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How Does an Indoor Garden Work?

If you plan on having a garden inside the home, there are so many things you need to consider. While the garden looks so good, a lot goes into it to ensure it looks and works as well as it does. If you are not careful, your plants might die. Here are the main things you need to know about the garden and make it work.

The Location

The first thing you need to consider about your indoor garden is the location. Often you will find that the garden cannot stay in your living room because it does not have optimal light and temperatures to grow. Whenever you plan out the garden for your home, ensure you consider where you will put it. Most people put their plants by the window or the balcony to get some air.

The Plants

Once you have settled on the location, the next thing you need to keep in mind is the type of plants. Not all plants will work well indoors as some plants can be used for food while some are for aesthetics. Figure out the kind of garden you want to have before you decide to set it up. Many people prefer to put fruits and vegetables in an indoor garden, which you can try out. As long as the plants do not spread around the whole house, you are good to go.

The Care

Another vital thing you have to consider when getting indoor plants for your garden is how to care for them. Just like the plants in your outside garden, they will need to be watered and put in place where they can get enough light. You also need to figure out whether they need fertilizer and get the fertilizer into the house. If you have children, you have to figure out how you will use fertilizer without putting the lives of your family at risk since most of them can be dangerous.

Seasons

The other thing you need to consider when you are planting your indoor plans is the most convenient weather for you. You often find that you can only grow in a certain season, and planting them when it is off-season will mean more work for you that produces less yield. You can get more resilient herbs to harsh winters and hot summers, or you could choose to plant your vegetables in rotation. That way, you will have vegetables in your home all year.

Create a Planting Calendar

While your garden might start small, you might choose to get a bigger place and set up a more elaborate garden indoors. For this reason, you will get to a point where you are planting so much and can lose track of everything. The best way to deal with this is to have a planting calendar. Make a list of the past you want to have in your garden and their seasons. That way, you can always switch up to new plants based on the type of vegetables you have. They will also help you remember to add fertilizer to them and weed them where need be. A planning calendar can also come in handy if you plan on using your product in your kitchen. You can plan your meals around the harvest times.

Final Thoughts

Having a garden indoors is a great way for you to spend time with your children doing something together. It also helps, especially now that there have been so many lockdowns going on. It also ensures you have fresh produce whenever you need it in your kitchen.

Being Energy Efficient This Winter: a Guide for the Eco-Conscious

Making our money go further is something that is important to us all, now more than ever. Following an incredibly challenging eighteen months, we feel confident there will be some people reading this and beyond who have felt the financial brunt of the pandemic in some way or another. It has not been easy.

As we gradually emerge from the grips of the pandemic, there will undoubtedly be some people who are remaining mindful of their spending and overall budgets and want to continue maximizing their money wherever possible. The winter months can be some of the costliest times of year for some people. From the holiday season through to the increased need for heating in bitterly cold weather, there is no doubt this causes worry for some people.

While that is the case, there are things you can do to bring your energy costs down without compromising on your comfort in any way. Interested in being energy efficient this winter but unsure where to start? You have found yourself in the right place at the right time.

Detailed below, you will find our top tips for being energy efficient. No matter where you live or the size of your property, read on for more!

Tackle Gaps and Draughts

Cold winds entering your home are sure to counteract the efforts you are making to heat up the property. While we have no doubt you would ensure that doors and windows are shut during the colder months, as a means of trapping the warm air indoors, it is easy to forget about the smaller gaps. While some people might turn a blind eye to these, there are other gaps in the foundations of your home that can be hard to notice.

Dealing with these gaps in the run-up to the colder months will ensure that you are preventing any cold air from getting into your home. Draught excluders are ideal for putting across gaps under doors should you have them. Blankets make an excellent replacement should you struggle to locat4e draught excluders for your property.

Silicon-based sealants are best suited to fill in any gaps that you have surrounding windows and doors. Giving your home the once over before the winter months arrive will greatly reduce your heating costs and ensure you are as energy-efficient as possible.

