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Today, about 1 in 5 Americans live in Multi-Generational households. By definition, multi-generational households have at least two adult generations living under the same roof. Traditionally, in-law suites were the design solution - in a pinch, mom and/or...
Your best framers may not be part of your construction crew; rather, they just might be found among your sales team. Known as forward framing, they employ the power of suggestion to influence prospective purchasers’ expectations regarding your homes. When...
It’s an oft-repeated tune – a national home builder moves into the marketplace, with eyes on becoming the dominant builder, or fast tracks the process by simply acquiring an established local builder. Thoughts of big-box stores moving in and local...
If you’re building a new home with either a basement, second floor, or both, where do you want the stairs to be situated? Stairs located in the center of the home may minimize hallways upstairs but many times center stairs are an assumption at the design...
Design Basics was recently featured in the Omaha World-Herald's Timeless Living section, showcasing the Strasser Pointe (#42420FB) home plan. This plan was designed for a couple and the wife's parents; the ability to share a home, yet have separate living quarters....
It’s not uncommon for people to fall in love with a certain exterior home design or the decor/colors/etc., but then ask for some pretty extensive changes to the floor plan. Or, they build/purchase the home only to find out the floor plan isn't conducive to...
If your backyard is the gathering spot for the neighbor kids, you’ll appreciate they can go potty without traipsing through the home. And, if that bathroom has a shower, it’s an ideal “pool bath.” Spent the afternoon planting and gardening? That’s a welcome clean-up...
Are your dogs treated as full-fledged family members? For many of the 4 in 10 U.S. households with dogs, the answer is “Yes!” From floor plan layouts to material selections to innovative amenities, pet-centric homes make life better for Spot and his owners. Studies...
Do you love to entertain/grill out, but don't have the space or want a full outdoor kitchen? Then, you might consider adding a Chill-N-Grill™ station to your home design. The Chill-N-Grill is typically placed just inside the door leading to the grilling area and can...
A Pet Center - here's the backstory on this design amenity: Dogs play, get dirty, and aren't inclined to wipe their feet before heading into the house. "There's not a shower on the main floor, so I have to carry the dirty dog all the way upstairs to give her a bath."...
