 Photo by Mark McCammon httpswww.pexels.com "All good kitchens start with choosing a kitchen style." Kitchens—areas in our homes where we can spend up to 50% of our time. In there we don't cook and eat only, no. There we entertain our friends, spend quality time with our family members, enjoy a relaxing night of wining and dining, and sometimes even spend time working and studying. All of these things are reasons to have a good kitchen. And all good kitchens start with choosing a kitchen style. But, how does one choose a kitchen style when there are so many of them out there? Well, one has to do a lot of researching, thinking, and decision-making! Or, one can read what we have to say. Namely, today, we will share some tips on choosing the best kitchen style for your home. So, if this is the kind of help you need, keep on reading. #designingkitchens #kitchendesign Understanding Kitchen StylesLet us clarify—there are dozens and dozens of kitchen styles to choose from. But, let us mention the most popular ones:
"Kitchens are expensive—don't make a beginner's mistake and choose the wrong style." As we previously said, these are just some of the kitchen styles you can choose for your kitchen, but the truth is, there are many, many more. Thus, when you decide it's time to freshen up your home, that is, your kitchen, be sure to research all the styles. Look not only at pictures of the different kitchens but also at their characteristics. Or, if you decide to mix and match different styles, be sure that those styles (as well as their elements and colors) go with one another! Kitchens are expensive—don't make a beginner's mistake and choose the wrong style.  Photo by Max Vakhtbovych httpswww.pexels.com "Choosing the right kitchen style takes time! Don't rush your decision." Your Kitchen Design Should Compliment the Other RoomsIf you want to choose the best kitchen style for your home, you have to take all the rooms into consideration. That is, you have to look at the bigger picture. Just think about it - how would your home look if the bathroom is eclectic, if the living room is Mediterranean, and if the kitchen is rustic. This would look confusing. In addition, it will confuse your senses and make you want to renovate your entire home instantly. Thus, if you don't want to pay for renovations twice, be sure to make your whole house coherent. Choose a style that will look good in all rooms. Moreover, speaking of making renovation mistakes, don't rely on yourself only, especially if you are not experienced with renovations and interior design. Save yourself from the potential (and expensive) problems, and hire a designer and a contractor to help you out. Hire movers, too—if you need to relocate some of your appliances or china and are unsure how to pack glassware for storage during the renovation process. Or, at least, learn how to protect your breakables.  Photo by Max Vakhtbovych httpswww.pexels.com "All the rooms in your home should be in the same style for the best kitchen style in your home" Kitchens to Suit your LifestyleOne thing that can help you choose the best kitchen style for your home is your lifestyle. If you are somebody who's always on the go, you need a simple, clean, and decluttered kitchen - a kitchen that is easy and fast to use. If you are somebody who likes to entertain a lot, you need a Mediterranean-style kitchen—a big kitchen with an even bigger island and with a lot of appliances. And, if you are somebody who wants to follow current trends and also use the kitchen as a place to work or study, you need a modern or Scandinavian-style kitchen—a practical and versatile kitchen. "Think about how often you use your kitchen and what you use it for" Moreover, think about your kitchen 'lifestyle' too. That is, think about how often you use your kitchen and what you use it for. If you don't cook and if you don't use it for anything special, it might be better to rethink and choose a better floor plan for your home. Make your kitchen smaller, and use the extra space for some other room. Consider Your Personality for the Best Kitchen StyleMany people think that a person's lifestyle and personality are the same things. But they are wrong. Lifestyle is how you decide to live your life. For instance, if you have children, your lifestyle will need an open-concept kitchen. Personality, on the other hand, is who you are as a person. Because of your personality, you will choose to have either a funky and colorful kitchen or a gloomy one with clean lines "Be sure to make your kitchen functional" So, when choosing the best kitchen style for your home, think about your wishes, not only your needs. It is okay to bring colors, mismatched objects, and a little bit of clutter into your kitchen if that is how you like it. Just, whatever you do, be sure to make your kitchen functional. There will be no point in designing a hip kitchen that is hard to use.  Photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy httpswww.pexels.com "Your kitchen should be a reflection of you" Appliances are an Important Part of Kitchen DesignAs you have seen, there are many things to take into consideration when you want to choose the best kitchen style for your home. But, you can't forget about the appliances. They are, just like all other things, a very important part of the kitchen design. It is important to understand which appliances go with which style. For instance, you should put a gas stove in a farmhouse kitchen. Or, you should put an induction stove in a modern one. Again, it is okay to mix and match from time to time. But, doing too much of it can turn your kitchen into one big, hot mess. And, just like previously mentioned, fixing style mistakes can be very expensive. Thus, think about everything before you choose the best kitchen style for your home. Think about sizes, colors, shapes, etc. Moreover, once you find a style you like, be sure that it will go well with the rest of your home and, more importantly, your personality and lifestyle. For more useful kitchen design information read: Designing Cooking Kitchens - Practical Advice For Your Dream Kitchen Part 1 and Designing Cooking Kitchens - Practical Advice For Your Dream Kitchen Part 2 AuthorAngie Collins used to be a moving consultant at vanexpressnj.com. After she became a mother, she took her work home. Now, she advises people about moving, and in her free time, she writes posts on her blog. The topics she covers range from moving to designing a new home. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.
