Ranch style house plans were first built in the United States in the 1920′s, and became very popular in the post-World War II era when GI loans, and Americans taking to automobiles and commuting to work, fueled a building explosion in the suburbs. This style was particularly associated with inexpensive tract housing developments since these homes are cheap to build and maintain. The house is marked by a long, low profile, and the minimal use of interior and exterior decoration. These houses fuse modernist styles and ideas with the romantic image of American western working ranches, which creates a very casual and informal living style. The popularity of it waned in the latter part of the twentieth century with the rise of neo-eclectic architectural styles and a return to using traditional and historical decoration. Recently the ranch style has undergone a revitalization of popularity, with preservationist movements in some ranch style house neighborhoods, and also with a renewed interest in this style by a younger generation which did not grow up in ranch style homes. The style revival is similar to that experienced by other styles such as bungalow and Queen Anne architecture, which were quite popular at one time. It faded as a desired style of housing resulting in teardowns due to disinterest and decay and then resurged with a renewal of interest and the gentrification of surviving houses.

Basically, ranch home plans have a number of common features. These include a single story dwelling with a low, long roofline; large, overhanging eaves beneath a side-gabled, cross-gabled, or hip roof; asymmetrical, open L-shape, U-shape, or rectangular floor plan; brick, stucco, or wood exterior; simple or rustic exterior and interior trim; an attached garage; sliding glass doors in the dining or living area which open onto a patio; large windows often decorated with shutters; and ceilings which are vaulted and show exposed beams. Other variations on the basic ranch style include the raised ranch, in which a furnished basement – often used as a recreational or hobby area – is partially or completely above the ground foundation and thus serves as a separate floor. This style often takes advantage of a hillside location, so that the full dimensions of the house are not evident from curbside. The idea is to create open spaces sweeping from the garage through kitchen through dining and living areas to the bedrooms at one end and to allow the outdoors to come inside with large windows and ready access to a back patio area – often with barbecue and recreational facilities -where much living and entertaining takes place. Thus, the typical ranch home plan is best suited to summer living, and to areas with mild climates. Long and low structures are not as economical to heat as are tall, compact buildings, thus the ranch style has been criticized as being wasteful of energy.

Ranch style house plans are experiencing a considerable revival at the present time because ranch home plans are inexpensive to build. Moreover, the ranch home plan with its relaxed, laid-back living fits in well with the unpretentious lifestyle of today’s young adults. Visit House Plans and More for all your home plan needs.

As a general rule of thumb in stair building the sum of the tread and riser should equal around 17 1/2 inches. This is a general rule of thumb for a comfortable, easy to walk up and down set of stairs.

For example if your stair tread is 10 inches and the stair riser is 7 1/2 inches you have a comfortable stairway. Walking up and down a stairway using this formula creates a comfortable set of stairs. The next time you walk down any uncomfortable set of stairs measure the stair tread and riser. You will be amazed at what you’ll find.

For public stairs or heavily used stairs this method will become one of your best friends. On public stairs you have liability issues and of course lawyer issues if you are the owner of the building. If you are not building a safe set of stairs that meets your local building codes standards you could be in for a whopping financial nightmare.

Building safe stairs as a contractor is your obligation to society. I don’t know how many times I come across a loose stair tread or a broken hand rail. One of the biggest problems I find is in the poorer neighborhoods you come across some major construction problems and safety hazards. I never have been able to figure out why a building owner would not want to protect himself financially and the people that occupy and use his buildings safety.

Here’s something you need to avoid when using the stair building general rule of thumb. This rule of thumb does not apply to good to an 8 inch tread with a 9 1/2 inch stair rise. You don’t want to be building a latter you want to be building a safe set up stairs.

The maximum stair rise you can use for most building codes is 8 inches. You will not find the stairway to comfortable with a 9 1/2 inch stair tread and an 8 inch riser. If you have no choice and are cramped for space and you can’t redesign this stairway to fit in the house or building then at least make sure you have a nice sturdy grip able stair hand rail.

This formula works great when you are working with exterior landscaping and you have a long run of stairs with a small rise. For example: if you have a 14 inch stair tread and you use a 4 inch riser this will lead to a comfortable step.

Look for stairs in your neighborhood or around some apartment complexes that don’t follow these rules and have 16 inch stair treads with 7 inch risers. You will find yourself taking two steps on the stair tread on every other step and it is not a real comfortable stairway.

Happy stair building and keep this formula in mind for a nice comfortable set of stairs in your building future.

It is extremely easy to make holes into a wall, however it is extremely difficult to fix a hole if you already have one. Actually it’s not that difficult, there are some easy steps that you can follow to make the job easy.

1. Measure the size of the hole

You need to work out the size of the hole that you want to repair as different sizes of holes require different methods of repair. If it’s a very small hole then simply patching it with some compound is enough. When it has dried then you should sand back the spot for an even finish.

