Hydrogen Power

I have a dream.I have a dream that someday soon Hydrogen will provide all the energy we humans will ever need.It will be cheap and clean.Will it happen?For decades, NASA has relied upon hydrogen gas as rocket fuel to deliver crew and cargo to space.Many companies are working to develop technologies that can efficiently exploit the potential of hydrogen energy.In fuel-cell conversion, hydrogen

Digging out from the Blizzard of 2010

Blanketing Snow and High Winds were the Highlights of the Last Storm of 2010By Mark J. DonovanFor many of us on the Northeast coast of the United States we spent the next couple of days after Christmas digging out from a powerful winter blizzard. Though the snowfall was significant it was the wind that was really the story. Wind gusts exceeded hurricane force levels in some northeastern

7 Reasons Why You Should Update your Pool's Filtration and Cleaning System

  Thinking about replacing your pool's filtration and cleaning system? If you haven't considered it then it's time to start thinking about just how old your current filter and pump is. Letting this one slide may not be the best idea. Here's a few good reasons to think about replacing your current system:Your pool filter and pool pump work hard to keep

Bat Droppings in the Attic

How to Get Rid of Bats in the AtticBy Mark J. DonovanQuestion: - I am seeing droppings in my attic and I think they are bat droppings. How do I get rid of the bats from my attic?Answer: I had a similar problem in my home this past fall. Initially I thought it was mice in the attic so I set up a couple of mice traps in the attic. To my surprise I wound up catching a bat in one of the traps.I

Why Frost in the Attic

How to Eliminate the Formation of Frost in the AtticBy Mark J. DonovanQuestion: - I went up into my attic last January on a very cold day and observed dripping water, and mold and mildew, on the roof sheathing. I made every attempt to resolve the problem by ripping out all of the moisture sodden insulation and installing new insulation. I also made sure the soffit vents were not blocked and had a

What to Look For When Buying a Snowblower

By Mark J. DonovanIf you are in the market for buying a snowblower first consider the size of your driveway and the average snowfall you get every year. Too often people buy too small of a snowblower and end up regretting it every snow storm for years to come. I made the same mistake when buying my first gas snowblower. I lived in New Hampshire and had a 100 foot driveway at the time. I bought a

Construction Estimating Software

Summary: Construction Estimating Software gives a novice or experienced new home builder, or a new home buyer the opportunity to learn the cost to build any style, size, design, or quality new home in their city…before they even shop for a lot, home plan or a home builder.The largest purchase anyone makes in their life time is a new home.To not investigate what it costs to build a new home before

Prevent Ice Dams this Winter

By Mark J. DonovanIce dams form due to warm moist air that is trapped in the attic and the constant warming and cooling of the roof during the cold winter days and month. There are two main components that need to be addressed to prevent ice dams, insulation and ventilation. It is imperative that there is adequate and properly installed attic insulation to prevent warm moist area in the living

Extra Seating With Bar Stools

by: Kathryn WhittakerToday’s kitchen can become a complete entertainment center thanks to a sleek kitchen and bar furniture, including a breakfast area with a stylist breakfast bar and bar stools. Many people remodel their kitchens to accommodate a small bar area where they can grab a bite to eat before work or entertain friends with cocktails at a dinner party.The kitchen has become more than a

Construction Cost Software-Accuracy

Carl,Regardless of what we end up doing, your website is a great resource! I went to the building-cost.net that you link to on your “Getting Started” page on byoh.com and have a few questions. Is the cost to build without the "contractor mark-up" what it would cost was an owner/builder? Also, there are a few of the sections, mainly the siding and roofing where the options (1-6) have things

How to Fix a Door Lock

A Couple Shots of Graphite Lubricant is often all that’s Needed to Fix a Door LockBy Mark J. DonovanIf you’re having a difficult time inserting or turning the key in your door lock you may be able to fix it with an inexpensive tube of graphite lubricant. Simply squirt in a couple of shots of the graphite lubricant and then reinsert the key and turn it a couple of times. Often that is all that is

Average Cost to Build a House

Carl,Is it true that the general rule of thumb is the cost of labor to build a house is about $100 - $110 per square foot? And this is in addition to the cost of the land?LaurieHi Laurie,Rules of thumb for the cost per sq. ft. of a house are dangerous, for professional General Contractors as well as Owner/builders.Price per sq ft. can swing wildly depending on many factors. Here are a few of

Modern Prefab House Residence by Progetto Arquitetura & Interiores, Brazil

I love modern home design, It usually designed in prefab house style, this is my favorite residence design, located in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil. this stunning residence has been designed by Progetto Arquitetura & Interiores. The idea of this project was to combine both the indoor and the outdoor areas using a contemporary architecture, and the result is an expanded area for different activities

