Smarter Designs
 FROM THE DESIGNER’S PERSPECTIVE
Contemporary Comforts Inside
The design of this plan combines a traditional / European exterior with a contemporary floor plan. One of my favorite design features is the glass block wall in the gallery. Upon entering the home, one would notice the contorted flames of an inviting fire beyond – a very dramatic effect. I believe you’ll also appreciate the way in which the three-sided fireplace and entertainment center are used to separate the great room, dining and kitchen area (see illustration). Skylights introduce even more natural light into the space. As in plan #24802 (page 256), the “peripheral vision,” of the kitchen and breakfast areas are enhanced through window placement. Throughout the home, we were very conscious of traffic patterns. Notice how the gallery transitions from the public to private spaces. Also, take note of the master bedroom’s walk-in-closet with two doors – one in the master bedroom and one in the vaulted master bath. This simple door placement adds so much to the livability of the house. We include a bonus room in a design whenever possible, and the one in this design offers unlimited possibilities.
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Backyard Project Plans
We offer a wide selection of today's best-selling do-it-yourself project plans. All plans come with complete materials list and step-by-step instructions designed for the do-it-yourself customer.
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Design Styles
CRAFTSMAN
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The appeal of the Craftsman home style can be found in its distinguishing features: low-pitch rooflines, wide eaves, tapered porch columns, rafter tails, and triangular knee braces. Rustic in appearance, Craftsman home plans recall the hands-on craftsmanship of the turn-of-the-Century Arts and Crafts movement. The Craftsman house plans in this collection stay true to these ideals, offering variations of the Craftsman style home from simple one-story home plans to elaborate two-story estate floor plans. |
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FARMHOUSE
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Farmhouse-style home plans symbolize the characteristics of the Midwest and Northeast farmers who built them: practicality, purity, and endurance. Perhaps it’s these ideals that attract so many to this simple house style. Typical attributes of Farmhouse plans include a square symmetrical shape, sometimes with side wings. Deep and wide wrap- around front porches may include spindlework and brackets. Farmhouse floor plans feature large kitchens as the central work and living space. This collection brings together our favorite Farmhouse house plans from some of the best home designers in the nation and includes country farm house plans and Victorian farmhouses. |
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VACATION HOMES
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So, you’ve found the perfect vacation home site and now you just need the perfect floor plan! This group of vacation home plans is diverse for a reason—no two home sites are alike. Yet, all of these home plans feature efficient living spaces orientated towards windows that showcase the view. In addition, easy-care finishes and minimal maintenance exteriors will help ensure a home design that safeguards your vacation. Vacation home plans are not a specific style of architecture so this collection is comprised of styles such as contemporary, a-frame, cottage, and craftsman to name a few. Vacation house plans typically have smaller floor plans as they are usually a second home. |
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BATHROOM LIGHTING
 People should pay attention to the lights that surround their bathroom mirror "because it affects their own appearance... Mirror lighting needs to be bright but not glaring, accurate yet flattering," say the people at Elflist.com (which stands for Efficient Light Fixtures, a non-profit lighting education group in Seattle that’s sponsored by local electric utilities).
As you shop for light fixtures to accompany your bathroom mirror, ELF suggests you keep some things in mind when choosing bathroom light fixtures: fixture placement, lamp (or bulb) type, and fixture style. The following is an excerpt from an ELF article on bathroom lighting:
Placement. The best mirror lighting surrounds the face with light, providing light from all sides to minimize shadows under the chin, eyes, cheeks, and forehead. A wall sconce on either side of the mirror can work nicely. If the mirror is a whole wall mirror you can mount the fixtures right on the mirror. Avoid using ceiling mounted fixtures as the sole source unless the room is very small with light-colored walls. Large bathrooms often need additional lighting. Definitely don’t rely on recessed cans for mirror lighting, the shadows can be horrendous. The most common placement for mirror lighting is on the wall above the mirror. Though not ideal, it avoids most conflicts with mirror size, medicine cabinet doors, and room dimensions. However the fixture needs to be long enough to light the sides of the face.
Lamp type. It is important to choose the lamp you want to use first and then find a fixture that will hold it properly. Even, shadowless light is easiest on the eyes, and fluorescent sources (particularly the large tubes) are well suited to this task. Spot lights, clear bulbs or small halogens require lots of shielding or diffusion from the fixture for glare control. This will tend to reduce the light level, which means using higher wattage.
Fixture Style. When selecting a fixture style choose one that has a translucent, but not clear, lens, otherwise glare can be a problem. An opaque lens (metal, ceramic, etc.) won’t allow enough light to pass through. Be sure that the lens won’t change the color of the light (some glass is greenish).
