What Questions Should You Ask a Custom Home Builder Before Hiring Them?

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Choosing the right home builder may be the single most important piece of your whole project. There are plenty of qualified candidates to pick from around Greensboro, but some will be a better fit for your needs than others. Getting the right home building partner for this job comes down to asking the right questions and listening closely to the answers.

 

As a Greensboro custom home builder, Don Mills Builders is the right choice for those who desire the highest level of quality and custom design. These aren’t homes that you will find up and down every block in the city – they are custom creations that cater to the needs and expectations of each individual client.

 

How Many Houses Have You Built?

This is an obvious place to start. Asking a custom home builder to detail their experience will help you understand how much work they have done, what kind of homes they have built, and more. They’ll likely have a portfolio for you to review from some of their previous jobs, so you can see if anything in their past projects align with what you are hoping to create.

 

It should be noted that you don’t necessarily need to give the job to the most experienced builder, but you don’t want to trust your home to a builder that doesn’t have  substantial experience building the type or size of home that you want to build.

 

What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

While you should rightfully expect everything to work perfectly when you move into your new custom home, it’s a reality of home construction that some issues can come up down the line. So, before you even get started with this project, be sure to ask about warranty coverage and how much protection you will have as part of this purchase.  Also you will want to have a discussion about change orders and what constitues a change that requires additional payment.

 

How Does the Process Work?

An experienced custom home builder will be able to walk you through the general process they use to complete a project from start to finish. It’s a good idea to ask about their process so you can understand the general timeline of how things will play out, what important steps need to be checked off along the way, and anything else that might be different from a typical home builder. You don’t want any surprises to come up later on in a project this big, so get as much information as possible at this early stage.

 

Do You Have References Available?

One of the best ways to learn about a home builder is to speak with past clients about their experience. If the builder is able to put you in touch with one or two of their previous customers, you can find out what went well, what could have gone better, and ask any specific questions you may have that only a customer could answer. Between the chat you have with the past client, and the talk you have directly with the builder, you should have a good idea if this particular builder is right for you.

What are the Disadvantages to Building a Custom Home?

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The thought of building a custom dream home is immediately appealing. Who wouldn’t want to design everything about their house from the ground up? Even before you work with an architect or builder, you will have countless ideas in mind for features you’d like to include. But are there any disadvantages to consider in this process? It’s good to think about the big picture before you get started.

 

As one of the leading custom home builders in North Carolina, Don Mills Builders is the best place to start when a high-quality custom home is on the agenda. Contact Don Mills today to get started. 

 

A Lot to Like

The reason that so many people are drawn to building their own custom home is that there are so many benefits to taking this approach. Instead of purchasing a predesigned home in a standard development, taking the custom route leaves everything in your hands. Not only can you help create the design to perfectly suit your tastes, but you can also pick out all the finishes and materials. As long as you work with a quality builder like Don Mills, the result of this project should be something that can be in your family for generations.

 

Looking for A Downside

It’s hard to find anything about the custom home building process that could be classified as a disadvantage. This process will give you great access to your builder and the other professionals involved in the job, so you can have input all along the way. Perhaps the only potential drawback to consider would be if you hire a substandard custom home builder who isn’t up to the task of bringing your vision to life. In that case, this process could turn into an unwanted headache. Of course, since you have already landed at Don Mills, you won’t need to worry about that outcome.

 

Seeing the Big Picture

When potential homebuyers hit the market to consider their options, they are sometimes drawn by the idea of buying an existing house, simply because it is all done, and they can move in right away. That instant gratification is appealing in some cases, but it’s better to think about the big picture here. This may be the biggest purchase you make in your entire life, so there is no need to rush it. If you plan on living in this home for decades, it’s far more important that you get every feature that you want, rather than needing to go back later and make changes.

 

To get back to the title question for this article, there are no notable drawbacks to building a custom home. As long as you work with an experienced, knowledgeable custom builder, you should come out of this process with your dream home. Take your time picking out the right custom home builders for your project, and that starts by reaching out to Don Mills to learn more.

Are Solar Panels a Good Idea in North Carolina?