Switch To Energy-Saving Products

Energy saving lamp — Energy-saving led bulb is represented schematically

It goes without saying, but when wanting to save energy in your home, the first step would be to swap to energy-saving products. While that is undoubtedly the case, we understand it can be unclear where best to start when switching to energy-saving products. With so many out there on the market, it can be hard to know where to start, but the first step is to make the all-important decision to swap to energy-saving products.

Exploring what products are out there and the energy-saving rates they offer is also recommended. From here, you can establish how much you should expect to save over time. LED light bulbs, for example, are an incredibly common swap that people make nowadays and one that is effective.

There is also a range of resources out there detailing precisely how much you can save by making a swap like this, both now and in the future. If you are interested in finding out more about LED light bulb savings, check out the helpful guides from reputable companies like Carbon Switch. Go forth knowing that the swaps you are making are having a positive impact on your energy efficiency and bank balance alike.

Use Natural Resources

Heating your home in the winter and maintaining a comfortable temperature can be challenging at the best of times. While nothing stops you from relying on the heating system in your property, this could result in your energy costs being higher than you would have hoped, which is what you want to avoid, after all.

While that could be the case, there are ways that you can use natural resources to keep your energy costs low while also ensuring that your home is at a comfortable temperature. This includes the likes of using the sun’s warmth and rays to heat your property. Keeping curtains and blinds open to allow the natural sunlight into your home will naturally heat the room. To maximize this, ensure that you close your curtains and blinds when the sun starts to set to ensure the heat is trapped and remains where you want it.

We recognize these are but some of the ways you can be energy efficient this winter and that there are a variety of other techniques you could also use alongside them. Regardless of which methods you choose to implement in the coming weeks and months, we hope your efforts pay off and emerge into the spring with a lower energy bill than usual!

Go Green: Ideas for an Eco-friendly Dining Room

Renovating and updating the style of your home is always a thrilling and amazing experience where you can show your style and make a few changes. In the last decade, people started paying more attention to the environment and sustainability, and eco-friendly style is now a huge part of most renovations. Just like any other room in the house, a dining room can also be sustainable which doesn’t mean you’ll have to lower your expectations when it comes to the design and appearance. Beautiful natural materials are a great addition to any home, regardless of the style in other parts of your home.

Lighting

This is one of the most important things that need to be done right at the start of the renovation process. If you want to make sure your new dining room is properly lit, you need to think about, all the space that needs light, so you can make changes before doing anything else.

Of course, the table should be the center of the room so this is where you’ll want to add the most light. Many modern wood chandeliers could also be combined with natural materials such as metal and glass to add more style. Use LED bulbs to make sure you’re paying attention to the sustainability factor, but also to create a nice and soft light in this room.

Natural materials

Dining room — A dining room is very nicely designed

Anything from a rug to different types of tapestry or a macrame wall hanging can be made from sustainable materials to keep the eco-friendly vibe going. No matter what style you have in your home, there are many ways to use these items to boost the aesthetics of your dining room.

When it comes to boho and vintage interiors, a nice macrame wall hanging on a piece of a branch could be a nice way to decorate your walls and add an interesting piece to the overall design. In addition to that, you can always use a rug made from jute or any other sustainable material that’s easy to clean and maintain but still looks amazing.

Dining room furniture

Furniture is the center of the dining room and when it comes to finding the best option, going for a durable wood set is the safest way to go if you want to have a dining room that lasts for decades and decades. Many homeowners value the art of handcrafted pieces which is why they opt for timeless Amish dining room furniture that’s known for being the perfect balance between design and comfort.

This will allow you to create a special place where you’ll be able to host dinners, enjoy meals with your family and always have that special piece of furniture that’s long-lasting and visually appealing.

Accessories and additions

Whether you’re using your dining room every single day or not, you need to add accessories and things you can use for your meals. When searching for different things to boost the appeal of your dining room, make sure to always find items made from sustainable materials.

Candles, vases, plates, and different types of glasses are the most common items people keep in their dining room built-ins so make sure they’re all made from durable and eco-friendly materials. From different types of wood, stone, and glass to fabrics that will follow that same style, there are many options to choose from, so be as creative as you want.

