7 Steps for Building a Home

You’ve done it. You’ve made that big decision, the one that’s been lurking in your mind for months.

You’re going to build a house.

Now that you’ve made the decision to build, there are many more decisions to make regarding your future home. As you begin this journey, there may be times when you are overwhelmed by everything you have to do. To help minimize the coming stresses, follow these seven steps to creating a new home.

1. Set goals

Goals are a fantastic way to organize your thoughts and desires for your project. When you set goals, you answer questions about your new home and set the foundation for the rest of the project. To help set your goals, ask yourself these questions:

• What do you want to achieve?
• Where do you want to live?
• How much will this cost?
• Does plan A make sense? Do you have a plan B?

2. Make your budget (And stick to it)

Your budget should definitely be included in your goals, but its importance earns it a separate step. At first, you’ll want to have an estimate of what you can afford and how your desired home fits into that. Then, you’ll move onto the smaller details and designs. Your budget should include everything from the cost of the land and taxes to landscaping, decorating, and furniture costs. Always include a margin for unexpected costs. You might not expect to need it, but as any builder can tell you, you probably will.

3. Find your future location

Though you have decided to build, this doesn’t mean you have to build from the ground up. If you find the perfect piece of land with a workable old home, use the old house as a starting place for the new one. Remake it to fit your needs and wants. Or, locate the perfect plot of land and create from scratch. Either will work just fine.

4. Make your team

Hiring professionals for this scope of project is always going to be the best decision. A professional builder, like Integrity Remodeling and Custom Homes, will know what to do and how to do it for the best results. Hired designers, architects, builders, and other professionals will bring a host of helpful contacts and experience to make your project as smooth as it can be.

5. Planning is key

You can never plan too much for a big project like this. Get as detailed as you can and play the “What If” game with every decision you make. This will probably be a long-term home and may be the only home you build, so dream as big as you can. Let budget and design concerns come later and get inspired.

6. Know that things will change…and accept the inevitable

No matter how well you plan, things are going to go wrong. Your team should be able to help you through these road bumps, but it’s important to handle the stress well. Just stay calm, keep laughing, and trust in the people you hired. Don’t pay attention to any grumblings you hear from the construction crew — people complain all the time and it usually doesn’t mean anything. Most importantly, don’t change your mind. Nothing will upset a project more than last-minute changes. Make your decisions and stick with them.

7. Enjoy it

Building a home is a unique and special occurrence. Savor every step and then take the time to enjoy your new home. Don’t sweat the small bumps you experienced or the things that didn’t go as planned. Sit back and breathe it in.

Have you built a home? What advice would you give?

Finding the Right Kitchen Size

You may have loved your kitchen when you moved into your home or you may have despised it from the first time you saw it. Either way, you’ve fallen out of love with your kitchen and it’s time for something new.

As you plan your new kitchen, it’s important to think about how much kitchen you need. You may want to knock down a few walls and double the current size, but is an extravagant kitchen really what your home needs? Read through these tips to select the right size for your new kitchen.

1. Price it right

A massive, $70,000 kitchen will certainly turn the neighbors green, but does it fit with your house and neighborhood? If you live in a $100,000 neighborhood, your remodel is not going to pay off in the end. If your remodel is cost-effective, but too big or too small for your home, it will likely discourage any potential buyers if you decide to sell. Choose a look that matches your home and neighborhood.

2. Don’t over-personalize

Adding personal touches, such as your favorite colors or wacky wallpaper, may be fun at first, but it can cost you when you sell. Buyers like houses they can see themselves in and your hot pink paint and zebra wallpaper can ruin this image. Choose a neutral decor you can enjoy without making it too personal.

3. Think of the future

Do you plan on moving in the next 5-15 years? The extent of your remodel should reflect your future plans. If you are going to move in the near future, avoid a complete overhaul and stick with a surface-level remodel. You don’t want to spend a lot of time and money on an extensive project only to move shortly after it’s completed.

4. Consider the rest of the home

How out-of-date is the rest of your home? It’s important to evaluate the relationship your kitchen has with the other rooms in the house. After all, you don’t want to put a brand new kitchen in an old, faded home. Instead, consider putting your efforts into refreshing the entire home.

5. Budget well

As much as you might want an expensive fridge or high-end oven, consider the effect such a purchase will have on the rest of the project. Instead of using the majority of your budget on one item, use it to update all of your kitchen with less expensive updates. Simplicity is often the best option. Balance what you need and what you want and look at the overall picture before making your purchases.

