5 Simple Steps on How to Build a Backyard Chicken Coop

As you probably know, a chicken coop is an essential part of raising backyard chickens. It will provide your flock with warm shelter and a safe place to eat and sleep. However, not many of us want to invest in a pre-made chicken coop for many reasons such as: inflated cost and the hassle of delivery or bringing it home. Therefore, I have written this article to help you build a backyard chicken coop fast and easy. If you follow these 5 easy steps, you will be able to construct a strong and durable backyard chicken coop that will provide excellent shelter for your chickens and keep them safe from predators.

Step 1: Plan Ahead of Time.

If you want to build a backyard chicken coop with the least amounts of setbacks, you must PLAN ahead of time. Some things to think about before beginning your construction are: How many chickens will inhabit the coop?, What size are the chickens, large standards or bantams? How many nests will you provide the hens with? How many feeders and waterers will you have available? How many windows will your chicken coop require to give enough sunlight to your flock? Will you be constructing a chicken run with easy access into and out of the coop? You see, there are various questions that need to be answered before you build a backyard chicken coop because you may find out too late that the coop you built was not sufficient enough to keep your chickens happy and safe.

Step 2: Choose your Terrain.

Once you have answered all your pre-building questions, the next step is to choose a terrain where you will build a backyard chicken coop in. It is very important that you choose an area that is wide enough for your coop to fit with plenty of space around it for a chicken run or for you to maneuver around. You do not want to build a coop where you do not have easy access around its perimeter. Try to choose a terrain where it receives direct sunlight and far from heavy bushes or weeds where snakes, rodents, and other predators may reside in.

Step 3: Sketch out your Design on Paper.

When attempting to build a backyard chicken coop, do not go at it with a concept in your head. This can lead to disaster. Make sure you sketch out your coop on paper, even if you're not an artist, and cover every angle including a top view of the roof and a sketch of the inside. If this is your first time building a backyard chicken coop, you shouldn't go for an architectural masterpiece, but rather start out with a simple chicken coop first just big enough for your flock and as you gain experience, then go for something of a greater scale.

Step 4: Gather all your Materials.

Before you build a backyard chicken coop, make an effort to collect all the materials you will need so that you won't have to take unexpected trips to and from the hardware or lumber store. A good example of materials you will need are: wood (2 x 4), concrete cinder blocks, chicken wire or fence wire, insulation strips, and ofcourse nails, screws, saw and hammer. While these are your most common materials, only you will know exactly what you need when you complete steps 1 and 3 and actually plan ahead of time and sketch out your coop design from every angle.

Step 5: Build it.

It is now time to build a backyard chicken coop. You have done all your planning ahead of time. You have chosen a terrain convenient to maneuver around with excellent sunlight and free from predators. You have sketched out your chicken coop design on paper and you have gathered all your materials. Now all you have to do is put it together.

Some things to remember: Provide plenty of ventilation through screened windows, bury your outside chicken wire along the coop's borders about a foot deep to prevent predators from digging in, and if you live in cold climates, make sure to properly insulate the roof and insides of the coop.

I hope these 5 steps will help you build a backyard chicken coop with greater ease and success. However, these are only a few guidelines and there is so much more information you should learn before you actually build a backyard chicken coop.

To discover the wisdom and secrets on how to build a backyard chicken coop, visit longtime farmer and poultry keeper Dale Higgins's website: www.mybackyardchickenfarm.com.

Dale Higgins has been raising chickens and poultry for over 20 years and is an expert in building chicken coops.

The High Performance Home - A New Catch Phrase In Housing

We use the term The High Performance Home in our business as do many builders today. Unfortunately, it means different things to each company. So I thought it might be worthwhile to try to define the term as I see it and to give it relevance against the rising concerns of Global Warming.

First, is there such a thing as Global Warming? I liked the response given by architect Marilyn Miller Farmer, AIA, LEED A.P. Director, Green Building Pages, Inc. in her interview in the April issue of the online magazine Streetscapes, a publication of the James Hardie Company;

Question:

How would you answer skeptics who dismiss global warming as a myth, or green building as a fad?

Ms Miller:

I would suggest that anyone dismissing global warming today is not observing the writing all over the walls. Start with the weather patterns, the bottled water that has replaced use of tap water for drinking, the lack of available resources, the diminishing food supplies, the state of our oceans and rivers, the diminishing number of species, the dislocation of growing numbers of people, the global issues and disputes over use of available resources, all of which can be traced back to our growing populations and the incredible stress we are placing on the environmental systems that have supported all species, including us.

