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The Benefits of Home Design Consultation

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What does a design consultation include? As a potential homeowner, you’re probably wondering how a home design consultant can help. Such experts provide considerable advantages to potential homeowners. Here are the 5 benefits of having a design consultant.

1. Saves Time in Planning

As you will discover, there are many things to consider when planning to construct or renovate a home. It can be tough to determine what changes need to be made. A home design consultant will help you save time because they’ve had plenty of experience with the process. They know what works and what doesn’t. You don’t have to waste time figuring things out because the consultant will take care of it.

2. Gets You Organized

The planning process can be overwhelming because there are many things to consider. Having a home design consultant helps you stay organized because they will keep track of everything for you. This includes making sure that the construction crew has the necessary materials and that the permits are in order. In addition, the consultant can help you create a schedule so that everything is finished on time.

3. Make Your Home More Functional

You might not know how to make your home more functional. A home design consultant will help you figure out how to use the space in your home more efficiently. Home design experts will also help you choose fixtures and finishes that are both stylish and functional. This is important because you want your home to be beautiful and practical. The main idea is to ensure that your home is comfortable and inviting.

4. Creates a Unique Home

You want your home to be unique and reflect your style. A home design consultant will help you achieve this goal. They will work with you to choose the right materials, colors, and textures that reflect your taste. This is an important aspect of the project because you want your home to reflect who you are. You will get a home designed to meet your tastes and preferences.

5. Avoid Costly Mistakes

It’s easy to make mistakes when planning a construction or renovation project, and these mistakes can end up costing you a lot of money. A home design consultant will help you avoid making costly errors. You will always be in a position to make informed decisions because you will have the guidance of an expert. This is an important benefit because it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Conclusion

When choosing a home design consultant, you want to make sure you choose someone with experience. You also want to ensure that they can work with you to create a plan that meets your needs. The benefits of having a home design consultant are numerous. Contact Home Designs by Bruno to learn more about how we can help you with your home design needs.

The Benefits of a Custom Commercial Building

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What are the benefits of building a custom commercial building? A custom commercial building has a lot of benefits. It can also help you cut costs in the long run. If you’re thinking about constructing your own commercial building, consider the benefits below before you renew your lease.

The Benefits of Constructing Your Own Commercial Building

First Impressions: A custom building helps with marketing and networking. When customers or clients see a well-maintained, clean building, it subconsciously tells them that you’re a professional organization that is successful and can be trusted.

Cost Cutting: In the long run, constructing your own commercial building can help you save money. When you own the building, you control the maintenance and construction costs. You’re at the landlord’s mercy regarding repairs and renovations to a leased space.

Flexibility: With a custom commercial building, you can design the space to perfectly suit your needs. You can add features that will make your style and design. However, leasing a property requires you to adhere to the landlord’s rules and regulations, which can be quite restrictive.

Amenities: When you own your commercial building, you can add amenities. If your business requires certain equipment or facilities, you can easily incorporate them into the design of your custom building. With a leased space, you’ll have to work around the restrictions or regulations of the property.

Taxes: When you own a commercial building, you can deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes from your income taxes. This can save you a significant amount of money at tax time.

Equity: Ownership of a building gives you equity. You can borrow against the equity in your building or even sell the property if you need to. With a leased space, you have no equity and no ownership rights. However, you can use the equity to invest in another property or for unforeseen expenses.

Can Commercial Buildings Use Wood Framing?

Yes, commercial buildings can use wood framing. Wood is a popular choice for framing because it’s solid and durable. It’s also easy to work with, so it’s a good choice for construction projects. You can use wood framing for both small and large commercial buildings. There are several benefits of wood-framed commercial buildings. They include:

  • Cost-efficient
  • Durable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Energy efficient

As you can see, constructing a custom commercial building has many benefits. If you’re considering renewing your lease, consider owning your building instead. You’ll have more control over the space and its costs. Plus, you can tailor the design to suit your needs perfectly.

Decorating a Small House

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Homes come in all shapes and sizes, and in many cases, a smaller home may be more economical, fitting for your needs, or was the type of home for sale in your area. No matter the reasons, you still want your home to look nice. So, how can you design small spaces? It’s a common question we answer below.

