Big Problems Using Concrete Foundation Piers - Building Repairs

A concrete foundation pier can be purchased at almost any lumber yard and home improvement center around the world. They are usually about 12 inches tall and their base is usually about 12 inches wide and works its way up, to a 6 inch square at the top and this usually has two metal brackets sticking straight up out of it. These metal brackets can be nailed onto the post that will be supporting the floor framing.

There are plenty of homeowners, handyman and even some contractors who set these concrete piers directly on the soil, with out any support from a concrete footing. Over time, if a concrete footing is used, the foundation pier could actually provide little support for the floor framing components.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. You have a section of your floor that is sagging and you need to raise it and install additional support underneath these areas to fix the problem.

When you crawl under the house, with your jack and new concrete foundation piers, you notice the floor framing has a cracked support beam. Instead of replacing the beam, you simply jack up the floor and install two foundation pier supports underneath the damaged wood beam and set them directly on top of the soil.

There is a good chance, over time, that the weight of the house will push the concrete piers into the soil and you will now be back to square one.

Here's the solution to your problem, most of the time. Pour a 12" x 12" wide and 12 inch deep concrete footing underneath the area where the new piers will be installed. This will provide you with the additional support necessary, most of the time.

To repair your home properly, you would need to contact a building professional or a structural engineer to provide you with the exact specifications of building materials and requirements for your new footing.

In other words, it's not really a good idea to set a concrete foundation pier directly on top of the soil.

Foundation Repair Books Can Save You Lots Of Money and Time. I've been using them for years. Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping. If your looking for some more Pictures and Information About Pier Connection Problems , Click on Link

Small Kit Homes - Tips For Using a Kit House to Build Your Small Home

By Mel Inglima

 

The small home design really makes sense these days. A well-built small house can be easy to maintain, inexpensive to furnish, and most of all it can be very energy efficient.

 

Is a panelized kit home the way to go? I get a lot of questions about panelized houses and small kit homes. It's not an easy thing to answer. What I can do, however, is share my experiences with you and provide you with some valuable tips.

 

Advantages of Using a Kit Home Package

 

If you're planning to build a small home, it might seem like there's not that much to it so why would you need to use a packaged home product? But, the fact is, regardless of the size of the home, there are still the same choices to be made, a variety of materials to purchase, and the same contractors to hire. Lets look at some benefits:

 

    * Reduced decisions make the preparation process easier and quicker
    * Quicker framing can lower the onsite labor costs
    * Complete materials packages can reduce the need to shop
    * Some companies offer easier access to construction financing
    * A kit home can make a DIY project more doable

 

Packaged Kit Home Disadvantages

 

Small or big, the same issues arise when building a home. And it's a mistake to think that just because the home is small, or because you're using a kit home that you won't have issues and problems to solve. I've found the following to be common:

 

    * Wall framing panels don't always fit together perfectly
    * There's a decent price mark-up for labor and deliveries
    * Your materials and style choices are limited
    * Your site must be accessible for big truck deliveries
    * You'll need to safely store many items onsite while building

 

Use These Suggestions to Improve Your Experience

 

After years of working with kit homes, panelized houses, and small home designs, I can offer the following tips and strategies that will make your life easier.

 

    * Consider hiring your own home building coach to help with management rather than using the kit home company's rep
    * Pick one of their package designs if your local restrictions allow it and don't deviate from the plans
    * Choose a design with a simple foundation and roof design
    * Try to visit a finished home which is the same or similar to the model you chose
    * Use framers who are experienced with framing packaged homes

 

Research Gives You Power

 

Time to do a little research. You'll be able to locate many packaged home companies online. Read up on their policies and procedures. Check out their small home designs. Find out if they deliver to your area and the costs of delivery. Check references and be sure to uncover their customer service issues.

 

The more you know, the better questions you'll ask them. Keep learning and I wish you the best in your small home building adventure!

 

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.

 

 

Pre Fab Homes - What is a Prefabricated Home and Can They Save You Money?

By Mel Inglima

To some, the term prefabricated (or pre fab) means questionable quality. This isn't necessarily so. The truth is that in some instances, prefabrication can even mean increased quality.
 
There really is nothing sinister or inferior about prefabrication. Here's how a Webster's Online dictionary defines it: "Prefabricate: 1. to fabricate (make) the parts of something at a factory so that construction consists mainly of assembling and uniting standardized parts." Simple enough, right? But, there's more to it.
 
In the World of HomeBuilding
 
Naturally, many products can be prefabricated. But, in the world of home building, prefabrication refers to building small or large parts of the home in a controlled factory environment to exacting standards on large assembly line-type "jigs" for the framing, and other systems for the rest of the construction.
 
