Interior Design: Creating and Selling the Perfect Faucet
October 30, 2007
Bradley Steffens asked:
In a tv ad for a leading faucet manufacturer, a couple invites an architect to design a home around a beautiful, high-end faucet. The deadpan sincerity of the actors creates a humorous situation while the camera shows the beauty of the fixture. It is a great spot, but there is a subtext to the commercial: The variety of fixtures is so small that it seems simpler to build a home around a faucet than the other way around.
That is changing, thanks to an online tool offered by California Faucets. This simple, one-page simulator allows a designer to create a custom faucet in moments, then print out or email the result to the client. Surprisingly, you not have to register online to use or even email from the email from the online tool. Everyone is welcome to try it out.
Branded as the Virtual Faucet Creator™, the tool lets you create a fixture from scratch, starting with the spout, adding matching or complementary handles, and choosing a finish. If you prefer, you can start with an existing faucet style and swap out the elemenets.
When you visit the web page for the Virtual Faucet Creator, you find a table divided into three columns: “Spouts,” “Handles,” and “Finishes.” Beneath the headings are columns of corresponding thumbnail images. The fixture components appear in a satin nickel finish for consistency. Navigation arrows appear at the top and bottom of each column. Using the arrows, you can scroll through the offerings. When you place your pointer over a thumbnail image, the name of the componenet appears. Don’t bother to write anything down; the system will provide all the specs when you have made your final choices.
To see a close-up of a handle or spout, just click on the thumbnail. A large image will appear to the left of the columns. Click on a different thumbnail, and that component will replace the image on the left. Most people start by selecting a spout, since that is the most prominent component. Just click on a thumbnail of handles, and they will appear perfectly aligned with the spout. Changing the finish is as easy as clicking the mouse as well. Just choose a finish from the column on the right, and the close-up picture of the fixture magically changes color. You can change finishes or components as many times as you like. The names of the components you have chosen will appear above the close-up image of the fixture. This is not all for show: The company is set up to deliver whatever combination you create. You fantasy faucet will be shipped just as you created it.
Selling the custom faucet to the client is as easy as creating it. The Virtual Faucet Creator will generate a full-color spec sheeet for your custom faucet that you can customize for the client. You can print the spec sheet from the website or email it to the client as a .pdf file. Just click “Print,” “E-mail,” or “Save” from the toolbar below your custom design. You then are given the option to name your faucet. This is your chance to personalize the design for your client. For example, you can type in “The Simpsons’ kitchen faucet” or “The Simpsons’ bath faucet.”
To email the spec sheet, enter your name and your client’s email address. The website does the rest. The email starts with a subject line that reads: “You’ve been sent a Custom Faucet Creation.” The body of the email says, “Greetings, [Your Name] has sent you the attached custom faucet which was created with California Faucets’ Virtual Faucet Creator™.” The email provides a link to California Faucets’ website and a description of the virtual creator. The message ends: “Unlike other faucet makers, we meticulously build every high quality solid brass faucet by hand when ordered.” Very professional.
The email includes the spec sheet in .pdf format as an attachment. In case the client does not have Adobe Reader software, the email includes a button to download it. When the client opens the file, he or she will see a large, full-color image of the custom faucet. Above the picture, a title reads, “The SIMPSONS’ KITCHEN FAUCET.” The California Faucets’ name for the spout, handles, and finish appear beneath the image. A message at the bottom reads, “This faucet was created using California Faucets’ Virtual Faucet Creator™.
You also are asked to name the faucet when you choose the “print” icon. When you submit the form, the website generates a personalized .pdf form that you can print or save to your own computer and attach in an email. You can even save the image on your laptop for in-person presentation.
You also have the option to save your creation on the company’s server. Simply create an account, name the faucet, and enter your email. You can visit the website later and browse through your previous designs. To do so, you simply click the “folder” icon on the Virtual Faucet Creator page.
Companies that produce windows, window treatments, and paint have been using product simulators for years. The Virtual Faucet Creator is unique, though, in its speed, its ease of use, and most importantly in its marketing support. Creating and selling the perfect faucet has never been easier.
Renewable Energy Videos
In a tv ad for a leading faucet manufacturer, a couple invites an architect to design a home around a beautiful, high-end faucet. The deadpan sincerity of the actors creates a humorous situation while the camera shows the beauty of the fixture. It is a great spot, but there is a subtext to the commercial: The variety of fixtures is so small that it seems simpler to build a home around a faucet than the other way around.
That is changing, thanks to an online tool offered by California Faucets. This simple, one-page simulator allows a designer to create a custom faucet in moments, then print out or email the result to the client. Surprisingly, you not have to register online to use or even email from the email from the online tool. Everyone is welcome to try it out.
Branded as the Virtual Faucet Creator™, the tool lets you create a fixture from scratch, starting with the spout, adding matching or complementary handles, and choosing a finish. If you prefer, you can start with an existing faucet style and swap out the elemenets.
When you visit the web page for the Virtual Faucet Creator, you find a table divided into three columns: “Spouts,” “Handles,” and “Finishes.” Beneath the headings are columns of corresponding thumbnail images. The fixture components appear in a satin nickel finish for consistency. Navigation arrows appear at the top and bottom of each column. Using the arrows, you can scroll through the offerings. When you place your pointer over a thumbnail image, the name of the componenet appears. Don’t bother to write anything down; the system will provide all the specs when you have made your final choices.
To see a close-up of a handle or spout, just click on the thumbnail. A large image will appear to the left of the columns. Click on a different thumbnail, and that component will replace the image on the left. Most people start by selecting a spout, since that is the most prominent component. Just click on a thumbnail of handles, and they will appear perfectly aligned with the spout. Changing the finish is as easy as clicking the mouse as well. Just choose a finish from the column on the right, and the close-up picture of the fixture magically changes color. You can change finishes or components as many times as you like. The names of the components you have chosen will appear above the close-up image of the fixture. This is not all for show: The company is set up to deliver whatever combination you create. You fantasy faucet will be shipped just as you created it.
