When it comes to home decor and interior design, every detail counts. One design element that has stood the test of time and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space is crown molding. Crown molding is a decorative trim installed where the walls meet the ceiling, and it can transform the look and feel of a room. But is it the right choice for your home? In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using crown molding in your home to help you make an informed decision.
When it comes to designing your bathroom, selecting the right tile is a crucial aspect that can greatly influence the overall look and functionality of the space. From ensuring safety to creating visual interest, here are five tips to keep in mind when selecting tile for your bathroom.
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, what better way to celebrate than with an article on the ways the Irish have influenced American architecture? From the Gothic Revival style of churches to the Victorian-era row houses, Irish architects and builders have left their mark on the American landscape. Even iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building were designed by Irish-American architects. The Irish have influenced the United States in so many ways, affecting our politics, industry, organized labor, religion, literature, music, and art. A less-known contribution is their architectural influence.
In most parts of the country, structures are built primarily with wood framing from the foundation to the roof. In Florida, however, it is very common to see homes built with concrete block. It is done minimally on the first floor, but sometimes the entire structure is built out of concrete masonry units (CMU). We are asked often why it is done that way down here. Is it required by law? Do Florida contractors just like to go the extra mile? Is there simply an over-abundance of masons?
The answer is, none of the above. Building code allows for both concrete block and engineered wood framing down here in Florida, as long as they comply with hurricane codes. However, there are many reasons why concrete block is the more popular building choice. We’ll discuss a few of the main ones here.
We get a lot of questions from homeowners about how to price their construction project. When it comes to custom home building, there is no “one size fits all,” cookie-cutter costing system. Every single project is unique and different – which means it involves its own design, its own construction practices, and thus its own unique price. But did you know that there are many different ways to get bids on your construction project? In this article, we will discuss two of the most popular kinds of construction contracts: lump-sum and cost-plus. It is important that you understand the difference, including the pros and cons of each, so that you can make the right decision when it comes to requesting financial information on your project.
When building a custom home, nearly everything pivots on your relationship with your builder. You need someone who is more than just a contractor or designer – you need someone you can trust. Reversely, your builder will rely on you for many things throughout the course of the project. Understanding the relationship and working together as a team will determine how smoothly your project goes. To help you with this vital aspect of your project, here are five tips for working with a custom home builder.
Whether you love a clean, minimalistic design or you’re the crossover type going for a transitional style, you need to know what makes a modern kitchen. It’s not just cutting-edge technology, and it’s not even straight lines and minimalism. Modern design is a philosophy centered on function. This could never be truer than in a modern kitchen, which tends to be the center of the home, where function and flow lines are absolutely essential.
In addition to function, there are a few basic design elements that can make a kitchen feel more contemporary. This can help you steer your design in the direction you want, so read on for our top 5 design tips for creating a modern kitchen.
Have you just moved to the Sunshine State from somewhere like California or New England? Then perhaps you are surprised by the number of homes that feature textured walls. Whether it’s the small, rough specks on a popcorn ceiling or orange-peel walls, or the more sweeping texture known as knock-down, texture can seem rough and strange when you’re used to smooth finish walls. So why do so many Florida homes have textured walls? And how do you make your walls smooth if you don’t like the texture? Read on to find out.
More and more homeowners are steering away from industrial-grade, stainless steel range hoods and are opting for custom millwork to complete their kitchens. If your stove is the focal point of your kitchen, then the range hood should complement it accordingly. But installing a custom range hood is not just a matter of building a wood box and painting it. As in all things construction, you can’t forget about the logistics behind the finish piece, and that often involves multiple trades. Here are a few tips to help you when considering a custom range hood for your kitchen.
Renovating a house in Florida is not like construction in the rest of the country. Not only do you have to deal with the humidity (hello, mold), there’s also the hurricanes, termites, frequent rainstorms and beating sun (which lead to dry-rot). It’s no wonder the construction industry is so heavily regulated down here.
So what do you need to know to properly navigate the ins and outs of a renovation in Florida? Read on for five important tips.