New Trends in Master Bathroom Design

An In-Home Oasis

A bathroom is more than just a place where you shower and “do your business.” Many busy adults consider their bathroom a place to escape rather than just for more traditional purposes. A well-designed bathroom can make you more relaxed and allow you to take some time for yourself. Here are some of the new trends in master bathroom design that can help you brainstorm just what this special place could be:

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How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger During Your Remodel

Think Big

Just because your home’s bathroom is small doesn’t mean that it has to look small. With a few upgrades or alterations, you can create the illusion of a larger space, all without tearing down any walls. Check out these upgrades for your next remodeling project that can transform your small bath into a spacious, in-home escape.

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Home Renovation Projects That Give You the Best ROI

Whether you’re a homeowner or real estate investor, it makes sense to understand which home renovation projects will give you the best financial return on investment. After all, every home remodeling project comes with an opportunity cost.

Spending $20,000 on turning your bathroom into a spa-like space means you’re not using that $20,000 elsewhere. If you’re working within a tight budget, you have to be more discerning to get the best value for the money you’re spending. Let’s take a look at the top projects that offer the highest average returns.

1. Minor Bathroom Remodel

Unless your bathroom is completely out of order, a minor makeover can do wonders to boost home value. Consider adding modern, minimal features that take up less space and make the bathroom look more spacious. Upgrades usually entail replacing the vanity, installing new fixtures, adding a window, adding new tiles, or even replacing the shower curtain with a glass door.

2. Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel

Just like the bathroom, you don’t have to go all out in the kitchen to see a bump in resale value. A mid-range kitchen remodel will cost you about $20,000 on average and usually entails swapping out countertops, replacing cabinets, and adding new hardware and fixtures.

3. Improve Curb Appeal

Believe it or not, curb appeal does play a huge role in how people view your home. First appearances do matter, and a little sprucing up is the key to attracting buyers. Smaller changes include a fresh coat of paint and minor landscaping. If you have the budget, consider adding HardiPlank® siding, new windows in the front, or replacing the garage door.

4. Door and Window Replacement

New doors and windows don’t just add to the aesthetic value of your home; they can also help improve energy efficiency. Most young homebuyers want energy-efficient home upgrades that can offer returns for years to come. NFRC-rated doors and windows are an excellent way to reduce cooling and heating costs without making any major changes in the home’s structure.

Looking for an expert residential remodeling contractor in Round Rock, Texas? Reach out to the real estate investment and development professionals at Freccia Group for comprehensive construction and home renovation services.

Whether it’s a bathroom upgrade, kitchen makeover, or a fresh coat of paint, our home remodeling experts can guide you toward home improvements that offer the best return on investment.

Call (512) 982-9553 to discuss your vision and browse our top projects in the area.

4 Kitchen Backsplash Trends in 2021

Kitchen backsplash tiles have been gaining major traction this year. More than ever, homeowners are using unique backsplash finishes to infuse some personality and warmth into their kitchen’s décor.

If you’re planning on a major kitchen remodeling project, consider these backsplash tile ideas that act as a great focal point for your kitchen.

1. Geometrics

Geometric backsplash tiles can instantly add character to your kitchen. Additionally, hexagons and herringbone patterns offer a break from the rectangular elements like cabinets in the kitchen. White on white is a classic combination; if you want something more on-trend, consider pastel colors like pink or a subtle marble finish for more character.

2. Soapstone and Chalkboard

Want more contrast in the kitchen? Consider adding soapstone backsplash or grey chalkboard tile for a moody vibe. The texture helps add some dimension to an otherwise basic shape. Pair with white oak cabinetry and countertops to help the backsplash stand out in dark contrast. Finish off with some dramatic lights and hanging plant vines for a homier touch.

3. Marble and Quartzite

Continuous slabs of quartzite and marble are also on trend lately. This serves to create a cohesive feeling in the kitchen while still leaving room for some personalization. For instance, this marble with grey veining offers a more muted finish that pairs perfectly with maple wood cabinetry and stunning matte grey steel hardware goes nicely with the transitional home aesthetic.

4. Exposed Brick

A backsplash zone with exposed brick is the ultimate in rugged interior design. You can choose earthy tones or whitewash the brick for a brighter finish. Either way, you can achieve a super-chic finish by adding black metal hardware and aged wood cabinetry to the mix. If your home is your castle, then this approach makes your statement loud and clear.

Looking for a reliable residential remodeling contractor in Round Rock, Texas? Reach out to the home construction and development experts at Freccia Group for all your building and renovation projects. Our team of in-house experts specializes in all types of residential construction and remodeling projects, including kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and other home renovation services.

Call (512) 982-9553 to discuss your vision or browse our top projects in the area.

Planning for Home Repairs and Renovations

When your home is damaged, the sales price might be decreased if you put it on the market. There are, of course, exceptions, such as for homes in an older or in-demand neighborhood where the land is worth more than the structure. Home builders are going to demolish the existing home to build a new one, so the condition of the structure doesn’t matter.

