Construction and Home Improvement

How to Build Your Custom Dream Home This Year

Building the home of your dreams could be accomplished sooner and easier than you may think. After you have an idea of the type of home you want to build, there are some easier ways to get your home built quicker. This means that you can put your dreams into high gear and have that • Read More »


Living In A Barn

After the unique experience of converting a barn into a home, I have to say it’s defiantly a life changing way to live. My wife and I choose a barn conversion over standard construction because of the lower building costs, not to mention being just plain different from the rest of the folks around these • Read More »


What is a Bill of Materials (BOM)

A bill of materials is a compiled list that specifies the materials used to build a building or residence. When a contractor or home builder prepares to build, they first use a mathematical process to calculate the amount of lumber, doors, shingles, windows, etc., will be needed to complete the project. The process starts with • Read More »



Scale Drawings of House Plans

Working drawings contain all plans, elevations (both exterior and interior views), sections, scale details and full size details necessary for the adequate construction of a home. The scale drawings of a structure are those which show the general layout of the entire building, locating the various features of the layout, showing their relation to each • Read More »


Turning A Barn Into A Home

In late 2000, I bought a piece of property that was used as a farm for the past three generations for horses and tobacco. And even though just under six acres, was one of the prettiest pieces of land you ever laid eyes on. One half of the property is wooded and the remainder is • Read More »



Building Materials and Construction Estimation

Many new home owners preparing for the construction of a new home believe that when they buy a set of plans a materials list is included. The facts are that this is actually rare. Most architects, designers, and drafters do not supply these with their plans. Which opens another profession called “Construction Estimation”. A construction • Read More »


How to Build a Circular Deck

Circular decks are considered to be the best option when it comes to choosing a deck that possesses a curved feature that requires railings. But most platforms that possess a circular design require an immense cantilever, which is a condition that puts a limitation to the overall size of your wooden platform. It is simply • Read More »


Having Your House Plans Drawn Professionally

If you’re wanting to have a qualified professional draw your house plans, here are a few tips on what to provide the draftsman, designer, or architect with. You’ve probably spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what you’re wanting. This is only natural because you’re wanting your home to be not only • Read More »