Designerplans' blog

April 15, 2008

Spring is, well, Springing!

• Grow some grass. No not in the yard, on your table top. Grass grows quickly and easily and makes a fun and fresh "floral" arrangement. The look and feel of fresh green grass is easy. Any flat container that will hold water without leaking can be used for this center piece. If you have or can find one that has a drainage tray that is even better. Fill the container with potting soil and sprinkle on grass seed. Keep it moist buy covering lightly with cling film or a plastic bag and watch it grow. This is a fun idea to do with kids and they can trim it with scissors if it gets too long.  For a look which evokes spring meadow you can plant small bulbs like muscari or crocus deeper in the soil and then plant the grass seed on top. This will extend the life of your display and add an extra layer of color.
  

• Pussy willows are back. A past perennial favorite the lowly pussy willow had lost favor in the decorating world over the last decades. With all things natural once again valued the pussy willow has made it back into our decorating hearts. Gather a bunch in the wild if they grow nearby or purchase them inexpensively from your favorite florist. Pussy willows make a great indoor or outdoor wreath material where they can be used on their own or mixed with
  

  Pussy Willows
  other twigs, or silk flowers like tulips or hyacinths. Willow branches also look great in outdoor planters particularly urns. This is a great way to fill in the blank between Christmas and your summer flower pots. Anchor willow with soil or gravel allowing them to fan out somewhat.  Then use real or fake moss around the base to cover the soil.
  

• The above ideas can also be used with other types of branches including red dogwood, and even cherry or apple. If fruit branches (or try lilac, forsythia, honeysuckle, or spirea) are cut in the spring and then brought indoors they can be "forced" to bloom. Trees must be out of dormancy and blossoms will be easiest to attain the closer the branches are to their natural bloom time. Cut the branches; mash the ends once with a hammer and put into warmish water. Within a few weeks you will have spring right in the house.
  

• Reevaluate your display areas. If your winter or Christmas decor is still lingering (you know who you are!) it is time to get it put to bed until fall. Have a look at your bookshelves, and your side tables. What could you add or take away to infuse a little sunshine into the display. A little spring birds nest filled with fake eggs, a few seashells, spring flowering plants, or even just a floral print table cover can make a huge difference in the feel of a room.

• Open the blinds. Sometimes we get so used to seeing our homes that we don't really see them at all. If privacy is not an issue in some rooms open up those curtains and blinds and give yourself the gift of a little spring light.
  

• Clean up! I know spring cleaning isn't exactly a new and novel idea, but it is a great way to get you going on all of the above ideas. Pull everything away from the walls, dismantle the bookshelves, and clear the clutter. Then make a real effort to put everything back in a fresh way.
  

• Move around the furniture if you can. It gives you an opportunity to clean underneath large items and as a bonus you gain a whole new way to look at your space. It can be amazing the difference that rearranging the sofa can give to a room - a whole new perspective. Isn't that what spring is really about?
  

April 2, 2008

Feature Plan

Check it out on our Website.  Click here to go to view the Plan of the Week.

TS40002A

Visit our website at: www.designerplans.ca

April 2, 2008

Getting all Decked Out!

Deck-01

For many homeowners who have spent the winter waiting for their new homes to be finished, adding a deck on the back (or front) will be the first outdoor task for the spring. A properly sized and well designed deck can create hundreds of square feet of extra living space. It can make the difference between a yard which is seldom used and one which is a real extension of your home.

• Spend an adequate amount of time in designing the deck before you get started. Check your local codes to see if there are any restrictions, particularly if you intend to cover your deck, or if you will be running it along a side yard close to the property line. Building codes do apply to decks specifically with regards to spans, railings, stairways and easements. Codes are put in place for the safety of home owners; make sure you know what you are able to do.
  

• Consider the following: what time of day will you most likely be using the deck, will you be sitting in the hot sun or the cool shade? Will you be using the deck to barbeque? Can you design it so that the barbeque is sheltered from the wind, or perhaps out of sight? How much seating do you need? Do you want privacy? All of these questions should be given some consideration before you start pouring any concrete.
  

