Building a Home
The Insider Secrets to Building the Perfect New Home
Building a home all by yourself; inputting ideas and your own thoughts from the very foundation to the ceiling is a wonderful experience. For most people living in a brand new home completely built according to their requirements is a dream come true. The joy of seeing your dream slowly taking shape brick by brick is tremendous. However there are many constraints that pull people from venturing into building a custom home. For some it can be lack of adequate funds; for others limitations in the architectural design process that hold them back. An expert home builder with a proven track record can help you sort out many of the issues. That’s why, when looking for New Home Builders in Charlotte or your local geography keep in mind to search for industry leaders who offer the finest services in terms of architectural design, building, and after sale service.
There are a few key points to bear in mind when you decide to give shape to your dream. Listed below are 5 important points that should be considered while constructing your home.
Set your goals clearly: Consider spending time with your builder and clearly convey what you have in mind. They can provide professional guidance regarding all aspects of the home building process, which can eliminate many of your fears and help you set realistic goals. A trip to a good home builder in Charlotte is worth the time invested. They can point out to you whether your expectations are achievable and if required they will give a rough cost estimation for your home.
Choose the Home Builder: Hire expert home builders even before you decide on the location.. The right home builder can help you determine if your demands are feasible. It is a good idea if your builder sees the location and creates a blueprint that is best suited to it. This survey when combined with your ideas can make for a perfect sketch of your new home. It is always better to select the location with the help of a home builder as they can clearly point out the flaws and strengths of a location. There are numerous new home builders in Charlotte who can provide great service from selecting a location to fabricating your home but make sure that you choose well as there are always a few bad apples in the bunch.
An ideal home builder is the one who can get you closer to your dream and at the same time takes into consideration the elevation, location and topographical features of the lot when sketching out a practical design.
Decide on the Budget: Lets face it building the perfect home costs money, so make sure your ideas fit your budget. The right home builder will create a plan within the limits of your budget without altering the actual design you want. Arrive at a clear cost estimation and adhere to it till the end. It is always better to foresee hidden expenses and working out a realistic budget. It is also good to avoid major alterations in the design as this will create a lot of unwanted expenses.
Plan the interiors and exteriors Apart from the skeletal frame work of your home, it is the interior plan and external appearance that adds beauty. Make a detailed plan of your interior that includes the number and size of the rooms, floor plan, the flooring materials, the color scheme, storage space, master bedroom details, study, bath and kitchen. Sketch out the exterior landscaping and features you want that will make the grounds attractive, and also include details for fencing and gates. Choose materials that will last and that offer protection from rain and sun. Include ample windows, ventilation, and moisture control systems. Get referrals from friends and builder associations for New home builders in Charlotte who have a reputation for constructing marvelous masterpieces and can create wonders for your home.
Play an active role during construction phase: Don’t be a passive onlooker, regularly venture out and explore how your home is taking shape. Make sure the workers are working as per standards and they are paying attention to the details. Also make sure that the materials used are of top quality.
When Building a New Home
Building a home according to your will is a dream of a lifetime while both stressful and a daunting task. To ensure the success of your new home construction requires someone with a lot of experience in the field and also sufficient resources to get the construction of your dream home completed on time. In the UK the property market has enjoyed a rebound this year from the deepest economic crisis it has seen in decades.
The most important thing when you plan to build a new home is to keep track of your finances. Price out all the stuff your home needs. Make a list of everything in your house, such as appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, heat pumps, countertops and anything you want in your new house. You should ensure that you find a company who will be right for you, someone who has experience, but is affordable and who can complete your project on time. Apart from the architect and the owner, one of the most important constituents is the builder in construction, renovation or structuring a new home project. The best home builders take care of the inside of your home as well as the outside and will be glad to give you the names and addresses of satisfied homeowners, for you to check previous work.
