Limiting heat loss through your windows

I came across a really retro but great idea for conserving heat loss through the windows of your home.  But first, here is how heat loss can take place: Conduction, Convection, Radiance.  

Conduction is transfer of heat energy by contact; warm interior window glass to cold exterior.

Convection is heat loss caused by moving air.

Radiance is loss of infrared energy using the windows as light energy.

My great new find, the "Window Quilt".  It is what it sounds like.  A good looking quilt or blanket that is hung on the inside of a window to reduce heat transfer through your windows. For those who quilt as a hobby, here is a way to use some of those quilts you have devoted hours to, and wish others could enjoy, but are reluctant to take everyone on a tour to your bedrooms.

There are any number of ways to attractively mount quilts to your window without using duct tape or a staple gun.  Here are four suggestions I would use.

1) Create some tabs of your own, similar the ones in photo one. 

2) Purchase some ring clips. 

3) Use either the tabs or the rings and create a roll up version.  (However, I would not use the tiny attachments as shown in picture three. They would end up tearing the quilt before long.)  

4) The fourth suggestion would take more effort but would look very finished.

PHOTO ONE

PHOTO TWO

PHOTO THREE

PHOTO FOUR

If you are interested in creating some of your own, here is a link to an article that will help you get started.

http://www.countrysidemag.com/86-6/sue_robishaw/

http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/thermal-window-shades-zmaz83ndzale.aspx#axzz3Kr6BsCN6

A SMALL CORRECTION ON RADIANCE FROM MY SON WILLIAM: 
Windows are good conductors of heat, which is fixed by your quilt, but the amount of light they let through is dependent on color.  Visible and UV light from the sun gets through just fine, and this heats up your home.  The interior of your home in turn glows in the infrared, but infrared light does *not* pass through glass.  So windows let light through in only one direction, basically -- visible and UV gets in, infrared doesn't get out.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-220-5312.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

A Community of Tiny Houses

Thanks to my friend Theresa for turning me on to one more community embracing the Tiny Home as a means to helping their homeless population.  

A group up in Madison, Wisconsin have taken on this wonderful project and their website chronicles the obstacles as well as the achievements of this project: http://occupymadisoninc.com/ 

What about you Amarillo, Texas?  Are we willing to supply an affordable place for our homeless to call home?  Someplace out of the elements of summer or winter.

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-220-5312.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

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Affordable Tiny Home rentals in Ozark, Alabama

In June, Mr. Blankenship of Ozark, Alabama constructed five small homes that are each only 500 sq. ft. They are 1 bedroom, 1 bath, with a nice front porch, living room and kitchen. According to the people living there, they are extremely well insulated and they can have their dogs there without any additional charge. They are rentals that rent for just under $500/month and provide a great streetscape to the neighborhood. What an incredible addition to any neighborhood.  More important it provides great housing for those needing to house themselves but are unemployed, underemployed, or just want to live small in a stationary environment.

I am always looking for efficient housing solutions for low income families. This is a solution that would contribute to the need for stable low income housing in Amarillo, TX.  Hope the builders/investors in this area follow Mr. Blankenship's lead.

http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/blankenship-small-homes-in-alabama/
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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

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Vacation in a Tiny Home in Portland, Oregon

If you thought I had given up my interest in "Tiny Homes", I haven't!  My husband and I just had to deal with some health issues over the last six months.  Add work into that mix and I just didn't have time to continue sharing and spreading the idea of "Living Small" as a choice.

This cute 300 sq.ft. home is only 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon and located on an organic farm.  It rents for $499/week or $1450/month. It accommodates 2 people, hosts a "real bed", and has an adjacent bathroom with a tiled shower and toilet area.  

Spending some vacation time in a tiny home seems like a smart idea before launching into a permanent living situation.

 
If I were making a trip to Oregon, I would definitely give this a try.  For more information and interior pictures try the link below.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1850000

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

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Amarillo's Prudential Ada acquired!

BIG NEWS! 

Celebrating a merger are, from left, Terry Manz of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties of Lubbock; Greg Glenn, broker owner of Prudential Ada Realtors in Amarillo; Mike Huff, owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; and Rick Young, BHHS chief operating officer.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties announced the acquisition of Amarillo-based Prudential Ada Realtors.

