Don’t Settle for a Patio for your Seattle Home When You Can Have a Pati-Oh!
The great American tradition of barbequing has seen a few changes over the years. While some purists may still insist on making piles of little black charcoal briquettes and dousing them with lighter fluid, most of us have moved on to the convenience and comfort of propane or natural gas grills.
Of course, there’s a lot more to outdoor hospitality than simply firing up the grill. An increasing number of homeowners are extending their homes outdoors by adding well-designed decks and patios.
The days are gone when people just set up a picnic table in the backyard so they could eat outside when the weather was nice. Patios and decks have become outdoor “great-rooms.” They are a combination of kitchen, family room, and dining room—with much better views! Today’s patios often feature fireplaces or fire pits. Grills are built in to counter spaces to allow easier food preparation. And some are even plumbed to use natural gas.
And homeowners don’t have to settle for a plain concrete pad. They can choose from patterned concrete, brick, paving stones, or a host of other choices (as long as the ground is adequately prepared and the materials are installed properly). And while it rarely rains in Seattle, it’s also nice to entertain the idea of some kind of covering to keep the “humidity” out of your potato salad.
If you’re interested in a closer look, here are some photos of a patio shelter in Normandy Park that may give you some ideas for your own back yard. Now is a great time to rethink one of the most versatile rooms in your house—one that’s not even in your house. Or if you’re more of an “All Hands on Deck” kind of family, take a look at what an “outdoor living room” can look like.
Summer is almost here. It’s time to take things outside!
The second most remodeled room in any home is the bathroom (Yep, the kitchen is still number one). And at the top of the feature wish list for many homeowners is the addition of a second sink in the master bathroom. That’s really no surprise. It doesn’t matter whether you have a growing family and you currently share sink space with the kids, or if it’s your spouse you spar with for sink access. Almost anyone can use a little more space.
Builder Consultation about your Master Bathroom Remodel
Before you get too far down the line with your plans, however, it’s a good idea to consult with a builder to make sure that what you envision can really work in the space you’ve got. Sometimes what seems like a “no-brainer” is more difficult than it looks. And other times, you builder may be able to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat and discover a way to make things fit that you never dreamed of.
However, once you’ve made the decision to add a sink, you’ll probably want to consider some other related changes. Just because you had white porcelain before doesn’t mean you have to stick with that in your new configuration. You’ll find a wide variety of materials available, including metal, ceramic, and stone to name a few. And there are more colors than you can shake a box of crayons at.
If you’re moving from a single sink to a double, chances are that you’ll want to change the vanity as well. While there are still a lot of standard sizes and styles out there, more and more homeowners are opting for customized vanities—sometimes adapted from antique furniture. You can exercise a lot of creativity picking out a vanity that reflects your personality. Just make sure to talk to your builder first to make sure your choice is structurally sound.
Of course new sinks and vanities beg for new faucets. Once again, the variety is almost staggering. You should be able to find almost any style you can imagine. Just make sure that your sink and vanity can accommodate the configuration you select.
If you’d like some additional ideas on how to create a beautiful bathroom, download our free 5-page report, Beautiful Bathrooms: Building the Ultimate Retreat.
Questions You Should Ask Before Building Your Seattle Area Home
We’ve all heard that there is no such thing as a stupid question. However, experience has taught most of us that this is probably not a scientifically proven fact. Nonetheless, when it comes to building a custom home in the Seattle area, there are a lot of questions people should ask—and sometimes don’t.
Let’s be honest: Unless you’re a professional homebuilder, you probably don’t deal with the issues and details involved in constructing a home on a daily basis. And there are a lot of details to consider.
There are some questions you should ask before you ever get started on a homebuilding project. These questions will help you set your expectations and help you decide if you should even proceed—or wait a while. Before you jump into the process, you should be asking yourself the following questions.
- Should I build a new home or buy and existing home?
- Do I pick my builder first, or my designer?
- How can I be sure I’m picking the right builder?
- What’s more important: Quality, speed, service, or price?
- Where should I spend money (not cut corners)?
- Should I use a fixed price or a cost-plus contract?
- Should I buy a “standard” plan or pay for a custom design?
- How do I set a realistic budget?
If you’ve been able to answer the questions above to your satisfaction, you’ll still face a boatload of questions once you get into the construction process. Here are some of the questions you’ll still need to answer.
- How do I understand what my contractor is saying?
- How long will it take to build my new home?
- What in the world is a change order and why should I care?
- Should I hire an independent inspector?
- What should I expect after I move in?
- What environmentally friendly options are available?
Naturally, there are a lot of additional questions you can—and should ask. But these will take you a long way down the homebuilding adventure road. It’s a road you probably shouldn’t travel until you get some answers.
If you’re serious about getting answers to these and other crucial questions about building a custom home, we’d invite you to request a free copy of Building a Quality Custom Home. It will provide you with easy-to-understand answers to most of your important questions about building a custom home in the Seattle area.
