To build a new home you need a home plan. Today, finding the right plan has never been easier as home design services have expanded far beyond the traditional architect. Empowered with the proliferation of low cost software, novice designers can create basic layouts on their home computers while online libraries allow anyone with a web browser to buy home plans from a number of sources. But, most people are unaware of strict copyright laws that protect the intellectual rights of these home designers and the penalties that go with them. Not understanding the license restrictions of your purchased plan may come back to haunt you with severe consequences - even the profit from your new home.
Despite the gloomy news, many people are building new homes. However, in light of this gloomy news many people are trying to save upfront construction costs by using and reusing existing home plans. Copying or modifying home plans may seem to be perfectly legal for some, but for others it is downright stealing. "Some builders claim that changing an original design will nullify copyright protection," states Bill Elliott, COO of Avid Home Design. "But, unless you can prove that your design was created without the knowledge of an existing plan, you may be liable." This feeling is shared by many designers who feel their skill, effort and creativity is insulted when their work is flagrantly copied.
As with any other work of art, sculpture or literature, home plans are protected by Federal copyright laws because they are "original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium". Up until 1990, that "tangible medium" only included the drawing itself. As long as the drawing was not copied, a home could be built using the information contained within those drawings. This changed with the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act of 1990. Now, not only is the drawing protected, but both the interior and exterior designs of the building itself are protected by law. A home builder can no longer use one plan to build multiple houses or borrow plans to build just one house. In fact, building a home by using the existing structure as a guide - without plans - violates todays copyright laws.
Infringing on these federal statutes can carry huge penalties. Not only will the builder be at risk, but the home owner as well. Violators will be required to pay actual damages from the infringement (the cost of the plan itself) plus any profits from the sale of those plans. Moreover, the fines can include the profits made from the sale of the home and penalties of up to $150,000 for each home built from the plans. To avoid these penalties, carefully read the license agreement that comes with your home plan purchase. If you are building more than one home from the plan, you may want to ask for a "multiple build" price. Many companies require "reuse" fees that allow a builder to construct more than one home from the same plan. Avoiding these minimal upfront fees can lead to severe consequences.
So, if you don't fully understand your home plan license agreement, you may want to consult a lawyer who specializes in copyright law. These challenging economic times are hitting more than just home owners. Many architects and designers are finding new sources of income by employing legal teams trained in modern copyright law. These teams inspect areas of new home construction for possible design infringement. Without proper documentation, you may be ripe for some legal costs you did not anticipate, or more.
For more information about home plans, including a free 20-page publication titled "10 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Home Plan," visit http://www.avidhomestudios.com
Contact:
Craig Sherrett, Director of Sales & Marketing
AVID Home Studios, LLC
888.280.2843
http://www.avidhomestudios.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Sherrett
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sensible guide in setting up crown molding
Make no mistake, crown molding sure can change a room but how the heck do you install it so that it doesn't look like a "Johnny Homeowner" Job? The truth is that by following a few simple tips your crown molding job will end up looking great!
Formulate a "Marking" Template
Begin by making a measuring template to mark the distance down the wall that you are going to install it. Peg a small piece of crown molding up where you want itand set a pencil marker on the bottom of it on the wall. Now measure up from your mark to the ceiling and that is how big your template will be.
All Ceilings are A Little Out of whack, So Don't Snap a Line
Now take that little piece of wood and go around the entire room making little pencil marks with your template. Don't try to snap a line through because all ceilings are a bit out of whack thus your molding fitting may end up improperly at the corners and splices. The template marking method will follow any faults found in your ceiling and automatically make the necessary adaptations.
Find the Studs and Lease a Brad Gun and Compressor
Your next procedure is to look for the studs on the wall. One effective way is to use a stud finder or simply tap on the wall with a hammer and poke nails through to locate them. Mark them all off with a small pencil mark down below where the crown molding is going. Also, rent an air compressor and brad gun because trying to hand nail crown molding while keeping it straight is impossible.
Well Sandable Caulk Works "Wonders"
Reduce your splices by 30 percent on the bias and set your miter for 30% as well. It entails some work but the end results will be perfect. Cut off 24 inch pieces when you reach a corner or a splice and use them for determining the best fit thru trial and error cutting. Finally, remember to seek some help in holding the other end in the installation process and make a point that you have sufficient stock of all purpose "sandable", not silicone caulk for consumption.
Written by Antonious Franheimmer. Come to my website to learn more on Column including Fiberglass Columns.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antonious_Franheimmer
Formulate a "Marking" Template
Begin by making a measuring template to mark the distance down the wall that you are going to install it. Peg a small piece of crown molding up where you want itand set a pencil marker on the bottom of it on the wall. Now measure up from your mark to the ceiling and that is how big your template will be.
All Ceilings are A Little Out of whack, So Don't Snap a Line
Now take that little piece of wood and go around the entire room making little pencil marks with your template. Don't try to snap a line through because all ceilings are a bit out of whack thus your molding fitting may end up improperly at the corners and splices. The template marking method will follow any faults found in your ceiling and automatically make the necessary adaptations.
