How Additions and Remodeling Improve Flow and Functionality
Many clients come to us in a predicament—they’re happy in their home, but they’d like modifications to improve functionality. Do you want to turn your existing space into the home of your dreams? If you love the things you can’t change about your home—the neighborhood, schools, commutes and nearby conveniences—but want to increase livable square footage, an addition may be the perfect solution. Additions allow you to transform your home into the perfect fit for your lifestyle, taste and budget. Some people are unsure whether they want to add on or remodel. In reality, adding on actually involves remodeling. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen, or adding an independent room–like a master suite or home office–both projects require moderate changes to the existing home to provide entry and connection to utilities. This is why the planning stages should focus on the best way to seamlessly add the desired square footage to your existing space. The goal is typically to make the sure the boundary between the existing structure and the addition is impossible to recognize. Related: Improving flow and functionality with flex spaces Benefits of home additions: Improves the functionality of the existing space Adapts the home to a family’s changing needs Modifies flow to support daily living Increases square footage Adds natural light, extra amenities and many other perks Common reasons for adding on include: Upgrading to a master bedroom Expanding the kitchen Adding a family room Adding sunrooms Adding garages Building up, with two-story additions What has value in home additions? If you’re considering an addition, you probably don’t need to be told how much your family could benefit from the extra square footage. However, return on investment and how the finished result affects resale value is a critical factor to consider as well. Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report breaks down the value of midrange home additions in the mid-Atlantic region. These estimates are specific to the Richmond area: Bathroom addition—52.4% Family room addition—51% Master bedroom addition—49.4% Garage addition—59% Sunroom addition—53% Two-story addition—55% Additions & the unexpected advantage Putting on an addition completely changes the way an entire home functions. From the flow of the home to the way other rooms function—everything is improved. These unexpected impacts change the way your home allows you to live. So naturally, you’ll be faced with some challenges like how to redecorate and repurpose furniture, décor and other items impacted by the new layout in your home. All of this should be considered during the planning stages of the project. Most importantly, remember that an addition is a whole-house renovation. Custom additions & remodeling services Let us help you decide the best solution to meet your needs. It’s possible you don’t need an addition, and can achieve your goals with a little remodeling. There is only one place to start—a conversation. The Highland Builder’s team will listen to your vision and challenges, then work with you to create a plan that fits your unique situation. Our process is straightforward and flexible, with a primary goal of exceeding your expectations. You don’t have to be ready for construction to talk with us—start a dialogue about turning your home into your dream home—contact Highland Builders today at...
read moreWhat’s the Difference – Fixed Cost vs. Cost Plus Contracts?
It’s a home builder’s business to make money building custom homes, but it’s also their responsibility to look out for you, be your advocate and make decisions with your best interest in mind. Unfortunately, the relationship and sense of trust can get blurred over the many financing options and contract types available to the homeowner. This is especially true for the method used to determine a final cost for your new home. Cost plus contracts and fixed price contracts are two ways to generate the price tag. Fixed Cost Contracts This method requires the homebuilder to acquire bids from subcontractors for the scope of the work before any construction begins. The builder and subcontractor then enter into an agreement over the established bid, agreeing that work will not exceed the predetermined amount unless the homeowner requests changes and signs off on price variations. The advantage to the homeowner is clear—they know upfront what prices the subcontractors are charging and where the homebuilder is making money. Spending more than planned isn’t usually a concern unless the homeowner decides to go over agreed upon budgets or make changes to major areas like floor plans or other home features. Cost Plus Contracts This method is based on estimates for building costs, not bids. There is a fixed percentage above the cost that is paid to the builder by the homeowner for overhead and profit. This may sound advantageous for all parties, but the concerning difference is that cost plus contracts don’t establish a fixed home price. When subcontractors aren’t working off of a bid, rather an estimate, they’re given the freedom to dictate the final cost of their work. This opens the door for potential price fluctuations that aren’t in the homeowner’s best interest or budget. The buyer assumes all risk. Understand the fine lines Cost plus building appears beneficial because you’re led to believe the project could come in under budget, when really you’re actually signing off on increased costs before work even begins. Once the invoices start rolling in you’re assumed responsible for paying the overage against the original estimate. Cost plus hits you with unwanted surprises, but by this point in the building process you’re in too deep to switch builders or make changes to the agreement. Honest, straightforward homebuilding When embarking on the journey to build a custom home, you do have ability to control the final cost. The scope of the entire project is based on what you’re comfortable spending. However, budget can be difficult to manage when you’re agreeing to sign dotted lines for loose estimates, not fixed costs. At Highland Builders, our team takes great pride in being your teammate and guide through such an exciting process. It’s our promise to offer sound advice that compliments your desires and budget while making your best interests our top priority. We build with you, not for you. To start a conversation about our no surprises custom home building experience, contact Highland Builders today at...