Prefab homes are mostly thought of as modular homes but can refer to any home that is largely or partly built in a factory and delivered to the building site in sections, panels, modules, etc.
 
Is a Manufactured Home a Pre Fab Home?
 
If you go by the dictionary's definition you might assume that mobile (manufactured) homes are also prefab homes. They are not. We must go by common usage of the term to avoid misunderstanding. Manufactured homes are mobile homes with a fancier name. Prefab homes refer to quality "stick built" homes that follow the same exact codes and inspection procedures as if they were built completely on site, stick by stick.
 
This is not to denigrate manufactured homes but simply to understand the important differences and to explain the terminology. Manufactured is the same as mobile, not prefabricated.
 
Choose a Prefab Home to Reduce Costs and Building Time as an Owner Builder
 
Many home-owner builders choose prefabricated homes (kit homes, packaged homes, log homes, cedar home packages, panelization packages, etc.) for savings and convenience. Two goals that may or may not be realized.
 
Owner-builders usually want to have a direct hand in the management and sometimes the labor when building a home. Prefabrication can offer an advantage. There is usually a significant reduction in the on site labor and amount of decisions that need to be made. People using a General Contractor to build for them typically should not buy a prefab or kit home.
 
If using a prefab home is the only way you would consider being an owner builder, then yes, the opportunity to save money is definitely there. Learn all you can about your prefab home choices and cost, then strongly consider getting a General Contractor to quote you a price for the exact same home if he or she built it for you instead. This will give you a great comparison.
 
What to do Next
 
If you're serious about building, take these steps now:
 
1.      Google the terms (like prefab homes, kit homes etc.) first
2.      Contact the most interesting companies you find and ask questions about service, delivery charges, house plans, customer service etc.
3.      Get and check references once you get more serious with a company
4.      Hire a home building coach once you decide to build
5.      Have a builder quote his cost to build the same home for you for comparison
 
Finally, never stop informing yourself. The more you know the better questions you'll ask and the more you'll demand and recognize accurate answers.

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.

The Right Custom Builder Can Make That Dream Home a Reality Without Major Frustration

Many people have a picture in their mind of what a custom built dream home would look like, until the discovery of the costs involved in order to achieve that dream home.  Thoughts of building a dream home shouldn't be given up though.  The dream doesn't have to be shattered, but just tempered a bit.  The easiest and best solution is to search out a reputable custom builder.

The experience of a custom builder plays heavily into achieving the desired goal.  Some materials available to the home building industry require very skilled artisans and can be very difficult with which to work.  The custom home design team will be able to offer alternative materials that will achieve the same look, but with less expense.

An experienced custom builder has the knowledge and skill to take that dream home vision and recommend practical and realistic alterations to enhance and improve the overall vision.  Every change won't always fit within the image of the sought after custom home due to the very real world challenges of costs involved.  However, the overall final design of the home should reflect the majority of ideals and desires to be fulfilled.

Quite often, major changes will need to be made in order to satisfy building codes, structural integrity, and safety.  It is quite common for the design to go through multiple revisions before being solidified.  The final house design may not be the same shape or layout that had originally been envisioned by the client, but many of the original elements will still be present.  Again, cost is usually a major factor in determining the final outcome.

Depending upon the design, the planning and designing stages very often exceed the construction time, so patience is always needed from the start.  The builder needs to be given time to understand the client's vision in order to eliminate any mistakes and misunderstandings.  Custom builders are not mind readers, just skilled designers and contractors that take the intangible and craft a beautiful sizable piece of art to live in and enjoy.

For more information and guidance about Custom Designed and Custom Built Homes, visit http://www.excelbuildersmn.com . Excel Builders, LLC. specializes in creating distinctive upscale remodeling projects and custom home designs. Daniel Elliott is an independent contractor who authors articles and media on a variety of topics for diverse audiences. WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) produces Website design, hosting, and search engine marketing services for many of the clients, industries and markets related to the articles and media authored by Dan Elliott. If you would like Dan Elliott to ghost write or pen an article for you or your company, please contact him with your specifications.

Residential Construction Company - Architecture Tips

If you're building a new home, chances are you have a general idea of how you want it to look. Even if you don't, your residential construction company likely has an architect on staff that can work with you to best plan how your house will look and function, and can provide you with information regarding how to best design certain rooms. In this article, we'll go over some tips regarding the general architecture of a home that you are likely to hear, that will help you pick out some design features you want to see in your house.

