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Home & Garden Articles
The McMansion Trend: What Exactly Is It?
Wed 14 Feb 2007 - 14:36
The McMansion Trend: What Exactly Is It?
By Jessica Brylan
Lately, I've been referring a great deal to McMansions. But, it's not necessarily a new trend. It's just a trend that finally comes with feasible solutions. I've physically worked on several McMansions myself and then, I have explored several others and I have some great ideas.
Affordable housing doesn't have to be a trailer in your parent's driveway. You can do it yourself if you pay attention to cost fluctuations. Buy low. Make home improvements in a timely manner. Don't let perfectly good supplies sit for longer than a month or two. When you do that, you know that you'll never make the improvements. Years will go by and those supplies will still be sitting there getting weathered and of no use to you.
Sometimes, you'll find great deals on bricks. These make for great driveways. They do add prestige to any home and true mansions often have brick driveways. Do the math and make sure you have all the bricks you need first. But in case you don't, there are great places where you can get deals on bricks. Look through housing developments and find homes that are finished. If you see a pile of bricks, chances are the owner doesn't need them any more.
Most people will offer to buy the extra bricks. Other people will use business savvy and push perfectly realistic ideas toward the owner. You can let the home owner know that you will remove his bricks for free. That has a nice angle to it that makes it seem like you are doing him a favor. But, I've seen some people throw completely different angles at the owner. One person offered to cut the owner a deal on his brick removal "problem." Not only did my client get the bricks for free, but she was paid to take them away. Now, that's slick.
Once you have bricked your driveway, normally your eye sights set on that front porch. Front porches on mansions are very prestigious. They are very inviting and yet, they have the hint of security. Both looks are accomplished in one flail swoop.
Depending on the length of your porch, you will want to get columns that reach from floor to ceiling. Railings are gone. Your front porch isn't a hangout anymore if you want to make your home into a McMansion. Fiberglass columns are rather inexpensive. Place them every five feet or so and finish off with trim that adds arches to the space between the columns.
To add the look of security, place a lightweight gate at your front door. You don't have to remove the screen door or replace the actual door. Simply add a wrought iron looking single gate that covers the entire length of the door. A centurian or a bellagio style is best. But, wrought iron can get expensive. There are aluminum gates that have the same look and feel as the heavier wrought iron types.
We've covered from the driveway to the front door and we've most likely stayed below $2,000. These improvements add such a great look to any home. Not only a look, but they provide a valuable look that most buyers consider in their assessment of your home. If you're not looking to sell, then you can simply enjoy the grand entrance you have provided for yourself. There will be more ideas to come on how to build your home around the elegance of your Ventless Gel Fireplace.
Jessica Brylan is a home improvement expert. She loves remodeling homes. She has even built a few. In all her work, she has split off into interior design every once in awhile. But, actual construction is her first love. She knows enough to get by with the big guys.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Brylan
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