Find the Studs and Lease a Brad Gun and Compressor
Your next procedure is to look for the studs on the wall. One effective way is to use a stud finder or simply tap on the wall with a hammer and poke nails through to locate them. Mark them all off with a small pencil mark down below where the crown molding is going. Also, rent an air compressor and brad gun because trying to hand nail crown molding while keeping it straight is impossible.
Well Sandable Caulk Works "Wonders"
Reduce your splices by 30 percent on the bias and set your miter for 30% as well. It entails some work but the end results will be perfect. Cut off 24 inch pieces when you reach a corner or a splice and use them for determining the best fit thru trial and error cutting. Finally, remember to seek some help in holding the other end in the installation process and make a point that you have sufficient stock of all purpose "sandable", not silicone caulk for consumption.
Written by Antonious Franheimmer. Come to my website to learn more on Column including Fiberglass Columns.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antonious_Franheimmer
Energy efficient lighting
Lighting is a necessary and powerful part of any environment. A new homes lighting should be versatile and energy efficient. With the dimmers and fixtures of today it is possible to have optimal lighting and save energy at the same time. In this article I plan to hit on some of the best suited places to put today's energy efficient lighting.
Lighting can be broken down in to three major types, ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting can be provided by many sources but for this article we will touch on two of the most common sources of general lighting in todays homes, the table lamp and the ceiling mount fixture. This is probably the easiest type of lighting to provide using energy efficient sources as the common retro-type fluorescent bulb can go in most any table lamp and flush mount fixture. In the past several years Verilux and Ottlite have created a niche market by offering lamps that take dedicated fluorescent bulbs that closely match daylight. While this can sometimes offer good general illumination in a room remember that these types of fixtures usually have a very white light that does not look good in most living areas.
The second type of lighting used to light a space is task lighting. Task lighting is needed anywhere tasks will be performed, the most common areas in a home being the kitchen, the office, and the laundry room. In the kitchen the way to be energy conscious is with fluorescent or LED under cabinet lighting. Many companies offer both types including Lithonia, Kichler, and National Specialty Lighting. It is important to mention that regardless of the type of energy efficient lighting you decide to use under cabinets for task lighting be sure that the Kelvin Temperature is close to that of the other fixtures in the room.
Finally accent lighting can also be achieved with energy efficient lighting. Flourescent bulbs and fixtures are not well suited to accent lighting due the large source of light from fluorescent tubes. Today's energy efficient accent lighting is provided with LED. There are now very good retro fit LED bulbs available in MR16 and PAR types but they can still be expensive. Putting dimmers on Halogen accent lighting is also can also be an energy conscious choice when designed properly.
This is just a quick overview of ways to remember the environment when designing and specifying the lighting for today's homes. Any space can be lit wisely and efficiently with the tools available today.
For further questions or a consultation for the next space you will be lighting come by Village Lighting at 1616 North State Street in Bellingham, WA. Village Lighting is a fully stocked showroom with knowledgeable staff that's now available online at http://www.villagelightinginc.com
Nathan Gibson is a lighting consultant at Village Lighting in Bellingham WA. Village Lighting is dedicated to intelligent lighting practices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Gibson
Lighting can be broken down in to three major types, ambient, task, and accent. Ambient lighting can be provided by many sources but for this article we will touch on two of the most common sources of general lighting in todays homes, the table lamp and the ceiling mount fixture. This is probably the easiest type of lighting to provide using energy efficient sources as the common retro-type fluorescent bulb can go in most any table lamp and flush mount fixture. In the past several years Verilux and Ottlite have created a niche market by offering lamps that take dedicated fluorescent bulbs that closely match daylight. While this can sometimes offer good general illumination in a room remember that these types of fixtures usually have a very white light that does not look good in most living areas.
The second type of lighting used to light a space is task lighting. Task lighting is needed anywhere tasks will be performed, the most common areas in a home being the kitchen, the office, and the laundry room. In the kitchen the way to be energy conscious is with fluorescent or LED under cabinet lighting. Many companies offer both types including Lithonia, Kichler, and National Specialty Lighting. It is important to mention that regardless of the type of energy efficient lighting you decide to use under cabinets for task lighting be sure that the Kelvin Temperature is close to that of the other fixtures in the room.
Finally accent lighting can also be achieved with energy efficient lighting. Flourescent bulbs and fixtures are not well suited to accent lighting due the large source of light from fluorescent tubes. Today's energy efficient accent lighting is provided with LED. There are now very good retro fit LED bulbs available in MR16 and PAR types but they can still be expensive. Putting dimmers on Halogen accent lighting is also can also be an energy conscious choice when designed properly.
This is just a quick overview of ways to remember the environment when designing and specifying the lighting for today's homes. Any space can be lit wisely and efficiently with the tools available today.
