Posts Tagged ‘building’
January 18th, 2011 | 
Author: small doghouse plans
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 DOG HOUSE Plan BUILD YOUR OWN for Small Medium and Large Dogs on PC CD New  US $1.05
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How to Build a Customized Doghouse for Your Pet
Copyright (c) 2010 Ron Hazelton
Every dog is different, so why buy a doghouse that's mass produced? Instead, try this weekend woodworking project. The end result is a doghouse that's customized to fit your pet's size, as well as provide privacy and protection from the weather.
To size the parts for your doghouse, make the width equal to your dog's length, plus 12 inches. The length equals the dog's length plus 18 inches. The height will be equal to the dog's height plus nine inches in the front and sloping down to the dog's height plus three inches in the back.
After you've determined the size of the doghouse, you'll build its base. Using pressure-treated 2x4s, cut the base parts to length. Butt the ends together and secure the joints with weather-resistant screws. Take a piece of ¾-inch plywood and cut the floor panel to fit, securing it to the base with weather-resistant screws.
Next you'll build the sides. In this doghouse plan the roof sits on angled sides, to keep your pooch dry during rain. To cut identical sides, you need to first attach the side pieces together temporarily with heavy-duty double-sided tape. Then clamp a straightedge to the sides at the desired angle and make the cut with a circular saber saw. Secure each side to the base with weather-resistant screws.
To create a sturdy, weather-tight structure for your pet, corner braces are installed. These will keep the house from racking and also prevent drafts. Each brace consists of two strips of plywood screwed together. The braces are then attached to the sides, back and front panels with weather-resistant screws.
This custom doghouse plan includes a partition wall, an important part of your pet's new home. Not only does it keep out weather and provide privacy, it also creates a space small enough for the dog's body heat to keep them warm. Secure the partitions to the base and install a plywood panel that is angled to match the sides of the doghouse.
This plan also includes rigid foam insulation, which will help keep your pet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Use either 1½-inch thick foam (or glue up layers of ½-inch and 1-inch foam). Cut the layers to fit, and then cover with ¼-inch plywood - if you don't, your dog might discover that foam is fun to nibble on.
Before you attach the front of the doghouse, have your dog stand in front of it and make a mark a couple inches above his back. Make the width of the door equal to your dog's width plus three inches. Center the opening and cut it out with a saber saw. Secure the front of the doghouse to the corner braces and then sand the opening smooth.
Next is the roof. The roof in this design is cut slightly oversized to aid in rain runoff. It's secured at the back edge with a weather-resistant piano hinge to make cleaning a snap. Cover the roof with tar paper and install a metal drip edge around the perimeter. Asphalt shingles are attached to make the roof waterproof. Start at the bottom of the roof, overlapping each row and working your way to the top - just make sure to use nails that are short enough that they won't poke through the roof and poke your pet. Apply a bead of roofing cement to the top edge to seal out moisture.
After that, this doghouse is ready to house your pampered pet. Toss in a new blanket and some toys and let him enjoy.
About the Author
Ron Hazelton is a home improvement expert and the host of the TV show "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls". Want to download a free blueprint of his doghouse plans? Visit
http://www.ronhazelton.com
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: an, build, building, cedar, free small dog house plans, house, simple small dog house plans, small dog house plans | 
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timberframe construction
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 Timber Frame Construction All about Post and Beam Building by Jack Sobon NEW US $25.93
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 TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION ALL ABOUT POST AND BEAM BUILDING JACK SOBON US $5.50
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Hybrid Timber Frame Homes
Timber frame homes are the design of choice for dreamers who pass time creating endless possibilities for that perfect custom look that only their house will have. Using a hybrid approach increases those possibilities even more.
Hybrid refers to the integration of more than one product design. Atlantic Timberframes creates hybrids by combining Post & Beam with Structural Insulation Panels (SIPS) as well as conventional stick framing. The beauty of wood combined with the efficiency of insulation panels creates a synergy of green technology for today's modern building business that ensures longevity. At a time when other building models are failing in the current housing market, Timber Frame Hybrids are becoming more mainstream.
There are many ways to incorporate a Hybrid into a design plan. Atlantic Timberframe Hybrids may include a free standing timber frame unit or simply involve individual accent pieces created with mortise and tenon joinery. Our most successful use of hybrid technology has been a timber frame center section surrounded by more conventional construction to complete the house. This creates a great room with the perfect atmosphere suitable for large family gatherings and other celebratory events. Another popular design is to add a timber frame great room as a wing of the house. Families often use this design to create an entertainment area that provides noise and traffic control for the rest of the house. A wing design is also frequently used to create a private master bedroom suite.
Enhancements to both the exterior and interior look of hybrid are obvious. With the Hybrid approach countertops and cabinets do not have to be adapted to the posts. There is also greater flexibility in designing bathrooms without posts. A Hybrid design allows us to accommodate just about any floor plan a home owner desires.
