http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.gif http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/ This Homebuilding Blog gives you great ideas for building, remodeling or renovating your home. Whether you're buying a new home or selling your existing home, here are some of the latest building trends and lots of ideas you may want to consider trying in your own house. en Copyright 2009 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:29:44 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuildinghttp://feedburner.google.com <p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/brick_column_and_pierced_brick_wall.JPG" rel="lightbox" title="This is the classic version of a pierced brick wall."><img width="225" height="300" align="right" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/brick_column_and_pierced_brick_wall-thumb-225x300-11046.jpg" alt="brick_column_and_pierced_brick_wall.JPG" title="This is the classic version of a pierced brick wall." /></a> Pierced brick walls are a great alternative to traditional screens, such as lattice or some type of natural hedge. Homeowners also use them strictly as walls around the borders of their property rather than screens . Brick walls are definitely more durable and they lend permanence to your landscape. A well-planned landscape with complimentary hardscapes combine to make an attractive garden.</p><p>&nbsp;<br />Pierced brick provides privacy and air flow while providing only a hint of what's in your garden by passersby.</p><p><br />This particular style of masonry has been around for quite awhile. I see the pierced brick wall style every once in awhile and it's interesting to see the slight variations that each homeowner has chosen for their wall. It happens to be one of my favorite configurations when using brick.<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/pierced_brick_walls.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cLyjfV3GwH120zljYEWHI_iTn2E/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cLyjfV3GwH120zljYEWHI_iTn2E/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cLyjfV3GwH120zljYEWHI_iTn2E/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/cLyjfV3GwH120zljYEWHI_iTn2E/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=Qb7I-UKsfDc:Nk3viKikDP8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=Qb7I-UKsfDc:Nk3viKikDP8:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/Qb7I-UKsfDc/pierced_brick_walls.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/pierced_brick_walls.php Landscape Ideas Uniquely Customized brick versatility hardscape walls Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:29:44 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/pierced_brick_walls.php <p>It's that time of year again. Time to gather 'round the outdoor fireplace with friends and family for a cozy, conversation-filled evening. When I think of an outdoor fire, I think about s'mores, toasted marshmallows and sharing a nice bottle of wine.<br />&nbsp;</p><div align="center" id="pic-center"><a title="Outdoor brick fireplace flanked by a pierced brick wall." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/outdoor_fireplace14.JPG"><img width="400" height="300" align="" title="Outdoor brick fireplace flanked by a pierced brick wall." alt="outdoor_fireplace14.JPG" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/outdoor_fireplace14-thumb-400x300-11020.jpg" /></a></div> <p><br /><br /><br />This post is about showing one of the best examples of an outdoor fireplace that I've seen to date. The &quot;core&quot; of the fireplace consists of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.isokern.net/index.asp">Isokern</a> fireplace components for a quality unit. The fireplace is the focal point of the backyard on the estate of one of Marietta's most prominent citizens and was constructed by the wonderful folks over at <a href="http://bonnercustomhomes.com/" target="_blank">Bonner Custom Homes</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/outdoor_fireplaces.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UJeb1KlsRhw2m0Y_u39B6i4v_pw/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UJeb1KlsRhw2m0Y_u39B6i4v_pw/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UJeb1KlsRhw2m0Y_u39B6i4v_pw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UJeb1KlsRhw2m0Y_u39B6i4v_pw/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=ZZVQyJB97Lo:xwNokeH8K8g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=ZZVQyJB97Lo:xwNokeH8K8g:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/ZZVQyJB97Lo/outdoor_fireplaces.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/outdoor_fireplaces.php Fireplaces & Chimneys brick versatility fireplaces Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:19:10 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/outdoor_fireplaces.php <p><a title="Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty is a great product for small wood rot repairs." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/Durhams_Rock_Hard_water_putty.JPG"><img title="Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty is a great product for small wood rot repairs." height="300" alt="Durhams_Rock_Hard_water_putty.JPG" width="225" align="right" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/Durhams_Rock_Hard_water_putty-thumb-225x300-10996.jpg" /></a>In my <a target="_blank" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/repair_wood_door.php">most recent post</a>, I talked about planing the bottom edge of a door that sticks on the threshold. You may have noticed a can of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.waterputty.com/">Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty</a> in one of the photos. I also mentioned it towards the end of the article. &quot;Rock Hard&quot; is a great product and nice to have around when you come across small wood rot problems here and there. I've used this stuff for years, on occasion.