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Fast fashion is described as "low cost clothing collections that mimic current fashion trends." These trends change incredibly fast, often causing new styles and trends to become obsolete in a matter of weeks. Fast fashion keeps up with these trends, but unlike with high fashion, fast-fashion garments are cheap and usually made out of lower-quality materials. Fast fashion is bought mostly by young consumers who have a deep desire to look stylish and appear on-trend.
The best way to build value for insurance is to solve the problem that a client has. Build insurance value with help from an insurance agent who specializes in life insurance, annuities and financial planning for retirement and college in this free video clip.
Dips are a great, easy way to build your pecks right at home. Find out how to build your pecs at home with dips with help from a strength and conditioning coach in this free video clip.
From his design and garden empire just outside Little Rock, Arkansas, P. Allen Smith advises his audience on thousands of ways to improve their lives and make their homes more beautiful. In his latest project, the Garden Home Challenge, the television host and author is hosting a web series on the eHow Home YouTube channel that documents his pledge to build a home for his brother, sister-in-law and their two children with only $150,000 for materials and labor ... and in only 150 days. And if that's not challenging enough, Smith is also building green, to ensure that the 1,650-square-foot…
When drawing floor plans for two story houses, you'll have to include some very specific elements to make sure that your drawing is accurate. Draw floor plans for two story houses with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip.
Converting a duplex to single-family residential may be desired in certain situations. Structurally, it's easier than converting the other way around, but zoning and building regulations apply when substantial changes to construction and the use of the building are proposed. Both "before" and "after" floor plans are usually required to apply for a permit to convert a building. Existing floor plans can be used for reference when sketching the proposed changes. Most building officials can assist with construction details, but the floor plans will describe the project and ease the process for the application and the subsequent work.
A compressor is an essential component in most home and professional audio recording studios. It helps to even out the signals by reducing the difference between the strongest and weakest parts of any input within user-defined parameters. A tube compressor is a sophisticated piece of equipment that uses traditional valve components, distinct from contemporary solid-state equipment readily available from specialist suppliers. Making your own tube compressor is an advanced project for someone with a strong understanding of electronics and technology that should only be undertaken if you are confident of your ability. Excellent resources are available from various online sources…
Purchasing the materials yourself to build a structure, whether a house, shed or office building, may save you time and money instead of having a contractor purchase materials for you. Even if you are hiring a contractor to complete the build, they may add additional fees onto the materials that you can save by purchasing them yourself. There are software programs that you can purchase, or web-based programs that you can use online directly from a website, that allow you to calculate your materials from your floor plan measurements. Using a software program to calculate your measurements will offer an…
Transverters are used in the amateur radio world for the purpose of converting frequencies upward or downward as needed. These devices are needed to communicate with transceivers to help regulate the frequency ranges that the transceiver operates in. Building a transverter on your own is a fairly complicated task to undertake, unless you have previously had a background in radio and electronics.
Typically seen above windows and doors, awnings help provide shade to and keep rain out of the designated area. In addition, awnings block the sun’s UV rays that have shown to cause skin cancer. Commercial awnings are available; however, they can be expensive and have limited options. Instead, build your own house awnings to install above doors and windows. A homemade awning allows you the ability to decide the fabric design, size and shape of the awning.
A cropped tuxedo jacket is a very particular type of jacket designed for specific occasions. Learn about a cropped tuxedo jacket with help from the CEO of Accent Bridal & Tuxedo in this free video clip.
Floor plans are views of the room or house from above, and elevations add the vertical dimension of the plan. It's necessary to know the heights of the objects to draw the elevation, and it's helpful to add details such as window and door styles. Different views of the building project should explain how elements relate to each other, without duplicating information. Floor plans and elevations help the contractor understand the intent and estimate the work, reducing problems during construction caused by lack of communication.
Perhaps you're a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" series, or you're looking for a way to build a small, inexpensive dwelling that uses little energy and exists in harmony with nature. Build your own hobbit home using found, reclaimed and recycled materials, mostly from the earth. An endless variety of methods exist for making these fictional hill homes come to life.
