by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 30, 2009 | Design Your Own House, for Home
It's likely that we've had more snow this past December than any other in my lifetime. I attribute this to two things: The construction gods are trying to sabotage our building efforts Global warming Whichever is responsible, it's keeping progress to a crawl. Once the...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 29, 2009 | Design Your Own House, for Home
Today we got about six inches of snow in the yard. Summer is months away. But this might be the best time to start thinking about how you're going to outfit your yard for those backyard barbecues and family games. You can find some great deals and soon backyard...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 26, 2009 | Design Your Own House, for Home
I love weathervanes. Especially rooftop weathervanes attached to the top of a cupola. And I've been trying for months to figure out how to include one on our craftsman style home, even though it seems an abrupt contrast to the design. They are just so cool! You can...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 24, 2009 | Design Your Own House, for Home
Radiant floor hydronic heating systems use a boiler to heat water that is circulated through pipes that are embedded in a concrete slag. The heat from the water radiates through the cement and into the room. If you've never experienced radiant floor hydronic heating,...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 21, 2009 | Design Your Own House, for Home
Don't get technical with me. I'm no tradesman. But I can tell you that the plumber came and ran a whole slew of black pipes all over the ground. They are poking up everywhere. All kinds, for toilets, sinks, showers, floor drains, utilities, appliances. I can't...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 18, 2009 | Design Your Own House, for Home
No one likes a wet basement. It renders the rooms uncomfortable and unsanitary, if useable at all. One common feature used to keep basements dry until the surrounding dirt compacts is a French drain. A French drain is a hollow pipe, covered in fabric. The pipe is laid...
