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Tips For Controlling Home Building Costs

2008-10-05T06:07:00.004-07:00

Home building cost overruns can plague any home building or remodeling project. This occurs so frequently that it is recommended you include a 5 - 10% contingency fund in your budget. This will be used for items that you will have no control over, such as problems found with the land once excavation has begun.

Use the 5 tips in this article to control home building costs & minimize cost overruns.

Tip 1: Planning Your Home Building Costs Take the time to plan on paper what you want your house to look like. When doing your budget, visit stores to look at appliances, fixtures, cabinets, flooring, etc. In doing so, you will have a clearer idea of what you want and more importantly, what it will cost. Then, build that amount into your budget so there are no surprises later.

Tip 2: Specify Home Building Materials When working with a contractor, be sure that the specific materials you expect to be used are included in the bid and subsequently, in the contract. If your plans say wood floors and you are expecting teak and get oak, your recourse is limited because you did not specify it in writing.

Tip 3: Change Orders If you take the time to plan your home building project on paper before breaking ground, you can minimize the number of Change Orders. Change Orders frequently increase the cost of your project because they were not planned for in the original budgeting. If you agree to a change order and there is an expense involved, you are responsible for those costs unless the contractor has agreed he will pay for the change. Depending upon the extent of the change, it can involve modifying the original plans and having the local building authority review the changes including the labor and materials. Always keep an eye on any changes to the original plan and design and take the time to determine the financial impact of the change on your project. Changes to construction projects represent the single most common reason a project goes over budget and/or the completion is delayed. Take the time to plan before you build.

Tip 4: Size, Style and Shape of the Home These three factors can significantly contribute to the cost of building your dream home.

* Size - Work with even numbers and have your home size rounded up or down to increments of two (2) feet. This reduces wasted materials. Also, build a home no deeper than 32 feet to eliminate the need for specially designed trusses.
* Style - Typically, it will cost less to build a two-story home than a one-story home of similar square footage. A two-story home will have a smaller roof and foundation. In addition, plumbing and ventilation are more compact in two-story homes.
* Shape - Having more corners and angles will increase the amount of labor and materials needed to build your dream home. A rectangular or box shaped home will cost less to build.

Tip 5: Two Most Common Times for Cost Overruns The beginning of your home building & construction project - when you are doing excavation and possibly putting in a well. You won't know what is under the ground until you begin to excavate. If you are drilling for a well, you will have no control over how far down you will need to drill for water. This is where having a contingency fund is essential.

The second most common time for a cost overrun is near the end of the project when you are selecting your finishes, i.e., cabinets, counter-tops, lighting and plumbing fixtures, flooring, appliances, etc. If you took the time to shop around before you did your budget, you can more easily stay within your budget when you do your final selections.

Cost overruns are common in any home building project, but with knowledge and planning they can be kept within manageable boundaries.

Information About Home Builders in Georgia

2008-10-05T06:07:00.003-07:00

Below you will find information about home builders in Georgia. Visit each home builders website to find more information about their new homes for sale and new home community locations.

Heritage Log Homes - Heritage Log Homes strives to bring home buyers the most comprehensive possible site when it comes to buying log homes over the internet. Heritage Log Homes now provides information on the Heritage Difference, which offers a list of absolutely everything that sets Heritage Log Homes apart from competing companies and other producers of fine log homes and similar structures. For example, Heritage Log Homes uses a proprietary Thru Bolt System, as well as an ecologically friendly log seasoning process. Located in Kodak, Tennessee, Heritage Log Homes offers home building expertise in numerous markets, cities and states all throughout the nation. For more information about Heritage Log Homes and their current and upcoming products not only in Snellville, Georgia but also throughout the United States, visit their website.

RTF Construction - RTF Construction is a commercial general contractor that is located within Atlanta, Georgia but that regularly services Snellville, Georgia by producing leasehold improvements, church construction, home building and numerous other forms of construction and building, which they have done for more than 16 years now. After 16 years of construction in Atlanta Georgia, RTF Construction feels confident in letting you know that they offer some of the best building in the industry. For more information about their residential construction and remodeling projects past, present and future in Snellville Georgia and other cities in Georgia, visit their personal website.

Meridian Homes - Meridian Homes builds new homes and communities in Georgia and South Carolina. Meridian Homes has several new home communities located in and around Snellville with new homes starting in the $100s. Meridian has been building new homes for over 12 years and has delivered more than 4,000 homes The Meridian Homes corporate offices are located in Loganville, Georgia. For more information about Meridian Homes visit their company website.

The information that has been cited above was gathered from each individual home builder's company website in September of 2008, and is considered to be reliable accordingly. If you want to find out more information about Snellville homes for sale as well as new Snellville home subdivisions, you should visit each home builder online.

Is Now a Good Time to Build Your Dream House?

2008-10-05T06:07:00.002-07:00

In today's economy it's tougher and tougher to plan ahead. Unfortunately there are disasters that are of course outside of your circle of influence; disasters that may happen in the future. Even if you are a savvy investor there are companies that go under, even when they look good on paper, but that had some of your retirement plans when you thought they were doing great. The federal government is bailing investment and insurance firms out of the holes they dug themselves. What are you to do and who do you believe?

Is it still a good time to get house plans for building a bungalow of your dreams? That is a decision that only you can answer. It seems one of the biggest lessons in today's economy is that you need to research your investment options more than ever. Since many of the people who are giving advice have never been through an economy quite like this one, they may be shooting from the hip and may or may not hit the target.

There are still many great places to build your dream house based on the country house living magazine plan that you've been dreaming about for years. If you use the computer at all and pay attention to any of the news, you will have seen surveys on the best places to live, the friendliest places, the least expensive, the most expensive, the best place to raise a family and many more. Not everything is going bad; you just need to find the good.

