Pre-Closing Walk-Through Checklist - You Can Do This!

A complete pre-closing walk-through in under 45 minutes: the chronological check-list

We’re often asked for help in the walk-through process.  “What should I look for?” and “How long should it take?” are questions often asked.  We have therefore compiled what we believe to be not only a complete check-list of items, but a chronological tour of the walk-through so that it proceeds smoothly, with no step forgotten.  You will find next to each step an estimated time for those related inspections.

Cycle appliances (:01)

1. Turn on dishwasher, washer and dryer to let them run their cycles
2. Smile nicely at the building representative as you proceed, swallowing any words of contempt you might have for the entire purchase process having taken this long

Move to the kitchen (:03)

1. Turn on the oven – let out a yelping sound pretending to get burned to break the ice
2. Test the microwave – you may bring a popcorn bag to check the power and have something to munch on for the rest of the walk-through
3. Check vent and its associated lights
4. Turn on every burner on the stove and smell for gas
5. Check each kitchen cabinet, ensuring the hinges/drawers slides are operable and lined up evenly
6. Run water in the sink and check that it gets hot
7. Test the garbage disposal – throw your favorite organic material in there for full effect; chicken bones usually do the trick
8. By now, some heat should be felt in the oven, so turn it off

Head over to the bathroom(s) (:05)

1. Run water in all available faucets for a few minutes, with bathtub and sink at the same time, humming the “Singing in the Rain” tune; test for heating time, water pressure and leaking under cabinets or around caulking
2. Flush all toilets
3. Should your apartment/home be so odd to come with a bidet, test it by using it as a drinking fountain
4. Check all tiles for scratches, nicks, cuts, cracks, or chips 
5. Check the caulking everywhere to ensure it’s a neat job and no gaps exist

Do a sweep of all electrical outlets and jacks (:10)

1. Bring a night light to check outlets and switches (test by plugging it in the switched outlet and turning the switch on and off) – you may also bring an outlet tester
2. Make sure all device plates are straight and installed tight to the walls
3. Ensure that light bulbs are installed in all appropriate fixtures and in working condition

Check the heating / cooling units (:03)

1. Make sure all local air conditioning and heating units are working properly and in their different modes
2. Test the HVAC system by turning the thermostat high (for heat) then low (for AC).

Do a sweep of each of these things at once (:15)

1. Go through the whole home so your eye stays trained on one thing at a time, floors first, then walls – take  your time with this one and bring colored masking tape to mark the spots
2. Check that the floors are properly installed and finished with no stains or marks; ask you walk through, feel for any loose boards
3. Should you feel particularly punchy, slide across the wooden floors in your socks like Tom Cruise in Risky Business as you check for board misalignment (pants optional)
4. Check the walls for even paint (particularly between ceiling and walls, behind columns, etc.), ensuring there are no dents, scratches, nicks or discoloration

Exterior facing/related items (:05)

1. Ensure that the door bell is working by ringing it, coming back in, and asking “who is it?”
2. Check that all windows open and close smoothly and are sealed properly
3. Open and close all doors, making sure they don’t scrape the floor and that they close easily
4. Check the intercoms, concierge phone and alarm system without waking up the neighbors

Exchange of materials/items (:01)

1. Kindly turn to the homeowner or listing agent and ask if you have received all of your instruction manuals, directions and warranties (do a quick glance-over, adding “sorry, I just want to check”)
2. Make sure that all the keys are accounted for and ready for delivery after closing

While a checklist is not a substitute for a thorough home inspection, this list is a fantastic tool for getting to know the ins and outs of your new home, especially if the seller has made repairs since your inspection. Despite the liberties we’ve taken on the humor front, we hope that this will be of help to you in the final walk-through process. Feel free to add to this list via your comments – an injection of humor is quite welcome!

Lastly, don’t forget to get everything in writing and … at the end of it all, smile and exhale – you’re about to be the proud owner of your new home!

Please feel free to call TC Home Inspections with questions.  Even if we didn't inspect your home, homes are what we love, and you're questions aren't just welcome, they're enjoyed.

321-723-7322

Hot Brown-Buttered Rum Cocktail? Don't mind if I do!