<br /><br /><br />I happened to have one of those small wood rot problems on one of the door frames of my house. I originally wanted to replace the 2&quot; x &frac12;&quot; board that is attached to the frame. Trouble is...it's part of the door frame itself and not sold in places like Home Depot and Lowe's. You have to replace the entire door frame...OR...do what I did...and what was also suggested by the folks at the big orange box.&nbsp;</p><p><br />Buy a can of Rock Hard! <br />&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/wood_rot_repair_putty.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/g2eYIWZkmXMYn6p5tED1bfUhMVo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/g2eYIWZkmXMYn6p5tED1bfUhMVo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/g2eYIWZkmXMYn6p5tED1bfUhMVo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/g2eYIWZkmXMYn6p5tED1bfUhMVo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=dA08VZr4wXk:ifA5eSb-g_E:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=dA08VZr4wXk:ifA5eSb-g_E:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/dA08VZr4wXk/wood_rot_repair_putty.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/wood_rot_repair_putty.php Home Maintenance How To DIY Windows and Doors DIY products Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:18:22 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/wood_rot_repair_putty.php <p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/repair_wood_door6.JPG" rel="lightbox" title="This is the 15 pane exterior door that needed repair to keep it from sticking on the bottom-right portion of the threshold."><img width="123" height="300" align="right" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/repair_wood_door6-thumb-123x300-10956.jpg" alt="repair_wood_door6.JPG" title="This is the 15 pane exterior door that needed repair to keep it from sticking on the bottom-right portion of the threshold." /></a> We have a 15 pane single French door that needed some repair. It's original to the house, so 20+ years of weather and wear have taken its' toll. Besides the glass panes, it is solid oak so you can work with it to make repairs, if necessary. <br />&nbsp;</p><p>The door is actually not the culprit here. It appears that the cantilevered breakfast room had sunk a fraction of an inch to the point that the door frame wasn't square anymore, therefore causing the door to stick on the left side of the bottom threshold when trying to open or close it. I just couldn't take another day of a door that didn't work properly.</p><p><br />What did I do to the door to have it open and close clean and firm? It wasn't a fix requiring great skill. Just a lot of patience through trial and error. Fixing the door to match the frame was a quicker, easier and just plain cheaper solution than raising the breakfast room a half-inch. </p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/repair_wood_door.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KMlDFDn0u7BfSRpJqN4kQK1Nqp0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KMlDFDn0u7BfSRpJqN4kQK1Nqp0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KMlDFDn0u7BfSRpJqN4kQK1Nqp0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/KMlDFDn0u7BfSRpJqN4kQK1Nqp0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=YbuRERZZZqU:xrIXwH-Hq3A:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=YbuRERZZZqU:xrIXwH-Hq3A:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/YbuRERZZZqU/repair_wood_door.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/repair_wood_door.php How To DIY Windows and Doors DIY doors Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:13:35 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/10/repair_wood_door.php <p><a style="" title="This is the beginning of how we transformed the purple-painted bathroom into something much more pleasing to the eyes." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/paint_bathroom_walls0.JPG"><img height="253" align="right" width="190" title="This is the beginning of how we transformed the purple-painted bathroom into something much more pleasing to the eyes." alt="paint_bathroom_walls0.JPG" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/paint_bathroom_walls0-thumb-190x253-10611.jpg" /></a> We recently finished painting our kids' bathroom. We allowed our daughter to choose the paint color when she was 5 years old. Yes, I know ... what were we thinking letting a 5-year old pick the paint color?!! How could we refuse such a cute little face. You understand what I'm talking about if you are a parent.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Well, time marches on and a change has been long overdue. When she chose the color, Barney was the most popular children's television character at that time. That's right...the secondary bathroom has been <em>Barney purple</em> all of these years with an aquatic themed wallpaper border and shower curtain/bath set just to make it interesting.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/how_to_paint_a_bathroom.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/O7yc_56Qpknh8rAHFGAUfLB-NZE/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/O7yc_56Qpknh8rAHFGAUfLB-NZE/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/O7yc_56Qpknh8rAHFGAUfLB-NZE/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/O7yc_56Qpknh8rAHFGAUfLB-NZE/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=-bjZAw3q2j8:OaFCn-LzADY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=-bjZAw3q2j8:OaFCn-LzADY:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/-bjZAw3q2j8/how_to_paint_a_bathroom.