860-537-5345bruno@homedesignsbybruno.com

Why a Custom Home Is the Better Home Investment

Contractor,Standing,In,Front,Custom,Kitchen,Construction,Framing,Gradating,Into

Why a Custom Home Is the Better Home Investment

Posted on
By:admin

Why a Custom Home Is the Better Home Investment

Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and it’s essential to choose the right property to maximize your investment. There are many options for homebuyers, from existing homes to new construction, but when it comes to quality, longevity, and customization, nothing beats a custom home. Custom homes provide buyers with the opportunity to create a home that meets their unique needs, style, and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of the home is tailored to their lifestyle. Here are a few reasons why a custom home is the better home investment.

Customized Design

The primary advantage of a custom home is the ability to customize the home design to meet your specific needs and preferences. Homebuyers can work with architects and designers to create a home that meets their unique style and functional requirements. This level of customization is not possible with pre-existing homes, where each element of the design has already been predetermined. With a custom home, you can choose everything from the layout of the home to the materials used in construction to create a home that’s perfect for you.

Energy Efficiency

Custom homes are also designed with energy efficiency in mind. Energy-efficient features, such as LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and energy-saving windows, are commonly incorporated into custom home designs. Additionally, custom homes are built to meet the latest industry standards for energy efficiency, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly than older homes.

Higher Quality Construction

Custom homes are built with high-quality materials and construction methods. Every aspect of the home, from the foundation to the roof, is carefully engineered to ensure that it meets the highest quality standards. This level of quality is not always guaranteed with pre-existing homes, where wear and tear can be hidden behind walls and ceilings, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and maintenance expenses.

Long-Term Value

Custom homes are an investment in the future, providing long-term value to homeowners. Because they are built with high-quality materials and construction methods, custom homes require less maintenance and repairs than pre-existing homes, resulting in lower long-term costs of ownership. Additionally, the customization of a custom home adds significant value to the property, making it a wise investment choice.

Personalized Location

Custom homes provide homeowners with the opportunity to choose the location of their home, whether that’s in an established neighborhood, on a large rural plot, or anywhere in between. Buyers can select a location that meets their specific needs, such as proximity to schools, shopping, or nightlife, or away from the hustle and bustle for peaceful, quiet living.

No Compromises

Pre-existing homes may offer some of the features that homeowners are looking for, but rarely are they an exact match. Often, major compromises have to be made in order to accommodate the homebuyer’s needs. With a custom home, there is no need to make such compromises. Buyers can create exactly what they want, and every aspect of the home is tailored to their individual needs.

Conclusion

For buyers looking for a home investment that meets their specific wants and needs, a custom home is the ideal choice. Custom homes offer a range of benefits, from high-quality construction to energy efficiency and long-term value. The ability to personalize every aspect of the home ensures that buyers get exactly what they want, with no compromises. With the help of a reputable contractor, a custom home can be an investment that provides homeowners with satisfaction, value, and enjoyment for years to come.

Aging In Place – Designing Homes For Comfort And Accessibility For All Ages

Posted on
By:admin

Automatic,Stairlift,On,Staircase,For,Elderly,Or,Disability,In,AAging In Place – Designing Homes For Comfort And Accessibility For All Ages

As people age, they often face challenges with mobility and accessibility in their homes. Tasks and movements that were once easy may become more difficult, leading to frustration and a reduced quality of life. However, with the right design considerations, homes can be made comfortable and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, enabling them to age in place and maintain their independence and autonomy.

The concept of aging in place is becoming increasingly popular as more people desire to remain in their own homes as they age. Aging in place refers to the idea of individuals staying in their preferred living environment for as long as possible, regardless of age or physical limitations. To make this possible, homes must be designed with accessibility and safety in mind. Let’s explore some key design considerations for aging in place homes.

Eliminating Physical Barriers

One key design consideration is the elimination of physical barriers. This includes steps, stairs, narrow doorways, and tight corridors. Even minor obstacles can pose a major challenge for those with limited mobility. Ramps, stairlifts, and elevators can be installed to remove physical barriers and make homes accessible to all. Wider doorways and hallways are also essential for negotiating with wheelchairs and walkers.

Universal Design Principles

The use of universal design principles can also aid in creating spaces that are accessible for all ages and abilities. Universal design emphasizes the creation of spaces that are equitable, flexible, and easy to use for all. This includes features such as lever door handles, accessible light switches, non-slip flooring, and grab bars in showers and toilets. These types of features not only improve accessibility for older individuals but can also benefit individuals with disabilities, families with young children, and anyone who may experience temporary mobility issues.

