House Plans Blog

Master Suite Design Celebrates Outdoors

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This profile of a Master Suite featured in the Seattle Street of Dreams brings the outdoors in with heavy timber accents, a faux rock enclosed shower and lots of windows.

Learn more about Master Suites.

Search Donald A. Gardner House Plans with Luxurious Master Suites

Best ‘Green’ Materials For Your Home

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you have decided to build a ‘green’ home, you are part of a growing group of people who are concerned about the environment and are seeking a more energy efficient way of life. This article provides advice for choosing ‘green’ materials for your home.

Learn more about Green Materials.

Flexible House Plans Create Adaptable Homes

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Flexible-use homes are about to receive their own exhibit at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Titled "The Un-Private House," the exhibit, opening on July 1, will feature models, photographs and drawings of new homes by such noted architects as Steven Holl and Rem Koolhaas. Many of the designs have movable parts or changeable spaces, such as the "Curtain Wall House" in Tokyo, with its glass panels that draw back like sails, or a New York apartment with concrete-and-fiber partitions that serve as a room divider or fold down to form a table for large dinner parties."

Learn more about Flexible Homes.

Eco-Boosts for the Bath

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Redoing your bathroom is a big project, but doing it eco-friendly can make it seem even bigger. With new terms to learn (e.g., VOCs, off-gassing) and new products to consider, it can be hard to know where to start. These tips can help you plan your strategy to ensure that you get the green bathroom you crave."

Learn more about Eco-friendly Bathrooms.

Creating Spaces Buyers Will Love

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today’s home buyers have high expectations and plenty of choices. How do you differentiate the homes you build? A functional floor plan design can help seal the deal. Room for technology, casual living areas and flexible spaces are some thoughtful floor plan additions that focus on how a family lives.

AIA-Backed Green Housing Bill Unveiled on Earth Day by Rep. Perlmutter

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Commemorating Earth Day, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) on April 22 outlined details of the comprehensive legislation aimed at promoting energy efficiency in residential buildings that he plans to introduce shortly."

Learn more about the Green Housing Bill.

Outdoor Kitchens: Grilling and Chilling in the Great Backyard

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"It’s not your father’s grill anymore. From classic built-in outdoor grills to fantasy island units jam-packed with amenities such as wine coolers, pizza ovens and lobster boilers, the sky is the limit with today’s outdoor kitchens."

Learn more about Outdoor Kitchens.

Builders Collaborate with Donald Gardner Architects to Create the "Perfect House Plan"

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Greenville, SC – Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc. hosted a roundtable discussion and interactive design session for several of the Upstate’s top custom home builders on Thursday, May 1.

Permeable paving a good option for green home plan building

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"One of the fastest growing approaches to green site development is permeable paving. There are a variety of options: block, stone, brick, permeable asphalt, permeable concrete and structural grids. All operate on the same principle: to allow rainwater to seep through a paved surface, which naturally cleanses pollutants and recharges aquifers instead of having the stormwater run onto other properties and into storm drains."

Learn more about paving.

Custom Kitchen Sinks: Almost too Pretty for Dishes

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"In custom kitchens where the smallest detail is scrutinized, the sink is an opportunity for homeowners to express their personality — and a memory point for the custom builder’s future clients. You’ll find kitchen sinks in all sizes, shapes and materials, including stone, copper, marble and even glass. Some manufacturers will even customize a sink to your own or the client’s specifications."

Learn more about Kitchen Sinks.

Search Donald A. Gardner House Plans with Gourmet Kitchens.

Energy-Tuning Your Home

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Most homeowners have heard about the health hazards of radon, a radioactive gas that emanates from rocks, soil and water. Outside, it’s relatively harmless, but inside it can collect in dangerous concentrations, seeping in through cracks in the home’s foundation and other openings. Radon is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, and one in 15 homes has an elevated level prior to treatment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency estimates 750,000 to 1 million U.S. homeowners have taken radon-reduction steps over the years and says those steps, along with techniques in new construction, have helped prevent 6,000 deaths."

Learn more about protecting your home.

Great Kitchens and Baths Score Points With Custom House Plan Buyers

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"In today’s market, great design and craftsmanship aren’t enough to differentiate one high-priced custom home from another. Often it’s the kitchen and master bathroom that sell picky clients on a particular builder. And it’s not just because they’re well-executed; rather, the builder is giving them something extra. This can mean anything from custom details to personalized, expert assistance with design and selections."

Learn more about Kitchens and Baths

Search Donald A. Gardner House Plans with Gourmet Kitchens

Ways to Make Your Home More Luxurious

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Whether you want to dress up your home for yourself or to send the right message to potential buyers, you have help in these noteworthy luxury items from the International Home and Housewares Show."

Learn more about Luxury products.

Search Donald A. Gardner Luxury House Plans.

Consumers willing to pay more for green products

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"A new survey released today shows that nearly seven out of 10 U.S. consumers (65 percent) are willing to pay more for products made with renewable resources. The nationally representative survey, sponsored by DuPont and Mohawk Industries, queried 1,001 U.S. homeowners to identify consumers’ personal attitudes and behavior toward environmental responsibility."

Learn more about Green Products.