Any on-staff residential construction company architect will tell you that one of the key aspects of designing a house is how all of the rooms flow together. Many older houses are essentially a series of rooms connected by hallways so that foot traffic can move from room to room without having to walk through them. However, many modern houses are using alternative approaches, with dining rooms being directly attached to both a kitchen and living room, and all three connected to an antechamber. Adding a second level gives you another dimension of design freedom, as the antechamber can lead to the second level where bedrooms and bathrooms, and perhaps a study can be located.

If you want extra features, like a library, drawing room, study, den, game room, or the like, then figuring out where to put them can be something of a pain. You should choose the location of extra rooms in your house based around what are called core rooms, such as central living areas and bedrooms. For example, a good location for a personal study would be attached to a bedroom, because bedrooms tend to be on the outside of a house and having the study nearby would help isolate it from noise and distractions. A den or game room would likely be best located near the living room, so that people can move between them freely, and the kitchen would be relatively nearby. Keeping these things in mind while talking to a residential construction company architect is a good way to maximize the effectiveness and comfort of your home.

If you're struggling to get everything in its right place, a residential construction company can help guide you the rest of the way. The important thing is to know what you want and how you want it, and they will often do the rest of the work for you.

home improvement company, residential construction company

Enjoying a Round of Golf During Your Myrtle Beach Vacation

Irregardless of your age, if you enjoy playing golf, you may want to build your next vacation around this activity. Unlike many other areas, Myrtle Beach has the perfect combination of temperate climate, scenic vistas, and perfectly manicured golf courses. While you are on vacation, you may even want to consider using the time to achieve other goals.

Consider a situation where you work with an intensive management team. In many cases, your time on the golf course is an important part of brainstorming, as well as bonding with your team mates. If you have a complicated project in the works, you may want to visit Myrtle Beach as a group. Without a question, you will find many resorts that have everything that business travelers need to enjoy a productive getaway.

You may even find that Myrtle Beach will be perfect if you want to bring your romantic partner along. While you are brainstorming on the golf course, he/she can take advantage of many different amusement parks, water sports, and the beaches. At the same time, you can also savor the night clubs and other attractions as a couple later on in the day.

As you may be aware, many young people today learn how to golf in highschool and college. Therefore, if you are on spring break, or on summer vacation, you may want to spend some time golfing. Even if you are traveling alone, or with a small group, you are sure to find plenty of other people to start a game with. This may even be the prefect opportunity to teach a romantic partner how to golf.

If you are already retired, and enjoy golfing, you will find that Myrtle Beach can meet all of your needs. In particular, the climate in this area will enable you to enjoy afternoon and evening golfing. As may be expected, if your spouse does not know how to golf, he/she may enjoy miniature golfing, as well as other attractions in the local area. You may even decide that you want to spend the remainder of your retirement years living near all of these attractions.

Unfortunately, many people think that a Myrtle Beach golf vacation will only be of interest to senior citizens. That said, business people, as well as college students are sure to enjoy all that the local golf courses have to offer. Even if you do not play golf much while you are at home, you may still want to give the parks in Myrtle Beach a try. As may be expected, if you do not know how to golf, there are also plenty of mini-golf courses for you to enjoy. Find out more tips about Myrtle Beach vacation at http://myrtlebeachvacation.referenceguidetips.com

Different Materials Used in Balustrade and Handrails

There are a number of different materials that are used in balustrades and handrails. If the balustrade is external like fencing a terrace, roof or any open space then the material used is concrete. Concrete can stand up to the weather and will not get destroyed. There are a number of different designs that are used in making balustrades. The balustrades are usually cast in a shape using a mould. This is done so that all the balustrades look alike. A rail is fixed on top of the balustrades.

If the balustrades are to be placed inside a building, like lining a staircase ten different materials can be used. Usually hard word is used on balustrades that line a staircase. The handrail is also made out of wood. Another material that is used in balustrades and handrails is cast iron or wrought iron. Balustrades made from cast iron or wrought iron have a fancy design. The design is selected by the home owner or by the architect. The design depends on the theme of the building.

Polyurethane is also used nowadays to make balustrades and handrails. Cast stone, polymer stone and plaster is also used to make balustrades and handrails. In some buildings marble has also been used to make balustrades. Marble is very expensive and is only used in palatial buildings.

The use of wood has also reduced in making of balustrades and handrails. People have become conscious about saving the environment and therefore the use of wood is frowned upon by some people. The use of polyurethane and polymers has increased. The material is cheap and can be made into very nice designs for balustrades. Most modern buildings have polyurethane balustrades as they match the design of the building.

No one is quite sure about the history of balustrades and who first used them. The most common shape in balustrades has been the oblong shape which resembles an egg. Brass and bronze has also been used in balustrades and handrails. They require cleaning and polishing regularly and are very expensive. Brass is used in handrails as it has a shining golden colour.

