Just in time for the new school year, these all inclusive, bed-in-a-bag bedding sets by Little Miss Matched are perfect for adding color, personality and fun to your teen daughter's dorm room or a 'tween' girl's bedroom. In addition to the comforter, these sets include shams, pillowcases, sheet sets and bed skirts.
These colorful bedding sets are also reversible, so if you get bored with one look, you can flip stuff over and get a completely different look! You can add some accessories and Wala! Your girl's room is popping with color and cool, funky designs!
Little Miss Matched Peace Love Bed Ensemble
Peace, love and neon smiley faces on a black background make it impossible not to feel happy in a room with this style of decor. Flip it over and you have a completely new design with bright pastel stripes on a white background. Add more color to the room with a matching valence and rainbow colored drapes.
Little Miss Matched Zany Flowers Quilt in a Bag
Nothing is dull about this brightly colored bedding set with big flowers, fun polka dots and snazzy stripes. With so many combinations of texture and designs, this bedding set never gets boring. It also has a matching valence and drapes that are sold separately.
Little Miss Matched Snappy Stripes in a Bag with 1 Bonus Pillow
If your daughter likes pink and purple, this set would appeal to her. One side features large, colorful dots and if she changes her mind, she can have a striped pattern. A bonus throw pillow is included with this set.
Some college dorm rooms have extra long twin beds. I have that covered too with these extra long comforter sets with matching shams. Choose from Rock Anthem, Kiva or Beautiful Love.
New Girl's Bedding Sets
How to Use a Rivet Gun
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Start a healthy new habit by drinking exotic Asian tea. This might even become an addiction. However, you won't need an intervention or rehab, just some beautiful Asian 
tea accessories.
Not only do these premium Chinese tea blends taste incredible, they also have health benefits. Afternoon tea time is starting to catch on here in America. The best way to enjoy your afternoon tea is with a group of friends. It's a great way to catch up on some gossip, trade recipes or just relax.
If you don't know much about Chinese tea, try reading All The Tea in China. It makes a beautiful coffee table book and might even help you sharpen your tea brewing skills.
If you love your tea hot, these beautiful Chinese clay tea sets and clay tea cups will help keep your favorite tea nice and toasty warm.
Serve your tea party guests in style with this bamboo tea tray. These tea pot wooden stands are an elegant way to display your favorite tea pot.
Caring for Your Plants
One of the best things you can do to save money on your landscape is to properly care for your plants. This is very important to keeping a healthy yard and an attractive landscape. If you properly care for your plants, you will save money in maintenance costs, and you will save money in having to replace plants that succumb to disease or other problems associated with poor care. Caring for your plants is not only good for the plants, but it is also good for you. You can get good exercise, escape from the stale air of your home, and get a little bit closer to nature. Not only do these things have positive physical benefits, but they have mental and emotional benefits as well. When you care for your plants you are saving money, helping your over all well being, and preserving a beautiful landscape.
Keeping your soil in good condition is essential for the care of your plants, whether the plants are part of the lawn, or whether they are trees or flowers. Having good soil is essential, as good soil provides nutrients to the plants and also offers moisture, as good soil preserves water and can act as a reservoir of moisture. Keeping your soil healthy is the beginning of caring for your plants. You can keep the soil healthy in a number of ways. Check the acid and alkali contents and make sure that they remain at levels that are good for your plants.
Also, it is a good idea to add organic material to your soil at least once a year. Using organic mulch is a good way to keep your soil in good shape. In shrub and flowerbeds, and around trees, wood chips can help the soil retain moisture and they will break own and provide nutrients as well. Reducing compaction is also important, as it allows air down into the soil and frees up room for beneficial organisms like earthworms. There is also more room for the roots to grow (any kind of roots — grass, tree, flower, etc.), giving them a firmer foundation and better health. Annual aeration will help your grass and the trees and shrubs that you have planted on your lawn. Turning the soil each year and adding special potting soil to the garden and flowerbeds at fall planting can also help.
Efficient watering techniques are also very helpful with plant care. These techniques include things like watering deeply and not terribly often. For the most part, people water their lawns too frequently. This keeps the roots shallow (shallow roots mean less healthy grass) and much of the water either runs off or evaporates. Watering in the early morning (before 10) and in the evening (after 6) can reduce losses to evaporation and increase the amount of water that is actually absorbed into the soil. When watering flowerbeds and trees and shrubs, make sure that rather than simply letting a sprinkler run, you take care to use the hose to water deeply. For established plants, there is no need to water more than once a week. Even the lawn does not need to be watered more than once or twice a week. This type of watering schedule forces the roots to go deeper into the soil, looking for moisture and creating healthier plants that are more tolerant of drought conditions.
