Is a Retrofit Right for You?

A retrofit can be a great way to improve an older home, adding amenities and custom features that increase everything from its resale value to its functionality. However, in some cases, it might actually be better to choose the new construction avenue, especially if the structure is energy deficient. We’ll look at the major factors to consider and how to approach the problem should you decide a retrofit is right for you.

Why Retrofits Are Popular

For the most part, you’re usually better off choosing a retrofit. Retrofits tend to give renovators more options because they can work within the existing infrastructure. It’s also the more cost-efficient option because it doesn’t require extensive replacement of the available systems.

Costs and Maintenance

Before you decide whether a retrofit is right for you though, you need to consider what it would take to bring the property up to code. Single-family homes are typically straightforward, but if you owned a duplex or larger property, the cost comparison might be closer than you think. If the structure needs a lot of work to meet modern-day standards, the process of retrofitting is potentially more expensive than starting from scratch. In addition, keep in mind that if you retrofit one area, such as the kitchen, it might make maintenance more expensive for the rest of the home.

Vail Valley and Western North Carolina Architects

If you’re searching for an architectural firm in Vail Valley or western North Carolina, it’s likely because you have a relatively big project to take on. Experts recommend approaching it one step at a time to get a sense of how each retrofit is benefitting the entire property. It helps to find someone who can take a closer look at the building and devise a plan for it. If you need help deciding where and how to retrofit your home, call TAB Associates today. Whether you need a more modern kitchen or a total redo, we’re here to find the best path forward.

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Your bathroom is one of the main areas of your home that boosts its value overall, so it’s good to make updates to it from time to time. If you’ve been thinking of doing a bathroom remodel, making a few eco-friendly changes could improve your home’s value even more. Keep the following bathroom remodeling ideas in mind for a more eco-friendly home.

Eco-Friendly Fixtures

If you’re planning on replacing the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom, such as your toilet, choose ones that are environmentally friendly. Consider getting a toilet that uses a much lower amount of water for flushing, which helps cut down on your household’s water usage. You can also look into getting a dual flush toilet that gives you the option to choose a lower or heavier setting for water flow. For sinks, consider getting low-flow faucets. These fixtures use considerably less water than standard faucets. We do not suggest using low flow shower heads because you will not enjoy your showering experience.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

If your bathroom remodeling plans include upgrading your lighting, make the switch to energy-efficient lights. LED lighting fixtures for bathrooms provide plenty of light while also reducing the amount of energy you use. Another option is to have motion-sensor bathroom lights installed that turn on when you enter the room and shut off when you leave. Proper placement of these motion-sensor switches is imperative or you will have the lighting going off while you are still using the bathroom. Energy-efficient bathroom lights are available in a wide range of styles, including overhead lights and wall sconce lights.

Sustainable Flooring

If you’re thinking of having a new floor put into your bathroom, consider sustainable materials rather than traditional ones. Bamboo and hardwood that are responsibly sourced are a couple of options to consider. If you prefer something other than wood for your bathroom due to moisture concerns, look into other sustainable options, such as ceramic tiles.

If you’re interested in making changes or upgrades to your bathroom, please contact our Vail Valley and western North Carolina architects for more information. We can help you get started on your bathroom remodeling project.

4 Things To Be Mindful Of When Choosing A Flooring Option For Your Living Space

When it comes to home décor, most people tend to keep the flooring finish for the end. Nonetheless, it’s a fact that the ambiance of any living space draws a lot from the type of flooring. An array of factors dictate your flooring choice such as budget and lifestyle. A plethora of options exists to choose from- mosaic, stone and wood flooring to name a few. Sometimes you find yourself so spoiled for options that it becomes a little overwhelming to make the right choice. Therefore getting a professional opinion is recommended. Colorado and North Carolina home owners looking for the best architects, you have come to the right place. So, welcome!

TAB Associates – Creating Beauty Through Architectural Balance

Balance is found throughout much of nature, where the yin and yang of ecosystems, ebbs and flows of water, and symmetry of plants all create and enhance beauty. In architecture, balance also plays an important role in creating beautiful structures. This is the core philosophy on which the philosophy of architectural balance is developed.

Creating Balance Within Structures

Architectural balance is a design philosophy that focuses on maintaining equilibrium across a structure. This may be symmetry in some cases, with certain phases in architectural history certainly prioritizing symmetry. Balance doesn’t necessarily have to be symmetrical, however.

For example, a maple leaf in nature is beautiful in part because it is symmetrical. A brook that meanders down through passages in rock and dirt can also be beautiful, even though such a brook is virtually never perfectly symmetrical. Its twists and turns create balance rather than symmetry.

Similarly, structures with perfectly symmetrical facades may look nice — but so too can something with different elements that are situated to create overall balance. Doors, windows, porches and entryways don’t have to be exactly the same.

