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What About Storage?

What About Storage?

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Building Green, Construction & Design, Postings

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]What About Storage? The Importance of Adequate Storage in Home Design   If you are like most Americans, you accumulate stuff. Stuff takes up space, sometimes a lot of space. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240214154619/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-26.png" alt="importance of storage in home design" title_text="importance of storage in home design" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Our builders understand the need for great storage spaces. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]We know How Stuff Accumulate   Over the years, you may have accumulated things with sentimental value, seasonal items (decorations you use once a year), or extra playthings for those wonderful visits from the grandchildren. In the homebuilding process, many people fail to take into account their need for storage or sufficient mechanical space, and if they do, they generally underestimate the amount of storage space they will need. In a new home design, people are generally willing to pay more for a home with adequate storage than a home with more finished space that’s seldom used (e.g., extra bedrooms). Adding storage space can be accomplished in the early design stages if your builder knows this is a priority for you. The additional cost is minimal as long as your builder knows well ahead of time so he can direct the designer accordingly.   Storage Solutions for Different Home Types   If you live in the north, you know that most homes are built with basements, which are an excellent place for storage. However, for homes built on slabs or with crawl spaces, you don’t have that option; instead, attic spaces are often used. Some people want a separate structure, and storage sheds can be planned if requested. Another common storage solution is to create spacious walk-in storage closets within the home itself. It’s easy to create storage space in a walk-in, easily accessible, partially finished attic. Access is often located on the second story with entry from a common area such as a game room or shared space. If you’re building a one-story home, a common place for storage is the attic space above the garage. Your builder can make changes to roof framing to allow for light storage and easy access above the garage.   Safety Considerations and Value-Added Benefits   You should consider our country’s demographics of an aging population, and be sensitive to the safety of using a pull-down ladder to access attic space. Upgrading these access ladders to light commercial aluminum ladders is money well spent for the safety and ease of access for you and any future homeowners. You can also design attic spaces above garages that have their own separate set of stairs. The stairs are much safer than pull-down ladders; they are often not carpeted and have a very simple handrail for safety. This is an additional, value-added benefit not only for the homeowners’ safety but also for resale value. It’s important to think through your storage and mechanical needs as you begin to design your new custom home.   Conclusion   Don't forget about storage. Tell your builder how much of a priority storage is to you and look for opportunities to look for inexpensive storage spaces.     -Sean Sullivan  [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Building a Quality Custom Home" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="39px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_column type="2_3" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="2_3" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" header_font="|||||on|||" header_text_color="rgba(17,32,73,0.79)" header_font_size="54px" header_2_font="||||||||" header_2_font_size="34px" custom_margin="||||false|false" header_font_size_tablet="39px" header_font_size_phone="38px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" header_2_font_tablet="||||||||" header_2_font_phone="||||||||" header_2_font_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Building A Quality Custom Home Want to know more? This book by Sean Sullivan is full of helpful information in easy-to-read chapters like this blog post. It is a step-by-step guide to the “must-know” issues of building your dream home. Discover the custom-home construction secrets that could save you headaches, heartaches, and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/building-a-quality-custom-home" button_text="Learn More" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151432/Untitled-design-8.png" alt="Building A Custom Home" title_text="Custom Home Book" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

