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Category Archives: Custom Homes

What To Consider When Building a Custom Home

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Custom home builds are not for everyone. But there certainly are some situations in which a custom home is the way to go. This quick guide will help you decide if you should consider custom home construction. Keep reading to learn more about custom home design tips and custom home layout ideas.

You Have a Specific Vision for Your Home

Not everyone wants to simply buy a cookie-cutter home in a subdivision. If your dream home is something that you have specifically designed in your mind, you should definitely consider connecting with a custom home builder. These professionals will be able to take your vision and turn it into a beautiful reality.

Trying to shop around to find your dream home could prove to be frustrating and fruitless.

You Want Built-Ins

Built-in storage and shelving does not often come standard with a pre-designed home. If you have been dreaming of custom made built-ins for entertainment areas, the kitchen, bath, or even the closets. They will be able to provide you with custom closet ideas, storage solutions, and more.

It is always easier to plan built-ins during the construction process of a new home build, rather than to attempt to have them added to a completed space.

You Want a Kitchen Nook

Kitchen nooks are an adorable addition to a kitchen space, but these are usually a custom creation. A kitchen nook provides a great way to bring in more seating into the kitchen area. Nooks are often good for smaller kitchens that otherwise may not have a lot of room for an eat in table or island.

You Need a Mudroom

A mudroom or a drop zone as some people call it is a great feature to have in any home. Unfortunately, many pre-designed homes do not come with this feature. Having your mud room custom made allows for you to add custom designed built-in storage, benches, and more.

You Want An Upstairs Laundry Room

Some homeowners wish to conserve all of their downstairs space for living space or entertaining space. This can be easily accomplished by making sure that all bedrooms, main bathrooms, and the laundry are all upstairs. Most average home designs will not have the laundry upstairs, though. If you want your laundry upstairs, you should reach out to a custom home builder in your area. They will have the skills to design your home exactly the way you have envisioned it.

You Want a Spa Bathroom

If you want more than just the average master bath, a custom home builder can design you a home spa that you’ll never want to leave. A home spa can include things such as a jacuzzi tub, luxury shower, sauna, and more.

Building a New Custom Home Versus Buying New Construction Home

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Building a New Custom Home Versus Buying a New Construction Home

Is it better to build or buy a house? As you intend to become a homeowner, this is a critical question you probably need answers to before making the final decision. Several benefits come from a new custom home build.

1. Customized Home

A personalized home is one of the crucial advantages you will be getting by opting to build your house. This means you will have an opportunity to decide on the kind of features you want to include in your home. For instance, if you want a particular type of kitchen, you can get it designed and fitted in your house. You might not have been able to do this when buying an already constructed home.

2. Picking the Best Location

The location of your home is something you need to take seriously. After all, it would help if you had a place you could call home sweet home. Fortunately, when building a house, you will have an opportunity to pick the best location for your property. You can buy a piece of land in a residential area where you feel comfortable and safe.

3. Achieving Your Dream Home

When you buy an already constructed house, there are high chances that you will not get all the features you want in your dream home. However, this should not worry you when you opt to build your house. This is because you can achieve your dream home as long as you work with the right professionals. You can easily decide to include all the features you want in your home without worrying about whether they will fit.

4. Avoiding Unwanted Surprises

It’s common for people who buy already constructed homes to come across some unwanted surprises. For instance, you might find out that the house you bought has some underlying issues. However, this will not be the case when you opt to build your home. You will be in charge of everything happening during the construction process. As a result, you will not have to deal with unwanted surprises.

5. Saving Money in the Long Run

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? This is another crucial question you must ask yourself before making your final decision. In most cases, building a home is cheaper than buying an already constructed one. You will not have to pay for the labor costs as you will do everything independently. Also, you will be able to get discounts on the materials you will use to construct your house.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, it’s evident that you will be getting several benefits from building your home. These advantages include having a customized home, picking the best location, achieving your dream home, avoiding unwanted surprises, and saving money in the long run. Contact Home Designs by Bruno today, and we will help you turn your dream home into a reality.

