2 All Things Home Magazine AllThingsHomeOnline.com 3

FurnitureFurniture Center 3

Glass/MirrorsAnderson Glass 15 Bullseye Glass 3

Grout Staining/SealingGrout Works of Central Texas 2

Handicap ModificationsAccess Mobility 16

Home BuildersKevin Bearden Custom Homes 7

Home TheaterCustom Integrators 14Matt Panter Home Theater 2

House PlansGreat House Plans 16

HVAC ContractorsLochridge Priest 11Oasis Heating and Cooling 6

InsulationDEK Insulation 10E6 Insealation 2 Think Home Insulation 16

Insurance AgencyTerry Strickland State Farm 17

IrrigationStein Lawn and Landscape 6

Metal Roof SuppliesPioneer Steel and Pipe 15

Paint/SuppliesWigley’s Paint Inc. 16

Plumbing FixturesWaco Winnelson 3

Portable BuildingsCook Portable Warehouses 14

RoofersTalbert Construction 12Wehrmann Metal Roofs 12

Real Estate LoansCommunity Bank and Trust 9 Loan Source 14

RemodelingKevin Bearden Custom Homes 7Talbert Construction 12

Septic SystemsBlount’s Septic 17

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If you have been searching for a custom home builder, remodeler, service provider, or just a tradesman to complete a small home project, then All Things Home is the only guide you will need. Inside you will also find helpful tips and suggestions for various home projects. Thanks for showing an interest in All Things Home.

Welcome to All Things Home

Index August 2011

Featured Articles‘Tis the season for high energy bills & hot temperatures 8

Your homes energy tip 13 Designing your custom home 18

Featured BusinessesBlinds and ShuttersPeg’s Blinds and Shutters 12

Building MaterialsRedwood Inc. 16

CarpentersRingo’s Construction 16

CountertopsGary Beam Formica Countertops 12Goldstone 9Italian Granite 3Red’s Quality Marble 12Unique Kitchen & Bath 6

ElectricianMr. Electric 6Zawadzki Electric 2

FlooringBrazos Valley Carpet One 20Custom Stain and Scoring 17Lake Air Interiors 10Texas Art Tile 17

PublisherAll Things Home™

ArT DireCTiON & DesiGNJose Gonzales

TO ADVerTise PleAse CAll254.709.6045

© 2011 All Things Home™. Reproduction without permission of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited.

6 All Things Home Magazine

Did you receive your electric bill and nearly faint when you saw the total?? Believe it or not, there are some cost efficient things you can do to your home to help lower that dreaded electric bill!

The first option is solar screens. These mount to the outside of your window and offer sun block protection to your windows. They are typically most effective on the east and west side of your home. It’s fast and easy to get these installed. When you go outdoors, you protect your skin with sunblock. Why not protect your home and save money while doing it?

Your second option is double pane windows. How can you tell the difference between single and double pane? Most double pane windows have the bars in between the two pieces of glass. Also, if you have a cracked window, you can only feel the crack on the cracked side, not both. Some double pane glass does not have bars, and you can spot these by looking closely to see the spacer between the two panes of glass.

The most current building code requirements not only involve double pane windows, but also LOW-E windows as well. LOW-E refers to a tint that is applied to the window at the manufacturer that has reflective qualities that help cut down on UV rays. UV rays cause the heat to enter your home through your windows.

Another quick check you can do is to go through your house and inspect all your windows. You want to make sure that they close properly. If you have double pane windows and notice that some of them look fogged, you are losing your energy efficiency and these should be replaced as soon as possible. Any cracks or streaks indicate things aren’t working properly and that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible as well.

Bullseye Glass is THE source for all your glass needs. We offer an array of services including rock chip repairs, mirrors, glass shower enclosures (including framed and frameless units), table tops, window pane replacement, glass etching, screens and solar screens! Estimates are always free! Bullseye Glass.-Aim High with Bullseye!

By Stephanie Howell of Bullseye Glass

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Summertime is here, do you feel like your electric bill is too high? Unfortunately, it won’t get any lower unless you take action. Did you know 80% of a home’s heating and cooling loss is passed through the attic? Over time attic insulation begins to settle and may even be displaced by previous workers in the attic. If you have inadequate attic insulation you are just wasting money. The attic is the most cost effective place to save energy losses.

Think Home Insulation only uses the best quality Owens-Corning (Pink Panther) loose fill insulation. It is better because it will not shrink over the years and it willnot leave dust in your house as lesser products do. As a bonus, ThinkHome Insulation will do an energy audit to inspect for leaky air ductsand a general inspection for ways to make your homemore energy efficient at no extra cost.

So if you want to take action at lowering your utilitybills, call a professional like Larry Witt at Think Home Insulation for personal, courteous service and low cost insulation! (254)640-6370 or visit thinkhomeinsulation.com

Blowing more insulation in my attic was one of thebest things I ever did for my home. It saved me nearly $200 per month on my utility bill. - Roger, Bosqueville

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Choose a designer who is a member in good standing of the local and state Builder’s Association. Builder’s Associa-tions provide a well informed network of support and have periodic training sessions to keep members up-to-date on changes to codes and local edicts. Ask for customer references and review some of the designer’s previous designs. Most designers will provide a consult at no charge.

Here are a few Helpful Hints:• Have a realistic budget in mind. How much house can you afford?

• Bring sketches/pictures of floorplans, features, and the exterior style you would like. (I’ve had customers bring 3” note-books full of ideas they’ve found). • Take your property plat/survey with you as well as “set back guidelines” and any deed restrictions to ensure the house fits and doesn’t violate any association or community standards.

The design process is usually a “back-and-forth” procedure. The designer will present the 1st draft of the plans per the customer’s specs and the customer will then provide feedback with changes/additions/deletions. This may occur a few times until the final plans are agreed

upon. The final plans should include Elevations, Floorplans, Electrical, Roof Plan, and Foundation Dimensions. Some optional drawings may include the Site Plan, Cabinetry, and Details. It is recommended that all foundations be engineered by a professional foundation company once the plans are finalized and a soil sample can be provided. The builder will take care of this step.

Buying home plans online is also an option, although many times the cost of the plans and any changes you would like to make may exceed the price of plans drawn from scratch by a local designer.

A few local designers (including Great House Plans) have 3D design software that allows the customer to view a fairly accurate rendering of the proposed design. The customer can choose trim

colors, roof type/color, stone and brick style/color, etc. to apply to their custom home plan in the rendering.

A designer can also help find a builder if the customer does not already have one. A builder’s input during the process if often helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We all want the design and building of a new home to be a rewarding and pleasant experience.

For more information about designing your custom home, contact:

Building a custom home can be a daunting task for the “first timer ”. a good place to start is with an experienced custom home “designer”. an experienced designer will not only have a working knowledge of building codes and architectural concepts, but first hand knowledge of building practices.

Brazos Valley Carpet One Floor and Home has been locally owned and operated for over 30 years. We are a leader in the flooring industry because of the quality of product, customer service, warranty, and unbeatable knowledge that only 30 plus years in the business can give.

We would like to introduce ourselves, Harlan King and Beverly Culp, owners of Brazos Valley Carpet One Floor & Home. Our personal goal is to provide people with quality products and service that will make your home complete and enjoyable. Our staff is trained and ready to assist with all of your needs and we are always available to answer questions. Together with our sales staff, we have the expertise to create the most enjoyable buying experience.

  If you haven’t visited our store, we want to personally extend an invitation to come see what we are about. Whether you are looking for expert advice, design consultation, or a “pain-free” flooring installation, we are the store for you!