Eclectic Traditional Home Plan

elevHome planĀ chp-21224 presents an unusual combination of enticing exterior features. Geometric shapes, seen in the windows, dormers and front-facing gable are paired with the gentle arches of the porch and two upstairs windows. Copper-colored metal skirts the steeply- pitched predominately shingled roof. Siding includes board and batten, stucco and brick veneer for a pleasing and eclectic appearance. A box bay window off the garage adds even more character to this delightful floor plan. From the time you step from the covered front porch to the grilling porch in the back, you’ll fall in love with this traditional home with lots of room, privacy and storage for everybody in your family, even guests!

A dramatic vaulted foyer opens to the formal dining room with 12′ ceiling. Pass through the butler’s pantry box to the kitchen with island, counter bar and informal breakfast room with bay window and a door to the back grilling porch. The great room includes a media/home theater center and fireplace.fl1

Your master suite is a private retreat in this well-arranged home. Away from the major traffic zones, your suite features a 10-foot boxed ceiling and a master bath with a corner whirlpool tub, separate shower and split vanities. Right outside the door is a staircase leading up to a loft with built-in computer center, good for a home office. A giant bonus room measuring 21’8″ by 25’10’ with sloped ceiling is perfect for play or a home theater.

fl2Labelled the “Teenage Room,” a secluded bedroom upstairs makes the perfect getaway. It’s easy to keep tabs on the up and coming young adult in the family because he or she must pass by the master sweet when returning home from a late night out. After your teenager moves on to college, this space can be used as a second guest room. Two more bedrooms downstairs share a bathroom while the guest room/study has a bath of its own. Laundry is convenient with a room off the hallway that includes a utility sink and a linen closet tucked under the staircase.

In total, home plan chp-21224 has 2975 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 425 square feet of bonus space, a 327 square foot covered porch and a two-car garage. Click here to view the plans.

Make the Most of Weekend Do-It-Yourself Projects

CaptureDo-it-yourself weekend warrior survival guide

(BPT) – It’s the do-it-yourself dream: deciding on the perfect DIY project just as the weekend finally arrives. All the supplies have been purchased and you’re ready to dive right in. However, the enthusiastic start of the project doesn’t always end in completion.

“Knocking out a big home improvement or do-it-yourself project in one weekend can be a rewarding task, but it is also challenging and can be taxing on your knees, feet and back when standing in the same position for several hours,” says Mark Clement, home improvement expert and co-host of the national radio show MyFixitUpLife.

Whether you are woodworking at your workbench or staining a piece of furniture in the garage, Clement offers these tips to make the most of your DIY weekend projects while also feeling comfortable enough to successfully finish them:

Focus on form and technique. When learning a new technique, go slowly, step by step, until you’ve mastered it. Allow your body to become accustomed to the various motions required. Moving efficiently is one of the best ways to avoid injury.

Stay hydrated. Make it a priority to drink at least 125 ounces of cold water each day. Staying hydrated is important when exerting DIY energy, especially in the summer heat. So whether you’re digging up the garden, roofing the shed, or wrenching in a no-AC garage, keep a water bottle or sports drink close by.

Create a comfortable workspace. Be conscious of how long you are standing in the same spot working on your project and how your back feels. To relieve pressure and soreness on feet, knees and back, use a durable mat like the Stanley Utility Mat that is engineered with an optimal balance of cushion and support.

Dress appropriately. Flip-flops and sandals do not offer the balance, protection and support that a sturdy closed-toe shoe or work boot does while tackling home improvement projects. Even if you have the grace of a ballerina in the workshop or yard, it is remarkably easy to drop things on your feet and it only takes a small distraction to create a big problem.

Know your limits. When you only have a weekend to finish a big project, you might be feeling the pressure. Before the project even starts, accept that it may not all go according to plan. Plan for a few different scenarios and remember that you can always ask for help.

Have a first aid kit. Even if you are being extremely cautious, accidents can happen and it’s best to be prepared. Keep a first aid kit with all the essentials (antibiotic ointment, bandages, burn cream, etc.) near you at all times and seek professional medical help if necessary.

For more information about the Stanley Utility Mat, visit stanleyutilitymat.com/ and to tune into MyFixitUpLife visit http://myfixituplife.com/DIY/.

 

Hillside Vacation House Plan

elevHillside Vacation House Plan chp-31659 is presented with beautiful artwork and landscaping to represent the front elevation. Positioned on a sloping lot, the plan offers a cheerful daylight basement which will add square footage to the house if it’s finished. Highlighted in cherry red, the roof is saltbox in style- short on one side and pitched dramatically down the right side of the house, like a hat cocked to the side. Style is open to interpretation, but this design may be classified as contemporary. Architectural elements have been borrowed from many different styles, but the result is a an attractive mixture. Windows mimic the tall and straight composure of the framing. Despite a “buttoned-up” appearance, the house would be clean and inviting on a beach, lake shore or in a mountain forest.altfl1

The family car, or “getaway vehicle,” may be parked under the expansive deck in lieu of a garage. Pile out onto this deck to enjoy meals or soak up the sun (while slathered in sunscreen of course). You have now officially escaped the rat race! We recommend getting a set of comfortable cedar chairs or maybe a hammock for this generous 375 square feet of outdoor living space.

