Month: September 2021

The Newest Tech in Built-in Kitchen Appliances

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

The kitchen is one of the most important places in the house, with cooking being both a necessity and one of life’s true pleasures. With that, technology is invading the kitchen like no other time before now. Appliances are becoming smarter, integrating with smart home technology and taking a lot of burden off your shoulders so you can enjoy cooking more than ever before. These amazing high-tech kitchen appliances have so many built-in features that can transform your kitchen and the way you cook.

With all the great cooking appliances available, it can be difficult to know that one appliance is worth investing in. But if you’re building a new home or redoing your kitchen, adding the latest kitchen tech has never been easier. Here are four new technologically advanced kitchen appliances that every modern kitchen should have.

Smart Ovens

If you’ve ever forgotten something in the oven only to get a shocking reminder in the form of smoke billowing from your kitchen, then you’ll appreciate the latest developments in kitchen ovens. Today’s latest ovens are equipped with touchscreens and connectivity to alert you via your mobile device when the roast is done. One oven, the Bosch Series 8, has built-in Wi-Fi so you can adjust your settings via smartphone. The new Hoover Vision oven has an HD camera so you can actually see what’s cooking inside the oven.

One-Touch Microwaves

A microwave is a common kitchen appliance that most people have. Like the built-in ovens, new technology is being built into the latest microwaves, allowing you to control cook times and other settings from your smartphone. Some microwaves automatically heat the food as needed based on sensors that measure the weight and density and shut off when it’s perfectly cooked.

Smart Refrigerators

The refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in the kitchen because, let’s face it, it’s where the food is. Today’s refrigerators take food storage to a whole new level. Samsung, for example, has a full line of smart fridges called the Family Hub line; the fridges have five screens for photos and calendars, recipes and shopping lists, an entertainment screen, and a screen for your smart home interface.

Smart Cooktops

If you’ve ever worried whether you left the stove on, today’s connected stovetops are built for you. Yes, you can control your electric or gas stovetop with your smartphone. But besides allowing you to control the temperature and cool times, they can automatically request maintenance and show you how to use it.

Modern Kitchen Remodels in Round Rock

At Freccia Group, we’re staying on the cutting edge of today’s kitchens to provide you with the latest technology to make your home amazing. We redesign your old kitchen and convert it into a state-of-the-art showplace that’s both functional and beautiful, incorporating the latest appliances, lighting, and amenities. Get in touch with us to learn more about what your dream kitchen can be and how, together, we can make it happen.

Incorporating Workspaces in Your New or Renovated Home

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Since the pandemic, many businesses around the world have shifted to work-from-home or hybrid models where workers can work both at home and in the office. As this trend becomes more common, many homeowners are incorporating larger workspaces and home offices within their homes.

Home offices—formerly known as studies—are not new. New home buyers are also looking for houses that are larger and more planned so that they can work from home more comfortably without being distracted.

This blog post will discuss why you should incorporate a workspace in your floor plan when building your new home or renovating your old home.

Think About the Space

Now is the time to plan. Think about what you want in your workspace in terms of needs, wants, and desires. Sure, it’d be cool to have a full wall projector screen computer monitor, but is that more important than built-in bookshelves or file cabinets? Think about how you work and what kind of amenities you want within arm’s reach. Certainly, you need desk space with enough room for a chair. A coffee bar would be cool and a small guest bathroom close by would make things more convenient. If you like to work out, make room for a small gym or your Peloton. Now is the time to plan for these extras.

Location, Location, Location

Where you put your workspace is as important as what you put into it. Can you put it close to the kitchen so that you can easily get up and grab a snack during your breaks throughout the day? Having it close to the garage means you’re seconds instead of minutes from jumping into your car to drive to a quick meeting. Should it be overlooking the backyard pool so that you can keep an eye on the kids while they swim during weekends and summer breaks? Having your office near the den or media room may cause a problem when family members are watching a movie or playing video games in the next room. So it’s probably best to locate it far from there.

