Everyone at P&D Builders wishes you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday. We are so thankful that we have people like you in our lives to help make this such a fun and incredible journey.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Author Archives: P&D Builders
Benefits of an Open-Concept Home Design
In today’s market, it seems as though more and more people are opting for an open-concept home design when looking for a new home. Gone are the days of having each room separated from one another. In home design, both production and custom, we are seeing this trend move towards an open concept.
We are now seeing less formal dining areas and more kitchenettes and dining areas in the kitchen. The traditional dining style is moving towards more of a relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen. This new style also makes for easier entertaining. Here are a few other great reasons for the open-concept home design.
- More functional Entertaining Space – As we mentioned above, the open-concept home design eliminates the walls and doors dividing up space. This concept allows the host and the guests to feel more connected and enjoy the time together without feeling left out or separated.
- Maximize the Flow of Natural Light – With the open-concept design, it allows for large windows to let the natural light flow throughout the home more easily. Imagine large transom windows in a great room bringing in enough light to brighten the whole home.
- Added Visibility – If you have small children or pets, you will appreciate this one. Without several walls and doors dividing each room, you are able to keep an eye on your small children and pets easier. Even though you may be in the kitchen, you can still see them in the living room or dining area.
- Maximize the Square Footage – By de-compartmentalizing your home and opening up the space, your home will feel a little larger. The less walls you have and the more open space, the bigger it will feel.
- Your Kitchen Becomes the Focal Point – As mentioned previously, with the open-concept design you not only have a larger area to entertain but your guests feel more welcome and comfortable sitting in the kitchen. Your kitchen becomes more of the focal point, or the heart, of the home. This is one main reason why many clients prefer to add the extra bells and whistles to the kitchen. This will become the highlight of the home.
As more people enter into the home market, the more we are noticing a rise in demand for these open-concept floor plans. This change in home design is adding more space for growing families and more opportunity for entertaining. If you are interested in speaking with P&D Builders about building your dream home contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you.
Featured Home
Today we are featuring another beautiful P&D custom-built home. This home is a Craftsman style home with 3,340 square feet of living space. This three bedroom home features a first-floor master complete with a guest suite. The home was built with many rustic elements such as stone in the kitchen and living room areas. The master bathroom comes with a his and her’s vanities for added personal space. This home is quaint and warm, perfect for empty-nesters looking for a great home to retire in.
If you would like more information on building your very own custom dream home with P&D Builders, we would love to hear from you. Contact us here!
Prepping your Home for Fall and Winter
The fall season is so beautiful here in Ohio! The trees are turning beautiful shades of red and orange, the air is crisp and the smell of pumpkin is just about everywhere you turn! This time of year also means that the cold winter is just around the corner which means that it is time to start prepping your home. Here is a fall checklist you can follow over the next couple weekends (while the temps are still manageable) to help get your home cozy and ready for the winter.
- Prep your landscape– The roots in the grass keep growing until the ground gets down to about 40 degrees so it is important to keep it nourished. It is recommended that you apply a high-phosphorus (12-25-12) mix to encourage healthy roots. Come spring time, your grass will be green and vibrant. This is also a great time to trim trees and shrubs.
- Install outdoor lighting– As the winter months approach the sunset becomes earlier and earlier. It is important that the lighting around your home or garage is adequate should you need to take the trash out late when there is little to no light around. This ensures safety for you and your holiday guests as well.
- Freeze-proof exterior faucets– The faucet to your outdoor watering hose is the one faucet that is most susceptible to extremely cold weather. Replace your outdoor hose faucet with a freeze-proof faucet to avoid any freezing of pipes.
- Weather-proof windows and doors– a door’s weather seals can rip, compress, bend or even wear out over time, leaving small gaps for cold air to come in. Replace any broken or ripped seals, caulk around the windows where there are small gaps. You do not want the heat escaping your home this can become very costly in terms of energy expenses.
- Have your HVAC systems inspected– Before the cold weather gets here and you find yourself cranking up the heat, make sure to have your furnace inspected. Without this yearly cleaning and inspection, the system can wears itself out quickly, pump deadly carbon monoxide into your home or simply stop working. Also make sure to change your furnace filter. You will see a huge difference in the air quality and it will run more efficiently.
