Category: Uncategorized

By Katie Conroy kc@advicemine.com

Image via Pexels

Are you looking to update your home but aren’t sure where to start? The process of renovating can seem overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. The good news is that there are a few key elements that all homeowners should consider when tackling a renovation project. In this guide, TAB Associates, Inc. takes a look at the different types of renovations, what needs to be included in your renovation plan, and how to ensure a successful experience.

Plan It Out

The first step in any home renovation project is deciding what type of job you want done. Whether you’re looking for an addition or just updating the existing space, there are generally two types of renovations: interior and exterior. Interior renovations focus on changing up the inside of the house, such as adding new cabinets or remodeling rooms. Exterior renovations refer to changes made outside the house, like painting, landscaping, and replacing windows.

Maximize the Space

If part of your renovation plan involves creating extra space in your home, then why not add an office area that can also double as guest quarters? This way, if guests come over, they have their own room, and you’ll have an area dedicated solely to work-related tasks without having to sacrifice other parts of your home.

Additionally, the Financial Post notes that your income taxes may be reduced due to deducting expenses associated with running an office, depending on where you live. To maximize your space, purchase a sleeper sofa that can do double duty no matter who is using the room, an ottoman that can double as storage, and a full-length mirror to add perceived light.

Note Key Elements

Aside from deciding what kind of renovation you want to do, it is important to consider the elements that may need to be included in your plan. If you’re going to be making major changes, such as adding a bathroom or kitchen, then you need to make sure that everything else follows suit with new plumbing and electrical work, too. Other elements that may need consideration include flooring replacement or repair, wallpapering or painting walls, and furniture placement.

You may also want to add some smart home products when renovating your home. These devices and systems – like video doorbells and security cameras – provide convenience and security elements to your home. Before making a purchase, consult online resources for in-depth product reviews and troubleshooting tips from smart home experts.

Stay on Top of Important Paperwork

Renovations can take anywhere from days to several months, depending on how big or small the project is. That’s why it’s so important to establish realistic timelines, both for yourself and the contractors, to ensure things stay on track. Additionally, keep important documents like receipts organized by utilizing a free scanner app to digitize them (this may help). Then, you can use a variety of PDF tools to merge, split, or edit the files for easy organization.  This system is perfect for making sure everything related to renovations stays organized.

Hire the Best Contractor

Once you have an idea of what type of job you want to be done and what elements need consideration for your project, it’s time to find a reputable contractor who can get the job done right. Make sure that they have years of experience and references from past clients who were happy with their work. It also helps if they offer free estimates so that you know exactly how much money needs to be allocated for the renovation project before getting started.

Additionally, be sure to communicate clearly with your contractor about expectations, so everyone is on the same page about deadlines and budgeting for materials needed for the job.

Read Up on Home Warranties

Before beginning renovations, consider whether or not using a home warranty would be beneficial. These annual, renewable contracts provide coverage against certain damages or breakdowns, which will give you peace of mind knowing that any repairs needed down the line will likely be covered. Plus, many companies even offer discounts if more than one year’s worth of coverage is purchased upfront.

Work Towards a Low Stress Renovation

Real Homes points out that the excitement of starting a home renovation can often be tempered by the stress of managing such a large project. That’s why it’s so crucial to work with the right contractor, invest in a home warranty, and give yourself plenty of time to plan. Whether you’re adding a home office or giving your kitchen an update, these steps will prevent headaches down the road.

TAB Associates, Inc. provides architecture, planning and interior professional design services in all areas of Vail Valley in Colorado along with Western North Carolina. Contact us today to learn more! (970) 766-1470

By Brenda Stuart

If you’re going to build a home in the Colorado Rockies, you know it’s not just the skiing that brings people here. It’s also the view – the beauty of the rugged Rockies. Showing off those soaring peaks and the wild blue sky doesn’t happen by accident. A view lot means your house design features large and purposefully placed windows to display the beauty of nature year-round. It is just one part of a design philosophy that embraces the topography and marries your indoor and outdoor spaces.

