April 30th, 2009
Everyone comes up with their own ideas for building a home exactly the way they want it, but sometimes it’s good to have a little help with the creative ideas. Check out Scott Adams blog on what they want to include in their new home. They have really thought up some great items that will make life easier. Things like a toy jail and a cat’s bathroom are not found on just any floor plan – you have to envision that yourself. Perhaps you will adopt some of Scott’s ideas, or at least it will get you thinking outside of the box so you can come up with your own ideas. Don’t forget to post your thoughts here so others can benefit from your creativity.
April 28th, 2009
You may think you have several months to still qualify for the new Home Buyer’s Tax Credit, but read the fine print. The deadline is Nov 30, 2009. That means you need to have all transactions of ownership completed prior to Dec 1, 2009. You can’t build a home and finish it and close your loan in one or two months. There is barely enough time to finish a new home if you start today. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity because you didn’t understand the terms. Read this article at the NAHB website that clarifies what the deadlines actually are.
April 23rd, 2009
So you are trying to figure out what type of construction you want for your new home and contractors are throwing around terms that have your head spinning. The meaning of those words are important, don’t just nod your head and smile. Visit this construction dictionary at the Powerstonesolutions.com to make a little sense of the construction jargon you run into when you decide to build a home. You never know when you might need to know the difference between a cricket and a cripple.
April 21st, 2009
How do you know if the cost you are quoted for your new home is a good buy or not? Home-Building-Ideas.com has a comprehensive list of things to consider. New construction is complicated and pricing is even more complicated, but with some diligence you can make informed decisions. We always encourage clients to get as much information as possible so that you are making your decisions based on accurate assumptions. Not every builder uses the same methods or materials, so it is very important to know the subtle differences and how that can effect your pricing.
April 13th, 2009
Systems Building Technology has long been plagued with drywall cracking that most folks think is unbelievable. I really liked this article Repairing Minor Drywall Problems. It gives helpful advice on how to fix cracks and nail pops. What I thought was great advice in this article was this: “I hope you read this article and realize your house is not special. I hope you realize that drywall will ‘Snap, Crackle and Pop’ and it’s perfectly normal.” Drywall issues crop up in all new homes – it’s a matter of drying and settling of the materials. It is not a modular home problem at all, but a new home problem in general. It’ s nothing to worry about, your home is not falling apart, it just needs a little TLC from you.
April 8th, 2009
Thinking of making your home larger by utilizing basement space for living space? Read this advice on basement construction before you get started. Basement construction is not like adding an addition and there are special considerations that are important. There is usually a humidity issue and possibly cracks in your floors and walls that will need dealing with. Lighting can be an issue too as it tends to be much darker in the basement. Fluorescent lighting will make the area look stark and uninviting so chosing the proper lighting can make a really big difference in your overall satisfaction. As suggested, building a closet where plumbing pipes hang low can conceal the unsightly junctures of pipes. Using basement area can be practical, just make sure you know what you are getting into.
April 2nd, 2009
The state of Maine is considering legislation to require professional sprinkler systems in every new home that is built. I personally think less legislation is better, but of course I think everyone will choose to wear seat belts even if it isn’t law. It’s hard to refute that sprinkler systems make sense when you read that the town of Gorham requires them as part of their town building permits and they haven’t had a fire related death in over fifteen years. (Read it here at WMTW.) Yet sprinkler systems are quite expensive and if they are required they can be the item that makes building a new home just too expensive. So…do we support legislation or do we allow people to make their own decisions?
