Making a Statement

The interior floors seem to flow outside into a natural stone that mimics the interior porcelain almost exactly. The home’s architectural stacked stone and stucco surfaces creates a simple aesthetic inside and outside the home, allowing the windows and doors to take center stage. For a complete living area that feels just as comfortable as the inside space, designer Kristin Hazen of Kristin Hazen Design established multiple seating areas adjacent to an elegant pool. These include a simple dining area, a larger lounge space, and more intimate seating around a fire element. Each of these are illuminated thoughtfully at night, allowing views of the sunset, and enjoy some shade during the hot daytime hours.

“Space was limited but we were able to work in so many resort-style features and amenities on just a smaller scale,” said Hazen.

While completely hidden in the ceiling when desired, the most impactful luxury element in this outdoor space is the Nexus 21 drop down TV lift. This motorized TV lift is secreted away when the surrounding views are to be enjoyed, but at the command of an iPhone app or with a nearby iPad, it elegantly drops down to the perfect viewing height in the lounge seating area.

This 65-inch TV is positioned in the Nexus 21 model CL-65e. This model was designed for high ceilings and homeowners who are looking for a more flexible viewing experience. It can be installed in the ceiling framing or bolted directly to the ceiling surface, requires only 7-5/8-in. of vertical space for in-ceiling installations, and accommodates TV sizes up to 65 inches wide. Connected to Crestron, the TV is easily controllable. Installing the unit itself was also easy, even though not all parties involved were initially familiar with the product. The quick installation and the final result convinced everyone involved to recommend Nexus 21 again.

“TVs are an important part of the homeowners’ lifestyle, and incorporating TVs on the exterior can be problematic,” said Carson. “However, the Nexus 21 lift was the perfect solution.”

We had such an amazing and collaborative team for this project,” said Hazen. “Projects always go so much smoother with that being a factor. And the clients were huge supporters and cheerleaders of the team that they assembled, and they had trust in all of us to create their dream home, which made the project fun.”

To learn more about Nexus 21, please visit www.tvlift.com.

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Think about each area of your home and how you utilize the space. You’ll then be better positioned to know where to place your most integral light sources – whether that’s overhead fixtures, accent lights, ambient lighting or a combination of all three. From there you can choose the light fixtures that are best suited to each individual space, in terms of type of both the light as well as design and bulb choice.

A lighting professional can play an invaluable role in helping you navigate this complicated process. They have the experience to know the best lighting choices for a particular space and can suggest fixtures that work with your home’s design aesthetic, advise you on the pros and cons of integrated LED fixtures, suggest areas to use a focused bean or a broad wash of light, and help you choose optimal illumination results for a given space.

Lighting designers also have an understanding of the impact of layering light. They’ll assess the natural light coming into a room during different times of the day and then build on the natural flow of light to create areas of light and shade, highlight or soften room elements, and add warmth or brightness as needed. 

Technology has opened up a world of possibilities for smart home lighting systems. Your lighting professional can help create sophisticated lighting scenarios – for morning, evening, dining and more – that illuminate specific areas with programmed light intensities that can be activated using your phone, tablet or a simple voice command.

If you’re building a new house or carrying out a major renovation, consider hiring a lighting professional early on so they can get involved in the process from the very beginning. This will ensure your lighting is successfully and thoughtfully integrated with the architecture, functionality, and overall feel of your home. Your professional designer will advise on everything from the use of soffit, valance and cove lighting to dramatically illuminate spaces with a concealed light source to the style and placement of switches and outlets within a room.  Defining your home through lighting doesn’t have to be a cumbersome or intimidating process when the right design build team is by your side. 

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Introducing a Revolutionized Homeowner Experience

Enter Digs, a consumer-centric software solution designed to elevate existing build processes by centralizing collaboration onto one platform. Digs‘ intuitive interface simplifies communication and decision-making by seamlessly integrating familiar channels such as email or Dropbox. Leveraging artificial intelligence, Digs not only comprehends but also organizes project communications, decisions, and information, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and establishing itself as the definitive source of truth.

About

DIGS

Digs began when co-founder Ryan Fink, an accomplished AI expert, built his own family home. In collaboration with Ty Frackiewicz, a former builder and technology leader, they discovered the construction industry hadn’t evolved past the same pen-and-paper methods from when Ty was a builder 15 years ago – resulting in wasted time and money. They aim to revolutionize collaboration in construction by leveraging artificial intelligence to make the organization and sharing of information easier, naturally resulting in exceptional customer experiences.

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SMART GLASS DELIVERS PRIVACY & LIGHT ON DEMAND

Today’s smart glass technology means you no longer have to choose between natural light and privacy. With the flip of a switch, tap of an app or a voice request, you can instantly transform glass from clear to opaque to create privacy without blocking light.