Flooring

There are two types of people when it comes to, choosing floors for the dining room – those who like carpets and those who prefer hardwood. The first group likes to have carpets to keep the same style they have in other parts of their home.

On the other hand, these can be hard to clean and maintain, so hardwood floors are usually a safer option. You have a lot of natural materials to choose from – from bamboo to natural wood that’s a bit more expensive, but also a great investment for any space you’re renovating.

If you take some time to plan, you can create a welcoming dining room that’s also sustainable and can become a great place for creating new memories. Just because you want to take care of the environment doesn’t mean you should give up the modern and sophisticated interior, so use these ideas and start turning them into reality!

Renovating Your Home Cost-Effectively

Whether it’s getting people together for the holidays or just any old event at the house, having the space available is critical. The need to have a space for gatherings and events means that a renovation or upgrade may be in place.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly ideas for a dining room, kitchen, or other room, setting a budget and timeline for your renovation is crucial to getting it done on time for your next gathering.

The first thing to do is set up a budget for your renovation, gather some data, and adjust the budget accordingly.

Before you start your renovation for a room, space, or the entire home, the steps you take are the same process.

The key is to gather as much data and information as possible to set a budget and confidence in the desired project and timeline.

There are five significant steps in your renovation project to stay within budget and time:

Define The Renovation Goals And Space

What exactly are your renovation goals, and how much space do you plan to have work done is the first consideration. Whether you are looking for a bathroom makeover to a full-on kitchen remodel, deciding the scope of the work wanted to be performed will help you shape the questions you have before hiring a contractor to complete the work.

Talk With Neighbors And Others For Suggestions

Once you decide the size and scope of your home renovation, ask around with neighbors, friends, and family for suggestions of potential contractors. Word-of-mouth can provide some lesser-known but professional services that may not have the profile or size of other contractors. These may come at a discount for their services, as a result, all without sacrificing the quality of craftsmanship.

Utilize Online Review Sites

Review sites exist for one reason. No, it’s not trolling other people online. It’s to give proof of ability and get an assessment from others who have utilized the services.

There are varying degrees to which online reviews matter. Some argue it’s as low as 60%. However, other professional marketing and sales claim that up to 90% of people using online tools say online reviews matter before making a purchasing decision.

Interview A Few Contractors And Get A Quote

Now that you’ve received recommendations and done the research, the next step is to schedule an interview with select contractors. There is no set number of interviews you conduct, but keep in mind that each interview takes time and is a precious commodity in-and-of-itself.

Each interview aims to get recommendations and suggestions about the type of services they can offer, the materials they may suggest, and the timeline that works could be expected to be completed.

At the end of each interview, request a quote from the contractor outlining the cost and time expected to be provided for your project.

After all the interviews are conducted, you have enough data to sift through to help guide your budgetary and contractor decisions.

Decide On Materials And Days For Renovation

After your interviews are conducted, you have all the information you may need to re-establish your budget and make a more informed decision about the scope of the renovation.

These guidelines should next be used in choosing the type of materials you want to be used in your renovation, from eco-friendly products to design spaces and more.

For example, choosing outside natural stone to complement the patio and built-in grill makes the outside patio renovation “pop” for your next outdoor gathering. Through some research, you can find the materials you want to suggest once you hire a contractor for the work.

Hire A Contractor

Constructor — A custom home is built according to the quality construction plan

The final step in your renovation project is to hire the contractor you found to be the most trustworthy, at a cost you can afford, and is available for hire to work the timeline you need the work completed.

Of course, there are always contingencies that come up during renovation and construction, so take into account an additional 10% above what you thought to budget as well as added days (maybe weeks depending on the type of project) and settle on a contractor to begin the work.

Why You Should Choose the Custom Home Builders for Your Dream Home

If you want to build your own home with your own personal touches don’t wait to call custom home builders. Personalize your home with your thoughts, emotions, memories, and everything you want both inside and outside. Plan everything with the help of a custom home builder starting from the front to back door, from the living room to your Kitchen. The home builder customizes your home as per your requirements at the best affordable price.

Defining What Custom Home Builders Are.