There still are those places where it makes sense to build a dream house and even luxury estate house plans mansions that may seem like extravagant in times like these. Just like in the Great Depression, times are not tough for everyone and many people have made good financial decisions that would allow them to put their money into a dream house.

Where Do You Build Your Dream House Plans?

2008-10-05T06:07:00.001-07:00

There are so many variables to take into consideration when looking at building your new home that it is a fun yet challenging proposition. There are many surveys out there that help you focus on places others have found to be the best. If you have a family you will be looking at things like the best places to raise a family, the best schools, the friendliest towns and other family oriented focuses. If you have already picked out your favorite authentic English country cottage house plans then you will just have to figure out where to put it.

If you are single and looking for a mate, some surveys actually let you know which cities have the best opportunities for finding a mate. It may be a great place to build your dream from your California bungalow house plans and then go out and search for your soul mate to help you fill it. Maybe you can find your dream mate prior to finding your favorite home plans. That way you can dream with your mate after finding them instead of hoping to find someone with the same dreams as the one you've already built.

If you are looking for a place that allows you to be in a community of people in the same income level, there are surveys that will let you know the median income level. Then when you build your dream home with your luxury Mediterranean house plan you know it will fit into the neighborhood. Surveys can often be misleading but these seem to be pretty good for finding what it is you think will make your life comfortable. Whether you are single, married, rich, poor, young and on the move or older and on the move you will find the best places to build your dream home.

Choosing the Right Home Builder For Your New Home

2008-10-05T06:07:00.000-07:00

Not every person likes to buy an existing home when shopping for that dream spot on earth. For those who want to be the first one living in that new home, a home builder will pose the first obstacle in the building project.

In order to choose just the right builder for your project, you will first need to decide which type of house you will want to have constructed. There are two types of builders. The production builder and the custom builder.

The Production Home Builder

The production home is one that is designed on a large scale and mass produced as a "model". These models are often changed up a bit with available customizations and upgrades to the home. These upgrades are offered as part of a package added onto a base model home.

Production homes are often offered at a base price with additional costs being added to the final price for those last minute touches. When choosing a production home builder, it is best to buy the home as a package with all of the appliances and upgrades included. Adding these items individually can drive the price up higher than the market value may allow; leaving the owner with immediate negative equity in the home.

The Custom Builder

For the potential home owner who wants to build a home from scratch, a custom home builder will be able to help you along the process of planning the home and attaining all of the permits needed for the build. The potential home owner will have to purchase a plot of land, have the land surveyed and choose a set of plans for their home.

When choosing custom plans for a home, remember that these plans are only a guide. A custom home builder will be able to adjust the plans to your specifications before the final plans for the home are set in stone.

As the home progresses, the extra costs associated with incidentals will need to be taken into consideration when pricing the home and staying within budget.

Real estate is an investment and while many people love the immediate nature of buying an established home, for those who want to own a home of their own that is customized to their wants and needs of a builder is one of the best options.

The Difference Between a Theodolite and a Total Station

2008-09-09T07:27:00.004-07:00

Both the theodolite and total station are tools used to measure horizontal and vertical angles during surveying and engineering projects. Each have particular pros and cons which can be utilized in various situations. In general, it will depend on the time, money, man power, and expertise you have available when deciding on the right tool for your job.

Although theodolites have been used for hundreds of years, the main operation of these tools remains the same. A theodolite consists of a moveable telescope mounted between a vertical and horizontal axes. The angle of each axes can be measured with fairly accurate precision as long as the operator has sufficient knowledge of the tool's use and basic trigonometry. However, the use of a theodolite generally requires the help of at least one other person besides the main operator to help measure and align angles. When precision counts, it is imperative that both operators are properly trained and understand all of the elements of gathering data; this may include leveling the tripod/theodolite and measuring stake, as well as aligning the stake and measuring line to gather accurate data, and finally use mathematical and graphical skills to generate the appropriate output.

The benefits of a total station will outweigh the downsides, in most cases, because of its all-inclusive features and digital integration. A total station integrates theodolite functions in order to measure angles and distance with an EDM (electronic distance meter). Total stations use a system of prisms and lasers to develop digital readings of all the measurements during your job. All of the information gathered with the total station is stored in an external computer where data can be manipulated and added to CAD programs. Robotic total stations are available that allow the operator to work alone with the use of a remote control.

A total station is generally superior to a theodolite because of its digital integration and precision. However, total stations are much more expensive and require not only surveying training, but specific product and software training as well. When completing surveying jobs that span large distances, especially over treacherous terrain, a total station will provide the most reliable and accurate results. For simple plots of smaller areas, a theodolite is sufficient. Before you purchase either tool, ensure it comes with the necessary accessories you'll need on the job. For a theodolite you will want a measuring stake and steel tape, a tripod, as well as grid paper and a pencil to record the data. In most cases, a total station will come with all the necessary accessories you need, however, some may not so always double check!

Tips to Save Money When Building Your Own House in Phuket Thailand

2008-09-09T07:27:00.003-07:00

With the costs rising this year higher than ever before, I like to share a few money saving tips when building your own house in Phuket, Thailand. You can use either some or all of these ideas to cut costs and spend your money on more important items. If it's important to get the highest quality house for the lowest possible cost, this article is for you.

Buying building materials in Bangkok and shipping them to Phuket can be a real cost saver. You want to do your homework first on local prices and quality. Bangkok has a much bigger selection of tile than found on Phuket Island. There are huge areas that sell tiles in Bangkok and a much bigger and cheaper selection too. There are also huge outlets in Bangkok that sell Tile imports from China and Vietnam. Shopping at these outlets can save you big money over local outlets.

Wood Doors and frames can also be acquired in area of Bangkok around Bang Po. It's great fun to shop these wood shops and look at the many different selections available. Wood comes in several grades so it's important to actually see what you're buying. Spending a day looking at the different wood items like wood trim and windows will also give you a few ideas also. There are also a few wood shops inside the infamous weekend market near Bang sue.

