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If you are thinking of building your own home, then there is a lot you need to know and consider at the design stage.

Thomas Studio, based in Hereford in the UK provide a host of information, their guide being sure to help you on your way to building your own dream home.

The Things You Need To Know

• You’ll need to understand just what building a house entails

• What the major decisions are when choosing to self-build

• How to pick the right house plan layout

• How to work out how much floor space you need

• Just what the cost to build a house per square foot is

• All about the home building process

Hidden Costs

There are lots of hidden costs in the process of buying land and building your dream home, and you need to understand about all of these before you start the process.

For example, when you are purchasing a piece of land, you need to be able to ask the right questions before you start as well as fully understanding your needs and options.

Whether you are experienced at buying plots of land or are a first time self-builder who wants to buy land to build your own home from scratch, you really do need to understand what is involved.

The guide provided by Thomas Studio will provide you with a whole lot of answers to the many questions in understanding what is involved in the self-build process. It is a sad fact that many self-builders fail, simply because they don’t carry out all the necessary research.

There is no doubt that designing and building your dream new home is a complex process and it can be a daunting one too. However, with the right support and guidance, you can be sure to reach your goal, that of a perfect dream house and in just the location too.

One of the biggest issues to consider is what your new home has to provide, how you like to live and how this new home can meet those needs. Only when these needs and the options you have available are known is it possible to move forward.

Many self-builders want to build a ‘green home’, one that is easy on the environment and uses sustainable components. Often, they also desire a better build quality than that provided by traditional volume house builders.

However, constructing a green home will more often than not increase the overall project costs. You therefore need to be fully aware of all of the implications and hidden extra costs when using green technology and green building materials in your home.

The good news is that whilst the construction costs are often higher for green self builds, the running costs tend to be lower. You can also sometimes obtain grant payments which will offset the initial investment.

Designing and building your own home

So, what are the hidden and ‘unknown’ costs in the self build process.

Stamp duty is still payable, not to mention the clearing and excavation of the site.

You also have to be aware that the type of soil will influence such things as the type of septic system, not to mention the depth of the foundations.

One of the biggest issues is working out the actual cost to build a detached home. Once you have a good idea of the overall cost, you will want to hire a contractor that can deliver the project on budget.

That however is not as easy as it sounds as contractors are known to maximise their profit by using cheap materials whenever they can. It is therefore necessary to decide what quality design standards you want adhered too. Once decided, these standards can be written into the building contract, thus ensuring you get the standard of build you require.

There are advantages of building a custom home though.

One of the biggest advantages about building your own home is the fact that, when properly planned, that it can be very enjoyable and rewarding process. What you need is a guide to make sure you ask the right questions at all stages and who will point you in the right direction throughout the entire process.

About Author: Rudy is an outstanding author and blogger. He loves to write on various topics especially on Home improvement.

Are you thinking of installing solar panels in your home as a way to reduce your bills and make your house eco-friendly? Using the sun’s energy is good for the environment, but it’s also a great way to increase your property value and even earn some tax credits.

Even if you live somewhere cloudy, your solar panels will still produce energy to power your home. This is one of the best investments you can make as a homeowner.

Keep reading to learn why solar panels are good for your home and budget.

1. You’ll Save Money on Utilities

For most homeowners, saving money on utility bills is the best reason to use solar panels. You’ll cut your costs drastically, and have eco-friendly electricity, home heating, and hot running water at all times.

Solar panels are a one-time investment and they’ll still produce energy even on cloudy days. Talk to your local solar provider to learn more about this incredible system.

2. They Produce Eco-Friendly Power

Solar energy is environmentally-friendly because it uses a renewable source of energy, i.e. the sun. Panels don’t use coal, water, fossil fuels, or any other non-renewable resources. As long as the sun shines, your solar panels will produce and store energy.

There’s no need to exploit any land or natural resources to power your home. Solar panels function like independent power plants.

3. You’re in Control of the Costs

Solar panels will give you total control of your home energy production and costs. You don’t have to rely on public systems and be affected by power shortages. You can also control how much energy your panels save for rainy days or for nighttime use.

