home improvement
Building Your Dream Home Anytime, Anywhere
Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Daily News Staff
5 tips to create a comfortable forever home
(Family Features) For most homebuyers, their dream homes are not something they’re likely to find already on the market. With a unique vision of your dream home’s look, location and features, building a custom home is generally the easiest way to make that dream a reality.
To keep things moving as smoothly as possible amid what can be a complicated process, consider these tips as you embark on the journey.
Set a Realistic Budget
You’ll need to start by determining how much you can spend on your house. Typically, the cost of building a home is around $100-$200 per square foot, according to research from HomeAdvisor. You’ll also need to account for the lot price as well as design fees, taxes, permits, materials and labor. Materials and labor should make up about 75% of the total amount spent, but it’s wise to build in a buffer for price changes and overages. While building your budget, consider what items and features are “must-haves” and things that should only be included if your budget allows.
Identify the Perfect Location
Think about where you’d like to live and research comparable lots and properties in those areas, which can give you a better idea of costs. Because the features of many dream homes require a wider footprint, you may need to build outside of city limits, which can make natural gas more difficult to access. Consider propane instead, which can do everything natural gas can and go where natural gas cannot or where it is cost prohibitive to run a natural gas line. Propane also reduces dependence on the electrical grid, and a propane standby generator can safeguard your family if there is a power outage.
“As a real estate agent and builder, I have the pleasure of helping families select their dream homes,” said Matt Blashaw, residential contractor, licensed real estate agent and host of HGTV’s “Build it Forward.” “The homes we design and build are frequently in propane country, or off the natural gas grid. Propane makes it possible to build an affordable and comfortable, high-performing indoor living spaces and dynamic outdoor entertaining areas.”
Keep Universal Design Principles in Mind
Many homebuyers want to ensure their space is accessible to family members and guests both now and for decades to come. As the housing market slows and mortgage rates rise, buyers may look to incorporate features that allow them to age in place. Incorporating principles of universal design – the ability of a space to be understood, accessed and used by people regardless of their age or ability – can make it possible to still enjoy your home even if mobility, vision or other challenges arise as you age.
For example, the entryway could have a ramp or sloped concrete walkway leading to a front door wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair with a barrier-free threshold. Inside, wider hallways and doorways, strategic lighting and appliances installed at lower heights are mainstays of universal design. Counters of varying heights, drop-down cabinet racks and roll-under sinks in kitchens and zero-entry showers, slip-resistant flooring and grab bars in bathrooms offer enhanced accessibility.
Consider Alternative Energy Sources
With today’s electric grid, more than two-thirds of the energy is wasted; it never reaches homes. Unlike electricity, propane is stored in a large tank either above or below ground on the property. A 500-gallon tank can hold enough propane to meet the annual energy needs of an average single-family home – enough to power major systems in a home.
Propane pairs well with other energy sources, including grid electricity and on-site solar, which makes it a viable option for dual-energy homes. Like natural gas, propane can power major appliances such as your furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, fireplace, range and standby generator. Often, propane works more efficiently with fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electricity, meaning your home is cleaner for the environment.
Propane can even power a whole-home standby generator, which is often a big selling point. When a homeowner purchases a standby generator, a licensed electrician installs the unit outside the home and wires it to the home’s circuit breaker. When a power outage occurs, the generator automatically senses the disruption of service and starts the generator’s engine, which then delivers power to the home. From the warm, comfortable heat of a propane furnace to the peace of mind offered by a propane standby generator, many homeowners trust propane to provide a safe, efficient, whole-home energy solution.
Build a Team of Experts
Hiring the right people can make the process of turning your dream into reality go much smoother. Start by researching reputable builders, paying special attention to the types of homes they build to find a style that matches what you’re looking for as well as price ranges for past homes they’ve built. Consider how long the builders have been in business and if they’re licensed and insured.
Depending on your builder’s capabilities, you may also need to hire an architect or designer. In addition to your real estate agent to assist with purchasing the lot and selling your previous home, you may need assistance from other professionals, such as a real estate attorney, landscape architect and propane supplier. A local propane supplier can work with the builder to install a properly sized propane storage tank either above or below ground and connect appliances.
Find more ideas for building your dream home at Propane.com.
Propane-Powered Appliances
You may be surprised to learn propane can power major appliances, which can increase the value of a home because of their high performance, efficiency and reduced dependence on the electrical grid.
Furnace
A propane-powered furnace has a 50% longer lifespan than an electric heat pump, reducing its overall lifetime costs. Propane-powered residential furnaces also emit up to 50% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electric furnaces and 12% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than furnaces running on oil-based fuels.