by | Feb 14, 2024 | Construction & Design, Postings

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Manage Your Expectations During the Building Process   A few years ago, Richard Carlson wrote a book titled, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff— and It’s All Small Stuff.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240214150139/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-25.png" alt="don't sweat the small stuff" title_text="don't sweat the small stuff" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Let your builder provide you a perfect custom home blueprint.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Perspective in Homebuilding   In his now famous book, he said, “Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren’t really that big a deal...” That’s not only good advice for life, it’s especially important during the homebuilding process. I can assure you, there’s going to be a lot of small stuff during the building of your home. Many people who frequently call their builder’s office worrying about minor things make the building process much more difficult, both for the builder and for themselves. A homeowner who worries when a subcontractor is two hours late to the job, or needs to know why a two-by- four has a knot hole in it, or notices some sawdust in a corner of the living room can take the wind out of anyone’s sail and cause delays. Yes, it is important to let your builder know if there are things that truly concern you because your builder wants to provide a complete and pleasurable experience. However, people who view every little thing as a “big deal” and worry about it all (especially those who call their builder daily with their current worry list) are never going to be satisfied.   Case Study: The Pitfalls of Over-Attention to Detail   Jordan was someone who excelled in “sweating the small stuff” during the building of his new home. Throughout the design and contract stage of his new home, Jordan was a delight and seemed to be the perfect candidate for a successful project. The trouble started when his builder mentioned the surveyors were scheduled for Thursday. Even though the survey work didn’t need to get done for at least two weeks, the builder wanted to schedule it early so it wouldn’t be a critical component in the building schedule. At 7:00 Thursday morning it was raining buckets and continued to rain all day. Early Friday morning, before the builder’s offices opened, Jordan called because he was worried about the surveyor. The builder explained to him that because of the full day of rain the previous day, the surveyor was delayed by a day. Jordan was stressed. It was the first of many times throughout the process that Jordan was “sweating the small stuff.” A week later, when the material was dropped at his lot so construction could begin, the delivery truck got stuck due to all the recent rain. The builder’s office got another call from Jordan wanting to know all the details about why there were tire ruts in his front yard. The day the foundation man was scheduled he was delayed because of traffic. Another phone call from Jordan. Once the foundation work was prepared, Jordan called to find out what day the inspection would occur. Once inspection passed, Jordan wanted to know what the inspector said and why the inspection card in the permit box was signed off in black marker instead of blue ink. After the foundation was installed, there was a bag and a half of mortar left over and two wheelbarrows of sand. Jordan called to ask what was going to be done with the leftover material. It went on and on and on throughout the entire job! Jordan continued to “sweat the small stuff.” No amount of meetings and explanations could convince Jordan to let the builder do what he had hired him to do. It was counterproductive to the relationship and impeded the builder’s ability to execute the job with excellence. The builder spent more time answering Jordan’s questions about the small stuff than he did looking for opportunities to build his home in the most efficient and effective way possible.   Focus on the Bigger Picture: Quality and Timeliness   It’s important to know that if you’re going to sweat the small stuff (and remember, as Richard Carlson said—it’s all small stuff), it usually will not help you get what you really want. At the end of the day, you and your builder both want the same thing: a quality, custom home completed on time and within a reasonable budget. So relax and let your builder
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Excellence or Perfection?

Excellence or Perfection?

by | Feb 5, 2024 | Building A Quality Custom Home, Construction & Design, Postings

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Excellence or Perfection? Manage the Balance Between Expectations and Reality   People build custom homes. People are not perfect. It doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t expect excellence.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240828194227/master-betroom-sokolis.webp" alt="mountain modern living room" title_text="mountain modern living room" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]A competent builder will leave you fulfilled in your custom home.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Reality Check   A prospective homeowner once asked me, “Will my new home be perfect?” I told him there are two kinds of perfectionists: one who asks for perfection but realizes life is not perfect and is very pleased with 95 to 98 percent. The other type expects perfection and is never happy, no matter how well a job is done. If you are the latter, please don’t build a custom home. Life is too short and too wonderful to take two years—or more—out of your life only to be disappointed in people and processes that are not perfect.   Excellence Vs Perfection   People build custom homes. People are not perfect. It doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t expect excellence. Here are a few ways that excellence differs from perfection: Excellence is taking people and materials that are imperfect and executing a process to its very highest level. Excellence is a home that’s done timely. Excellence is what happens when something goes wrong and it’s quickly recognized and corrected. (Trust me, when you build a custom home, things will go wrong.) Excellence is when your builder acknowledges if there is a mistake and promptly corrects it without pointing fingers. Excellence is clear communication. Excellence is a quality home built with straight walls, functioning doors, and overall good quality. Excellence is moving into your home and having your dishwasher, garbage disposal, and gas grill all operational on move-in day. Excellence is a prompt phone call from your builder if something unexpected comes up and the schedule needs to be modified. Excellence is having a homeowner so pleased that when the topic of homebuilding comes up he says, “Let me tell you about my builder, we have no regrets.”   Planning, designing, and building a new custom home for you and your family can be an exciting, rewarding experience if you select a competent builder who is committed to excellence and you have a clear understanding of each other’s expectations. Homebuilding can be a miserable experience if you are a perfectionist who is unhappy even if your builder builds to excellent standards.   Conclusion   It is important to choose a competent builder committed to excellence and managing expectations to ensure a positive homebuilding experience. But if you require perfection, don’t build a custom home.     -Sean Sullivan  [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Building a Quality Custom Home" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="39px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_column type="2_3" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="2_3" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" header_font="|||||on|||" header_text_color="rgba(17,32,73,0.79)" header_font_size="54px" header_2_font="||||||||" header_2_font_size="34px" custom_margin="||||false|false" header_font_size_tablet="39px" header_font_size_phone="38px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" header_2_font_tablet="||||||||" header_2_font_phone="||||||||" header_2_font_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Building A Quality Custom Home Want to know more? This book by Sean Sullivan is full of helpful information in easy-to-read chapters like this blog post. It is a step-by-step guide to the “must-know” issues of building your dream home. Discover the custom-home construction secrets that could save you headaches, heartaches, and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/building-a-quality-custom-home" button_text="Learn More" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151432/Untitled-design-8.png" alt="Building A Custom Home" title_text="Custom Home Book" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
Is Your Title Insurance Policy Up To Date?

