Are your walls bursting at the seams? Do you need another bedroom desperately? Are you on a tight budget? If you have answered yes or no to any of these questions, read on.
I did not think I would ever see the day when a friend of mine who has five children (only three live at home) and two visit would have enough bedroom space for their children.
This is an extremely small house and it had only two bedrooms. My friend became creative one day out of a frantic need for a third bedroom. The idea was to keep the cost down, and within a miracle of a small budget achieve the third bedroom. Did you ever wish one day you could wave a magic wand and all the items on your list of improvement in your home plans could be completed?
This is very much the story of how this did happen. My friend decided to take a hall closet, her bedroom closet and the closet from the second bedroom and knock down walls. This created a small but useable third bedroom. She managed to take this small space, the space of the second bedroom, and make two livable, homework areas, and play areas in each bedroom. With my friend, her husband and a professional working together, they managed to achieve the impossible. Even the children helped with the small tasks needed to be accomplished.
The trickiest part of all was between the two children's rooms they shared a window. The window had to be made into two separate windows. It is the law; each room should have one window which can open. With children in the house this law was definitely followed.
Each child picked out their own wall colors and carpeting. Her daughter picked out a bright pink for the walls and purple for the carpeting. It really brightened up the room and became an instant hit.
Her son picked out light blue walls and they added dark blue carpeting. This worked for the room with the colorful bedspreads.
With the help of a stilt bed for her daughter, she managed to create home plans the needed space a growing child needed to feel comfortable in her own bedroom. Nestled under her bed is her dresser and a small desk.
In her sons bedroom she placed bunk beds with matching spreads. There was room for a dresser which was used for both clothing and a desk. None of the three bedrooms have a closet but they are managing fine. When his brother comes for a visit once or twice a month he now has a place to sleep.
The children are so proud of their rooms they keep them picked up and organized. I want you to know how special these friends of mine are to make a special effort to make the most of a small house and make it livable on a string budget.
The home is where the heart is.
Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles on various subjects.
Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007
Linda is the author of her first published book, “Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids.
Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped. He wants out of the Blue Vase and exchange he will tell Christy and Brad where Pirates’ Treasure is Hidden.
Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates” Treasure. You will think were you there right there with them.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Monday, June 27, 2016
Georgian Conservatories
I have an interest in the development of the conservatory and my knowledge of Georgian Conservatories has just been expanded after finding an old gardening book published in 1823 that contains an interesting few pages about the use and technology in Georgian Conservatories of the time.
It was written by John Buonarotti Papworth, a noted designer and architect of the time who was a founder member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He designed everything from handkerchiefs to room interiors and buildings.
The book is splendidly and long-windedly titled: HINTS ON ORNAMENTAL GARDENING: Consisting of a series of designs for garden buildings, useful and decorative gates, fences, railings, &c. Accompanied by observations on the principles and theory of rural improvement, interspersed with occasional remarks on Rural Architecture.
This is what he has to say about conservatories:
"THE attention bestowed by gardeners of this country to plants introduced from every quarter of the globe has made it necessary to erect buildings for their preservation and culture; and to so great an extent has the means been carried by the scientific, to create and govern artificial temperature, that many exotic plants and fruits have arrived at a perfection with us, rarely known to the country whence they were obtained."
He then goes on to write about the technology used to heat the tend the plants within which has reached "near to its perfection." Before going on to write (and I love the sixth word here):
"The conservatory is a building contradistinguished from forcing houses of every description, and as its name implies, is chiefly used for the preservation of plants, although vines are sometimes trained within it. The means consist in the capability of affording shelter to delicate plants from the winds and rains; in equalizing the temperature of the seasons, and of the day and night-in the summer it is rather devoted to display than to protection, but in the cold months, the stoves provided to create artificial heat are occasionally brought into action, and whether heated by smoke flues or by steam, the building possesses a suitable and equal temperature-and thus the conservatory seems to be privileged against the severer laws of nature, and its inmates flourish in one eternal spring."
I think he would have been interested in current conservatory heating methods. Finally, while I agree with the first half of his final paragraph on the subject, since to this day a conservatory is a very attractive room to add to a property, I am less inclined to agree with him on the aviary, fountains and fish basins. But perhaps that's because I haven't been asked to build an enormous conservatory...yet!
The conservatory is a very desirable appendage to the mansion itself, and forms in such cases, one of its most interesting apartments; indeed, it presents such an endless source of amusement at all seasons and all times, that its frequent adoption may be well expected:-coloured glass may be introduced in several parts of the conservatory with admirable effect; and if the aviary, small fountains of water, and basins of gold and silver fish, be introduced as embellishments, the conservatory may be rendered as ornamental as any part of the building.
It was written by John Buonarotti Papworth, a noted designer and architect of the time who was a founder member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. He designed everything from handkerchiefs to room interiors and buildings.
