Think Storage

by Michele Weaver | Dec 26, 2019 | HER Home

Storage. It’s a much-needed element in any home. And, we rarely hear homeowners say they have too much storage. But, that square footage costs money, and now averages upwards of $150 per square foot. Let’s say you have a 6’ x 10’ closet space; that’s 60 square feet, or approximately $9,000. That means storage space is expensive. One way to mitigate the expense is to include a well-designed storage system. They not only maximize space; they help you organize your stuff—and your life!

Areas where you can maximize storage space without adding square footage include extra shelving over your washer and dryer, under the stairs, or in the garage – again, storage systems are an excellent way to organize and contain items; also, think suspended shelves or shelves above your garage door tracks.

Specialized Storage. Do you dream of a huge kitchen pantry? How about a cedar closet for your households’ off-season clothes? Where will you stash the 36-roll package of toilet paper? Do you have room for the grand-kids’ toys and games? Is a wine room in your future? Wouldn’t it be great to have a handy place for your Christmas tree?

Over the years we’ve often heard homeowners requesting specialized spaces to accommodate their own unique needs. Gathering up all the ideas, we created what we call a Signature Space® – a small flex space/room measuring 6’ x 8’ that can be used however the homeowner wishes. The Serena (#42282) plan’s Signature Space could be used as a craft room, toys/games room, or customized storage.

Our Livability at a Glance™ color-coded floor plans help home buyers focus in on the elements they desire most in a home: Storing, Flexible Living, De-Stressing, and Entertaining. As in the Tillamook (#43038) plan, the different areas of the home are identified by color (Storing is orange) so you can visualize where storage is located/could be located. Using our Livability Search Tool, you choose which area(s) of the home are most important to you and those plans identified as being strong in this area(s) will filter into your plan search. Which of these four areas are most important to you? Take our Livability at a Glance Quiz to find out!

For more resources on thoughtful design:

Cover photo: Note the electrical outlet in the pantry; handy for charging small appliances. Photo by Renee D. Calvin Photography.

Thoughtful Outdoor Lighting & Electrical

by Michele Weaver | Dec 5, 2019 | HER Home

Are you plugged in? Whether it’s outdoor entertaining, yard work, or a project you do in the driveway, it seems there’s never an exterior electrical box where you need to plug things in. So, when that sunroom is being added or your dream home is being built, adding a couple more electrical boxes when the electrician is already at your home is a minimal expense you’ll often be glad you opted for.

And, with the holidays approaching, few things warm the heart as much as attractive holiday light displays. But stringing extension cords all over can be daunting – and hazardous. Adding electric outlets in the eaves under the roof overhangs as well as an outlet strategically located in the yard makes holiday lighting a pleasure. Be sure to have the electrician wire a switch inside the home to turn those lights on and off.

For more resources on thoughtful design:

Cover Image: Peony Grove – #42285

A Better Way for Outdoor Storage

by Michele Weaver | Sep 6, 2019 | HER Home

In cold weather markets, where does the patio furniture go when the snow flies? Usually, the garage. But some new homes are built without a garage, and some garages just don’t have the room necessary to accommodate your patio items. Other folks use a shed, but such outbuildings are prohibited by many neighborhood covenants.

An emerging new home amenity is storage accessed directly from the outside. So whether it’s patio furniture, sports equipment, bikes and big wheels or lawn and garden tools, thinking through such seasonal storage needs is essential.

These two plans offer a convenient storage space tucked behind the garage with access to the garage and the back yard. Let us help you customize a plan to include outdoor storage where you need it.