6. Be practical

As you plan your project, consider the practicality of each decision. Are your appliances in the ideal locations? Do you have enough counter space for your needs? An island is nice, but does it take up too much room? Consider every angle and enjoy a smoother project for it.

Do you have any questions about remodeling your kitchen?

6 Reasons to Retire to a Tiny House

With retirement, many seniors move to smaller homes with fewer costs and less upkeep. The surge of tiny house popularity has proven to appeal to many downsizing seniors. In fact, according to Senior Planet, 40 percent of tiny house owners are 50 or over.

Whether you are looking for yourself or for your parents, understanding the benefits of retiring to a tiny house is important. We’ve outlined 6 main benefits for a tiny life retirement below, so keep reading for more info!

1. No mortgage

Mortgages are one of the greatest drains on a retirement fund. According to Senior Planet, 63 percent of senior tiny house owners have no mortgages. When moving to a tiny house, many seniors pay $40,000 to $80,000 for their new homes, which includes any renovations made for easier living. Retirees who want to work part time will be able to enjoy a lifestyle that matches their income.

2. Travel

Some tiny houses are built on foundations, but many are built on trailers for greater mobility. Too much travel can cause wear and tear to your home and generate high costs in fuel, but occasional moves are always a possibility. Visit national parks or the ocean. Spend a few months with each of your children or with an ailing friend or relative. Take advantage of this time to explore and experience the world.

3. Simplify

The average tiny house is around 260 sq. ft., which is 10 percent of the size of an average American home. With less space comes less to clean and maintain, but also less space for storage. Learn to live with only what you need and treasure. A smaller space and fewer appliances require less time and money to maintain. Enjoy the time you would have spent cleaning or repairing and gain a new appreciation for the simple life.

4. Lower utility costs

A home one-tenth the size of an average home will only use about one-tenth the amount of energy to heat, cool, and light. You can save water that would have gone toward watering the lawn. Enjoy a more manageable monthly budget and use fewer resources.

5. Join a community

Senior Planet found that people who share their tiny house with a partner have more “open communication, understanding, and patience.” Along with better relationships with partners, tiny house owners join a community of like-minded people who can share experiences and advice. Enjoy a community of retirees who have the same mindset and goals.

6. Build to your needs

Many retirees renovate their homes to better fit their needs as they get older. With a tiny house, seniors can customize their homes to best fit their needs, lifestyle, and wants. Tiny houses have less strict building codes than larger homes, which gives more creative freedom to owners. Use this freedom to build the home you’ve always wanted — on a smaller scale.

Would you retire to a tiny house? Tell us why in the comments!

Starting Your Remodel

Designing and planning for your remodel is often exciting. As you begin to plan for a bathroom, kitchen, or addition that fits your needs and wants, your project can seem more like play than work. Once you begin to implement your design, however, your remodel can quickly become stressful and frustrating, especially if you run into problems.

You can’t control what happens, but you can avoid disaster by planning and organizing before your project even begins. Use these tips as a guide for your remodel and create a plan that will make your project a breeze!

1. Make lists

Organization is key for big projects and making lists will help you keep your plans and thoughts straight. Your scope of work document is the most important list to make and keep track of. This document contains a detailed list of every part of the project from start to finish. Give this list to your main builder and make sure everyone is on the same page about goals and project information. A detailed list will also help you get accurate quotes from builders and allow you to compare and choose the best option.

2. Stay on the same page

When you have several subcontractors working on your remodel, things can get confusing. Multiple plumbers, electricians, and builders can cause details to be missed and may cause problems amongst themselves. When we remodel, we carefully choose the subcontractors we work with and serve as your point of contact for every aspect of your remodel. This way, we can keep everything organized and make sure your project progresses how you want. Our weekly updates keep you informed and allow you to stay on top of the project.

3. Be specific

You’ll want to finalize your plan before starting and the more specific you are, the smoother it will go. Break each part of the project into subsections and include every pertinent detail. Ask for help from professionals to ensure your plan is realistic and doable. Take your time and create a plan that will carry the project through the end. This will help you avoid the stress of last-minute changes and let your builder give you an accurate cost and time estimation.

4. Prepare to be involved

Even with a detailed plan, your builder will still have questions for you throughout the project. Some, such as trim colors and lighting fixtures, can be anticipated, but others cannot. Have as many answers ready as you can and stay in good communication with your builder so you can address issues as needed.