Instead of building a home and then selling it, a custom home builder creates one-of-a-kind residences based on the client’s specifications. Clients make many of the design decisions when working with a custom home builder. That is what distinguishes them from homes in a housing complex, where those decisions are made by the developer.

Clients can either commission the builder to design the home or supply their own floor plan, and custom builders build homes on their land. Many custom builders handle both design and building, while others solely construct homes and need the client to engage with an architect on the design.

Is Building a Custom Home Worth It?

For people who wish to build their dream home, bespoke homes are an excellent option. The custom house builders will include all of the features, floor plans, and other styles you choose into your home. Choosing the type of home you want is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You can construct your own home rather than renting one. Custom and production homes are the two main forms of residential residences.

Benefits of Building a Custom Home

The convenience of having your own unique home isn’t the only advantage. You’ll also be able to create your perfect home in your ideal location, complete with personalized features such as energy-efficient appliances and seclusion. You may even save money in the long run if you have fewer repairs or renovation jobs than if you live in an older property.

Here are A Few Other Advantages of Working with a Custom Home Builder:

If you have a property that you adore, a custom house builder will go to great lengths to ensure that your ideal home is built. Before you start building, check with your realtor and builder to be sure your dream lot has all it needs.

New appliances are frequently included in the purchase of a new home. Almost all current appliances are energy efficient, saving both energy and money over time. If you’re buying new appliances, search for the Energy Star emblem to be sure you’re getting a decent deal.

Because bespoke homes are spanking new, they will require less upkeep in the first 10 to 20 years! There will be less things to watch out for, such as old water heaters, chipped bathroom tiles, or uneven foundations, than there would be in an older property.

Imagine living in a home that was specifically designed and built for you. Give new meaning to the expression “Home Sweet Home” by having a home that will make you feel welcome and at ease no matter how far you travel.

You can protect your and your family’s privacy. You’ll feel like you’re in your own world if you choose the proper piece of property, hidden behind a grove of trees or placed beyond a hill. You pick the greatest location for you, make sure to visit and discuss each available lot with the builder. Your contractor can also show you different types of fences to preserve your privacy.

Not only that, but there are a variety of other advantages to building your own home. It may be costly depending on your idea, or you can locate a builder that fits your budget and can build your ideal home for a reasonable price.

Conclusion:

Because custom houses are frequently built on undeveloped ground, customers must first check zoning laws and building codes to ensure they are permitted to construct there. They could have to develop the site and put in amenities as well. Modern custom home builders, on the other hand, often charge more than traditional builders, who build first and sell later, utilizing their own floor plans rather than a client’s.

How to be an Eco-Friendly Parent

Being eco-friendly can seem impossible when you have kids. There are enough things to worry about without having to parent the planet, too.

But it doesn’t have to be too tricky to try and live a little more sustainably. In fact, if parents instill a more eco-conscious mantra into themselves, the world will hopefully be a better place for our little ones in the future. Just look at the auto industry, right now every brand in the auto industry has a 100% electric car in the offer that offers best auto insurance for green living. But there’s a lot to do in other business areas and industries!

With more and more brands becoming more eco-conscious and the conversation about our impact on the planet being brought to the forefront, people are finding ways of making parenting a little more sustainable and planet-friendly.

Here are three ways in which you can be an eco-friendlier parent.

Cheeky Panda Biodegradable Nappies

Nappies have long been an unsustainable necessity for new-borns. Unfortunately, there aren’t many out there that are very eco-friendly. Nappies normally end up on a landfill, piling up endlessly.

Luckily, Cheeky Panda’s Biodegradable Nappies, made from bamboo, have very little impact on the planet. They’re two-thirds biodegradable and plastic-free, plus they boast ‘Aqua-lock’ technology save from unfortunate spills.

Because they’re made from bamboo, they’re also naturally hypoallergenic and soft on baby’s skin. Cheeky Panda also make super soft bamboo baby wipes, which are also biodegradable and good for the planet!

Plastic-Free toys

Plastic is baaaad. Everyone knows it (now anyway, back in the day nobody paid much attention).