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/how_to_paint_a_bathroom.php Bathrooms bathroom DIY paint Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:51:45 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/how_to_paint_a_bathroom.php <p>Do you have a bathroom vanity cabinet that needs to be renovated with a fresh coat of paint? We certainly did. In fact, our cabinet wasn't painted to begin with. It was just as the builder had left it many years ago with a honey oak stain and clear varnish to protect it. It looked dated so we decided that painting the bathroom vanity cabinet would put us one step closer to accomplishing our goal of completely renovating the secondary bathroom.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div id="pic-center" align="center"><a title="This is our freshly painted bathroom vanity cabinet." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/paint%20bathroom%20cabinet7.JPG"><img title="This is our freshly painted bathroom vanity cabinet." height="225" alt="paint bathroom cabinet7.JPG" width="300" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/paint%20bathroom%20cabinet7-thumb-300x225-10438.jpg" /></a></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The improvements we made with the cabinet were well worth the effort and the results speak for themselves.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/paint_bathroom_vanity_cabinets.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/X3Bv6I-v2JyOF-PGOI5_Z0-7qjw/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/X3Bv6I-v2JyOF-PGOI5_Z0-7qjw/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/X3Bv6I-v2JyOF-PGOI5_Z0-7qjw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/X3Bv6I-v2JyOF-PGOI5_Z0-7qjw/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=qqG17m5_wsM:8mKyWi40-k0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=qqG17m5_wsM:8mKyWi40-k0:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/qqG17m5_wsM/paint_bathroom_vanity_cabinets.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/paint_bathroom_vanity_cabinets.php Bathrooms How To DIY Remodels & Renovations bathroom DIY paint Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:27:05 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/paint_bathroom_vanity_cabinets.php <p>Here's a very handy tip to use when you're doing a little (or a lot) of painting around the house.</p><p>WRAP&nbsp;'EM&nbsp;WET!</p><div id="pic-center" align="center"><a title="Plastic wrap around your wet paint brushes and rollers saves time and paint." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/plastic%20wrap%20paint%20brushes2.JPG"><img title="Plastic wrap around your wet paint brushes and rollers saves time and paint." height="225" alt="plastic wrap paint brushes2.JPG" width="300" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/plastic%20wrap%20paint%20brushes2-thumb-300x225-10430.jpg" /></a></div><p><br />(What is he talking about?) Allow me to elaborate.<br />&nbsp;</p><p>We recently painted one of our bathrooms along with the cabinet. We had a good friend that volunteered to come over to help prep the cabinet for painting and to prime the walls of the&nbsp; bathroom. Now <em>that's</em> a really good friend to <em>volunteer</em> for the dirty work. Not only did she help out with the prepping and priming, she also laid this really great painting tip on us.</p><p>When you're in-between coats of paint while waiting for it to dry, or if you want to end your painting day and pick up on it the following day...or a few days later...or even a week or two later, simply wrap the wet paint brush or roller in plastic film (also known as Saran wrap, stretch film or plastic wrap). Whatever you call the stuff it keeps the brush or roller wet until you're ready to get back at it. I've read that aluminum foil will work, also.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/helpful_diy_painting_tips.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qNueVLZcnxzZgPGsW4uEV-lGALQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qNueVLZcnxzZgPGsW4uEV-lGALQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qNueVLZcnxzZgPGsW4uEV-lGALQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/qNueVLZcnxzZgPGsW4uEV-lGALQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=38H_xHUWH7o:2PWlFP6XMHo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=38H_xHUWH7o:2PWlFP6XMHo:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/38H_xHUWH7o/helpful_diy_painting_tips.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/helpful_diy_painting_tips.php How To DIY DIY paint Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:13:42 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/helpful_diy_painting_tips.php <p>We live in a house that has a builder-installed, run-of-the-mill mirror in the bathroom. It's a very plain looking 33-inch x 38-inch mirror that's been glued to the wall over the sink like a gazillion other homes.</p> <p>We decided to improve the looks of the mirror <em>and</em> the bathroom. It was long overdue and we're very pleased with the results.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div align="center" id="pic-center"><a title="A plain, boring mirror that needs a frame installed on it." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/bathroom%20framed%20mirrors0.JPG"><img height="300" align="" width="249" title="A plain, boring mirror that needs a frame installed on it." alt="bathroom framed mirrors0.JPG" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/bathroom%20framed%20mirrors0-thumb-249x300-10382.jpg" /></a></div> <p><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We built and installed a frame around the bathroom mirror. We built it ourselves from scratch. It was easy to do and just a couple of tools were needed to complete the job.</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/bathroom_framed_mirrors.