Selling the custom faucet to the client is as easy as creating it. The Virtual Faucet Creator will generate a full-color spec sheeet for your custom faucet that you can customize for the client. You can print the spec sheet from the website or email it to the client as a .pdf file. Just click “Print,” “E-mail,” or “Save” from the toolbar below your custom design. You then are given the option to name your faucet. This is your chance to personalize the design for your client. For example, you can type in “The Simpsons’ kitchen faucet” or “The Simpsons’ bath faucet.”
To email the spec sheet, enter your name and your client’s email address. The website does the rest. The email starts with a subject line that reads: “You’ve been sent a Custom Faucet Creation.” The body of the email says, “Greetings, [Your Name] has sent you the attached custom faucet which was created with California Faucets’ Virtual Faucet Creator™.” The email provides a link to California Faucets’ website and a description of the virtual creator. The message ends: “Unlike other faucet makers, we meticulously build every high quality solid brass faucet by hand when ordered.” Very professional.
The email includes the spec sheet in .pdf format as an attachment. In case the client does not have Adobe Reader software, the email includes a button to download it. When the client opens the file, he or she will see a large, full-color image of the custom faucet. Above the picture, a title reads, “The SIMPSONS’ KITCHEN FAUCET.” The California Faucets’ name for the spout, handles, and finish appear beneath the image. A message at the bottom reads, “This faucet was created using California Faucets’ Virtual Faucet Creator™.
You also are asked to name the faucet when you choose the “print” icon. When you submit the form, the website generates a personalized .pdf form that you can print or save to your own computer and attach in an email. You can even save the image on your laptop for in-person presentation.
You also have the option to save your creation on the company’s server. Simply create an account, name the faucet, and enter your email. You can visit the website later and browse through your previous designs. To do so, you simply click the “folder” icon on the Virtual Faucet Creator page.
Companies that produce windows, window treatments, and paint have been using product simulators for years. The Virtual Faucet Creator is unique, though, in its speed, its ease of use, and most importantly in its marketing support. Creating and selling the perfect faucet has never been easier.
Renewable Energy Videos
Remodeling Outdoors in Utah Can Be Fun
October 15, 2007
Tyler James Ellison asked:
Remodeling your house in Utah is great, it gives you a chance to get creative and really make your house unique from any other house. The thing most people don’t realize is remodeling your home does not necessarily mean your house. You can remodel your home by remodeling your yard. This type of remodeling is usually over looked because many would not think of it as actually being remodeling. So what is remodeling? Remodeling is just the action of change. So whenever you change something especially when it’s a drastic change it’s a remodel.
The most common type of this outdoor remodeling is usually in the back yard with the installation of a pool. Introducing a pool into your back yard is a great way to remodel it. Its adding something that wasn’t there before that makes you happy and that you can get use out of. However you don’t have to stop there remodeling by putting in a pool is a start , but what can you add to the idea of a pool that takes the remodel a little further? The answer is a deck.
A deck is a great addition to go with the addition of the pool. However if you have a in-ground pool a deck will probably be of little use to you so you instead my lay tile or Astroturf around the pool in order to keep from tracking grass into it. Another often over looked remodel to the yard are flower beds.
Flower beds can make your house look beautiful from the outside and also offer a pleasing sent. Flower beds are also probably the least expensive remodel that you can add to your home because mulch and seed hardly cost anything at all and flower beds take almost no time to install. Also a great and easy addition to any home is a basketball court. While this is usually not for show it is still considered a remodel because you still changed something.
In many way and in most cases out door remodels are much cheaper that in door remodels. The reasons for this is there is usually less to buy and less work to do and they usually take less time and don’t inconvenience anyone who may be living there while they are being installed. The last but not least out door remodel I want to talk about is paving. Many people now a days are paving their drive ways and basketball courts in order to get away from using gravel because gravel is dirty and causes unneeded filth.
Another benefit to paving your drive way is it looks nice and smooth and not scruffy and rugged. Also by paving your drive way you will notice that your vehicles stay a lot cleaner and require washing a lot less. Plus a new addition to paving is being able to have a heated driveway installed so that snow and ice can’t build up on it in the winter. These are just simple ways to remodel your outside that you probably would have never considered to be remodels, and that are fun, easy to do, and relatively inexpensive.
Contractor Listings in LA
Remodeling your house in Utah is great, it gives you a chance to get creative and really make your house unique from any other house. The thing most people don’t realize is remodeling your home does not necessarily mean your house. You can remodel your home by remodeling your yard. This type of remodeling is usually over looked because many would not think of it as actually being remodeling. So what is remodeling? Remodeling is just the action of change. So whenever you change something especially when it’s a drastic change it’s a remodel.
The most common type of this outdoor remodeling is usually in the back yard with the installation of a pool. Introducing a pool into your back yard is a great way to remodel it. Its adding something that wasn’t there before that makes you happy and that you can get use out of. However you don’t have to stop there remodeling by putting in a pool is a start , but what can you add to the idea of a pool that takes the remodel a little further? The answer is a deck.
A deck is a great addition to go with the addition of the pool. However if you have a in-ground pool a deck will probably be of little use to you so you instead my lay tile or Astroturf around the pool in order to keep from tracking grass into it. Another often over looked remodel to the yard are flower beds.
Flower beds can make your house look beautiful from the outside and also offer a pleasing sent. Flower beds are also probably the least expensive remodel that you can add to your home because mulch and seed hardly cost anything at all and flower beds take almost no time to install. Also a great and easy addition to any home is a basketball court. While this is usually not for show it is still considered a remodel because you still changed something.
