Open or Closed?

Open or closed.....concept, that is! That is the big debate, and there really is no right or wrong answer. Choosing a home design layout should be based on your own personal preference and lifestyle. Here are some thoughts on each design choice that you may want to consider when deciding which option would be the best for you and your family.

Open-Concept Design

Popular, modern

Spacious 

Clear sight-lines

Expands entertaining space 

May make home appear larger 

Increase natural light

Closed-Concept Design 

Traditional style layout

Defined spaces and rooms 

Conceal messes 

Minimize noise 

Additional privacy 

More wall space for art and other decor 

Location, Location, Location...

When it comes to your home, there is a lot that you can change. If you are looking for an update or upgrade you can change the paint on the walls, the flooring, furniture and decor, and you can even remove or add walls! The one thing that remains the same, however, is the location. This is why location is key when it comes to building your dream home. Here are some things to consider when choosing where you and your family should live.

• How much land do I want? Consider your day to day outdoor activities. Do you enjoy barbecuing and other outdoor gatherings? What about sports and other hobbies? Also consider the upkeep required with land such as landscaping, mowing, raking, and shoveling. If you do not want to do this work yourself, you may want to purchase less land or hire help. 
• How far am I willing to commute to work? The grocery store? Appointments? Some people prefer to be close to town while others do not mind the commute. Being a longer distance from places like the grocery store could mean a slight lifestyle change for some. 
• How important is it to me to have family and friends close by? Think about the people with whom you spend most of your time with or people that you would like to spend more time with.
• How will the land provide for my current or future pets? Whether you want 1 dog, 5 horses, or 20 chickens, you will need to determine how much land is required and if there are animal restrictions in the area you are pursuing. 
• Where will my children be attending school? It may be helpful to look up information about local public/private schools and how they rank in different fields in your state. 
• What do I want to see when I look out my window? Woods, ocean views, mountains, neighborhood, spacious fields, and streets are all different options that you could see when you look out your window. Which one appeals to you or is there something else you would prefer?

These are just some of the many questions you may find yourself asking when choosing where to build your home. What are some important considerations that you have made? We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment below. 👇

Are You Ready To Build A Home?

Building a new home is a journey of deciding who you are, what type of life you want to live, and what you envision for your future. It requires patience, self-discovery, and vision. Selecting a local, reputable construction company to work with means that you not only have the building aspect covered, but you also have a team behind you that can bring their knowledge, skills, experience, and personal creative touch to the mix.  Here are some signs that you might be ready to build a home. 🏠

• You have found a construction company, AKA: Your Team. From the moment you decide who you are going to work with, you can exhale a sigh of relief knowing that you have the support you need to guide you through the home-building process.
• You have run the numbers. Knowing what costs are involved and then determining what you have to work with financially is key. 
• Your vision is realistic. This means knowing what you can build with your budget. 
• You have a vision. This goes back to deciding who you are, what type of life you want to live, and what you envision for your future. Some details can be worked out later, but having a good understanding of these three things gives you a solid foundation to build off of (pun intended). 
• The term "fixer-upper" doesn't get you excited. If home renovations and repairs are not something you are prepared to tackle right now, building may be the right choice for you. 
• You Are Excited And Ready To...be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day and your dream home won't be either. The home building process is a journey and you should enjoy the ride! 

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

Congratulations on making the decision to build your dream home! Here is where your journey begins. Open-concept or closed? Hardwood floors or carpet? Bright colors or neutral hues? These are just some of the decisions you may find yourself having to make. Remember, home aesthetics can always be changed. My advice? Take an in-debt look at your personality and lifestyle and apply that to the home you are creating. Your home, after all, should be a direct reflection of who you are. For example, if you plan on hosting parties, you may want to consider an open-concept floor plan. This creates a large space with open site-lines. If you plan to have pets, consider solid or distressed hardwood flooring. Pet messes may be easier to clean up off of hardwood than carpet. Also, a solid or distressed hardwood may prove to be better than an engineered hardwood when it comes to hiding fur and scratches. Home design trends can be fun to follow but if it conflicts with your personality or lifestyle, you should opt for something different. Don't be afraid of going against the norm, because at the end of the day, you are the one who will live in your home.

Welcome To Our Blog!

Creative Coast Construction is excited to announce that we now have a blog! This is an opportunity for us to connect with all of you. Here we will share informational pieces related to homes and construction as well as our thoughts and opinions on other related topics. We encourage comments and questions so please feel free to leave them in the comment section available below. If there is anything that you would like us to blog about, please please free to let us know. You might just see it in our next post! :)