You should stay involved in the building process and familiarize yourself with home construction terms. You will want to always be up to date on how construction is proceeding and know about fees and any extra costs that are associated with the home building. At certain stages of home building, you would be required to hire a home inspector, an architect or engineer to meet structural and safety codes and approve different home systems. Framing is the skeleton, basic structure of your home. A special engineer must be hired to draw the plans for the framing of your house. SearchMe4 is a local information and business directory that can help you find completely legal and professional builders, building engineers, consultants and contractors and various building control services.
Questions To Ask Your Designer Before Buying A House Plan
So youve bought your home lot and youre ready to by the perfect house plan, but you dont know where to start. There are important questions that you should ask your designer before buying that house plan, and I can help. I have been designing custom home plans and stock house plans for 20 years, and I have compiled a list of questions you should ask your home designer before buying.
1.How long have you been designing house plans? The more experience your home plan designer has, the more detailed his or her plans are likely to be. Stock house plans experience is also important because with all of the competition for online house plan exposure, there are plenty of home designers out there with little or no experience.
2.Do you design custom house plans? You think youve found the perfect house plan, but you want to make a few tweaks, and before you know it, your revision bill is 2-3 times the cost of the original home plan. A good designer will recognize the fine line between designing a custom home plan for you and spending too much time on revising a stock house plan.
3.Can I return my house plan if I decide not to build it? Most stock plan brokers online have an all sales are final policy, so make sure you check it out BEFORE you click the buy button. But there are some house plan companies and home plan designers WILL allow you to return your house plan with a minimal restocking fee, so be sure to ask.
4.Why cant I return my house plan? Because there are so many house plans sold online to different parts of the world, it is hard to police theft. Bottom line is that there are many people out there buying a house plan and building it more than one time, which is a copyright infringement unless agreed to by the house plan owner. Home designers have limited resources to check to see if you are telling the truth or not, so most have adopted the no returns policy.
5.Will I need to have my house plan reviewed by a local architect? House plans sold through the large brokers online are required to be 2006 IRC compliant at a minimum, but some areas of the country require special additions to the plan that are specific to that area. Its best to check with your local building official before buying a house plan.
6.Do you have references I can talk with? Most home plan designers will not have a problem giving you names of past clients, and if they do, reconsider using them!
7.What is your timeframe for completing my house plan? If you are hiring a home plan designer to draw a custom home, or modify an existing stock house plan, ask up front how long it will take so there are no surprises later. Many home designers who sell their house plans online are a one man shop and may require more time to complete the work.
8.Do you have photos of the house plan I like? Many times the house plan designer will have photos of a stock plan thats already been built, so it always good to ask.
9.Who owns my house plan when its finished and paid for? The original designer is the owner of the copyright of your house plan, even if youve made changes to a stock plan.
10.What are your payment terms? Some home plan designers will require an up-front deposit to begin the project, and its always a good idea to find out ahead of time how payment will be handled.
Building or Buying a New Home
If you are thinking of buying or building a brand spanking new home, you’re in luck because this article was created for you! In fact, many of my clients have determined the market has become pretty well picked over and the majority of what’s left is either over-priced or junk. Recently I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about buying brand new construction or building a new home, so I’ve decided to help you by outlining the process.
STEP 1: Get pre-approved for your construction loan or to purchase the newly built home once it’s constructed by the builder. This is especially important for new construction! If you are buying a lot and building a home, the construction loan underwriting process is much tougher than if you are buying an already built new home. This often requires more down payment, better credit and lower debt to income ratios. I’ve had many clients qualify to buy an existing home but do not qualify for a construction loan.
If you are using a builder like Gough or Wright Homes to build your home for you (both do great custom construction in Salt Lake and Utah County) then you just need what’s called take out financing to buy the property from the builder when construction is complete. You really have to be carefully pre-approved with this approach because you will be giving the builder non-refundable construction deposits and if you can’t close on the take out financing then you will lose that money (insert swear word here). It’s important that your mortgage team not only look at the last two years of your credit and income but we also try to account for any changes in interest rate, etc. over the next 90 to 180 days as your home is being constructed. We will make sure your loan is fully underwritten and approved prior to giving any non-refundable funds to the builder.
