How many of us stand and gawk in fascination when we come across an old Victorian or Queen Anne home that has stood the test of time and remained standing since the middle nineteenth or early twentieth centuries? And with good reason, these home are works of art and were built by true craftsmen.
You look at all the scroll and millwork and are amazed at all the intricate patterns that are normally seen in natures snow flakes or ivy vines that seem to go everywhere on the building.. You look at the stained glass windows that remind you of great cathedrals and the lattice around the porches that seem like a never ending woven pattern and wonder how long such a building took to build with the hand tools of the day. Sort of reminds you of the story of Pollyanna, does it not?
Or how about the grand colonial homes of the old south? With their large ancient Greek type columns and facades that seem full of nothing but grand windows and one huge door opening as a portal into a party full of southern belles and finely dressed gentlemen. When you enter these homes, you would see a grand stair case that seems to dominate the entire home. And there is an openness to such a house that you have never seen in any other type home. You almost expect Scarlet Ohara to greet you as you enter.
Inside of both of these examples are finely made fireplaces and mantels, elaborate moldings, and hardwood or ceramic floors. Doors were finely crafted, many with beautiful carvings and hardware. Kitchens were decked with marble or granite and tile. The indoor bathrooms had fine porcelain tubs, toilets, and sinks. It was a sight to behold.
These homes and many other design types like this offer a warm and secure feeling unlike any of the more modern house types. They give you that feeling of more pleasant and innocent times that can be recaptured today if you want to.
Modern building materials and methods can be used to duplicate this same look to a new home. I’ve seen a few and they do a wonderful job of recreating that look on the exterior of a modern home. Even more beautiful are those new homes that have taken not only the exterior look but also the interior layout of these homes and added the modern conveniences to them.
Some people believe that in order to move forward into the future we need to forget about the past designs. I am not one of those. I believe that in order to move forward we need to remember the past and not discard the warmth and comfort these types of homes offered.
About the Author
The author, Tim Davis is a fully trained architectural designer who have been designing home plans for the past thirty years. He also has been trained in historical reconstruction and remodeling and is willing and able to help you design your own period home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Choosing an Architect or Designer For your New Home Design
You are going to build a new home, your first house. For years you have dreamed, scrimped and saved with the vision of your ideal home stirring you on. Finally you have accumulated enough money to make a down payment on a piece of land and your goal is finally within your reach. So how do you intend to finalize your dream? You cant just blindly go ahead and start building.
You probably have looked through hundreds of pre drawn plans in catalogs and even though you see elements in different plans that you like but have not quite found a plan that has all that you envisioned. You have also probably seen certain elements of your friends and neighbors homes you liked but still, the overall lay out just did not seem to fit what you wanted.
It is also probably a fair assumption that you can not rely on your own technical skill in either design or construction unless you are trained in that area of expertise. So now you have two choices.
Hire an Architect
This is a common choice and all well and good. The architect was trained with this sort of thing in mind. These are professionals who are trained to design projects ranging from homes to skyscrapers. The biggest problem with this is more times than not, you are going to pay a premium amount to hire them.
But hey, if you are building a mansion, the best professional to have is the architect because of the enormity of the project and the greater amount of skills and resources needed to complete such a home. And more times than not, your ideas can be used by him or her to create a very original design. I was told by the architect that trained me that many people did not really know what they wanted and that the architect was there to enlighten them.
Hire a Designer
However, if you “do” know what you want, a designer is your better choice. This professional is also trained to design and draw homes within technical specs. If I know my colleagues well enough, are also willing to bend over backwards to give you the home that “you” want at a lower cost, the way “you” want it as long as it meets code and it is within the budget you have set for the construction of your new home.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer with 30 years experience. And he does not believe you should spend a fortune designing your home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
You probably have looked through hundreds of pre drawn plans in catalogs and even though you see elements in different plans that you like but have not quite found a plan that has all that you envisioned. You have also probably seen certain elements of your friends and neighbors homes you liked but still, the overall lay out just did not seem to fit what you wanted.