How To Maximize Space in a Small House 

  1. Use Light: Proper use of light can make small areas look larger. You can use natural light and also take advantage of interior lights that don’t take up much room, such as pendant lights and string lights that can run along your walls.
  2. Make Use of Nooks: The corners of your room often sit empty. You can make use of corners to maximize the use of your home’s floor space. Corners and nooks can be filled with tables, desks, and floor lamps to improve your home’s lighting if needed.
  3. Use Vertical Spaces: You don’t have to decorate out wide; you can decorate up and make better use of your space. Adding shelving and bookshelves allows you to store or place personal items without taking up the center of the room.
  4. Use Large Rugs: While it is tempting to use smaller rugs for a smaller home, this just points out that you don’t have an excess of floor space. By using the largest rungs, you can fill the room’s volume and make it feel larger.
  5. Reduce Clutter: When you don’t have a lot of room to work with, every inch of space counts. Clutter takes up valuable room you can use for other things such as furniture. Reducing unneeded items makes your home easier to manage and makes moving around in it far easier by keeping floors clear.
  6. Get Rid of Unneeded Possessions: Related to the above, the cause of clutter is having too many unneeded items. It’s very easy to collect possessions over the years that no longer serve a practical purpose. These can be one-off items, items that no longer bring you any joy to own, or are things you no longer use. Getting rid of these items makes your home neater and gives you more room to work with.

Final Thoughts

A small home can still be a joy and home, after all, is still home. With some careful management of how you decorate and the things you own, you can take full advantage of all the space you have to work with.

Expenses Every Homeowner Should Expect

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Owning a home is something that so many people dream of. They want a home that they can call their own, but they might not be aware of different issues that come with homeownership and that come with your own home. Knowing what some issues or costs that you might have to deal with are can help you determine what you are going to have to pay.

Monthly Expenses of Owning a Home

There is a huge range of expenses that you may very well come up against, and being aware of them can help you be ready for those expenses when they arrive. Things like monthly utility bills like electricity and water are very common. If you have appliances like stoves, dryers or water heaters that run on gas, you may also have a gas bill. You may have entertainment costs like cable or internet, streaming services and more.

You also have to consider things like repairs that might pop up, upkeep costs, the cost of having things replaced and even the cost of yard maintenance if you do not take care of the lawn yourself. It is always a good idea to write down a list of bills to pay when owning a house to help you get a better idea of what you might be expected to pay and what you might have to end up paying.

How To Keep Track of Bills

There are some ways that you can keep track of your bills so that you can really make sure you pay them all. Taking the time to do things like writing down bills that you have to pay, dates that they are due, the amounts that they cost, and more can all help you keep track of what money is going out and what money you are spending.

If you have bills that are not going to come out every month, you may also want to write those down as well so that you can keep track of them. The biggest thing that you want to keep track of is making sure that you are paying attention and tracking your bills every month.

There are tons of bills that may come and go when it comes to owning a house, and knowing what bills are common and what bills you should expect is a huge benefit to you. It is always best to be prepared so that nothing takes you by surprise.

What To Expect in the Pre-Construction Phase

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Have you already assembled your dream team and received final working drawings for your new home? If so, it is time to put together your pre-construction plan. There are various options and features that this plan will consist of to include in your new home, such as finishing material selections, structural material selections and much more. This will probably take a little bit more time and consist of more detail than the pages of your current architectural drawings.

Things To Know About the Pre-Construction Phase

A pre-construction process flow chart will help you keep everything in order. Here are some things that you should aim to keep in mind about your process and include in the pre-construction of your project.

Approvals, Permits, & Financing

You will have to ensure you obtain all of the necessary approvals, permits, and financing before your project. It is the builders’ responsibility to send you all the required documentation to your bank along with the executed contract needed for bank construction funding. During this period, they will also take care of all paperwork and red tape prior to beginning the project.

Accept Key Trade Partners & Conclude Project Schedule

Your contractors will now begin to put together the best trade partners and construction team for the project. A pre-construction phase plan example is vetting, sourcing, and paying experts that will be working on every part of your project. Every subcontractor and trade partner who joins these teams has obviously proven themselves to be valuable and reliable.