Power tools and things like sandpaper and drill bits, electrical wire, bulbs, and lights can be bought in an area called Klong Tom. This can be found in Bangkok's China town area known as Yarrowat. If you ever been here this is the place where are the Chinese have their gold shops near the river in downtown. Sundays is used goods day so there are many extra vendors on the streets during the weekend. Collecting Business cards of the different vendors will come in handy later if you need to buy something they don't sell at home pro when building your Phuket house.

You can purchase many landscaping items just outside Bangkok at a fraction of what you pay on island. The weekend market also has a large selection of plant, trees and other yard Items. Furniture can also be purchased at the weekend market as there are literally hundreds of furniture shops inside there.

Shipping to Phuket is a very easy thing to arrange with your vendors. If you have a lot of stock you can arrange for a 13 ton truck to bring down your truckload of goods. You can really save if you have something heavy to ship like granite, sandstone or tile. Medium size shipments you can use freight shipping companies which also use busses and some big lorry trucks to ship the goods overnight to Phuket. You can even pack the goods in the bus yourself and ride down with them you have time. Being creative In Thailand you too can save a lot of money if you have time and take the time to shop around and buy the items you handpicked to make your Phuket House a home.

Steel Buildings - Buying Tips

2008-09-09T07:27:00.002-07:00

You've finally decided that you need a new building. Maybe you need a new office building as your business expands. Or maybe you really have to have that indoor riding arena for your horses. Or your company needs to expand with a new manufacturing facility. Maybe you just want a nice outbuilding or barn for storage and other projects.

You've heard that steel buildings are a great option. You've heard that steel building construction can save you time and money, that metal buildings go up fast, and since they are pre-engineered, there are no surprises. They come in on budget, and are expertly engineered to meet the local building codes so the building permitting process is easy. And you can make all the design decisions yourself. But where to start? It's not as complicated as you think.

Here a some steel building buying tips that will help the novice metal buildings buyer feel confident as a pro.

Do call your local building department and explain that you would like to build a pre engineered steel building on your lot and give them the location. Ask whether the local building codes allow for pre-engineered steel buildings. If they do, ask what the applicable metal building codes are. Remember to ask about "setbacks" and other code requirements that may prohibit the use of prefab metal buildings or any building for that matter on a given lot.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that building codes are standard. Many times the builder or steel buildings supplier will give code information based on the standards in the metal building industry. However, there are no standard steel building codes that will satisfy building code requirements across the board. A reputable steel building supplier will make sure that the building price they quote incorporates all applicable building codes.

Do check the steel buildings supplier with the Better Business Bureau and the Dunn & Bradstreet report.

Don't be afraid to talk in depth with your steel building supplier. Describe in detail what you want the building for, whether it is for a horse barn, a church, a warehouse, or manufacturing plant. Make sure the supplier understands exactly what the final use of the building will be. The building use will influence many design decisions and ultimately the final price.

Do know exactly what you want before you order. Decide the dimensions of the building you want to build, the width, length, and height of the building. Where do you want the doors and windows? What color do you want for the walls, roof, and trim? Are there other steel building accessories you would like, such as skylights, cupolas, gutters, and downspouts? Do you need insulation for the building? Don't assume that doors and windows, gutters and downspouts are included. Many times the framed openings for doors and windows are included, but not the doors and windows themselves, which are additional.

Do consider your options for the roof. Do you want a standing seam roof or the screw down roofing system? A screw down roofing panel is the most commonly used panel for metal buildings roofing, and if properly installed will give you many years of weather tightness.

What about roof pitch? Roof pitch describes the steepness of the roof slope. The standard roof pitch on pre-engineered steel buildings is 1:12. This is the most economical in terms of heating and cooling. Because the structural steel frames are strong enough to support the roof, in most cases a steeper pitch is not required, although you may want a steeper pitch for aesthetic reasons, for example, if you are building a church, or you like the more traditional look of a steeper pitch.

What about color? Many steel buildings have roofs of Galvalume steel, which is a silvery color, and may qualify for Energy Credit under the Federal Tax Code. Some metal building companies have a color option for the roof, which allows you to choose from an array of energy efficient siliconized polyester coating steel buildings colors that will save you even more on energy costs.

Do you like the look of stucco, stone, or brick? If you do, make sure the steel buildings supplier can provide pre-cast panels or other materials that will give the look of wood, stone, or brick to harmonize with pre-existing construction, and to satisfy the local codes, which, in some areas of the country do not allow for standard metal siding.

Do make sure you are comparing identical buildings when comparing pricing. If the price from one steel building supplier seems markedly lower, take a closer look - you may find that what they are offering at the lower price is cutting corners and you will get an inferior building in the end.

Exclusive Benefits of Using Marbles in Home Construction

2008-09-09T07:27:00.001-07:00

Marbles are natural products being used in home construction. You can find several uses of marbles during construction of different sections of a home. The reason lies in several benefits of using marbles. Some well-known benefits already discussed earlier are:

1. Stunning look and feel,

2. Easy and effective cleaning, and

3. Relevance of marbles in interior decoration

Apart from these general benefits, there are several other hidden benefits of using marbles. That was the main reason behind use of marbles even in ancient architecture. Several monuments and palaces are built by using different kinds of exclusive marbles and other natural stones. Our ancestors and expert architects of past were familiar with those hidden features of marbles, and using them in making magnificent architectural heritage of today. The best example of a marble monument is The Taj, one of the wonders of medieval era. The monument illustrates the best use of marbles and one can witness the best artisan work, excellent carving and moldings of natural stone.

Durability - The Most Important Aspect of All Natural Stones

One of the major attributes of all natural marble products and other natural stones like granite and limestone is their durability. You can be assured of the long life of natural stones being used in your home construction. The use of marbles along with other natural stones itself guarantees the long life of your house.

