Archive for the 'New Construction' Category

Apr 16 2010

A Conservatory Prices Checklist

Published by under New Construction

So you have decided to build on that long-awaited conservatory onto your residence. Congratulations! Conservatories are the most cost effective way of gaining floor space for your property. There is a huge variation in the range of conservatory prices available to you, depending on the quality of the conservatory you intend to build. In this article we will give you a checklist that you can refer to when you are considering different aspects of your conservatory, in order to ensure that you do not compromise too much on quality in favour of price.


Here is the checklist:




  • Check whether or not you need planning permission. In many cases you do not need planning for a conservatory, but it is always best to check before you commence. This is not a factor that will affect the cost of your conservatory, however if you erect an illegal structure it could cost you money to get out of that difficulty.
  • Get the best materials available within your budget. When you are building a conservatory, you intend it to be there for some time. The better quality the materials that go into the construction of the structure, the more long lasting it will be.
  • Choose a quality polycarbonate product for your roof. Unless you are constructing a solid roof for your conservatory, ensure that your polycarbonate roof is of adequate thickness (about 25mm). This will help ensure that your conservatory has proper insulation. Competitive conservatory prices could quote for 16mm polycarbonate roofs, but this may cost you more in fuel and electricity with regard to heating and cooling costs in the long term.
  • Ensure that the locks and other security measures are up to standard. Manufacturers quoting very keen conservatory prices could be doing so by cutting back on quality locks. Your conservatory is going to be part of your residence and so needs to be as secure.
  • There is a temptation to put in small foundations for conservatories as people assume that there will be less pressure on these foundations. However, over a period of time you could find that your conservatory comes under pressure and will possible show signs of subsidence, if your foundations are of inferior quality. The foundations for a conservatory should be as good as those for a traditional extension.
  • If a manufacturer has an end of line range of a certain style of conservatory, it may be offered at a very keen price. If this conservatory is complimentary to your home, then you could avail of this offer. However, if it were to take from the style of the original house, it could affect the value of the property if you were to consider selling your home in the future.

As you can see very keen conservatory prices from manufacturers can be of benefit to you, as long as they do not compromise the quality of the conservatory you are purchasing and erecting. In the long run an initial conservatory price, which seems competitive, could end up costing you money.

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Apr 10 2010

The Installation of an Orangery Means You Can Stay at Home

Published by under New Construction

Many homeowners may have outgrown their current property and been considering moving to a larger premises. There is a problem with that idea in the current climate though as the housing market is currently experiencing one of the biggest slumps in recent memory and selling your home is easier said than done. But it need not be the end of the world as in the meantime there are things you can do to not only extend your property, but boost its value in the same process.


Orangeries in the North West are being turned to by people who are being forced to stay in their current household as they offer so many potential benefits and can temporarily mean you can take the for sale sign down, you may even decide to permanently remove it. Compared to a brick extension which can easily cost you a small fortune, an orangery along with conservatories in Cumbria is a more affordable and stylish looking way of extending a home.


To those who are not aware of what an orangery is, in simple terms it could be considered a posher version of a conservatory. It is also more likely to be a permanent fixture at your home as it is predominantly constructed of brickwork, whereas a conservatory is dominated by glass. Understandably it will also tend to blend in better than a conservatory as it will fit in with the brickwork used to build your home.


They may be a little more expensive than a conservatory to have installed, but you will find that its striking good looks and functionality more than makes it worth the extra investment. It can also truly give your home a modern look, something which is more likely to attract buyers than those homes without one. Double glazing Barrow can also make your home more appealing at the front of your home

For more information on Orangeries North West, Double Glazing Barrow or Conservatories Cumbria visit Planet South Lakes or call into your local show room.

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Mar 29 2010

Laundry Room Decorating – DIY Ideas in Style

Published by under New Construction

Most of us who have a laundry room spend lots of time in it without actually realizing it. While everybody is talking about kitchen decorating ideas, why nobody is actually touching on laundry decorating given the time we are in this room per day? While we use this room a lot to do our washing, drying and even hanging up our clothes, weignore it completely when it comes to make it more homey and welcome, as well as pretty.


