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August 31, 2007
Columns, Corbels, and Cupolas
The wealth of architectural products online is staggering. You no longer need to sift through obscure magazines or your local salvage shop to nab those hard to find pieces. A couple of our favorites are Inviting Home and Architectural Depot. The former specializes in wood carvings such as ceiling medallions, moldings, and rosettes while the later offers similar products but in various materials other than wood (resin, urethane, and fiberglass).
Inviting Home also offers a beautiful inspiration gallery and useful installation guides. Take a look and dream about restoring your own Victorian or just adding some subtle sizzle to your own home.
Posted by at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 28, 2007
Workshop Safety Recommendations
When planning and building your workshop, take into account these safety recommendations that provide more than an ounce of prevention.
1. Smoke Detector: A must-have not only for your workshop but every room in your house. When testing make sure you can hear it from inside the house or wherever you might be when your workshop is closed. Also check batteries regularly.
2. First Aid Kit: A standard red-cross certified first-aid kit that should contain gauze, tape, scissors, bandages, disinfectant, burn ointment, tweezers, and eye-wash solution.
3. Exhaust Fan: To draw off toxic fumes or potentially explosive dust. It will also keep your shop cooler during the summer months without the use of an AC unit.
4. Subpanel: It helps to have access to a properly labeled subpanel where you can shut-down power instantly to all tools.
5. GFCI Outlets and Striped Raceway: Your workshop should have plenty of outlets installed (preferably GFCI) so as not to overload a powerstrip as well as keep cords from being stretched to far causing potential accidents from tripping. For power tools that will be used away from walls and outlets you should install a striped raceway that is an insulated cord that runs along the floor and leads to an outlet in the center of the room. These will prevent tripping from cords and provide convenient power for free-standing power tools such as circular saws or table saws. Make sure the raceways are striped with colored tape for visibility.
6. Rubber Mat & non-skid tape: For high-traffic areas where you'll be standing, a rubber mat will alleviate sore backs and prevent slipping. They also prevent small tools or screws from bouncing away as easily as they would on a concrete floor. Non-skid tape is essential for steps or stairs that lead into the workshop with highlight tape for the tread nosings.
7. Closed Metal Trash Can: To be used for oily rags and other flammable trash.
8. Metal Cabinet: To store flammable paints and liquids.
9. Lockable Cabinet: To store small power tools and tools with sharp edges or blades.
10. Wire Mesh Fixture Covers: Consider covering all overhead lighting with wire mesh to prevent accidental breakage when moving lumber or other awkward long materials.
11. Fire Extinguishers: Mounted in different locations throughout the shop for easy access. Not all fire-extinguishers are created equal. Choose the proper one for the type of work you do in your shop, but better yet have a few on hand for each type of fire.
12. Personal Safety: Goggles, Respirator, and Face Shield should be required in all shops and be within easy reach of your workbench.
Please share your workshop safety tips in the comments below.
Posted by at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | post to del.icio.usAugust 27, 2007
Firepit Fanatics
Firepits bring an instant sense of community to any outdoor area. Maybe its our primitive impulse to sit around an open flame and take refuge in it's warmth and safety, or we may just seek an excuse to talk to each other instead of sitting around the TV. Whatever your motivation you can find a firepit to fit the needs of your backyard landscape as well as your families outdoor habits.
The easiest firepits to setup and install are portable types that come in many variations. But portable firepits are limited by the amount of fuel they can burn and require more maintenance during use. The other alternative is the built-in firepit which is fed by a natural-gas line. Not to be confused with outdoor fireplaces which are also great upgrades for patio areas, firepits allow people to gather on all sides and maintain face-to-face conversations which aid in the community feel. Open firepits also require no chimneys or flumes.
Our friend who lives in the ever-expanding city of Mesa, AZ, recently installed his own built-in firepit during a backyard landscaping renovation. He initially installed a dual-ring burner which he thought would provide the most flames but instead gave him a bunch of "bic lighters". He then opted for one ring that kept the gas pressure up and allowed the flames to reach his ideal height.
