This open concept kitchen designed by Wilmington architect Michael Moorefield  http://www.michaelmoorefield.com/ has a circular bistro counter for eating or socializing.  Chairs can face the cook or the amazing water view.

Planning for changes in home technology can be equally difficult to anticipate in designing our spaces for longevity. In the 1980’s, installing phone outlets in every room was considered wise. In the 1990’s, extra electrical outlets were added under cabinets and along countertops to accommodate an explosion of plug-in electronics and appliances. In the 2000’s things started moving so fast that electronics were again concentrated in family areas and media rooms, with bedrooms receiving less focus. Currently, wireless and portable rule the waves for electronics and our devices of 10 years ago are already collector junk.

The current interest in remote viewing and management of lighting, temperature, and security in homes still involves wiring for devices themselves, with control available via the internet using a computer or smart phone. We have also become accustomed to expecting that our systems will need to be upgraded in just a few years time. Home builders have to keep up with evolving technologies, and there are many subcontractors providing quality design and installation services. As with any service vendor, it is important to research the qualifications of firms you are considering to perform work in your home. This is especially true if your project is small and you work with vendors directly, without the benefit of a general contractor’s scrutiny of the service providers.

Home technology can provide security and enjoyment to enhance our lifestyle. When outfitting your own aircraft carrier, it is helpful to rely on design professionals who can help evaluate the performance and cost of any devices under consideration. A professional is especially helpful if you are trying to integrate new with existing devices. If the trends of the past hold true, a life span of only a few years for electronic technologies may be a measure of reasonable service.

Do you enjoy going out to a restaurant to eat most of your meals so that your new restaurant grade appliances will just gather dust, or will you be inspired to become a gourmet yourself? Should part of your budget include high-end cookware? Do you want to display or conceal kitchen items?

Do you delight in being among the first people to see a new movie at the cinema, or would that home theater you have dreamed of provide lasting joy? Do you prefer to relax with your tunes by yourself in a private space, or do you want to hear it from everywhere in the house while you do the cleaning?

Would that home office be the answer to simplifying your life or would you just feel isolated in there? For privacy, consider locating the office away from public areas of the house. For more connection, get close to the kitchen or family room.

Thinking along the lines of what our homes can add to our lifestyle and what is of little importance can be very liberating. Spending our money at home on whatever we will also devote most of our time to is probably money well spent, whether it is cutting edge innovation or old fashion relaxation.

In planning a project, it is possible that husbands and wives will have different ideas concerning almost any aspect of the scope, budget, and selections. If either of you are apprehensive about tackling a building project and keeping peace between you, there are strategies that will serve you well, and even make the process fun. Yes, fun, really.

First, set aside some time together to identify up front the topics on which you are likely to disagree based on past experience. Caution: Do not break out paper and pencil and list all this stuff—this is a liberating communication, not an exercise to commit potential conflicts to writing. The discussion at this point is of broad categories that affect choices or budgets. You are not trying to resolve differences or make a point of whose opinion is better. Once you have broached these subjects in a casual, lighthearted way, you will be better able to discuss your viewpoints during the project without feeling as stressed by your spouse having another perspective on some aspect of your plan.

During discussion of any topic, there will be some points that you both probably already agree on. It is useful to acknowledge and build on these opinions you hold in common before proceeding to the portions still to be ironed out. For instance, if you have differing opinions on color choices, a helpful way to establish common likes in color and texture for materials to be used is to pay a visit to your closet. What colors do you have in common in your clothing? What textures? Are there one or two neutral shades that dominate and can be used where appropriate inside and on the exterior? What color accents are present?

If your efforts to commit to choices, or even narrow down the range of what to include in your project is getting nowhere, help from design professionals is in order. Spouses absolutely need to avoid a winners and losers dynamic. Designers are good listeners and will be able to help sort through what is most important to each person, and offer alternatives you may not have considered that pull in elements from both of your perspectives.

