Like most people, their dream of owning their own home is becoming harder and harder. Therefore, people are looking at all types of options that will allow them to realise this dream. Among these options, open to everyone is the idea of becoming an Owner Builder.
All unknowns come into play when people look for ways of doing things on the cheap. In this industry, there can be a lot of Pros as well as Cons and it is with this in mind that many stories are heard of people that have had bad experiences in this field. Of course, you will always here of more bad instances that good ones and the reason for this is that if you yourself has had a bad experience, you want to warn people about it, but if you have a good experience you don't necessarily share this unless directly asked about it.
When you look into the concept of building your own home, it can be quite daunting. In fact, you sometimes reach a point where you don't have the time to investigate all the options and you settle for the one you think will be right for you. Then comes all the things you didn't realise that you were responsible for as well as the costs that you didn't allow for and before you know it you can only afford to build three quarters of your house because you run out of money.
When you start looking into this venture, you must have a starting point and generally, the first starting point you must look at is your finances. Once you have realised how much you can afford, you then start looking at your design of your house. The design of your home can be influenced by many influences ranging from the size of your family, how long you intend to live in this house and the list goes on.
Use your existing home as a starting point; it doesn't matter whether you are renting or you are upgrading or even down grading, look around your existing home and make lists that include the things you are satisfied with and the things that you would like to improve upon. For instance, do you have an adequate number of bedrooms or do you need more, do you have an adequate number of bathrooms or do you need more. Remember you have to determine what is right for you.
Many Kit Home companies have a compendium of designs that could be suitable for your needs. Shop around, gather as much information, and designs as possible without making any commitment. Collect or buy magazines that relate to this area. After you have collected all of these ideas, sit yourself down and see whether any suit your needs or start selecting different parts from different plans that you see could fit into your idea of your home.
You will possibly reach a stage where you start to draw a simple plan. Use a graph paper that has squares that represent a dimension that will give you a true ideal. Try and keep the scale to 1:100 and then you can obtain a better prospective as to whether you need more room or whether this design is getting too big.
Remember that when you intend to build your home, you will need to determine whether you want your frames to be made from timber, steel, bricks, etc. Sometimes this can be determined by where you live and whether or not you have white ants or termites or whether it is prone to floods, fire or even cyclones.
Now that you have selected the style of your home, and you think that decision was long winded, now comes the decision of where to go to obtain the materials, council approvals, engineering, drafting of plans, finance, etc.
Alan Collins
Why not visit http://www.ownerbuildersdirect.com and let this site answer all of your necessary questions and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Thomas_Collins
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Make Your New Home Mobility Friendly
If you are about to build a new home, chances are you're focused on how you want everything to look, what features you need, and any safety concerns that may come up if you have children or pets. One thing that you may not have thought about is whether or not you should make your home accessible to people with disabilities.
If no one in your family has mobility issues, you've probably never thought about adapting your home so that it is disability-friendly. But what if you or a loved one has an accident, or your aging parents are no longer able to get around without a wheelchair? Will your home be as inviting as it once was?
"Visitability" is the name of a movement that has been gaining ground in the U.S. since 1986, when Eleanor Smith started an organization devoted to making all newly built homes accessible to those with disabilities. The concept is very simple; it calls for all new houses to have at least one entrance that doesn't require a stairway, interior doors that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs (approximately 32 inches in width), and a bathroom on the main floor that has enough room for a wheelchair or other mobility device.
While you may not be disabled yourself, you might have family or friends who have difficulty climbing stairs, or rely on the use of a wheelchair. Public buildings are required to have certain features in order to make them accessible to all users, but on a national level there are currently no regulations that require private homes to be accessible as well. The goal of the visitability movement is to reduce isolation for those whose mobility is restricted.
Imagine being in a wheelchair, perhaps even temporarily, and you are invited to a party at a friend's house. Getting from the curb and through the front door is your first hurdle. If there are stairs to climb, you have to rely on others to lift you and your wheelchair into the house. If no one is around to help, you can't get in.
Once inside, you want to head from the living room to the kitchen to say hello to friends. Unless the doorways are at least 32 inches wide, you will likely not fit through the opening, and are stuck where you are.