All you need is take a couple of hours throughout a few days and you can really improve upon the appearance of this neglected room. You can easily change its style and make it an interesting place to be in. Because let’s face it, most laundry rooms really look boring, dull and very utilitarian. Many times just by adding a touch of color here and there can greatly improve upon the appearance of the place.


Most probably the room is relatively small compared to other rooms. So we need to make it look and feel larger than it is. This is why painting the walls in white or other light color, such as light yellow or other pastel should work nicely. Avoid painting it in dark colors because you will make it feel like a cellar when the light is off.


Also most probably you are the one that usually goes in there. So you can have fun with this room, make it to whatever you want it to be. There will be no guests here, noone to complain that it’s too funky, or childish or crazy, or anything else at all. It’s your space. Add some funky stencils designs, or paint a mural on the walls. Take out your old paints and get creative. Or put in funny posters and art prints. You can have this room look like anything else but a laundry room. Paint the walls in a beach style, or imagine you’re in the fields and you need to add some flowers and grass. Whatever you do, stop thinking of this space as a boring laundry room where you have to go to do those ‘women chores’, and start thinking of it as a fun place where you’re on your own, without disturbance, where you can be creative and be yourself. Use it to your advantage.

One of the more boring tasks of being in a laundry room is dryer vent cleaning. Make sure that you do it right with a dryer vent brush, so you don’t have any later surprises with your clothes dryer giving up its last breath on you.

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Mar 20 2010

Sunrooms Sunsations Add Beauty to Life

Published by under New Construction

Adding a sunroom to your home not only increases the value but also lends an air of sophistication and beauty. Centuries ago sunrooms were usually found only in the wealthiest of homes were homeowners used them for entertainment.


Homeowners have rediscovered the allure of these gorgeous rooms which depending on which climate you live in can be used year round. The many different and distinct design styles today make them affordable on almost any budget.


With more people becoming interested in sunrooms, manufacturers have improved the roofing and windows to regulate both heat and cold and alleviated leakage problems that plagued sunroom designs in the past.


Adding a sunroom addition creates a sense of space and style to your home. Imagine the comfort of being isolated from the elements outside yet still enjoy the benefit of being able to look up into the blue skies or across the meadow as a deer lazily forages for food. The sunroom often becomes one of the most favorite places to spend time as you cannot beat the magnificence of the view and peacefulness that being in natural light gives you.


Sunrooms are ideal not only for relaxing but are also the perfect rooms for entertaining guest. It is ideal for hosting parties that are inside but offer outdoor elements without the hassle of being mindful of common nuisances such as wasps, bees, and dirt or cold weather.


Sunrooms especially offer great options for gardeners. Both common and exotic plants will thrive in the abundance of sunshine and protection from the bugs and harsh weather conditions.


You will find that enjoying a sunroom will add to the quality of your life. This may sound like a bold statement, but, it has been scientifically proven that exposure to sunlight alleviates feelings of depression. It is a form of natural light therapy. Our bodies derive Vitamin D from sunlight and the more natural the better we feel.


If you are a nature lover a sunroom will especially appeal to you. In the daylight hours you can observe the different types of birds and animals flora and fauna. At night the venue changes to starry visions of splendor. You are in the comfort of your home with a natural view.


Sunrooms are very affordable and easy to install. The options are numerous when making your choice and you are sure to find one that fits your budget. No matter which option you choose a sunroom addition adds value to any home. The installation and maintenance of a sunroom is less expensive then adding a hot tub to your home and over time adds to the appreciation.


Conduct a poll of homeowners that have invested in a sunroom and they will tell you the costs are worth the benefits and the pleasure insurmountable.

Joel is an expert author whose been publishing online for several years. To learn more about what sunrooms cost visit his latest website at sunrooms cost, which provides articles on all aspects of sunrooms along with creditable references to help you assess and determine Sunrooms Cost.

