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How to Renovate Your New Home to Make it More Kid-Friendly

19/9/2022

"Keep your child safe and keep everything else safe from your child"

As a parent, you already know that most of the time, you are alternating between keeping your child safe and keeping everything else safe from your child. That is the main principle in mind when you renovate your new home to make it more kid friendly. Your kids' safety is a priority, of course. But you also need to think of the longevity of your new home features under the extreme conditions kids sometimes impose on it. Here are some tips on how to achieve just that.

Make your kitchen more-kid friendly by making everything hard to reach

When you renovate your home to make it more kid-friendly, there are several things you can do in your kitchen. Our most precious family members tend to be curious, and kitchens have a very high disaster potential. It is simply impossible to remove all dangerous objects as they are necessary for cooking. The best tactic to adopt here is to make whatever you can out of kids' reach. You can achieve this by making the following home adjustments.

Push-to-open mechanisms deter the kids from opening cupboards
A child is a marvelous creature with a curious mind that often tells them: "Oh look, there's a handle! Open it, open it, you must open it!". This is simply how they learn. The unconscious mechanism in their heads drives them to inspect everything they see. Instead of teaching them not to open your drawers and cabinets, why not try and remove the handles and install push-to-open mechanisms? Without handles, kids would have to search for the exact spot to push, which would be hard to locate without the adult's assistance. Most of them will give up. And there you go, no more open cabinets and spread dishes on your kitchen floor.

A mid-mount wall oven is a safe way to bake
A mid-mount wall oven is a safe and practical solution when you plan to renovate your new home to make it more kid friendly. Not to mention that you would not be bending over to get the food out of the hot oven. You can leave the kitchen and do other work using a mid-mount wall. On the other hand, using an oven installed on the floor requires you to watch your kids when they are in the kitchen so they wouldn't try to open it. So, the oven mounted on a higher level saves you time and is easier to handle.

pexels-max-vakhtbovych

"Make whatever you can out of kids' reach"

For homes with children, light colors and delicate materials are not a good fit

Every parent knows that his lovely child's tiny little hands are almost always dirty. Also, a human needs many years to fully develop their motor skills and pair them with enough caution to avoid spilling things. So there is a good chance that your child will spill juice or milk at least once on every surface they use, sofa included. For these reasons, light-colored furniture, where stains may decide to stay, is not a good choice. Also, delicate materials that need to be handled with care may find it hard to survive tiny (and often damaged) car races and similar play-date attacks. A robust, dark-grey sofa might be able to resist it all and would be a great choice, though.

When you renovate your new home to make it more kid-friendly, all that is sharp must go

An active child that likes to run around is a joy to have, but it is a nightmare to keep safe. You can make it a lot easier if you refurbish your home to remove all sharp edges. Pay attention to tables, chairs, and even wardrobe doors and frames. Little girls running with their hair down can get stuck on the door handles. For that reason, maybe you should opt for doorknobs instead.

As for glass and mirror components, it might be best to restrict them to the master bedroom and the bathroom, preferably the one your kid isn't using. And yes, it is very likely a child will accidentally fall straight through a closed glass door, as is the case with all unlikely accidents with sharp or breakable stuff. In general, our lovely babies tend to find unique ways to do just what we thought impossible, so it is best to eliminate the hazard points from your home as much as possible.

Redesign your kid’s room to have sufficient space for all those toys

He who hasn't stepped on a Lego knows not of pain. Having a child often means you will find toys in all kinds of unusual places, especially on the floor. Yet, chances are better if they all have their place where they wait for another imaginative game to be part of. They will not spend their days on the floor and risk getting stepped on by you. There are many reasons one should choose to increase storage space when renovating a home. Bear in mind that having a child doubles the number of those reasons.

pexels-jonas-mohamadi

Renovating and relocating is a good chance to declutter and regroup

Renovating a newly purchased home is very exciting. But don't pass on the opportunity to declutter your kid's stuff. Children tend to cling to all their beloved toys. When you tell them to give some away, even those they are not using. They might even get upset. Decluttering your kid's stuff will go unnoticed and problem-free if done during the relocation. It might seem like unnecessary additional work, but it is a perfect opportunity you shouldn't miss. Even a local move may turn out to be a lot of work, yet you must make your kids a priority.

If you have an attic, turn it into a playroom

Imagine the smile on your kid's face when you show them a room with the sole purpose of spending time playing in it. With a bit of remodeling, the attic can be that room. If you decide to renovate your home to make it more kid-friendly, and you have an attic, consider turning it into a playroom. Not only will your child be ecstatic, but you will also manage to relocate a large amount of your kid's stuff away from everyday living space. And most importantly, your own living space will be toy-free, and no one will complain.

"An active child that likes to run around is a joy to have, but it is a nightmare to keep safe."

Renovating for a happy child and a happy you

So, to sum everything up, if you want to renovate your new home to make it more kid friendly, you need always to imagine your child running with dirty hands around the home. The design and colors that will last and will not hurt your kid are a top choice for families with kids. Also, don't forget the ton of toys you need to find a place for. With all that in mind, there's a good chance you will have both a tidy home and a happy child!

Author

Bethany Walker is an interior designer and a parent of two. Over the years, she specialized in storage solutions and has worked for beltwaymovers.com, a moving company that offers relocation and storage services. Her advice related to creating the best home solutions has helped many.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.

This article is a guest post and the owners of this website take no responsibility for the content or it's originality. The website publishes this article in good faith with the undertaking from the author and supplier that the content has not been plagiarised. Please report any errors in the article to the website owners. Should you prove the content is not original the article will be immediately taken down.

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Rules to Follow When Building a Family House

22/8/2022

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The time has come for you to build your family house - congratulations! However, before you and your loved ones start celebrating, it is essential to understand that building a family house is a process that will consume a lot of your time, energy, and of course, money. Thus, arm yourself with these before you start!

