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Category Archives: Custom Homes

10 Pet-Friendly Custom Home Design Ideas

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10 Pet-Friendly Custom Home Design Ideas

Having a pet is like having a best friend, a loyal companion, and a family member all in one. And as a pet owner, you want your furry friend to be as comfortable and happy as you are in your home. If you are planning to build or renovate your home, you can incorporate custom design ideas to make your home pet-friendly. Here are ten ideas for custom home design that can benefit both you and your furry friend.

1. A Pet Room / Space

Give your pet their own space in your home. A designated room or corner of a room can be a nice retreat for them. A pet room can be customized with features like elevated pet beds, litter boxes, feeding and watering stations, and storage for pet supplies. Where a pet living area is desired, make sure to consider flooring that is pet-resistant, easily cleanable, and durable to withstand claws and paws.

2. Built-in Feeding Stations

If your pet is picky when it comes to mealtime, you can incorporate built-in feeding stations into your custom home design. Feeding stations can be located in the kitchen or in a designated pet area. Kitchen feeding stations can be designed with custom cabinets and drawers that store food bowls, leashes, and other pet supplies. A built-in feeding station in the kitchen also makes it easy to clean the mess after mealtime.

3. Pet-Friendly Flooring

Pets can cause a lot of wear and tear on floors, but pet-friendly flooring options like tile, vinyl, or even waterproof hardwood floors can make cleaning a breeze and durable enough to withstand constant movement from pets. Carpets might be a comfortable flooring choice for humans, but they can easily trap pet hair, stains, and odor. If you must have carpet, select low pile options for easy cleaning but stay mindful of the drawbacks.

4. Pet Doors

A pet door can be a convenient and secure addition to any custom home design. A pet door gives your furry friend the freedom to go in and out of the house without your assistance. They also come in varying sizes, so you can choose the size that is most suitable for your pet. Pet doors can be placed in any appropriate location — doors, walls, windows — it’s up to your preference.

5. Play Area

Just like children, pets love to play. Custom home design ideas should include a designated indoor and outdoor play area designed to fit your pet’s needs. Indoor play areas can be customized with climbing structures, play tunnels, and designated spaces to hide toys. Outdoor play areas can include a fully enclosed yard, splash pads, obstacle courses, and toys. Ensure that you have enough space and soft surfaces for your pet to safely tumble around without getting hurt.

6. Fenced Yard

A fenced yard ensures your pet’s safety while enjoying the outdoors. Custom home design ideas can include designing your fence to match the exterior of your home, building a fence with durable materials, and incorporating landscape design that enhances the overall aesthetics of the property. Consider an additional secured area within your yard to protect any other plants, decoration, or belongings that your pet may gleefully knock down.

7. Window Perches

Pets love to look out of the window and watch the world go by. Custom home design ideas can include window perches, especially for high energy cats. A window perch would consist of a platform, a comfortable cushion, and an elevated view positioned under a window. You can also place bird feeders near the window to give your cat something to watch.

8. Built-in Kennel

If you have a dog, you can incorporate a built-in kennel in your custom home design. Built-in kennels are less intrusive than free-standing kennels and can be designed with features like easy cleaning, ventilation, and an easy access door. Built-in kennels can also provide your dog with a cozy retreat.

9. Laundry Room

Pets can necessitate lots of grooming, and there are plenty of things that go into washing them. From dog beds, clothes, toys, and occasionally, an accident cleanup. A designated space for pet-related laundry will make your life that much easier. A laundry room with designed sinks and storage draws will make the washing process hassle-free. A mudroom or laundry room equipped with a walk-in shower is ideal for getting your pet clean in the most efficient manner.

10. Hidden Litterbox Rooms

Litterboxes can take up valuable real estate in your home. With custom home design, you can incorporate hidden litter box spaces that reduce the visible clutter of litter boxes and protect it from other pets. Built-in litter boxes can be hidden in a cabinet or furniture and disguised with materials that complement the surrounding decor.

In Conclusion

As pet owners, we want to provide our furry friends with the best living experience we can. You can incorporate custom home design ideas that cater to your pet’s comfort and needs into your home design. Custom home design allows you to incorporate features like a designated pet room, built-in feeding stations, pet-friendly floors, pet doors, play areas, fenced yards, window perches, built-in kennels, laundry spaces, and hidden litterboxes that enhance your pet’s overall living experience in your home.

Got questions? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you and your furry companions!

What Custom Home Style is Perfect for You?

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What Custom Home Style is Perfect for You?

Building a custom home allows you to create a space that fits your personal style and needs. However, with so many different home styles to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most popular custom home styles and help you determine which one might be perfect for you.