The transaction adds an office and 22 agents to Anderson Properties’ growing ranks.
“We are excited to add this fine operation and continue our strategic growth initiatives,” said Mike Huff, broker/owner of Anderson Properties. “We see the Texas Panhandle as a dynamic, growing market and, combined with our existing office in Lubbock, we are nicely represented there.”

Anderson Properties is one of the region’s fastest-growing brokerages. In July, the company expanded into Tulsa and Oklahoma City with the acquisition of Prudential Alliance Realty, a perennial Top-50 company in the Prudential Real Estate network.

Anderson Properties now operates 39 offices with more than 650 agents.

“We are eager to join forces with Anderson Properties,” said Prudential Ada Realtors Broker/Owner Greg Glenn, who will remain in the organization. “Our companies have similar cultures built on longstanding success. We will capitalize on the foundation Anderson Properties has built in the Panhandle to provide even better service in greater Amarillo.”

Rick Young, Anderson Properties’ chief operating officer, said his company will continue growing.
“It’s an exceptional time for real estate, as the economy and market move forward,” he said. “Our strategy is to add exceptional companies and professionals whenever we can to provide clients with the best service available.”

Source: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Shipping Container Homes

A used shipping container can be purchased for under $1000 and it is made out of durable material - it makes for a superb repurpose - reuse - recycle mind set. 

Most homes I have seen created with shipping containers have been small, what I like to call "tiny homes". That doesn't have to be the case though. 

Kalkin's Shipping Container Homes in New Jersey has taken the container home to a whole new level as seen by the two pictures in this post.  If these awesome homes are being built to survive the New Jersey winter, I'm pretty sure they could be engineered to make it in the Texas Panhandle too. I would like to see a local builder embrace this idea.  What about you?


Here is a link if you are interested in learning more.
http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/22-most-beautiful-houses-made-from-shipping-containers/

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

9-11 Museum

Below is an incredible link from the magazine, DWELL, concerning the opening of the new 9-11 Museum.  

How did that day impact you?

I remember where I was when I first heard about the bombing.  I was living in Sparks, Nevada and I was getting ready for work and listening to the news. My husband was still in the shower and carrying on a conversation with me, but I had ceased to respond as I sat down in stunned silence to watch the news reporter. I think I was evem more stunned to see the attack on the Pentagon.  

At work we crowded around a TV and kept watching as the events of that day unfolded.  Too stunned to work and we were barley able to even talk with each other.

Share in comments below, where you were and how it impacted your life.

http://www.dwell.com/post/slideshow/ground-zero-bedrock-911-museum-prepares-visitors?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=2014-5-16-control&utm_campaign=thisweekfromdwell&utm_medium=email&hq_e=el&hq_m=3207758&hq_l=10&hq_v=a2b741c69a#1

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Sunshine Tiny Homes - The Sunset Model

Sunset Model

EcoSmart Fire 650SS

This home is the largest of the three I have designed to date:  30' L x 8'-6" W x 13' T. The 13' tall all depends on the specific trailer you purchase to build this house on.  I have designed it to be built over the top of the tires, so what type/size of tires on the trailer will make some difference in the height.  

All three have been built on the shed roof template to be able to give as much internal volume as possible.  That volume and strategically placed windows for daylighting will help in making them feel as spacious as possible.  

I personally don't like a structure covered in wood/wood veneer. I like a more contemporary look, so I have designed the walls to be; from the outside in: lap siding, 5/8" plywood, framing (turning the studs so you have the width of it to nail/screw into; thus making the wall thinner and leaving more interior floor area.), blown in insulation, and 3/8” plywood sheathing.  The 3/8” plywood will get a high grade primer and then a durable paint like Valspar will bring color to the walls and ceiling. 

No exposed beams on the ceiling, I will be using an engineered I-Beam roof system and then covering them in the same 3/8" plywood sheathing. (I spent 20 years in residential construction in various departments, the last being a Purchasing Manager. My construction managers would be so proud of how well I remembered all the info the manufacturer reps instructed us on!)

Nuovoliola 10

This model does not have any raised floors (lofts or kitchen like the last two).  This is truly a model that active adults could feel comfortable in.  This model has a queen size space saving wall bed/sofa and display wall by Resource Furniture.  The bed model is Nuovoliola 10.  It has so many frame color and fabric choices I couldn’t keep track when trying to count them all.

