Category Archives: Building Tips

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.

Key Elements to Include in Your Modern Farmhouse Decor

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Sliding Barn Doors

One design technique that has become increasingly popular in farmhouse decor, is the sliding barn door. Try giving this trending accent a modernized look by outfitting the door with contemporary X-shape molding and a bright white paint color.

Mixing Metals

Iron, copper, and chrome. Farmhouse style has never been one for matchy detailing, but modern farmhouse designs play up mixed metallic textures more than ever to give spaces an updated look. Examples of incorporating this decor include, an iron mount holding up a sliding barn door, copper metal outfits on the lighting, and chrome coating on the appliances and seating. Industrial lighting and stools are very popular in retrofitting a modern farmhouse as well.

Simple Color Palette

The colors you choose will be crucial to making this modern look work. Gone are the sage greens and buttermilk yellows that are often seen in older farmhouse styles. These days, a neutral color palette is a crucial part of any modern design, and including one in your farmhouse-inspired space will be the thing that helps keep your fresh, clean, and totally current.

Concrete Flooring

Concrete is versatile. It looks inviting in both modern and traditional kitchens. It pairs perfectly with marble and natural or painted wood cabinetry and gives you an excuse to buy a vintage rug or two to add interest.

Shiplap on the Wall

Shiplap is a type of wooden board that historically has been used in exterior siding for barns, sheds, and older homes as a form of siding.  The boards usually run horizontally and have a rabbet groove that allows the boards to overlap and fit together. shiplap has been making huge inroads indoors for a rough or rustic look on walls, and sometimes cabinets and ceilings. Sometimes the wood is natural or stained, but more commonly now, we are seeing shiplap painted white or other contemporary colors, especially gray.

For more modern farmhouse decor tips, check out our Pinterest page!

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Which Appliance Finish Is Right For Your Kitchen?

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white modern kitchen

You finally have your dream kitchen setup. All that’s left to do is choose your appliance finishes. Seems like a simple task compared to all the other decisions you’ve made up until this point, but there are actually quite a few things to consider. First off, stainless steel isn’t your only option, even though you see it everywhere and it’s super versatile. There are tons of other options to fit your unique style and help you make the most out of your dream kitchen.

Let’s take a look at the top five most popular appliance finishes and when they work best for your kitchen.

When to Choose Stainless Steel

Love it or leave it, stainless steel is certainly a popular appliance finish for many reasons. As a metal between light and dark, stainless steel is a safe neutral option to match nearly any color palette. The material has a look of quality, and this often comes with a sizeable price tag compared to other finishes. So deciding whether the splurge is worthwhile is a matter of personal budget and priorities. A downside is polished metal finishes look brighter but will show fingerprints more. If you want that polished shine, just be prepared for a little more maintenance to keep that shine.

When to Choose Black

Black is simultaneously a neutral color and a bold one, due to being so dramatically dark. For this reason, it can be a risky or safe choice for appliances, depending on what you’re pairing it with. Black and white is a classic color scheme for a reason. This combination is striking and dramatic, all without any trendy colors that might clash when viewed a few years later.

Black appliances paired with white cabinetry achieve this look with just enough black to be bold but not overbearing. Keep in mind, your appliances should be spread out enough so that the look isn’t too heavy or unbalanced. In a compact kitchen without much cabinetry, this look can make the kitchen seem darker than it really is.

When to Choose White

White appliances are usually not considered when refreshing or remodeling a kitchen, but there are new finishes that might make you reconsider. Instead of the typical textured white refrigerators, consider one with a polished flat surface. It’s a sophisticated look that looks clean and fresh. Kitchens with white or light cabinets look best with white appliances. It also works in kitchens that don’t have a lot of natural light or are compact. Consider white appliances if you have light countertops, such as marble or white quartz, so that all of your surfaces blend together for a seamless look. Brass handles and knobs can be added to warm up the space.If you have darkly painted or stained cabinetry, avoid white appliances.

When to Choose Paneled

Panel-ready appliances are designed to accommodate a custom door front that matches your surrounding cabinetry, rather than having their own front finish. This essentially camouflages the appliances. Besides letting you match the cabinet material, this also allows you to match the door profile and even the hardware for total consistency. You can panel multiple appliances or just ones in certain areas. Refrigerators are a popular choice to panel since they are generally very tall, wide and visually dominating. Usually, this finish choice requires more of an investment than standard appliances and can solve lots of little design dilemmas.

When to Choose Color

So far we’ve mostly looked at appliances that can blend into your color palette, but sometimes appliances can actually define your color palette. If you love the idea of true statement appliances, or you just think your kitchen needs a different look, maybe you should consider color. The pastel hues and checkerboard floors of the local burger joint don’t have to stay in the past. They’ll always look fresh and fun in a home kitchen. Pair a pale blue retro fridge with classic diner-inspired decor, contemporary furnishings or a blend of both to bring your own unique twist.