"You should build a house that not only works for you now but a house that will work for you in the future too."

When building your family house, you will not only have to think about the foundation, roof, plumbing, electricity, etc., but also about your house's functionality and your family's needs. Moreover, you should build a house that not only works for you now but a house that will work for you in the future too. Therefore, you shouldn't rush into anything and try to plan out every step carefully. Although there are many things to consider when starting this building journey, don't worry - we are here to help you out. We will tell you what some of the most important things to have in mind when building your family house are.

The Right Layout is Crucial
for your home

When building a family house, your top priority should be the layout. To do that, you will have to ask several questions such as:

What layout helps the family be together more?
What layout provides privacy for each family member?
What layout allows me, a parent, to keep an eye on my children at all times?

Of course, there are many questions you should ask yourself, but these three are the most important ones. Thus, be sure to have the answers to them before you start building your family house. Moreover, another thing you should consider when starting a construction project as big as this one is hiring the right people for the job! For instance, if you need help creating the perfect layout for you and your family, you can hire an architect. Hire a contractor if you need somebody to help you build your house. And, if you need somebody to help you decorate it properly, later on, hire an interior designer. Even though you might be able to take on some of these tasks yourself, working with professionals can save you a lot of time and money.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

"Working with professionals can save you a lot of time and money"

Storage, Storage, Storage!

You have the luxury of designing your entire family house. So, make sure every corner fits your and your family's needs. However, remember that your needs now may not be the same as your needs in the future. Your family will grow, you will all acquire more stuff, and eventually, you will run out of space.

One way to avoid the 'space' problem is to build a house with many storage options. And, when we say storage, we don't just mean attics, basements, and garages big enough to store all of your items. No, we mean being more creative and creating home storage areas that will help you organize the space. Those areas include walk-in closets, pantries, mud rooms, laundry rooms, etc.

Make Your Kitchen the Center of the House

Making the kitchen the center of the house may be one of the most important rules to follow when building a family house! The kitchen design is critical if you have small children. For them, this kitchen will be the space where they will do their homework, work on their art and craft projects, and talk to you about their problems. Moreover, this kitchen will be a place where you will enjoy that first cup of coffee in the morning and where you will spend your nights entertaining your best friends.

Photo by Terry Magallanes

"Kitchens are the most important part of any family home!"

So, consider all this when choosing the best kitchen style for your home! Our advice is to go for an open-concept living space where your kitchen, dining, and living room will be well-connected. But, put a particular emphasis on the kitchen - and make it as big as possible.

A Well Designed Yard is a Must For Your New Home

While designing and building your family house, don't forget to leave some money in your budget for the yard as well. If you live somewhere in a warm climate or anywhere where there are four seasons, you will use this yard as much as any other area in your house. So, make sure it is functional!

"Having a functional and an 'entertaining' front or back yard will make all the difference to your new home."

And, besides functional, make sure it is a place where your whole family can enjoy spending their free time. For instance, you can design a house with a patio if your property isn't big. And, if the property is spacious, you can incorporate a pool, a barbecue area, a shed, a sitting area, a playground for the little ones, etc. It doesn't matter whether you plan on building a starter or a forever home; having a functional and an 'entertaining' front or back yard will make all the difference.

Choose Hard-Wearing Materials and Finishes

Once you are done building your home, you can relax because the most challenging part is over. But, you won't be able to rest for long, as you still have to equip the entire house with the right furniture. If you have enough money in your budget, it is always better to go for custom-made furniture prices (especially for kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms).

But, when choosing materials and finishes for your house, choose those that are easy to clean, that last long, and are not prone to wear and tear. For instance, choose tiles for your floors, wood for your dining room chairs (no fabric!), easy-clean materials for your sofas and beds, etc.

Maybe these materials and finishes are not your favorites, but they are a must in family homes. Trust us, you don't want to argue with your little ones anytime they spill or chip something, and you don't want to waste a lot of your money on replacing every piece of furniture every once in a while.

Building the Best Home For Your Family

As you have seen, there are some rules to follow when building a family house. Of course, whether you will follow these or not is up to you. But, we strongly advise you to give them a thought - after all, we talked to many families about this, and they all agreed that all the previously mentioned 'rules' are a must.

Author

Angie Collins is a moving consultant currently working with Homegrown Moving Company where she helps people prepare for their local and international relocations. In her free time, she enjoys writing articles for her blog that covers topics such as moving, renovating, redecorating, etc.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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8 Attic Remodel Ideas you’ll Love

2/8/2022

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(Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash)

"attic remodel ideas you can use as inspiration"

Most people will use the attic as an additional storage space. Everything we want out of sight ends up either in the basement or attic. However, these spaces have a lot more potential than we think. People especially tend to overlook the attic because of its shape. It's usually dark, cramped, and far away from the rest of the house. This makes it suitable for storing old clothes, toys, and other stuff but not for much anything else. This is not always the case! You can turn most of the attics into functional rooms that will give your house additional square footage. If you're looking for new home improvement projects, here are eight attic remodel ideas you'll love.

What to check before adding an attic to your home

Every attic is different. Its shape depends on the whole structure of the house. Chances are, some remodeling ideas may not be suitable for your home.

People tend to focus on aesthetics and forget about structural aspects. Building a new room with furniture will add an extra load, so you must check with professionals whether your house's foundation can endure it. So, be sure to check potential construction obstacles and other overlooked aspects of a home remodeling project before you start.

Eight attic remodel ideas you’ll love

1. Playroom
Let's be honest; kids need a lot of space! Most houses don't have separate areas where children can play. Spacious backyards are great for when the weather is nice, but what about cold winter days or rainy falls? They need an indoor place for playing as much as an outdoor space.