If the hole you want to repair is a bit bigger, perhaps as big as a light switch box then you should fill the hole with some newspaper before you apply the compound. This means that you don’t need to use as much compound.

For holes that are around 30cmx30cm you should use hot patching. This means that you fill the hole with some drywall.

For very large holes in your wall you will need to treat them as new areas that need recovering. Start by removing any nails and screws that are sticking up through the plasterboard. Cut a new piece of dry walling and secure it into place, then tape and finish as normal.

So first thing to do is to measure the hole and then see what method is suitable.

2. Preparation

When you’ve found the right technique to fix your hole then you need to make sure you have everything you need in order to fix it. You will need some specific supplies in order to complete the project. When the compound is mixed you need to work quite quickly so that you don’t risk it drying too quickly.

If you are filling a large hole then make sure that the drywall is already cut to shape before you mix the compound. Make sure you double check any measurements so that everything is correct.

3. Don’t Over Spackle

If you have a large hole then simply applying compound isn’t good enough because there’s nothing for the compound to stick to. This patch will almost certainly crack or fall out in the near future. You should apply as little compound as possible and make sure it is smooth and even. Applying too much compound means that you will have a long time sanding down the excess!

4. Be patient

When you are trying to complete any project then you need to be patient as it won’t all be possible over night. If you try to sand the compound before it is completely dry then you will make a lot of mess and you might have to start again from the beginning. You need to consider that you need some time to relax, you can’t spend all of your time on these projects.

5. Sanding and Finishing

The compound might look like its smooth, but it’s not. You need to sand it the best you possibly can. There might be very small bumps which you don’t notice. Sand down the area so that the wall is completely smooth before painting.

A home is a very personal thing, which is why everyone wants to make their home the best that it can possibly be. Interior design is one thing, but now many more people are starting to design their own home and build it from the ground up.

Even if you don’t know anything about designing houses then you can still help to create your dream home by assisting a contractor with decisions. The success of your home will depend on the design, rather than the team that you are employing. You might think that you are excited about your dream home, but how do you know what you actually want. How should you design and lay out your room. You should take some time to plan your own home design, and do so carefully.

Open House

The first way of getting some inspiration is to go out and visit other houses which are already completed. There are many open houses which you can visit for inspiration and ideas. Sometimes people will spend all day driving around looking at houses to get some great ideas. As well as getting ideas about your home you can also see some interesting sights that you wouldn’t otherwise have seen.

It’s a good idea if you can go out on a Sunday as you should be able to visit some of the open houses which are held by a number of different estate agents. This can be a really good way to get some ideas and see how they can really work in your own home.

Magazines

There are also a number of perfect living magazines which might give you just the right idea for your own home. Many people think that it’s silly to look at these magazines, however it really is a good idea. You need to spend some time checking out these magazines so that you can get inspiration and ideas.

You need to remember that you are not creating a simple home, you are creating your dream home. You want to make sure that you create something which you will love and never want to leave. You might also want to get some ideas at your local home improvement store, many of the staff in these stores will be able to assist you and offer their advice.

Every year big companies run competitions offering people the chance to win their dream home custom designed. That has never actually made sense to me because nobody else will know how your dream home will look except you. Make sure you plan your own home so that it really is your dream home. Only you will be able to create the home of your dreams, nobody else! If you need some advice then talk to professionals.

I look around the living room in my retirement home, and, lately, I am a little dismayed by its appearance. I did not calculate all the time I would spend inside my home during retirement working from home. I did not realize I might find something to do inside my home during retirement to create this clutter. You see, I have found a second career from my home requiring a space to work in. I am inside more than outside.

I purchased an apartment-style retirement home because that is what I always wanted in retirement–to downsize. But now, unexpectedly, I have found a new line of work and one out of my home. I wish I had an “office” or extra room and one that I can close off when guests come over. Seniors used to think of retirement as a time for downsizing and having as few rooms to take care of as possible. However, times have changed somewhat. Many seniors still work and many from their home. While downsizing is still a good idea for most, it may not be the solution for everyone. After selling a very large home, I wish I had foreseen the need for an extra room in my new one.

The only place for my desk is in the living room. Various items have become sprinkled on the floor around my small desk. I need a larger desk to hold it all. A little while ago I regret I threw out a perfectly good table that I realize now I should have kept to hold all these extra projects. I have purchased 3 bookcases and they are already filled. I need more. I love artwork but have no more wall space left. I have a computer, wonderful lamp, scanner, printer, copier, shredder, office supplies, baskets to hold things, cute boxes from the container store, all full, files, plants, newspapers, magazines, articles, and it goes on and on–and all in my living room. I certainly cannot put it in the guest room. I would have to move it in and out. So I am stuck on where to put it all.

