It’s important to protect your family with properly placed and installed smoke alarms. Remember, smoke alarms are only designed to last 7-10 years. If yours are over 10 years old, it’s time to replace!

Help increase awareness in your community about the life-saving benefits of smoke alarms.

Statistics to share

• Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms
• More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Answers to common questions about smoke alarms

Placement of smoke alarm in basement utility room.

What types of smoke alarms can I buy?

There are many brands of smoke alarms on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.

Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms detect different types of fires. Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the USFA recommends that every home and place where people sleep have:

• Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms. OR
• Dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.

There are also alarms for people with hearing loss. These alarms may have strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to alert those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

What powers a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms are powered by battery or by your home’s electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable nine-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. Alarms that get power from your home’s electrical system, or “hardwired,” usually have a back-up battery that will need to be replaced once a year.

Are smoke alarms expensive?

Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save.

Alarm type and cost

• Ionization and photoelectric: $6 and up
• Dual sensor: $24 and up
• Smoke alarms with a microprocessor (faster to alert, fewer false alarms): $30 and up
• Radio frequency/wireless (communicate from one to the next without wires: $40 and up)

Your city, county or state may require a specific type of alarm. Please check with your local fire marshal for information on what type of alarm you need.

Some fire departments offer reduced-price, or even free, smoke alarms. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?

• Put smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Also, in every bedroom and in the hallway outside of each sleeping area.
• Choose smoke alarms that communicate with each other, so that if one alarm sounds they all will.
• Place smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best place for your alarm.
• Only qualified electricians should install hardwired smoke alarms.

Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

How do I take care of my smoke alarm?

Is your smoke alarm still working? A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and regularly tested. Take care of your smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Below are some general maintenance tips.

Smoke alarm powered by a nine-volt battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least once every year.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long-life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into your home’s electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the backup battery at least once every year.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

What do I do if my smoke alarm sounds while I’m cooking?

Never take the battery out of your smoke alarm while cooking! If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:

• Open a window or door and press the “hush” button.
• Wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air.
• Move the entire alarm several feet away from the kitchen or bathroom.

Disabling a smoke alarm or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.

For more information, please visit www.nfpa.org

The post Fire Prevention | Protect Your Home and Family appeared first on Don Gardner House Plans.

The master bedroom design is one of the most important factors that you will plan for your dream home. It’s a place to escape from the demands of daily life and relax at the end of the day. How you choose to design and decorate the space can have a huge impact on how comforting and enjoyable it can be.

Master bedroom from The Runnymeade #1164

Make your master bedroom the best by avoiding these 7 bedroom design mistakes.

1. Buying The ‘Bedroom Suite.’ “I see homes where the bed, nightstands, chest of drawers and mirror are all identical. It is very boring and looks like a sales special. Take a little bit of time and find ‘coordinating’ pieces vs. ‘matched’ pieces. It’s one of the spaces in your home that you spend the most amount of time.” — Sandra Espinet

Master bedroom from The Nicholson #1021

2. Too Many Pillows. “The biggest mistake people make in the bedroom is loading up the bed with too many pillows. That’s too much work twice a day, and it just looks fussy.” — Amy Mellen, Creative Director, Calvin Klein Home

3. Not Enough Lighting. “I often have two sources of light by the bed — pretty lamps for aesthetics and ambient light. However, one still needs direct reading light as partners don’t always go to sleep at the same time. Ideally, I also add small, flexible individual direct reading lights.” — Amanda Nisbet

Master bedroom from The Oak Abbey #5003

4. Skimping On A Quality Mattress. “Everyone has become obsessed with the thread count of their sheets, often spending more than they do on their mattresses. A mattress is an investment and is the literally the core of a good bedroom and a good night’s sleep. Invest in quality and take it for a test drive!” — Ken Fulk

5. Experimenting With Harsh Colors. “I love color; I use it a lot in my work. The bedroom is the one place in the house that should be soothing, relaxing and comforting. The bedroom is not the place to experiment with harsh colors. You want soothing tones that promote a restful night sleep and a sanctuary from the rest of the world.” — Nathan Turner

Master bedroom from The Laurelwood #5024

6. Mis-sized Art On The Walls. “I can’t stand seeing a small image alone above a bed. The key to ‘finishing’ a room is to treat the wall behind the bed with a large piece of art or a gallery which addresses the space correctly.” — Elizabeth Bolognino

7. Too Much Light. “It is really important to consider window treatments that can darken the room completely and look just as beautiful closed as they do open. Draperies with a thick inner lining are my favorites. They absorb sound and are so luxurious that you instantly feel cocooned when they are closed, and glamorous when they are sumptuously gathered at the sides when opened up.” — Annie Brahler

Begin your house plan search on our website today and find the perfect master suite for your dream home! www.dongardner.com

The post Bedroom Design Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Don Gardner Architects.

Any house plan can be dog-friendly with a little creativity, planning, and design!