You can easily transform your attic into a great playroom. Start with colorful walls and furniture. You can even install a chalkboard wall! Bring a few tables where they can draw or do their homework. Add chairs or lazy bags and bring a lot of toys. You can be creative as you want!

2. Home office
Today, most companies offer their employees to work from home. This seems like a fantastic benefit until you realize your house is super crowded and you don't have a separate room where you can work in peace. If this sounds familiar, building a home office is one of the attic remodel ideas you'll love.

Luckily, a home office usually doesn't take much space, so the size of the attic won't be an issue. The least you need is a spacious desk and a comfy chair. The rest is up to you! Also, a few home office remodeling tips can help you make this space more productive.

(Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash)

"Secluded and quiet, the attic is a good space for a home office"

3. Bathroom
Are you tired of waiting for your turn for a bathroom in the morning? When you purchased your house, did you think it was more or less ideal, but it would be perfect if it had one extra bathroom? If the answer to both questions is yes, you should consider turning your attic into a bathroom.

If the attic space is small, aim for a simple design. Place a shower head on the ceiling and put a glass panel as a divider. Install a skylight to bring more light inside. Also, if your attic is above the bathroom, it will minimize the distance between new and existing plumbing. This will reduce costs and potential wall damage when you install new pipes.

4. Bedroom
If you dreamed of having a guest room, this is one of the attic remodel ideas you'll love. Converting an attic to a bedroom is a great way to make an additional sleeping area for your guests. Create a relaxing and cozy space your friends and family will appreciate when they visit.

Since it is the attic, it's a good idea to use light colors, like beige or white. If there's not enough natural light, consider installing a skylight. Match the color pallet with the furniture to create an inviting atmosphere.

(Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash)

"If you've always wanted to have a spare bedroom for guests, this is attic remodel idea you’ll love"

5. Media room
Streaming platforms made movies and series more accessible. Nowadays, people prefer to watch films and TV shows in the comfort of their own homes. Maybe you already hosted a movie marathon or gathered your friends for a premiere of a new episode of your favorite show.

Considering this, it's not surprising that home theaters are becoming increasingly popular. If you're looking for a place where you can recreate a cinematic experience, think about turning your attic into a media room. It doesn't require much work. Install the home theatre system, bring a comfy couch (or two, depending on the size of the attic), and you'll have a perfect gathering place for your next binge-watching of a new show.

6. Luxury closet
If you're a fashion enthusiast with many clothes, chances are you've thought about turning some room into a closet. The problem was that you didn't have a spare room to serve this purpose. Also, you probably overlooked the attic.

You can quickly turn this space into a closet. All you need is a few shelves (or more than a few) and a mirror. Also, you can use multipurpose furniture, like a sofa with storage space (more space for shoes!). There are plenty of creative storage ideas for your home, which you can use in small areas, like the attic.

7. Hang-out room
If you just need additional space where you can hang out with your friends or have a party, adapting the attic is a great solution. This is also very suitable for teenagers. Like kids need space for playing, teenagers need a place for gathering (preferably far from their parents). And when they're not at home, adults are welcome to use it too!

Of course, there are more room renovation ideas you can use to transform your attic. It can even be a multipurpose room! For instance, a hang-out room with shelves stocked with books can also be a library!

(Photo by Stephen Munley on Unsplash)

"The attic can be turned into an excellent hang-out room!"

8. Home gym
We all know that exercising is good for our health. However, a lot of people have trouble incorporating it into their life. Some of the obstacles are the inconvenient location of the gym or expensive membership. Also, some people prefer to be alone while working out. You can solve these problems by turning an attic into a home gym.

Keep in mind that the best option is to turn it into a Pilates or yoga studio. Heavy gym equipment is hard to transport to the attic and may be too massive. However, station bikes or treadmills are suitable. It all depends on the workouts that you prefer.

Creative Attic Remodel ideas for everyone

As you can see, there is plenty of creative attic remodel ideas you'll love. However, make sure to check potential construction obstacles and also calculate your budget. Some of the renovations can be expensive, depending on the current condition of your attic. Nevertheless, we guarantee it's an investment worth your time and money!

Author

Matthew Tipton is decluttering and interior design enthusiast who enjoys finding a new use for his old belongings or creating extra space in his home. He is currently a moving consultant at Evolution Moving Company DFW, providing clients with tips on preparing for relocation. In his free time, he’s most likely enjoying a stroll through the park or cycling.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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How to Choose the Best Kitchen Style for Your Home

22/6/2022

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Photo by Mark McCammon httpswww.pexels.com

"All good kitchens start with choosing a kitchen style."

Kitchens—areas in our homes where we can spend up to 50% of our time. In there we don't cook and eat only, no. There we entertain our friends, spend quality time with our family members, enjoy a relaxing night of wining and dining, and sometimes even spend time working and studying. All of these things are reasons to have a good kitchen. And all good kitchens start with choosing a kitchen style. But, how does one choose a kitchen style when there are so many of them out there? Well, one has to do a lot of researching, thinking, and decision-making! Or, one can read what we have to say. Namely, today, we will share some tips on choosing the best kitchen style for your home. So, if this is the kind of help you need, keep on reading.
#designingkitchens #kitchendesign

Understanding Kitchen Styles

Let us clarify—there are dozens and dozens of kitchen styles to choose from. But, let us mention the most popular ones:

modern
farmhouse
shaker
rustic
industrial
Scandinavian
mid-century
traditional
eclectic

"Kitchens are expensive—don't make a beginner's mistake and choose the wrong style."