The ups and downs of the Colorado Rockies make them a gorgeous place to create a building that combines the domestic with the untamed outdoors. A topographical surveyor starts by shooting desired views on site. Also, the undesired views should be shot, too.  From there, the vision of the design takes shape. The architect is first informed by the mountains and the sky, the light and the seasons, before creating a design that will become a home.

A view lot house plan should include vaulted ceilings and room for large windows. It should also have room for a wrap-around deck or patio so visitors will be able to enjoy the scenery while enjoying an evening outdoors.  Some of these decks should be covered to allow for all seasons use.

The Landscape up Close

The peaks of the Colorado Rockies are important, but so are the details surrounding the home and lot. You don’t want the largest windows facing the traffic along I-70 or the neighbor’s hot tub.  These are the undesired views.  Other buildings, trees, large rocks, or other significant features can have a tremendous influence on the view. A home with life-sized picture or large windows that faces the woods will increase the property value. The value rises even more if the surrounding woods are home to wildlife and native plants.

Once the architect designs the home for those optimal views, it’s important to create a landscape that’s pleasant to look at and practical. Surrounding the home with deer-resistant landscaping is also essential, so nature lovers don’t end up cursing the animals they enjoy watching.

A topographical surveyor brings all of this information to the architect and builders, who then create the perfect views without sacrificing privacy. Most developers also take note of the zoning laws that could affect the property value. You want to make sure the city doesn’t suddenly decide to erect a large building that could one day obstruct the view of the mountains.  This can be important because views are not protected by law.

The view is so important from a view lot, because it’s the basis of the entire design, no matter if you prefer mountain rustic, mid-century modern, or any other architectural style. Another important factor? Light and air. Colorado’s governor recently signed legislation protecting the night sky view. Homeowners can now enjoy watching the Perseid meteor showers without light pollution, but it’s up to designers to create a landscape that protects stargazers from the strong mountain winds.

The Colorado Rockies lifestyle is about blending a stylish indoor space with the incredible views of the outdoors in this corner of the world. Beginning with the daytime and nighttime views is crucial to making a design become a home truly in tune with the environment.

Watching a sunrise or sunset from the comfort of a mountain home or from a well-placed patio or deck doesn’t happen by accident. In a place filled with natural beauty and wonder like Colorado, designing a home with majestic views seems easy. However, there is much more to it than meets the eye, and that begins with deciding which fantastic views and what prominent windows will come together in the initial layout.

For more ideas on building or updating your Colorado architectural home, contact TAB Associates to discover how our architecture, planning and interior design services can create modern spaces within traditional homes.

Brenda Stuart is a freelance writer and radio news broadcaster in Denver. When she’s not traveling around Colorado, she’s writing about her latest adventures.

by Katie Conroy kc@advicemine.com

Considering home improvement projects but unsure if you should hire an expert?

If so, read on for two home improvement projects you can DIY, and one home improvement that works best when you hire a contractor, and the average Return on Investment (ROI) for each of the projects listed presented by TAB Associates.

Two home improvement projects you can DIY.

A beautiful, fresh, green yard

Is there anything better than a beautiful outdoor living space? One easy way to increase the value of your home and add a nice, relaxing outdoor living space is to freshen up your lawn. Freshening up your yard is relatively easy. You can do this project by ensuring your lawn gets the proper amount of nutrients and prevents weed growth.

While you can weed often and apply fertilizer during the proper seasons, that can be time and energy-consuming. So instead, Bob Vila recommends using a weed-and-feed product to ensure your lawn is bright and weed-free.

Weed-and-feed products:

• Help your yard receive the nutrients it needs.
• Can speed up growth.
• Keep turf thick and healthy.
• Reduce the number of weeds in your yard.

Pro tip: Not all yards need the same nutrient balance, but you can determine which nutrients your yard needs by conducting a soil test. You can pick up a test and do it yourself. However, Pennington recommends bringing a lawn sample to your county Cooperative Extension System (CES)- a group of lawn and garden experts who use research-based advances to ensure a fantastic lawn or garden.