Disappearing Door Knob
A security and design feature in doorknob technology. Can we expect to see these anytime soon?
Posted by at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 23, 2007
Appliance Repair Help
We've come across the Repair Clinic, an online resource for repairing your home appliances. They state "Ask our RepairGuru® your repair question. Let our PartDetective® show the part photo, pricing and availability. Shop online or use our toll-free 800 number. No-hassle returns." Sounds like a good deal. Anyone use them?
Posted by at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | post to del.icio.usSlip into some Floor Dusters
The Floor Genie is an example of function over fashion, similar to Crocs. Cleaning your floors doesn't get any easier than this.
Posted by at 12:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | post to del.icio.usAugust 21, 2007
New Home Nightmares...Shared Online
The joy of owning and living in a new home has quickly turned to despair for some unfortunate buyers. These homeowners weren't fooled into buying lemons from local builders but instead chose larger more reputable home building companies, which it turns out didn't make a difference when it came to quality construction (at least in their situation). Offenses include mold, water damage, faulty foundations, defective construction, unresponsive contractors, etc.
Now many of these homeowners have turned to the web and are sharing their "nightmares" with others. A few of the more popular websites include fightpulte.com, levittandsonshome.org/, exposingnewhomebuilders.com, and crapconstruction.com.
Here's a listing of the most popular real estate/homebuilding gripe websites.
Posted by at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 20, 2007
Every Step for a New Home Construction
Home repair, remodeling, and renovation are heavily covered by this site but if you are interested in how a single-family home is constructed from beginning to end, HowStuffWorks has an interesting article that breaks down every step of the typical construction process in an easy to digest way.
If you are interested in learning more here are some books that outline the home building process from the ground-up.
Habitat for Humanity: How to Build a House
How to Design and Build Your Own House
How to Plan, Subcontract and Build Your Dream House: Everything You Need to Know to Avoid the Pitfalls
Deconstruction Defined
An interview with Rick Denhart, Mercy Corps' New Orleans-based Director of Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery.
He is focused on the deconstruction and rebuilding of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina and teaching residents to embrace elements of their previous homes and hopefully salvage pieces for their new homes.
Posted by at 2:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 17, 2007
Friday Contest: Win a Log Cabin from DIY Network
Earlier this year DIYNetwork.com invited visitors to vote each day on 13 design areas for a future cabin to be built in the Great Smoky Mountains. From the floor plans, roof, and countertops, the results were up to us.
They are now building this cabin to the winning specs and are offering you a chance to win the cabin. Details are below.
Here is the direct link to submit your entry, good luck.
Adding a Sunroom
You've still got a couple more warm months to finish those outdoor house projects, but unless you've already got the permits, building a sunroom addition may have to wait. But here are some ideas to keep you motivated.
Posted by at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 15, 2007
Architectural Digest Holds Open Auditions
Paige Rense, Editor-In-Chief of Architectural Digest, is seeking inspiration for feature stories. Architectural Digest will be holding open auditions in New York, Florida, California, and Texas for design professionals as well as non-pros.
Details after the jump
WHO: Architectural Digest
Architectural Digest is the world’s definitive design magazine, reaching an audience of 5 million readers each month. www.architecturaldigest.com
Charles S. Cohen/The Design Centers
Mr. Cohen heads a multi-faceted real estate development company that develops, owns and manages more than 12 million square feet of prime office and showroom space in Los Angeles, Manhattan, Florida and Houston, including the Design Centers.
WHAT: Open Auditions for Architectural Digest Feature Story
· Professionals and nonprofessionals
· Bring photos of a completed residential project - no disks or transparencies - two shots (maximum) of each of the major rooms in the residence
· The editorial panel will choose semi-finalists from each of the nationwide design center markets.
· One winner’s designs will appear both in an issue of the magazine and the website (www. Architecturaldigest.com).
· Semi-finalists’ work from each Market Event will be posted on the Architectural Digest website so that the public can vote on their favorite design.
