We all know that 911 is the number you dial for emergencies, but what about 811? This is the number that you need to dial if you intend on digging into your property. The size of the project doesn’t matter; from fences and mailboxes to family room and master suite additions, you need to give 811 (a federally designed number) a call a few days prior to starting your project. Read below to find out why.
Mud rooms are becoming extremely popular amongst homeowners. A mudroom is an entryway or small area where shoes and garments can be removed before entering the home so that dirty or wet clothes do not have to come inside.
One inquiry we get frequently at Design Build Planners is homeowners who purchase homes with the intention of embarking on a “major remodel”, whether that is in the form a complete interior renovation, large additions, add-a-level, or some combination of the aforementioned. While Design Build Planners has successfully done the design and development for several of these types of projects, there are various aspects of the major remodel undertaking that homeowners should understand ahead of time.
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If your next project is a residential addition in Monmouth County, you’ve come to the right place. The Design Build Planners have over 30 years of experience with all types of home remodeling and renovation projects in New Jersey. We understand the process can be overwhelming for homeowners, so we go out of our way to educate you on all of your options, so you can make the best decision for you, your home, and your family. We manage your home renovation project from conception to reality, with minimal disruption to your everyday life.
This Monmouth County, New Jersey project started with tearing down the detached garage and then adding approximately 2,400 square feet including a two-car garage with a game room above, a master bedroom suite, powder room, laundry room, and mud room. The existing kitchen was completely remodeled. The exterior received a new dimensional roof. The exterior siding was redone with vinyl and stone. New steps and a portico were added to the front entryway. A second floor terrace was built that overlooks the backyard and connects the entries to the master bedroom and game room. The game room has a spiral staircase down to the mudroom. Continue reading
When it comes to home remodeling projects how is “value” defined? First we must start with what is valuable or important to the individual family. In the opinion of the Design Build Planners, this trumps all other factors including resale value, equity, the neighborhood demographic. That is why we always start each initial meeting with a series of Project Profile questions that have nothing to do with construction. Topics include kids, pets, school, careers, travel…etc. The pros and cons of “moving versus improving” are also discussed up front. Then the other factors and actual construction are considered.
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Homeowners and remodelers alike have found the downloadable, free e-booklet “Improving the Remodeling Estimate” quite informative and valuable. This Design Build Planners seven-page special report describes the ideal process for the initial remodeler-homeowner meeting from the perspective of each party in order to help make the experience mutually beneficial and productive. Continue reading
Major home remodeling is in full swing. Home values are on the rise, interest rates remain low, and lending institutions have several options to make your dream project a reality. When choosing a remodeler to build your dream, you will discuss many aspects about the project and the company. However, the items that are seldom discussed can be the most important, affecting not only your remodeling experience, but the outcome of the project. Here is a small list that should be openly discussed.
The staff at Design Build Planners will be hosting a free, live webinar on Tuesday, May 15, 2012. From the convenience of your own computer and internet you can view their unique “Remodeling Design and Development Process.” For scheduling convenience, there will be two separate sessions, both covering the same content. The first session will begin at 1:00 PM EDT and the second at 7:00 PM EDT. The webinar will last approximately 90 minutes, including a question and answer session at the end.
This free webinar’s objective is to illustrate the Design Build Planners approach to residential remodeling project design and development. Tips and strategies that pave the way for a pleasant remodeling experience will be offered for both homeowners and remodelers. Continue reading
Homeowners personalize their home rather than move;
Design Build Planners reveal new trend during National Home Improvement Month.
Toms River, New Jersey, May 1st, 2012—In honor of National Home Improvement Month this May, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reveals that homeowners are personalizing their space during a remodel as the tough housing market forces more people to stay, rather than move.
According to a poll on NARI.org, 26 percent of respondents are planning to stay an additional 16 to 20 years in their homes because their home values have decreased during the recession. Twenty-three percent reported they are going to stay an additional six to 10 years in their homes. Continue reading