Heat Resistance - Another Attribute of Natural Stones

Mostly all natural stones are among the best heat resistant materials. Marbles and granites are the best heat resistant materials on earth. The use of marbles and granite in your home ensures better and uniform temperature inside your house. You can easily experience during summers that buildings with maximum use of marbles are generally cooler than buildings built without use of marbles. Whereas in winters, generally room temperature of a marble walled room is greater than a normal walled rooms. Therefore, use of marbles inside your home ensures natural air-conditioning to some extent.

Fire Resistance - Another Reason behind Increasing Use of Natural Stones

Mostly natural stones are igneous rocks. Granite is the best example of one such igneous rock. These are fire resistant making it ideal for use in home and office construction. Although it can increase the overall budget, but more and more use of marbles ensures less damage during fire incidents. This attributes also make it an ideal material for use in marble fireplaces.

Above described attributes are main reasons behind excessive use of beige marble products in home flooring, granite counters in construction of kitchens and bathrooms, and engineered quartz stone products in all around home construction.

Build Your Own Home - Advice to Young Couples Who Are Capable of Building Their Own

2008-09-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

So you and your wife want to build your own house? It can be done, Amigo. But first, let's go over a few things. You should own the piece of land that you want to build on outright. It should be zoned for what you want to build and it should be roughly level enough to build your house on. Pick a good house plan that has a two-car garage. That is your first project. A garage can be built rather cheaply because it is simply a big box with few inner walls. You plan is to build this structure first. When you do, you can live in it until you have the rest of your house built enough to live in. Be sure to plan in a bathroom with a shower or tub. The commode and sink are necessary, too. Once you have them, you can live in this arrangement until your house is built. Your garage should have a monolithic slab of concrete for a floor to park your car on, later. If your zoning allows, and you prefer, you can have a slab floor for your house, too. If not, then you'll have to build a foundation for the house part of the plan.

Living in a garage has it's advantages for a while. You have a place to sleep and clean up. You have a place to store materials until they are needed. You live on the premises, so you can keep an eye on your property. Some people can't help liberating building materials from a site where a home is being built. When any of the Contractors come to your site, you don't have to go there to meet them. You live there! While you are living in your garage, you are not paying rent.

The idea of living in your garage isn't so different from living in a cabin, like our forefathers. It can be exciting and it can be dull. It is what you make of it. When the main framing of your house begins to take shape, you'll notice an excitement and anticipation begin inside you that will spur you on. Use this to push on and complete your house. In my view, the hard part is waiting for the electricians and plumbers to finish their rough-in work. When you get your house "dried in", It will begin to look like something. Just remember, you still have a ways to go. After the heating and air men finish their installation and you begin to drywall, you'll want to start planning a house-warming party. Just hold your horses. There will be plenty of time for that, later, after you do your outdoor landscaping. Looking back, after you finish, you'll wonder why other people don't do the same thing? It's a mystery to me!

Tips For Dealing With Contractors

2008-09-07T10:07:00.005-07:00

This week continues my series on opening a brick and mortar retail store from scratch. So far we've talked about startup plans, market research, and scouting for locations.

This week we discuss how to find a capable building contractor to build out the location. And as this series has been thus far, this segment is based on my personal experience and offered to you warts and all. As with all of my columns only the names have been changed to protect the innocent, the ignorant, and the overly litigious.

OK, so I signed my name in blood on the lease agreement and the space was mine for the next two years, succeed or fail. It was a large single room, about 1600 square feet, with a small storage area and two restrooms in the back. The floor was painted concrete, the walls were an odd shade of orange, half the lights didn't work, and there was no hot water or air conditioning. And that was just scratching the surface. There were a few dozen other things that would have to be repaired or installed before I could move in.

Now a lesser man would have been intimidated by the huge task of converting this empty money pit into a thriving retail store in less than 60 days, but I'm an entrepreneur - which is a French word meaning "idiot who takes on the impossible," so I was energized by the challenge.

The question then became: who will build out this space? It certainly wasn't going to be me. When it comes to construction I'm about as handy as a one-armed man in a clapping contest. It was time to line up contractors.

I don't know about you, but it's been my experience that a capable, reliable contractor is hard to find. Let me rephrase that: it's been my experience that a capable, reliable contractor is damn near impossible to find. It's easier to pin the tail on Bigfoot while blindfolded in dense fog than to find a contractor who understands the concepts of appointments and commitments. Nevertheless, my quest began with the Yellow Pages and referrals from friends.

I quickly felt like Henny Penny, desperately seeking anyone who would help me bake my bread. I talked to flooring contractors, painters, plumbers, electricians, security system installers, heating and air conditioner guys, and general building contractors. Most of them didn't seem to give a rat's backside if they got my business or not. Several didn't bother returning my calls. Others came late to appointments and others didn't bother showing up at all.

Now I don't mean to say that all contractors are unprofessional, uncaring, and undependable. I'm sure there are many reputable contractors out there who show up on time, do great work, and bill you fairly. Then there's the other 99%, many of whom are good old boys who operate out of their pickup trucks without the benefit of license, bond, or concern for their customers' satisfaction. If you're a contractor and want to argue these points let's make an appointment to talk in person. I'm pretty sure you won't show up.

Fortunately for me I managed to find a contractor in the 1 percentile that went above and beyond the call of duty to get the space built out on time; in spite of my demanding nature and daily changes to the plans. I was very, very, very lucky...

So how can you better your chances of finding a reliable contractor to build out your space? Pray, my brothers and sisters, and follow these guidelines.

Don't be pressured by deadlines. When starting a business you're usually under a tight schedule, which puts you at the contractor's mercy (they can smell fear and desperation). They know that you need them more than they need you. This is a lousy place to be, but you have to be patient and don't hire a contractor simply because he has a hammer and a pulse.

Ask to see licenses and bonds. As mentioned earlier, many contractors forego the formality of business licenses and security bonds. They prefer the "have hammer will travel" mode of business. If the contractor you're interviewing can't show you a business license and proof of a surety bond, move on to the next candidate.