WHERE:
New York
The Decoration & Design Building
979 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Florida
The DCOTA
1855 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33004
California
The Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Texas
The Design Center of Houston
5120 Woodway, at Sage
Suite 3002
Houston, TX 77056
WHEN:
New York – Fall Market ‘07
Wednesday, October 10 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday, October 11 9:00am – 5:00pm
Florida – Winter Market ‘07
Tuesday, January 29th 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday, January 30th 9:00am – 5:00pm
California – Westweek Market ‘08
Wednesday, March 26th 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday, March 27th 9:00am – 5:00pm
Texas – Spring Market Day ‘08
Tuesday, May 6th 9:00am – 5:00pm
WHY:
“I’m delighted to give anyone with a passion and a talent for design a forum to meet AD editors face to face and show them their work,” said Paige Rense, editor in chief of Architectural Digest. “ Architectural Digest is always searching for new and innovative talent in design and architecture, and our sponsorship of the Design Buildings market weeks are a perfect time and place for our nationwide search.”
Posted by at 11:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | post to del.icio.usHome Office Photo Gallery
This gallery of home offices may inspire you (or not).
Posted by at 1:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 14, 2007
Popular Patios
More proof that concrete patios are becoming a great alternative to outdoor decks.
Popularity of the patio rebounds [Kansas City Star]
Posted by at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usDrywall (Gypsum) Going Up
As the housing slump worsens, manufacturers start to feel the pinch, especially the drywall guys.
Posted by at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usWhy Houses Rot
There is a reason why homes old and new rot. It starts from the inside and can usually be traced to faulty insulation/ventilation planning.
"As we strive to make houses that have tighter envelopes with less air infiltration and that are more efficient, as we strive to build houses that put less demand on HVAC systems, as we strive to build houses that cost less to live in and put less demand on the earth's resources, and as we strive to create houses that are built green, we put more demand on our building systems and reduce our acceptable margin of error."
August 13, 2007
Gardening Tips for a Changing Climate
Worldwide climate change is a fact that is more than just an annoyance or quirk in the weather. Seasons are overlapping and the severity of temperature changes has become more dramatic. This change has direct effect on your garden now more than ever and with a bit of forethought you can prepare your plants for the coming season no matter how unpredictable it is.
Posted by at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usHotels Like Homes
Budget Travel finds hotels that come with all or more of the amenities that you'd have at home.
Posted by at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usQuatrefoil House Gates
If you are looking for a new pattern for your door or entrance gate, check out these quatrefoil designs that are sophisticated and modern as well as an example of find woodworking.
Posted by at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usAugust 9, 2007
Building a Concrete Patio
Concrete patios can be the foundation for a brick patio but also serve as your primary outdoor surface.
You'll need the proper planning and supplies to finish this job but with some patience you'll have an outdoor surface that should last for the lifetime of your home and require little maintenance.
Step by Step to a Concrete Patio [Berkshire Eagle]
How to Lay a Concrete Sidewalk [eHow]
August 8, 2007
Covet Thy Neighbors Remodel
One of the better Houseblogs we've come across is the Constant Craftsman. They've got a great lesson of how you can learn from your neighbor but more specifically what you can learn from your neighbors remodel, the good and the bad.
Greens and Reds for Your Kitchen
The Domicile has been inspired by the new IKEA catalog and the new colors they're introducing. Especially their bold green and red kitchen items. And what does everyone think of the new IKEA website? We are finding it a joy to use. It loads quickly, products are easy to find, and there is a lot to inspire you.
August 7, 2007
WD-40 Can Do Anything
We've been proponents of this magical formula since we can remember. But you'll find many more fans out there who have really put this solvent to the test in about every situation you can imagine. WD40 keeps the content the same but their applicators continue to evolve. We especially like the WD40 No-Mess Pen, for those hard to reach spots that need direct attention. They also claim to be an environmentally friendly product but it sounds a bit more like "marketing speak".