Some balustrades are painted with a motif to make them look interesting and to break the monotony. There are so many designs that are used in balustrades and some of them are quite simple. They may just be a series of straight pillars made of iron and topped with a wooden handrail. Or they may even have an iron handrail. Wooden balustrades may be carved with a design on them or they may just be a straight plank. People usually have wooden balustrades and handrails on the porch of their house.

The design of the balustrades and handrails depends on the design and architecture of the building or house. People usually don't give much thought to the design of balustrades and it's the architect who selects the design. The wood used in balustrades and handrails has to be well seasoned and should not warp or get misshapen or cracked. Wood has been the material that has been used the most for internal balustrades and hand rails in homes.

Check out this site for a range of handrail, balustrades and general Architectural Ironmongery

 

Log Home Suppliers - Options and Considerations

Categories of log home companies are as diverse as looking at fruit Wally World, every local grocery store in town, and green houses nationwide.

Take a walk with me and let me explore some of the options with you. Working for a residential construction company since 1997,  I have had the opportunity to handle many different log home products.

First is the RANDOM LENGTH LOGS

Random length logs are milled logs which are ready to stack. A supplier sells a customer the quantity of logs he estimates the customer will need, plus some extra for mistakes, miscuts, etc. Then it is the builder's job, either a general contractor, or the homeowner himself, to compose a home out of a semi load of logs. As with anything, there are plusses and minuses to random length logs. There is a large cost savings, as all of the cutting is done on site. But very careful diligence must be paid that the logs are cut accurately and precisely. To get a random length log home dried in usually takes and additional 2 1/2 to 3 months longer than a fully cut package. This is with an experienced 3 man crew on an average size log home.

Next is the PARTIALLY PRECUT LOGS

These logs are random length logs, but the supplier has done all the cutting for the corners. All the doors, windows, roof angle, etc. has to still be cut on site. One benefit of not having all the doors and windows precut is that the homeowner can have a door or window hole resized or moved if desired. For an experienced crew it would take prehaps and additional week to cut all the windows and doors into the home.

FULLY PRECUT

Just as the name implies, all the cutting is done at the mill. The log home comes with a log schedule detailing where every piece goes. Every log is individually numbered. The mill erects the home, then disassembles it for shipping. A fully precut package is a good choice for areas that have a shorter window of building time due to in climate weather. Also the house has tighter cut and corners when the cutting is done at the mill instead of the job site. In this case the homeowner needs to weigh extra time against the savings. Also the homeowner needs to consider his ability or the general contractor's experience. If either is very talented and creative, a random length log home might be suitable.

One more choice..

FULLY PRECUT AND PREDRILLED FOR ELECTRIC

There is one company that offers the fully precut, but they also offer all the electric boxes precut and the wire holes predrilled. This saves a lot of time on the job site and gives a better overall finish to the logs. Also for the butt joints, where one log ends and another begins, utilize a "finger joint". A finger joint looks like fingers that weave together when the logs are push up one to the next. This additionally seals the butt joints.

This company is Lake Country Log Homes from British Columbia CANADA. For more information feel free to visit http://www.cowboylogbuilders.com Thank you for reading, Sue Lemmon

Your Home Or Vacation Cottage - Don't Give Fires a Place to Start in Your Kitchen Or Utility Room

Don't give fires a place to start in your home or cottage. Make it a point to do a thorough inspection and review of your home much as if the yearly fire inspectors were at your abode.

Where to start? First things first start in your kitchen, kitchen areas as well as your utility room cleaning spaces. . If you do need to extend or alter existing wiring calls a trained and certified electrician not just someone you are told knows how to do it. If you do any matches or cleaning solvents ensure that they are packed away carefully and securely. In terms of matches - keep matches securely away from little hands who may just want to have fun with those matches or perhaps a lighter. Your home could go up in smoke over some little fun/

Next check your laundry utility room areas. Again check for solvents and other cleaning fluids. Guard against spontaneous ignition fires by keeping those oily rags or clothes that may be saturated with furniture polish, paints or wax in closed metal containers and preferably not on top of that stored next in hot closed closets or cupboards. In addition keep waxers and floor mops in cool open spots. The porch areas of your cottage or house might be good areas to store these cleaning utensils.

If you do ironing chores in these two area - your kitchen or utility room make it a point as well as a habit not to leave your electric iron with , that is with the current on and hot - even if its just for a rest and resting period and periods or for a brief spell. Use an automatic cut off type clothes pressing iron. In addition let the iron cool thoroughly on the protected cover of your ironing board. Then store the iron away in a safe and secure place.

