Your chance to take an insider look at the custom home building and renovating scene...
Friday, December 30, 2005
Selling your Property – How to Present to Potential Purchasers...
http://www.luxury-home.ca/Articles/SellingYourProperty-HowToPresent.htm
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
A New Type of Luxury Home that Leaves Your Wallet Fatter and Your Life Easier to Manage...
A home for the 21st Century is not about the latest in gadgets and wireless alarms, internet connections or top of the line intercom system. It is about strength, comfort and energy efficiency.
The outside walls, which are built out of steel reinforced concrete make this home wind and fire resistant, bug and mould resistant and provide excellent protection from hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes.
It turns itself on when you turn your hot water tap, therefore there are no standby losses as with a conventional hot water heater. This equals approximately 25% of energy savings just to heat your hot water.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
May your christmas be rich in love and friendship, and may the year ahead be filled with lasting joy and peace.
Harvey and Family.
Monday, December 19, 2005
How do we determine the budget for our new home?
One of the first steps in building a home is determining your budget.
For many new home owners the choice comes down to the lowest cost per sq/ft.
There are several problems with this approach.
First no two builders work alike or use identical materials, so the calculation is not always an apples to apples comparison.
Buyers who know something about material costs will factor this in. For example, if Builder A’s standard kitchen cabinets are vinyl- wrapped raised panel doors and Builder B has oak cabinets with flat panel doors, Builder B’s costs are higher.
Costs may also be higher in less obvious ways. One builder may use a 90% efficient gas furnace instead of 78% efficient one; or plastic pipes instead of copper ones.
Even when builders in the same market are consistent in their measurements, their notion of sq. ft. may be different from each others and the buyers.
Most buyers think that this means “useable space”, while builders calculate in terms of the total area occupied by the building. This can make a substantial difference.
Two builders may not calculate cost per sq/ft in the same way when calculating your total price.
Some include only what you can walk on, excluding closets, but counting walk-ins.
Others count two story spaces twice because the entire volume is finished space that must be heated or cooled. On most building plans, square footage is electronically generated by the computer program.
Some take in consideration outside wall dimensions, some inside wall dimensions. Some include garage while some don’t.
Also, sometimes the useable area is measured at the floor level, so that the two-storey spaces such as entry foyers and family rooms can only be included in the calculation once.
Pricing a home per sq/ft is never a guarantee that you will end up in home you expect.
The homebuyer should be very clear on the differences in the materials to be used in their home, and the method of calculation. An experienced builder will be an enormous help.
http://luxury-home.ca/
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Home Repair Improvement Advice-by: Tom Laing
http://luxury-home.ca/Articles/HomeRepairImprovementAdvice.htm
Thursday, December 15, 2005
The 10 Most Important Rules of Choosing and Dealing With a Contractor
I have been originating and closing construction loans for a good number of years now and I have experienced clients dumping contractors and even contractors dumping clients. By that time in most cases the job is running behind schedule and over budget. Choosing a new contractor at this stage is difficult and further delays are inevitable... More at: http://luxury-home.ca/Articles/10MostImportantRules.htm
Also, check our new site: Luxury-Home.ca
or our old site: ontario-home-builder.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The Four Essential Tips to Consider Before Choosing Flooring for Your Home
Friday, December 09, 2005
Should We Build a New Home or Buy an Existing One?
When building, everything is new. You pick out the materials, floor plan, decorating etc. Repairs and maintenance will less likely be needed plus there is usually a warrantee. You can take advantage of newer technology, newer materials, and modern floor plans. Energy bills can be saved on by creating a more energy efficient home. Property taxes will probably be less during the first year. New subdivisions have better streets and utilities and are less prone to outages from storms. New homes have newer materials and conform to newer building codes. Some insurance companies offer lower insurance rates for newer homes. Finally there is the “Pride of Ownership” which occurs from a home that you “helped create”. There are disadvantages. It may be hard to find a good or convenient location to build. It is becoming harder to find land to build a custom home. It may cost more to build a new home, and extra fees may be incurred such as building permits, utility tap fees, survey costs and construction loan fees. Sometimes, it may take longer to build than what you expected (weather delays, supply delays). You will need to make more decisions and it will take more of your free time.