Finally, as you’re off the grid, you won’t be subjected to rising energy costs, especially if you have a business or a big property.

4. They Increase Your Property Value

One of the best reasons you should use solar panels is to increase your property value. When potential buyers hear about lower home maintenance costs and renewable energy, they’ll be more motivated to buy. Plus, you already did the hard work by installing the panels so they don’t have to.

5. You Can Earn Tax Credits and Rebates

Aside from being the most economical energy solution for your home and budget, solar panels can help you earn tax credits and rebates. Depending on your state, you can get a significant sum of money back along with solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) that you can sell to utility companies.

This way, you’ll pay off some of your initial investment, and even get some extra money back into your wallet. Ask your state or local Department of Energy offices to learn all about it.

Now You Know Why Solar Panels Are Good for Your Home

Now that you know why solar panels are good for your home and your wallet, it’s time to have them installed and enjoy all the benefits.

Need more home decor and home improvement tips? Read some of the other articles we have on these topics and stay tuned for more industry news and trends.

You finally decided to rent some storage place to conquer the ever-growing pile of things with nowhere else to go.

The truth of the matter is you’re not alone in your pursuit of extra space. Not by a long shot. As it were, one in 11 Americans are actively renting storage space.

The question is: how do you pick the size of your unit? After all, nothing can be more horrifying than showing up with your stuff to find out that your rental unit is too small to fit everything.

This is where a storage unit size guide is worth its weight in gold. Keep on reading to know all about the standard sizes, and which would best suit your needs.

Storage Unit Size Guide 101: Take Inventory

In order to pick the right storage unit size, you’ll need to take a thorough look at your inventory—that is everything you want to put in storage.

Use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of the larger items in your inventory. This will help you determine the smallest space you can pick without worrying that your bigger items won’t fit.

Once you have your dimensions down pat, you can use the size guide to select your perfectly-sized storage units.

Standard Unit Sizes

There are standard unit sizes readily available in the market and at most facilities. All —usually— come in with a height of eight feet.

However, the width and length of the unit can vary tremendously, from closet-sized units to small-house-sized units.

1. 5×5 Storage Unit

This is the smallest standard-size unit that you’ll find. It’s basically the size of a small walk-in closet.

Usually, it can hold tall narrow items like lamps, or one piece of furniture that’s narrow at the bottom. You can also add in from six to eight boxes stacked on top of each other.

2. 5×10 Storage Unit

Quite similar to the previous size, it can still be considered to be the size of a walk-in closet.

However, you can actually manage to add two large pieces of furniture as well as 10-15 boxes, due to the added five feet of space.

3. 5×15 Storage Unit

Once you hit 15 feet of space, the space becomes equivalent to the size of a small bedroom. Quite the upgrade from “closet” spaces.

It can hold multiple furnishings for a regular 500 sq. ft. residence, if you exclude any major appliances.

4. 10×10 Storage Unit

Now, we’re officially in the bedroom-size territory. The 10×10 storage unit is almost equal to one bedroom.

This storage unit can hold furnishings for a 750 sq. ft. house and you can store all the major appliances as well.

5. 10×15 Storage Unit

An upgrade from its smaller sibling, the 10×10 storage space, this storage unit is the size of two bedrooms.

If you have —an average of— 1,000 sq. ft. residence, you can store your appliances and a solid chunk of your furnishings in this storage space.

6. 10×20 Storage Unit

Taking the space of (almost) three bedrooms, this 10×20 storage unit can hold the furnishings and appliances for a 1,500 sq. ft. residence.

In addition, this storage unit is the start of suitable storage units that can hold vehicles. In this unit’s case, it’ll have to be compact vehicles. Our recommendation is to keep your car’s dimensions in mind.

7. 10×30 Storage Unit

This storage space is the last on the list of readily-available storage spaces on the market.

The 10×30 storage unit is the size of a boat, a commercial trailer, or even must full-size vehicles.

