Category: Home Improvments

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Tips And Suggestions To Keep In Mind When Working With A General Contractor…

Establish Good Communication With Your Contractor

Ask the contractor how he prefers to communicate with you. Good options include:

  • Being onsite and talking with your contractor every morning before work begins.
  • Having your contractor’s cell phone number and the OK to call or text anytime.
  • Talking with the job foreman every day at a pre-determined time.

Try to meet with the project leader at least once a day. This is an opportunity for you to hear progress reports and find out what work is scheduled over the coming days — and to ask your questions and voice any concerns you have.

Great Tips And Ideas To Keep In Mind When Working With A Contractor

Keep a Project Journal

Your project journal is your friend and ally. Use it to:

  • Record progress.
  • Note things you want to ask your contractor.
  • Jot down ideas.
  • Record product order numbers.
  • Note upcoming delivery dates.

Be a Good Customer

One of the best ways to get quality work out of a contractor and construction crew is to make them enjoy working for you. That means being decisive with the contractor — and giving him a check promptly at the agreed-to points in the project.

Being friendly and accommodating of the workers is a great way to motivate them to do their best for you. Try:

  • Designating a bathroom that they can use.
  • Greeting them by name each morning.
  • Serving them cold lemonade on a hot day.
  • Complimenting their work (as long as you feel it’s worthy of praise).

Read more of our blog posts here—>>> https://parkerscustombuilders.com/posts/

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The Importance of an In-Law Suite…

Is your current home in need of a little extra space for the in-laws?

One popular custom home upgrade these days is the in-law suite.

Families are increasingly combining multiple generations under one roof, and one solution to this is to add a private in-law suite with separate entrances and bathrooms for privacy considerations.

Approximately 20% of the U.S. population lives in a multi-generational home, meaning three or more generations share the same household. As assisted living costs continue to rise, older Americans are choosing to move in with their children and grandkids. But instead of taking the spare bedroom upstairs, they’re moving into their own private in-law suite.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an In-Law Suite?

The cost to build an in-law suite varies by the type of space and how much work is needed to make that space livable. Ideally, your in-law suite should include everything needed for independent living, such as a separate bedroom, living area, bathroom and kitchen. Of course, adding all of these elements is expensive, with one financial expert putting the cost of installation somewhere between $40,000 and $125,000.

As steep as that may seem, the one-time cost to build an in-law suite pales in comparison to the annual cost of assisted living communities. A Cost of Care Survey recently reveals that in the United States, the average cost of a private room in a nursing home is around $105,000 annually. Semi-private rooms weren’t much cheaper, averaging out to $93,000 per year. In the long-run, the cost of an in-law suite addition is almost always less than the alternative. And money aside, being surrounded by family is better for your parent’s well-being too.

In the market for an In-Law Suite, lets chat…

https://parkerscustombuilders.com/contact-us/

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Kitchens with multiple purposes

When choosing a design that’s right for you, consider your,s and your family’s needs. Do you own at least one of everything and need a place to store all your gadgets? Would the island become a catch-all or would it be a great place to prepare a meal and watch over the kids as they are doing their homework? Would a window be nice for extra light or the serenity it would provide?

There are several considerations you should make when choosing a new house plan or remodeling your current kitchen that’s right for you.

Islands

Kitchen Islands are becoming more and more popular these days, especially with the growing need for a multi-functional space. Islands offer additional storage and room for food preparation. When the kitchen isn’t being used for cooking, an island can be used as a craft area, or kids can do their homework there. Many islands also have a breakfast bar area, so informal meals may be served here.

Cabinets

Form and function go hand in hand when it comes to selecting cabinetry. Because the cabinets are really the focal point of your kitchen, it is important that you select a design that is pleasing to you. There are so many options out there, from traditional to contemporary, made from all types of materials. Got some decorative plates or glassware that you’d like to display? Opt for a glass-door cabinet. Is cabinet organization not your strong point? Perhaps a solid wood cabinet door is the way to go. Speaking of organization, cabinet manufacturers nowadays have a variety of unique storage systems that can help you maximize the use of your cabinetry.

