Enjoying Your Summer House Year Round

If you are looking for a comfortable way to spend a summer afternoon while relaxing by your garden, a summer house might be your ideal getaway destination. You will find that many outdoor buildings are offered for your garden or courtyard area that is available on just about any budget. By adding a beautiful garden summer house to your home's garden or backyard area not only will you have a great place to entertain, relax, and store your gardening equipment but you will also have made a great investment for your home's value.

With the special designs and quality that many outdoor buildings like summer houses are being crafted with these days you will also be delighted to know that you will be able to enjoy them year round. Many are designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions because manufacturers know that people want their summer houses to last them for many years to come. Because of the high quality construction and superior materials that many manufactures use to build their products, a summer house will be available for use year round.

You can have your building custom designed to suit your specific needs. For example, you can get a large spacious outdoor gazebo that will be able to entertain a large number of guests. You can also get a smaller outdoor gazebo that would be perfect for smaller crowds and storage purposes. One of the best things about many different garden houses is that you can have one built with those special needs in mind.

When you are exploring the options of purchasing a summer house, keep one thing in mind: they are often considered an extension of your home because many are built to accommodate a family's needs throughout the year. You can add certain details that will bring luxury to the room by installing a spa that can be enjoyed year round. A spa can be the perfect get away destination on stressful work days or they can be a way to sit back and unwind when a few guest come by to enjoy a bottle of wine and great company.

You can also add some entertainment to your summer house by installing a music system or a new flat screen television. Or, even better, you can install both. There are even seen summer houses with outdoor kitchens built right into them. The possibilities are endless so be sure to explore all your options when searching. You will quickly see the many benefits that can accompany such a great investment. With many different styles of summer houses available you will want to find one that is of appropriate size for your garden area. You don't even have to have a garden in your back yard to add a summer house. All you need is the space.

How To Build A Summer House From Scratch

A summer house is a very simple structure. Even a novice woodworker should be able to build a summer house from scratch, with the right tools and instructions. Depending on the design the result will be a pleasing and satisfying addition to any garden and add considerably to the value of your property.

The only important consideration is that the summer house must be built very carefully and accurately. Any imperfections in measurements will be immediately obvious once the house has been completed. The prettier the summer house the more important it is to get the structural elements right.

There are two main advantages to building your own summer house from scratch:

• You will save a huge amount of money compared with buying a flatpack or ready-to-assemble kit, and
• You will be able to choose from a much wider range of designs, and customize them to your exact ideas

Personally I like to use a good set of three dimensional drawings whenever making a wooden project, whether large or small. It is possible to draw a set up yourself but, unless you are already an expert, it is much better to have it done professionally. That way you can be sure that all dimensions are accurate and, rather more to the point, everything will go together properly!

Many people assume that plans and drawings are one and the same. More accurately, however, plans include drawings but contain much more information that is essential to proper assembly. As a minimum a set of plans should include:

• Accurate planview, elevation and at least one endview drawing of the complete assembly
• Similar drawings for every detail part unless it is clearly shown on the main drawings
• Isometric (three dimensional) drawings of each main assembly part
• Full material specification, quantity and exact cut dimensions for every part
• List of all fasteners, brackets and other hardware required to complete the assembly

Written instructions are not always included in commercial sets of plans but, especially for the novice woodworker, they are very useful and can make the difference between a project getting finished or not. Often you will find free plans advertised online, but these never include proper instructions or comprehensive lists of materials, and the standard of drawing usually leaves much to be desired as well.

Unless you already have a design lined up you will also appreciate having a good range to choose from.

We have found and recommend a really good source of plans if you want to build a summer house from scratch. They include all of the things we consider essential, as outlined above, as well as having more than fifty summer house designs to consider. They are not expensive and, in our opinion, represent the best value for money currently available online.

Our website has more information on this and many other projects.

Author: Kieran Gracie

Our aim is to provide in one place expert advice and guidance for making a number of backyard building projects, such as sheds, hen houses, portable chicken tractors, log cabins, gazebos, summer houses and many other popular garden structures using easy step-by-step instruction manuals and good quality plans for the amateur and professional alike. We only recommend products that, in our opinion, offer true value for money and are fully guaranteed.

Summer Housing for Summer Internships in Austin and Seattle

You have a summer internship all lined up and it is about to start. You just have one problem: you need a place to live! If your summer internship takes you to Austin, Texas or Seattle, Washington then you are in luck. Here's a list of summer housing options that both fits an interns budget, but also provides great locations to live.

Austin:

College Houses Cooperatives - Finding a place to live during your summer internship in Austin doesn't have to be a daunting task. By far one of the most unique experiences in summer living arrangements, College Houses Cooperatives provides an experience that has the convenience of a dormitory with a rich program of intellectual activities. There are 7 houses to choose from; each with its own distinct personality, and the houses are located within walking distance to the University of Texas campus and Austin Community College.