Lending Freedom to Architectural Expression

This type of architectural philosophy is effective in two distinct ways.

First, balance allows architects and building designers more freedom of expression within a building’s design. When elements don’t have to be exactly identical, there are more ways to orient a structure’s design.

Second, balance also helps ensure all elements of a building’s design are noticed. When no one side overpowers the other, the entire ensemble of architectural elements can be appreciated.

Design a Building with Balance

At TAB Associates, we’re a Vail Valley and Western North Carolina architectural firm that specializes in this type of design. For help creating a beautiful building or structure that showcases balance, contact us to discuss your project!

4 Modern Nursery Design Ideas for New Parents

Designing a nursery can be exciting, albeit a little stressful of a job. It is a space that calls for some style, playfulness, and that perfect dose of calm. It is, after all, going to be your little one’s first room, and any space that welcomes them into this world should be warm, inviting and simply wonderful. Apart from that, it also needs to be functional for all those late-night feedings and nappy changes. Here are a few design ideas that will help you create a nursery that anyone would fall in love with: Continue reading 4 Modern Nursery Design Ideas for New Parents

Three Reasons This Vail Valley, CO & Western NC Architectural Firm Is Your Best Choice!

indoor architecture

Life often moves fast.  In this life, we are each challenged to find ways to attempt to create a lasting legacy.  Shaping our shared external environment by creating physical structures is one way that we can share ourselves with the world beyond our years.  Sometimes you just need a place to live, work, and play.

TAB Associates has the experienced, balanced architectural approach you need!

Three Reasons TAB Associates In Vail Valley, Colorado & Western North Carolina Is The Architectural Design Firm You Need

We Design Structures For You

With over 30 years of experience and more than $600 million in development properties, we have proven our expertise! Over the years, we have been intricate partners in creating single and multi-family houses, as well as properties in resort, commercial, medical, and institutional categories.  Our company’s mission is to build properties to reflect our customers, not our egos.

Balanced Architectural Design

Once we set our egos aside, we were able to focus on a balanced architectural approach. We pride ourselves on our ability to combine the customers’ vision, site circumstances, and our experience.  Using these three factors, we can create structures that are practical, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

One-Stop-Shop From Idea To Ribbon Cutting

Unless you work in architecture or construction, you do not spend your life building structures. Because projects are equally immense, intense and have a variety of unknowns, many people recall this process as one of the most stressful events in their lives. That is why we manage the entire building process for our customers.  We become our client’s point of contact from the first consultation through the entire design phase, and ending with the various construction contractors. Selecting TAB means getting the structure you want with minimal stress attached!

Don’t Delay Building Your Dreams

Don’t hesitate to leave your mark on the world. We provide a balanced architectural approach to creating the facility you need.  Contact TAB Associates today for your free consultation!

How to Use Negative Space to Transform Your Home Decor

living space with decor

Does your home feel too cluttered, busy or otherwise weighed down? Perhaps the issue is a lack of negative space, which can be rectified with the right interior elements and working with Vail Valley and Western North Carolina architects! Here’s a look at how you can update your home by effectively using negative space ― defined as the space around objects ― to bring balance to your home.

Invite Imperfection

We want our homes to appear lived-in and comfortable, not sterile or “too perfect”. Even though symmetry is appealing to the eye, placing a mirror, artwork or other decorative objects off to one side, rather than perfectly centered, can give your room a bit of character. Just a touch of negative space can produce this effect, giving your home an inviting look and creative flair.

Harmonize Awkward Spaces

An architectural space that is awkward, such as space beneath a staircase, can be beautifully transformed by leaving the area empty and simply adding the right lighting or paint color ― rather than filling it with furniture or decorative objects. You can achieve an artistic look this way without much effort.

Create Balance

Let pieces of furniture or artwork be the focal point in your room without overwhelming the space with items such as lamps ― that is unless the fixture or other object is perfect for creating a balanced look. This design strategy doesn’t require a simple, pared-down decor scheme, unless that is your aim. You can decorate with the style of your choice, whether shabby chic, mid-century modern or traditional, and still enhance your decor by keeping clutter to a minimum and introducing ample negative space.

A home that looks harmonious invites comfort and relaxation. At TAB Associates, an architectural firm in Vail Valley and in the mountains of Western North Carolina, we have the experience and expertise to help you create the interior space you crave. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a consultation today!

4 Things to Keep In Mind When Building A New Home

Building a new home is no doubt an exciting experience and certainly, one of the biggest investments of your life. It’s normal for any homeowner to get overwhelmed with thoughts and decisions aiming for a home of your dreams.

When you want to enjoy the adventure of building your dream home by making smart and focused decisions, be sure to consider these mentioned things before you meet a builder.

Consider your number

Your budget should be foremost in your mind before you start building a home for you and your family. Running numbers beforehand helps you determine whether it fits into your budget or not. The numbers normally include construction costs, funds for a down payment, tax benefits, and other similar calculations. Once you’re done, purchase a house lot and head straight to your bank to make some financial arrangements.

