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  • Custom Homes: What are the Benefits of Owning One?

    Custom Homes: What are the Benefits of Owning One?

    Your house is more than just a building – it is your home; a place where you get away from all the pressure and stress from your job, and where you make lifelong memories with your family. Since you will spend a lot of time in your home relaxing with loved ones, enjoying hobbies, and entertaining friends, your home needs to be a special place which will suit your unique needs. It should also reflect your personal style and it should be something that fits your lifestyle.

     

    Here are some benefits of having a custom home built:

     

    #01. CUSTOMIZED OPTIONS

    Building a custom home is all about the power of making choices. Since your home will be customized, you have the freedom to choose everything you want – wall and floor coverings, appliances, custom cabinetry, trim, and amenities. If you are not a fan of granite and you want hand-painted tiling in your kitchen instead, you have the power to have it. Love natural lights? Skylights in every room can be installed! From interior to exterior, floor to ceiling, you are now in charge of every detail that goes into creating your own home!

     

    #02. PERSONAL PREFERENCE

    Your custom home will be a direct reflection of your taste, style, and personality. By working with Liv Developments, you will have the opportunity to create a home that will literally be the “home of your dreams”. For instance, you are an art collector – your entire home can be designed to give emphasis to your prized pieces, from specialized lighting to gallery walls. Your furnishings will fit just perfectly because your home will be designed to accommodate all of them.

     

    #03. FUNCTIONALITY

    Your custom home will also be designed entirely around you and this includes your floor plan. So, instead of working around a pre-existing home’s floor plan, or having such limited options with semi-custom home, your floor plan with a custom-built home will be designed to maximize and take advantage of every usable space. Your home will then have the function and flexibility to eliminate any unused space and adapt to your lifestyle and needs. Whether you prefer separate, defined rooms or an open floor plan, it is your call.

     

    #04. MATERIAL QUALITY

    When you buy a semi-custom home or a pre-existing one, you do not have much control over the quality of materials being used. The grade of materials will vary from room to room, and it usually includes prefabricated lower-quality materials. Good custom builders such as the experts in Liv Developments only work with trusted tradesmen who are known for providing high-quality materials and performance. With a custom-built home, you can rest assure that it is constructed with only the best products, brands, and materials.

     

    If you are interested in having your own custom-home built, do not hesitate to give us a call today or visit our website. We can’t wait to build you your own dream house soon!

     

  • 4 Outdated Home Décor Trends that are In Again in 2018

    4 Outdated Home Décor Trends that are In Again in 2018

    Thinking of remodeling your home next year? Then now might be the perfect time to start planning! Some homeowners think that a home should feel like a home regardless of its decorations, it is still important to take care of every bit of your home.

     

    Here are some of the home trends for 2018 that you might want to consider for your upcoming home:

     

    BRASS-LOVIN’

    Brass might a simple piece of metal, but it definitely has the capability to make your home shine as bright as the sun with its lively colour! This trend may be considered to be one of the outdated home decors, but it appeared again in 2016, and it is expected to so again in 2018. If you have brass in your current home, then you should celebrate – you already have a trendy décor in your home before it was even trendy!

     

    BLACK AND WHITE

    Are you fond of having an interior design solely in black and white? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! This combination has been around for a very long time and it is ranked to be one of the top trends that will just never go out of style. It may look vintage to some, but that is actually the reason why it reflects a sense of elegance and sophistication. The bottom line is, no matter how the trends of colours fluctuate over time, black and white will always remain the best classical blend!

     

    OVERSIZED FURNITURE

    The trend with new homeowners nowadays is that they have taken space into consideration more than the actual design of their furniture pieces. Vast spaces have become more significant in terms of the trendiest interior designs. Having oversized furniture, however, is not actually something that you should ignore. Trendsetters have said that in 2018, oversized furniture will be trendy again. Not only do they provide comfort, they also create an elegantly antique atmosphere that lovers of classical themes will surely love!

     

    ARTISTIC WALLS

    Having a lot of pictures hung on the walls is something considered to be outdated or something of the past. However, we still believe that hanging pictures on the wall should always be a thing, and it should never go out of style! Whether you fill your walls with images of your close relatives or original artwork, those photos will aid in giving your bare wall a nice accent. It also helps to boost up your room’s overall design – even if they are smaller than other rooms.

     

    So, which of these outdated home décors do you currently have, and which are you likely to keep? Feel free to share your thoughts with us! If you are planning on renovating or updating your home soon, then we are also the right experts to call! Don’t forget to visit our website today.