read moreCreating Flexible Spaces for Changing Needs
Bonus rooms, multi-purpose areas, flex spaces—however you want to refer to them, these accommodations are high on the list for people looking at new homes. For many home buyers, a home with flex space trumps a large backyard or even overall square footage. Buyers aren’t willing to compromise on finding a home that provides flexibility and options within the same square footage. More than ever before, people want open floor plan configurations and adaptable spaces to serve the unique needs of their family and lifestyle. Flex spaces mean something different to every buyer. For example, baby boomers may want options that support retirement, while millennials are out for spaces that will change as they grow. Instead of rooms designed and defined for a single purpose, buyers—both first-time and seasoned—are looking for areas that are adaptable. According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 39% of repeat buyers in 2015 made no compromises on the characteristics of their home. The research also indicates that the configuration and floor plan is far more important than square footage, and there is much less emphasis on formal living spaces. Although neighborhood and convenience remains top priority, open floor plans with functional, flexible spaces come in close second. So what happens if you’re unable to find a home with flex spaces? Don’t settle—get creative, and maybe a little ambitious! Younger generation buyers in the market are particularly open to repurposing existing spaces to create what they need for their lifestyle and family. For this generation in particular, formal dining and living rooms are far less important than a playroom or homework area for the kids—spaces they’ll use daily, as opposed to a handful of times each year. Flex spaces exist somewhere in every home Basements and attics are obvious flex areas buyers look for in prospective homes. In new construction, custom builds or houses for resale, these rooms might require a combination of drywall, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work, but it’s well worth the time and investment. Data collected in 2015 by Remodeling Magazine indicates that finishing an attic recoups around 77% of its value, while basements return nearly 73%. Whether you want a tucked away playroom for toddler toys, a game room as a teenager hangout, or an in-law suite for an aging parent, anything is possible and everything is customizable. Remodeling possibilities Highland Builders offers custom remodeling services to achieve your vision. All of our solutions are completely tailored to your needs and requirements. Nothing is off limits, and we’ll transform the space from start to finish. Special features like custom cabinetry and built-ins are typical requests for finishing a flex space, but our team can go as far as adding a powder room, full bath, or building out a closet to complete a spare room. Custom built solutions Not interested in buying a home for resale or renovating your existing home? Custom building might be the right opportunity for you. Building from scratch provides you with more control over flex spaces, and our floor plans aren’t short of options. There are endless possibilities, including: second story lofts basements and attics offices and studies master bedroom sitting rooms bonus rooms sunrooms Whether you’re interested in a custom build, or remodeling project, we want to help...
