Designing a Custom Home For Retirees and Empty Nesters

Posted on January 21, 2019 by P&D Builders

If you’re retired or planning to retire or your kids have left the nest, you may be thinking about making some changes to your current living situation. Welcome to the next chapter of your life! After years of focusing on the needs of your children whether that be the location to school and work or the size of our home in general. It’s the perfect time to downsize from your current house and build a custom home suited to your changing needs and lifestyle. Here’s a peek at what empty nesters and retirees are looking for in their dream home and the changes they are making.

First Floor Living

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 64 percent of baby boomers favor single-level living. Homebuyers ages 55 and up are looking for open plans with the master bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room on the main floor. With fewer steps to climb, older adults prevent falls and harm to their joints. At P&D Builders, we can help design aspects of your home to ensure you are comfortable and able to move around easily. We can design an entryway that is easily accessible for wheelchairs, add wheelchair compatible bathing features, and much more to add safety to your new custom home.

Opting For Luxury Upgrades

One benefit of building a home when you’re older is you have more life experience and know what you like. Empty nesters might be willing to downsize square footage, but they want everything else upsized. For example, older adults want new homes with high-end features: hardwood floors, a high grade of carpet, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in showers, and custom cabinetry. P&D provides professional interior design and decorating services at no additional charge. This service assures that our clients will be afforded professional decorating consultation, as well as a much broader array of product offering and options from which to choose.

Low Maintenance Living

Downsizing families love the problem-free aspect of new construction after years of making costly repairs to their older homes. They want a newly built home with a warranty for added peace of mind. Building beautiful, well-crafted homes at reasonable prices is only part of the story. At P&D Builders, service before, during and after the sale is vital to ensuring total customer satisfaction. Although we are very proud that our homes require very little warranty service, when situations do arise, you can rest assured that our full time warranty manager is there to promptly service your needs. At P&D Builders, we make exceptional service a foundation upon which we build our company. In addition, each and every P&D home is certified through an independent inspection service to assure that your home meets, and most often exceeds, Energy Star certification standards. Statically our homes lead the industry in energy efficiency.

At P&D Builders, you will find an entire team of dedicated professionals with years of combined education and experience, each a specialist in their area of expertise. With this knowledge, P&D Builders creates original homes with personal attention. Retired life is what you make of it. Foremost, it’s a fantastic opportunity for expansion and adventure. At P&D Builders, we can help you design a home that’s right for all of the adventures of your retirement years. Get started by contacting us today!

Creating A Master Bathroom Retreat in Your Custom Home

Posted on January 4, 2019 by P&D Builders

Designing your master bathroom in your new custom home is about creating a place to relax and unwind. A master suite that gives the feeling of serenity, restfulness, restoration, can be your own version of a personal luxury spa. Here are some options for creating your own special master suite retreat with a luxurious master bathroom.

Choosing A Tub

The design and placement of the tub is the first thing that grabs your attention when you walk into a master bathroom. Deep roman tubs come in a variety of sizes and can hold more water compared to traditional tubs. It’s important to consider how you will be using the tub when deciding what size to get. If you’re a fan of soaking, you may want to have a shorter tub so you don’t slide down in it. A tub with jets can have therapeutic benefits similar to ones you would have in a hot tub. There are a wide variety of faucets and tub filler spouts to consider based on your personal taste and preference, including waterfall spouts to create a relaxing sound of running water.

Choosing A Shower

A common feature in many custom homes is a walk in shower. There are many custom options when designing your dream shower. If you are a spa regular and enjoy a sauna, you may want to consider a steam shower. Another upgrade homeowners often request is a shower with full body sprays. Multiple shower heads add another favorable experience to a master bath space, making it possible for two people to shower at once. Bench seating in the shower is a recent trend in custom master bathroom designs.

Consider Two Vanities

Having two vanities provides a separate space for two people in a master bathroom. Each person can arrange and use their vanity as they please. Having a functional layout is important to consider. Typically, women will need more space and electrical outlets than men will. In addition to functionality, this is where style can play a part in the design of your master bathroom. This is another element to consider putting a lot of thought into. The finishes that you select can dramatically change the look and experience of your master bath.

If you’re in the market for a new home and want to create a master bedroom suite that will help you unwind after a long day, contact P&D Home Builders to start building your dream home!

Keeping Your Budget in Line While Building A Custom Home

Posted on December 10, 2018 by P&D Builders

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

Posted on December 4, 2018 by P&D Builders

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!

How To Arrange Your Mantel

Posted on November 2, 2018 by P&D Builders

Fireplaces have always symbolized a feeling of home and warmth, which makes them one of the main focal points of a home. Mantels also function as an ever-changing design feature in a home. Re-decorating your mantel for each season is a great way to celebrate the colors and beauty of each coming season. Below are a few tips for styling your mantel and adding different elements.