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 Photo by Andrew Mead on Unsplash "Buying your first house is one of the most exciting endeavors that you can experience." Buying your first house is one of the most exciting endeavors that you can experience. It is a chance to find a place that is all your own and that is truly an amazing thought. When you start thinking about properties, you need to consider if you want to buy a starter home that you will eventually sell or if you want to take your time and buy the forever home where you will raise your family. Here at Paul Netscher Project Management, we know how big of a decision this can be so we offer some pros and cons to consider for each type of home. Pros Of A Starter HomeIf you plan to move around a lot during your life or you think that your life might change a lot over the years, then it might be a good idea to invest in a starter home that you will eventually sell. Since you don’t plan to stay there forever, you can usually find something more affordable so you can continue to save up for that future home. In the case that you are short on money and you can’t afford a large mortgage, then this might be the way to go. Another idea that many people have when they eventually move into their forever home is to keep their starter home and rent it out for extra income. That is a perk you won’t have if you get your forever home first.  Cons Of A Starter HomeSince you are just buying a temporary house that will have a lower price tag, the house may be smaller than you are expecting. You need to look at your lifestyle and your belongings to see if a small, starter house is the right fit. Also, if the house is cheaper, then that may mean that it is a fixer-upper or it may have seen better days. If that is the case then there may be some headaches in your future and if you aren’t good at making repairs then you could pay even more to bring in a professional. Pros Of A Forever HomeIf you go out into the real estate market with the intention of finding your forever home, then the search could go on for longer, but you could end up with the dream house that you always wanted. Moving in will be exciting because you know that this is the place where you hope to put down your roots. If you are really satisfied with this property then you also won’t have to go through the trouble of moving again, which can be very reassuring to many people. Finally, if you plan to raise a family in this house, then you will likely have a larger property and you will have a lot more space for your belongings. Another great benefit of a forever home is the opportunity to remodel and renovate certain rooms to your perfect specifications. When you intend to live there forever then the cost is well worth the effort.  Cons Of A Forever HomeSince you plan to live in this house for a long time, you will also need to put more thought into insuring the property than you would with a starter home. The downside is that this warranty can be expensive depending on the plan. However, it can be well worth it in the right conditions. Here's how a home warranty can benefit your TCO: Basically, if your home has a lot of appliances that can be costly to fix, like dishwashers and air conditioners, then a warranty can cut down the cost. When choosing a warranty, make sure to first look at your home inspection report and see if there are any red flags that show that your home may have future issues. If there is a chance that you could have a problem, then get the warranty. Beyond the warranty, a forever home will likely cost more, so if you do not have the funds available then this might not be the right choice at this time. Also, a larger home will require more upkeep and maintenance, so you’ll need to plan for that as well. Making the best choice for your familyAs you can see, there is a lot to consider when deciding between a starter and forever home. Consider the pros and cons listed here and make the best choice for your family. If you need help with your big home construction project, then contact Paul Netscher Project Management at the form here. AuthorMarjorie McMillian has been studying, practicing, and sharing the concept of whole health and wellness since “before it was cool.” While she doesn’t share medical advice on her website, comeongetwell.net, visitors will find reliable resources intended to help guide them on their journey to whole health. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  Do you also think that real estate photos are all you need to sell your listing? This post is going to change your opinion. A floor plan is something that is inevitable. It's even better if you upload a 3D floor plan. Irrespective of whether the buyer is looking for a floor plan or not, they visualize their life in your property in a better way when they get it. No photographer can capture the essence of a house's window and door placement, pavements, and storage capacity like a 3D floor plan or house plan does. Top 5 Advantages of Including a 3D Floor Plan in Your Property Listing Here are 5 benefits ofa3D house plan that every homeowner and real estate agent must be aware of:-
When you opt for a 3D house plan instead of a 2D, you provide the experience of a virtual property tour to buyers. Even if they cannot decide at the same time, they will remember a listing with a 3D house plan. So they can get back to it whenever they are ready to make a deal.
However, your 3D house plan should be created professionally, including details such as each room of every floor, location of windows, doors, stairs, built-in appliances, balcony, shed, garden, pool, etc. A 3D floor plan also effectively showcases the paint on the wall, suitable furniture location, etc.
They can also make out of the floor plan if the house is suitable for their choice of interiors and design. They can imagine whether their selection of furniture and artifacts will fit on the property or not.
A 3D floor plan allows them to envision the property as their home. As a result, they move in mentally. This emotional connection before the buyer's visit to the property is a huge advantage to homeowners and real estate agents. They can close the deal more quickly.