read moreDesign Tips and Trends in Flooring
Flooring, either for a custom home or remodel, is an important design feature. Accounting for a great deal of visible space, it’s only natural that homeowners want them to look amazing, but they should also be practical. Chances are if you’re custom building or replacing, you’ve come across so many material options that they’re all starting to sound and look the same. But, this isn’t a bad thing! With greater demand for affordable, aesthetically pleasing flooring, manufacturers are listening and responding with countless material options for every style and budget. It’s important to keep in mind that the daily abuse flooring endures is incomparable to that of any other part of our home. Choosing flooring based on location and purpose is extremely important. Homeowners want a functional, attractive material, and at the same time, low maintenance, durable flooring that can withstand everyday traffic. Luckily, the flooring industry has grown significantly in the past decade offering a variety of options, like durable, soft carpet, more rustic hardwoods, and even vinyl options that look like the real thing—many of which are extremely durable and low-maintenance. What are today’s trends in flooring? Hardwood continues to be a top choice for first level flooring. In fact, many homeowners are now requesting hardwoods in their kitchen over tile. In addition to solid hardwood, which has pros and cons, materials like laminate and bamboo are being manufactured to look like real wood, giving homeowners several options when it comes to selecting hardwoods. Trend: Continuous hardwood flooring throughout the first floor, from the foyer and powder room into the kitchen, great room, stairs and second floor hallway. This offers the feel that rooms flow naturally and roll from one into the next. Carpet is the leading choice for bedrooms. Even stacked against newer solid surface options, carpet remains the market-share leader with over 60% of home flooring sales. Whether it’s wall to wall or cut and bound, there is an amazing selection of carpets to compliment even the most unique design scheme. Trend: When it comes to second story flooring, wall to wall carpet doesn’t have to be boring and standard. Carpet choices include everything from synthetic yarns to advanced dyeing techniques that bring style, comfort and warmth to any bedroom. Tile is durable and easy to clean, making it an optimal choice especially in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Depending on the floor plan, tile may be suitable for most of the first floor living spaces. With options of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, tile flooring is manufactured from a variety of materials making it work well with any design aesthetic. Trend: Latest trends revolve primarily around size. Homeowners are requesting modular tile formats larger than the standard 12-by-12 inches. Think rectangular, plank-styles that elongate a room rather than block it off. Whether you want the look of tumbled marble or rustic hardwood, there are plenty of options from which to choose. Today, homeowners can have high-quality, attractive flooring that is also durable and affordable. Contact Highland Builders today at (804) 449-6006 to learn more about flooring options for custom homes and remodeling...
read moreTrends in Kitchen Countertops
Whether you’re custom building, or thinking about remodeling and updating features in your kitchen, countertops play a major role in the overall appearance and feel of the space. Countertops set the mood of the kitchen, and provide the practical surfaces every family needs. Many clients are overwhelmed when they learn of all the countertop choices available. Synthetic materials like laminate continue to be popular because of their affordability, easy installation and variety. However, man-made countertops lack the deep, rich colors and distinctive appearance of natural material, and are more susceptible to scratches, stains and moisture damage. Whatever your choice, kitchen countertops should reflect your style, but also your practical, everyday home living needs. Fortunately you don’t have to give up elegance for practicality. Here are the current countertop trends making an impact in kitchen design… Quartz: This is a superior solid surface material for countertops. The most significant benefit is its durability–non-porous, heat resistant, spill and scratch proof. These features make quartz a top choice for almost any family’s lifestyle and kitchen needs. The downside is that quartz costs more than most granites, and struggles to compete with the look of a natural stone. Granite: Always the front-runner because of its sleek feel, detailed design and natural characteristics. Granite is known to last a lifetime and add significant home value. Fortunately, granite prices have declined in the last decade, so now it’s a more budget-friendly countertop option. Available in a wide array of colors and styles, each piece is unique from the next. Marble: A classic material that’s versatile enough to bring out modern elegance in any kitchen. Although marble is more porous and susceptible to stains and scratches, it’s smooth, cool surface is ideal for chefs and bakers. Sealing the marble after installation and before use makes it much more kitchen-friendly for the average homeowner. Wood: Natural wood form countertops are making a statement in kitchens today. Textures, ranging from weathered to high gloss, provide plenty of options when selecting the best style to compliment your kitchen. We’re finding more homeowners want kitchens designed cozier, and wood is an optimal choice to generate a warm, natural ambiance. Highland Builders believes that the kitchen should reflect your family’s lifestyle and needs. Together we’ll find the right material so you don’t have to sacrifice the wow-factor for affordability and durability. Contact Highland Builders today at (804)...
read moreWhen is the Best Time to Build a Custom Home?