Storage Unit Sizes: Unlocked

We know how daunting it can be to try and pick the right storage unit for the uninitiated.

However, with this storage unit size guide, you can select the perfect storage unit to meet your needs (and no more).

Yet, if you’re hungry for more home improvement tips, make sure to check out our tips section for all the advice you can possibly want.

 

If you are looking at creating more space in your home, there are two main options open to you: building a conservatory or adding a home extension.

These options both have their merits and disadvantages, and the one you will likely choose will depend on your personal taste, need, and budget. However, when you take the time to compare both options, you will find that one trumps the other in terms of features, function, form, and even cost.

So, in this article, let’s delve in and provide the information that will help you make an informed decision on the one to pick for your home.

What is the difference between a conservatory and an extension?

If you are looking for a way to create more usable space in your home, both a conservatory and an extension will serve that purpose. Either choice will give your home a unique, new look, while also affording you and your family the much-needed space. But what are the differences between the two?

Conservatories:

• Conservatories are typically attached to the back of the house, but where there is no space at the back, any other position will work.
• Conservatories are primarily built of glass, with the structure being about 80% glass and 20% other material like steel, wood, or aluminium.
• A conservatory is usually built to match the structure and style of your home, and in such a way that it looks like an original part of the house and not an afterthought. Even the windows and doors are specifically selected to match what is already on the house.
• Conservatories come in all manner of sizes, shapes and styles, but has to be smaller than the house so it doesn’t look like something that was added after construction. That said, you can always find a conservatory installation that suits your preference and budget.
• A conservatory will provide your home with access to the natural rays of the sun, making the room ideal for virtually any purpose – as a living space, working space, gaming room, or even indoor garden – based on the thermal properties of the glass used.

Extensions:

• An extension is usually built anywhere on the house and can be built upwards (in the loft or attic), downwards (in the basement), or anywhere else you need the extra space as long as there is land or unused space to accommodate the construction.
• An extension is usually constructed from the exact same material used in constructing the house, making it seem like an original part of the actual structure.
• Regardless of where the extension is constructed, it can be used for virtually any purpose, except as an indoor garden. The extension can be used as a living room, bedroom, bathroom, home office, game room, kitchen, and so on.
• Depending on the laws in your neighbourhood, an extension may require that you apply for and receive planning permission before construction commences. You will however, require building approval or its equivalent before you can add an extension to your house.
• Because of the materials and scale of work, constructing an extension will cost a lot more than constructing a conservatory, and this can be a critical factor if you have budget constraints.

How to decide whether to build a conservatory or an extension

If the main purpose of your home improvement project is to create usable space, it may be difficult to decide exactly which of the two to go for, unless your personal taste and budget is making you lean towards one direction.

But where there is nothing to influence your decision and you don’t know which way to lean, consider the following factors.

What will the space be used for?

Your choice of whether to go for an extension or a conservatory could be influenced by the purpose for which you are carrying out the home improvement. For example, if you simply want an extra room for practical purposes, then you may want to consider investing in an extension, but if you want extra space that can serve dual purposes, a conservatory is a right way to go.

Where will the new room be located?

Another important factor that will play a role in your decision is the location of the extra room. Typically, an extension is constructed to be completely indoors, although there are cases when an extension is constructed separately from the main house. However, if you want a place where you can enjoy warmth and comfort during the day, then an east-facing conservatory, or a north-facing conservatory is what you want. And because a conservatory is made primarily of glass, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the outdoors, something that may not be possible in an extension.

Which one looks the best?

Another factor to consider is aesthetic value. Admittedly, both options will increase the value of your home and afford you more usable space, but if you are really interested in form, then a conservatory will add more aesthetic value to your property than an extension.

What is your budget?

Finally, the amount of money you are willing to spend on the project will play the biggest role in your decision making. As already established, building a conservatory is not as expensive as building an extension. The number of materials used in constructing a conservatory is smaller and less expensive than that of an extension. So if you are looking to create usable space without breaking the bank, want you want is definitely a conservatory.

