Kitchen Planning Tips

When remodeling or laying out a design for a new built kitchen, try to place the sink by a window. Doing this will enable you to take advantage of the natural light and give you a nice view of the outdoors. Consider a high arc faucet, espicially when filling those large pots for cooking.
Lighting is also a concern in the kitchen. Under cabinet lights are helpful when you are working in a specific area. I would recommend these to be on a separate switch.This will also eliminate shadowing if the ceiling light is your only source. Installing a switched lighting fixture above the sink is also helpful.

Installing Smoke Detectors Without Tearing Apart Walls

Would you like smoke/carbon detectors in your house ,but you don't want the big expense! Now it is possible. There are several type of smoke detectors out there. One type is a master/slave smoke detector. The first smoke/carbon detector is hard wired to your electrical panel. Then all the rest can be placed in any room by setting the pins at the same frequency as the master detector. You just screw the base to the wall/ceiling and insert the new detector. These are all battery controlled , except for the master. I would recommend the master be battery back up.
This is usually only acceptable for existing houses where no construction is being done. In new construction you would still have to comply to the nec code of all hard wired system.

Paneling in a House

When looking at a house that has paneling, always try to determine if there is drywall behind it. This can be a big energy expense if there is none. During the cool months ,these rooms tend to not keep the heat in, thus causing your heating bill to rise. During the summer your rooms will not stay as cool, causing you to use fans or a/c to keep it comfortable. Always consider the cost of redoing the walls when considering a price on a house. Many times you will have to upgrade the insulation also.

Windows for a house

When looking for windows, try to get the most energy efficient windows possible. I would recommend 3 pane windows. There are many different manufacturers of windows, so do some research before buying. Everybody has there own favorites in window manufacturers, so get referrals and go with the ones that would suit your home the best.

Wiring for Bedrooms

When you design your bedroom layout, always use 3 wire for your lighting. Many times after just installing a light or a fan in the ceiling, the home owner considers adding a fan light combo, or recessed lighting. By having a 3 wire already in the box, this process can be done alot cheaper. You only have to come out of the ceiling box, instead of fishing another wire down the wall to the ceiling box.
Another tip is asking for Fan Rated boxes to be installed in ceilings that could eventually end up with a fan. The one I would recommend has a metal bar that expands while you twist. You then mount the box to the bar with a u bolt that comes with it.