Going to the bathroom presents another challenge for you. If there is no washroom on the main floor, you will have to recruit others to carry you there. Secondly, the door needs to be wide enough for you to get through. Thirdly, the bathroom itself must be wide enough for you to maneuver yourself to the toilet, and to close the door behind you.
As you can imagine, visiting an inaccessible home can be very stressful and humiliating. Many people with mobility issues miss out on gatherings with loved ones because the homes they're going to cannot satisfy their most basic needs: the ability to get in and out of the house, and access to a usable washroom.
Not all people who need these features are permanently disabled. People have car accidents every day and break legs or hips, or require a wheelchair after surgery. Aging can also create issues for a person who used to be quite active. Balance can be thrown off easily, and older bodies are often stiff and achy, which makes it difficult to climb stairs.
Even if you aren't disabled right now, there is always the possibility. You may need your home to be more accommodating to your own needs, or to those of friends and family. Fortunately, the costs involved with building a Visitable house are quite low. If you make the specifications before construction, these adjustments can be made for a very low amount of money. This is a wise investment, as renovating your home to include ramps or stair elevators can be very costly once the home has been fully constructed.
It is also a wise real estate investment, as the Baby Boomer generation is entering their senior years. There is a huge market out there for older adults, so by having these simple and affordable modifications already in place, buyers will look to purchase your home before the competition.
For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Cabbagetown real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Keen
If no one in your family has mobility issues, you've probably never thought about adapting your home so that it is disability-friendly. But what if you or a loved one has an accident, or your aging parents are no longer able to get around without a wheelchair? Will your home be as inviting as it once was?
"Visitability" is the name of a movement that has been gaining ground in the U.S. since 1986, when Eleanor Smith started an organization devoted to making all newly built homes accessible to those with disabilities. The concept is very simple; it calls for all new houses to have at least one entrance that doesn't require a stairway, interior doors that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs (approximately 32 inches in width), and a bathroom on the main floor that has enough room for a wheelchair or other mobility device.
While you may not be disabled yourself, you might have family or friends who have difficulty climbing stairs, or rely on the use of a wheelchair. Public buildings are required to have certain features in order to make them accessible to all users, but on a national level there are currently no regulations that require private homes to be accessible as well. The goal of the visitability movement is to reduce isolation for those whose mobility is restricted.
Imagine being in a wheelchair, perhaps even temporarily, and you are invited to a party at a friend's house. Getting from the curb and through the front door is your first hurdle. If there are stairs to climb, you have to rely on others to lift you and your wheelchair into the house. If no one is around to help, you can't get in.
Once inside, you want to head from the living room to the kitchen to say hello to friends. Unless the doorways are at least 32 inches wide, you will likely not fit through the opening, and are stuck where you are.
Going to the bathroom presents another challenge for you. If there is no washroom on the main floor, you will have to recruit others to carry you there. Secondly, the door needs to be wide enough for you to get through. Thirdly, the bathroom itself must be wide enough for you to maneuver yourself to the toilet, and to close the door behind you.
As you can imagine, visiting an inaccessible home can be very stressful and humiliating. Many people with mobility issues miss out on gatherings with loved ones because the homes they're going to cannot satisfy their most basic needs: the ability to get in and out of the house, and access to a usable washroom.
Not all people who need these features are permanently disabled. People have car accidents every day and break legs or hips, or require a wheelchair after surgery. Aging can also create issues for a person who used to be quite active. Balance can be thrown off easily, and older bodies are often stiff and achy, which makes it difficult to climb stairs.
Even if you aren't disabled right now, there is always the possibility. You may need your home to be more accommodating to your own needs, or to those of friends and family. Fortunately, the costs involved with building a Visitable house are quite low. If you make the specifications before construction, these adjustments can be made for a very low amount of money. This is a wise investment, as renovating your home to include ramps or stair elevators can be very costly once the home has been fully constructed.
It is also a wise real estate investment, as the Baby Boomer generation is entering their senior years. There is a huge market out there for older adults, so by having these simple and affordable modifications already in place, buyers will look to purchase your home before the competition.