• Consider your decking options. Traditionally decks have been built of wood either treated or naturally weather resistant. Cedar and redwood have been the most popular natural decking and left unstained will weather to a silvery grey over time. Both cedar and redwood are more expensive than pressure treated wood. If you like the look of redwood but don't like the price, consider using pressure treated posts and joists with redwood planks.
  

• Pressure treated wood is suitable for the entire deck as well.  Initially, treated wood has a greenish tinge that eventually weathers to grey. An annual application of water repellent is an excellent choice to reduce splitting, cupping and premature aging.
  

• New types of decking material are gaining popularity because they do not absorb water or rot and require little maintenance. The first type is called composite because it is made of recycled polyethylene and ground up waste wood. They can be found in a solid form resembling wood planking or in a reinforced hollow form. Installation varies from one type which can be fastened with nails or screws to others which require special fastening systems.
  

• Another form of decking material is created from extruded plastic.  It does not splinter and requires little if any maintenance. Some varieties of this vinyl decking material are embossed with a pattern to render them slip resistant. Clips or tracks are the fastening methods utilized with vinyldecking. Typically, this decking material comes in white or light colors that reflect sunlight and minimize expansion problems. Some of these products also have railing components to match.
  

• Waterproof vinyl sheet decking is also used as a low maintenance alternative to wood planks. This product is low maintenance and waterproof.  It is designed to be slip resistant, UV light resistant and fire retardant.  It comes off of a roll and looks a little like outdoor linoleum.
  

• Aluminum decking is the new kid on the block that likely will become an attractive alternative in the future. It is low maintenance, lightweight but strong, prefinished, cool to walk on, recyclable and has a clean, contemporary look to it. Aluminum decking is also substantial enough that noise and denting are not problems. Channels that are built in between the planks conveniently carry away rain. This translates into no additional drainage system under the deck being required. Aluminum decking is very well suited for use with roof decks and harsh seaside climates.
  

• Once you have chosen your decking you will want to choose a railing which best suits it. Once again check your codes, the height and design of your railing will likely be determined by the height of your deck. Lower decks may not even require a rail. Railings can be made of the same wood as the deck, vinyl, metal, or glass. They can also match the house as in ones made of logs for a log home, or perhaps stucco or even stone. They can also be benches or low planters if appropriate rather than a true railing.
  

No matter what type of decking you choose remember; check your local building codes, plan well before you start, choose a material that best suits your climate and your lifestyle, and if all else fails - hire qualified professionals to help you out.

March 12, 2008

Feature Plan

BU20009A

Check it out on our website. Click here to go view the floorplan.

Visit our website at: www.designerplans.ca

March 12, 2008

Beagle

Bringing Home Buster

For many of us, pets are an important part of our lives.  We can’t imagine our homes without a dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, or fish. However, keeping our homes well designed and beautiful with these little critters running around can be a challenge. They can be dirty, smelly and their toys and beds can be somewhat unsightly. As our pets become even larger parts of our lives it just makes sense to consider their needs when designing your home.  Here are some basic tips for keeping up appearances while still enjoying fluffy.

• Areas where pets are to be kept really should have hard flooring.  Tile, linoleum, hardwood and cork are easy to clean up, and will not trap odors and pet dander which cause allergies in many people. It is also easier to deal with the inevitable pet messes which occur occasionally.

• Kennel train your dog.  If a dog is kennel trained (which can be done at any age), they view the kennel not as a cage, but as a den. It is a safe haven for your canine. This can become a huge advantage to the homeowner. Providing a place for your dog to sleep that is not on your bed or your sofa will cut down your housecleaning tremendously. If you don’t think your pet is that dirty, try putting a white towel down in their favorite resting spot for a day or two. You’ll be astounded at how filthy our little friends really are – especially at this time of the year. A kennel also provides a great place to put your dog or cat when it comes into the house wet or covered in mud. Rather than having wet paw prints everywhere and dirty splashes where Fido shakes, you can contain the dog long enough for him to dry off and clean up a bit. This can be especially helpful while your yard is not yet landscaped.

• For style savvy homeowners consider the look of the dog or cat bed.  There are some really cool folks making custom pet beds to match the style of your home. Everything from log beds to Georgian paneled varieties can be found if you check out your local pet specialty store or the web. This can also be a great DIY project for the crafty. Get creative and make your pet bed a fashion statement rather than an eyesore. Just make sure that any fabric covering is easily removable and washable.