Proper Lighting

Another important aspect of aging in place design is the use of proper lighting. As people age, their eyesight may decline, making it more difficult to see and navigate their homes. Adequate lighting, both natural and artificial, can help to prevent falls and accidents. Nightlights and motion-sensor lighting can also be installed to aid in nighttime mobility.

Comfort and Convenience

Comfort and convenience are also important factors to consider when designing homes for aging in place. People want to feel comfortable and safe in their homes and be able to perform daily tasks with ease. Comfortable furniture, easy-to-reach storage, and appliances with larger buttons and dials can all improve the overall comfort and convenience of a home. Additionally, technology such as voice assistants and home automation systems can make homes more manageable for those with physical limitations.

Designing Bathrooms for Aging in Place

Bathroom design is also a critical aspect of aging in place. Bathrooms can be high-risk areas for falls and accidents, and the layout and accessibility of the space can make a significant difference in the user’s overall safety and comfort. Considerations such as barrier-free showers, non-slip flooring, grab bars, and elevated toilets can all improve the accessibility and safety of a bathroom. Additionally, the incorporation of a walk-in shower or tub can make access significantly easier and reduce the risk of falls.

Adaptations for Changing Needs

It is essential to note that aging in place design is not just for the older population; it is for anyone who desires to maintain an independent lifestyle in their own home. As people age, their physical abilities may change, and their needs may shift. By implementing aging in place design features early on and making adaptations when needed, individuals can stay in their homes and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, designing homes for comfort and accessibility is essential for all ages and abilities, and it’s crucial for aging in place. When designing homes for aging in place, it is essential to consider physical accessibility, safety, comfort, and convenience. Eliminating physical barriers, incorporating features such as universal design, proper lighting, and bathroom design, and integrating technology can all contribute to a safer, more comfortable, and accessible home environment. By making these design considerations early on, individuals can enjoy their homes and maintain their independence for longer.

Top Innovative Design Ideas For Your Residential Home

Posted on
By:admin

Architect,Designer,Interior,Creative,Working,Hand,Drawing,Sketch,Plan,BlueTop Innovative Design Ideas For Your Residential Home

Innovative design ideas are the keys to making your home unique. Whether you’re looking for something unique for your bedroom, living room or kitchen, check out this list of new construction designs that will make your house stand out from the rest!

• Natural Light

Natural light can make a space feel bigger and more open. It’s also a fantastic way to bring out color. For example, tan-colored sofas and wooden floors are more eye-catching when exposed to sunlight, and will make the room feel more vibrant and relaxed. The light can also be used to illuminate artwork or architectural features, making the room appear more aesthetically pleasing.

• Energy Efficiency

Building and operating energy efficient homes, buildings, and businesses save money, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These benefits are particularly important for households in low-income communities who spend a higher percentage of their income on energy, which may result in lower health outcomes due to air pollution. When looking for a residential home, look for energy efficiency features like insulation and doors/windows that are properly sealed and energy sources that are sustainable, such as solar. These improvements can make the home more comfortable and increase its market value, which may help you sell your home faster.

• Open Floor Plan

Whether you are looking for the perfect home to call your own or you are building your first custom home, an open floor plan is something that will not only increase the value of your property but it also will help your family stay connected. Traditional homes have long been divided into separate spaces by walls, but open concept floor plans eliminate these barriers to create one large room that can serve as the living room, kitchen, dining area or any other desired function. An open floor plan allows the natural light to pour into spaces without windows, which helps keep your energy bill down, is easier on the eyes and has a number of mental health benefits. This layout is also more practical for entertaining larger groups of people as it creates a space that can accommodate the needs of everyone in your home.

• Indoor Garden

Interior garden designs have been a feature of aristocrats’ houses for centuries, but they are now enjoying a strong surge in popularity. From tiny vertical herb gardens to beautiful living walls, green spaces are popping up everywhere, and homeowners can now incorporate them into their interiors for added decoration. There are several considerations when planning an indoor garden, but the most important is its location and size. A large house can spare enough space for a garden while in smaller homes or apartments, vertical gardens or wall gardens are ideal.

• Extra Storage

​Many people are looking for ways to maximize their living spaces without sacrificing style. Whether it’s in your kitchen, home office or bedroom, unique storage solutions make sure the things you need and use regularly have a place – keeping clutter at bay. If you’re designing a new build or remodel, consider the options that allow for flexible storage. For example, if you have built-in seating that can be moved from room to room or from window to window, consider adding drawers for easy access.

Is It Worth It To Build A Custom Home?