It is also probably a fair assumption that you can not rely on your own technical skill in either design or construction unless you are trained in that area of expertise. So now you have two choices.
Hire an Architect
This is a common choice and all well and good. The architect was trained with this sort of thing in mind. These are professionals who are trained to design projects ranging from homes to skyscrapers. The biggest problem with this is more times than not, you are going to pay a premium amount to hire them.
But hey, if you are building a mansion, the best professional to have is the architect because of the enormity of the project and the greater amount of skills and resources needed to complete such a home. And more times than not, your ideas can be used by him or her to create a very original design. I was told by the architect that trained me that many people did not really know what they wanted and that the architect was there to enlighten them.
Hire a Designer
However, if you “do” know what you want, a designer is your better choice. This professional is also trained to design and draw homes within technical specs. If I know my colleagues well enough, are also willing to bend over backwards to give you the home that “you” want at a lower cost, the way “you” want it as long as it meets code and it is within the budget you have set for the construction of your new home.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer with 30 years experience. And he does not believe you should spend a fortune designing your home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
A Well Designed Kitchen
When designing a new home, it is always a good idea to spend some time carefully considering the kitchen and its layout. After all, this is where the family meal is usually prepared and there is nothing more important than the family meal to keep the family as a unit.
The most popular layout today includes either a bar built into the counter space or a breakfast nook directly connected to the kitchen for the morning meals. That bar or the table in the nook is a great place for the kids to do home work or school projects not to mention a place for mom or dad to balance the check book or some other task.
A properly designed kitchen also should not be hard to work in. For instance, it should be layed out so that there is no more than a twelve to fourteen foot triangle between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. This method allows for less steps and more cooking.
Natural light should also be a major consideration. A good sized window should be placed directly over the sink if possible. If it isn’t possible, then there should be large windows in the nook area to reflect light back into the cooking area.
There should be plenty of storage space whenever possible that would include a pantry integrated into a closet in easy reach from the cabinets. In corner cabinets, A Lazy Susan should be installed. A Lazy Susan is a rotating set of shelves installed so that everything can be reached by turning a carousel of shelves.
Drawers are very important for storing silverware and a good planner will make sure there are some deep drawers for those catch all things that always seem to show up in the kitchen. Actually, junk drawers aren’t a bad idea for keeping the kitchen tidy. Some cabinet companies have racks built into special cabinets that pull out like drawers for storing pots and pans that are hung on special runners for saving space.
Time and labor savers like a dishwasher should always be installed near the sink. Other appliances to be considered would be a built in microwave for quick snacks and warming meals.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer with 30 years experience. And he does not believe you should spend a fortune designing your home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
The most popular layout today includes either a bar built into the counter space or a breakfast nook directly connected to the kitchen for the morning meals. That bar or the table in the nook is a great place for the kids to do home work or school projects not to mention a place for mom or dad to balance the check book or some other task.
A properly designed kitchen also should not be hard to work in. For instance, it should be layed out so that there is no more than a twelve to fourteen foot triangle between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. This method allows for less steps and more cooking.
Natural light should also be a major consideration. A good sized window should be placed directly over the sink if possible. If it isn’t possible, then there should be large windows in the nook area to reflect light back into the cooking area.
There should be plenty of storage space whenever possible that would include a pantry integrated into a closet in easy reach from the cabinets. In corner cabinets, A Lazy Susan should be installed. A Lazy Susan is a rotating set of shelves installed so that everything can be reached by turning a carousel of shelves.
Drawers are very important for storing silverware and a good planner will make sure there are some deep drawers for those catch all things that always seem to show up in the kitchen. Actually, junk drawers aren’t a bad idea for keeping the kitchen tidy. Some cabinet companies have racks built into special cabinets that pull out like drawers for storing pots and pans that are hung on special runners for saving space.