For more inspiration and kitchens we’ve designed in the past, check out our Pinterest board!

 

Tips For Choosing the Right Lighting For Your New Home

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+++NOTE TO INSPECTOR: Photo artwork on wall is taken by me, see property release.+++

Choosing the lighting fixtures for your new home is one of the many details that need to be planned when decorating the new space. These decisions might not always come easy. Lighting differs in different rooms and spaces. One thing is certain, you have to be organized and to take things one by one, room by room.

Entryway and Foyer

When it comes to choosing the perfect lighting for an entryway, start by considering the scale of the entryway along with any furniture, artwork or mirrors that you might want to highlight. Choose fixtures that complement the architecture and design of your home while casting the right glow.

Living Area

It’s important to set the right balance in the living room. This is a space which is usually flexible and it used for entertainment but also as a place to relax. So consider using permanent fixtures such as chandeliers or pendant lamps but also take into consideration floor lamps and wall lights. If you watch TV in the living room, choose the surrounding lights carefully to avoid television glare. It can be distracting to have a bright overhead light above or in front of a TV set, so ensure ceiling lights are dimmable or use offset wall or floor lamps instead.

Dining Room

The first things you need to consider are the scene you want to create, the emotion you are looking for, what kind of lighting will complement your personal style, and your home’s existing décor. You also want to make sure you have enough light on the table, walls, and artwork while avoiding glare. The dining room is not just for eating, it’s a multi-functional space, used for homework, paying bills, playing games, and other tasks. Providing sufficient light at the table and around the room is key.

Kitchen

The kitchen needs more complex lighting because there is no single focal point in this room. So you need overhead lights for basic tasks but you also need extra lighting in areas such as over the kitchen island, over the sink or the bar. You can have pendant light in all these areas. Spotlights are also a good option.

Expenses to Budget for after you Build a new Construction Home

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Portrait Of Happy Young Couple Sitting On Floor Looking Up While Dreaming Their New Home And Furnishing

You have decided to embark on the exciting journey of building a new construction home! When building a new construction home, it is important to know your budget and what works best for your family at that time. As you take a look at expenses, it is helpful to look beyond your closing date. There are a few post-closing costs that are unique to brand-new homes and some that are familiar to new home owners. If you set aside a little money for the following expenses early, it will help in the long run!

Utilities  

If you are moving into a larger home, then your utilities are likely to increase. If you are moving to a new city, there might be start up service fees to be prepared for. If you are interested in cable, internet or satellite TV, you may have to install some equipment in order to have the services successfully installed.

Furniture

Furniture shopping is very exciting, especially when you have a brand-new home to furnish. Some of the pieces that worked in your last home or apartment might not be as well suited for the new place. Or maybe the new home means more bedrooms to furnish and floors to cover with area rugs. These are things to keep in mind when budgeting for your new home.

Windows

You just moved in and can’t get enough of how much natural lighting your new space has or how large the windows are. You will want to start installing blinds and curtains pretty soon after you move in to allow your family privacy in the new neighborhood. Make sure that is something you are keeping in mind!

P&D Pushes for more ‘Pantry Power’

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P&D is leading the way in a new trend for larger and more useful pantry space. In a recent article by the Columbus Dispatch P&D was recognized for their progressive use of traditional pantry space in one of their Sunbury homes featured in this year’s Parade of Homes. Dubbed a ‘super pantry’ these spaces are still attached to the kitchen for easy access, but unlike traditional pantries they have more space for storage and include areas for additional food preparation. These spacious offshoots are perfect for adjustable shelving to store items like bottled water, bulk food, snacks, paper towels and other sundries. Some spaces are being fitted with sinks for extra prep room, or lightweight appliances like blenders, toasters and microwaves. This keeps the devices available for quick use, but prevents them from cluttering up the main kitchen space. P&D’s latest design includes a unique quarter size door which connects the pantry to the garage for easy grocery delivery.

Many older homes don’t have the flexible floor plan to allow for the expansion/addition of a new pantry area, but new homes don’t have that limitation. All of the P&D homes have excellent options for large pantries, or have the potential to add them to existing floor plans. Please contact Ed Snodgrass or call (740) 201-8079 for more information about new home construction and integrating a ‘super pantry’ into your dream home designs.

Click Here to read the full article in the Columbus Dispatch by Melissa Kossler Dutton.

What to Expect When Building A Custom Home

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custom home

Breaking ground on a new home is a very exciting time! You get to watch as your dream home comes to life piece by piece. Also, having a good understanding of the process will help answer questions that arise and give you peace of mind throughout the build. We are going to give you a little insight into what you should expect when you go to build your custom home. Keep in mind this is a general rule of thumb as it can vary throughout different states and different builders.

