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:
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing guidelines, the emphasis in workplace design was on helping people thrive and be more productive at work. Post pandemic, the focus of workplace design has shifted somewhat to accommodate creativity and productivity still, but also the evolving way people are working now.
Let’s take a look at some new planning and design principles that are transforming office spaces as we know them.
According to public health officials, ventilation is the key to preventing the spread of infectious particles. Even cracking open a small window can dilute their concentration and bring in fresh air. That said, most American buildings require tight seals to maximize energy efficiency. Already, engineers are looking into window designs that create a mechanical heat-exchange system, allowing outside air to be optimized for temperature and filtered for air quality as it enters the building.
Frequent handwashing has been cited as the easiest way to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. Many office buildings will now have hand sanitizer dispensers and contained handwashing stations installed permanently and seamlessly in various areas, especially shared spaces and high-traffic areas. This will allow employees and visitors to ensure that their hands remain germ-free without disrupting regular activities.
Open plan facilities with exposed airflow systems are not new, but variations of them may be. Instead of hard-walled rooms where you likely come in contact with more surfaces, large open spaces with desks placed at a safe distance from each other are trending. Open spaces serve a few purposes:
Along with fewer doors, you can also expect doors to be equipped with sensors that slide open when someone approaches them. This can help minimize contact with door handles. To further reduce surface contact, workplaces will likely adopt a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model, where employees bring their own laptops instead of working on office PCs.
Improve your office space with a commercial building contractor in Round Rock, Texas. If you own a commercial office property that needs post-pandemic upgrades, reach out to the design, construction, and development experts at Freccia Group.
Whether you’re looking to develop a new property or improve an existing office facility with repairs and upgrades, our team has deep experience in every aspect of commercial construction.
Call (512) 982-9553 to discuss your commercial construction management needs or browse our portfolio to view prior and ongoing projects.
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.
Continue reading “How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger During Your Remodel”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home additions can’t be done on a whim; you need to understand fully why you’re adding a room, plan for it, arrange the finances, and make sure you have permits in place. The most common reason for homeowners to want to add another room, typically a guest room, library, or home office, is lack of space. You need more space, and sometimes that’s hard to achieve with open floor plans. Or you might have to add a guesthouse or mother-in-law suite. Whatever it may be, it’s an extensive and expensive process that requires serious planning.
Here’s what you should know before you get on with it.
There’s a lot of red tape involved with residential construction. The rules vary from state to state and city to city. If you’re in Round Rock, Texas, you’ll have to run your plans by the relevant government entities and your homeowners association (HOA) to get your permits before you break ground. That can be quite a drill because red tape is lengthy and tiring and may delay your timeline by a month or more. Just plan for it.
Once you go through the process, you might be asked to make changes to your plan to comply with local, environmental, and HOA rules and codes. Austin’s laws are especially complex and strict, so just be patient. If the zone you live in controls construction tightly, it might be hard to get the permit. Allow at least six months to get through this process. A professional home renovation contractor in Round Rock can handle all of this for you as part of their services.
The first thing to note about home additions is why you need them. If it’s for the comfort or luxury of you and your family, then it’s reasonable to splurge as long as you can afford it. If it’s so that you can upsell your property in the market, make sure you do a cost-benefit analysis before you begin. Not all renovations will give you an equal return on investment, even in the crazy Austin real estate market. The expected returns on investment must exceed the costs incurred in the home renovation project. Make sure you account for your time and effort to bring the plan to action when you’re estimating the costs.
This is one aspect of the entire project that homeowners often miss or ignore. If you’re living in the house where you’re adding a room, you may need alternate accommodations while the project is underway. Depending on the size of your project, you may need to move out during just part of the project. If you can stand a few weeks of the constant noise and dust that come with living on a construction site, stick around. But some people—especially those who work from home—can’t do this.
Some larger room additions like a living room or kitchen expansion may require that you move out because there’s just too much noise and debris and the HVAC needs to be turned off. Make sure you sort this out before the construction starts because moving out midway can be difficult.
Reach out to the home remodeling experts at Freccia Group in Round Rock, Texas, to put your room addition plans into action. We have in place a design and construction team that has done residential renovation projects in Round Rock as well as across the Central Texas area. Call us at (512) 410-1342 to talk about your home remodeling project and how we can make it come true.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Studies have shown that workspaces can either aid or hinder productivity. Now that the country is emerging from COVID-19 restrictions and anticipating getting back to the office, business owners are focusing on their company’s workspaces. They know that an outdated office can stifle creativity, comfort, and productivity. Continue reading “Remodeling Commercial Workspaces to Maximize Productivity”
Not all old residential properties are outdated. Some homes age like wine with a design that only gets better with time. That’s precisely why modern homeowners prefer a vintage home as a fresh change from the modern, urban architecture that they see every day at work.
Vintage homes have a promising appeal of grandeur and class, and only an old home can afford to exude that look. That said, older constructions and designs do have flaws that set in with time like fine lines on a pretty face. It mars the beauty of an otherwise gorgeous house and that’s why you need home remodeling experts in Round Rock, TX to renovate the design to accommodate modern needs without ruining the style. Here are some must-haves for older homes.
Climate change is a real issue and homeowners need to include weather-proofing solutions in their home designs to keep their living space comfortable. Rough winds during cold weather can find a way to enter the house and make the home uncomfortably chilly despite central heating. This not only makes you shiver but also drives up the energy bills because your HVAC systems go in overdrive to maintain the indoor climate. This happens because older wooden window frames may have warped over time and created gaps. You can avoid all that with perfectly insulated windows and doors to prevent heat loss. Thermal breaks allow air leaks but modern window frames eliminate such inefficiencies.
Dual-paneled glass is becoming the most-demanded feature in modern homes. The double layering of glass in windows allows the vacuum in between to prevent conduction. This serves well during harsh weather conditions, be it hot summers or cold winters. The air-conditioning won’t lose its effect through the windows and neither would the solar heat find a way in through the clear glass. Similarly, it works equally well during winters to prevent heat loss through conduction. If you prefer older home designs, don’t compromise on the windows; get new ones to maintain your comfort level at home.
It’s only now that architects have devised a solution for utilizing natural light to the homeowner’s benefit. Yes, we’re talking about skylights! This is an innovative window design that allows you to channel the sunlight indoors through the roof and brighten up the place. In cities like Round Rock where the sun shines on 204/365 days, you could really use this feature to highlight every corner in your new vintage home.
We evaluate older residential properties and put our home remodeling experts on the job to bring modern additions in the design for maximum comfort and convenience.
At Freccia Group, we have a design and construction team in place that deals with residential renovation projects in Round Rock, TX.
Call us at (512) 410-1342 if you have a property sell or want to invest in one.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