  • Winterizing Your New Home: How It’s Done

    Winterizing Your New Home: How It’s Done

    Owning a new home sure takes a lot of work, and one thing that homeowners should do is to prepare their homes for the cold winter season. There are usually some simple repairs and tasks that can be done to prepare one’s home for winter. When you are proactive about making sure such tasks and repairs are done, then you will definitely increase your home’s energy efficiency and in turn, making it safer for the whole family.

     

    It is a great idea to go through your whole house and give it a once-over then proceed to making any necessary repairs before the cold weather comes around. Having a winter preparation checklist is really helpful in making sure that your new home is winter-ready.

     

    Sealing Your Home

    Winter brings freezing cold temperatures, and what you want is a warm home. So, before the cold weather kicks in, it is best to seal up any air leaks in your home. Doing this will prevent warm air from escaping your home. It also prevents your heating system from working harder, and it also keeps cold air from entering your home.

     

    Cleaning the Furnace

    When the cold weather hits, you want to be able to turn on the heat with no problem at all. Make sure that your furnace is cleaned and that its filters have been changed. A build up of dirt or sediment only makes your system work less efficiently, and it can also be a fire hazard. If you do not personally know how to clean it properly, then call the experts. Trust us, it will be worth it.

     

    Cleaning the Fireplace

    If you are one of those homeowners who use fireplaces to heat their homes, then know that it is very important to check the flue. Make sure that the area is free of soot and creosote to decrease the chances of a fire occurring. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should also be checked before using your fireplace for the first time. It is also best to check for drafts. If you feel cold air even when the damper is closed, then this could mean you have an air leak. To seal it off, contact a professional.

     

    Securing the Outdoors

    As you check the interior of your home, make sure you also check its exterior as there are many things outside your home you need to prepare for winter. Check and clean your gutters and chimney. If you have a swimming pool at home, make sure that it is sufficiently covered and drained. Your patio furniture, sprinklers, hoses, and other outdoor items should be checked and stored properly, too.

     

    These are just some of the basics on what you can to winterize your new home. May you all enjoy the upcoming winter!

     

     

  • Great Ideas for Kitchen Upgrades

    Great Ideas for Kitchen Upgrades

    Contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need to spend millions just to have a cool kitchen. That’s right – here at Liv Developments, we aim to provide you with your dream home. Here are some great ideas for that awesome kitchen you have been long wanting to have:

     

    Dishwasher in a Drawer

    Who says dishwashers cannot be tucked away in private? For a change, you may use dishwasher drawers instead of regular ones. These handy dishwashers offer efficient cleaning for a few dishes. You may install one in a basement game room, in a butler’s pantry, or near your prep area. This pull-out provides an easy sink-side cleanup!

     

    Double Ovens

    Double ovens do not just add appeal to your kitchen, but they also provide a main oven that you can use without having to bend over a secondary oven for additional baking or simple plate warming. Separating ovens from the burners allows you to install a cooktop in a kitchen island, for instance, opening up a new floor plan possibility.

     

    Sprawling Floor Plan

    A great idea that you can do is knocking down walls in your kitchen. One great wall to knock down is the one behind the stove, making your entire floor more airy and family-friendly. How do you keep clutter at bay, you may ask? Simple: have a new island with cabinets on both sides installed.

     

    Fun Furniture

    When picturing your upgraded kitchen, it is best to have fun with furniture. We all know that furniture is a great way to infuse a little colour into an otherwise all-white (and boring) kitchen. You may go for 1950s diner-styled barstools with bright blue vinyl to provide just the right amount of pop.

     

    Freshen up with Fabric

    If you are thinking of adding colour and pattern to your kitchen, graphic tile is not the only option. Fabric is one of the budget-friendly solutions that can be easily switched out should you want to update your kitchen’s look on the fly.

     

    Vintage Meets Modern

    A white kitchen does not necessarily have to be literally ALL white. You may choose to swap upper cabinets, for instance, for just two small shelves and use a fancy wallpaper with a design that fits your preference. You can always mix and match your vintage look with a more modern one – depending on your accents and colour preferences!

     

    If you want more expert opinions when it comes to constructing your dream home, feel free to contact us today!

  • New Home Design Trends to Try

    New Home Design Trends to Try

    Imagine coming home after a long day’s work, sitting down in your living room, looking around, and thinking to yourself, “I would like a nicer living room to come home to!” or “This area could definitely use a little remodeling.” If you are anything like most homeowners today, you probably want to keep up with the trends, right?