Other good care practices include pruning woody plants and inspecting for pests and diseases. Not only does this help with the health of the plants, but it also contributes to their attractiveness. You can help your plants look fuller (especially evergreen shrubs) by pruning yearly. Blossoming plants also benefit from such care, as they will have more blooms when properly pruned. Additionally, when you inspect regularly for pests and diseases, you can catch problems before they get out of hand. You can properly treat the issue as needed, and save time and money in replacing the plants later.
While many people make use of fertilizers, pesticides, and weed killers, these are not necessarily essential for good plant care. It is true that these chemicals can contribute to the health and the look of your landscape, but if they are used improperly they can also cause damage. Make sure that you carefully read the instructions in full before applying any such product. Then, make sure you fallow the directions exactly. Too much of these chemicals can actually harm your plants.
About The Author
Janeth Duque of Geeks On Steroids. Janeth is well-known in the world of web design and search engine optimization.
Web Site: Geeks on Steroids
View their website at: http://www.geeksonsteroids.com
janeth@geeksonsteroids.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Building Better With Energy Efficient Blocks
Do you have any experience with AAC Block?
I am interested to use this material as my building structure, replacing stick framing (Florida and Montana)
Thanks. I love your book and website!
M. J.
Hi M.J.,
First, let me tell my readers what ACC block is… It’s Amazing!
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a precast structural product made with all-natural raw materials combining sand, cement, lime and water.
These products are made in various sizes of panel or block and used in the construction of wall, floor and roof systems.
The light weight of AAC makes shipping and handling more economical.
AAC block is installed with a thin-set mortar that limits leveling adjustments by masons. Block or panels are cored and filled with grout and reinforcement bar at stated intervals. Image below courtesy of E-Crete
Well M.J., the truth be known, I have never used AAC block as change in building techniques and methods is slow to come to the construction industry.
But after researching this product, I’m sorry I didn’t discover it sooner and “push” it as it seems to be the perfect home building material.
Research proves AAC to be economical, energy efficient, fire resistant, termite resistant, and probably “greener” than any building product available!
The material is easy to finish, too. Exterior walls can be painted, plastered, or finished with cladding like vinyl siding or fiber-cement siding. Interior surfaces can be plastered, sheet rocked, tiled, painted, or simply left exposed. Photo below courtesy of SafeCrete
I have always trusted the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center for accurate information about home building technologies.
Here’s their very thorough report on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC):
“Builders in the U.S. can use an innovative concrete material that Scandinavians have built their homes with for decades…more
Hope this helps and thanks for writing,
Carl
Feng Shui In The Home
by: Andrew Jones
The Feng Shui masters have provided you with the technical know-how for evaluating your home. Implementing the Feng Shui Design - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-design.php and cures in your home has a profound effect on your life. Based on the ancient knowledge and practices, Feng Shui - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/spiritual-feng-shui.php is a spiritual way of life that helps you to imbibe the positive forces of the universe. All the spiritual principles of the Feng Shui also have a strong scientific foundation underlying it.
When you first start looking around spaces in your home you would not be in a position to decide what changes to make, or there can be many areas that you might wish to change; especially if you live in a larger house. But when you let Feng Shui in the home it only tells you where to start, it also tells you the significance of doing so. Bringing Feng Shui in the home design is just not about making physical changes, it is about giving significance to each and every object in your home so that it has positive effect (or positive Chi as it is called in Feng Shui) that particular space, your home and off course your life.
A Feng Shui house is a house where all the objects are in perfect harmony to each other whether we talk about the Feng Shui Elements contained in them or the particular colors that have been used to enhance the space. The Feng Shui is about balancing energies, of animate with inanimate and that of the soul with that of the universe, so that you get the positive energies of the universe flowing through the entire spaces in your house.
Believe it or not, every single household or decorative object in your home is just as imbued with life energy as the natural wonders beyond your front door and it has a scientific basis for it.
Bringing Feng Shui in the home does not ask you to throw out all your furniture, renovate your home, or move to new living quarters as you may have perceived the Feng Shui would lead you to. In quintessence to The Spiritual Feng Shui such upheaval could actually create turmoil rather than correcting imbalanced energies. Similarly trying to fix everything at once is a recipe for confusion and chaos, because in that case you will be throwing the relationships between objects out of whack.
Remember, Feng Shui is all about the connections and energy flow between objects and people, so proceed gradually, in stages, testing out how each small change influences the Chi of the space. Before practicing Feng Shui in your home try to understand its principles, its essence and most importantly its spiritual nature; then and only then you can envision and bring about the specific changes in the objects, environment and quality of life that you desire.
Each area of your life (health, reputation, family, travel, and so on) is strongly associated with various parts of your home. These associations may be determined using the bagua map.