Adverse outdoor conditions can cause setbacks and delays for construction projects, and this couldn’t be more true for building a custom home. Climate and location often dictate the best time of year to begin breaking ground on a custom home. Highland Builders works all across the Richmond Metro area and surrounding counties. Our climate here in the mid-Atlantic is humid subtropical. This lends itself to hot, muggy summers, moderately cold winters and mild fall and spring seasons. In our area, it’s often recommended to start building in the late summer or early fall. Consider the process as a whole Like every other decision in building a custom home, the choice of when to begin the journey is entirely yours. However, it’s important to consider all the ways in which the seasons can negatively impact different stages of the process. It also helps to discuss with your builder whether contractors have a preference, as this might increase flexibility when deciding on the ideal time to start. Although most homes are completed on a 6 month schedule, there are certain seasons that are better suited for different projects. Initial work like preparing the site, pouring foundation, framing and roofing is best completed in the late summer and early fall when outdoor conditions are favorable. If work moves along on schedule, the house can then be enclosed by wintertime, which is the optimal time for interior work. By the time spring arrives, exterior finishes like siding, painting, landscaping, driveways and patios are ready for completion. Related: What’s involved in building a custom home? It’s important to consider all stages of building a custom home, not just construction. Preliminary steps like obtaining financing, selecting a lot, finalizing design plans, submitting permits and receiving approval all take time before you can break ground. The benefit of working with Highland Builders is we take every stage into account, building the schedule out while leaving plenty of opportunity for flexibility and changes. To learn more about the best time to build a custom home, contact Highland Builders today at (804) 449-6006....
read moreWhat Makes Highland Builders Different?
When researching custom building options, it’s sometimes difficult to know why to choose one builder over another. Many custom home builders can achieve the desired end result and offer similar resources. Since most builders have access to the same quality contractors and premium finishes, it’s challenging to differentiate the advantages of one builder from another. It takes an understanding of the builder’s involvement and process to truly grasp what makes them different. Anyone that has built a custom home knows the only thing more important than the end result is the process and journey that unfolds along the way. We’re your consultant, partner and resource. Highland Builders’ isn’t just your custom home builder. We’re your consultant, partner and resource. Every single home is custom. That includes financing, floor plan design, timeline and everything else that gets us from start to finish—it’s all custom to you and your family. The flow of our process is not regimented or stressful. It’s a thoughtful, fluid and flexible progression that encourages feedback and allows opportunity for change. Each stage builds upon the next and we set the pace together. Examples of the Highland Advantage Our team assists you with everything from lot selection and financing to breaking ground, closing day and even well throughout life in your dream home. Someone is on site every day, managing contractors and keeping work on track; clients are welcome to stop by anytime. After all it’s your home. Premium craftsmanship using high quality materials. Our team doesn’t sacrifice quality work to stay on schedule; we’ll modify our timeline instead. Every choice is yours—contractors, building materials, finish selections, etc. Let’s Start a Conversation Whether you’ve already purchased a lot and secured financing, or just beginning research on building a custom home, Highland Builders is ready to show you how the Highland Advantage is different from the rest. We’ll make the process exciting and relaxed while exceeding your every expectation. Most importantly, we build it with you, not for you. To find out more about starting the journey together, contact Highland Builders today at...
read moreWhat’s a USDA Rural Development Home Loan?
