Top 10 Stylish Details To Consider When Building Your Dream Home

When it comes to building your dream home, it’s all about the details. You don’t want to settle for just anything or have things constructed that you don’t need. And if you’re in Massachusetts, this might be the perfect time to build your own home from scratch. There’s a residential construction boom in notable places like Medfield, Dedham, Dover, Westwood, and Needham.

But it’s essential to choose wisely because it will hopefully be your home for many years to come. And our modern world has brought along some modern features to take your house to the next level. Both in terms of style and tech. Here are some of the top stylish features that are becoming popular when designing a home.

Home-Business Integration

You might be surprised at how many homeowners integrate home-based businesses into their homes. In fact, 72 percent of entrepreneurs who run a business from home live in the same place. That’s why some people look for features like an office or studio space.

Building your own home is about thinking past the essentials. Instead, consider features that could make your life easier. For example, even if you don’t work from home, it’s still worth considering a room specifically for work. Because separating your work and home life is the key to successful living.

The Kitchen As The Heart Of The Home

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where family members spend a lot of time cooking and eating, but it’s also where they eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and host parties. A kitchen should be built with functionality in mind. You want something that looks good, but you also want to make sure that it has the right features.

The most popular features these days are quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Quartz is relatively inexpensive compared to granite and marble, while stainless steel appliances will last longer than high-end non-stick ones. Make sure to look past just the finishes too. Consider including under cabinet lighting, a walk-in pantry, or open shelving instead of cupboards. These details will change the look of your kitchen and affect the way you use it. And in the kitchen, it should all be about streamlining functionality.

Social Media Integration

Keeping up with the latest trends in social media is a must for any company. And now, you can integrate your social media profiles into your home design. For example, you can have an in-home projector that streams videos from your Facebook profile or broadcasts messages from your Twitter account. You can even stream live TV with your Twitter account and show what’s happening on the big screen. This will help to update your home decor and give you a space where you can share messages with family and friends.

Home Automation

Many people are getting involved in the “smart home” trend. They want to be able to control their homes from the outside, and they want to be able to see inside of their homes. Home automation makes your life easier and saves you time; with just a simple touch on your phone or computer, you can turn off your lights, close the garage door, or call for help if there is an emergency.

Smart home technology is designed around making our busy modern lives easier. As well as automation systems, consider smart security systems that include live security systems and doorbells you can access while you’re out and about.

Outdoor Life

The outdoors is just another room for you to access, so don’t forget about it when designing your dream home. So many people are looking for homes that support a more outdoor lifestyle. Where they can sit out and entertain.

Don’t hold back, and include your yard in your considerations. Think about how your outdoor area can support your hobbies and the lifestyle you want in the new home. This can consist of a deck, a patio, an outside kitchen, or a fire pit.

Integrated Storage

One of the top ten latest features is integrated storage. If you want to make sure that you have storage in your home, this is the way to go. With this type of storage, the cabinets are part of the wall design and seamlessly blend into it. This storage solution can be integrated into kitchens, bathrooms, or even bedrooms.

The benefit of including storage into your design before breaking ground is that you ensure space for all your belongings. And you can think about how to incorporate solutions that meet and exceed your family’s needs.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a popular feature for many people. With energy efficiency, you don’t have to worry about your heating and cooling systems being too expensive or, even worse, breaking down on you.

If you are worried about your heating and cooling systems, look for windows with a high R-value or consider installing low E-glass windows or window film to improve your home’s insulation. This will help ensure that your house won’t get too cold inside if the weather gets cold outside.

An Upstairs Laundry Room

If you’re fed up with dragging laundry from upstairs to the washer downstairs, then this feature is for you. The benefit of an upstairs laundry room is that you have easy access to it, and it’s less likely to get wet when it’s raining. It also makes one of everyone’s least favorite jobs feel less like a chore.

An upstairs laundry room is an excellent idea if you have the space for it or if you plan on adding on to your home in the future. Especially if you have a big family or children.

Heated Flooring

One of the top ten latest features is heated flooring. With this type of flooring, you have a heating system installed in your home that keeps the floor warm and toasty underfoot. This means you never have to worry about ice or snow on your floors during the cold winter months. In addition, if you have a heated flooring system installed in your home, you’ll be able to take off your shoes whenever you walk into the house, feel the warmth come up from beneath your feet, and know that it will stay warm all day long.

The best part about heated flooring? It’s not just for aesthetics—these systems can reduce energy costs by as much as 20 percent! Heated floors are a great way to keep everyone happy and comfortable during those frigid winter months.

An Expansive Garage

An oversized garage is one of the latest features that homeowners choose when designing their homes. This feature is becoming more popular because people want to be able to store all of their things and have more space in the garage.