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/3ui_4zddHehMb0NmYPm_MIQpVIk/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/3ui_4zddHehMb0NmYPm_MIQpVIk/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/3ui_4zddHehMb0NmYPm_MIQpVIk/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/3ui_4zddHehMb0NmYPm_MIQpVIk/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=7ooUBbVvDO0:zJD3Ms0i_C8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=7ooUBbVvDO0:zJD3Ms0i_C8:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/7ooUBbVvDO0/bathroom_framed_mirrors.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/bathroom_framed_mirrors.php Bathrooms How To DIY Remodels & Renovations bathroom DIY Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:24:10 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/09/bathroom_framed_mirrors.php <p>Hey...you know what I haven't seen in a while (due to the home building industry woes)?</p><p>Real estate advertising sign twirlers.</p><p>You know...those guys that you see standing at the side of a busy intersection holding, tossing, twirling, flipping and spinning real estate directional signs to get your attention (and other types of businesses, as well).&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div id="pic-center" align="center"><a title="Man holding a real estate advertising directional sign." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/real_estate_advertising_sign_holder.JPG"><img title="Man holding a real estate advertising directional sign." height="262" alt="real_estate_advertising_sign_holder.JPG" width="350" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/real_estate_advertising_sign_holder-thumb-350x262-10090.jpg" /></a></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You might have a different name for these guys:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="http://rosevillept.com/detail/126713.html">Street Corner Twirlers</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://signevent.com/sign-twirlers.html">Human Sign Holders</a></li><li>Sign Jugglers</li><li>Sign Spinners</li><li><a target="_blank" href="http://coroplast.com/">Coroplast</a> Manipulators (or is that <a target="_blank" href="http://coroplast.com/Corocel.htm">Corocel</a> they're twirling around?!)</li><li>Cirque du Sign Guy</li><li>(in <a target="_blank" href="http://thefuntimesguide.com/2004/10/bud_light_real.php">Real Men of Genius</a>&nbsp;style) Mr. Busy Intersection Real Estate Advertiser Guy (I just made that up)</li></ul><p>...or WHATever.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some of them are actually quite entertaining and look like they practice their craft in order to maintain their gig. I don't know what the going rate for a sign twirler is (probably $8 - $15/hr) but I'd imagine that the more highly skilled you are at spinning, tossing and flipping signs...the more your rate of pay is and the more in demand you are. If that's not how it works then there's an error in the system. The guy shown above looks like a beginner. Ain't no action goin' on there. Although, he did manage to catch my eye enough for me to take his photograph...only for a different reason...this article.</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/real_estate_advertising.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6eKc1Utll5zurj8b0ZghdcUUyZo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6eKc1Utll5zurj8b0ZghdcUUyZo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6eKc1Utll5zurj8b0ZghdcUUyZo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/6eKc1Utll5zurj8b0ZghdcUUyZo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=fwh8jon3KEA:XP91bU0w2JY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=fwh8jon3KEA:XP91bU0w2JY:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/fwh8jon3KEA/real_estate_advertising.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/real_estate_advertising.php Glad I Had My Camera advertising Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:29:39 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/real_estate_advertising.php <p><a style="" title="A well-appointed mudroom includes a bench and plenty of storage for gear and outerwear." rel="lightbox" href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/mudroom_bench_with_storage.JPG"><img height="333" align="right" width="250" title="A well-appointed mudroom includes a bench and plenty of storage for gear and outerwear." alt="mudroom_bench_with_storage.JPG" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/mudroom_bench_with_storage-thumb-250x333-10050.jpg" /></a> Just like laundry rooms, mudrooms are often times an afterthought by some builders. Obviously, there are house plans which do not incorporate mudrooms into the plan. I applaud the architects that incorporate a mudroom when drawing up the blueprints for a house. It just makes sense.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It's one of those features that's really nice to have in a house because it gives the residents somewhere to store their gear and outerwear in an organized fashion upon entering their home, not to mention giving muddy boots a home without tracking mud into the house.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/mudroom_storage.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HfpWLagHFbYNGVYUtdML47b-VRQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HfpWLagHFbYNGVYUtdML47b-VRQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HfpWLagHFbYNGVYUtdML47b-VRQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HfpWLagHFbYNGVYUtdML47b-VRQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=BbZori4uSvQ:28vUcIZO6sk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=BbZori4uSvQ:28vUcIZO6sk:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/BbZori4uSvQ/mudroom_storage.