Protect Your Home From A Fire

As discussed in the past, we’ve gone over how to protect yourselves from a flood. But what about other disasters, like a fire? While achieving a fireproof house is difficult, there are ways to prevent a small fire from growing and potentially engulfing your entire home.

The Roof

A roof can often make the difference between if your home survives a fire or not, as many fires begin when embers find their way onto the roof. Make sure your roof is constructed of a non-flammable material like asphalt, metal, slate, or tile. Keep your gutters clean of leaves, and pine needles, as these can be the perfect kindling for any embers that land on your roof.

Cover Openings

Your home is full of flammable items, and it is vital to keep embers out. You’ll want to cover any openings into your home with hardware cloth to prevent embers from entering the house and sparking a flame. Also, invest in double-paned, tempered-glass windows that will withstand high temperatures better.

Defensible Zone Around Your House

In the event of a fire, you’ll want to keep highly flammable objects at least 30 feet away from your home. These are items like any firewood or fuel that you store outside. Mulch is also highly flammable, and stone or gravel is recommended for landscaping instead if you live in an area prone to fires. Water your outdoor plants regularly, and trim any low-hanging branches near your home. Keep your property as debris-free as possible.

Be Prepared

As with any disaster, preparedness is key. Create a disaster plan well before you ever need it. You should know exactly which flammable objects you’ll need to relocate away from your home and where you will meet up with family if separated. Make sure your house is well-stocked with several functioning fire extinguishers in easy-to-access locations. All fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly, and everyone in your household should know how to use one.

Conclusion:

Don’t be caught unprepared when faced with a fire disaster. Remember these vital tips to protect your home. Ask us about fire-resistant materials in your next construction project.

October 11, 2021 0

The Different Types Of Construction

There are many different types of construction that the building industry has to offer. From wood to steel, there is a type of building construction for every need. Depending on the location, environment, or risks such as high flood risks or wildfires, you’ll need to carefully go over the types of construction that your building could benefit from.

Below, we review the five types of construction, as categorized by The International Building Code (IBC). These categories establish a basic level of safety for both occupants and property.

Type I: Fire Resistant

Type I is fire-resistive, offering the highest level of fire protection. This type of construction uses high-quality fireproof materials, such as poured concrete and insulated steel framing.

Type I-A building construction is often found in high-rise buildings and can withstand fire for up to 3 hours. Type I-B building construction is commonly found in mid-rise buildings and can combat fire for 2 hours.

Type II: Noncombustible

Type II construction uses noncombustible materials with 1-hour fire resistance. This type of construction is often found in new buildings and remodeled commercial structures.

Type II-A consists of protected noncombustible materials that can withstand fire for up to one hour. Type II-B is unprotected noncombustible construction, often found in commercial buildings.

Type III: Ordinary

Type III construction consists of walls constructed with fireproof materials such as brick, masonry, or concrete. Interior structures and the roof can be wood-framed.

Type III-A is protected combustible, also known as ordinary construction with brick or block walls and wood roof and floor. This offers 2-hour protection from fires for exterior walls and 1-hour protection for the structural frame, floor, and roof. Type III-B is unprotected combustible. The walls still offer 2-hour protection from fire, but there is no fire resistance for the structural frame, floor, and roof.

Type IV: Heavy Timber

Type IV construction is also known as mill construction, as it utilizes a large amount of lumber for structural frames and interior elements. Exterior walls consist of noncombustible materials with a 2-hour fire rating, while structural framing, roof, and the floor have a 1-hour fire rating.

Type V: Wood-Framed

Type V construction is made wholly or mainly of wood. This type of construction is common in many modern homes, with the walls and roof being made of combustible materials.

Type V-A is a protected wood frame with a 1-hour fire rating, and Type V-B is an unprotected wood frame that does not offer fire resistance.

Want to start a project with us? Get to know some of our skilled professionals and ask about our construction types that you might be interested in by clicking below!

September 27, 2021 0

Look For Credentials When Hiring

If you’re planning a home remodel and want to hire a professional, then you’ve likely heard some horror stories.

