What You Should and Shouldn’t Do When Dealing with Major Home Repairs

 

Dealing with a major home issue is rarely fun. Whether it’s a leaky pipe or a broken window, emergency home repairs can put a real strain on your time, your energy, and your wallet. You can keep yourself from getting overwhelmed, however, by being prepared to ask yourself these crucial home repair questions.

Should You Invest in Repairs or Start Over?

If your house is in need of serious repairs, it may be better to think about looking for a home that will better fit your needs and lifestyle. Now, you could always hire home builders to create a custom house so that you get everything you want without also paying for anything you don’t really need. It may be worth speaking with local builders to determine if you should consider building a new home rather than investing any more time or money into major repairs.

As you talk with builders, it may also be worthwhile to ask about more involved remodeling projects that they may be able to help with, such as adding a room to your home. This is an extensive undertaking, but it could be a practical solution if your home is too small for your current or future needs, and if you have the budget to pay for such a major improvement. Working with a realtor to find a new home can also be a smart move if your current home is in poor condition. Just keep in mind that selling a home that needs extensive work can involve many more challenges, so take some time to research and weigh your options.

Should You Use Credit Cards to Cover Repairs? 

When you’re faced with a major home repair, your first priority is going to be getting the issue fixed, but that means coming up with a way to pay for unexpected expenses. If you currently have a credit card with low interest rates, then this could indeed be your best bet for taking care of emergency home repair expenses, and if you need to apply for a new card, looking for low interest rates is a wise move. Many cards even offer 0 percent interest grace periods to new customers, but only use these offers if you are certain you can pay off the balance before time is up. If you prefer not to use credit cards to finance your home repairs, you can also research your loan options. Loans for home repairs will likely fall into one of three categories: personal loans, home equity loans or home equity lines of credit. Understanding the differences between each is essential to finding interest rates, lending terms, and repayment plans that work for you.

Should You Hire Licensed Professionals or Try to DIY? 

When cost and time are an issue, you may be tempted to take care of major home repairs on your own. If you have the right tools and enough patience, triaging unexpected repairs can be a good way to prevent further damage until you can call a contractor, but most major repairs should be left up to licensed professionals. Aside from the risk for personal injury and property damage, attempting to take care of highly involved home repairs, such as replacing plumbing or working on electrical systems, could also result in homeowners’ insurance if you have future issues. You could also end up financially liable for any damages or injuries, so proceed with caution with any DIY home repairs or maintenance. In most cases, you are much better off using one of the financial tools above to help out with the costs of hiring reliable contractors. After dealing with your major home repair, you should also think seriously about ways to start an emergency fund, to help out with any future unexpected issues.

Knowing what to do and where to turn when an emergency home repair pops up can save you so much stress and time. Plus, understanding your funding options can help save you from putting out too much cash for unexpected repairs. So be proactive and plan for repairs and repair costs before they have a chance to happen!

5 Things to Consider When Designing a Small Kitchen

Everyone knows that the kitchen is the heart of every home, and in many ways, this is true. It’s not only where you create nourishing meals — it’s also where the family gathers to share food and stories. That can be quite the challenge for smaller homes, given the limited amount of space. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible as long as you keep these things in mind when designing a small kitchen:

Opt for a minimalist look

While design is very important to making a space feel completely your own, it’s best not to go overboard with ideas. Stick with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic with clean and simple lines to make the room look bigger than it actually is. The Spruce points out that you can also enlarge a room with the right paint, specifically those that come in lighter colors. But make sure to stick to one color to create an illusion of continuity. And to make a room even more spacious, place windows to let the natural light in. Another idea is to use mirrors for your splash back to add depth.

Think of the kitchen work triangle

Functional beats stylish given that you don’t have a lot of room to work with. Going back to the Scandinavian concept, everything in the kitchen should serve its purpose. Think of the kitchen work triangle, for instance, which refers to the sink, stove, and refrigerator. It’s best to keep these areas close together — which shouldn’t be hard for a smaller space — so you can create a more efficient workflow. Make sure that they are not disjointed. TAB Associates can help you layout your kitchen and show it to you in 3D, which you can later show your contractor. This kind of careful planning is crucial for smaller spaces so that you can really maximize what you’re given.