One way around facing the war on plastic is to avoid buying toys and games with BPA in them. BPA is the bad one which is toxic and lives on the Earth for years and years.

Brands like Green Toys are great eco-alternatives to toys made from plastic. You can even subscribe to monthly toy box clubs, which will send your child a box of toys to play with each month, which you then send back. Toys are then cleaned and sent on to another lucky child! It’s the ultimate circular economy.

Green cleaning

When struck down by a stain or your surfaces need a sweep, take a look in your food cupboard before reaching for the spray bottle.

Cut down your use of harsh chemicals in your cleaning kit. These are potentially harmful and toxic, something you don’t want your baby breathing in.

Alternatively, use natural cleaning products such as lemon or vinegar, around your home. These are just as effective at killing germs, wiping down surfaces and making sure your home is sparkling clean. Plus, they’re loads cheaper in the long-run.

By using natural ingredients, you’re reducing your plastic use as well as your waste. Plus, you’re reducing the chances of your baby coming into contact with toxic substances.

It’s no secret that kids can be an environmental nightmare – the amount of ‘new’ things they require as they grow up is enormous – much of which is disposable and single-use.

However, with just a few small changes like the ones above, you can reduce your impact and effect on the Earth for not only yourself but your little one, too.

Easy Eco and Budget Friendly Upgrades for Your Home

Green is in and isn’t going anywhere! Buildings that are built to be environmentally conscious lower emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce their carbon footprint. Aside from that, the way they’re built also results in reduced use of energy, meaning lower energy bills. Let’s take a look at a few small things you can do to make your house a bit easier on both the environment and your wallet.

Reclaimed Wood

Reusing is one critical part of building in a way that’s eco-friendly. You might also want to check with your tax services professional on this because making green upgrades to your home might get you a rebate or two in certain states. Back to the wood though – cutting forests down contributes to the world getting hotter. Trees work hard to reduce pollution and recycle air. If you’re planning a renovation, visit a teardown or a home being remodeled and see if they have any wood you can reclaim.

Pre-Owned

Another way to save money on home renovations is to go with items that have been previously owned. Most of the time, we tend to think of being friendly to the earth in terms of energy, but it also has to do with not ordering virgin, brand new materials unless we absolutely need to. If you need a new sofa or kitchen furniture, try your local thrift store.

Garage Door

A lot of the time, this item isn’t one that’s in the eco-friendly discussion. However, they should be! Any general contractor can tell you that a garage door should be replaced every couple of decades. In most homes, they happen to be the largest moving part. Their contribution to creating energy efficiency that leaves the cold out and the heat in is incredibly significant when it comes to regulating the temperatures in a home while also reducing the expenditure of energy.

Windows

Homes that are energy efficient tend to heat as much as they can by utilizing the sun. The more of the sun that can get into your home, the less need you have to burn any sort of fossil fuels to warm the house up. A fantastic way to let the sun in is with energy efficient windows – large ones.

If the windows face to the south, that’s best, but large windows on each side of the house will be a massive contribution toward having a natural source for both light and heat.

Air Flow

Did you know that in most homes, nearly 20% of the energy used to cool and heat escapes due to airflow? Poor airflow means that when it’s cold outside, heat gets out through windows, basement walls, and doors. Same thing when it’s hot outside. Energy can also leave through attics, doors, windows, and ducts or electrical switches. Go through your home and inspect it for air leaks. Some of them can be repaired with some simple caulking, and that alone can make a massive difference.

Eco-friendly upgrades such as maximizing the airflow, getting an energy-efficient garage door, buying pre-owned, having energy-efficient windows, and using reclaimed wood will assist you when it comes to lowering your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills. Who doesn’t want to help the environment and save some cash? Also, these changes may even raise the resale value of your house!

The best part about these things is that they aren’t major undertakings, but small things that can be done incrementally. You’ll be able to continue enjoying your home while you’re also making it better for the environment – essentially doing your part to help fight against global warming.