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As more and more people turn to alternative sources of energy, solar panels have seen a significant boost in popularity. Once a rarity on residential properties, solar panels can now be seen in various neighborhoods across the country. With that said, they obviously need regular sunlight to work well, so are they a good choice in North Carolina? This article will take a closer look at that question.

 

Whether you opt for solar panels or not, Don Mills Builders is the right choice for Summerfield custom homes. With years of experience and a commitment to only the highest quality standards, Don Mills will not disappoint.

 

A Simple Answer

To get right to the point – yes, solar panels are an excellent idea in North Carolina. Both residential and commercial properties across the state are already using solar technology to create power, and you can certainly do the same with your new home. If you have always been interested in making the move to solar but haven’t found the right time or information, don’t wait any longer to learn more.

 

Plenty of Sun

Weather conditions can vary from year to year, of course, but North Carolina tends to come in above average in terms of sunshine hours per year. Where some colder cloudier states may not be as effective for solar power generation, North Carolina is in an excellent position. That same sunshine that makes this such a great place to live throughout the year will also do an outstanding job of producing power when solar panels are installed.

 

Enjoying the Benefits

Those who decide to install solar panels on their home will enjoy plenty of benefits from that investment. The first, and most obvious, is the reduction in energy costs over the long run. If the idea of cutting back on – or eliminating, in some cases – your energy bill is appealing, solar panels should be on your radar. The amount of energy you produce in a given month will depend on the weather conditions, and whether or not you still have to pay a (reduced) bill will depend also on how much energy your home consumes. The cost of installing solar panels is far easier to deal with when you remember that you’ll start saving on energy costs immediately.

 

Beyond the potential savings, the other notable benefit here is doing something good for the environment. This is a clean form of energy, so it is one of the best ways to power houses and other buildings. As you get ready to build a new custom home, keep the possibility of solar panels in mind during the design phase. Your roof orientation can be set to improve the performance of solar panels, so this is something to consider right from the start. Building your own custom home is exciting enough on its own, but it can be made even better if you incorporate a solar panel installation into the design.

What’s the Difference Between a Kitchen and a “Gourmet Kitchen?”

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For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. This is a room that gets used nearly every day, and it is often a gathering point for everyone in the family. If you love to cook, you might not be satisfied with a standard kitchen – you may have your sights set on a “gourmet kitchen”. But what does that mean? This article will highlight some of the features commonly seen in a kitchen that rises to gourmet standards.

 

To work with a builder who has created many of the best custom homes Greensboro has to offer, contact Don Mills today to get started.

 

Start with Space

The experience of cooking is greatly improved when ample space is available to do your work. Trying to prepare complex meals in a cramped kitchen is hard to enjoy. So, one of the first points that you’ll look for when designing a gourmet kitchen is plenty of counter space on which to work. That could come in the form of counters up against the walls of the kitchen, and it will also likely include a kitchen island.

 

In addition to counter space, having plenty of room to move around in the kitchen from place to place is an important element. Do you like to cook with family or friends? Doing so in a spacious kitchen where everyone can flow around without any trouble is a great way to spend your time.

 

Look to the Appliances

With the layout of the kitchen established, the next step toward a gourmet kitchen of your dreams is picking out the perfect appliances. You’ll want to feature high-end, quality appliances in this kind of kitchen, which will elevate not only the performance of the space, but the look, as well.

 

It’s important to remember that you are not restricted to the standard set of appliances that you find in most kitchens. An oven, microwave, and dishwasher are a great starting point, but other components can be added, as well. For instance, many gourmet-style kitchens include a second oven without a range, so making large meals for events like holidays is significantly easier. 

 

The Little Touches

As the design and equipment for your kitchen round into shape, you’ll want to consider the small finishing touches that can really make this a great place to cook. These kinds of touches can come in all shapes and sizes, and they will largely depend on how you like to prepare food. Maybe you want to add an additional sink – perhaps in the island – to have more options. Or, you could add a tap behind the range with a spout specifically for filling large pots easily on the stove.

 

Keep in mind storage at this last phase of the process, as well. It’s possible to incorporate a hanging rack for pots and pans, or some specialized cabinet spaces for various kitchen tools and small appliances. By working with a builder who specializes in custom homes in Greensboro, it’s possible to bring even the grandest kitchen vision to life.