When thinking about garages, we usually assume that enough room for the family car is sufficient. But how often do those spaces end up being a dumping ground for all the things families accumulated over the years? That’s why planning in an expansive garage is perfect. You have the extra storage and room for the family car. Ramp up the tech factor and heat the garage for the ultimate stylish feature in your dream home.

With Warm Weather Approaching, Improve Curb Appeal and Outdoor Spaces

As the weather starts to warm up, many homeowners will start to think about ways to improve their curb appeal. Curb appeal is fundamental; it is the first thing that potential buyers see when they drive or walk past your home. In this blog post, we will discuss some simple ways to improve your curb appeal and outdoor spaces. We will also provide some tips on keeping your outdoor areas looking great all year round!

Siding and Trim Painting

One of the simplest ways to improve your curb appeal is to paint your siding and trim. A fresh coat of paint can brighten up your home’s exterior and make it look new again. If you are not happy with your current siding color, consider painting it a different color. Be sure to choose a color that will complement the rest of your home’s exterior.

If you are not comfortable painting yourself, hire a professional painter to do the job for you. It may be a bit expensive, but it will be worth it in the end. A professional painter will do a good job, and they will also ensure that all of the surfaces are adequately covered so that no paint gets on your windows or doors. If you are looking for a more affordable option, consider spray paint designed for exterior use.

Exterior and Roofing Repairs

If your home requires some repairs, now is the time to do them. Exterior and roofing repairs are not cheap, but they are necessary for owning a home. If you leave these repairs until later, they will only get more expensive. If you are not sure where to start, consider hiring a contractor to inspect your home and give you a quote for the work that needs to be done. Once you have the quote, you can decide which repairs you want to make and how much money you will spend. It is important to remember that it is always better to fix things sooner rather than later; if something breaks down completely, it may be too late or too expensive to repair.

Build a Porch or Deck

f your home does not have a porch or deck, now is the time to build one! A patio or deck is a great way to improve your curb appeal, and it can also be a great place to relax in the summer. If you are not sure how to build a porch or deck, hire a contractor to do it for you. Be sure to get multiple quotes before hiring someone; this will ensure that you get the best possible price. Once your porch or deck is built, be sure to add some furniture and decorate it so that it looks inviting. This will make your outdoor space more enjoyable, and it will also make your home look more appealing from the street.

Landscaping

Landscaping is another excellent way to improve your curb appeal. If you have a lawn, be sure to mow it regularly and keep the edges trimmed. You may also want to add some flowers or other plants to your yard. Be sure to choose plants native to your area; this will help them survive the local climate and pests. If you are not sure what kind of plants to choose, ask a nursery worker for help. They will recommend some good options based on your location and the amount of sunlight that your yard receives.

In addition to adding plants, you may also want to consider adding some hardscaping features such as a garden path or a stone wall. These features can add interest to your yard, and they can also be used to create a border around your property. If you are not sure how to add these features, hire a landscape contractor to do it for you. They will be able to help you choose suitable materials, and they will also be able to install them properly so that they look great and last for many years.

Consider Adding Outdoor Lighting

Consider adding some outdoor lighting to your home. Outdoor lighting can be used to brighten up dark areas of your yard, and it can also be used to create a welcoming atmosphere. There are many different types of outdoor lighting available, so be sure to choose the one that best suits your needs. If you are not sure what kind of outdoor lighting to choose, ask a contractor or a store employee for help. They will recommend some good options based on your budget and the amount of light you need.

Replace Your Front Door

If your front door is old or damaged, consider replacing it. A new front door can make a big difference in the appearance of your home. If you are not sure how to return your front door, hire a contractor to do it for you. Be sure to get multiple quotes before hiring someone; this will ensure that you get the best possible price. Once your new front door is installed, be sure to paint or stain it so that it matches the rest of your house.

Replace Your Windows

If your windows are old or damaged, consider replacing them. Replacing your windows can improve the appearance of your home, and it can also increase your energy efficiency. If you are not sure how to return your windows, hire a contractor to do it for you. Be sure to get multiple quotes before hiring someone; this will ensure that you get the best possible price. Once your new windows are installed, be sure to add insulation around them to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

These are just some of the ways you can improve your home's curb appeal. With a little bit of effort, you can make your home look great from the street, and you can also enjoy spending time in your outdoor spaces. Thanks for reading!

Local Trends in Residential Construction

Recent events made some industries temporarily unstable, with residential construction being notable among these. Recent trends have shown that this no longer appears to be the case.

With many areas easing up on restrictions, construction is rebuilding. That’s been seen in multiple areas, with Massachusetts being notable among these.