Kitchens are an area that should be made fire proof. First and foremost ensure that you have a charged and even inspected fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers run down over time - they must be inspected and recharged if needed or necessary. It never hurts to play it safe.

Before you leave your home it is always a good idea to check your stove. Do not let grease accumulate on the stove. In addition make it a solid practice to keep grease containers away from your stove or stoves. If grease fires unfortunately do occur and flare up, the correct and approved procedure to extinguish such a fire is to smother the grease fire in pans by using tight lids for covers. In addition kitchen salt itself can be thrown onto grease fires to extinguish them.

Along the lines of prevention and preventative maintenance see to it that window curtains and hanging towels cannot blow into gas flames or over a hot stove. In addition check your automatic gas heater regularly and on an ongoing manner. If a house is to be left unoccupied and vacant - then turn off non-automatic types before leaving that home or vacation cottage unoccupied.

Lastly in terms of daily and regular cleaning and clean up of your home do not throw flour , uncooked cereals or dust from a vacuum cleaner or dustpan into a lit stove or incinerator. Dust can well be explosive. Wrap up dust and dispose of it safely.

When it comes to fire prevention in your home two main areas to inspect are your kitchen and utility room cleaning areas. Inspect these two areas well and take preventative measures. Do not give fires a place to start.

Kerry Z. Francis Manitoba Cottage Rentals  View List Post Mb Northwestern Ontario Lake of the Woods Kenora Vacation Properties Online free. Why drive when you can let your mouse do the walking on the internet free?

Kit Homes - Just What is a Kit Home and Will it Work For You?

By Mel Inglima

Kit Homes have been around for decades. You've likely heard of them. You've likely even seen some without even realizing it. But, what exactly are they, how do they work, and will they do the job for you?

As human beings in a busy, complicated world, we yearn for simplicity. Those "Easy Button" television ads appeal to this basic need. And for a home building project, we instinctively want the home building kit to be just that kind of answer. A way to get a nice home at a good price ... without so much hassle.

Home Building Package in a Kit

I wish there was just one quick explanation that would cover the gamut of what a kit home is exactly. I can, however, give you a broad description that will serve you.

First of all, a kit home is basically a package of home building components that is delivered to your building site. It needs to be erected on your site. These packages generally consist of the following:

• House plans, blueprints, schematics (sometimes your plans can be used.)
• 90 to 99% of the lumber need for the home's construction
• Lumber is pre-measured, pre-cut and pre-assembled into framing sections
• Major building material items are typically included like; roofing, siding, windows, doors, cabinets, finishing trim. Even drywall in some cases
• Sometimes financing or access to financing is included

Most KitHome Packages Require Additional Materials

There are definitely omissions in every kit home package. Not every package is the same so you need to research carefully to determine what needs to be purchased in addition to what you're getting. Here's what the average package often excludes:

• The building site (goes without saying perhaps but I note it anyway!)
• The foundation for the home. (Rarely are the materials provided for this.)
• The mechanicals (like plumbing, electrical, heating & air, fixtures, etc.)
• Finishing items (like floor coverings, paint, light fixtures, counter tops.)
• On site labor to construct the home (up to you and the professionals you hire.)

In almost all cases, no onsite labor is included. Yet, in almost all cases, there is a significant amount of labor required. In most cases, skilled professionals are required to complete construction. It's not a do-it-yourself project for the novice.

Is it For You?

My recommendations center around personal research on your part. Nope, no "Easy" button, unfortunately. But, on the positive side, it's easier than ever before to research these companies online from the comfort of your own home. Try Googling "kit homes", packaged homes, prefab homes, and panelized homes for starters.

Once you do enough research and you've developed some good questions, it's time to start calling these companies and comparing service, pricing, and what's included in their packages.

As always, I recommend using a personal home building coach, but that's a story for another article.

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.

Why Cost Per Square Foot Pricing For Building a Home is a Fallacy

By Bill Edwards, III

The number one question everyone asks about building a home is how much will it cost. Most folks want to know the cost per square foot to build a complete house or the foundation walls or the framing, etc. I NEVER quote costs per square foot for anything. There are just too many variables involved to state a "standard" price. 

Why, you ask?
 
I've built homes that cost $100 per square foot and others that cost $200 per square foot. The difference is in the materials used and the finishes required.   You might ask, "What about a 'standard' basic house then?" Again, it's all in how you define standard or basic. You might be able to build a 2,000 square foot home for $200,000 ($100 per square foot), but it will likely have a simple slab foundation with a modest kitchen and minimal baths and carpeting instead of hardwood floors...the list could go on and on.  

