Thanks so much, JJ - those two links alone definitely helped.
The one question that I have that didn't get answered in either is how you go about buying pieces (bricks). I'm assuming that most of your collection has been accumulated over the years (buying a lot of different sets and eventually multiple specific sets once you realize what you need/want).
I've been wanting to use the Pick-a-Brick store on the LEGO Official Store website located here: http://shop.lego.com/pab/?warning=false
From my experience building some of the pre-made Creator Houses, a majority of the bricks are the 1x4,6,8,10, etc. variety - purchasing these bricks by bulk in different colors, is that a safe bet?
I'm just a little worried about how I'm going to go about accumulating the little "odds-and-ends" pieces that you see throughout.