When it comes to home design, trends can ebb and flow with the predictability of the ocean tides. Each time, however, cyclical trends come back with new flair and new meaning. So what innovations does 2018 have in store for homeowners creating their custom homes? And how does it tie in to the design trends of 2017? Read on to find out what’s hot – and not – in 2017 and 2018 home design trends.
How to Avoid Change Orders
Surprises are great – most of the time. We all love those unexpected moments for birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day.
But when it comes to building or remodeling your home? The last thing you want during a custom home project is a long list of surprise charges after you’ve been given a price – also known as CHANGE ORDERS.
Unfortunately, many dishonest contractors have given Change Orders a bad rep because their modus operandi is to give their clients a low bid in order to be competitive, and then once they have the job, they “walk it up” with Change Orders. We’ve met many homeowners who were given a price for a remodel but when it was all said and done, they paid more than 75% of the original bid because of Change Orders for things the contractor had “forgotten” to include in his bid.
So how do you avoid these horror stories? There are two parts to this. Read on to find out how to avoid Change Orders on your custom home project.Read More »
Five Ways to Make Your Custom Home Project Cost More – and How to Avoid Them
When you’re building or remodeling your home, you’re not buying towels or dishes. In most cases, it’s one of the most costly purchases you’ve ever made. So when it comes to budget, you probably want to figure out the best places to save money right off the bat.
There are many parts and pieces to a renovation or a construction project, and many ways to save money. That’s the beauty of working with a qualified Design-Build company, as their professionals usually have years of experience on pricing and can guide you in the right direction on which design items to select to stay within your budget. We often save our clients thousands of dollars by finding them finishes and fixtures that still look good and are in keeping with their tastes, but are far less expensive than what they might find on their own, as a consumer.
When we sit down with our clients for their initial design consultation, there are five major areas we like to discuss before we proceed. These big-ticket items can make or break the bank when it comes to a custom home project, and the direction we take depends on finding that balance between budget and aesthetics. You have to decide – are these items so important to your custom home that you are willing to stretch your budget a little? Or does budget take priority? Is there a middle ground in any of these areas? These are all important aspects of the design and planning process.
Here are five places where you can sway your budget considerably on a custom home project:
Brass is Back – But Not in Overkill
Not since the height of the 70’s have we seen brass so strongly embraced in interior design. Along with its other warm metallic counterparts (copper and bronze), brass is enjoying a huge revival. Beaten, folded or polished – designers are celebrating its luxurious, yet industrial appeal, making everything from chandeliers, pendant lights, tables, dressers, chairs, bath and kitchen fixtures and decorative accessories out of this ancient metal.
The Continual Love Affair With Gray: Design Trends 2017
Gray has taken the limelight for far longer than people think. True, the book Fifty Shades of Gray gave it a Hollywood boost – but it earned its fame fair and square through its own innate beauty. Hence, it has become known as the “color of the decade.” In 2017 design trends, gray rises to new heights as many paint companies increase their range of gray shades, and homeowners find new ways to incorporate it into their homes. Read on to find out about the new era of grays, and how you can make it work with any motif in your custom home.
Nine Home Improvement Ideas for People Who Love Entertaining
From Thanksgiving dinner to birthdays, company parties to girls’ night, there is an art to entertaining. And if you are one of the lucky people who loves to entertain, you know that planning is everything. But when it comes to your home, how do you create a space plan that enhances both your family life and your social gatherings? And is it really worth a full remodel? Where do you even get started?
Modern vs. Contemporary – What’s the Difference? Design-Build Tips for Your Custom Home
So you’ve heard the words “Modern” and “Contemporary” used in terms of architecture and design. When it comes to designing and building your home, which style do you prefer? Did you know that there is a difference between the two?
When you define the words, they both seem to mean almost the same:
- “Modern: Of or relating to present times as opposed to the remote past.”
- “Contemporary: Belonging to or occurring in the present, at the same time.”
But when we talk of architecture or interior design, believe it or not, there is a difference.
Your Front Door Is Your Home’s Best Introduction: Custom Home Design-Build Tips
There are so many things to consider when designing your custom home. Whether you are working with a designer or a custom home builder, doing a large remodel or building from the ground up, you have much to look at and many decisions to make. There is, however, one item that could be a good starting point in your home design – and indeed, may be one of the most crucial design items you select.
We’re talking about first impressions.
Do you want to make your house appealing before a visitor has even walked into your home?
One of the focal points of the exterior front of your house which contributes a lot to curb appeal is your FRONT DOOR!
The Greatness of Modern Architecture for Your Home
There are many styles of architecture, from Roman and colonial to regency and baroque; they all have their similarities and differences. But they are also distinct. Contemporary and modern architecture are also distinct, despite any confusion you may have. Throw out all ideas of cookie cutter homes. A modern architecture home is nothing short of awesome.
Contemporary: the Non-Style
Okay, I mentioned contemporary. It’s actually not a style at all. Contemporary simply means ‘now’. Modern and contemporary are not interchangeable Read More »
Craftsman Style and How It Can Be Incorporated Into Any Home
Craftsman style is best summed up by one word: wood. Lots and lots of wood. Interior characteristics may include plenty of exposed wood and fireplaces. In the past, this style has been associated with farmhouses, cottages and cabins (even “moose lodges”), but it’s in more home designs than you might think.
A craftsman style home has specific structural and cosmetic elements. Dormer windows, for instance, as well decorative attic vents, and stone chimneys. The rustic feel has, unfortunately, come to be associated in some circles with older style homes, due to overusing wood or even 1970s wood paneling.
But…
Craftsman style is back! No longer is it stuffy or conservative, because it’s got some new twists and techniques.
Open Up!
If you want to incorporate craftsman style simply, then look no further than open concept using wood. Clear out some walls Read More »
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