The beauty of Feng Shui is that it suddenly makes visible to us all these things in our home or home design that we have been living with for years, and that have gone unnoticed. We tend to get tunnel vision, so that we are accustomed to our way of life and don’t see how it could be any different. But when we view our homes through the lens of Feng Shui, we begin to see the ways in which our surroundings, different objects or the clutter in our house are placing a burden on our spirits. The Feng Shui helps us to be able to identify and pinpoint specific areas in our home that have been letting us down. The spiritual Feng Shui opens our spirit to the whole universe and we learn to recognize elements that have remained invisible to us for so long.
A Feng Shui house is a house where any change that you make, any cure you introduce into your home or home design is a conscious and deliberate (and well thought out) action that you have taken specifically with the intent of improving your life. It is important know that Feng Shui in home works only when the practitioner puts full mindfulness into each task along the way. A careful Feng Shui Study - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-study.php
Before making any changes in the home design the Feng Shui beginners have to first know about the various Feng Shui Elements - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-elements.php, Feng Shui Color - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-color.php and then start practicing Feng Shui in the home design.
When you get the insight into what is Feng Shui - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/what-is-feng-shui.php you are able to balance the negative energies of the elements that may be present in the objects of your home with using Feng Shui in home design. Similarly practicing Feng Shui in home using color and other enhancement allows the positive Chi to flow through your home and let you have a better and happier life.
About The Author
Andrew Jones is an expert author on Feng Shui related topics. For Details visit Feng Shui in the home : http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-in-home.php
andrew@orientinfosolutions.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Foam Based Sealant for Closing Joints and Cracks
Owens Corning Announces New Foam Insulation Sealant to Complement its Batt Insulation Products
Mark J. Donovan
The new foam insulation sealant from Owens Corning is part of its EnergyCompleteTM insulation product line. The foam sealant is a low expanding air infiltration barrier product that utilizes a flexible seal technology that makes it ideal for using around doors and windows, as well as in sheathing joints and cracks. It is also ideal around duct work and construction joints.
Using a portable sprayer, it is easily applied and foams in places. In addition, it does not require the use of a mask or full body protection when applying it. Also, because of its low expansion level it is ideal to use around doors and windows.
The foam based sealant sets up in less than 30 minutes. Once fully set, batt insulation can then be installed over or adjacent to it.
Insulating with rolled or batt insulation around doors and windows and in construction seams is slow and ineffective in many cases. Using a foam sealant such as this product can save time and insulation installation costs, as well as make for a better insulated home.
How A Filterless Air Purifier Works
If you watch television late at night, you are probably familiar with a filterless air purifier called the Ionic Breeze. These systems have benefits and drawbacks. Lately, there has been some controversy over their safety. Some consider them to be unsafe, while others swear by the results.
How a Filterless Air Purifiers Work
A filterless purifier works by giving the incoming air an electrostatic charge. This charge also charges particles in the air. The air is then moved past an oppositely charged collection grid. The impurities in the air are attracted to the grid, like a magnet. The grid must be removed periodically and cleaned of the impurities. This is easily done with a damp cloth. Once the grid is completely dry, replace it and turn the machine back on. These systems can be installed on a forced air heating system to treat the whole house, or can be purchased in portable units.
This process creates ozone in the air. If you have been outside after a thunderstorm, you have smelled natural ozone in the air. These systems clean the air the way nature cleans the outdoor air.
However, some feel the ozone that is created can be a health hazard, particularly if it is highly concentrated. If you are using a portable air cleaner, be sure it isn’t too big for the room in which it is being used. The square footage is listed on the box and in the owner’s manual. Another option is to run it for a while and then turn it off before using the room.
Benefits of a Filterless Air Purifier
There are no filters to change with this type of purification system. Replacement filters can be expensive and not having one saves money in the long run.
They use a collection grid to collect impurities, rather than a filter. The impurities stick to the grid and are wiped off with a damp cloth. Once the grid is clean and dry, place it back in the machine and turn it on.
The filtration process leaves a fresh smsell in the air that many people find vitalizing. You won’t need to use air fresheners with these systems.
They are nearly silent when running. This is great for night time use. Some air purification systems can be very noisy and may need to be turned off at night.
Drawbacks of Filterless Air Purifiers
The safety of these filtration systems was called into question a few years ago when Consumer Reports gave the Ionic Breeze a bad review and called it hazardous. The reason is the ozone that is a by product of the purification process. Ozone is a pollutant and can be irritating to people with asthma or other respiratory disorders. Sharper Image responded by adding a component called “Ozone Guard” which is said to convert most of the ozone into oxygen. On a later review, Consumer Reports still gave the machine low marks, but said the ozone output is now in acceptable levels.
These systems are more expensive than other air purifiers. However, when you add in the cost of replacement filters, this price difference diminishes over time.
The collection grid must be cleaned frequently. If it isn’t clean, it won’t work. The frequency depends on the number of impurities in the air. Homes with pets, smokers, a lot of dust, etc, will need more frequent cleaning.