Curved staircases are an architectural element where design and art meet. Steel staircases are appropriate for use indoors and out, and allow you to save floor space as you connect floors. You can also use curved staircases to reach balconies, attics, decks or lofts. When you design your own curved steel staircase, you can customize the angle and radius twist to make sure you get the look you want. Such staircases can range from those with a gentle, sloping curve to those that incorporate spiral-like features.
The Kronotex Econoline brand of wood flooring includes a wide variety of faux-wood laminate surfaces such as cherry, pine, oak, pecan and others. The flooring comes in different edge patterns that allows installation of a floating floor, which is not nailed or otherwise connected to the subfloor. The installation process is very similar for the angle lock, click lock or drop lock planks.
Outdoor dining and entertaining areas, such as patios, decks, pergolas and outdoor kitchens, are the transitions between the indoors and outside. Homeowners can spend thousands of dollars on landscaping outdoor spaces, or they can create attractive and comfortable spaces with some simple plans, time and their own effort. Building a home barbecue center is an easy weekend project that adds beauty and practical value to your backyard.
Framing the floor is critical in any house with a raised floor system, built on basement or stem walls, or a pier and beam foundation. A concrete slab is both the foundation and floor in slab-on-grade construction, but other building methods require a strong floor with sturdy bands and joists to support the walls. Techniques vary with the foundation type. Concrete or concrete block basement or stem walls, short walls around the perimeter to support the floor and provide a crawl space under it, and pier and beam foundations use different methods for attaching a perimeter sill plate.
Decorating the windows in a split-level home is similar to decorating windows in other style homes. There are, however, two common issues that split-level homeowners often have. From the outside of the home, the large living room window can sit awkwardly high off the ground. Also, the lower level windows can be very close to the ground and small. Therefore, in order to decorate these windows in a split-level home, you must do so from both the inside and outside of the home.
Home remodeling often includes redoing an attic to create a new living space. As part of these renovations, you must include more ventilation in the attic, not only for air quality but temperature and light control as well. If you are not up to creating the new walls and additional roofing required by a dormer window, a flat roof window, such as those made by Velux, may be more your style. However, in many cases these windows require planning permission for installation.
A spiral staircase gracefully winding around a fountain looks elegant, but it is not a combination you add on a whim. Not only do you have the usual safety issues surrounding staircases, but now you also have a drowning risk, not to mention the possibility of someone slipping on wet stairs. Taking all of this into consideration when designing a spiral staircase with a fountain at the bottom is crucial.
When looking for creative ways to add storage in your home, consider the possibilities that your windowsills offer. Often, the space above and below a window is essentially wasted in terms of storage space. If available storage space or display space is lacking in your home, adding a shelf onto a windowsill can help you make use of a portion of the wall that was previously going unused.
If you want to create artwork on your computer but don't have image editing software or a scanner, you can still create complex images using a text editor and the printable characters on your keyboard. This type of artwork, known as ASCII art, consists of images produced by keyboard characters. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, and ASCII art is created by lining characters up with one another to produce images.
Banisters consist of a top piece that you hold on to as you go up or down stairs, also known as the handrail, and balusters or posts below the handrail that provide support. Banisters are made of a wide variety of materials and styles; however, wooden bannisters offer a traditional look. When choosing a banister for your home, consider the overall style of your home.
Closing off the end of a driveway with a gate can set the tone for how you will feel driving to your cabin while also keeping trespassers away. A simple wooden driveway gate is fortunately a straightforward design to build and can be created and hung in a single day. Once your gate is constructed you can stain, paint and seal it as desired, or leave it natural for a worn look over time.
Making the entrance of a split-level home more contemporary will give it an inviting look. An outdated foyer gives the impression that the whole house is outdated. By changing just a few materials, you can create a “Wow!” factor for the lower level of the foyer. Paint, lighting, and artwork go a long way in giving the space a lift. New flooring and molding can help, too.
If you are looking for a simple way to improve the curb appeal of your home while also blocking out harsh sunlight, consider building awnings for your home. Homemade awnings can be constructed out of simple, inexpensive materials such as PVC pipe. By building your own awnings you can save the cost of purchasing custom awnings or awning kits, and you can customize the awnings to suit your particular needs.