Design enhancements are not the only benefit quoted by Hybrid owners. Budgeting constraints can be minimized significantly with the right approach. A timbered roof system, combined with structural insulated panels, is effective in keeping building costs down. Hybrid design can be manipulated to enhance energy efficiency and heating values. These homes retain their value both aesthetically and financially.
The flexibility of a Hybrid design is appealing to the builder who is working within the boundaries of the environment as well as zoning laws. For many builders a significant advantage to utilizing Hybrids is the ease in which they blend into any environment. From contemporary urban to suburban and classic country surroundings, the Timber Frame Hybrid increases neighborhood value and is a welcome addition to any community or mountain retreat.
About the Author
Atlantic Timber Frames is a true family business made in America. Since 1991 we have been working along with family, friends, and fellow timber framers to build unforgettable hybrod timber frame homes around the country. We love what we do: building the best timber frame homes we possibly can for people we have come to know and like (our mission)
Posted in Uncategorized |
Tags: architecture, building, construction, design, house, timber frame construction, timber frame construction cost, timber frame construction costs, timber frame construction details, timber frame construction plans, timber frame construction techniques, timber frame construction tools, timber frame construction video |
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straw bale construction
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Fairytale Pigs Were Early Eco-builders
Apparently the first two of The Three Little Pigs weren't so silly after all. The age-old children's story would have you believe that building a house out of straw or sticks is just a silly way to go about constructing yourself a home, but it just so happens that those two little pigs were on to something with their unusual construction methods. These pigs not only could build sturdy homes out of these materials, but they also have the advantage of being environmentally-friendly materials as well.
If you remember, the first little pig built his or her home out of straw. From how the story progresses, it's pretty evident that this little pig just really had no idea how to properly construct a home using straw as a building material. When properly constructed, walls are made out bales of straw and covered with some kind of sealer, often plaster on the inside walls and stucco on the outside walls. The tightly compressed straw bales are large rectangular shapes that stack together easily to form outer walls; some straw bale builders also use bales in the floors or ceiling to provide insulation as well. Bales should be staked together to provide extra stability, especially if your area is prone to renegade blow-hard wolves. If you live in an area that doesn't recognise straw bale construction as a viable construction material on its own, you may be required to provide extra stability with wooden framing as well. Be assured that no wolf will blow down a properly constructed straw bale home.
For our second little pig with his or her house of sticks, it is also the case that there are ways to construct a home out of sticks that holds together very nicely and is also a great use of sustainable building materials as well. While it is common for homes to be wood framed, or "stick framed", a more eco-friendly way for you to build a home like this is either to make sure that your wood (or stick) vendor has sustainably sourced materials or use an alternative method like cordwood construction which uses short pieces of wood or logs that would otherwise not be useful on house building.
With all the concerns these days about building more ecological friendly homes and using sustainable building materials, it is interesting to see how in some areas there are being homes built using materials that many people wouldn't consider to be home building materials at all. Seems that at least two of the little pigs knew something that we're just learning now!
About the Author
For all the latest Orange County condo listings, visit local expert Veronica Hicks's website at CondosEtc.com. Here, you'll find all the current MLS listings and information about what the top Orange County real estate agents can do for you.
straw house plans
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Goat Housing - What Makes A Good Goat Shelter?
If you are into the business of goat farming, it is definite that before you started out with your venture, you made plans on where you will place the herd. So what makes a good goat housing then?
Good goat housing should be able to accomplish one important thing: the herd's protection! Ideal shelters for animals should be able to protect them from extreme temperatures, rain, and can give them a safe place to rest at night.
One good thing about goats is that these animals are adaptable to rough terrain and weather conditions. But then again, goats should still be provided with protection from these elements in order for their stress experience will be minimized, enabling them to be more productive and ensure that they grow healthier.
Good goat housing plans should also include keeping the moisture out, lest you risk the herd to contract respiratory diseases. Your best choice would be to use wood because this material does not accumulate water.
Ideal goat housing is an open building - it can keep the moisture out during winter months and can also ensure maximum airflow during the summer months. It would also do the animals good if there are trees in the perimeter since trees are also good insulators and they can keep the herd cool during summer.
Having an open building also ensures ample air circulation which can prevent ammonia build up from animal urine and feces. It is also important that beddings are provided for the animals to act as floor insulators. You can use materials such as sawdust, wood shavings, and wood boards as beddings. There are actually different types of bedding materials that also have different capabilities in absorbing urine. Bedding materials are not expensive and are readily available.
You might also want to consider what other countries do, using slanted board walls and floors for easier cleaning and good airflow. It would also be a good idea if you provide the animals with stilted housing to protect the goats from soil parasites.
As for the roofing materials, you can also choose from a lot of materials - from hay to metal, whatever you deem it necessary. But it is good to point out, though, that hay and straw roofing are excellent insulation that are great during cold months and hot months. If you will use metal, make sure you paint it white so that sunlight would be reflected thus preventing heating the goat housing.