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/mudroom_storage.php Uniquely Customized mudrooms Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:08:54 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/mudroom_storage.php <p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/best_laundry_room_cabinets.JPG" rel="lightbox" title="This is a great example of a well--appointed laundry room with cabinets and a deep utility sink." style=""><img height="187" align="right" width="250" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/best_laundry_room_cabinets-thumb-250x187-10010.jpg" alt="best_laundry_room_cabinets.JPG" title="This is a great example of a well--appointed laundry room with cabinets and a deep utility sink." /></a> Laundry rooms come in all shapes and sizes. Some are built with convenient cabinets to keep everything out of sight and some with just a wire shelf, or two, to store your laundry essentials. Builders almost treat laundry rooms as afterthoughts, it would seem, in some cases. I just don't get it (shaking my head to and fro).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Doing laundry is enough of a chore without having sufficient elbow room to fold laundry, hang up delicates and shirts, and all the other tasks that go along with it. I should know. I live in a home where the laundry area is an over-sized closet just off the kitchen. Not exactly ideal but we've managed.</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/laundry_room_cabinets_pictures.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/PaOhz2HiWYC-jBsV07vrPvk_Yas/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/PaOhz2HiWYC-jBsV07vrPvk_Yas/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/PaOhz2HiWYC-jBsV07vrPvk_Yas/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/PaOhz2HiWYC-jBsV07vrPvk_Yas/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=bQFTisFO5LI:PJn26UA3SbM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=bQFTisFO5LI:PJn26UA3SbM:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/bQFTisFO5LI/laundry_room_cabinets_pictures.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/laundry_room_cabinets_pictures.php Uniquely Customized laundry room solutions Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:36:36 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/laundry_room_cabinets_pictures.php <p>If you have a library in your home and shelf space is getting tight, or if you're about to become an empty-nester and want to remodel a bedroom into a library, then you might want to consider some of these options for bookcase doors. Bookcase doors provide an added dimension to any room as well as hide a secret room, home gym, wine cellar or hallway. You get the idea.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div align="center" id="pic-center"><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/secret_hidden_bookcase_doors6.JPG" rel="lightbox" title="This is the hidden bookcase door in the library of a Victorian home."><img height="285" align="" width="380" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/secret_hidden_bookcase_doors6-thumb-380x285-9815.jpg" alt="secret_hidden_bookcase_doors6.JPG" title="This is the hidden bookcase door in the library of a Victorian home." /></a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Bookcase doors come in a variety of styles and shapes dependent upon varying factors such as door frame dimensions, architectural styles, and personal preferences. Homeowners with library rooms might want to consider bookcase doors as a means to maximize shelf space in a home library as well as shutting off the outside world for a period of time.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/hidden_bookcase_doors.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fBSV0PYrAn2m1nPFtj6pjcUgbe8/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fBSV0PYrAn2m1nPFtj6pjcUgbe8/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fBSV0PYrAn2m1nPFtj6pjcUgbe8/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/fBSV0PYrAn2m1nPFtj6pjcUgbe8/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=7Buk13eDxys:42O7eFma5ek:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=7Buk13eDxys:42O7eFma5ek:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/7Buk13eDxys/hidden_bookcase_doors.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/hidden_bookcase_doors.php Uniquely Customized Windows and Doors doors library Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:09:43 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/08/hidden_bookcase_doors.php <span class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" style="display: inline;"><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/assets_c/2009/07/Garrell_Associates_outdoor_living_house_plan-thumb-225x168-9639-9640.php" onclick="window.open('http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/assets_c/2009/07/Garrell_Associates_outdoor_living_house_plan-thumb-225x168-9639-9640.php','popup','width=225,height=168,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false" style=""><img height="168" width="225" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/assets_c/2009/07/Garrell_Associates_outdoor_living_house_plan-thumb-225x168-9639-thumb-225x168-9640.jpg" alt="Thumbnail image for Garrell Associates-designed house plan for maximum outdoor living" class="mt-image-right" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 20px 20px; float: right;" /></a></span> <p>What are the top-selling house plans?&nbsp; How do I know what house plans consumers are buying? Simple. My source is <a href="http://www.builderhouseplans.com/" target="_blank">Builder House Plans</a> (Builder Online) and they have announced the <a href="http://www.builderonline.com/design/top-10-best-selling-consumer-house-plans.aspx?page=1" target="_blank">Top 10 Best Selling Consumer House Plans for 2009</a>.