Contemporary

Contemporary homes are all about clean lines and minimalistic design. They typically feature large windows that let in natural light and focus on open spaces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Modern materials such as glass and steel are often used to create striking architectural features. If you prefer a sleek, minimalist look with plenty of natural light, a contemporary home might be right for you.

Craftsman

Craftsman-style homes are known for their attention to detail and emphasis on natural materials. They often feature handcrafted woodwork, exposed beams, and stone accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Craftsman homes typically feature open floor plans, and outdoor living spaces, such as front porches and back patios. If you’re looking for a home that feels cozy and warm with lots of natural materials, then a craftsman-style home may be perfect for you.

Colonial

Colonial style homes are a nod to the traditional architecture of America’s colonial period. Typically, they feature symmetrical facades, center entryways, and gabled roofs. The interiors are often symmetrical as well, with formal living and dining rooms on either side of the entryway. Colonial homes can feel a bit more formal and traditional than other home styles, but with some customization, you can make it a perfect fit for your personal style.

Modern Farmhouse

Modern farmhouse style is a blend of traditional farmhouse architecture with contemporary elements. Typically, these homes feature steeply pitched roofs, gabled dormers, and large front porches. They often incorporate natural materials such as wood and stone but pair them with modern finishes such as metal roofs and clean lines. Modern farmhouse style is perfect if you’re looking for a home that has a cozy, traditional feel but with a modern twist.

Ranch

Ranch-style homes are popular or those who want a single-story home with an open floor plan, which makes them perfect for entertaining and families with young children. They feature low sloped roofs and horizontal lines, creating a long, low profile. Ranch-style homes often have sliding glass doors that open onto a back patio and large windows to take advantage of natural light. Ranch homes are perfect for those who prefer easy living, open floor plans, and an indoor/outdoor lifestyle.

Mediterranean

Inspired by the architecture of Spain, Italy, and Portugal, Mediterranean-style homes feature stucco exteriors with tile roofs, arches, and wrought-iron details. They often have courtyards with fountains and lush vegetation. The interiors typically have high ceilings, large windows, and open floor plans that allow natural light to flow throughout the home. If you’re looking for a home that has an old-world charm and luxurious vibe, then a Mediterranean-style home may be right for you.

Conclusion

Building a custom home is a dream come true for many people, but choosing the right home style can be challenging. By understanding the characteristics of different home styles, you can determine which one is perfect for you. Whether you prefer the sleek lines of a contemporary home, the warmth of a craftsman-style home, or the charm of a Mediterranean-style home, there is a custom home style that’s perfect for you. With the right custom home style, you’ll have a space that celebrates your unique style and needs while providing a comfortable and functional place to call home.

Need a hand in designing your dream home? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

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Why a Custom Home Is the Better Home Investment

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Why a Custom Home Is the Better Home Investment

Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and it’s essential to choose the right property to maximize your investment. There are many options for homebuyers, from existing homes to new construction, but when it comes to quality, longevity, and customization, nothing beats a custom home. Custom homes provide buyers with the opportunity to create a home that meets their unique needs, style, and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of the home is tailored to their lifestyle. Here are a few reasons why a custom home is the better home investment.

Customized Design

The primary advantage of a custom home is the ability to customize the home design to meet your specific needs and preferences. Homebuyers can work with architects and designers to create a home that meets their unique style and functional requirements. This level of customization is not possible with pre-existing homes, where each element of the design has already been predetermined. With a custom home, you can choose everything from the layout of the home to the materials used in construction to create a home that’s perfect for you.

Energy Efficiency

Custom homes are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Energy-efficient features, such as LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and energy-saving windows, are commonly incorporated into custom home designs. Additionally, custom homes are built to meet the latest industry standards for energy efficiency, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly than older homes.

Higher Quality Construction

Custom homes are built with high-quality materials and construction methods. Every aspect of the home, from the foundation to the roof, is carefully engineered to ensure that it meets the highest quality standards. This level of quality is not always guaranteed with pre-existing homes, where wear and tear can be hidden behind walls and ceilings, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and maintenance expenses.

Long-Term Value

Custom homes are an investment in the future, providing long-term value to homeowners. Because they are built with high-quality materials and construction methods, custom homes require less maintenance and repairs than pre-existing homes, resulting in lower long-term costs of ownership. Additionally, the customization of a custom home adds significant value to the property, making it a wise investment choice.

Personalized Location

Custom homes provide homeowners with the opportunity to choose the location of their home, whether that’s in an established neighborhood, on a large rural plot, or anywhere in between. Buyers can select a location that meets their specific needs, such as proximity to schools, shopping, or nightlife, or away from the hustle and bustle for peaceful, quiet living.

