The Many Benefits of Timber Frame Homes

 

A home is one of the places that people spend a lot of their time. It is where you relax, be yourself, de-stress and generally let your hair down. For this reason, it is essential that wherever you call home is a place of beauty that you are satisfied and happy with. This means that your home must be welcoming.

There are several ways of constructing a home and also a variety of materials that can be used such as bricks, clay and of course timber. While every building type has its strengths and advantages, custom timber homes are of a special kind.

What are Timber Frame Homes?

These are the kind of homes that use frame structures made with wooden beams and large posts and are attached by wooden pegs or any other type of decorative joinery. These kinds of homes are a popular choice for people who love to self-build.

Typically, the walls of a timber house are positioned outside the timber framing leaving them exposed for visual and aesthetic effects. These framings are strong and they are well established forming the basis of the building and this can last for several years. You may read more from here.

Advantages of Timber Frame Homes

There are lots of benefits when it comes to timber frame construction. It is strong enough that the structure does not need load-bearing walls to cut through the house. This means that it can be designed in any way that you desire. It comes with factory standards and a fast build time. Its skeleton can be decorated or covered in any way that you like meaning that the house can fit in anywhere or look like any other home style. Below are further advantages of this kind of building.

They Use Natural and Sustainable Material

A major concern for a lot of people is the impact that their home will have on the environment. Timber is a natural material and it is abundantly available and renewable. This means that it is sustainable as long as trees are planted for every one that is felled. It is also environmentally friendly, and it does not contribute to the carbon footprint nor does it cost a lot to the environment.

Timber can also be recycled. It is safe to use and handle, it is non-toxic and will not leak any chemical vapor into the building. Also, there is little or no waste during its construction.

Besides, timber is often milled and used close to where it is cut and produced. This helps to promote local economies. You can read more on this here https://www.buildersmerchantsnews.co.uk/10-benefits-of-using-timber-frame-building/44552. 

They Are Versatile

Timber frame homes are versatile that is, there is a large variety of designs that they can be constructed in. They may be traditional or contemporary and when it comes to spacious open designs, they are right up there. Due to their flexibility and the fact that they are lightweight, they are easy to install. They can suit most projects whether it is a new one or an extension. They may as well be built in a way that blends in with the predominant style in the area they are located. If you so which, they can be made to stand out.

Timber also come in different shades, colors, and textures due to different trees having differing characteristics. This adds to the aesthetics and overall beauty of the house.

They Reduce Overall Costs of Building

One critical part of building construction is its budget and cost. It can be quite worrying when delays happen and the budget is threatening to get out of hand or beyond what was projected. When using timber, you can accurately predict your costs and budget.

For this kind of construction, poor weather hardly impacts its construction as most of the work is done off-site in a workshop that is clean and dry. With this sort of controlled conditions, the budget is predictable and with no surprises along the way. 

They Are Quick to Build

The construction of timber frame houses require a dry process shielded from external elements that may delay the work. When this is done, it is then transferred to the site where everything is put together in a matter of days. All these mean that other workers and tradespeople can come in sooner to do their jobs. They do not have to wait weeks for the building to dry out.

With this, the build time can be decreased up to a third of what it will take in an average brick structure. Also, construction can be done almost any time of the year.

They Are Thermally Efficient

Because wood has natural insulating properties, timber homes make for thermally efficient ones. It gives room for more insulation and helps to keep warm as well as comfortable when compared to conventional forms of building. Also when compared to other materials like steel and concrete, it has better insulating properties. This means that it requires less energy for cooling or heating the house resulting in lower energy bills for you.

They Are Long Lasting and Easy to Maintain

Timber is a tough and durable material that can withstand most weather elements and last for a long time. Some wooden structures can last for hundreds of years although over time they may change color slightly. Wooden homes are also easy and cheap to maintain.