The houses are managed and operated through the efforts of student members and each house reflects the values and lifestyle choices of its residents. The membership pools its money and labor to provide shelter, amenities, food, and fellowship to provide affordable living. To keep things running smoothly, every member is expected to participate fully in household affairs. Every member is required to perform four hours of labor per week, usually divided into categories such as kitchen labor, ground maintenance, etc. There are 17 meals per week serves at the house, so there is no need to go grocery shopping or worry about finding the time to cook. Residents can even sign up for the "save plate" program if they are unable to attend dinner with the rest of their housemates. For interns visiting for a short time, co-ops are often just the right combination of security and affordability they need.

UMoveFree.com - If cooperative living is not for you, and you want something more quiet and personal, then perhaps living in your own apartment is a better option. Because finding an apartment in a strange city is not always easy, UMoveFree guarantees that you will find an apartment to fit your needs without all the hassle that is normally involved with an out of town move. Visitors to the site can search through thousands of available rentals with the assistance of an apartment Locating Specialist. Specialists will negotiate the rental on your behalf, and sometimes even land you a better deal than advertised, such as a month's free rent or no security deposit. The company receives a referral free straight from the apartment owners, which allows them to offer their services to apartment hunters free of charge. Those looking for a new place but not necessarily in need of free moving services can elect to receive a $200 rebate in lieu of the free moving services.

Seattle:

ULoop.com - Looking for a little more variety in your housing options? Uloop.com is an online marketplace for students of University of Washington that has a listing of apartments and houses for rent in the Seattle area, as well as summer sublets. Browse through a variety of listing in different Seattle neighborhoods and find a summer rental that is right for you. ULoop also has listings for roommates in the area, as well as a section for carpooling.

Intern Temp Housing - Intern Temp Housing makes the moving process amazingly easy for out of town interns. The website is a virtual service God-send for those looking for short-term housing in the Seattle area. Options on the site allow you to choose the property and furniture package that best suits you and your budget. Facilitators hand pick the communities listed on the site based on location, price, and availability of amenities. They also have furniture and housewares packages set up on their site so you can choose the items you need to fit into your budget. The amenities on the site have fixed prices, which makes it easier to stick to a strict budget. Basic electric, water, and sewer are included in your monthly rental cost, and you may add amenities such as cable, phone, or internet. When you are done picking out the details for your new place, simply reserve your apartment online and everything will be move in ready when you arrive.

Add Character to Your Garden With a Summer House

Summer houses are an excellent way to add a room to a property and make the most of the garden. Planning permission is rarely a concern for timber sectional buildings unless you live in an area of outstanding natural beauty or the site for the summer house is within 20 feet of a public right of way. They provide an excellent retreat for all ages and allow you to enjoy your garden to the fullest extent.

Designs

There are several conventional designs used for summer buildings. The lodge design is characterised by a porch and roof overhang and leaded windows. The Lomond summer house sports Georgian style joinery and a roof tapered on all sides. The Nevis summer house is designed to fit into the corner of a garden; windows on the exposed sides are also leaded. The Balmoral summer house design is one of the most spacious designs as it is also one of the largest. The roof slopes upwards from the double central doors to maximise the height of the room inside. The octagonal design provides unrivalled light by incorporating windows on most sides including the doors. The shape makes for a very decorative structure and wide floor space. Chalet style designs are generally the largest of the standard designs. They are characterised by an L-shaped porch that surrounds two sides of the building. The roof also overhangs the porch completely providing a permanent awning. If you have special requirements or a bespoke design in mind manufacturers are often happy to help you get the exact garden building you are after.

Guarantees

Most summer houses include some sort of guarantee. These generally only cover rot and manufacturer defects within the specified duration. You should attempt to identify these problems as early as possible, preferably on delivery or during construction. Most manufacturers value their reputations for quality so there are rarely circumstances when these issues cannot be resolved.

Other Considerations

It is worth keeping in mind that the customer is responsible for checking if planning permission is required and obtaining it where necessary. If you order a garden building, make sure that there is a clear way for delivery with ample room and ensure that the base site for the summer house is level and solid. It is also important to check whether delivery and construction is included and once construction is complete, exterior wood may need additional weather protection and annual coats thereafter.

Summer Houses Are Great Places to Escape During Warm Weather

If rising temperatures and scorching heat takes away all your energy and makes you feel lethargic and dull, then summer houses are the best option for you to relax. These special houses are roofed structures which provide shady and comfortable accommodation.

There is wide variety of summer houses available in the market and you can make a choice among them as per your needs and budget. Several factors like size, location, need, use and others holds an important place while deciding a perfect summer house for yourself. The purpose and the use of these houses can be different for different people.

If you need a summer house just for keeping your gardening tools and other such things, then you can go for a small summer house with little facilities. If you are looking for these houses as an ideal place to relax and enjoy with your friends and family then their size should definitely be large. You can even make these summer houses more luxurious and pampering by installing facilities like sauna, music system, sound proof system, television and others. It entirely depends upon you how much facilities and amenities you want in your summer house.

