Archive for the 'Curb Appeal' Category
By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: Blended Family House Plans,Building innovation,by popular demand,Casual floorplans,Cathedral ceiling,Children,Curb Appeal,Declutter,Design Ideas,Drummond House Plans,Efficient,Extended family house designs,Family,Garage,Gas fireplace,House plans,Housing,Inspiration,kid-friendly,Kitchen islands,Laundry,Master Suite,Media Room,Modern House Plans,Mudroom,Narrow Lot,Narrow lot house plans,Open concept,Organization,patio,Perfect home,Porch,powder room,practical features,Rightsizing,separate laundry area,Single family dwelling,terrace,Two-storey house plans,Value,walk in closet,Walk-in Pantry
Inside the home, the logistics of shared space is of utmost importance. As little as possible must be left to chance in order to maintain harmony within the shared space that answers to the occupants’ needs.
Common living areas must take into consideration the diverse activities that will take place such as reading, talking, listening to music, playing games, and doing homework. Mealtime should ideally bring everyone together to share the day’s events and build the bonds so crucial to a family unit.
Children need their own space in which to interact with each other on their own terms. Although it is not always possible to give each child a separate bedroom, the use of color can help to define each child’s personal space.
A BEAUTIFUL AND SPACIOUS CRAFTSMAN STYLE CHALET
For larger families, how about this craftsman style home that is the perfect place to enjoy family life in the country, on the lakefront or slope side.
This charming chalet offers 6 beautiful bedrooms, 4 of which are in the basement and 2 bathrooms with each a shower. There is a powder room on the main level and a full bathroom complete with a separate shower and double vanity to accommodate the two upstairs bedrooms.
Abundant fenestration, a large kitchen with central island along with a dining room that has enough space to seat 12 and a cathedral ceiling in the fireplace equipped family room enhance the livability of this home. The double entrances offer a large closet for the main foyer and enough room to store skis and sports accessories along with a washer and dryer at the other.
Another pleasing feature of this home is the second living room in the basement and the large covered terrace.
A BUNGALOW WITH EUROPEAN STYLE
If you are looking for an original, 4 bedroom plan that offers abundant fenestration and the ability to fit on a narrow lot – look no further!
Outside, the striking curb appeal of this home is enhanced by the unique window style with its vertical orientation.
Once inside, the large family room is bright yet cozy with its central fire place and room for seating in whichever configuration suits your family’s needs.
In the basement, the two 11′x10′ bedrooms, shower room, laundry area and bright, workshop/storage area are features that are sure to be appreciated by the occupants.
The main level offers a kitchen/dining/living area that is bathed in natural light along with a bathroom with separate shower and two good sized bedrooms with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom where a fireplace could be installed into the existing chimney.
CONTEMPORARY STYLE FOR THE NEW FAMILY
With contemporary style, this large home offers a much sought after look with 3-4 bedrooms and a split level design with a garage the fits a relatively narrow lot
This home has a rear orientation for the well fenestrated kitchen/dining/living room area with patio doors that open onto a beautiful 19′ x 10′ covered terrace.
Inspired by plan 3407 with its more European styling, Aldana has a comfortable entrance foyer which includes a spacious closet and space for a home office. The large island in the kitchen and walk-in pantry are features that are sure to please and the fireplace built ins in the family area are extra touches that add a special feeling to this home.
Just 4 steps from the main level is a separate laundry area/powder room and the stairwell, open to the second floor, enhances the natural lighting and creates an open ambiance.
At the top of the stairs is a superbly appointed master suite complete with corner shower and walk-in closet. Two other bedrooms and a separate bathroom share the second floor and a full basement is ready to be finished to suit the owners’ needs.
Read the rest of this entry (No Comments »)By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: 2013 Trends,Accessories,Botanicals,Carbon footprint,Composting,Curb Appeal,Decor,Dry garden,Eco-friendly,Ecological,Environmental,Focal Point,Garden Tips,Green thumb,Green Tips,Guest post,Horticulture,Landscape Design,Landscaping,Rainwater Collection System,Recreation,Vegetation
Another helpful guest post from Grace Bailey
The eco-friendly garden is not something that exists only in the magazines or on TV. It is so easy to have one, especially when you are starting from the beginning, probably after you have moved to a new house.