Time and labor savers like a dishwasher should always be installed near the sink. Other appliances to be considered would be a built in microwave for quick snacks and warming meals.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer with 30 years experience. And he does not believe you should spend a fortune designing your home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
Monday, February 22, 2010
Having Your Home Designed By A Professional
When designing a home, my belief is that there is no method to use other than simplicity even in the largest houses. The greatest problem when laying out a large home is the danger of allowing the design to become monotonous. Monotony is the greatest causes of home owners becoming bored with their new home shortly after it is built. Simplicity more or less eliminates this possibility.
What I mean by simplicity is that there shouldn’t be a maze of hallways. There is more space wasted by designers adding halls to the plan than most any other cause. And rooms should flow together with one another with access to most all area’s of the home available to those rooms. Some call this method the open floor plan concept. The Kitchen should be serviceable enough for two or more people to freely move around the room and the dining / nook rooms shouldn’t be far away from it.
Be patient with your designer. It will pay off in the long run. There are times I have seen the owner insist that the work be rushed, sometimes ending in a catastrophe of an under designed home or one whose function is not what it should be. Communicate with them and let this professional know what you are hoping for so he or she can put your individuality into every room and then trust their training and experience.
Our home is our castle no matter how humble it may be. It is where we should spend the happiest and most memorable moments of our lives. Therefore it should be built to look attractive so that the father, mother, and the children can feel that there is really “no place like home”. Sounds corny I know, but you know it is true.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer with 30 years experience. And he does not believe you should spend a fortune designing your home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
What I mean by simplicity is that there shouldn’t be a maze of hallways. There is more space wasted by designers adding halls to the plan than most any other cause. And rooms should flow together with one another with access to most all area’s of the home available to those rooms. Some call this method the open floor plan concept. The Kitchen should be serviceable enough for two or more people to freely move around the room and the dining / nook rooms shouldn’t be far away from it.
Be patient with your designer. It will pay off in the long run. There are times I have seen the owner insist that the work be rushed, sometimes ending in a catastrophe of an under designed home or one whose function is not what it should be. Communicate with them and let this professional know what you are hoping for so he or she can put your individuality into every room and then trust their training and experience.
Our home is our castle no matter how humble it may be. It is where we should spend the happiest and most memorable moments of our lives. Therefore it should be built to look attractive so that the father, mother, and the children can feel that there is really “no place like home”. Sounds corny I know, but you know it is true.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an Architectural Designer with 30 years experience. And he does not believe you should spend a fortune designing your home. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Need for Drafting and Drafters
Everyone in the world speaks a language. The definition of language is the expression of thoughts in an understandable way. And if we want to be understood, we learn as much about our language as possible including learning other languages as well. Facts are that I really do not know too many people who prefer to be misunderstood. And to become more proficient, we read books, magazines, newspapers, and practice composition in order to become completely familiar with our language.
However, if we try to describe in words the geometry, appearance, and details of a fixture, machine, house or building, it can be down right impossible using just words in most cases. This is where we need to use another language called the “Graphic Language of Drawing”. So that when our words fail to give a complete or accurate description we look to literature that uses diagrams, pictures, and drawings to better explain the concept of whatever it is we are studying or attempting to build.
This is where drafters come into play. A trained drafter is able to draw an image from many different perspectives so that there is very few questions what a finished object will look like when fabricated. This professional drafter not only creates a pictorial representation of an object, but also gives dimensions and instructions that can be understood in any workshop or construction site.
In the past, the tools of the drafter were pencil, pen, paper, tee square or parallel bar, drafting board, scales, dividers, and templates, but for the most part, with the invention of computer aided drafting tools or CAD for short, the professional can create accurate drawings that can be easily understood by most anyone. That’s not to say that drawing on a drafting board is a lost art. It’s still very common today and a excellent way for the drafter to keep up his discipline and skills.
About the Author
My name is Tim Davis and I draw architectural and mechanical plans for a living. I also teach others how to draw house plans, site plans, mechanical and shop drawings and other types of drafting that I have been trained to do in a virtual classroom on the internet called 101 Info Dot Org at http://101info.org
However, if we try to describe in words the geometry, appearance, and details of a fixture, machine, house or building, it can be down right impossible using just words in most cases. This is where we need to use another language called the “Graphic Language of Drawing”. So that when our words fail to give a complete or accurate description we look to literature that uses diagrams, pictures, and drawings to better explain the concept of whatever it is we are studying or attempting to build.