Already have some questions in mind and would like some answers, click below to schedule a phone call with our expert, Scott. He will be able to answer any question you have about your custom home.
The Importance of Associations
Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you how important it was to choose the right friends? They probably said something along the lines of how the people you associated with would be important in determining the kind of person you’d become. And they probably told you that others would shape their opinion about you based on the company you kept.
The same thing is true in the business world. The company that businesses keep is a significant indicator of what those businesses are like. That’s why if you’re looking for a custom homebuilder in the Renton, WA area, it’s a good idea to take a look at the associations your prospective builder belongs to.
It’s particularly important when some of those homebuilder associations have been established to set and monitor standards that ensure that homeowners are protected. If your home plans call for environmentally friendly building materials and methods, you’ll want to make sure your builder or remodeler is a Built Green certified builder, and you’ll probably also want to make sure they follow EnergyStar compliant. If you’re remodeling an older home, you’ll want to be sure you use an EPA Lead Safe Certified Firm. And if your building or remodeling plans call for creating a home that will allow you or a loved one to live comfortably and securely—even in old age—you’ll want to select a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.
Your parents were right: The company you keep does matter! That’s why we encourage you to check out the associations with which we’re affiliated. We think accountability is important—and we hope you do as well. Of course, we think the opinions of the people we build homes for are equally important. That’s why we’d love to have you hear what our customers have to say, too!
In a previous post, we looked at four new home design trends that you may want to consider when building or remodeling a home in the Seattle area.
Here are four more emerging trends you may want to think about before starting a building or remodeling project. These are general trends that you can consider and modify to meet your needs and desires.
5. Connecting to the great outdoors: An increasing number of homeowners are incorporating outdoor space as an extension of their living space. There is a move to seamlessly blend private outdoor spaces with indoor space. What’s interesting is that this remodeling trend isn’t restricted to sunny and warm climates. Even overcast and rainy regions (like Seattle) are adopting this trend because it allows an increased use of natural light.
6. Multigenerational homes: There is a definite increase in the popularity of mutigenerational homes. By some estimates the construction of these homes has jumped 30 percent in the past few years. Some homes are accommodating returning children and others are being built to allow elderly parents to “age in place” with amenities such as wider hallways, elevators, grab bars, and “senior-friendly” bathrooms.
7. Focus on the kitchen: The fact that the kitchen is the center of the home is nothing new. What is new is that the overall square footage of homes seems to be decreasing. That requires designers to develop innovative solutions for storage and to maximize functional space. Using large windows to keep the kitchen light, bright and airy is also increasing in popularity. Walk-in pantries are a popular way to compensate for the loss of wall space cabinetry. Want some great ideas on how to create the kitchen of your dreams? Check out our Optimal Kitchen Design Special Report. It’s free!
8. Community focus: There seems to be less emphasis on land development and an increased focus on community and family. There is a trend toward smaller developments with proximity to transportation and other amenities. Some areas are seeing a mix of housing types and buyer profiles that allows generations of families to live in close proximity.
If you missed the last post, here's the link!
Every year the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) holds its Best in American Living Awards (BALA) keep an eye out for outstanding upcoming trends for new home design.
Of course your home should reflect your personality and lifestyle, but it’s always fun (and informative) to see what some of the top designers are coming up with—based on what homeowners are asking for. If you’re thinking about building or remodeling a Seattle-area home, here’s a look at four design trends that may be of interest to you.
And even if these particular trends don’t match your unique sense of style, they may just get your creative juices flowing!
1. Quality, cost-effective designs: As builder work to keep construction costs low, you’ll observe a move away from complex, multiple roof lines in favor of simplified forms. Expect to see more of the simple straight gable roofs and rectangular formed roofs instead of multiple angles. At the same time, designs will incorporate innovative and creative approaches to layouts, curb appeal, and storage to keep things interesting.
2. Contemporary classic: In the current new home market the home that are selling the best are blending modern and traditional elements that result in cleaner, simpler elevations. Don’t expect to see a lot of heavy detailing or ornamentation. Instead, look for interior spaces that are clean, bright and simple.
3. Open up: Open floor plans are popular throughout the country. This is true both for new builds and for remodeling older homes. Homeowners are replacing their old living rooms with flexible space that can be used any way they see fit. These new open plans tend to employ a lot of natural light to provide a spacious feel. The emphasis is on ambience rather than size.
4. Still keen on green: Environmentally friendly design elements continue to grow in popularity. Homeowners now have many more choices of features that are environmentally responsible—and still deliver comfort and convenience. And as demand has grown, costs have gone down.
If you’re thinking about remodeling your Seattle-area home and some of these Seattle home design trends sparked some interest, you ought to check out our FREE renovation e-book. It’s full of helpful information including things such as how to avoid the top 10 interior design mistakes!
