Landscaping a new Construction Home

Posted on February 1, 2017 by P&D Builders

When you and your family decide to build a new home, it is a blank canvas! There are so many decisions that lie ahead. When all of the decision are made about the exterior and interior of the home, it is time to turn to the outdoors. The great news about starting from scratch when it comes to landscape is it is easy to dig up new beds, weeds aren’t yet established and your landscape can only get better from here! Here are some guidelines to help you get the landscape off to a great start.

Figure out the land

Learn about the land before you waste time and money planting items that might not grow well in some areas. You need to study what areas of land get the most sunlight, what parts of the land have the most fertile, rich, loamy soil. Draw a diagram of your backyard to help you visualize areas with problems and promise! Take this opportunity to find out where any wires and pipes are so that way you don’t accidentally run into them when it is too late.

Remove unwanted existing items

If you don’t want existing trees or plants that are there now anymore, simply get rid of them. If a tree looks weak, you do not want it falling into your living room or onto your car in the years to come. If there are previously plants and bushes that won’t look good with your soon to be garden, take them out. This is your chance to start fresh, you will be able to plant trees and bushes of your own.

Think ahead

What is your ultimate goal for this space? Room for the children to play, ample of good produced in the garden or entertaining your friends? Consider what you want to do with that space now and twenty years down the road. Make sure there is some common ground so all of your hard work does not go to waste. Have the space of your dreams but make sure it will fit into the space of your dreams ten years down the road.

If you have any questions about landscape or want advice from our builders, do not be afraid to ask! We are happy to help every step of the way.

Interior Design Trends in 2017

Posted on January 9, 2017 by P&D Builders

A new year tends to bring new trends. Interior design trends change often therefore many people find it fun and exciting to hear what is on the forecast for the upcoming year.

Color of the year

Each year Pantone Color Institute chooses a color that they believe to be the hot color of that year. This year Pantone has identified “greenery” as 2017’s color of the year. The “life-affirming shade” is a slightly muted bright nature tone. Various shades of green are expected to be seen but not limited to furniture, fabric, paint, wallpaper and accent items.

Technology

It is no question that technology is heavily shaping and changing the world around us. You can expect the same thing for interior design this year. In some cases, technology, can be viewed as over the top, like checking the temperature of your refrigerator using an app. Regardless, the new technology is typically viewed as extremely helpful so designers are taking that into consideration. Homeowners should expect to see more easy-to-use technology such as smart door locks and more touch screens.

Marble

Marble has been replaced in the previous years by granite and quartz because it is vulnerable to chipping, staining and fading. Marble is returning to the kitchen in the form of backdrops and counters that are not used frequently. For those that are worried about the durability, quartz companies are making a convincing faux marble.

Velvet

Velvet is making its way back in more ways than one. Not only is fashion bringing it back, interior design is as well. Comfort is looking to push leather to the side on upholstered furniture. The soft weave of velvet in particular is expected to continue gaining ground this year, often in patterns.

Bold Floors

Wood is expected to continue dominating under foot, but designers expect bolder foot treatments, especially in kitchens to make a comeback this year. Bold floors are a way to make more of a statement in different rooms in the upcoming year. Even if it as simple as a darker wood instead of a lighter wood, it will definitely catch the eye of your guests.

As previously mentioned, interior design is always changing and evolving. Here at P&D we like to stay on top of both home building trends and interior design trends to best help our customers.

Things to Consider when Deciding where to buy

Posted on December 28, 2016 by P&D Builders

Deciding where you want to live is the one of the most, if not the most important decision you will have to make when buying or building your home. If you are buying or building a home, chances are that you plan to be there for a while, so many factors will go into this decision.

First you need to think, are you going to start looking in the city, suburbs or far from either of those? Cities are great, everything is easily accessible, and they offer tons of energy. Suburbs offer family-friendly enclaves. And the country can be a breath of fresh air and offers tons of space. It is simply up to you to decide which ones works best for your lifestyle.

Here is a quick checklist as you sort through your options:

Amenities: What is nearby? Are there nearby parks, open spaces, restaurants, shops, a grocery store? How about things in the community like libraries, community centers, work out facilities? The best way to find out is ask locals or get in your car and check it out for yourself!