     

    Whether you want a new trendy home that you can move into, or just simply redecorating for a new look, here are some home design trends you should consider:

     

    The Loft

    Nowadays, more and more homes are starting to incorporate lofts. These types have an open space higher up in the house which can be converted for any kind of use. Your loft can be turned into a reading nook, a place for your guests to have intimate conversations, or even a place for your kids to have their own creative space. What makes lofts even more fun is the way you get to it. You can spice up your loft by turning a bookcase into a staircase! This makes it more fun for the kids and still accessible for adults.

     

    Outdoor Showers

    A refreshing space you would appreciate stepping into on a hot summer’s day (or really, when you just feel like it) is the outdoor shower. Nothing is more pleasing than taking a shower to the sounds of nature. Taking a shower in your own private garden is now a possibility! You can even get a nice tan while cooling down. Outside showers are not only luxurious, but they are actually practical, too. Before hopping into the pool, you can now rinse off with an outdoor shower. After swimming, you can simply wash off the chlorine in a more convenient manner.

     

    Minimal Tubs

    A number of people admit that they do not use their bathtubs too often. When they do, however, they prefer it to be in a more secluded area. The bathtub is no longer the adorning feature in the center of your bathroom. The freestanding tub is excellent for this. It is not just practical in terms of placement, but it is also classy and vintage. You can have it anywhere in your bathroom – it can be up against a window, or you can place it in a more private corner. Having a freestanding tub also maximizes the space in the bathroom!

     

    Once you have found the perfect home, or when you have finished your remodeling projects, you can finally sit back and enjoy. Now, coming home from work is a whole new experience that will make you feel good the moment you step into the space. Visit our website today and let us help you have that contentment!

     


     

  • Home Builder vs. “Handyman” Builder

    Home Builder vs. “Handyman” Builder

    From time to time, we need the help of a handyman, but when it comes to looking at a significant investment such as building a new home, is it still a handyman that you should look for? If you are concerned about choosing the right home builder for your new home, here are 7 key differences between a handyman builder and a home builder.

     

    #01. A Handyman Might Not be Legally Operating/Licensed

    For any type of contractor, every state requires certain licensing credentials as this gives clients peace of mind. Every contractor must adhere to the regulations on everything – from insurance protection to the setup of client bids and contractual agreements. Many handymen, however, are unaware of these rules – make sure to check thoroughly. True home builders who create residential properties should have a complete awareness of their legal and ethical responsibilities to their clients.

     

    #02. A Handyman Uses More Subs

    No handyman can do it all – from the excavating to the plumbing to the electric. The tendency is he will hire subcontractors, or even ask you to hire subcontractors. In the former situation, you would meet and vet each subcontractor, and this may only put more pressure on you to conduct due diligence on their knowledge and authenticity. The latter, on the other hand, can be time-consuming, costly, and overall, a frustrating experience. Professional home builders, however, typically use fewer subs because they have experts who work for them full-time.

     

    #03. A Handyman is Not a Home Designer

    Home building companies, like Liv Developments, offer you the opportunity to design your home with them. This is why they are the more popular option amongst families who want a dream home. When you work with a handyman, you need to bring an architect or an interior designer to the table. This process can lead to major communication errors as compared to directly talking to home building experts.

     

    #04. A Handyman May Not Offer Full-Time Oversight

    You should expect someone to oversee the construction of your new home. Handymen can be only working part-time, or they may be stretched too thing just to stay on top of site supervision. This can only lead to issues eventually. A home builder, on the other hand, plans on having a point person for your home. He or she should have a complete understanding of all the details, and will manage the timeline, too.

     

    #05. A Handyman Does Not Always Have Access to Top Equipment/Technology

    In the home building industry, as with every other industry, incredible improvements have been made – thanks to world-class technology and related systems. Home builders nowadays have access to streamlined platforms and software which allow them to seamlessly engineer dream houses that they can manage from start to finish.

     

    For professional home builders, Liv Developments can definitely help you out!


     

  • Empty Nesters and What They Want in a New Home

    Empty Nesters and What They Want in a New Home

    Parenting isn’t an easy task but when you have raised self-sufficient children who have left the nest, then, congratulations – you deserve a pat in the back! After putting all your efforts on your kids, it is now the perfect time to pursue your own dreams. For starters, it is time to downsize from your current home and build one that is more suited to your changing needs and lifestyle.