These houses are made with special material which can withstand the harsh weather conditions. You can easily get these summer houses either in ready made form or in the form of flat packaging which can be easily assembled at the site. Summer houses come in different shapes and designs which you can decide as per your requirements. These special houses can also be placed in parks or gardens where you can enjoy a cup of coffee with your best buddy.

There are many online stores as well where you can order these houses and they will be delivered right at your doorsteps. So just get ready to beat the heat with these special summer houses.

Garden Summer Houses For Your Home-Away-From Home

A garden summer house can be designed for a variety of uses. Many families often use them for entertaining in the summer time, installing them with an outdoor kitchen and a comfortable area for guests to enjoy. They can be built in a variety of sizes for your needs and a twelve-foot by sixteen-foot summer house will give you enough space for a nice comfortable dining area, as well as an indoor cooking area in case of bad weather.

Many people, in fact, will equip them with sleeping quarters for a place for their summer guests to enjoy some privacy or a place where the family can sleep in comfort outside the home. Placed just a short distance away from your home, you or your guests can find relaxation and comfort at home while actually feeling as though you are a million miles away. With screened-in windows, you or your guests can enjoy the summer weather at its best!

There are many styles you can choose for garden summer houses, as well. The gazebo style summer house will fit in with almost any garden style, depending upon the materials used. One built from red-cedar with an attached Oriental-styled cupola will give your garden the Asian feel and with sliding Plexiglass windows with screens, you can enjoy the summer weather while not being bothered by pesky insects. If you choose not to stain your cedar garden summer house, you'll find they will soon turn a silver-gray color which will give you a rustic, more weathered look.

The cottage style garden summer houses are popular with many, as it gives the feeling of home away from home. Rectangular in shape, they can be built from a wide variety of materials, as well as a wide variety of uses. Screened-in windows will allow for one to enjoy the summer breeze and built-in benches will allow for comfortable seating. You can even equip your garden summer house with plumbing should you want to.

Another popular style for a garden summer house is the Scandinavian. Some of the standard features of this style include a three-foot wide verandah, two front-fixed windows, and full-length glazed doors. Of course, there are many options you will be able to include, such as changing the verandah to five-feet wide or even having Georgian-styled windows installed.

The fact is garden summer houses can be whatever you want them to be. Whether you plan to use it for a place to entertain or a place for your summer guests to stay, it will be a structure that you and your family can enjoy the summer months in style and comfort.

You can order garden summer houses online or you can find plans to build your own.

Why Should You Build a Summer House?

Building a summer house can be a therapeutic distraction from the hectic "real world". The goal, of course, is to eventually be able to enjoy your retreat but in the meantime, the building process can have its own rewards.

From planning the summer home to deciding what will go where, the building project should have its fun aspects. It can be lots of work if you are doing it yourself but when you walk through the front door of your completed summer house, you will forget how much work it took to get there!

People build a summer house for a variety of reasons. Some do so strictly for selfish reasons -- to have a retreat in which to relax and enjoy themselves. Some want a fishing or hunting cabin in order to pursue their hobby. Or a wooded site to hike, mountain climb, or even to photograph nature. Others may want to build a structure that will strengthen family ties or a one that can be enjoyed and passed down through generations as a legacy. Once a family has started enjoying the warm weather together in their summer home, it is easy to establish that as an annual ritual. Summer resort areas like Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Myrtle Beach are known for their summer houses in which thousands of families emerge on each year as the season warms up.

Building a summer house can mean different things to different people. To build a summer house can entail simply working with a contractor and giving him or her feedback on features such as the size and shape as well as placement of windows and doors and watching the progress. Or building your structure could encompass you being the general contractor and going through everything from getting the building permits, pouring a concrete foundation and/or basement, putting up the walls and roof, and then running the electrical and plumbing throughout. Of course there are degrees in between doing everything yourself as opposed to having a contractor bring in a work crew to do everything with you as overseer.

Some owners prefer to have the contractor come in and "weather-tight" the structure before turning it over to the owner for completion. Weathertighting a summer house is typically defined where the contractor does all the work including pouring the foundation, putting up walls, putting on the roof, and installing the exterior doors and windows. At that time the house is weathertight so the contractor is done and paid. Then it is up to the owner to run the plumbing and electrical, install any needed heating and cooling, and build the inside walls and stairs. It can be a rewarding compromise that instead of doing everything, the owner has the responsibility to do all the finish work while making sure the structure is done by an outsider.

Summer houses come in many shapes and sizes. Some are simple gazebo type structures built in the backyard to provide a place of solace and relaxation from a hectic world. Others can be a log home built on a lake or in the woods. Or a quaint cottage built on the beach or in a rustic town with summer concerts and other activities. Or a summer home can be an elaborate and eloquent abode like summer houses in "House Beautiful".

To build a summer house can be a fun and rewarding project. It generally takes longer and costs more than expected. Try to remain flexible in both planning and development and realize that it will come together eventually. Get some help when needed and throughout the construction remind yourself of the reason you took the project on in the first place... to enjoy a summer house!