For great information on the Atlanta real estate market and for incredible Cabbagetown real estate listings, and to browse homes and properties for sale, visit RealSourceBrokers.com. This site is easily the most developed and useful Intown Atlanta real estate resource online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Keen
Construction Company - Requirement For Everyone
Home Construction is a cumbersome task because it needs lot of time and dedicated efforts to produce desired results. Every people does not have that much experience of building construction. Its really a tough science, its does not matter you are building a new home from scratch or renovating your existing home, You need experts help, or advice every time you think of it.
Well, there are several construction consultants or construction companies with several years of relevant expertise to assist people in building their homes, shopping malls, or offices. They are not only helpful in construction, in fact they provide one stop solution of all tasks related to building or any type of civil constructions including planning, elaboration, construction, furnishing as well as interior and exterior decoration.
There are several things which only an expert can suggest better, like materials needed in making different portions, their ratio and proportion depending on the geographical location and other factors. Another problem is with the need of civil equipments needed in construction, a normal person cannot arrange every equipment for quick, efficient and perfect work. This is what you can achieve by hiring services of a construction expert only.
There are other things like Driveways, Pavements, Hardwood Flooring, Garages, Roofing, and Tilings which people think are of less important but in real they needs efficient planning and implementation because they decide the outlook and entrance of your home or office. It creates the first impression of your house in front of your visitors and guests.
Construction Companies helps you determine the time required in construction as well as the budget required. There are other requirements too which needs to be finalized before shifting to your new home of office, that includes several licensing and permissions like electricity license, phone connection, cable connection, fire alarms and emergency facilities (in case of offices). Another important issue is insurance of home as well as mortgage loans installments fixation. Construction companies helps you with everything, making you relax from all worries of construction.
You can rely after hiring a construction company and set back yourself free with ease. Its not bad if you spend some extra bucks as consultation fee for these services.
For more information visit:- http://www.cdmconstruction.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Omar_S_Mahmood
Well, there are several construction consultants or construction companies with several years of relevant expertise to assist people in building their homes, shopping malls, or offices. They are not only helpful in construction, in fact they provide one stop solution of all tasks related to building or any type of civil constructions including planning, elaboration, construction, furnishing as well as interior and exterior decoration.
There are several things which only an expert can suggest better, like materials needed in making different portions, their ratio and proportion depending on the geographical location and other factors. Another problem is with the need of civil equipments needed in construction, a normal person cannot arrange every equipment for quick, efficient and perfect work. This is what you can achieve by hiring services of a construction expert only.
There are other things like Driveways, Pavements, Hardwood Flooring, Garages, Roofing, and Tilings which people think are of less important but in real they needs efficient planning and implementation because they decide the outlook and entrance of your home or office. It creates the first impression of your house in front of your visitors and guests.
Construction Companies helps you determine the time required in construction as well as the budget required. There are other requirements too which needs to be finalized before shifting to your new home of office, that includes several licensing and permissions like electricity license, phone connection, cable connection, fire alarms and emergency facilities (in case of offices). Another important issue is insurance of home as well as mortgage loans installments fixation. Construction companies helps you with everything, making you relax from all worries of construction.
You can rely after hiring a construction company and set back yourself free with ease. Its not bad if you spend some extra bucks as consultation fee for these services.
For more information visit:- http://www.cdmconstruction.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Omar_S_Mahmood
Modular Homes - More Than You Might Think
When you here or see the words "Modular Home", what comes to mind? Is it a small cheaply constructed, quickly slapped together home that reminds you of a trailer house you bolt together in the middle and set on cinder blocks? Do you think of all the times you have seen those cracker box houses rolling down the road in two pieces and immediately say to yourself, "I would never ever buy a modular home, not in a million years?"
If that's your perception of a modular home, then your knowledge of modular housing hasn't kept up with the times. When I think about modular homes, I think about a two story colonial or a sprawling ranch style or maybe even a Victorian style home with all the ornate regal beauty that impression entails. My mind renders such images because that's where the world of modular housing is today. If you can imagine it, it most likely can be constructed modularly. From the simplest of designs to the most intricate and elaborate ones, modular construction is gaining ground everyday in the new home market. Let's look at some of the reasons why.
