• Though your house should be a place of safe refuge, ever year 21 million injuries and 20,000 deaths occur unintentionally at home. By a wide margin, falls are the cause of most injuries and the greatest risk is to the very young and very old. Stairwells should be well-lit and remove throw rugs or affix them with double sided tape for the elderly. The next most common danger that occurs at home is poisoning, affecting 2.3 million people annually. Half the people poisoned are children under 6 years old so using child resistant locks helps control access to dangerous products within a child’s reach. As you choose your two-story or ranch style house floor plan, make sure to include safety measures such as proper lighting and locks.

• If a natural disaster happens and causes damage to your home or possessions, contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible to start the claims process. Keep in mind that standard homeowner policies do not cover flood damage so inquire about this coverage if you live in a flood prone area.

• Owning a home near or on a park can increase your property value as much as 20 percent.

• Budget 1 percent of the purchase price of your home for annual maintenance.

• The average size of the American yard is still shrinking and is now just 9,000 square feet.

• Consider North American statistics – 55 million people work from home and 1/3 (18 million) run home-based businesses.

• The Center for Disease Control reports that 40 percent of homes have some lead-based paint in them, especially if the house was built before 1980.

• Check out the owner’s manual for your major appliances because it is filled with valuable information about everyday operation and maintenance. If you can’t find the manual, just contact the manufacturer and ask for the customer service department to send you one.

• If you want to quiet a squeaky floor, talcum powder does the job. Sprinkle a generous amount of talc where the floor makes noise and work the powder in to the joints and around exposed nail heads.

• Instead of wrapping breakable items in newspapers, wrap them in towels or washcloths. You won’t have to wash the breakables when you unpack and you won’t need an extra box to pack up towels when you get ready to move into your two-story or ranch dream house.

• Ornaments and pictures give traditional bathrooms an inviting feel, but make sure your treasured items can handle a steamy environment. Protect photos or painting by framing them behind Lucite or glass.

• If you decide to store photos outside of albums, don’t stack them on top of each other because the weight can damage them and in humid weather, they can stick together. File photos in boxes and store in a dry, cool place.

• To revamp those dusty silk flowers, put them in a laundry bag and toss the bag in the clothes dryer on the no-heat cycle.

• During the early morning or late evening, visit your garden to pick flowers and create a stylish flower arrangement. Put them in water right away or the stems will form an air-lock that prevents them from drinking.

• Flowers of one type in a vase last longer than a bouquet of mixed varieties. A single bloom lives longer than many blossoms of the same type together.

• One of the most durable siding materials is brick because it doesn’t rot, doesn’t fade, doesn’t need to be painted and weathers handsomely.

• An invaluable tool when painting high ceilings is a telescopic extension pole. When you use this highly functional tool you eliminate the problem of trying to balance yourself and a paint tray. If your raised ranch house plans includes high ceilings, you should invest in this useful tool.

• Local retail stores often offer discount kitchen appliances as major appliances drop drastically in price when a certain model becomes out of date. To save money as you choose your two-story or ranch home plan, consider shopping around for these types of discount kitchen appliances and it can mean significant savings.

• Many parents are scared at the mere thought of cooking with their children. A couple of useful tips for keeping it safe, fun and memorable for everyone are:
• keep a sturdy step stool nearby so kids can be part of the action without precariously reaching for pans or utensils over their heads; and
• put together a “kid’s tool” drawer in their reach with utensils that are not too sharp so they can take ownership and be part of the cooking process.

• A little tip for making beds is that the top sheet or flat sheet always goes “wrong” side up so when you fold it back, the printed or decorative side is seen.

• Lots of comfy pillows on the bed look inviting but can actually become a problem in a guest room. Stick to a pair of neatly arranged pillows and keep extra pillows, blankets and quilts in the guest room closet.

• Remember that little details make big impressions when you entertain and take cues from the season. Creative and beautiful ideas for a place card when entertaining include a ripe pear or fruit of season, a pine cone or some fall leaves. Attach a paper name tag to the stem or on the plate beside the treasure for a memorable reminder of the gathering.

• A durable, attractive and affordable floor choice is ceramic tile made to look like real stone. Stains are easy to remove, especially if you tint the grout to match the color of the stone.