Top 5 Decoration Ideas for Modern Kitchen

When a kitchen looks attractive, it could make you want to stay inside or stick around even when there’s probably nothing much to do. A bright-looking kitchen can also make you want to cook almost every time. To create such an environment, you can implement inspiring kitchen decorating ideas. If you have been looking to create magic in your kitchen but never got the correct elements, your answer is right here. Below are the top five (5) Kitchen Décor Ideas you can put together to achieve the perfect and exotic modern kitchen you ever desired.

Using Educative Wall Pictures

Using educative wall pictures is one of the best ways to beautify your kitchen. It could be a weekly frame or quote that displays fruits’ benefits, why they should eat fruit before breakfast, the suitable meat for a particular age, and so on.

It beautifies and as well, increases anyone’s appetite towards a specific meal, including fruits. It can even be a drink.

Beautifully Painted Bold Colors

As much as we adorn ourselves with beautiful colors, painting your kitchen with two or more mixed colors is often appealing. Also, ensure you choose mature colors.

You may ask, what role do mature colors play in my kitchen design? For modern kitchens, color maturity is crucial. It helps you to blend your colors well. You may want to pay attention to prevent you from going off-board. Immature or non-blended colors may result in a shrine, or playground, instead of the modern kitchen you intended.

Fresh Fruit or Farm Produce Displays

Using wooden or metal-like materials to build a basket that keeps fruits around the kitchen wall also beautifies the kitchen. It inspires a taste for fresh foods.

Another alternative instead of a basket is a fruit wall decor i.e., a well-built cabinet with a transparent glass door that displays different kinds of fruit at a time.

Fashionable Wall Hanger

Using a wall hanger is another way to give your kitchen the beautiful look. On these hangers, you can neatly arrange your culinary tools. Hence, it creates orderliness in your kitchen and ensures you do not throw objects around lazily.

One of the major principles of a modern kitchen is orderliness, and a fashionable wall hanger would help you accomplish this.

Lightening and Flower Arrangement

Lastly, your kitchen lights and flowers depict the kind of kitchen you are creating. Many of us would love to see lots of flowers around, but a modern kitchen requires less than we may desire. In the long run, you did appreciate a calmer look with lesser flowers. Also, place the flowers strategically, and avoid lengthy plants.

Your kitchen lights are as important as your flower arrangement. Green and gold lights with brass pendant and marble table is a perfect combo!

Summary

Modern kitchen decoration works best with the right combination of elements. Whether you prefer an all-white or pop of color design, let it blend with other furniture in the kitchen. This list is incomplete without recommending you go for a monochrome design all through or choose a blend of bold colors. You can also discover more kitchen décor ideas here.

How to Clean a New Home

Before you can unpack and display your collection of books or diecast cars in your new pad, you owe it to yourself to give it a thorough scrub first. Even if you buy a new-build, construction crews aren’t noted for their janitorial skills, and you have no idea what kind of mess previous occupants left if you buy an older home or rent. You’ll never have such an ideal opportunity again once your belongings are inside, so follow this 5-point checklist for how to clean your new home.

1. Start With a Thorough Inspection

Once you place your couch against it, you can’t see visible water damage to walls, which could spell big trouble for your drywall, insulation, and wiring. If you rent, it’s wise to inspect the property before you sign your lease so that you can address issues like mold with your landlord before signing the dotted line.

Once you determine what you need to do, you’ll need to choose whether to hire a professional crew or DIY. While the latter option is less costly, pros pay attention to details like window seals that you might overlook.

2. Work From the Top

The two cardinal rules of life are don’t eat the yellow snow and don’t mop and seal your floor before dusting your ceiling fans. When you start your cleaning, work from the top.

Wipe down ceilings and walls — cobwebs can arise seemingly overnight. While you’re at it, consider swapping out any incandescent ceiling fan and overhead lights you see with compact fluorescents or LEDs. You’ll go longer without having to buy new bulbs, and you’ll save both cash and the planet.

3. Get Behind Appliances

Are you a bit phobic about creepy crawlies? Now’s the time to clean and treat behind appliances with boric acid to keep pests like cockroaches at bay.

If you bought a pre-owned home or rent, who knows? You might discover a treasure that the last occupant left behind — although it’s more likely that you’ll find nothing but a pile of unmated socks behind the dryer.