- Clean your gutters– As the leaves begin to fall you will find a leaf build up in your gutters and it is important to remove any leaves, nests, and other debris that may have accumulated over the year. If your gutters are clogged and rain turns to ice it can begin to weigh heavy on your gutters causing them to fail. If it snows the water will have no where to flow once it melts. Hire a professional or clean them yourself before it gets too cold.
- Repair any damaged walk areas– It can become very dangerous if your sidewalks and walkways around your home are broken or uneven, especially when the snow and ice come. Make sure to repair any walkways to ensure safety for your family and holiday guests.
When your home is prepped for the colder months, it can be a lot less of a hassle going into the brutal winter months. This will ensure a peace of mind knowing you have prepared your home for any mishaps that winter can throw your way.
An the Award Goes to…
As the 2015 Parade of Homes continues we wanted to share some exciting awards that P&D Builders has won for the different categories in this year’s parade. 
Gold Award:
First Interior Impression
Cutting Edge Convenience
Silver Award:
Outdoor Living Area
Bronze Award:
Exterior Architecture
If you have not yet had a chance to visit the Parade of Homes and our P&D house we encourage you to come out and see all of the beautiful homes! The Parade of Homes is going on now until October 4th! We hope to see you there.
Today is the Big Day!
Today is the big day! The 2015 Parade of Homes kicks off in the beautiful Northstar Community is Sunbury, Ohio. This year the parade of homes will be smaller than the previous years feature six homes all within the $500,000-$700,000 price range. This price range is a bit more realistic and stays in tune with the average cost of a luxury home in Central Ohio. This parade will still feature the latest trends in paint colors, decorating and design elements so be prepared to be inspired! We cannot wait to see you at this year’s Parade of Homes and we are eager and ready to show off all of the amazing details that we put into this home. Visit our site for more information on the P&D Builders parade home and other parade info!
10 Supplies You Will Need on Moving Day
Moving into a new home brings happiness but it can also bring on some stress. Whether you decide to hire movers for your big day or you decide to take the DIY route, we want to help make the big day a little easier for. If you have decided that you have enough trusted friends or family members to help with the move and want to go the DIY route here are some tips and tricks you should know to help the move be as stress-free as possible.
Boxes, lots of boxes!
This one is pretty obvious but we still thought it was worthy of making this list! When you are doing the moving by yourself (heavy lifting), it is much more difficult when you are using flimsy boxes from odds and ends places that have no durability. It is best to go to your local moving company where they sell durable, heavy duty moving boxes with matching lids. They also carry speciality boxes for items such as mirrors or artwork and they have wardrobe boxes complete with hanging racks (this will save you so much time!) that will help to put your closet back in order in no time.
Packing Tape
In order to seal all of those boxes you’ve just packed you need some good packing tape. This tape can be pricey but the higher the price usually indicates a higher quality. The cheaper tape tends to be flimsy and ends up not doing the job it is supposed to therefore requiring you to use more of it. The heavy duty tape is usually one strip and you are good to go! A little tip would be to buy this in a bulk quantity as it usually prices out cheaper per roll that way.
Moving Blankets
You might be wondering why you need moving blankets but trust us when we say, you will want or need them! As careful as you may think you are, moving heavy furniture and loading it onto a moving truck to add dings and scrapes to your nice furniture. What is worse is getting a grease stain or tear on a beautifully upholstered couch (ouch!) The blankets will provide a cushion in between your boxes and furniture ensure a safe trip to the new home. Simply tape the blankets (with that heavy boxing tape that you just bought in bulk) and you will have a better peace of mind with your furniture.
Stretch Plastic Wrap
If you are wondering what this is you probably aren’t the only one! This comes in a roll and it stretches and clings itself to your items (think of it as a large roll of Saran Wrap!) You can use this to wrap around multiple items or boxes and keep them tightly together. The best thing about this plastic wrap is that it does not leave a sticky residue.