I believe she hit the nail on the head. Additionally, on a widely distributed news piece several scientists quit couching their words and came out and warned that global warming was happening (see ABC World News report 4/6/2007).

So whats to be done about this? Lets get back to High Performance Homes (HPH). Can the definition and building of high performance homes be part of the solution to global warming? What if an HPH used less energy, was safer, healthier and more comfortable to live in, was made of sustainable materials and had a lower overall impact on the environment.

This from The Green Building Initiative, http://www.thegbi.com/home/default.asp;

With rising utility costs dominating recent headlines, many Americans are looking for ways to trim their monthly bills by making their homes and businesses more energy-efficient. One way to accomplish this is to implement "green building" principles into the construction of homes and businesses.

Quite simply, green building is an effort to develop more energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally-responsible buildings. Strategies used by todays green building practitioners look at every phase of the construction and operation of buildings, whether they are focused on indoor air quality or waste reduction.

By incorporating various green building principles into a structure, the average home or business can save as much as 50 percent on their utility costs according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The benefits don't end there though, as green building also benefits society at large by reducing the environmental impact of a structure.

For example, according to the Department of Energy, if just one in 10 households incorporated energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, we could prevent more than 17 billion pounds of air pollution - which is equivalent to removing more than 250,000 cars from the road. In addition, green buildings require less maintenance and repair, reduce short- and long-term costs, promote health among occupants and improve worker satisfaction.

OK, so heres what Im going with. A High Performance Homes is one that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and uses value added green building practice that causes it to be friendlier to the environment.

The benefits to owners of HPH are:

• More Comfortable and Quieter- Tight construction, better windows, and improved insulation ensure consistent temperatures and keep out excessive noise.
• Lower Maintenance- Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a low maintenance home. Tight construction and long lasting, efficient equipment make these homes more durable, helping to minimize many of the maintenance problems found in typical homes.
• Healthier and Safer- Your family will breathe easier in a tightly constructed and proper ventilated home that works to reduce dust, pollen, and pests.
• More Energy and Resource Efficient- Lower utility bills and the good feeling that you are doing something to help fight global warming

In my next article we will explore some of materials and practices in Windows, Insulation and Doors, Oh My!

Ronnie Godfrey, Certified Graduate Builder For more information about this article and other energy saving tips , visit out website http://www.RGodfreyHomes.com

A Guideline For Selecting A Church Building Design Site

The ordinary mistakes that churches create are not selecting the most excellent building site for their innovative capability. a mounting church will prefer a building site based exclusively on price, or control application or maybe even the closeness to their existing location. As all are good criteria, none of them is adequate motive to buy a part of property to build on.

Standardsteelbuildings adopt criteria that require to be used when selecting a building site on which to establish your new church building facility. Though it is factual that not every building site may be perfect in each area of construction, church building site selection should be given sufficient time so numerous sites can be investigated and simply the preeminent site should be chosen. Some of the items to be considered when selecting a church building design site are:

Visibility: how evident will your innovative church be to the general community? Recently, I assisted points in selecting a church building site. It was 20 acres of excellent level position for a price that seemed at first glimpse to be a factual gift from divinity. The property was situated at the ending of a dead end road and was bounded by a menagerie of factories, warehouses and some ramshackle inhabited housing. the ground itself was great for building a church design, the property was situated in such a position that it would have been a marvel for anyone to find it.

Accessibility: How simple is it to obtain your property? A church building can be very visible, and yet very tricky to get to. There is a church nearby that is very visible from a major interstate. It is a attractive building and several thousand people see it every day.

Constructability: though this may not be a real word, it is a real subject. Church building design Sites can be not easy to build on for a range of reasons. we recently established a set of plans from a church that is considering a new church building on a portion of property they have just purchased. The church will have to construct a comparatively extended road as well as a bridge over a brook just in organizes to access a portion of land big sufficient to facilitate the new church building.

Expandability: Probably one of the most ordinary mistakes that churches make is not securing adequate property for future enlargement. This is particularly truthful for downtown churches that are touching into the suburbs. When a church has been adapted to all of their amenities being positioned on a city block or less of property and mainly of the parishioners parking on the street, a little acres of ground seems similar to all the property in the world.