The designer of chp-31659 offers a bonus with 3D images of the floor plans, which give us a bird’s eye view of the interior. Wood flooring and tile was chosen in light colors to echo the exterior of the home. Instead of a traditional bay window for the living room, we see this modern angled window. Double glass doors open up to the deck and allow plenty of light inside. A stacked staircase altfl2separates the room from the dining area, and they lead down to the basement or up to the second floor bedrooms. The main floor bedroom measures 11’2″ x 9’8″ and shares the guest bathroom. A shower in place of a tub saves a little space. The angled entryway to each room and unconventional walls underline a modern layout.

Upstairs is really a 1/2 story, consisting of two bedrooms (each with closet storage), and a full bathroom between them. All in all, the perfect amount of space to allow for comfort and privacy during your time off. Click here to learn more.

Maintenance-Free Trim for the House

What’s the finishing touch on a low maintenance home? The trim

trim(BPT) – These days, free time is an increasingly endangered phenomenon. That’s why today’s homeowners are all in favor of spending less weekend time maintaining their homes. Vinyl siding and windows have long been common home features for just that reason. Today, the latest trend is maintenance-free trim.

Now consumers can enhance the architectural beauty of their homes with superior-quality cellular PVC trimboard from Kleer Lumber, a division of The Tapco Group. Kleer Trimboard provides versatile solutions with wood’s aesthetic appeal without wood’s extensive maintenance. Not only is Kleer Trimboard easily installed everywhere wood trim is traditionally used, it has more applications. It’s impervious to moisture, insect infestation and other threats to wood, giving homeowners the freedom to pursue more creative trim applications and peace of mind to enjoy their enhanced home for decades.

“Kleer Trimboard delivers the authentic, rich appearance of wood coupled with the long-term durability and very low-maintenance homeowners want,” says Jack Delaney, national sales manager of The Tapco Group’s Kleer Lumber division. “With Kleer, people don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to avoid wood’s problems. Kleer’s cellular PVC trimboard outperforms wood in every application, in every climate. Kleer Trimboard is appropriate on virtually every house, whether it’s a coastal mansion or modest neighborhood home.”

Kleer Trimboard works where roofing meets the house, around windows and doors, in contact with the ground and concrete where wood often fails, and anywhere the imagination leads, including soffits and fascia, columns and cornices. With unmatched versatility, Kleer can be machined to create intricate gingerbread and fluted pilasters and other custom applications, including heat-bending for elegant curves. Kleer trim is also a breeze to glue, route and mold using wood trim tools. Boards and other components come in multiple sizes.

Because it’s completely synthetic, Kleer isn’t susceptible to the challenges that plague wood and composite trim, including mold, mildew, swelling and rot from moisture or insect damage. Wood’s form and function inevitably fails over time despite repeated sanding and repainting. Kleer trim is easily maintained with soap and water, keeping it beautiful long-term.

Kleer’s proprietary TruEDGE technology keeps board edges cleaner through installation and beyond. And, if the edges do get dirty, they are much easier to clean than edges without TruEDGE technology. Unlike some PVC trim brands that are textured, Kleer Trimboard has a natural wood grain finish that closely resembles genuine cedar; it’s also available with a smooth finish on both sides. Available in pure white, Kleer Trimboard keeps its fresh bright appearance for decades or can be painted to match other decor. Its Limited Lifetime Warranty, which includes labor for the first two years, offers the industry’s strongest protection.

Kleer’s complete system includes trimboards, sheets, mouldings, adhesives, and concealed fasteners to finish any job. Ideal for home exteriors, Kleer Trimboard is also used for interior wainscot applications in moist spaces, including bath and laundry rooms. Kleer’s Beaded Boards and Sheets enhance and protect these areas, including ceilings.

“We’re continuously innovating and expanding the Kleer Trimboard product line, so customers have the best choices for enhancing the architecture, curb appeal, and value of their homes,” says Delaney. “The decorative possibilities are endless. Kleer Trimboard also perfectly complements Kleer Decking and the Kleer Rail PVC Railing System. No other trimboard offers Kleer’s combination of benefits – it’s the right finishing touch for every home.”

The Tapco Group, a U.S. Green Building Council member, is the building industry’s leading provider of easy-to-install, premium, innovative interior and exterior products. Serving the building industry since 1961, Tapco specializes in the manufacturing of roofing, siding, decking, railing, trim, tool systems, egress systems and siding components. The products combine versatile application, durability, vast color palettes and uncommon authenticity to exceed the expectations of contractors and homeowners.