STEP 2: Locate a community and lot to build your dream home on. Once your mortgage (construction or take out financing) is approved then you know how much you’re comfortable and capable borrowing and can choose a lot.
Tip: You really want an expert REALTOR that specializes in land and new construction to help you with this. If you’ve not built multiple homes before there is a TON that you do not know. Simply put, hire a land expert and allow them to explain all the mistakes they’ve seen past clients make. You can’t un-build it after it’s built…
STEP 3: Build your home! This is a general timeline and guide to the key steps that occur during the course of construction.
Building Process:
1. Customize house plan with builder
2. Color Orientation- Coordinator & suppliers with options pricing (1-2 weeks)
3. Pre Construction Meeting (3-4 weeks)
4. Color Selection Meeting- Finalize decisions (6-7 Weeks)
5. Start Dig (7-8 weeks)
6. Electrical/Flat-work Meeting- Discuss location of lights, plugs, options & concrete (11-12 weeks)
7. Walk through Meeting- Confirm upgrades are in place, create punch list of missing items (18-20 weeks)
8. Closing & Completion of Home- Time will depend on size & scope of home (19-21 weeks)
STEP 4: Close on your home and move in (picture yourself in home nirvana here!) If you’ve done a construction loan in your name then you already own the home and you just move in. If you’ve chosen to have the builder construct the home for you, then this is when you get your take out loan and actually purchase the home. Our goal is to have your loan closed the same day the city issues the Certificate of Occupancy so you can move in immediately.
So that’s it, you are now more educated than most people who have done this process several times over. Congratulations!
Guide On Building Your Home Gym
Floor Space and Ceiling Clearance – before going out to buy or build any kit when designing your house gymnasium, know the dimensions of the room. This does not simply mean the floor area ; also mull over how high the ceiling is, to be certain that you don’t buy anything that will not fit. Also consider the shape of the room, if it is square, rectangular, built narrow and long, and so on. As you can pick equipment which will let you maximize the space you have to work with.
Purpose of the Exercise – you should really know what you are trying to achieve with your exercise when you design your house gymnasium. As an example, are you going to be doing usually heart work-outs that may need mats and / or treadmills? Or perhaps you’re just out to get rid of the weight. Muscle Groups you would like to Hit – similar to knowing what sort of exercise you’re after, you need to also take into account which muscle collections you want to build up first when you factor in your house gymnasium design. Often, the divisions are arms, shoulders, chest, back, waist, and legs. If you want to go holistic and work out all groups, then you will probably need to pick up a jungle gymnasium. If, on the other hand, you have got a few “trouble” spots that you want to work on extensively first like losing a beer gut, you can narrow down your choices when buying stuff. f.
Support Gear – Don’t forget the gymnasium should have some additional things apart from home gym equipments. A shoddily designed home gymnasium is one with nothing except exercise equipment. A good, safe one has an adequate water supply for when you get parched ( or a cooler with Gatorade ), windows for ventilation, mirrors on the walls so that you can observe yourself thru the motions to ensure you’re doing your exercise right, a locker for holding attire and stuff, and a first aid cupboard for emergencies. Oh, and a good sound system in case you are the kind who likes to hear tunes to get the adrenalin going.
Other Precise Purposes – aside from free weights, treadmills, and the usual work out clobber, if you’re into other sports you may want to add their touches if at all possible when designing your house gymnasium. Boxers and martial artists will usually add a punching bag or, if there’s room, a massive mat area for sparring. Fencers will have ring loops hanging from strings to practice thrust targeting. Stuff like this will permit you to use your work out room to it’s maximum potential.