4. Organize One Closet at a Time

If you have to move in a jiffy, it’s tempting to throw your things anywhere with the promise that you’ll organize them later. Pro-tip: that approach rarely works.

Instead, start with one closet at a time and organize your belongings as you go so that there’s a place for everything. If time is a factor, stack your boxes along a wall and work at the project a little at a time. The cardboard will serve as a perpetual reminder to get to work, whereas out-of-sight often becomes out-of-mind.

5. Finish With the Flooring

Remember discovering all those furniture outlines on your dirty carpet when you moved out? Now’s the time to shampoo before you place your couch — choose a sustainable product if you worry about chemicals in your home.

If you plan on refinishing your flooring, you want to do so before move-in, too — unless you enjoy straining your back moving furniture. You could save money if you get lucky. Many homeowners have discovered gorgeous hardwood flooring after ripping up linoleum.

Learn How to Clean a New Home With These Tips

Before you move into your pad, you owe it to yourself to scrub it before move-in. Follow this five-point guide for how to clean your new home.

Making Your Dream House a Reality

Whether you are looking to start a family, retire, or simply update your home, building your dream house is something that takes planning to pull off. From getting a design that you like, budgeting for construction and the interior, there’s a lot that building your dream house requires. Also, don’t forget to find some garden care tips and tricks to circle up everything nicely.

Four main steps go into making your dream house a reality. First, you need to make a plan and get it on paper.

A good contractor can utilize an architect from their in-house talent, or you can contract out with one to design the plans. Finding the right contractor with a track record of working on the types of designs and elements in your designs is the next step.

Coordinating with an interior designer to make your living space inspirational should be used in every phase of the overall designing process, and we’ll discuss these points at length below.

Making a Plan

Making a plan for your remodel or build is crucial. We mean by making a plan, how does the exterior construction enhance the interior decor, the room’s planned usage, and what is your budget for the project?

By getting a plan together, you can next look for the best options to design and build your project. Some contractors offer in-house architecture and interior design teams, while with others, you may need to subcontract out each of these types of roles.

If you choose a contractor and separate architectural and design teams, be sure to include them in initial discussions of your drafts to save time and money. If you can get every team member on the same page, you will have fewer hiccups down the road that could slow the process down or create costly overruns.

Finding a Contractor to Build

The most crucial phase of your planning comes down to choosing the right type of contractor for your job. Sure, all contractors claim they can build what you want, though it may not be their specialty. Some contractors focus on small home construction, others work in a commercial building, while others still specialize in one aspect of home remodels such as kitchens or bathrooms.

Interview a variety of contractors and have them give you an initial bid of their services so that you can compare. As you review all the proposals, check out what previous customers have to say about their work and their service through online reviews and social media to give you more data to evaluate whether they are a good fit for your job or not.

By taking the time to review past customers’ reviews of their services and deciding if you want an all-in-one shop that includes other design team elements, you are better educated in your decision-making. If you plan to subcontract out those tasks is essential. You don’t waste your time or theirs and find yourself paying more than needed.

In addition to the above, there are five simple questions you should ask every contractor before you hire them.

Ask about similar past projects and recommendations
Ask about licensing and insurance
What are the timeframe estimate and cost
Who are the people coming to the home every day
What process is there if changes need to occur

When you discuss the project with the builder and design team, ask them if they think they can keep the structure intact or need to take it to the studs. You may be ok having a home without walls for a little while, or you may not, so understanding the work to be done and the timeline for it is vital.

One of the subtleties in remodeling is updating your insulation and wiring. You may need some attic insulation replacement to be done during the project as lousy insulation can be home to pests and vermin, as well as cause costly repairs and replacements down the road.

Interior Design

As you are in the process of making your dream home a reality, having a plan for the interior is just as important as the exterior curb appeal. A good interior design team will help you create the right tone and feel for each room, enhancing the environment and enjoyment of the time spent in those spaces.

Once you have a plan in place, a team ready to design and build your dream home, and estimates of time and money needed, you can set a budget for the project, select a team, and sit back and get your dream house ready.