When you upload a 3D floor plan, you help such buyers determine if the place is suitable to fulfill their demands or not. A proper and correct 3D house plan speeds up the sales process with such buyers. It also eliminates the time which can be wasted in dealing with buyers who want something else in their property. Selling your propertyA floor plan is a key to effective selling of your property online. A 3D floor plan further increases the chances of your property's quick sale by providing better visualization to your buyers. Your listing stands out amongst the competition with a floor plan. The buyers connect emotionally to your property. The statistics also support the effectiveness of the floor plan. Overall, adding a 3D house plan to a property listing is beneficial in every way for homeowners and real estate agents. AuthorRahul Agarwal is the Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at Styldod, where he has taught a computer to do interior design! Styldod provides the most hassle-free & inexpensive virtual staging solutions for real estate agents so they can sell their listings faster, and for higher prices. Rahul was also a co-founder of Mebelkart. He pushes the boundaries with his innovative entrepreneurial stints and is also a sound startup investor & advisor. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  Photo by Mike Gattorna on Unsplash "Your kitchen is the heart of your home." Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It's not only the place where meals are prepared but also a space for storing, sitting, and socializing. It sets the tone for the entire house, and without it, any home would feel empty. However, there can be times when you feel like the kitchen needs some renovation. It could use more space and perhaps a more modern design. That is when you should start thinking about modifying the layout. For instance, for people who have a big family or frequently entertain, open concept kitchens are the key to unlocking more space and creating more comfort. However, don't start tearing down walls just yet. Let us look at the pros and cons of open concept kitchens first, and then you can determine if this is the right choice for you. #kitchendesign #kitchenreno #kitchenremodeling Defining an open concept kitchen An open-concept kitchen doesn't have walls to separate it from the living room or dining room. Or even both. Also, the term "open floor plan" is used to define it. And while some find it unpractical, more people have started embracing this concept. They feel it gives them more space and more flow in the house. However, to help you decide which the right floor plan for your home is, here are the main pros and cons of open concept kitchens. The pros of an open concept kitchen
Before removing an internal wall for your house renovation consider this  Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash "An open kitchen layout connects you with the rest of the family"
"Removing the walls means removing light barriers" Having an open space can also help you have more light in your kitchen. Removing the walls means removing light barriers. Therefore, you will let more light flow in from the other rooms into your cooking space. Furthermore, whether natural or artificial, light offers several advantages in a room. It creates the illusion of a larger, brighter, and cleaner space.  Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash "Modern kitchens are functional while adding to the value of your home"
And while we are on the homebuying subject, remember to always make renovations before moving into your newly bought home. Things like opening up your kitchen space, repainting the walls, or installing shelving are only some of the things to do before moving into a new house. Thus, you should make these improvements before bringing in your belongings. It will save you a lot of time and effort. The cons of an open concept kitchen Now that we have established which the pros of open concept kitchens are, it’s time to talk about the cons.
"Missing walls allow you to look into the other rooms and vice versa" Visibility is both a pro and a con in open concept kitchens. Missing walls allow you to look into the other rooms and vice versa. Anyone in the dining room or living room can see what you are doing in the kitchen. As a result, you won’t have any more privacy while experimenting with new recipes. Also, you can get distracted by dining room conversations or the loud TV in the living room. Not to mention that you have to keep the kitchen spotless permanently. Dirty dishes in the sink and cluttered countertops are now on display for anyone who enters your home.
When it comes to sound, there is also the issue of it spreading across the entire space. Because there are no more walls to muffle the sound, you will be able to hear everything that goes on in the kitchen.  Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash "Whenever you cook, whatever you cook, the whole house will know and sense it"
Opening up your kitchen space Whether you want an open or closed kitchen is totally up to you. However, we had to outline the pros and cons of open concept kitchens so you can decide if it is suitable for your home and needs. So read them carefully to ensure that you make the right decision. AuthorBrittany Murry is a consultant for hansenbros.com and a woman of many interests! She is a professional interior designer with a comprehensive portfolio and many years of experience. When she isn't helping people improve their homes, she's traveling the world or binge-watching her favorite show on Netflix Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  "Foundations support the whole house and their failure will inevitably lead to cracking of your house" In our article Ground compaction making solid foundations for your home we discussed the importance of building on solid ground. Having uncompacted ground under your house will result in damage to your new home. Foundations support the whole house and their failure will inevitably lead to cracking of your house, which could eventually lead to leaks and even structural failure making your home uninhabitable. Repairing poor foundations is costly so it’s advisable to get an engineer to design the foundations and then to ensure that the foundations are constructed properly. "The essential part of the foundation is that it distributes the weight of the house to the ground so that the ground is able to support the load" Foundations provide a level base for the structure of your house, they support the weight of the house, and in some instances they anchor the house and prevent it from being blown away in a storm. The foundations could be as simple as forming a concrete slab under the house, they could involve concrete beams below the walls, or they could be piles which are concrete, steel or timber columns driven or drilled vertically into the ground. The essential part of the foundation is that it distributes the weight of the house to the ground so that the ground is able to support the load and therefore the house doesn’t settle or sink. This may involve excavating through the upper layers of ground to reach soil or rock that can support the weight of the building. Foundations should be rigid to evenly distribute the load and to prevent unequal settlement of the house. What impacts house foundationsThe type of foundations will depend on the ground conditions under the house, the load of the house above (for instance houses with two or more floor levels require more substantial foundations than a single floor house and houses with solid brick walls are heavier than frame houses clad with tin or boards), the weather conditions (houses in cyclone, hurricane and tornedo belts require more robust foundations to keep the house firmly anchored to the ground), and if there’s a basement.  Specialised house foundationsSome houses require special foundations. This might be because:
 Special foundations are usually costly and take additional time to construct. Sometimes these have to be installed by specialist contractors. If large machines are required then access may be a problem if there’re overhead restrictions (such as power lines and tree branches) or narrow steep access routes. Always ensure that the design for all structures are complete so that all the foundations are constructed at the same time. Remobilising specialist equipment to construct additional foundations later will add more costs. Good foundations are critical for your homeIt is advisable to get expert advice when deciding on the foundations for your home. Poor foundations could result in cracking of your home, which is unsightly, and good even be so severe that your home is not safe to live in. Inadequate foundations can be very costly, even destroy the dreams of your new home for you. Good foundations are vital for your new home. Do not take short cuts with the foundations for your new home or extension to your existing house. #homeconstruction #buildingfoundations #housefoundations #houseconstruction  This is an extract from the author's book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home'. © 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses? Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash Moving to a brand new home can be hard. It's even more challenging because you want to make it the perfect place to call home. Everything has to be just right - from the floor up to the roof. If you don't know how to choose the right floor plan for your new home yet, we're here for you. What is the budget for your home?The very first thing you want to do when making your new home the perfect place to live in is - check your budget. Yes, some items may attract you more than others, but it's important to be realistic about your possibilities at the end of the day. Spread the budget carefully on all the renovations. If you're dreaming of some specific features, you should discuss them with your contractor before starting anything, so you know where you stand with your budget.  Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash "Every construction project requires careful budget planning. " Match the house floor plan to your lifestyle Regardless of how creative you are, there are some things you must take into consideration. Important considerations include:
Adapt your home design to your family The majority of households with small children prefer to have the private areas of the house, such as the bedrooms and baths, clustered together in one region of the house. However, it is common for families with adolescents and young adults to want separate bedrooms for each family member. Also, families with small children often choose a plan with wide hallways because it's easier for the little ones to move around safely. When looking for a new place to live, some considerations should help guide your decision-making process. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of the floor layout that you now have. It's possible that you won't like it and would rather try something else instead. Don't forget your family's social life It's not uncommon for floor designs to be centered around the idea of entertaining and making visitors feel at home the moment they enter the house. It's ideal to have a large entrance that leads to a living and dining area with a view of the backyard. A formal living room at the front entrance is an option if you like to keep the rest of the house private and don't want your entire property on show when the door is opened. Guests will appreciate having a spot to sit while still being able to enjoy the rest of your home in peace.  Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash "Having a separate room for your house parties is very practical for saving your peace" Take the number of storeys into considerationWhen creating a floor plan, a critical decision is deciding between single-storey and multi-storey options. Many families prefer single-story homes because of the lack of above-foot traffic noise. The "Ranch" style homes often include public spaces in the middle of the floor plan, while bedrooms and bathrooms are positioned on the "wings" of the floor plan. When you live in a multi-storey home, you don't have to peer into your neighbor's window. Additionally, multi-storey homes allow each family member to have their own space and solitude, whereas single-story homes don't have this luxury. Different house styles require different flooring When you construct your own home, you have the freedom to choose a design that satisfies your requirements and preferences. Or, you may combine elements of other styles to meet the needs of various rooms in the house. It is good to look at several design styles that pique your interest. That way, you'll have a clear sense of the aesthetic you want to achieve in your soon-to-be-built house. Do you like Ranch or Victorian; mid-century modern or American colonial? Because the decisions you make regarding the form of your home will also affect the house plan, you will want to ensure that you are well-prepared for any constraints that may come with the kind of home that you choose. For example, you might have to deal with some bulky and heavy furniture while moving, which is a process that comes with plenty of drawbacks - in other words, injuries. To avoid injuries when moving furniture, it's best to hire a professional moving team. Strive to be safe during this as there is nothing more important than your health. Connecting the inside of your home to the outdoorsYour floor layout will probably feature some outside recreation space - a front porch, a back lanai, a swimming pool, or some other type of amenity. Consider the amount of time you and your family will spend enjoying the outdoors before deciding on a floor layout. It's a lot like having a massive garden in that it might look great if you maintain and improve it, but if you don't, it can turn into a real eyesore. Make sure that you are willing to take on the additional burden of maintaining both the outside and the inside plan simultaneously.  Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unspl "A front porch can be your little oasis with just a bit of effort" Don't forget to dream when choosing the floor plan for your new homeEveryone has a vision of their ideal house, and these ideals have evolved through time. Make a list of all the things you'd want to have in the house of your dreams right now. Spend some time thinking about what features you want to have in your new house before making any final decisions. You may get many ideas for home décor on websites and publications like Pinterest and other similar platforms. Then, think about how it can turn into reality. Better yet, put all those ideas (even the wildest ones) into perspective when talking to your contractor. You never know which one will be possible to execute. Choose the right floor plan for your new homeIt's not easy to start from scratch in anything in life. But, it can be a good and refreshing thing. A new start is best achieved when building a new house or apartment. So, don't fret. Use these guidelines we provided you with and choose the right floor plan for your new home. Start from scratch and build your new life with joy. #houseconstruction #homedesign #homeconstruction #designinghouses AuthorAngie Brooks is an architect and a moving consultant currently working with Triple 7 Movers Las Vegas. When she's not helping her clients achieve their dreams of relocation, she enjoys writing and playing guitar on the beach with her friends. She was born and raised in Las Vegas. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  "Building on ground which isn’t compacted properly will result in settlement of the structure" The ground under foundations, ground floor slabs, paving and driveways and in trenches should be compacted. Levelling an area for your house Failure to adequately compact the ground will result in the ground settling or sagging. If your house is built on ground that settles it will result in your house cracking. Cracks are unsightly, and in severe cases could result in your house collapsing. Usually an engineer will prescribe the degree of compaction and the number of layers that should be compacted. #homeconstructiontips #houseconstruction #housefoundations  Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash Obviously when compacting trenches care must be taken not to damage the pipes in the trenches as they can often be easily crushed or cracked. What you should know when excavating for your new home and to lay pipes When compacting ground it should be done in layers 100 to 150 millimetres (four to six inches) thick. Thicker layers don’t get compacted. Usually ground needs some moisture for compaction, normally referred to as the optimal moisture content. If there’s too much water, or too little, you won’t achieve the required compaction density no matter how hard it’s hit. The amount of compaction also depends on the type of machine and how many times the ground is compacted. Again there’s usually an optimum effort and too little will mean the ground isn’t compacted properly, while too much won’t make any difference to the degree of compaction after a while.  Photo by Fons Heijnsbroek on Unsplash Some soils, such as clean sand, can compact very easily. Topsoil and clay ground is unsuitable for using under structures. Geotechnical companies provide advice on what materials to use and undertake tests of the ground on the property and of the compacted area to check that the ground has been adequately compacted. Building on ground which isn’t compacted properly will result in settlement of the structure, paving or driveway, which will look unsightly and be costly to repair.  This is an extract from the author's book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home'. © 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses? Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash We've gotten more than acquainted with COVID-19's "social remodeling" booklet, and setting up our crunch-time makeshift home offices was no easy task. The word "REMOTE" has been and will continue to be The Word that defines this curious era. Some of us love it, some of us dread it; the truth is, home offices are here to stay for most of us. So, if someone is to tell you: "It's going to be a long ride" (another emphasis on "long") with an all-knowing, wise whisper, what's your game plan? We say, let's figure out a way for you and your business to thrive. Here are seven home office remodeling tips for a productive space. #homeoffice #workingfromhome #homeimprovementtips #homereno Easy steps to improve your home office Photo by Magnet.me on Unsplash "Create a workplace that will inspire you." Most of us can fall asleep pretty much anywhere when the feeling of exhaustion runs over us. Closing your eyes is easy. But, what about working? Are kids having a slumber party? No biggie. Is your neighbor overindulging in personifying the "I want to break free" video with their new leaf blower? You'll wait it out. Your "zoom" meeting is about to begin, but you can't find the documents you prepared this morning? Is the concept of staring at a wall more inspiring and tempting than actually getting some work done? It's time to get that home office a makeover. Stat. Avoiding interruptions Photo by JP Lockwood on Unsplash "Don't let family interrupt important meetings" You could be the biggest death metal fan, and still, you're probably going to suffer from being subjected to distracting noise during working hours. 95% of us have selective "hyperacusis" and "misophonia" (noise sensitivity disorders) when we're expected to be focused and productive. Is your roommate's breakfast your worst enemy? Are you a bit less fond of your children when they barge in halfway through your conference call presentation? We've all been there. A set of doors will set you free. It's all about acoustics. This bonus room renovation tip will cost you nothing: by simply using weatherstrips on your door frame, you can expect your workspace to be almost entirely soundproof. If you don't have that extra room, noise-canceling headphones could be your second best option. Good home office lighting is important for eye healthThe eyes may be the window to our souls, but they're also what brings food to our table. Our beautiful retinas are the primary tool for all the diverse job descriptions out there. Investing in some fine lighting will make your eyes happy as a clam, and your overall motivation stimulated in all the right ways. Setting the perfect atmosphere (while accounting for all the health factors) isn't heavy on the pocket and can be executed just by popping by the first Ikea in your neighborhood. Floor lamps and desk lamps, combined with natural lighting, reduce headaches and eye strain and boost your endorphin levels. Our eyes crave soft, natural-like light, so pamper your new office with some lampshades. A comfortable and healthy place to work Photo by ergonofis on Unsplash "Good home office ergonomics will help your back" These boots are made for walking, but your back isn't made for sitting, that's for sure. Our skeletal system was actually cut out for labor, not for sitting hours and hours on end. Scoliosis, kyphosis, sciatic nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome - the chair that we sit on and work from can be detrimental to our physical health down the road. So, the fancy term that saves the day and one of the seven home office remodeling tips for a productive space is ergonomics! We might be adults, but do we even know how to sit correctly?