Every time I have guests, I have to straighten this corner with my desk. I dislike doing that and I do not have the time. I would like a space where I can work and let things be as I please. It is not that I am messy but I realize I have too much stuff for this small space.

So, now I am longing for a separate room that I can put everything in. I need to be able to shut the door. I need a great view. I need a room I can paint the color I love. I want shutters and palm fronds–a room just for me. If someone sees it, I need for them to appreciate it the way it is. My office paraphernalia just does not go well in the living room.

Before you retire, you may not be expecting to need an extra room but give it some thought. Think through to what you may need in the future not just what is needed now. A study, a hobby room, a sunny workshop, an alcove–a room for you. Other retirement design considerations are: having at least one bedroom on the first floor, wider doorways, grab bars in the bathroom, and an entry ramp. If you have a room upstairs, lower the risers for an easier climb.

Retirement is a time of change. You never know what may make your retirement just the way you want it and an extra room might be what’s needed.

Seeing that I have recently finished building our new home I thought I’d share some insights into the design of a new home. There are many new house plans available today and the sky’s the limit on features and styles. The biggest problem with the design process is once we’ve decided that we’d like to build a new home human nature kicks in and we want it to happen over night. The problem with that is we typically don’t spend enough time evaluating and considering the design aspects of the new house. The most important thing to remember is spending extra time in the beginning will prevent you from having second thoughts once the house is done. The following list are ten important things to consider when choosing a new house plan.

1. Style – I think the style of the home is the best place to start. The style of the home will connect with so many of the choices you make so its important to spend some quality time thinking about the style you’d like to live in. Are your preferences more modern or traditional? Do you want a house that is similar to your neighbors? What house style will hold the best value in your neighborhood? What style house will closely match your interior style and existing furnishings? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself and your family. This was a tough question for my wife and I as we grew up on two sides of the country and our styles are very different.

2. Number of Bedrooms – This question may seem simple and easy to answer but it is worth thinking about and discussing. The easiest answer to this question would be based on your current family size and needs. You may need a two bedroom today and need a four bedroom down the road when your family grows. Or maybe you need four bedrooms today yet your kids will be off to college in a few years.

3. Single Level Vs. Multiple Levels – Whether or not your new house has only one level or more is really a personal decision. Some people really enjoy having single level living with no stairs to climb up and down. Some people prefer the more traditional cape and colonial home styles with bedrooms on the second floor. Some land sites are quite small and someone looking for decent square footage may only be able to build a multi-level house. If you think you may retire and live in your house as you get older the single level house may appeal to you.

4. Master Bedroom Suite – Today’s new house plans typically offer a master bedroom suite. These suites often have generous closet space, large private bathrooms with soaker tubs, jetted tubs, large walk-in showers and even walk-in closets. These suites generally increase the value of the home and make the house more marketable if you sell in the future.

5. Bonus Rooms (Laundry, Play) – One of the most popular trends in todays house plans are dedicated laundry rooms and the renewed popularity of pantries. In fact, in my new house we made the mudroom a combination laundry and pantry. Some house plans offer laundry on the second floor of multi-leveal houses. A word of caution if you choose a second floor laundry. Make sure you insist that some type of extensive drain system be installed in the unfortunate case there is a broken washing machine hose.

6. Number of Bathrooms – The average number bathrooms in new houses has steadily increased over the years. The average home in the US has 2 1/2 baths and the average appears to be heading towards 3.

7. Kitchen Style – I could write an entire article on this topic, however, the main point here is that many house plans have just a basic kitchen layout. My suggestion is find a house you like and then modify the kitchen to your liking. Plenty of home supply stores will design you a new kitchen free of charge based on the floor plan so don’t let a simple kitchen layout deter you from a house plan you really like.

8. Floor Plans – When evaluating floor plans try to visualize how you will furnish the house and how you plan on using different rooms in your daily life. Get a tape measure and measure rooms in your current house to get an idea of how big a 12′x15′ room really is. Often people have a hard time visualizing the size of a room and later when the house is done they are not happy with the size. I really suggest spending time on the evaluation.

9. Functionality – The functionality of the new house plan is really one of the most important aspects for your long term comfort and use of the house. If you put the dining room on the other side of the living room so that you have to carry meals through the living room you will soon realize that’s not very functional. The same is true about the proximity of bathrooms to bedrooms. Again, I think its important to compare where you currently live to the house plan and think about your likes and dislikes.

10. House Site – The house site can sometimes play a big part in the style, floor plan and functionality. For instance, if you have a very small site you may need two floors. Or maybe your lot is really hilly and needs a drive under garage. Just make sure that when you pick a couple of plans you evaluate them based on the lot as well.

If you get one thing out of this article remember this, plan, plan, plan and plan some more. The more you plan and evalulate your new house plans the happier you will be when you’re finally living in your new house.