The same 2,000 square foot home could cost double that if you select all upgraded materials and finishes and if you build on a basement foundation, etc.  For example, just consider the price differences between the various types of siding material used. Brick or stone can double the cost of siding costs over wood or other similar products.  
 
The building site also is a big price variable. Grading and site costs can vary dramatically depending on the lot characteristics.  A steep lot with heavy vegetation will cost more to clear and grade and will require a more expensive foundation than a level lot with no trees.
 
Further, there are prices differences for materials and labor across the country and even in various areas of the same metropolitan area. So quoting a price in one area will not necessarily hold true for a different area. 
 
So how are you to figure out the cost of building a home? The only true way is to complete a cost estimate for each element of the project.  While this may sound like a daunting task, it's not so bad if you break each step down into digestible bites.  Begin by completing a take-off of materials and then start gathering bids from subcontractors. Your best bet is to acquire a good estimating handbook or software.

Bill Edwards has built more than 200 custom homes over the last 30 years and has also helped many people build or remodel their own homes using his tested methods. He currently heads up American Home Counsel, a consortium of professionals in the home building, real estate, development, financing, and education professions. Their goal is to help educate people about home building, home remodeling, and home buying and selling. To learn more about square foot costs, please visit: http://buildyourownhome.AmericanHomeCounsel.com

Craftsman Home Design Enjoys a Renaissance

By Bill Edwards, III

Off with the old and on with the...Old? Absolutely. Consider the new architectural trends. Nostalgic styles complete, with wrap-around front porches, exposed rafters and "craftsman" details are the cutting edge now.  

The craftsman or prairie style homes made popular in the early 1900s are taking the home design trends by storm. Designed by architect Gustav Stickley and actually sold through mail order kits from Sears and Roebuck, these homes were originally built to be affordable and more casual than the ornate Victorian styles of the wealthy. They were meant to be homes for the masses. Frank Lloyd Wright added his own variations with his prairie style in the Midwest.   

You can find these homes in virtually every metropolitan area of the country. Many are found in neighborhoods built in the early 20th century and are now located in trendy areas adjacent to major cities. And many of these areas are experiencing a rebirth and transformation.   

But rehabbing a century old home is not the only avenue to acquiring a craftsman home. Many new homes are now being designed to mimic the craftsman style complete with smaller footprints, dormers, porches supported with stocky tapered columns, wide overhangs, etc.   

There are several reasons this trends is happening now. For one, there's a yearning for a sense of home and safety associated with the past. People are longing for simpler times. The nostalgia of the past is a big draw now. For another, these homes are typically smaller and more economical to build. The trend in new home construction now is towards downsizing and scaling back.  

Following are the major features of new Craftsman architecture:  

• Large front porches with chunky tapered columns
• Horizontal bands in siding with differing finishes above and below.
• Bracket roof supports.
• Generous woodwork and trim inside and out.
• Dark stain finishes
• The use of triple windows or pairs of windows 
• The lack of halls (a more open design)
• Built-in cabinetry in the dining rooms or as room dividers
• Materials local to the area

Bill Edwards has built more than 200 custom homes over the last 30 years and has also helped many people build or remodel their own homes using his tested methods. He currently heads up American Home Counsel, a consortium of professionals in the home building, real estate, development, financing, and education professions. Their goal is to help educate people about home building, home remodeling, and home buying and selling. To learn more about home design trends, please visit: http://buildyourownhome.AmericanHomeCounsel.com.

Panelized Homes - What is a Panelized Kit Home and How Do They Work?

Panelization is all about framing. A panelized kit home can provide a much quicker and easier way to frame a home on site. But, there are important issues I want you to be aware of.

Sometimes panelizing creates more problems than it solves. Let's take a look at a few of these potential problems before I get into their benefits and the preparations you need to make:

• Panelization doesn't guarantee quality framing
• Sometimes the shipping costs can add significant up-charges
• Panels can be damaged in shipping
• Measurements of panelized sections can be faulty. Even a little bit hurts
• Panels can be "out of square" or crooked (requiring time-consuming repairs)
• Important nailing patterns can be in error

Any one of these can cause delays and costly repairs as well as test the capability of the supplying company to supply immediate reparations.

What is Panelization?

Put simply, a panelized structure is a house or building that has been pre framed in the factory prior to its arrival at the building site. It's important to note that it has not been fully framed in a completed condition. It has been framed in panels (or sections) of varying lengths.

These framed panels must be connected on site by an experienced framer who knows how to read blue prints, square and level the panels and the entire framework, connect them to each other and to the floor/deck of the home, and verify all measurements, connectors, and nailing patterns. Naturally, this takes time and money.