No one wants to be taken advantage of – whether it’s your time, money, and especially not your home. When researching contractors in the area, make sure you look at their credentials just as much as their portfolio online. A pretty picture is nothing without a few testimonials.

Remodeling professionals have the training, experience, skills, and solid references. Homeowners can hire the best remodeler for the job by checking credentials and choosing the most qualified candidate.

Ask about these credentials when hiring a professional remodeler:

Insurance and Licensing

All professional home remodelers should be insured and able to display a certificate proving possession of insurance. While not all states require remodelers to be licensed, the ones that do, contractors are mandated to share proof of licensure. Up-to-date insurance and licensing demonstrate that the remodeling firm is in good standing.

Education

The most skilled professional remodelers not only have experience on the job but education. There are many ways contractors continue their education and numerous certifications, designations one can hold. Find a professional who continues to invest in professional development to keep their remodeling and business skills sharp and better serves their customers.

References and Reviews

Happy homeowners enjoy sharing their good experiences and appreciation of their newly upgraded space. Take a look at reviews online, or ask friends and neighbors for their referrals.

Business Skills

Experienced remodelers know how to manage their business, which provides stability and security for their customers. These professionals will provide a written contract for a home remodeling project, a scheduled timeline, and guarantees and warranties for their work.

Another vital sign of honest business practices from a remodeler is outlining a clear payment schedule and not requiring large amounts of cash upfront. Professional remodelers should also have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a good credit report, indicating stable business operations.

Association Membership

Many successful remodelers are members of trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders because it offers business resources and continuing education. Membership also provides opportunities for professional growth and expanding knowledge of the remodeling industry.

Conduct thorough research when hiring a professional home remodeler so that you hire someone with good credentials. Verifying intelligent business practices and remodeling experts will better ensure that your home remodel will be completed successfully and safely. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry rather than trusting someone’s word.

August 30, 2021 0

Must-haves in the Kitchen and Bathroom

Homeowners of the future are not what they used to be!

In a recent study by NAHB, it was found that homebuyer preferences for kitchen and bath features can vary significantly because generations have different needs from one another.

The study, What Home Buyers Really Want, 2021 Edition, compared what millennials, Gen X, and Boomers find most desirable in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep reading to learn what each generation wants!

Kitchens

The study reviewed different kitchen features, with respondents deeming what was essential in a new home. Millennials and Gen X’s scores were often close, but Boomers have a much different view of what is desirable in the kitchen.

A double island is essential to 53% of Millennials and 55% of Gen X, but only 27% of Boomers. On that same note, 63% of Millennials and 64% of Gen X would prefer a central island with an oven rage, but just 37% of Boomers wanted this.

More than 50% of Millennials (with Gen X not far behind), also value a steam oven, trash compactor, and wine cooler in the kitchen, while Boomers don’t seem to have strong desire for any of the these features.

Bathrooms

The results for the bathroom yielded similar results, with Millennials and Gen X on the same page, and Boomers looking for other features.

A skylight is one of the most desirable features in the bathroom overall, with 60% of Millennials and Gen X stating it is essential, and 35% of Boomers agreeing. Millennials and Gen X also desire ‘His & Her’ baths, with only 28% of Boomers on board with separate bathrooms.

Other features looked at in the bathroom were bidets and dual toilets, both of which hovered around 50% for Millennials and Gen X, but between 20-25% for Boomers.

Do any of these features make your ‘must-have’ list for the kitchen or bathroom? Let us know in the comments!

August 2, 2021 0

Am I ready to build a house? 6 Questions to Ask Yourself

Dreaming of having a custom-built house perfectly suited to your family’s needs? Or a house built to your taste with everything totally brand new?

Building your own home comes with both pros and cons. Here are six questions you should consider before diving in without a plan.

1. Can I decide on a house quickly?

The competition to buy an existing house is incredibly high, with many homes selling in just a few days. The pressure to make such an expensive and important decision, while racing against other buyers, can be overwhelming. If you are someone who takes a while to think things over, and you want to make sure you get exactly what you want from a home, building might be the better option for you.