List of 2000 Uses for WD40
Join the WD40 Fan Club
August 6, 2007
Eco-Dome Homes
Straight from Tatooine comes the Eco-Dome (small house, "moon-cocoon").
Here are some features.
1. Built from local earth-filled Superadobe coils (soil-cement or lime-stabilized earth).
2. Tree free.
3. Maximum use of space through alternative options.
4. Self-contained single unit (potential for a guest house or studio apartment) or double unit (larger family residence).
5. Can be repeated and joined together to form larger homes and courtyard houses.
6. Can be built by a team of 3-5 persons.
7. Designed with the sun, shade and wind in mind for passive cooling and heating.
8. Wind-scoop can be combined with a rated furnace unit, depending on local code approval. Solar energy and radiant heating may be incorporated.
9. Interior furniture can be built-in with same material.
Price: $2,400 for a single unit (400 sq. ft. approx), $3,200 for double unit (800 sq. ft. approx.)
Posted by at 3:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | post to del.icio.usAugust 3, 2007
Open Kitchen Shelves are Hot!
Susan Serra of the Kitchen Designer confirms that the trend towards open kitchen shelves and cabinets is very hot right now. Not everyone requires the sleek frosted glass or oak built-ins anymore. Open kitchen shelves offer less privacy but they also provide ease of use as well as a warmth for showing your taste in dishware and glasses.
August 2, 2007
This Old House is New Again
Congratulations to the web team at This Old House (most notably, Betsy, Eric, Kristen, and Christopher) for their successful launch of the new and improved ThisOldHouse.com. It's been almost two years in the making and through countless hours of thoughtful planning, maintaining a dedicated focus, and nose to the grindstone work, we can honestly say that the new website should rank as one of the premier home improvement resources online and a welcome addition to the top tier of Time Inc sites that include (TIME, People, Sports Illustrated, and Fortune).
With all of the information you'd ever need located in the top navigation across the site and broken down by Planning & Ideas, How To & Repair, Tools & Products, and Give & Get Advice. The homepage is "blog like" in nature with the most important content listed down the left side which includes videos, step by steps, and photo galleries. There's also a quick-reference box of home improvement topics that someone may be searching for in How To, Planning, or Tools.
The This Old House TV show from which the website and magazine originate has been relegated to near the bottom of the homepage but all of the archived TV content and information about the current house project is still available, as is the more recent Ask This Old House series.
On a not so minor footnote, HUGE designed the site and deserves props for bringing one of the most venerable American brands into the world of web 2.0.
Full disclosure: The editor of Charles and Hudson was formerly the senior web producer of This Old House and knows first hand the challenge that the current team faced in this site redesign and is proud of their achievement.
Posted by at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usGet the Most Out of Your Pliers
Even more than the screwdriver, we rely on a good set of pliers to complete jobs that we could not safely or easily do without them. As with most jobs, its all about having the right tool and all pliers are not created equal.
Pliers 101 and Selecting the Right Pliers for the Job [DoItYourself.com]
Basic Hand Tools: Pliers [DIYNetwork]
Pliers Buying Guide [Home Depot]
Plier Safety Tips [Rapid]
August 1, 2007
Tips for Beginning Vegetable Gardeners
There are a ton of gardening resources available online from YouGrowGirl to Better Homes and Gardens.We came across a great article from 1996 that profiles that successful gardening habits of a couple in Portland, Oregon. They offer 8 tips for beginning gardeners that we think everyone with a green thumb could benefit from, especially if they are considering expanding their garden with vegetables. It looks like our friend Alex Bandon at The Shelter Life has got this vegetable growing skill down pat.
Posted by at 2:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.usHome Exercise and Resistance Pools
These exercise pools from Swimex can add the finishing touch to your home cross-training regimen. They use a patented paddle wheel technology that ensures a consistent wave that can be set for variable resistance. Their small footprint (18 ft. by 7.5 ft.), above or below ground choices, and indoor/outdoor option, make these the best alternative to installing a lap pool for the swimming enthusiasts.
Posted by at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.us