Aesthetics or Functionality – ultimately, when planning your house gymnasium don’t go overboard and try and cause it to look “cutting edge”. There are some folks that get into building a home gym so much that they forget the room’s original purpose, which is to allow them to exercise. There is not any point to having a home gymnasium stuffed to the armpits with the latest, flashiest exercise hardware, wall to wall mirrors, a floor mat that looks cool, and a painting in “power” colours, if you do not have a body that does the room justice. I’d prefer to look good and have a lousy looking home gymnasium than the opposite.
You Can Build A Chicken Coop With Alternative Materials
Once you have found the plans for chicken coops that you like, the materials to be used are the next big obstacle to overcome. The first step for many people is to get brand new materials at the hardware store. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it is simply the only way to go. Sometimes, though, you need to keep within a strict budget. You can do this by using reclaimed wood or sheet metal.
There are some appealing options if you want to use reclaimed wood. If you have a friend or family member that is tearing down an old barn or shed, see if they will give you some of the old, used wood. The weathered look of used wood is a highly sought after motif these days. Youll find that many people will give or sell the wood that is left over from their old structure at a lower price. This way, they do not have to move the wood alone, and your chicken coops plans will have cheap or free materials. Both people win in this scenario.
Sheet metal is another great alternative material for building a chicken coop. While it is a good material for the coops walls, it is also a great choice for roofing. This negates the need for you to tile or seal the wood that composes your roof. Sheet metal is stronger as well. When bad weather comes, youll find that to be a great thing to have on your side. Sheet metal also adds a strong layer of security for your flock. Your chickens and eggs will be protected from predators that would try to get through the material.
Have you thought about using PVC material? This material is great for creating ventilation for your chickens, and it is an effective delivery material for water and chicken feed. Price is another great thing about PVC. The hardware store nearest to your home will have all the PVC that your plans for chicken coops needs.
Whichever materials you decide to use, ensure they are safe for your chickens. The perfect plans for chicken coops will be wasted if you use materials that can make the chickens sickly or endanger themselves. Sand down any splinters when using scrap wood. If you decide to use sheet metal, dont leave any sharp edges exposed that can injure your chickens. Remember, keeping your chickens safe is a big responsibility. Doing so will create a healthy environment for them to lay eggs for you for a long time.
In the end, you are going to find that the care you take in building your chicken coop will manifest itself in the chickens that make up your flock. You wont be able to help yourself from falling in love with these funny little animals, and their even funnier personalities.
Fishing Boat Design – A Must In Building A Home Made Boat
If you are an individual who likes fishing very much and also has a skillful grasp of working with wood, I say you have what it takes to construct a boat of your own using fishing boat plans.
I understand that there’s a typical idea that fishing boats are expensive. I should know, I used to believe that too. And it is true, fishing boats can cost you quite a bit. Still, if you build your own fishing boat, that’s a different matter altogether. With you having to remove the labor expense of a self-made fishing boat, not to point out having full control of material alternatives, you can quickly keep the price of the boat straight down. Way more economical than if you procure a boat kit or buy a boat.
However, for the construction process to go as without problems as possible, there are some issues that you need to plan and think of. Some of these are:
Type of Boat
There are many types of boat that you can take into consideration. The most generally used fishing boats are dories or jon boat. Personally, I think dories are good for rookie builder. But if you want a somewhat bigger boat, you should go for a jon boat. Jon boat can be pretty quiet thus making it ideal as a fishing boat since it doesn’t drive away fishes. On top of that, jon boat allows for more capacity so you can bring some fishing buddy for the ride.
Materials Used
There are many options for you when it comes to materials used in building a boat. Most commonly used perhaps are wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Using any of those materials has its own advantages and drawbacks.
For example, a wooden boat is one of the easiest boat you can construct. It would just require a solid grasp of basic woodworking skills to complete the boat. Doesn’t require the use of power tools either. However, the main drawback of a wooden boat is that it has to be thoroughly protected from constant exposure to water as it is prone to rotting. That is why varnish or paint has to be thoroughly applied both for aesthetic as well as maintenance purposes.