What Are the Steps to Building a Custom Home?

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Once you have decided to move, you’ll have a couple of options to consider. For one, you could buy an existing home, hoping to find something that fits the needs and tastes of your family. Or you could build a new custom home from scratch, picking out everything from the lot it stands on down to the smallest pieces of trim. If you go the custom route, you are in for a memorable experience that should leave you with a home that serves your family well for many years and possibly even generations.

 

For custom homes in Oak Ridge, be sure to keep Don Mills Builders at the top of your list. With experience serving many clients in the area and a commitment to craftsmanship, these homes stand out from the crowd.

 

Big Picture Plans

Start your process by thinking about the big picture items that you need to sort out before any of the specific details can start to fall into place. Some of those key pieces include –

 

  • How much are you going to spend? Your available budget for the project is going to have a huge impact on how your build comes together. Having clarity on how much you’ll spend right from the start is going to make it easier to make quality decisions later on.
  • Where do you want to live? You’ll obviously need to secure a lot for your new custom home, and buying a lot starts with having a general area in mind of where you want to reside.
  • What’s the timeline for your project? For some people, their new custom home needs to be as done as soon as possible. For others, however, time isn’t as important as getting exactly what they want in the end.

 

You can get clarity on these points before you even go out into the ‘real world’ to start this project. Spend the time you need to make decisions on these three points and everything else will start to fall into place.

 

Talking to Builders

Having some conversations with experienced custom home builders is a step that should happen early in the process. Even if you don’t yet have a lot, you might want to start talking to builders about what you plan to create and where you’d like to live. The builder might will likely have some suggestions regarding where you should look for land, since they will be so familiar with the residential land market in the area and will likely have some lots in very desirable locations.

 

Design and Build

With the groundwork all laid, and a lot and builder picked out, it will be time for the truly exciting part – designing your new home. Once the design is completed and you are happy with all of the small details, the process of moving some earth and creating the home can begin in earnest. There will be plenty of steps through this part of the process as well, including permitting and bringing in various contractors for the different stages of the build. It takes some patience to see a custom home come to life, but the wait will be well worth it in the end.

Reasons Why People Are Moving to the Greensboro, NC Area

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The Greensboro, NC area is one of the many growing cities in North Carolina. People are moving to the area for a variety of reasons. Greensboro custom homes are going up in new housing developments all around the city, including Summerfield and Oak Ridge and other surrounding suburbs to accommodate the uptick in population. 

 

Why are so many people moving to Greensboro? Here are the top reasons. 

 

Job Opportunities

Cities offer more job opportunities than small towns and rural areas. Whether people are looking for places to develop their careers or even just hourly positions, there are almost always jobs to be had in a growing city like Greensboro. 

 

The colleges and universities in the area provide jobs, as well as other major employers like the hospital, and the public school system. Other industries in the area include technology, food processing, restaurants, distribution and vehicle manufacturing. 

 

Medical Facilities

Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital is located in Greensboro as well as Cone Health, a related healthcare system that serves the city and surrounding area. Quality healthcare is a major pull to any area, and Greensboro is no different. People of varying degrees of health, but especially families and older adults value proximity to hospitals and other medical facilities.  

 

Higher Education

Opportunities for higher education often drive some to relocate to specific areas that have a variety of colleges and universities available. Guilford College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina A&T, Greensboro College, and nearby High Point University and Elon College are all in the area, providing both educational and career opportunities. 

 

Arts and Culture

The Greensboro Culture Center is located downtown in the arts district and is the hub of the area’s arts and culture. Art galleries, performing arts venues, studios, theaters, and more can be found in Greensboro’s city center and around the area. 

 

Restaurants and breweries are abundant in Greensboro, providing a wide range of local cuisine from a variety of cultures around the world. As more people move to the area, the food and arts become even more eclectic. 

 

Wide Variety of K-12 Schools

Guilford County Public Schools is one of the largest public school districts in the state with many top notch schools within the system. There are also many private and charter schools in Greensboro and the surrounding area for those that wish to explore educational opportunities beyond what the public schools offer. 

 

Space to Expand

Not everyone wants to live within the city limits with all the hustle and bustle. A smaller city like Greensboro offers plenty of suburban and rural areas around the city to expand. For families who want peaceful homes with big yards for the kids to run and play, Greensboro’s suburbs are ideal. 

