Thanks to the personal computer and inexpensive home remodeling software what used to be an expensive time consuming task that often involved a professional to create blueprints or technical drawings can now be done easily by anyone in the comfort of their own home. Did I mention that it’s a lot of fun too?

Home remodeling software can be found wherever computer software is sold and is very reasonably priced. You can sometimes get a basic package free at Comp USA when they have an in-store 100% rebate promotion so check any flyers you might get in your paper or the mail and you could save yourself some money.

Using a remodeling software package is the ultimate in power and flexibility as any changes can be made instantly with a click of the mouse and with a wide range of products to choose from there will be a version that will be just what you need to get your remodeling project started.

Common features of remodeling software include the ability to do a virtual walkthrough, 2D and 3D views of your project and cost/budget estimators. The ability to drag and drop items is also standard and allows you to easily rearrange furniture in a room or move a door or window.

You can also count on having professionally designed examples you can use as is or modify to suit your needs. Some will even print out a list of materials required to complete the project and most have video tutorials to help you not only learn how to use the software but also teach you basic design skills.

There are several categories of home remodeling software available today with some packages bundling everything together into a total home design package:

Home Architect/Floor Plan

These packages will allow you to create a simple remodeling plan or even an entire new house from scratch. Using 2D and 3D views you are able to look at your plan from any angle and even zoom in and out. The software is so detailed that you can choose from thousands of design elements like windows, doors, cabinets and countertops. If it can be found in a house chances are a package like this will have it as an option. This package is ideal for entire home building or remodeling projects.

Interior Design

With an interior design package you can see how different wallpaper or paint will look in a room or how different countertops can change the look of your kitchen. You can move furniture around easily and view your rooms from any angle or height. Some remodeling software will also let you simulate sunlight coming through windows so you can see the effect it will have on a room.

These packages are typically filled with brand name furniture and appliances so you can see exactly how a particular model will look in your home. They often include carpet samples, fabric swatches and window treatments that can be changed by simply dragging and dropping. You can literally “repaint” a room in seconds to any color you want and quickly change it back again if you desire.

Often video tutorials will give you super ideas on how to coordinate colors and pick complimentary furnishings for a room for a professionally designed look.

Landscaping & Garden

Starting from professionally designed landscapes and gardens templates you can add things like fences, bird feeders, benches and statues. You can choose from thousands of trees, shrubs and plants and place them wherever you want and even include sprinkler systems.

Many styles like Japanese or water gardens are included to stimulate your creative juices and some landscaping software will even simulate seasonal changes and plant growth so you can see how your yard or garden would look 5 years from now in the fall.

Specialty packages like Deck or Kitchen and Bath design

With deck design software you can plan your dream deck using popular designs or create your own. Choose from a variety of deck materials and building styles and even place deck furniture on your virtual deck to see how it will look once it’s built. Some packages will print out a shopping list detailing the amount of lumber and hardware required to build the deck.

Like other home design or remodeling packages but geared for a specific room like a kitchen or bath these packages usually have many more options available than the general home based packages. You will have access to every possible kitchen appliance, cabinet, countertop, sink, shower, bathtub, etc. along with wall and floor coverings and lighting fixtures.

Any one of these types of home remodeling software packages will do a good job for you and can be used over and over again as you dream up new projects for your home. If you are planning on a specific room project you might want to consider a package designed for that room type (like a kitchen) but if you think you will have future remodeling projects spending a little extra for a home remodeling package might be worth it. At the very least you can have fun planning your dream house with the home version.

By: Mike Taylor

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In scenarios where elderly or disabled people need to maneuver themselves around homes with different levels, there are a wide array of options whereby these individuals can avoid unnecessary strain and risks. These are home lifts that have been popular owing to their easy installation process and also its economic viability. Most modern homelifts available on the market today are strong, reliable, and perfect for rough day-to-day use provided you choose a reliable manufacturer. The common choices for home lift are advanced domestic through-floor lift. Apart from this, there are compact and comfortable butler homelifts as well as premium lifts.

Most of the retailers who sell these lifts employ the services of architects who can ensure the secure installation of these lifts. Detailed information about these lifts is available online apart from product brochures with the retailer. The architects first carry out a survey for the site, before they complete the lift or take up the project. Detailed planning is necessary for the home with a plan of the overall access, new builds, refurbishing, etc. Buyers can match the colour, style and the type of mobility homelift, which is required for the field based on the load that would be involved. Even the platform size is customised per the requirements of the customer.

It is necessary that prior to buying homelifts, they need to be sure about the quality and safety of these products. There are certain standards that must be met within these designs. This includes the certification from the state or the country. An ISO 9001 certification for the quality adds to the quality assurance quotient of the company and the products sold by them. There are a number of hurdles, which could be encountered for the domestic use of these lifts. With proper skill and expertise of the architects, these hurdles can be overcome.