About The Author
Ken Morris releases many articles for http://www.air-purifier-and-cleaner-guide.com. Amongst his works he is featuring http://www.air-purifier-and-cleaner-guide.com/filterless-air-purifier.html and air cleaner.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Colorful Smart Interior Design for Futuristic Living Room Designs
we used to renovate our living room. via
Walkout Basement Walls
What is your opinion about building a walkout basement with concrete on all sides except for the wall where the walkout door would be? Is it structurally as safe as a complete concrete structure or are there any issues to worry about, especially in case of flooding?
Sonia
Hi Sonia,
A walkout basement needs to have concrete walls for structural strength when the walls are less than 18” above finished grade (dirt), then conventional wood framing can take over.
Concrete walls, no matter what anyone else tells you, are always damp and cold...always…in any climate and in any season. So, it makes sense (and cents) to switch to wood as soon as the finished grade allows.
As for the wood framed walls strength, there is no dirt pushing on the wood framed walls, no hydrostatic pressure either as the wood framing is above grade, so the wood framing is fine.
As for the flooding part of your question, I hope you mean minor flooding such as flooding caused by a leaky basement.
One of the main advantages of a walkout basement is the fact that with proper waterproofing and drainage, the chance of a flooded basement is greatly reduced.
The chance of flooding is reduced because rain and runoff water have gravity helping them go around the structure and drain away from the house on the side where the wood walls are “at grade”.
A sump pump is still required with a walkout basement by most building codes, so that tells you that a walkout basement is not immune to flooding.
But flooding is irrelevant as to whether the walls are concrete or wood.
Carl
Attended Lakeside Living Expo in Gilford, NH
By Mark J. Donovan
This past Saturday I attended the Lakeside Living Expo in Gilford, NH and got a chance to see some of the latest in green technology. Of particular interest to me was the geothermal heating and cooling system offered by Dragin GeoThermal of Meredith, NH. In the winter time, a geothermal system works by drawing BTUs from the ground to heat a home. In the summer time, the processed is reversed by drawing BTUs from the home and sinking them into the ground to provide air conditioning. The geothermal HVAC process is relatively simple in function however it provides a much higher efficiency than oil and gas furnaces. In addition, geothermal systems are eligible for energy efficiency tax credits.
Besides geothermal, there were other neat booths that showed off the latest in solar and wind energy systems designed specifically for the home.
I was also impressed with a steel roofing product that is designed to emulate the look of architectural asphalt shingles. It is guaranteed for 50 years, and from just a few feet away looks like any other standard architectural asphalt shingle. The material cost of this type of roofing is about 30% higher than standard asphalt shingles; however the labor costs are on par, to a little less, than installing standard asphalt shingles. They are also designed to support wind velocities of up to 100 MPH.
There were also a number of lake home builders in attendance showing off pictures and sketches of their lakeside home construction projects around the New Hampshire lakes region area.
Furniture and accessory suppliers who cater to lake side homes were also in abundance. Some of the furniture was quite ornate in appearance. Natural building products and faux fauna indigenous to the area were heavily emphasized in the displays.
There were also a couple of chainsaw wood carvers/artists who were showing off and demonstrating their work. Each made a variety of bear and other animal statues out of White Pine logs.
Overall the show was very interesting, however the weather was quite warm and humid.
New Home Purchase
Carl,
My contract reflects a builder's fee of 1.5%.
What is this fee for ??
I have no idea.
Ask the Realtor or the sales agent/broker for the developer or builder.
Any and all fees should be explained to you in as much detail as you deem necessary.
You shouldn't even have to ask, it should be a matter of routine by the sales agent. Sheeesh!
Good luck,
Carl
Is A Ranch House With A Finished Basement Cheaper To Build Than A Two Story House Of The Same Size?
Carl
We were told by a local builder that it is cheaper to build (and heat/cool) a raised ranch (ranch with a daylight basement that includes 3 of our 4 bedrooms and family room) rather than building a two story (4 bedrooms up) with an unfinished basement.
The raised ranch would be 2400 square feet plus the daylight basement vs. the 3000 square foot 2 story (main floor approx 1800 square feet with the remaining upstairs).
Is this true?
As per the neighborhood covenants, the ranch must be at least 2400 square feet on the main level, and a two story must have at least 2600 square feet total.
Thanks for your help.
Marsha
Hi Marsha,
This is sort of comparing “apples to oranges”. You have 2 vastly different size homes you are trying to compare. That 2 story is 37.5% smaller than the raised ranch!
The local builder may or may not be correct. All things equal, finishing a basement can be cheap space.
By finishing the basement one entire level of a two story house is eliminated yet in this case, you end up with 4,800 sq ft of living space.
BUT, I don’t have enough information on the 2 story to compare. Besides the smaller size, a home’s design and quality of construction affect building costs.
Have the builder provide plans & specifications for both houses, give you a “Preliminary Contract to Build” for each house, and give you his references. Be sure to check those references!