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Mar 15 2010

Tips on How to Construct a Greenhouse

Published by under New Construction

Before I decided to learn how to construct a greenhouse, I’ve actually browsed through the internet for a greenhouse kit. I’ve considered just buying a ready made greenhouse kit but after gone through several of those and seeing prices that would leave a hole in the budget, I just decided to construct a greenhouse myself.


And to anyone considering the same thing, I’d suggest you do the same too. And, no, it’s not just about the money, though, it’s largely the reason when I first started. In the process of constructing a greenhouse, I become more familiar with factors that affect plant propagation and I was able to customize the greenhouse to suit my needs a grower.


Here are some things I have to consider to construct a greenhouse:


BUDGET


I started with a clear budget. In my case, this was pretty easy as I have an idea, more or less, on how much I can spend on the greenhouse. But if you don’t have an idea on what your budget might be, you can just browse through the prices of a greenhouse kit. You can use it as point of reference in setting a budget as I know from experience that constructing a greenhouse yourself is way cheaper than those kits available on the market.


SKILLS


Admittedly, I’m not much of a builder myself however, I do know some carpentry basics so I was able to construct my greenhouse in no time. Same with you, you also need to consider your level of skills in deciding what type of greenhouse to build as there are types of greenhouses that’s easier to build as there are greenhouses that would take a more advanced carpentry skills.


MATERIALS


What materials are you going to use. This factor would depend on a number of things. One is your skills as stated previously. It is considerably easier to build a pvc greenhouse than it is to build a wooden greenhouse in terms of skill set.


Another thing to consider here is your needs as a grower. What types of plants are you planning to grow? What is the weather condition in your area? Do you have a big area for your greenhouse?


These are just some of the questions that you need to keep in mind.


DESIGN


The greenhouse design is also of importance in terms of functionality as well as aesthetic value of the greenhouse. I don’t know about you but if I have to put in some effort and invest some time in constructing a greenhouse, might as well build something I can show to my neighbors and friends.


Of course, that doesn’t mean I have to compromise on functionality either. But if you have gone through the factors discussed earlier, it is easier to construct a greenhouse with functionality in mind.

Personally, when I was learning how to construct a greenhouse, I had the help of a resource that I found so useful. This guide will go through the imperatives in constructing a greenhouse that’s suitable for you as a grower as well as beautiful.


I suggest you check it out here:


http://www.GreenhouseBlueprints.info


Similarly, you can check out this resource for additional information on how to construct a greenhouse.

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Dec 23 2009

Custom Homes – Making the Most on a Limited Budget

Published by under New Construction

What constitutes a ‘custom home?’ If you build anything that is not an exact standard cookie cutter floor plan, then your home has crossed the line into being custom. The vast majority of homes are actually based on a standard floor plan and then it is modified some to fit the homeowners ideas. This modification results in a “custom home”.

When building there is almost always a lot of attention devoted to these five words, “How much will it cost?”

That is a very good question. We all need to make the most of our money. In the topics I am going to address there are MANY different opinions. But as general contractors, here are some ideas that we typically tell individuals who have limited resources.

AREAS TO ECONOMIZE IN:

1. For flooring, consider using a mid-grade carpet instead of hardwood floors. Or use the hardwood floors to accent your living room and install carpet for the rest of the home.

2. If choosing ceramic tile watch for discounted tile. I have bought lots and lots of tile that is very nice, but is deeply discounted due to overstock in a store or a change of products. Any time you buy tile be sure to buy at least 2 or 3 boxes more than you estimate you will need. Then if a tile gets broken you and replace it. I had a 20 pound turkey fall from my freezer onto my brand new hunter green ceramic tile. Four broken tiles later, I was very glad for the extra boxes in the basement. Tile is very durable, but a 20 pound turkey is unusual wear and tear.

3. You can economize on counter tops. Use marble top vanity tops which are regular stock items. Typically they come with the vanity cabinet. For kitchens consider using Formica instead of granite, marble, or a solid surface. There are some very nice tops that don’t have to cost thousands of dollars.