12 Exterior Custom Home Trends

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Exterior home trends 2022 seem to be highly focused on the issue of sustainability rather than the traditional aesthetics that have been trending for many years. However, this does not mean that such aspects are no longer fashionable. So, let’s dive into the exterior custom home trends currently dominating the market.

1. Neutral Colors

Exterior house color ideas 2022 are leaning toward the use of neutral colors. This is likely due to the continued focus on sustainability and the need for a more modern look. These colors can be used to create a clean and stylish look that will last for years to come.

2. Outdoor Living Ares

It’s not rare for property owners to want to spend more time outdoors. As a result, many homeowners are now looking for ways to create an outdoor living area. This can be done by adding a patio or deck to the home. Alternatively, some people are even creating outdoor kitchens for similar purposes.

3. Wood Accents

Wood remains a popular choice for exterior home design. However, it is now used more as an accent than the primary material. Like neutrals, wood lends to a sustainable vibe and a natural look.

4. Functional Lighting

Exterior lighting is no longer just about providing light for your home. It is now also about providing functional lighting that can be used for security, safety, and even decoration. This trend will likely continue as homeowners become more aware of the need for such features.

5. Light Color Stone Accents

This has not been a common trend but is now becoming more popular. Light stone color can also add a touch of elegance to your home.

6. Swimming Pools

Exterior structures such as swimming pools continue to be popular among homeowners as they provide a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. They can also be used as a gathering place for friends and family.

7. Exterior Black Accents

Today, many homeowners are choosing to use black accents on their homes. Black accents have become popular due to the need for a more modern and minimalist look. However, black can also create a sense of sophistication and elegance. These accents can be used on your home’s exterior and interior.

8. Outdoor Fireplaces

A modern outdoor fireplace is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying warm. This trend will continue as more people seek ways to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Outdoor fireplaces offer places to pass the time in summer evenings.

9. Paver Walkways

Paver walkways have long been a popular choice for homeowners. They are durable and easy to maintain. This trend will likely continue as they offer a classic look that will never go out of style. In addition, these walkways can be used to create various looks, from simple to elaborate.

10. Outdoor Spas

Traditionally, spas have been used for indoor relaxation. However, they are now being increasingly used outdoors. Outdoor spas can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

11. Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens have always been a popular choice for homeowners. However, they are now used more as a leading kitchen than just an outdoor cooking area.

12. Decorative Tiles

Traditionally, tiles have been used for their practical purposes. However, they are now also being used for their decorative value. This trend will likely continue as homeowners look for ways to add a personal touch to their homes. These tiles can be used on your home’s exterior and interior.

Conclusion

These exterior home trends are popular and offer a great way to add value to your home. They’re not only aesthetically pleasing but minimalist in nature. Consider these trends if you’re thinking of making exterior changes to your home.

Are Custom Homes Cheaper Than Pre-Built Homes?

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Are custom homes cheaper to build? Is it cheaper to build a home than buy a pre built home? These are two questions anyone in the market for a house is probably trying to answer. If you’re struggling to get a clear answer to your questions, don’t worry.  In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options and help you decide which is right for you.

The Pros and Cons of Custom Homes

One of the main benefits of choosing a custom-built home is complete control over the design and layout. In addition, you can work with your builder to create a home that perfectly matches your needs and lifestyle.

Another benefit of custom homes is that they often come at a lower cost than pre-built homes. In addition, since you are cutting out the middleman, you can usually get a better deal on the materials and labor for your home.

However, there are also some downsides to custom homes. Building your own home can be a long and complicated process that requires a lot of time and effort from you. You will also have less flexibility in terms of location, as you will need to find a suitable lot for building.

The Pros and Cons of Pre-Built Homes

Pre-built homes have the advantage of being quick and easy to move into. You can usually find a home that is already built and move in within a few weeks or months. This is a welcome option if you are in a hurry to find housing or cannot build your own home for some reason.