In many way and in most cases out door remodels are much cheaper that in door remodels. The reasons for this is there is usually less to buy and less work to do and they usually take less time and don’t inconvenience anyone who may be living there while they are being installed. The last but not least out door remodel I want to talk about is paving. Many people now a days are paving their drive ways and basketball courts in order to get away from using gravel because gravel is dirty and causes unneeded filth.
Another benefit to paving your drive way is it looks nice and smooth and not scruffy and rugged. Also by paving your drive way you will notice that your vehicles stay a lot cleaner and require washing a lot less. Plus a new addition to paving is being able to have a heated driveway installed so that snow and ice can’t build up on it in the winter. These are just simple ways to remodel your outside that you probably would have never considered to be remodels, and that are fun, easy to do, and relatively inexpensive.
Contractor Listings in LA
Ideas For Your Home Plumbing
October 13, 2007
Liz Wood asked:
Plumbing projects can get messy from time to time. Whether you are upgrading an appliance or fixture, installing new plumbing, or repairing old plumbing, it is important that you research what your options are and prepare for a plumber. If you are in need of a repair there are tricks to solving the problem without having to call in a plumber. And if you do have to call in a plumber it is important that you carefully select one.
Plumbing consists of the pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water or gas in your house. Some of the most common and not so common types of plumbing appliances and fixtures include lavatory sinks, pedestal sinks, utility sinks, a shower/bath, a toilet, a whirlpool, a steam shower, a tankless water heater, solar water heaters and a septic tank. In addition to these fixtures and appliances, you may want to consider the following ideas for your next plumbing project:
Freeze protection for your pipes.
Insulated pipes.
Insulated water heater.
A circulating hot water pump.
Often times a plumbing problem arises in your home, such as a drain problem, a leaky faucet, or a faulty fixture that needs replacement. Many homeowners instinctually call a plumber before taking the time to think about the ways in which the problem could be solved without spending so much money. For example, if you have been wasting money on an annual drain-clearing procedure then you may want to stop for a second and think about what the cause of the problem is. Simple cost effective solutions can be used on almost all plumbing issues. Make sure to review the problem, search for the cause and try attacking the source on your own before calling in an expensive plumber.
In addition, you may be able to save yourself some pennies by purchasing your own plumbing fixtures. Often times you end up paying more for a fixture if you purchase one from your plumber. This is mainly because plumbers sell you toilets, sinks, and faucets that they get at a discount and charge you full price for. The rack up in price is meant to cover the costs of dealing with purchases, returns, and storage. Fortunately, home center stores are now charging you prices that are even lower than the contractor prices that plumbers pay their suppliers. It never hurts to shop around at your home center first because you might just catch yourself a deal.
If and when you do decide to hire a plumber, be careful doing so. Hiring a plumber is very similar to purchasing a car. In both situations, it isn’t wise to go to the yellow pages and choose a dealership/plumber at random. You never know what you are going to get that way. It is best to shop around and get at least three price quotes. The best advice to offer when it comes to hiring a plumber is to do your research and find a qualified plumber who can suit your needs the best.
Contractor Listings in LA
Plumbing projects can get messy from time to time. Whether you are upgrading an appliance or fixture, installing new plumbing, or repairing old plumbing, it is important that you research what your options are and prepare for a plumber. If you are in need of a repair there are tricks to solving the problem without having to call in a plumber. And if you do have to call in a plumber it is important that you carefully select one.
Plumbing consists of the pipes and fixtures for the distribution of water or gas in your house. Some of the most common and not so common types of plumbing appliances and fixtures include lavatory sinks, pedestal sinks, utility sinks, a shower/bath, a toilet, a whirlpool, a steam shower, a tankless water heater, solar water heaters and a septic tank. In addition to these fixtures and appliances, you may want to consider the following ideas for your next plumbing project:
Freeze protection for your pipes.
Insulated pipes.
Insulated water heater.
A circulating hot water pump.
Often times a plumbing problem arises in your home, such as a drain problem, a leaky faucet, or a faulty fixture that needs replacement. Many homeowners instinctually call a plumber before taking the time to think about the ways in which the problem could be solved without spending so much money. For example, if you have been wasting money on an annual drain-clearing procedure then you may want to stop for a second and think about what the cause of the problem is. Simple cost effective solutions can be used on almost all plumbing issues. Make sure to review the problem, search for the cause and try attacking the source on your own before calling in an expensive plumber.
In addition, you may be able to save yourself some pennies by purchasing your own plumbing fixtures. Often times you end up paying more for a fixture if you purchase one from your plumber. This is mainly because plumbers sell you toilets, sinks, and faucets that they get at a discount and charge you full price for. The rack up in price is meant to cover the costs of dealing with purchases, returns, and storage. Fortunately, home center stores are now charging you prices that are even lower than the contractor prices that plumbers pay their suppliers. It never hurts to shop around at your home center first because you might just catch yourself a deal.
If and when you do decide to hire a plumber, be careful doing so. Hiring a plumber is very similar to purchasing a car. In both situations, it isn’t wise to go to the yellow pages and choose a dealership/plumber at random. You never know what you are going to get that way. It is best to shop around and get at least three price quotes. The best advice to offer when it comes to hiring a plumber is to do your research and find a qualified plumber who can suit your needs the best.
Contractor Listings in LA
3 Quick Fixes That Go a Long Way
October 12, 2007
Stacey Allen asked:
The most important things to renovate and where you can improve the capital value of a property most are kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping and gardens. Although, if you don’t have the time or money for renovations to you home, there are alternatives that will give you instant gratification. Here are three things that you can do that will give your pad some instant appeal without breaking the bank. These suggestions are even easy enough to do yourself!
1.Give it a punch of color!
