5 Great Advantages of Having a Custom Built Home
Whether you’re in the market for a new right now or several months down the road, it’s smart to consider custom built homes as an option. The construction experts at Tiefenthaler can identify several cost-effective and functional advantages to building a home that’s tailored to the needs of you and your family.
Source: Tiefenthaler Construction
1. Probably the best reason to purchase a custom home is that the homeowner has more control over the floor plan and layout. In addition, they have the ability to make changes or additions as necessary once construction has begun.
2. With a custom home, the buyer is able to choose appliances, lighting and other major fixtures. Existing homes offer limited ability to pick these options, forcing buyers to invest additional amounts after purchasing.
3. Planning a custom home includes the ability to choose where electric, cable and other utility outlets will be placed. The cost of re-locating these fixtures is expensive if attempted on an existing building.
4. Purchasers of custom homes can choose the finishing materials they’d like throughout the space. Hardwood floors, granite counter tops and ceramic tile can be easily installed without the need for demolition.
5. Custom homes are especially beneficial to families with elderly residents or other household members with special needs. Certain features can be installed, such as devices that make maneuvering staircases easier, lower counters that allow for wheelchair access, or specialized HVAC systems for people with allergies.
The Tiefenthaler building professionals can offer many more benefits that custom built homes offer to Fairfield County area residents, so please contact our office for more information. We handle new construction throughout the region, partnering with architects and interior designers to create a home that’s personalized for you. In addition, our experts specialize in historic home preservation, custom millwork, and exterior renovations.
5 Energy Efficient Home Building Trends for 2014
Now that the New Year is well underway, the construction experts at Tiefenthaler have some in-depth information on the 2014 home building trends that we’re likely to see over the next few months. The focus is once again on green initiatives as Fairfield County residents are increasingly motivated towards environmentally friendly home renovation projects.
Source: Birdseye Design via Houzz.com
1. Much of the focus in green home trends has been on new construction. In 2014, more builders will concentrate on making more environmentally friendly changes to existing buildings that lack efficiency or otherwise strain our natural resources.
2. More green buildings will incorporate technology that operates in the “cloud,” including remote access to turn off lights, set alarm systems, and lower environmental controls when a home is vacant.
3. Builders will install better insulation products in the roofs and exterior walls in new construction, as well as higher efficiency dual pane windows. Energy bills continue to rise at an alarming rate, so better insulation and other materials that enable homeowners to maintain consistent temperatures will be in high demand.
4. Solar panels and other sources of solar power will become a new construction standard rather than an upgrade. In addition, solar technology has advanced to the point that it is useful and efficient even in areas that don’t have predominantly sunny days.
5. Plumbing products, including showers, toilets and sinks, will incorporate low flow technology to conserve our fresh water reserves. In contrast to some previous models and even current products, consumers won’t be disappointed by low pressure flows.
If you’d like more information on the 2014 home building trends and construction projects that can increase your home’s energy efficiency, please give us a call at Tiefenthaler. Our building experts specialize in new construction and historic home preservation, as well as major renovations and additions.
Add Function to Your Outdoor Living Space with a New Outdoor Kitchen
The spring and summer months bring some of the best weather of the year for residents of Fairfield County. Many people finally get a chance to get outside, and enjoy entertaining and dining al fresco.
Source: HGTV
Having an outdoor kitchen means more socializing and less toiling indoors, as well as an opportunity for everyone to get involved in meal preparation.The Tiefenthaler construction professionals can help you design and construct an outdoor kitchen with an exterior home renovation that’s as beautiful as it is functional.
One of the first things to keep in mind is that the layout of your outdoor kitchen should follow the same principles as the one inside your home. The cooking area, prep space and seating should be a similar floor plan. Also, consider the surrounding landscaping and your home’s aesthetics. The outdoor kitchen should fit seamlessly into the design.
When choosing building materials for your outdoor eating space, make sure you pick those that are durable and can withstand the climate and weather conditions common to your area. Salt, rain, extreme sun, and snow can damage materials that aren’t fit for outdoor use. Another consideration is whether you’ll need utility hook ups for different features. You might need to add a water or gas line to connect to a grill or sink.
If you’ll be doing a lot of entertaining, make sure to incorporate a sound system or simple set of speakers into your outdoor kitchen design. Music enhances the mood when you’re having a dinner party for guests. Adding these audio components after the design is complete is the wrong time to make the call.
Please contact a construction expert at Tiefenthaler for more information on our exterior home renovation projects, including outdoor kitchens and outbuildings. We also specialize in interior remodels, custom millwork and major home additions.
Reclaimed Timber and Stone create a stunning kitchen!
At Tiefenthaler, we love it when architects or designers call for reclaimed timber and stone facades to warm up aroom. Check out this stunning new kitchen using antique woods, a recessed cooktop area with subway tiles and a stone surround. The design also called for antique flooring and a stone threshold into another area of the house which adds a rustic and lasting feel to this new space. Contact Tiefenthaler if you would like to add on or renovate your kitchen! Check out houseandhome.com for more great design ideas!