The book is splendidly and long-windedly titled: HINTS ON ORNAMENTAL GARDENING: Consisting of a series of designs for garden buildings, useful and decorative gates, fences, railings, &c. Accompanied by observations on the principles and theory of rural improvement, interspersed with occasional remarks on Rural Architecture.
This is what he has to say about conservatories:
"THE attention bestowed by gardeners of this country to plants introduced from every quarter of the globe has made it necessary to erect buildings for their preservation and culture; and to so great an extent has the means been carried by the scientific, to create and govern artificial temperature, that many exotic plants and fruits have arrived at a perfection with us, rarely known to the country whence they were obtained."
He then goes on to write about the technology used to heat the tend the plants within which has reached "near to its perfection." Before going on to write (and I love the sixth word here):
"The conservatory is a building contradistinguished from forcing houses of every description, and as its name implies, is chiefly used for the preservation of plants, although vines are sometimes trained within it. The means consist in the capability of affording shelter to delicate plants from the winds and rains; in equalizing the temperature of the seasons, and of the day and night-in the summer it is rather devoted to display than to protection, but in the cold months, the stoves provided to create artificial heat are occasionally brought into action, and whether heated by smoke flues or by steam, the building possesses a suitable and equal temperature-and thus the conservatory seems to be privileged against the severer laws of nature, and its inmates flourish in one eternal spring."
I think he would have been interested in current conservatory heating methods. Finally, while I agree with the first half of his final paragraph on the subject, since to this day a conservatory is a very attractive room to add to a property, I am less inclined to agree with him on the aviary, fountains and fish basins. But perhaps that's because I haven't been asked to build an enormous conservatory...yet!
The conservatory is a very desirable appendage to the mansion itself, and forms in such cases, one of its most interesting apartments; indeed, it presents such an endless source of amusement at all seasons and all times, that its frequent adoption may be well expected:-coloured glass may be introduced in several parts of the conservatory with admirable effect; and if the aviary, small fountains of water, and basins of gold and silver fish, be introduced as embellishments, the conservatory may be rendered as ornamental as any part of the building.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
What Do We Do With Our House and Floor Plans?
Everyone wants to have a good job which brings a lot of money and a house with it. What do you have to do after you pick one? You have to make a plan in your mind on how it should look like or how big you would want it to be. Then you should talk with an architect to help you accomplish your plans. If we want to build the house of our dreams we must be carefully with the details. A good communication between the specialist and the customer helps both parts enrich their collaboration. Thinking that the house we build is the place we are going to live we must plan it as well as we can to resist in time and against the weather which is the most unkind enemy.
What we have to do is to use the best construction materials on the market. We must understand that what we do now must last years without doing much changing. The house plans are important and the project must suit our personality. The house has to reflect us.
The house we build is the place we want to feel comfortable and free to do everything we like. A welcoming house is a nice place to live. The house we build must be the place where our kids are going to grow up which will influence their life. The house of our parents is the house of our youth, the place where we became what we are and which has a special meaning to us. Everyone remembers the house where everything began. How many floors we plan it depends on us. Some houses have one or two floors, some do not have any. Everything depends on us. If we want a numerous family maybe it is better to have one or two floors.
What we have to do is to use the best construction materials on the market. We must understand that what we do now must last years without doing much changing. The house plans are important and the project must suit our personality. The house has to reflect us.
The house we build is the place we want to feel comfortable and free to do everything we like. A welcoming house is a nice place to live. The house we build must be the place where our kids are going to grow up which will influence their life. The house of our parents is the house of our youth, the place where we became what we are and which has a special meaning to us. Everyone remembers the house where everything began. How many floors we plan it depends on us. Some houses have one or two floors, some do not have any. Everything depends on us. If we want a numerous family maybe it is better to have one or two floors.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
An Introduction To Floor Plans
A floor plan is a two-dimensional scale drawing of the planning, size and direction of rooms, doors, walls and windows. Normally the plan shows an aerial view. The plan also includes the location of the heating and cooling facilities, electric lines and plumbing.
In order to create a balanced environment it is necessary to define the space and its limitations. These need to be considered before one decides to move into the new space. This might seem a bother, but is worth the time and money in the long run.
A floor plan should be designed to meet the needs of the family. It is best to ensure that there is not much unused space or too little space. Make sure there is enough room for the whole family, for privacy as well as for all kinds of entertainment. While deciding on a floor plan there are some thing that need to be considered. The ideal location for the garage is near the kitchen, because it is easier to transfer recently bought groceries and empty the garbage. A kitchen is also best when located near the dining room, for the easy transfer of food onto the table.
Everybody prefers to have enough space for storage, so ensure there are enough closets. An ideal place for keeping one's washing machine would be on the top floor next to the bedrooms, so one need not move up and down the stairs. Certain rooms should be located away from heavy noise. Such rooms will be bedrooms and libraries. If the bedroom is above the garage or near a noisy area, one can install special walls and floors to soundproof the room. It is necessary to measure the living area, including the windows, closets, doors and electrical outlets.