No Compromises

Pre-existing homes may offer some of the features that homeowners are looking for, but rarely are they an exact match. Often, major compromises have to be made in order to accommodate the homebuyer’s needs. With a custom home, there is no need to make such compromises. Buyers can create exactly what they want, and every aspect of the home is tailored to their individual needs.

Conclusion

For buyers looking for a home investment that meets their specific wants and needs, a custom home is the ideal choice. Custom homes offer a range of benefits, from high-quality construction to energy efficiency and long-term value. The ability to personalize every aspect of the home ensures that buyers get exactly what they want, with no compromises. With the help of a reputable contractor, a custom home can be an investment that provides homeowners with satisfaction, value, and enjoyment for years to come.

Is It Worth It To Build A Custom Home?

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Is It Worth It To Build A Custom Home?

Building your own home is a big investment. So you want to make sure it’s worth it. The answer depends on many factors. But if you’re committed to building the custom home of your dreams, it should be a worthwhile endeavor.

1. Full Customization

The biggest advantage to building and designing a custom home is that you get to select all of the materials. That includes floors, cabinets, appliances, and more. The quality of these materials can make or break a home, so you definitely want to pick the best. Another benefit of a custom home is that you can design spaces that will serve your family well in the years to come. This could include an at-home office or a dedicated work out room. It might even be possible to build an area you’ll need for a new addition to the family, like a baby room or an extra bedroom.

2. Save Money

Building a custom home means that you can choose everything from the floor plan to the materials used for construction. This gives you more control over the final product and allows you to save money. The best part is that when you build a custom home, you can also save money on maintenance and repairs. This is because you won’t be wasting money on old plumbing or HVAC systems, which can be expensive to repair and replace later. Another way that you can save money on a custom home is by using energy efficient materials and appliances. This can help you reduce your utility costs and qualify you for energy tax credits. You also have the option of adding solar panels to your home. This can be a great way to save money on energy bills and even get your money back once the house is built.

3. It’s Worth It

In short, building a custom home can be the best thing you ever did for your family, and it’s well worth the investment. You will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of the home that you dreamed up, without the headaches and hassles that go with purchasing an off-the-shelf model. You may even save some money in the long run. The biggest tip is to be clear with your requirements and to stick within your budget. And we understand that having your dreams come true is an exciting process. However, it can also be stressful and a little overwhelming. Therefore, you should always try to keep a positive attitude and focus on enjoying the journey!

Custom Vs Manufactured Homes

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Custom Vs Manufactured Homes

There are many options when it comes to buying a home. Depending on your needs and goals, each of these types may be the perfect fit for you and your family. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type.

1. Customization

A custom home offers an entirely different experience than a manufactured home. The process is more personalized — you work with your builder to design, plan, and select every detail of the house. In other words, it is an ideal choice if you want to make your home work for your lifestyle. For example, if you are an avid cyclist or skier, you may want a home with space for bike storage. Similarly, if you are a woodworker or musician, you might consider building a soundproofed studio. This customization can be extremely valuable to you and your family. Ultimately, a custom home is an investment that will pay off in the long run. It will help you save money on energy costs and improve your living environment. In addition, a custom home can help you achieve a higher resale value.

2. Budget

Custom homes are typically much more expensive than manufactured homes. This is primarily because of the higher costs associated with land, materials and labor for stick-built homes. Manufactured homes are built in a factory, where quality control and continuous inspection help keep construction costs down. They are also constructed in a shorter time frame than site-built homes. They can be customized to meet your needs and budget, so they can make an excellent option for first-time home buyers who don’t want to sacrifice features or quality in favor of affordability. They can be designed to include all the same amenities as custom homes, including walk-in closets, fireplaces, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. You can also add garages, porches and other features that can make a manufactured home even more special.

3. Financing Options

Manufactured homes offer many advantages that make them popular with home buyers. Aside from being affordable, they’re also customizable and energy-efficient. Another key benefit is that they can be moved down the road, if needed. This can be especially helpful for older adults and families who want to move somewhere new in the future. But unlike custom built homes, it’s important to note that you can’t purchase land for a manufactured home. Instead, you will have to lease land and build your house on it. This can be a less convenient option than buying land, and it might impact your ability to get financing.

Must-Have Features in Your Custom Home

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When building a custom home, one of the main advantages is you have full control over what the home is. Features such as materials, the number of rooms, the overall layout, and various design choices are all up to you. Unlike a prebuilt home with a custom home, you don’t have to make do with a design choice you don’t like when buying the home, because everything is up to you.