If possible, get two additional builders to do exactly the same so that you can compare.
If you are planning on being your own General Contractor (owner builder) you will have to get bids from subcontractors and building material suppliers for both houses before you can decide.
Before you decide anything, ask yourself and a local Realtor if there is a demand for homes with basement living space in the area in which you plan to build. Some people don’t care for living areas, especially bedrooms, in a basement.
If there is not a ready supply of comparable sales in the immediate area you and/or your lender may have trouble getting a high enough appraisal to make the raised ranch feasible.
Good luck,
Carl
Summers the Time for Deck Construction
Increase the Value of your Home by Building a Deck this Summer
Mark J. Donovan
What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a backyard deck. Summer is the perfect time of the year for deck construction. A deck addition provides exterior living space to your home and is highly prized by homebuyers.
Before contacting a deck building contractor make sure to initially jot down your top level deck requirements, and preferred decking materials. Also, sketch out the size and location of your deck, making sure to include dimensional information. Documenting deck addition plans upfront will ensure that your discussions with prospective deck contractors will be fruitful. In addition, your deck construction quotes should be more accurate and the chances of getting a constructed deck to what you’ve envisioned will be dramatically improved.
See my Deck Installation Bid Sheet if you would like more tips on how to build a deck and hire the right deck contractor.
If you are in need of help in finding a local and pre-screened deck building contractor visit Find Local Deck Building Contractors at HomeAdditionPlus.com.
Repair Holes in Drywall for Home Improvement
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Water Damage in the Kitchen
by: Terry Allen
The kitchen is often neglected even though it is often cleaned and warning signs of excess moisture and impending water damage are overlooked. Inspecting the following moisture sources will help in preventing damage where it is likely to happen
Refrigerator
The area behind the refrigerator is hardly ever inspected because it is relatively hard to reach. Inspecting this area will reduce the chance for water problems. water behind the refrigerator is a sign. Do not ignore it, fix immediately or hire an appliance technician. If you detect mold growth, clean it immediately. Locate the moisture and fix it. If you have an icemaker, check the hose to make sure it is sealed and attached to the water supply.
Sink and Countertop
The sink and countertop are highly watered areas in the house. Check regularly under the sink and remove the trash can and other stored items to search for leaks. A drip in the trap under the sink means drain problems and must be repaired fast. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes indicate a blocked drain. A dripping faucet must me repaired promptly. Pay attention to the countertop. If tiles are cracked or grout is missing, fix it to prevent water from pervading. Stained walls and floors around pipes indicate an internal leak that must be fixed to prevent additional damage.
Dishwasher
If the dishwasher doesn’t empty after use, the main filter may be blocked and must be released promptly. When the sink overflows, it is usually due to back-ups. This problem usually occurs when the drain line is clogged. Clean the drain line regularly. Look under the base of the dishwasher for leaks. If you find any leaks, there could be an unsealed joint or a damaged hose. Check the connection and fix as needed. Check the dishwasher hose under the sink for signs of leakage and fix if necessary. Consider installing steel-braided hoses on appliances such as the dishwasher.
For more information visit www.RestorationSOS.com
Free guides are available
About The Author
Terry Allen is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages.
To learn more about water and fire damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com.
terrya@restorationsos.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
House Plans for a Major Renovation
I recently purchased a 1,950 sq ff home that was originally built in 1930s that
needs a complete remodel.
A large family lived there so it had some additions done over the years as the family grew. I want to redesign the interior to end up with 3 bedrooms &. 2 1/2 baths.
I plan new Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC, Windows and Siding.
I do not plan to add any space.
I plan to simply make the existing structure more aesthetically appealing and functional.
I have a limited budget because of the neighboring home comps (comparables).
What can I expect to pay for plans that include a plot plan, floor plans and exterior elevations and CDs (construction details)?
David
Hi David,
The amount you'll have to pay for plans depends on who you hire. You may be able to use a draftsman or unlicensed designer, but your state may require an architect or an engineer to draw your plans.
The plan cost also depends on how much work needs to be done. Do you already have a design in mind, or will the designer need to develop the design? Do you need detailed construction plans (CDs) that you can bid to different contractors, or just minimal drawings required for a permit? Are you changing the exterior volume? If not, you may not need a plot plan or exterior elevations.
With all of these variables, your plans could cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000. To get an accurate number, you'll have to request some proposals. I'd start by talking to your local building official about plan requirements and who can draw them.
Good luck with your project,
David Moore, AIA
Original Home Plans
New Luxury Asian Bedding
If you love the exotic look of textiles influenced by the culture and art found in South Asian countries like India, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, you will love the new bedding designs now available in my luxury Asian bedding department.
