What it seems to come to the beauty is, de Botton suggests.

They are our greatest asset and our sanctuary in the world. If we're lucky, we love them. I'm talking about our homes. In his book, The Architecture of Happiness, writer Alain de Botton explores how our homes can have an impact on our moods, what makes us happy or depressed. The idea that our physical environment can have a significant impact on our well-being should not be surprised. After all, I am sure we have all experienced joy of seeing a beautiful house, something that just made you feel happy. Whether we are able to live there or not is another question, but one can not deny that some households make us feel good, and some are not only appeal to all of us. And each person tastes differ.

What are the impacts of each taste in homes is also diversified. For some, memories of childhood May influence styles of houses, colors and other features love in a house. For others, it is also not clear why they love what they love. Some people want to open a sense, and are most at home (so to speak) in a place with lots of windows, high ceilings, and even on the upper floors of an apartment with his views. But for others, this is completely unpleasant. Some prefer a comfortable space, with low lighting and the hanging of many small nooks for curling to read. Some people like many rural areas, or a large yard work and play in. Others may not loneliness and want the bustle of the city and the people around them. Some yard work hatred, and never use a lawn. Each of us are truly our own people, and if we are lucky, our houses and take into account that are pleasant, if not elating, spaces for us to live and grow.

Growing a Garden

People decide to start growing a garden for many reasons. Some people to grow enough to enjoy the flowers, many people grow vegetable gardens to improve the support for an organic vegetable growth because they want to be in better health, some people are even more plus a garden to get exercise, a few people grow beautiful gardens to raise certain types championship produce or flowers that win prizes, some homeowners just want to have some pretty flowers so that their will fit in the neighborhood. Many people have more than one reason for growing a garden. Most people, however, do not start growing a garden to feel their soul.

One advantage that while most people do receive more and more a garden is what they receive to feed their soul. There is something to have the responsibility and privilege to serve to implement the health and growth miracle of life, which is a soul. Cultivating a garden that begins with seeds that you have provided an environment for them is more and more humility and a great experience. That the seeds you put in the ground looks dead. It is dry, usually a type of brown coloring, and appears to have no life in it. And yet, that research dried up seed contains the essence of life itself, which, when given the opportunity to blossom into something wonderful.

After carefully placed the seeds in the soil, you look forward to their delivery. And, just as you incredibly hopefully in a few days you see the emergence of small little green shoots from Mother Earth, and you're happy that you have done. But wait! What did you really? Simply condition that the effective elements of these seeds spring to life. At that time, your thoughts focus on the wonder of it all, you reach a summit serene, even if only for a moment. You understand that you are, but a little teeny part of this unique massively related energy system of the vast universe that does all the work.

Dealing With Contractors

Now we discuss how to find a contractor able to build on the site. And as this series has been so far, this sector is based on my personal experience and offered to you warts and all. As with all of my columns only the names have been changed to protect the innocent, ignorant, and too contentious.

Well, I signed my name in blood on the lease and the space was mine for the next two years, the success or failure. It was a large single room, about 1600 square feet, with a small storage area and two toilets in the back. The floor was painted concrete, the walls have a strange shade of orange, half the lights do not work, and there was no hot water or air conditioning. And just scratching the surface. There were a few dozen other things that must be repaired or installed before I could move in.

Now, a lesser man would have been intimidated by the enormous task of transforming this vacuum Money Pit into a thriving retail store in less than 60 days, but I'm an entrepreneur - who is an English word meaning "idiot who takes the impossible, "I was so excited by the challenge.

The question then becomes: Who will build this space? It certainly was not for me. When it comes to construction, I'm about as useful as a gunman in a clapping. It is time to bring the entrepreneurs.

I do not know about you, but it has been my experience that capable, reliable contractor is difficult to find. Let me rephrase that: it has been my experience that capable, reliable damn contractor is almost impossible to find. It is easier to pin the tail on Bigfoot blindfolded in dense fog to find an entrepreneur who understands the concepts of commitment and commitments. Nevertheless, my quest began with the Yellow Pages and referrals from friends.

I quickly felt like Henny Penny, desperately looking for someone who could help me bake my bread. I talked to floor coverings, painters, plumbers, electricians, installers security system, heating and air conditioning guy, and general construction. Most of them do not seem to give a rat on the back if they are my business or not. Several did not bother to return my calls. Others have come late to appointments and others did not bother to show everyone.

Now, I am not saying that all contractors are little insensitive, and undependable. I am convinced that there is much to the reputation of entrepreneurs who will appear in due time, do an excellent job, you and Bill fairly. Then there are the other 99%, many of whom are good old boys who operate from their pickup trucks without the benefit of the licence, bonds or concerns to their customers satisfaction. If you are an entrepreneur and you want to argue these points, we'll make an appointment to talk in person. I am sure you are not.

Fortunately for me, I managed to find a contractor in the 1 percentile that goes beyond the call of duty to get the space built on time, despite my demanding nature and daily changes of these plans. I was very, very, very lucky ...

So how can you improve your chances of finding a reliable contractor to build your space? Pray, my brothers and sisters, and follow these guidelines.

Do not be pressured by deadlines. When you run a business, you're usually under a tight schedule, which puts you to thank you contractor (they can feel the fear and despair). They know that you need them more than they need you. This is a bad place to be, but we must be patient and not hiring a contractor simply because he has a hammer and a pulse.