</p> <p><em>photo credit: Builder Online</em><a href="http://www.builderonline.com/design/top-10-best-selling-consumer-house-plans.aspx?page=1" target="_blank"><br /> </a></p><p><em><br />**Builder House Plans is the largest supplier of house plans in the United States.**</em><br /><br />An interesting fact about the top 10 selling plans for 2008 vs. 2009 is that the top plans for 2008 were more budget-minded designs and had a slightly less average square footage (2,584 sq. ft vs. 3,075 sq. ft for 2009).<br />&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.builderonline.com/design/top-10-best-selling-consumer-house-plans.aspx?page=1" target="_blank"><br /> </a></p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/new_best_house_plans.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WqEITn0qB56jm_MRrkMidJNpez0/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WqEITn0qB56jm_MRrkMidJNpez0/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WqEITn0qB56jm_MRrkMidJNpez0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/WqEITn0qB56jm_MRrkMidJNpez0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=5z_CojqvIBE:HeEpKCBuCp4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=5z_CojqvIBE:HeEpKCBuCp4:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/5z_CojqvIBE/new_best_house_plans.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/new_best_house_plans.php Home Styles & Trends house plans Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:46:46 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/new_best_house_plans.php <p>I was out looking at new houses again recently (no surprise there). As I was walking around to check it out, I opened a door to a walk-in closet. What I discovered inside was a pleasant surprise that I don't see very often these days in moderately priced homes. A solid wood closet organizer with a red mahogany stain. (A definite improvement over those ugly wire shelving systems!)</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="center" id="pic-center"><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/solid_wood_closet_organizer.JPG" rel="lightbox" title="A handsome, solid wood closet organizing shelving system"><img height="262" align="" width="350" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/solid_wood_closet_organizer-thumb-350x262-9623.jpg" alt="solid_wood_closet_organizer.JPG" title="A handsome, solid wood closet organizing shelving system" /></a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><br />It's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wood-closet-organizers.com/JLH-523_Standard_Closet_System.html">a kit sold by John Louis Home</a>. As it turns out, they have some really nice looking shelving and organizing systems.</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/wood_closet_organizer.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nhPRqFSOsH8wr5tZfkgT-FXr3BQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nhPRqFSOsH8wr5tZfkgT-FXr3BQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nhPRqFSOsH8wr5tZfkgT-FXr3BQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nhPRqFSOsH8wr5tZfkgT-FXr3BQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=F6xglvRIwNY:3tbYGzlVDis:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=F6xglvRIwNY:3tbYGzlVDis:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/F6xglvRIwNY/wood_closet_organizer.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/wood_closet_organizer.php How To DIY Pantries and Closets DIY walk in closets Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:23:14 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/wood_closet_organizer.php <p>If you've got an air conditioner cooling your house, you've also got a condensate drain line leading out of your house somewhere (hopefully) whether you knew it or not. The drain line requires a little maintenance about once or twice per year in order to avoid the possibility of thousands of dollars in water damage repair bills. It can happen if you don't stay on top of this simple annual task.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div align="center" id="pic-center"><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/maintain_air%20conditioning_condensate_pump.JPG" rel="lightbox" title="maintain your condensate pump"><img height="262" align="" width="350" src="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/maintain_air%20conditioning_condensate_pump-thumb-350x262-9609.jpg" alt="maintain_air conditioning_condensate_pump.JPG" title="maintain your condensate pump" /></a></div> <p><br />&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can easily keep your condensate drain line clear and here's how:</p><p><a href="http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/how_to_clean_condensate_line.php"><b>Continue reading...</b></a></p> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jwKO5RKGGR-vL60xeNxIpm1AaF8/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jwKO5RKGGR-vL60xeNxIpm1AaF8/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jwKO5RKGGR-vL60xeNxIpm1AaF8/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/jwKO5RKGGR-vL60xeNxIpm1AaF8/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=oKK-A9jQOP8:xgkDv00I9GY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?a=oKK-A9jQOP8:xgkDv00I9GY:bcOpcFrp8Mo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding?d=bcOpcFrp8Mo" border="0"></img></a> </div> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFunTimesGuideToHomeBuilding/~3/oKK-A9jQOP8/how_to_clean_condensate_line.php http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/how_to_clean_condensate_line.php Home Maintenance How To DIY Money Saving Tips DIY HVAC Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:27:04 -0500 http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/07/how_to_clean_condensate_line.php