Log staircases are ideal for those looking to add unique character to their home's interior. These staircases are handcrafted to be durable and functional, and the natural and unique art work of the wood adds appeal and function. Log staircases can be designed to be winding, spiral or straight. Designing a log staircase, however, is not just about the aesthetics; it’s also about functionality, proper calculation and safety considerations. Various computer programs and other online tools can help with the design.
A wiring closet is an enclosed cabinet or small room in your home that functions as a central hub for your telecommunications network and devices. While not all homes have wiring closets, they are common in commercial buildings and so-called "smart homes" -- that connect all of their communication and electrical systems through a central hub. In order to serve its purpose, a wiring closet must conform to specifications in several key areas.
Having a bath in a bedroom space or upper-level area is necessary for convenience. A full bath is ideal for most homes, but installing a half bath can work if space is limited. Plan the bath fixtures to fit well with the house design and create a bathroom that incorporates fixtures important to your family. For example, install a double-sink vanity to make getting ready in the mornings easier. Add a jetted tub or steam shower as other options.
Stairs come in all shapes and sizes, but the construction of staircases will generally follow the same basic process for most people. Some variation may exist, especially in instances where you intend to add a decorative touch to the stairs, but even then the basic process is the same, with a few added modifications. Cutting stairs only requires a basic knowledge of the building and construction processes.
A walk-in closet is a useful addition to any room in a home. They provide ample storage and allow you to view the items stored within with ease. No matter how vast the space in a walk-in closet, it can feel cramped or unnatural if it doesn't feature natural light and air; a window is an ideal way to elevate this problem. When designing a walk-in closet that features a window, work around the portal to maximize your storage and allow for use of the window.
Creating a "his and her" closet for great efficiency calls for physically dividing the space. If you don’t have room for a walk-in closet, you can design a reach-in closet that functions in a similar fashion. The advantage of a reach-in closet is that you can quickly see clothes, folded sweaters and rows of shoes — especially if you install a door unit that opens widely.
If you are contemplating a remodel of your home or a large interior project, like new flooring, it is helpful for you to know the appropriate dimensions of your home. You do not need a CAD program to create a simple floor plan of your home. However, you do need to use drawing software. Accuracy and the correct terminology are important when you put your floor plans on paper, particularly if you plan to share the blueprint with a contractor. According to website The House Designers, blueprints are generally drawn at a 0.25-inch: 1-foot scale.
Designing an attractive staircase can turn your basement entrance into a welcoming retreat rather than a rickety descent into oblivion. There are a range of options to consider when designing a basement staircase, such as materials, style, cost and safety. Fitting a new set of basement stairs usually requires the assistance of building contractors. However, the design phase can usually be completed without professional help.
Split-level houses combine a two-level story with an attached single-story structure. One part of the house may have a full basement, and the other a crawlspace. Insulating basements requires attention to moisture, as it comes from inside and outside. Exterior walls should be dampproofed and insulated before the interior is insulated, so that moisture is allowed to escape to the interior as the concrete cures. Overall, when applied correctly, insulating the basement can improve moisture control and air quality for the house, reducing the potential for mold growth, and creating a more comfortable environment.
Building masonry or metal chimneys at the proper height avoids potential fire hazards and saves you money in the long run. Modern U.S. residences with chimneys must meet fire prevention standards, including chimney heights. U.S. cities and towns follow fire prevention standards set by the NFPA or OSHA. Contact your local fire marshal's office or building code official for information on which chimney height standards, NFPA or OSHA, your community follows.
Old movies show a creaky floorboard or staircase as an obstacle for teenagers to creep past after midnight. But in reality the cracks, creaks and squeaks are much more annoying. The additional noise isn’t what you need when you want a quiet evening, and the sounds can make you think your floor is about to give in. Creaky floors in a house can occur due to a number of causes, and they are all solvable.
UTP refers to a cable containing an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wiring used in various electronic devices. It is called a twisted pair because several small copper wires are individually twisted around one another to provide protection within the wire. UTP uses in cameras are mainly focused in the security industry because they offer a high bandwidth and less susceptibility to interference than non-twisted-pair wiring. The use of UTP wiring is also a wise choice in order to avoid more costly installation of surveillance camera computer systems.