An existing home is ready to move in sooner. You know exactly what the home will look like and feel like. It usually costs less to buy then to build a new home. You may need to do less work to finish the home (landscaping, decorating, window coverings). You’ll have fewer decisions to make, but you will have less control over what the home is like. An older home may have more repair and maintenance expenses. You may not know the quality of materials and workmanship that went into the home (Insulation? Windows? Efficient furnace and A/C?). Changes may have to be made to suit your tastes, such as redecorating or remodeling. Insurance rates may be higher. Older homes may be less convenient for modern lifestyles (fewer bathrooms, not wired for technology, inconvenient floor plans, lack of closets). Cost of utilities may be higher for an older home. More at : http://www.luxury-home.ca/Articles/Building-vs-buying.htm
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
When Does It Pay-Off To Obtain a Home Mortgage
If you are in dire need of money and don't have the financial means for a large cash transaction to buy a house, then opting for a home mortgage is worth consideration. more at
Check our old web; Ontario Home Builder
or our new one: Luxury Home
Monday, December 05, 2005
Living With Radiant Heat is One of Life's Simple Pleasures...
In Canada and in North America in general, forced air heat is still the most popular because of its low installation costs. However it is the most expensive type of heat to operate and the least comfortable.
When a forced air furnace comes on, a blast of warm air blows into the room for a short time, spreads through the room, carrying dust, pollen, and other air-born pollutants with it. It continues until the thermostat is satisfied.
The warmer air rises to the ceiling, leaving cooler air below. As the room cools, the thermostat calls for the cycle to repeat. more at: Radiant Floor Heat
You can also comment on our new web site Luxury Home
Friday, December 02, 2005
13Things You Need To Know Before You Buy a Lot..
You can also check and comment on our new web site Luxury Home
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Once Upon a Time in Malengo.....almost a true story.
Also: Take a look at: Luxury Home our new web concept.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Wind Power:
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Info On Heat Pumps
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Cost Of a Custom Home...
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Advantages and Disadvantages of Building a New Home…
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/new-home-builder-ca.htm
Thursday, November 03, 2005
The Physics of Foil - How does Heat /Loss Gain Work
We have also posted new articles to our web site here: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com.
Enjoy!
Monday, October 31, 2005
"13Things You Need To Know Before You Buy a Lot?"
Ontario Home Builder
Rule #1: Don’t Build on Fill:
Your foundation needs to rest on solid, undisturbed ground. It can take hundreds of years for ground to settle.
Sometimes, a steep ravine may have been filled in and/or the land may have previously been a dump.
If you cannot dig down far enough to rest the footings on solid and undisturbed ground, then you run the risk of having the ground settle after you home is built. More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/Normal-House-Builder.htm
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Appraisers Judge Renovation Paybacks - Renovation Trends:
Several hundred members of the Institute were surveyed. As well, the appraisers gave details on what home renovation trends were becoming popular in their own market areas.The results? Payback is highest for a range of projects, including painting inside and out as well as more expensive projects such as kitchen and bathroom renovation... More: Repairing-Building-Contractor
Friday, October 28, 2005
Feng Shui Cures
Feng Shui Cures
by: Batsheva Vaknin
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art used in the home to create balance and harmony. Feng Shui Practitioners have many tricks of the trade used to get rid of negative energy and promote happiness, stability, affluence, tranquility and peace. With the help of this guide, now you, too, can use Feng Shui to enhance your surroundings. Read More @ http://www.build-with-you.com/Feng-Shui2.html
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Sunday, October 23, 2005
"Homeowners Warming Up to Heated Floors"...
Saturday, October 22, 2005
7 Tips To Lower Home Construction Costs…
Dreaming of building a new home, but worried about the expense? Long before you draw up the final plans, it pays to do some "guesstimating." Knowing how much the project might cost will help you modify your plans to meet your budget. Here are 7 handy tips from Harvey Juric president of ICFhome.ca to lower your home construction cost... more...