Boat Building Techniques
There are two boat building techniques which I strongly suggest. Personally, I use either of these methods depending which serves me best on a given project. The first one is the simplest method of boat building. It’s called stitch and glue method. As its name implies, the whole process only involves the cutting of the different parts accurately, stitching it together and afterward, gluing it together. You will also save a lot from material cost using this process.
A different method is the ply over frame method. I use this method if I want to achieve a higher level of durability and sturdiness in my boat. Comparatively speaking, it is more time demanding than the first system as it necessitates you to assemble a boat frame first before to setting up the plywood over the frame.
Fishing Boat Plans
If you wish to make the whole boat building experience without the headaches that could surprisingly crop up, you need to get a good fishing boat plan. Believe me, it will be a lot more affordable in the long run to invest a high quality boat blueprint. At the end of the day, the level of quality of the plan could spell the distinction between the success or failure of the endeavor.
Types Of Scaffolding And Their Uses
Everyone has seen the scaffolding that goes up around a construction site, or if you’ve ever had any sort of major home improvements done, you probably had to deal with having scaffolding set up around your house. But that is certainly not the only reasons you would need scaffolding. There are many types of scaffolding. There are three major classifications that most forms of scaffolding fit into: suspended, supported and aerial. This article will give you the information you need to know which type of scaffolding is best for different situations.
So, let’s take a look at how each of these categories can be identified. Suspended scaffolding is when the scaffold is securely suspended by rope from the roof or top of a house or building. A suspended scaffolding system requires pulleys, levers and switches. This system allows you to move the full height of the building, allowing you to access most of the vertical surface.
The next sort of scaffolding is known as supported scaffolding. This system is based firmly on the ground, and then built upon. A frame of lumber and poles is placed around the site. You climb up a ladder to mount this type and work from the middle length of the scaffold called a platform. Attaching wheels to supported scaffolding allows you the option of making this system completely mobile, which can be very handy for moving it along the building’s vertical surfaces.
Finally, aerial lifts can be chosen for your scaffolding needs. Aerial lifts are actually mounted devices that have the capability to be lifted to other elevations and locations. This is so helpful to workers when they have a need for the scaffolding to be lifted to a completely different location. When moving the aerial lifts, shackles are needed to keep the scaffolding from accidentally separating from the hook that is carrying the lift.
Now that you have read through this guide you have a better understanding of what you need when sorting through different types of scaffolding. Window washers on high rise buildings choose suspended scaffolding as it’s much easier to work with at higher elevations.
If you’re just starting to put up a new home, then you’ll want to install a supported scaffold around the foundation. Whenever you have the need of having the scaffold moved in the air, it’s best that you choose aerial scaffolding for safety and convenience.
Steel Kit Homes The Best Choice
Many people dream about building their own home, but are intimidated by the cost. Constructing a traditional home requires considerable time and expertise-whether one does it themselves or hires someone else to do it. Steel kit homes have emerged as an option to the traditional home. Steel kit homes are cost-effective and much easier to construct than a wooden house. Steel kit homes are shipped in one or two loads and assembled on site. These houses are strong, sturdy, fire retardant and 100% termite resistant. Steel is becoming popular in many applications thanks to its durability and the fact that it is recyclable.
A kit home can be modified to suit ones budget and personal needs, and modified to the particulars of a site, neighborhood or environment as well. A kit home is a particularly excellent option for Australians because it allows them to own a home created in their personal style.
Naturally, those interested in building a steel kit home will also have to purchase the land on which the home will be built. Not to worry; the price tag is still much lower than that of a conventional house. Financing is available for all kit home designs, thereby helping one to build their dream home.