 

Greensboro Custom Homes by Don Mills Builders

If you’re looking for an area with the benefits of the city and the comforts of the country, Greensboro is ideal. Greensboro custom homes are currently being built in housing developments offering large lots in natural settings just outside the city, such as in Summerfield and Oak Ridge.  If you want a short commute to work and a home with a country feel, Don Mills Builders can build you the custom home of your dreams. 

 

Call (336) 362-1777 or request a quote today. 

Must Haves for your New Custom Built Home

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Are you planning a custom home? Whether you’re just thinking about it or you’re already in the design phase, you may be wondering what you should include. If you want the latest features and state of the art technology in your home, here are some of the most requested items that custom home builders in Greensboro, NC are getting from homebuyers. 

 

Mud Room 

A mud room has always been an important feature in a home, but the pandemic has made it even more necessary. When everyone comes in from outside, it helps to have a place to take off shoes and coats and hang up bags before entering the living area of the home. Having a sink in the mudroom is especially helpful so that everyone can wash their hands. This way all of the outside dirt and germs get left at the door and the rest of the home is cleaner and healthier. 

 

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where everyone gathers for meals every day. And if everyone is working and learning at home, the kitchen is busier than ever. Here are some features to make your kitchen more functional. 

 

  • Under cabinet lighting. It helps to be able to see what you’re doing on your counters, whether it’s preparing food or drinks. LED lights under your cabinets can illuminate your workspace and make food prep more convenient. 
  • Plenty of outlets. You’ll need an outlet for every electrical appliance you use in your kitchen, so there’s no such thing as too many. Toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, food processors, waffle irons, griddles, sandwich presses, and more can make it easier to prepare a variety of foods at home. 
  • Pot filler. When you need to boil water, filling a large pot with water at the sink and carrying it to your stovetop can be easier said than done. A pot filler is a water source right next to your stove for filling pots while they are sitting on the burner. 
  • Island with seating. Kitchen islands are not going away. In fact, they are just getting bigger. Many families find it convenient to have seating directly in the kitchen, and a large island can feature a counter with stools.

 

In the Bathroom

Bathroom features and decor are becoming sleeker and more modern. If you want a luxury master bathroom, a spacious guest bathroom, and functional bathrooms for the kids, here are the features you’ll want to include. 

 

  • Freestanding master bathtub. Built-in tubs are a thing of the past. Your modern master bathroom should have a freestanding soaking tub to relax in after a long day. 
  • Luxury master shower. Include space for a large walk-in shower with multiple shower heads in your master bath. You can even opt for a ceiling mount rain shower head to be fully enveloped in warm water. 
  • Jack and Jill bathroom. For the kids, a jack and jill bathroom provides easier access from the bedrooms and reduces the number of doorways leading out into the hall. Incorporate a separate vanity and sink space from the bath and shower for easier sharing of bathroom time. 
  • Plenty of storage. Storage in the bathroom is an absolute necessity for towels, personal toiletry items, laundry, cleaning supplies, and more. Make storage understated to blend in with the style of the bathroom and to reduce the bulky cabinet look. 
  • Separate water closet. Having a separate closed off area for the toilet offers wonderful privacy in all bathrooms, including the master. 

 

Outside:

Outdoor spaces are receiving more focus than ever in custom home designs. Builders in Greensboro, NC are helping homeowners enjoy the beautiful southern weather with custom designed patios and landscaping. 

 

  • Covered patio. Elaborate stone and concrete patios and becoming more popular than wood decks because they last longer and require much less maintenance. Covered patio space is invaluable for shade and to protect patio furniture from rain and sun damage. 
  • Outdoor fireplace. Include a large stone fireplace in your patio design with built in seating around it. This is a step up from the standard fire pit design. 
  • Entertaining space. Take entertaining into account and place seating in different areas for strategic gathering spaces. Have stone pathways leading guests from one place to another so that there’s a natural flow of movement. 
  • Plants and trees can be planted accordingly to provide privacy and to create the right type of mood. Choose bushes and plants that are native to the area that will thrive without too much maintenance. 
  • Pool and/or hot tub. These days people are staying more private and including pools and hot tubs in their backyards rather than using community pools. 