If once you have grown a garden, you are aware of the main principles and the needs of the plants, so it will be easy for you to understand, that the eco-friendly style will not harm your future plant growing in any way.So if you are inpatient to start creating your new garden, here is what to keep in mind, when you want to do it both beautiful and harmless for the environment and your health.
The protection of the planet is mostly connected with the wise organizing and usage of the sources. Besides the power of the soil, the flowers need much water to grow and to live. So be sure you have found the best way to collect and use water, as you not only count on the pipes of the house
.
Here is what you can do to make this aspect better for the environment. First try to install gallons to collect rain water if your garden is so big and you can put them in a way they do not make it look ugly or it is not uncomfortable for you to work there. Try to pick the flowers very carefully. You can combine some that need less water with those which have to have it daily. Having only some of the second type will increase your costs and will not be good for the environment. It is also essential to have plants that can live best with the conditions of your garden. Otherwise you will put too many efforts to changing the type of the soil, watering and others.
To keep it rational you have to make groups of flowers with similar needs of sun and water. Thus you will organize the water supply better and will take care of them easier.
As you organize your garden do not underestimate the influence of the compost. Choose only an organic one that will let you retain a great quantity of water in the soil, which is very good for the plants. It will also reduce the water that evaporates from the ground, so be sure you will only have benefits of the use of this compost. Mulch will also fight the weeds and help with the nutrition of the soil for your garden. Read more tips on eco living and cleaning by visiting http://www.cleanershouse.co.uk/house-cleaning/EC4-home-cleaners-temple.html
By Deb Villeneuve
Recently, we received an Email from a satisfied couple who wanted to share their successful renovation project with us.
These before pictures are of Chantal and Jacques home in a rural Quebec village
This courageous couple wanted to take part in the actual “re-birth” of their home which ended up keeping them busy 7 days a week for 7 months.
They hired our modifications people to work with them to create the plan for the home of their dreams and retained the services of a general contractor to accomplish the lion’s share of the project and to build a detached garage to match.
According to the couple, without the help of family and friends the project would not have seen the light of day. Not only was the removal of the white siding required but they discovered a second, gray siding that also had to be eliminated.
They were forced to work against the clock until the beginning of July to take out the old roof. Despite the occasional thunderstorm, from which they protected the home with a tarp, much of the project took place under a warm and sunny sky.
All 43 of the windows and 8 doors, two of which are garage doors, were changed
Both of the solariums were completely re done and Jacques took care of all of the electrical and plumbing work himself.
The contour of the home was drained and a membrane was installed over the existing foundation.
The couple is proud of their accomplishment and generously sent these photos that we are happy to share with you.
Our modifications and renovations team would be happy to help you to create the perfect plan as well.
By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: Beautiful House Entries,Bungalow,by popular demand,Contemporary House Plans,Curb Appeal,Garage,Home,Home plans,House,House Plan of the Week,House plans,Innovation,Inspiration,Kitchen islands,Laundry,Master suite on main,Maximize space,Modern House Plans,One-storey house plan,Open concept,practical features,separate laundry area,Single family dwelling,Single storey house plans,Storage Solutions,timeless,two bedroom house plans,Zen
In response to a survey of 450 respondents to whom a choice of 3 different interiors was shown, on which visitors to our Internet site were also invited to comment, Drummond House Plans developed two contemporary, one storey plans that offer interiors by popular demand!
Introducing plan 3281 with its 38 foot width and 48 foot depth that boasts a 14’ x 20’ garage and sleek, contemporary roof line. Outside in front, the combination of brick and wood offers striking curb appeal that is timeless. Inside the home, the unencumbered foyer leads into an activities area which opens onto the back yard.
This plan offers many practical features including the front entrance with its 5 foot closet and access to the garage, the kitchen with ample storage space and a large, central island 80” wide x 40” deep. The abundantly fenestrated living/dining room, two comfortable bedrooms, a separate laundry area on the main floor and a well appointed bathroom with a separate 64” x 44” shower are features that are sure to please.
