Are you looking for some innovative features to add to your custom-built home? This week, we’ve rounded up five creative ideas to make your space stand out while making your life easier!
Led Mirror
Classy and modern- an LED mirror is a no-brainer addition to a custom-built home. They help make spaces like bathrooms appear larger and add a distinctly modern statement of prestige to any room.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are handsome, easy to build, and inexpensive and will add a modern flair to any room in your home.
Built-In Drawers Under The Stairs
Any home can benefit from more storage, and installing drawers that can be easily hidden underneath the stairs will help maximize space without creating additional clutter!
Vacuum Baseboards
Vacuum baseboards are a fantastic and convenient addition to any room with hardwood floors and can be easily installed into any new or existing home. Never deal with a dustpan again!
Heated Driveway
Never shovel again! One of the most convenient tech advancements is the heated driveway. Perfect for snowy New England winters, a radiant heat flooring system can be installed outside to keep your driveway clear of black ice and snow!
Conclusion
Looking to start a custom building project? Contact us today!
Flooring is an important decision when deciding on design elements for a new home. Installing new flooring is a significant investment and is often the foundation of an interior design theme. Flooring in common areas needs to be functional for day-to-day life and aesthetically pleasing. This week, we’ve outlined some popular flooring choices to consider for your next renovation.
Carpet
Carpet can be the most economical initial investment and is much softer & quieter than other flooring options. Some carpeting is too easy to stain or damage, while other carpeting hides dirt. Professional deep cleaning can be expensive but worth it if you’re looking for that extra homey feel that comes with carpet.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring is a durable, waterproof floor that has the look of hardwood or stone without the high cost. Luxury vinyl is waterproof and, thanks to its multiple layers, can withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, scratches, and spills.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are a classy and inviting choice with almost any interior design style. They are great for dry climates but don’t hold up as well in humid climates. They can also be costly and require quite a bit of maintenance.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is made by binding pieces of natural wood, scrap wood, shredded wood fibers, and sawdust with adhesives to create products that look and act like wood but are designed to be more robust and durable. It can’t be exposed to a lot of moisture but are a high-quality option for a high cost.
Tile
Tile is a versatile option for flooring that comes in many colors, styles, and patterns to suit a range of interiors. A drawback of tile flooring is that it doesn’t bring the same warmth to a home and is often physically cold. In addition, tile typically requires more maintenance, such as cleaning and repainting, and cracks are possible. Tile is a permanent choice and can be a pain to remove, but it is an excellent option for those who have a specific look in mind.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is made of composite wood with an image of natural wood printed on top. The most significant selling points are price, durability, and style. Laminate flooring is waterproof, which is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. It’s also scratch-resistant, making it great for pets and kids with toys.
Conclusion
There is a range of flooring options available to match every interior. Need help getting started on a new renovation? Contact us today!
A leaky roof is a problem that can become disastrous and should always be repaired by a professional. However, sometimes contractors cannot come to repair a roof right away. This week, we’ve outlined a few temporary roof repairs you can use to tide you over before a contractor can make a permanent fix.
Tarping
A waterproof tarp is one of the most tried and true methods for stopping a roof leak in its tracks. They are sold at most hardware and home improvement stores. Be careful when using a tarp because it must be flat against the roof so water can’t get in through any gaps. It’s also wise to use a tarp that is considerably larger than the damaged part of the roof. To temporarily secure a tarp, use duct tape or nails.
Tar Paper
Tar paper is a heavy-duty paper used in roof construction that is useful due to its waterproof material. While this fix is a little more involved, it is a great way to protect your home from any further damage caused by a leak. Tar paper is pretty easy to find in hardware stores and can be easily spread with a knife.
Taping
Roofing tape is another temporary option that should be able to prevent further damage until a professional is available to fix the problem permanently. Roofing tape can be easily applied from inside your home, eliminating the danger of climbing onto a roof without professional experience. Remember that roofing tape will sometimes lose adhesion if rain or other inclement weather is persistent.
Conclusion
When a roof starts to leak, it’s critical to prevent as much long-term damage as possible. Concerned about your roof? Contact us today!