However, there are also downsides to pre-built homes. For one thing, they often come at a higher cost than custom homes. This is because you buy the house from someone else and do not cut out the middleman. You may also have less flexibility in design and layout, as most pre-built homes are not customizable.

How To Decide Which Is Right for You

Now that you know the pros and cons of both custom homes and pre-built homes, how do you decide which is right for you? Here are a few tips:

  • Consider Your Budget

Custom homes often come at a lower cost than pre-built homes, but this may not be true in all cases. Do some research and compare prices to help you decide which option is most financially feasible for you.

  • Time Factor

Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into building or purchasing a home. If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance option, pre-built homes may be better. However, if you’re willing to wait and put some time into building your own home, custom homes can be a great option.

  • Personal Lifestyle

Consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you have specific ideas about what you want your home to look like? If so, custom homes may be the better choice for you. However, if you’re not picky about design, pre-built homes may be just as good.

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s no significant cost difference between custom and pre-built homes. However, custom homes provide personal tastes, which is not the case for pre-built homes. If you’re looking for professionals to assist in your custom home, contact Home Designs by Bruno for assistance.

What Goes Into Building a Custom Home?

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Designing and building a custom dream home is a goal for many of us. You’ll choose everything you want in your home, without compromising your overall vision. You’ll design a home that is unique to your needs. Equally, you’ll be choosing all the fine-tuned details to complete your vision.On the other hand, a majority of custom homeowners aren’t architects or builders. The numerous details to consider and navigate can be overwhelming for the average homeowner. Issues of structural engineering and meeting code requirements for where you build should, at the least, be discussed with professionals.

So, how does a homeowner decide how to build a custom home?

Let’s take a look at some of the bigger decisions you’ll make as the homeowner, as well as the role of the professionals in this process.

Location, Location, Location

Before taking the time to design the full structure, you will need to determine where you’ll build. This can be a crucial decision for numerous reasons, as the type of home, the materials used, the local and state building codes you’ll encounter, and access to the land you’ve chosen are all factors to consider.

Codes and Structural Support

As just mentioned, you’ll need to determine the applicable building codes for the area you’re building. Let’s say you’ve found a pristine coastal location to build. In a state such as Florida, you have to build with the potential of hurricanes and storms impacting your house.

The proper structural supports, foundational pilings, and distance from the shore are all specific to your building area. A licensed builder in the area will know these requirements and should be consulted before finalizing decisions.

Architecture and Engineering

Once you’ve found (and cleared) your land, an architect can begin working up blueprints for your home. You’ll have lots of input on design elements, but an architect will be able to properly design the house so it works for the building process, as well as works aesthetically with your lot. Customization really happens in the blueprint stage, too, as the builder will be following these plans for construction.

Equally, an engineer is going to help determine the structural support needs. Where you put walls can be far more important than just partitions between rooms. The proper load-bearing walls will make or break your structure. Engineers will also have great input on what kind of building materials you’ll use.

Choose Your Crew Wisely

The right contractor is possibly the biggest decision you’ll make, as you want to pick a builder with experience and a good reputation in custom home building and experience building in the area you’ve chosen. Their knowledge can be critical for making fine-tuned adjustments before and during the build.

Interior Design Choices

Of course, there is another entire group of builders and designers who will help finish your home, once the structural build is complete. Interior designers and specific craftsmen will help transform your space into the final vision for your custom home.

These are just some of the steps in the custom home build process. It should be clear that you’ll encounter numerous decisions and processes to make your dream a reality. Consult the professionals, whenever possible. Your custom home plans shouldn’t be compromised. Don’t let unforeseen requirements halt you in your tracks.

Contact Us:

Home Designs by Bruno
75 Lebanon Avenue
Colchester, CT 06415

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

Email: bruno@homedesignsbybruno.com