Monday, June 2, 2008
Kitchens: Beyond the Triangle
The kitchen was originally designed for one person to prepare meals and was typically closed off from the living spaces of the home. Today’s homeowners are searching for open kitchen spaces where there is room for multiple chefs, an e-space to look up recipes or for children to do homework and possibly an adjacent morning room for casual living or entertaining. This article discusses the design of a modern kitchen based on homeowner’s needs.
Learn more about Kitchens
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Kitchens: Beyond the Triangle
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Category: Floor Plan Design
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Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Vacation Homes: Family Affairs
Despite the depressing reports about the housing industry, the second home market is experiencing growth in certain areas. The author also discusses elements of vacation homes and trends in the design of these residences.
Learn more about Vacation Homes
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Vacation Homes: Family Affairs
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Category: Home Design
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Wednesday, June 4, 2008
What a Technology Integration Specialist Can Do For Custom House Plan Builders
"Being well-connected takes on a whole new meaning these days as cinema-style home theaters, whole house audio systems, staged lighting programs and remote monitoring capabilities have gone from status symbol luxuries to standard amenities for high-end, tech-loving home buyers."
Learn more about technology integration.
What a Technology Integration Specialist Can Do For Custom House Plan Builders
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Category: Home Design
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Thursday, June 5, 2008
Green Begins With Design
"From the outset, green builders should be working with their clients to educate and manage their expectations. For instance, ask a middle-aged client who wants the master bedroom downstairs to avoid a flight of stairs if they really expect to be living in the house when they are 75. Because if they don’t, it makes more sense to locate all of the bedrooms upstairs so that the first floor doesn’t need to be air conditioned at night, cutting energy bills in half."
Learn more about Green Building.
Search Donald A. Gardner Green House Plans.
Green Begins With Design
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Category: Green Home Building
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Friday, June 6, 2008
Poll Finds Consumers Prefer Cooking Outdoors
As outdoor living spaces gain in popularity, this poll finds another reason to add a grilling porch or summer kitchen to your new home… More than 75% of consumers have said they prefer to cook outdoors. With this preference in mind, be sure to include your outdoor living needs in your plans for your new home.
Learn more about outdoor living spaces.
Poll Finds Consumers Prefer Cooking Outdoors
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Category: Misc
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Monday, June 9, 2008
Take Back Your Front Lawn
As the green movement becomes more and more of an issue for new as well as existing homes, the focus has broadened to include green alternatives for your landscaping projects. When planning for your new front lawn, this article urges you to keep a few things in mind for a more environmentally responsible front yard…
Learn more about your yard.
Take Back Your Front Lawn
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Category: Green Home Building
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
How House Plans Become Green
Find out how to turn your house plan into an energy efficient green home. Learn ways to make your home green from the inside out.
Learn more about Green homes.
How House Plans Become Green
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Category: Green Home Building
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Thursday, June 12, 2008
Are Soaking Tubs the Next Big Thing?
As the tendency to creating a spa-like atmosphere in today’s new bathrooms increases, this article discusses the different types of soaking tubs on the market and how they can increase the luxury factor of any new home.
Learn more about soaking tubs.
Search Donald A. Gardner House Plans with Luxurious Master Suites.
Are Soaking Tubs the Next Big Thing?
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Category: Misc
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Friday, June 13, 2008
Builders And Remodelers Go Green
Builders and remodelers in Texas have decided to take environmental concerns in consideration with the new homes that they are building. Emphasizing the fact that smart product and procedural choices are more important in a green home than the design of the home, the article details several energy efficient choices and the difference in price from a traditional product.
Learn more about building green.
Builders And Remodelers Go Green
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Category: Green Home Building
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Monday, June 16, 2008
Green Home Building Market is Expected to Double by 2012
Research reports that home builders are not only interested in using their green building skills as a marketing tool, but because “it’s the right thing to do.” In the past, environmental consciousness has been a fleeting fad, but McGraw-Hill’s research may prove the opposite this time.