Schools: This isn’t just for people with children, if you are newly married or want to have kids at some point in your life that is very important to consider. This may be the single most important factor in choosing where you live. What school district you would like to be in can limit your choices of where you want to live. You will need to check out test scores, class size and school rating of different schools in the area that you want to live in. A helpful website to help you find out this information is http://www.greatschools.org/.

Community services: You will want to get a sense of the community and its current affairs. Reading community blogs and local newspapers will clue you in about issues like traffic, safety and development projects.

Transportation: Do you want to drive everywhere? Be able to bike places? Or go completely car free? These are all things to think about. Check out the local transit system and see if you will be able to get everywhere you might want to go, the times and how close the stops are to where you may want to live.

Commute times: If you plan to get to work by car, determine whether you will be driving residential streets or busy arterials. Drive around at all times of the day, not just one weekends when you are looking at houses. Drive your route during rush hour. It would be unfortunate to move and come to find out your 15-minute commute has now turned into an hour commute both ways.

Ease of access: Are things easy to get to? How much time do you want to spend during a day of errands in the car? How long do you want a simple trip to the grocery store to take? Maybe that more expensive house might be worth it when it comes to how close you are to places you will be visiting frequently.

Safety: You can check online stats or drop by a local precinct to ask how a certain neighborhood is. Bottom line is if you feel safe walking around at night or not.

Economic stability: A healthy mix of residential neighborhoods (property taxes) and businesses (sales and payroll taxes) sets the stage for vibrant, well-funded communities. Cities with colleges and government services are most likely to remain stable.

This list is not completely, but it is a good starting point when thinking about where you want to build or buy. At the end of the day, it is about what means the most to you.

Helpful tips for Hosting Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2016 by P&D Builders

Are you hosting your thanksgiving this year for the first time? Or would you consider yourself a veteran party host? Hosting and cooking this great American meal is a big milestone for a cook, but it can also cause anxiety and nerves. Here are some essential tips that will help your day go off without a hitch.

Never turn down help. If your friends and family offer to bring dishes that are vital to the meal then let them! It will help with your stress overall on the day of and they will show off their cooking skills as well.
Make as much ahead as possible. The last-minute rush is one of the most stressful parts of the day. When you are planning your menu, look for dishes that can be made ahead of time. If you are in charge of cooking all of the dishes, start the casserole and pies earlier in the week then cook them the day of.
Don’t experiment with new recipes. Thanksgiving is all about the classics, so stick with the classic recipes. Leave your brain to focus on the turkey.
Start early on the non-food prep. The food isn’t the only thing that needs prepared. You are probably pulling out serving dishes that need to be washed, extra silverware and napkins. Do all of that the week before. Double-check your serving plates and utensils and iron your tablecloth if needed!
Set the table the night before. It will make you feel so much better as you are running around doing the prep work to see a nicely set table. It will give you the peace of mind that when all the food is ready, your table is ready too.
Have the beverages ready to go. Have the wine chilling in the fridge or a premade cocktail ready to be poured. If everyone has a drink in their hand, they won’t care if dinner is served an hour later than planned.
It is okay to buy parts of your meal. Do you have a great bakery? Buy the desserts from it. Do you hate making gravy? Buy some before. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a few pieces of the meal especially if you want a more relaxing day before hand.
Relax, have fun and enjoy the holiday. People are there to enjoy a good meal and one another’s company. Do not feel stressed about entertaining. Ask for help, laugh and remember the turkey can rest for an hour while you finish everything else. Find gratitude in the busy, messy, loud and delicious holiday.

Most importantly, be thankful for the food on the table and the people surrounding you! After all that is what the holidays are about, enjoy!

7 Quick Tips to Improve Your Kitchen’s Look

Posted on July 6, 2016 by P&D Builders

Your kitchen is used every single day; it is the heart of your home and also a major selling point. Completely remodeling your kitchen is a great way to keep it up to date but also expensive. If you do not have the budget right now, here are a few cheap changes that can transform the look of your kitchen.

