June, 2010 |

Archive for June, 2010

Jun 29 2010

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What you Should Know about A-Frame House Plans

022H-0013 A-Frame House PlanAre you considering building an A-Frame house plan? If so, take a little time to learn about these special home plans. For many, A-Frame house plans are most notably recognized for their steeply sloped roofs resembling an “A” shape. This strategic design feature is especially prevalent in colder climates because it helps the snow fall to the ground. May A-Frames sport a rustic exterior allowing them to blend well on a wooded lot or a long a lakeshore. Inside, A-Frame floor plans often incorporate vaulted ceilings and tall windows which promote the enjoyment of panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. You can also try bow window, a bow window can transform a boring space into a work of art. It’s truly a stand-out among the crowd of replacement windows. In many cases, the vaulted ceiling creates an upper level living space such as a loft that can be use for a variety of things including an office, sleeping space for guests or a quiet reading area. Other design features typical of A-Frame house plans include an inviting central living areas, gable ended roofs and large, uncovered decks and wrap-around porches. A-Frame home plans are closely related to chalets and are well suited for many types of terrain making them ideal for use as mountain houses and coastal homes. They also work well on sloping and hillside lots. Furthermore, A-Frame home plans share some commonalities with various vacation house plans, contemporary homes and waterfront designs. If you are considering a motorized retractable screen for your patio, you’ll want to contact Go Retractable for more information. They are available in many sizes ranging from a simple one-bedroom weekend retreat to larger floor plans designed for permanent residences. Some A-Frame house plans are even built for rental property in resort areas. Some others have the Acadia Shutters Charlotte Window Treatments installed, and they are the best in the Southeastern US.No matter why or where you plan to build an A-Frame home, you’ll be pleased to know these special house plans always deliver relaxed living.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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Jun 25 2010

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House Plans that Make the Most of Natural Light

027H-0086 House PlanThose who love sunshine and cheerful living spaces should consider house plans that make the most of natural light. These floor plans offer a wide variety of features that help draw natural light indoors illuminating all areas of the home. For instance, Plan auto glass Modesto, CA has plenty of features to brighten the home.

 

Begin with the transom windows topping both the double door entry and the dining room windows, pulling extra natural light inside brightening the foyer and formal dining space. At the back of the home a trio of windows lines the breakfast area spilling sunshine inside and overflowing into the sunlit family room where double doors flanked with windows open to the rear deck, the ideal place for sunbathing and summertime barbecues. Simple yet refined in form, the embodiment of ease in function,frameless shower doors Minneapolis bring a designer look. Create a space full of light and air, with clean lines and luminescent surfaces. The master bedroom boasts a bay window capturing natural light from multiple angles. And don’t miss the garden tub in the master bath. It is neatly positioned between two sparkling windows creating a soothing atmosphere for a relaxing soak in bathtub. It is important to settle on an electrical contracting specialist who is totally certified to require the work. It might be much preferred if the contractor may be a person during a most respected establishment because it will provide better leads to the conclusion of the work. The advice of relatives and buddies can also be searched for before hiring engineer to conduct the service. The certification of each contractor must be verified. Clients must tend professional guidance with reference to their electrical needs. Long Island, NY Location – Nassau Countyit is an honest, Reliable Long Island Electrician which promises to urge your electrical needs done quickly and on time.

 

Beyond this special house plan, there are many other design features that help to make the most of natural light. Consider floor plans with the following elements:

    • skylights
    • a side-lighted entry
    • an atrium
    • a prow with floor to ceiling windows
    • a daylight or finished walkout basement
    • exterior walls of glass
    • a sunroom/three season room

 

Many house plans are designed to make use of natural light. Take some time browse The House Plan Shop’s extensive collection of home plans to find a design that is filled with sunshine, suits your lifestyle and satisfies your needs.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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Jun 16 2010

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Unique Carriage House Plan for a Sloping Lot

051G-0008 Unique Carriage House PlanWell suited for a sloping lot, or rugged terrain, this Arts and Crafts styled carriage house plan tucks neatly into any hillside. The exterior displays stylish details like sturdy porch columns atop stone pedestals. The living quarters are situated on the main level with an 880 square foot, side-entry, drive-under garage positioned on the lower level. You’ll appreciate the extra deep bays of the two car garage, ideal for parking oversized vehicles or storing a boat. Two overhead doors and a service entry provide convenience. Now take a look at the living space. Exterior stairs connect to the studio apartment from the lower level or you can enter on the main floor from the covered front porch. Inside, the efficient kitchen connects with the living area creating an open and flexible floor plan. A full bath contributes to functionality. Special features include a prep-island, dual storage/coat closets at the entry, vaulted ceilings and large, sunny windows filling the space with natural light. The perfect office for a home-based business, an entertainment space for special occasions or private living quarters for the nanny or weekend guests, this unique carriage house plan is a wonderful addition to any Craftsman home.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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Jun 09 2010

