WALL WASHING is a type of Accent Lighting that creates an area of uniform illumination that may desirable for a series of photos or artwork. Wall Washing reduces texture of wall surface. Often reflected light can create ambient light in remainder of room that is pleasing and restful. WALL GRAZING is opposite from Wall Washing in that it creates a dramatic highlight and shadow effect on surfaces such as draperies, stone or brick. Ceiling light fixtures for Wall Grazing are placed closer to wall than Wall Washing in order to highlight three-dimensional effect.

DISPLAY LIGHTING consists of small low voltage lighting fixtures to illuminate cabinets displaying keepsakes, ornaments, dinnerware etc. Many under-cabinet fixtures (as described above) are suitable for display lighting. Small space xenon fixtures used on a "Mini" or "Linear" track have unparalleled design flexibility. Tiny fixtures may be spaced anywhere along track making it possible to create an even distribution or highlight task areas. Lamp choices from 3W to 20W allow illumination levels from a subtle glow to a brilliantly lit area. A "Light Baffle" often serves as a holder for track and as a visual shield, concealing halogen or xenon bulbs. An innovative use of baffle is as a rigid support, such as spanning edge.

COVE LIGHTING gives a room a more open appearance by illuminating perimeter of room where walls meet ceiling. A large crown mold or soffit is built around perimeter of room providing a concealed space for a continuous halogen or xenon track lighting. Cove lighting looks best with a smooth, even wash of light. Fixtures should be placed at least 4" from wall with 6" to 9" being ideal to minimize scalloping. The ceiling height above lamps should be not more than twice distance from wall. The lamp spacing and wattage will depend on distance and brightness level desired. For a medium light level, a good starting point is with 5-watt lamps spaced 6" on center, with a track spaced 6" from wall and 10" from ceiling. From this reference point you can design light level up or down as desired. A room with a dark ceiling, or a brightly lit room may need a higher light level.

Lighting that is thoughtfully considered can make a world of difference and will be an improvement that lasts for many years. Many home improvement stores include sample displays of various lighting systems and fixtures mentioned above. As with most appliances and electronics, there is a wide variety in quality of lighting fixtures available. Be sure your purchase is from reputable well known company with fixtures that are either UL or ETC listed. There are numerous online retailers that offer name brand fixtures delivered to your door at very competitive prices.

This leads us to next issue that pertains especially to building a log home. Normally, banks release a draw after work has been completed. However, log home manufacturers require COD when logs are delivered (or ideally day before). Historically this had been a bone of contention between banks and manufacturers, until certain banks took lead and set up accounts directly with log home companies. This expedited whole process. These direct deposits become draws on your construction loan.  

EXAMPLE: In our case, we ordered a total of 11 draws. On settlement of construction loan, bank started us with about $38,000 for misc. expenses. We used much of this to bridge gap between draws (the contractors want to get paid regularly). There was a draw for Log Kit deposit. There was a draw for our Superior Walls precast foundation (another direct deposit). Another draw paid for COD log delivery; another draw paid for window delivery.   Then things got more tricky, because next draw covered well and septic, which had to be completed first. Once log walls were raised another draw came, another when "weathered-in shell" was complete, and another draw when mechanicals were installed. The last draw came at end of project, but bank wouldn't release money until we had stained house and planted grass seed. They wanted to make sure house was ready for sale. 

With luck, you won't be delayed by weather or on-site errors, which could derail your whole plan. However, if you don't have some extra money set aside, your contractors might quit working until they get paid, knowing full well that you won't get paid until work is finished. Coffee and donuts help to keep relations smooth, but nothing works like cash.

And remember: if by some miracle you don't use all money you requested in construction loan, you can always give rest back. So don't cut corners. Estimate high, spend less, and you just might have enough left over for that luxury item you always wanted.