Boiler
Propane boilers have an expected lifespan of up to 30 years, but many can last longer if serviced and maintained properly. High-efficiency propane boilers offer performance, space savings and versatility as well as a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to those fueled by heating oil.
Standby Generator
Propane standby generators supply supplemental electricity in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Plus, propane doesn’t degrade over time, unlike diesel or gasoline, making it an ideal standby power fuel.
Clothes Dryer
Propane-powered clothes dryers generate up to 42% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric dryers. They also dry clothes faster, which can reduce energy use and cost.
Range
With up to 15% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric ranges, propane-powered ranges also allow for greater control of heat levels. Plus, their instant flame turnoff capabilities help them cool faster.
Tankless Water Heater
Propane tankless water heaters have the lowest annual cost of ownership in mixed and cold United States climates when compared with electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters and oil-fueled water heaters. They also only heat water when it is needed, reducing standby losses that come with storage tank water heaters.
Photos courtesy of Laurey Glenn and Paragon Building Group (house exterior and kitchen)
SOURCE:
Propane Education & Research Council
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home improvement
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects You Can Do in a Weekend
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects: Giving secondhand furniture a new life is a creative, satisfying and budget-friendly way to add personality to your home. Next time you’re in the mood to spend time working with your hands, try these simple DIY furniture upcycling ideas.
Easy Furniture Upcycling Projects You Can Do in a Weekend
(Feature Impact) Giving secondhand furniture a new life is a creative, satisfying and budget-friendly way to add personality to your home. Upcycling doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – all it takes is a little imagination, some basic supplies and a free weekend.
Next time you’re in the mood to spend time working with your hands, try these simple DIY furniture upcycling ideas.
Give a Worn Dresser a Fresh Look
Dressers have a way of accumulating scuffs and scratches over time, but it doesn’t take much to refresh their look. Clean the surfaces, sand away any rough spots then apply a fresh coat of furniture paint. To turn it into a stylish statement piece, choose a classy, on-trend color like sage green, deep navy or a warm neutral and replace the drawer pulls with modern hardware to match.
Transform an Old Coffee Table
The coffee table is a natural centerpiece of your living room, so give it an update that fits your preferred aesthetic. Sand it smooth, choose a new wood stain for a more natural look or paint it to match or create contrast with your walls and seating. Adding a protective clear coat can help the surface withstand everyday use and look new for longer.
Turn Wooden Chairs into Stylish Accent Pieces
If you have a collection of mismatched or worn-out wooden chairs around the house, try your hand at refurbishing instead of replacing them. Give them a good wash, repair any broken rungs, update the seats with fresh fabric or new cushions or unleash your inner artist by giving the chairs fun new designs with paint or peel-and-stick contact paper. If they aren’t a good fit for your main dining area, use the chairs as porch decorations or extra seating during parties.
Repurpose an Old Bookshelf
Bookshelves don’t just have to be for books. Give it a fresh design using paint or decorative wallpaper then transform it into a display cabinet, pantry organizer, entryway cubby for shoes and school supplies or whatever else your imagination sparks. Stave off clutter by adding visually appealing bins or baskets to help the shelves stay clean and organized.
Create a Unique Side Table
You can turn a variety of old furniture into side tables, from nightstands and end tables to stools and chairs with the backs removed. Consider adding decorative trim, stenciled designs, patterned tabletops or vibrant paint colors then give the finished table a new life as a plant display, bedside stand or porch accent piece.
Discover more home, lifestyle and crafting ideas at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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home improvement
4 Ways to Make Room for Better Living
Make Room for Better Living: Oftentimes, making your home better suited for your needs starts with rethinking how the doors open. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, understanding the options can help you choose doors – and the installation hardware behind them – that make rooms more comfortable and convenient.
4 Ways to Make Room for Better Living
A bathroom door that bumps into the vanity. A closet interior that’s awkward to reach. A home office that needs a little separation from family activity. Oftentimes, making your home better suited for your needs starts with rethinking how the doors open.
Sliding, folding and pocket doors offer practical ways to improve everyday spaces without adding square footage. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, understanding the options can help you choose doors – and the installation hardware behind them – that make rooms more comfortable and convenient.
Consider these four ways to put your doors to work from the experts at Johnson Hardware, who make easy-to-install hardware systems in the U.S.:
Free Up Floor Space with Pocket Doors
In bathrooms, kitchen pantries and laundry rooms, a swinging door can compete with storage, taking up to 14 square feet of floor space and interrupting traffic flow. Pocket doors slide into the wall, freeing the area a hinged door needs to swing open.