As we previously said, these are just some of the kitchen styles you can choose for your kitchen, but the truth is, there are many, many more. Thus, when you decide it's time to freshen up your home, that is, your kitchen, be sure to research all the styles. Look not only at pictures of the different kitchens but also at their characteristics. Or, if you decide to mix and match different styles, be sure that those styles (as well as their elements and colors) go with one another!
Kitchens are expensive—don't make a beginner's mistake and choose the wrong style.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych httpswww.pexels.com

"Choosing the right kitchen style takes time! Don't rush your decision."

Your Kitchen Design Should Compliment the Other Rooms

If you want to choose the best kitchen style for your home, you have to take all the rooms into consideration. That is, you have to look at the bigger picture. Just think about it - how would your home look if the bathroom is eclectic, if the living room is Mediterranean, and if the kitchen is rustic. This would look confusing. In addition, it will confuse your senses and make you want to renovate your entire home instantly. Thus, if you don't want to pay for renovations twice, be sure to make your whole house coherent. Choose a style that will look good in all rooms.

Moreover, speaking of making renovation mistakes, don't rely on yourself only, especially if you are not experienced with renovations and interior design. Save yourself from the potential (and expensive) problems, and hire a designer and a contractor to help you out. Hire movers, too—if you need to relocate some of your appliances or china and are unsure how to pack glassware for storage during the renovation process. Or, at least, learn how to protect your breakables.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych httpswww.pexels.com

"All the rooms in your home should be in the same style for the best kitchen style in your home"

Kitchens to Suit your Lifestyle

One thing that can help you choose the best kitchen style for your home is your lifestyle. If you are somebody who's always on the go, you need a simple, clean, and decluttered kitchen - a kitchen that is easy and fast to use. If you are somebody who likes to entertain a lot, you need a Mediterranean-style kitchen—a big kitchen with an even bigger island and with a lot of appliances. And, if you are somebody who wants to follow current trends and also use the kitchen as a place to work or study, you need a modern or Scandinavian-style kitchen—a practical and versatile kitchen.

"Think about how often you use your kitchen and what you use it for"

Moreover, think about your kitchen 'lifestyle' too. That is, think about how often you use your kitchen and what you use it for. If you don't cook and if you don't use it for anything special, it might be better to rethink and choose a better floor plan for your home. Make your kitchen smaller, and use the extra space for some other room.

Consider Your Personality for the Best Kitchen Style

Many people think that a person's lifestyle and personality are the same things. But they are wrong. Lifestyle is how you decide to live your life. For instance, if you have children, your lifestyle will need an open-concept kitchen. Personality, on the other hand, is who you are as a person. Because of your personality, you will choose to have either a funky and colorful kitchen or a gloomy one with clean lines

"Be sure to make your kitchen functional"

So, when choosing the best kitchen style for your home, think about your wishes, not only your needs. It is okay to bring colors, mismatched objects, and a little bit of clutter into your kitchen if that is how you like it. Just, whatever you do, be sure to make your kitchen functional. There will be no point in designing a hip kitchen that is hard to use.

Photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy httpswww.pexels.com

"Your kitchen should be a reflection of you"

Appliances are an Important Part of Kitchen Design

As you have seen, there are many things to take into consideration when you want to choose the best kitchen style for your home. But, you can't forget about the appliances. They are, just like all other things, a very important part of the kitchen design. It is important to understand which appliances go with which style. For instance, you should put a gas stove in a farmhouse kitchen. Or, you should put an induction stove in a modern one.

Again, it is okay to mix and match from time to time. But, doing too much of it can turn your kitchen into one big, hot mess. And, just like previously mentioned, fixing style mistakes can be very expensive. Thus, think about everything before you choose the best kitchen style for your home. Think about sizes, colors, shapes, etc. Moreover, once you find a style you like, be sure that it will go well with the rest of your home and, more importantly, your personality and lifestyle.

For more useful kitchen design information read: Designing Cooking Kitchens - Practical Advice For Your Dream Kitchen Part 1 and Designing Cooking Kitchens - Practical Advice For Your Dream Kitchen Part 2

Author

Angie Collins used to be a moving consultant at vanexpressnj.com. After she became a mother, she took her work home. Now, she advises people about moving, and in her free time, she writes posts on her blog. The topics she covers range from moving to designing a new home.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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Starter Home versus Forever Home The Pros And Cons

17/6/2022

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Photo by Andrew Mead on Unsplash

"Buying your first house is one of the most exciting endeavors that you can experience."

Buying your first house is one of the most exciting endeavors that you can experience. It is a chance to find a place that is all your own and that is truly an amazing thought. When you start thinking about properties, you need to consider if you want to buy a starter home that you will eventually sell or if you want to take your time and buy the forever home where you will raise your family. Here at Paul Netscher Project Management, we know how big of a decision this can be so we offer some pros and cons to consider for each type of home.

Pros Of A Starter Home

If you plan to move around a lot during your life or you think that your life might change a lot over the years, then it might be a good idea to invest in a starter home that you will eventually sell. Since you don’t plan to stay there forever, you can usually find something more affordable so you can continue to save up for that future home.

In the case that you are short on money and you can’t afford a large mortgage, then this might be the way to go. Another idea that many people have when they eventually move into their forever home is to keep their starter home and rent it out for extra income. That is a perk you won’t have if you get your forever home first.

Cons Of A Starter Home

Since you are just buying a temporary house that will have a lower price tag, the house may be smaller than you are expecting. You need to look at your lifestyle and your belongings to see if a small, starter house is the right fit. Also, if the house is cheaper, then that may mean that it is a fixer-upper or it may have seen better days. If that is the case then there may be some headaches in your future and if you aren’t good at making repairs then you could pay even more to bring in a professional.