• Another alternative is built in dog or cat beds.  An open space under a cabinet or desk in the kitchen, den or laundry area is a great place to provide bedding or even to disguise the litter box. This keeps pets out of the way while preparing meals and doesn’t take up any floor space.

• Got a chowhound dog that eats the cat’s food?  A fantastic idea that looks great is to create a feeding shelf for the cat. A shelf that is low enough for the cat to jump to but too high for the dog to reach is a great place to keep the cat dishes. Two shelves offset by a few feet allows the cat to jump to the first shelf and then the higher one if you have a taller dog. This works well in a mudroom or a wide hallway and can provide a great place for creative display at the same time. It’s a perfect place for pictures of your pets too.

• Consider a mudroom for your pets.  You can incorporate the above shelving idea into an entire pet wall. Add hooks for leashes, bins for pet food or kitty litter, a spot for the litter pan, baskets or bins for toys and even a grooming station. This is also a good spot for the scratching post, necessary but usually sort of ugly. Add a window and a door or pet gate and you can leave your pets confined to this area while you are gone for the day. Tiling or linoleum on the floor makes clean up easy and keeps odors to a minimum. For many people their pets are their children, why not dedicate a little room just for them?

• Pet showers are becoming a popular addition to the garage or mudroom too.  Anyone who has ever tried to wash a pet in the bathtub knows its backbreaking work. Consider a corner with a raised platform for a tub or wash sink. If you install a set of steps up to the platform you won’t even have to pick your pet up, she can just step right up! Be sure to install hot and cold taps and a hand held shower head. Shelving or cabinets built under or around the area can contain all of the shampoos, brushes etc. that you’ll need to keep your pets their cleanest.

February 25, 2008

Feature Plan

BU149301L-MA

Check it out on our website. Click here to go view the floorplan.

Visit our website at: www.designerplans.ca

February 25, 2008

A Window of Opportunity

Windows are an important part of the design of your new home or renovation. Windows provide ventilation, light, and a means of exiting the building in emergency. They add to the beauty of your rooms and help to showcase the features of your location. From the exterior they play an important role in defining the character of your home. Windows also help to control both the positive and negative effects of sunlight and weather by bringing in the light and keeping out the heat or cold. Here are the window basics that you need to know to make informed choices about this design element.

• Windows come in two basic types, fixed and operable. Fixed windows
  do not open and operable ones do. Fixed windows are used in such areas as large picture windows where the view is to be uninterrupted, or in smaller decorative windows like unusually shaped ones. They are used in areas where ventilation is not a necessity.
  

• Operable windows are used in places where a means of egress (exit) is required, and in places where a homeowner is looking for ventilation. There are several different types of operable windows.
  

• Sliders are perhaps the most common type of window.  These have one
  side which is inoperable and one which slides open along a track. These windows have been used by the majority of home builders and many homes both new and old have this type of window, particularly in areas such as kitchen and bedrooms.
  

• Awning windows open with a hinge at the top of the frame allowing the glass to open by swinging out at the bottom. These windows are a good option above or even below other fixed windows, as this arrangement allows
  ventilation without obstructing the view of the fixed window. They also can be used above doors in homes with higher ceilings allowing for ventilation without requiring a screen door.
  

• Casement windows open by hinging on one side and swinging out by turning a crank mechanism. These windows offer the homeowner the ability to fully open a window for full ventilation. This full operation also allows the homeowner to clean both sides of the glass from the inside of the home, a real advantage particularly on upper floors.
  

• Single-hung windows open like a slider but operate vertically rather than horizontally. The upper half stays put while the lower sash opens upward.
  

• Double-hung windows operate like single-hung but both the upper and lower sashes are able to slide up and down.
  

• Hopper windows operate like an awning window but they hinge at the bottom, opening at the top. These too are often used above doors or other windows- though because they open at the top, they can only be used in areas with generous eaves or they will allow water to enter the home in inclement weather.

• Tilt-turn windows are multifunctional. They tilt open from the bottom like a hopper window for controlled ventilation, or alternatively they also hinge at the side like a casement window for cleaning and emergency exit.
  

• Some other types of common windows are bays, bows, decorative or accent windows and alternatives such as glass block.
  