It's the most wonderful time of the year to put on a pot of hot cocktails and call up some friends for some holiday cheer. For a holiday makeover, the classic Buttered Rum cocktail gets nutty with a little browned butter.

Butter in your cocktail is a bit odd, but even I can admit that this drink — like anything with a little butter — is delicious. A traditional Hot Buttered Rum calls for a pat of butter to be added to each mug, but my version uses browned butter. By cooking butter just until it turns brown, you get a rich, nutty flavor in your glass.

Making this as a large batch also lets you mingle with guests. Keep it warm on the stovetop and let guests ladle their own mugs as they please. Throughout the colder months of the year, this is always a crowd pleaser, and the scent of a piping hot saucepan makes your house smell fabulous.

Hot Brown-Buttered Rum Cocktail

Serves 8 to 10

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 (750-ml) bottle dark rum
3 cups boiling water
2 whole cinnamon sticks

In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, cook the butter until it begins to smell nutty and has turned a light-brown color. Watch the butter — you do not want to burn it or have brown or black flecks in it.

Add the brown sugar and nutmeg, and stir until the sugar has melted, about one minute. Remove from the heat.

Add the rum and vanilla to the saucepan. It will froth up, so be careful, pour slowly, and stir continuously. Add the boiling water and cinnamon sticks and stir.

Place pot back on the stovetop over very low heat just to keep warm. Use a ladle to serve in heatproof glass or mugs.

Recipe Notes

• You can use apple cider in place of the brown sugar, boiling water, nutmeg, vanilla, and cinnamon.

At TC Home Inspections, we ask that you please drink responsible.  Have a safe and joyous holiday season.

We thank thektchn.com for this delicious find.

Holiday Home Safety Tips

The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire and accidents. Your friends at TC Home Inspections recommend that you follow these guidelines to help make your holiday season safer and more enjoyable.

      
 

Holiday Lighting 

• Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials.
• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. If you have any questions about electrical safety, ask an InterNACHI inspector during your next scheduled inspection. Do not overload extension cords.
• Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation.  To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples--don't use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
• Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.  
• Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.

Decorations 

• Use only non-combustible and flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel and artificial icicles of plastic and non-leaded metals.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
• Avoid trimmings that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put them in his mouth.

Holiday Entertaining

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.  When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
• Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet).
• Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is.

Trees 

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "fire-resistant."
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches, and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.
• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won't tip over easily.

   

Fireplaces 

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

  

Toys and Ornaments 

• Purchase appropriate toys for the appropriate age. Some toys designed for older children might be dangerous for younger children.
• Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
• Toys with sharp points, sharp edges, strings, cords, and parts small enough to be swallowed should not be given to small children.
• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets. 

Children and Pets 

• Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
• Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
• Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
• Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
• Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.
• Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended.
• Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
• Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards. 

Security  

• Use your home burglar alarm system.
• If you plan to travel for the holidays, don’t discuss your plans with strangers. 
• Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.

 

WE WISH YOU 
A SAFE & JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON!

The Story of Nightlights (Don't be left in the dark!)

The nights are getting longer, and with more hours of dark, many of us will use nightlights to chase away shadows and fears of things that go bump in the night.  Before break out your favorite socket torch,  allow us to illuminate you.

Keep reading for a cool How-To at the end of this article!

A nightlight is a small, low-powered electrical light source placed for comfort or convenience in indoor areas that become dark at night.  Sort of a "duh" but just so everyone is clear....

Facts and Figures

• Before they were powered electrically, nightlights were usually long-burning candles placed in fireproof metal cups, known as tealights in some countries. (Tealights in the U.S. refer to very short and wide candles that can be purchased within or without an aluminum tin cup that are commonly used inside a decorative glass holder.  They are also known as votive candles.)
• There are roughly 90 million nightlights purchased each year in the United States. In 2001 alone, more than 600,000 of them were recalled by manufacturers for safety reasons.
• Defective nightlights can cause fires, burns and electrocutions.

  

  This nightlight is the perfect gift for that guy
  in your life who has everything.