Deicing Salts and Concrete Driveways and Vegetation

By Mark J. DonovanIn preparation for winter weather it’s always wise to buy a few bags of deicing salt and have them handy in the garage. However it is important to understand that deicing salts can wreak havoc on concrete driveways and walkways and can damage adjacent shrubbery and vegetation. In addition, there are number of deicing salts available on the market, each with their own unique pros

Dome Home Second Floor Support

Summary: Dome Homes are extremely delicate structures and require careful, professional engineering for specific structural loads. David Moore, AIA Hi DavidI am designing a 50 ft diameter dome with second floor. My questions are about supporting the second level floor. What kind of system offers the largest span? Since the dome offers a 50 ft free span, I hate to break up the first floor with a

More Holiday Gift Ideas for 2010

The clock is ticking for ordering gifts online but it's not too late to find something unusual or unique for your family and friends. For those who have loved ones in other cities or states, online shopping is a convenient way to have their gifts shipped directly to them, saving you time and a trip to the post office.If you know someone who likes Southwestern art and decor, this authentic, hand

Snow Blower Maintenance

Prepare Snow Blower for WinterBy Mark J. DonovanWith winter almost officially upon us it’s time to pull out the snow blower and prepare it for winter weather. Snow blower maintenance should include cleaning the spark plug, changing the oil, and putting fresh gas into it. Also make sure to turn the gas cut off valve to the ON position. In addition, check the snow blower shear pins to make sure

Construction Estimating Software-Cost to Build in Taos NM

Summary: Construction estimating software allows YOU to estimate and adjust the cost to build your dream home in advance, before you make any decisions. Hi Carl,We are looking at moving to Taos, New Mexico 87571 and the housing is quite expensive compared to the Midwest rural area we live in now.We are trying to downsize and still have a custom home with all the bells and whistles. We were

Modifying Home Plans Made Easy

Here’s a fun home plan site. You can actually play with, and make small modifications to a few of the plans on the web site Original Home Plans...Read the rest of the article HERE. Photo Courtesy of Original Home PlansGreat site…Beautiful Homes!CarlTip: Read my article "How to Read House Plans"

How Much Does it Really Cost to Build a House in Atherton California

Dear Carl,My husband is planning to knock down our 60 year old house in Atherton, CA and build a new house on our land (a very flat land). He talked to a local architect and the architect told him that we need to budget at least $1Million (on top of $25K for him to design the house, about $2K to do a land survey, etc.) to build a 4000-4500 sq ft house on our flat land. $1 Million is way beyond

Bad Credit-Construction Loans

Summary: Good people with bad credit can find solutions for homeowner loans and home mortgage loan needs. Poor credit is not a problem forever.Carl, I have gone down the road of debt and have gotten myself in a lot of trouble. I no longer have the credit for a construction loan, or any loan.Is it possible with an above average job, and a lot of extra time to build a house out of your pocket? I.E.

Charming Bathroom Tiled Design Ideas

Tiles are the Ideal choice to design the bathroom floor and walls.Tiled very practical in the treatment.Here are Some Bathroom Tiles Design Pictures with done by Italian Company Carasarda

Extraordinary Home Interior Design in Secluded Area

This amazing architect Design from Malibu,California.this home named Beauvoir Residence in the middle of nature,using the surrounding hills as fortresses.it captures the nature and brings it inside through glass walls that act like windows to a dreamy landscape. This is no ordinary home. It has panoramic views that can be enjoyed from almost any corner of the house, so the furniture had to make a statement as well. The interior design focuses mainly on shades of green, with strong splashes of colour that break the monotony.

Beautiful Christmas Candles Decoration Ideas

In Christmas Festival Traditions of Many Countries prevalent Christmas Candles.The Lighting of Candles Which Signifies the birth of Jesus and revival and renewed life force that inspire millions of people to start a fresh holy life.Christmas candles Could be used in fireplace,table,tree,windows and thins decoration.They Could become a beautiful light addition to your holidays decor.

Modern Apartment Design With African Decor Style

The Interior Design of this large apartment features the mix of modern and ethnic African styles.It has an open plan with a lot of exotic decor elements. Only the private part of the apartment, which includes a bedroom, nursery and bathroom, was isolated. The main structural element of the open area is a load-bearing column covered with painted pattern that reminds the skin of predatory animal. The bar counter reflects the geometry of the ceilings and separates the living room from the kitchen.