Focal Point

Add a large object like artwork, a mirror or wreath that functions as the focal point. Sometimes it’s easier to start with an anchor piece and incorporate other elements as you go.

Add Varying Heights

Introduce design details that have varying heights, like candlesticks and stacked books, to help create visual interest on your mantel. Candlesticks will bookend the overall look while stacked books add height and bridge the distance between the other elements on your mantel.

Layering

If your focal point piece seems to be dominating the mantel, layer other visually interesting details in front of it, such as family photos, artwork, or a favorite quote.

Add Greenery

Plants or faux greenery add life and movement to your mantel. To avoid making your mantel too busy, stick to one type of stem, even if the vases are different.

Asymmetry or Symmetry

For a more diverse style, display an assorted arrangement of items in various sizes is odd numbers. Antique frames in a range of shapes, or even candlesticks, books, and a potted plant are the types of elements you can use. If you prefer a more traditional and polished look, incorporate similar items in even numbers such as pairs of candlesticks on each side of the anchor piece.

Fall Decorating Tips for Your Home

Posted on October 4, 2018 by P&D Builders

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

Posted on August 13, 2018 by P&D Builders

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

Posted on August 8, 2018 by P&D Builders

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.

Choosing The Perfect Lot For Your Custom Home

Posted on July 30, 2018 by P&D Builders

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When deciding to build a custom home, the first step is to select the perfect piece of property. Location is the most important consideration when building a new home. Determining the best location for you and your family will depend on your specific needs.

If proximity to work, your children’s schools or to the airport is essential, then a location that is within an acceptable distance to these is a consideration. But if you or your family’s most important need or goal is to live in the quiet countryside, think about that when considering home sites or looking at land that is available.

A corner lot usually has more traffic going past the house. However, corner lots can also be larger in size. If you choose a lot that is near a subdivision entrance, you may also find that there will be more passing cars. In this case, your home may be easier for guests to find and it could be directly on the school bus route if you have children who will be using this during the school year.

If you have the option to choose a lot that is in a cul-de-sac, this could present some great opportunities for kids to play and ride bikes. This is because these areas of the neighbourhood will typically have less traffic. You may also find if considering a lot in a cul-de-sac that the front yards are oftentimes smaller, yet the backyards could be large, which can provide you with additional space for entertainment.

From a practical standpoint, you will also need to think about the type of house you would like to build before making a final selection on a piece of property. If your preferred architectural style leans towards the traditional, then you need to look for a lot that is relatively level and flat and suitable for the construction of a Craftsman-style home. If you lean toward more contemporary architecture, you might be able to purchase a lot with a steeper grade and then design and build a dramatic modern home.

In addition to the actual physical location of the lot, you will also want to consider how the home will be situated in terms of exposure. For instance, any part of your home that is oriented to the east will benefit from getting the morning sunshine. On the other hand, a home with western exposure will get more afternoon sun. This can be a factor if you are considering a backyard swimming pool.

While there can be advantages and drawbacks to nearly every lot, knowing what they are prior to moving forward on the building of your new home can help you in your overall planning process. For more information on how to choose the ideal lot for your specific needs, contact us today!

6 Tips For Working With a Custom Home Builder

Posted on June 12, 2018 by P&D Builders

At P&D Builders, we want to make your dream home a reality. When shopping around for different custom home builders, keep these tips in mind to ensure a smooth and easy home building experience.

Be Specific About What You Want

Builders can’t read your mind. We’re here to provide examples and professional advice, but you are the ultimate decision maker. Provide us with specific examples, inspiration, or detailed plans that we can envision together to achieve your dream home with all the details you like.

Ask Questions if You’re Unsure

We provide a variety of different services to complete your home. We also have worked with many other contractors and can point you in the right direction of a trusted partner if our team cannot directly provide you with the service needed.

Take A Step Back

This is a hard one, especially for those that want to have a say in every single detail of the home building process. But, in the end, you hired a builder to handle the project for you. Take a leap and let the professionals handle the rest. If you see something go terribly wrong, step in, but otherwise, trust that your builder knows what they are doing.

Make Sure You Understand The Contract

A contract should answer all the difficult questions like: how long is the warranty? Is there a warranty? How will change orders be handled? How will I be billed? Is a deposit required? Reading and comprehending your contract is very important. Read through it and if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Ask Your Builder How You Should Communicate with Them

Some builders prefer calls, while some will never pick up the phone but will instantly respond to texts. Others might respond to emails 24/7. Everyone is different, but knowing how your builder prefers to communicate might save you a headache or two along the way.

Communication is Key

To sum everything up, communication between you and your builder will make the project successful. No matter what the question, comment, or concern, it is valid and should be talked about with your builder. We cannot stress enough how vastly important it is to have an open line of communication with your builder.