Home Construction Projects (01)

Don't Guessimate—Estimate, Using These Tips From OwnerBuilder.com
Typically, building a home is not a "pay-as-you-go" venture—a project this significant requires the creation of a design and construction budget. Because it is such a large project, this site can make the process much less overwhelming. OwnerBuilder.com offers excellent advice on how to develop a construction budget and refine it as your needs change during the construction process. The site includes links to helpful resources such as loan information, a streaming audio home show, "Down Home With Tom Landis," and Excel spreadsheets to use when meeting with architects, engineers, designers, contractors and materials suppliers.

Get Roofing Repair Basic Information from Popular Mechanics
Homeowners who want to learn about roofing repair can start by checking out the information provided by Popular Mechanics online. Images of the various layers used in roofing materials are provided. Visitors to the site will discover how to estimate the amount of roofing materials needed, as well as the types of hand tools typically used for installation purposes. Other materials used for roofing repair or replacement are also covered here.

Find Your Inspiration For A Home Addition With These Ideas From KCCI.com
Congratulations—you've been saving and saving for a home addition, and now the time has come to hire a contractor and build! If you haven't given much thought to what to build, or your needs have changed since you first started saving. Author Diane Kockler details seven home addition trends that are driving a number of remodeling projects across the country. In-law suites, bathroom spas, California kitchens, kitchen remodeling, screened-in porches, meditation rooms and media rooms are hugely popular home improvement projects and this site tells you why.

How to Build a Backyard Firepit
Building a backyard firepit is a relatively simple project that you can do yourself over a weekend. DIY Network gives you the information you need to build your own in easy to understand language. Images accompany the instructions, so you can tell at a glance whether you are on the right track. From digging the hole to placing the paving stones in a circle and staggering the pattern when add layers of stone over the firepit, it's all covered. In building fire pits, you need to research the estimated time, budget and degree of difficulty before you start.

Appliance And Lighting Installation Tips That Will Turn A Rookie Into A Pro
Maybe your first dryer isn't that far off the original—an oil-heated drum in an outdoor shed. If that's the case, you could stand to pick up a new one and get it installed, pronto. The DIY Network web site offers a great resource for just about anyone looking for guidance in appliance and lighting installation. There are also useful links to detailed information on maintenance and repair of appliances and lighting.

Discover Steps Involved in Picking Outdoor Electric Fireplaces
This helpful article provides tips for people who are wondering about outdoor electric fireplaces. It mentions the different styles that are available (portable or stationery) and the fact that these devices are offered in wood-burning or gas models. Part of selecting outdoor electric fireplaces for home use is choosing whether you want one made of cast iron, aluminum, clay, copper or steel.

Skip The Gym And Build Your Own Rock-Climbing Wall At Home
This online pdf document from UrbanClimberMag.com will have you rethinking the concept of a home gym. If you are considering remodeling or building an addition to house your home gym equipment, why not include one of the hottest trends in exercise and construct a boulder climber? There's loads of information and advice here, starting with a recommendation to consult an engineer before you take on the project—these walls are extremely heavy and you need to be certain your load bearing walls can handle the additional weight. There are color illustrations to support the construction details, a materials and tool list, and a glossary to give you a leg up when you visit the home improvement store to pick up everything you need.