     

    To give you a better idea on what empty nesters look for in their dream home, take a look at this list:

     

    First Floor Living

    According to a research by the National Association of Home Builders’ 50+ Housing Council, 64% of baby boomers favour single-level living. Downsizing families prefer having ranch-style homes. Two-storey homes with a first-floor bedroom, however, are also in demand. Homebuyers aged 55 and up are also looking for open plans with the basic rooms on the main floor. With less steps to climb, older adults prevent falls more.

     

    Inclusive Spaces

    When their children are grown, empty nesters gain more freedom, but the need to make smart long-term investments is still there. Thus, they want to build a home where they can age without compromising on style. This calls for a universal design – this includes a no-step entry, wider hallways and doorways, as well as extra floor space. The easy access areas let them move furniture easier and the whole house would feel less cramped.

     

    Better Visual

    According to the American Optometric Association, many adults start to have problems seeing clearly as soon as they reach 40. As your vision deteriorates naturally, you also need more light to be able to see accurately. Home builders are designing new homes with more windows so more natural light can enter. In addition, more light fixtures are helpful in areas such as the bathrooms, walkways, and kitchen to help people see more clearly and to prevent accidents.

     

    Luxury Touches

    One of the many benefits of building a home when you are older is you now have more life experiences and you know exactly what you like. Although empty nesters might want to downsize square footage, they want everything else upsized. For instance, older adults want their new homes to have high-end features such as a high grade of carpet, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, and walk-in showers.

     

    Home Office

    Some empty nesters still want to work after retirement – by choice of necessity. Since there are many companies who give employees the flexibility to work from home, home builders are now incorporating spaces for home offices. This helps empty nesters maintain a healthy life-work balance.

     

    Location

    Many empty nesters who are downsizing want to build their new home close to their original location so staying connected to their families, friends, doctors and favourite stores are easily done.

     

    If you have decided that you wanted to build your own custom home to suit your needs and lifestyle, contact us today!

  • What to Expect: Building a New Home

    What to Expect: Building a New Home

    Planning to have a new home built? Let us tell you that breaking ground on your new home is more than exciting! However, it might be something that could overwhelm you especially is you are not aware of timelines or the stages of building. Don’t worry – most homeowners find the construction process a bit overwhelming.

     

    This is why we have put together a brief home building timeline to demystify the home building process. Are you ready?

     

    Before Building: Designing the Home

    Prior to doing anything, you first need to find a pre-designed plan or a professional to design your home. You have to have an idea how much you will spend and what it will take to turn your dreams into a reality. If you do not plan on decorating your home yourself, this is also the perfect time to consult an interior designer.

     

    Before Building: Purchasing a Lot

    Before you can build, you have to purchase the land first. This can happen before the home design process or even during. Make sure to shop around for lots until you find the perfect one that fits your budget as well as your ideas. The house design you want should fit properly on the land you choose.

     

    SITE PREPARATION (Week 1)

    This is where a lot of back hoes and heavy equipment will come in. Expect workers to be busy excavating, clearing, and leveling the lot according to plan. This will be the first time you will see the rough shape of your home and trust us, this can be exhilarating!

     

    FOOTINGS, FOUNDATION, FRAMING (Weeks 2-5)

    This is where concrete will be poured to support your home’s foundation. This is also the stage where major structural work takes place. Delays might take place at this time especially if the weather does not cooperate or in the event of failed inspections.

     

    MECHANICALS (Weeks 6-8)

    Once your home has its basic structure, workers will start filling it up wit things that make it look and function like a home. HVAC units, plumbing lines as well as electrical systems come to place. Walls are also installed during this time, as well as home security systems, and other special infrastructure.

     

    FLOORING AND PAINT (Weeks 9-11)

    Your home will start to look more like one during this phase. The site will start looking like the drawings showed to you months ago. Choosing the right flooring is one of the major decisions you will concern yourself with in this stage.

     

    FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES (Week 12)

    This stage is where countertops, faucets, plugs, light fixtures and appliances should be installed. Your front yard will also be going through massive transformation if you avail landscaping services.

     

    FINAL COUNTDOWN (Weeks 13-14)

    This is the last few weeks of your home building timeline, so expect a whirlwind of emotion and small details. You might feel anxious to move in, but make sure all your concerns and questions are addressed before heading to settlement.

     

    So, are you ready to have your new home built? Make sure to give us a call at your earliest convenience!