If you are just starting to build your goat farm and still unsure of how to go about with goat housing, you can also consult some established goat farmers, you will definitely learn a lot from them.
About the Author
Raising meat goats can be simple and easy if based on those who have done it. If you are looking for more tips on goat housing, raising meat goats and want to avoid the common painful mistakes made by novice and experienced farmers too, go to: Raising Meat Goats site
timber framers
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Your Dream home In The Built Environment
Most of my free time during my adult life, I had thought about someday building my dream home. Several years ago I finally got the chance. I had purchased a lake front lot with a small cottage on it. My initial intention was to use the property "as is", and someday raze the old cottage and build a new home in its place. After a couple of weekends in the musty old camp I came to the conclusion that I needed to speed up my timetable.
Included in my dream of building my own home was to act as the General Contractor and to personally supply a great deal of sweat equity. I accomplished both of these goals, however it was not easy. There were many roadblocks and bends in the road along the way. In the subsequent parts of this chronology, I will review my experiences in hopes that others may gain from my experiences.
Soul Searching For the Home Style and Size
Soon after deciding to fire up the cottage and build a new home, I had to first determine what type and size of home to build. My lot was limited in size and required careful planning to ensure that I would meet all of the setbacks governed by the town I lived in. Although I had these concerns, I decided to forgo the Architect route. I deemed it too expensive and probably not necessary for the style of home I wanted to build. Instead I picked up a handful of Home Plan magazines and surfed the internet for home designs. I also picked up an inexpensive software package for designing homes and floor plans. After a week of reviewing home plans, I found one that met most of my requirements in terms of a floor plan. The footprint was smaller than I wanted, but I concluded that I could redraw the floor plan accordingly using my newly purchased Home Design Software Package.
It was not as simple to use as the instruction manual said of the Home Design Software, however after a couple of weeks I had a floor plan with all the dimensional information.
My role as the General Contractor
One of my goals as I have mentioned earlier, was to assume the role as General Contractor on this project. I quickly learned that banks frown upon lending construction mortgages to everyday homeowners and to folks who have little professional building experience. I got around this issue by deciding not to use the banks for financing. However, from what I learned later, it may have been possible for me to assume a construction mortgage if I had quit my day job and applied for the loan as a "full time General Contractor". Indeed, I would have needed to complete a full proposal to the bank with all costs and subcontractors identified, but this is necessary anyways.
Being the General Contractor I developed a build schedule and task list. Some of the top items included: Identifying subcontractors, pulling permits, and having a septic design approved.
With Much Detailed Consideration Pick your Sub-Contractors
Searching and qualifying the appropriate subcontractors is the most important task a General Contractor performs. Poor selection of subcontractors can lead to delays in schedules, cost overruns, poor workmanship and strife between the various subcontractors on the job. Prior to hiring subcontractors, it is important to visit their current jobsites. Review their work on existing jobsites and mingle with the other subs to judge the working relationship. In addition get two or three reference checks on the subcontractors. If there are poor workmanship, personality issues, or references move on. Do not settle for second rate subs, even if it means slipping your schedule or costs goals, as you will more than likely suffer even larger schedule slips or higher costs by hiring the wrong people.
Applying For Permits
Upon having selected and hired your excavator, chief framer, and foundation installation company, review with them your plans. Make sure you walk the site with them, and carefully stake out the house footprint, paying careful attention to lot setbacks, septic tanks, leach fields and well location. Once all are agreed upon with the house plans and the location of the home, contact the building inspector and review with him/her your plans. You will need to submit a very thorough package to the building inspector prior to getting approval. There are frequently town and state forms that need to be filled out regarding wetlands, and home thermal analysis. In addition, detailed engineering drawings of the proposed home may be required. In my case the Framer was able to assist in developing additional sketches of the house plan to ensure structural compliance to local, state and federal building codes. If I had used the initial home plans I had obtained, those would have been sufficient. I also could have contacted an architect with my selected plans to provide additional details, however it was not necessary in my case.
A week [assed and several hundred dollars later I had the permit to build a new home.
Designing The septic Tank
The town building code required me to provide a septic system on site. As a result, I required a septic design and an associated permit for the new home. I recommend pursuing this as early as possible in any new home project as this can take up to 2-3 months to complete as both town and state approvals are required, not to mention site and engineering work.
Since I did not know exactly where the septic system and tank will reside, it was difficult to locate the exact position of the home and in many cases the building inspector may not approve the building permit until the septic design permit has been obtained. I was fortunate in that the property already had a small septic system on the lot, so the building inspector gave me approval. However, I would have been in financial disaster in the event the new septic design was not approved or needed to be repositioned from the proposed location. Fortunately that was not the case and I was able to move forward on razing the cottage and beginning site work.
About the Author
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