Category: home

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!

Log Homes – Advantages over Conventional Homes, Types of Construction & Maintenance Tips

luxury log home

Initially only used as reserved cabins, second homes, or vacation properties, log homes have gained a lot of popularity over the years as a place for full-time residence. People are not only looking to buy log homes in their desired locations, such as Vail, but also designing them for a more comfortable and personalized living experience. True logs are constructed with interlocking logs and notching at the corners. Log homes offer a variety of benefits over conventional homes. They are aesthetically more appealing in a mountain environment — both from the inside and the outside. They feature internal load bearing beams, a very sought-after design trait that gives a fantastic, traditional look. Log homes are also very strong and can withstand extreme climatic conditions such as hurricanes, earthquakes and snowstorms. In addition to that, they can be more energy-efficient than modern properties, and they smell great! Additionally, log veneered homes can provide the look of a log home without some of the problems associated with true logs, such as settling and checking.

Building a log home requires a lot more attention than what you may think

Are you also planning to build a log home? Great! Have you started doing the research on your options yet? Though it stands true for any property, log homes, in particular, can be a minefield of nuances and require a lot more attention. So, it’s important that you consider your options carefully to ensure that you don’t end up missing or compromising on certain things that later increase maintenance cost. A crucial part of the process is hiring a good log home architect in Vail, Colorado — somebody who specializes in this area and carries a good amount of experience. Keeping your requirements and expectations in mind, they can help you get exactly what you are looking for in your log home.

Types of Log Home Construction

The type of log home construction is determined by how the logs are laid and how they bear weight. In North America, there are four common types of log home construction: Stacked, Post and Beam, Square-Cut and Veneered.

  • Stacked – Stacked construction creates that iconic image of a log home. Logs are stacked horizontally, forming both the exterior and interior walls, without the need for drywall. Grooves are cut on the underneath of the logs to form a tight seal with the chinking. The stacked construction type is amazingly sturdy.
  • Post and Beam – Instead of piling logs on top of one another, post and beam construction uses a series of vertical posts and horizontal beams to create a structure that bears the weight of the property. The remaining walls are then built with cinder blocks, timber, logs, or framed with log veneer. This type of construction generally uses less logs than the stacked construction, so it is relatively less expensive. The design is also very flexible, which allows both owners and log home architects in Vail, Colorado more opportunity for creativity. Imagine big bay windows and the steeply peaked roofs! Post and beam construction also has fewer issues with settling as compared to stack construction.
  • Square-Cut – Square-cut homes, also known as timber-frame or hybrid, are very similar to the post and beam construction type with one major difference. With post and beam, the home features a naturally rounded profile of the logs. With a square-cut home, the logs are sawn flat or square to create a more modern construction type that owners typically pair with siding.
  • Veneered – These homes are traditionally framed and the half log veneer is applied as a siding material. Full logs with a corner cut out are used as corner treatments and as headers.

Maintenance Tips

There is one word that really haunts log home owners – rot! Preventative maintenance is the key, but keeping your log home moisture-free begins with the design process and ensuring your roofs overhangs are sufficient to cover both the foundation and lower logs. Typically, this will be about a two to three foot overhang. From there, many maintenance tasks are similar to a conventional home. Checking the roof at regular intervals and clearing debris from your gutters is crucial. However, there are some maintenance tasks that are specific to log homes. For example, you’ll want to check the exterior logs of your home about twice a year for any rot or checking, paying specific attention to the south facing wall as it receives the most weather damage. Experts also recommend re-staining your log home about every 3 years to avoid further Sun damage. Also, chinking the checks in the logs is a necessity.

So, there you have it. We went over some of the advantages, the four major construction types, and some of the maintenance tips of a log home!

Call TAB Associates Today – Your Log Home Architect in Vail & Western NC

If you are also seeking professionals to help build a log home in Vail, or need architectural, planning or interior designing service, get in touch with TAB Associates today! We are a fully licensed and insured log home architect in Vail, Colorado. If you have queries related to any project, call us at (970) 766-1470 or send an email at info@tabassociates.com or tab@vail.net.

