How To Arrange Your Mantel

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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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

 

4 Benefits of Building a Custom Home with P&D Builders

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Building a new home comes with all kinds of decisions. The first decision for a family looking to build a new home is whether they want to opt for a pre-designed home or have a one-of-a-kind custom designed home. Because you will spend so much time in your home relaxing with your loved ones, entertaining friends, and enjoying hobbies, it needs to be a special place that suits your unique needs, reflects your personal style and fits your lifestyle.

At P&D Builders, we work with the homeowner to design the home of their dreams with the features a pre-designed home doesn’t always have. The following benefits will help you understand the perks of having your new home custom built.

Total Design and Customization Control

At P&D, we walk you through the custom home design process and give you complete control over every aspect of the house, from the size of the living area to the location of the bedrooms to the option of unique built-in storage and shelving and even an indoor basketball court or pool. Rather than working around a pre-existing home’s floor plan, or having limited options with a pre-designed home, your floor plan is being designed to maximize and take advantage of every inch of usable space and provide the functionality your family needs.

You Choose The Location

P&D builds custom homes on a lot of your choice. We provide professional assistance to help clients find and secure unique lots with the special features they desire. In fact, our principals have a keen passion for finding unique home sites offering features such as waterfront, walk-out basements, golf course and park settings as well as wooded environments.

Better Material Quality

When you buy a pre-existing home or a pre-designed home, you don’t have much control over the quality of materials being installed. The grade of materials varies from room to room and includes prefabricated lower-quality materials. At P&D Builders, we work with trusted tradesmen who provide high-quality work and materials. With a custom-built home you know it is constructed with the best products, materials, and brands.

Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency impacts your future enjoyment of your home and its cost in many ways. 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.

When it comes to creating a home that stands the test of time, it’s important to work with a trusted custom-home builder. At P&D Builders, we’ve earned our reputation by striving for perfection in every detail of the homes we build. If you are looking to build a custom home, contact us today.

 

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!

 

Creating Your Dream Laundry Room

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Since the average person spends a few hours a week in their laundry room washing clothes, it’s no shock to why homeowners desire a more organized and appealing laundry space.

Long gone are the days when the laundry room was a small space that only contained a washer and dryer hidden somewhere in the house. Now laundry rooms are being used for more than just a place to wash clothes. These rooms have been redesigned to serve as a multi-use, functional room within the home. Many designers are including comprehensive laundry rooms in their floor plans so homeowners can enjoy a convenient and practical space for the whole family to use.

Pet Washing Area

Pet-washing stations have become increasingly popular in laundry rooms. After all, who wants to bathe their dog in the same area where they bathe themselves and their kids?

More Storage

Laundry room designs now include more storage than ever before. Built-in cabinets and coat racks are almost a standard now. The new “normal” for design concepts cater to active lifestyles such as tall locker cabinets for kid’s sports equipment.

Second-floor Location

Instead of being found in the basement or on the first floor, it is becoming more common for laundry rooms to be found on the second floor. Especially if all the bedrooms are on the second floor. No use in hauling loads of laundry up and down stairs if you only have to walk down the hallway.

Planning the Color Scheme

Monochromatic is definitely the way things are trending and not only in laundry and utility spaces, but also in terms of kitchen and bathroom design. Don’t compare monochromatic with boring or bland. While supporters of a neutral and timeless color palette appreciate the simplicity of a less bold approach, you can also create monochromatic designs around your color preferences such as black, gray, pale yellow or burnt orange. Things like tile patterns and layouts, grout options, cabinet glazes or two-toned finishes all help to make your monochromatic design more interesting.

 

Bathroom Trends You’ll See Everywhere

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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.

Choosing The Perfect Lot For Your Custom Home

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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!

 

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Cool During Summer Months

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Thermometer Sun 40 Degres. Hot summer day. High Summer temperatures

Close Your Blinds

As simple as this tip may seem, a vast majority of unwanted heat comes from your windows. Using shades and curtains can lower indoor temperatures a few degrees allowing your air conditioning to not work so hard. In other words, closing the blinds essentially prevents your home from becoming a miniature greenhouse, which is especially the case with south- and west-facing windows.

Close Doors

Closing off unused rooms will prevent cool air from spreading through these areas during the hot parts of the day. On cooler nights, open up doors to let air flow naturally throughout your home to create air flow.

Change Your Fan’s Direction

You may not realize that your ceiling fan needs to be adjusted seasonally. Set to run counter-clockwise in the summer at a higher speed, the fan’s airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will make you feel cooler.

Try to Cook Outdoors

Using your stove in the summer months will make your home hotter. Instead of firing up your stove, try using a hot plate, toaster oven, or grill outside. Keep the heat outside and out of your house!

Plant Shade Trees

A well-placed tree can make a world of difference for the comfort of your home. Planting a tree likely won’t have immediate payoffs, but it’s a great way to both shade your home and add color and beauty to your property. In the long-term, a shade tree can cover parts of your home and keep the temperature down during the day.

6 Tips For Working With a Custom Home Builder

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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.

4 Elements For Designing a Timeless White Kitchen

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kitchen in newly constructed luxury home on bright sunny day with view of lush trees out window

Designing your dream kitchen is a challenge and a luxury. It’s important to keep the space timeless so you’re not constantly remodeling. Sure, the ever-present all-white kitchen is open, airy, and bright, but designers and homeowners everywhere find themselves craving some color after staring at the monochromatic space for too long. Design forecasts are hinting at the death of bleached-ivory everything, but all it takes is a few changes and additions to turn a completely white kitchen into a timeless space. Here are four ways to change up the monotony and add a little contrast, warmth, or color to your cooking space.

  1. Choose Complementary Finishes

Incorporating complementary finishes that couple with surrounding spaces can help make your kitchen design flow. Try marble or porcelain to help create a cohesive, yet slightly contrasting look.

  1. Dark Floors and Furniture

The best way to tone down a bright white kitchen is to create contrast. Focus on your flooring and furniture. Dark wood looks beautiful against white cabinetry, especially if you continue it to other areas of your home for a more pulled-together feel. And if the wood isn’t to your taste, the same look can come from laminate, luxury vinyl, or tile.

  1. Add Texture and Depth

Change things up by adding some gradations of white throughout the kitchen for dimension. Pair your white cabinets with shades of cream or grey and splash of black for extra depth. If you don’t want to add solid colors, bring some texturized pieces to the room instead such as animal print rugs, rustic wood furniture, glass and ceramic accessories.

  1. Pops of Color

Think of making certain aspects of the room pop like the backsplash, the island, the appliances. Just remember, any bit of color in contrast to a white kitchen will immediately draw eyes to it. Make sure it’s something you want people to see. Try a colorful vintage refrigerator or go for bright-hued smaller appliances. Paint your kitchen island blue or add a pretty pale yellow backsplash. All it takes is the smallest amount of color to bring life back to your space. When designing your dream kitchen, do your best to separate fads and trends from truly timeless designs. And remember, the all-white kitchen isn’t really out of style, it just needs a little facelift.