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Healthy Home Ideas
OUTDOOR FURNITURE
 If you think your living room furniture takes a beating, imagine what your outdoor furniture goes through. The “elements,” as we call them, will really do a number on any unprepared thing left to their mercy. Outdoor furniture has to take this beating, remain useful, and still look good.
Creating Backyard Comfort
As we turn more and more to our houses as a retreat, we’re watching our backyards become extensions of our homes. “We expect many [consumers] will be looking to create their own outdoor escapes at home,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president at the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. “We also expect to see particular interest in furniture that is conducive to entertaining on porches, patios, decks and the like. Consumers will be creating their own little paradise with vacation-like spaces in their own yards.”
High-quality teak furniture, like this outdoor dining table and chairs, can stand up to outdoor exposure even in a coastal setting. Photo courtesy RockWood
This Year’s Trends
Comfort is at the top of consumers’ wish lists. Manufacturers have responded by presenting such new offerings as oversized dining tables, larger, more elaborate outdoor bar sets, and cushy, comfortable lounging pieces. Some trends include:
• Wood tones
• Earthy and bright
• Fabulous fabrics
• Function rules
• Best bars
• Mix it up
Hirschhaut says, “Because outdoor living has become so popular, the selections are better than ever. Manufacturers are loading their outdoor furniture with comfort, function, and great-looking style.”
Tips for Taking Care of Outdoor Furniture
The American Furniture Manufacturers Association offers the following tips:
Aluminum frames Clean with mild soap and water. For non-textured surfaces, apply an automotive wax every few months. On textured finishes, periodically apply baby or mineral oil. Occasionally spray oil lubricant on chair swivels or glides.
Tempered glass tabletops Clean regularly with a soft cloth, a mild detergent, and warm water. Buff dry with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Outdoor wicker Vacuum gently or brush with a soft bristle brush. Hose off and clean periodically with mild detergent and water. Rinse and air dry.
Vinyl straps Wash with mild detergent and warm water. To remove scuff marks, apply toothpaste or gentle abrasive and rub gently with a dry cloth. To remove mildew, use a solution of warm water, mild detergent, and bleach. Apply vinyl protectant to the straps.
Cushions Vacuum as needed. Clean with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse and air dry. For mildew, use a solution of bleach. Rinse and air dry. Test an inconspicuous spot first.
Wrought iron and steel Clean with warm, soapy water. To maintain the gloss on non-textured surfaces, apply automotive wax. On textured finishes, periodically apply mineral or baby oil. For rust, sand lightly then wipe thoroughly and apply touch-up paint.
Hardwoods Clean with mild detergent and water. Teak and Jarrah can stay outdoors year-round. Pine, oak, and cedar should be stored for the winter.
Umbrellas Wash covers with mild soap and water. Spray silicone on the joints of wire frames. Use wax or furniture polish on wooden umbrellas.
The Camino Real lounge chairs and conversation cocktail table by LaneVenture are ideal for sophisticated relaxation. The group retails around $4,500.
Photo courtesy American Furniture Manufacturers Association.
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Smarter Building Materials
FROST-PROTECTED SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
 Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF) provide protection against frost damage without the need for excavating below the frost line. An FPSF has insulation placed strategically around the outside of a foundation to direct heat loss from the building toward the foundation, and also to use the earth's natural geothermal energy.
Traditionally, foundations are protected from frost-heaving damage by placing the footing below the frost line. Because FPSFs are protected from freezing by thermal insulation, bottoms of footings can be just twelve to sixteen inches below grade. This reduces excavation costs, making this an economical alternative for protecting foundations against frost damage.
Insulation around the perimeter of the foundation reduces the amount of heat loss from the warm interior to the cold exterior in the winter, which would normally pass through the slab or floor, and out through the foundation. Heating energy costs are thus reduced.
Courtesy of PATH
www.pathnet.org/homeowners
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Smarter Homebuilding Technologies
MOISTURE AND MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
 Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins).
Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
• Moisture control is the key to mold control, so when water leaks or spills occur indoors - ACT QUICKLY. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried 24-48 hours after a leak or spill happens, in most cases mold will not grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation, so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation.
• Keep air conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed and flowing properly.
• Keep indoor humidity low. If possible, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent (ideally between 30 and 50 percent) relative humidity.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows, when practical. Use fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces, such as cold water pipes, with insulation.
Courtesy of PATH
www.pathnet.org/homeowners
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