Countertops

Like cabinets, countertops must be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Consider what is important to you, and what you will be using the counter for. Perhaps a a built-in butcher block would be useful. Are you planning to cut vegetables on your counter or put hot pans on it? You’ll need to find a durable, scratch resistant countertop. There are so many different materials out there to choose from, you are bound to find something that matches your needs and budget.

Flooring

You will want to select a floor type that fits with the style of your cabinets and countertops. However, you’ll also need to consider how much traffic it can handle. Will the kids be running through with their soccer cleats on? Then you’ll definitely need a durable, scratch resistant floor! Do you cook a lot? Then perhaps a spill proof option is right for you.

Lighting

Poorly planned lighting can be a real buzz kill in your kitchen! Plan ahead of time what areas you think you’ll need what types of light. For example, if you have a designated food prep area, then perhaps some under cabinet lighting would be ideal. If another part of the kitchen is designated for entertaining mood lighting would definitely be appropriate. Also pay special attention to where you place your light switches and how many you have. You don’t want to have so many lighting options that you don’t know which to choose when you walk into the kitchen!

Storage

What types of things will you be storing in your kitchen? Beyond just pots and pans and dishes, will you need office storage for papers and bills? How much room will you devote to food storage? Also, special consideration is necessary if you live with elderly adults, who may need to have medications at a reachable height. On the other hand, if you live with young children, you’ll want to make sure that those types of items are a safe distance from their grasp.

Appliances

In addition to the finish on your appliances, you’ll want to decide what size your kitchen can house as well as its location. You definitely don’t want to have your fridge directly in front of the stove, so that you can only open one at a time! Be very meticulous when it comes to measuring space, because there’s nothing worse than finding out your brand new fridge won’t fit!

Space Planning

All of your hard work selecting cabinetry, lighting, countertops, and everything else will mean nothing if you don’t plan your space ahead. Think about what your kitchen will be used for. How many people will be in the kitchen at once? Will it be a gathering space for entertaining in addition to a food prep area? Then perhaps you will want to divide it into two separate areas-one for food preparation and the other for entertaining. Is it the hub of your home, from where you direct all of the day’s affairs? If so, you may need to plan in a space for a computer area or message center.

There are also plenty of extras you can add on to your kitchen. Butler’s pantries are very handy for food and appliance storage. Another neat option is an appliance garage, which allows you to easily access your mixers and toasters without having to always have them visible on your counter tops. For more information about planning your new home builds perfect kitchen or a kitchen remodel, contact us @ 231-798-3541

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How to Choose Energy Efficient Windows for Your New Home Part 3

Designed for Efficiency

Some window designs are inherently more efficient than others. The most common types:

  • Double-hung windows: These are traditional units in many homes across the country, and they’re especially common in pre-war buildings. With double-hung windows, the bottom slides up to open the unit. They can be efficient choices, but in really extreme climates, they may not be the best option because of the potential for air intrusion between the sliders.
  • Casement windows: Popular in climates where wind is an issue, these units, which have a crank that swings the window outward to open, actually seal themselves off tighter when wind blows in toward the house. They do require maintenance on hinges and seals, however, to ensure their continued stability and efficiency.
  • Picture windows: These usually don’t open and come in many different shapes and sizes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be efficient — glass choice and gas-filled interiors are especially important in these larger units.
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How to choose Energy Efficient Windows for Your New Home Part 2

Inside the Glass

While the material each window is constructed from is important, the reality is most recent window-related buzzwords are all about what’s inside the frame. But what do all these upgrades mean for homeowners?

John Lala, president of Rycorp Construction in Virginia Beach, Va., is familiar with the gamut of efficient window options. He’s built houses in all price ranges, from bare-bones-basic structures to million-dollar-plus projects with very eco-conscious clients. And after seeing everything out there and talking to lots of homebuyers, he says he ends up using windows with the same basic energy-efficiency features in most of his projects.

“A double-paned window with Low-E glass, with a vacuum-sealed argon fill — that’s what people ask for,” he says. “It’s an extra $40 or so per window for me to add these features, and they really do make a difference in a home’s utility bills.” John says he’s found that doing anything more, like using triple-paned glass or denser gases with greater insulative properties, “just adds cost and gives diminishing returns in efficiency.”