4. Consider using a good vinyl window that is not name brand. It is amazing how much more a window costs just because of the label on it. The name brand windows are very good, but there are also some less known manufacturers we have been very happy with.

SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR THINGS SUCH AS:

A counter top, carpet, or bath vanity can be replaced without too much of an ordeal, but things such as a timber roof system, adding attic trusses over a garage and finishing it later, making a spacious master suite, or putting in a fireplace are things which can’t wait. They increase the value of your home as well.

So think log and hard about your custom home and the decisions you will be happy with.

For more ideas and building tips, visit our site located at About Custom Homes or Cowboy Log Builders for more on our homes. Thanks for reading, Sue Lemmon

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Dec 22 2009

Home Building Costs – Nine Critical Components of the Cost to Build a Home

Published by under New Construction

What goes into figuring the costs to build a home? Most of the time all we want to know is the bottom line, total cost or the cost per square foot. But, when we get the total we begin to question why.

I thought it might be helpful to take one of my Owner-Builder clients and break down everything that factored in when figuring his cost to build. I think it will serve to help you understand the various components of the process as well as provide you with fodder when questioning any quotes you get.

Home Owner Builder – Darren G.

Darren is as typical as I could find for an owner builder. He used some of his own labor and that of friends but he also hired many subcontractors to provide the needed labor. He built his home using some panelization for the wall framing but most of the materials came from purchases from local lumber yards, contractors, and other suppliers.

Here is the breakdown of his project. Your project will vary … maybe significantly, but it’s a good start. I’ve included percentages to give you a look at how the money is spread throughout a project.

  • Cost/Pay-off for the land: 18%

Land costs often vary considerably from project to project and market to market. I’ve encountered percentages anywhere from about 5 – 50% of overall costs.

  • Permits, fees, inspections (local building authorities): 4%

In some markets, the cost for permits and fees can be very high. Always check with your local building department as they will provide you with a complete breakdown.

  • Architect & Engineering fees: 2%

You have many choices for your home design from purchasing stock house plans or getting plans “free” from your materials supplier, to hiring an experienced architect to design a truly custom home. The costs for this can go much higher.

  • Land Improvement – Utilities, hook-ups, surveys, etc: 5%

Drilling wells, building engineered septic systems, and planting power poles are examples of how the cost of preparing your building site can be significant.

  • Financing Costs & Reserves: 10%

I recommend that you always factor in the points, appraisals, fees and interest charges on your construction loan. A construction loan is really just another cost of building. Can be tens of thousands of dollars.

  • Complete Materials Package (included some labor): 30%

Some materials purchases come with installation included as it did for Darren.

  • Labor for construction (included some materials): 25%

In many cases, subcontractors supply their own materials. This is often the case with plumbers and electricians.

  • Coach/Advisory fees: 4%

As an Owner Builder, Darren used professional help to guide him throughout the project. One major mistake avoided is worth it. This advisory fee is well under the cost of most General Contractors fees and therefore represents a savings.

  • Miscellaneous (deliveries, insurance, etc.): 2%

Hopefully this view of Darren’s project will take some of the mystery out of what goes into pricing out a home building (or even a remodeling) project.

If you’re in the process of having a General Contractor quote you on a project, make sure you know what he is quoting and what he is omitting. For instance, he may not be factoring in financing costs or land costs among other things. If you’re remodeling, you can eliminate the land costs and probably lower the financing costs.

This is just one step in understanding the complexities of costing out a project.

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.

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Dec 21 2009

Home Building & Remodels – Three Reasons Why You Need Good Design

Published by under New Construction

For anyone familiar with my writings, you know I’m a big supporter of the owner builder process. I’m also a huge supporter of getting professional help along the way. One element of home building or remodeling you can’t afford to slight is the design.

Good design precedes a good building process and getting what you want. Throughout my years coaching and advising home owners, I’ve learned that most people are simply not aware of the value that proper home design and blueprints provide. It has proven to be a big hurdle for people who don’t pay attention and gloss over this aspect. There are enough hurdles in the process of home building, don’t exacerbate the problem by starting with poor design.

