Deemai : Design Your Own Home

“We wanted to develop a program that would help people obtain a significant asset so that we weren’t just ending homelessness for people but actually providing the opportunity for them to climb out of poverty,” Fowler explains. “Owning a house means collateral for a loan, or something to sell and/or...

Similarly, if you plan to encourage visitors to go outside, it helps if the door to the porch or deck is located in the family room or great room. It’s less likely to be used if it’s in the nook or bedroom. Parties are the one time when your entry...

Losing wall space for your photos and artwork is another good reason to keep a wall intact. Fewer walls also means fewer electrical outlets; concealing wires in a large, open space can be tricky. Finally, if you hate seeing a mess, open-concept living might not be for you, unless you...

Consider hiring consultants: Consultants such as an architect or mechanical/electrical/structural/plumbing may be needed for advice on making your floor plan a reality. Seek advice on how much heating and cooling systems will cost, a civil engineer may be needed if your property site is uneven, and other consultants should...

Specialty Storage One of homebuyers’ biggest regrets is that they didn’t get enough storage space. Astute designers have answered that demand with over-sized utility rooms and pantries, big walk-in closets, and garage storage systems. Now they are including custom storage spaces everywhere. You can find storage for wine (Plan 888-17),...

Open floor plans allows for more natural light: Since many interior walls are reduced to half walls or are removed totally, natural light from windows can reach further in to the house. For those of you trying to renovate your home to achieve more natural light into interior spaces,...

Now that you know where and what type of climate you will be building in it is time to think about the plans. Blueprints are or have been used to draw a linear picture of the house as you see it. Now however there are computer programs that will allow...

He decided to build a spec house (for sale) in Santa Paula, California because land there at the time was extremely cheap. His infill lot cost $40,000. He purchased Plan 48-516, shown here, which is 28 feet wide....

Don’t assume every floor plan fits your lifestyle: One of the biggest mistakes when choosing the right floor plan is that you forget to picture your own family cooking in the kitchen or you don’t take into consideration how your bad back may not like going up 3 flights of...

Site lines are something else to consider. It’s nice at a big party when you can see from one room to another, especially if you are the host. If there’s someone you really want to connect with, you may be able to spot when that person is free. Or maybe...