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. One of the simplest and most effective makeovers is a new paint job. It’s not expensive and can readily be changed again if you’re not crazy about what you chose. In Fact, sites like SherwinWilliams.com let you visualize their paint colors in their virtual room. They also sell sample jars of paint, which is just enough to slap on the walls to see if you warm up to it or to see if it matches with your décor. This is a great idea for giving you a preview of what your room will look like. If you are one to change wall color as fast as fashion fads go in and out, research color forecasting to see what palettes will be in next season. Another thing that you repaint is the stain on doors and furniture; this will give them a revitalizing look to go along with the new wall color.
2. Updating Hardware
Now that you’ve got some new paint on the wall, how about updating the knobs on your favorite furniture piece, door handle, or cabinetry pulls?
From kitchen hardware to general cabinet handles, you can find all shapes and sizes. Nearly every room in a home has cabinets. The kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, office and even the bedroom can be dressed and refreshed with some new updated hardware. When selecting hardware pick ones that compliment the look of the object and that are going to stand out and make a statement. Your selections will give a lot of look, are easy to install, and will last a lifetime.
3. New Plumbing Fixtures
When is time to start thinking about new fixtures for the bathroom or kitchen? Leaking, worn or rusting fixtures are visible signs that you may need to kick them to the curb. Fixtures include, but not limited to: shower heads, toilets, kitchen and bath faucets and water heaters. Also, if your thinking about becoming more eco-friendly, this could be a good time to update them with some ones that are more water efficient. After selecting the appropriate fixtures, it is a good idea to have a plumber handy if you don’t know what your doing. In addition, if you end up hiring a plumber it is a good idea to have a periodic inspection of pipes, leaky fixtures, clogged drains, or septic tanks.
Renewable Energy Videos
The most important things to renovate and where you can improve the capital value of a property most are kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping and gardens. Although, if you don’t have the time or money for renovations to you home, there are alternatives that will give you instant gratification. Here are three things that you can do that will give your pad some instant appeal without breaking the bank. These suggestions are even easy enough to do yourself!
1.Give it a punch of color!
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. One of the simplest and most effective makeovers is a new paint job. It’s not expensive and can readily be changed again if you’re not crazy about what you chose. In Fact, sites like SherwinWilliams.com let you visualize their paint colors in their virtual room. They also sell sample jars of paint, which is just enough to slap on the walls to see if you warm up to it or to see if it matches with your décor. This is a great idea for giving you a preview of what your room will look like. If you are one to change wall color as fast as fashion fads go in and out, research color forecasting to see what palettes will be in next season. Another thing that you repaint is the stain on doors and furniture; this will give them a revitalizing look to go along with the new wall color.
2. Updating Hardware
Now that you’ve got some new paint on the wall, how about updating the knobs on your favorite furniture piece, door handle, or cabinetry pulls?
From kitchen hardware to general cabinet handles, you can find all shapes and sizes. Nearly every room in a home has cabinets. The kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, office and even the bedroom can be dressed and refreshed with some new updated hardware. When selecting hardware pick ones that compliment the look of the object and that are going to stand out and make a statement. Your selections will give a lot of look, are easy to install, and will last a lifetime.
3. New Plumbing Fixtures
When is time to start thinking about new fixtures for the bathroom or kitchen? Leaking, worn or rusting fixtures are visible signs that you may need to kick them to the curb. Fixtures include, but not limited to: shower heads, toilets, kitchen and bath faucets and water heaters. Also, if your thinking about becoming more eco-friendly, this could be a good time to update them with some ones that are more water efficient. After selecting the appropriate fixtures, it is a good idea to have a plumber handy if you don’t know what your doing. In addition, if you end up hiring a plumber it is a good idea to have a periodic inspection of pipes, leaky fixtures, clogged drains, or septic tanks.
Renewable Energy Videos
Need of Perfect Planning for Home Construction
October 10, 2007
Omar Mahmood asked:
Home is a place where our heart resides. Men after entering into job, his first wish remains of building a house for him. That house in which he can spends his entire life with his family. Place where he can give protection to his family. After long day shift home is the place where he can get comfort and relaxation. For that home planning is must. Proper home planning is essential to get perfect happiness. Before making home it is important to analysis the need or type of home is needed. Otherwise later making home without any plan can add to many disadvantage. For planning a house for oneself one requires:
General House Plans Selection Tips
First, specify that whether one needs for single family homes or garage plans, duplex or needed one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom, etc. Or how many bathrooms are required. The maximum and minimum width and depth is another criterion. Then it is important to check on what size of home will fit to allotted land.
Budgeting for House
Budget is another very important factor. Budget determines the size of the house to be built. In most areas, there is a cost per square foot to build, which can be used as a guideline. It is a good idea to check with a few home builders or contractors about the fees. But it is better to build by own, which will save money. Always determine the cost of the house to build. Then accordingly start home construction work.
Choosing the Right Foundation
Foundation type is another thing to consider. A basement adds a lot of extra space in home. Basement is a good idea if it is opted in the area where to live in. Some house plans have basements predawn; others can have them drawn as an option. For that, slab foundation, crawlspace foundation or build the house on pilings (beach & vacation house plans). Slab foundation and crawlspace foundation are the 2 most popular types of foundations used. Slab foundation is a poured concrete slab or monolithic slabs. A crawlspace foundation is when the house is built up off of the ground usually with concrete blocks. Homes that are built oceanfront or near water where flooding, hurricanes, storms may be an issue are done on pilings.
[Continued . . .]