 

Technology

To have a truly modern home, you need the latest technological features built in, such as: 

 

  • Smart features. Smart homes are becoming the norm as homeowners are looking for convenience and every savings. Your home’s systems can all be networked and controlled by a panel or device, including heating and cooling, lighting, water, door locks, and more. 
  • Energy efficient appliances. If you want to save energy and money, purchase high efficiency appliances for your home from your HVAC system to kitchen appliances. 
  • Built-in sound system. Have a speaker system built into your home that can play music, sound from the TV, and more in each room or throughout your home, even outside. 

 

Don Mills Builders in Greensboro, NC Wants You to Have it All

If you’re interested in building a custom home that will have every detail you want, Don Mills builders in Greensboro, NC designs truly customized luxury homes. A Don Mills original is not a spec home. Your home will be truly unique, designed to meet the needs of your family and include all of the latest features. Don Mills listens to your wants and needs and creates your home to have it all. 

Call (336) 362-1777 today or request a consultation.

The History of Summerfield, NC

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Are you thinking of buying or building a home in Summerfield, North Carolina? A suburb of Greensboro, Summerfield is quickly becoming a well-developed area while still maintaining a small town feel. 

 

Summerfield homebuilders, such as Don Mills Builders are constructing custom homes in the most highly desired neighborhoods in the area. If you’re interested in a truly unique custom home in a great location, check out what this town has to offer.

 

The Foundation of Summerfield

Dating back to 1769, Summerfield began as a 640 acre plot of land purchased by Charles Bruce. This original homestead grew and the community expanded around this location that is now the heart of the historic district of Summerfield. 

 

The area mostly consisted of individually owned farms and homesteads, with corn, tobacco, and cattle being the biggest products. The crops from these farms supplied the cities of Greensboro and Winston Salem throughout the 1800s. 

 

Summerfield’s Part in the American Revolution 

Charles Bruce’s home was the meeting location of a group of patriots known as the “Friends of Liberty” that supported the revolution. Bruce fought against the local Tories and British troops, acting as a recruiting officer to bring in as many people as possible to fight for the cause. 

 

The story of the Bugler Boy is an important part of Summerfield’s Revolutionary War history. James Gillies played the bugle for “Light Horse” Harry Lee, an American General, but was killed in a skirmish by  Banastre Tarleton’s dragoons. and is buried in the Bruce family cemetery. The grave is located across the street from Summerfield Elementary and is the namesake for the school newspaper, The Bugler. 

 

How Summerfield Got its Name

You may wonder why Summerfield is not named after its founder, Charles Bruce. In fact it was called Bruce’s Crossroads until 1812 when a traveling preacher named John Summerfield came to town and held a revival. He decided to settle down in the area and the townspeople decided to rename the town on his behalf. 

 

The Evolution of Summerfield 

In the 1870s Summerfield began to evolve into a business hub as stores were built at the crossroads of highway 150 and highway 220. The railroad also came through the area about this time, increasing the amount of travel and commerce in Summerfield. The tracks have since been removed, but you can still see the evidence of the railroad from the Toscana and Lake Brandt greenways. 

 

In 1996 Summerfield was officially incorporated as a town and it continues to grow and develop through the various housing communities and new businesses that are going up in the area. 

 

Become a Part of Summerfield’s Future with Don Mills Builders 

If you think Summerfield sounds like the right place to build a home, Don Mills Builders can offer you a wide range of ready-to-build homesites in the many up and coming neighborhoods. As one of the premier Summerfield homebuilders, Don Mills can create the home of your dreams in a convenient location with small town charm. 

 

Call (336) 362-1777 or request a quote today on an original Don Mills custom home. 

Home Decor Trends for 2021

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Are you planning to build a custom home in 2021? As with any new year, there are new home decor trends that are must haves for your home. Create a home that’s on the cutting edge of the 2021 decor scene for custom homes in Summerfield. 

 

Major themes in home decor for 2021 include luxury and comfort. After spending so much time at home in 2020, homeowners are realizing the importance of modern conveniences and personalized spaces. Try including some of these design trends in your new home. 