Other single story models with garage, including plan 3282, await your discovery!
By Deb Villeneuve
Inspired by the 3108 series of plans that features 3108-V1 with its finished basement and 3108-V2 that includes an attached garage, the designer has integrated the most popular features to offer a three bedroom version that is as functional as it is attractive.
It features a beautiful wrap around balcony, whose “L” shape shelters the two entrances to which it gives access. The service entrance, with its own closet, opens onto the kitchen and is practical in the summer months while the front entrance foyer off of the living room, with its separate door to help keep the cold out of the home, offers room to store coats and other winter accessories.
Inside, the open activities area has a central island in the kitchen. The dining room features a built in china cabinet and there is a built in entertainment unit in the living room. A triple patio door and a separate powder room /laundry are all is sure to please!
Three bedrooms on the main floor one of which, that could easily be used as a home office, has access doors to both the main entrance and the bedroom areas. The master bedroom boasts his and hers closets, one a walk-in, and a private entrance to the well appointed bathroom that includes a 5′ x 4′ shower, a double vanity and a freestanding bathtub.
By Deb Villeneuve
From the most popular modifications to plan 3235 has evolved model 3235-V2 which our designer has developed meet the needs of many of its future buyers.The main feature is the relocation of the staircase that adds almost two feet to the width of the garage and nearly three feet to the living room’s width thus permitting the addition of a corner fireplace.
The change from three bedrooms to two offers space for a laundry area on the main floor that’s complete with storage and a counter. The kitchen’s unique styling offers ample counter space and a full width island. The bathroom boasts a larger shower and the attractive covered terrace, accessible from the dining room, is sure to please.
The curb appeal of this home is enhanced by the addition of stone work on the front face and the darker shades of doors and windows add a dramatic touch.
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans.com – Plan # 3131-V1 – Erindale 2
While sister model 3131 is very popular, we have received frequent requests for the same plan with only two bedrooms of larger size – ideal for empty nesters wanting some personal indulgences. This version delivers on that request and, in addition to the removal of a room, some further changes are made to add comfort to this model.
The exterior is finished in a Craftsman style with board and batten siding and stone accents for incredible curb appeal.
An enclosed vestibule provides ample coat storage and a bright and open activities area makes maximum use of the social spaces.
A roomy master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and the secondary bedroom can comfortably fit a double bed or study plus Murphy bed for maximum space flexibility.
A generous bathroom is full of amenities including a side-by-side laundry nook, soaker tub and independent 3 ft. x 5 ft. shower in a contemporary configuration.
Further living, recreation and storage space can be attained by finishing the basement.
For more details on this plan, click here…
Looking for other Craftsman or Country House Plans? Check our Craftsman Design Collection, Country House Design Collection or use our Advanced Plan Search to find homes with specific features.
Want to receive all of our newest designs directly by email? Create a “New House Plans – Latest Trends” Alert and be the first to see all of our new releases!
By Vivian Martin
www.DrummondHousePlans – Plan # 3133-V1 – Ashbury 2
Whether you are starting out or right-sizing for retirement, this sweet bungalow has wonderful curb appeal plus amenities to please. A welcoming covered entry opens to an open concept main living area. The forward living room enjoys the warmth of a three-sided fireplace which provides gentle separation from the dining area. The kitchen boasts plenty of storage and a central island and easily interacts with both the dining and living areas.
The sleeping area gains privacy by the thoughtful placement of the staircase. Two bedrooms enjoy easy access to a well-appointed 5-piece bathroom with independent soaker tub and shower and a convenient laundry room. Every necessity is on this one level!
An attached single-car garage could easily be expanded to a two-car unit and includes direct basement access by its own staircase.
The basement is presented as unfinished but because of the careful design, could easily be modified to accommodate a lower suite or be developed for additional bedrooms or recreation space.
For more details on this plan, click here…
Looking for other Craftsman or Country House Plans? Check our Craftsman Design Collection, Country House Design Collection or use our Advanced Plan Search to find homes with specific features.