Posted on
By:admin

Is It Worth It To Build A Custom Home?

Building your own home is a big investment. So you want to make sure it’s worth it. The answer depends on many factors. But if you’re committed to building the custom home of your dreams, it should be a worthwhile endeavor.

1. Full Customization

The biggest advantage to building and designing a custom home is that you get to select all of the materials. That includes floors, cabinets, appliances, and more. The quality of these materials can make or break a home, so you definitely want to pick the best. Another benefit of a custom home is that you can design spaces that will serve your family well in the years to come. This could include an at-home office or a dedicated work out room. It might even be possible to build an area you’ll need for a new addition to the family, like a baby room or an extra bedroom.

2. Save Money

Building a custom home means that you can choose everything from the floor plan to the materials used for construction. This gives you more control over the final product and allows you to save money. The best part is that when you build a custom home, you can also save money on maintenance and repairs. This is because you won’t be wasting money on old plumbing or HVAC systems, which can be expensive to repair and replace later. Another way that you can save money on a custom home is by using energy efficient materials and appliances. This can help you reduce your utility costs and qualify you for energy tax credits. You also have the option of adding solar panels to your home. This can be a great way to save money on energy bills and even get your money back once the house is built.

3. It’s Worth It

In short, building a custom home can be the best thing you ever did for your family, and it’s well worth the investment. You will be able to enjoy all of the benefits of the home that you dreamed up, without the headaches and hassles that go with purchasing an off-the-shelf model. You may even save some money in the long run. The biggest tip is to be clear with your requirements and to stick within your budget. And we understand that having your dreams come true is an exciting process. However, it can also be stressful and a little overwhelming. Therefore, you should always try to keep a positive attitude and focus on enjoying the journey!

Custom Vs Manufactured Homes

Posted on
By:admin

Custom Vs Manufactured Homes

There are many options when it comes to buying a home. Depending on your needs and goals, each of these types may be the perfect fit for you and your family. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each type.

1. Customization

A custom home offers an entirely different experience than a manufactured home. The process is more personalized — you work with your builder to design, plan, and select every detail of the house. In other words, it is an ideal choice if you want to make your home work for your lifestyle. For example, if you are an avid cyclist or skier, you may want a home with space for bike storage. Similarly, if you are a woodworker or musician, you might consider building a soundproofed studio. This customization can be extremely valuable to you and your family. Ultimately, a custom home is an investment that will pay off in the long run. It will help you save money on energy costs and improve your living environment. In addition, a custom home can help you achieve a higher resale value.

2. Budget

Custom homes are typically much more expensive than manufactured homes. This is primarily because of the higher costs associated with land, materials and labor for stick-built homes. Manufactured homes are built in a factory, where quality control and continuous inspection help keep construction costs down. They are also constructed in a shorter time frame than site-built homes. They can be customized to meet your needs and budget, so they can make an excellent option for first-time home buyers who don’t want to sacrifice features or quality in favor of affordability. They can be designed to include all the same amenities as custom homes, including walk-in closets, fireplaces, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. You can also add garages, porches and other features that can make a manufactured home even more special.

3. Financing Options

Manufactured homes offer many advantages that make them popular with home buyers. Aside from being affordable, they’re also customizable and energy-efficient. Another key benefit is that they can be moved down the road, if needed. This can be especially helpful for older adults and families who want to move somewhere new in the future. But unlike custom built homes, it’s important to note that you can’t purchase land for a manufactured home. Instead, you will have to lease land and build your house on it. This can be a less convenient option than buying land, and it might impact your ability to get financing.

Big Reasons To Upsize Your Home

Posted on
By:admin

  • Accommodating Lifestyle Changes 

As your family, assets, and needs grow, you might find that you need more space in your home. Rather than selling and moving into a smaller house, upsizing can be a great solution to accommodate your new lifestyle. Upsizing your home gives you the opportunity to create spaces that suit your new life – rooms to host get-togethers, entertainment areas for you and your loved ones and room for the extra kids, pets, or aging parents. 

  • Better Furniture And Appliances 

One of the perks of buying a larger home is having more room to furnish. This is especially true if you have children in the picture or are a couple looking for a new lease on life. A well-stocked kitchen and bathroom can make the difference between an ordinary household and a comfortable family home. Likewise, a well-designed stairway and at least one closet to boot will go a long way towards making your new digs feel like your own personal palace.  

  • Room For Pets 

A bigger home will give your furry friends a leg up on the competition when it comes to playtime. The best part is that there’s no need to break the bank to get the space you deserve. There are plenty of pet friendly options available to suit every taste and budget. A good rule of thumb is to only upgrade things that are going to make your life easier and your pet’s lives better. 