The dining room is a central part of the home, and its lighting should create just the right mood. Choosing a lighting fixture for your dining room leaves room for a lot of creativity and plays a significant role in the mood and ambiance of the space. This week, we’ve outlined an array of creative dining room lighting fixtures to consider for your next project.
Marya Sixteen-Light Chandelier
Clean straight lines are used to emphasize contemporary style throughout this sixteen-light chandelier.
Boasting distinct quality and charm, this Marya sixteen-light chandelier will steal the show in your decor. The brushed nickel finish is bold and elegant to complement surrounding features. Its small bulbs are attractive and eye-catching to distinguish the design.
Rustic Farmhouse Pendant Light
Add a vintage flair to your home with this rustic farmhouse pendant light.
This Franklin Iron Works design offers a modern interpretation of a classic urban-industrial style. It comes in a handsome black finish and features a prominent round clear glass shade. The mouth-blown glass has a few pinprick bubbles that add to the vintage look and feel. As an added bonus, this pendant light comes with an Edison-style light bulb that’s sure to add a nostalgic glow.
Modern Three-Light Pendant Lamp
Brighten your contemporary living space with this chrome finish modern three-light pendant lamp featuring water drop style clear glass coverings.
This set of three mini pendants has a modern look that’s easy to clean and unquestionably hip. A chrome finish covers the canopy and hardware. Crystal strings are positioned neatly to surround and reflect the central halogen light while a clear glass rounded shape envelops the crystal.
Arachne 10
Showcasing a striking silhouette sparked by the space race, this 10-light sputnik brings a splash of mid-century modern style as it boosts the brightness in any arrangement.
Crafted from metal, this fixture features a round canopy, a slim rod, and adjustable crossing arms that you can rearrange to suit your needs. Ten compatible 60 W medium-base bulbs sit exposed at the ends to cast light in an ambient direction.
Volo Linear Pendant
Reinforce the contemporary personality of your decor with this Volo energy-efficient LED linear pendant.
The brushed aluminum finish distinguishes this Volo energy-efficient LED linear pendant from dweLED by W.A.C with a sleek and attractive presence. The frosted diffuser works as a valuable detail to further highlight the design with distinct detail. The high-powered LED remains energy-efficient throughout peak performance.
Conclusion
Have questions about which lighting fixture is right for your home? Want to start a new home improvement project? Contact us today!
As temperatures continue to drop below zero, many unlucky people have freeze breaks in their homes due to frozen pipes. Burst pipes cause flooding and can displace you from your home for months at a time. But, as a homeowner, there are things that you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen. This week, we’re talking about a few different ways you can prevent frozen pipes.
Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating your pipes may not completely prevent any problems, but it is a relatively inexpensive option that will delay issues by maintaining higher temperatures in problem areas. Frozen temperatures will usually not get through the insulation to the pipes quickly enough to start the freezing process. There are some great heat tapes on the market that you can wrap your pipes in, and some of them even plug into the wall to maintain a high temperature.
Disconnect Your Hose
Disconnecting garden hoses from outdoor faucets is crucial to prevent a burst pipe. After draining your hose, make sure to close any shut-off valves. Even frostproof outdoor faucets can burst if a hose is connected for too long.
Let Your Faucets Drip
If you suspect your pipes aren’t insulated very well, turning your faucet on and letting it drip (even at a trickle) helps prevent them from freezing.
Keep Doors Open
Opening your vanity or cabinet doors can help prevent freezing pipes. It allows for warm air to reach your pipes quicker than usual.
Use An Insulating Bucket
If you have old yard hydrants that stick up out of the ground, it may be a good idea to go out and wrap them with insulation or towels when temperatures start to freeze. Covering them with a five-gallon bucket will help keep it from freezing as fast as it usually would.
Conclusion
Burst pipes are a nightmare but are also avoidable with the proper precautions. Have questions about protecting your home from freeze breaks? Contact us today!