There are multiple other local trends in residential construction across the region, especially in the likes of Westwood, Dover, Needham, and more.

With this increased work comes the high need for construction professionals across these areas, alongside Dedham, Medfield, and further afield. With that are multiple other trends affecting the industry.

If you’re considering residential construction work, either as a newcomer or returning veteran, you’ll need to know what these trends are. There are more than a few for the coming year to be aware of.

Top Trends in Residential Construction in Westwood, Dover, & Beyond

Increased Focus On Safety

Safety has always been a focus for residential construction in Massachusetts. It’ll become even more prominent in the coming months.

Construction firms have had to adapt to the impact of the pandemic. That’s led to masks and similar safety features being implemented to health and safety codes.

Enhanced equipment and safety protocols should be expected from here on out. Though these could relax somewhat eventually, don’t expect it anytime soon.

You can also expect a few other safety-focused protocols, including:

• Reduced crews on-site.

• Staggered shifts.

• Reduced sharing of tools.

Use Of Remote Technology

Technology is the cause of quite a few local trends in residential construction. That’s been the case for centuries and has been seen in countless ways.

Most recently, it’s led to the rise of remote technology. Though that’s typically seen in productivity-focused apps, among other things, it’s especially seen with drones in construction.

Construction is one of the more common users of this technology, thanks to the large implications it can have. Drones can perform multiple duties much faster than a human counterpart.

Site assessments, for example, could be done in half the time using these. Issues will be identified quickly and easily without putting anyone at risk.

Application Of 3D Printing

Speaking of technology, 3D printing is one of the more notable local trends in construction. It can be seen across Medfield, Dedham, Westwood, and multiple other areas.

It’s being implemented into construction in several ways. Pouring concrete is one of the more notable, as it can be done to a specified design quite quickly.

While much of this has been done on a relatively small scale so far, it aims to grow in the coming years. Expect to see some of this in the coming months.

Though it won’t replace mass production, it could be better utilized in more custom projects.

Work Disruptions

Uncertainty often impacts the construction in various ways. Though that’s typically seen in commercial construction, it can also be seen in residential construction in Massachusetts.

Work disruptions were quite common during the pandemic. While these are going away, they’re still a local trend that many people should be considerate of.

That’s especially true when it comes to financing larger projects. These can be curtailed somewhat.

As for local trends in residential construction, expect to work on smaller projects more regularly. Larger ones will have quite a few disruptions and may have multiple delays.

Modular Construction

Modular construction has been around for quite some time, although its popularity always remained relatively low. That’s been changing over the past few months, with the practice becoming increasingly popular.

Consumers are looking for ways to reduce costs while improving construction efficiency. Construction companies have looked to do the same.

As a result, modular construction should keep gaining traction in the coming years. These can be beneficial both to construction workers and the homeowners themselves for various reasons.

These types of projects are designed to reduce laborer needs alongside reducing overall labor costs. While this wouldn’t become the most popular construction method in Massachusetts, it’ll certainly be well-known.

Supply Chain Diversification

Many supply chains were disrupted during the pandemic. While that had its negatives, there have also been multiple positives.

One of the more notable is that it’s encouraged diversification in the supply chain. Construction companies have been forced to reassess who they do business with.

Previous suppliers may have limited materials and higher prices. That may not change anytime soon. Many construction firms must now look elsewhere.

Formulating best practices and developing detailed processes about onboarding and working with these third parties is also becoming commonplace.

Alongside this have been firms that have moved into new areas. That diversification allows for increased opportunities in the mid to long term.

Living Materials

One of the more interesting trends in residential construction is that of living materials. While these are still in their early phases, they’ve been used in Needham, Medfield, and many other places in Massachusetts before.

These are materials, primarily biological compounds, that grow themselves. Bacteria and fungi are the more obvious examples of this.

Living material has already proven to have several uses. Self-mending concrete might be the most noteworthy. By combining living materials with standard concrete, a more durable and long-term solution is developed.

Should cracks or similar defects appear, the bacteria built into the concrete grows into and repairs them. With how usable such living materials are, they’ll become increasingly prominent in the coming months.

Local Trends in Residential Construction: Wrapping Up

Massachusetts is starting to see a boom in residential construction in quite a few places. That’s particularly noteworthy in:

• Medfield

• Dedham

• Dover

• Westwood

• Needham

Anyone considering working in the industry across these areas will need to know various local trends in residential construction. Though it’s impossible to perfectly predict the future, in-depth knowledge can give people an educated guess.

The above trends have started showing themselves in several ways. They show no signs of going away.

Residential construction in Dedham, Dover, Westwood, and beyond is becoming an increasingly interesting prospect. It looks to remain so, both for industry professionals and their clients.