Increasing Your Home’s Value Through a Budget Bathroom Renovation

One of the most worthwhile DIY projects to take on in your home is a bathroom remodel. They can increase your own satisfaction, turning your ordinary bathroom into a luxurious spa, but also can add a great deal of value to your home if you are planning on selling it in the future. However, bathrooms also happen to be one of the most expensive home remodeling projects. By carefully planning your budget, focusing on a good return on investment, and knowing the difference between sub-projects you can take on the bathroom remodeling project of your dreams and drastically increase the value of your home, all while staying on or under budget!

Plan a Budget

The first thing you should do is plan out your budget. In order to do this, you’ll have to strike a balance between the amount of money you’ll spend on the project and the amount you’ll gain from it, whether in personal satisfaction or return on investment. To this end, you should focus on the projects that will add the most value to your home. Keep in mind that a good bathroom renovation will potentially increase your home’s value by up to 60 percent.

Once you have selected your projects, narrow them down even further by listing each individual component. For instance, if you want to add a new source of lighting, you’ll first need an electrician to wire the location. Next, you’ll have to pick the type of light source, keeping in mind that it should be protected from the warm steam of the shower, as well as the bulbs and switches.  Remember to include the cost of hiring a professional if the project will require more specialized services. You can research the average cost to hire professional electricians, plumbers, and other knowledgeable handymen online to get a ballpark estimate.

Finally, be sure to also account for the cost of tools and materials, like screws and washers.  You can reduce the cost of materials by checking online for savings and coupons for big-box retailers. Add the numbers up to find the total estimated cost of the project, then compare that with the amount of money you were hoping to spend. You may find that you’ll have to reduce the scope of the overall project — in that case, you will need to narrow down the list of subprojects to only the ones that add the most value.

What Projects Add Value?

Many years of research have shown that there are certain projects to be taken on in the bathroom that add a great deal of value in the eyes of potential buyers. Particularly for master bathrooms, installing multiple sinks makes it easier for couples to get ready in the morning.  Many people will pay more for added convenience.

Along the same lines, it can never hurt to add more storage for towels, toiletries, and other paraphernalia. Certain aesthetic touches are also worth taking on; good lighting, for instance, will make your bathroom seem cleaner and more inviting, while glass showers and floating vanities will give it a sleek, modern look. Also, you can save a lot of money by choosing to refinish your tub, shower, sink, and tile instead of completely replacing it.

Know When to Hire an Expert

Finally, even if you are a skilled DIYer, it’s important to know when you should call in an expert.  In general, you should hire a professional for anything that requires skilled, technical knowledge, like electrical or plumbing work. Never try to rewire a room yourself — electricity is extremely dangerous, particularly when water is nearby. Remember to always shop around for the best deal when hiring an expert; you can often find great deals through sites like Groupon.

Doing a bathroom remodel yourself is ambitious, but well within your capabilities! Save money on the project by looking for savings on supplies, choosing less expensive projects that add value, and shopping around for the best deal when hiring a professional.

Blog Written By: diyguys.net

Photo Credit: pixabay.com

What Flooring Material Is Most Practical for Your Home?

wood accents

Great flooring can be the highlight of any space. The wrong flooring can be a thorn in the side and require an unplanned remodel. When your architectural firm is considering flooring for your home, you will want to have experts who can help you find the ideal flooring for each room.

Tile Flooring

Porcelain or ceramic tile can be ideal for bathrooms or kitchens that may deal with a lot of water. Quality tile is easy to clean, durable under traffic, and comes in a large variety of colors, textures, finishes, sizes and patterns.

Carpeting

Some spaces, like bedrooms, are more plush and comfortable with a cozy carpet. Fewer allergens float in the air in rooms where carpet is placed. A high pile in the right color can be incredibly comfortable and feel luxurious. A shorter pile that is designed to resist stains can be very durable in a space that may be more frequently used.

Hardwood

Wood flooring is often considered high end and offers a natural beauty to any living space. Hardwood in historical homes is often a favorite because it feels more period accurate. However, it isn’t always the most practical flooring option, since it can scuff and stain easily.