Even though sellers are at an advantage in the current real estate market, it’s still wise for homeowners to do everything they can to increase the value of their homes. Whether you are just trying to make your home a happier place to live or seriously considering selling, many easy renovations will significantly increase the value of your home. This week, we’re outlining the easiest upgrades to produce the highest return on investment.
Minor Kitchen Upgrades
Minor kitchen upgrades can refresh the look of a home without costing too much. For example, installing granite countertops and cabinets could completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Updating appliances with modern technology will also make a huge difference.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are among the most favored renovations and a sought-after feature by homebuyers. Fronting the money to install new floors will bring your home into the 21st century while significantly increasing its value.
Fresh Paint
Painting is one of the most transformative renovations a homeowner can do without breaking the bank. Light-colored neutrals and earth tones are the most widely appealing color schemes. If you’re looking to get a home sold, definitely get rid of any bold colored paint jobs, such as a child’s old room. A new paint job can do wonders for areas that need brightening up.
Improved Lighting
Brightening up a home can make it feel cozier and inviting. While you don’t need to go out and buy some fancy chandeliers, investing in some new lighting fixtures that match the style of your home will increase its value. Better lighting is also a great way to make a room look and feel bigger.
Conclusion
Before you go out and spend too much money on trying to make your home as modern and valuable as possible, it’s essential to educate yourself on which renovations truly make a difference. Curious about increasing the value of your home? Contact us today!
A reliable security system is essential to the success of any business. Whether preventing break-ins, floods, or fires, having eyes on your business while you aren’t around is vital. The best commercial security systems combine affordability and advanced features not used for residential systems. This week, we’re highlighting the best commercial security systems to invest in for 2022.
ADT
ADT is a top-rated choice for residential security systems, but many business owners don’t realize the value of their commercial security systems. ADT is a top contender due to its custom plans and easy integration with other security systems. Additional benefits of using ADT include:
Remote surveillance through a mobile app.
Professional installation and surveillance.
Top-rated customer support for small businesses.
Frontpoint
Frontpoint offers both pre-assembled DIY security bundles as well as custom security plans. Their DIY packages are easy to install and high-end. Frontpoint is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an uncomplicated system without sacrificing quality.
SimpliSafe
Simplisafe is one of the most affordable security systems on the market. Their hardware includes a sleek design that makes devices hard to spot. If you’re a small business looking for protection on a budget, consider SimpliSafe. Their plans cover the basic necessities such as environmental monitors, cameras, and locks. The system is also accessible by an intuitive mobile app that allows users to control the system from anywhere.
Vivint
Vivint security systems are the ultimate solution when it comes to customization. Their products offer seamless integration into existing security equipment and are monitored professionally 24/7. In addition, Vivint allows businesses of all types to find the system that works best for them based on the size of the space. Consultations with a Vivint team member also help to prioritize potential vulnerabilities of a business’s security.
Conclusion
Do you have questions about securing your commercial building? Contact us today!
These days, homeowners want to minimize heating and cooling costs, and choosing energy-efficient windows is a crucial step. There are many things to look for when selecting a window to ensure it will save as much money on heating and cooling costs as possible. This week, we’ve outlined a few things to consider when you opt to install energy-efficient windows.
Energy Star Label
Energy Star is the trusted, government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. The goal of energy star is to help us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. This label is definitely one of the first things you want to look for when you think about updating your windows.
Location
The location and placement of windows are also pretty crucial for energy efficiency. While completely changing the location of a window is a significant renovation, it may be worth it in the long run to save costs on heating and cooling.
Glass Type
The type of glass in windows also affects how well your home is insulated. Dual and triple-pane glass insulates two and three times more than regular single pane glass. Keep in mind that tempered and laminated glass options will also be effective in maximizing your energy efficiency. You can also select a low emissivity glass coating that helps reflect winter cold and summer hear while blocking UV rays.
Frame
A wooden window frame is one of the most popular options, as wood frames are less prone to transferring heat and cold. However, if you don’t want wooden frames, several other options will help make your home more energy-efficient. For example, vinyl framing is very affordable and can offer excellent insulation. A framing option that provides the best of both worlds is a wood-clad design, which provides a low-maintenance exterior of your choosing and a temperature-transfer-resistant wood interior.