What Are the Most Common Potential Benefits of Panelizing?

In truth, practically every experience framer "panelizes" as he frames. He will build a section horizontally first then tilt it upright and nail it in place. With factory panels, all this "horizontal" work is done. All that is left is to tilt them up in place and connect them.

Here are some of the potential benefits of purchasing and using factory panels.

• Can reduce the need for highly experienced on-site framers and the cost associated with this
• Can cut on-site framing time by 50% or more
• Can provide a higher quality and more consistent framing job
• Can lower the cost of on-site framing labor
• Can allow a do-it-yourselfer to provide more labor
• Can provide for a higher quality, more consistent framing job

Is it Worth Paying Extra to Get Panelization?

You're going to pay for framing labor one way or the other. Either you pay factory workers or on site journeymen. But, factory panels can allow you to hire fewer highly skilled carpenters on site.

So, is it worth it?

YES: If it's included in a full kit home package that is priced right and makes your complete home building job easier ... then yes!

NO: I would say that if you have access to a highly trained framing crew at a very fair price, then no, don't purchase panelized framing sections.

YES: If you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer and framer or have one to help, and if you can get inexpensive hands to help out, then yes, I'd do it.

NO: I wouldn't do it if the supplier was more than 500 miles away. You'll have extra shipping charges as well as potential difficulty in getting customer service.

Get professional advice from a home building coach. Do your own research and always check references before you deal with any professional.

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.

Luxury Condo Options in North Bay Village

By L. Belenky

North Bay Village was literally pulled from the waters of Biscayne Bay in the mid-1940s. Today it is one of the little known "jewels" of the three-island community. Set directly between Miami and Miami Beach, North Bay Village is certainly in the heart of all the region has to offer.

Luxury condominiums are a popular choice for residences in this area, and there are many that provide resort-style accommodations to their owners. Many are also put to use as opulent vacation rentals and the visitors all have an outstanding array of amenities and services to enjoy in such incredible locations as the condominiums of North Bay Village.

Currently there are several notable properties in the town including, Blue Bay Tower, The Lexi, Cielo on the Bay, 360 Condominium and The Bridgewater among others. Each provides a distinctive home or rental and each comes with its own amazing assortment of amenities and offerings.

The Blue Bay Tower is a sixteen story structure with only thirty-five residences on the property. It is considered a "boutique" style residence due to its limited number of homes and its exclusive location. It offers residents enormous floor plans, high end appliances, covered and secure parking, views from all locations, private balconies and recreational facilities such as a swimming area and sauna.

The Lexi condo property offers only 164 homes all outfitted with incredible views, floor to ceiling doors and windows, private terraces, energy efficient systems and appliances, luxury cabinetry and flooring and a fantastic array of in-house amenities including a fitness center, infinity edge pool, spa, lounge and entertainment center and a comprehensive business center, among others.

If a luxury home is required the Cielo on the Bay property is an obvious choice. It offers one and two story homes, a private marina with docks and slips, covered parking, penthouse homes with outdoor summer kitchens, a spa and sauna, rooftop swimming pool and all of the homes are completely outfitted in luxury appliances and materials including granite counters and imported marble flooring.

There are two properties currently under construction in the North Bay Village and those are the 360 Condominium and The Bridgewater. Both offer numerous floor plans and styles and both will have the kind of remarkable water and city views that only homes in the North Bay Village area can provide. Additionally, both properties will have direct access to the waterfront and may provide marina space for their residents.

When looking for the ideal Miami area home look to the North Bay Village condominiums for style, convenience and luxury.

Sunny Realty of South Florida features technologically advanced and Internet savvy realtors. They specialize in Sunny Isles real estate, Miami Beach luxury real estate and luxury condominiums. SunnyIslesMiamiRealEstate.com provides instant access to the best in Miami Beach real estate.

15 Action Steps You Need to Take Before Listing Your Home For Sale

Selling your home is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. Having made the decision you will need to meticulously prepare for the transfer by taking steps to ensure that your property is sale ready and that you are aware of the intricacies involved in the process.
 
These 15 Action Steps will help you to prepare your home and yourself:

1. Find your legal papers, such as the deed, insurance, mortgage documents, etc.
2. Call a title company and ask for a complementary title report to check for discrepancies that may be present.
3. Check your credit rating.
4. Speak to your bank about pre-approval whether you need a mortgage or not.
5. Have a look at other homes in your neighbourhood that are up for sale - how does your home compare?
6. Do an honest, reality check - make a list of areas that need upgrading, both minor and major.
7. Determine your budget for fixing and redesigning.
8. Consult with a professional who can advise you on the areas that will bring a real return for the money you will spend fixing.
9. Hire a staging consultant to prepare your home (statistics show that staged homes sell faster and for a higher price).
10. Hire a home inspector.
11. Check with family and friends for referrals, re a Real Estate Salesperson.
12. Interview at least three salespersons, then choose the one you find most compatible.
13. Be sure to ask for specific steps that will be taken to market your property.
14. Don't sign a long term contract, make it three or four months, which will give you wiggle room.
15. Pay it forward, make a list of services available in your area for the new owner.