Pros Of A Forever Home

If you go out into the real estate market with the intention of finding your forever home, then the search could go on for longer, but you could end up with the dream house that you always wanted. Moving in will be exciting because you know that this is the place where you hope to put down your roots. If you are really satisfied with this property then you also won’t have to go through the trouble of moving again, which can be very reassuring to many people. Finally, if you plan to raise a family in this house, then you will likely have a larger property and you will have a lot more space for your belongings.

Another great benefit of a forever home is the opportunity to remodel and renovate certain rooms to your perfect specifications. When you intend to live there forever then the cost is well worth the effort.

Cons Of A Forever Home

Since you plan to live in this house for a long time, you will also need to put more thought into insuring the property than you would with a starter home. The downside is that this warranty can be expensive depending on the plan. However, it can be well worth it in the right conditions. Here's how a home warranty can benefit your TCO: Basically, if your home has a lot of appliances that can be costly to fix, like dishwashers and air conditioners, then a warranty can cut down the cost. When choosing a warranty, make sure to first look at your home inspection report and see if there are any red flags that show that your home may have future issues. If there is a chance that you could have a problem, then get the warranty.

Beyond the warranty, a forever home will likely cost more, so if you do not have the funds available then this might not be the right choice at this time. Also, a larger home will require more upkeep and maintenance, so you’ll need to plan for that as well.

Making the best choice for your family

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when deciding between a starter and forever home. Consider the pros and cons listed here and make the best choice for your family. If you need help with your big home construction project, then contact Paul Netscher Project Management at the form here.

Author

Marjorie McMillian has been studying, practicing, and sharing the concept of whole health and wellness since “before it was cool.” While she doesn’t share medical advice on her website, comeongetwell.net, visitors will find reliable resources intended to help guide them on their journey to whole health.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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3D Floor Plan: 5 Reasons Why you Must Add it to Your Property Listing

15/6/2022

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Do you also think that real estate photos are all you need to sell your listing? This post is going to change your opinion. A floor plan is something that is inevitable. It's even better if you upload a 3D floor plan. Irrespective of whether the buyer is looking for a floor plan or not, they visualize their life in your property in a better way when they get it.

No photographer can capture the essence of a house's window and door placement, pavements, and storage capacity like a 3D floor plan or house plan does.

Top 5 Advantages of Including a 3D Floor Plan in Your Property Listing

Here are 5 benefits ofa3D house plan that every homeowner and real estate agent must be aware of:-

Get More Clicks

The statistics favor the fact that floor plans get you more clicks from buyers. According to Zillow, 65% of buyers are interested in viewing a listing with a floor plan. And another claim is that listings with floor plans get 7.5 times more clicks. These are only a few numbers amongst many published surveys and studies.
When you opt for a 3D house plan instead of a 2D, you provide the experience of a virtual property tour to buyers. Even if they cannot decide at the same time, they will remember a listing with a 3D house plan. So they can get back to it whenever they are ready to make a deal.

Position Your Listing Uniquely

The buyers get excess to numerous properties every day on the real estate websites. So why would they click on your listing? A 3D floor plan is your best bait to stand out. Most real estate agents and homebuyers don't upload floor plans. And even fewer equip their real estate listing with a 3D floor plan.

However, your 3D house plan should be created professionally, including details such as each room of every floor, location of windows, doors, stairs, built-in appliances, balcony, shed, garden, pool, etc. A 3D floor plan also effectively showcases the paint on the wall, suitable furniture location, etc.

Build a Bridge Between Your Narration and Photographs

Many buyers cannot imagine the look and feel of your property with the help of narration and images. A 3D floor plan is their tool to connect the dots. It aids their visualization to imagine the location of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and living room and their distance from each other.

They can also make out of the floor plan if the house is suitable for their choice of interiors and design. They can imagine whether their selection of furniture and artifacts will fit on the property or not.

Provide Emotional Connections

Apart from regular utilities that every house can keep, buyers aspire for a certain kind of lifestyle. For example, their preferred size and shape of the bed, the Italian furniture they envisioned since they thought of getting a new home, the kitchen cabinets, platforms, and so on!

A 3D floor plan allows them to envision the property as their home. As a result, they move in mentally. This emotional connection before the buyer's visit to the property is a huge advantage to homeowners and real estate agents. They can close the deal more quickly.

Attract the Attention of Particular Buyers

Real estate agents would know how particular some buyers can be! Some may want a large dining room, a south-facing balcony, ample storage, etc. They go through numerous listings, searching for that one feature they want.

When you upload a 3D floor plan, you help such buyers determine if the place is suitable to fulfill their demands or not. A proper and correct 3D house plan speeds up the sales process with such buyers. It also eliminates the time which can be wasted in dealing with buyers who want something else in their property.

Selling your property

A floor plan is a key to effective selling of your property online. A 3D floor plan further increases the chances of your property's quick sale by providing better visualization to your buyers.

Your listing stands out amongst the competition with a floor plan. The buyers connect emotionally to your property. The statistics also support the effectiveness of the floor plan. Overall, adding a 3D house plan to a property listing is beneficial in every way for homeowners and real estate agents.

Author

Rahul Agarwal is the Co-founder & Chief Business Officer at Styldod, where he has taught a computer to do interior design! Styldod provides the most hassle-free & inexpensive virtual staging solutions for real estate agents so they can sell their listings faster, and for higher prices. Rahul was also a co-founder of Mebelkart. He pushes the boundaries with his innovative entrepreneurial stints and is also a sound startup investor & advisor.

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Pros and Cons of Open Concept Kitchens

31/5/2022

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Photo by Mike Gattorna on Unsplash

"Your kitchen is the heart of your home."