Conclusion
Regardless of your choice of window, make sure you are picking an option that ensures you won’t need to worry about another replacement five years from now. Have questions about window replacement or starting a new renovation project? Contact us today!
Breakfast nooks are a fun use of space in any kitchen and have remained extremely popular since their peak in the 1930s. A practical breakfast nook can refresh a kitchen and create an intimate space for family time or entertaining while saving big on space. Often, breakfast nooks get a bad rap for being too cramped. This week, we’ve outlined a few benefits of adding a breakfast nook to your kitchen.
Comfortable and Versatile
Breakfast nooks are much more comfortable than a traditional kitchen table. Small and self-contained, they make every meal feel a little more intimate. Adding a breakfast nook will bring a more casual feeling to your home. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner, doing work, or having a drink with a friend, a breakfast nook certainly doesn’t have to be limited to its name.
They Add Charm & Style to a Home
Usually, breakfast nooks are conveniently placed closed to bay windows or other natural light sources. Natural light has the power to make any space seem inviting, and this is especially true for breakfast nooks. Breakfast nooks are great for adding charm to your home and making the area a little more quaint. If you already have specific design elements in your home, a breakfast nook can be designed to match the pre-existing decor style of your home. Breakfast nooks can be created to reflect modern, minimalist, or traditional looks.
Great for Entertaining
Another benefit of installing a breakfast nook is its ability to serve as a space for entertaining. The different elements of design you choose to incorporate will allow you to create a place that feels open and intimate at the same time. It’s not always necessary to have a formal dining room to entertain guests, and many people make the mistake of writing off breakfast nooks for entertaining because they are “too cramped.” When you work with the right designer, it will
be easy to create a space that feels as open and inviting as any other entertainment area in your home.
Conclusion
The kitchen, for many, is the focal point of a home. Adding a breakfast nook can make the space all that more useful. In addition, a breakfast nook provides a great space to entertain without sacrificing comfort or capability. Are you considering taking on a kitchen remodeling project? Contact us today!
Kitchen remodeling can be a daunting task, and common myths about the renovation process can make planning and execution even harder. However, spending time renovating your kitchen can refresh the feel of your entire home. This week, we’re debunking a few of the most common myths about remodeling a kitchen.
Myth #1: Kitchen Remodeling is a DIY Job
Unless you have experience as a contractor yourself, doing a kitchen renovation on your own will be complicated and messy. While many people think a kitchen renovation is pretty straightforward, they are likely not prepared to DIY when managing electric work or staying in accordance with codes. Many things can go wrong without a team of professionals who know what they’re doing, so avoid trying to DIY a major kitchen renovation.
Myth #2: Interior Designer = Kitchen Designer
An interior designer is concerned with the aesthetic of the space as a whole, while a kitchen designer’s primary focus is the usability and functionality of the kitchen space. While kitchen designers incorporate interior design elements, that’s not their main focus. If you’re looking to completely reimagine your kitchen space while prioritizing its functionality, look into finding a kitchen designer who can also appreciate interior design.
Myth #3: The Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle is a layout that organizes a kitchen’s three primary workspaces (the sink, refrigerator, and stove) into a triangle to optimize efficiency when cooking. While the triangle is a practical layout for appliances, it may not be the best choice for your specific project. As the number of appliances we use in our daily life increases, many designers have begun to stray from the traditional triangle design and opt for different work zones. Some kitchen work zones include separate cooking, cleaning, serving, and eating areas.
Myth #4: Kitchen Islands are a Must
Kitchen islands have skyrocketed in popularity in the last decade, but they might not work for every space. Including an island in your new kitchen can often take up extra space and provide less storage than cabinets. When deciding if a kitchen island is right for you, consider the amount of prep space you’ll need for cooking and how much clutter you can deal with.
Conclusion
Getting started with renovations can be overwhelming. Have questions about remodeling? Our team is here to help. Contact us today!
The Horton Standard 