Design/Build Company Vs. Contractor- What’s the Difference?

Benefits of Working With a Design/Build Contractor vs a typical general contractor.

A design/build contractor is responsible for all facets of the design and construction process. For several reasons, many contractors do not design new custom homes, home additions, or remodeling projects for their clients. Many lack experience or training with drafting, design problem-solving, new product specification or building code compliance. Establishing a good plan with proper engineering requires time, experienced staff and accountability. Thee are elements a standard contractor may will, in many cases, struggle to provide.

Legal Advantages of Working With a Design/Build Contractor vs a typical general contractor.

Design/build contractors have expertise in all the areas mentioned above and are legally responsible for any issues. Many other contractors use lumberyard designers who have no insurance, design accountability, allegiance or legal accountability to you, the owner. They are not always accessible, either, as they are understandably busy selling lumber and servicing their own customers.

Independent architects and drafting technicians can provide better service but have similar time constraints. This can slow the production phase when challenges arise, and you will be charged for additional time. Both lumberyard designers and architects and draftsmen will place disclaimers on plans to avoid any liability for ‘unforeseeable problems.’ These are also disclaimed in the contractor’s contract, leaving you responsible for issues. A design/build contractor cannot legally disclaim errors they make on their plans.

Choosing a reputable, full-service design/build company over a typical contractor, should give you peace of mind knowing they are accountable for any potential plan & specification issues.

Cost Savings with a Design/Build Contractor vs a typical general contractor.

Hiring an independent architect or draftsman can be expensive. Most work on a percentage of the project fee.  The result can easily exceed thousands of dollars. Furthermore, on new custom homes, home remodeling or extensive remodeling.  Extra meetings, site visits and local building code research are typically charged hourly in excess of the base fee.

Furthermore, an independent designer/architect may specify items or processes with which a custom home builder is unfamiliar for which they have no existing material supplier. Seeing this, when the builder bids the project/plans, they will tack on a ‘safety margin’ to cover ‘unforeseeable items’ they don’t have experience with. The resulting extra costs to the owner can quickly add up and blow the budget on the project.

By partnering with a design/build contractor, you can save money and allocate those funds toward more important things. You want a design program to be transparent, convenient and easily understandable. You might also want one that maintains reasonable fees because design work is part of an effort to earn your trust and patronage. The design process is mutually beneficial as it helps the client and the design/build team to get to know one another and build trust. The idea is when it comes time to sign a contract, having a comfortable working relationship with your contractor will make your decision easier. In many cases, some or all design fees are credited to your contract price, meaning they are ultimately free of charge if you contract with that company. The costs are normally in place to cover their time if you decide to select a different company.

Convenience & Continuity with Design/Build

As you go through the design process, you and your design/build company, will develop an intimate understanding of the project, which is then seamlessly carried forth into production. The designer will normally be by your side throughout the project, at your convenience, at no additional cost.

When questions arise on-site, the production manager, lead carpenters, and trade partners will inquire directly with the designer and quickly get those answers to avoid delays.

A Design/Build company will help you develop your ideas into a set of preliminary construction drawings quickly and efficiently so the pricing process can begin. They take the take time to get to know you and your vision, carefully assess the lot or existing home and inquire about your project priorities, timeline, and budget before they begin. This initial information gathering helps to create a design that fulfills your expectations without exceeding your budget.

 

/0 Comments/by

Scandinavian Design-Custom Home

Are you like many and dislike the look and feel of clutter?  If you like simple, clean lines and a calm uncluttered design, then a Scandinavian Style home might be right for you. A Scandinavian home is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter.

Scandinavian-style design is more than just buzzwords like “minimalism” and “clean lines. It is about modernism, functionality and sustainability. This Scandinavian designed home, as featured, is on the market and open for touring, June 7, 3PM-6PM. It is located at 1701 Pine St W. in Stillwater MN. The modern design is beckoning its next homeowner to leave the clutter behind and settle into a new way of living.

The highlighted Scandinavian minimalistic home was created in partnership with a talented architect and Tice-Hause Design/Build. They specialize in custom homes that depict the style and aesthetic of each homeowner.  That is to say, be it traditional or contemporary, such as the Scandinavian-style design, Tice-Hause Design/Build creates custom homes that reflect how the homeowner would like to live.

