Helpful HOUSE PLAN
Hints…
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CHOOSING COLOR
SCHEMES FOR A NEW HOME
If you’re concerned about color schemes
inside and out of your new house plan, here’s a fun way to choose. Visit your
home building site and collect samples of natural materials on
the property such as; leaves; sticks; bark from trees;
grasses; weeds; wild flowers; soil; rocks; The color
combinations you find will greatly surprise and delight you.
These colors change with the season, so if autumn is your
favorite season, make this excursion in the fall with an
array of warm colors to take the chill off. If you love the
winter, cooler tones might please you. From the time you
start planning, to the time you are ready to finish the
interior; all of the seasons may pass, so take your pick.
Your home’s color will be guaranteed to look perfectly
natural with the landscape.
As you chose these colors, think of
your home as if you were actually dressing yourself. Would
you wear a red slip under a peach colored dress? Would you
wear brown leather shoes while carrying a black leather
purse? The point here is that your home should be color
coordinated inside and out. Although you should feel free to
change the colors from room to room, they should work well
together and compliment each other.
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HOW
TO TELL IF YOUR HOME BUILDING SITE IS LEVEL
If you think your
home building site is
pretty level, here’s a way to make sure before going to the
expense of hiring a surveyor to take shots of the grade
elevation; On your next visit to the site, lay down on your stomach, chin on the ground,
(you might spread a blanket first) and look out over your
property; do this on each corner. The horizon line of the
earth should be at eye level if the land has no slope to the
grade. You should be able to see the opposite (diagonal)
side of the lot.
If you’re having to use MDF instead
of wood for doors and trim in your new
house plan, here’s an exciting tip; Choose a
high gloss black paint and then give it an extra coat or two
of high gloss; looks and feels like black enamel. The look
works wells with deep or rich color on your walls and the
wood grained furniture in contrast is quite complementary.
If you like this idea, consider doing the same to your front
door. There is nothing that sets off a house
plan like a black
enamel exterior door.
When you are choosing window brands,
keep in mind that advertised products typically cost more,
so choose a quality brand that is offered by your builder’s
supplier. Windows and exteriors doors should not be
compromised in quality. Check to see if the window operates
safely and simply; and is easy to clean. It should look and
feel sturdy. Most windows today are double insulated,
meaning two panes of glass with a small space in between.
Divided lights typically cost more than plain glass.
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NEW
HOME BUILDING PRECAUTIONS
Watch your step. Try to stay out the work zones
when the subcontractors are on the job. They typically don’t
appreciate interruptions. They usually make their money by
the job, not by the hour; they work fast and furious to
complete their contract and get on to the next job, and by
all means keep your children out of this work area.
Designate specific areas that are off limits, and establish
rules and boundaries before visiting the site. Keep a close
watch for nails and staples, loose boards and unsecured
openings for tubs, toilets or stairwells.
Be aware of wet paint, or stain on
walls, floors and cabinets or trim; wet grout; or tile that
has not set. Don’t touch it, or walk on it until you’re
certain it’s dry. Touch ups are costly, and so are
accidents, and if you have children, involve them in the
planning; try not to exclude them from the
home building process.
Take the opportunity to show them the different stages of
construction; a wonderful learning process, and walk them
through their bedrooms periodically, so that they will start
becoming attached and familiar with their new home.
Ask your architect or
home designer and
your home builder questions, don’t be bashful or feel like you’ll
look dumb. You need to fully understand the plans and the
process so that you know what you’re paying for and you get
what you want. Don’t worry about hurting anyone’s feelings.
Speak up if you don’t like something; It’s just business,
and there should be no offense taken.
Join an online home
building forum; these chat rooms offer a valuable source of
information for all. You can ask questions, get answers; get
some good ideas and share them too.
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