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Learn about this simple, direct and elegant type of wood home construction that allows for generous personal expression. While post and beam construction can be used for just about any foundation type, it really does lend itself to a system that relies on piers rather than a continuous footing. This makes sense, as the weight of the house is a series of point loads where the posts are.

Some critical design considerations with these piers include the shape of the pier (square, round or other) as well as how the posts will connect to the piers. While the piers in the sketch here are rectangular, round piers could, depending on the particular soil conditions, be less costly. Just keep in mind that whether or not the pier is seen after the building is completed will be an important determinant of the size and shape of the pier.

Also, prior to construction you'll want to determine a way to secure the posts to the foundation. You probably have a hammer, but that's just a start. These 20 tools and devices are superstars for household projects and repairs. The Geek's Guide to Getting Almost Anything for Free. Does it pay to be Internet savvy?

The Geek's Guide to Getting Almost Anything for Free

Yes. In more ways than many people imagine. Sure, the Internet is a great way to research just about anything you could ever want to know about; and it’s an outstanding communication, marketing, and entertainment tool. But the Internet can also save you a boatload of money. And we’re not just talking 10 cents off here and there. Want proof? 1. 2. 3. 4. Does it pay to be a bit of a geek? Matthew Toren is a serial entrepreneur (Co-founded YoungEntrepreneur.com), mentor, investor and award winning Co-Author of Kidpreneurs (Basic Principles of Entrepreneurship for Kids). - StumbleUpon. (^_^) 32 Colorful Rainbow Food Designs from The Endearing Designer : Design Tips, Tricks, Tutorials, Tools and More... Summary: A mouth-watering display of rainbow-colored foods… [dropcap style="2"]W[/dropcap]e are spoiled by choice.

(^_^) 32 Colorful Rainbow Food Designs from The Endearing Designer : Design Tips, Tricks, Tutorials, Tools and More...

Foods today come in so many colors that they’re often blinding to look at. This article displays a collection of 32 colorful rainbow food designs that will either leave your mouth watering, or rob you of it through sheer amazement… (via Mrs Happy Homemaker) (via Luuux) (via The Two Savvy Sisters) (via Little Toewsies) (via Off the Meat Hook) 14 Concept Appliances That Need To Be Made. Concept appliances give us a peek into the future.

14 Concept Appliances That Need To Be Made

They are often aesthetically pleasing and offer interesting and unique features; however, it is a rare concept appliance that makes it off of the drawing board and into the showroom. Unrealistic designs, high production costs and lack of consumer demand are often the reason for many ideas to be scrapped. Yet, here are 14 interesting concept appliances that have made it to the model stage and look so good that we hope they go into development soon. The iBasket is a hamper/washer/dryer combo. The transparent iBasket stores your dirty clothes. Why do consumers need the iBasket? The iBasket saves time and energy as you’ll never have to transfer your clothes from the hamper to the washer to the dryer again. Features: Transparent body Built-in air refresh system that removes the smell of dirty clothes Wi-Fi enabled to help you monitor it from your PC or laptop The one drawback to the iBasket is that it is very small. A short video about AgBot. CribcandyThe Best from Household and Interior Design Blogs Around the World, Every Day - StumbleUpon.

A Low Impact Woodland Home - StumbleUpon. Living in a Shell - Nautilus House - StumbleUpon. How Long Do I Need to Keep This? - A Guide to Receipts, Statements and Financial Clutter at Home - Organizing. In most homes, paper causes clutter. And it seems to mysteriously multiply by itself.

But just how long do you need to keep all those receipts, bank and credit card statements and other financial papers? Below is a handy reference that you can use for dealing with your home paper trail. Toss after One Month ATM and bank deposit/withdrawal slips ·keep in a file folder until monthly statement received ·reconcile with your statement to ensure that charges and payments have been properly processed ·if for major purchase with warranty, staple receipt to the owner's manual and file for the term of the warranty ·if for major purchase without warranty, keep receipt if item replacement cost is higher than the deductible on your homeowner's insurance policy ·if for minor purchase without warranty, shred Cash purchase receipts ·enter into your chequebook or computer software to ensure that you are accounting for all your purchases Credit card receipts ·keep in file until monthly statement received Pay stubs.

Buying a Foreclosed Home: News. Organizing Checklists: Cleaning Checklists - Martha Stewart. How to Clean Your Fireplace Chimney - NorthlineExpress.com.