Renewable Energy Videos
Home is a place where our heart resides. Men after entering into job, his first wish remains of building a house for him. That house in which he can spends his entire life with his family. Place where he can give protection to his family. After long day shift home is the place where he can get comfort and relaxation. For that home planning is must. Proper home planning is essential to get perfect happiness. Before making home it is important to analysis the need or type of home is needed. Otherwise later making home without any plan can add to many disadvantage. For planning a house for oneself one requires:
General House Plans Selection Tips
First, specify that whether one needs for single family homes or garage plans, duplex or needed one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom, etc. Or how many bathrooms are required. The maximum and minimum width and depth is another criterion. Then it is important to check on what size of home will fit to allotted land.
Budgeting for House
Budget is another very important factor. Budget determines the size of the house to be built. In most areas, there is a cost per square foot to build, which can be used as a guideline. It is a good idea to check with a few home builders or contractors about the fees. But it is better to build by own, which will save money. Always determine the cost of the house to build. Then accordingly start home construction work.
Choosing the Right Foundation
Foundation type is another thing to consider. A basement adds a lot of extra space in home. Basement is a good idea if it is opted in the area where to live in. Some house plans have basements predawn; others can have them drawn as an option. For that, slab foundation, crawlspace foundation or build the house on pilings (beach & vacation house plans). Slab foundation and crawlspace foundation are the 2 most popular types of foundations used. Slab foundation is a poured concrete slab or monolithic slabs. A crawlspace foundation is when the house is built up off of the ground usually with concrete blocks. Homes that are built oceanfront or near water where flooding, hurricanes, storms may be an issue are done on pilings.
[Continued . . .]
Renewable Energy Videos
Modular Homes Answer Affordable Housing Needs
October 10, 2007
Rebekah Wortman asked:
The recent nationwide housing slump, which has left many homebuyers to experience the downside of Adjustable Rate Mortgages and feel the crush of rising mortgage payments, is also affecting the home construction industry, putting many builders and industry sub-contractors in very tight financial straits.
This trend is not true in the modular homes industry, however. The demand for new homes is still high, and homebuyers are increasingly seeking alternatives to rising new home prices and interest rates. One growing alternative is modular homes. Modular home building is on the rise and is becoming more popular with homebuilders and homeowners each day.
Why? Public perception towards the industry has changed as more people have come to understand the structural, construction and cost benefits of modular housing. Modular homebuilders are providing solutions to the need for affordable housing, by using advanced engineering and building systems to provide quality, attractive home designs at affordable cost and at a fraction of construction time.
Modular homes are constructed in pieces in controlled factory environments. Factory production means fewer accidents and mistakes and a more predictable product and time frame. The pieces are then shipped to the site where they are assembled. Because the pieces need to be shipped, they are built much stronger than traditional site built homes, using ten to fifteen percent more construction materials than are normally used. Modular homes also offer a much higher quality control standard, with so many third-party inspectors, engineers and architects involved.
Since modular home builders provide 80 to 85 percent of the home, the buyer avoids the risk of giving money to a builder and not having the home built to their specifications, or of having their price inflated by numerous change orders. Additionally, unlike modular homes, site-built homes are exposed to unfavorable weather conditions during the construction process, making the home vulnerable to water or weather damage, and increasing the costs of the project by adding additional materials and replacement components.
All of these savings are passed on to the homebuyer. And, because the construction time is greatly shortened as compared to the time frame needed for a traditional site built home, homebuyers reap the benefits of lower interest rates and fewer payments on construction loans. Although they were wary at first, mortgage lenders are seeing the rapid growth in the sale of modular homes and are thus adjusting their practices to accommodate this growing market of homebuyers.
Modular homes are not only on the rise in the United States. Homebuilders around the globe are seeing modular homes as an answer to both the growing need for affordable housing and the increasing industry demand for green building and energy efficient construction. For example, modular homes are currently being used to ease the affordable housing crisis in the Highlands of Scotland. The planned £20million construction project will provide dozens of pre-built houses, and will see modular houses built in eight Highland areas over the next three years.
Because of the focus on energy efficiency, architectural and design communities worldwide are coming together to create innovative designs for homes of all shapes, sizes and tastes. Custom modular homebuilders, such as Grant Smereczynsky, CEO of Building Systems Network, a custom modular homebuilder based in Atlanta, GA, are encouraging consumers who are not yet familiar with the options available in modular homes to educate themselves about the benefits of these advancements in engineering, architectural design and systems-based construction.
“Don’t let these innovative designs and new home building technologies pass you by,” Smereczynsky says. “Take advantage of benefits and opportunities available to home buyers of affordable luxury and custom dream homes, as well as energy efficiency and increased durability and safety that modular homes and modular home builders provide.”
For more information on modular homes, visit http://www.buildingsystemsnetwork.com/.
Renewable Energy Videos
The recent nationwide housing slump, which has left many homebuyers to experience the downside of Adjustable Rate Mortgages and feel the crush of rising mortgage payments, is also affecting the home construction industry, putting many builders and industry sub-contractors in very tight financial straits.
This trend is not true in the modular homes industry, however. The demand for new homes is still high, and homebuyers are increasingly seeking alternatives to rising new home prices and interest rates. One growing alternative is modular homes. Modular home building is on the rise and is becoming more popular with homebuilders and homeowners each day.
Why? Public perception towards the industry has changed as more people have come to understand the structural, construction and cost benefits of modular housing. Modular homebuilders are providing solutions to the need for affordable housing, by using advanced engineering and building systems to provide quality, attractive home designs at affordable cost and at a fraction of construction time.
Modular homes are constructed in pieces in controlled factory environments. Factory production means fewer accidents and mistakes and a more predictable product and time frame. The pieces are then shipped to the site where they are assembled. Because the pieces need to be shipped, they are built much stronger than traditional site built homes, using ten to fifteen percent more construction materials than are normally used. Modular homes also offer a much higher quality control standard, with so many third-party inspectors, engineers and architects involved.