Are they wearing a watch? If the contractor isn't wearing a watch it's probably because he has no concept of time or regard for schedules. I want to see a contractor wearing a watch that he looks at often. I want to see him carrying a daytimer and a cellphone with a number that I have on speed dial.

Ask for references and check the BBB. This should be a no brainer, but I'd bet most entrepreneurs never bother to ask for or check references. You want the names and numbers of at least five previous customers and always check their history with the BBB. Anyone can stencil their name on the side of a truck. Don't be fooled into thinking that makes them a professional.

Next time we'll discuss building permits, zoning laws, and building codes; and how your ignorance of these items can cost you a ton of time and a bundle of cash. The voice of experience sings again.

The Difference Between a Theodolite and a Total Station

2008-09-07T10:07:00.004-07:00

Tips to Save Money When Building Your Own House in Phuket Thailand

2008-09-07T10:07:00.003-07:00

Steel Buildings - Buying Tips

2008-09-07T10:07:00.002-07:00

Exclusive Benefits of Using Marbles in Home Construction

2008-09-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

Dream Client Plus Dream Builder Equals Dream Home

2008-08-22T23:12:00.002-07:00

THE MONUMENTAL TASK OF BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME...You're trying to decide on who will build your home. You know you want someone reputable, who builds quality, is respectful to your budget and time frame and most importantly someone you can trust. But during that process you might overlook that the builder also needs to trust the client, feel secure that the client is going to work with them in regards to time and budget. They also want to make sure they are paid promptly and changes are discussed appropriately so they don't negatively influence the project. Below are some tips to help put together the DREAM TEAM:

THE DREAM CLIENT IS...

• Suited for the service, style and caliber of home being offered, designed and built
• Willing to pay the cost and has a realistic budget
• Reasonable with their time frame
• Able to see the value in the services provided
• Respectful to the professional opinions and advise given
• Open minded to the design and building process
• Loyal to the project
• Someone who is a joy to work with
• Similar in characteristics to past dream clients

THE DREAM BUILDER IS...

• A benefit to your project
• Able to listen and communicate with you in a manner that you're comfortable with
• Respectful to your opinions and goals for the project
• Able to build within your budget
• Resourceful and can create what you want
• An expert who can build you a quality custom home
• Encouraging and supportive
• Someone you would enjoy working with
• Similar in characteristics to a past person you felt comfortable doing business with

THE DREAM HOME IS...

A collaboration of decisions made and built on a strong foundation of trust and integrity. A personal space that s reflects your physical, emotional and spiritual self and meets all of your needs. An established relationship between you and your builder that will continue long after the home is complete. A place you call home.

How to Get the Quality Custom Home Floor Plans You Need Without Regrets

2008-08-22T23:12:00.001-07:00

When you have your piece of real estate, and you are ready to create your home plans, you may want to take a new approach to it. You could go to a lot of places online and find an abundance of floor plans already available. While this certainly makes it convenient for some, you may have no idea how much thought actually went into those house plans. When you really think about it, though, that may not really be the best way to go to get your own custom house plans.

Software and Floorplans Abound

It is easy to pick up a lot of floorplans on the Internet. It would not take long before you ended up with a whole collection. Unfortunately, this may leave you with the limitations of someone else's idea of a home - what should be your home.

Avoid the Copycat Syndrome

Ask yourself if you really want to follow someone else's idea of what your home should look like, or seek to create your own custom home plans. While you may not want it to be too extreme for when you might try to sell it later, you certainly do want a home that is designed around the way you live. In order to accomplish this in the best way possible, you want to start out with a great idea for your own wonderful dream home that will not limit your imagination.

Go for Your Own Custom Dream House Plans

A good way to start out would be to write down the things that you would like in your dream home and then put them into a basic hand-drawn floorplan. Alter it as you see the need to add or subtract some things, and then when you are comfortable with it, talk to a home designer about your need for house blueprints. You certainly want to consider some options like patios and decks, a large kitchen, a cathedral ceiling, lots of glass and possibly skylights, extra bathrooms and walk-in closets.

When you design your own custom home, you have the opportunity to put into it those features you want most - and where you want them. You can add closet space, an extra bathroom, a large family room, a study or den, a hobby room, and so much more.

Enjoy the Uniqueness of Your Home Forever

Once you have talked to a builder and have actually built your unique custom home, you will have the joy of knowing that it was built just for you and your family. It is your design and you can be proud of it. You did not borrow someone else's house plans, although you may want to get some ideas there.

Your dream home can have its beginning today. If you have a good idea for a floor plan, you may want to go ahead and get started. The architectural design you need can be started quickly by a professional draftsman and before long, your custom home will soon be on the way.

Why Custom House Plans Will Suit Your Needs Better

2008-08-22T23:11:00.002-07:00

If you are ready to have your house plans or building plans created, then you may want to consider the options before you. You can choose between floor plans that are already out there on the Internet, or have some custom house plans made for you.

Of course, the choice really is yours, but the results may be as different as day is from night in the long run. Whether you are building a log cabin, a townhouse, an investment property, or a luxury home, you want to make sure that you have the right blueprints for your new home construction.

Custom house plans will provide you with...

A Greater Flexibility in Design

As you look at existing home plans that you find here or there, you will discover that they all are based on someone else's needs and ideas. Your own dream home, however, should be just that - your dream home. When designing your own custom house plans, you need to consider all possibilities to make your vision come to pass.

One option that you may want to consider as you think about your custom floor plans, is the possibility of alternative home designs. This can include unique homes like green homes, earthen homes, solar homes, barn conversions, strawbale, and so much more. Some of these home designs can greatly lower the cost of your new home construction.

An Increased Level of Functionality

As you work with a professional to make your own floorplans, you are free to put into them the special features you want. One idea may be to put the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms. This way you do not have to carry loads of clothes and other things unnecessarily from floor to floor.