Tice-Hause Design Build’s goal is to create interior/exterior designs that are architecturally pleasing to the eye and have a positive impact on surrounding buildings and neighborhoods. This minimalist custom home does just that and is wonderfully different from much of Stillwater’s traditional home designs.

Unique Features: Scandinavian Style Furnishing and an Outdoor Pickle Ball court.

Scandinavian designed home-Open floor concept

A home is not  much of a home without the complimenting furnishings. This Scandinavian-style home includes all the smart furnishings. In addition, each is hand-selected and drawn to scale during the design and engineering process. The architecture consists of ultra-clean lines, natural woods, large windows and a direct continuation of nature outside. Therefore this contemporary Scandinavian Design delivers calmness and minimal mental clutter for a more simplistic way of life.

For the outdoor enthusiast, the property features a pickle ball court surrounded by mature trees on a wooded, half-acre lot. Spacious and open, the home has three-bedrooms and three-bathrooms. It also includes heated flooring and state-of-the-art appliances, including a touch-screen coffee maker.

Another unique feature is the architecturally designed garage, which is kept behind a fully-insulated glass panel door and includes an electric vehicle charging station. Also included are hot and cold water for car washing and in-floor heating to maintain warmth year round.  

In conclusion, the inspiration for this design/build comes from Scandinavian-style design.  In a world of sensory overload, this custom home delivers calmness and minimal mental clutter.

Now you can tour this modern minimalist home, near Stillwater’s historic downtown. Stop by and get inspired!

The Open House is June 7th from 3PM to 6Pm at 1701 Pine Street W.  in Stillwater. Light refreshments will be served.

To see more of our work go to:https://thdbuild.com/

 

image

The address is 1701 Pine Street W. Stillwater, MN 55082

 

/0 Comments/by
,

Creating Your Dream Retirement Home: Tips for Designing a Comfortable Living Space

How to Create a Comfortable Living Space You Can Use Once You Retire

As we journey through life, we realize the significance of having a living space that caters to our changing needs. As the golden years’ approach, retirement should be filled with moments of blissful relaxation in a cozy abode that fosters happiness and serenity. With this in mind, let me share some valuable tips on creating a comfortable living space that will serve as your peaceful haven in retirement.

Consider Your Future Needs

Before planning your living area, invest a while in contemplating your future requirements. Do you intend to reside in the same house? Will you need help with movement or access? Factor in your design features, such as wider entrances, guard bars, and level-entrance showers, to ensure your living space is secure and useful for many years ahead.

Optimize for Comfort

Retiring should be a peaceful moment, and making the living place comfortable and pleasant is paramount. To accomplish this, including relaxing furniture, additional features like heated floors, a fireplace, or a hot tub could add luxury and make suitable light and warm colors to give a snug feeling in your newly-renovated home.

Personalize Your Space

When designing your future retirement space, it is important to consider your unique personal tastes and interests. Incorporating elements that make you smile, such as photographs, art pieces, or beloved keepsakes, is essential. Additionally, contemplate and plan how you envision your retirement experience and uniform your living space to that. For example, if you are an avid reader, why not create a comfortable reading corner with a lovely armchair and proper illumination?

Invest in Quality

When creating your retirement living space, it is necessary to make wise decisions regarding materials and construction. With the help of a reliable design/build firm such as Tice-Hause Design/Build, one can trust that the accommodations will be built firmly and per personal wishes. By investing in quality construction materials and techniques, you will eventually be able to save time, money, and effort on renovations or repair work.

Finally, developing an inviting living environment for your golden years can be considered a sound investment in your joy and health. By predicting your future requirements, enhancing your comfort levels, customizing the layout to reflect you best, plus making sure to purchase products of high quality, you can craft a home that will make you pleased and serene for many years ahead.

If you are looking to work with a custom design/build company for your dream retirement home, give Tice-Hause Design/Build a call today.  (651) 439-3837. We can create beautifully functional spaces that you will love to live in.

Check out or website

/0 Comments/by
,

What to Do to Bring your Dream Home to Life

You already have a picture in mind of what you want your dream home to look like, even before resources become available. Keep in mind the many choices you will have to make that will ensure you live comfortably in your new home and that is truly is your dream home. To get started your must list primary areas that require focus to ensure your dream home becomes a reality. Do your best not to skimp on the things that are most important to you.