Since defining the space is essential in creating a harmonious environment, it is best to plan it accordingly.
In order to create a balanced environment it is necessary to define the space and its limitations. These need to be considered before one decides to move into the new space. This might seem a bother, but is worth the time and money in the long run.
A floor plan should be designed to meet the needs of the family. It is best to ensure that there is not much unused space or too little space. Make sure there is enough room for the whole family, for privacy as well as for all kinds of entertainment. While deciding on a floor plan there are some thing that need to be considered. The ideal location for the garage is near the kitchen, because it is easier to transfer recently bought groceries and empty the garbage. A kitchen is also best when located near the dining room, for the easy transfer of food onto the table.
Everybody prefers to have enough space for storage, so ensure there are enough closets. An ideal place for keeping one's washing machine would be on the top floor next to the bedrooms, so one need not move up and down the stairs. Certain rooms should be located away from heavy noise. Such rooms will be bedrooms and libraries. If the bedroom is above the garage or near a noisy area, one can install special walls and floors to soundproof the room. It is necessary to measure the living area, including the windows, closets, doors and electrical outlets.
Since defining the space is essential in creating a harmonious environment, it is best to plan it accordingly.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Manufactured Home Floor Plans
Manufactured home floor plans refer to homes where the different parts are created and pre-assembled at a factory site and then sent to the building site by truck and dropped onto its foundation with the help of a crane. The construction is finished by connecting all the wiring and plumbing. One major advantage of manufactured home plans is that once the foundation is ready, the actual home can be built within a few days. However, one significant drawback is that this makes it difficult to change aspects of the design in the house.
Two types of manufactured floor plans have been given as examples below:
Low-cost homes, also called rapid modular homes, are put together swiftly and effortlessly. A three-member squad can finish the panel assembly of a 2,000sq ft. home in a day and completely "dry in" the home within three days. There is no need to mount dry wall to the interior panels. Cabinets are also installed without any trouble. Electrical distribution is achieved with ease by running electrical wiring through vertical and horizontal chases that run inside the panels. Homes manufactured with structural insulated panels (also called rapid modular homes) have the advantage of reduced energy usage.
A structural insulated panel is a manufactured item that combines a foam core lodged between two cement panels for the walls and aluminum for the roofs. This creates a resilient construction plate. They are used to construct walls, ceilings and roofs. These homes offer exceptional insulation and a number of environmental benefits, not the least of which is a lack of wood in construction.
Another similar concept of manufactured floor plans is the American Geodesic dome plan. It uses steel plates, polystyrene insulation and interior wallboard.
Usually, the manufacturers of this floor plan will have a number of designs in stock. However, if a certain plan that fits one's needs is not available, then they will modify an existing plan to create a custom plan based on sketches and other information given.
The dome kit is cheaper than a stick-built home. It does not require roof trusses, plywood, tarpaper, shingles, insulation or gutters to be installed. By just inserting the component panels, linking the steel mesh and concreting the sides, you complete the structural framework, the external finish, the sheathing and most of the interior shell wallboard for the shell of the house. Examples of manufactured floor plans are a dime a dozen. There is one for every heart's desire, it appears. These examples provide a peek into manufactured floor plans that combine the practical with the aesthetic.
Two types of manufactured floor plans have been given as examples below:
Low-cost homes, also called rapid modular homes, are put together swiftly and effortlessly. A three-member squad can finish the panel assembly of a 2,000sq ft. home in a day and completely "dry in" the home within three days. There is no need to mount dry wall to the interior panels. Cabinets are also installed without any trouble. Electrical distribution is achieved with ease by running electrical wiring through vertical and horizontal chases that run inside the panels. Homes manufactured with structural insulated panels (also called rapid modular homes) have the advantage of reduced energy usage.
A structural insulated panel is a manufactured item that combines a foam core lodged between two cement panels for the walls and aluminum for the roofs. This creates a resilient construction plate. They are used to construct walls, ceilings and roofs. These homes offer exceptional insulation and a number of environmental benefits, not the least of which is a lack of wood in construction.
Another similar concept of manufactured floor plans is the American Geodesic dome plan. It uses steel plates, polystyrene insulation and interior wallboard.
Usually, the manufacturers of this floor plan will have a number of designs in stock. However, if a certain plan that fits one's needs is not available, then they will modify an existing plan to create a custom plan based on sketches and other information given.
The dome kit is cheaper than a stick-built home. It does not require roof trusses, plywood, tarpaper, shingles, insulation or gutters to be installed. By just inserting the component panels, linking the steel mesh and concreting the sides, you complete the structural framework, the external finish, the sheathing and most of the interior shell wallboard for the shell of the house. Examples of manufactured floor plans are a dime a dozen. There is one for every heart's desire, it appears. These examples provide a peek into manufactured floor plans that combine the practical with the aesthetic.
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