 

 

Renovating your current home is a good idea if you want to breathe new life into your home or transform the look and feel of your personal space without relocating. It is also the ideal solution if you have a growing family and love living where you are.

However, home renovations involve a lot more than is shown on TV. There are a number of things that should be put in place if you want your home renovation project to be a success.

If you are looking to transform your current abode into your dream home, here are some essential factors and steps that will help you plan a successful renovation and create the exact home you have always wanted.

Determine how long you intend to live in your current home

The length of time you have left in your current home will determine the scope of your renovations. If you will be living there for a few months or years more, then you will likely not need to make big changes, unless you intend to put the house up for sale when leaving. In that case, you want to carry out renovations that will boost the value of your house, as well as solve your immediate upgrade needs.

If on the other hand, you intend to live in the house for many more years, or it is something you want to keep in your family for generations, then you will have to consider renovations that add more space, improves structure, and makes allowance for current and future trends.

At the end of the day, your decision will likely affect your choice of materials, and consequently your expenses, as you will want to get quality materials that will stand the test of time.

Determine the current and future needs of your family

This is where home renovation gets a bit more personal. Before investing in home renovations, you have to first determine how your plans will affect you and the people living in the house.

For example, if you live with an elderly family member who prefers to “age in place”, that is live at home rather than move to a facility, or if you have a family member with physical disabilities at home, then you have to take these factors into consideration when planning for a renovation. For instance, you may have to opt for having a bedroom and toilet facilities on the down floor and install handholds and ramps at all the right places.

Another thing to consider is your personal status at the time of renovation. If you are single with intentions to get married, you want to renovate and get a home that will fit in with your new married status and is a place where you can raise a family. You don’t want to spend huge sums of money renovating only to relocate after getting married or when a child comes.

Determine what your new house will look like

Before striking the first hammer or contracting a master builder/ contractor, it is important that you have a firm idea of what your new house will look like. Having some ideas beforehand will make it easy for you and the contractor you will hire to accelerate the design and renovations process.

Thankfully, it is very easy to get Auckland house renovation ideas online, such as by looking going through house and design magazines, spending some time on Pinterest, and doing a simple Google search. Be sure to review your ideas with your designer so that you can get their professional input.

While the aesthetic value of your renovated house should not be underrated, it is equally important that you factor in how it will affect the balance of your neighbourhood.

For instance, if your neighbourhood has a tailored design structure for every house, going outside this uniform design will affect the aesthetic balance of the place. This is partly why some types of renovations require that the owner get permission from the local council.

Find out if you need permission to carry out renovations

As already pointed out, some types of home renovations require that you obtain permission from your local council. This particularly applies to major renovations that will either affect the structure of the house or the planning of the neighbourhood.

Finding out if you will need planning permission or building consent for your renovations work is simply a matter of engaging your local building council. If your planned renovation requires approval, you will need to submit an application that contains the new plans and design specifications.

If you plan to hire a contractor or master builder for your renovation work, this individual or their agency may be able to help you get the necessary paperwork and building consent approval.

Determine your renovation budget

There is one final thing you need to put in place to avoid jeopardizing your renovation plan – that is your renovation budget.

Many homeowners have gotten stuck midway home renovation because the renovations expenses got away from them. But this is a situation that can be avoided when you make a proper renovation budget.

To get started, first find out how much materials cost, how much labour will cost, and determine any other miscellaneous expenses you will have to deal with. When you have all the necessary information, add at least a 20% mark-up in case an unforeseen cost crop up.

Be sure to work with your contractor when creating a budget so that you take all the necessary costs into account.

 

In the modern world we live in, the seriousness of climate change cannot be ignored. No matter where we look, we’re given repeated and serious warnings from climate scientists, so for those who are wanting to make a positive difference, your first port of call should be to make your home more eco-friendly. Doing so will help reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet, so here are a few things you can do to make your property greener.

 

Insulate Your Home

Making a small but subtle change such as insulating your home can not only cut down your heating bills, but ensure you use less fossil fuels too. As well as having insulation installed in your attic, you can also purchase draft excluding products such as door seals and window tape which can help keep your home warmer, and mean you’re doing your bit for the environment.