7 Towns Where Land is Free

As small towns suffer from a continuing flight from rural toward-more urban living, some economic development groups and governments in these troubled areas have chosen to stay and fight.As with the homesteaders of the 1800s, the new pioneers must not be the faint of heart-they can't be the type to shy away from the trials of building a home from the ground up, or the lack of Starbucks on every

Freddie Mac Suspends Evictions

If rolling 30 day lates have evolved into a Notice of Default and you are counting down the days until you are "served" with a request to vacate the premises, you can breath easy until after the New Year (Freddie Mac Suspends Evictions From December 20 to January 3, 2011)McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today announced it has ordered all evictions involving foreclosed occupied single

New Polymer-Wood Hybrid House Siding May Have Legs

A New Composite House Siding Could Be the Wave of the Future in Home Siding?By Mark J. DonovanSome argue that a new polymer-wood hybrid house siding product is better than any other type of home siding product on the market, less real wood or brick. The new polymer-wood hybrid house siding product is certainly more attractive and sturdier than vinyl siding. It is also cheaper than real wood

Mortgages after Bankruptcy

Summary: With at least two years from discharge of a bankruptcy and reestablished credit with improved credit scores you should be able to apply for a construction loan to build a new home or a home mortgage loan to buy a home.Carl,...the bills piled up and we had no choice but to declare bankruptcy. I have a good job now, and have had it for a little over three years.We don't have many debts,

Holiday Gift Ideas for 2010

It's the end of another Thanksgiving weekend. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends.Tomorrow is Cyber Monday!! Time to get ready for some great online shopping! Here are some new gift ideas to get you started...If you know someone who would like to learn calligraphy or know someone who loves Asian arts and crafts, these beautiful Chinese calligraphy box sets make a

Cracked Foundation Wall

Carl,My 60 year old house has cracked foundation wall needs to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent damage to house. I am trying to figure cost effective method to fix the problem.KotiHi Koti,If it makes you feel better, over 250,000 people suffer from foundation failure problems EACH YEAR!Courtesy of Saber LevelingBesides fixing the crack, you also need to find out what caused, or is causing

HomeAdditionPlus.com among Top DIY Home Improvement Video Channels

Three separate and independent articles recently ranked http://www.homeadditionplus.com/, and its associated video channels, as one of the top home improvement video destinations on the internet.“Clean-cut and coherent, Donovan’s straight talking approach is easy viewing…” reports Amy-Mae Elliott of http://www.mashable.com/.Similarly, Leslie Baird of http://www.helium.com/ reported

How to Get a Contractors License

Summary: A contractors license school can show you how to get a contractors license...read the rest Carl,How do I get a builders license?RichardHi Richard,Start by reading my “Getting a Contractors State License”Then read the rest of "How to Get a Contractors License" including taking a contractors license class.You can also click on a state below to see State License Requirements...then read the

Cost Estimate Spreadsheet

Summary: Whether you build your own new home or have it built, controlling construction costs is the most critical part of construction. A cost estimate spreadsheet gives you that control.Carl, I bought your book, Be Your Own House Contractor, and after reading it I went onto your website and I found where I could download the Cost Estimate Spreadsheet. Oops, I only have a Mac computer and this

Construction Estimating Software

Knowing how much it costs to build or buy a NEW home is like knowing the true dealer cost of a new car before you shop for one. Imagine having that knowledge!Construction Estimating Software gives a novice or experienced new home builder, or new home buyer the opportunity to learn the cost to build any style, size, design, or quality new home in their city.Resi-Cost™ Full Function: Home Cost

Electrical Insulation Gasket Pads for Electrical Outlets and Switches

By Mark J. DonovanOne way you can eliminate cold drafts from your home this winter is to install electrical insulation gasket pads underneath your outside wall electrical outlet and switch covers. Outside wall electrical switch and outlet boxes are notorious for letting cold drafts into your home due to the fact that fiberglass batt or rolled insulation is often not installed correctly around

Construction Bids Too High

Summary: Construction Bids for a new house can vary tremendously. The cost to build a new home is determined not only by size, but by design and quality as well. Carl, I found this really nice house plan that I really, really love. But it was roughly estimated by a builder to cost $166,000 to build. I am comfortable of something below $150,000. Do you think it is possible for us to shed cost that

Modern Minimalist House Design Ideas

Here is the pictures of Modern Minimalist House Design Idea in Singapore by OngOng.Modern minimalist house design is become a trend house design today. We can conjure the modern minimalist house design with many various way, off course our original inspiration will be the best choice when decorating an modern interior house design.