Bubble Wrap
This is another must-have when it comes to moving day. Bubble wrap helps to provide cushion between delicate china and other glassware and dishes. This is a must if you want to ensure that no dishware gets broken during the move. The larger the bubbles, the more cushion it will provide. Plus it is a great stress reliever if you just want to pop it after the fact!
Packing Paper
This is different than your standard tissue paper and much more durable. This flexible, thin, but very durable paper is great for filling in those extra gaps in the boxes. This will help keep your items in one place and not move around inside the boxes. If you have a lot of delicate items in one box but still plenty of room for them to possibly move around and break this paper will be your best friend!
Paper or Cloth Towels
When you go to pack your coffee mugs and drinking glasses stuffing paper towels in between them will help to avoid cracks or breaks. They also come in handy when you need a towel to clean up a mess. The best part is when you move to your new place you can use those paper towels for future messes that need cleaning! If you are looking for a greener tip we suggest using your clean dish towels between your cups.
Carpet Protection
Most DIY movers don’t think of this one, but using it will make all the difference. This is a plastic protection that you put on your carpet to help easily drag heavy furniture items. It won’t drag on the carpet and it will protect the carpet from the constant walking in and out of the house. This is extremely important if you have someone moving into the home and want to preserve the look of the carpet.
A Moving Dolly
If you are enlisting the help of your friends and family you want to make sure they don’t get hurt while helping you. It is important to invest in those little disks that go underneath furniture to help move it across the floor. This take the stress off the back and hopefully will prevent any injury. Dollies are great for lifting several boxes at a time because we all know the number lifting heavy boxes can take on your back!
Utility Knives
This one is a no-brainer when it comes to unpacking those boxes. The last thing you want to realize is that you packed all of your scissors away and have nothing to cut open those boxes! Keeping a box cutter on hand will make the unpacking process much easier.
Professional movers come with an arsenal of items that you probably didn’t even realize you needed when it comes to moving. Since you are the ultimate DIYer we hope that this list has armed you with everything you will need to make your moving day go smoothly. We know how exciting it can be to move into your new dream home therefore eliminating any stress that comes from moving is always nice! Congrats on your new home!
Featured Home
Today we are featuring another lovely home built by P&D Builders. This lovely home is located in the beautiful Wedgewood Park Estates. This french country home sits on a spacious lot surrounded by many of natures beautiful elements. At just over 2900 square feet, this home provides a lot of space for a growing family. This home comes with a first-floor master bedroom for a bit of added privacy as well as four additional bedrooms. The details added throughout this home make it a unique choice for anyone looking for a bit of character in their home!
If you are interested in this home design and want more information on building your custom dream home, contact us today! We would love to speak with you!
Tips for Moving into Your New Home
Moving into your new home is a very rewarding feeling but it can also come with some stress in the beginning when getting settled in. We want to help make this process a little less stressful for you so that you may be able to enjoy this happy moment. Here are some things you can do before your big move that will help make the transition less stressful for you and your family.
Update Your New Address Before Moving
When you move into a new home you want to make sure that everyone who needs your new address has it. The easiest way to do this is to fill out a change of address form at your local post office. This will ensure that your mail will begin to get delivered to your new home as soon as possible. You will also want to make sure that you update your drivers license, voters registration, insurance, bank information and credit cards to reflect your new address. To further eliminate any stress, have all of your utilities transferred to your new address or set up new accounts if needed. If you have any subscriptions to magazines or newspapers don’t forget about these too! The post office does forward these types of things but only for a limited amount of time.
Keep Important Documents Somewhere Safe
You know that new big screen TV you just bought or the washing machine you just had to replace? Those probably came with important warranty information and it is crucial that you keep these in a safe place. Remember it all just looks like paper when it is in a big pile and you would hate to throw something important like that away. A good idea is to get some kind of safe deposit box or safe that you can put all of these documents in so that they will not get mixed up with yesterday’s junk mail. Maybe you are moving across the U.S for work and the moving expenses are tax deductible; you do not want to lose your receipts. Make sure to keep these in a safe place as well.