Another advantage of a custom home plan is that you can put bathrooms where you want, extra closets, add an island and a pantry in the kitchen, have walk-in closets, and put anything else in that you desire. Your new home can be built to your convenience - you can have it made your way. With your own custom house plans, you can add ceiling fans, fireplaces, all the outlets you want, and even put in zone heating if you want. It will be your unique architectural design.

A Higher Plane of Satisfaction

After you have built your own custom home, you will be the one that is happier having followed your own ideas and tastes in design. You will be glad that you made original floor plans and did not follow someone else's ideas. Even better yet, you can talk to your floor plan designer about ideas you have and receive consultation from someone who has experience in what kind of features work well - and which ones might be better left out, or changed.

Chinking Questions-Answers & Money Saving Application Tips

2008-08-22T23:11:00.001-07:00

Chinking is very common on western log homes but can be found in the east as well. The most common color is mortar white because it resembles the look of old time cement. Chinking may be required to seal the joints in your logs or you may choose to use it for aesthetic purposes. Chinking is designed to stand out from your wood which is why it has a heavy texture. Finally, it is typically installed in 1''- 4'' joints.

Professional applicators prefer to purchase the product in 5 gallon buckets while homeowners are more likely to purchase the material in 29oz tubes. Both will work well as long as you have the right product. Some chinking materials can be difficult to apply which is why I would recommend a product called Chinker' Edge. It is a little heavier than most other chinking materials which is nice because it stays in place when you are working with the material. Also, it does not collect on your brush or trowel when you are working with the material which will save you time, energy and probably a headache.

If you are looking to restore your existing chinking it isn't necessary to replace the old chinking with brand new chinking. Most "new" chinking materials are latex based products and will bond with each other. If you choose to go this route, it is important to get a good bond to the top and bottom of the joint. If you are installing chinking to a new structure then I would highly recommend installing some form of backer rod before applying any chinking material. You can use an open or closed cell backer rod that will be D-shaped, trapezoidal or full round. Backer rod installation will save you money on chinking materials and will allow the sealant to expand and contract at a more proficient rate.

Check with the chinking and stain manufacturers to ensure that your finishing products are compatible with each other. It is always a good idea to use a stain and chinking from the same manufacturer in order to avoid any unnecessary problems down the road.

In conclusion, follow the following application tips below in order to achieve a successful job.

1. Use backer rod.
2. Apply at least a 1/4''- 1/2'' of material.
3. Use a compatible stain.
4. The larger your logs the larger the width of your chinking joint should be.
5. Apply the material between 45-90 degrees and do not install it in direct sunlight.
6. Purchase Chinker's Edge by Sashco.
7. Have fun.

Mountain Home Building Products is a leading distributor of log home chinking, cabin caulking, log stains, clear wood finishes, log siding, house logs & rustic lighting. Our diverse array of products makes us one of the most complete suppliers anywhere, and one of the most successful log home products distributors in the world. We are dedicated to bringing customers the finest quality products combined with the best customer service in the log home industry.

New Homes in Atlanta - New Home Floor Plans

2008-08-22T23:10:00.000-07:00

Atlanta is home to both national and local home builders offering a variety of new homes in Atlanta with spacious and affordable floor plans. Below is information about floor plans available in new home communities throughout the Atlanta area.

The Rutherford Plan is available in Lochshire, a Traton Homes community - The Rutherford is a 2-story floor plan 3 bedrooms, a media room and a kitchen with an island and breakfast area. The Rutherford floor plan is a single-family home priced from the $270s.

The Tara floor plan is available at Canterbury Estates, a Beazer Homes community - The Tara floor plan offers home buyers 2 and 3 story options (basement) with 3,479 sq. ft. This floor plan is available with 4 - 6 bedrooms, 3.5 - 5 bathrooms, 2 - 3 garages and is priced from $370,990. The kitchen has a center island, breakfast bar area, walk-in pantry and tons of cabinet space.

The Glenhurst floor plan is available in Farris Park, a D.R. Horton Homes community - The Glenhurst floor plan, priced from the $190s, offers home shoppers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This 1-story floor plan has formal dining and living areas as well as a kitchen with an island and a vaulted family room. Each bedroom has a walk-in closet and there is a 2-car garage.

The Whitewater floor plan is available in Oakdale Bluffs, an Ashton Woods community - The Whitewater plan is a 3-story town home-offering buyers 2,145 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This plan has a family room, dining room and a kitchen with a large pantry and center island. Homes in the Whitewater are priced from $220,990.

The Austin plan is available in Sable Glen, a Royce Builder community - The Austin floor plan is a town home with 2 floors. This plan offers shoppers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a combined family and dining room. The master bedroom is set aside with its own private bath and a walk-in closet. This floor plan is available from $142,390.

The information above was found on each home builder's website in August of 2008 and is deemed reliable. Please contact each builder for more information about his or her floor plans, new home communities and Atlanta homes for sale.

Maytas Hill County - discover the joy of complete living

2008-07-18T06:26:00.001-07:00

Maytas Hill County (MHC) is a world class integrated township developed by Maytas Properties on more than 300 acres of prime land at Bachupally, Hyderabad. MHC offers a range of apartments, villas, bungalows, retail, and entertainment infrastructure, and SEZs, all incorporating the best-in-class features.
MHC is about 20 minutes drive from Hi-Tech City. The site is strategically located between NH 9 on the road to Mumbai to the south and inner ring road of Hyderabad to the north. The site has a dramatic topography, with varied elevations. Built in sync with the landscape, MHC offers lifestyle at its best - pedestrian-friendly roads, vast green expanses, nature's bounty unscathed.
As a part of customer delight, Maytas Hill County offers a value added service called Maytas Wizard - Home services. It ensures that you meet the right kind of people in terms of service and costs. You can relax and purchase for your home the right electronic and electrical products, furniture and interior designers without having to look any further. Maytas Wizard offers exhaustive list at the most competitive prices. It also assures you of unmatched after-sales services.
Maytas Wizard is an assertion of our resolve that quality is not absolute, it can always be improved. VAS has always been a common term, you would say. But Maytas Properties has given it a whole new dimension by introducing it with utmost transparency in the property development industry. Just imagine getting a ready list of interior designers for your newly acquired house or getting to know about the best deals offered by electronic appliance dealers! At no extra cost, Maytas Properties anticipates your needs, informs you about the best interior designers and dealers in electrical/electronic goods, furnitures and home automation service providers to you. All this comes with unmatched transparency and great after-sales services.

