We’ve written before about the concept of “flow”; rooms that connect in a sensible way to the flow of your life. We expect open floor plans will be more popular than ever this year, with a focus on functionality over formality. Gone are the days of separate dining rooms and kitchens, or the den tucked in the basement. Combining these areas in one open space is conducive for conversation and easy living.
When looking for a company to construct your home, be sure to ask the builder whether your must-have features, such as granite countertops and ceramic tile, are considered standard or an upgrade. You don’t want to miss out on design elements that will make your heart sing every time you walk into your house, but their answer could increase your cost. Some upgrades lose value over time, but we consider the following features, which we offer as standard, to be worth the investment.
One of the nicest things about living in a small town is getting to know the people we do business with. Like us, they live around the corner and work down the road, contributing to the economy on a local level. In fact, for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the community.
It’s the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure their purchase is maintained regularly from year to year. There are simple tasks that you may already be handling, such as changing air filters, testing your circuit breaker and replacing smoke detector batteries. In addition, it’s a good rule of thumb to conduct a walk-through of the inside and outside of your home annually to make sure certain features are in optimal shape. Here’s a quick run-down of things to inspect …
Buying a home is one of the most important investments you will make on many levels. Beyond the shelter it provides, this is where you and your family will mark milestones, establish traditions, make memories and celebrate life for years to come. At the same time, your home is both a financial and personal commitment, so it’s important that you protect it with a home warranty.
Hurricane season began June 1. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a range of 9 to 15 named storms, of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes. You’ve heard the saying, “Hope for the best, plan for the worst”? That’s good advice, as we think back to the catastrophic winds and flooding …