It’s in Demand

Research shows that most home buyers are now looking for homes that have an in-built workspace too. This isn’t because it’s simply a new trend in housing, but also because most professional adults need them.

If you’re not sure how to go about incorporating a workspace in your home’s floor plan and design, consider hiring the professional designers and builders at Freccia Group. They can show you the latest trends and help you build and situate the best possible workspace within your home.

Hire Experienced Remodeling Contractors in Austin, TX

Our team of interior designers and builders know how to execute on your ideas and help you stay within budget. Trust us for reliable home renovation in Austin, Round Rock, or Cedar Park, TX.

3 Reasons Remodeling Your House Before Selling Is Worth It

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Should you stay or should you go? We understand the hassle of trying to sell your home and of remodeling. When you combine these two decisions, you can double the frustration, but, financially, it could be worth it.

Many real estate investors are in search of old houses that they can buy cheap because they know that they can remodel them and sell them for a better price. But unless they want to sell their home to an investor, most homebuyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready. The more ready your home is, the faster it will typically sell, and at a higher price.

Here are some basic reasons renovating your home to sell makes sense.

home remodeling before being sold

It Gets Rid of Any Repairs Needed

Your home may not be neglected, but you may have let some things go for a while. It’s understandable that your house might need some repairs and even some updating to make the kitchen more open, and to replace the shiny wallpaper with a light-colored paint. If potential buyers identify these issues, they will typically negotiate them off your sales price or request a repair allowance. However, if you take care of them, they are no longer a factor and can help you fetch a higher price and faster closing.

It Makes Your Home Easier to Sell

Remodeled homes tend to attract more potential buyers than homes that aren’t remodeled because they look more attractive to more buyers. Moreover, remodeling your home provides you with a great selling point when it comes to negotiating the price of your home. This takes place when inspectors and appraisers take a look at the property. They will be able to point out that the remodeling has been done and there aren’t any major issues.

Remember that investors are looking for an investment price, while retail homebuyers are looking for a place to live. The former are practical buyers interested only in the price and the potential upside of investing in renovation only to resell it. The latter are more emotional and therefore will value (read: pay more money for) things that the investor wouldn’t. Things like an updated kitchen and appliances, patio covers, and bathroom fixtures are important to families relocating to your area. If you give them what they’re looking for, they’ll pay above market.

It Enhances the Value of Your House

There are many ways that remodeling can enhance the overall value of your house. For instance, you may replace old heating and cooling systems and water heaters with new, more energy-efficient options. Homes with 30-plus-year-old pipes should be re-piped—especially if the plumbing has a history of leaks. These features will help you market your home as a modern house with better value.

The bottom line is that having all the repairs and renovations done makes the process of selling a house easier and more profitable in the long run.

Best Home Renovators in Round Rock

Our home designers and construction professionals are some of the highest rated in Round Rock, TX. They listen to their clients and help them realize their goals and fit them into their budget. If you’re planning on selling your home, contact us soon to talk about home renovations in Round Rock, TX.

Designing a New Kitchen For Form and Function

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Remodeling or building a home can be overwhelming, and one of the more difficult parts is designing your new kitchen. It’s a constant tug-of-war between form and function. Here are a few tips to make sure you balance the two.

How the Sandwich Generation Is Transforming Today’s Floorplans

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Over the past few years, more Americans are taking care of both their children and their elderly relatives, including grandparents and parents. These caregivers who are “caught” in the middle are often referred to as the “sandwich generation.”

Instead of sending the elderly to assisted living facilities, these people have been taking care of their family members at their homes. In order accommodate both the elderly and the kids, the construction of new homes as well as the renovation of existing homes are changing based upon these new family trends.