Sources of House Plans and Home Designs

Quality design can come from various sources. Many people will be satisfied with well-developed and drawn stock house plans from plan books or online resources. For more custom type home designs an architect or residential designer is often preferred. Once you get into the higher end and uniquely customized homes an experienced architect is the choice for most.

Higher end custom home house plans will cost you. It is not unusual for these to cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. However, the majority of home builders and remodelers can find good plans or professional help in the range of several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on their project and the source of the plans.

Typically, you cannot buy stock plans for a remodel. It’s going to take a drafter, designer, contractor/builder, or an architect. The existing design and structure have to be analyzed and the additions have to dovetail nicely with them.

Let’s take a look at three specific benefits of good design.

These are three of the more important advantages of good design. We could come up with many more but these will, I hope, convince you of the need.

Building Materials Specification

The way to ensure that you get the type materials that you want is to get them specified in the design and blueprints. Whether you act as your own builder or hire a General Contractor, the way to convey to the workers what you want is to have your materials choices within the plans. This not only includes the lumber and structure, but continues on to windows, doors, siding, roofing, and finishing materials. Close work with your home designer is the way you get this.

The Feel of the Home

Most homes have a unique feel to them. Good designs create a feel that is very apparent. What you really want is the look and feel that really suits you. This doesn’t happen by accident. You’ll likely have to look at many homes before you know what you want. From the exterior to the interior, from the size of the home to the size of the room, from the location of spaces to the location of various rooms, many factors go into the feel that you get. Its all in the design.

The Ease and Speed of Construction

If your subcontractors are not given the proper instructions they will not know how to bid or build your home. You won’t know what you’re getting and you will endure delays and mistakes. The process could very well bog down in the process. Long, drawn out building projects, especially when remodeling, are the curse of home building.

CONCLUSION

Spend the extra time up front to get good plans. Do whatever homework you need to do to make your decisions about style and materials before you launch into building. Start with great plans if you want a great home. Now, go create the home of your dreams!

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* eCourse 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.

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Sep 28 2009

What to Know About the Plywood Supplies For Boat Building

Published by under New Construction

Plywood is used in different applications including boat construction. This is a wood product made from many sheets of veneer or plies. It undergoes the process of pressing together, glued and grains going in multiple directions.

Plywood is a high quality wooded sheet that has resistance to:

• cracking
• breaking
• twisting
• warping
• bending and
• shrinkage

In boat-building, it is not practical to discuss all types of lumber. There are specific woods common in each country yet imported lumbers can also be found.

The common rule:
Any lumber in the locale that becomes successful in boat-making can be applied.
Although there are some characteristics of the wood that need to be considered like:
• weight
• strength
• decay resistance

Look for wood that will match these requirements. If the boat designer wants a lightweight lumber like Sitka Spruce, do not give him white oak. It would double the weight of Sitka Spruce. White oak weighs heavier. Weight will affect the performance of the boat. You can use woods of similar weight and strength as substitute. They must also prove to be successful for boat making.

In buying Lumber
Determine first the required thickness of wood material to be used. The designer must note in the plan or material listing the specific lumber thickness. The thickness of the lumber is usually the first dimension. It is called the sided dimension. For practicality, the designer must give specific standard for lumberyard dimensions like:
• 1″ material refer to four quarters or
• 1″ material to 1″ NET

When asking for a quotation, note these to your lumber supplier. You can also purchase just one big board and re-saw them into desired pieces to save money.

Example:
Specified three 1″ x 2″ members, group these together. You can cut this from one big board sized 1″ x 6″ + extra allowance.

To re-saw this board, you will need a power saw. It can be a:
• table saw or
• radial arm saw

In Selecting Lumber
Select the actual board to use after deciding on the type of lumber. Wide width is mostly preferable. Long length is advantageous. When the plan needs a member 20′ long but the available is only 12′, it can be formed by:
• Scarf joint or
• Butt joint

The builder must check his plan to assure that the joint be found at a strategic location.