A domestic through lift travels vertically from one floor to the next. It is usually parked inside the living room space. Slim tracks and illuminated controls are fitted. These controls are present on the left as well as the right side. The user can select as per his convenience. Furthermore an additional internal ramp is provided within the home lift with a gentle inclination. This allows the user to enter and exit the homelift comfortably and safely.

Compact floor lifts can carry at least 2 people comfortably. It has the necessary controls just like the other lifts. Side by side lifts are designed for being self supporting. Various configurations are available in each variation of the lift.

Enhanced floor lifts are for those who wish to enjoy the most advanced alternatives in life. These lifts can travel from any landing up to the ceiling. One can even adjust or add different options to make it extravagant. Starting from one person up to about 5 people can be carried anywhere. It would depend on the lift one has installed within their home. Every sort of solution in terms of floor lifts is now available to the customer from online sites.

By: Luke Raper

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Thinking of building a new home or complex? Will you use an architect or a building designer?

Both are involved in the design of buildings – their appearance, layout, structure, and so on. But what’s the difference?

The simplest difference is a legal one. To be called an “architect” in NSW, you have to be registered with the Board of Architects of NSW. The title “building designer” can be used by anyone designing buildings.

But that’s hardly even scratching the surface. Brian Basford is a building designer and treasurer of the Building Designers Association of NSW. He suggests that building designers are generally less expensive, and mostly involved in less flamboyant buildings. “It’s horses for courses. Most architects probably wouldn’t want to design a single bedroom extension for a pensioner, whereas I’ve done a lot of that.”

Brian also stressed that there are quite often overlaps between what architects do and what building designers do. There’s no simple rule. “But no matter what the job, good building designers and good architects both produce quality work”, he says.

Architect Gary Kurzer agrees that architects are more likely to be involved with more distinctive, “up-market” buildings. But not because of cost. “Architects work to your budget just like building designers. The real reason is that architects are a little more likely to stretch the boundaries and challenge convention.”

According to Gary, you should generally choose an architect if you want more than just a literal translation of your brief. “My clients normally have a rough idea of what they want. I take that idea and transform it into something they love, but could never have imagined themselves.”

The most important thing is knowing what you want from the service, and choosing someone that suits your job.

And whether you choose an architect or building designer, remember, qualifications are no guarantee of quality. Always ask to see previous examples of their work. Ask for references from previous customers. Ask to see their qualifications. Ask how long they’ve been working. Do they have professional indemnity insurance? Are they a member of an accredited body?…

In the end, it’s like anything else… there’s no substitute for common sense.

Thanks to Gary Kurzer, Architect, 0411044448, and Brian Basford, Building Designer.

FAQs

Q: Are architects and building designers the same thing?

A: No. Architects must be registered with the Board of Architects of NSW.

Q: Will I get a better design from an architect?

A: Not necessarily. The only guarantee is a minimum level of qualifications. Architects must have a Bachelor of Architecture degree (5 years) as well as the demonstrated ability to deal with clients and satisfy their requirements. Generally this means at least a couple of years experience in an architect’s office.

Q: Are building designers more in touch with builders and other trades?

A: Not necessarily. Architects are trained to deal with and manage all aspects of the building project. It all comes down to the individual’s experience and abilities.

Q: Are Building designers “would-be” architects?

A: No. Building design is a recognised profession with its own national body (the BDAA) offering 3 levels of accreditation based on experience and quality – but registration isn’t compulsory. Many building designers have the qualifications to register with the Board of Architects but they choose not to because they don’t think the name “architect” is worth the ongoing cost of registration.

Q: Are architects more expensive?

A: Not necessarily. An architect will work to your budget like a building designer. They can do anything from a simple design to very complex interior and exterior detailing to superintendence of the building process. Your building costs and ongoing running costs may also be less. For example, find out if your architect is incorporating cost-saving measures into the building process. They may also design to take advantage of natural lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling, etc. which will save you less in electricity.

Q: How do I tell if they’re really an architect?

A: Call the Board of Architects of NSW – (02) 93564900 or visit [http://www.boarch.nsw.gov.au/f_consumer.html].

Q: How do I look for an accredited building designer?

A: Call the Building Designers Association of NSW – Sydney (02) 49264855 or visit http://www.bdansw.com.au or [http://www.bdaa.com.au/index.htm].

Q: Where else can I go for further information?

A: http://www.architecture.com.au – Royal Australian Institute of Architects

http://www.bdansw.com.au – Building Designers Association of NSW

By: Glenn Murray

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