Relocating your home officeIs your house getting a bit too crowded? Does it feel impossible to get through your working day without feeling overstimulated by things happening around the house? Maybe it's time to rethink your office location. If you're using your living room or your bedroom as an office, it might be time to go big and surprise yourself. Do you own a shed? Or maybe a garage that gifts you with goosebumps? Yes! It doesn't take much to transform a Jigsaw sequel-looking garage into a swan. First step: make it functional. And build from there. Reducing clutter in your home office "Decluttering your home office will make you more productive" Is it of any sentimental value? Do you really think that pile will come in handy one day? If the answer is no, into the trash bin it goes. Decluttering is essential in keeping that business mojo flowing. Treat your new office with new filing cabinets and shelves. Organizing your cable origami with cable boxes and clips might do wonders in decreasing the overall sense of chaos. Bringing some outdoors insideOur eyes love it; our brains love it. If your home office overlooks your spring-improved garden, you're probably going to pass on this one. Having a plant makes all the difference when you're working from home. Just a tiny succulent (I'd recommend "Crassula Ovata," also known as the "Money Tree") provides you with a tiny escape every time you need it. A plant never disappoints.  Photo by Jan Baborák on Unsplash Finding the right colour for your home officeIt all depends on the personality type; there is no such thing as a universally pleasant color. You might find purple soothing for your work ambiance, and your co-worker might cry themselves to sleep. As a general rule, white isn't the best color for your office (unless it's toned down with plenty of natural materials and green). Shades of blue and green (from pastel to deep hues) tend to be the most soothing for the majority. If you're a lively, bold type, you might want to try an accent wall. Try to avoid dark tones - dark gray, black, and brown are no friends to productivity and imagination. It's springtime; go light. The right background colour can be important to make you stand out in those Zoom calls. You don't want to be lost in the background! It doesn't take much to create a new working space at homeAll you need is some free time and a small investment. Changing your office's appearance can change how you feel about your work and yourself. Always for the better. We hope you find our seven home office remodeling tips for a productive space helpful. Let's get to work! AuthorCai Farmer works as a consultant and a blogger for zippyshellcolumbus.com. He is a DIY enthusiast with a bachelor's degree in interior design. When he's not working on a project in his garage, you can find him wandering with his dog, Chicken. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  Ground has to be excavated to level the house site for foundations, for basements, pools, and to install services such as water pipes, storm water pipes, electrical cables and sewer (wastewater) pipes. Sometimes, in the case of basements and sewer and storm water pipes these excavations are deep. See Levelling an area for your house Different ground conditions impact excavations for your homeRemember when you were a child playing on a sandy beach. High up on the beach where the sand was dry if you dug a hole it filled up with sand as quickly as you removed it. The sides of the hole kept falling in. Closer to the sea the sand was wetter so you could dig a hole fairly deep and the sides stood up vertically. But as the sand dried out the sides of the excavation started to fall in. Of course, as soon as you stood near the edge of the excavation the sides collapsed and you fell into the hole. When you tried to dig a hole right at the edge of the sea where the waves were, the excavation filled with water and the sides of the hole fell in immediately they were wet. Now there’s a huge variety of different ground conditions which you could encounter on your building site. These could range from solid rock, rock that is heavily fragmented, ground containing boulders, hard well compacted ground, loose ground, and sand. Excavating in hard solid rock it’s possible to have vertical sides to the excavation and the sides won’t fall in. Excavating in sand will often have a similar result to what you encountered on the beach, and the sides usually won’t stay vertical for long, and usually only up to a depth of half a metre (eighteen inches). Harder ground could stand vertically for a couple of metres (six foot), but the sides can collapse if water enters the excavation – water running into the excavation will erode the sides, and water sitting in the bottom of the excavation will saturate the ground on the sides eating into the ground, eventually causing it to collapse.  How big will your excavations be?Of course ground that collapses into the excavation results in the excavation becoming larger, and it also requires the ground to be cleaned out of the excavation again, which is time consuming. But if the excavation is more than a metre and a half deep (four-and-a half feet) and somebody is working in the excavation then they could be injured by the falling debris and even buried alive. Unfortunately there are frequent reports of construction workers being killed when the sides of trenches collapsed on them burying them. #constructionsafety Therefore by law (note: check your local safety requirements), and for practical purposes, the sides of all excavations (other than in solid rock) cannot have vertical sides more than one and a half metres (four-and-a half feet). Above that, the ground must be battered back (sloped) to about a thirty or forty-five degree slope, or the sides of the excavation should be in steps or benches (see sketch below). Of course where there’s only sand the sides of the excavation can’t be vertical and will probably be at a forty-five degree slope from the base of the excavation. What this means is that the excavation at the top surface ends up being much wider than it has to be at the bottom of the hole. Imagine a three metre (nine foot) deep trench that is six hundred millimetres (two foot) wide at the bottom. In sand the excavation could be over six metres (eighteen foot) wide at the top, or in hard ground the excavation could be three metres (nine foot) wide. Not only must this extra material be excavated, but once the pipe is installed, or the wall built, this material must be put back, and compacted properly. What this means is that excavating a three metre (nine foot) deep basement isn’t going to cost 50% more than excavating a two metre (six foot) deep basement, it’s probably going to be double the cost. And, excavating a three metre (nine foot) deep trench could cost three or four times the cost of excavating a two metre (six foot) deep trench.  