  • More Space To Host Gatherings 

If you’re planning to host a lot of gatherings or you just want more room to entertain, upsizing your home can be the perfect solution. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner party or a larger kids’ birthday bash, more space can make your life so much easier and more comfortable. Upsizing your home can also provide more space to house all of your belongings. This could mean more storage space for that large flat-screen TV and its state-of-the-art sound system that you’ve just been dying to show off to all your friends! 

How To Add The Perfect Half Bath To Your Home

Posted on
By:admin

Location 

A half bath is a bathroom that lacks one of the four main fixtures–tub, shower, sink and toilet–found in full bathrooms. They are often located near living areas and are generally intended for guest use. Ideally, your half bath will be placed close to existing water and sewer lines so you don’t have to jackhammer up your foundation or pay for new plumbing installation. For example, if your home is built on a pier or over a basement, your plumber may be able to run new water and sewer lines under the house’s floor without needing to disturb the original construction. Alternatively, a half bath can be located under a set of stairs, in a garage with the entrance from the house or even in a dormer attic space. This location offers accessibility for guests and privacy for homeowners. 

Space 

If you’re planning to add a half bath to your home, it’s important to consider the space needed for it. These bathrooms don’t require much floor space, but you should still make sure that there’s enough room to install the toilet and sink/vanity. Another consideration is whether or not you want to build a half bath near an entrance, especially if there’s a living area nearby. If possible, locate the entry to your half bath so it’s not directly in view of a living area or shield it with a room divider so that guests can enter and exit discreetly. 

Lighting 

The lighting for your half bath should be functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It should be a blend of ambiance and accent lighting — think soft white lights with a color temperature in the 2,000-3,000K range that create a relaxing glow. The vanity area is the most important place for task lighting, as this is where people use makeup and shaving tools on a daily basis. This area is often illuminated with strip or globe light fixtures, but wall sconces can also be used for this purpose. Other areas of the bathroom that need general illumination include tubs and showers. Typically, recessed fixtures with white opal diffusers are used for these areas to provide light without visually distracting from the bath environment. 

Storage 

Half baths are the perfect solution when you need extra bathroom storage. With minimal square footage, they allow you to create a functional yet stylish bathroom that you can enjoy for years to come. As with all bathrooms, the storage needs of a half bath require careful planning to ensure it’s efficient and functional. You need to make sure the bathroom has ample space for storing towels, toiletries, and other essentials. The best way to keep your half bath organized is to also add a storage cabinet or shelf. These cabinets are available in many designs and are great for showcasing vases, photos and other decorative items while providing additional bathroom storage. 

5 Tips for Creating a Cozy Home

Posted on
By:admin

Everyone would love to know how to create a cozy home. It is typical to want to feel good in your own space, no matter the size. Maybe you just purchased a new home and need help giving it a little personality. Or perhaps you are living in a college dorm as a student and want to make your space comfier. No matter where you live, or what size home you have, you can use this guide to help you transition your home into a cozy space.

One of the first things you may want to accomplish to make your home cozy is to consider adding good lighting. If you are unsure where to start, determine how many light sources you have in your room now. Consider the design of each light and whether the bulb you are using is cool or warm.

If you are searching for tips for creating a cozy home, consider warming up your space with rugs. Rugs are cozy because it can get very cold underneath your feet if you have hardwood or tile flooring. You will feel warmer immediately by adding rugs and textiles to your space.

If rugs aren’t your thing, consider using plush mats in your bathroom, etc. Another tip is to consider adding texture to your living space. The texture is the quality of the material on the surface. Texture is perfect for adding depth and can make any space cozy. Consider putting woven baskets with throw blankets and pillows in them. You can even combine accessories such as ceramic, wood, and leather to create a variety of sensations.

Consider adding fresh flowers to your living space to make it cozy. Fresh flowers are excellent at delivering a beautiful touch. They can even last a long time if you maintain them. Consider faux greenery if you don’t care for fresh flowers too much. After all, there is nothing wrong if your preference is fake flowers and plants over fresh ones.