2. What is the biggest advantage to building a home?

The biggest advantage to building a home is getting a custom-build that perfectly meets the needs of you and your family. Everything in the house will be brand new, and you won’t have to worry about any costly repair jobs or issues that can surprise you in a pre-existing home. Just make sure you find yourself a high-quality, professional contractor who can properly understand your needs and bring your vision to life. We recently wrote a blog on how to find a professional remodeler, and much of the same advice holds true when building a new construction.

3. What is my Budget and how is my Credit?

Your first step is to make sure you fully understand your budget. Meet with a mortgage lender and discuss your options, so you have a firm number whether building or buying.

The loan process for new builds is a little more complicated than obtaining a mortgage for a pre-existing home. When building a home, typically you begin with a construction loan, and then refinance into a traditional mortgage after construction is complete. In order to do this, you will need good credit and little to no debt. Once you figure out your budget, it is also important to factor in some wiggle room in there for any unforeseen expenses.

4. Do I need this home ASAP?

A new build typically takes up to a year to complete. If you are in a rush to move into a new home, buying a pre-existing home may be the better option for you.

5. Am I ready to put down roots here?

Building a new home is costly and time-consuming. As such, it is not the best option for someone who expects to move around. If you aren’t ready to settle down just yet, then renting or buying an existing property probably makes more sense for you.

6. What are my future needs?

When building a home, it is important to plan for your future and not just your current needs. Do you plan on having children some day? Will your parents move in with you at a certain age? Factor that into your building plan to avoid a costly home addition or stressful move later down the road.

Conclusion:

Taking the big step to build your own home is an important decision that you shouldn’t rush into. Consider the six questions we have listed here, and be sure to do some additional research before you dive into an expensive construction project.

July 26, 2021 0

Tips for Designing a Multi-Generational Home

Multi-generational living can be challenging. You want everyone to have their privacy and space, all under one roof. If you are currently living with multiple generations in your home, or anticipate this situation in the future, here are some tips to design a living space that works for everyone.

Design Your Home with Accessibility in Mind

With multiple generations under one roof, you’ll want to make sure the living space is accessible to the oldest of the household’s members.

Make sure you have spaces wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Build bedroom suites on the ground floor, so people with mobility challenges won’t need to navigate stairs. If you have a large budget, you can even consider motorized countertops or cabinets that can adjust height to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Design your bathroom with safety in mind. Choose step-in showers, rather than a bathtub that an elderly person will struggle to climb into. Install handrails or seats in the showers.

Lastly, make sure there is ample lighting in the house for older members who may have trouble seeing. Adjustable lighting is a great option to make everyone happy.

Design Private Spaces and Communal Spaces

There will be times where you’ll want to spend time with your family members, and times where you’ll want some privacy. This can be difficult to achieve in a multigenerational home, but there are solutions. You can build a separate suite in the basement, or even elsewhere on your property like a guest cottage. You can also consider separate entrances into the home, so every generation feels like they have a space of their own.

You’ll want some communal and accessible open-concept spaces, but you’ll also want some separate rooms for privacy. Pocket doors are a great solution to accomplish something in-between open and private. With a lot of people in the house, you’ll also definitely want to make sure your rooms are well-soundproofed.

Maximize Your Indoor and Outdoor Space

With a full house, it’s essential to maximize every inch of your home. Design plenty of creative storage solutions. Lots of people means lots of stuff!

Even if you don’t have extra family members living with you NOW, you can design for your FUTURE needs if you anticipate you will one day have extra members in your household. Design your spare rooms to meet standard bedroom requirements so that they can be used as bedrooms later, even if you’re currently using them as an office or exercise room.

If you have the yard space, designing a spacious, comfortable outdoor courtyard or deck where the whole family can come together for bonding time while having their private spaces indoors is a great way to achieve balance between alone time and social time.

Conclusion:

Living in a multigenerational home can be a challenge, but creating a harmonious living environment starts with the design of your house. It is important to design a space that is physically accessible to every member of the household, and that accommodates both togetherness and privacy.

Need help coming up with a design that fits your multi-generational needs? Get in touch today.

