The VALUE of DESIGN

Given the small area of most bathrooms, and the number of elements that need to be included, it is no wonder why remodeling can be such a challenge. However, breaking the obstacles down to their most honest form reveals a much simpler challenge, and fortunately, simple challenges usually have simple solutions.

No budge in the budget ...

Let's face it; the budget dictates your project. Even if it's a generous budget, it's still the deciding factor in not only the choices you make, but also the options you have to choose from. In fact, the only thing more important than creating the budget is sticking to it - and in a big-box-world of choices, sticking to a budget isn't easy…

…and the solution is not always about cutting back.

It is about making smart choices. Educating yourself about the available options is a good place to start, but the information is only as good as the source, and if you are counting on a teenager standing in the tile aisle of your local big box as your main source of information, then you may be placing your project in the hands of someone with very little practical knowledge. This assistance is probably fine for choosing paint colors, or a cool new lamp, but surely not the best source when considering plumbing and electrical code. In order to make the most informed decisions, you need a professional who is familiar with your home’s intricacies.

Your one defense against budget breaking choices are the experts you rely on. Yet for some reason, when attempting to control the budget, professional design is often the first item scratched off the list.

Design takes into account all of the elements: plumbing, electrical, traffic movement, ventilation, storage space, and aesthetics. A good design means that you will have a convenient place to plug in your blow dryer. It means that your door will close properly. It also means that the toilet is not the first thing you see when you walk past the bathroom.

A good design ensures the room will last. It alleviates mold and mildew before it starts to grow. It allows for plumbing accessibility in case of a malfunction. A good design means you only remodel once, the right way, with the right elements, chosen with the help of someone who knows which faucets will last, which tile is too slippery, and how to save you money without sacrificing value.

Consider this: over the past three years of projects, 100% of our customers surveyed reported that they were satisfied with how we handled their budget. We attribute this to the planning that takes place in the design phase, and more importantly, the resulting low incidence of change orders and surprises during construction.

When was the last time you talked to a friend who remodeled, and they reported their project actually stayed on budget?

If remodeling choices are truly about money, and they always are, the question is not if you can afford to use a design/builder, but rather, if you can afford not to use one.

The Man Cave

Every time I surf through the home building networks on TV, I seem to run into a “man cave” episode. So, with my curiosity piqued (and ignoring the potentially sexist implications), I decided to fire up the search engine and type it in.

One website, boasting the best of the best, caught my eye and I found myself scrolling through photos of rooms that look like hotel fantasy suites minus the hot tub. Star Wars rooms (including a life size 3CPO), and Star Trek rooms (let’s not get the two confused), popped up on the screen. The website promoted theater rooms with walls textured like an actual cave, garages with wet bars, spaces designed to look like a NFL locker room, and even a room built around a pole (yes…you know the kind). After the initial smirk and eye roll, I was impressed by the detail that went into these spaces, and especially the level of craftsmanship displayed. After all, taking a basement block wall and turning it into the Starship Enterprise, and doing it well, is not an easy task. There’s electrical to run (a lot of it for those control panels), and plumbing for the wet bar (where was that on the bridge?), and a good deal of well planned audio and visual equipment. In short, design and planning cannot be taken lightly for a well done “man cave."

If you have dreams of a “man cave” of your own, and you want it to be a place you are proud to invite your like-minded friends, give us a call. We will make sure your space consists of more than a big screen hanging on a painted block wall, attached to a giant orange extension cord running the perimeter of the room. In all seriousness, we would design it so every square foot is utilized to its fullest potential. Non-standard lighting choices, the perfect fixtures, and carefully selected flooring all influence the comfort of your “man cave”. We could even create a wet bar in the place where the replicator should be (as we have not perfected that yet). Or, add that fantasy suite hot tub back in.

Of course, if you are looking for a room that blends with the rest of your decor, we could design that as well, paying close attention to the details that will make your remodel or addition feel seamless and comfortable.

2011 Parade of Homes

Are you ready to save $25,000 building your new home? We have 2 different homes, 2 different lots, and 2 different price ranges -- ready to go, both with $25,000 in Parade of Homes savings and ready to occupy after the Parade of Homes in June 2011.

If you are ready for your dream ranch, with an open floor plan, great room, 2 fireplaces and room for everyone, see Lot 35 Rivers Turn. There are 4 bedrooms, views to die for, and a garage that you just won't believe -- room for 6 cars, or all your toys! Quit paying storage fees for your boat or hobbies and buy this home. Entertain in the open great room and kitchen, enjoy holiday dinners in a semi-formal dining room that is still comfortable for your weekday dinner. A 1/2 acre lot with a private back yard leads you to the Yahara River conservancy -- and no back yard neighbors! Notice 3 sets of patio doors that connect you to that back yard. Views from every part of the house -- even across the street there are no homes.

Front view of 35 Rivers Turn

Rear view of 35 Rivers Turn

Looking for an open 2-story plan at a modest budget? Then Lot 66 Rivers Turn is for you. We have options to build with 3 or 4 bedrooms, and it has an exposed basement for future finishing. On the main level, find a REAL mudroom with room for all your stuff, a home office, and living room with a fireplace that is open to the kitchen and dining area. Windows make the difference -- take in views of the conservancy from your large living room and master bedrooms. Notice the large 10 foot patio door off the dining area. And again, a 3 car garage with extra depth to store the fun things every family has!

Front view of 66 Rivers Turn

Rear View of 66 Rivers Turn

With Degnan Design Builders, the differences are in the details and in the design. Our homes are tested to prove their energy efficiency using Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and the Focus on Energy New Homes Program. What were your heating bills this winter? In my own home, the most expensive month this year is $133, including our heat, hot water and a gas dryer used for 5 family members in a 2800 square foot home. Thanks to the Intelligent Wall construction methods, we can produce the same results for you.

For more information, you can call Abe at 846-5963, or Ted & Tammy Krez at Lakewood Realty.