Dream House Plans

Finding the best plan for your dream home has never been easier. BobVila.com and Donald A. Gardner Architects have one goal: Providing the perfect plan at the right price for your new home. Browse the best blueprints and order online, or call the experts at Donald A. Gardner Architects for personalized help in choosing the right plan for you.
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Fireplaces

BobVila.com's Fireplaces Channel is your first stop for learning more about buying, building, and maintaining your fireplace. Get information on shopping for new models, watch videos of installation and repair techniques, and get style and design ideas for your next project.
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Storm-Ready Home

We've filled this section with the best building features, technologies, and know-how currently available to help you prepare for a storm, weather it, or begin to repair once it's passed. With knowledge and advanced building products we can help ward off the effects of Mother Nature—so check out our tips, videos, how-tos, and animated building features as you learn about hurricane forces and how to protect yourself against them. In months to come, look to BobVila.com's Storm-Ready Home for features and updates on wildfire, tornado, flood, ice and snow protection. Preparedness is the key to success—even in the face of a storm.
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Home Finance

Your home is at the heart of your finances. Whether you choose to buy, build, renovate, or restore, BobVila.com's Finance Guide will help you develop a sound approach to home financing. Learn all about mortgages, rates, payment options, and loan programs. Decide whether it is best to store equity in your home or build equity through home improvements. Learn to gauge the investment value of your property and how to manage it wisely.
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Paint & Wallpaper

Nothing brings a room–or a home's exterior–alive like new paint or wallpaper. Get the basics on which paints and tools are right for the job, inside or out. Learn how to prepare walls and how to measure for coverage. Select colors and finishes that work. Use wallpapers to your advantage, whether for durable coverage or unique and interesting wall treatments. See how to measure and order properly. Read up on techniques, materials, and styles that will make your next project easier and more successful.
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Roofing & Siding

Roofs and siding are big personality items on any home. Matching the right roof type and style to your home brings out its true character. Learn about everything from roofing basics to the pros and cons of different underlayments. Build a tighter, more energy-efficient roof. Consider shingle types for your roof and siding. Read about cedar siding, aluminum and vinyl, and engineered siding products. Consider siding styles and materials, maintenance, and lifespan. Learn how to paint or finish various siding materials and how to protect against moisture.
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Deck, Porch & Patio

Decks, porches, and patios are like outdoor rooms, with flooring, siding, décor, and finishes of their own. Read about weather-resistant materials, decking options, construction considerations, and upkeep. Learn about pavers, bricks, stones, and concrete for patios and walkways. Create shade zones and channel outdoor breeze for indoor ventilation using plantings, trees, and shrubbery. Complete it with a hot tub or pool, a new fence or gazebo, and you’ve got outdoor living at its best.
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Electrical & Wiring

Wire your home for the basics or the technology of the future. See how to run wire, set circuits, bring ground fault protection, install CAT 5 wiring, and wire for whole-house connectivity. Check out past episodes of Home Again and articles designed to help you plan for your next project and bring your home up to today’s standard for connected wiring.
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Workshop

A home workshop is essential for the serious do-it-yourselfer. Everything from storage and lighting to counters and cleanup, ventilation and wiring is covered here. Get help on layout and design to create a workshop that works for you.
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Heating & Cooling

Heat, cool, and ventilate your home safely and efficiently. Select and install systems that meet your needs and budget while improving the indoor air quality in your home. Learn about necessary air exchanges, how to site a home for maximum energy efficiency, and the best options for forced air, radiant, and baseboard heating systems.
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Kitchen Design

The center of almost any home, the kitchen blends function and style to create a livable, workable environment for cooks, family, and friends. Read up on how to choose and install cabinets and counters. Consider lighting, task management, storage, and traffic. See how to select and lay different types of flooring, and how to choose appliances that are right for you.
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Bedrooms

Bedrooms are fast-becoming functional comfort spaces in the home. Plan projects that enhance storage, organization, and livability in your private spaces. Discover lighting and technology plans to upgrade safety and security in your home and increase connectivity. Regulate heating and cooling to bring warmth, air, and air conditioning when you most need it.
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Bathrooms

Upgrade your bathrooms for efficiency and luxury. Everything from low-flow toilets to spa tubs and showers is covered here. Plan a master bath that will welcome you. Plumb a guest bath for a new sink or toilet. Plan cabinets, tile, finishes, and hardware that create a unique look for your bath. Learn how to improve on existing space and plan for improvements.
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Lawn & Garden

Landscaping is more than trees and flowers. See how lighting, pathways, driveways, and gardens can enhance your property and provide enjoyment. Use plants and trees to shade your home in hot weather and improve energy efficiency. Lay cement, pavers, and brick pathways yourself. Tend to the exterior of your home with the same care as you do the interior.
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Appliance Repair & Shopping

Appliances can be stylish, functional, and efficient. Learn about the Energy Star rating system and how to read an appliance tag. Provide the right outlets for your appliances and wire for easy installation. Learn how today’s laundry spaces are being converted to blend task management and family workspace thanks to appliances that make busy lives easier.
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