There are so many choices in the floor covering industry that choosing the right floor covering for your home may be a challenge. By looking at all the choices available and weighing the pros and cons of each product, you should be able to pick a covering that works best for each room in your home.

As for bathroom flooring you should consider safety before appearance as you choose the material for your bathroom flooring. There are different styles of flooring available to choose from vinyl, marble, laminated, hardwood and carpeting to name a few.

One way to protect your home is with a home fire sprinkler system.  While fire sprinkler systems have been used commercially for over a century, this technology has been available for single-family homes for about 25 years.  With the use of fire sprinklers, the average homeowner can significantly reduce his or her risk of death or serious injury by fire and ultimately save lives.

September is National Preparedness Month; the Home Safety Council urges families to plan in advance for the unexpected.  The HSC is urging families to make a communications plan and assemble readiness kits now, in order to be ready for the unexpected later.  Click on the following link to read about more preparedness tips for families:  http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/home-safety-councilr-urges-families/story.aspx?guid=%7B2E65DD6E-41E1-4D89-864D-F1E21F89B53D%7D&dist=hppr

All of our house plans are designed to meet or exceed the International Residential Code which has become the recognized standard. Some states, counties, and municipalities have their own codes, zoning requirements, and building regulations. Reproducible plans are extremely helpful where local engineering or code modifications are required.

We offer a variety of blueprint packages ranging from 1 set (study set) to CADD disks.  We recommend that you purchase at least 5 sets of blueprints so that you will have enough sets to get you through the building process. In addition to a set for yourself, you will need to supply a set to your builder, mortgage lender, local building department and any subcontractors who need one.

Decorating with color is fun. It’s never a bad idea to let the pros give you a hand in choosing your paint colors. If you can’t find the colors you want, have them custom mixed for you. Most all paint retailers have the ability to match any color you take them. They can match a color in your favorite pillow or a paint chip from any expensive designer brand.

Decorating a bedroom is a personal pursuit. This is a private room, where you spend important hours resting and relaxing, and the mood you create should always enhance your feeling of well-being. Ask yourself, Is this a room you want to relax in, or do you want a bit of drama? Do you want it to be cheerful or have a nostalgic feel?

View this article to find out about the top eight ways to cozy up your home! http://www.napsnet.com/articles/59236.html

There are so many options available when it comes to choosing and designing your front entryway that you’ll want to check out as many product lines as you can. Visit this link to read about different door options:

Natural solid wood is probably the most attractive material for a decorative front door. Depending upon the type of wood you select, it can also be one of the most expensive door materials. If you select large decorative glass panels, their cost is sometimes more than the door itself.

When it comes to front entry doors “old” is new again. You’ll find that many of the newest house plans are inspired by European architecture. A key element in making the style authentic is designing a front entryway that complements your home’s architecture.

Since building a new home involves unique financing requirements you’ll want to find a lender that specializes in home construction loans and offers customized options. Construction financing commonly involves two loans: one interim construction loan for the building of the home and one permanent loan for the completed home. Finding the right financing to meet your needs, both short-term and long-term will help ensure you enjoy your dream home for years to come. Check out our latest issue of Home Ideas, which offers helpful lifestyle, size and cost considerations.

A well-planned outdoor kitchen can transform a garden or deck into a kind of island resort, where great friends and great flavors mingle under sun or stars.

Many homeowners are building their outdoor kitchens with ovens, refrigerators, freezers, icemakers, warming drawers and microwaves.  Equally important as weatherproof appliances are the materials used to build your outdoor kitchen - floors, backsplash, fireplaces, countertops and much more.

One of our favorite plans that includes a grilling porch, ready for that outdoor kitchen, is the Cherry Street House Plan.

A covered front entry gives European flair to this 2,802 square foot Cottage house plan. The large open floor plan of the family room, with access to the covered patio, is a great space to entertain guests, while the elegant dining room, kitchen and nook give the option for more or less formal dining. Retreat to the oversized master suite with shower, whirlpool tub and walk-in closets! Two additional bedrooms, a den, and optional second floor bonus room complete this lovely design. View the house plan here.

An estimated 40 million Americans move each year, with August being high season. One of the first decisions to make is whether to hire a moving company. If you do, click on the link provided to read about some suggestions for making the experience go smoothly.  http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/756416.html

One of the keys to a successful move is organization. Get written estimates and check for a good performance record if you choose a professional mover. Check around with a few different companies before choosing one.

As consumers continue to learn more and more about green building, architects, designers and builders are starting to incorporate more green features into their new homes.

One of these features are green roofs, which can be installed on residential and commercial buildings, feature landscaping and foliage on the top of the building that often can be used by residents and tenants as a natural space for relaxing and socializing. Green roofs limit water runoff, shield the rooftop from damaging ultraviolet rays and provide extra insulation that minimizes cooling costs and cuts down noise pollution. A green roof can add to the life span of a roof, in some cases doubling the length of time the roof can function.

Thanks to new technology and products, consumers can build their dream home without sacrificing aesthetics

When it comes time to design your kitchen, you should focus first on your kitchen cabinetry. Your cabinets are the key ingredient to making a great kitchen, both aesthetically and functionally. They not only house all your kitchen gadgetry, dinnerware, edibles and cookware, but they will need to be able to endure daily use and abuse. Learn everything you need to about kitchen cabinetry in our recent issue of Home Ideas.

Stock plans are a great option for anyone wanting to build a new home.   Finding the perfect plan is not always easy.  You would be amazed at what can be accomplished by making changes to a stock plan.  Modifying your home plan can be done in several different ways.  Minor changes can be handled by redlining your plans (making changes directly on the drawings) and in the field.  More extensive changes should be made to the plans.  A very popular blueprint package for individuals who will be making modifications to their house plans are reproducibles. A reproducible set gives an architect, builder or other construction professional the ability to make changes to the drawings without having to redraw the house plans.

Beautiful windows and an arched entry are reminiscent of a Tuscan Villa. The two-story foyer, grand room and stairway create a dramatic view upon entry. With its open floor plan family room, kitchen and morning room, time will be well spent with family and friends. The second floor luxurious master suite with decorative ceilings, walk-in closet and private balcony is fit for a queen. Three additional bedrooms and a laundry room complete the 2nd floor of this fabulous design. View the house plan here.

This charming 2,697 sq. ft. Old World home features a split 3-car garage, a spacious front porch and a brick, stone and siding exterior with shake accents. The entry unfolds to a columned dining room and a home office. The large gourmet kitchen has an angled breakfast nook and a snack bar to provide additional seating and food prep space. Cabinets and shelves in the breakfast area offer pantry storage space. The center island holds a cook-top. A welcoming fireplace warms the cozy two-story family room.

The elegant master suite, with a dramatic tray ceiling, is located on the main level. Closet space abounds with his and hers walk-in closets plus a spacious sitting/dressing area. The master bath features separate vanities, a luxurious spa tub and a private toilet room with an oversized shower.

Upstairs, the suites are sweet! Each bedroom suite features its own bath, two with tubs and one with a corner shower. All suites have walk-in closets. The biggest surprise of the upper level is the expansive dual bonus areas. The possibilities are limitless as to the use of this delightfully unexpected space!

Outdoor living is enjoyed to the fullest with front and back porches and a roomy deck. We have featured a small pool in our rendering to help you plan your recreational space. View the house plan here.