This is where drafters come into play. A trained drafter is able to draw an image from many different perspectives so that there is very few questions what a finished object will look like when fabricated. This professional drafter not only creates a pictorial representation of an object, but also gives dimensions and instructions that can be understood in any workshop or construction site.
In the past, the tools of the drafter were pencil, pen, paper, tee square or parallel bar, drafting board, scales, dividers, and templates, but for the most part, with the invention of computer aided drafting tools or CAD for short, the professional can create accurate drawings that can be easily understood by most anyone. That’s not to say that drawing on a drafting board is a lost art. It’s still very common today and a excellent way for the drafter to keep up his discipline and skills.
About the Author
My name is Tim Davis and I draw architectural and mechanical plans for a living. I also teach others how to draw house plans, site plans, mechanical and shop drawings and other types of drafting that I have been trained to do in a virtual classroom on the internet called 101 Info Dot Org at http://101info.org
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Article Submission Tools and Tidbits
It is a widely known fact that writing and submitting articles is a daunting task but the rewards are far more than the work involved. Writing articles and then submitting them to article directories is one of if not the best way to promote your web site bar none, including blogs, in my opinion.
If you are like me, I have my own directory connected to my website. All my new articles go into this directory and then I submit them to other directories. I also reword them to be a completely new article and submit them too.
My first method was to keep a linked list on my server and then visit the individual article directories. This didn’t suit me as I was having to click back and forth between the list, my notepad, and then the directory where I was submitting to. Lots of work, let me tell you.
My second method was to download one of those automated submission tools. I figured automation was the way to go until I found that these sometimes bunched my articles into one solid paragraph and submitted into whatever category it wanted to. I dumped that method like a hot potato.
The third and final method I tried was to build my own submission page using frames. Then with the list on the left frame, the article directory on the right frame, and the text boxes I put to the top, I came up with my own article submission tool.
Frames are a very old method in HTML and I wouldn’t recommend using them for a website, but it sure made one handy dandy utensil to submit my articles with. It splices, it dices, it makes Julienne fries. Really folks, don’t discount using the old methods in dealing with the new problems.
And the best part of this method is everyone is happy. The article directory owners get their visits and you get your articles submitted to each and every one with more ease.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an article author who has made his article submission tool available to the internet public, free to use at http://receivedtext.org/artsub/ . He also is an online architectural & mechanical drafting instructor at http://101info.org
If you are like me, I have my own directory connected to my website. All my new articles go into this directory and then I submit them to other directories. I also reword them to be a completely new article and submit them too.
My first method was to keep a linked list on my server and then visit the individual article directories. This didn’t suit me as I was having to click back and forth between the list, my notepad, and then the directory where I was submitting to. Lots of work, let me tell you.
My second method was to download one of those automated submission tools. I figured automation was the way to go until I found that these sometimes bunched my articles into one solid paragraph and submitted into whatever category it wanted to. I dumped that method like a hot potato.
The third and final method I tried was to build my own submission page using frames. Then with the list on the left frame, the article directory on the right frame, and the text boxes I put to the top, I came up with my own article submission tool.
Frames are a very old method in HTML and I wouldn’t recommend using them for a website, but it sure made one handy dandy utensil to submit my articles with. It splices, it dices, it makes Julienne fries. Really folks, don’t discount using the old methods in dealing with the new problems.
And the best part of this method is everyone is happy. The article directory owners get their visits and you get your articles submitted to each and every one with more ease.
About the Author
Tim Davis is an article author who has made his article submission tool available to the internet public, free to use at http://receivedtext.org/artsub/ . He also is an online architectural & mechanical drafting instructor at http://101info.org
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
As Built Remodeling Drawings
When we need to make alterations or additions to an existing building, the drafter finds that they need an accurate drawing of the structure as it stands. This is called an As-Built drawing. If the original drawings of the building are not available, it is then necessary that we measure and recorded it in some quick and accurate manner so that workable plans, elevations, etc., can be drawn. The amount of detail needed in these drawings and the care with which we make them is determined entirely by the new work to be added to the building and will vary with each instance.