But remember, as discussed when you were on the beach and you stood on the edge of your excavation the sides collapsed, so we have the same on our construction sites where excavations next to roads or below building foundations could easily collapse because of the extra weight on the sides of the excavation from the vehicles and the building. Of course making excavations wider to accommodate the depth is often not an option, there simply isn’t the space. In these cases the sides of the excavations have to be held back. For trenches this could involve shoring the sides with timbers or special structures, or even sinking caissons (rigid boxes of timber, steal or concrete, strong enough to hold the ground back) into the ground and excavating the ground out between the walls of the caisson (see photo below). Deep basements, or basements excavated in sand may require walls to be constructed from continuous steel sheet piles or concrete piles which are driven into the ground first. This establishes an enclosed space around the outside of the basement, and the ground can then be excavated from within this enclosed area (see photo below). When the basement is excavated the basement walls can be constructed against this ring of piles. #excavation #constructionexcavation
Separating good ground from poor groundWhenever excavating care should be taken to separate the good material which is suitable to use for backfilling from unsuitable material. Invariably the ground varies the deeper we excavate. The upper layer could be topsoil and contain vegetation Below the topsoil could be several layers of ground. Some material could be unsuitable for backfilling and may have to be disposed of. Some material could be okay for filling layers deeper down, while the best material should be kept for filling the uppermost layers of trenches and against walls.  Allowing working space in excavationsWhen excavating for foundations or basements. it’s often necessary to make the excavation larger than needed so that there’s space in which to work and to construct the foundation or wall. The working space required usually varies between six hundred and one thousand millimetres (two to three foot). The area excavated for working space must be filled with ground which is compacted when the wall is complete. If the concrete is to be cast against the sides of the ground or soil then the excavation should be done as neatly and accurately as possible. If the excavation is larger than it should be then more concrete will be required to fill the space of the extra ground removed. If the excavation is too small then the foundation or wall won’t fit and excess ground must be removed to make the excavation the correct size. This will create delays and additional costs.  Pipes in rockUsually storm water and wastewater pipes (see Wastewater pipes and home construction)can’t be placed directly on rock or hard ground and require a layer of soft sand 50 to 150millimetres (2 to 6 inches) thick under them. This allows for the pipes to be placed at the correct height and it means that the pipe is supported evenly along its length without lumps and bumps of rock which could damage the pipe. ConclusionDigging a hole for house foundations, or to install pipes and cables to your new home may seem easy. But it can be dangerous when the excavation exceeds 1.5m (4 feet) deep ( trench collapses are often fatal). Not excavating the right size may mean that you have to get the excavator back to enlarge the hole. Digging too big results in extra costs. Mixing good quality ground with poor ground will result in everything being thrown away and you may have to get in new good material to fill in trenches when pipes are installed and to fill against the foundations - all at additional costs. #homeconstruction #homeconstructiontips Other useful articles: Clearing way for your new home Understanding plumbing when planning a new home or renovation.  This is an extract from the author's book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home'. © 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses? Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.  Photo by immo RENOVATION on Unsplash Ideas to bring new life to your home"From a thorough declutter to refreshing the look of your home, we got it all covered." As the snow starts to melt, the ground warms, and nature comes back to life, we know that spring has arrived. And when seeing so much rejuvenation, it’s understandable to get the urge to renew something about your home. However, after passing through a long sedentary winter, you might have trouble knowing where to start with your renovation. As a result, we thought of some simple home improvement ideas that you can try out in your home this spring. From a thorough declutter to refreshing the look of your home, we got it all covered. So let us see how you can use these spring renovation ideas to freshen up your home this season. #springrenovationideas #homeimprovementideas Letting light into your home"Increase the amount of natural light in your home" After months of long nights and limited sunlight, you and your home need extra light. As a result, one of the first things you should do is increase the amount of light in your home. Start by keeping the drapes and blinds open or perhaps taking them down till the summer. If there is too much light in a room, you can replace thick and dark curtains with lighter ones. Choose curtains made of light yet light-filtering fabrics, such as linen or cotton. That way, you can control how much light enters the room and balance it so that it doesn't become bothersome. At the same time, if you don’t have enough windows in your home, now could be the perfect time to add more. Additional windows can not only let more natural light in but will also make your home look more beautiful. And if you ever think of selling your home in the future, those added windows could help you increase the value of your home.  