There are many issues to consider when searching for a piece of property church building design If you would like a free Site Selection Checklist, visit our website at or request a free quote

The Wonders of Walk-In Bathtubs

Nothing fe1121els like a good and soothing bath after a long, tiring day. This is a good reward to any hardworking individual out there. However, not everyone may have the luxury to access the regular bathtubs. This is where walk-in bathtubs come in.

A walk-in bathtub is the best solution to people out there who cannot rely on the usual features of an ordinary bathtub. The elderly and the differently-abled or the handicapped will definitely not mind having a walk-in bathtub. Just about anyone who experience difficulty in moving can benefit from this.

The Walk-In Bathtub

The design of a walk-in bathtub gives primacy to safety, security and of course, comfort. Even people who can not move freely can enjoy a private leisure bath.

The Features

Convenience and safety are the primary consideration of any walk-in tub. An ordinary tub can be unfriendly. Entering and exiting the tub can give quite an obstacle. This is dispensed with in the walk-in bathtub.

The problem is addressed by providing a low entry height. Any one can easily get in and get out of the tub. There is also a latch and door into the side. The door comes with a watertight seal. This will prevent leaking, thus minimizing the headaches.

The interiors of the walk-in tub also contribute to the soothing experience. A contoured built-in seat is provided. There is a safety bar found on the side to provide assistance. The floor is slip-resistant. The controls are easily accessible, so an elder or a handicapped can be ensured to enjoy a private bath.

With these basic features, definitely, there is no more trouble in bathing.

Therapeutic Benefits

Getting a walk-in bathtub goes beyond convenience and safety. Enjoying a good bath and soaking in the tub can help address pains. Arthritis and joint problems can be alleviated by this relaxing endeavor.

Standard whirlpools may also be a special feature of the bathtub. It can provide a soothing and relaxing massage to the one bathing.

How to Get One

Walk-in tubs are larger than the average tubs. There is no need to worry though as they still fit in most bathrooms. It is most advisable to purchase a bath-tub that was originally designed as such. Simply seek a professional or expert installer to put that tub in.

There are several manufacturers out there that provide walk-in bathtubs. They provide a variety of choices to buyers. Seek leading designers and manufacturers to be ensured of quality materials in the built of the tub.

Some also opt to simply redesigning their present bathtubs. Some will convert the ordinary tubs by putting a comfortable seat or some handle bars.

There may also be available services within the area that can remodel the tubs in the household. Some web sites online can connect willing buyers to an installation expert. Most of the time, they will be willing to provide estimates of the services.

Living with a Walk-in Bathtub

There is a huge selection of walk-in bathtubs out there. With the diverse designs and features to choose from, it is not difficult anymore to enjoy a luxurious bath. Anyone, literally anyone, can now enjoy that soothing experience. No more bathing problems.

So hesitate no more. Get a walk-in bathtub. It is vital and important. It ensures safety and privacy. Get one and expect years of relaxing, satisfying and private baths.

Claire Bowes is a successful Webmaster and publisher of bathtub refinishing. Claire provides more information on her site about Walk-In Bath Tubs.

Territorial Architecture in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico is home to some of the finest examples of Territorial architecture, one of the best known Old West building styles. Like Pueblo Revival architecture, the Territorial style combines many historic building techniques with modern touches, and its prevalence in Santa Fe has helped the city become a hot spot of southwest architecture. For anyone buying or selling property in the Santa Fe area, a general knowledge of this attractive and adaptable building style is a must.

Territorial architecture can generally be described as a mix between Pueblo and Victorian building styles. As the name suggests, it was developed in the Old West's territorial pre-statehood days, when this vast region was populated by European and American settlers who brought with them Victorian two and three store building traditions, but often found pueblo building techniques to be more practical. Territorial homes often feature flat walled and roof construction, but with adaptations like large windows, in contrast to the small light portals, which were traditionally used to block as much heat as possible.

Territorial architecture typically includes more exterior wood than Pueblo buildings, especially near window frames and doors. Old building techniques like central courtyards and stone on stone construction keep these homes cool in the southwest heat, and have been elegantly updated to fit with modern building styles. Many Territorial buildings also include a touch of Art Deco or Art Moderne, forms which nicely complement the simple aesthetics of the traditional southwest. While Territorial buildings often follow tradition closely, most new homes in this style use the latest building materials to emulate the elegance of Old West. Here, smooth stucco is often used in place of thick plaster on exterior walls.