Vinyl Flooring

Although we would not normally specify this flooring in one of our homes unless the Owner was adamant, we have specified it for use in offices and schools.  In fact, we installed it in our North Carolina office reception area!  The newest luxury vinyl flooring options are becoming popular with homeowners who are looking for relatively low cost while still retaining comfort, resiliency and quality design. Vinyl is surprisingly versatile, replicating the look and texture of other materials with fewer drawbacks. Vinyl that looks like wood isn’t as easily damaged, and vinyl that looks like tile can have more of a cushion to it. Waterproof vinyl can be ideal in spaces that may deal with dirt and water exposure, like an entryway.

If you are looking for design assistance, we would be happy to help! Contact us today and let’s talk about which flooring is ideal for your space!

4 Tips To Help Maintain Beautiful Hardwood Flooring

game roomHardwood floors bring a warm glow and elegance to any space. Whether you enjoy the luster of sturdy 18th Century flooring or contemporary hardwoods, it’s important to take a few precautions to protect their natural beauty from scratches and scuff marks. Our Vail Valley architectural firm understands the importance of vibrant living and work spaces. Consider these simple preventative measures to help maintain your floor’s long-lasting glow.

Pad Furniture Legs

One the most common ways that wood floors get scratched is from moving furniture across them. By fixing felt or other soft pads on the bottoms of chair legs, coffee tables and heavy pieces of furniture, wood-to-wood contact can be avoided.

Rugs and Carpets

Strategic use of floor coverings adds ambiance and mitigates impact on high traffic areas. A beautiful wood floor looks a little less so when some areas appear more worn out than others. Entryways, hallways and sinks can benefit from a little colorful foot traffic padding.

Shoe Check

Creating a place and policy that shoes come off and remain in mud rooms or by the door helps keep your space clean and avoids tracking grit across polished flooring. Obviously, foot traffic creates the most floor contact and wear. Think about all the potential scratches rolling through that door, from kids’ sports cleats to work boots to high heels. A solid shoes-off program will reduce the potential need for refinishing work.

Regular Maintenance

Hardwood floors enjoy tremendous strength, but the lovely sheen that gives them the warm glow may be subject to wear from everyday dirt, liquids and harsh cleaners. Sweep floors regularly and don’t allow spills to settle for very long. Everyday wear and tear may not cause permanent damage, but it will make your floors look unnecessarily dull. Select only cleaners designed to interact with wood floors.

We hope these suggestion prove valuable. If you are interested in professional services, contact our architects today!

Tips on Finishing Wood With Stain

wood headboardVail Valley architects love to include natural wood in their designs. Whether you’re finishing a new project or bringing life to an old piece, wood stain is the perfect way to get a smooth finish that enhances the natural character of the wood.

Prepare the Surface

Start by sanding the entire piece with 100-grit sandpaper, paying close attention to blemishes and rough spots to achieve a smooth surface. If you have large, flat areas to sand, a random orbital sander can speed up the task. Then, make sure all floors and nearby surfaces are cleaned as stirred up dust will land on your finish and stick. Once the area is clean, wipe down the wood with a tack cloth to be sure it’s spotless.

Apply Stain

Stir the stain well, but avoid shaking as that may cause bubbles. Use a natural-bristle brush to apply stain with the grain, making sure to use plenty of product so it can soak into the wood for a few seconds. Then, using a cotton rag, wipe off excess stain in the order you applied it. Use plenty of rags for even removal.

Seal and Finish

Once the stain is dry, apply a sanding sealer with a natural-bristle brush in the direction of the grain. When you reach an edge, quickly brush back lightly across the piece to eliminate brush marks. Once dry, lightly sand with a 280-grit sanding pad until all surfaces are smooth. Lastly, apply an oil-based varnish using the same technique.

Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re new to staining wood, try a practice run on a scrap piece to get a feel for the products and brushes. That way, you’ll be more confident and get better results when you do the final piece.

Want to incorporate wood into the look and feel of your home? Call TAB Associates to learn how we can integrate plenty of natural wood into your next home design.

How a Fireplace Benefits Your Home

The thought of sitting in front of a warm, crackling fireplace in your own home is something many buyers take into consideration when searching for the perfect place. TAB Associates, an architectural firm in Vail Valley, Colorado, understands how a fireplace brings structural integrity and value to any home. More than just a creature comfort, having a fireplace can bring many other benefits. Here is just a small sampling:

Cozy Environment

There’s just something about having a warm fire going, any time of the year, that brings a sense of comfort throughout the house. Gathering around an open hearth brings its own unique sense of ambiance and coziness, which is even better when it’s shared with friends and loved ones in your home.