Cost effective solutions for a beautiful, affordable home

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Thank the Internet, TV shows, special-interest publications, local home-improvement centers and even your competition for inspiring your budget-conscious buyer. These days, even the thriftiest shoppers expect more bang for their buck. To catch their eye and make the sale, you have to give them a product that packs a visual punch and gives them the style and amenities they want, without busting their bottom line — or your own."

Learn more about Cost Effective Solutions.

House Plan Automation is a Smart Path to Going Green

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"With “green” now such a big buzz word in the industry and home owners becoming more interested in improving home efficiency, builders and remodelers should consider home automation features for their customers, if they haven’t already."

Learn more about Home Automation.

The Energy Efficient Home

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"High energy use not only has environmental impacts but can hit you personally in the pocketbook. Here is a list of helpful suggestions that may allow you to reduce energy consumption in your household."

Learn more about keeping your home Enery Efficient.

Building a house plan without going broke

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"There’s one sure way to know the cost of building your new dream home. And that’s to add up the bills once it’s built.

Otherwise, trying to estimate how much a home will cost to build is tricky at best. There are so many variables, and so many temptations to overspend once you start building a home, that coming up with a realistic budget can be tough."

Learn more about Figuring the Cost of Building.

How homebuilders can build a green home for less

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Builders who aren’t selling to the mansion market can afford to build green homes. Many building techniques and products labeled green are labor and resource efficient, so they cost a builder less. A floor plan under 1,500 square feet, framing techniques that save lumber and smaller diameter pipes that save water may not make the pages of glossy consumer home magazines, but designs and technologies like these can help you build an affordable green home while making a profit."

Learn more about Building a Green home for less.

Pinpointing an Opportune Time to Build That Brand-New House Plan

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wondering when is the best time to start building your dream home plan in today’s economy?

Find out more about pinpointing the opportune time.

Amenities Like Gyms and Theatres Give House Plans An Edge

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Buying a home is more than finding a place to sleep at night. It’s a purchase that revolves around your lifestyle. And especially with metro Atlanta’s long commutes, home buyers are looking for houses where, once they’re home, there’s no reason to get back in the car to do what they want to do."

Learm more about Home Amenities.

Choose Wisely – Getting the Most Value From Your New Home

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you are building a new home, either as a builder or homeowner, there are a remarkable number of choices and decisions to make. If you are a homeowner who plans to sell your home in the future, it can be daunting to make choices that are not only good for you now, but will be beneficial for future occupants as well. As a builder, offering a home with these smart choices will make a good impression on your buyer.

Outdoor Home Features Seen as the ‘In’ Trend

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"At a remodeling outlook presentation at last month’s International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Ahluwalia said that findings on what new home buyers want to see outside have significant repercussions for both home builders and remodelers."

Learn more about Housing Trends.

It IS Easy Being Green

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"It’s not easy being green? Well, actually Kermit may have had it wrong. Making your home more environmentally-friendly and greener is easier than you think. The number of green products available have grown significantly and become even easier to use. With a few minor changes to your home, you can make a big difference."

Learn more about Green Living.

The Many Shades of “Green”

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With so much information available about green building, it can be difficult to decide which ideas are best. Many consumers still hold onto the mistaken belief that building a “green” or sustainable home has to be costly and time-consuming. The degree of “greenness” in a new home can vary greatly depending on your choices. Small changes can make a big impact, such as changing the type of light bulbs used in fixtures and lamps, lowering energy bills. Taking the level of sustainability much further, advances in technology have made it possible for a home to generate its own energy with geothermal heat pumps.

Attractive Entries Can Get Buyers in the Door While Hideous Ones Repel

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Curb appeal has traditionally been an important part of the sales process; however, the recently released Real Estate Agent Community Trends (REACT) survey found that it is absolutely essential to getting buyers in the door and fostering a sale. Specifically, 82 percent of agent respondents said they have had potential buyers decline to look at the interior of a home based on the exterior appearance."

Learn more about Curb Appeal.

Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc. Unveils 10 New House Plans

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Greenville, SC – Donald A. Gardner Architects, a leading residential design firm, announces the release of 10 new house plan designs.

As the home building industry continues to experience correction, home plans with exceptional curb appeal and functional layouts are essential to enticing potential home buyers. Designs in popular building styles with custom-styled amenities are in high demand with builders and buyers alike. Donald A. Gardner’s collection of new house plans features a wide range of square footages and styles including European, Craftsman and Traditional. Gourmet kitchens and luxurious master suites can also be found in many of the new designs.

Creative Kids Spaces for House Plans

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"A designated space for kids inspires their creativity, evokes their imagination and lets them be themselves. These tips and ideas for designing a unique space will help you get started."

Learn more about Creative Kid Spaces.

High Style for the Lower Levels

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"No longer an afterthought, these below-grade spaces now feature standard-height ceilings, ample natural light and high-quality flooring. And, in the process of polishing up their image, they’ve also lost the moniker of “basement,” for a tag that’s a tad more marketing friendly."

Learn more about Lower Level design.

Search Donald A. Gardner House Plans with Basements.

The Master Bath Matures

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Busier and nosier lives are driving homeowners to retreat to their master bathrooms. They expect their bathrooms to offer them a peaceful haven from the commotions of work, children and traffic. Homeowners want their master bathrooms to provide a Zen feeling in a spa setting."

Learn more about Master Baths.