LIV Developments

Tag: new builds

  • 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!

     


     

  • 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!

  • 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!

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