Atmosphere

Dimming the lights and sitting in front of a bright, warm fire is a dream setting. Enjoying dinners and movie nights by firelight is truly second to none. As the sun sets, fire up your own fireplace to ensure you have a comfortable, relaxed evening at home.

Eco-Friendly Heating

Today’s wood-burning appliances have become incredibly efficient, and leave a zero-carbon footprint. Some of the higher-end wood-burning units qualify as smokeless heat sources because they produce such a small amount of emissions.

Cut Energy Costs

Electricity costs can become a source of stress as they continue to grow. Because of this, fireplaces are becoming a popular source of prime heating within the home. Some of the newer models have the possibility of distributing heat from the appliance through the existing ductwork to warm the entire home.

With the many benefits they offer, having a fireplace that is a sound and safe structure is also very important. Call the office today and learn how TAB Associates can design a fireplace for any home that is both safe and stylish!

5 Benefits of Designing With Wood

The architects at TAB Associates have been at the helm of many incredible wood designs. If you are thinking of designing or upgrading your next property with wood elements, take a look at 5 of the top benefits of designing with wood, here:

Infrastructure

Materials that are supposedly stronger than wood actually have a disadvantageous effect to heat. Wood actually dries when heated (not to a burning temperature, of course) and strengthens the infrastructure of your home.

Insulation

If you are building with glass, marble, aluminum or steel, you are working with materials that conduct heat exponentially faster than wood. Conducting heat means more energy leakage and more money spent on heating your home. Wood actually helps you save money in this regard—quite a lot of money over the life of a home.

A Quicker Build

Using wood is cheaper than alternative materials, and the job gets done more quickly as well. Master home manufacturers can erect a 1,000 square foot wooden home in 7 days. If you are looking to save money on labor costs while maintaining the quality of the building, use wood wherever you can.

Wood is Green

For every cubic meter of wood that you use in your construction, you save 0.8 tons of carbon emissions to the environment. Basically, every piece of wood that you are using in your home is helping to save the environment, no matter how small the construction.  Also, it is a renewable resource, as a forest can grow back after harvest.

Easily Modified

The different types of wood allow for a great deal of variety in design decisions—you currently have around 5,000 different types to choose from. Wood is also one of the easiest materials to modify once it has been set as the infrastructure of a piece of real estate.

For an architectural firm that can help perfect your wood designs, call the dedicated experts at TAB Associates. We look forward to helping you create the residence of your dreams!

Making the Most of Indoor Natural Light

Most interior environments look better during the daytime if abundant natural light is part of the picture. No one likes to spend time in dreary, gloomy places. Following are strategies used by an architectural firm, designed to optimize natural lighting in the home.

Let the Sunshine In

The most obvious way to ensure large amounts of daylight is to use lots of glass. However, it’s not quite as simple as just placing as many windows as possible in the structure. Aesthetics such as architectural balance has to come into play as well as the home’s energy needs.

For instance, filling up a wall with large, north-facing windows probably isn’t a good strategy in locations that receive significantly cold winters, and the same principle exists with southern exposures in hot climate areas. A skilled designer will take local atmospheric conditions into consideration to ensure that the interior of the home has proper balance.

Advances in window-glass technology also offers options not available in the past. For example, southern facing windows in hot desert regions can be tinted to ensure that they don’t cause annoying glare.

The Importance of Balance

One of the most important aspects about designing for the optimal use of natural light is to pay attention to balance. Homes where the majority of sunlight is coming in through windows situated on the same wall experience uneven light, and even worse, shadows. Windows, as well as skylights, must be properly located to avoid glaring conditions on the side of the home where the windows are located, and gloom and shadows on the side with no windows.

Another important strategy used by architectural design firms is to place windows as high up as possible because the higher the light source, the deeper the light penetrates, which help keeps interior spaces bright.

Please feel free to contact us if you have questions about maximizing natural light in the home.