Since modular home builders provide 80 to 85 percent of the home, the buyer avoids the risk of giving money to a builder and not having the home built to their specifications, or of having their price inflated by numerous change orders. Additionally, unlike modular homes, site-built homes are exposed to unfavorable weather conditions during the construction process, making the home vulnerable to water or weather damage, and increasing the costs of the project by adding additional materials and replacement components.
All of these savings are passed on to the homebuyer. And, because the construction time is greatly shortened as compared to the time frame needed for a traditional site built home, homebuyers reap the benefits of lower interest rates and fewer payments on construction loans. Although they were wary at first, mortgage lenders are seeing the rapid growth in the sale of modular homes and are thus adjusting their practices to accommodate this growing market of homebuyers.
Modular homes are not only on the rise in the United States. Homebuilders around the globe are seeing modular homes as an answer to both the growing need for affordable housing and the increasing industry demand for green building and energy efficient construction. For example, modular homes are currently being used to ease the affordable housing crisis in the Highlands of Scotland. The planned £20million construction project will provide dozens of pre-built houses, and will see modular houses built in eight Highland areas over the next three years.
Because of the focus on energy efficiency, architectural and design communities worldwide are coming together to create innovative designs for homes of all shapes, sizes and tastes. Custom modular homebuilders, such as Grant Smereczynsky, CEO of Building Systems Network, a custom modular homebuilder based in Atlanta, GA, are encouraging consumers who are not yet familiar with the options available in modular homes to educate themselves about the benefits of these advancements in engineering, architectural design and systems-based construction.
“Don’t let these innovative designs and new home building technologies pass you by,” Smereczynsky says. “Take advantage of benefits and opportunities available to home buyers of affordable luxury and custom dream homes, as well as energy efficiency and increased durability and safety that modular homes and modular home builders provide.”
For more information on modular homes, visit http://www.buildingsystemsnetwork.com/.
Renewable Energy Videos
Home Construction
October 7, 2007
Deepak Khanna asked:
There is always a need for the maintenance of our homes but often we are not gifted with the things that are required to follow to ensure a proper maintenance. It’s always a good idea to handover the job to specialists who can effectively make our thoughts into reality. How many times we have encountered the situation where we need to add an extra room or to convert the unused garages to one of the rooms of our utility? We never seem to derive to the conclusion how this can be achieved. The most difficult of them all is perhaps building a new home where we tend to confuse ourselves with ideas from others professional expertise is mandatory or to be precise comes to the rescue in all the above mentioned cases.
There are so many advantages that we get from the professionals who are into these home development projects. They can derive ways which can help us to get the maximum out of the limited resources and the end result is true value for our hard earned money. After all that’s what we all want. Personally many people are hardly aware of the quality materials that are required for the modifications this is best done by the professionals. Again our thoughts are limited to certain extent compared to the professionals so we can never come out with a plan of designing the home in a way which makes the neighbours compulsive to admire it.
Imagine that attic which was hardly of any use being converted to multiple rooms with all the facilities a room needs, they have the Skills to do the same. Occasions are always an indispensable event in the lives of social people. So be it a social occasion or a personal one like marriages we need to give that special look to our homes and also look to have it done reasonably. Then there can be some of the intermittent works like bathroom or kitchen renovation, repainting the rooms etc. all these tasks can be made easy with able professional support.
Renewable Energy Videos
There is always a need for the maintenance of our homes but often we are not gifted with the things that are required to follow to ensure a proper maintenance. It’s always a good idea to handover the job to specialists who can effectively make our thoughts into reality. How many times we have encountered the situation where we need to add an extra room or to convert the unused garages to one of the rooms of our utility? We never seem to derive to the conclusion how this can be achieved. The most difficult of them all is perhaps building a new home where we tend to confuse ourselves with ideas from others professional expertise is mandatory or to be precise comes to the rescue in all the above mentioned cases.
There are so many advantages that we get from the professionals who are into these home development projects. They can derive ways which can help us to get the maximum out of the limited resources and the end result is true value for our hard earned money. After all that’s what we all want. Personally many people are hardly aware of the quality materials that are required for the modifications this is best done by the professionals. Again our thoughts are limited to certain extent compared to the professionals so we can never come out with a plan of designing the home in a way which makes the neighbours compulsive to admire it.
Imagine that attic which was hardly of any use being converted to multiple rooms with all the facilities a room needs, they have the Skills to do the same. Occasions are always an indispensable event in the lives of social people. So be it a social occasion or a personal one like marriages we need to give that special look to our homes and also look to have it done reasonably. Then there can be some of the intermittent works like bathroom or kitchen renovation, repainting the rooms etc. all these tasks can be made easy with able professional support.
Renewable Energy Videos
Ten Frequently Asked Remodel or Move Questions
October 2, 2007
Dan Fritschen asked:
Following are ten common questions that homeowners have about the remodel or move decision.
1. How much will it cost to remodel?
There are several ways to get remodel project estimates:
Cost per square foot
This is the most common way to do a quick estimate. It simply assigns a cost per square foot of area that will be remodeled. To calculate your own estimate, determine the square footage of the area that will be built new or that will be substantially changed and multiply that by a cost of $100 to $700 per square foot. You can quickly see that this estimate has little value since the range of potential costs is so great.
Estimate from a contractor or an architect
With a general idea of what work that you want to do, you should be able to get an estimate of the cost from a contractor or an architect.
The Remodel or Move Calculator
Use the Remodel or Move Calculator that uses both the square foot estimation technique as well as the techniques of a contractor to provide an estimate of the cost to remodel.
2. What should I do if the contractor’s quote is more than I can afford?
Get more than one quote. All contractors have their own way of quoting and their own cost structures, so quotes will vary.
Confirm with the contractor that he or she understands the scope of the project.
If the other quotes that you get are in the same range and you still feel that it is more than you want to or can spend, you can try the following:
– Reconsider the level of quality of materials that you requested.