Is Your Title Insurance Policy Up To Date?

by | Jan 26, 2024 | Construction & Design, Postings

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Is Your Title Insurance Policy Up To Date? Ensuring Adequate Coverage Congratulations, you’ve just completed building your beautiful new home! Now it’s time to consider your title insurance. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240126152816/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-22.png" alt="home title insurance necessary" title_text="home title insurance necessary" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="28px||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Understand the Importance of Title Insurance   Title insurance provides protection if someone sues and says they have a claim against your property before you purchased it. When you purchased your property, you received a document most often called a deed, which shows the seller transferred their legal ownership, or “title” to their property, to you. Title insurance protects you if someone later sues and says they have a claim against the property from before you purchased it. Common claims come from a previous owner’s failure to pay taxes or from a previously unknown heir. If there is a claim on the title of your property, the title company will defend you against the claim, or reimburse you for the loss of your property up to the dollar amount specified in the policy.   Secure your investment   So you are thinking, “No problem. I purchased title insurance when I purchased my lot”. While that may be true, a key point to remember is the dollar value of your title policy. If you built your home after purchasing your lot, the dollar value of your policy may only cover the value of the land. In the event of a claim against your title, you may not be reimbursed for the value of the home you built after purchasing your lot. If you built your home after purchasing your lot, think about contacting your title company to update the value of your policy to account for the added value of your home. If you are planning to build a new home on your lot, make a note to update your policy during or after construction to ensure adequate coverage. Title insurance is relatively inexpensive and typically a one-time charge. Contact your title company to ensure the policy value covers the value of your land and home. Now you can stop wondering about Title Insurance and start enjoying your new home!   Conclusion Make sure your title insurance policy reflects the value of your lot and your new home.   -Sean Sullivan  [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Building a Quality Custom Home" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="39px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_column type="2_3" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="2_3" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" header_font="|||||on|||" header_text_color="rgba(17,32,73,0.79)" header_font_size="54px" header_2_font="||||||||" header_2_font_size="34px" custom_margin="||||false|false" header_font_size_tablet="39px" header_font_size_phone="38px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" header_2_font_tablet="||||||||" header_2_font_phone="||||||||" header_2_font_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Building A Quality Custom Home Want to know more? This book by Sean Sullivan is full of helpful information in easy-to-read chapters like this blog post. It is a step-by-step guide to the “must-know” issues of building your dream home. Discover the custom-home construction secrets that could save you headaches, heartaches, and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/building-a-quality-custom-home" button_text="Learn More" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151432/Untitled-design-8.png" alt="Building A Custom Home" title_text="Custom Home Book" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]