 

Living Greenery and Indoor Herbs

Spending so much time indoors helped us realize we need fresh air more than ever. Expect to see a lot of indoor plants in 2021. Greenery helps to make indoor spaces seem bright and fresh. Indoor herb gardens are another way to bring in the freshness of the outdoors, and since we’re all cooking at home a bit more, make good use of the variety of flavors. 

 

Bidets

Let’s be honest, the toilet paper shortage made everyone a bit uncomfortable last year. As a result, people are requesting bidets more than ever in custom home bathrooms. You may start to see these as a common household fixture in 2021 and into the future. 

 

Smart Lighting Concepts

Working and learning from home made many families reconsider their home lighting concepts. Replacing bulbs with brighter, more efficient LEDs is a start. But smart lighting can be controlled through a remote, a handheld device like your phone, or even voice controlled.  

 

Durable, Bold Fabrics

Another realization we made in 2020 is that when spending more time at home, we need durable fabrics that will hold up to the rigors of daily life. Bold colors and patterns are also more resilient to the wear and tear of kids and pets. Homes in 2021 will be life proof. 

 

Patterned Floors

Bolder patterns on floors are coming back, especially in bathrooms. You can expect to see diamond patterns in tile from black and white to a variety of colors. Patterns are even being painted onto wood floors to give them a bold, 3 dimensional look.  

 

Dark Earth Tones

It may seem counterintuitive to decorate our homes with dark colors when we’re cooped up inside, but deep earth tones are very soothing and rich, making indoor spaces feel more comfortable and inviting. Bright colors are not as easy on the eyes when you’re looking at them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t be afraid to use a darker color palate. 

 

Transitional Rooms

This may be the biggest trend for 2021. We had to transform the rooms in our homes to incorporate all of the things we suddenly needed to do at home. Bedrooms double as offices, dining rooms became classrooms, kitchens became science labs, and living rooms became home gyms. In the future, home design will involve reinventing spaces so that they are multi-functional. 

 

Don Mills Builders Keeps Up With the Latest Design Trends

If you’re looking into custom homes in Summerfield, Don Mills Builders is watching home decor trends to ensure we can offer you the most popular new ideas. 

Call (336) 362-1777 or request a consultation.

Things to Include in Your Custom Home to Make Life Easier

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The dream of building a custom home is so appealing because you get to add exactly the right features to make sure the house serves your family and friends for years to come. Unlike a mass-produced design, a custom home is tailored to your desires. So, what kinds of features should you consider? This point will highlight some intriguing ideas for your upcoming project.

 

Among the many homebuilders in NC, Don Mills stands out as a great choice for buyers seeking a custom, upscale experience. Contact Don Mills Builders today to learn more about making your dream home a reality.

 

Consider a Home Gym

If you are building a home from scratch and can include all of the design elements you desire, think about going with a home gym as one of your key elements. How does this make your life easier? It’s simple – instead of getting into your car to head to a local gym every time you want some exercise, you can just walk to your workout room and get started.

 

This is an added convenience that can save you time and also make it more likely that you’ll keep up with an exercise routine. By thinking about this feature from the start, you can design the home gym intentionally, rather than trying to turn another room into a gym at a later date. Features like tougher flooring and soundproofed walls will make your gym a great place to spend time.

 

Smart Home Features

The popularity of smart home technology has been exploding in recent years, and building a custom home is the perfect time to integrate many of these technologies into a central system. Your HVAC system is a great place to start, as it’s relatively simple to set up smart technology to control heating and cooling.

 

Another helpful smart home feature is smart locks for all of your doors. Instead of always having to keep a key on hand and having to make sure everyone you want to give access to the home has a key, you can control your doors remotely with smart locks.

 

Open-Concept Living Space

The trend of designing homes with large open spaces is not going anywhere anytime soon, and for good reason. By opening up the floor plan and limiting the number of walls in the living area of the home, it will be easier to move around even when a large group has gathered.

 

Many people like an open design because of how it feels, and that’s a great part of the appeal, but it’s also nice to have flexibility in how you design your space with furniture. When more walls are used to divide up the space, you only have one or two options in a room for how the furniture can be laid out. By opening everything up, the sky is the limit, and you might find that your home will evolve over time based on the changing needs of your family.