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It's not only the place where meals are prepared but also a space for storing, sitting, and socializing. It sets the tone for the entire house, and without it, any home would feel empty. However, there can be times when you feel like the kitchen needs some renovation. It could use more space and perhaps a more modern design. That is when you should start thinking about modifying the layout. For instance, for people who have a big family or frequently entertain, open concept kitchens are the key to unlocking more space and creating more comfort. However, don't start tearing down walls just yet. Let us look at the pros and cons of open concept kitchens first, and then you can determine if this is the right choice for you.
#kitchendesign #kitchenreno #kitchenremodeling

Defining an open concept kitchen

An open-concept kitchen doesn't have walls to separate it from the living room or dining room. Or even both. Also, the term "open floor plan" is used to define it. And while some find it unpractical, more people have started embracing this concept. They feel it gives them more space and more flow in the house. However, to help you decide which the right floor plan for your home is, here are the main pros and cons of open concept kitchens.

The pros of an open concept kitchen

Fewer walls

If you live in a small apartment, walls can make the space feel cramped. If your house is large and has many rooms, all the walls can make it feel like a maze. In both circumstances, the kitchen space suffers, which may become frustrating. Therefore, one way to fix the problem is to take down some walls and increase the flow. You can then use flooring to delimitate the spaces or paint the walls in different hues. Additionally, you can place a kitchen aisle to delimitate the rooms. Also, you can remove one of the walls only partially and transform it into a bar.
Before removing an internal wall for your house renovation consider this

Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash

"An open kitchen layout connects you with the rest of the family"

Visibility

Fewer walls also mean more visibility. When you are in the kitchen, you can also see what is happening in the other rooms. So, if you need to prepare a meal, you can also keep an eye on your child while he is playing in the living room. Or you can check on dinner while you also socialize with your guests. In short, an open concept kitchen enhances multitasking by raising visibility.

More space

If you are tired of bumping into furniture or appliances when turning around in your kitchen, you could use an open concept kitchen. It will give you lots of extra space to walk, and rearrange as you please. For instance, you can incorporate the dining area into the kitchen. That way, you will have a more uniform and well-defined cooking and dining space. At the same time, you can keep the living room separate from this area, thus protecting it from food spills.

More light

"Removing the walls means removing light barriers"

Having an open space can also help you have more light in your kitchen. Removing the walls means removing light barriers. Therefore, you will let more light flow in from the other rooms into your cooking space. Furthermore, whether natural or artificial, light offers several advantages in a room. It creates the illusion of a larger, brighter, and cleaner space.

Photo by Bailey Alexander on Unsplash

"Modern kitchens are functional while adding to the value of your home"

More modern

It is not simply functional and practical to have a more modern-looking kitchen. It can also prove beneficial if you ever want to sell your home. More and more homebuyers are interested in homes with open kitchens, as they are the standard in contemporary homes. Therefore, by opening your kitchen space, you increase the value of your home as homebuyers are willing to pay more for a property with such a feature.

And while we are on the homebuying subject, remember to always make renovations before moving into your newly bought home. Things like opening up your kitchen space, repainting the walls, or installing shelving are only some of the things to do before moving into a new house. Thus, you should make these improvements before bringing in your belongings. It will save you a lot of time and effort.

The cons of an open concept kitchen

Now that we have established which the pros of open concept kitchens are, it’s time to talk about the cons.

Lost functionality of walls

Walls do have their functionality in a kitchen. They support large household items such as refrigerators, dishwashers, or stoves. At the same time, you can hang cabinets on walls and integrate the appliances into them, creating a uniform look. If you take the walls down, you will need to find space for everything while still having a functional kitchen.

Visibility

"Missing walls allow you to look into the other rooms and vice versa"

Visibility is both a pro and a con in open concept kitchens. Missing walls allow you to look into the other rooms and vice versa. Anyone in the dining room or living room can see what you are doing in the kitchen. As a result, you won’t have any more privacy while experimenting with new recipes. Also, you can get distracted by dining room conversations or the loud TV in the living room. Not to mention that you have to keep the kitchen spotless permanently. Dirty dishes in the sink and cluttered countertops are now on display for anyone who enters your home.

Smell and noise

When designing a cooking kitchen, keep in mind that the smell will fill it. If a closed kitchen can keep odors isolated inside its walls, an open kitchen will spread them throughout the space. In conclusion, whenever you cook, whatever you cook, the whole house will know and sense it. While the smell of coffee or cookies is appealing, the smell of fried onion or fish is quite the opposite.

When it comes to sound, there is also the issue of it spreading across the entire space. Because there are no more walls to muffle the sound, you will be able to hear everything that goes on in the kitchen.

Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

"Whenever you cook, whatever you cook, the whole house will know and sense it"

More heat

Heat may flow in and out of the kitchen in the same way as light, smell, and noise. Therefore, whenever you get busy in the kitchen, the rest of the space will feel the heat. And while heat might not be a problem during the winter, it can become unbearable during the summer. Especially if you don't have an HVAC system in your home or it doesn't manage well all the space.

Opening up your kitchen space

Whether you want an open or closed kitchen is totally up to you. However, we had to outline the pros and cons of open concept kitchens so you can decide if it is suitable for your home and needs. So read them carefully to ensure that you make the right decision.

Author

Brittany Murry is a consultant for hansenbros.com and a woman of many interests! She is a professional interior designer with a comprehensive portfolio and many years of experience. When she isn't helping people improve their homes, she's traveling the world or binge-watching her favorite show on Netflix

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Foundations an essential support to your house

27/5/2022

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"Foundations support the whole house and their failure will inevitably lead to cracking of your house"

In our article Ground compaction making solid foundations for your home we discussed the importance of building on solid ground. Having uncompacted ground under your house will result in damage to your new home.

Foundations support the whole house and their failure will inevitably lead to cracking of your house, which could eventually lead to leaks and even structural failure making your home uninhabitable. Repairing poor foundations is costly so it’s advisable to get an engineer to design the foundations and then to ensure that the foundations are constructed properly.