Modular homes are generally more cost effective, by as much as 25% or more in some cases, because they are built to exacting computer aided design specifications in climate controlled situations. This enables every element of initial construction which consists of building all the modules that will make up a particular design to be exactingly controled. Every piece of the home is designed, constructed and assembled inside the computer first using the most sophisticated software programs. That allows the engineers to see every aspect of the home and know in advance if the design contains elements that might cause issue in final assembly.
Building this way saves money by minimizing wasted materials. That alone can account for 10% or more of the cost of constructing a new home completely on location using standard construction techniques. All the best methods for incorporating such things as electrical and plumbing fixtures are mapped out in advance of the first nail being driven. This not only saves valuable material, but labor. Not to mention the pre-established plan which incorporates these elements into the construction allows for a broader range of consumer options.
Strength of construction is also a big advantage in modular home design. Each module is designed to meet specified strength requirements that are usually far above the required code specifications generally established by local zoning ordinances. With added strength comes another added value. Because modular homes are constructed of several self supporting modules they are rated higher for withstanding the forces of nature such high wind and even minor earth quakes, which in some areas can save on over all insurance cost.
The biggest savings are probably in the time advantage that modular construction has over conventional construction. No delays in the general construction because of the weather or because of some piece that isn't on the job site. Each module is constructed independently of the other modules which make up the home until final assembly on the home site. This is a big advantage in over all labor cost of construction.
It used to be that modular homes were constructed of rather flimsy, non standardized building materials which in most instances were hard to find or replace should repairs be needed later on. That is not the case today. Modern modular homes are constructed of the finest building material available. Most of the materials used are considered common making them readily available to anyone making modifications or repairs if needed after final construction. Then when all the modules are completed they are loaded on trucks and taken to the build site. There they are assembled on to a preconfigured foundation or basement depending on the specifications. Many companies have their own assembly crews who bring all the equipment necessary to assemble the home. This can include large lifting cranes to lift the modules and place them on multistory homes.
Once the home is assembled, the final finish assembly tasks are carried out by the finishing crew who do such things as placing the finishing touches on interior floors and walls, making sure all the service connections are in proper order and seeing that any final roofing, bricking or siding issues are handled correctly. Most of this work can be completed in days rather then weeks or even months as might be the case with conventional construction.
If your perception of a modular home is still the two trailer houses with the wheels taken off and bolted together, you owe it to yourself to check into what modular housing is really all about. New modularly constructed homes are efficient and cost effective, with a lower initial cost of ownership. No longer are modular homes considered inferior in the market place, in fact in most cases the opposite is true. Modular homes generally have equal, and in some cases, higher realty ratings then other types of home construction.
Scott Best is a freelance author in association with New Modular Info.Com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Best
If that's your perception of a modular home, then your knowledge of modular housing hasn't kept up with the times. When I think about modular homes, I think about a two story colonial or a sprawling ranch style or maybe even a Victorian style home with all the ornate regal beauty that impression entails. My mind renders such images because that's where the world of modular housing is today. If you can imagine it, it most likely can be constructed modularly. From the simplest of designs to the most intricate and elaborate ones, modular construction is gaining ground everyday in the new home market. Let's look at some of the reasons why.
Modular homes are generally more cost effective, by as much as 25% or more in some cases, because they are built to exacting computer aided design specifications in climate controlled situations. This enables every element of initial construction which consists of building all the modules that will make up a particular design to be exactingly controled. Every piece of the home is designed, constructed and assembled inside the computer first using the most sophisticated software programs. That allows the engineers to see every aspect of the home and know in advance if the design contains elements that might cause issue in final assembly.
Building this way saves money by minimizing wasted materials. That alone can account for 10% or more of the cost of constructing a new home completely on location using standard construction techniques. All the best methods for incorporating such things as electrical and plumbing fixtures are mapped out in advance of the first nail being driven. This not only saves valuable material, but labor. Not to mention the pre-established plan which incorporates these elements into the construction allows for a broader range of consumer options.
Strength of construction is also a big advantage in modular home design. Each module is designed to meet specified strength requirements that are usually far above the required code specifications generally established by local zoning ordinances. With added strength comes another added value. Because modular homes are constructed of several self supporting modules they are rated higher for withstanding the forces of nature such high wind and even minor earth quakes, which in some areas can save on over all insurance cost.
