Most homes built today use manufactured components for structural members because of their consistent quality, longer spans, and speed of installation. Some examples include roof trusses, floor joists, floor trusses, beams, and headers just to name a few. When it comes to roof trusses, you absolutely cannot cut, notch or drill through them…period! Most trades know this […]
The Ultimate Man Cave…Maui Style
3 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Cool Design, Owner-Builder
What do you do if you can’t agree on a price with your general contractor to build your man cave? You build it yourself…duh. That’s exactly what Eric Newman did for his new project on Maui. Rather than pay the sometimes exorbitant prices for building on Maui, Mr. Newman decided he would take the project […]
What is Stormwater Management?
1 Comment | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Owner-Builder
What is stormwater management? You’ve decided to take on the role of the general contractor/armchair builder for your new building project. You have accepted the fact that you will be responsible for the overall project including hiring subcontractors, scheduling the work, and managing the budget. But what about complying with EPA regulations? Who will be responsible […]
Tips to Install Granite Countertops
5 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Great Products, Kitchen Remodel, Owner-Builder
Whether you’re building a new kitchen from scratch or just freshening up an existing one, the install of granite slab countertops can provide a great new look. Here are a few tips from a builder to install granite countertops in your new project. Pros of Granite: Heat and scratch resistant, beautiful natural color, and custom […]
Inspiring Dream Homes for Owner Builders!
2 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Cool Design, Owner-Builder
We all have a dream home in mind that we will one day build as an owner builder. A home that will inspire us every day to be our best. A home that will help us to live every day like it was our last. A home that pushes us to help those around us […]
Today we share with you inexpensive lighting ideas that will give your new space a custom look. Lighting is such a huge part of any project. By adding accent lighting, you can completely change the look and feel of a room. The picture here shows a volume ceiling with an accent light behind the crown. The […]
The Cost to Build a House
2 Comments | Posted by armchairbuilder in Build Your Own Home, Great Products
Updated May 2020 Would you like to know the best way to determine the cost to build a house? Armchair Builder has just completed a detailed review of the top cost estimating resources on the market available to owner-builders. We realize that cost plays a huge role in your decision to take on a new […]
People are starting to realize the important role that kitchen lighting design plays in a successful project. With the proper lighting, your kitchen can be transformed from a culinary production facility, to a soothing place to have a drink and relax with close friends…all with the touch of a button. So what things are important […]
I was watching an episode of House Hunters on HGTV last night. You know…the show where a home buyer looks at three properties and chooses one of them. (I’ve been known to watch the entire marathons they run on the weekends. It really helps to better understand home buyers.) So, in last night’s episode the […]
Which Remodeling Projects Increase Home Value Most?
1 Comment | Posted by armchairbuilder in Bath Remodel, Kitchen Remodel, Owner-Builder
As a builder, I’m frequently asked…which remodeling projects increase home value most? Now is a great time to update your home. The best contractors are available. Material prices are competitive as supply has overshadowed demand. Mortgage rates are at historical lows. So how do you determine which remodeling projects will increase home value most? What […]