What is the ROI of freshening up your lawn?

If you apply weed-and-feed products to your yard six times per year, as recommended by the NAR, the cost is around $114. In addition, you’ll boost your home value by around $1,000- an ROI of just over 777%!

Add outdoor lighting.

Would you like to deter burglars and make your yard a magical place to relax at night? Adding motion lights or other outdoor lighting options to your yard can do the trick for $5,000 or less. This project can be done by following the directions on the lighting fixtures you choose, and you can customize the look to your preferences.

What is the ROI of adding outdoor lighting?

Even if you choose to invest $5,000, the NAR says you could see an ROI of around 50%.

One home improvement project that works best when you hire a contractor.

High-quality fencing

Do skunks or other pests sneak into your yard? If your property is in need of a fence, you’re best off connecting with a local fence company. Before meeting with a fence contractor to get a quote and discuss your needs, you can evaluate companies by reading reviews online.

High-quality fencing raises the property value and ensures you avoid costly mistakes. But, of course, there’s nothing worse than building a fence yourself, and it falls down the next time the wind blows.

The one thing you must check on is whether your Home Owners Association allows fencing at all.  Some allow a limited amount and types of fences.  You should check on this prior to making an investment in any fencing.

What is the ROI of adding a high-quality fence to a yard?

You can increase your house’s value by $1,500, on the low end, up to as much as $5,000. Of course, the home value increase is dependent on the material and type of fence. For instance, with stone or metal fences, your ROI could be as much as 70%. On the other hand, fences built with wood or other materials can still fetch an ROI of 50%. But isn’t keeping one skunk or other roaming pests out of your yard priceless? Any one of these home improvement projects will freshen up the exterior of your home while providing a sense of comfort and a cozy, homelike feel. Plus, you can add value to your home- monetary and otherwise.

Image: Pexels

If you go to their website https://moro.com/shop and use the discount code

TRADE-442264 you will get 10% off your order compliments of TAB Associates, Inc.

Let us know if you need any help with your interior needs.

When making major renovations to your home, your architect or interior designer will likely consider the architectural style of your home. Typically, the goal is to infuse a fresh, modern look into the home also to convert existing square footage into more useable space.

Here we explore 3 of the most popular architectural styles in Colorado and a few ideas for a modern home renovation.

Mountain Rustic Homes

This is a native Colorado residential style that incorporates a timber frame and stone to simulate an early Americana home. These homes typically have an idyllic landscape, large open interior spaces, cozy fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows, and wrap-around decks. Also included in this type is a log home.

To update these homes for a more modern look, consider adding a mix of materials and textures like smooth glass space dividers, stainless steel appliances, and modern light fixtures to offset the homespun interiors. This can be done in all but log homes. It is TAB’s philosophy that modernizing a log home is not appropriate.

Mid-Century Modern

This home style gained notoriety from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and feature an open floor plan and sharp, clean lines. These minimalist interiors include many conveniences such as window seating, built-in seating and wall spaces, along with a modern kitchen.

An interior remodel that is organic will inject nature into the home and soften the crisp lines and hard surfaces. Consider an interior remodel that promotes natural shapes and materials like wood, stone, and brick. Then, contrast with bright color palettes and cozy furnishings, plenty of open views, along with water features and greenery.

Raised Ranch

Built for families and space efficiency, raised ranch homes with a lower story that is slightly below grade are found all across Colorado. These homes feature a low-pitched roofline, an open concept floor plan, and are typically rectangular, “U”, or “L”-shaped.

Update these boxy and sometimes small interiors by adding charm and detail. Interior crown molding, a re-worked front entry, wood flooring, lighting coves, and a full kitchen and bath update can bring these 1950s and 1960s into the new millennium.

For more ideas on updating your Colorado architectural home, contact TAB Associates to discover how our architecture, planning and interior design services can create modern spaces within traditional homes.