5. Prepare for the worst

Something will inevitably go wrong during your project, so prepare for issues as best you can. Give yourself room in the budget for additional costs and have a backup plan for delayed shipments and unavoidable mistakes. If your project becomes too much to handle, don’t be afraid to hire a project manager. This person will help oversee the project and save you from additional stress.

Do you have a tip for new remodelers? What would you tell them?

Top Benefits of Using a High-Efficiency HVAC System

As mentioned in a previous blog post, we are green builders because of the building methods, materials, and products we use. We strive to create homes that will continue to save energy after completion. One way we accomplish that is through the heating and cooling systems we install in our homes.

Over half a home’s energy goes toward heating and cooling, so your HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) system will have an effect on your wallet and the environment. When replacing or installing a new system, we choose high-efficiency HVAC systems because of their superior performance.

For seven of the top benefits provided by high-efficiency HVAC systems, read our list below.

1. Financial savings

Many older systems operate on a low efficiency, usually around 65% of your system’s annual fuel usage efficiency. With a high-efficiency system, you can save thousands of dollars in energy usage every year. Most of the new systems have a fuel usage efficiency of over 90% per year. With your financial savings, your new system can pay for itself in only a few years.

2. Greater comfort

High-efficiency HVAC systems usually come with programmable thermostat systems, which allow you to control the temperatures in specific areas of your home. New technology produces superior heating and air flow, as well as better humidity control. Maintain the temperatures you desire, whether you’re at home or away. Use your pre-programmable thermostat to save energy and heat/cool your home based on your schedule.

3. Peace and quiet

Unlike your older system, you’ll be hard-pressed to hear when your high-efficiency HVAC system kicks on. The high-tech materials in the new systems absorb operating noise and prevent the loud rumbles you’re used to.

4. Increased health

Your HVAC system treats your air to remove contaminates, such as fungi, mold, dust particles, and bacteria. With a high-efficiency system, you’ll have less allergy and asthma issues, less mold and mildew-caused illnesses, and better respiratory health.

5. Longer operating life

When properly maintained, high-efficiency HVAC systems typically require fewer large repairs. These systems minimize on-and-off cycling, which allows them to last longer than older, low-efficiency systems.

6. Environmental impact

These newer systems use one-third less fuel and save more energy than older models. This saves you money, but also creates less waste and conserves more natural resources.

7. Increased resale value

When your home has a new, high-efficiency HVAC system, it will be more attractive to potential buyers. New homeowners will have the guarantee of a high-performing system that won’t need replacing for several years, as well as cost and energy savings. These systems can raise the value of your home and possibly help it sell faster.

Do you have a high-efficiency HVAC system in your home? How has it worked for you?

Designing the Perfect Laundry Room

Although we tend to spend hours washing clothes every week, our laundry rooms often fall to the wayside when designing or remodeling. Tucked into empty corners or banished to the basement or garage, laundry rooms are usually designed for space instead of use.

There is no standard design for a laundry room, but you can get the most out of yours by asking yourself these easy questions.

1. What is your goal?

Are you planning to remodel your laundry room in its current space or are you going to move it to another part of your house? If you’re just planning to buy new appliances, repaint, and rearrange, your project will be relatively easy. If you want to restructure and change your room’s layout, there’s more to consider. Carefully evaluate the changes you want and the timing of your project. Ask for expert help to get the most out of your remodel for the lowest cost.

2. What will you use your laundry room for?

Depending on location and space, your laundry room can serve as a mudroom, storage space, dog washroom, and more. However you’re changing your laundry room, you want to make sure it will fit your needs. Save space for a hanging area, for your appliances, and for room to store clothes. More room is better than less.

3. How do you do laundry?

For some, laundry rooms are only used for washers and dryers. Dirty clothes are stored in other rooms and clean clothes are dumped on beds or sofas for folding. Others keep the entire process in the laundry room. Hampers, folding counters, drying stations, and ironing boards are kept and used in the same space. Your method will dictate the design of your laundry room. Are you in there enough to want a window? How do you want to position your appliances? Think carefully through all of your needs.

4. Do you want additional features?

Your laundry room can be as simple or fancy as you want. Do you want a sink for soaking/hand washing? Should you put a drain in the floor? Do you want a countertop for folding or do you want to splurge on an island? Adding a dog-washing station is a recent trend, but it might not fit your design or budget. Decide on your essentials and then see how much space and funding you have left for special features.