This blog post will discuss some of the amenities that sandwich homes are incorporating to make everyone more comfortable, from the young to the old and those in between.

home building for sandwich generation

1. Accessibility Is Everything

Most elderly people suffer from some disability or other physical condition like arthritis, osteoporosis, or spinal cord injury that makes it difficult for them to move around the house, so they need extra help and spaces that accommodate that need. This is why houses with better access to common areas via ramps, wider doors, and hallways without sharp corners have become more popular among older families with children.

2. Separate Quarters

When elderly adults move in, they may be fairly mobile, but they may be showing signs of physical and or mental decline. Many families build rooms onto their home that are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other amenities that the elderly need in order to stay independent but still under the watchful eye of family members. These spaces range from a single room with a small guest bathroom to a full-efficiency apartment complete with its own kitchen and master suite-size bathroom. These spaces are perfect for allowing the adults privacy now, but are built to be transitioned when the adults need extra care.

In new homes, for example, these suites are incorporated into the floor plans of many of the available models. Those who are renovating their homes may be converting a room or a garage (where the code allows) into a full living space.

3. Eat-in Kitchens

Today’s families want to stay together at home, especially if there are kids. As a result, most modern kitchens are designed to accommodate the dining area within the kitchen. This not only makes it easier for the caretakers to take care of everyone, but also allows the family to spend some time together every day.

4. Accessible Bathrooms

Many elderly people find it more difficult to get in and out of the bathroom without some level of assistance from bars on the walls next to the toilet and roll-in showers. These bathrooms are built in such a way that they are accessible to both children and the elderly.

Residential Construction in Round Rock

At Freccia Group, we keep abreast of how families are changing and provide design solutions for both home renovation projects and new home construction that accommodate the sandwich generation’s new challenges. If you’re looking for a home remodeling contractor or a new home builder in Austin and Round Rock, give us a call.

Office Space to Ensure More Collaboration Productivity

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Your office space directly impacts your team’s energy and productivity. It’s also a reflection of your brand which can help lure top talent and reinforce your company values. Here’s what you should know before you begin your next build-out…

Different Ways Colors Impact Office Workspaces

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Research shows that the colors around us can influence our mood, energy levels, and mental health. That’s why smart companies spend so much time choosing the right colors for their brand identities. Studies show that humans react emotionally to different colors and each color creates a physiological response within our brains, whether it’s one leaning toward anger, empathy, caring, relaxation, or fun.

Continue reading “Different Ways Colors Impact Office Workspaces”

Best Materials for Kitchen Countertops

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Choosing the best materials for your kitchen countertops can be tough because there have never been more choices that are both attractive and durable. New technology and innovations as well as revivals of almost-ancient techniques are filling the marketplace with new ideas. This blog is going to cover just a few that we hope will both amaze and inspire you for your kitchen remodeling project.

Choosing the Right Countertops for Your Kitchen

When choosing materials for your kitchen countertops, it’s important to consider a number of features such as water resistance, scratch resistance, stain resistance, strength, ease of installation, finish, thickness, color options, and maintenance cost. If cost is no issue for you, then the sky’s the limit. For the rest of us, here are some great options:

Marble

Marble countertops are exquisite, and they come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This surface material is easily cleaned with soap and water or a simple wipe-down. To make sure your marble countertops maintain their appearance for as long as possible, experts recommend you get them inspected for cracks approximately every six months.

Granite

Granite maintains an attractive appearance due to its rich color and smooth surface. Additionally, it is resistant to stains and blemishes because granite has a high mineral content, so it’s a very practical material for kitchens. Granite combines style, because every cut of granite is unique, and function, because it is easily cleaned after spills.

Quartz

Quartz or “engineered quartz” countertops are almost as popular as granite because they’re more affordable and their nonporous surfaces are so easy to take care of. This material resists stains, acid, scratches, heat, and impacts, and unlike natural stone surfaces, you don’t need to seal them. Quartz also comes in a huge variety of patterns and colors.

Concrete

Concrete countertops are gaining in popularity because of their uniqueness and flexibility. Due to their chemical- and stain-resistant properties, you can paint concrete countertops with any color to match your kitchen decor. Plus, they won’t scratch or wear out over time.