– Consider reducing the scope of the project.
– Consider managing the project yourself.
3. Should I stay in the house during the remodel or move out?
Start by asking the contractor what he or she recommends. There may be stages of the project where you need to be out of the house. If the contractor says that you can stay, you want to consider whether you will have the use of the critical areas of the home during the remodel project: bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen.
4. How long will the remodel take?
Your contractor will give you an estimate of the time required to complete the work. But remember that the unexpected does occur during remodeling projects, and there may be a project that the contractor has to finish before he works on yours.
5. Can you trust contractors and their employees?
Contractors and their employees are regular people, no better and no worse. Most want to do a good job and will treat your property with respect. To minimize the chance for problems, set up an environment where opportunities for accidents are limited.
6. Where can I find a contractor?
Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors and co-workers
Ask other people who have done work for you in the past, your plumber, gardener, etc.
Local and free newspapers often have advertisements for local contractors
Online referral services such as www.servicemagic.com and www.improvenet.com
Telephone book
Lumber yards and hardware stores. Especially the lumber yards that cater to contractors.
7. Isn’t remodeling risky?
Remodeling is no more or less risky than other major decisions that will cost you lots of money. If you plan well, pick a good contractor and have reasonable expectations, the project will turn out great with very few problems.
8. How long will it take to sell my house?
This all depends on the number of buyers for houses in your neighborhood at the price you’re asking at the time you are selling your house. Talk with your real estate agent to get his or her estimate of the time it will be on the market. Also watch other houses in your neighborhood that are priced at the same level and are being sold at the same time of the year. If you priced your home competitively and it is in good condition, then it shouldn’t take longer to sell than is typical for your neighborhood.
9. How do I pick a real estate agent?
Make sure that the agents have recent, successful experience selling houses in your neighborhood, check their references and then decide on who you think will represent you the best and do a good job. It is always good if you like your real estate agent, but it is less important than how well he or she will protect your interests by selling your home for the highest price and ensuring that the selling process goes smoothly. So focus more on an agent’s track record of success than on whether he or she is pleasant to visit with.
10. Which offer should I accept for my house?
This is a difficult decision because of the short time you have to make it and the different advice you will get. You need to consider the price offered, the number and type of contingencies, the ability of the buyer to get the financing and the chances of getting a better offer. Your real estate agent will play an important part in reviewing these offers, so take advantage of his or her expertise. Also keep in mind that your real estate agent gets paid when you sell the house.
© Copyright 2005 – 2007 ABCD Publishing, Inc
Renewable Energy Videos
Following are ten common questions that homeowners have about the remodel or move decision.
1. How much will it cost to remodel?
There are several ways to get remodel project estimates:
Cost per square foot
This is the most common way to do a quick estimate. It simply assigns a cost per square foot of area that will be remodeled. To calculate your own estimate, determine the square footage of the area that will be built new or that will be substantially changed and multiply that by a cost of $100 to $700 per square foot. You can quickly see that this estimate has little value since the range of potential costs is so great.
Estimate from a contractor or an architect
With a general idea of what work that you want to do, you should be able to get an estimate of the cost from a contractor or an architect.
The Remodel or Move Calculator
Use the Remodel or Move Calculator that uses both the square foot estimation technique as well as the techniques of a contractor to provide an estimate of the cost to remodel.
2. What should I do if the contractor’s quote is more than I can afford?
Get more than one quote. All contractors have their own way of quoting and their own cost structures, so quotes will vary.
Confirm with the contractor that he or she understands the scope of the project.
If the other quotes that you get are in the same range and you still feel that it is more than you want to or can spend, you can try the following:
– Reconsider the level of quality of materials that you requested.
– Consider reducing the scope of the project.
– Consider managing the project yourself.
3. Should I stay in the house during the remodel or move out?
Start by asking the contractor what he or she recommends. There may be stages of the project where you need to be out of the house. If the contractor says that you can stay, you want to consider whether you will have the use of the critical areas of the home during the remodel project: bedrooms, a bathroom and a kitchen.
4. How long will the remodel take?
Your contractor will give you an estimate of the time required to complete the work. But remember that the unexpected does occur during remodeling projects, and there may be a project that the contractor has to finish before he works on yours.
5. Can you trust contractors and their employees?
Contractors and their employees are regular people, no better and no worse. Most want to do a good job and will treat your property with respect. To minimize the chance for problems, set up an environment where opportunities for accidents are limited.
6. Where can I find a contractor?
Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors and co-workers
Ask other people who have done work for you in the past, your plumber, gardener, etc.
Local and free newspapers often have advertisements for local contractors
Online referral services such as www.servicemagic.com and www.improvenet.com
Telephone book
Lumber yards and hardware stores. Especially the lumber yards that cater to contractors.
7. Isn’t remodeling risky?
Remodeling is no more or less risky than other major decisions that will cost you lots of money. If you plan well, pick a good contractor and have reasonable expectations, the project will turn out great with very few problems.
8. How long will it take to sell my house?
This all depends on the number of buyers for houses in your neighborhood at the price you’re asking at the time you are selling your house. Talk with your real estate agent to get his or her estimate of the time it will be on the market. Also watch other houses in your neighborhood that are priced at the same level and are being sold at the same time of the year. If you priced your home competitively and it is in good condition, then it shouldn’t take longer to sell than is typical for your neighborhood.
9. How do I pick a real estate agent?
Make sure that the agents have recent, successful experience selling houses in your neighborhood, check their references and then decide on who you think will represent you the best and do a good job. It is always good if you like your real estate agent, but it is less important than how well he or she will protect your interests by selling your home for the highest price and ensuring that the selling process goes smoothly. So focus more on an agent’s track record of success than on whether he or she is pleasant to visit with.