Prospective home buyers may not understand how much work went into preparing your home to make it as inviting as it now appears, but they feel comfortable and at home - so much so, that they are willing to purchase it. It pays to be proactive.

Joanna Parris, CSP, cSMM is a certified Home Staging Expert, a member of RESA, (Real Estate Staging Association) & SEA (Staging Excellence Alliance) Published Author, Speaker & Staging Expert. Joanna can be reached at: E: effectivestaging@rogers.com W: http://effectivestaging.com

Advantages of Wind Energy - Benefits of Using Wind Energy As an Alternative Source of Electricity

There are many advantages of wind energy and using it as an alternative source of electricity not only helps home owners save on utility bills, but is also very environmentally friendly. Coupled with solar power systems, wind power systems can even help to totally eliminate the need for families to stay on the grid.

One of the most prominent advantages of wind energy is the fact that the source of energy is free and lasts as long as there is wind. In a world where we are dealing with energy generated using fossil fuel, we have to constantly grapple with not only the prospect of the natural resource being depleted, we are also subjected to the ever fluctuating costs of oil with in turn translates to fluctuating energy costs. Worse, the fluctuations only seem to go on an upwards trend as power companies are quick to increase prices and slow to lower price adjustments.

Advantages of wind energy also increase over time due to technological advancement. Homemade wind turbines are now inexpensive to construct. While commercial ones may set you back by thousands of dollars, it is now possible to construct your very own residential wind turbine using less than $100 worth of parts that can be easily found in your local hardware store or the internet.

Other advantages of wind energy include the fact that you no longer need a big area to set one up anymore. There are designs that enable home owners to have wind turbines up on their rooftops. Efficiency may or may not be as high as the conventional turbine design but they are adequate for average use.

George Tho is a DIY enthusiast. Read his review on a complete guide on how to assemble residential wind turbines using less than $100 even if you are a complete DIY novice.

Author's review website on clickbank products: http://www.clickbankproductreview.com Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for the purpose of education and illustration only. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

 

The HUD Energy-Efficient Mortgage Or EEM

By Jamie Woods

In 1992, Congress mandated a pilot demonstration of Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) in five states. Because of the program's success, in 1995 the pilot was expanded as a national program.

EEMs recognize that reduced utility expenses can permit a homeowner to pay a higher mortgage to cover the cost of the energy improvements on top of the approved mortgage. FHA EEMs provide mortgage insurance for a person to purchase or refinance a principal, owner-occupied residence and incorporate the cost of energy efficient improvements into the mortgage. The borrower does not have to qualify for the additional money and does not make a down payment on it! The mortgage loan is funded by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan association, and the mortgage is insured by HUD. FHA insures loans. FHA does not provide loans.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

- The approved borrower(s) need 3.5% equity or down payment in an owner-occupied property.

- Eligible properties are one to four unit existing and new construction.

- The cost of the energy efficient improvements that may be eligible for financing into the mortgage is the greater of 5 percent of the property's value (not to exceed $8,000), or $4,000.

- To be eligible for inclusion in this mortgage, the energy efficient improvements must be cost effective, meaning that the total cost of the improvements is less than the total present value of the energy saved over the useful life of the energy improvement.

- The cost of the energy improvements and estimate of the energy savings must be determined by a home energy rating report (or "HERS"), which is done by a home energy rating system or energy consultant. The cost of the energy rating may be financed as part of the cost effective energy package. Normally,an official from your local utility company will conduct the HERS.

- The energy improvements are installed after the loan closes. The lender will place the money in an escrow account. The money will be released to the borrower after an inspection verifies that the improvements are installed and the energy savings will be achieved. This program works very well with the HUD/FHA 203(k) Home Improvement loan as well.

- The maximum mortgage limit for a single family unit depends on its location and it is adjusted annually. The cost of the eligible energy efficient improvements is added to the mortgage amount. The final loan amount can exceed the maximum mortgage limit by the amount of the energy efficient improvements.

In summary, "going green" can be easy as pie and well worth the applications and underwriting, so long as your situation is handled by an adept team of professionals who understand the procedures and guidelines!

For more, visit http://www.mortgagemagician.blogspot.com