  • 4 Home Improvement Ideas for People Who Love Entertaining

    4 Home Improvement Ideas for People Who Love Entertaining

    The art of entertaining – how much do you know about it? From dinners to birthdays, family reunions to company parties, and the list goes on! If you are one of those people who love to entertain, you know that planning is everything. When it comes to your home, however, the question now is: How do you create a space plan that will enhance both your everyday family life and your social gatherings? Is a full remodel really worth it? Also, where do you even start?

     

    These are just some of the common questions we have heard in the past and our advice is YES, a full remodel is worth it! Having the right home design means that you can entertain and enjoy your guests at the same time – without all the unnecessary stress!

     

    If you love to entertain, then here are 4 suggestions you can consider when re-designing your home:

     

    #01. A Welcoming Entry

    Your entryway should be spacious – you and your guests should have enough room to maneuver. Good lighting is also a MUST! On the exterior, make sure to go for a covered entryway, so in the case of bad weather, people can remain dry as they come and go.

     

    #02. Kitchen Counter Seating

    Have you been in a home with kitchen islands that come with seating? This is a trend in new and remodeled kitchens nowadays. They define and separate cooking and living areas, and they also direct traffic out of the work core. There are also workable islands that often feature room for seating at the ends, with the longer sides meant for cooks, and the center section remains open for storage and small appliances. There are also breakfast bars that curve outwards to provide more seating room than those with straight-lined counterparts.

     

    #03. Walk-in Pantry

    A walk-in pantry is so handy to keep entertaining essentials such as serving trays and platters, as well as ingredients. This addition helps keep your kitchen uncluttered and it eliminates the need for unnecessary cabinets that take up a lot of space. It also gives you the opportunity to store plenty of food – this is very handy if you are having a large gathering and you need to keep prepared food out of sight. If you are trying to keep the uncluttered cabinet look only in the main part of your kitchen, this is also a great idea.

     

    #04. Deck, Patio or Porch

    Huge lawns are gorgeous to look at but having a deck or a porch where your guests can gather. This can be placed right off your house so it is easily accessible from the living or dining room for guests to just step into. Having a covered porch helps keep your guests protected from the sun or weather. Patios are the least expensive home addition and they can be built to any size.

     

    Planning to have your home remodeled? We are the right experts to talk to! Give us a call or visit our website today!

  • Remodeled Bathrooms: What You Should Expect

    Remodeled Bathrooms: What You Should Expect

    If you are planning on having your bathroom remodeled, you might not know the things you should expect. From planning your new bathroom with a professional contractor and interior designer to the unveiling of your freshly remodeled space, there are some things you can expect. Let us tell you what they are:

     

    #01. First meet with your contractor and interior designer.

    The contractor and interior designer will work hand-in-hand to turn your ideas into a reality. Your designer will get information on the bathroom space from your contractor and you will be presented with different options. Your ideas will then be incorporated, and suggestions for your remodel will be presented, too. The planning phase also includes a presentation of material samples.

     

    #02. Constant communication with the contract before and during the remodeling process is a must.

    Once you have met with the interior designer and you have made your final choices, the plans for your remodel will then be presented to your contractor. He or she, then, will be in contact with you in terms of the cost, the timeline, as well as the different stages of the remodel. Constant communication is key if you want to avoid any errors or misunderstandings.

     

    #03. Once construction commences, there will be a lot of noise.

    Having your bathroom remodeled, or any part of your home really, is usually noisy – to the point of intolerability. If you are used to having a nice and quiet home, it is best to know this early that you will lose that tranquility during the whole construction process. If you are working from home, ten you should prepare for some noisy interruptions. Don’t worry, it will all be worth it!

     

    #04. Unexpected things can come up.

    Things such as delayed arrival of tiles, someone needing a few sick days, and more, are out of your control – or your contractor’s. When having your bathroom remodeled, keep in mind that things do not always go as planned. There may even be some modifications you would want along the way and thus, the work order will also change. When things do change, the cost and the time frame can also be affected – make sure you are prepared for the possibilities.

     

    #05. Be on-hand to make decisions.

    You will have to answer questions about the details of the remodel as it progresses. If you have a busy schedule or if you know that you cannot be as available as you need to, make sure to appoint someone who can make the calls for you instead. The contractor needs to know where cabinets, shelves, outlets, towel racks, etc. should be placed. There are many questions to answer regarding the remodel, so it is best to be ready.

     

    BONUS: Excitement can turn into exhaustion.

    It can be because of the constant noise or the general look of your unfinished bathroom – whatever it is, you have to be patient when it comes to remodeling. Nothing worth doing comes easy. Just keep in mind that the inconvenience is only temporary!

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