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/building-cost.htm
Thursday, October 20, 2005
19 Things You Must Know When Choosing a House Plan
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Dreaming of building a new home, but worried about the expense? What you need to know...
If you are considering having a custom home built, the following information will help you get an idea of the cost of building exclusive of land.
However, you will first need at least a preliminary plan of the proposed house. You should also carefully consider how much you can, or want to, spend.
There are many variables to consider in developing a rough estimate of construction cost due to the wide range in materials and options that might be used. For example, marble and hardwood floors are more expensive than vinyl and carpet (which themselves can have a wide variance in quality and price). If your goal is building a home at low cost – the finishing often makes the difference. More:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/home-building-cost%20.htm
Monday, October 17, 2005
Dilemmas with Pricing the House per Square Foot…
After sorting through the issues of location, price, floor plan and features, do we go with Builder A or Builder B?
or many new home buyers, the choice comes down to which one offers a lowest cost-per-square foot price.
Unfortunately, It has been said that estimating a home on a per square foot bases was like estimating the cost of building a house by counting the number of electrical power points in the building plan.
There are several problems with this approach. First, no two builders work alike or use identical materials, so the calculation will not be an apples to apples comparison... More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/price-per-sq.ft.htm
Sunday, October 16, 2005
"Why should you build with Insulated Concrete Forms? A better question would be: Why would you consider building with anything else?..."
Imagine If You Will?...
It’s a Sunday morning in January in Ontario. You stretch under your comforter, ready for your morning coffee. Your eyes are drawn to your icy bedroom window by the sound of the howling wind and blowing snow outside. The thought of having to make your way to the cold kitchen floor, sends shivers down your spine. As you start to make your way, it almost seems as if the wind is blowing “inside” the house. The constant noise of the furnace coming from the basement makes you shiver even more, just thinking about next month’s heating bill…
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, your brother-in-law wakes and stretches on his king size bed. The automatic coffee maker is brewing – and the smell of fresh brewed coffee fills the air. As he walks into the kitchen he smiles, feeling the warmth of his floors – thank goodness for radiant floor heat! Through his kitchen window he notices that the huge birch tree at the side of the house has bent almost to the ground. What a storm – it must be really cold outside! He smiles again, complimenting himself on making the right decision to build with Insulated Concrete Form - the weather outside will never disturb his families comfort inside... More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/concrete-block-form.htm
"Why should you build with Insulated Concrete Forms? A better question would be: Why would you consider building with anything else?..."
Imagine If You Will?...
It’s a Sunday morning in January in Ontario. You stretch under your comforter, ready for your morning coffee. Your eyes are drawn to your icy bedroom window by the sound of the howling wind and blowing snow outside. The thought of having to make your way to the cold kitchen floor, sends shivers down your spine. As you start to make your way, it almost seems as if the wind is blowing “inside” the house. The constant noise of the furnace coming from the basement makes you shiver even more, just thinking about next month’s heating bill…
Meanwhile, on the other side of town, your brother-in-law wakes and stretches on his king size bed. The automatic coffee maker is brewing – and the smell of fresh brewed coffee fills the air. As he walks into the kitchen he smiles, feeling the warmth of his floors – thank goodness for radiant floor heat! Through his kitchen window he notices that the huge birch tree at the side of the house has bent almost to the ground. What a storm – it must be really cold outside! He smiles again, complimenting himself on making the right decision to build with Insulated Concrete Form - the weather outside will never disturb his families comfort inside... More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/concrete-block-form.htm
Thursday, October 13, 2005
A Warm House From the Floor Up...
Comfortable and efficient form of heating where warm water circulates through flexible, specially designed tubing installed under the floor.http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/new-underfloor-heating-system.htm
Building Energy Efficient Homes...
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/energy-efficient-home.htm
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Building Energy Efficient Homes...
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/energy-efficient-home.htm
Monday, October 10, 2005
"49 Things Your Real Estate Agent Does Not Want You to Know When Buying a Building Lot"...
The toughest part of any building home program can be choosing the right lot. Use this as your building checklist for your new home – new information.