Finding a Timber Frame Supplier

Several companies produce custom timber homes. They may either design, build as well as erect the structure or they provide the frames so that you can self-build. The choice is usually up to you. To get a good supplier you should get different quotes and compare them. When doing a comparison, ensure that the quotes have commensurate specifications.

After narrowing down your options, you should visit the company at their factory to discuss details of the construction with them. You should also take the opportunity to see the materials they will be using. Finally, ask about the time frame that it will take for the frames or the building to be ready.

Conclusion

Timber frame homes are great structures that come with plenty of benefits. If you are looking to get one, then you are in good company and have made the right choice. Do not forget to carry out due diligence so that you can choose reliable and experienced suppliers.

Home Staging Tips and Tricks That Really Work

With the decision to put your house on the real estate market comes a lot of anxiety. While there are many reasons for emotional turmoil during the home sale process, many owners have a concern that the potential buyers won't find their property attractive enough. 

According to ISoldMyHouse.com, one of the best ways to make sure that doesn't happen is by making your residence look fantastic. Let's explore the tricks for staging your property for viewings that'll make people fall in love with it.

Points of Focus

Not every room counts the same towards a successful staging. Focus your time and energy in rooms that are most likely to influence buyer decisions, spending less on areas that don't make much of a difference. Pay the most attention to:

• The living room
• The kitchen 
• The master bedroom
• The bathrooms

Guest and children's bedrooms make much less of a difference. You can even leave them as is if they're in good condition.

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Depersonalizing the Space

Remember the objective of a home staging while planning your tasks. You want to make your house look beautiful while disregarding preferences in favor of a more impersonal look. 

The idea is to help prospective buyers see the space as their own. So, your goal is to turn the property into a stylish, charming blank canvas. 

Remove Personal Possessions

You might feel that the portraits lining the stairs make your place feel more like home, but the buyer doesn't want to be reminded that the house belongs to you. So, put photos and memorabilia out of sight, keep clothes in closets, and clear the bathroom of personal items.

Declutter

Space sells. Decluttering not only helps depersonalize but also makes your home seem more spacious. While you don't have to get rid of everything, remove: 

• Non-seasonal clothes
• Your small decor items
• Papers, books, games
• Cleaning supplies not for everyday use

Remember that buyers open your closets to check out the storage space. If the drawers are hard to close due to everything you keep inside, they'll see much less potential in the property as a whole. 

Clean Up

Spring cleaning has nothing on the amount of work you should put in making your house 100% pristine before the first viewing. You want everything to shine, from the corners to the baseboards and the ceiling. 

A tidy home suggests you took good care of it. Think about deep cleaning everything, and pay special attention to the tasks you usually neglect.

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Open and Light

Another feature that attracts buyers is freshness. A deep clean should take care of any residue odors, but you should also take out the trash before a showing. Add an air freshener and put some plants here and there to promote a feeling of cleanliness and openness. 

Make It Bright

Dark rooms look small, sad, and uninviting. So, the first thing to do is brighten it up by letting in natural light sources. Opening the blinds makes the rooms appear more spacious, too!

Then, turn on all the lights, including those in the closet and the lamps. The home will seem more welcoming, and the buyers will see the lighting setting potential, creating ideas about how they'd arrange it once they buy the house.

Rearrange the Furniture

You might quite like your current arrangement, but try to look at it with a critical eye. Is there enough walkable space?

The idea of furniture rearrangement is to open the rooms, make them easier to navigate and help buyers imagine their pieces in place of yours. 

If there are extra chairs and tables around, especially damaged ones, remove them. When you're left with the basics, arrange the furniture with a minimalist and spacious aesthetic in mind. 

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The Bottom Line

Finally, remember that home staging doesn't require a massive investment. As long as you make smart, strategic decisions, you'll boost the appeal without paying a penny. 

Consult with your agent if you're unsure which changes are necessary, and present your home in the best light. You'll sell in much less time and face fewer issues down the line, making these tasks worth the trouble.

