Category Archives: Home Advice

Spring Cleaning Tips

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As we enter March, we start to focus on the change in seasons. The first day of spring is March 19 which means spring cleaning starts to take its place in our minds. We’ve broken down the easiest ways to knock these tasks out to get your home ready for the season change and wipe away all of the build up from the winter.

Dust

If you spent the winter months coming home and curling up on the couch, you may not have been focused on the cobwebs growing in the corners of your ceiling or near the floorboards. Start by taking your broom to the corners of all the rooms. Then you can vacuum, dust all the nooks and crannies and wash your curtains that have probably been collecting dust for months.

Declutter

If you take the time to donate or throw away items that have been taking up space but haven’t been used in years, your cleaning gets a lot easier. While decluttering room to room, consider setting seasonal items aside to be stored away. Getting rid of clothes and shoes are common but consider ditching unused kitchen items, linens and knick knacks as well.

Appliances

Cleaning your appliances is stressful. Choose one day to do all the appliances and your home will feel cleaner immediately. If you are cleaning out the refrigerator, you will not only throw away the food that’s been sitting there for weeks but you will also see immediate results which makes the entire spring cleaning process easier to get through.

Frequently Forgotten

If there weren’t so many things to forget, spring cleaning wouldn’t be so dreaded. Don’t forget to move and vacuum under all furniture. Cleaning the inside of the windows is easy, but the outsides may need to be done by a professional or with a bit more planning. If washing the walls is your thing, go for it but some people find it to be too much.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge task done in one day. Split your tasks up over the next few weeks leading up to the first day of spring and watch how fresh your home feels.

 

When Should I Buy New Appliances?

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We spend a fair amount of time talking about the importance of appliances in saving energy, making a home look its best and ultimately saving the homeowner money in the long run but when is the best time to make those upgrades without paying the highest retail price? As anyone would expect, we are approaching some of the best times to purchase new appliances.

Holidays

We are approaching Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday which are notoriously known for deals. However, other holidays often come with deals on appliances also. Appliance manufacturers and retailers often offer Christmas, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Fourth of July sales. Buying during a holiday sale could save you anywhere from 30% to 50% off which can be hundreds of dollars on the model you want.

Shortly Before a New Model is Released

Just like with cell phones and game consoles, buying a specific model shortly after its release can be costly. If you wait until a new one is getting ready to come out, typically September through December, you can find substantial savings. Retailers must make room for new models which means they are willing to part with older models at a lower price.

At the End of the Month

Buying at the end of the month at certain retailers can be beneficial for one reason—sales quotas. If a store or salesperson has to hit a certain number by the end of the month, they may be more willing to give you a deal in order to make the sale. It’s always worth asking.

Online

While buying online doesn’t always offer the best price, there is usually a lower price online than in a brick-and-mortar store. It’s worth doing a quick search to see if what the stores are offering is really the best deal.

However, sometimes a great deal doesn’t matter if you can’t plan for when you need an appliance. While keeping your large appliances until they stop working is a great way to get your money’s worth, keep in mind that they have a certain expected lifespan and that their final days may not be during one of these times to get the best deal. If you can plan ahead, you will keep yourself from having an emergency situation and having to pay more.

If you’re looking to replace your appliances and would like inspiration on what would look best with your home’s layout or design, check out our Pinterest board for examples!

 

How to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

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P&D Builders prides ourselves in building energy efficient homes.  Our energy efficient homes consistency produce the lowest HERS scores in the industry.  The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. The 2018 average standard new home has a HERS score of 100, while P&D’s 2018 average new home HERS score was 53!  If you’re looking to improve your already existing home’s energy efficiency, try some of these energy saving tips.

Insulation

Make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated. Proper insulation slows the rate that heat flows out of the house in winter or into the house in summer requiring less energy to heat or cool the home. If your house has no wall insulation and conventional stud walls, blown-in insulation can greatly improve your comfort and save enough energy. If your attic is unfinished, it often pays to have it insulated. Be sure to have your insulation properly installed as that is what makes the difference.

Windows

If you were planning on replacing windows for any reason other than energy savings, go ahead. Choose a window with EnergyStar ratings. However, if you are not planning on replacing windows, try boosting the efficiency with weather stripping and making sure single glazed windows have storm windows.

Furnace and Water Heater

If you are not using an energy efficient furnace, your furnace could be wasting up to 35% of fuel it uses. If your furnace is nearing the end of its service life, consider replacing it with a condensing furnace.

If your hot water heater is functioning properly, don’t replace it either. Start by turning the temperature to the warm setting. Then insulate the pipes so they don’t cool off as fast between uses.