Five areas to focus on before building your dream home:

Choose an Architectural Style for your Dream Home

You may already have an architectural style in mind but we suggest you do your research. Collect images of home styles you like and make a list of what you like about them. Some popular styles are Farmhouse, Colonial Revival, Cape Cod, Queen Anne, Modern Craftsman, Rancher, and Contemporary. You can juxtapose two or more styles. This is typically referred to as a contemporary style. A experienced and skilled design/build expert can help you draw the plans that reflect what you want your dream home to look like both internally and externally.

The Location of your Dream Home

As much as the interior layout is essential, don’t forget to consider the environment beyond the house. Ask yourself whether your chosen location is a suitable space for your family. Are you able to access opportunities and grow within the immediate community? Does the location help fulfill your needs and goals? For example, the city is a better choice if you want to grow your career and have access to modern conveniences. Are you close to the places and people that are important to you and your lifestyle? If you have kids, are their good schools nearby? Parks? What other amenities are important to you?

There are also practical things to keep in mind such as sewage gas and electrical hookups. Keep in mind that location refers to everything from lot size, zoning laws to sun exposure.

Set a Realistic Budget 

For you to have access to all the materials you need, you will need to set a realistic budget. It is important for you to spent what you have on what you can afford. Therefore, set a realistic budget with accompanying priorities. Figure out things that aren’t urgent and those you can compromise. If you absolutely have to have granite countertops and natural hardwood floors then be realistic when setting your budget. There are alternatives that cost less but most clients have a list of the “must haves” to fulfill the criteria of their dream home. A professional custom home builder will have many products to chose from and will help you allocate your funds to meet your aesthetic needs and desires while staying within your budget.

 Dream Home Layout and Spacing

Once you have the location of your dream home established you will want think about the physical layout. The main concern is how you’ll use your space. Whether you want an open environment or a more private one, it’s best to draw the layout at the start, which helps determine room size, design features and traffic flow.  Also, keep in mind factors such as lot size, slope, could potentially limit how much of your vision you can actualize. It is not uncommon to revisit your layout several times. It is important to be open minded when tweaking your plans. You may need to minimize your home theater space in order to have the recreation room you want. While space is important factor, design will make the difference in creating your dream home.

Expert Dream Home Builder

The expert is the design/build professional who’ll bring your idea to life. When you first meet with the builder, give clear direction on what you envision to ensure you both understand each other. You will want to look for a design/build company that is established and has a proven track record. You do not need to know a lot about architecture and design but the professional custom home builder sure does. Set up a consultation with two or three custom home builders. Make a list of pertinent questions. Ask to see their pictures of their work, credentials and referral from their happy clients. Also it is important to go with your gut. Ask yourself do I trust this company and am I comfortable hiring them to build my dream home? You want to hire someone who understands your vision and has the capability and expertise to bring it to life.

Conclusion

There is no reason for your dream home to remain a dream. Plan right, be open minded and you’ll be living the dream! At Tice-Hause Design/Build, we thrive in our drive for better designs, processes, and builds. Moreover, we uphold integrity, competency, and standards with perfected communication systems. Our main goal is to meet and exceed your expectations. Contact us today for more information on how to build your dream home. To take a peek at some of our work please click here: https://thdbuild.com/gallery/. Give us a call to discuss your dream home idea. 651-433-7397.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Costal-Style Home in Stillwater

.

A Distinct Vibe of a Coastal-Style Home.

When you visit a coastal town you notice the interior design difference from the Midwest the minute you walk in.   It just feels lighter and more open and spacious. Coastal style homes have an unmistakable vibe – light, airy, open, and always warm and welcoming. But a coastal-style home in Minnesota? Why not?

Homeowner’s Vision- Bring the Beach Vibe to the Home

When Julia and Craig Tice of Tice-Hause Design/Build decided it was time to remodel their home, they knew they wanted more than updated design and function.  They wanted the new space to feel like beach-home living, aka coastal-style living. Their thought process was if we can’t get to the beach as often as we’d like then why not bring the beach to us? They created a new design with  characteristics of a beach style home, from color to texture to open space, it just feels beachy. 

 

Defining Mediterranean/Coastal-Style Design Features

Love of travel inspired them to create a Mediterranean/Coastal design with that beach home feel. They define this newly renovated design/build as much more than seashells and nautical décor.  It is about structural design—architecture with wide arched openings. A design that is enhanced with rich wood and a light and airy cream finish, whitewash ceilings with large cream beams. They enhanced the open floor plan with nineteen raining pendant lights, a stately stone hearth, and natural colors. The center of the great room features and a flat natural stone floor to ceiling fireplace. The style they were looking to achieve has some traditional characteristics but with a coastal, modern/contemporary Mediterranean twist.