An essential part of the building process is knowing what must have features for your custom home you should have. Here are five features for your new custom home that you should not miss out on.

Five Must-Have Features for Your Custom Home

  1. A Well-Insulated Roof: Having good insulation provides many useful benefits. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and saves you money by making heating and cooling far more efficient. Proper insulation also reduces noise pollution and improves indoor air quality.
  2. High-Quality Windows: Investing in high-quality windows makes your home warm, provides light, and makes your home look better. Well-made windows also help prevent outdoor air from entering your home and protect your home and possessions from UV rays and sun damage while not reducing light.
  3. Smart Lighting: Modern technology has made homes more responsive to owner needs. With smart lighting, you can control your home’s lighting from a smartphone or table. This means you can control your lights even when you are away from home. This saves on energy, helps light bulbs last longer, and can help with home security.
  4. A Heated Garage: Adding heat to your garage offers benefits as a homeowner. A heated garage can protect your car from the winter cold and other extreme weather conditions. Plus, if you like working on your car, a heated garage offers the perfect area. A warm garage also makes getting ready for winter outings easier.
  5. Outlets for Outdoor Spaces: Having accessible outdoor plugs makes your outdoor areas far more versatile. If you plan on putting up decorations or doing any work outside, you need access to outlets to power your tools or displays. Outdoor outlets can also be useful for patios and outdoor seating areas for plugging in laptops, cellphones, and other devices.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the ways you can make a custom home truly yours. When customizing a home, always keep your and your family’s needs at the front of your mind. Additions focusing on common needs and goals can greatly improve your quality of life.

Tips for Customizing Your Home to Fit Your Family’s Needs

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The design and layout of your home can dramatically affect your day-to-day life.

Home is where the heart is, where you raise your family and spend most of your time. It should be designed in such a way as to cater to your individual needs and the needs of your family.

Things to consider when customizing a home to fit your families needs.

1. Add a mudroom

How to customize your home to fit your families needs. We cannot emphasize enough the difference a mudroom will make to your life. It is a space in your home, usually located outside the main living areas, near the front or rear of the home. It serves a very specific purpose. It is a dedicated room where you can remove any muddy shoes or other outerwear before entering the home’s main living spaces, such as the kitchen, living area, or dining room.

This space usually includes plenty of storage space for every member of the home. There are dedicated locker-like spaces where kids can hang things like backpacks, and a space to put shoes, coats, and bags. These rooms are designed to be cleaned very easily and are easily maintained.

2. Creating a separate space for your kids

It’s important to create a separate space for the children’s rooms away from the master bedroom. This will provide privacy for the kids and the adults. Allowing kids to have this space will also encourage some form of independence and structure in their own space.

3. Add a flex room

A flex room is an excellent addition to your custom home.

It’s a room that may serve many different purposes in the period that you call the property your home. For example, a flex room may be used as a storage room when you first move in.

You could change it into a kid’s playroom when the kids get old enough, and you need to create a play space. This way, you keep the kid’s bedroom organized, or at least to some extent.

As the kids grow older, you may want to change the flex room into a study where they can go and finish homework after school. When the kids move out, you may want to change the flex room into a reading corner for yourself.

4. Jack and Jill’s bathrooms

Think about the family’s size, the home’s space, and access to shared bathrooms. A Jack and Jill bathroom that leads to two different bedrooms may be a great way to save space and allow multiple family members to have access to a shared bathroom. One child could use the bathroom sink while the other uses the shower or bath privately.

However, in some families, it may be better to include a small bathroom with each bedroom, to ensure privacy and that each child has access to their private bathroom.

5. Make your home kid-friendly

If you have kids or plan to have kids, you may want to consider making your home kid-friendly by adopting or adding any of the following:

  • Non-toxic paint and flooring
  • Fireplace safety
  • Kid-friendly staircase
  • Outlet covers
  • Safer shelving

Will 2023 Be a Good Time to Build a Custom House?

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Should I build a custom house in 2023? Only 19% of consumers believe that 2023 will be a good time to build a custom home, according to the Housing Sentiment Index. This is because interest rates are higher than ever before, with many expecting a recession in the future. If you are asking yourself this question, you may have already started the planning process. One of the first reasons is that construction costs have begun to drop. When the pandemic first began, everyone was seeing increases of up to 32%. But now, the pace of the increases has already begun to significantly slow down. It is expected that construction costs will begin to increase at a more consistent pace, between 2% and 4% in the year 2023.

Is 2023 a Good Time To Build a Custom Home?

