Building a Deck: 4 Decking Essentials

When considering building a deck, there are many variables that need to be evaluated. Some considerations that need to be decided on include where the deck will be placed, and its use and the size…

Plan of the Week – “Peregrine’s view”

www.DrummondHousePlans - Plan # 4196-V1 Sloping lots present not only challenges, but opportunities as well! Capture the views with this basement entry home! The basement proposes a home office with…

Intelligent Cities – Capturing graywater in Tucson

Would you water your garden with what goes down your shower drain or out your washing machine? In Tucson, Arizona, and an increasing number of water-starved western cities, more and more residents…

Spring planting: Wonderful wisteria

Classic Vines Add Fragrance, Color and Romance to Garden Designs Every spring, I see wisteria blooming on fences and pergolas, and every spring it surprises me all over again. Its twining vines have…

Home Maintenance – What’s wrong with that tree?

Structural defects occur in trees for a number of reasons, and even though a tree may be structurally compromised, it could live on for years. One example is a tree with a hollowed-out trunk. Since…

14 Picture Perfect Playhouses

It may seem hard to imagine with the current conditions outside, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about backyard season. In addition to planning your gardens and picking patio furniture,…

The Dry Garden – Great example of xeriscaping

As beautiful as private landscapes can be, and they can be stunning, none can match the poetry, joy and solace of a public garden done right. As proof, look no further than Arlington Garden in…

Xeriscaping – A sustainable landscape option

Whether by conscience or necessity, many people are looking to reduce their water consumption. The perfectly manicured emerald lawn may certainly look lovely but normally requires a great deal of…

How to choose green building materials

At DrummondHousePlans, we scour the web for resources for you. With so much discussion about eco-friendly and green building options, it is great to see articles that are more factual than full of…

5 ways to keep your home warmer

Baby, it’s cold outside. And, as temperatures drop, heating bills tend to rise. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your home warm without having to touch that thermostat.…

Plan of the Week – “Perfect Porches!”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2884 Very popular since its first appearance on the market, this model owes its popularity to an undeniable exterior charm, a most enviable solarium and four…

Holiday parody – On the 4th day of building…

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Four house plans to choose from, Three French city planners, Two steel-toed boots, and a journal for my…

Greywater Report looks at wastewater’s potential

About 50% of the water used inside U.S. homes can be reused to irrigate landscapes and flush toilets, according to a gray water report released by the Pacific Institute  last week. The Overview of…

Participate in the creative process!

At Drummond House Plans, we are always creating new designs. This is your chance to participate in the creative process and tell us what YOU like and want! We have several bungalows on our drawing…

Low Flow Showers for $$$avings

Hot water can account for as much as 25% of a household's total energy costs. In many cases, showers can be the largest single contributor to overall hot water use in a home, accounting for 15% of…

Fall Planting for Spring Flowers

Whether you are renovating or building a new home, few things are more inviting than swaths of spring flowers. Spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are best planting in the fall. Our friends at…

Feng Shui and Green Living, the Perfect Pair

Green living and green design are about living in harmony with our environment. Feng Shui is about living in balance and harmony with your environment. Feng Shui has been green all along! Feng Shui…

Plan of the Week – “Depth of Character”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3830 You are searching for a character home for a relatively narrow and deep lot?  At 45 feet wide and 69 feet deep, this one fits the bill!  The 3-car garage with…

Step inside this fairy-tale garden shed

Are you an insufferable romantic? While "cordwood masonry" sheds employ a building method of days gone by, they still have an unmistakeable charm. This cordwood shed is a particularly charming and…

Spanish Eco-Lighting Shines

Sneak peek of some energy-efficient lighting solutions from Interior Design From Spain OUTDOOR LIGHTING We know that Spain falls on the more fortunate side of Mother Nature, but many of us have to…