Aparna Infrahousing Private limited

2008-07-18T06:25:00.001-07:00

Lifestyle redefined yet again by Aparna Infra Housing Private Limited. Building one architectural masterpiece after another, Aparna has risen meteorically to pre-eminence on the city's landscape. A fact endorsed by hundreds of NRIs and IT professionals looking for world class living comfort and style.
Aparna has 12 years of experience in constructing residential apartments and commercial complexes. Aparna has created landmarks in prime locations of Hyderabad that include gated communities consisting of Residential Villas, Luxury Apartments and Commercial Complexes. It has already completed 14 big residential and commercial projects and delivered over 2 million Sq. Ft. of built up area. With a strong team of 550 employees, Aparna has 5.4 million sq.ft underway.
Aparna has carved a distinct niche for itself through elegant projects such as Heights , Orchids , Senor Valley, Aparna Crest, Lake Villa, Astral Heights, Shiv Kailash, County, Cyber County and Towers.
Aparna Sarovar is the latest addition to this distinguished lineage, with all the features that go with the Aparna name: exquisite design, elegant landscaping, world class specifications pollution-free ambience, verdant greenery, perfect serenity, luxurious living comfort, superb elevation and breathtaking all round view.
It has 1120 apartments stretched across 16.5 acres of which 5.75 acres of Court Yard.
The complex is next to a beautiful perennial lake and a 100 feet road linking BHEL with surrounding townships. It is also in close proximity to the fast developing IT hub near Gachibowli, an MMTS station and a host of internationally reputed educational institutions.
Barely 15% of the area is built-up, with the remaining left as lung space. The complex has 14 towers, with a spacious courtyard in the centre. Each tower has 20 floors, with 4 apartments per floor, each of them getting two car parkings.
The Complex has two level club house, a fully equipped Gymnasium, Swimming pool, crèche, and a library. All the structures are designed to withstand wind and seismic loads, the land has been acquired and registered in the Company's name.
The project has been cleared by all regulatory authorities. Including the Airports Authority of India, Fire Service Department and Cyberabad Development Authority. The construction of the project is being done in full swing and is scheduled to be completed by March '2010.
Model flats of Aparna Sarovar are ready for viewing at our site.

The New, House Proud Indian

2008-07-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Full fledged television channels, innumerable glossy magazines, exclusive furnishing stores and not to mention hours of good living shows - all thriving in the real estate space trying to make people 'house proud'...point to the increasing trend of people trying to make statements through their homes.
The desire to design the house in a way that it looks like an extension of its owner's personality is the latest trend in interior designing. In fact, ornate interiors a la star suites are what Hyderabadis are increasingly looking at.
Not so much of thought and attention ever went into the furnishing and detailing till few years back. With a major share of savings spent on the buying of a house, the ultimate dream of most, even the thought of spending on elaborate interiors was simply dismissed.
Well, that was the boring past and times have surely changed now!
"Even before one acquires a house, no matter how small or big, a part of budget is set aside to complement the theme and feel of it. Choicest of furniture, fittings and tapestry that suit one's palate and budget are sought to morph the house into a 'home'," avers Yeshwant Ram a m u r t hy, Chairman of Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), Hyderabad Regional Chapter. The noted architect in fact goes on to say that we are consciously trying to move from 'interiors to ambience'.
The globe-trotting buyer
"I talked about my adoration for Mediterranean style houses to my architect and designer. Consequently, they gave the house stucco exteriors, a lot of open space and my favourite arched windows. I just love its resemblance
to a sea-side vacation house," elucidates Sabita Rao, a banker who can't stop going ga-ga over her new house on the outskirts of the city.
Sabita is just one of the many well-travelled Indians who are quite clear about their choices and the plethora of options available for home styling. There are many like her who want their homes to be distinctive in terms of design.
"Such changes in choice and preference have been because of changing lifestyles and attitudes in India. International exposure and large disposable incomes have a prominent role to play in influencing the way Indians now look at interiors. In a way, the sensibilities have grown and Hyderabadis have finally realised that it is not just about fancy Victorian furniture and an uber expensive chandelier," says Ramamurthy.
Buyers these days want the best that is available in the market, even if it means stretching the budget a little bit.
Well, in India we are now living in a time when even nationalised banks are giving home improvement loans.
Readymade
solutions
The concept of ready-tomove-in apartments is fast catching up in Hyderabad.
Interestingly, furniture, curtains, artifacts, kitchenware and other belongings are no longer looked upon as lifetime acquisitions. As a modern buyer moves into his new house, he is willing to snap off his emotional ties with old
belongings and
wants a brand
new look for his
house.
" G ive n that the buyer is generally profiled to be a busy professional, too short of time to furnish his apartment on his own, builders are happy making the life of their customer simpler. Acting as one stop shops for buyers, builders are extending incentive-based buying, offering people everything ranging from furniture, furnishings, modular kitchens, gardens and what not," elaborates Ramamurthy.
The generation which wants to move to a new house with probably just a bag of clothes, is getting it all on a platter!
Playing with
interiors
In Hyderabad, interior designing as a concept grew in popularity only in recent few years. This has fuelled a demand for interior designers who can work on all - functional, aesthetic and technical part of design.
Interior designers often work as facilitators when an owner or a buyer wants to translate his choice into design and décor. Services of designers are being increasingly sought for aesthetically utilising every inch of space and to know about the latest design and material trends. As Sabita feels, "Running behind electricians, carpenters and masons could have been a nightmarish experience for me. My designer and architect professionalised the whole process by putting the right mix of people to execute an entire gamut of tasks."
The functional part of design is easily accomplished, but since the definition of 'beauty' is different for different people, it is quite difficult to satisfy aesthetic requirements. Ramamurthy elaborates as he explains, "If my client demands a polka dotted wall, I try to integrate other décor elements to compliment the look, simply because that is how helooks at his dream house," says Ramamurthy.
Trend spotting
The des i g n market in
Hyderabad is
quite in sync
with trends across
the world. And this maturity in design sensibility is reflecting in the way we look at interiors now.
Commenting on local trends, Ramamurthy explains, "Italian and Scandinavian designs are quite in vogue, as cheap Chinese and Malaysian imitations are thronging the market at a fraction of price. Use of paler shades are keeping the moods soother and a lot more attention is being paid towards detailing."
Surveying the market, we find out that wooden flooring, modular kitchens, wallpapers and designer bathrooms are the most common aspirations of an average buyer. In a state rich in furnishing textiles, curtains are being made out of natural silk, designer cotton and polyester blends.
"For our clients, lighting is no more synonymous to tubelights. When it comes to illuminating houses, people have graduated to the next level and are demanding mood lighting, accent lighting, smart lighting and task lighting," adds Ramamurthy. Inspiring, isn't it?