Tips to Know During Your First Remodel

Photo by Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash

Home remodeling can be an exciting experience, but it hides many surprises that the average homeowners need to be aware of. From choosing the right contractor, picking the best design fixtures and matching colors, to doing an after-renovation cleanup, all these can be quite overwhelming. 

We've rounded up the four most important tips that will help you prepare for your first home remodeling project. 

Plan Your Remodel Carefully 

More often, it's easy to jump into a home renovation project, but it's hard to quantify the hurdles you'll have to face along the way. Planning your renovation will help you see the bigger picture before getting started. 

The first step is to map your goals so you can specify the scope of the remodeling project. For example, you may want to remodel the kitchen and the living room first or the roof and the exterior alone. A plan will also help you estimate the remodeling cost, choose the right contractor company, and even select the finishes and fixtures needed.

From here, you can choose a spare space, either indoors or outdoors, to move your belonging. More often, homeowners will set aside a renovation free-zone to continue living in the same home while remodeling continues in the other rooms.  

You should also create a master list detailing what needs to be done, when, how, and by whom. The idea is to have a clear overview of the steps involved in the remodeling process. However, it doesn't have to be detailed, like the one used by your contractor.

Another critical step is to get a permit from the local authorities. This is particularly true if you are looking to sell your home in the foreseeable future. A home that's remodeled without a permit is most likely to violate the building and safety standards, for example, the national electrical codes. Finally, put measures in place to protect your pets and kids, if any. 

Be Part of the Whole Exercise 

As a homeowner, you have two options. You can let the contractor do his job and just hang around until the whole project is over, or you can choose to be part of the remodeling process. With the latter, you have the option to specify further how you want your new home to look, from the color options to design features and everything in between.

Watching the remodeling process one at a time can be fun, but that will mean you have to take the days off your job, which can be somewhat impractical. Instead, make time to visit the place at least once or twice a week. Give a helping hand, discuss the remodeling process, get to know what works, and check whether the new additions meet your remodeling expectations. 

For example, you may realize that the new windows are letting in too much light, hence the need to make a few changes to accommodate your taste and preferences. However, you should not be a headache to your contractor, always proposing corrections that might compromise the entire project's integrity. 

Expect the Unexpected 

For your first remodeling project, be ready to face challenges you didn't expect. Your contractor may delay to complete the renovation in time due to unavoidable circumstances, for example, failed inspections, weather changes, sick leave, etc. 

To avoid frustrations, always lower your expectations and embrace an open mindset. You can also avoid procurement delays by working with local suppliers who are competent in their work. Also, make it a routine to follow up with your local authorities on inspections to avoid undue delays.  

You can also minimize these challenges by consulting far and wide and modeling solutions to the most probable remodeling hurdles. 

Schedule Cleanup

Every renovation or remodeling project will lead to lots of waste materials, most of which will be difficult to clean on your own. It's easy to overlook the importance of post-renovation clean up until the work is complete, and your contractors leave a heap of clutter in the living room. Common remodeling waste like wood scraps, concrete waste, dust, trash, and debris require proper cleaning, which can be hectic if you lack hands-on experience. 

Working with a residential trash collection service will make the whole process painless, seamless, and fast. However, it's essential to choose the right company and communicate with the cleanup personnel in advance. This will avoid undue delays and inconveniences, for example, cleaning services spanning a couple of days and even weeks. 

Closing Comments 

Whether you are remodeling a few rooms or your entire home, it's critical to plan the whole project. This will put you in a better position to speculate challenges and work on their solutions, so the remodeling becomes a success. 

The four steps highlighted above allow you to proceed with the remodeling while paying attention to what matters the most., i.e., meeting your remodeling expectations while minding your safety and that of your loved ones. 

10 Concepts Of Custom Home Builders And Custom Home Designs

The biggest joy of building a custom home is that every feature that you add is uniquely designed to suit your requirements. In such a house, every detail is customized exclusively for you. For a custom home builder, it means they get to try out their creativity on the way to build dream nests.