Want to receive all of our newest designs directly by email? Create a “New House Plans – Latest Trends” Alert and be the first to see all of our new releases!
By Vivian Martin
Source: certainteed.com via Drummond on Pinterest
When looking for a durable, low-maintenance cladding material for your home, you may consider fiber cement siding. It has the look and substance of wood siding but many attributes that actually make if perform better than wood.
Most fiber-cement manufacturers offer primed and ready-painted options. The latter would only require touchups on end cuts and the matching paint is normally provided. Because it is dimensionally stable (suffers from minimal expansion and contraction), the need to repaint will be much less frequent than with wood siding.
There are several makers of fiber cement products and you are best to ask questions at your building supply store and from professionals with boots on the ground to find out what their experiences have been with the product you are wanting to use. Budget will always come into consideration but you will also want to consider the product style, local costs, availability, durability and maintenance when making your decisions.
Fiber Cement Basics
Fiber cement is not a new product – it has actually been around for quite a while but it has only recently become a mainstream siding option. Many people like the look of traditional wood lap siding but not the maintenance. Likewise, with densification, some areas area actually mandating the use of fire-resistant materials to prevent fires from easily jumping from one home to the next. Fiber cement siding is often named as an acceptable product in those cases.
So how is this product made? Fiber cement siding is made of two main ingredients: Portland cement and cellulose fiber. They’re combined with sand, water and additives particular to the manufacturer to form a durable and stable cladding material. There is little to no waste in the manufacturing process and many of the products are recognized in sustainable certification programs.
Many styles of siding are available including lap siding (usually in 12 foot lengths and varying widths), cedar shingle replicas, and panels. Co-ordinating fiber-cement trim is even available to keep your entire exterior low-maintenance.
Painting & Staining Fiber Cement
Because fiber cement is dimensionally stable, painted coatings tend to last longer because the paint is not stretching and shrinking with temperature changes.
If you like the look of stain, you “can” stain it but you would need to use products specifically designed for fiber cement coating. It is best to do your homework to find out what your options are with the specific product you want to use.
Is it difficult to paint?
We’ve found this easy DIY video from Taunton’s Fine Homebuilding… I think even I could do this!
PROS & CONS OF FIBER CEMENT
Like every other product you can put in or on your home there are plusses and minuses and fiber cement is no different. But on balance the number of advantages are greater than the number of fiber cement siding disadvantages. For the record, here’s how it plays out:
THE PROS….
Durability
Fiber cement siding is impact resistant, unaffected by moisture (when painted/properly installed) and can last for decades. It won’t turn brittle in the winter like vinyl and is not prone to rattling in the wind like vinyl.
Rot and Insect Resistant
Being a portland cement product, fiber cement siding will not be subject to the decay you would normally see in wood siding. Termites and carpenter ants will also look elsewhere for a meal!
Dimensional Stability
As mentioned earlier, this kind of siding doesn’t expand and contract as much with environmental changes so your coating will adhere longer without the cracking and chipping you would be accustomed to with painted wood. This lower maintenance appeals greatly to all stages of life. We all have better things to do than repaint our homes.
Fire Resistance
Fiber cement is fireproof and carries a Class 1(A) fire/flame spread rating. That’s great piece of mind for those living in areas prone to wild fires, brush fires with wind-driven embers.
Available Primed or Painted
Fiber cement siding manufacturers offer their products both primed and primed-and-painted. The factory-applied coatings are done under optimal conditions which allows for longer warranty periods than field-applied coatings.
Long Duration Warranties
While each manufacturer is different, product warranties are normally quite long – up to 50 years for defects.
Great Curb Appeal
Even up close, fiber cement cladding products (boards, shakes and panels) are a convincing wood alternative.
THE CONS…
Mid-Range Pricing
Typically more expensive than vinyl siding but mid-range pricing could just as easily by a pro when compared to the cost and maintenance of wood. But if you are looking at the lowest cost of cladding, fiber cement will not be found in that class.