There are some things to consider when creating plans for your home. There are two situations that call for plans or blue prints, either you are building a new home or decorating your present home. The types of plans required for either situation will vary depending on the extent of
your project.

When building a new home, there are several things you will want to consider carefully. The most obvious is where you are going to build your house. The climate will affect where you build. You wouldn’t build an icehouse in the middle of the desert. You will want to determine what material you will want to use. Brick, wood, and cement are popular. In the southern states clay adobe houses are the norm. In the north and other areas brick, wood, and stone are options. The climate will influence this choice as well. In areas where there is cold weather brick and cement are used because they absorb and retain heat. In the south wood frame houses are built. The size of your lot will determine the size and type of house you want. You couldn’t build a mansion on say a quarter of an acre. On the other hand a one bedroom, single floor home would look strange on a lot that is two acres or bigger. Whether your home has a basement could be important and that would depend on where you live.
If you are lucky to have a basement, it can house the laundry room and your gym equipment or be a playroom/guest room.

Now that you know where and what type of climate you will be building in it is time to think about the plans. Blueprints are or have been used to draw a linear picture of the house as you see it. Now however there are computer programs that will allow you to build your house in 3-D. There are also web sites online that will also allow you to build your house and see it in 3-D. Not only that but some sites will allow you to place your furniture. There are several kinds of technical drawings that are used to create plans for a new home. There are site plans that address coding issues, landscaping, location specifics, drainage (land contours), trees, set backs, and property lines. A floor plan is a design plan of the house, the layout of the rooms, and where the windows and doors. Another type of plan is building sections, which is a cross section of the house. It helps determine any issues, visualize your finished house and floor plans using section marks. Wall sections show the construction of one exterior wall where sections are indicated with section marks. Exterior Elevations include such features as porches and decks. They also show furniture, window and door locations, eave heights and roofing. Interior elevations show the lighting layout and ceiling conditions. Porches are another very interesting option; they can be enclosed, go all the way around the house. They can also be half-enclosed and half-open. They can be reminders of times past. A huge porch reminds me of my aunt’s farm years ago. Porches are great for extending family time and conversation while still being protected from the weather.

Decisions to be made are the size of each room, the number of rooms and the number of floors to be built. Will there be a basement or a fireplace, and where is the house going to sit on the lot. You could have a front yard or the house could be in the front of the lot with a yard in the back. You could also put it right in the center and have land all around.
The next consideration is whether you will have a contractor draw up the plans which will be an expense, or you can do them yourself. To do them yourself you will need a pencil or pen, scissors, a measuring tape, and graph paper with 1/4-inch boxes.

You will draw rooms to scale; one box per foot is good. Measure your rooms, doors, windows, heat and air cooling appliances. Draw the outlines of the rooms according to scale.
Measure your furniture (you only need to worry about length and width here) next and take another piece of graph paper. Draw out lines of your furniture, label them and cut them out. Use these pieces to set up the rooms. When you find an arrangement you like, you can make a more permanent drawing. On another sheet of graph paper draw a box for each wall. Scale your windows, doors, built-ins and other features.

Picking a floor plan is a process of answering some very important questions. Will this place be big enough or too big in a few years? Does your design fit in with the houses in the neighborhood? Does the design of the house fit in with the lot size and shape? Will the windows provide the best view and what windows will catch the sunlight in the morning and afternoon? Will changes need to be made or can changes even be considered? Are the rooms that will be used most of the time of adequate size? Expanding your house size could mean you need to sacrifice amenities or storage space. Do you have specialty rooms such as a craft room, an office, or a gym? An office can double as a guestroom. The trend now is toward creating a family area where there is room for each to do his/her own hobby or to be together watching movies or playing games. When all the decisions are made and the plans are all drawn you will be ready to build.

Suppose now, that you are purchasing an already built home or renting an apartment. Plans can be done in these situations as well. Most places will offer a floor plan for you to look at with the measurements of the space in the rooms. If this is not available you can draw your own plan.
You would need the same materials and the plan is fixed, you are limited to what is already there. Draw the outlines of each room according to scale. Take another sheet of graph paper and draw the outlines of your furniture. Label them and cut them out. You can move these pieces around till you find an arrangement you like. You might be limited with your television set because the outside antenna is in a certain spot.

Take another piece of graph paper and draw the wall sections of each room noting the windows, doors, and any heating or cooling appliance might be situated. You will have already ‘placed’ your furniture so you will have a good idea of what your new home will look like. You can now decorate according to your tastes. In a rental home however, you might not be able to change wall colors or in rare cases hang pictures.

Planning for your home can be very exciting. You could be buying new furniture but you might want to consider the color of the carpets or the floors when you are choosing your pieces. A blue couch on a brown carpet does not exactly match. When planning for your home whether you buy or rent should be done carefully. Keep in mind your preferences, your limitations and if you are building, local zoning ordinances.