If you wish to integrate your vision, needs, and wishes to enhance your lifestyle at home, this article can act as a handy guide to choose the best inspirational home designs on a limited budget.

Go ahead and read about the ten amazing and inspirational custom home design ideas to try in your newly-built house:

#1. Amazing Walk-in Master Closet

You often dreamt about building a spacious master bedroom that comes with a walk-in master closet that is easier to accommodate his or her clothes, shoes, etc. This could be a private area and can be practical depending on your desire. 

In a customized closet you can check the identical cabinets, drawers, and space to hang clothes. Several builders such as victoreric.com custom home builders provide you with the option of a well-designed and organized closet that helps to eliminate the requirement of the growing wardrobe.

#2. Well-Equipped Kitchen

No matter where you live having a well-equipped kitchen is the focal point for all social gatherings especially if you love to cook and wear the chef hat. A spacious large island with a huge seating capacity to encourage socializing while you cook. 

The expert builders encourage the addition of high-end appliances, more than one sink, ample space on the counter-top, and huge storage.

#3. Angled Windows

In the current year, something which is in high trend is angled transom windows to reflect the sloping roof for a consistent look.

#4. Dual-Facing Fireplace Wall

A unique fireplace wall to provide partial separation between the kitchen and the family room without eliminating the open layout. The dual-facing fireplace extends sightlines, adds amazing ambiance. 

We will like you to add a small built-in bench to provide additional seating. However, the choice of the fireplace is also a big matter of consideration - read here about the best fireplace options for your house.

#5. Two-Entrances to Shower

Currently, every customized home design expert inspires the new buyers to have full his-and-hers bathrooms with vanity, toilet, and walk-in closets. Connecting both the spaces with a unique walk-in shower and catty-corner entry makes the house more unique.

#6. Having a Wine Room

To have a wine room, you do not need to be a wine connoisseur. The builders these days suggest the installation of elegant wine cellars with ample space to store, displaying vintage wines to the bar like seating arrangement can be a great option.

#7. Tile Type Bath Mat

A wood-like tile floor will offer your dream house an eye-catching alternative to the traditional bath mat. So, we advise you to build an intricate tile inset bath mat for a different look.

#8. High-Windows

No matter where you build your home in a busy colony or somewhere secluded, privacy is something we all desire. So, having high, narrow windows along the dining room to ensure ample daylight without sacrificing privacy. If you feel high windows are a trouble to clean, here are some quick tips for the future.

#9. Open Kitchen Shelves

This is indeed a new option and quickly gaining popularity among the people who love to cook. Open kitchen shelves provide quick access to often-used cooking materials, ensure more storage capacity without overwhelming your kitchen with too many cabinets.

#10. Customized Kitchen Cabinets

Like the way we want to keep your dream kitchen clutter-free similarly, we support the installation of custom cabinets to hide certain materials as well. It is better to select a warm-yet modern vertical-grain for your cabinets. So, combine the tailor-made cabinets with built-in open shelves to extend the overall look.

Wrapping Up

If you are ready to build a dream house, custom home builders can help you etch out such inspiration to suit your requirements. The tailored designs are always exclusive to the home and surroundings. 

They are tailor-made designs to make every house appear unique without intermingling too many ideas and leave behind much space for yourself. For a clutter-free look, try out these unique ideas or talk with the experts!

A Short History Of Refrigeration

We were all born in generations that had fridges, so we take them for granted. Without one, we would have to eat food as soon as we buy it. That would be a huge time-waster, and it would be a nuisance for all of us. It's an appliance that everyone needs, even more than a TV.  

We keep all of our snacks and drinks there, and we often forget how big of a role they play in society. A few thousand years ago, humans mastered fire, but to master cold was a completely different challenge. It's challenging because the laws of physics don't allow us to control it as easily as fire and heat. Follow this link for more info http://www.historyofrefrigeration.com/.

