Smarter Designs
 FROM THE DESIGNER’S PERSPECTIVE
Learn about this home from the designers perspective.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
SEE ALL OF OUR PROJECT PLANS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE RIGHT HOME FOR THE RIGHT SITE
Tips to Consider when Matching the Plan to the Land
 Don’t Assume
In most cases, it’s best to secure a building site before purchasing a home plan. Before setting your heart on a particular home plan, ensure that there are available, affordable lots on which it can be built.
Sizes and Shapes
Building sites come in an infinite variety of sizes and shapes. As you narrow your selection of home designs, be mindful of the homes’ depths and widths as compared with the dimensions of the lot. Consider local covenants and codes as they relate to side yards and setbacks.
Ups and Downs
In addition to the size and shape of the lot, consider its slope(s) and choose a home design accordingly. If the lot slopes from one side to the other, position the home with the garage on the higher elevation. If the lot slopes front to back, consider modifications to create a walk-out basement.
Front or Side Load Garage?
If you prefer a side load garage, make sure the lot is accommodating, either in its width, or its orientation to a side street. Remember, in most cases, modifications can be made to change any home design from front load to a side load, or vise versa.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Healthy Home Ideas
CLEARING THE AIR
 Several common products and practices reduce the quality of your indoor air. Here are some
products you may want to consider to minimize indoor pollution.
Air fresheners, especially oil-based fresheners that plug into outlets, contain known or suspected neurotoxins. Asthmatics may suffer attacks in homes with air fresheners.
Candles, while good for a romantic atmosphere, produce black soot that accumulates on ceiling and carpet edges -- and on occupants' lungs.
New carpeting, paints and varnishes, if not chosen properly, generate significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemical compounds that evaporate readily, can be toxic, and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Ask for low-VOC paints and other coatings. The Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) "Green Label" testing and labeling program identifies carpet products that are truly low-VOC. You can find these products on the CRI Web site.
Cars, gasoline, paint and other chemicals generate toxic gasses. When these are stored in garages, especially attached garages, they can leak into your home. Garages should be well ventilated, preferably with an exhaust fan. Store chemicals, fertilizers and gasoline in an outside shed as far away as possible from home entryways.
Pesticides and chemicals applied outside your home can be tracked into your home and can also come in through open windows. Use natural methods to control pests, fertilize lawns and gardens, and kill weeds. Learn about such organic and natural products on www.extremelygreen.com. Gas-powered lawn mowers are notoriously polluting, and that exhaust gets into your house through open windows. Find out how to get better, healthier lawns with less effort, less expense and less mowing.
TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATH
www.pathnet.org/homeowners
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smarter Building Materials
HIGH WIND AND IMPACT-RESISTANT ASPHALT ROOFING SHINGLES
Designed to Resist Damage from Impact and High Winds
 In areas where storms and high winds can damage many roofs, high wind- and impact-resisant shingles offer additional protection to the home and its occupants. These shingles meet the most stringent standards for impact resistance (Class 4) set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and wind resistance set by UL and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International).
The sturdy construction of these shingles lets them last for years without having to be replaced. Most come with a 30- to 50-year limited product warranty, and 10-year coverage against algae growth. Wind resistance limited warranties are generally for winds of between 100 and 130 mph.The material cost for wind- and impact-resistant shingles is about 50 percent higher than for conventional shingles. Installation labor cost may be slightly higher than for conventional shingles. However, depending on location and frequency of storms, the costs for this type of roofing could be less than the costs of replacing roofing due to impact or wind. Additionally, Insurance companies may offer a discount to homeowners on their homeowner's insurance policy for shingles meeting Class 4 rating.
TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATH
www.pathnet.org/homeowners
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smarter Homebuilding Technologies
TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Hot water on-demand with 10-20% water heating savings.
 Throw away your water heater tank and shave ten to twenty percent off your water heating bill. Tankless water heaters have an electric, gas, or propane heating device that is activated by the flow of water. Once activated, the heater provides a constant supply of hot water. Large units intended for whole house water heating are located centrally in the house while, in point-of-use applications, the water heater usually sits in a closet or under a sink. Residential gas models are available that can heat more than five gallons per minute by 60°F, generally more than enough for two showers to be run simultaneously. Whole house electric units typically have a capacity closer to three gallons per minute.
TEXT AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATH
www.pathnet.org/homeowners |