Work around appliances

Designing around your appliances, which you should already have an idea of at this point, is a great way to increase practicality. These are called integrated appliances, and they match the overall aesthetic while making sure that there’s no wasted space. The dimensions of your fridge and dishwasher, for instance, are important factors to consider. This is why rice cooker review platform We Know Rice highlights the value of multi-functional appliances, as these tools don’t just do the job of several different appliances, but they also save precious countertop space. It means you won’t have to sacrifice anything in your cooking as long as you select gadgets that serve more than one purpose.

Build adequate storage

Smart storage solutions can make your kitchen more organized and efficient. For limited spaces, House Beautiful recommends open shelving over closed cabinetry to really maximize the space. This is perfect for storing your pantry staples in clear jars, too, so you can easily see the supplies that need to be replenished. If you do have enclosed kitchen storage, consider installing pull-out cabinet shelves. These added storage solutions can be the key to a clutter-free kitchen.

Consult a professional

Your kitchen might be small, but designing it is not necessarily an easy task. Even a kitchen this size comes at a cost, especially if you want a sleek and functional design. That’s why it’s important to consult with professionals, and luckily for you, TAB Associates is in the business of creating expert designs that are well worth the investment.

Written exclusively for TABassociates.com

by Paige Hudson

acooper.speakz@gmail.com

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!

In Balance With the Environment: Green Homes

In Balance With the Environment: Green Homes

In practicing architectural balance in Vail Valley and in Western North Carolina, a big consideration is always striking the perfect balance of fully incorporating the natural beauty of the landscape and exterior spaces with the design of the interior. Balancing nature with our homes can also extend beyond design as more and more people are embracing green homes. Choosing to go green with your home can mean many things, but let’s look at a few trends that we’ve been seeing.

Smart Homes for Energy Efficiency

Smart homes have become all the rage. They give us the opportunity to manage and monitor our homes like never before. Interestingly, the advantages aren’t just based on the convenience of being able to control our homes with an app on our phone. By being able to better regulate thermostats and lights, it’s much easier to maximize energy efficiency. There are many opportunities to introduce smart appliances into your home at any time, but while building it is worth considering linking the HVAC or heating systems to Wi-Fi.

Solar Panels

Solar panels don’t just provide an alternative to carbon-based fuel for our heating and electricity, they can give a homeowner energy independence from the grid! Many people imagine solar panels to be a compromise to a home’s design; clunky panels that are plunked down regardless of what the chosen architectural style. Now that’s no longer the case, and solar panels can be carefully incorporated into the design, adding to the architecture balance.

Window Walls

In the past, sustainable building meant using small windows. Now those who want to live in green homes can enjoy entire walls of windows with improvements to glazing and insulation.

If you’d like to learn more about incorporating green features into your home, then get in touch with us! We love sharing our expertise on all aspects of architecture in Vail Valley, Avon, Edwards, Beaver Creek, and in Western North Carolina!

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.

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!

Tips to Design a Room With a View

Interior bedroom photo

When you work with our Vail Valley architects or Western North Carolina architects to develop your dream home, you may find that the architectural design offers a beautiful view from the living room or from your bedroom. The challenge is matching your decor to fit with the view. By focusing on a few key strategies, you can select decor that enhances and improves your space.

Minimize Your Furniture

When you are decorating a room that has a stunning view, you want to limit your furniture. The focal point of your design is the view from your window, so emphasize the outdoor area by minimizing the furniture in your space. If the room with a view is your bedroom, then avoid heavy dressers. Make sure to leave a large open space around the bed. For living rooms, arrange a couch and a few chairs, but avoid cluttering the space with furniture or items you do not need.

Avoid Heavy Curtains

Heavy curtains distract from the view by drawing the eyes away from the outdoor space. If you want to put curtains on the windows, then opt for light and semi-sheer curtains. Alternatively, do not put curtains in your windows. Avoid heavy curtains or curtains with colors that do not fit well with the view. You also want to make sure any curtains you select do not have complicated designs that may distract from your view. The composition of the view does not start at the window, it starts from the interior.