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From conceptualizing your vision to navigating the complexities of permits and construction, this blog provides the insights and advice you need to ensure a smooth and successful building journey. Read on to explore every phase, from financing, to finding the right architect and builder, to making crucial design decisions that align with your lifestyle, and streamline the process from start to finish.

Phase 1: Pre-Construction 

Before you break ground on your new home, be sure to set yourself up for success by checking a few important items off of your to-do list.

Understand Your Financing Options

No matter if you’re buying an existing residence or building from the ground up, a home is still one of the largest investments you may ever make—so it’s important to understand the financial implications upfront. Unlike when purchasing an existing home, traditional 30-year mortgages aren’t available for new-construction homes. Instead, you’ll most likely need a construction loan. This loan can go towards covering the cost of land, labor, materials, permits, and other costs associated with building your home. 

To apply for the loan, the borrower must provide the bank with budgets, timelines, and other project details. Once approved, the borrower can withdraw the funds in phases throughout development and repay only the interest. Once construction is complete, the borrower can then convert the loan to a permanent mortgage.

Hire Your Team

To build a new home, you’ll need a lot of support. Hiring a team of trusted experts will ensure you’re following the correct processes, sticking to local codes, and setting yourself up well from the start. First, look for an experienced home builder. You’ll also need a seasoned general contractor—though oftentimes, home builders are also licensed contractors so you can streamline your team. Other players include architects, interior designers, surveyors, structural engineers, plumbers, electricians, and more. Many times, your home builder or contractor has a trusted team they work with often, allowing you to lean on them for support throughout the hiring process.

Secure Your Lot

If you don’t already own a plot of land, that should be your next priority. Real estate agents can be pivotal in helping you find and purchase a plot of land ideal for building a new home—but you should also loop in other team members like your builder and architect. Some lots, though they may be in a great location and appear perfect at first glance, can have qualities that make it more difficult to build, like steep grades or poor-quality soil types that don’t lend themselves well to new construction. Getting an expert opinion upfront can help you avoid these costly pitfalls. 

Design Your Home

Once your team is in place and your lot is secured, you can kick off the design process. You can customize the size and layout of the home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, overall style, and other interior and exterior features.

Phase 2: Construction

Once your team is on-board and you have all the necessary plans in place, you can begin construction on your new home. 

Prep Your Site

Before you break ground, your builder will need to prepare your plot of land for construction. This involves clearing away any trees, rocks, or other debris that would hinder their progress. If the site has a grade, it also involves leveling the ground to prepare it for the foundation. 

Pour Footings & Foundation

After the site is prepared, the team will dig trenches for the foundation. Then, they will pour concrete for footings to create the base of your foundation, and steel rods are added for reinforcement. The team will then pour the remaining concrete to finish off the entire foundation. Once dry, it is sprayed with a waterproof sealant to keep moisture out and keep the foundation stable. 

Frame the Home

Once the foundation is complete, framing begins. This involves building the rough skeleton of doors, windows, and walls throughout the entire home. The home builder will also wrap the house during this phase to protect the wood from moisture, especially if it’s during a rainy season or in a humid environment. Framing often happens quickly, sometimes in as little as a few weeks.

Install HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing

Before drywall is added, ductwork, wiring, and pipes are all added. Once everything is installed, it is approved by inspectors before moving on to the next phase of the project.

Add Drywall & Insulation 

Next, insulation is applied to all exterior walls to make the home more energy efficient. After the insulation is complete, drywall is installed and primed throughout the home to finish the interior walls.

Add Interior Finishes

Once the walls are up, you can move on to adding all of the final finishes, like doors, molding, trim, and other details. At this stage, kitchen cabinets, appliances, bathtubs, vanities, and other larger items are added to start to pull everything together.

Add Exterior Finishes 

Exterior finishes help add curb appeal to your new home. Practical details like siding and the roof are completed, while more cosmetic additions like walkways, driveways, back patios, and decks are also added to enhance your outdoor areas. Landscaping is also typically done during this stage.

Install Flooring

Last but not least is flooring. Whether you choose natural stone, reclaimed hardwood or ceramic tiles, flooring is typically completed at the very end of the construction phase to ensure the material isn’t damaged during other work.

Phase 3: Post-Construction

After your home is built, there are a few final steps required before you can call your project complete.

Schedule a Final Inspection

Once construction is complete, a building code official conducts the final inspection. If no issues are identified, they will provide a certificate of occupancy, which means you’re officially able to move into your space. If they spot any problems, they will schedule a follow-up after the builder has resolved the issue.

Complete a Final Walkthrough

The last step after your inspection is a final walkthrough with your builder before you move in. You will double-check that everything is complete and nothing needs to be repaired, looking for issues with things like outlets and light switches and checking for minor damage like nicks to paint or baseboards. This is your last chance to call out any issues before the project is complete, so be sure to go inspect each room closely. 