Coastal Style Living in the Midwest

Another characteristic of the Coastal/Mediterranean beach style is a distinct focus on indoor-outdoor living, with a spacious open floor plan and Spanish and Italian influences. The four-panel 14×10 expansive Marvin glass patio door that overlooks an outdoor pool and beautiful landscaping gives the home an even more “beachy” feel.

When designing your new home or remodeling project it is important to think of the day-to-day way you want to live. If the beach is your thing, then creating a home with a coastal, beach-style feel is the next best thing. To design your new home or space, give the experts at Tice-Hause Design/Build a call.  651-433-7397.

You can learn more about Tice-Hause Design Build here: https://thdbuild.com/

/0 Comments/by

10 Interior Design Trends to Leave in 2021

 

The interior design had a fascinating year in 2021. Today there are several new interior design trend ideas, including more conventional methods, fluting, and wallpaper. However, many of the fashionable styles in 2021 will fade away quickly.

Kitchens With Windows

The epidemic emphasized having distinct spaces, especially since many rooms must double as workspaces. As a result, large kitchens open to the entire house are becoming less popular.

The Interiors are Monochromatic and all White

It’s not just that the all-white style has outlived its usefulness; it’s also not the most intriguing option. Another issue with white furnishings is that they are challenging to keep clean, mainly white sofas.

Kitchen Hoods Made of Stainless Steel

Kitchen features hoods have been a must-have for high-end kitchens for years. However, as the harsh, industrial aesthetic fades in favor of softer aesthetics, this trend is fading out of popularity.

Design Faux

The faux decor has been popular for years, from wood tile flooring to marble porcelain. While these components are cost-effective, they are frequently put incorrectly and appear to be fake, as the custom builders say.

Gray’s Decade Of Success Is Coming To An End

White, brown, and gray have been popular neutral colors. Gray appears to be the color that fades the fastest.

Overused Design Words

For instance, the term “maximalist” has become overused and means little more than tossing everyone into the fire and hoping it works.

Stone Finishes With Backlighting

We don’t need to use artificial backlighting to bring out the beautiful natural stone. Allow the material to speak for itself.

Palettes of “Safe” Colors

I adore how vibrant colors, layers, textures, and luxurious textiles battle the formerly dominant white and lively color palettes. I’m ready for the lighter-colored trends to take a back seat for the time being.

“Modern Barn” Concept

The vaguely barn-like constructions with the all-white walls, black glass, bleach wide-oak floors, and abstraction greige carpeting influenced by the galaxies or jellyfish or other sea life in mauve-y, earthen color schemes are banal in both exterior and interior. They have the appearance of dismal medical imaging.

Dining and Bath Hardware in Black

As the clock hits midnight on New Year’s Eve, I’m ready to see the black kitchen and bath hardware go away. I’m well aware that this will very certainly result in my death. Black hardware will always feel trendy to me as a lover of vintage unlacquered brass, silver, and good-quality nickel.

/1 Comment/by

National vs. Local Builder

Selecting the right home builder is a crucial decision during the home building process. Choosing wrongly can lead to various issues, such as unmet expectations, unplanned delays, and shoddy craftsmanship. If you are planning to have your dream home built newly, you might be wondering whether you should work with a local or national builder. A local builder is a person who focuses on creating houses in their local community. On the other hand, national home builders develop houses for the national community.  Both local and national builders deliver excellent results in their projects. However, they differ in several ways.

1.    Customer Experience

Local and national builders serve their clients differently. On one hand, local builders offer personalized services. This means that they will focus more on your project and your needs. They will also communicate with you face-to-face and work with you through every step. On the contrary, national builders offer generalized services. The large blueprint makes it difficult for them to offer more streamlined services and focus on individual customers.

2.    Flexibility

Local and national builders offer different floor plans and finishes that homeowners can choose from. Local builders are flexible and can customize the plans to ensure that the new house matches the property owner’s needs. However, national builders often follow the specific blueprint that the customers selected.

3.    Knowledge of the Area and Local Home Trends

Local builders know the area the client is building because they are local community members.  They are also aware of the regulations, trends, and floor plans that relate to a particular area. This knowledge enables them to create homes that are up-to-date with these trends. On the contrary, national builders lack knowledge of specific towns and the latest trends and construction regulations in your area.