I have used a different manner of heating for this model.  EcoSmart Fire has been manufacturing bioethanol fire appliances for several years now. These appliances allow you to have the ambiance and warmth of a fire without consuming wood or having to have LP or Natural Gas plumbed into your structure.  The particular appliance I have selected for the Sunset fits inside of a base cabinet with just a few modifications. 

All models have the ability to take use of a full-hook up camping park, or they can work off of water from their 30 gallon holding tanks.  Depending on the type of toilet you choose to install in your home: traditional flush, composting, or dry-flush; will depend on how “off the grid” you can be when parked.  

In the near future I will be working up a solar package that will allow you to supplement your power needs with a solar battery.

I am very pleased with this model.  Hope you enjoy viewing it.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

CLEI - ECOOKING "KITCHEN"

I am ready to spec this in one of my tiny homes.  What is your impressions?



Linda

Futuristic apartment in Hong Kong

Incredible as it may seem, my ideas for living small and designing tiny homes had their roots in Hong Kong with a futuristic tiny apartment. 

This young man gave quality of life to this tiny space like nothing I had ever seen before. This tiny apartment has a kitchen, bathroom with a tub and shower and toilet room; living room, dining space, office, bedroom and a home theater space  - all spaces doing double duty, but with modern, high tech style. 

I hope you enjoy my tiny home inspiration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB2-2j9e4co

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

findinghomesforaqueen@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Living in a 700 sq. ft."small" home

I love the "tiny home" movement and as many of you know I am in the process of designing a series of them myself.  I also know that "tiny home" living is not for everyone.  

The home to the right is not classified as a "tiny home" but it is certainly a small home.  

I have lived in several 700 sq. ft. homes and they "felt" small and didn't even come close to meeting my living needs. 

This home with its 704 sq. ft. of modern conveniences makes a grand statement.  Even though I have never been inside of it, the pictures presented of the volume ceilings and expansive use of windows gives this home a very spacious feel.  

Not only does it have a great floorplan, maximizing the space it has, the owners are also being environmentally conscious by building on a much smaller than normal size lot - by choice. They capture rain water for their landscaping needs, and have planted green roofs on their sheds.  

I think I  would love living in this sunny and space conscious home.Take a peak at the original article on this home, and let me know what you think.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/garden/freedom-in-704-square-feet.html?_r=0#

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

findinghomesforaqueen@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

The Sunshine Tiny Homes - Sunrise Model

I am thrilled with the response that I had to my first model: Noon Sun.  I now have the second model to unveil: Sunrise.



It is built on a 8'-6" wide by 24' long trailer base. However, this model is designed to be built over the top of the wheels.  That provides the structure with additional width inside and leaves space to install holding tanks for fresh water, grey water, and black water.

This model has a raised kitchen; three feet higher than the great room and bathroom.  It also has a custom unit that slides under, or pulls out from under the kitchen; giving the great room flexibility with either a love seat or a queen size bed. Under the bed are five storage drawers, four accessed from the side, and one from the foot of the bed.  The 3-steps from the great room up to the kitchen also contain drawers for storage.

The kitchen contains a 2-bowl sink, 24" LP Range that has an oven.  Upper and lower cabinet storage, 2-Drawer Refrigerator & Freezer, and a flex space that can be used for a small desk area.  In the bathroom (for the shower), and kitchen (at the sink) there are LP On-Demand water heaters.  This small home is heated with LP through a Marine style fireplace/heater.  A dedicated 30 gal LP tank is plumbed to the water heaters and stove, and a separate dedicated 30 gal LP tank is plumbed to the fireplace/stove.

The 3/4 bathroom has a shelf over the toilet that holds the small but cute vessel sink.; also over the toilet is a mirrored medicine cabinet.  Two handicapped bars (by the toilet and shower) and an obscure, bullet resistant (for the rocks when towing) single hung window for ventilation complete this bathroom.

This design is flexible enough that it could be put on a 30' trailer and it would provide even more great room space so you would not have to move chairs/tables when the bed was pulled out.

If you live close to Amarillo/Canyon Texas and know of someone who might be interested in giving me a bid to build my tiny home designs, please let me know:
findinghomeforaqueen@gmail.com

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Announcing: The Sunshine Tiny Homes!

I have not posted anything for just over a month.  It isn't because I have lost interest in the "Tiny House" movement, it is because I decided to design a series of my own tiny homes.  I needed to put my Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design to some use.