Do you have any tips for designing a laundry room? Share in the comments!

Top 6 Aging in Place Features

Homeowners should always choose or design a home based on the future. When they plan on spending the rest of their lives in a new home or have disabilities, the home’s design becomes exceedingly more important.

We are Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) builders and have built and renovated several homes to fit the needs of our clients. Everyone should feel comfortable and safe in their own homes and we aim to give that to every person and family we work with.

Each home looks different, depending on the requirements and space we are given, but there are several common features for every Aging in Place home. Whether planning for yourself, a parent, or another loved one, these six features will help you understand the changes you’ll need in your home.

Curbless Showers

Remove bathroom obstacles with a curbless shower for easy wheelchair, walker, or limited mobility access. The sloped, water-proofed floor will direct water down the drain and keep your bathroom from getting too wet and slippery. You can also add heated flooring for extra comfort and luxury.

Bathroom Benches

Benches in the shower and near the counter/vanity can add an extra level of comfort for anyone using the bathroom. Use movable benches or get seats that fold along the wall for additional space when not in use. Avoid slips and falls both in the shower and out.

Handheld Showers

Handheld showers and bathroom benches go hand-in-hand. Use a movable shower head for easier access and to give your loved ones the option to shower without someone helping to hold them under the spray. Install a shower head along with your handheld shower for more showering options.

Grab Bars

Grab bars can help prevent falls on slippery shower floors and give the extra support and security needed to enjoy a nice, long shower. These features come in many designs and styles, so find a grab bar that suits your bathroom decor and fits your needs.

Railings

Some bathrooms can’t be renovated to provide easy access to showers and tubs. Railings provide the necessary support for these situations and give security when getting in and out of the shower or tub. Like grab bars, these come in many styles to match with your bathroom instead of standing out.

Door Levers, Lever Faucets, Touchless Faucets, and Pullouts

When arthritis makes grasping and holding painful and often impossible, traditional knobs and faucets no longer work. Using levers and pullouts instead can ease the strain on hands and return strength to fingers. Make every part of the house more accessible with these better options.

These are the most popular and useful features, but definitely not the only options. Stair lights, elevators, smart appliances, and more can make your home a safer and more accessible place for your loved ones.

Do you have a feature you would want or recommend for an Aging in Place home?

Tiny Houses: A Fad or More?

Tiny houses are gaining popularity, but is there anything behind the fad?

Tiny Living is a social movement for those who want to downsize and simplify their lives and homes. Many tiny house owners come from an average American house, which is usually around 2,600 square feet, and move into a home that is between 100 and 400 square feet — a huge downsize!

Why are people making this drastic move? Some do it for financial reasons, some for environmental awareness, and others for the simplistic lifestyle. Though each tiny house owner makes the change for his or her own reasons, here are seven themes that run through most of their moves.

1. Save Money

It’s no surprise that tiny houses cost less than their larger counterparts, but the amount of savings can be stunning. The average cost of a standard-sized house is $272,000, and that’s without interest. The average tiny house costs $23,000, if built by the owner, and 68% of tiny house owners have no mortgage. Once your home is built, tiny houses have far less maintenance costs and you’ll pay much less to heat or cool it. Plus, your property costs will be much lower than anyone you know.

2. Live Greener

When your house is the size of an average 2-car garage, its impact on the environment is going to be less than the average home. Tiny houses use less resources, consume less energy, and take up less space – all of which are great for the environment.

3. Save Time

If you totaled the amount of time it takes for you to maintain your home, you’d probably be surprised at how much you invest. With a tiny house, chores go faster and your Honey-Do List is much shorter, leaving more time for you to enjoy living.

4. Avoid Materialism

Blank walls and empty rooms are never a good look, Unfortunately, that means that we tend to fill our homes with things we don’t need. Tiny houses allow owners to live with the bare minimum and remove themselves from the materialism we so easily fall prey to. Let Tiny Living show just how much you don’t need.

5. Go Mobile

Many tiny houses are built on trailers or with the means to easily change locations. Visit the sights you’ve always wanted to see or travel to see family. Enjoy the amenities of a traditional home without being tied to one place.