Made for single pocket doors in compact rooms or two converging doors for larger openings between adjoining spaces, pocket door hardware with its soft-close feature helps doors glide gently into the open and closed positions, reducing slamming. Discuss pocket doors early in your project so your building professional can plan for the space needed inside the wall.
Keep Essentials Handy with Bypass and Multi-Pass Doors
A frequently used mudroom, hallway or bedroom closet can look more organized with sliding bypass or multi-pass doors. The panels travel on separate tracks and slide past one another, letting you reach different sections without doors swinging into the room.
Options like Johnson’s bypass and multi-pass hardware systems help keep walkways clear while concealing storage or everyday clutter. Ask your designer or remodeler about panel arrangements and soft-close options that suit the opening based on how you’ll use the space.
Add Flexibility with Wall-Mount Sliding Doors
If you want the space-saving benefits of a sliding door but a pocket door isn’t practical, wall-mount doors travel along a track outside the wall. With easy-to-install hardware systems, making the switch from a swinging door can be a quick, practical room upgrade.
Often called barn doors, they can complement many decorating styles, from traditional painted wood to contemporary glass designs. Wall-mount sliding doors work well in home offices, bedrooms, laundry rooms and pantries, where soft-close and soft-open hardware can help reduce noise. Plan for clear wall space beside the opening so the door has room to slide.
Open Up Storage with Full-Access Bifold Doors
A closet can hold more than clothes. It might become a craft station, compact workspace or convenient place for laundry supplies.
Bifold doors use hinged panels that fold together as they open. Unique 1601 Full-Access Bifold Door Hardware goes a step further, allowing panels to fold flat against adjacent walls for full access across the opening. That makes it easier to reach shelves, organize supplies and use the space inside.
Thoughtful door hardware choices can make everyday routines easier, from reaching pantry shelves to creating a quiet place to work. As you plan your project, ask your designer, architect, remodeler or building contractor how pocket, sliding and folding door hardware systems can help make better use of your space.
For more ideas, visit johnsonhardware.com.
SOURCE:
Consumer Corner
5 Affordable Bathroom Upgrades That Feel Luxurious
5 Affordable Bathroom Upgrades: If you dream of having a bathroom that feels like a spa-inspired retreat, the good news is you don’t need a full renovation or huge budget to make it happen. Small, thoughtful upgrades can add style, comfort and ambience to your space without breaking the bank.
5 Affordable Bathroom Upgrades That Feel Luxurious
(Feature Impact) If you dream of having a bathroom that feels like a spa-inspired retreat, the good news is you don’t need a full renovation or huge budget to make it happen. Small, thoughtful upgrades can add style, comfort and ambience to your space without breaking the bank.
Consider these five affordable bathroom upgrade ideas to add touches of luxury to your home.
Warm, Soft Lighting
Lighting can completely change the atmosphere of a room; you can instantly create a welcoming, calming vibe by replacing harsh, bright lighting with soft, warm tones. To make your bathroom feel even more like a fancy hotel, think about adding wall sconces next to the mirror, accent lighting around the vanity or candles on the counter.
New Hardware and Finishes
Replacing outdated hardware and fixtures can immediately refresh the space – you don’t even have to buy a new vanity or cabinets if sleek new knobs and drawer handles are enough to make the old ones look like new. Another easy upgrade: A new faucet can give your whole sink area a more modern and sophisticated look. Opt for sleek, durable materials that feel cohesive with the rest of your design, like brushed nickel, matte black or warm bronze.
Upgraded Showerheads
Make your daily routine more indulgent by turning your shower into something that feels like an experience instead of a chore. If you enjoy gentle showers, consider a rain-style showerhead. For water pressure you can customize depending on your preference, look for a combination model. Also decide whether you’d rather have a detachable showerhead for extra convenience or one that’s fixed in place.
Heated Towel Racks
After a shower or bath, enjoy a little extra cozy luxury by wrapping up in a freshly warmed towel from an electric rack. You can install a permanent wall-mounted unit or choose a freestanding option for extra portability. As a hygienic bonus, towel warmers can also help linens dry faster, minimizing dampness and musty odors.
Refreshed Decor
Don’t underestimate how even small details can make a big difference. A few carefully chosen pieces of decor can elevate the look and feel of the whole room. That might be wall art, new curtains, a stylish mirror or even practical things like a new toothbrush holder and soap tray. Also think about choosing one or two plants suited to your bathroom’s natural lighting and humidity levels – a little greenery can make everything feel fresh and classy.
Get inspired with more home design and renovation tips at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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