If you can’t remember the last time you enjoyed a fancy meal in your formal dining room, it’s time to consider making some changes to how you use the space in your household. More homeowners are finding new and innovative ways to utilize this space instead of just sitting at the table for once a year dinners. Here are some home remodeling projects and trends the construction experts at Tiefenthaler have seen around the New England region.

Source: Tiefenthaler Construction

• Opt for a media room if you like to entertain. Family rooms are great for daily TV time, but if you have friends and family over often to watch sports or movies, a media room is a great conversion of your dining room. Theater style seating ensures that everyone’s comfortable, and a couple of pillows on the floor work well when you have a full house. Install built-in cabinets to house your media equipment and for storing games and DVDs.

• A craft room is a do-it-yourselfers dream. Arts and crafts supplies take up a large amount of space, so turning your dining room into a crafting area is a wise use of the space. A handy shelving and drawer unit keeps everything organized, while a large table surface is great for projects.

• Working from home requires a dedicated office space. Telecommuting is becoming more popular, and many homeowners are converting their dining room into a handy home office. Storage is a necessity, so include plenty of drawers and shelves in your plans. You’ll also need a work station and comfortable office chair.

Would you like to hear more about the home remodeling projects we’re currently working on at Tiefenthaler? Please give us a call to speak with an agent about our areas of expertise, including new home construction, interior renovations, and custom millwork.

Read more

When you live in a historic home, you’re fortunate to enjoy the quality craftsmanship and expertise of the builders who created it. However, many older structures can benefit from preservation efforts to bring modern conveniences while still staying true to the original charm. If you’re considering historic home renovations, the specialists at Tiefenthaler can offer some advice on the mistakes you want to avoid.

Source: Tiefenthaler Construction

1. Adding roofing that’s inconsistent with your home’s aesthetic appeal can ruin its grandeur, negatively affecting it’s historical nature. While a new roof might be recommended to increase energy efficiency, modern materials and building techniques don’t always work well with the original architect’s intent. Talk with your contractor about other ways to improve your roof without destroying your home’s charm.

2. The landscaping surrounding your historic home is just as much a part of its overall appearance as the structure itself. Make sure your yard features and accessories coordinate with the style of your home to enhance its appeal rather than compete with it. The classic lines of your home require traditional styles for your deck or patio as well.

3. The architect and construction experts who built your home had a certain image in mind for the indoors appointments, so it’s important that your interior design be consistent with their vision. Beamed ceilings and high quality wood trim are out of place against contemporary furnishings and artwork. Also, the charm of historic homes is best highlighted with paint colors in earth tones, such as terra cotta, soft yellows, sage green and beige.

If you’d like to hear more about our historic home renovations or view one of our recently completed projects, please contact the Tiefenthaler office. We can answer your questions and provide additional details on our historic preservations, including custom millwork and outbuilding construction.

Read more

There are many options you can consider when planning your exterior home renovation such as improving your patio, adding to your landscaping or installing front entryway pavers to boost your curb appeal. However, if you’re looking to give your home a unique and distinctive outdoor space, consider constructing a rooftop terrace.

Source: Tiefenthaler Construction

The experts at Tiefenthaler have extensive experience with this type of architectural addition, both in new construction and renovations to existing homes.

A rooftop terrace is a valuable feature for any home as there are both functional and aesthetic benefits. This exterior addition creates more space for dining and entertaining, especially for homes with smaller yards or where a patio isn’t practical. You can even set up a container garden on your rooftop terrace, which adds greenery and visual appeal to the space. Both professional chefs and amateur cooks can grow an herb garden with fresh items to use in your favorite dishes.

Maintaining a garden on your rooftop terrace also has benefits that impact your wallet. Having greenery and other plants on your roof increases the energy efficiency of your home by insulating it against the elements. You’ll stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, thereby reducing your energy bills. You’re also less likely to experience flooding in your yard, as rainwater is deflected away from the surfaces below and absorbed by plants. Plus, a rooftop terrace can also insulate your home against sound, keeping your home more peaceful.

If you’d like more information on Tiefenthaler’s exterior home renovation projects and interior transformation, please give us a call. We can answer your questions or schedule a consultation to discuss your home renovation ideas in more detail. We also specialize in constructing outbuildings and installing custom millwork to make your home a truly unique retreat.

Read more

When you’re planning on installing a pool, it’s great to get ideas from as many sources as possible. Friends and family can offer advice, but Tiefenthaler exterior design specialists also suggest you find inspiration by peeking into the homes of the rich and famous. Here are some amazing celebrity pools with features you should consider for your own outdoor space.

Source: Frontdoor.com

1. Mark Walhberg’s patio in Beverly Hills, CA puts the focus on natural elements, including the greenery and large boulders that surround the pool. Several cabanas and a pool house with a Spanish-tile roof complete the Southwestern-style look.

2. The view is the focal point of the outdoor space at Bruce Willis’ Hailey, ID home. Enormous windows overlook the pool, which is encircled by slate tile and natural stone. The balcony is heated to provide warmth against the evening chill.

3. The infinity pool at Burt Reynolds’ Beverly Hills, CA home looks out at the beautiful Southern California landscape. The minimalist approach is both clean and modern, with nothing to interfere with the amazing view.

4. Larry the Cable Guy takes a tropical approach to his outdoor space in Sanford, FL. Lush palm trees and ferns surround the lagoon-style pool. The outdoor kitchen and fire feature make this retreat enjoyable both day and night.

5. A geometric-shaped pool is the focal point at Arnold Schwarzenegger’s palatial estate. Pergolas constructed from heavy wooden beams provide contrast to the modern pool and multi-tiered patios. A waterfall adds to the peaceful feel of the space.

These celebrity pools offer just a few ideas as you’re planning your own dream space. The construction professionals at Tiefenthaler have extensive experience in designing and building outdoor areas, including outbuildings, pool houses and patios. Please give us a call to hear more about our recent projects.

Read more