How did it all start? 

Ancient civilizations relied on complex irrigation tunnels that brought water to their crops. This was essential to their survival. The Persians are the only civilization that added cooling along with the water. They made a pyramid-like structure that could produce ice during the cool temperatures of the night.  

It was such a common thing that even the poor people enjoyed iced tea more than two millennia ago. The downside of this technology is that it didn't work in the places of the civilizations that tried to mimic them.  

Others relied on bringing ice from the mountains and using it or cutting pieces of it during the winter and trying to store it. There was an entire market for it, and there were traders in Greece, Italy, and Spain.  

People climbed mountains to cut ice during the night, and they came back to the cities to sell it during the day. After two thousand years, Britain realized the power of the Persian buildings and started making freezing pools based on that technology.  

This gave the wealthy families ice over the winters. After a hundred years, even the general public could enjoy cool drinks and delicious desserts. The technology spread to America and the rest of the world. In the year 1851, James Harrison used a steam machine to make ice with the help of a flywheel and a compressor.  

Another one was made for chilling beer, and that was the first known refrigerator. Now, new opportunities started to pop up. Since the machine was invented in Australia, these machines could be used on ships, and they could transport meat and fruits to the rest of the world.  

This made ice quite cheap, and many people installed their own iceboxes. This was the earliest version of the commercial fridge. It looked like a cupboard, but there was an opening at the top where you could put a block of ice. When it melted, an iceman would give you a new one, and that served to keep food cold. People did it all the way until the 1940s.  

Technology comes to the rescue 

The United States started selling refrigerators in 1918. They were super expensive, and many people didn't bother getting one since they didn't have electricity in the first place. It was a complicated machine, and it was quite difficult to stop them from catching fire.  

When people installed electricity in their homes, the prices started to go down, and the design had improved considerably. By the 70s, most families had a fridge. Nowadays, almost all homes have them. One of the best things about them is that they can store out of season foods for a long time.  

If you want to eat strawberries during the winter, you can. Fresh produce is always on the shelves, and all the foods have the same nutritional value as they did before they were stored. However, the options aren't limited only to food.  

Hospitals use them to keep blood supplies, as well as vaccines. We also have air conditioners at home and in our cars which work on the same principle. The technology hasn't changed in the last hundred years. However, many minds are tackling this problem because global warming is becoming a major issue. The planet is becoming warmer, and we might need to find a way to cool it down.  

What does the future hold? 

Commercial refrigeration is still far from perfect. There are many ways in which it can be improved. First of all, 75 million people each year are becoming urbanized. This is mainly because developing countries are making progress and improving their livelihoods.  

They need to keep their food fresh, but there is still a missing link in the cold chain. More than 20 percent of all the food produced in the world becomes waste. That's a fifth. Sometimes we throw it away, but sometimes food spoils when it gets distributed or refrigerators break down.  

There are more than 1.5 billion home fridges at the moment, as well as a hundred million commercial ones. This number is only going to rise. We always pay the price when it comes to technology and urbanization, and expanding the cold chain isn't any different.  

One of the hot topics today is the greenhouse effect. This is a process that happens when carbon dioxide levels increase and the atmosphere heats up. You can go to this site for more info.  This, combined with the release of refrigerants can be quite dangerous for the future.  

Can the design be improved? 

There are many solutions and ways to improve the efficiency of refrigerators. One of the most recent discoveries is the introduction of inverter-controlled compressors. These compressors work best with brushless motors, and they are the most efficient option today.  

The efficiency is amazing, and depending on the cooling demand, they can modify their rotation speed. This can range anywhere from 15, up to 100 percent. Everything is done automatically, and this reduces power consumption by 25 percent.  

The less power they use, the better it is for the environment. Processors equipped with predictive algorithms can solve many of the problems we face today, and one by one, they can make a small change in the world. This, along with a reduction in CO2 and new mechanisms that optimize defrost intervals will be a part of the future.