These new duvet sets and bedspreads are all hand made to order by talented artisans from many of the rural areas of South Asia. In many of these areas, the majority of the population lives in poverty. Parents struggle to provide their children with the basic necessities like food and clothing.
In 2007, HomeTreasureCove was among some of the first online retailers to partner with Tribal Monsoon. This manufacturer located in South Asia employs hundreds of local artisans and provides them with a way to get their hand made products seen by consumers all over the world. This enables artisan families in those rural areas to be self-sustaining that would otherwise have little hope of any financial opportunities.
The economic crisis we live with here in the United States is not unique to our country, it is truly a global crisis. The more fair trading we can do to help the global economy, the more we help ourselves . HomeTreasureCove sources home decor from U.S. designers and manufacturers as well as designers abroad.
Here is a sample of the new luxury Asian duvet sets and bedspreads.
Arabian Velvet Trendy Duvet Comforter Cover Set – Chocolate Brown
Luxury Dragon Silk Trendy Duvet Cover Set – Green
Indian Wildflower Trendy Hand-embroidered Bedspread – Maroon
Maharaja Vintage Panel Embroidered Duvet Cover - Chocolate Brown
Pashmina Strip Trendy Bedding 
Duvet Cover Set – Olive
Arabian Velvet Trendy Duvet Comforter Cover Set – Black And
Fuchsia
Don't forget to browse through the bedding accessories, including my decorative throws and pillows.
Double Dip Housing Market Looms Ahead
Mark J. Donovan
Not surprisingly new housing sales data suggests that the United States is entering a double dip housing market recession. Home sale prices stagnated in June, only increasing 0.1% and in a number of areas of the country home sale prices actually declined several percentage points.
As I have said before, this should not come as a big surprise to anyone who has their own reasoning skills. With employment at nearly 10% officially, and nearly 20% unofficially, and the end of the home buyer tax credit what else could be expected. Add to these facts looming tax increases for everyone with the soon to end “Bush Tax Cuts” and tight mortgage lending, and it is no wonder why the American public is skittish on purchasing high priced items such as homes.
So what’s causing this second double dip housing market? Not surprisingly, Keynesian economics. With Keynesian economics the government takes a more active role in managing the flow of money through lower interest rates and “stimulus spending”, such as the home tax credits that have been handed out up until the end of April. Though the home tax credit provided some instant gratification for a sagging housing market it has negatively influenced the housing market for the long haul. Pent up home buyer thirst was slaked by the home tax credit that has now expired. Unfortunately, like a camel, the housing market thirst has been quenched for some time to come.
As a result, don’t be surprised to see any real improvement in the housing market until sometime in 2011, and only if federal economic policy has begun to change. Let’s all hope so. A continued economic policy of stimulating an economy by mainly giving out government handouts with fiat money, while at the same time having no private sector job growth, is a recipe for national economic disaster.
Cost to Build a House in Hartford
Hi Carl,
I am new to the tools and trying to figure out if I can build a home.
When I look at comparables in the area that I want to build and asked co-workers how much it cost them to build ($100/sq ft), it seems within my budget of $216k including the land.
But when I use the cost to build calculator, it is well above my budget. It almost seems to be double.
I think I am double counting square footage perhaps. I don't know what I am doing wrong.
If I want to build a 1000 sq ft house that has a 1 or 2 car garage, basement, cathedral or vaulted ceilings, and fireplace in the Hartford area of Connecticut (06101), how do I estimate properly?
I came up with a figure of $279k which seems wrong as I still have to buy the land!
$140k for the house and 76k for the land seem to be more aligned with the market and I want to make sure that I am correct.
Basic specs are: 2 bedroom, 1 or 2 baths, central air, 2 car garage, unfinished, basement, and a fireplace.
As you can probably tell, I have just begun my research. Can you help me?
Many thanks,
Gail
Hi Gail,
There is no exact way, no true shortcut, to estimate accurately the cost of building a house without actually getting bids from either a General Contractor or, if you are an owner builder, from all your suppliers and subcontractors.
But you can come pretty close or at least have an idea, something to “shoot for” as you progress in your research.
The “Cost to Build Calculator” found on my “Getting Started” page is pretty accurate.
I don’t know what numbers you plugged in when you ran the calculator to get $279,000 for a 1,000 sq ft house, but I’d wager you chose too high of “Quality Classes” for your initial estimating needs.
One should always start estimating with just a basic “custom” home, upgrading as your budget allows. Notice I said “custom” home as that’s what you will be building. It is always more expensive to build a custom home than it is to buy a house in a housing development.
Here is a 999 sq ft split-level home with a raised entrance and a basement for future growth, a garage (in basement), A/C, and some other nice features
HOME PLAN #592-013D-0054 from homeplansandmore.com
• 999 Total Square Feet, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 2-Car Garage, Basement, A/C
• Vaulted ceilings adorn the kitchen, family and dining rooms providing a feeling of spaciousness
• A future studio on the lower level has an additional 300 square feet of living area and features a bath and a kitchenette making it ideal for a college student or in-law.
