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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.

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Costal-Style Home in Stillwater

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Coast-Style Design/Build

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/

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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.

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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.

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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. 

 

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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

 

 

 

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Fall is a Smart time to begin your New Home Construction Project 

Custom Built New Home Construction project

When it comes to building a new home, remodeling or adding on, fall is a great time to get started. There many reason why  you should begin your new home construction project now and here are four:

  1. Abundant design ideas-  As the Fall Parade of Homes comes to an end, there are many new exquisite homes to look at for ideas. What do you want your interior and exterior to look like in your new home or remodeling project? If you did not get a chance to tour the hundreds of homes during the Parade, you can still look at a guide book on line to get ideas. Also check Pinterest for more design ideas that showcase the latest new trends. Check out the digital 2019 fall Parade of Homes here: https://www.paradeofhomes.org/guidebooks/
  2. Interest rates are low. It is a good time to lock in at a low rate. Winter gets long and there is no telling where interest rates may fall in the spring. But right now, they are at an all-time low, which means you can save significantly on your monthly mortgage payment and lock in at a great rate.
  1. Material Prices are lower. Avoid spring material price increases and take advantage of year-end savings as suppliers and lumber yards will increase their prices come spring.  Therefore, if you begin your new home construction project now you will save on interior and exterior products. This might include flooring, countertops, windows, doors, exterior siding, shingles and roofing.
  2. Get a $500 credit Last, but not least, if you sign with Tice-Hause Design/Build  before October 31st, 2019 we will give you a $500 credit towards the design plans of your new home construction project.

In conclusion, why wait through the long winter to start your new home construction project? With these four reasons to begin now, you will save big and enjoy your new beautiful space by spring.  Call us to learn more at 651-439-3837. https://thdbuild.com/

 

 

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Draftsman or Architect? What’s the Difference?

Draftsman or Architect– The best path to a successful and affordable residential construction project.

There are many choices to consider when deciding to build a new home or take on an addition or remodeling project.  One important consideration many people overlook is the choice of whether to use an architect or a draftsman when designing their project.  These words have become synonymous to those of us who do not work in the construction industry, we would like to help you understand the differences to help you choose the right professional.

One of the largest differences between an architect and a draftsman is the amount of education and licensure that is required for each profession.  An architect’s educational background usually consists of a degree from a university and requires a minimum of 2 years’ experience.   A draftsman, does not require a degree from a university. Most employers prefer draftsmen with college training, therefore, certificates, diplomas, or associate’s degrees in drafting can be earned from many technical institutes and community colleges. With the extended education, comes a heftier price tag.  So, although you may feel the higher level of certification with an architect is important, there are draftsmen who have many years of experience in both building and drafting who can do an excellent job to value engineering the design of your project with input from your builder.

Architects tend to place high value on aesthetics, usage of space, or showcasing a unique design element in a home or building. These are all important aspects of a build but architects may over design and thus drive up cost unnecessarily.  Draftsmen tend to have a more intimate understanding of what is involved with the build because they work regularly with the builder and are involved in seeing the job into fruition.  At Tice-Hause Design Build, we pride ourselves on working with customers to create a personal and economical “draw to build” experience.

Hiring an independent architect is expensive. Most work on a percentage of project fee, which can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars on a larger building project. Extra meetings, visits to the site and research of local building codes are all things you are likely to encounter. These issues all lead to additional hourly charges in excess of the base charge. Furthermore, architects often specify items or processes that your builder is either not familiar with or has no existing material supplier for. Seeing this, when the builder bids the plan they will tack on a “safety margin” to cover ‘unforeseeable items’ that they don’t have experience with. The resulting extra costs can add up quickly, taking funds you could have used elsewhere.

Whether you choose an architect or a draftsman for your next build is up to you.  We feel that the best choice with the highest level of value for most residential projects for both remodeling and new construction is to use a builder with a draftsman on their team.

As you go through our design process you, your designer and your builder develop an intimate understanding of your project.  At Tice Hause Design Build your draftsman is there for you throughout your project, at your convenience, with no additional charge.  When questions arise on site, our team knows who to go to for answers quickly and efficiently.

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between an architect and using a design build draftsman, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about your best path forward to develop plans for your new dream home or major renovation.

 

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