A brick rambler is a ranch-style house with an L-shaped or U-shaped floor plan and brick exterior walls. These houses originally were built in the western U.S. but spread nationwide in the tract-house building booms of the 1950s and 1960s. Ramblers fell out of favor in the 1980s but many examples of this style continue in use as everyday homes. Some people use ranch and rambler as synonyms.
Hiring a roofing contractor may require you to invest a significant amount of time and money. With so many roofing companies in business, unethical ones do exist. In most cases, finding the right person for the job requires thorough research. Before you can find the right roofer, you must understand the important things to look for. You can search for a reputable roofer through local contractor associations.
RG59 and RG6 are two types of coaxial cables that can be used for many of the same types of connections, but also have advantages when used in certain situations. Both types are named using the military Radio Guide designation, meaning the number associated with each cable is of random origin.
While modern technology allows you to create digital floor plans using your computer, if you prefer a more tangible, tactile method, a physical floor plan is the method for you. It doesn't necessarily have to be a 2-D drawing either. Using foam and carving tools, you can create a 3-D floor plan for your room on which you can move around furniture and experiment with different layouts. Think of it like a doll house version of your own home — you're free to play around with it until you get everything just right, then you simply copy the design in…
A subbasement is a level or floor of a house or building that is located beneath the main basement. For example, in the 1950s, a subbasement was added to the White House during a major renovation. Grand Central Terminal in New York City also has a subbasement. It is possible to add a subbasement to your home if you live in a region that has a relatively dry climate and the land you are building on is stable and solid. However, this is not a do-it-yourself project due to safety issues. Not only must the project meet building codes, laws…
The process of installing carpet on stairs is similar to that of installing it on a flat floor. It requires the same type of tools and supplies. However, the process varies slightly for different types of stairs, especially those with split levels. Give special consideration to the landing, but install both levels as if installing carpeting on a single flight of stairs.
Brick moulding spans between wooden door framing materials and exterior brick walls. Brick moulding not only creates an attractive transition, but also covers the gap between the adjacent materials. Brick moulding typically has a block-like profile, with decorative routing running along it's exposed face or edge; shapes and exact dimensions vary according to manufacturer.
Repainting the inside of a split level home often proves to be more difficult than many other homes. In the center of the home where the two levels join, high walls and ceilings are an issue. Unless you have scaffolding, this job will not be as easy as painting a house with 8- or 9-foot ceilings throughout. Though skipping steps in the painting process may be tempting, it could result in a sloppy paint job and one that does not last as long as it would otherwise.
Movie cowboys of the Wild West, fresh in from riding the trail, always used the washbasin and pitcher on top of the hotel chest of drawers to wash their dirty faces. Movie viewers never saw the now-dirty basin water eventually dumped over the hotel rail into the street below. Today, the miracle of modern plumbing allows water to vanish from a washbasin just as seamlessly as it did for fictional movie cowboys.
In the early- to mid-1900s, American residential architecture was dominated by the Craftsman style, also known as bungalow. The look is characterized by gabled rooflines, wide eave overhangs, roof-supporting columns, porches and sash windows. Craftsman style favors a simple, hand-crafted appearance in direct contrast to the ornate look characteristic of the earlier, popular Victorian style, according to Tom Paradis of Northern Arizona University. When choosing low-water landscaping plants for your Craftsman home, select species that tolerate drought and complement the house’s color, wood and stonework.
Gambrel roofs, often called barn roofs because they have the same distinctive rooflines as those found on traditional hay barns, are not common in new urban housing developments. You're more likely to see them in rural settings, although you can find a smattering of gambrel roofs in established residential neighborhoods, sometimes combined with a traditional colonial-style home. If you have a floor plan you like but you’d prefer a gambrel roof, it’s probably doable as long as the roof complies with local regulations.
Local building codes describe limits on the amount of land that structures can cover, depending on the land use zone. The codes may use the term building coverage or lot coverage, and it's expressed as a percentage of the total land area. The building coverage percentage includes accessory buildings, as well as the house and garage, as defined by the local code. Plans prepared by architects or designers should contain the statistic for building coverage, as well as any other information required for the building permit, on the site plan.