I came up with a cost to build estimate of $131,648 including a General Contractor’s markup and other incidental expenses that a professional general contractor incurs. That equals $ 131 per sq ft.
Note: I used the “Cost to Build Calculator”, and “Quality Class” #6 throughout, except I used #5 for the foundation.
If you decide to be your own General Contractor you can eliminate the General Contractor’s markup, as well as some of the insurance costs and the equipment rental costs and the estimated cost drops to $114,066, or $114 per sq ft.
Here is a copy of the entire cost estimate breakdown. Click on it to enlarge.
Everyone should keep in mind that the cost to build for this example, or any house plan, can vary considerably depending on actual bids for labor and material, design, and the quality of construction.
And as I have said before, a smaller house costs more per sq ft to build than a larger one, all things equal because many of the basic expenses that are incurred in all houses are spread over a smaller amount of square footage, expenses such as kitchens & bathrooms, and many other “basic” costs.
Hope this helps,
Carl
Your Home Protective Coatings
There are several areas of your home that suffer from extensive damage, whether it is due to poor weather, physical damage or simply because of old age. Protective coatings are a great way to help these areas remain durable and resistant against negative elements. One of the most delicate surfaces around your home is the driveway and garage floor. You can use some tough protective coatings to protect such spaces – simply brush or roll the coating in an easy but effective action that will protect your driveway from all sorts of damage. For concrete floors, choose a high quality epoxy coating – this is an excellent addition to the floor’s structure because it soaks in and becomes part of the concrete matrix. High chemical and fuel resistance also recommends such coatings for garages and workshops. Most top grade protective coatings are engineered to self level and have different characteristics such as being resistant to chemicals, spilled fuel, brake fluid and acids, is impact resistant to 500 PSI, heat resistant to 350 + degrees, color-fast, non-chalking and resists cracking, chipping and peeling.
Due to recent advancements, several top class products appeared on the protective coatings market. Choosing a silicone based epoxy ester single component epoxy product, for example, will guarantee excellent resistance and unsurpassed flexibility, two very desirable elements of any coating system. Such products are reinforced with alkyd and urethane, two special components that augment the qualities of the protective coating. The interesting thing about such a waterproof floor coating is that it is the same product used on aircraft carriers. This means that, originally, it was designed to withstand extreme damage, such as jet fighter landings and take offs, fuel leaks, flaming jet exhausts and so on. Imagine how resistant such a protective coating would be on your driveway!
Epoxy coatings are also used in protecting other materials, such as wood, concrete, metal, fiberglass… and the list goes on. Not only do they do their job with military precision, these epoxy coatings are also lead-free, making them safe for the environment. When they dry, the protective coatings are completely harmless and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about your pets or children. You can top the coating with a clear finish, especially if you purchase one with UV inhibitors that guarantee a long life. Such a finish would make the protected surface look even better than it originally did, plus with the extra protection it brings. When properly applied, such protective coatings do not chip or break and most good manufacturers and retailers offer guarantees that extend up to 5 years.
About The Author
Jeff Martin writes articles for many well known newspapers and is currently writing a book that is set to be released at the end of March 2006.
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Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
10 Foot Ceilings Add more Than Height
Dear Carl,
We are undertaking a new home building project.
Our first floor walls are 10' high and our second story is 9' high with a 9' high basement. We have been told that for a house with these ceiling heights a 2 x 6 system would be preferable but not required and certainly more expensive.
Some issues I've seen discussed are twisting of the studs and an overall sturdier "feel" to the house.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Alex
Hi Alex,
Ten foot ceilings are used today for aesthetic reasons and they are without a doubt striking.
You or your builder should check with your local building inspection department as to whether or not code requires 2 x 6 stud walls.
However, the twisting, bowing, cupping, warping, or “kicking out” of studs is caused by the stud(s) drying and shrinking and is not eliminated by using 2 x 6 studs.
No matter where you (or your contractors) buy lumber, studs will either contain moisture when they arrive at the job site or will absorb moisture during construction, or both…this is a fact.
To prevent, or at least control the above stud maladies, we always use “blocking” (see drawing) to control the movement of the studs as they dry. Actually, we "double block", that is, use 2 rows of blocking...and 3 rows on 10 foot walls!...we are GOOD!
Drying can take over a year and doesn’t even start until after the house is finished. Nail pops and drywall cracks are the major consequences of the drying process.
Whether there is a sturdier “feel” for 2 x 6 walls or not, I don’t know as I have never felt it…except in my wallet.
Besides their initial extra cost, 2 x 6 walls require extra deep window and door jambs and extra wall insulation, and, believe it or not, an actual loss of floor space.