"The essential part of the foundation is that it distributes the weight of the house to the ground so that the ground is able to support the load"

Foundations provide a level base for the structure of your house, they support the weight of the house, and in some instances they anchor the house and prevent it from being blown away in a storm. The foundations could be as simple as forming a concrete slab under the house, they could involve concrete beams below the walls, or they could be piles which are concrete, steel or timber columns driven or drilled vertically into the ground. The essential part of the foundation is that it distributes the weight of the house to the ground so that the ground is able to support the load and therefore the house doesn’t settle or sink. This may involve excavating through the upper layers of ground to reach soil or rock that can support the weight of the building. Foundations should be rigid to evenly distribute the load and to prevent unequal settlement of the house.

What impacts house foundations

The type of foundations will depend on the ground conditions under the house, the load of the house above (for instance houses with two or more floor levels require more substantial foundations than a single floor house and houses with solid brick walls are heavier than frame houses clad with tin or boards), the weather conditions (houses in cyclone, hurricane and tornedo belts require more robust foundations to keep the house firmly anchored to the ground), and if there’s a basement.

Specialised house foundations

Some houses require special foundations. This might be because:

The ground conditions are unsuitable because:
- Clay ground often swells or expands when it gets wet. You don’t want to live in a house that goes up and down. But invariably it doesn’t go up and down evenly, so the house will begin to crack and it could become structurally unsound. In addition, water and sewer pipes crack and break. Either the clay has to be removed and suitable material placed under the house, or the foundations must be designed to accommodate the movement, which often means installing piles. Consulting an engineer is essential.
- Collapsing sands settle under the weight of a house which could cause cracking of the house and pipes connecting to the house. Usually foundations have to be designed for these conditions.
- The house is built on a site which was formerly a rubbish dump.
- The area is prone to the formation of sinkholes. Actually you don’t really want to be building in an area prone to sinkhole formation, which are normally areas with dolomite rock. If you really have to then there are steps that engineers can take to design your house foundations, but there may be no guarantee that your house won’t be swallowed by a sinkhole.
The house is on the edge of a hill or cliff.
The house is on steeply sloped ground.
The house is on the banks of a river or lake.
The structure of the house is supported on only a few columns or walls which carry the major load of the house. Or, possibly the house has cantilever sections which hang over open space and these cantilevers have to be supported and held back to stop them toppling over.
There’s an excavation, such as a below ground pool, that’s immediately next to and below the foundations of the house.

Special foundations are usually costly and take additional time to construct. Sometimes these have to be installed by specialist contractors. If large machines are required then access may be a problem if there’re overhead restrictions (such as power lines and tree branches) or narrow steep access routes. Always ensure that the design for all structures are complete so that all the foundations are constructed at the same time. Remobilising specialist equipment to construct additional foundations later will add more costs.

Good foundations are critical for your home

It is advisable to get expert advice when deciding on the foundations for your home. Poor foundations could result in cracking of your home, which is unsightly, and good even be so severe that your home is not safe to live in. Inadequate foundations can be very costly, even destroy the dreams of your new home for you. Good foundations are vital for your new home. Do not take short cuts with the foundations for your new home or extension to your existing house.
#homeconstruction #buildingfoundations #housefoundations #houseconstruction

This is an extract from the author's book 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses: Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home'.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

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How to Choose the Right Floor Plan for Your New Home

19/5/2022

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Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash

Moving to a brand new home can be hard. It's even more challenging because you want to make it the perfect place to call home. Everything has to be just right - from the floor up to the roof. If you don't know how to choose the right floor plan for your new home yet, we're here for you.

What is the budget for your home?

The very first thing you want to do when making your new home the perfect place to live in is - check your budget. Yes, some items may attract you more than others, but it's important to be realistic about your possibilities at the end of the day. Spread the budget carefully on all the renovations. If you're dreaming of some specific features, you should discuss them with your contractor before starting anything, so you know where you stand with your budget.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

"Every construction project requires careful budget planning. "

Match the house floor plan to your lifestyle

Regardless of how creative you are, there are some things you must take into consideration. Important considerations include:

the arrangement and size of your rooms
taking into account the number of people in the family and their ages
social habits

Adapt your home design to your family

The majority of households with small children prefer to have the private areas of the house, such as the bedrooms and baths, clustered together in one region of the house. However, it is common for families with adolescents and young adults to want separate bedrooms for each family member. Also, families with small children often choose a plan with wide hallways because it's easier for the little ones to move around safely. When looking for a new place to live, some considerations should help guide your decision-making process. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of the floor layout that you now have. It's possible that you won't like it and would rather try something else instead.

Don't forget your family's social life

It's not uncommon for floor designs to be centered around the idea of entertaining and making visitors feel at home the moment they enter the house. It's ideal to have a large entrance that leads to a living and dining area with a view of the backyard. A formal living room at the front entrance is an option if you like to keep the rest of the house private and don't want your entire property on show when the door is opened. Guests will appreciate having a spot to sit while still being able to enjoy the rest of your home in peace.

Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

"Having a separate room for your house parties is very practical for saving your peace"

Take the number of storeys into consideration

When creating a floor plan, a critical decision is deciding between single-storey and multi-storey options. Many families prefer single-story homes because of the lack of above-foot traffic noise. The "Ranch" style homes often include public spaces in the middle of the floor plan, while bedrooms and bathrooms are positioned on the "wings" of the floor plan. When you live in a multi-storey home, you don't have to peer into your neighbor's window. Additionally, multi-storey homes allow each family member to have their own space and solitude, whereas single-story homes don't have this luxury.

Different house styles require different flooring

When you construct your own home, you have the freedom to choose a design that satisfies your requirements and preferences. Or, you may combine elements of other styles to meet the needs of various rooms in the house. It is good to look at several design styles that pique your interest. That way, you'll have a clear sense of the aesthetic you want to achieve in your soon-to-be-built house. Do you like Ranch or Victorian; mid-century modern or American colonial?