Uses

Nightlights are typically installed to create a sense of security and to alleviate fears of the dark, especially for children. They also illuminate the general layout of a room without causing the eyestrain created by a standard light, helping to prevent tripping down stairs or over objects. This is an important safety measure for older adults, for whom falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, according to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. Nightlights may also be used to mark an emergency exit.

Types

A wide variety of nightlights is available to homeowners; bulbs vary from incandescent to energy-efficient options, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), neon lamps, and electroluminescent bulbs. Some of these devices are equipped with a light-sensitive switch that activates the light only when it’s dark enough for them to be required, saving electricity and the effort needed to manually turn them on and off. Some designs also incorporate a rechargeable battery so they will continue to function during power outages.

This one is guaranteed to keep the kids hiding safely under
their covers all night!

Nightlights present the following hazards:

• fire. Nightlights can become excessively hot, causing them to melt and pose a risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable materials, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC receives roughly 10 reports annually of fires that were caused when nightlights ignited toilet paper, pillows, bedspreads and other flammable materials. In many of these cases, the nightlight was installed so close to the bed that falling blankets or pillows made contact with the nightlight and started a fire. For this reason, nightlights should not be plugged in next to bed coverings, curtains, and other potentially flammable objects and materials. InterNACHI inspectors can also make sure nightlights are not covered with tape, cardboard or any other material that might cause them to overheat. Homeowners may consider using nightlights equipped with mini neon bulbs instead of higher-wattage bulbs;
• poisoning. So-called “bubble" nightlights are special, decorative nightlights that contain a dangerous chemical called methylene chloride. If the vial breaks, the unit should be thrown away immediately and precautions should be taken to avoid skin contact with the leaking chemical; and
• electric shock. Nightlights pose the risk of electric shock when used outdoors or in locations that may become wet, such near sinks or hot tubs, or in garages or covered patios. They should never be plugged into an extension cord, surge-protector strip, multiple-outlet strip, or other movable types of receptacles. Electric shock is also possible if the nightlight overheats and melts.

The following are a few of the many nightlight models that have been recalled due to electrical and fire hazards:

• Molenaar™ brand, model numbers 2017 and 2019 that are shaped like a rectangle and a house, respectively, and include the etched engraving "71980 U.S.A": 315,000 units recalled; 
• Forever-Glo™: 35,000 units recalled;
• LED Rocketship PalPODzzz™ Portable Nightlights:  26,000 units recalled; and 
• Energizer™ Light-on-Demand Wallplate Nightlights: 3,000 units recalled.

Additional Tips

• Plug the nightlight into an exposed wall outlet where it will be well-ventilated.
• Do not repair any nightlight yourself.  Only replace the bulb.
• Avoid installing nightlights in locations where they might be exposed to excessive sunlight, as UV rays will degrade the plastic.

·         Never let children handle nightlights. If you have small children, avoid purchasing or installing a nightlight decorated with cute or funny figures to which they may be attracted and that may be easy for them to reach.

Nightlights are used for comfort and safety, although homeowners should take precautions when purchasing and using these devices.

Like this nightlight?

Me too!  Here's how to make it:  

http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/gadgets/make-LED-night-light-faucet/

Remodeling Always Makes Financial Sense...NOT

With a large number of homes for sale, many at amazingly low prices, investors are heading back in to the real estate market, and some adventurous first time investors are testing the waters.  With so many shows on the Discovery and HGTV, flipping is becoming trendy again, but do your research.  Remodeling can dramatically increase the quality of life for building occupants, but if you are considering a remodel strictly as an investment, think twice about it.

Remodeling is rarely a sound monetary investment.

According to a report published by Remodeling Magazine, most remodeling projects add only 60% to 80% of their cost to the home, and no projects, on average, yield any positive return. Home upgrades are thus more accurately described as consumer spending than as true investments, which ordinarily have a decent chance of seeing some kind of profit.