However, if your home is still worth more than the land, and you have structural damage like foundation issues, the market value of your property can take a nosedive. That’s why keeping up with your home over time is important. But if you have to sell your home, as in the case of a family property that’s owned by an elderly relative, home renovations and repairs can increase that home’s value.

Why Renovate Your Home?

Be clear about why you’re taking on this project. Much of that depends on whether you’re going to live in the home for the next five years or more. If you are, you can take on larger projects without worrying about whether you’ll get your investment back when you sell. Making your home more enjoyable is a great reason to renovate.

However, if you’re going to sell soon, there are projects that will return more on the investment than others and make your home more marketable. Taking care of routine repairs like holes in walls, broken doors, and peeling paint both inside and out will attract many more buyers willing to offer top-dollar bids, and that’s the end goal. Some improvement projects will return high on your investment, paying off when you sell, while others, like a new patio or swimming pool, won’t.

In the Austin area, real estate prices in some places have risen 40% since 2020, and renovations can be deceptive; but the rule still applies. Properties are being snapped up at above asking price with very few concessions from sellers. Don’t spend the money on anything you don’t have to, since, in some cases, the new homeowner is going to renovate the home anyway.

Costing Is at the Core

Now that you’ve decided to move forward, draw up some plans and make a list of any repairs that you need done. It’s always better to consult with an architect—especially if you’re going to be removing walls. However, many contractors can help you visualize what you want to do and help you prioritize based on needs versus desires.

Set a clear home remodeling budget, and stick to it. This gives you clear guidelines on what you can and can’t do; but don’t worry, most homeowners go over. Once you have your architectural drawings or your contractor has completed the visualization session, you can get a much more accurate estimate of what your project will cost. At this point, you can shift budget from one part of your project—for instance, new granite countertops for the kitchen,  which may not need as much work as you thought—to a bathroom renovation. The process is fairly fluid at this point, so you have options.

Prefer Repairs over Additions

It’s important to take care of repairs because some of them can turn into major issues if not caught early. If you’re going to stay in your home for a while, take care of the things that can affect the structural integrity of your home first. Foundation issues fall into that category. They are much easier to repair if caught early than when you start seeing cracks in your slab or along walls and doors.

Leaky pipes, termite damage, old siding, and paint are also issues you should address immediately because these can only get worse over time. After you address these repairs and have peace of mind knowing that they are taken care of, they may not wind up costing as much as you thought, and you can entertain the idea of adding a pool in the backyard, a deck with patio furniture and a view, a balcony with the bedrooms, or a fountain in the driveway.

If you’re leaning toward any additions, ask these questions:

  • How important are the home additions to the life the house offers?
  • Are the additions in demand?
  • Will the buyers be willing to pay over and above what you’re spending?

These are all critical questions, and the answers will make it clear whether you should invest in the additions. If you don’t know, ask a real estate agent who knows your area to see what improvements they would recommend investing in.

Whether you’ve decided to get your home ready to sell or you’re planning renovations to live with for a while, reach out to the home remodeling experts in Round Rock, Texas. Freccia Group’s design and construction team can take care of your residential renovation projects. Call us at (512) 410-1342 for commercial construction and home remodeling.

How To Make Your Good Residential Development Great

Residential development is a significant investment for any community and for institutional as well as individual investors. For many planners and developers, residential projects require a detailed approach to establish goals and a strategy to achieve them.

Modern developers look beyond traditional neighborhood and commercial patterns and rethink existing land to create modern-day lifestyle developments that support current sociological trends like working from home or close to home, proximity to restaurants and other retail amenities, and access to entertainment venues like restaurants and theaters.

Here are some of the ingredients of a great residential development:

Subdivision Design

The subdivision layout is one of the most important factors to consider when designing a residential community. The idea is to maximize the number of lots without making residents feel confined and restricted. It’s essential to incorporate the latest design techniques to strike a fine balance between land density and infrastructure.

A great residential development plan has a detailed assessment of spaces. Architects and designers can eliminate corner lots and create lots on both sides of every street to minimize costs and eliminate unnecessary intersections. It takes a comprehensive approach and expertise to cut down waste and maximize efficiency.

Create a Sense of Place

Successful residential development projects are designed around people and how they want to live. They focus on creating an inclusive community that instills a sense of place for its residents. It’s impossible to develop a neighborhood for “everyone” but defining potential residents based upon demographic, psychographic, geographic, and lifestyle factors, and formulating a residential plan, will make the area more attractive to them.

 

 A bird’s eye view of residential homes.

Efficient Design

Many residential development projects are evaluated based on their design efficiency and how they meet infrastructure requirements. The tax assessment stream also plays a crucial role. Lower life cycle maintenance costs and higher lot numbers and valuation can result in a greater tax base and vice versa.

Final Word

A great residential development plan requires careful planning and consideration. Partner with a reputable developer and building contractor to ensure the best results. Choose one with relevant experience and expertise so you can feel comfortable creating a great residential development project.

At Freccia Group, we offer specialized residential development planning services in Central Texas. We’re one of the leading home builders in Round Rock. Our professionals can help design a great residential development project that attracts homeowners and returns value to investors. Visit our website to check out our portfolio or call (512) 410-1342 to get started.