Deck Flashing from Everflashing

By Mark J. DonovanI recently had a chance to check out some perimeter and ledger deck flashing products from Everflashing. Everflashing offers a variety of deck ledger and perimeter flashing products in hot dipped (G185) galvanized, stainless steel and aluminum. Their deck flashing comes in 1-1/2” and 2-1/8” profiles and is available in 5, 8 and 10 foot lengths. Their aluminum flashing comes in

Repairing Copper Supply Line Pipe

By Mark J. DonovanCopper pipes are commonly used in residential plumbing applications. Occasionally a copper supply line can burst. It is particularly common during winter months when water can potentially freeze in the pipes due to the loss of heat in the home. Repairing copper supply line pipes requires some basic tools and skill in soldering / sweating pipes. Tools required include a copper

Buying Land with Existing Improvements

Hello Carl, Your website has been a huge help. Thank you for all you do.My wife and I have found a lot that has had a foundation and basement poured on it. The original owner of the lot was not able to complete the project. The lot has been purchased by a home builder; he is currently selling “as is”.The home builder commonly works in an area about 45 miles away. He is selling this lot with

Building Smaller Houses Post Recession

With an Economy that still Languishes Home Builders are Now Turning towards Building Smaller but Still Amenity Rich HomesBy Mark J. DonovanSince the collapse of the housing market in 2006 home builders, such as Toll Brothers, have been wrestling with how to attract new home buyers. Their most recent post recession solution has been to shrink the size of their new homes while preserving as many of

New Construction Inspections

Building Codes are a set of minimum home building standards. New construction inspections are made to insure compliance to these standards.Hi Carl,In your steps to building a home, you only mention inspections at two stages, before pouring the foundation and after step 23 or 24.Are there other inspections that should take place and if so, at which stages of construction?RoseHi Rose,Actually, the

Skylight Design and Position Considerations

By Mark J. DonovanSkylights can provide natural lighting to a room. They can also provide some level of warmth if chosen and positioned carefully. By carefully considering skylight design and construction, and the placement of the skylight(s) within your home or room, you can maximize these two major benefits.When selecting a skylight make sure to fully understand the energy performance rating

Stop Cold drafts and Dry Air in your Home This Winter

By Mark J. DonovanIf there are major temperature differences in your home during the winter months there could be a number of factors causing it. Also, if the air in your home feels very dry during the winter months, it is most likely caused by warm moist air exiting your home and cold dry air infiltrating it.First and foremost check for air leaks around your doors and windows by running your

Meeting Room Interior Design Ideas

Meeting,conference or presentations need comfortable room with fresh interior design.meeting room decoration need modern office furniture. succesful conference room interior design is done if is allowed enough space.Hotel conference room creates a different atmoshere outside the office.Conference in hotel generally provide all basic Facilities required for make best a conference.

Clean Air Filters in Furnaces and Air Conditioning Systems

By Mark J. DonovanIf you have a hot air heating system or central air conditioning system make sure to clean their air filters annually. Clogged air filters can reduce the energy efficiency of the heating or air conditioning system and can lead to more dust circulating in the home. In addition, clogged air filters can reduce your home’s furnace or air conditioning system from keeping your home at

Guest Blogger Eric Stevenson on Safe Home Renovations

Home Decorating News would like to welcome guest author Eric Stevenson, who was kind enough to offer these helpful tips and information on safety with home renovations and the possible hazards you need to watch out for.Ensure Safety Before the Style Home renovation can be an incredibly exciting process. You probably watched home improvement shows, picked a color pallet and figured out what each

Land Clearing

Hi Carl,Thanks so much for being here. Your website has boosted my confidence and the more I read the closer I get to taking the leap and building!I understand that there are many variables to be considered, but my question is this.In buying an acre lot with many mature trees on it, what is my most cost effective use of the trees? Can they be milled and used to build the house? I'll be building

Lead Education Training for Renovating, Repairing or Painting Pre 1978 Built Homes

By Mark J. DonovanLast night I met with the company Lead-EDU in Manchester, NH. They offer EPA/HUD certification training courses for contractors on Renovating, Repairing and Painting (RRP) homes built pre 1978.Homes built prior to 1978 could very possibly contain lead paint. The EPA has strict rules for home renovation and remodeling contractors on how to test and address older homes that may

Prevent Ice Dams this Winter - Now

By Mark J. DonovanPrevent ice dams this winter by inspecting your attic this fall for proper insulation. Check the Department of Energy’s website to see what the right amount of attic insulation is for your region of the country. Typically a home needs anywhere from R-30 to R-49 in the attic. By installing the necessary amount of insulation in the attic now you can prevent ice dams, and their

High Energy Bills are often Related to Window and Door Leaks

By Mark J. DonovanCheck your home's exterior doors and windows for cold drafts this fall. Much of the heat loss associated with a home comes from damaged or non-existent door and window weatherstripping. Weatherstripping can lose its resiliency and end up not forming a tight seal up against window sashes and door frames.If your home's windows are old, consider replacing them with double pane

Beautiful Bathroom Designs Ideas

Here is presented Some Pictures of Bathroom Designs.The bathroom represents so much more than a place to maintain good hygiene.Below are a few examples of what we thought were well done and beautifully inspiring Bathroom designs

Modern Style Kitchens Italian Design from Scavolini

Here is the Pictures Modern Style Kitchens Italian Design,you can see in the photos of their kitchen designs below that they all manifest as a work of art.The Italian Kitchen concept is open and stylishly Modular.