Ask to see licenses and bonds. As mentioned above, many contractors forgo the formality of business licenses and security obligations. They prefer the "hammer travel" mode of operation. If the contractor you're interviewing can not show you a license and proof of a deposit spend the next candidate.

Are they wear a watch? If the contractor does not wear a watch, it's probably because he has no concept of time or as regards the timetable. I want to see a contractor to wear a watch that looks at it often. I want to see him wearing a daytimer and a cellular phone with a number that I have on the speed line.

Ask for references and check the BBB. This should be a no brainer, but I bet most entrepreneurs never bother to ask or check references. You want names and numbers at least five former clients and always check their history with the BBB. Everyone can stencil their names on the side of a truck. Do not be fooled into thinking that makes them a professional.

Your best custom builder in your area

There are usually many Builders in the area where you live. However, there are some things you can do that will help make the process seems a little less stressful when they seek the most qualified custom home builder for your family.

Your house is more than where you hang your hat. It is where memories that last a lifetime are made. For this reason, you probably do not want to rely on the design or construction of your home to any "Joe" on the street who claims to be a builder of houses. So what do you want your own home builder in Magnolia, Texas?

1) Experience. You want to be able to drive by the houses that were built by people who you trust needs of your building. There is absolutely no other thing that can compare to see a work in progress to help you consider whether or not a manufacturer is the best choice for you. If you can walk inside the constructor of the current project, which is even better because it gives you an excellent idea of how they deal with May small details that many Builders just skip above. Look especially near the small details when you're capable of. If you are unable to see the inside of any of the manufacturer work, ask if they have a portfolio of photographs. You know the saying a picture is worth 1000 words.

2) Be sure to ask the manufacturer to potential past references and recommendations. When you arrive at a residence that you really like to ask who is the builder of the house. If you probably do not want to a residence which is identical, it is possible that you can get a house that gives equal attention and care in the construction process when you choose the same manufacturer of custom homes. Remember that you are able to integrate the details that you admire most about these houses in your own home while adding and subtracting appearances and fine points depending on your personal tastes. References are a great way to ask questions about how the workers themselves conduct, if there were any unforeseen added to the end of the project if the project ended on time, and if there had problems with the workforce since the project has ended.

Keep in mind that there is not a custom home builder in Magnolia, Texas or elsewhere, which works well for everyone. Your goal is to find custom home builder that work best for you.

Tips for saving money while building your new home plans

Build your dream house is a wonderful experience and achievement, which can bring you and your family from each other. However, there are several simple guidelines that will enable you to better enjoy the process and ensure that your plan will be built within the required deadlines.

A judge you - Before choosing a manufacturer, to perceive colors of paint or mentally organizing your furniture, decide what you want in a house. Identify the characteristics are "must-haves" and are "well off" and find a plan that best fits the way you like to live. Change orders, which include changing the plan during construction, may be costly.

In choosing a home builder - Towards the cheap route by choosing a manufacturer may cost you more money in the future. Like a chain is only as good as its weakest link, the manufacturer is as good as its sub-contractors and materials. Finding a manufacturer who is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and check references. Do not be reluctant to ask questions, houses driving past the manufacturer has completed or is building, and / or asking customers if they are satisfied with their results. You can also check the Better Business Bureau and Rip Off Report-type Web sites.

Location, location, location - Finding land that is good for your home and / or needs. Clearing rocks or trees and levelling of land can quickly add to the cost of construction of your house. Arriving in costs such as taxes, building permits, HOA fees and consider them while doing your budget. If you've already purchased your lot, make sure you include all the costs of installing meters, the installation of cables, electricity hookups, etc. These costs can vary greatly from one region to another.

Building Materials - Ask your builder at what stage of construction materials must be purchased, and whether the materials used can not be returned for credit. Determine the level of quality that you and your family want regarding the selection of materials for cabinets, above, facilities, flooring, etc. If it is acceptable to choose less expensive materials for certain products are easy to replace, you want to May high-end equipment for your kitchen and / or master bath in your new home plans. Chunking tile floors, laminate countertops, wood or composite cabinets in the future may be more expensive than what you want from the beginning.

Think about being your own general contractor - Hiring you can save approximately 15% of the costs.

How to choose a good Builder

So how can you protect yourself from these unscrupulous unsavory characters who do nothing doubted rip off members of the public? Here are some useful suggestions to consider before hiring a builder.

1. Always ask for references and details of previous jobs. Go see these jobs as far as possible. A good builder will be only too happy to show you proof of his expertise.
2. Beware if they offer cheap deals for cash in hand "jobs or suggest, you can avoid paying VAT for cash.
3. If they do not want to commit to a written contract, they should be avoided like the plague.
4. If they say they can immediately begin to be wary, as a good builder is usually busy.
5. If they give you a surprisingly low price you have to deal with suspicion.
6. If they seem reluctant to look at plans or to discuss in detail what should also trigger the alarm.
7. If they can not be reached by mobile phone and are reluctant to disclose where they live, then this should be seen as a red flag.
8. If they try to baffle complicated when you asked him for explanations seemingly simple questions May they be graduates of "If you can not confuse convince em em" school of builders and you know that May be in your interest to use them.
9. If they say they are a member of a professional association, be sure to check as everyone can say they are a member when in fact they are not.
10. Get at least three written estimates from various manufacturers and be very register.