Here are several more reasons to move on with your plans. In the year 2023, you can count on resale values to remain steady. Besides the market crash in 2008, many homeowners have rates under 5% versus variable rates that they were unable to afford. The low level of housing supply that is being seen now will still remain present without any reductions in value.

Besides the resale value, there is not a lot of competition when it comes to finding land. Over the past years, it has been a challenge for people to find available land to build their homes on. But, this is no longer the case, which means stability is finally present in the land market.

Another reason 2023 is a good time to build your home is that interest rates are more likely to decline. The mortgage market has already begun making predictions about falling rates. When it comes to mortgages, many people either sell their homes or refinance their loan before their loan ends. The lenders make money between the rate you are being charged and the fed funds. Currently, the spread on mortgages is much higher than it has ever been only because it is expected that many newly originated loans will be refinanced when rates start to decrease.

Not only will interest rates decline, but the supply chain has also begun improving. Now you no longer have to wait 12 months just to receive appliances and garage doors. Over the past several years, waiting for appliances has been the new norm. More than half of the builder materials dealers stated that the supply chain has improved and is expected to remain stable.

Picking the Perfect Finishes for Your Custom Home

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What finishes should I chose for a custom home? It can feel overwhelming to have a wide range of options available with different features to choose from. But, this process can be simple with the right tools, photos, and experts to help you out. Continue reading to find out various tips for picking the best finishes for your home.

Tips for Picking Finishes for Your Custom Home

Picking the perfect finishes for a custom hone doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips to help you along the way. First, don’t forget to gather all of the information you need before you start choosing any paint colors and flooring options. Take this time to come up with a budget and familiarize yourself with the building process. All of these things should then be discussed with your lender since you may have to pay more for upgrades in cash instead of them being financed. Also, don’t forget to decide on structural upgrades, including a finished basement, additional windows, and any room extensions or upgrades.

Once you have gathered all of the information you need, you can now check out various websites such as Pinterest and Houzz to get some ideas for styles. Use this time to save web pages and email links. This will help you later on not to get overwhelmed and keep a record of everything you like. Before scheduling an appointment with your design expert, visit your builder’s website to browse photos of homes to see what you like. You probably already have an idea of what you would like your new home to look like. But, you will need to decide on the things that are more important to you and start with those first.

Finally, you can begin to work with your design expert. You may have to schedule multiple sessions with your designer to choose the best options for your new home. But, if you don’t have many options, this process may be a bit quicker for you. You should begin by scheduling an initial consultation in person or by video conference. During this consultation, you can talk about the many options you have chosen. Don’t forget to ask questions. Once the basics have been established, you can start to narrow down your options. Your designer may advise you on the finishes and colors that blend well and even inform you about the quality of various products. You can also take advantage of online sources to compare different products and finishes.

4 Tips for Finding the Best Custom Home

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One of the best long-term investments someone can make is purchasing their own home. Beyond being a good investment, your home is also a place where you will spend a lot of time. Because of this, you will want to get a home that you love and meets all of your needs.

One way that you can do this is by purchasing and building your own custom home. When you are looking to purchase a custom home, there are a lot of factors to consider. Fortunately, there are various tips for picking a custom home that can make it a great option and investment.

Consider What Is Important

When looking for the best custom home, you must consider what is most important to you. There are many options to consider with any new custom home, so identifying the most important features should be your first priority. These can include square footage, home style, luxury amenities, outdoor space, and location. Once you have identified your most important features in the new home, it will make it easier to pair your options down to a more reasonable list size.

Have the Right Builder

When you are going to invest in any type of property, you will want to know that it is built well. While most people assume that a new custom home will be in great condition, there could still be near-term structure issues if it is not built well. Due to this, you should look to hire a builder and architect with a long track record and an excellent reputation for quality in your area. This should provide comfort that you are working with a reputable company that will build a quality home.

Ask Questions

When going through the process, various steps must be followed. This includes getting initial drawings, schematics, and blueprints from architects. These will then be the guide through the full home development. While you should be able to trust that everything is done well and in accordance with plans, you should never be afraid to ask questions. If a mistake is made, it is better to address it sooner rather than later.

Have a Budget and Prepare for Unexpected

Most people will know they need to budget properly for their home remodel. However, it is essential to remember that cost overruns can happen. Due to this, you should ensure that you have a contingency plan in place for additional costs that could arise.

If you are looking to have your own home built, there are a lot of choices to make to ensure you get a quality home that you will be able to enjoy for a very long time. When wondering how to find the best custom home, following these tips is very important as it can help guide your decision and ensure you get a quality property.

Contact Us:

Home Designs by Bruno
75 Lebanon Avenue
Colchester, CT 06415

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

Email: brunohayn@yahoo.com