My tiny home company has been named "Sunshine Tiny Homes" and the first home is the "Noon-Sun" model.  It is built on a trailer that is 8'-6" wide by 28' long.  This is the maximum dimensions allowed to still be able to pull it yourself without a special permit or license.  The height, 13'-6" tall, and for the same reasons.

It has a hinged deck, a metal skin, wood framed, a main multi-function loft, and a storage loft.  It is initially being designed with a wall bed/table unit on the main floor so that mature adults, or those with physical limitations can still enjoy the "Tiny Home" experience, but not have to climb any ladders to access their beds.

I have been looking at and studying about the tiny house movement for several years now, so you may have seen some of the features in this model.  It took a lot of comparing to decide on a standard flush toilet and LP water heater and range.  I wanted to go with an electric on-demand water heater system, but that would require  240 volts to run it and that would mean being limited in the places you might want to explore on a cross country trip.  

I have had all walks of people in my life add their input to this project, and I want to thank you all - you know who you are.  
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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

aPODments - new housing solution in larger cities?

I'm with you, aPODments, I thought it was a corny name, but I didn't name these micro living environments, someone else did.

They are smaller than a typical apartment (like a tiny home is to a traditional home), but in many cases take up only a few hundred square feet.  

These particular aPODments, are located in Seattle, Washington.  But they have become so popular this company is now planning to build them in Portland, Oregon; California, and New Jersey. http://tinyhouseblog.com/apartment-living/seattle-apodments/

To see if this was the only company building these type of micro-housing complexes, I did a search on Google Images for apodments and I came up with tons of pictures - some that had nothing to do with the micro-housing industry, but the majority of them did.

Seen from the sleeping loft

I see potential for the Amarillo market in meeting needs for many an adult with a small income. 

Let me know if you like the idea of aPODments to meet current housing needs.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Space Saving Furniture

On this blog I have been discussing the topics of living minimally and living in smaller spaces, Tiny Homes.  I am sure that you are like my husband and think, "She's crazy, how do I make my furniture work in a 200 sq.ft. space?" 

Well, you don't.  

With your new tiny space a new tiny space mentality has to be developed; adjustments in the way you think about space. Once you have made the decision, you have to embrace your new "normal" - the new paradigm you have defined for yourself.  I have lived in small spaces, but have always tried to just make my large furniture pieces fit and it never really did; I always felt claustrophobic about not having enough space to even walk around and no place to practice my hobbies or entertain friends.


A company called Resource Furniture is making it easier for tiny home residents. They have designed a wide spectrum of multi-functioning furniture pieces that take very little room to transform and give you multi-functional rooms that work and look good: sofas/beds, tables/beds, wall units/beds, home office space/beds, chairs that turn into step stools, and chairs that function as book storage. 


They also give you choices for the finishes, fabric, and wood. You can customize until your heart is content with the look.  

Spend the few minutes it takes to watch the video on this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nljmEUeLbY  .  
When you have looked at the video, give me feed back.

If you want more info, like I did, here is the link to their webpage:  
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/node/606

Thanks to my friend Janis Cannon for turning me on to this product.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info  or www.facebook.com/homesofamarillo

Tiny Homes for the Homeless

I was just discussing the topic of "Tiny Homes for the Homeless"  with a work friend a few weeks ago. I believe that tiny homes could really meet the needs of really homeless people, or those who have simply had their incomes reduced so much that they can't live in a traditional structure anymore. What do they do?

I few months ago we talked about shipping containers being re-purposed as tiny homes for those needing an alternative living arrangement. My friend thought this was an idea that could work.  I think the traditional tiny home could work as well. 

However, In this mornings tiny house blog I read an article about Gregory Kloehn who has a new project, The Homeless Homes Project, where "tiny structures built out of illegally dumped garbage and industrial waste are becoming more than an environmental stance or garbage art. These little homes are fast becoming a collaborative project between different groups who want to help shelter people who live on the streets."  This gentleman is taking tiny to a new level, but has done so for a good reason - it provides sleeping space out of the elements, and it can be moved by simply pushing them.

I would like to see Amarillo adopt such a compassionate method of interacting with our homeless.  Let me know if this is something you think is worth pursuing.

Check out this link for more information.  

http://tinyhouseblog.com/humanitarian/gregorys-homeless-homes-project/

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info