But I think a few extra costs you may not be aware of are that ten foot ceilings aesthetically require 8 foot doors, jambs and casings, and taller windows, jambs and casings, …at least that’s what I’m used to seeing. This creates considerable extra costs as you will be buying "non standard" items.
Another extra cost you will incur with 10 foot ceilings is an increase in HVAC system(s) requirements...think cubic feet, not square feet.
I always price, or have priced, all my options before making any decisions.
That’s my advice.
Good luck,
Carl
American Housing Survey Data Just Released
I found this HUD report quite interesting.
Some of the information should be useful to you in planning and designing your new home, renovation, or addition.
Enjoy,
Carl
By Jann Swanson, mortgagenewsdaily.com, July 6, 2010
• There are 130,112 million residential housing units in the U.S. and 86 percent of those are occupied…Only 68 percent are owner-occupied!
• The median (1/2 larger, ½ smaller) size of an occupied home is 1,800 square feet. Newer Homes are usually larger, with a median size of 2,300 square feet.
• Yards are shrinking! Median lot size for single-family homes is 0.27 acres.
• Three bedrooms are becoming more and more common.
• About half of homes (48 percent) have a separate dining room.
• 35 percent have a functioning fireplace.
• Read the complete summary report…here
Now it’s Easy to Recycle and Dispose of Leftover Paint!
Once again, Oregonians step up to the plate to make the world a better place for their children.
It just got a whole lot easier to recycle those half-empty cans of paint in your garage IF you live in Oregon…more
Sometimes nothing changes until you change.
Carl
Gifted or Free Land
My parents are giving us an acre of land free and clear to build our house on.
How can this benefit us in acquiring a loan or any other benefit?
Anonymous
You have nice parents.
It used to be that having your land Free & Clear (Jargon for “paid for”) was as good as a construction loan approval. Not so anymore I‘m afraid.
Some mortgage lenders have gone back to being so conservative (afraid) that they consider gifted real estate equivalent to you gambling in Las Vegas with some one else’s money…you don’t really care if you lose because you don’t really have any “skin in the game”.
But, some mortgage lenders will still consider that gift as an asset that lowers their risk in making you a loan.
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to find the construction mortgage lender who will consider that gift not only as an asset, but as all or part of your down payment.
Are they out there? Yes, but it now takes perseverance and a bit of luck to find one…exactly like it did when I started in the home building business.
Of course I hope it goes without saying that today any borrower must have good, even stellar credit, sufficient income, etc. to get any loan.
Most mortgage lenders, in today’s market, do not consider land value in their construction lending ratios.
They will only lend a percentage, usually 75% of the cost of the home building project, or a percentage, usually 75% of the “Appraised Value, WHICHEVER IS LESS!
Let me give you a best case-worst case scenario.
In both cases, the bank’s appraisal states that the land is worth $50,000, cost of construction is $150,000 and the finished house plus the land will be worth $200,000.
Your best case: Bank will lend 75% of value or $150,000, utilizing your land as the down payment.
Your worst case: Bank will only lend 75% of the actual cost of $150,000 or $112,500, requiring a down payment from you of $37,500. The land is omitted from the equation since it cost you nothing.
If you live in one of the states that NORMANDY CORPORATION lends in, you may have lucked out as they will lend up to 90% of the “Appraised Value”, which therefore should include the current value of your “gifted” land.
You should also visit small local banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. They may be more likely to help you.
Good luck,
Carl
Homebuyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline Finally Extended
Late Wednesday night the Senate followed the lead of the House of Representatives and voted to extend the closing deadline for the popular homebuyer tax...MND NewsWire
FINALLY! And to think we actually pay these "people" in Congress to "work" for us...HA!..Carl
Cost to Build a Duplex
Hi Carl,
I was wondering if you could comment on the cost to build comparison between a twin (duplex) per sq ft vs. a single family house per sq ft.
For instance, a 2-story, 3,200 sq ft single family house should be cheaper to build per sq ft than a 1600 single family house with the same quality standards,
So, I'm curious how the overall cost per sq ft would compare if a 3200 single family house was split in two to make a duplex.
The footprint would be nothing fancy, 40 feet x 40 feet (4 corners).
If it helps, I'm in Pennsylvania. Thanks for weighing in!
I believe the following quote, taken from my blog of Monday, February 9, 2009 on Plex Building should answer your question.
"A four unit house (4 plex) will cost at least 4 X the price of 1, maybe more.
A three unit house (3 plex) will cost at least 3 X the price of 1, maybe more.
A two unit house (duplex) will cost at least 2 X the price of 1, maybe more.
The “economy of scale”, that is, the price per sq ft drops as the house gets larger, is mostly overridden in “plex” building, by increases in the number of kitchens, baths, HVAC units, parking, garages (if any), etc., as well code compliance for multi-family (fire walls, sound proofing, visitor parking, etc.), as well as permit costs."
Hope this helps,
Carl