Image via Pexels

by Katie Conroy kc@advicemine.com

Investing in real estate can be a great way to ensure your long-term financial security. However, it’s not as simple as signing on the dotted line. You’ll need to make sure that you make a sound investment, maximize your return, and find (and keep) the best tenants possible.

TAB Associates invite you to read on for tips to buy and manage your first investment property successfully.

Assess your liability

Though the potential rewards are high, buying a rental property also involves potential risks – such as delinquent tenants, expensive maintenance, or a declining market. However, you can protect yourself and your assets from these and other risks. One way to do this is by establishing a limited liability company (LLC) for your new business in real estate investment. While lawyers can help you with this, it’s often easier and less expensive to work with an online formation service.

Choose your location wisely

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a location for a profitable rental property. Look for signs that a neighborhood is stable, growing, and not in decline. Talk to local residents to get their impression and check to see if there are any revitalization projects in the works. This could indicate that the area has potential.

You’ll also need to determine whether a property is safe from natural disasters. One way to do this is to request a geotechnical report, which analyzes a property’s risk of landslide, flooding, or earthquake damage. Fire risk is another factor on many people’s minds, so be sure to research the level of fire danger in the summer months.

If the property is low-risk, next determine whether the neighborhood is a desirable place to live. Look for whether your property is close to amenities (such as parks, gyms, restaurants, shops, and cinemas). Access to hiking trails, public transportation, and a good school district are also great signs.

Market your property like a pro

Once you’ve purchased your first investment property, the next step is to market it to potential tenants. Some ways to do this are through websites with direct listings, on-site signage, working with local realtors, and advertising in local publications. Be sure to emphasize your property’s most attractive features, such as a stunning view, easy access to amenities, or great indoor-outdoor flow.

Another way to ensure that you attract potential tenants is to improve your property’s curb appeal – its ability to make a positive first impression from the sidewalk. You can easily do this with quality landscaping, general tidiness, a fresh coat of paint, and fun touches like flowers or attractive outdoor seating. Next, consider hiring a professional photographer to take a stunning curbside photo.

Embrace your role as a landlord

Once you own a rental property, you are your tenants’ main point of contact if any issues arise with the property. Although you can always hire a property manager, this could eat into your profits early on. It may be time to familiarize yourself with the tools of the landlord trade and brush up on your DIY home repair skills. Once you’re more established, you can always put together a team of reliable handypeople, cleaners, and contractors.

Although real estate investment is often referred to as passive income, initially you will need to be anything but passive. You’ll be in charge of managing the tenants, the property itself, and the finances. Once you have good systems in place and things are running smoothly, you can take a step back and enjoy the extra income that the property provides.

Are you unsure about the next steps for your investment property? For information about architecture, planning, construction, and professional interior design, contact TAB Associates today.

Getting your house up on the market can be a stressful process. Moving into your newly built TAB Associates home is exciting, but the uncertainty of selling your old property can drive you crazy. Fortunately, you can give yourself an advantage by making sure your home has a ton of curb appeal. Here’s a look at why it matters, and how to catch buyers’ eyes:

What is Curb Appeal?

And how much of a difference can a first impression make?

• Simply put, curb appeal is how attractive your property is from the sidewalk.
• Since most online listings start with a curbside photo, it can make or break your buyer interest.
• Moreover, higher curb appeal can raise your property value significantly.

Lawnscaping

Curb appeal often comes down to great landscaping:

• Keep your lawn mowed throughout the selling process.
• Plant fresh flowers and water them regularly to keep the property attractive.
• If you don’t want to do the work yourself, hire a landscaper to keep your lawn neat.

Facade DIYs

These projects are easy to tackle and make a big difference:

• A fresh coat of paint can give your door a new look – make sure to coordinate the color with your home.
• Install window boxes to give the property floral accents.
• Dirty brick? Consider renting a power washer to clean it up.

As a seller, you want buyers enamored with your property from the very first look. Curb appeal gives buyers the first impression you want. Keep these resources on hand so you can make sure you nail it.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

By Emma Croft

emma.croft@getgardening.info