Installation Challenges
Compared to light-weight vinyl, fiber cement is heavy, awkward to handle (without risk of breakage) and requires protective gear to keep from breathing dust created when it’s cut.
Pre-Painted Could be a Pricey Premium
Getting siding with factory applied paint is convenient but be prepared to pay for this premium. Still, the devil is in the details… How many painters will warranty their job?
I Think I Like this product… Who are the Fiber Cement Manufacturers?
There are actually relatively few fiber cement manufacturers. The primary brands of fiber cement siding are:
Not all of the products or manufacturers are available in all markets so you will need to check with your builder or building supplies store to find out what your options are. Because fiber cement siding is a heavy product, shipping would add substantial costs. Many manufacturers also have zonal product formulations which much be used to meet the warranty conditions.
If you have a picture of a DrummondHousePlan home with fiber cement siding, we would love to see it! It may even be added to our Photo Gallery. Just follow the instructions on our gallery page to show off your beautiful new DrummondHousePlans home.
By Vivian Martin
Source: seaofshoes.typepad.com via Drummond on Pinterest
I don’t know about you, but I always have the best of intentions to store all of my ideas. File folders, scrapbooks and a huge archive of bookmarked websites. Backtracking through my links would sometimes require a psychic medium and no one in the household enjoys magazines with pages missing. Because most publications have some or all of their content online as well, I highly recommend that you investigate Pinterest… As a “virtual scrapbook” It is a beautiful way of keeping a visual breadcrumb trail back to the original articles you found the pictures on and provides the flexibility to create “boards” of ideas for specific room ideas and more. As you visit sites with bathrooms, cabinetry, accessories, etc., you’ll be able to get back to the images without having to print them.
There are so many decisions when building a home - the latest building materials, selecting cabinets, colours and hardware. If you don’t have a cadre of designers at your disposal (and with budgeting for a new build, hiring a home-stylist may take a back seat in your priorities), you may need to rely on publications and online resources. While there are many publications which cater to the US market, Canadian sources are more in tune with Canadian trends and available products.
There are a number of Canadian publications that you can subscribe to, or if you are looking for a greener solution, we’ve included links to the online resources that these publications provide as well.
Once you have selected your DrummondHousePlan, it is time to start visualizing your new decor…
Where to begin?
If you have no idea of where to get started decorating your new house Canada’s Style at Home is a great starting point. The magazine editors bill themselves as “Canada’s top resource for fabulous decorating, design and entertaining ideas” . Articles written in a friendly and informative tone present decorating ideas in layman’s terms. Even the most design-challenged individual will find value here. Each month they feature articles about interior design, home decorating projects, outdoor living and entertaining.
Canada’s Style at Home Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest
Get Inspired
Canadian House & Home is all about design and decorating. Each monthly issue takes you on virtual tours of the most unique and beautiful homes across Canada, providing inspiration and professional articles to help you create the home of your dreams. Each issue features dramatic makeovers, the latest furniture and accessories, renovation tips, and ideas for organizing and entertaining.
Canadian House & Home Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Video | Pinterest
For the DIY’er
Many individuals want to take a more “personal” approach to decorating. Canadian Home Workshop has been the go-to publication on home improvement and woodworking for over three decades. In this magazine, you’ll discover articles on project ideas, design techniques, practical renovation information and even home maintenance advice.
Canadian Home Workshop Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Make your home functional…
A home is about more than just decor, it needs to be liveable as well. Canadian Living is a magazine that provides daily living tips spanning recipes, household tips and ideas, fashion, crafts and even health and family advice.
Canadian Living Online: Blogs | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest
Make sure your outdoor spaces are enjoyable too!
Few things create a stronger impression than a bit of outdoor curb appeal but many new homeowners are intimidated by a blank landscape canvas. Canadian Gardening is an excellent information source for gardening techniques, recipes, projects and design ideas. The magazine also takes into account the vast differences in Canadian climate and features essential regional information to ensure great curb appeal in all regions of Canada.
Canadian Gardening Online: Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Planning your new home can be overwhelming but take it one step at a time and you’ll be fine. Be sure to savour the experience of planning your home and let us know if there are any articles that may help you in this exciting process!
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