Example:
By using a butt joint and butt lock, a two 10′ length can be used to make 20′ member. It is probable that the joint be found in the location of the hull. It has stern curvature that will make the joint more difficult to make. On the other hand, 12′ and 8′ length makes 20′ member also. It could be manipulated to locate the joint outside curvature. It will simplify the joint.

To select appropriate material, the builder must check all choices against the plan. The lumber for boat making project must be seasoned. It means removing moisture from the wood. It is done to improve its purpose.

The two methods of lumber seasoning are Air drying and Kiln drying. The characteristics of the two methods:
1. Air drying process
• It is the best process
• It requires year or more of drying time

2. Kiln drying process
• It is acceptable if done correctly
• It can leave more moisture in the wood if rushed or
• It removed too much moisture in the wood that makes it brittle if cooked

If it is cooked, the wood will no longer be suitable for boat building. And, if the wood contains much moisture after seasoning, the wood will shrink or split. If possible, select boards that have vertical grain also called edge grain or rift sawn stock. These boards expand and contract without too much distortion.

Look for lumber defects
Defects must be checked. People confused with blemish as defects. Blemish affects only the appearance but not the service it gives. A defect is an irregularity on the wood that may affect strength. It is sometimes limited to a certain area only. It can be cut away.

Two types of defects:
• Those caused by seasoning
• Those caused by the way of tree growth

Seasoning defects are caused by removing moisture and shrinkage. Common seasoning defects include checking and warping. Natural defects caused by growth depend on the species of lumber.

Common natural defects are:
• knots
• cross-grain in wood
• shake
• decay and rot

For more information on Plywood Boat Building and Plywood Supplies, please visit our website.

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Sep 27 2009

Four Season Rooms – Great Uses to Consider

Published by under New Construction

If you want to spice up your home, add a bit more room, and help to raise the amount that your home is worth, adding on a four season room is definitely a great idea that you may want to give some consideration. This is a great room that you can use all year long and it is a wonderful room that can be used for a variety of different things. You’ll find that many different themes can be used in your room, although you’ll want to decide on your theme before building the sunroom so it can be built with your theme in mind. So, if you’re not quite sure what you want to use your own four season room for, here are a few wonderful ideas that you may want to consider.

A Wonderful Bedroom

One great theme to consider when you are building your sunroom for use all year long is to use the room for a bedroom. Sometimes bedrooms can be a bit dark and dreary, but you won’t have to worry about this with all the windows that are in these rooms. This will be a wonderful way to add a bedroom onto your home that will be filled with light and looking cheery all day long. Even during the winter the bedroom will be a happy place to be, so using the sunroom for a bedroom is definitely an excellent idea to consider.

An Office

You may want to consider using your new four season sunroom as an office as well. If you are running a home business out of your home, adding a sunroom is a fairly inexpensive way that you can add on to your home so that you get the room that you need to have your own office. You won’t have to worry about getting too sleepy in this office with all the light that will be shining in on you during the day. With the bright light and relaxing atmosphere, this is a wonderful way that you can enjoy having a sunroom that doubles as an office.

Exercise and Spa Room

A four season room is also an excellent choice for an exercise and spa room as well. Perhaps you have been wanting to get into shape but you just are not quite sure how to do it since you don’t have the room for the exercise equipment that you need. Maybe you want to have a nice spa that you can enjoy and relax in. Well, having a sunroom is the perfect idea and you can have your exercise equipment in the room as well as a nice spa that you will be able to enjoy.

Family Room for Relaxation

Last of all, you’ll find that using this room for a family room where you can relax and enjoy your family is another great idea as well. Sunrooms make the perfect place to sit back and relax after a long day at work and you can enjoy watching television together or playing some games with the family. So, if you want to make good use of your new four season room, consider making it a special room for the whole family.

For more information on sunrooms, sunroom additions and related topics visit TheDiyHomeGuide.com

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