Homes and buildings in the Territorial style can be found throughout the Southwest, but Santa Fe has fostered this building form more than most other cities. The city's 1957 Historical Zoning Ordinance brought Territorial and Pueblo architecture into the 20th century, with its requirement that all new buildings in the city standard to be traditionally styled. There's no better place than Santa Fe, New Mexico to see how this remarkable building style has developed 16C2since the pioneer days.

Kokopelli Property Management is a leading team of Santa Fe real estate and Taos property rentals experts. Visit their website for more information on the local real estate market, and a comprehensive search of home for sale and Taos vacation property listings.

Tin Ceiling Tile - Is a Tin Ceiling Right for You

Have you noticed that your old ceiling is looking drab and stained? Have you considered replacing but dont have the money to hire someone to do it for you? Replacing your old ceiling is a job youA9D can do yourself when you use tin ceiling tile to replace the old ceiling you have now.

You can choose unfinished tin panels that are made with bright tin plated steel stamped panels, not the economy tin or lightweight grayish aluminum you may see advertised elsewhere. Tin ceiling tile comes in many patterns and colors as well varied types as well. You can choose from styles such as Nailups, Dropins, and Snaplock as well as all moldings. Many people decide to finish their tin ceiling tile themselves by paining or applying a clear polyurethane coating to them. You may decide this option works for you.

With a Snaplock tin ceiling tile, you can anchor it directly into a drywall ceiling with six drywall screws. You can apply this method to plaster ceilings too, but you will want to use metal plaster screws instead of drywall screws.

Tin ceiling tiles can be used in a kitchen for a backsplash. This is becoming quite popular in home dcor. The 6 pattern is most often used for a backsplash, but a 12 pattern may be used as well. The Nailup panel is the appropriate product to use, the Snaplock is not intended for this purpose.

If you have a low ceiling in one of the rooms, you intend to install tin ceiling tile, it is best to use light colors. This can help reduce the appearance of a low ceiling. If you are thinking of replacing your bathroom ceiling with tin ceiling tile, you can be as creative as you would like. You can make bold statements with color in your bathroom because they are a private room.

Tin ceiling tile comes in many colors, patterns, and sizes. They can add a fresh element to an old stale room with ease and little cost. You will be pleased with the effect a tin ceiling tile has on the entire room.

For more information about Tin Ceiling Tile?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-tin.info/Articles/Tin_Ceiling.php

2 X 12 Doug Fir Exterior Stair

An Overview Of Modern Architectural Design

In the world of architectural design, there are some relatively new concepts that have emerged as consumers want more choices for their buildings and homes. Architectural style continues to grow as the world changes. People, or at least some individuals, want modern and technologically advanced buildings furnished with an int2238erior design that rivals a scene right out of the Jetsons cartoon.

Architects must stay on top of growing trends if they want to continue doing business in this fast paced world. Staying abreast of technological advances, protecting the environment, and all the while saving money, are the key ingredients to the good life in architecture.

Of course, all students of architecture are familiar with the new modern styles of design. Instead of the classical arches and intricate decorating of the classical and medieval periods, the modern works feature clean lines and a lack of the well-known detail that marked their predecessor's ideas of architectural design. A great example of a modern form at its best is Fallingwaters by Frank Lloyd Wright, in Pennsylvania. He has other well known architectural designs but this one seems to be the one most copied and admired for homes.

Architects are also turning green. No, they are not turning into the incredible hulk. They are designing "green" homes and buildings that conserve energy and help save our Earth's natural resources. Many of the structural components are made from recycled materials and are environmentally friendly. They require less upkeep and energy to run. Solar panels are installed to help with heating and cooling costs.

Architectural design has left the medieval age of design and has embraced the sleek lines of steel and concrete into the urban jungle. Concrete is the new tile and the old Formica countertops in homes are now stainless steel that reflect the beauty of the polished silver beams stretched out across the ceiling.

As technology moves forward, so too will the design styles of architects. There will be a greater abundance of students studying Modern and Green architecture across the world.

A free architecture audio gift awaits you at our portal site, where you can enrich your knowledge further about architectural design. Your comment is much appreciated at our modern architecture blog.

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