Be Savvy with Water

You may not realize it, but the amount of water you use in your home on a day to day basis can be having a negative impact on the environment, therefore, cutting back on how much water you use can make a real positive impact. Whether it’s by cutting back on how long you spend in the shower, or turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, you will notice a decrease in your water bill at the end of the month. You can also go one step further and look into a water filtration system for your home from a site like the Discount Filter Store. This will help you cut out your use of plastic water bottles which are damaging for the environment.

Waste Less Food

For those who love to cook, the last thing you want to do is throw away any tasty leftovers into the garbage can. There are lots of things that you can do to waste less food, such as planning your meals in advance, freezing leftovers, as well as composting your food. By only using the food that you need, you will save a ton on emissions that come from transport and production.

Use Energy Efficient Lightbulbs

When it comes to lighting your home, the type of lightbulbs you use can also play a part in how much you’re shelling out on your energy bills each month. Rather than sticking with the traditional lightbulb, why not swap to energy efficient ones? Not only are they more environmentally friendly, they can last twice as long, meaning you won’t have to frequently change them.

Perform an Energy Audit

If you’re serious about reducing your energy consumption, performing an energy audit should be your first port of call. Hiring a professional to come and examine how much energy you use can help change your habits for the better.

Global warming is a real issue that needs to be taken seriously. While we all want to feel comfortable and relaxed in our homes, it’s important that you take notice of climate change and take on board all the tips listed, helping to make your property more environmentally friendly.

 

Many home improvement projects are best tackled during the spring or summer months. However, there are a few that either arise because of colder conditions or make sense to do because they’re indoor projects only.

Here are four home improvements that are ideal for the winter.

Remove Ice Dams on the Roofing

When it snows, it’s important that the snow is removed from the roof as soon as possible. Not only because of its combined weight but also due to the fact that its moisture can cause damage to the roofing and internal walls, eventually. The added moisture in the home can cause mold, water stains and other damage to drywall, structures, and more.

Along with the snow, ice dams can develop on the roof, which keeps the snow in place. As a result, the snow cannot be easily removed and ends up a wet slushy mess that stays on the roof. It’s best to get professionals in to perform the ice dam removal if your roof already has this issue.

Reseal the Windows to Prevent Drafts

It’s only when the temperatures fall significantly that you may even feel how drafty it really is.

The first thing to do is to add some V-seal. This is a form of stripping to lock out cold weather. It goes along the sashes to create an improved seal. Also, when placed correctly, it won’t prevent the window from being opened to get some cold, fresh air into a room.

If you find any gaps around the sills or near the frame, using caulking that’s available from any good DIY stores will resolve this issue. It gets fed into the gap or cracks to create a new seal. It won’t be very pretty, but it can be removed when it gets to springtime again.

Using shrink film for an improved seal over the windowpanes is a sensible idea too. You can find some other useful window tips here.

Interior Painting Instead of on the Exterior

Interior painting is a great task to get done during the cold months. It doesn’t make sense to attempt to paint the exterior and brave the chilly morning unnecessarily!

If there are several rooms to paint, choose the one that’s going to be the least inconvenient at the time when you’ll be working on it. For instance, if it’s the entryway, then don’t do that in the run-up to Christmas Day. However, if it’s a study or home office and it’s possible to relocate work activities to the dining room table for the time being, then that’s a great option.

Bathroom Remodeling

A bathroom remodeling is going to be more extensive depending on if it’s a complete remodeling project or you’re just swapping out a washbasin.

It’s also important whether it’s a house or an apartment with multiple bathrooms limiting the inconvenience of a complete remodeling project that could take a while to finish.

Another consideration is whether frozen water pipes might hamper any plumbing works related to a remodeling project. In areas where the temperatures really drop in the winter, it might be sensible to hold off until it gets above freezing.

Be selective about the winter projects for home improvements. There’s not many that suit this time of year.