• Windows are manufactured in a variety of materials. Wood, metal, and vinyl are the most commonly available as well as combinations of these materials. For example some windows are made with wood on the inside with a covering of aluminum or vinyl on the exterior. This allows the homeowner to enjoy the look of wood windows but the weather resistance and maintenance freedom of the other materials.

• You should always consider the insulating properties of the windows that you choose. A window is a potential area for huge energy loss from your home. Opt for multiple paned glazing and be sure that you have your manufacturer explain the construction of your windows so that you can choose the most energy efficient one for your budget. This may cost a little more initially but it should save you in the long run.
  
  

February 11, 2008

Feature Plan

Check it out on our website. Click here to go view the floorplan.

TS10001B

Visit our website at: www.designerplans.ca

February 11, 2008

The Not-so-lowly Door

If you are in the throws of designing your new home you know that there are a million details to look after. Some of these decisions are fun and easy to make and some are less interesting. Doors and windows for most people fall
into the less interesting category. However it is all of the elements in a design which add up to the final product and your doors do count in the overall scheme of things. There are technical things to know as well as visual things to consider. Here is a quick lowdown on the lowly door. (Watch for windows in mid February.)

Entrance Door

• Obviously there are two basic types of door. Interior and exterior. Interior doors are generally less substantial, less expensive, and do not require any sort of insulating value (unless soundproofing is required).  Exterior doors are heavier, and must be made in a way that helps to insulate your home, and that will resist the elements. Within these two categories are flush, and paneled doors. Flush doors are flat on both sides while paneled doors have rectangular panels framed into them.
  

• Interior doors come in differing qualities and price ranges. Though customers can purchase solid wood doors for an interior application, they are very expensive and therefore most new homes use less expensive hollow core doors. Hollow-core doors are made with two rigid supports on the inside to keep the door from warping, faced with a thin veneer plywood or hardboard face on each side. These doors are light and inexpensive, but they are puncture relatively easily. They also make ineffective sound barriers.
  

• Another interior option is engineered wood doors. One such option is doors made from medium-density-fiberboard (MDF). MDF is an engineered wood product which can be milled like hardwood. It has no grain and is in very smooth making it perfect for paint finishing. It has excellent sound insulation, and MDF can be custom milled to any profile. It is an easy-to-finish, affordable alternative to solid wood doors. Because it can only be paint finished though it will never have a true wood look.
  

• The door between the house and an attached garage must be a Fire-Rated Door. These doors are made in such a way that they take a certain number of minutes to burn; usually 20, 60, or 90 minutes. They come in many different styles and can be found to match what ever style you have chosen for the rest of the home.
  

• Exterior doors are the gateway to your home and are the first impression that the outside world has of your house. This is particularly true of the front door. Your front door should be chosen carefully. Both beauty and functionality should be kept in mind while making this decision.  The front door should compliment the style of your home and should be a color or finish which is inviting.
  

• Exterior doors have traditionally been made of solid wood. A solid wood door is beautiful and compliments any home. However, solid wood does have its drawbacks. Wood is expensive and can be difficult to maintain. Wood is damaged by sunlight and will absorb moisture if exposed directly to the elements.
  

• Alternatives to the wood door are metal doors, engineered doors and fiberglass doors. Metal doors are usually made with a wood frame, insulated with foam and then clad in a steel skin. Fiberglass doors are great for locations where heat is a factor and they will not warp, split or dent.  Fiberglass is also expensive but does not require the sort of upkeep that wood does.
  

• Whether choosing interior or exterior doors there are a few basics that you need to consider. Style; choose a style of door which suits your home as well as your budget. Along with style consider the finish. Stained wood finished doors are usually purchased to compliment wood trim, while painted doors work well with painted trim. Function; ask yourself if you need your doors to provide a sound barrier, bathrooms, bedrooms and working offices or entertainment rooms are places where this could be desirable.  Cost; as with all decisions buy the best quality that you can afford. Though it may seem like just a lowly door, you will be looking at and walking through this decision for a long time.
  

January 28, 2008

Feature Plan

Check it out on our website. Click here to go view the floorplan.

DU140601S-AA

 

Visit our website at: www.designerplans.ca