July 19, 2021 0

Final Phase at 66 High Street

The Horton Group is now entering our fourth and final phase at The Residences at 66 High Street with the build of The Chittenden!

Since the start of the project, a total of 38 units have been sold, completely selling out the first three buildings: The Mill, Whitfield, and Leete Buildings.

The Residences at 66 High Street is a luxury condominium community in Guilford, Connecticut. Each unique residence features an open floor plan highlighted by high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, finely appointed baths, and high-end finishes.

In addition to masterful craftsmanship, 66 High Street also has an incredible sense of community. Located within walking distance to the Guilford Green, residents enjoy heading to their favorite shops and restaurants and meeting up with neighbors.

Award-Winning Luxury Development

Over the years, The Residences at 66 High Street has garnered the attention of residents and builders alike. The development has won numerous awards, including:

2019 HOBI Awards:

Best Luxury Condominium Community
Best Luxury Condominium

2018 HOBI Awards:

Best Condominium Community
Best Condominium Unit
Outstanding New Haven County New Commerical for 350 Goose Lane
Outstanding Vacation Remodel for 21 Palms, Marathon, FL

2017 HOBI Awards:

Best Luxury Condominium Community
Outstanding Luxury Condominium
Best Luxury Townhouse

2016 HOBI Awards:

2016 Project of the Year
Best Condominium Community
Best Luxury Condominium Unit
Best Historic Rehab Overall

In addition to all HOBI Awards, the Residences at 66 High Street has broken every single New Haven County record for luxury condo sales!

The Final Phase

Now in the final phase, the Horton Group is constructing the final building: The Chittenden Building. With a planned completed date in 2024, this building will have the same level of craftmanship, with individual units tailored to the preferences of residents.

Are you interested in learning more about The Chittenden Building at 66 High Street?

June 21, 2021 0

Choosing Your Master Bedroom Location

The master bedroom is one of the most important rooms a prospective homeowner should consider when buying or building a house. The location of the room is important, and should accommodate your lifestyle needs and personal preferences.

Here are the top things to take into account when thinking about the location of your master bedroom!

Mobility Concerns

According to an AARP study, 87% of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age. This number is 71% among the 50-64 age group. When you consider that four of the top ten states with the highest aging population are New England states – Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut – these statistics are vital to many of our clients.

How does this relate to the location of the master bedroom? Well, with more homeowners choosing to age-in-place, many seek to build or buy a home with a first-floor master bedroom. That way, they do not have to go up and down the stairs multiple times a day. The bedroom will also be in close proximity to other rooms that they use daily, like the kitchen, living room, bathroom, or garage.

Making age-in-place considerations when buying or building a home also increases the resale value, as more and more homeowners are looking for a first-floor master suite.

Horton Group construction at the Residences at 66 High Street.

Lifestyle and Preferences

A homeowner should also consider their lifestyle and personal preferences when choosing the location of the master suite.

Someone with young children may prefer a second-floor bedroom to be closer to the kids. Or perhaps they prefer to have more quiet and privacy on the first floor away from the children’s bedrooms. Keep in mind, a first floor bedroom can be noisy if placed too close to the kitchen, living room, or any place with heavy foot traffic.

Someone who values privacy or is a light sleeper will probably want a bedroom located towards the back of the house – away from street lights, noisy roads, and peering neighbors. On the other hand, this might be a bad location for someone who prefers to be closer to the other bedrooms in the house, or wants a view of the front yard.

A first-floor master bedroom can be a money saver if children have moved out of the house and the second floor is largely unused. In this case, homeowners can choose to spend minimal energy heating or cooling the second floor and focus on keeping the first floor comfortable.

Another factor to consider is access to outdoor space. Do you dream of being able to get out of bed in the morning and stroll right into your garden or step outside for beachside views? Then perhaps you should consider a first-floor bedroom with direct access to your outdoor space. For others, having such easy access to the bedroom from outside could be a safety concern.

Conclusion

The location of the master bedroom is a big decision, and several factors should be considered including mobility, resale value, lifestyle, family size, and personal preference. Depending on all these factors, a homeowner may choose a master bedroom on the first or second floor, towards the front of the home, or the back of the home.