• Wood flooring is not just for the living room and family room anymore. Now it is being used more frequently in high traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways. If you decide to do this, pick the right wood because some types are less likely to stand up to high traffic. Stay away from soft woods such as spruce and pine and look for oak, ash, maple or bamboo instead.

• An environmentally friendly wood that grows quickly and makes terrific flooring and furniture is bamboo. The planks have a high-gloss finish so they are easy to keep clean.

• Try to use a ladder made from wood or fiberglass for outdoor work because aluminum ladders can be dangerous around electrical lines. Stay away from the lines feeding power into your house.

• Though plywood is a wonderful material, the edges are unsightly. To hide them, plan the project so the edges won’t show in the finished item. Cover them with thin wood strips or with veneer tape, which is thin wood strips in flexible rolls.

• Slide a folded towel under each side of the piece of furniture you want to move to avoid scuffing wood, linoleum or vinyl floors. This makes moving the piece much easier while avoiding scrapes and scratches.

• A fireplace is a wonderful addition to consider when developing country house plans and it also increases the value of your home. Firewood needs at least 6 to 12 months to thoroughly dry for use. Look for cracks along the cross-sectioned surfaces to make sure your firewood is ready.

• One of the most common and useful tools around the house is a pair of pliers. You need variety, and a good toolbox should have a number of types, including standard pliers and needle-nose pliers.

• Another toolbox staple is a variety of wrenches. Pay for quality because over the years heavy, good quality wrenches do not wear out. Cheap ones wear out and can slip in use, damaging the nut you want to loosen.

• One of the handiest tools to keep around is a utility knife with sharp blades. Dull blades are not only insufficient but unsafe. Store the utility knife with the blade retracted and hide it in your tool box to keep it away from little ones.

• Buying small packages of screws is much more expensive than purchasing boxes of 100. The traditional, plain wood screw is now replaced by innovative designs with wider, sharper threads that are like drywall screws.

• One of mankind’s most useful inventions is duct tape, so keep two good quality rolls on hand. Cheap duct tape is a poor buy because the adhesive is gummy and can slip.

• When you choose the specific building features of your ranch with basement house plan or any other home type for that matter, remember that an engineered roof truss system is two to three time stronger than conventional stick framing and will ensure that a house and its roof remain together through the worst storms.

• The advantages of a brick home are many. A brick home is easy to maintain and offers beauty and a variety of colors to create perfect designs when building.

• It can be messy to apply caulk so for the best results start by practicing on a scrap of paper so you get used to how quickly the caulk comes out of the tube. The best way to smooth caulk is with a rag or damp finger.

• With regard to building materials, all drywall is the same. One manufacturer’s product is the same as another and there are no hidden defects. Basically, the material is smooth and solid or it is not. If you see drywall on sale, purchase it.

• If you don’t own a rubber mallet, cut a slit in an old tennis ball and put on the head of a hammer to act as a buffer to protect your project.

• A common nail is used for general construction and a myriad of other purposes. When you drive common nails with a hammer, snap your wrist rather than hitting the nail with arm power.

• The most common standard hammer is the claw hammer. For most carpentry you use the 16 ounce size and for construction work the 20 ounce size is recommended. A quality hammer has a head with slightly beveled edges to prevent chipping.

• If you have your washer and dryer in a location where you can’t hear the buzzer at the end of the cycle, set an alarm in another location in your house, such as your oven, to alert you when the load is done.

• The most destructive insects in the nation for destroying wood are termites and at least one percent of the housing in the United States needs treatment every year. Most termites swarm in the late summer or the fall. To determine if you may have termites look for tunneling in the wood. For the most part, the best idea is to hire a professional pest control company to carry out a routine regimen to keep pests under control.

• If you are stuck without electricity for a while, there is an order you should eat the food you have. First, eat perishable food from the refrigerator. Second, eat the foods from the freezer. Thirdly, you should eat cookies, snack foods and crackers and last you should consume canned goods and non-perishable items.

• With this in mind, did you ever wonder how long perishable food items will keep in the refrigerator or freezer if you lose electricity? The items in a full freezer stay frozen for two days when the door is kept closed and the items in a freezer that is half full stay fresh for about a day. Refrigerated food keep for about four hours. Throw away any perishable refrigerator foods that have been at a temperature of over 40 degrees or higher for more than two hours.

• Don’t stack any of your terra cotta flower pots vertically because changes in weather and humidity will make them swell and stick together so they are easy to crack when you try to pull them apart.