6. Design Your Space

Have you ever wanted to design your own home, but couldn’t afford the cost of building? Now you can! Test your creativity with your home’s design and be amazed by the clever solutions your tiny house builder will find. Most tiny houses come under the minimum size requirements for building codes, so you’ll be free to build without anyone telling you how it should be. Make the most of your space and create a home you’re eager to show off.

7. Connect with Loved Ones

One of the greatest assets (and drawbacks, occasionally) of a tiny house is all the time you will be sending with your loved ones. Without separate rooms to escape to, you will be spending all of your home time with your family. Use this as an opportunity to build communication and camaraderie within your family and spend the time you have together instead of apart.

Which of these reasons is most appealing to you?

For more information about our Tiny Houses, contact us at (407) 625-8286.

Your Spring Checklist

Happy Spring! You might have missed the change of seasons on March 20, but winter has officially been left behind. Hooray!

Unfortunately for Floridians, spring and fall are often overcome by the more dominant seasons of summer and winter. Other than an influx of pollen, the signs of spring are somewhat lacking in the Sunshine State.

But this doesn’t mean that we can’t bring spring into our homes! Here are some ways you can make the “Season of New Beginnings” an occasion to be celebrated!

1. Clean your gutters

As summer rains approach, now is a great time to clean out your gutters and repair any that might be damaged. You can accomplish this task with some time and a ladder, or you can hire a handyman to take care of it for you.

2. Take care of your yard

Spring is the perfect time to give your lawn and landscaping a little TLC. Reseed or add sod to your yard if it needs replacing. Remove any flowers, shrubs, or plants that died or shriveled during the winter and replace them with fresh, pleasant-smelling plants. If you have the space, consider planting a garden. Add potted plants to your patio. Give your yard new life and a breath of fresh air.

3. Inspect your home’s exterior

Our homes can incur damage without our knowledge, so this is an ideal time to give your home a check-up. Pay careful attention to your roof and call an inspector if you think it’s time for a new roof. Use a pressure washer to clean your sidings, driveway, and sidewalks. Clean the inside and outside of your windows for an extra sparkle. Upgrade any outdoor lights that need changing or fixing.

4. Add an outdoor space

An outdoor space project can be as simple as adding a porch swing or rocking chairs to your porch or patio. If you want something bigger or more permanent, try closing in your porch to create a sunroom. Or, build a gazebo or patio with an outdoor cooking space for dinner parties and barbeques. Whatever you choose, make it comfortable and make it your own.

How do you ready your home for spring?

For advice and information on building outdoor living spaces, call Integrity Remodeling & Custom Homes at (407) 625-8286.

Flooring for Your Lifestyle

Flooring is one of the most important decisions in the design process. Unlike most decisions, such as paint color and cabinet material, flooring can affect more than just your home’s appearance. As you design your new built or remodeled home, keep these questions in mind regarding flooring:

1. What will the room(s) be used for? Play, entertainment, study, etc.?
2. Do you have pets?
3. How many children use the space and how often?
4. Will your family eat or drink in this room?
5. Is there an outside entrance to the room?
6. Is moisture present in the space (basement, bathroom, etc.)?

Your answers will vary and you’ll have multiple options no matter what your lifestyle entails, so consult with your contractor before choosing. Their experience will help you choose the right option.

For a head start on understanding your options, read through our list of popular flooring types:

Carpet

Carpet has more styles, colors, and textures than any other type of flooring. Carpet durability is usually measured by the density of the fibers used to make it — the more fibers, the more durable. Most carpeting is made from wool or synthetic materials — including nylon, acrylic, polyester, or polypropylene — and each has different properties, so consult with an expert before choosing.

Laminate

Laminate floors are low-maintenance, easy to install, and can mimic most other flooring types, which can get you the look you want without the cost or maintenance. This flooring uses a plastic-coated picture of your desired flooring, backed with layers of plywood or a compressed fiber backing for stability.

Wood

Hardwood floors are both beautiful and durable, which makes them a top choice for many homeowners. Options usually include domestic, regional, or exotic wood types and some are more expensive and difficult to find than others. Unlike some flooring options, hardwood can be refinished several times over its lifespan, so this flooring can last longer than others.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is made of a baked and hardened mixture of shale and clay and comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The four basic types include glazed, quarry, porcelain, and terracotta.

There are many more flooring options, so research carefully to choose the best one for your lifestyle. To get started, contact Integrity Remodeling & Custom Homes at 407-625-8286 or integrityremodeling@me.com.