Photo by Ksenia Chernaya from Pexels "Installing more windows in your home will help you light it and refresh it more efficiently" Let your home breathe After ensuring that your home has enough natural light, you must also provide it with enough air. As a result, open the windows and refresh the air in each room. Even if the air is still chilly, ventilating the rooms will kick out the stale air and allergens that gathered over the winter. Also, leaving the windows open for one hour each day will make your home smell fresh and springy. In addition to ventilating the rooms by opening the windows, you can also have the HVAC system checked. You probably used it throughout the winter, and you should ensure that it is in perfect running condition for the summer. Therefore, check all the air filters, clean them, or change them if needed. Also, if the unit is old, you could use this opportunity to change it and add a newer system. Smart thermostats, for example, are available in current HVAC systems and allow you to control the temperature in your home much better. New HVAC systems are also usually more energy efficient - helping to lower your power bill which will offset some of the costs for the new HVAC. In addition, you can access the system through an app on your smartphone. That way, you can heat or cool your home while still on the road on your way home. Declutter and organize your home"Create more space for the things you use" Your home is getting enough air and light now, but it might miss space. In that case, you might have a problem with clutter. As a result, now is a great time to do some spring cleaning and get rid of all the unnecessary stuff you gathered. To begin with, go through your home and see what is causing clutter. Look in every corner, drawer, and closet and observe what items you haven't used in a while. Donate the clothes you don't wear, throw out outdated food and toiletries, and store items you rarely use. For instance, you can rent a storage unit and place your valuable and fragile items like glassware and seasonal ornaments there. But, you must ensure that your things arrive at the storage unit undamaged by carefully packaging them. Use plenty of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper to ensure the safety of sensitive pieces during transport and storage. After you get all the unnecessary items out of the way, you can estimate how much space you have or additionally need. That is when you can use another one of the spring renovation ideas that can help you freshen up your home, which is adding more shelves. Place shelves on empty walls, above the furniture, and even in your closets if needed. That way, you will have more room for items that crowd your drawers, work desk, or cupboards, and you can keep everything organized.  Photo by Tony Smith from Pexels "Shelves are a great way to organize your items." Add a fresh coat of paint to your house Repainting the walls inside and out is a great way to freshen up your home during a spring renovation. It can help you get rid of the stale feeling that your home can get throughout the winter, and you can also use color to make your home feel bigger. Paint your interior walls white, and they will reflect light, making the rooms seem more spacious. If you think that white is hard to keep clean, opt for lighter shades of gray and cream. You may also use orange, yellow, or red to make your rooms appear more joyous and warm if you want to go for a more daring style. In addition, you can use wallpaper to give texture to a room or give it a theme. For the exterior, you can choose to paint the house gray, a warm blue, or a natural shade of green. Pastel colors are also a good choice, with butter yellow, peach orange, or lavender being among the favorites. However, be cautious while selecting a paint color for the house. It should be in harmony with the colors of other homes in your area and with the environment. Update your outdoor space Now that the weather has started warming up, you might want to spend more time outdoors. Therefore, it's time to update your outdoor space and prepare it for family gatherings. First, clean your deck and porch, make necessary repairs, add a waterproof treatment, and repaint the woodwork. Then, clean the yard of debris, cut outgrown branches, and mow the lawn. If you have a garden, pluck out the weeds, remove the mulch, and rake the soil. You can also set up new planters and garden beds and create a composting area. "Create a place where you and your family can enjoy relaxing sunny days outside" Around the house, you can clean the driveway, paths, pool, and gutters. If you have a fence, repair any damage done by water or snow, treat it and repaint it. When you finish cleaning and preparing the outdoor spaces, you can add some furniture to the deck or make an outdoor kitchen, patio, or gazebo. There, you and your family will be able to enjoy many sunny days outside, making barbecues or having picnics.  Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels "Building an outdoor space where you can spend time with your friends and family can be a good addition this spring." Create a new home this springIf you want to freshen up your home, you can always use some of the spring renovation ideas we suggested. They are simple to implement and can make your house feel and look brand new. In addition, your home will become a springtime haven where you and your guests will love spending time. #homeimprovement #homerenotips AuthorAlissia Brown is a design enthusiast and an NYC Mini Storage consultant. She specializes in home remodeling projects and storage unit advice. Project management, customer service, communications, and event planning are among some of her talents. Alissia spends her free time cooking, traveling, and writing on her blog. Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?
"These books are packed with useful tips and insights to help make your home renovation project a success" Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****) These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook. |
AuthorI’m a construction professional, author of several successful construction management books, and a home owner. I’ve made mistakes in construction management, I’ve seen others make mistakes, but importantly I’ve had multiple successful construction projects and I’ve learned from the mistakes. I want to share these lessons and my knowledge with you. Also available from:
Amazon Au, Amazon DE, Amazon ES, Amazon CA, Amazon IT, Amazon FR, Amazon NL, Amazon India and 'An Introduction to Building Houses - Volume 2 Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home'
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