10. Which offer should I accept for my house?
This is a difficult decision because of the short time you have to make it and the different advice you will get. You need to consider the price offered, the number and type of contingencies, the ability of the buyer to get the financing and the chances of getting a better offer. Your real estate agent will play an important part in reviewing these offers, so take advantage of his or her expertise. Also keep in mind that your real estate agent gets paid when you sell the house.
© Copyright 2005 – 2007 ABCD Publishing, Inc
Renewable Energy Videos
Kitchen Remodeling Kitchen Dollar Savings on Kitchen Remodel Projects - Finding Kitchen Remodeling Dollar Savings When Remodeling Kitchens
October 1, 2007
Build WriteWell asked:
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Dollar Savings on Kitchen Remodels
Kitchen dollar savings is something desired by most desiring to remodel a kitchen. How can you attain this dollar savings for your kitchen remodel? Here are a few tips.
Huge savings can be made on kitchen remodeling costs by dealing with suppliers. It is possible to buy kitchen appliances second hand, partly used, or with a scratch and dent. Can this actually save you a small fortune? Will there be a guarantee left on it? Know the supplier you are dealing with and the real value of kitchen appliance.
Many have learned that huge savings can be made on their kitchen remodeling costs by dealing with suppliers. It is even possible to buy kitchen appliances second hand, partly used, or purchasing scratch and dent kitchen items can actually save you a small fortune.There may even be a guarantee on it!
Where do I look for these deals for my kitchen you ask? Your local newspapers or stores that advertise; the internet, word of mouth, and the phone book. You may be pleasantly surprised at the amount of kitchen equipment you find. Increasingly, suppliers are offering secondhand equipment to keep down kitchen remodeling costs because the environmental as well as the economic advantages of using second hand equipment has many benefits.
You save a little money for your new kitchen this way, and a little more money that way. Each step you take in the planning of a new kitchen can save you dollars and cut cost your overall costs helps. With each step your new kitchen gets a step closer to reality! Now your kitchen remodeling dream can be a reality!
You have carefully considered which jobs you’re able to complete yourself and those where you will need a professional remodeler or builder. When you choose a professional making sure he is willing to work with you and will let you do the painting, staining, electrical, plumbing or anything else you can do yourself if you have the Skills and experience to do this work correctly.
You verified with your kitchen contractor there will no problem using supplies that you have picked up yourself at discount. Some remodel contractors make it a policy to add 5 to 10 % to the work due to problems with home owner’s picking out their own materials so be sure to verify this information with your remodel contractor and ensure you are complete when the materials are purchased.
You checked for any items you could look for to save you money for a new kitchen. You wrote down a list of these items and checked it twice, you found out who is naughty or nice…
(Checking if you are still reading and I thank You if so!). On your list you included trim and moldings, light fixtures, doors, cabinets with hardware, flooring, shelving, countertops, and anything else you plan to place in your new dream kitchen.
Planning is the Key to Success, planning and budgeting makes sense or dollars
and by you doing your planning you have now allowed yourself to include that one item in your kitchen you didn’t think was possible! Wow! And you even have some money in the bank!
Great Job!
Take Your family out for dinner and be proud of a job well done!
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Dollar Savings on Kitchen Remodels
Renewable Energy Videos
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Dollar Savings on Kitchen Remodels
Kitchen dollar savings is something desired by most desiring to remodel a kitchen. How can you attain this dollar savings for your kitchen remodel? Here are a few tips.
Huge savings can be made on kitchen remodeling costs by dealing with suppliers. It is possible to buy kitchen appliances second hand, partly used, or with a scratch and dent. Can this actually save you a small fortune? Will there be a guarantee left on it? Know the supplier you are dealing with and the real value of kitchen appliance.
Many have learned that huge savings can be made on their kitchen remodeling costs by dealing with suppliers. It is even possible to buy kitchen appliances second hand, partly used, or purchasing scratch and dent kitchen items can actually save you a small fortune.There may even be a guarantee on it!
Where do I look for these deals for my kitchen you ask? Your local newspapers or stores that advertise; the internet, word of mouth, and the phone book. You may be pleasantly surprised at the amount of kitchen equipment you find. Increasingly, suppliers are offering secondhand equipment to keep down kitchen remodeling costs because the environmental as well as the economic advantages of using second hand equipment has many benefits.
You save a little money for your new kitchen this way, and a little more money that way. Each step you take in the planning of a new kitchen can save you dollars and cut cost your overall costs helps. With each step your new kitchen gets a step closer to reality! Now your kitchen remodeling dream can be a reality!
You have carefully considered which jobs you’re able to complete yourself and those where you will need a professional remodeler or builder. When you choose a professional making sure he is willing to work with you and will let you do the painting, staining, electrical, plumbing or anything else you can do yourself if you have the Skills and experience to do this work correctly.
You verified with your kitchen contractor there will no problem using supplies that you have picked up yourself at discount. Some remodel contractors make it a policy to add 5 to 10 % to the work due to problems with home owner’s picking out their own materials so be sure to verify this information with your remodel contractor and ensure you are complete when the materials are purchased.
You checked for any items you could look for to save you money for a new kitchen. You wrote down a list of these items and checked it twice, you found out who is naughty or nice…
(Checking if you are still reading and I thank You if so!). On your list you included trim and moldings, light fixtures, doors, cabinets with hardware, flooring, shelving, countertops, and anything else you plan to place in your new dream kitchen.Planning is the Key to Success, planning and budgeting makes sense or dollars
and by you doing your planning you have now allowed yourself to include that one item in your kitchen you didn’t think was possible! Wow! And you even have some money in the bank!Great Job!
Take Your family out for dinner and be proud of a job well done!
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen Dollar Savings on Kitchen Remodels
Renewable Energy Videos