Source: Remodeling Magazine, 2008
Project	% of Cost  Recouped in Resale
deck addition	81.8%
minor kitchen remodel	79.5%
bathroom remodel	70.7%
master suite addition	66%
home office addition	54.6%

As the report deals only with averages, it is still possible for individual remodeling projects to yield positive returns. A wooden deck added to a mid-range house on the Pacific coast, for instance, will add more value than the construction costs nearly half of the time. Even the most wasteful of the projects analyzed by the study, such as the addition of a sunroom or a backup power generator, are bound to reap a profit in rare instances. Also, remodeling projects are more likely to be profitable in houses that are inexpensive for their neighborhood. But, by and large, remodeling projects should be undertaken to improve quality of life for household occupants, not strictly as monetary investments. While you will lose more than a third of what you put into a family room addition, for instance, maybe your family will enjoy the addition enough to more than counter its expense.

Remodeling is also a cheap alternative to house-swapping, which can cost 10% of your current house's value to real estate commissions, moving costs, and selling expenses. If your home update would cost less than the costs accrued by house-swapping, or if you can’t live outside your current neighborhood, the remodeling project might be worthwhile. If you do choose to remodel your house, as always, have the project inspected by an InterNACHI inspector.

Remodeling Mistakes

If you are committed to remodeling in order to add resale value to your home, avoid the following mistakes:

• upgrading your house in any way that will make it bigger or fancier than most others in your neighborhood, as such remodels are unlikely to add much value;
• adding pools or spas, as they repel as many buyers as they attract, in most markets. These upgrades often require maintenance that buyers don’t want to hassle with, and they pose a drowning risk to young children. Ask your InterNACHI inspector during your next inspection about remodeling projects that prospective buyers may find dangerous.
• indulging in your personal tastes rather than aiming to please prospective buyers. Bold statements, such as brightly colored appliances, will repel many buyers.
• trusting TV shows that are based on the premise that remodeling is a true monetary investment. These shows are successful if people watch them, not if their claims are based in reality. Buying anything at retail cost and hoping to resell it at a profit – especially in the future, when the item or project has become dated – is rarely a winning financial strategy.
  

Low-Cost Alternatives to Remodeling

Real estate agents often recommend the following fixes, as they are likely to return more than their cost:

• Refurbish rather than replace. Refinishing or re-facing cabinets is usually less expensive than it costs to replace them. Re-glaze sinks and tubs to extend their lives and avoid the high price of replacing them.
• Rethink how you use space. While adding floor space may seem like a reasonable way to deal with a space crunch, you can probably achieve the same result by ditching the clutter. An off-site storage unit can be used to free up space in your house.
• Re-purpose a room. Never use the guest bedroom? Maybe you can turn it into an office or a dining room instead.
• Paint. Paint can transform the look of a room or house, and it is inexpensive and relatively easy to apply. Hire a professional or do it yourself.
• Brighten the house by removing heavy curtains, washing windows, and trimming back branches and bushes that cover windows.
• Deep-clean. Scour your house from top to bottom.
• Clean up landscaping. Trim bushes and hedges, rake leaves, clear downed branches, plant flowers and replace mulch.
• Use staging techniques. Rearrange furniture and décor to highlight the positive aspects of the room and create an inviting space. While you can do this one your own, professional staging services are contracted to tweak color and furniture to create an emotional appeal. Consider that a large segment of prospective home buyers will preview homes on the Internet, and staging can dramatically enhance a first impression.
  
  

In summary, remodeling is often a bad investment strategy, and inexpensive alternatives may achieve the same end.

Three Deadly Mistakes Every Home Buyer Should Avoid

Thinking of buying a home?  Avoid these pitfalls for a successful start.

"No, honey, I'm sure it's fine.  Realtors and
home inspections are totally overrated."

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it. 
  
Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own homes.  
  
Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make.  In fact, most homeowners would be broke at retirement if it wasn't for one saving grace -- the equity in their homes.  Furthermore, tax allowances favor home ownership. 

Real estate values have always risen steadily.  Of course, there are peaks and valleys, but the long-term trend is a consistent increase.  This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment, the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases.  This "owe less, worth more" situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy. 
  
Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home.  It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.  See below. 
  

  

Deadly Mistake #2: Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you. 
  
Buying property is a complex and stressful task.  In fact, it is often the biggest, single investment you will make in your lifetime.  At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures, and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of competence and professionalism.  In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It doesn't have to be this way! 
  
Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and the local market.  A buyer's agent has a fiduciary duty to you.  That means that he or she is loyal only to you and is obligated to look out for your best interests.  A buyer's agent can help you find the best home, the best lender, and the best home inspector in your area.  That inspector should be an InterNACHI-certified home inspector because InterNACHI inspectors are the most qualified and  best-trained inspectors in the world.

Trying to buy a home without an agent or a qualified inspector is, well... unthinkable. 
  
  
Deadly Mistake #3: Getting a cheap inspection. 
  
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make.  This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.  The cost of a home inspection is small relative to the value of the home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant by comparison.  As a home buyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages, and trying to get the best deals.  Don't stop now!  Don't let your real estate agent, a "patty-cake" inspector, or anyone else talk you into skimping here.   
   
InterNACHI front-ends its membership requirements.  InterNACHI turns down more than half the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements.  
  
InterNACHI-certified inspectors perform the best inspections, by far.  InterNACHI-certified inspectors earn their fees many times over.  They do more, they deserve more and -- yes -- they generally charge a little more.  Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.

Living Big in Tiny Style

A growing number of homeowners in the U.S. are downsizing to homes smaller than 1,000 square feet, and, in some cases, smaller than 100 square feet. This transition to smaller homes, known as the Small House Movement, is adhered to by people who believe American houses in general are too large, wasteful and energy-inefficient.

While home sizes ballooned from the 1950s into the early 2000s, data suggests that this trend is slowing, or even reversing. A 2008 survey shows that more than 60% of potential home buyers would rather have a smaller house with more amenities than the other way around. Similarly, according to the National Association of Home Builders, 59% of builders nationwide said they were planning to or were already significantly downscaling from the "McMansion" era.

The disadvantages of downsizing are obvious:  you may have to get rid a lot of furniture, the new house is less prestigious, and you lose space for guests. Neighbors, too, might view your small home as a threat to their property values. But living small is nothing new.  After World War II, 1,000-square-foot homes were the norm for returning soldiers and their families.

Gayle Butler, editor-in-chief of Better Homes and Gardens, describes the Small House Movement as "right-sizing," rather than downsizing, as homeowners forgo unused space and buy homes that better fit their needs. Dee Williams, of Olympia, Washington, sold her 1,500-square-foot home and moved into an 84-square-foot home that she built herself. When the electric company began charging more for electricity, her bill doubled from $4 to $8, an increase that probably would have been more dramatic in her previous home.

Adherents to the Small House Movement enjoy the following perks of their transition:

• increased cash flow. Smaller homes require a smaller mortgage, lower property taxes, and decreased homeowner’s insurance, maintenance costs, and the expense required to furnish the home. Owners might even be able to purchase a smaller house in cash using the proceeds from their existing home. And with the extra money, they can afford improved insulation, higher-quality windows and flooring, and luxuries such as solar roof panels and skylights;
• less maintenance. Fewer rooms and smaller spaces cut down on the time needed to clean and maintain, leaving more hours in the day for more enjoyable activities;
• lower utility bills. It costs a lot less to heat and cool a small home than a large home. Typically, there is no wasted space in vaults in a small home;
• reduced consumption. If there is little space to store items, homeowners are much less likely to buy new things. Fewer rooms and windows mean less money spent on TVs and curtains, for instance;
• more time with family. Less space means that more room must be shared, which encourages group activities and dinners.

While the benefits of the Small House Movement are clear, the transition isn’t easy for everyone, especially for those who have become accustomed to large houses. The following tips can help homeowners make do with less space:

• Use items for more than one purpose. For example, you can use a trunk as a coffee table, placing in it items such as shoes, files, and extra sheets to save closet space.
• Eliminate or cut down on extra silverware, pots, pans and dishes if the kids have moved out.
• Use rooms for more than one purpose. You may be able to squeeze a small computer desk into the corner of a bedroom, and a rarely-used dining room can double as a library.
• Purchase a stackable washer/dryer unit to save space.

In summary, median house sizes have begun to decline, spurred on by adherents to the Small House Movement.

Check out http://www.houseplans.com/collection/micro-cottages and http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/pages/houses for some cool pics and plans!