The biggest savings are probably in the time advantage that modular construction has over conventional construction. No delays in the general construction because of the weather or because of some piece that isn't on the job site. Each module is constructed independently of the other modules which make up the home until final assembly on the home site. This is a big advantage in over all labor cost of construction.
It used to be that modular homes were constructed of rather flimsy, non standardized building materials which in most instances were hard to find or replace should repairs be needed later on. That is not the case today. Modern modular homes are constructed of the finest building material available. Most of the materials used are considered common making them readily available to anyone making modifications or repairs if needed after final construction. Then when all the modules are completed they are loaded on trucks and taken to the build site. There they are assembled on to a preconfigured foundation or basement depending on the specifications. Many companies have their own assembly crews who bring all the equipment necessary to assemble the home. This can include large lifting cranes to lift the modules and place them on multistory homes.
Once the home is assembled, the final finish assembly tasks are carried out by the finishing crew who do such things as placing the finishing touches on interior floors and walls, making sure all the service connections are in proper order and seeing that any final roofing, bricking or siding issues are handled correctly. Most of this work can be completed in days rather then weeks or even months as might be the case with conventional construction.
If your perception of a modular home is still the two trailer houses with the wheels taken off and bolted together, you owe it to yourself to check into what modular housing is really all about. New modularly constructed homes are efficient and cost effective, with a lower initial cost of ownership. No longer are modular homes considered inferior in the market place, in fact in most cases the opposite is true. Modular homes generally have equal, and in some cases, higher realty ratings then other types of home construction.
Scott Best is a freelance author in association with New Modular Info.Com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Best
Manufactured Homes Versus Modular Homes
Many people think that manufactured homes and modular homes are the same thing, though this is not the case. While there are some similarities, there are also fundamental differences that set them apart.
Manufactured homes have been referred to as "mobile homes" or "trailer homes" in the past. Today's models offer more options and style than those made in previous years. The manufactured homes are built in a factory and must also meet the Federal building code, known as the HUD code, in addition to local codes and are built on non-removable steel chassis. Portions of the home, if not the entire home, can be moved from the factory to the home site on its own wheels.
Once all of the pieces of the home arrive at the home site, they are joined together and the utilities are connected. A building inspector then checks all work that has been done on-site, though not all areas require the structure to be approved. Manufactured homes are generally less expensive than modular homes; however, their value can also decrease over time.
Modular homes are also built in sections at a factory and are built to conform to all state and local codes. Individual sections of the home are transported to the home site on large truck beds and then put together by local contractors. A local building inspector must check the home to make sure it meets all local requirements and that all of the finished work has been completed properly. Modular homes are more expensive than manufactured homes, but usually less expensive than a site-built home. Also, a modular home's value will appreciate in value over time.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of owning a manufactured or modular home, consult the experts at Professional Building Systems of North Carolina, LLC
Professional Building Systems of North Carolina, LLC are the experts you need when looking for the right manufactured home. For more information on the advantages of manufactured and modular homes, visit PSNBC.com or call (800) 439-4317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Teruya
Manufactured homes have been referred to as "mobile homes" or "trailer homes" in the past. Today's models offer more options and style than those made in previous years. The manufactured homes are built in a factory and must also meet the Federal building code, known as the HUD code, in addition to local codes and are built on non-removable steel chassis. Portions of the home, if not the entire home, can be moved from the factory to the home site on its own wheels.
Once all of the pieces of the home arrive at the home site, they are joined together and the utilities are connected. A building inspector then checks all work that has been done on-site, though not all areas require the structure to be approved. Manufactured homes are generally less expensive than modular homes; however, their value can also decrease over time.
Modular homes are also built in sections at a factory and are built to conform to all state and local codes. Individual sections of the home are transported to the home site on large truck beds and then put together by local contractors. A local building inspector must check the home to make sure it meets all local requirements and that all of the finished work has been completed properly. Modular homes are more expensive than manufactured homes, but usually less expensive than a site-built home. Also, a modular home's value will appreciate in value over time.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of owning a manufactured or modular home, consult the experts at Professional Building Systems of North Carolina, LLC
Professional Building Systems of North Carolina, LLC are the experts you need when looking for the right manufactured home. For more information on the advantages of manufactured and modular homes, visit PSNBC.com or call (800) 439-4317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Teruya
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