Utilize Tax Programs to Update

Federal tax incentives are available for energy efficiency upgrades to existing homes. Improvements may include improvements such as windows or insulation and heating/air-conditioning upgrades, as well as renewable energy features.

If you have a home built by P&D Builders, you can be assured that your home was built with energy efficiency in mind. If you are looking to stay in your home and make improvements, contact P&D Builders to see what we can do to help your process.

Updates That Will Add Value Before Selling

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If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, you may be looking for ways to increase its value to sell it faster or get more out of it. Let’s take a look at a few updates you can make to raise the appeal of your home to sellers.

Update the Kitchen

First, an updated kitchen goes a long way. While this may seem like an expensive job, it doesn’t have to be. A fresh coat of paint can be a great start. Using a modern color pallet is a relatively inexpensive and key part in updating a kitchen. Updating appliances to be energy efficient and modern will add value simply for the fact that they use less energy and result in long-term savings for the buyer.

Add Square Footage

A second option would be to add square footage. Whether it’s an addition or refinishing a basement or attic, a bigger home with more living space often results in a higher value. If you have a home with one bathroom, adding a bathroom could be a good way to increase the value and utilize space whether it’s added or already there.

Make it More Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency can fall into many categories and can range in cost. On a smaller scale, replacing appliances, replacing light bulbs, adding insulation to attics or replacing it throughout the home and adding a programmable thermostat could help cut cost of energy usage down. If you wanted to do a larger scale project, replacing old windows and doors, replacing the water heater with high-efficiency one or adding solar panels could be a place to start.

Add an Outdoor Living Area

Whether it be a deck, patio or just revamping the landscaping to add a fire pit, outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular. This work can be done by a contractor or if you are handy, yourself but be sure you’re aware of the types of tools and labor that goes into this type of building while determining costs. If you’d rather just spend money on landscaping, that can increase value as well.

How P&D Builders Can Help

While there are many other ways to add value to a home before deciding to sell, these few updates or additions can pay for themselves and beyond in a quicker amount of time. Although you may think we simply build custom homes, we also offer services on home remodeling and additions and pride ourselves in being energy efficient. See how P&D Builders may be able to help you increase the value in your home.

Meeting With Your Custom Home Builder For the First Time

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After weeks of research, you’ve finally narrowed down your list of potential home builders. The next step is to meet with the builders you’ve chosen. The builder you choose will become your partner for the next year or so and it is important to pick someone you trust. It all starts with the first meeting. It’s a good idea to do some research before you get to the meeting, so you know what you’re looking for, and you can tell your builder your vision. To make it a little easier on you, here’s a list of 3 things you should bring with you to that initial meeting with your builder:

Pros and Cons of Your Current Home

Since you’re not a builder, it can be difficult to put into words exactly what you’re looking for. Before meeting with us, put some thought into what you like and don’t like about your current home. It gives us some room to come up with a few different solutions to fit your needs. From there, you can pick the option you like the most, and that best fits into your budget.

Determine Your Budget

The first thing any builder is going to want to know is how much you’ll be spending. It’s important to have your budget all figured out before you even go into that meeting. At P&D Builders, we help you make all future decisions based on the budget you’re working with, so it’s important that you know exactly how much you can spend by the time you meet with us.

Floor Plans and Exterior Ideas

If you have ideas about potential floorplans, or if you found your ideal floorplan online, definitely bring it to that first meeting. This will help us have a better idea of what you’re looking for, and we’ll be able to tell you if the floorplan you want fits into the budget you have. In addition, if you have pictures representing the type of exterior architecture you’d like to incorporate into your new home, it’s a good idea to bring those in too. We have some available floor plans from previous builds on our website so you can check out all that we can do. The more information you have, the easier it will be for us to give you an estimate on your dream home.

If you’re looking for a builder for your dream home, make sure to get in touch with P&D Builders. We would love to sit down with you and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 740-201-8079, or contact us online today!

 

Keeping Your Budget in Line While Building A Custom Home

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If you’ve been planning your dream home for years, it’s an exciting time when you decide it’s time to build it. With that being said, it’s important to keep your budget in line and plan ahead of time. If you’re building your dream home and want to be sure you stick to your budget, here are some tips:

Visit Houses for Inspiration

Tour as many homes as possible to get a clear view of what you like, and what you don’t. Most homes for sale have an open house. Contact the listing agent of a home to schedule a tour to gain some inspiration. Make sure to tour homes you like, and fit your style. While you’re just gathering insights, it won’t hurt to see if there are some different design or features in other homes that could fit your new dream home.

