February 21, 2008
Do this Aussie a favor
Do you or someone you know have security bars on their windows and doors?
If so, make sure they are the type that can be pushed out in case of an emergency! My favor is to simply share this information with them. It can save your life and theirs. I am hearing to many situations these days where home owners become trapped in a fire because that security measure has the place locked up like Fort Knox.
A few years ago I was on Good Morning Philadelphia talking about the importance of smoke detectors. However they are not much use if you cannot escape the house. As I arrived back to Los Angeles someone notified me that a family of five in Philly were killed as they could not escape the fire due to security bars on their windows, that same day. So consider this and create an escape plan. Remember every window needs to open easily and if you’re on the second floor you should consider rope ladders close by to save you jumping to the closest tree. YEH not good.
Have a few fire extinguishers close by and change your batteries in the smoke detectors each time you set the clocks.
Please follow through with this one.
Best of health to you and your family.
Cheers guys.
Posted by karlchampley at 10:09 AM | Comments (2)
February 2, 2008
Karl Champley's HOUSE BUILD
February already!
It's been an incredibly busy time on the Champley front. While shooting episodes of Wasted Spaces and DIY To The Rescue I have also been building my own home. Completely on my own! Foundations, concrete footings, framing (2 storey 20ft ceilings), plumbing, gas, electrical.... the lot. It maybe insanity but I love it and as you can imagine it can save you a ton of $$. It is a modern designed home that sits nicely on a mountain top in the Santa Monica Mountains North of Los Angeles. My completion date is in sight (I think). May/June this year.
As it’s not my first rodeo, I thought it would be a great idea to share a ton of information with you regarding this house build. Information that you can apply to your own project whether its a new home, addition or renovation. My plan is to share some important details with all of you that can save you time, money and simply make the process go by much smoother. Because you have to enjoy the process......right?
I will also include photographs of the process including the before and after.
I thought I would take you on the ride from the very beginning starting with
* Choosing and Architect and do I need one?
OK, Architects can be very expensive! However they can create many designs starting of with a few sketches that you may never have thought of that suit your lot (some not). They can give you great insight to what your overall result will look like. Just make sure that they design your home around your budget. Including all costs to complete. I have struggled with architects for years on this subject!
When choosing an architect you need to speak to their previous clients and see examples of their work before moving forward. They also need to be familiar with your area so to abide and understand to the city’s regulations. This is important!
You don’t need their full services as you can handle part of the process to keep costs down. All of the quoting, material selection etc. can be done by you. Just ask them how you can reduce the cost by being a part of the process.
They also need to be licensed and preferably in your state.
Good communication is key and working with an architect can give you the smartest looking house on the block. Just make sure it suits the nearby environment.
If its a small project you can hire the services of a draftsperson to draw the plans for you to submit to the city. A structural engineer can also do this for you. This is an inexpensive way to go if you are 100% happy with your own design/floor layout.
Next article: Structural engineers
Posted by karlchampley at 11:43 AM | Comments (6)
December 24, 2007
THIS SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR
Wishing yawl a wonderful Christmas and best wishes for the new year! Whatever your beliefs may be. Be safe, put down the tools for a few days and enjoy your time with family and friends or be at peace if your on your own. If you have been flat out like a lizard drinking with home improvement projects, this is a great time to reconnect with family and give thanks for friends who have helped us out over the past year or two.
I have something exciting for everyone in the new year. I will open the door to what has been keeping me so busy for the last year. I will kick this off ASAP.
Warm wishes and thanx for all of your kind responses!
Karl
Posted by karlchampley at 2:14 PM | Comments (18)
