

The free tiki bar plan includes a materials list, tools list, the tiki bar blueprints, and step-by-step building instructions complete with color photos. More

Rolling Bar Cart Plan from Ana White

A rolling bar cart is a great alternative to your standard home bar and this one can be used both inside and out. With a large shelf, a towel bar, and wheels you can finish it in any color you want.

These are complete building plans that include everything you need to build this basic bar project for less than $50. More

See more: https://www.thebalance.com/free-bar-plans-1357105

Checklist for a Home Construction Project

December 6, 2016 by derick

A home construction checklist is made to help you through the step-by-step process of building your dream house. If you’re doing this for the first time, it has to be confusing and frustrating.

House formed of tools

Home renovation projects frequently encompass a lot more detail and planning than many homeowners realize. From the initial planning stages to the final finishing touches, having an outline of what steps to take can help ensure that your project comes in on time and remains under budget, without missing any crucial details.

Checklist for a Home Construction Project

Every home improvement project is different. Some will be small jobs tackled by DIY homeowners, while others will be full scale renovations involving the whole home. Use this checklist as a starting point for your renovation, and modify it as necessary to suit your needs. The goal of using a checklist is to help you navigate the project smoothly and easily.

Planning Stages

□ Determine whether the project is classified as a home improvement or a home repair

□Visit your town or city hall to learn what the regulations are for what you plan on undertaking, and if permits are required.

□Gather ideas for what you are planning including:

Magazine photos
Color samples
Material samples

□Make a list of all areas of the home you plan on renovating

□Contact a design firm and have plans drawn up for more major improvements including:

Whole home renovations
Kitchen renovations
Bathroom renovations
New additions

□Approve and sign off on plans

□Locate a general contractor, builder or design firm to oversee the project

□Draw up and sign contracts with the GC to include an understanding of:

Total project cost
Material allowances
Time frame from ground breaking
The party responsible for pulling permits

See more: http://homeimprovement.lovetoknow.com/misc-home-improvement/checklist-home-construction-project

Spiral Staircases for Your Home

June 30, 2016 by derick

Adding a trendy and unique spiral staircase in your living area can automatically perk up your whole residence. Many homeowners look for unique ways to boost the appearance of their home by installing beautiful staircases. Setting up some spiral stairs furthermore adds value to your property and becomes a center point for your visitors. The following are the 4 tips to consider just before you install gorgeous staircases into your homes:

I. Cost – Setup cost of this kind of staircase can vary in its complexity and material. If you wish to be more cost effective, you need to go for metal spirals otherwise you can use wood spirals. The construction and installation of spiral stairs may be a bit intricate and that means you really need an expert to present you the plan or allow them to do the work. You must know the details of all so that you can have the ideal budget for it.

II. Curves – When it comes to spiral staircases, the curves are some of the crucial consideration. Spiral can certainly be crafted in a variety of dimensions to accommodate the amount of space that is available in the house. When you’ve got more room available, the curve may be spread a little more, resulting in wider treads and a wider flight. That is why spiral stairs are usually utilized in small space since you may opt for tight spirals. The appearance and design may also dictate the curves you will have to set up.

III. Material – The material for the staircase may differ from metal, wood, glass, stone and many more. The most prevalent today are definitely the woods and stones. The great thing about wooden staircase is the fact that it can conform to almost any style of interiors; be it old fashioned, modern, rustic, or any other. The most widespread wooden materials are cherry, mahogany and walnut. Whilst for the stones, widely used are granite and marble.

IV. Location – The placement of the stairs is also necessary. Spiral staircase can be positioned in an open area of the floor, against a wall, or in a corner. Final positioning of the spiral depends upon the final size of the top landing. The top landing parts are supplied much longer than necessary in the event that an obstruction isn’t evident during planning. The staircase ought to be positioned so that it doesn’t affect partitions, entrances, windows, interior trim materials, light switches, thermostats, bins etc. Recall the highly recommended clearance is 2″ beyond every part of the staircase perimeter, or 4″ overall.

By taking these things into account, you be sure that the staircase is the perfect match for your house and will last for many years. Keep in mind that it’s still the safety of the family that is the top priority.

Common Mishaps When Designing A Bathroom

February 2, 2016 by derick

“In remodeling any part of the property, you will encounter a times that property owners come up with a small or even major errors. Some might reason out that they don’t have adequate guidance or they just did what they think would work out. However everything that has planned won’t always go flawlessly. Exactly the same problem when you are renovating your bathroom. Listed here are just blunders that few goes through.”

Major glitches or even minimal mistakes are indeed bound to happen when it comes redesigning a residence. Individuals have the inclination to jump into decisions more often on things that excites them. That’s why we’re going to try to assist you to lessen these issue especially when you are remodeling your bathroom. Listed here are some practices you should avoid to come up with a very attractive bathroom.

* At times, whenever people have made a decision to renovate their residence or any part of the area, they get so thrilled that they would want to make things swiftly without proper planning. Even if the supplies are not yet ready or the concrete plan is organized, they tend to start out the demolition and building eagerly.

* Due to such negligence in pre-deciding the time frame of the project, many a times, a bathroom construction or remodelling project gets delayed indefinitely. Construction can begin only when the requisite product reaches the spot.

* While rushing in the process, the development personnel neglect to install enough wall blockings for grab bars, towel bars and toilet paper.

* One of the biggest errors when it comes to remodeling the bathroom is neglecting the plumbing areas. There are occasions when the workers only concentrate on the visual aspects of the bathroom with out looking into the more important things. They don’t give sufficient space or consideration on future plumbing related concerns .

* Another domestic plumbing issue is that homeowners oftentimes get captivated with modern shower furnishing, however neglect to understand their financial constraints. They give a go indication to repositioning the plumbing fixtures without estimating weight of this job on the entire funds.

* Similarly, owners forget to set up yet another electrical circuit to handle load taken by new electrical fittings in the bathroom.

* Owners do not keep funds aside for hidden damages like moulds, dry rot etc in the tub area or beneath the wet rooms.

* Improper door location, crowded toilet location, much less leg room around the toilet seats, etc. arise caused by insufficient clearance in the plan.

* Some bathrooms have poor ventilation. Some even do not have windows. Consequently moisture and smells stay trapped in resulting in an unhygienic breeding ground for mould, mildew and bacteria.

* Storage ideas are not included thus creating space issues.

* Adding oversized bath tubs consume a lot of floor area. So getting around in a bathroom gets to be difficult.

* In order to lessen expenses, quality is being neglected to save on poor materials. Yet at a later time, it is realized that quality could save you on maintenance and repair in the long run.

These blunders are pointed out for you to avoid making a similar mistakes. In each and every renovating project, preparation is the primary important. You just have to be careful in every step and aim a quality project in order that you have a good and refreshing bathroom .