Because the decisions you make regarding the form of your home will also affect the house plan, you will want to ensure that you are well-prepared for any constraints that may come with the kind of home that you choose. For example, you might have to deal with some bulky and heavy furniture while moving, which is a process that comes with plenty of drawbacks - in other words, injuries. To avoid injuries when moving furniture, it's best to hire a professional moving team. Strive to be safe during this as there is nothing more important than your health.

Connecting the inside of your home to the outdoors

Your floor layout will probably feature some outside recreation space - a front porch, a back lanai, a swimming pool, or some other type of amenity. Consider the amount of time you and your family will spend enjoying the outdoors before deciding on a floor layout. It's a lot like having a massive garden in that it might look great if you maintain and improve it, but if you don't, it can turn into a real eyesore. Make sure that you are willing to take on the additional burden of maintaining both the outside and the inside plan simultaneously.

Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unspl

"A front porch can be your little oasis with just a bit of effort"

Don't forget to dream when choosing the floor plan for your new home

Everyone has a vision of their ideal house, and these ideals have evolved through time. Make a list of all the things you'd want to have in the house of your dreams right now. Spend some time thinking about what features you want to have in your new house before making any final decisions. You may get many ideas for home décor on websites and publications like Pinterest and other similar platforms. Then, think about how it can turn into reality. Better yet, put all those ideas (even the wildest ones) into perspective when talking to your contractor. You never know which one will be possible to execute.

Choose the right floor plan for your new home

It's not easy to start from scratch in anything in life. But, it can be a good and refreshing thing. A new start is best achieved when building a new house or apartment. So, don't fret. Use these guidelines we provided you with and choose the right floor plan for your new home. Start from scratch and build your new life with joy.
#houseconstruction #homedesign #homeconstruction #designinghouses

Author

Angie Brooks is an architect and a moving consultant currently working with Triple 7 Movers Las Vegas. When she's not helping her clients achieve their dreams of relocation, she enjoys writing and playing guitar on the beach with her friends. She was born and raised in Las Vegas.

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Ground compaction making solid foundations for your home

12/5/2022

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"Building on ground which isn’t compacted properly will result in settlement of the structure"

The ground under foundations, ground floor slabs, paving and driveways and in trenches should be compacted. Levelling an area for your house Failure to adequately compact the ground will result in the ground settling or sagging. If your house is built on ground that settles it will result in your house cracking. Cracks are unsightly, and in severe cases could result in your house collapsing. Usually an engineer will prescribe the degree of compaction and the number of layers that should be compacted.
#homeconstructiontips #houseconstruction #housefoundations

Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

Obviously when compacting trenches care must be taken not to damage the pipes in the trenches as they can often be easily crushed or cracked. What you should know when excavating for your new home and to lay pipes

When compacting ground it should be done in layers 100 to 150 millimetres (four to six inches) thick. Thicker layers don’t get compacted. Usually ground needs some moisture for compaction, normally referred to as the optimal moisture content. If there’s too much water, or too little, you won’t achieve the required compaction density no matter how hard it’s hit. The amount of compaction also depends on the type of machine and how many times the ground is compacted. Again there’s usually an optimum effort and too little will mean the ground isn’t compacted properly, while too much won’t make any difference to the degree of compaction after a while.

Photo by Fons Heijnsbroek on Unsplash

Some soils, such as clean sand, can compact very easily. Topsoil and clay ground is unsuitable for using under structures.

Geotechnical companies provide advice on what materials to use and undertake tests of the ground on the property and of the compacted area to check that the ground has been adequately compacted.

Building on ground which isn’t compacted properly will result in settlement of the structure, paving or driveway, which will look unsightly and be costly to repair.

Other useful articles:
Clearing way for your new home
Wastewater pipes and home construction

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​Make your kitchen more-kid friendly by making everything hard to reach

For homes with children, light colors and delicate materials are not a good fit

​When you renovate your new home to make it more kid-friendly, all that is sharp must go

​Redesign your kid’s room to have sufficient space for all those toys

​Renovating and relocating is a good chance to declutter and regroup

​If you have an attic, turn it into a playroom

Renovating for a happy child and a happy you

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Make Your Kitchen the Center of the House

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Choose Hard-Wearing Materials and Finishes

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​What to check before adding an attic to your home

Eight attic remodel ideas you’ll love ​

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Consider Your Personality for the Best Kitchen Style

Appliances are an Important Part of Kitchen Design

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Pros Of A Starter Home

Cons Of A Starter Home

Pros Of A Forever Home

Cons Of A Forever Home

Making the best choice for your family

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Top 5 Advantages of Including a 3D Floor Plan in Your Property Listing

Selling your property

Author

​Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Defining an open concept kitchen

The pros of an open concept kitchen

The cons of an open concept kitchen

Opening up your kitchen space

Author

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

What impacts house foundations

Specialised house foundations

Good foundations are critical for your home

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

What is the budget for your home?

Match the house floor plan to your lifestyle

Adapt your home design to your family

Don't forget your family's social life

Take the number of storeys into consideration

Different house styles require different flooring

Connecting the inside of your home to the outdoors

Don't forget to dream when choosing the floor plan for your new home

Choose the right floor plan for your new home

Author

​Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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Make your kitchen more-kid friendly by making everything hard to reach

When you renovate your new home to make it more kid-friendly, all that is sharp must go

Redesign your kid’s room to have sufficient space for all those toys

Renovating and relocating is a good chance to declutter and regroup

If you have an attic, turn it into a playroom

The Right Layout is Crucial
for your home

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

What to check before adding an attic to your home

Eight attic remodel ideas you’ll love

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?