There is no definitive right or wrong when it comes to choosing a master suite location, but prospective homeowners should consider these pros and cons to make an informed decision they will be content with in the long run.

Ready to discuss your dream master suite with us? Get in touch today.

June 14, 2021 0

6 Outdoor Design Ideas You’ll Love

Outdoor living spaces can be designed to fit your needs and style, and remain an important feature for homeowners and buyers alike. From hosting daytime gatherings to relaxing evenings, your property expands your living space and allows you to enjoy the outdoors.

Here are six design features to take your outdoor living space to the next level:

Patio Doors

Oversized doors leading out to your patio or deck extend your interior living space to the outdoors. French patio doors are easy to open, bifold doors can create a larger entrance, and multi-slide patio doors can extend the length of the wall, with panels that tuck into pockets. Each one of these options opens up your indoor and outdoor living spaces for entertaining or relaxing at home.

Covered Outdoor Area

A covered space creates more opportunities to be outside, whether the sun is shining so brightly you need shade, or a light rain begins. You can also create separate outdoor spaces, keeping one covered and others uncovered to meet everyone’s preferences. Awnings, gazebos, and screened porches are all options for covered outdoor space.

Outdoor Kitchen

If you love to entertain, an outdoor kitchen makes it more convenient to prep food and drinks while hosting, but also limits the number of times your guests walk in and out of the house.

Built-in cooking and prep stations provide everything you need to make meals outside, so you can enjoy your company and the weather.

Irrigation System

Beautiful landscaping can be admired throughout the warmer months, making your property a serene reatreat. An irrigation system allows you to maintain your landscaping with less maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy the outdoors.

Privacy

There are numerous ways to create privacy, no matter what type of property you own. Fencing, hedges, and landscaping can all create a private oasis for you to enjoy.

Fire Pits

An outdoor fire pit is a wonderful way to create ambiance in your outdoor living space. Whether you opt for a built-in or portable fire pit, you can cozy up on chilly evenings and extend the use of your outdoor space.

April 27, 2021 0

Kitchens at 66 High Street

From the historic Mill Building to brand new Whitfield and Leete Buildings, every kitchen at the Residences at 66 High Street is customized to meet the needs of the owners.

As the social hub of the home, today’s kitchen is a place that is on display in an open floor plan. To accommodate for both function and style, we’ve worked with incredible interior designers to achieve the goals of each resident.

Scroll through to take a look at some of the 66 High Street kitchens, and perhaps get some inspiration for your own!

Open shelving, modern light fixtures, and the contrast between blue cabinetry and wood accents make this kitchen one of a kind.
Surprise! Though this looks like a small kitchen, it is actually a walk-in pantry, complete with storage, sink, and extra refrigerator. We like to think of it as – a kitchen within the kitchen!
This kitchen, located in the historic Mill Building, utilizes space under the stairs and has an industrial vibe thanks to the incredible brick walls.
Two-toned cabinets create a visually appealing contrast in this kitchen. The large center island is ideal for casual dining and entertaining!
The exposed elements in this Mill Building add character to this kitchen. The white cabinetry and dark countertops add a timeless contrast that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Simple, clean design in this kitchen is highlighted by a center island with a butcher block top.
A wine fridge is a top request in kitchen designs. We love incorporating it into a large center island.
Neutrals remain popular in the kitchen, providing an open and bright feel.
Neutral doesn’t mean boring! Depending on the cabinetry, lighting, and hardware, you can achieve many different styles with neutral colors.
In this two-toned kitchen, the recessed ceiling and appliances that match cabinets are details that make a difference.
Aside from the layout, appliances can also be customized. Take a look at this built-in espresso machine!
Light colors aren’t the only neutrals. Grays and blues create a beautiful look in any space.
Another shade of blue here, coupled with natural countertops and a white backsplash, creates a soothing space.
Pops of color brighten up a neutral kitchen. With an island that extends into a casual dining table, this is a spot guests will have a hard time leaving.