• Use the proper technique when shoveling to save your back. Bend at the knees when you lift a full shovel, tighten your stomach muscles and keep your back straight as you lift with your legs. Use the momentum from the upper thrust of your legs to propel the contents of the shovel onto a tarp or into a wheelbarrow. Avoid overextending your arms and keep the load as close to the body as possible because it feels lighter. Don’t twist your back when you shovel because backbones weren’t made to move like that.

• To get a sense of calm, invigorate the skin and relieve sore muscles, it’s great to relax in a warm, bubbling hot tub or spa. Spas and hot tubs were once only available at a great expense but now manufacturers offer kits for home use that are affordable, simple to install and adapt to almost any home. Most spa and hot tub dealers will assist you with delivery and installation. In most instances, you just place the hot tub, fill it with a water hose, set the controls and you are ready to go. An outdoor room or enclosed porch is an excellent place for a spa or hot tub and should be considered as you choose your two-story or ranch house plan.

• A hint if your pool skimmer gets a hole is to slip the leg of an old pair of stockings right over the frame. This makeshift skimmer will hold until you can get a new one or you can simply keep it and change the netting anytime.

• Now cold weather is not such an issue with exterior painting. While conventional paints need to be applied during temperatures that are 55 degrees or warmer, cold weather paints are made to resist moisture, blisters and frost in temperatures as low as 35 degrees. These paints are easily applied with a roller or brush and are safe for most surfaces.

With some helpful household statistics and tips in mind while you choose your extravagant two-story or even simple ranch house plan, you will be able to thoughtfully consider a house that will be safe and comfortable for many years to come.

Basically, there are three components you need to focus on to ensure your house plan will save energy no matter if you are building bungalow house plans or a large luxury house plans.

Insulation

No matter what climate you live in, insulation is extremely important to keep warm and cool air from entering or getting out.  Areas that require insulation include basements, exterior walls, floors, walls, cantilevered areas and ceilings between heated and unheated areas.

Types of insulation are compared according to their resistance to heat flow, known as R-values.  The greater the R-value, the more the insulation will stop hot and cool air from escaping.

The best materials to use for effective insulation are polyurethane and polystyrene, which are called “foam” insulation.  These kinds of insulation may be expensive but they have the highest R-values.  The most widely used type of insulation because it is affordable and versatile is mineral wood, which is a generic term that includes fiberglass, rock wool and glass wool.  Another type of insulation is called “loose fill,” which is made from wood fiber and poured from bags or blown with special equipment into cavities that are difficult to reach.  Although the cost for loose fill is low, there is a higher risk of rot, insect infestation and fire.

Doors and Windows

The majority of heat that escapes from a home is through the cavities in its exterior that are created by doors and windows, so insulating these areas is imperative.  Also, you should use double or triple-pane windows in your house whether it is a cozy bungalow house plan or expensive luxury home plan.

Although multi-pane windows allow as much heat to enter as single-pane windows, they drastically reduce its outward flow.  In fact, double-pane windows can cut heat loss by 50 percent over single-pane windows, and triple-pane windows can actually cut heat loss by 65 percent.  However, triple-pane windows may be too heavy for some window frames and they can be quite costly.

Another way to properly insulate is to apply caulking along window and door frames.  Latex caulking and long-life silicone work best and you should also caulk around your vents, pipes and other perforations in your home’s outer shell.

Heating and Cooling Systems

Selecting the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for your home will keep everyone comfortable on the coldest and hottest days of the year while saving money.  Many of the energy-efficient items you want might carry the  EnergyStar® logo.  Certain local gas and electric companies will even give you a rebate if you are a homeowner with systems backed by this certification.

Solar Heat

Solar heat is an attractive way to heat your home because it harnesses natural sunlight.  Consider the site you are building and your home’s orientation in relation to the sun.  Position your house so most of the window glass will face south to get the maximum advantage from the heat of the sun.  Further, solar panels may need to be built throughout your home to increase the use of this natural source of energy.

Saving Energy At Home Everyday

There are so many decisions to consider when you build your home, but investing the time to carefully consider your options and investing a bit more in the beginning for an energy-efficient residence will definitely pay off down the road.