From small space savers to over-the-top suites, there are many creative ways to incorporate living space for your Best Friend into your new home. Especially when it comes to the mud room or utility room. Here are 5 ideas from around the web to inspire you:

1. A pet spa in the utility room
A dog spa like this one makes bath time easy…no bending over, and a handheld hose for rinsing. Having bath time in the utility room keeps messes out of the bathroom and makes for simple clean-up.

dybdahldesign.com

2. Built-in feeding bowls
This idea is perfect for taking advantage of the unused space at the bottom of kitchen or utility room cabinetry. Install it under the cabinet where you plan to store dog food and other supplies to save time in your daily routine.

peridotruby.com

3. Puppy Suite
This glamorous layout is perfect for families with several dogs, or for people who provide foster homes for dogs in need. These “bedrooms” can be installed in a converted garage, finished basement, or even an extra bedroom. Easy-to-clean flooring and surfaces are essential!.

Pinterest.com

4. Utilize any extra space
What might have been a small storage area, or even wasted space, can be transformed into a dog bedroom. Neutral colors and dog-themed decor add charm, and can easily blend in with the rest of the living space.

Pinterest.com

 5. Hidden doggie door
Doggie doors don’t typically blend in with home décor, so consider hiding it behind cabinet doors. Plus, it’s easy to close when you don’t want anyone going in or out!

To start your house plan search, visit www.dongardner.com

The post Dog-Friendly Home Ideas appeared first on Don Gardner Architects.

From messy cords to HVAC grills, here are some clever ways to hide those necessary eyesores:

• Conceal laundry hampers in an easy-access drawer

Whether you upgrade an old piece of furniture or design a custom closet system from scratch, make room to hide your laundry baskets to keep the bedroom clean and clutter-free.

• Dress up basement columns with crown molding

A simple column can add architectural interest to a finished basement with an added detail like crown molding. To add extra character, consider painting the column with a bold accent color.

• Camouflage the thermostat

Hide your thermostat in plain sight by surrounding it with small framed art and family photos!

• Disguise those distracting cords

Use Command hooks to run the lamp cord along the back of the table to keep it tucked away. Also works well for phone chargers and other gadgets!

• Hide lesser-used kitchen appliances

For those heavy appliances that aren’t used every day, install a swing-out shelf within a cabinet. It keeps the counters free for workspace, while helping avoid heavy-lifting!

For even more creative solutions to hiding eyesores around the house, follow us on Pinterest! Check out this Pinboards:

• Kitchen Ideas
• Storage and Design

The post How to Hide Eyesores Around the House appeared first on Don Gardner Architects.

Porches, decks, and patios are an important part of your home, so we’ve put together a list of products that are perfect for your outdoor living spaces.

Building a new home is an exciting time. Whether you like to entertain or spend some quiet time outdoors, Don Gardner homes offer efficient layouts and outdoor features like porches, patios, decks and summer kitchens. Browse Outdoor Living Space home plans on our website, and read on to discover some great product ideas!

TREX DECKING
Trex has a lineup of low-maintenance, long-lasting composite decking in a range of textures and colors for your new deck. It stands up to weather and resists stains and mold thanks to its high-performance shell, and offers a soft, splinter-free finish with a deep wood-grain pattern. Their earth-friendly products are made from 95% recycled wood, sawdust and plastics. No sanding. No staining. No painting!

www.trex.com

KINDRED OUTDOORS & SURROUNDS
Many Don Gardner home plans include a fireplace on the screened porch for year-round enjoyment. Kindred Outdoors & Surrounds feature an integrated scratch coat and are ready to be dressed with stone or brick for the ultimate masonry appearance. Choose from wood-burning or gas, with additional accessories available including chimney extensions and seating walls to truly customize your space.

www.mykindredliving.com

FEENEY CABLERAIL with LED LIGHTING
Feeney CableRail is a perfect solution for stairs, balconies, and deck railings where you want to maintain an unobstructed view of the outdoors. The LED Rail Light Kit for DesignRail not only provides safety in low-light areas, it’s a lighting accent that creates a charming atmosphere for outdoor entertaining. Their versatile designs work well with any exterior style, from rustic to modern.

www.feeneyinc.com

WALPOLE OUTDOORS’ PERGOLAS
Adding a pergola to your patio creates a shady, relaxing outdoor living space. Walpole Outdoors offers many standard choices, from straight top to arched-top pergolas with round or square columns in six sizes, and are available with retractable Sunbrella fabric canopies to provide shelter whenever the weather changes. Walpole will assist you in designing a custom pergola for your home, and PVC construction means they are long-lasting and low maintenance.

www.walpolewoodworkers.com

DANVER OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens offers a variety of products to create your dream entertainment area, including refrigeration, ice makers, pizza ovens, power burners, ceramic smoker/grills, and bartending centers. You can choose from designer colors and realistic wood grain powder coat finishes on stainless, creating a one-of-a-kind summer kitchen.

www.danver.com

Find your dream home at www.dongardner.com

The post Product Round Up: Porches, Decks, and Patios appeared first on Don Gardner Architects.