Finally, you should consider hanging artwork and mirrors around your living space to make it cozier. Completely empty walls will leave your space feeling depressing. Prints are always a good option if you’re on a tight budget for original artwork. Consider purchasing from sites such as Etsy or Redbubble, where you can find printed artwork, framed or unframed. You can even find artwork that matches whatever style you are looking for. Besides hanging prints, you may also consider textile wall hangings, quilts, mirrors, children’s artwork, framed photographs, and fiber art.2

Must-Have Features in Your Custom Home

Posted on
By:admin

When building a custom home, one of the main advantages is you have full control over what the home is. Features such as materials, the number of rooms, the overall layout, and various design choices are all up to you. Unlike a prebuilt home with a custom home, you don’t have to make do with a design choice you don’t like when buying the home, because everything is up to you.

An essential part of the building process is knowing what must have features for your custom home you should have. Here are five features for your new custom home that you should not miss out on.

Five Must-Have Features for Your Custom Home

  1. A Well-Insulated Roof: Having good insulation provides many useful benefits. It keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and saves you money by making heating and cooling far more efficient. Proper insulation also reduces noise pollution and improves indoor air quality.
  2. High-Quality Windows: Investing in high-quality windows makes your home warm, provides light, and makes your home look better. Well-made windows also help prevent outdoor air from entering your home and protect your home and possessions from UV rays and sun damage while not reducing light.
  3. Smart Lighting: Modern technology has made homes more responsive to owner needs. With smart lighting, you can control your home’s lighting from a smartphone or table. This means you can control your lights even when you are away from home. This saves on energy, helps light bulbs last longer, and can help with home security.
  4. A Heated Garage: Adding heat to your garage offers benefits as a homeowner. A heated garage can protect your car from the winter cold and other extreme weather conditions. Plus, if you like working on your car, a heated garage offers the perfect area. A warm garage also makes getting ready for winter outings easier.
  5. Outlets for Outdoor Spaces: Having accessible outdoor plugs makes your outdoor areas far more versatile. If you plan on putting up decorations or doing any work outside, you need access to outlets to power your tools or displays. Outdoor outlets can also be useful for patios and outdoor seating areas for plugging in laptops, cellphones, and other devices.

Final Thoughts

These are just some of the ways you can make a custom home truly yours. When customizing a home, always keep your and your family’s needs at the front of your mind. Additions focusing on common needs and goals can greatly improve your quality of life.

Tips for Customizing Your Home to Fit Your Family’s Needs

Posted on
By:admin

The design and layout of your home can dramatically affect your day-to-day life.

Home is where the heart is, where you raise your family and spend most of your time. It should be designed in such a way as to cater to your individual needs and the needs of your family.

Things to consider when customizing a home to fit your families needs.

1. Add a mudroom

How to customize your home to fit your families needs. We cannot emphasize enough the difference a mudroom will make to your life. It is a space in your home, usually located outside the main living areas, near the front or rear of the home. It serves a very specific purpose. It is a dedicated room where you can remove any muddy shoes or other outerwear before entering the home’s main living spaces, such as the kitchen, living area, or dining room.

This space usually includes plenty of storage space for every member of the home. There are dedicated locker-like spaces where kids can hang things like backpacks, and a space to put shoes, coats, and bags. These rooms are designed to be cleaned very easily and are easily maintained.

2. Creating a separate space for your kids

It’s important to create a separate space for the children’s rooms away from the master bedroom. This will provide privacy for the kids and the adults. Allowing kids to have this space will also encourage some form of independence and structure in their own space.

3. Add a flex room

A flex room is an excellent addition to your custom home.

It’s a room that may serve many different purposes in the period that you call the property your home. For example, a flex room may be used as a storage room when you first move in.

You could change it into a kid’s playroom when the kids get old enough, and you need to create a play space. This way, you keep the kid’s bedroom organized, or at least to some extent.

As the kids grow older, you may want to change the flex room into a study where they can go and finish homework after school. When the kids move out, you may want to change the flex room into a reading corner for yourself.

4. Jack and Jill’s bathrooms

Think about the family’s size, the home’s space, and access to shared bathrooms. A Jack and Jill bathroom that leads to two different bedrooms may be a great way to save space and allow multiple family members to have access to a shared bathroom. One child could use the bathroom sink while the other uses the shower or bath privately.

However, in some families, it may be better to include a small bathroom with each bedroom, to ensure privacy and that each child has access to their private bathroom.

5. Make your home kid-friendly

If you have kids or plan to have kids, you may want to consider making your home kid-friendly by adopting or adding any of the following:

  • Non-toxic paint and flooring
  • Fireplace safety
  • Kid-friendly staircase
  • Outlet covers
  • Safer shelving
Contact Us:

Home Designs by Bruno
75 Lebanon Avenue
Colchester, CT 06415

Phone: 860-537-5345
Fax: 860-603-2622

Email: bruno@homedesignsbybruno.com