Add Some Security
If your new home is not already equipped with a security system, you may want to consider setting one up. A new home is a new environment and knowing you are protected will give you peace of mind. If you are not moving into a newly built home it is also wise to change your locks so that your key is not the same as the previous owner’s key.
Do a Final Walk Through
Here at P&D Builders this is a standard practice right before you get your keys. Doing a walk through will ensure that all the necessary repairs and updates were made before taking complete ownership of the home. You can find out more about our White Glove Guarantee here.
Get to Know Your Home
A new home is a new surrounding, new walls, new floors and usually a whole new setup. That is why you need to take some time and get to know your new home. P&D makes sure that you know where every outlet is, every light switch and circuit breaker by giving you a thorough walk through of your home and answering all of your questions for you. Think of it as a ‘New Home Orientation’. It is important that you get all of your warranty information and operating manuals on the new appliances/features of the home. Also this is an important time to create an emergency plan for your and your family in case of a fire or other emergency. Since this is a new home for your kids too, make sure that they are familiarized with everything as well.
Home Owners Association (HOA)
Regardless of how you feel about homeowners associations, if you live in one you will want to make sure you are familiar with the HOA rules. Each community has different rules and regulations. Find out what you can or cannot do if you do live in a homeowners association. This is also a great time to find out what the trash and recycling collection times are and other important “need-to-knows” and events in the community.
Get to Know Your Neighborhood
When you move into your new home you are likely to have neighbors as you are probably living in a community (unless you are moving to a rural location). Don’t wait for your neighbors to come to you, reach out and meet them. It is also good to get to know your neighbors as this can add a sense of security to the community and your home. They can help watch your home when you are away, you can arrange play dates with their kids and most likely end up becoming great friends with one another. Embrace your new community and you will find that it can be a very welcoming experience for you and your family. Once you become more acquainted collect addresses and phone numbers from your neighbors in case of emergencies. Also if you have pets, find out where the veterinarian and pet hospital are located. The more you know about your neighborhood, the more assimilated you will feel.
Once you are all settled in, you have met the neighbors, and have become acquainted with your new home, you will feel much more at ease. This is the point in which you break out all the necessary items to plan your housewarming party and invite everyone over for a celebration!
How Floor Heating Can Add Value to Your Home
Summer is in full swing and the heat is turning up, however, it may not be a bad idea to start making plans for a more comfortable winter. After the “Polar Vortex” that hit Ohio, many people are looking for new ways to face the cold weather head on. One of these ways is by installing under floor heating. This new technology has been around for years but with the harsh winters that Ohio brings, this technology is steadily growing.
Heated Bathroom Floors
Nothing is worse than getting out of a warm bed in the middle of January only to walk onto the cold bathroom floor. The mad dash to the shower is one that gets more uncomfortable with every step. The inside of your home should be a safe haven from the cold and not something that adds to its effects. Fortunately, heating your bathroom floor can be a great solution for the bitter cold temps just below your feet. What is great about this technology is the ability to set a timer so the floors are warm right as you wake up!
Heated Patio Floors
Do you ever wish that your sunroom or enclosed patio could be used to entertain guests year round instead of just in the spring and summer months? By applying heated floor technology to your sunroom or enclosed patio they now become a place to entertain for your next holiday party. Despite the snow falling outside, you can comfortably heat these rooms by simply “turning on the floor”. It’s so effective that you can walk around barefoot without even realizing that just outside the windows are below freezing temps.
Heated Driveways
Unless you are one of those people who really enjoy the cold, then you will appreciate another innovative way that will help with the pesky shoveling that comes with those mid-winter months. By simply flipping a switch when you wake, up your driveway becomes a warm bed of concrete melting away the snow and ice. This will ensure safety and make it easier to get onto the street. This heated technology can help to save you time in the mornings allowing you to focus on other things besides clearing the driveway.
These pioneering technologies may seem expensive but as a one-time investment to install, they can save time and are relatively inexpensive to operate. Whether it is more time in the mornings or more time to entertain guests, this heated floor technology can add great value to your home and to your lives.If you have any questions on this technology and how P&D Builders can customize your home for the winter months give us a call at (740) 201-8079!