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  • Custom Homes: The Front Door is a Home’s First Impression

    Custom Homes: The Front Door is a Home’s First Impression

    What do you think is the first thing people see when they look at your home? You might say it is the paint colour, the landscaping, or the architectural style – but the answer is actually your EXTERIOR DOOR. Most homes have their front doors as the main focal point so naturally, the eye is drawn to this feature first.

     

    Remember, the colour and style of your front door says a lot about you than you possibly think. It is actually a portal to your personality. First impressions last – and this is applicable even in homes.

     

    Front Doors: How They Impact Your Whole Home

    Want to make a great first impression? Invest in a great front door! Here are several reasons why you should not ignore this essential home design feature:

     

    Your Personality, Your Style

    Some people think that only one or two door styles work with rest of the home’s design – a common misconception. Doors with different styles, shapes, colours, and sizes can actually be mixed and matched to give a home some real personality. The door can serve as a point of contrast, or it can also complement the look of the rest of your home. You can also have your door fit in with the look of the rest of your neighbourhood, or you can simply have it stand out from the rest!

     

    Curb Appeal and Value

    A front door is a focal point, so when you are selling your home, keep in mind that prospective buyers will immediately see it. If you have a great looking door, your home will instantly have curb appeal and it will make the other features of your exterior look better by proximity. Not that your front door alone will sell your home, but it certainly helps if you have a great one. If you are not planning to sell your home anytime soon, that’s not a problem! Having a quality front door adds lasting value to any home that will translate to a higher asking price someday.

     

    Sense of Security and Solidity

    Front doors are designed to invite people and to keep people out. A quality door can either attract the attention of neighbours and buyers, and it can also deter the attention of burglars. Remember, front doors are still a common point of entry for home intruders. If you have a door that looks old and worn-out, thieves will think that your door can be easily breached. A strong, solid door, on the other hand, gives your home that sense of being carefully protected.

     

    If you can’t decide on which front door will be perfect for your home, give us a call today or simply visit our website!

  • The Beauty of Modern Architecture for Your Home

    The Beauty of Modern Architecture for Your Home

    Are you into modern architecture? Many people now are. The big question is: WHY? Let’s say your taste is more on the opposite side – for instance, rustic country. There are still certain elements of modern design that you will find appealing. This is because the fundamentals of modern architecture are simple and clean. It lives by the philosophy that form should follow function. This is why modern architects promote simplicity as well as clear views of structural elements.

     

    Modern architecture utilizes the actual structure and materials used when building instead of covering them with unnecessary designs. This is also why some modern designs often feature elements of glass, wood and steel to be able to show-off these industrial materials.

     

    Modern Architecture: What Defines It

    The terms modern and contemporary have often been interchanged in the world of design, thus resulting in a bit of confusion. So, is contemporary design same as modern design? The answer is no – and a little bit of yes. Contemporary literally means NOW. Modern, on the other hand, refers to technological and engineering developments that go back to the turn of the 20th Century.

     

    Simply put, modern architecture focuses more on structural materials such as concrete, glass and steel. Contemporary design may also use those elements, but its designs are considered to new or re-thought. With these definitions, the two designs will always be mixed with one another.

     

    Modern Design Promotes Uniqueness

    Even if it is simple in design, modern architecture is unique. In fact, some of the more famous modern architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright have created several of the most unique designs to date. Though most modern designs come with flat roofs and boxy styles, they look anything but boring.

     

    Take a look around your city streets and neighbourhoods and try to observe which architectural designs stand out to you the most. Is it the traditional designs or the unique modern ones?

     

    If you really take time to look at a modern home, you will see that its angular roof lines (which is prominent in modern design) are very unique. Everything from the exposed structural elements, vaulted ceilings, and even the unusual linear elements – these factors create a unique, artistic design that you cannot help but be amazed with.

     

    Modern Design Promotes Warmth

    Some critics of modern architecture point out that it is cool and cold. However, a large number of modern designs use elements that are naturally warm and inviting, such as stone and wood.

     

    Large windows that let in more natural light, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, and vaulted post and beam ceilings – these add more warmth and character to a home. Even if the pattern may be clean, linear and uncluttered, there is warmth in modern architecture.

     

    So, what is not to love about modern architecture, right? Not only does it present structural beauty, its designs are also unique, as well as warm and inviting! If you are planning to have a home that is modern in design, give us a call today! We can surely help you out!