For further questions or a consultation for the next space you will be lighting come by Village Lighting at 1616 North State Street in Bellingham, WA. Village Lighting is a fully stocked showroom with knowledgeable staff that's now available online at http://www.villagelightinginc.com
Nathan Gibson is a lighting consultant at Village Lighting in Bellingham WA. Village Lighting is dedicated to intelligent lighting practices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Gibson
Building a custom home
Building a custom home can be a daunting project. And the most important part of building a custom home is finding the right custom home builders. You will know when you have found the right company because they will be able to help you through every stage in the process from getting the right permits to the final little detail. There five tips that really stand out as the keys to finding the appropriate company.
First you need to be sure that the custom home building company has been around for a long time. This will show that they have a great customer base and have done great work. If they do bad work they won't be in business very long. Secondly you need to be sure that they have a very knowledgeable sales group. If they have a great staff you should be comfortable and any agent they have assist you should help you get all of the details worked out and prepare your dream to become reality.
The right custom home building company should have a website with plenty of testimonials. This is solid proof that they have satisfied customers and will be willing to tell everyone. Recommendations are a huge sign of pleasure by customers of any custom home building company. Positive comments can help set your mind at ease and help relax you. A website should provide you with previous work photos as well as a classified section with land available. Floor plans and a strong slide show should also be available.
If you follow the above steps it should give you a great start on the road to having your custom home built. You should be aware that this project won't be an easy walk in the park but it having the right contractors can be the light at the end of the tunnel. One final thing you need to be sure that you have hired licensed and insured contractors.
For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_C_Kennedy
First you need to be sure that the custom home building company has been around for a long time. This will show that they have a great customer base and have done great work. If they do bad work they won't be in business very long. Secondly you need to be sure that they have a very knowledgeable sales group. If they have a great staff you should be comfortable and any agent they have assist you should help you get all of the details worked out and prepare your dream to become reality.
The right custom home building company should have a website with plenty of testimonials. This is solid proof that they have satisfied customers and will be willing to tell everyone. Recommendations are a huge sign of pleasure by customers of any custom home building company. Positive comments can help set your mind at ease and help relax you. A website should provide you with previous work photos as well as a classified section with land available. Floor plans and a strong slide show should also be available.
If you follow the above steps it should give you a great start on the road to having your custom home built. You should be aware that this project won't be an easy walk in the park but it having the right contractors can be the light at the end of the tunnel. One final thing you need to be sure that you have hired licensed and insured contractors.
For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Morgan_C_Kennedy
Building a new home- what will it cost
Have you thought about building a new home, but you are concerned with how much it will cost? The cost of a new home that you build can be very expensive depending on what you want, where you build it, and who your builder is. There are many benefits to building a new home and many disadvantages. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages for you to think about.
First, if you build a new home you can get whatever you want, depending on your price range. If you want an island kitchen with stainless steel sinks, then you can get it. If you want surround sound built into your living room, then it is yours. Whatever you desire that you can afford can be built for you in your new home if you build from scratch.
Second, if you build a new home you will have to wait for it to be built before you can move in. The waiting process can be very irritating because you have already picked it out, you know you are moving, but it just has not happened yet. You also have to know that if the builder says it will be done by a certain time, then you need to plan on at least 3 extra months because they are rarely on time.
Third, one of the disadvantages of building a new home is that you will not get the full value out of it that you pay into it. You may pay $200,000 to have a home built that only appraises for $150,000 once it is completed. It takes on the average 10 years for a home to appreciate to the value of what you paid for it. If you are planning on staying in that home for 10 years or more, then it might be okay, but if not it will cost you more in the long run.
Last, if you build a home you can pick where you want it, how big you want your land, and how you want it positioned on your land. This is the fun part because you get to choose whether you buy land in a development or out in the middle of nowhere. You get to choose whether you have neighbors or not, and you can add a pond, pool, or anything you would like because it is your land.
Discover all the things you need to know about Building a New Home. Get more information on Building A Log Home here:
Building a New Home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Robert_Ehinger
First, if you build a new home you can get whatever you want, depending on your price range. If you want an island kitchen with stainless steel sinks, then you can get it. If you want surround sound built into your living room, then it is yours. Whatever you desire that you can afford can be built for you in your new home if you build from scratch.
Second, if you build a new home you will have to wait for it to be built before you can move in. The waiting process can be very irritating because you have already picked it out, you know you are moving, but it just has not happened yet. You also have to know that if the builder says it will be done by a certain time, then you need to plan on at least 3 extra months because they are rarely on time.
Third, one of the disadvantages of building a new home is that you will not get the full value out of it that you pay into it. You may pay $200,000 to have a home built that only appraises for $150,000 once it is completed. It takes on the average 10 years for a home to appreciate to the value of what you paid for it. If you are planning on staying in that home for 10 years or more, then it might be okay, but if not it will cost you more in the long run.
Last, if you build a home you can pick where you want it, how big you want your land, and how you want it positioned on your land. This is the fun part because you get to choose whether you buy land in a development or out in the middle of nowhere. You get to choose whether you have neighbors or not, and you can add a pond, pool, or anything you would like because it is your land.
Discover all the things you need to know about Building a New Home. Get more information on Building A Log Home here:
Building a New Home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Robert_Ehinger
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