Summer is another important time to consider how to conserve energy around your house.  Consider these useful tips to save energy as you go about your daily routine:

• •Summer means shorter nights so adjust outdoor lighting timers to extend bulb life and save money
• •Keep your windows closed during the heat of the day and open them to let in the cool night air
• •Just like mom always said, turn off lights when you aren’t using them
• •If you bake, keep the oven door tightly shut and use the oven light to check on the progress of your food
• •Close off unused rooms
• •Line dry your laundry to save money and get that great, fresh scent in your clothes
• •Wash only full loads of laundry and try to use cold water if possible
• •Only run the dishwater with a full load and use the range hood to vent out heat
• •Use microwaves, slowcookers and toaster ovens instead of the traditional oven
• •Shelter windows exposed to the sun and keep drapes and blinds closed on sunny, hot days to keep heat from penetrating
• •Shade air conditioners from direct sunlight

With all the money you will save in the future, you will be glad you chose energy-efficient ideas when safely and efficiently heating and cooling your home regardless of its size.

• Besides the convenience, keeping a phone list in the kitchen is also a safety feature. Jot down the numbers for the police, fire department, doctors, neighbors and family members so you can act quickly if you have to.

• Don’t run an empty microwave because it can overheat and cause serious damage.

• Change the air filter in your furnace monthly because a clogged filter can cause the unit to overheat and lead to premature damage of your air conditioning system.

• Don’t use a metal ladder near electrical wiring or power lines because it poses the risk of electric shock.

• A convenient, efficient source of outdoor security lighting are motion detectors. Properly positioned motion detectors make it virtually impossible for any prowlers to sneak up on your house.

• With prowlers in mind, when you are away make your home appear occupied by leaving lights and a radio on a timer, have the lawn mowed and have someone collect your mail and newspapers.

• When it comes to dreaded termites, a few simple precautions can go a long way. Fix all leaks, clean overflowing gutters and use splash blocks to divert water from your foundation so your house stays dry and uninviting to such pests. Isolate wood from masonry or concrete, trim shrubbery and keep wood mulch away from your house to keep termites away. Also, make sure that firewood is stored off the ground at least 15 feet from your house and that no tree stumps or scrap wood are in the vicinity.

• Keep your water heater temperature set at no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding.

• If you are using well water, be aware of the agricultural activity in your area that affects the quality of your water and after your first year at the property, test it as you feel necessary.

• Fireplaces are consistently rated as one of the top amenities desired by homeowners and are particularly cozy to include when choosing any style home from rustic to an authentic English country cottage house plans. Further, fireplaces have one of the highest investment returns of any addition to your home. Here are several ways to stay safe when you use your cozy fireplace:

• When you light the fire, keep the flue fully open for maximum airflow to feed the flames. When the fire is roaring, close the flue to the point where the chimney starts smoking and then open it a tad for the most heat. To keep the airflow constant and avoid buildup of carbon monoxide, open the window closest to the fireplace a half inch. Keep a fire extinguisher handy because even a dead fire can suddenly shoot out random, carpet-igniting sparks.

• Also, enclose the opening of a fireplace with a sturdy screen or glass doors. Never close the flue while the fire is still smoldering because carbon monoxide can build up.

• Make sure to have your chimney or flue cleaned regularly because blocked residue or even a bird’s nest can disrupt proper ventilation and endanger the health of you and your family.

• For outdoor fires, pottery chimneas and freestanding metal fireplaces are enjoyable and cozy addition to your yard. Consider including a safe outdoor living space when selecting from English cottage house plans or vacation house plans. Make sure not to put these fireplaces on wooden decks or other flammable surfaces.

• General fire safety tips include using fabric for curtains and upholstery that is flame retardant. New sofas have to meet strict fire regulations but second-hand furniture may have been made before they came into force. Also, never leave the dryer running when you are not at home. Consider that during 1998, there were 14,300 home fires related to dryers.

• The most important way to prevent fires is to make sure your home is equipped with working smoke detectors. Place one on the entry level and outside of each sleeping area. Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace all batteries at least annually. A good guideline is to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time. These lifesaving devices should be treated this way and constantly monitored to make sure they will work when you need them most.

• Over one eighth of house fires that occur each year are caused by space-heating equipment. Liquid fuel or electric heaters must be at least three feet away from any object, including the walls.

Keeping safety mind when you choose your house plan will ensure the well being of you and your family from the very beginning.