Once this has been completed, it will be time to conclude your timeline, giving you a projected move-in date.

HOA Approval & Submitting Permits

Here is an idea of the typical approval process for HOA:

  • Submit elevation and floor plan to receive preliminary HOA approval
  • Complete a full-color board final plan to send to HOA for full approval
  • Final modifications to HOA are required and can be resubmitted for final approval
  • Within 30 days, final approval is granted

Submitting a Building Permit

  • Topo survey, soil report, and architectural plans
  • Structural engineer details & calculations
  • Drainage and grading plan by engineers

If you require a big remodeling project, the best thing to do is find a reputable company in the industry that can deliver passion, experience, and insight. You want contractors who will live up to their promise and provide a personalized experience with the highest quality of craftsmanship.

Building a New Custom Home Versus Buying New Construction Home

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Building a New Custom Home Versus Buying a New Construction Home

Is it better to build or buy a house? As you intend to become a homeowner, this is a critical question you probably need answers to before making the final decision. Several benefits come from a new custom home build.

1. Customized Home

A personalized home is one of the crucial advantages you will be getting by opting to build your house. This means you will have an opportunity to decide on the kind of features you want to include in your home. For instance, if you want a particular type of kitchen, you can get it designed and fitted in your house. You might not have been able to do this when buying an already constructed home.

2. Picking the Best Location

The location of your home is something you need to take seriously. After all, it would help if you had a place you could call home sweet home. Fortunately, when building a house, you will have an opportunity to pick the best location for your property. You can buy a piece of land in a residential area where you feel comfortable and safe.

3. Achieving Your Dream Home

When you buy an already constructed house, there are high chances that you will not get all the features you want in your dream home. However, this should not worry you when you opt to build your house. This is because you can achieve your dream home as long as you work with the right professionals. You can easily decide to include all the features you want in your home without worrying about whether they will fit.

4. Avoiding Unwanted Surprises

It’s common for people who buy already constructed homes to come across some unwanted surprises. For instance, you might find out that the house you bought has some underlying issues. However, this will not be the case when you opt to build your home. You will be in charge of everything happening during the construction process. As a result, you will not have to deal with unwanted surprises.

5. Saving Money in the Long Run

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? This is another crucial question you must ask yourself before making your final decision. In most cases, building a home is cheaper than buying an already constructed one. You will not have to pay for the labor costs as you will do everything independently. Also, you will be able to get discounts on the materials you will use to construct your house.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it’s evident that you will be getting several benefits from building your home. These advantages include having a customized home, picking the best location, achieving your dream home, avoiding unwanted surprises, and saving money in the long run. Contact Home Designs by Bruno today, and we will help you turn your dream home into a reality.

12 Exterior Custom Home Trends

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Exterior home trends 2022 seem to be highly focused on the issue of sustainability rather than the traditional aesthetics that have been trending for many years. However, this does not mean that such aspects are no longer fashionable. So, let’s dive into the exterior custom home trends currently dominating the market.

1. Neutral Colors

Exterior house color ideas 2022 are leaning toward the use of neutral colors. This is likely due to the continued focus on sustainability and the need for a more modern look. These colors can be used to create a clean and stylish look that will last for years to come.

2. Outdoor Living Ares

It’s not rare for property owners to want to spend more time outdoors. As a result, many homeowners are now looking for ways to create an outdoor living area. This can be done by adding a patio or deck to the home. Alternatively, some people are even creating outdoor kitchens for similar purposes.

3. Wood Accents

Wood remains a popular choice for exterior home design. However, it is now used more as an accent than the primary material. Like neutrals, wood lends to a sustainable vibe and a natural look.

4. Functional Lighting

Exterior lighting is no longer just about providing light for your home. It is now also about providing functional lighting that can be used for security, safety, and even decoration. This trend will likely continue as homeowners become more aware of the need for such features.

5. Light Color Stone Accents

This has not been a common trend but is now becoming more popular. Light stone color can also add a touch of elegance to your home.

6. Swimming Pools

Exterior structures such as swimming pools continue to be popular among homeowners as they provide a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. They can also be used as a gathering place for friends and family.