So what exactly are you getting when you choose a window with the aforementioned options? “Low-E, argon-filled, double-paned windows provide significantly more insulation than a single-pane window,” explains Kendra Weinisch, a residential energy efficiency consultant in San Jose, Calif. “These windows protect the inside of the house from the sun’s heat and UV rays in the summer, and they prevent heat from escaping during winter. From the standpoint of energy efficiency and value, these types of windows make a lot of sense.”

Kendra adds that while triple-paned windows may be notably more efficient in especially harsh winter climates, they can also reduce the window’s visibility and light transmittance.

You shouldn’t have to look much further than a window’s glass to find out what the unit’s efficiency features are. All windows in the voluntary Energy Star program will have a sticker on them with ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). To qualify for Energy Star status, window manufacturers have to meet standards on these two main metrics:

  • U-value: measures a window unit’s resistance to heat loss
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): measures how much heat enters a home through the glass

For both U-Value and SHGC, the lower the number, the better the window should perform.

Read Part 3 here

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How to Choose Energy Efficient Windows for Your New Home

Gone are the days when a homeowner’s interest in windows was limited to whether they could find stylish window treatments. Today, energy-conscious homeowners want to minimize the costs of heating and cooling their homes, and selecting the right windows is a crucial step. So how far should you go when choosing energy-efficient windows? The key is knowing what window upgrades will give you the biggest bang for your buck without delivering a blow to your bottom line.

There are four factors to consider when choosing energy efficient windows: frame, glass, design and installation.

The Right Frame of Mind

Most people know a wood frame is less prone to heat and cold transfer than an aluminum one, since metals conduct temperature much more easily than wood. But that doesn’t mean wood is always the best choice for a utility-bill-friendly window. There are a variety of materials available for window frames, and each has positive and negative aspects. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for your style and your budget.

  • Vinyl: Just because vinyl is a less expensive material doesn’t mean it has to be “cheap.” A well-constructed, properly installed vinyl window can be a practical choice: budget-wise while still offering excellent energy efficiency measures through insulated glass and tight construction that reduces air leakage. Vinyl windows can be limited in color choices, however, and the fact remains that some people simply don’t like the look of vinyl on their home.
  • Wood: Wood windows offer the best insulative value, though they also require more upkeep than vinyl, wood-clad or aluminum frames. Because of the potential for rot, they may not be the best choice for extremely humid or rainy climates. A well-built wood window will stand the test of time, however: many original wood windows in older homes are still in good shape thanks to the high-quality cut and species of wood used, says Tamara Myers, president of Myers Constructs in Philadelphia.
  • Aluminum: While not the top-performing material in terms of heat transfer and loss, aluminum windows are practical in rainy, humid climates, and they meet stringent coastal building codes in hurricane-prone areas thanks to their strength, says Johna Elisco, vice-president of All-American Doors and Windows in Pompano Beach, Fla.
  • Wood-Clad: Wood-clad windows seemingly offer the best of both worlds: a low-maintenance exterior (usually vinyl or aluminum) encasing a temperature-transfer-resistant wood interior. But Jim DeLaPlaine, director of operations for Building Engineering-Consultants, Inc. of The Woodlands, Texas, cautions against these windows for wetter climates. Jim explains that clad windows can be prone to water intrusion, which can cause rotting, especially in the sills and jambs, where water tends to pool. He notes that proper installation of wood-clad windows should include use of waterproof rubber membranes around the cladding as well as a stand-alone flashing assembly called a sill pan. The sill pan drains any water that gets around the window sills and jambs, minimizing moisture intrusion (and resulting wood deterioration).

Read Part 2 here…

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How to choose a color scheme

  1. Choose a Color Scheme From the Largest Pattern in the Space. If you’ve got patterned upholstery, a colorful rug or large piece of artwork, pluck colors you like from the pattern. …
  2. Decorate From Dark to Light, Vertically. …
  3. Use the Color Wheel. …
  4. Back to Black. …
  5. Go With Grays. …
  6. Contrast Warm and Cool. …
  7. Showcase Your Personal Style.
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Choose Your Own Ceiling Height

Did you know that you will have the option of choosing your ceiling height for your custom home? Rather than going with the customary eight feet, you can choose nine or ten foot ceilings or even vaulted ceilings instead.