Home Renovations that Increase Resale Value

People spend thousands of dollars on home renovations but are sometimes unable to recoup the costs when selling their property. We understand why you would redo your living room if you’re going to stay in your home for more than five years, but if you’re looking to sell your home, it’s typically not a good investment. But keep in mind that most renovations don’t provide a 100% return on investment.

This reality may be deceptive in the Austin market, where home prices have increased around 40% in some areas since the start of 2020. Real estate is hot in Capital City, and there are ways you can get the best value for your dollar when making home improvements.

Here are some home renovations tips that can increase the resale value of your home:

Focus on Curb Appeal

Your home’s curb appeal is its most significant selling point. The first impression of your property determines its value. Renovating your home’s exterior can add thousands of dollars in value to your property. From fixing your driveway to replacing your old front door, there are plenty of ways to boost your property’s curb appeal.

Adding a fresh coat of paint to your home can also beautify your property and make it feel more attractive and welcoming. Focus on landscaping by clearing your lawn space and transforming your front yard into a beautiful, gorgeous space complete with colorful flowers and thick shrubs. Just make sure to keep low-maintenance beds that don’t require constant care.

Open Floor Layout

The interior space is one of the key factors that affects your property’s value. Modern home buyers find homes with open floor plans more desirable than ones with traditional designs. Cramped, dark spaces can make your property look small and dated. Consider knocking down some walls to improve your space and increase its appeal.

An open floor layout will also allow more natural light inside the property, making it look brighter and more welcoming. You may also consider adding larger windows or picture windows without panes to brighten up rooms with natural lighting. Walls divide a home’s interior and make it seem smaller, while having fewer walls creates a sense of space. You can reconfigure accessories and furnishings to create different room layouts.

A group of people standing in a functional outdoor space.

Utilize The Outdoor Space

One of the best renovation projects to create appeal is making the outdoor space more functional. You can add a beautiful patio, lounge area, and firepit—even an outdoor kitchen.

Make your outdoor space as comfortable and stylish as your inside living room. From a mini bar to an outdoor cinema space, there are endless ideas for you to explore, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Want to go the extra mile? Create a small outdoor kitchen with a BBQ grill. It will create a functional place for hosting parties.

While an outdoor living space can serve as a wonderful place to unwind if you plan on living in your home for a while, it typically isn’t worth the cost if you plan on selling your home. That said, in an exuberant real estate market, people are paying above market prices anyway—many of them cash. And if you can renovate something to add a perceived value to your home, people will pay almost whatever you want.

Let Freccia Group help you renovate your home in Central Texas. Our remodeling professionals will update your old house and make it uniquely yours or help you increase its resale value. Visit our website to check out our portfolio. Call (512) 410-1342 to get started today.

Why It’s Important to Follow a Design-and-Build Process When Building a Home

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. In most projects, a well-laid plan will help you avoid mistakes in both the short and long terms. Our home builders in Round Rock, Texas,  have been building homes in the Austin area for years. Whether it’s in a neighborhood or on a country lot, we bring together architects, builders, and craftsmen to make great homes come to life.

Let us share with you some of our process:

Consultation with the Architect

Home projects are extensive and detailed and require site inspection, approvals of design plans, and the actual groundwork. An architect’s drawings are a fundamental part of the process and are referred to every step of the way. It’s the architect’s job to ensure that the design fulfills the homeowners’ needs, wants, and desires and reflects their aesthetic taste.

However, finding the perfect design match within a set budget can be a challenge because what may seem to be within financial reach may be more expensive than you think—and vice versa. This is why we carry out all projects under the constant guidance of seasoned architects who know what Central Texas residents want in a home and can figure out creative ways to make it happen.

Local Codes and Restrictions

Building within the Austin city limits holds its own challenges when it comes to permitting. It’s important to hire a home builder who knows the local codes or city restrictions. Issues like easements and environmental restrictions are often overlooked and could jeopardize an entire project if they aren’t addressed. It’s not uncommon for a builder to get to the framing stage only to discover that it has violated a restriction on the lot and now has to tear everything down and start all over. We are meticulous in our due diligence with regard to city permits in Austin, and we make sure our designs and plans are fully approved before beginning work.

Construction Schedule

We understand the importance of deadlines and of building you the home you want within our mutually agreed-upon timeline. Our builders, architects, carpenters, and other craftsmen work diligently to deliver our projects on time and with the utmost care. We care about the work we do and getting it done right. Our process is transparent, so you know what we’re doing and when we’re doing it. From the moment we break ground to the time the final touches are done, we’ll adhere to a construction schedule and inform you if something beyond our control happens that may cause a delay.

Professional Finish

Delivering the home you want on the timeline you require is our goal. In the end, we’ll conduct a thorough walk-through to address any minor issues that may stand in the way of your enjoyment of your new home. As both home-building experts and craftsmen, we take great pride in our work and want you to find joy around every corner for years to come.

At Freccia Group, we have in place a design and construction team that deals with residential home construction projects in Round Rock, Texas. Call us at (512) 410-1342 to get started.