Focus on Neutral Colors

Since the view is the focal point of your space, you want to focus on neutral décor that allows the view to shine. Select neutral, light-hued colors so that any colors outside your window attract the eyes. For example, opt for a basic white, cream or light brown couch.

Designing your space with beautiful architectural balance in Vail Valley or Western North Carolina is a process. For more details about architectural features on a home or to set up an appointment with an interior design professional, contact us today! We are nationally certified architects currently registered in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, North Carolina, and South Carolina. We can be registered in any state, and are willing to work where ever you are located!

3 Things You Need to Know About Fireplace Installation

Fireplace in HomeIf you’re like most people, you associate fireplaces with cozy evenings that involve enjoying a hot beverage with friends and family while a blazing fire lights up the room. Now that chilly weather has arrived, you may be thinking about contacting an architectural firm about adding a fire feature to your home. The following are three things you need to think about before deciding to have a fireplace installed.

Decide What Type of Fuel You Want to Use

Although there’s nothing quite like the woodsy aroma and crackling sound made by wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, this option comes with a certain amount of effort. You’ll have to chop and carry wood, and you’ll also need an outdoor area where wood can be properly stored. Gas fireplaces, on the other hand, only require a flip of a switch to have a full-fledged fire within a matter of seconds. However, some people enjoy the exercise they get from chopping and carrying wood.

Determine Your Energy Saving Goals

Unlike wood stoves, which are combined with an overhead fan to distribute the heat throughout the room, wood-burning fireplaces don’t produce enough heat to be reliably used as a primary heat source. Their value is mostly aesthetic, so go for gas if you want your fireplace to help keep your monthly heating bills down. Gas fireplaces have a greater heat output and use less fuel overall than their wood-burning counterparts.

Check Your Safety and Building Codes

Building and safety codes are specific to individual jurisdictions, so be sure to check with yours before moving forward with plans to have a fireplace installed! If you live within the city limits, check with your municipality. Rural residents will be subject to safety and building codes set by their county.

At TAB Associates, we have over 30 years of experience helping residents of the Vail Valley and beyond, achieve the home interiors of their dreams. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to find out more!

How to Create a More Peaceful Environment in Your Living Room

Interior photo of living room architecture and design at Red Sky Ranch

Outside of the kitchen, your living room is likely where you and your family spend most of your quality time together. It’s a place for entertaining, watching movies, reading a good book, playing with the dog — or just hanging out.

As such, it’s important to make this space especially peaceful. By cultivating a calming quality in your living room, it’s much more likely that you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time there.

How to Achieve Peace in Your Living Room

#1 – Get cozy.

Make the space plush and comfortable to be in. You should opt for throws and throw pillows that you’d actually like to cuddle up with. Invest in a wood fireplace. Choose furniture that you can truly sink into. All of these types of elements create the peaceful and inviting environment you want.

#2 – Don’t overdo the knickknacks.

It’s fun to have photos, paperweights, vases, coffee table books, and other knickknacks as a part of your design aesthetic, but the overall effect can often feel claustrophobic. It’s much better to go with a simple look and avoid cluttering your walls, shelves, bookcases, and other surfaces with too much stuff.

#3 – Pick a few colors but stop there! 

Lastly, you want two to three colors maximum to dominate the space. When it comes to palettes, go with soft, muted colors or dark neutrals. Right now, white, beige, and everything in between (off-white, eggshell, etc.) are extremely popular and offer a peaceful “Zen” feeling. Of course, a trio of black, dark mahogany, and navy can offer a similar effect in a different way.

As you can see, much of realizing a more peaceful environment in your living room is about the architectural balance — designs and settings that are either plainly symmetrical or pleasingly offset and balanced by a keen and seasoned designer.

Achieve the architectural balance you’re looking for by partnering with TAB Associates on your next home remodel project! Our Vail Valley architectural firm has been helping residents achieve the homes of their dreams since 1997. Contact us today to begin planning!