Monday, August 27, 2012

Open Floor Plan Design Delima

www.CraigFairbanksHomes.com
Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com
319-553-1457





Today's Thought of the Day

When the walls come down...

Today's more open floorplans are one characteristic that show home design's evolution as compared with older homes. And while great for entertaining and keeping everyone connected, some buyers prefer a heightened sense of room definition.
other examples
http://www.designbasics.com/herhome/totd/thought_of_the_day_182.asp?utm_source=TOTD+182+-+08%2F27%2F2012+TOTD+List&utm_campaign=HHM+TOTD+182&utm_medium=emailer Other Examples
How do designers achieve such room definition without walls? Many visual cues exist, from columns and half-walls to simple changes in ceiling heights, flooring products and even finish materials and paint colors. These room boundary cues sub-consciously help us associate space with one room or another.

Her Home's Thought of the Day is derived from our audience feedback as well as real-life experiences of the Her Home staff. In furthering our vision to help buyers make wise, informed decisions regarding their homes and the products that go into those homes, if you have a suggestion, topic, or story to share e-mail us!


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At Home Look Up

Craig Fairbanks
Craig@CraigtheBuilder.com
319-553-1457




Today's Thought of the Day The often overlooked 5th wall

Quite simply, ceilings are often ignored. But various ceiling heights and/or adornments can turn an otherwise predictable ("boring") room into something special.
Think we're over-stating the issue? Quick-what color are your ceilings? White. In fact, there's a specific shade of white known as "ceiling white". Bet the other walls in the room are a little more colorful, a little more expressive.

Click for other examples
Click for other examples
Cathedral ceilings, sloped ceilings, tiered ceilings all add drama and volume (height). In addition, more creative builders and their carpenters are executing creative ceiling adornments. It's artistry in drywall!

Her Home's Thought of the Day is derived from our audience feedback as well as real-life experiences of the Her Home staff. In furthering our vision to help buyers make wise, informed decisions regarding their homes and the products that go into those homes, if you have a suggestion, topic, or story to share e-mail us!


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Saturday, August 18, 2012

Home Office Ideas



Home and home design is changing from the old build it and they will come.  Today we expect to have it our way and rightfully so.    The way we will use our home not someone else's idea of how we should live, its all part of a simple and through process in a true custom build.

Listen Learn Design Build

Craig Fairbanks
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
319-404-0412



Today's Thought of the Day
Concealed built-in work space

Traditional Home Office design by Seattle Closets And Organization
Traditional Home Office design by Seattle Closets
The "disappearing" home office

As finishing work at home is increasingly a reality for households across our country, home offices and dens are sometimes crowding out other equally important flex space uses. That same den might need to flex as a hobby or craft room...play area...or a spare bedroom.
Two emerging solutions are concealed, built-in work spaces and fold-up/fold-out work spaces. The former may be as simple as setting up a workspace with easily-reconfigured storage solutions in a standard walk-up closet. Close the closet doors and the office is hidden from view.
And now, creative wall-bed companies have introduced home office workspace essentials which fold up into the wall when not in use, freeing the space for other pursuits!

Her Home's Thought of the Day is derived from our audience feedback as well as real-life experiences of the Her Home staff. In furthering our vision to help buyers make wise, informed decisions regarding their homes and the products that go into those homes, if you have a suggestion, topic, or story to share e-mail us!



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Thursday, August 16, 2012

Home Maintenance Tips



Craig Fairbanks
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
319-553-1457

Here is a really nice check list to keep your home is good shape year in and year out.  There really is no such thing as maintenance free home, however checking and repairing the following items will keep you ahead of the process so the major repairs will be limited. Feel free to use this list as it is a good one.