For more information, visit www.kleerlumber.com or www.TheTapcoGroup.com or call (800) 521-7567.
IMAGE CAPTIONS:
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Caption 1: Photo courtesy of Kleer Lumber of The Tapco Group.

 

Coastal Vacation Cabin Plan

53597Load up that kayak with a weekend’s worth of food and drinks, dip the oars into the gray-blue brackish water, and watch the ripples disperse- just like all that stress from a long week. Look forward to a Saturday and Sunday without distractions like cell phones and tablets. Maybe there’s a special someone sitting opposite you… Coastal house plan chp-53597 is the ultimate romantic getaway. Being completely surrounded by water is a novelty, offering peace, relaxation and solitude. Waves lap at the wood pilings and seagulls call as they fly overhead. It’s high tide, and the only way back home is by boat.

This plan is designed with wood floor framing- inside and out is like being on a dock. For protection against the elements, the exterior walls are 2×6 wood framing with r19 spray foam insulation, and the roof is conventional framing with waterproofing and thatching. The exterior is finished with wood siding and wood moldings. Watercraft can be secured to the plywood deck. Dimensions of the home are 33′ wide by 29′ deep and a total of 477 square feet of living space.53597 bedroom

Enjoy 180 square feet of porch which is attached to the landing. Screen it in and add some comfortable furniture- the outdoor living space is perfect for evening breezes and looking over the water. During the day, you will see schools of fish and porpoises as they pass from the shadow of the house. Depending on the depth of the tide, you may have opportunities to swim, but be mindful of the current!

53597 bathEnter through the double doors into the bedroom which is central to the floor plan. The his and hers closets measure 4′ by 2′, just large enough to store 2 days worth of clothing and accessories. (Of course, if the home is used as bachelor’s fishing cabin, these closets will accommodate plenty of tackle and other supplies!). Across from the closets are built-in shelves which function as nightstands by the headboard of the bed. The ceilings are 9′ and vaulted in the bedroom.

To the left is a luxury bathroom featuring a steam shower and claw-foot tub. A stackable washer and dryer can be placed in the corner niche, so everything you are accustomed to on the mainland is included and sized to fit. Sink, under counter refrigerator, 2-burner gas range and sitting area are arranged around the kitchen table on the right side of this simple, well-equipped layout. Click here to see more interior images.

Saltwater Swimming Pools

poolSaltwater is the fastest growing trend in swimming pools

(BPT) – Pools are great fun for kids and adults and when it is hot in the summer time or you’re on vacation, there is no better way to cool off. Most pools do require a lot of work to keep clean however and there is always that chlorine smell and the burning sensation that affects the eyes and skin. For many people it is the memory of the chlorine that is inescapably associated with all pools.

But for kids today this memory is quickly becoming a non-event thanks to the increasing popularity of saltwater pools.

Saltwater pools work by converting salt to chlorine using an electrolytic converter. This produces the same type of bacteria-killing chlorine found in a traditional pool, but in a radically different fashion. Since the salt generator is adding chlorine to the water at a constant rate, it is capable of displacing the bad smell and burning irritation we normally associate with chlorine and maintaining the right amount at all times.

As the water exits the converter and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine eventually reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced. However new salt does need to be added occasionally as salt levels can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing. Pool owners still should test weekly for pH and chlorine and monthly for other water balance factors.

Saltwater pools require far less maintenance than traditional pools and are much less expensive to maintain as pool salt is far cheaper than traditional chlorine. This is a big reason why so many hotels and water parks in the United State have already made the switch. Plus when it comes to initial construction and installation, the additional cost of an electrolytic converter is very small and easily made up in maintenance savings. Even converting an existing chlorine pool to saltwater can be paid off quickly.

Saltwater pools are certainly not new. The technology started in Australia in the 1960s and today over 80 percent of all pools there use this system. In the United States, saltwater pools first began to see use in the 1980s and today have grown exponentially in popularity. According to data published in Pool & Spa News, today there are more than 1.4 million saltwater pools in operation nationwide and an estimated 75 percent of all new in-ground pools are salt water, compared with only 15 percent in 2002.

Some may be concerned about the effect of salt on pool equipment, construction materials, decks and surrounding structures. However the actual amount of salt used is very low, less than .01 as salty as sea water. You may be able to taste the salt in the pool, but much less so than you can taste and feel the chlorine in a standard pool. When pools are properly constructed and normal maintenance is followed, salt water has no effect on pool finishes, equipment and decks.

Since the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, Mich., converted its 65,000-gallon pool to salt water, members have been pleased with the results. “The minute you walk into the pool area you notice a big difference,” says Jodi Owczarski, the center’s community relations director. “There is no longer that chemical smell. People also tell us that the water is much softer. In the old pool, people said they sometimes had to wash twice to get all those chemicals off, but in this pool, they only have to wash once. All in all, people have been thrilled with this new system.”

To learn more about salt water pools and other uses for salt, visit saltinstitute.org.