Navigating home loan financing can seem tricky. There are various types of loans, but in our current credit environment, not all financing options are suitable or available for everyone. Criteria like credit scores, collateral value and down payments are some of the factors that may take people out of the running for particular types of home loans. That’s especially true for people who wish to live in underdeveloped or rural areas. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a rural development loan. This is a unique government-insured form of financing that makes it possible for people to build their dream home in rural parts of the country. It also appeals to current rural residents who want to renovate or build onto their existing property. Benefits of USDA Rural Development Home Loans Finance up to 100% of the value of the home Zero down payment—nothing out of pocket required Seller may cover up to 100% of closing costs Reduced monthly payments—no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required Available for refinancing existing home loans Eligibility for USDA Rural Development Home Loans Location must not exceed population maximum—typically 20,000 residents Income must be below the established median income for the area Home plans meet certain criteria for size, design and comply with building codes Property must be used as permanent residence—not suitable for building a vacation property At Highland Builders, we work with clients under a variety of financing terms, including USDA rural development loans. We don’t limit clients to purchase lots in newly developed, up-and-coming communities. In fact, many of our clients wish to have a custom home built in rural locations of Richmond and the surrounding counties. This includes Goochland, Powhatan and Hanover, just to name a few. Whether you’ve purchased the land, already live in the location or want more information on securing a loan to build in a rural area or countryside, we encourage you to contact us today at 804-449-6006. ...
read moreHow to Start the Home Building Process
House plans, land, financing and selling your existing home are just some of the many things to consider before breaking ground with a custom home. That could involve lenders, real estate agents and architects to name a few. There are quite a few moving parts in the home building process, and it’s a common belief that everything must in perfect order before establishing a relationship with a builder. In fact, most builders prefer it that way. They want to spend as little time with their buyer as possible. That’s just good business, right? This is not the case when working with Highland Builders. While these preliminary steps are important pieces of the puzzle, our team is experienced and can guide you through the seemingly complex process. We believe that the best course of action is to start with a conversation. We don’t look at a client without land or plans as a waste of time. We look at it as a clean slate from which to start our journey together. The foundation of our process is based around our involvement in helping make your decisions, options and challenges easier to navigate. This doesn’t start with choosing floor plans and selecting finishes. It starts from the very beginning with your vision to build your dream home. This is how we establish a thoughtful, fluid and straightforward process. With our approach, everyone is on the same page with goals, expectations and priorities. Highland Builders is involved in all aspects of the home building experience, including… Visiting lots and potential home sites Drawing sketches and floor plans Solidifying contracts and getting financing Choosing agents, contractors, architects and designers, as needed Breaking ground on construction Choosing materials and finishes And, much more! The Highland advantage doesn’t stop there. Once your custom home is complete, together we’ll conduct inspections and help orientate you to your new home. Our hands-on approach leaves no stone unturned and relieves any frustration, stress or anxiety that might otherwise be a key component to the home building process. When building a home together we’ll consult with you every step of the way. To learn more about our unique approach in building custom homes, contact Highland Advantage...
read moreWhat’s Important When Choosing a Custom Home Builder?
Building a custom home is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For those who embark on the journey to build their dream home, it’s an exciting process, but one that also involves some level of initial stress and apprehension. Home building requires decisiveness and adaptability. When building from the ground up, there are always opportunities to change and improve from the original plan. How it plays out is dependent upon the custom builder’s unique building process. Not just any custom home builder can turn your vision into a reality. Whether you have lofty expectations and plenty of time, or simple requirements and a tight schedule, anything is possible with the right custom builder. Many people simply look at a builder’s finished product. It’s extremely important to focus on the home builder’s unique process and style. What is their building philosophy? How do they respond to issues and challenges? Are they proactive or reactive? How do they manage contractors? What’s their communication style? Highland Builders believes in a hands-on approach to building your custom home—one that addresses any issue or challenge before it has a chance to impact next steps. Here are some of the qualities to look for in a custom home builder… Experience in design & architecture, construction, project management and real estate Impressive reputation; positive feedback from previous clients Knowledge in the locations they build Open and timely communication with all involved parties Welcomes clients to play an active role in the process Familiar with industry standards Strong management style Quality control Distinctive features and superior craftsmanship Highland Builders understands the importance of operating under the assumption that everything is interconnected during home construction. By adhering to a proactive building process, our team works through each stage ensuring quality before moving onto the next. It’s our commitment to you. To find out more about our unique process for building custom homes, contact Highland Builders...
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