7. Exterior Black Accents

Today, many homeowners are choosing to use black accents on their homes. Black accents have become popular due to the need for a more modern and minimalist look. However, black can also create a sense of sophistication and elegance. These accents can be used on your home’s exterior and interior.

8. Outdoor Fireplaces

A modern outdoor fireplace is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm. This trend will continue as more people seek ways to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Outdoor fireplaces offer places to pass the time in summer evenings.

9. Paver Walkways

Paver walkways have long been a popular choice for homeowners. They are durable and easy to maintain. This trend will likely continue as they offer a classic look that will never go out of style. In addition, these walkways can be used to create various looks, from simple to elaborate.

10. Outdoor Spas

Traditionally, spas have been used for indoor relaxation. However, they are now being increasingly used outdoors. Outdoor spas can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

11. Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens have always been a popular choice for homeowners. However, they are now used more as a leading kitchen than just an outdoor cooking area.

12. Decorative Tiles

Traditionally, tiles have been used for their practical purposes. However, they are now also being used for their decorative value. This trend will likely continue as homeowners look for ways to add a personal touch to their homes. These tiles can be used on your home’s exterior and interior.

Conclusion

These exterior home trends are popular and offer a great way to add value to your home. They’re not only aesthetically pleasing but minimalist in nature. Consider these trends if you’re thinking of making exterior changes to your home.

Are Custom Homes Cheaper Than Pre-Built Homes?

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Are custom homes cheaper to build? Is it cheaper to build a home than buy a pre built home? These are two questions anyone in the market for a house is probably trying to answer. If you’re struggling to get a clear answer to your questions, don’t worry.  In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options and help you decide which is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Custom Homes

One of the main benefits of choosing a custom-built home is complete control over the design and layout. In addition, you can work with your builder to create a home that perfectly matches your needs and lifestyle.

Another benefit of custom homes is that they often come at a lower cost than pre-built homes. In addition, since you are cutting out the middleman, you can usually get a better deal on the materials and labor for your home.

However, there are also some downsides to custom homes. Building your own home can be a long and complicated process that requires a lot of time and effort from you. You will also have less flexibility in terms of location, as you will need to find a suitable lot for building.

The Pros and Cons of Pre-Built Homes

Pre-built homes have the advantage of being quick and easy to move into. You can usually find a home that is already built and move in within a few weeks or months. This is a welcome option if you are in a hurry to find housing or cannot build your own home for some reason.

However, there are also downsides to pre-built homes. For one thing, they often come at a higher cost than custom homes. This is because you buy the house from someone else and do not cut out the middleman. You may also have less flexibility in design and layout, as most pre-built homes are not customizable.

How To Decide Which Is Right for You

Now that you know the pros and cons of both custom homes and pre-built homes, how do you decide which is right for you? Here are a few tips:

  • Consider Your Budget

Custom homes often come at a lower cost than pre-built homes, but this may not be true in all cases. Do some research and compare prices to help you decide which option is most financially feasible for you.

  • Time Factor

Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into building or purchasing a home. If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance option, pre-built homes may be better. However, if you’re willing to wait and put some time into building your own home, custom homes can be a great option.

  • Personal Lifestyle

Consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you have specific ideas about what you want your home to look like? If so, custom homes may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re not picky about design, pre-built homes may be just as good.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no significant cost difference between custom and pre-built homes. However, custom homes provide personal tastes, which is not the case for pre-built homes. If you’re looking for professionals to assist in your custom home, contact Home Designs by Bruno for assistance.

What Goes Into Building a Custom Home?

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Designing and building a custom dream home is a goal for many of us. You’ll choose everything you want in your home, without compromising your overall vision. You’ll design a home that is unique to your needs. Equally, you’ll be choosing all the fine-tuned details to complete your vision.On the other hand, a majority of custom homeowners aren’t architects or builders. The numerous details to consider and navigate can be overwhelming for the average homeowner. Issues of structural engineering and meeting code requirements for where you build should, at the least, be discussed with professionals.

So, how does a homeowner decide how to build a custom home?

Let’s take a look at some of the bigger decisions you’ll make as the homeowner, as well as the role of the professionals in this process.