Home maintenance checklist
MONTHLY
• Fire Extinguisher: Check that it’s fully charged; recharge or replace if needed.
• Sink/Tub Stoppers and Drain Holes: Clean out debris.
• Garbage Disposal: Flush with hot water and baking soda.
• Water Softener: Check water softener salt drum and replinish salt if necessary.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change filters once a month if user’s manual recommends fiberglass filters.
EVERY 2 MONTHS
• Wall Furnace: Clean grills.
• Range Hood: Clean grease filter.
EVERY 3 MONTHS
• Faucet: Clean aerator.
• Tub Drain Assembly: Clean out debris; inspect rubber seal and replace if needed.
• Floor and Outdoor Drain Grates: Clean out debris.
EVERY 6 MONTHS
• Smoke Detector: Test batteries and replace if needed.
• Toilet: Check for leaks and water run-on.
• Interior Caulking: Inspect caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks; replace any if it is deteriorating.
• Forced-Air Heating System: Change semi-annually if user’s mannual recommends high efficiency pleated or HEPA-style filters.
• Garbage Disposal: Tighten drain connections and fasteners.
• Clothes Washer: Clean water inlet filters; check hoses and replace them if they are leaking.
• Clothes Dryer: Vacuum lint from ducts and surrounding areas.
• Wiring: Check for frayed cords and wires; repair or replace them as needed.
• Range Hood: Wash fan blades and housing.
EVERY SPRING
• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean them out or install no-clean version. Inspect and repair weak areas; check for proper drainage and make repairs if needed.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Windowsills, Doorsills, Thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint; replace if needed.
• Window and Door Screens: Clean screening and repair or replace if needed; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed; replace broken, worn, or missing hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
EVERY FALL
• Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits; repair if needed.
• Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out. Inspect and repair weak points; check for proper slope.
• Chimney or Stovepipe: Clean flue (more frequently if needed); repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar.
• Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
• Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
• Storm Windows and Doors: Replace any cracked or broken glass; tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint if needed. Replace damaged hardware; tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Window and Door Weather Stripping: Inspect and repair or replace if it is deteriorating or if it does not seal.
• Thermostat: Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts; check accuracy and replace thermostat if it is not functioning properly.
• Outdoor Faucets: If you live in an area with freezing winters, shut off valves to outdoor faucets. Open spigots and drain, store hoses.
ANNUALLY
• Septic Tank: Have a professional check the tank (watch for backup throughout the year). In many areas, it is recommended that the tank be pumped every year.
• Main Cleanout Drain: Have a “rooter” professional clean out the main line, particularly if there are mature trees in your yard whose roots could have cracked the pipe in their search for moisture.
• Water Heater: Drain water until it is clear of sediment; test temperature pressure relief valve; clean burner and ports (gas heater).
• HVAC System: Have a professional tune up your heat/air conditioning system.

From Sunset Books, JoAnne Liebeler’s Do It Herself

Monday, August 13, 2012

Flexability Now and Latter in your home design

Today's Thought of the DayPlanning for FUN!

We've heard from plenty of Moms of toddlers that they would love a kids play/toy storage area just off the kitchen.  Too young to go off and play in their room by themselves, these kiddos feel safe when they're with or at least near Mom.  As a mother of a soon-to-be 2-year old quipped, "it's like I've got a third leg!"
Plans featuring strong flexibility amenities may be just the answer.  During the young children lifestage, our sample plan, the Gonzales, shows just such flexibility, with space just off the kitchen as a kids play area.  When the kids are older, that space could easily transition to a planning center...or even a second owner's suite walk-in closet!

29335 the Gonzales
29335 the Gonzales

View plan 29335 the Gonzales

Like the features on this blog call Craig for more details about our design and building process.
319-553-1457






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 Gray 


Design Basics LLC
11112 John Galt Blvd
Omaha, NE 68137-2384
Toll Free:  800.947.7526 
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm CT
Email

Friday, August 10, 2012

Good Custom Design for Your new Home


Thinking about the design for your new home give us a call for a free no obligation design consulation.

Craig Fairbanks
Craig@CraigFairbanksHomes.com
319-553-1457



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Today's Thought of the Day
One size fits all?
When evaluating a home's livability, activity-oriented buyers look for amenities that accommodate their varied pursuits.  Today's example plan was inspired by just such a buyer, as evidenced by the kitchen island/table.

More than merely a food prep area, this home's island becomes the home's activity center-transitioning from baking prep to eating area to game table.   

Design 50032
Design 50032
While buyers with traditional preferences probably want a separate eating area, casual homeowners may deem the functionality of such an amenity exactly what they were looking for!  

View Home Plan 50032 



Her Home's Thought of the Day is derived from our audience feedback as well as real-life experiences of the Her Home staff. In furthering our vision to help buyers make wise, informed decisions regarding their homes and the products that go into those homes, if you have a suggestion, topic, or story to share  e-mail us!



Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter    Find us on Google+   Visit our blog    View our videos on YouTube   Find us on Pinterest   View our profile on LinkedIn 

 Gray 


Design Basics LLC
11112 John Galt Blvd
Omaha, NE 68137-2384
Toll Free:  800.947.7526 
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm CT
Email