Remove, recycle and refresh. If the doors on your cabinets are old and ugly, take them off and create an open shelving option for your kitchen. This is a great opportunity to update the hardware on your drawers and cabinets. What is worn down in the kitchen can usually be painted or refinished to give it a modern look.
Add more storage. Either declutter your space or add more storage. These options include adding hanging racks, open shelves and cabinet organizers to store the essentials.
Change out lighting. Depending on the age of your kitchen, you will most likely have pendant lighting or fluorescent overhead fixtures. To bring your kitchen into the modern age, consider replacing some of those fixtures with recessed alternatives or LED lighting. Even just replacing the bulbs is cheaper, easy to install and saves energy.
Upgrade your faucet. Do you have an old-fashioned faucet? Is it time for a change? Instead of replacing the entire sink, just changing the faucet can give the kitchen a whole new look. Think about energy-efficient alternatives like low-flow faucets to save you money on your water bill, or adjustable, restaurant-style varieties for the chef in the family.
Hide your counters. Old countertops can suffer through the years. If you have worn countertops but don’t have the budget to replace them. Find creature ways to hide their blemishes. Add decorative cutting boards, hide them under appliances or apply a fresh coat of paint.
Paint your cabinets. Painting or refinishing your cabinets is another inexpensive way to change the look of your space. It is less expensive than buying new ones and at the same time it refreshes the appearance of your entire kitchen. Don’t paint them any weird colors though, and avoid bright hues.
Add a backsplash. Backsplashes can be customized based on the color scheme of your kitchen. It is as easy as buying tiles at a local home improvement store and using caulk and grout to install them in the design or style you want.

All of these are simple, inexpensive changes you can make to your space to give it a much needed makeover.

Top Updates for Traditional Homes

Posted on April 20, 2016 by P&D Builders

The historical feel of traditional homes has been capturing the hearts of many residents for years. There is something spectacular about being in a space that has the original fixtures and flooring from earlier centuries. While the sophistication of a traditional home is hard to pass up, it can present obstacles, such as updating it to fit your modern lifestyle. If you are thinking about modernizing your traditional home, we have some ideas for you.

Use a clean, natural palette

One of the things often not found in a traditional home is a light, airy, atmosphere. Historically, classically designed homes featured dark flooring, banisters and heavy fixtures or appliances. One simple way to brighten up a room while maintaining the traditional feel is a fresh coat of paint, white paint to be exact. A nice bright color palette allows the room to feel more light and bright. This is welcoming for both residents of the home and guests alike. It can brighten the overall feel of the house and even your mood as the warm weather months approach.

Opt for natural light

Whatever natural light options you have in your home, it’s time to utilize them. Pull the blinds back and let the light shine into your different rooms in the home. if you have has small windows or lacks natural light, consider adding more or larger windows or installing skylights. If you have the space and budget, you can add a sunroom where natural light pours in from all sides. The natural light will improve your mood and save you money on your energy bills. You will have less need for electric lights, which is particularly important if your home is ill-equipped for installing new fixtures.

Add contrast

Unexpected contrasts are a great way to modernized traditional spaces. Try mixing metals in the kitchen and bathrooms. Choose a polished nickel faucet and pair it with chrome drawer pulls for a contemporary vibe. In the kitchen, opt for a copper faucet and sink, but go with iron or dark metal for cabinet and drawer hardware. You can also add contrast by mixing matte and glossy materials. Black and white is always a solid contrast color choice as well. Contrasting materials, metals and colors will help bring a contemporary style without altering its classic construction.

Preparing your home for the Spring Market

Posted on March 3, 2016 by P&D Builders

Are you looking to sell your home this spring? If so, it is time to start preparing. To maximize your sale price, stand out from the competition and sell quickly, your home needs to go on the market in tip-top condition. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready.

Inspect

It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a property inspection, but you need to know about your home’s condition. If there are issues – big or small – you need to address, it is better to be proactive and fix the problems as soon as possible before your home goes on the market. Whether you fix them or ask for a lower asking price as a result of them, it will help you sell your home faster in the long run.

Stash

Start thinking of your home from the buyer’s prospective rather than the sellers. Put away big furniture and personal items. Store items that you won’t be using until you move into your new home. In the kitchen, make space in the cabinets for items you will need to use daily, but will want to put away for showings. This will help save you time when it comes time to move into the new home because you will have a jump start on packing.