Location, Location, Location

Before taking the time to design the full structure, you will need to determine where you’ll build. This can be a crucial decision for numerous reasons, as the type of home, the materials used, the local and state building codes you’ll encounter, and access to the land you’ve chosen are all factors to consider.

Codes and Structural Support

As just mentioned, you’ll need to determine the applicable building codes for the area you’re building. Let’s say you’ve found a pristine coastal location to build. In a state such as Florida, you have to build with the potential of hurricanes and storms impacting your house.

The proper structural supports, foundational pilings, and distance from the shore are all specific to your building area. A licensed builder in the area will know these requirements and should be consulted before finalizing decisions.

Architecture and Engineering

Once you’ve found (and cleared) your land, an architect can begin working up blueprints for your home. You’ll have lots of input on design elements, but an architect will be able to properly design the house so it works for the building process, as well as works aesthetically with your lot. Customization really happens in the blueprint stage, too, as the builder will be following these plans for construction.

Equally, an engineer is going to help determine the structural support needs. Where you put walls can be far more important than just partitions between rooms. The proper load-bearing walls will make or break your structure. Engineers will also have great input on what kind of building materials you’ll use.

Choose Your Crew Wisely

The right contractor is possibly the biggest decision you’ll make, as you want to pick a builder with experience and a good reputation in custom home building and experience building in the area you’ve chosen. Their knowledge can be critical for making fine-tuned adjustments before and during the build.

Interior Design Choices

Of course, there is another entire group of builders and designers who will help finish your home, once the structural build is complete. Interior designers and specific craftsmen will help transform your space into the final vision for your custom home.

These are just some of the steps in the custom home build process. It should be clear that you’ll encounter numerous decisions and processes to make your dream a reality. Consult the professionals, whenever possible. Your custom home plans shouldn’t be compromised. Don’t let unforeseen requirements halt you in your tracks.

Are Custom Homes Cheaper Than Pre-Built Homes?

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Are custom homes cheaper to build? Is it cheaper to build a home than buy a pre built home? These are two questions anyone in the market for a house is probably trying to answer. If you’re struggling to get a clear answer to your questions, don’t worry.  In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options and help you decide which is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Custom Homes

One of the main benefits of choosing a custom-built home is complete control over the design and layout. In addition, you can work with your builder to create a home that perfectly matches your needs and lifestyle.

Another benefit of custom homes is that they often come at a lower cost than pre-built homes. In addition, since you are cutting out the middleman, you can usually get a better deal on the materials and labor for your home.

However, there are also some downsides to custom homes. Building your own home can be a long and complicated process that requires a lot of time and effort from you. You will also have less flexibility in terms of location, as you will need to find a suitable lot for building.

The Pros and Cons of Pre-Built Homes

Pre-built homes have the advantage of being quick and easy to move into. You can usually find a home that is already built and move in within a few weeks or months. This is a welcome option if you are in a hurry to find housing or cannot build your own home for some reason.

However, there are also downsides to pre-built homes. For one thing, they often come at a higher cost than custom homes. This is because you buy the house from someone else and do not cut out the middleman. You may also have less flexibility in design and layout, as most pre-built homes are not customizable.

How To Decide Which Is Right for You

Now that you know the pros and cons of both custom homes and pre-built homes, how do you decide which is right for you? Here are a few tips:

  • Consider Your Budget

Custom homes often come at a lower cost than pre-built homes, but this may not be true in all cases. Do some research and compare prices to help you decide which option is most financially feasible for you.

  • Time Factor

Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into building or purchasing a home. If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance option, pre-built homes may be better. However, if you’re willing to wait and put some time into building your own home, custom homes can be a great option.

  • Personal Lifestyle

Consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you have specific ideas about what you want your home to look like? If so, custom homes may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re not picky about design, pre-built homes may be just as good.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no significant cost difference between custom and pre-built homes. However, custom homes provide personal tastes, which is not the case for pre-built homes. If you’re looking for professionals to assist in your custom home, contact Home Designs by Bruno for assistance.

Contact Us:

Home Designs by Bruno
75 Lebanon Avenue
Colchester, CT 06415

Phone: 860-537-5345
Fax: 860-603-2622

Email: brunohayn@yahoo.com