The first sketch is made on grid paper. This paper is ruled vertically and horizontally with lines 1/4” inch apart forming 1/4” inch squares. As the sketches are usually made at a scale of 1/4" = 1' - 0", the plans, elevations, etc., can be more easily drawn on this paper with good proportions because each small space represents one foot at this scale. The paper should be fastened to a piece of cardboard or other lightweight board so that it can be easily carried and marked on.
A tape measure will be needed for making the measurements. A digital camera is also a handy piece of equipment because you can record exactly what the subject that you are drawing looks like in relation to your sketches. You need to be careful to make your notes as complete as possible from the beginning because if anything is left off the sketch, time may be wasted in having to repeat trips to the building the retrieve the missing information.
The first thing we draw are sketches of the floor plans. These should be measured and recorded as completely as possible. These should show all main dimensions of rooms, the location of stairways with the number and dimensions of the risers and treads. Then the thickness and material of all walls, the width, and location of all wall openings and then any other features such as heating and plumbing equipment, and so on are sketched. Take as many photo’s a you can. You can never have too much information to complete your as-builts.
In recording the vertical dimensions, the story heights should be noted first. This can be done by dropping your tape measure down through a stair well where possible. You can also measure on the outside wall from sill to sill of the windows and then adding the sill to floor dimensions of the lower story and subtracting corresponding dimensions from the upper story. And again, photograph everything possible on the exterior.
Once all this information is compiled along with notes on exterior finishes, roof pitches, grade heights, etc., the sketches can be turned into exact drawings of the structure that is to be remodeled. Form the point the additions can be made to the building and construction drawings can be completed.
About the Author
My name is Tim Davis and I draw architectural and mechanical plans for a living. I also teach others how to draw house plans, site plans, mechanical and shop drawings and other types of drafting that I have been trained to do in a virtual classroom on the internet called 101 Info Dot Org at http://101info.org
The first sketch is made on grid paper. This paper is ruled vertically and horizontally with lines 1/4” inch apart forming 1/4” inch squares. As the sketches are usually made at a scale of 1/4" = 1' - 0", the plans, elevations, etc., can be more easily drawn on this paper with good proportions because each small space represents one foot at this scale. The paper should be fastened to a piece of cardboard or other lightweight board so that it can be easily carried and marked on.
A tape measure will be needed for making the measurements. A digital camera is also a handy piece of equipment because you can record exactly what the subject that you are drawing looks like in relation to your sketches. You need to be careful to make your notes as complete as possible from the beginning because if anything is left off the sketch, time may be wasted in having to repeat trips to the building the retrieve the missing information.
The first thing we draw are sketches of the floor plans. These should be measured and recorded as completely as possible. These should show all main dimensions of rooms, the location of stairways with the number and dimensions of the risers and treads. Then the thickness and material of all walls, the width, and location of all wall openings and then any other features such as heating and plumbing equipment, and so on are sketched. Take as many photo’s a you can. You can never have too much information to complete your as-builts.
In recording the vertical dimensions, the story heights should be noted first. This can be done by dropping your tape measure down through a stair well where possible. You can also measure on the outside wall from sill to sill of the windows and then adding the sill to floor dimensions of the lower story and subtracting corresponding dimensions from the upper story. And again, photograph everything possible on the exterior.
Once all this information is compiled along with notes on exterior finishes, roof pitches, grade heights, etc., the sketches can be turned into exact drawings of the structure that is to be remodeled. Form the point the additions can be made to the building and construction drawings can be completed.
About the Author
My name is Tim Davis and I draw architectural and mechanical plans for a living. I also teach others how to draw house plans, site plans, mechanical and shop drawings and other types of drafting that I have been trained to do in a virtual classroom on the internet called 101 Info Dot Org at http://101info.org
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