Learn more about the green home building market
Green Home Building Market is Expected to Double by 2012
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Category: Green Home Building
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Lighting Up the Bath
Choosing lighting for your new home can be a complicated process. Many times a room as small as the bathroom can be overlooked, however, this article emphasizes this room’s importance and ensuring that the lighting is suitable.
Learn more about bathroom lighting.
Lighting Up the Bath
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Category: Home Design
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Stock House Plans – 4 Great Reasons to Buy Them
Custom drawn house plans for your dream house can be extremely expensive! Choosing a stock house plan can be significantly less time consuming and you can save thousands of dollars.
Learn more about Stock Plans.
Search Donald A. Gardner Stock House Plans.
Stock House Plans – 4 Great Reasons to Buy Them
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Category: Floor Plan Design
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
Great Kitchens and Baths Score Points with Custom Home Buyers
Gaining an edge in this competitive market can be a difficult task, but knowing what buyers are looking for and helping them make their dream home a reality can put you a step ahead of the rest. Most buyers are focused on having a gourmet kitchen and luxurious baths. This article features information from custom home builders and designers as well as some photos of kitchens and baths.
Learn more about Kitchens and Baths.
Search Donald A. Gardner House Plans with Gourmet Kitchens.
Great Kitchens and Baths Score Points with Custom Home Buyers
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Category: Floor Plan Design
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Friday, June 20, 2008
Before You Choose a House Plan
This article emphasizes the research that is necessary before choosing the house plans of your dreams. Lot orientation, future buyers and your needs are important factors to consider.
What to know before you choose a house plan.
How to choose the right house plan.
Before You Choose a House Plan
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Category: Floor Plan Design
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Monday, June 23, 2008
Screened Porch Design
Many of Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc.’s house plans are available with a screened porch. This article from a builder/remodeling expert answers a reader’s question about planning for a screen porch. Mr. Carter discusses various things to keep in mind whether you are including a screen porch in your new home or planning to add one to an existing home.
Learn more about Screened Porches.
Screened Porch Design
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Category: Home Design
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The 15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
Once your new home is complete, you’ll need a few tools on hand to be prepared for any small repairs that need to be made. This article highlights the tools that are necessities and why, along with some other beneficial information.
Learn how to be prepared with the right tools.
The 15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own
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Category: Misc
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Why Building a New House Plan Still Makes Sense
As many people are choosing to purchase a resale home rather than building their own home, this journalist who is currently building a new home discusses the benefits of building the perfect home for yourself. The author offers multiple reasons for building your dream home now rather than waiting for the market to rebound.
Learn more about building a new house plan.
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Why Building a New House Plan Still Makes Sense
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Category: Floor Plan Design
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
Outdoor Kitchens: 10 Tips for Better Design
Many people are choosing to stay at home during vacation time. This trend has increased the popularity of outdoor living spaces which can include furniture, grills, televisions and even special pizza ovens! This article offers 10 tips to ensure that the design of your outdoor kitchen is functional and most of all fun!
Read more about Outdoor Kitchens.
Outdoor Kitchens: 10 Tips for Better Design
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Category: Misc
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Friday, June 27, 2008
First Floor Master Suites are in Demand
Many homebuyers are searching for flexibility in the floor plans of their new home. This has resulted in a 15% increase in demand for homes with a master on the main level within the last 10 years. Architects foresee the demand continuing to increase as the Boomer generation plans to age in place and eliminate the need to climb stairs.
Find out more.
First Floor Master Suites are in Demand
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Category: Floor Plan Design
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Going Green, Affordably
Many people building a new home are considering environmentally conscious alternatives. Some are concerned that the costs will be substantially more than traditional building practices. This article from Residential Architect magazine discusses the different options that are available for those building green on a budget.
Learn more about going green.
Going Green, Affordably
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Category: Green Home Building
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