A number of kit home designers are available in Australias Queensland, NSW and Victoria. All Australian kit home companies will provide you with the complete kit home package. This includes all kit home building materials, all appliances and fixtures for kitchen, laundry and bathroom, all fittings, insulation, tiles, paint, electrical and plumbing kits, even a set of tools to help the owner build their own home. Kits can cost up to 40% less than conventional home construction because:
* Frames and materials are mass produced
* All components are cut to size and pre-marked at the factory
* Delivery of all the components comes in one or two loads
* Fast, relatively simple construction-many pieces just slot together
* No architect service costs
* No special tools or heavy equipment required
If youre thinking of building a new home, steel kit homes are a good decision for quality and price.
Final Walk Through On A Newly Built Home
So you’re within days of closing on your newly built home and you’re already to move in. Before you close on your home, however, it is important that you first do a final walk through on the newly built home. If you are intent on closing on the planned closing day, then you should preferably do the final walk through at least several days before the closing. This will enable the general contractor to have some time to address any issues that may be uncovered during the walk through.
Walk Through Checklist Around the Outside of the Newly Constructed Home
When doing a final walk through of a newly built home, start by walking around the outside of the home. Check for loose siding and roofing shingles. Also check the outside foundation for cracks. Make sure screens are in all windows, and that entrance ways are properly and completely installed e.g. stairs, decks, and walkways. Also check that the outside water spigots and outlet boxes are operational. Also make sure all outside lights are working. In addition, make sure ground fault interrupter circuits have been used on outside outlets. Finally take a careful look at the gutters to make sure they have been installed properly and have a good pitch towards the drain pipes.
Next examine the grounds / landscaping. Has the turf been properly installed and looking healthy? If grass seed was planted, has it germinated? Are retaining walls properly constructed and were they installed where you expected them to be? Make sure that all the shrubs that you paid for were installed in the right locations and were of the right species. If an underwater sprinkler system was installed make sure it operates correctly.
Also check the grade of the landscaping around the home foundation. The grade should be such that water will drain away from the foundation. If this is not done, expect regular basement water problems. Also check for pooled areas, where water is sitting stagnant. If you see pooled areas this is a sign that grading was not done properly. Finally, make sure the driveway was installed properly and to your satisfaction.
Walk Through Checklist for the Inside of the Newly Built Home
Once you have completed the walk through around the outside of the home, it’s time to check the inside. When doing the inside walk through you may want to bring along an outlet tester or small appliance such as a hair dryer to check to make sure power is operational to all outlets.
When performing a walk through on the inside of the home, start with the basement. Make sure there are no leaks or puddles in the basement. In addition, check the walls for cracks. Also make sure the plumbing and wiring is neat and properly secured. Make sure that you confirm that the heating and cooling system work properly. Also check to make sure that major beams are sitting properly in the foundation sockets. On occasion I have seen center beams floating at one end of the foundation. Either the lally columns were placed too high or the socket was placed too low for the beam.
In the main part of the home, check to make sure that the floors do not squeak and that all the doors and windows open and close properly. Also check every light switch and outlet to make sure that they work properly.
In the kitchen make sure that all of the appliances are correctly installed and are functional. Also check all of the cabinets and drawers to make sure they are functional.
In the bathrooms make sure the ceiling fans are all working. Also make sure the fiberglass tub has not been damaged in any way.
Both in the bathrooms and the kitchen make sure ground fault interrupter circuits have been installed.
Make sure painting is complete throughout the home and that all flooring has properly been installed. Make sure you check for cracked tiles, or cuts in the vinyl flooring.
Finally check the smoke alarms, and home security system. Make sure they are working properly.
If problems are uncovered, write them down and submit a copy of the list to your general contractor. After he has addressed the issues, go back to the home and revisit the issues you uncovered on your first walk through.
Conducting a walk through on new home construction, prior to closing, is essential in making sure you get what you pay for. If you find problems after the closing it will more than likely take more time and effort to get them corrected, even if you have a home warrantee/guarantee. A general contractor wants his paycheck, and if he knows he won’t get it until the problems are resolved chances are he will resolve them very quickly.