Wood

Butcher-block countertops are very popular for bringing the warmth of wood into the kitchen. Homeowners like them for their look and functionality because, when sealed correctly, they’re perfect for food preparation and chopping ingredients. Wood is heat resistant too, and these countertops look amazing when you combine them with stone surfaces.

Resilient Stone

Resilient stone countertops include certain tile materials such as porcelain and clay. They give your kitchen countertops an ornamental and decorative look, and they’re a very affordable option. Resilient stone is inexpensive to cut, pour, and install, so it’s perfect for small and large projects alike because it’s easy to budget for. Additionally, resilient stone countertops tend to be less slippery than countertops made with other materials and they offer more traction than traditional ceramic tiles when wet.

Freccia Group Does Kitchen Remodeling in Round Rock, TX

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and whether you love to cook every day or as a hobby, the kitchen is where everyone wants to be. If you have an older kitchen that’s not as functional as you’d like it to be, call the kitchen remodeling experts at Freccia Group. Our team of highly qualified home remodeling experts can remodel your kitchen using the latest design trends and technology. We’ll even incorporate your personal touches to create a signature look that’s all you.

Contact us today to learn more.

How Encaustic Tiles Are Transforming Today’s Kitchen and Bath Designs

Posted on by Rebekah Severi

Encaustic tiles are gaining popularity in today’s home designs, offering a delicate balance of unique artisan beauty and functionality based on an artform that’s thousands of years old.

“Encaustic” is a word derived from the Ancient Greek phrase “to burn,” which is how tiles were painted and enameled during that time. The process included painting tiles with a beeswax color that was then baked into place. In Medieval times, the process evolved into inlaid tile, which was composed of different colors of clay. The colors were inlaid into a pattern and then kiln-fired so that the design remained intact as it wore down over time.

Inlaid tile was commonly used in monastery and church architecture during the 13th through the 16th centuries. After disappearing for hundreds of years, it made a comeback during the Gothic Revival period.

Today, the term “encaustic tiles” is used somewhat loosely and can refer to anything from tiles made from cement similar to inlaid tiles to ceramic or porcelain tiles, which are less expensive versions made to look like encaustic tiles. While the former is more authentic, the latter two are typically more affordable.

victorian english gothic revival tiles
By Storye book – Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61612962

How Are Encaustic Tiles Made?

The encaustic tiles today take about four weeks to make, depending on their design and thickness. The process is often done by hand by artisans, so the more complex the pattern, the longer it takes to manufacture. The tiles are typically made with cement blended with an alkaline binder, making them an economical alternative to cast ceramic tiles. Encaustic tiles made this way won’t crack or chip when exposed to freezing weather, so they’re great for exterior spaces, like patios, and they’re also very lightweight compared to other alternatives, which makes them suitable for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom floors.

A Great Alternative to Natural Stone

If you’re considering natural stone, encaustic tiles could be a great alternative because they look natural and incorporate unique designs with an artisan’s touch. For an added cost, some manufacturers will customize the tiles themselves, or you can customize the tile’s configurations to create your own unique design.

Are Encaustic Tiles a Better Option?

Encaustic tiles offer several benefits over their alternatives, including durability and unique designs. They’re porous, so it’s difficult — if not impossible — for algae and mildew to grow on them, they’re virtually maintenance free, they’re easy to clean, and they’re versatile.

Thinking of Doing Some Home Improvements? Get Home Remodeling Services in Round Rock, TX

If you’re thinking of redoing your kitchen, bathroom, or patio, contact Freccia Group to discuss your ideas. We’ve worked with homeowners across Central Texas on home improvement projects ranging from kitchen renovations to new home construction. Freccia Group has been providing homeowners in Round Rock with expert remodeling services that have earned us five-star reviews.

We believe that design should reflect how people live, so our home remodeling experts take the time to learn how you live and what you want from your home. Contact us to learn more.