4.    Pricing

Local and national builders charge differently for their services. A custom builder is typically more affordable than an executive builder. Various factors, such as local material sourcing, contribute to this cost difference.

5.    Interaction with Local Economy

National builders are less likely to benefit the local economy because they deal with clients and businesses from different regions that local builders.  Some ship their construction materials from other countries.

Local builders are different because they collaborate with local subcontractors and suppliers. Working with them during the new home construction benefits the community economically.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between national and local builders will help you select the best builder for your dream home. Generally, local builders are better because they are flexible, pay attention to detail, and are affordable.

/0 Comments/by

Need More Space? Refinish Your Basement this Winter

 

Refinish your basement and live more comfortably.

Are you feeling cramped and/or in need of more space? Why not create more room and refinish your basement this winter? For most people, the basement is often a place where homeowners resort to storing boxes and seasonal items. Fortunately, it can be an extension of the home that serves different purposes if you choose to refinish it. It can be a place to entertain, or just hang and watch a movie. Afterall, who doesn’t want more space? If you’re ready to get started on this process, there are a few reasons to refinish your basement in the winter season.

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

When you refinish your basement with new windows, insulation, and materials, it will improve the energy efficiency in the building and make it easier to maintain the temperature in the home. This will allow you to start to save money to heat and cool the home throughout the year.

2. Better Contractor Availability

Because fewer people start construction projects in the winter, contractors have more availability and are easier to book. You can be more selective with who you choose to hire and avoid waiting several months to use their services.

3. Faster Permits

It can be a lot faster process to obtain permits for the work you want to complete in the winter because fewer permits are submitted to the city during this time. This can allow you to complete the project in a shorter timeframe and avoid delays.

4. The Construction Process Won’t Interfere with Your Home Life

Because basements are out of the way from the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms, the construction that is performed won’t disrupt your daily life and your ability to maintain your activities in the home each day.

In Conclusion

There are many reasons why it makes sense to refinish your basement. Aside from the many reasons listed about it will also up the value of your home. So if your are thinking about creating that dream space in your home to get away or to play than a basement refinish might be the perfect option for you.  Give us a call at Tice-Hause Design/Build to learn more at 651-439-3837.

Check out some of our work here: https://thdbuild.com/gallery/

refinish your basement and live more comfortably. 

 

/0 Comments/by

Four New Home Design Trends for 2020

Design trends

Sliding wood barn doors

Are you thinking of building a new home or remodeling?  Here are four new design trends for 2020 that will add style, beauty and convenience to your home.

Sliding barn doors now come in an enormous variety of styles, colors and wood species.  They can be contemporary and elegant or rustic with old style charm.  The hardware finishes and styles are endless.  The increase in popularity of barn doors has created a wider variety of looks available, they have become more like furniture or decor than doors to enhance the look and feel of living space.

Design Trends

Darker mill work

Darker Millwork is in for enhancing warmth and that includes wood floors like these.  If budget is an issue, there are many luxury vinyl plank flooring products (LVP) available at almost half the price and do a great job of emulating real wood floors and the color/style options are almost limitless.  LVP can also be patterned like real wood and is extremely durable.  This also goes for Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT).

Wood face Fireplace

A beautiful and popular design trend is wood face fire places. Rich wood products make a beautiful fireplace face around the firebox. It adds a unique and very rustic old world look.  With gas fireplaces the distance required from the metal firebox to combustible materials is much less.  This allows for many more styles and feels when it comes to modern day fireplaces.  The one featured above is made of aged barn wood to achieve a charming and original look.

Design Trends 2020

Built in Dog Wash

A popular and convenient design trend is built in dog washes. When you walk your dirty dog through the house to get to the sink  it is usually a filthy mess. A built in dog wash station will alleviate that problem.  Furthermore, with a built-in dog wash station, we can build it right next to a door. When you get back from a muddy walk, the washing station is conveniently located by a door or mudroom. Having a built in dog wash station also creates a designated dog area where all their toys, leashes, and other things can be stored together, keeping life more organized.

Our experienced team at Tice-Hause/Design Build can custom design your new space with style, beauty and convenience  so you can live the way you want to live. To learn more about the latest design trends or discuss your new home or remodeling project give us a call at 651-439-3837. You can check out our website at http://thdesignbuild.com

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by