Trust only reputed Architect

No matter where you reside, the list of nearby Architects is never short. Do a little research to know which architects have the best reputation. Consider gathering information online or seek recommendations from family and friends. Only a reputed and experienced architecture company  can provide you with desired architecture designs and interior designs, without compromising quality and punctuality.  Check with the local builders on whom they suggest you work with when designing your new home.  They have an insight to the quality of drawings which translate to ease of build and controlled costs.

Keep resale value in mind

Though you may not have plans in the future to move to another house, you must consider your dream house’s potential resale value while building it. Make sure not to make upgrades that will overprice your house for the neighborhood and avoid choosing something that looks too ordinary. No doubt, features you are planning to add are likely to appeal to your guests or future buyers.

Think green

An advantage of considering a reputed architecture company is that they will help maximize energy-efficiency with custom design plans. Window walls, for instance, allow you to enjoy your natural surroundings and scenic outdoor landscape. They might even introduce you to smart and energy-efficient appliances like HVAC systems at the time of building to achieve comfort and convenience in your dream home.

Always remember, only you and your family know what is best for your new home. For professional suggestions, choose TAB Associates, reputed architects in Vail Valley and Western North Carolina, known for the best custom house plans and interior designs!

How Wood Characteristics Can Bring Balance to Interior Spaces

Interior photo of a wood characteristics

Wood is one of the planet’s most natural elements, and it is commonly used by our Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Carolina architects today. Not only are wood materials beautiful and sustainable, but utilizing them strategically can promote a greater sense of architectural balance amid interior spaces.

Don’t Hesitate to Mix and Match Woods

While monochromatic wood interiors will always be balanced, they could result in a dull room where nothing stands out. That being said, using a mixture of wood finishes and implementing such layering successfully can be tricky, and many choose to consult with our nationally certified architects for guidance in the design process.

Balancing With Light or Dark?

Homeowners who appreciate high visibility in wood grain patterns will likely be more attracted to lighter grained woods. Going with light wood is also an exceptional choice in situations where natural light is scarce as it will open up the area aesthetically. Dark accents can balance light schemes. Dark wood works best in rooms with ample natural lighting and is commonly paired with lighter hues in the form of cabinets, focal walls, flooring, and trim accents.

Bringing Wood-Heavy Rooms Together

If it seems that mixing and matching wood materials has caused a sense of disharmony in a space, it can be tied together easily using a few accent pieces and colors. Lamps, curtains, pillows and carefully picked pieces of furniture can bring confluence to the room. Most importantly, be sure to consider the characteristics of the wood and how to work with them when selecting accent pieces. If you feel unsure, an architect at our firm can help you choose wisely!

Consult an Experienced Architectural Firm 

Our Vail Valley and North Carolina architects know every trick of the trade concerning the use of wood and aesthetic balance. Contact us today at 970-766-1470 for a consultation with one of our professionals to develop the design of your dreams!

Interior Features to Add Architectural Flair to a Rustic Home

Interior features that add architectural flair to a rustic home

When working with Vail Valley and Smoky Mountain architects to design your dream home, picking out the interior elements that will eventually make your home stand out is part of the fun. If you’re going with a rustic-style home, the interior features you should consider may be a little more traditional, but they are sure to give your home-in-progress true personality.

Architectural Features to Consider for Your Rustic Home

Designing a rustic home is a lot of fun. You want the modern functionality and conveniences of a home built today — as well as the comforting attitude of a more “crudely” designed space from the past. Take a look at some interior design features that will add architectural flair to your rustic home design.

Vaulted Ceilings

Ceilings, as we know them (made mostly of drywall), were not common in older homes. Instead, you would oftentimes only see the unfinished underside of the roof. Vaulted ceilings open up a room and give it that country-style feel. You can go with drywall vaulted ceilings, of course, but it is more rustic to cover the vaulted ceiling with wood planks or board-and-batten siding.

Exposed Wood Beams

Exposed wood beams are something even modern and contemporary spaces have, which add a touch of overhead style. In a rustic home, these beams fit in so flawlessly, but they also bring rustic style into any space. Whether you are adding the beams to a vaulted or flat ceiling, this architectural feature adds a touch of rustic charm to any room. Plus, it is a great way to draw the eyes up from the floor and walls.

Stone Build-Ins

Imagine the pop of personality that comes with a built-in breakfast bar made with old weathered bricks or a stone fireplace that creates a focal point in your family room. Combining stone and wood is something that has been done in homes for centuries, and implementing stone in a built-in fashion is a surefire way to make your wooden features really stand out.

With a little creative thinking and a good architect on your team, your dream of a rustic-style home will come to life! Reach out to us at TAB Associates for help designing that very home of your dreams!