  • Top 5 Reasons to Build a Vacation Home

    Top 5 Reasons to Build a Vacation Home

    So, you have decided that your family needs a vacation home. The next step for you is deciding, as to whether you should purchase an existing property or have your dream vacation home built from scratch. Others may argue that buying is going to cost less, but that actually still depends on the state of the market at the time of the purchase. It also allows you to get into that vacation home faster than if you would have to build it from scratch. However, those may be the only advantages of buying a vacation home.

     

    What about building one? Are there any benefits? Here are our top five reasons why you should seriously consider it:

     

    #01. Building a vacation home can still be an economical solution, especially because you’re going to have it built to your preferences (around your builder’s design).

     

    #02. There would be no need for a renovation or repair anytime soon. Most existing properties do require that. When your vacation home is newly constructed, and especially if it’s built by experts like us, you don’t have to worry about getting any unpleasant surprises when you stay there.

     

    #03. You can get what you want exactly. Having a new vacation home built means you can give your inputs about every aspect of the house, including the layout of the rooms, the colour of the paint, and the flooring that you want, among others.

     

    #04. You can enjoy a more energy-efficient home. Most old vacation homes come with certain issues like windows that are a little too drafty. Building a new vacation means you can choose the type of window you want. Of course, you’d want windows that are truly energy-efficient.

     

    #05. You can have the vacation home built in the location that you want (granted that there are lots available, too), instead of being limited by having to choose from the existing ones.

     

    Perhaps the only drawback of having your vacation home built is that you will have to wait a few months for it to get done. If you’ll have Liv Developments do it for you, you can be sure that not only will it be worth the wait, but it will truly be the vacation home of your dreams!

     

    Your family deserves to have somewhere to go to when you want to get away from your stressful work and you kids’ busy school life. You deserve no less than a Liv Developments vacation home!

  • Expanding Vertically – Adding a Second Floor to Your Home

    Expanding Vertically – Adding a Second Floor to Your Home

    Does ripping your roof off to add a new level to your house make you nervous? Does it seem like too drastic a change for you? If it means you’ll gain much-needed space in your home, should you do it? In many cases, a new home level can save homeowners a lot of money. For others, a second level means so much more than gaining additional space – it’s being able to stay in your neighbourhood and continue the wonderful life you already have right now.

     

    YOUR OPTIONS

    There are a few ways your home can be expanded vertically. One, you can completely tear off your roofing to build a new and complete upper level all from scratch. You can have the existing roof severed around the edges and lifted off temporarily to be placed again once the new level is framed in, and you can also expand an additional level out across a section of your existing home like a flat-roof porch or garage.

     

    COSTS

    if you need additional space that is more than just a room or two but feels like your budget won’t be enough for a ground level addition, then adding up is a smart option for you. One of the reasons a vertical remodel costs lower is the fact that no foundation work would be needed. Everyone knows that is among the most costly parts of a remodelling or addition project. However, you have to make sure to get your existing foundation checked to see if it can really support the additional weight.

     

    Lifting off the existing roof and reinstalling it on the added level can save you a lot on roof construction. You’re going to have to rent a crane, but that’s going to cost less than a whole new roofing.

     

    If you dread the idea of having to move and hunt for not just a new house but a good enough neighbourhood, a vertical expansion is perfect, too. Additionally, creating a bigger house within the same footprint has other benefits, both personal and financial. For one, in older neighbourhoods, bigger houses get a higher value faster than some properties in less convenient areas. Also, a home with a second level looks more striking when you view them from the street. But most homeowners agree that the most important benefit is probably intangible – it is being able to keep the home where you have a lot of great memories with your family. Vertical expansions are also ideal for those with a small lot, especially if you want to keep as much outdoor space as possible. This way, you do not have to compromise your landscaping or your garden space!

     

    Here are some of the things you should remember if you’re going to have a vertical expansion done:

    *Try to do something about awkward massing – avoid it as much as possible!

    *Follow height restrictions in your neighbourhood.

    *Ensure sufficient structural support.

    *Match windows and other patterns or paint colours with those of the existing story.

    *Keep the proportions flawless.

     

    The best thing you can do if you’ve already decided on getting a second level is to hire the most reliable contractor for your project. Call us today and we’ll talk about everything you need to know about vertical additions!


     

  • Remodeling Your Rental Property: Is It Worth It?