First Step- Prepare the Site and Pour Foundation

First, the home builder will clear any debris and trees from the site using earth-moving machines. The crew will then level the site, put up wooden forms to serve as a template for where the foundation will lay. Holes and trenches will then be dug. Footings (these are the structures where the house interfaces with the ground that supports it) are installed. If your home comes with a basement (as most typically do) this is the point where the basement is dug out. Next the foundation walls are formed and poured. Once concrete is poured into the holes and trenches, it needs time to settle. During this time activity at the construction site is put on hold. After the concrete is ready, the crew applies a waterproof membrane to the foundation walls, installs the drains, sewer and water taps and any plumbing that needs to go into the basement. At this point an inspector will inspect the site to make sure that the foundation components are all up to code and installed properly.

Second Step- Framing

The next step is usually a very exciting time for the home owner because this is where you start to see the house erect. The floor systems, walls and roof systems are completed during this process known as framing (as known as the shell or skeleton of the house). The plywood or oriented strand board sheathing is applied to the exterior walls and roof. The windows and exterior doors are installed next. The house is then wrapped with a protective barrier that prevents liquid from penetrating the structure of the home while still allowing water vapor to escape. This helps to prevent the likelihood of mold or rotting wood.

Step Three- Plumbing and Electrical

Once framing is complete, next comes the siding and roofing. At the same time the electric and plumbing will start running pipes and wires throughout the home. Sewer lines,vents and water supply lines are installed as well. Bathtubs, and any other large objects get installed at this point because they are harder to maneuver as the building goes on. The duct work is installed for the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. After the roof goes on the house, the house is considered dried in. This is where electrical receptacles for outlets, lights and switches come in. Another inspection will usually take place at this point for compliance with building codes.

Step Four- Insulation

The next step, insulation, plays a key role in keeping your future home comfortable and consistent with the outdoor climate. It also helps with energy efficiency (which P&D Builders prides themselves on!) All exterior walls, as well as the attic space and any floors located above unfinished basements or crawl spaces will be insulated. The most common types of insulation that are used in new homes are fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. These are also dependent on the region, climate and the builders preferences.

Step Five- Drywall

Drywall is the next step in the home-building process. The drywall is hung and taped so the seams between the boards aren’t visible. The primer coat of paint is also applied at this point after taping is complete. At this point in the building process you will begin to notice the finishing touches going on the outside of the home (Brick, stucco, stone or siding).

Step Six- Interior Trim

At this point in your custom home build, the interior doors, baseboards, door casings, window sills, moldings and other decorative trim is installed. Your cabinets that you picked out, those will go in at this point too! Your walls will get all the finishing touches at this time as well. If you have a walkway, patio, or a driveway this is the point in which those will begin. Many builders usually save this part for the end because the heavy equipment can damage the concrete. Some builders do the contrary and pour the driveway when the foundation pours so the homeowners that visit the site will have an area to walk on.

Step Seven- Countertops & Hard Flooring

If you are having ceramic tiles, or wood flooring installed this is when that will happen. The hard-surface flooring usually goes in at the same time as the counter tops. At this point you are really able to see the house in a near-complete phase! Any exterior grading is also done at this point to ensure proper drainage away from the home and prepare the yard for landscaping.

Step Eight- Light Fixtures

Light fixtures, outlets and switches go in at this point and the electrical panel is completed. The sinks, toilets and faucets are also being installed.

Step Nine- Finishing Interior Touches

The last step in the interior of the home is to install mirrors, shower doors, and carpeting. This is when the cleanup takes place. Any exterior landscaping such as trees, shrubs, and grass are planted and completed. A final inspection from a building-code official is completed at this point.

Step Ten- The Walk-Through

This is usually the most exciting moment for the home owners because this is the chance that they can see the completed project. Your home builder will walk you through your home and answer any questions you have, help to acquaint you with all of the features and operations of the systems and components. This is where  you, the home-owner, can bring up and issues or questions that you have or any problem areas that need to be adjusted. This is the point where you need to be attentive and observant. Examine counter tops, walls, cabinetry and flooring to ensure 100% satisfaction.

P&D Builders spends a great deal of time with all of our home owners to ensure 100% satisfaction with their new home. We offer what is called the White Glove Guarantee. We guarantee that your home will be completed on-time and to  your 100% satisfaction. You will have a member of our detailing team assist your throughout the final two weeks of your home’s completion with any requests, issues, or questions you may have. We know how exciting this time is for you and your family and we want to make sure it is absolutely perfect! If you have any questions about the custom home building process or want to know more about building with P&D Builders please contact us here!