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Tips for Outdoor Entertaining

Filed under Outdoor Living

025GH-0164 Outdoor PatioIf you’ve just built a new home with plenty of outdoor living spaces, chances are you’ll want to entertain family and friends. From the backyard to the deck or lanai, any outdoor entertaining space is sure to please your guests. Whether you plan to host a small gathering of friends or a family reunion with everyone from your grandma to your third cousins, this list of entertaining tips will help you prepare for your event.

 

·         Give your guests plenty of notice about the date and time of your party. Mail invitations or send an email if it is an informal get-together. Be specific about who is invited. If it is an adult only party, specify it in the invitation. If the whole family is welcome, specify that the kids are invited too.

·         If you’ve chosen a theme, tell your guests. They may want to dress accordingly or bring a themed gift or dish.

·         Music adds to the festive atmosphere of any gathering. If your party has a theme, choose themed music.

·         Make sure you have enough seating for everyone. Ask everyone to bring a lawn chair if necessary and bring indoor tables and chairs outdoors if extra are needed.

·         Have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

·         If your gathering is on a hot summer day, consider setting up few umbrellas or screened tents to beat the heat.

·         Have plenty of drinks on hand in coolers filled with ice, you can find a good commercial ice maker for sale online, besides make them accessible so guests can serve themselves.

·         Be aware of guests that may have special needs. Those who take certain medications cannot be in the sun, so make sure there is seating available on the covered porch or provide an umbrella. If someone has special needs when food or drink is consider such as a diabetic or someone with food allergies, make sure you have food items that are safe for them.

·         Burn citronella candles for bug control. Place a smaller one in the center of each table and use larger ones at the ends of your entertainment space.

·         Netted food domes will keep insects out of food dishes.

·         Promote group activities by putting up a volleyball net, provide horseshoes, ladder golf or washer boxes. If you have a large backyard, organize a softball or kickball game.

·         Don’t forget the kids. Fill a box or tub with things just for them like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, jump ropes, balls, etc. If it is a hot day fill a cooler or tub with prefilled water balloons and organize a water balloon toss. Water guns are always a big hit too.

·         If your party is going to continue from daylight until after dark, don’t forget about lighting. Make sure steps and walking areas are well lit. Solar lighting, rope lighting and even strands of white Christmas lights are great for lighting pathways and covered porches and patios. Check around for themed lighting. If you are hosting a luau, palm tree shaped lights hung around the entertainment space will add a little extra fun.

 

Don’t forget to refer to this list before you plan your next outdoor gathering.

 

Visit The House Plan Shop to find home plans with outdoor living spaces that are great for entertaining such as a patio, courtyard, covered porch, grilling porch, screened porch, deck or lanai.

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

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Jun 03 2010

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Choosing Contemporary or Modern House Plans

052H-0065 Contemporay House PlanIf you are interested in building with contemporary house plans or modern house plans, it is important to be familiar with what these home plans offer. Modern and contemporary designs divert from the traditional and familiar home plan styles prominent along most of today’s roads and streets. They offer unique and unusual designs greatly contrasting the “cookie cutter” houses in many North American neighborhoods. Before you can choose the right contemporary house plan to suit your needs and tastes, it is important to understand modern house designs. Most of these trendy floor plans include some if not all of the following elements.

 

Modern or contemporary House Plans:

·         Incorporate an extensive use of modern (industrial) materials such as steel, wood, glass, concrete and large windows

·         Based on modern architecture and construction trends

·         Include innovative and unique features and technology

·         Incorporate interesting and unexpected angles and rooflines

·         Offer plenty of natural lighting

·         Feature open and flexible floor plans

·         Display little detailing and ornamentation

·         Have little or no roots in the past

 

Modern and contemporary house plans are widely available through various home plan websites and companies such as The House Plan Shop. At www.thehouseplanshop.com potential modern house plan buyers can shop for the home size and features they need using the advanced search tool. Entering preferred criteria such as foundation type, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths, and special features like split bedrooms or a covered porch make it easy to narrow your search for a modern or contemporary house plan that will accommodate your needs and desires. If you are planning to build a modern home, take some time to browse The House Plan Shop’s collection of contemporary house plans.

 

 

This article brought to you by The HousePlanShop, LLC, the home of the best selling house plans from the best designers!

 

 

 

 

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