Read More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/Narrow-Lot-House-Plan.htm
Sunday, October 09, 2005
HEALTHY HOMES - A Must For Our Children's Futures!
Home may be where the heart is but it's also where you'll find dust mites, paint, asbestos, mould and mildew, off-gassing synthetic carpeting, plywood with heavy formaldehyde concentration, radon gas and mould spores -- indoor air pollutants that can cause problems ranging from sneezing and skin rashes to severe breathing problems, cancer, and even death. Read More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/healthy-homes.htm
Friday, October 07, 2005
Is Your Home Built For the Future?
Thinking of Building? – Don’t Start Until You Read What The “Must Haves” are in Today’s Custom Building.
Over the past few years there have been many new trends introduced into the home building industry. The buyer wants a more energy efficient home, lots of custom features and a home that can keep up with future technology.
Most of these trends are being lead by the baby boomer generation. They have discovered that with some extra planning when they build their home, they can eliminate the need to move or renovate in the future. It is much cheaper and simpler to incorporate these features into the home during construction than after the house has been built. They also know that if they do decide to sell down the road, this is a great way to increase the home’s resale value. Read more:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/custom-home.htm
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Floor Heating Radiant System - Residential Underfloor Heating...
Living With Radiant Heat is One of Life's Simple Pleasures...
When a forced air furnace comes on, a blast of warm air blows into the room for a short time, spreads through the room, carrying dust, pollen, and other air-born pollutants with it. It continues until the thermostat is satisfied. The warmer air rises to the ceiling, leaving cooler air below. As the room cools, the thermostat calls for the cycle to repeat.
Living in a house with radiant-floor heating can almost make you forget that it's winter outside. There is no other heating system that is as comfortable. Heated floors deliver warmth to the skin and clothing without overheating and drying out the surrounding air.
Read More:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/floor-heating-radiant-system.htm
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
"If Rome Was Built Today It Would Be Built Using Insulated Concrete Forms!"
Imagine . . .
What would you think if we said that a home could have:
Heating bills 35%-60% less. | |
Weather resistance that will stand up to hurricane force winds, and is rated to withstand earthquakes. | |
The ultimate fire resistance insofar that some insurance companies decide to give a 20% (or more) discount on a homeowners' policy. | |
Healthy indoor air quality, essentially free from dust and pollen. | |
A guarantee to never get dry-rot, or be infested by termites or carpenter ants. | |
Recycled material components that save in average 15 trees per home when constructed. | |
Reduced exterior wall sound transmission by more than 65% so barking dogs, lawn mowers, and even airplanes are reduced to a whisper. | |
The most amazing thing of all, is that this technology is available right here, right now and it costs only a little more than a conventional wood built house. |
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/styrofoam-concrete-form.htm
"If Rome Was Built Today It Would Be Built Using Insulated Concrete Forms!"
Imagine . . .
What would you think if we said that a home could have:
Heating bills 35%-60% less. | |
Weather resistance that will stand up to hurricane force winds, and is rated to withstand earthquakes. | |
The ultimate fire resistance insofar that some insurance companies decide to give a 20% (or more) discount on a homeowners' policy. | |
Healthy indoor air quality, essentially free from dust and pollen. | |
A guarantee to never get dry-rot, or be infested by termites or carpenter ants. | |
Recycled material components that save in average 15 trees per home when constructed. | |
Reduced exterior wall sound transmission by more than 65% so barking dogs, lawn mowers, and even airplanes are reduced to a whisper. | |
The most amazing thing of all, is that this technology is available right here, right now and it costs only a little more than a conventional wood built house. |
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/styrofoam-concrete-form.htm
13Things You Need To Know Before You Buy a Lot
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/new-home.htm
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
A whole New Way To Build:
Insulated Concrete Forms Building is the new-generation of Integrated Building Technology that is vastly superior to traditional stick framing methods.
ICFs are rigid Styrofoam forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to serve as thermal insulation for concrete walls.
The foam blocks, or planks are lightweight and result in energy-efficient, durable construction. It is more efficient ways to build homes that are stronger, more comfortable and energy-efficient, while allowing for flexibility of design and lower future maintenance costs.