Stick To Your Budget

Once you know what you’re looking for in your custom home, it’s time to set a budget. There are some techniques for setting a home building budget, but the biggest thing to remember is to be realistic. Building a new home is a big endeavor, and you want to be certain that you can complete your home on time and within budget. At P&D Builders, we help you set a budget based on the wants and needs in your new home. It’s important to have a clear view of your finances and timeline during this process.

Separate Wants and Needs

If there are certain things your dream home has to have, make a list. Maybe you’ve had a small kitchen with little storage for so long you can’t possibly imagine living in another home with a small kitchen. Maybe you have four kids and need them all to have their own rooms. Whatever they are, make sure the aspects your custom home truly needs are clear and easy to identify. Then, make the things on that list your first priority when you’re considering budget, and let everything else come later. Some of your wants like an inground pool or an outdoor kitchen can be put on hold for the time being, but those needs you separate out should stay the same.

If you’re ready to make your dream home come true, give P&D Builders a call. We’re here to help make your dream home happen. To take a look at some of our past projects, visit our gallery. For more information on building a home with us, give us a call at 740-201-8079 or contact us online today.

 

Preparing For The Holidays After Moving Into A New Custom Built Home

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As wonderful as the holidays can be, there’s no doubt they can be hectic too. In the constant rush to get everything, it’s easy to lose sight of the important things like spending time with loved ones. Not to mention maintaining your mental and physical health, especially if the holiday seasons fall into a time when you’re moving into a new home.

At P&D Builders, we know the holidays and home building process can be stressful. We want the first holiday in your new home to be a fun and relaxing one. Below are a few ways to make both your new home and the holidays feel more enjoyable.

Add Festive Decorations to Main Spaces

There are few things people enjoy more than decorating their home for the holidays. Of course, putting up and taking down holiday decorations can be a hassle especially if you’re still trying to get all your belongings organized. If the thought of decorating every room of your new home dampens your festive mood, focus on the main areas that guests will see. For example, the front porch, entryway, family room, kitchen, and bathrooms are perfect places to display your holiday style. Do a quick declutter of the main spaces. This will let your decorations take center stage while organizing things for after the holidays. Next, it’s time to decorate. But do yourself a favor and keep it simple. You will be happy in January when you have less to put into storage.

Organize Your Entry

The holidays are a time for celebration. And if this is your first holiday in your custom home, you are probably eager to host parties and meals. You finally have the perfect place for holiday entertaining. When guests enter your new home this holiday season, the entryway makes an important first impression. Your cheery holiday decorations lining your foyer will set the holiday tone for the rest of your home. Be sure to have space where guests can hang coats and take off snowy boots so mud and water are not tracked throughout the rest of your new home.

With the holidays come with guests staying in your home from out of town. This can be a stressful process if you don’t plan ahead for your guests or your bedrooms aren’t all the way unpacked or situated yet.

Here are some helpful tips to make your guests feel welcome:

  • Tidy up the guest bedroom with fresh linens.
  • Be sure they have access to extra towels, toiletries, pillows, and cozy blankets.
  • Create a mini necessities station with lotion, a reading light, water bottles, and snacks.
  • Include a small note with the household’s Wi-Fi network and password.
  • Supply an empty dresser so guests don’t have to live out of their suitcase.

In conclusion, the holidays can be stressful. But when you build a custom home, you can have the holidays without the hassle because your home is built for your lifestyle. So whether you’re entertaining guests in your home, hosting friends and family for an extended stay, or looking for a little downtime to recharge your batteries, these tips will make your new home and the holidays easier. Whatever your holiday season entails, P&D Builders can accommodate your needs all year long!

 

Fall Decorating Tips for Your Home

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Start with the Entrance

Make the outside of your home seasonal and inviting by adding mums, pumpkins, and gourds to your front porch. Adding pops of color like red, orange and yellow are sure to enhance your fall curb appeal and create an eye-catching display to passersby and guests.

Make Your Living Area Cozy

Give your living area a comfy, cozy feel. Swap out bright summer pillows with rich fall shades and soft material to create a comforting environment. Adding a plaid throw blanket and fall scented candle will make guests feel welcome.

Dining Room Table Centerpieces

Brighten up your dining room table with bright accents. Mixing orange flowers with mini pumpkins makes this colorful spread still feel appropriate for the season. Adding pieces like brass and copper can add a rustic feel.

Mantel Decorating

You can still use some of these décor ideas even if you don’t have a fireplace. Simply pick a shelf and you are set to creating your very own fall area. Start off by weaving and twisting two or three colors of burlap together. Nail the twisted sashes at the mantel, the edge of a shelf, or directly right on top of the shelf’s wall. Next, use rustic decorations made of leaves, acorns, and dry flowers to enhance your ribbon and create an attractive fall pattern.

