Month: March 2014

How Will Your Dream Home Come Together? Seven Steps

Being able to build your own home gives you the freedom to consider a variety of concepts and designs, but you also have to be realistic about it. Functionality is just as important as a stunning design or impressive layout.

Planning your dream home
Source: TAB Associates

Keep the following steps in mind when planning a new home:

  • List your goals. Figure out how you want your home to look and what features you want to include.
  • Determine your budget. Figure out how much you can spend, and include design fees and other costs of a home building project.
  • Buy property. Choose land that’s in a location you’ll love, such as near water or close to practical places, like work.
  • Hire your team. You’re going to need the help of skilled professionals, including architects and builders, to make your home design dreams come true.
  • Keep planning. Focus on every detail of the project, no matter how minor it seems.
  • Prepare for problems. A few issues are bound to occur, so be prepared to handle them.
  • Appreciate your new home. Explore every inch of your newly built home.

Ready to get your new home started? Contact TAB Associates, and visit us on Facebook.

 

How Can 3D Printing Help You Design Your Home?

Home design could take on an entirely new look, thanks to 3D printing. Although using this technology for designing a home is in the very early stages, a few designers have already come up with some cutting-edge architectural concepts.

How 3D printing affects home building
Source: Shutterstock

3D printing has been in the news a lot in recent years. This type of printing would allow a variety of items and materials to be printed for a wide range of purposes. As far as using it to design and build homes, that’s a long way off. However, some designers have been experimenting with the possibilities that this technology provides.

These designs don’t resemble the types of residences we’re used to, though. Part of adopting this approach would include either modifying them into more typical homes or getting people used to living in these very different home models. For now, the excitement over this technology is due to the freedom it gives architects to come up with new and very different home designs. It could also be used to create models of traditional homes to make it easier for people to decide what they want.

Need professional help designing a home? Contact us at TAB Associates, and follow our Facebook page.

How to Avoid These Common Floor Plan Mistakes

The freedom of being able to choose your own floor plan is one of the best parts of building your home. This decision is an important one, since it affects the way the entire home is developed.

Floor plan mistakes to avoid
Source: TAB Associates

When it comes to home design, avoid making these common floor plan mistakes:

  • Don’t focus on what’s trendy. Instead, focus on choosing a floor plan that best suits your lifestyle. For example, open floor plans are popular now, but this type of floor plan won’t work if you have family members who prefer more privacy.
  • Don’t forget about your budget. You might want a floor plan that’s larger than what you really need, so that you have more space. This could put an unnecessary strain on your finances, though, when you consider that a larger home means higher utility bills. Stick with a floor plan that’s within your budget instead.
  • Don’t forget to take measurements. When you have the dimensions of a floor plan, make sure that your furniture and other home items will fit. Take measurements of these before settling on a floor plan.

Ready to get started on having a home built? Contact TAB Associates, and follow us on Facebook.

Three Ways You Benefit From Hiring a Professional

If your plans include having a new house constructed, hiring an architect is highly recommended. Without one to assist you, your project could end up becoming more costly and complicated than it needs to be. It could also end up taking much longer than anticipated.

Use architects for your home renovation
Source: TAB Associates

These are a few of the most important benefits of working with an architect:

  • High-quality work. Architects have many skills that lead to higher quality work and help the project run smoothly. These skills include knowledge of the construction process, the materials that will be used and the latest technology. Finding this information on your own could take months of research.
  • Fewer mistakes. Architects are experts at turning 2-D renderings into 3-D construction processes. This leads to fewer mistakes and misinterpretations that can result in delays and costly errors.
  • Better communication. Architects can help you out when it comes to any issues you might have with the construction crew, electrician, or other contractors involved with your project. They can also ensure that everything is being done correctly.

Ready to begin discussing your home construction project? Contact TAB Associates to set up an appointment, and follow us on Facebook.

 

Architecture Inspiration: Elements of Ranch Style

Ranches are often thought of as simple, one-story homes, but they can be much more than that. Ranch style homes are typically longer than other single-story homes, such as Cape Cod houses. Although they’re usually only one level, some can be raised ranches, also known as split-level homes.

These are a couple common characteristics of these homes:

  • Plenty of windows. Rooms in ranches don’t benefit from sunlight the way second-floor rooms do, but you can still maximize the amount of natural light you get by having several windows put in. Also, these windows can include transoms to get light deep into the lower level.  You can choose from a variety of styles and have a portico with clerestory windows installed for even more light.
  • Eye-catching entrance. The entrance for a ranch home can be done in a number of ways to boost curb appeal. It might not have a large porch or the impressive height of a two-story house, so it’s important to make the most of the entrance. Dress yours up with side lites or a walkway with a bench and garden.
  • Ranch homes are great for first-time homebuyers or those looking to for simple living.  Click here for a style guide for ranch homes and a pros and cons to assist home buyers in making the right decision.

Thinking of having a ranch style home built? Contact TAB Associates to set up a consultation, and follow us on Facebook.

 

Want to Build a Home? How to Get Your Project Going

Making the decision to have a home built is an exciting one. You might get caught up looking at home designs online, but don’t forget the basics. Once you’ve contacted us, then you can really take a step toward having your new home constructed.

Tips for getting your construction project started
Source: TAB Associates

Use the following tips to help you get the home design process off to a great start:

  • Bring some examples of what you’re interested in: styles of homes or specific photos that you’ve found online and found inspiring. We’ll work with you to develop your ideas further into something that its truly yours.
  • Include as much information as you can in terms of your timeline, and the area you want to build in.
  • Building a home is an investment, so talking about costs early in the process is beneficial. Ignoring your budget concerns only creates problems further down the road. A feasible plan can be worked out right at the beginning.

Ready to start working on your home design project? Contact TAB Associates, and follow us on Facebook.

Make Your Home One With the Landscape

If your home is surrounded by beautiful views, you can incorporate them into your home’s design. This can help you feel more connected to the outdoors, even while relaxing in your living room or preparing a meal in your kitchen.

design that blends seamlessly with outdoors
Source: TAB Associates


Here are some ideas for designing a home that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings:

  • Turn the views into artwork. A large, wide window on one wall can reveal a stunning panoramic view that serves as natural artwork. Frame the window with curtains, a curtain rod, and bookshelves for an even more picturesque effect.
  • Make rooms appear more spacious. By installing wall-to-wall windows, you can include gorgeous views of the surrounding area. This can make smaller rooms seem much more spacious and inviting. This effect is enhanced even more when the room’s design is minimalistic.
  • Combine formality with a traditional domestic quality. Include characteristics that make homes look domestic, such as a gabled roof, while using carefully aligned features, such as an outdoor pool lining up with a fireplace, to create a formal look.

Need more ideas on designing a home? Contact TAB Associates, and follow us on Facebook.