    Remodeling Your Rental Property: Is It Worth It?

     

    When you own a rental property, you should be ready to take responsibility and some risks for your investment.  Like they say, if you want to reap the rewards of your property, you should take those risks. We can help you get those rewards when we remodel your rental property. You may be asking though, is it worth it?

    You probably already know that your rental place may not be cared for the way you want it to be cared for. There may be tenants complaining about things or you could wait for months or even years with no one renting the place. Remodeling the rental property may be the answer to your problem.

    You may feel a bit nervous about taking a risk and spending money without the assurance of immediately getting the rewards. You should know, though, that keeping your property in good shape is a really good decision.

    One of the best reasons for you to remodel your rental property is the amazing tax write-off you get. As a landlord, you can deduct costs that include home improvements and renovations, as well as other maintenance work. Of course, remodels are treated differently than your usual repairs. You can talk to your accountant to know more about this. In general, you can almost surely deduct the cost of the repairs in full. For remodels, the changes have to be depreciated over a few years. When claiming it on tax, one thing that you have to ensure is that the property will be kept as a rental for the entirety of that period.

    Focus on What is Important

    What invites a buyer to a home is also what works for a renter. That means a kitchen and bathroom upgrade would be a great factor for renting.  Of course, you have to ensure that the windows and the roofing are in perfect condition. Check the paint and the flooring. Tenants always prefer a property that is in great shape than one that appears to need some work done. So make sure that when you have your renovation done, the goal would be to make the place look warm, inviting, and comfortable.

    Making a decision about remodeling your rental property depends on various factors. The first, of course, is affordability. What do you need to do to recover the amount you’ll spend for the remodel? Will the rent be raised? Do you think the tenants in the area can afford that?

    Even if the area is a lower income neighbourhood, that does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t renovate. Call us to discuss some great options that would wear well over time and wouldn’t cost you too much!

     

  • Custom Homes: The Difference between Modern vs. Contemporary Designs

    Custom Homes: The Difference between Modern vs. Contemporary Designs

    It has always been a bit challenging to distinguish between contemporary and modern house designs, but it’s not impossible. In general, architectural experts view contemporary style as anything rooted in the present or current design trend. Modern style, on the other hand, was actually a response to the predominant styles during the late 1800s, the time of the Industrial Revolution. Modern homes, therefore, are those commonly found after the turn of the 20th century and before the beginning of the 1950s.

    When you look at it this way, using the term “contemporary” cannot be really restricted to just one style, just like how “modern” can also be represented by a variety of styles. Does that confuse you even more? Okay, let’s name some characteristics of modern architectural style:

    -Simple and clean lines are preferred to elaborate designs

    -Whitewash and materials like concrete and steel are quite common

    -Large windows give a more expansive sense of space

    Contemporary, like mentioned above, is rooted in the present moment and while it is still related to the modern style it is also considered more innovative. Because it can be really difficult to sort the two styles out, we got here for you some features of both contemporary and modern house designs to help you identify one from the other:

    MATERIALS

    Most modern homes have a minimalist appeal and those with the simplest looks are often the most challenging to construct, too. Contemporary houses don’t always have to go with elegant minimalism. In a nutshell, think of it as minimalist is to modern as playful is to contemporary. Though there are many elements that are common in both styles, the effects created by how differently these elements are incorporated set one from the other. Modern is all about focusing on consistency and order while contemporary is brave enough to unexpected curves or a lone column of an entirely different material from those found in a room.

    SPACE AND LIGHTING

    Natural lighting is a priority for both contemporary and modern designs and it is intended to give the interiors the illusion of being larger than it really is. You’ll see large windows and high ceilings in both styles. Contemporary styling incorporates softened elements and focuses on showcasing natural materials. Modern homes often take pride in their famous boxy appearance.

    SHAPES AND ANGLES

    Both architectural styles make use of interesting angles and shapes to create unique features. Modern styles are known for their stronger sense of structure.  Support beams, for example, are often exposed. Contemporary homes, though they can also expose some structural elements doesn’t have to stick with the simplicity and silent elegance of modern designs.

    The differences between the two styles are still a topic for debate among many design experts. For most homeowners though, it doesn’t really matter much whether you call their home contemporary or modern, as long as it is a space that keeps their family safe and comfortable. When it comes to making a choice between modern and contemporary designs, you can always let your preferences lead you to the perfect choice!

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