With ICFs, you can save time and money and get a stronger, more comfortable and more energy-efficient home.
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/custom-home-builder-insulated-concrete-forms.htm
19 Things You Must Know When Choosing a House Plan
Finding the ideal house plan to meet your lifestyle and needs may seem time consuming or overwhelming, but knowing what to look for can help lead you to success when building your new home. Read More At: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/House-Plans.htm
Monday, October 03, 2005
A builder may pour the foundation and raise the roof, but only you can make your new house a home.
When the building of a new house or a major remodeling project comes in over budget, many homeowners conclude that they can get the bottom line back to where they want it if they purchase some of the big ticket items themselves and avoid paying the builder's mark-up.
From the owners' perspective, this looks like a sound strategy. They won't have to make some hard choices and reconsider those longed for but pricey features such as the skylights that open and close by remote control. Read more at: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/new-home.htm
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Estimating Home Building Costs
Dreaming of building a new home, but worried about the expense? Long before you draw up the final plans, it pays to do some "guesstimating." Knowing how much the project might cost will help you modify your plans to meet your budget. Here are 7 handy tips from Harvey Juric president of ICFhome.ca to lower your home construction cost... Read More:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/building-cost.htm
If you are considering having a custom home built, the following information will help you get an idea of the cost of building exclusive of land.
However, you will first need at least a preliminary plan of the proposed house. You should also carefully consider how much you can, or want to, spend.
There are many variables to consider in developing a rough estimate of construction cost due to the wide range in materials and options that might be used. For example, marble and hardwood floors are more expensive than vinyl and carpet (which themselves can have a wide variance in quality and price). If your goal is building a home at low cost – the finishing often makes the difference. Read More: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/home-building-cost%20.htm
Saturday, October 01, 2005
New Home Builder Ontario: Your New Home...
You finally see your chance to build that dream home. With a heart full of promise and a stomach full of butterflies. So how do you go from your vision to living in your magic castle, without falling in the moat? Relax, we’ve been there. Just take your time. And take strength from these inspirations, guidelines and cautions.
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/new-home.htm
Friday, September 30, 2005
Healthy Homes
Home may be where the heart is but it's also where you'll find dust mites, paint, asbestos, mould and mildew, off-gassing synthetic carpeting, plywood with heavy formaldehyde concentration, radon gas and mould spores -- indoor air pollutants that can cause problems ranging from sneezing and skin rashes to severe breathing problems, cancer, and even death.
Read More:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/healthy-homes.htm
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Radiant Floor Heating
Turn cold floors into luxurious, heated surfaces with radiant floor heating...
People love the look of ceramic tile and natural stone flooring. But nobody wants to walk on it barefoot during colder seasons. Imagine a bathroom or kitchen with stunning stone or exotic tile flooring that gives off not just foot-warming, but total body enveloping, luxurious warmth. Wouldn't that enhance the usual cold tile floors?
Most homeowners would prefer to step out of a shower or bath onto a soothing, pre-warmed tile or stone floor first thing in the morning. Very popular in bathrooms, where no one likes to walk barefoot on cold tiles, radiant floor heating also enhances the rest of the home.
Read more at:
http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/radiant-heat-luxury-home%20-builder.htm
Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated Concrete Forms Building is the new-generation of Integrated Building Technology that is vastly superior to traditional stick framing methods.
ICFs are rigid Styrofoam forms that hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to serve as thermal insulation for concrete walls.
The foam blocks, or planks are lightweight and result in energy-efficient, durable construction. It is more efficient ways to build homes that are stronger, more comfortable and energy-efficient, while allowing for flexibility of design and lower future maintenance costs.
Read More at: http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/custom-home-builder-insulated-concrete-forms.htm
Cost of Building Per Square Foot
One of the first steps in building a home is determining your budget.
Contractors often try to avoid firm and exact prices, preferring to "leave the door open".
You should not allow this to happen.
Continue Reading @ http://www.ontario-home-builder.com/price-per-sq.ft.htm