If you ask 10 designers what the hottest trends are for kitchens this year, you’ll probably get 20 different answers! That’s not a knock on designers, it’s just that what’s popular tends to change pretty quickly.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to build a new kitchen—or remodel your existing Seattle area kitchen—it’s not a bad idea to be aware of the current trends.
Here are just a few we’ve seen cropping up.
Return to center: According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, more consumers are returning to classic designs and styles. They list traditional style as the most popular, with taking second place over contemporary style.
Less is more: There seems to be a shift toward smaller, more environmentally friendly homes. Kitchens and family rooms seem to be getting bigger, but the number of rooms in a home is declining. People are continuing to invest in bigger and better equipped kitchens.
Farewell to formal: An increasing number of homeowners are doing away with formal dining rooms—opting instead for eat-in kitchens and great room concepts. That means having kitchens open to the family room instead of being closed off.
Steady stainless: Some people had predicted the demise of stainless steel appliances, but according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, stainless appliances remain the most popular choice among consumers (Stay tuned!).
Some things never change: Homeowners will continue to remodel their kitchens more than any other room in the home. Part of that, no doubt, is because homeowners continue to recover about 81 percent of their kitchen remodeling investment when they decide to sell their homes.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to create the optimal kitchen design for your Seattle area home, we invite you to take a look at our free special report!
A testimonial from Sumi Lee who had recently remodeled her master bathroom and hall bath by Powell Custom Homes and Renovations.
View the video below, or view it on YouTube
Looking to remodel your master bath?
Powell Custom Homes and Renovations is Seattle's top remodeling company. Click here now to schedule a short talk with Scott Pearl, he will answer any questions you may have on your remodeling project.
View Our Other Testimonials!
Remodel or Build in Seattle?
What do you do when your Seattle area home no longer fits your lifestyle? What if your kids have gotten older and need more space? What if they want to have friends over, but there’s no place for them to hang out? What if you’re entertaining more, but can’t really accommodate larger groups of people in your existing home? What if you’ve uncovered your passion for gourmet cooking, but your kitchen feels like the galley on a fishing boat?
You have a couple of options: You can build a new home, or you can remodel your existing home. At Powell, we build new custom homes and do custom renovations (and we love doing both), but which one makes sense for you? Here are some questions to consider:
Do you like the area where you currently live?
- Will you be able to find a similar (or better) neighborhood if you move?
- How important are the relationships where you currently live?
- How convenient will a new neighborhood be (consider your commute, shopping, church, other activities)?
- Do you have a view that you love? Are you willing to give that up?
Can you make the changes you want to make to your current home?
- Are there physical limitations (i.e. lot size or restrictions)?
- Are there architectural restrictions that could keep you from doing what you want?
- Are there safety issues that you can’t overcome with a remodel?
- Are the changes you want to make simply too drastic to work in your existing home?
What’s the cost difference between building and remodeling?
This one can be a bit tricky, because it depends on the scope of the changes you want to make. Sometimes remodeling costs are actually higher per square foot than building costs—because of what has to be done to an older home to prepare it.
The question of whether to build or remodel seems like a simple one. The answer, however, can be a little tough. If you’d like to explore this topic in more detail, we invite you to download our free special report that will help walk you through the questions you should be asking and arrive at a conclusion that’s right for you.
There was a time when all you had to do to enjoy your basement was to haul a couch down the stairs, plug in an old T.V. and make some popcorn. That may still work on reruns of “That 70s Show” but most homeowners aren’t satisfied with that level of “recreational comfort” anymore (Heck, most kids wouldn’t even settle for that these days!).
Basements have come a long way since the 70s, baby!
Now basement recreational rooms are as sophisticated and comfortable as anything you’ll find “above ground.” They’re also a good investment, because according to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, fifty percent of homebuyers say they want a finished basement in the home they purchase.
One of the great things about remodeling the basement in your home is that you don’t have to lock yourself into one particular function. Not every homeowner wants to turn the basement into a “man cave” or a room that’s exclusively devoted to watching television.
If you want to take advantage of extra space, you’ve got options. Here are just a few.
- Workout Room: You can create a first-class workout space in your basement and avoid the expense and hassle of a gym membership.
- Home Office: Maybe you need a place where you can get away from the rest of the family occasionally to get some work done. You don’t have to leave home—just head downstairs.
- Playroom for Younger Kids: If you’re tired of having toys underfoot (or having to pick up when company comes) you can create a great playroom in the basement. It’s close—but separate from the rest of the house.
- Pool Room: If you love to play pool but just don’t have room for a table in the house, you can create a great home pool hall downstairs.
- Another Bedroom: As kids get older, they want their own space. Adding a room in the basement can solve that problem. You can also create a comfortable guest room that allows your guest to have some privacy when they visit.
If you want your finished basement area to look better than what you see on the reruns of “That 70s Show” you’ll need to do more than simply putting up some drywall and plugging in the old T.V. Check out our free special report: Five Things to Think About Before Remodeling Your Basement. That will help prepare you for turning your basement into space that will you’ll really enjoy.