Don’t Forget About the Patio

Switch out the sun lounging chairs for some Adirondack chairs. Add some fall decorated outdoor pillows and some wool blankets. Gather around a firepit with friends and family and sip on some hot cider!

Focusing on key areas where your family and friends tend to gather will make your home feel welcoming and warm in the cooler days ahead! Enjoy the fall season!

 

Bathroom Trends You’ll See Everywhere

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featured home

Revamping a bathroom doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. It can be as simple as swapping out wallpaper or adding drapes. Check out some of the new trends that have come to light this year.

Matte Black Fixtures

There has been a shift away from bright, reflective gold this year. The new trend is for dark matte finishes that offer a strong contrast against typical while countertops.

Wow Wallpaper

Statement wallpaper in bathrooms has always been popular. Abstract prints like brushstrokes, watercolors or fine art are taking over for the florals in inky shades that grabbed a lot of attention in 2017.

Statement Drapes

Windrow treatments are typically necessary for most bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean they should be boring. Lush, floor-to-ceiling drapes paired with sheers create a soft, warm and luxurious environment to soften the hard surfaces that are usually in bathroom, like porcelain and marble.

Artwork

Elevating a bathroom with a piece of art is a simple way to create a beautiful focal point. Since most bathrooms incorporate white walls and floors, adding artwork can easily create a gallery-like setting.

Mixed Tiles

Mixing tiles in the same color family is a low-key take on the color block trend that has become popular in 2018. Quiet colors throughout your tiles can create a beautiful look without making the floor look too busy.

Incorporating any of these trends can refresh your bathroom, without breaking the bank or taking up too much time.

Pros vs. Cons of Hardwood Flooring

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Beautiful Custom Kitchen with Island in Estate Home

Choosing a flooring finish is one of the many choices a homeowner must make when building a home. From tile to laminate to hardwood, what’s the best option for your home? When choosing a floor, consider these pros and cons when deciding on hardwood floors or a different type of flooring.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

Easy Maintenance

Hardwood floors are durable and have stood the test of time. Homes that are more than 100 years old can still have the original flooring if they have been cared for properly. They just need sweeping or vacuuming and an occasional cleaning with a wood floor cleaner.

Durable and Long-Lasting

A well-installed wood floor can last a lifetime, according to a National Association of Home Builders report on the life expectancy of common household components. Compared to carpet, which the report said should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. Additionally, dirty or stained carpet usually needs to be replaced to make it look new again. Wood floors can be refinished if you want to revitalize them, saving you the cost of replacement.

Many Styles Available

Hardwood flooring works with all styles of decorating, from traditional to modern. It is available in several types of woods, such as oak, cherry and walnut, and can be sanded and stained to suit the home owner’s liking.

Added Home Value

Hardwood floors are at the top of the must-have list for many potential home buyers. Trading your wall-to-wall carpet for some wood flooring could increase the value of your house and make it easier to sell when the time for that comes.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Price

Wood floors are considered a home upgrade, and they don’t come cheap. While this can work in your favor if there ever comes a day when you need to sell your home, the upfront cost can be a hindrance to those that don’t have the cash. The cost will vary depending on the type of wood used. On average, installing wood flooring will cost you around $4,400. However, more exotic woods can be significantly more expensive, costing you upwards of $10,000, depending on the type of wood you use and the square footage you’re installing.

Shows Wear and Tear

Be prepared that your brand new floor won’t look new and shiny for very long. Shoes, furniture, and pets will scratch up your floor over time. Especially if it’s installed in a high-traffic area, like your kitchen. This means if you want to keep your floors looking nice, you’ll likely have to spend money on a refinishing job from time to time.

Prone to Water Damage

Wood flooring doesn’t do well with moisture. If you have kids that spill juice or have a pet that is not potty-trained, you’re going to have to take extra care to make sure the floor that you put all that time and money into doesn’t end up needing expensive repairs. Even if it’s just a small puddle, you need to wipe it up right away and ensure the area is completely dried as quickly as possible. Water can seep in through the cracks between the boards, putting you at risk for mold growth.

Noisy

With carpeting, your floors have a cushion that absorbs a lot of the noises made while existing in a room. Wood floors don’t give you this same buffer, which means you’ll hear it every time the person in the room above you gets up to go to the kitchen for a midnight snack. If you’re set on wood flooring and want to alleviate the noise in your house, try putting down a few area rugs to suppress loud steps.