Lastly, recognize that a building project is not part of your regular routine, so you will have to set aside some time periodically for discussions and decisions to keep your project moving toward conclusion. Whether you make all decisions together or split various aspects between you, it will require attention that you presently devote to something else. Again, knowing up front that extra time will be required will help to keep your energies up, and your interactions more harmonious. Plan, execute, and enjoy!

Did confirming that the service provider has insurance (general liability and worker’s compensation) consist of you asking if they are insured and them saying “yes”? That is only step one. The next question is, “Can you have your agent mail (or fax or email) me a certificate of insurance for general liability and worker’s compensation?” Unless the proof of coverage comes directly from a bona-fide agent, there may be no actual coverage, or it may not be current.

Sometimes the service provider will hand you a photocopy of the cover page of their policy. This is also not proof of coverage. The policy may have lapsed. Plus, unless you know a lot about policies, you may not really understand what the document they show you is for and what it covers.

It may seem like a bargain to hire a friend or neighbor to make repairs around the house, but if they are not insured and make a mistake causing damage, or get injured, the bargain can turn into big trouble. Many homeowners assume they have personal liability coverage under their homeowner’s policy if someone comes on their property and is injured. For guests at your home, yes you have liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy, for hired persons, no benefit! This includes your neighbor’s child who mows the lawn.

A handyman or sole proprietor may tell you he cannot purchase worker’s compensation coverage, or is not required to, because his company consists of only himself and perhaps a helper. That doesn’t change the fact that he has no coverage for injuries that may incur while in your employ, and neither do you!

 Last word–A company with proper insurance does have to charge more because they have legitimate higher costs of doing business. Assuming the risk yourself by hiring uninsured services is a scary bargain.

People who call Wilmington home, either as a primary residence or as a vacation retreat, know how blessed we are to have such a beautiful climate and be able to participate in outdoor activities year round.  When architects and clients design here, they will be incorporating outdoor living in the plan.  Decks, porches, and patios for eating and relaxing are automatic. 

The transition between indoor space and outdoor areas can be designed to have the affect of extending the living space.   Windows and doors let in light and frame views of the landscape or scenery beyond.  One of the primary purposes of remodeling is to open up views.  Perhaps what could be wonderful sight lines to the exterior are obscured by small windows, or a feature such as a fireplace right in the middle of the view.  Maybe better access to decks or porches could be accomplished by relocating a door or adding one.  An outdoor cooking or eating area may need improved access from the kitchen. 

The mix of sun and shade is a critical consideration in planning the location and design of outdoor spaces.  What direction does the planned feature face and how does the sun travel over that spot in different seasons?  What affect will a roof over that spot have on the light entering the adjacent interior?  Is the wind a factor in enclosing the space or leaving it open?  What materials are suitable for the expected elements and how long might they last? 

If your home is missing an outdoor structure that would enhance your lifestyle, or it is time for an update, The Farlow Group can help. 

ream it.  Build it.  Live it.

The workshop was conducted by Mathis Consulting Company, whose presentation was both enlightening, and inspiring. Jim’s favorite part was a discussion concerning costs and benefits of retrofitting existing buildings to improve energy efficiency, and the corresponding affect in reducing, or even eliminating, the current ever expanding need for increased energy production. An example was given of how the cost of constructing a single nuclear power plant could be applied to update enough structures to make the plant unnecessary, while substantially increasing the safety and comfort of existing buildings, and employing many more people across a wide geographic area in the process.

In addition to addressing how rooms are configured and what materials to include, design changes can necessitate updates to heating and cooling equipment or other systems.  Remodeling costs may be somewhat offset by potential energy savings over time with newer appliances or equipment, and by installing water saving appliances and fixtures.  Remember to count the value to your lifestyle in savings of time and convenience with better functioning designs and features! 

The vast number of choices in materials and fixtures at every price point mean that you will certainly find options that suit your budget and tastes with a little research, and help from your contractor and design professionals.   If this will be your first experience with remodeling, be sure to read our blog post “Remodeling Basics” for pointers on how to plan and execute a project.  Then, contact us, to get started on this new adventure of living in your home sweet home!