Improve

It is common for sellers to make cosmetic improvements before they list. Some suggestions would be having the grout cleaned in the kitchen, fresh paint to anywhere that needs it, getting the carpets cleaned or refinishing hardwood floors. These are in expensive changes that will make a difference for those looking at your home.

Research

Today’s buyers have been researching the markets for months. In our world today, most information can be found with a simple internet search. If there are outstanding issues with your property, a buyer will find it. Verify that property records reflect your home accurately and prepare to fix any discrepancy. Make sure your title report is clean because banks won’t lend if there are any outstanding issues. Doing this will keep you one step ahead of the buyer.

The sale of your home is likely one of your biggest financial transactions. Now is the time to start checking items off your to do list, spring is quickly approaching. This is an important but exciting time!

6 Steps to Creating a New Home

Posted on January 22, 2016 by P&D Builders

Building new or renovating an existing structure is an exciting time for everyone. It is all about finding what you want, how you want to live and where you want to be. As you go through the process, it takes time and research to figure out exactly what you want. Let’s take a look at the six initial steps you will want to take when creating a new home.

Set Goals: Creating a new home is all about setting goals and taking the steps to achieve those goals. You’ll want to have answers to questions like: what do you want to achieve, where do you want cost to be, what will this cost, can it really be achieved, does plan A make sense and what’s plan B?
Establish a budget: While you have to keep your budget in mind when setting goals, the budget is such a huge aspect of building or renovating a home that it is its own task. When making your budget, of course you’ll begin with what you can afford and how the cost of your house fits in with the overall plan for your future. Details will include everything that will go into the project: the cost of land, local fees and taxes, design and engineering fees, construction of the home and the furnishing and decorations that go inside. A spreadsheet program such as Excel is a good tool to use, so you can continue to update and modify it as you go.
Finding where you want to build: There is a laundry list of questions that go into this, anywhere from where you want to be, how you want to live, how close it to work is, school districts, weather; everything plays a factor in determining this location.
Assemble a team: An architect and a builder (if not one and the same) are going to be your most important team members. These people will act as your guide, therapist, advocate and counselor throughout the journey and creating the perfect home for you and your loved ones. P&D Builders are a great resource to help you from start to finish of building your dream home.
Plan, plan, plan: When taking on such a large project it is crucial to plan. Things will go differently than you might have imagined but that is okay. You will be faced with a million decisions during this time, so be careful not to sweat the small stuff and all of your hard work will pay off in the end.
Enjoy your new home: You have put in the time and spent your hard earned money to create your new home, so enjoy it as much as possible. It is time to make memories with your loved ones in your new space.

P&D would love to be there every step of the way to help you build the home of your dreams. Contact us today to get started!

Home Building and Renovation Trends for 2016

Posted on January 5, 2016 by P&D Builders

Is building or remodeling a home on your to do list for 2016? Here is a look into the home construction and renovation trends for 2016:

Natural selection: People are stepping away from the super-dark, hand scraped floors. Consider engineered woods with a lighter, more natural finish. Experts believe that white, gray and washed-wood finishes are making a comeback. Think about bleached, limed or fumed woods with matte finishes or sealed-only floors. Engineered products aren’t necessarily cheaper, but you can achieve a more exotic look this way. Stone floors are also showing up in more unexpected places, like master bedrooms.

Clean lines, more open spaces: Experts believe that new construction is going more contemporary. Even those who choose to stick with more traditional exteriors are going with modern, open concepts on the inside. That means fewer hallways and tiny rooms that aren’t being used. Open floor plans mean more usable space; these usually include kitchens that open to the den and possibly dining areas. Homeowners are better understanding that 100% of the space in their home should be completely usable.

Formal reformed: There has been a lot of talk about how the formal living room and dining rooms have been eradicated from the new home, but that is simply not true. These rooms still exist, they just function differently. Many people are choosing to make these rooms multi-functional, they are using them are libraries, offices or even places to entertain. The designated dining room still exists; it is just more open and casual therefore making it more livable.

Go Green: Just like every other trend for the New Year, the home building industry is going green. Energy saving appliances can help you save money and use less energy in your home. P&D Builders can even take it a step further by offering an energy efficient home which makes your home more comfortable and reduces your utility bills.

2016 is going to be a great year, 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.

Prepping your Home for Fall and Winter

Posted on October 3, 2015 by P&D Builders

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.

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