As the illusion of ever-increasing complexities and danger is amplified by 24 hour news and the apocalyptic shows on Discovery and the History Channel some may wonder if they need to better protect themselves in their own homes.
Can one’s own home be a safe haven during the worst of storms?
In 2004 and 2005 US was [...]

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Saving Energy in Your Home – It’s All About the Heat

by Engineer Designer on August 9, 2010

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Energy is heat. Saving  energy is mostly about heat management. Let’s cover 10  basic actions to reduce energy usage in your home. These apply to new construction and existing residences.
First, some basic science:
A. Heat energy flows from hot to cold. Its speed of flow increases as the difference between temperatures increases
B. Heat flow is reduced [...]

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Aircraft Hangar Homes Are Unique. There May Be More Around Than Your Realize.

There are many airport communities in the United States. I have heard that Florida, Texas and California have the most of them. However I’ve heard of these places in most every state. I live at one myself and usually am met with wide-eye’d surprise when I mention the fact. Most people have similar questions so [...]

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Should You Purchase Stock Plans – Here Are The Pros And Cons

- Stock plans can save time in selecting a home. Since the designs are done and there for your review, you can select quickly and save time. Usually the plans are displayed as floor plans and exterior views. Depending on the catalog you may get just one front view, and sometimes you’ll be able to [...]

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There Are Few Experiences More Fulfilling Than Creating And Building Your Own Custom Home

Imagine, it’s been a long day. You are tired and laying in bed thinking of the day’s activities. Sleep does not come easily because you are excited. You look around the new room – your room; so vivid in your recent dreams but now so real in fact. The coffered ceilings, the perfect built-in video [...]

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What is a Structural Engineer?

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I think most folks have a pretty good idea of and an appreciation for what Structural Engineers do. Basically, we keep things standing. We make sure that the buildings and the homes that folks use will remain in the form intended.
The field extends beyond buildings. Watch the wings flex upward as your airliner leaves the [...]

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Creativity and “Tectonics”

All of us have it. It is a human trait. In my opinion it is too often reduced in importance by folks who insist that everything is simply a rearrangement of what we have already seen. In my opinion this is completely untrue. If it were the case then one would have to ask the [...]

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New Requirements for Renovations of Older Buildings – the Lead Abatement Rules

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Well – it has happened. The lead paint that we used in building, so many years ago, has now come back to haunt us. It has been the subject of the EPA’s attention for a long time, but now new laws are in place that need to be known and followed by any who are [...]

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Working with a non-Engineer Draftsman and Designer

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Want to talk briefly about hiring a draftsman or designer who is not a registered Engineer or Architect.
There are many very excellent designers who are very capable in training, experience and natural talent to design you a beautiful home. I want to be on the record stating that I endorse this action and think you [...]

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Renovations

Residential Renovations
When all it needs is a little nippin’ an tuckin’!

Let’s face it, sometime moving is not an option.
Some homes are regal and rare – but old fashioned. Functional Obsolescence is a problem with many otherwise wonderful older home. The fact that your home has two bathrooms (however small and boring) was quite a thing [...]

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