Once your walkthrough is finished, your home is move-in ready. You’ll be able to make the space your own and finally enjoy the space after months of hard work and planning. While home building may not be as simple as purchasing an existing home, there is no feeling quite like living in a space that is completely customized to your lifestyle. 

Sources

Bankrate – What are construction loans, and how do they work?

Forbes – 8 Most Common House Foundation Types To Consider

Lending Tree – Home Inspection Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The post How to Build Your Dream Home appeared first on BUILD Magazine.

Read on to learn more about innovative technologies and design strategies that promote energy conservation, water efficiency, and indoor air quality. Whether you’re embarking on a new construction project or looking to make eco-conscious upgrades to your existing home, this guide will empower you to make informed decisions and create a sustainable living environment that aligns with your values.

Opt for Renewal Energy 

Using renewable energy to power your home’s electricity helps minimize your carbon footprint and often, helps save you money in the long run. 

Solar Electrical Systems

Solar panels are one of the most common renewable energy sources among homeowners. These panels capture the energy from the sun and convert it into electricity to power your home. They are typically installed on the roof, though you can place them anywhere on your property to take advantage of natural light throughout the day.

Geothermal Energy Systems

Geothermal pumps use the temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. Though the Earth’s surface temperature varies depending on the season, the temperature about five feet below the surface is relatively consistent. Geothermal pumps draw up the heat from below ground and circulate it into a pump. During the winter, the pump draws up the heat and circulates it through your home to keep it warm. In the summer months, it pushes the heat into the ground and replaces it with cool air to minimize fuel usage and keep your home comfortable.

Micro Hydropower Systems

Micro hydropower systems capitalize on the energy of moving water to create electricity. While hydropower is available on a large scale thanks to dams, you can also create smaller micro hydropower systems to generate enough electricity to power individual homes, too. If you have running water on your property, like a stream, river, or creek, you can install a micro hydropower system that will generate between 10 and 100 kilowatts of energy—which is more than enough to supply the average home.

Optimize Energy Efficiency 

A few strategic changes to your home can help you almost instantly reduce your energy usage.

High-Performance Windows

Installing high-performance windows can help minimize your energy usage by keeping your temperature steady. These windows help improve insulation thanks to airtight seals, and they have treated glass that keeps heat out—while still allowing natural light in. When considering your options, look for Energy Star®-certified windows rated between R-5 and R-10 to maximize your energy efficiency. 

Energy Efficient Appliances 

If you’re not careful, appliances can be a big drain on your energy resources. Energy-efficient appliances help minimize waste and allow you to drastically reduce the amount of energy you use day-to-day. While many of the primary appliances are in the kitchen like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, don’t forget to evaluate your other household appliances like your air conditioner, water heater, washer, and dryer.

Cool Roofs

Cool roofs are designed specifically to reflect the sun’s heat—rather than absorb it—which can help keep your home cooler and more comfortable. By absorbing less solar energy, the cool roof will lower your air conditioning usage—and as a result, reduce your energy bill—while also making the interior of your home much more comfortable, especially during the summer months.

Incorporate Sustainable Landscaping Practices 

While adding new appliances and upgrading your energy source can increase sustainability inside, don’t overlook outdoor improvements that can also help you reduce waste.

Drip Irrigation System

Instead of using a traditional hose to water your plants and landscaping, opt instead for a drip irrigation system. This sustainable option uses gravity to water your plants, eliminating the need for an electric pump. In this type of system, the irrigation tubes are also on the ground alongside the plants, which delivers more water into the roots and helps minimize water lost to evaporation.  

Native Plantlife

When landscaping your home, be thoughtful about the plants and vegetation that you choose. Strategically choosing plants native to the region can help bolster the surrounding environment, like insects and animals, and create a thriving local ecosystem. It also reduces the amount of water needed, minimizing the need for fertilizer and pesticides.

Composting

Dedicate an area of your yard for a compost bin to make your home even more sustainable. Compost helps to improve your soil health and attracts beneficial organisms to help limit the need for chemicals like pesticides and fertilizer. Once your compost bin has been started, you can dispose of any brown and green materials, like dried leaves and food waste, to compost. Over time, these materials degrade and turn into nutrient-rich compost, which you can distribute to encourage flourishing plant life throughout your property.

Making these small changes to your home can have a major impact. By choosing energy-efficient practices and implementing sustainable strategies in your home, you will reduce your environmental impact, add cost efficiency, and build a home that supports a greener future.

Sources

Constellation – Guide to Energy-Efficient Appliances

United States Environmental Protection Agency – Composting At Home

Energy.gov – Cool Roofs

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