Build a Custom Home Your Way

2008-07-15T19:47:00.001-07:00

You need to understand what a custom home is before you can start thinking about how to build a custom home. A custom home is a home that is built to the specifications of the homeowner and is customized around their wants and needs. This makes the home unique in and of itself and it makes it much more expensive. The benefit of a custom home, though, is you can get it tailored to exactly what you want and need.

You will need to have a home designer that specializes in putting together a custom home for you. You will not be choosing from one of many floor plan options, but you may be using a few of them as a guideline to get an idea of how you want your custom home to be built and designed.

You will be able to cater to yourself instead of having one of those cookie cutter homes that looks just like everybody else's home in the neighborhood. Make the bedrooms large and any shape you desire. Give each bedroom a walk in closet and a private bathroom if that is what you want.

Speaking of bathrooms, you can put in dual sinks, a huge hot tub type of bath tub, and even a shower that will pour water down on you from every direction. You could even add a sauna or steam room to your master suite if you so desire.

You can also do french doors that open onto a balcony off of the master suite. This is a great idea if you are going to be overlooking the ocean or a lake. Also, you can add a small mini bar to your master suite so that you can enjoy a drink whenever you please.

Turn your basement into a game room with a full service bar, pool table, surround sound wired right into the walls for the big game, and anything else you like.

Make the kitchen better than what most restaurants have with a hooded grill, pizza style oven, stainless steel freezer, and an island for everybody to sit and watch you cook at. Also, add a climate controlled wine cellar to keep all your wines at the perfect temperature year round.

Log & Timber Homes - Natural Elegance in a Custom Home

2008-07-15T19:46:00.004-07:00

Custom homes are built in various sizes and shapes. The materials used in them also vary and each custom home has a different appeal. Log and timber custom homes have a unique appeal and they stand out for their rustic appeal. A custom timber home redolent with the smell of timber presents unique styles for designs that are only possible with wood. No matter how modern or smart looking a timber home is - it will always remind of the 1600s through the early 1900 homes - homes that stood in the middle of vast greenery, near a lake, or on the bank of a river. Timber homes have the ability to transport us to a different era. Just imagine a home with log side walls and roof made up of either crafted timber or massive log beams - does it remind you of a rustic life? Custom log homes can be made a mixture of elegance and rusticity if you want. People are moving in to log homes as primary residence or using it as a second/ vacation home for their timeless beauty and appeal.

Types of Log and Timber Homes

Wood species used in the log and timber homes may include: pine, cedar, fir, hemlock, and cypress. Again there are a variety of timber types including: hand-hewn, weathered, rough-sawn, and plane. You also have the choice of using different timber for different rooms. There are hundred of log profiles to choose from. Log profiles may be round, D-shaped, square, and half-log, and handcrafted etc. Log sizes vary in diameter. Generally 8, 10, and 12 inches diameter logs are used for homes. Timber framing is an age old technique of constructing log homes and is still widely used. This technique requires that instead of building the log home piece by piece an entire solid wood frame is assembled first, then erected with the help of a crane, and finally the frame is covered with an enclosure.

The final wood finishing and coating would give each wood a different look. Douglas Fir Picklewood flooring produces a popular flooring style with distinct color variation and straight grain make. Oakwood flooring is unbeatable for its history and style. Those that prefer grey colored wood may select Barnwood lumber. Barnwood lumbers provide a natural variation in look. No two Branwood pieces will be absolutely same in looks. This is an inconsistency that's preferred by people. Mushroomwood is a beautiful alternative to Barnwood as it comes in dark brown rustic color shades. If the Barnwood offers a subdued and muted appearance the mushroomwood gives out a loud and extrovert appeal. White pine is best for weathering harsh climate as it has the least shrinkage among all woods.

Where Log and Timber Homes Go Well

It's unimaginable to use anything other than log and timber if your custom home is going to be in a wooded area. Custom homes facing a lake or a beach also look good when the material used are log and timber. People that love the outdoors have a strong preference for log and timber homes. Log homes and cabins are found in large numbers in holiday destinations. Winter vacation destinations have mostly log wood homes as wood is a poor conductor of heat and cold. And there is nothing to beat the powdery white outlines and coverings of snow on a log house as the wooden walls stand in complete contrast to them. Many types of custom homes have come and gone out of fashion, but log houses are timeless in their appeal.