#Home Building

[toyastales]

A beautiful home 🏡

[happigreens]

Hopefully soon I will have a very small house built (>700sqft). But i worry i wont have it built to my values inspite of my limited budget, including using sustainable and energy efficient building materials and features.

This article is a bit reassuring of my options if I can afford them, at least a long way down the road.

[mahamayax]

[movingtothefarm]

50 Years of Marriage and Mindfulness With Nena and Robert Thurman

Ms. Thurman had a small inheritance, and the couple bought nine acres on a hill here in Woodstock for $7,000, cleared the land and put up a few tents and a tepee. When the VW Microbus in which they had traveled through India died, it became a planter. Then Dr. Thurman had a commission to translate a Tibetan sutra. He saved $3,000 to build a house, Ms. Thurman said, “which was enough to either hire people and dig a cellar, or buy lumber — we decided to buy the lumber.”

They began with a post-and-beam cabin, sketched out by Dr. Thurman and added to in fits and starts by his children, other family members and graduate students pressed into service over the years. Visiting lamas urged them on. “A triumph of American do-how over know-how,” Ganden Thurman, now the executive director of Tibet House, likes to say. “My father is maybe not a master carpenter. His tendency is to solve problems with a liberal application of force.”

“Why do it right when you can do it yourself?” he likes to tease his father.

Robert Thurman will reply: “Why do it yourself when you can pay someone else to screw it up for you?” - source NYT

[studyelephant]

Farmhouse Exterior Mid-sized farmhouse white two-story vinyl exterior home photo with a mixed material roof

[lovehas1joyrains2]

THE CHRYSTIC MASHUP - MOTHER EARTH FATHER SKY 104.1% CRYSTIC HAPPINESS FOR ALL CHILDREN🌻 #tool

[brightcorpnyc]

HOME REMODELING AND RENOVATION

HOME REMODELING AND RENOVATION SERVICES STEP BY STEP PLANNING

Initial Consultation: The first step in any home remodeling or renovation project is an initial consultation with a professional contractor. During this meeting, you will discuss your goals, budget, and design ideas, and the contractor will assess the scope of the project and provide an estimate.

Design and Planning: Once you have agreed on the scope of the project, the next step is to create a detailed design plan and obtain necessary permits. This may involve working with an architect or designer to create drawings and specifications, and submitting these to the local building department for approval.

Preparing the Space: Before the renovation can begin, the contractor will prepare the space by removing any furniture, covering the floors and walls, and installing protective barriers. This will help ensure the safety of your home and the workers during the renovation process.

Demolition: In many cases, the first step in a home renovation project will be to remove any existing fixtures, walls, or other elements that are no longer needed or desired. This may involve demolition of part or all of the existing space, and the removal of debris.

Structural Work: After the demolition is complete, the next step is to make any structural changes or additions to the space. This may involve adding walls, installing new beams, or making other modifications to the existing structure.

Plumbing and Electrical: Once the structural work is complete, the next step is to install any new plumbing and electrical systems. This may involve running new pipes, installing electrical outlets and fixtures, and making any other necessary upgrades.

Framing and Drywall: After the plumbing and electrical work is done, the contractor will begin installing new walls, ceilings, and other components. This may involve installing insulation, hanging drywall, and preparing the surfaces for painting or wallpapering.

Finishing Work: After the walls and ceilings are complete, the next step is to install any final finishes, such as trim, molding, and cabinetry. This may also involve installing flooring, tiling, or other decorative elements.

Painting and Decorating: Once the finishing work is complete, the final step is to paint or decorate the space according to your specifications. This may involve selecting colors, wall coverings, and other decorative elements, and applying them to the walls and ceilings.

Clean-Up and Final Inspection: After the project is complete, the contractor will clean up the site and perform a final inspection to ensure that everything is in order. Once the inspection is complete and all necessary permits have been obtained, you will be able to move into your newly renovated space. More Idea and tips

The steps involved in a home remodeling and renovation project may vary based on the scope and complexity of the project, and may also be impacted by local building codes and regulations. Be sure to work closely with your contractor and other professionals throughout the process to ensure that your project runs smoothly and meets your expectations.

We are recognized for the high values and standards we set for our clients. There is no confusion in anything that you should understand about us. We are as transparent as any other construction company in Brooklyn, NYC. But what makes you prioritize us over others? Have a look, please!

By taking care of Home Remodeling and Renovation, every minor detail from the cost of a project to the paperwork, including the materials, construction, design, and installation of some fully customized and highest quality standards, BRIGHT CONTRACTING  CORP is a place for all types of Home Remodeling and Renovation needs. Hire us for hassle-free, affordable, and fully effective results, regardless of the complexity of that work!

FAQ FOR HOME REMODELING AND RENOVATION SERVICES:

How much does a home renovation cost? The cost of a home renovation can vary widely depending on the scope of the project, the materials used, and the location of the home.

How long does a home renovation take? The timeline for a home renovation can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but most projects take several weeks or months to complete. Your contractor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate based on the specific details of your project.

Do I need to get a permit for a Home Remodeling? In many cases, a permit is required for a home renovation, especially if the project involves making structural changes or adding new features to the home. Your contractor should be able to advise you on the specific requirements for your area.

Can I live in my home during the Home Remodeling and Renovation? It depends on the extent of the renovation and the specific requirements of your contractor. Some projects may require you to temporarily relocate, while others may allow you to remain in your home during the renovation process. Your contractor will be able to provide you with more information on this.

Can I make changes to the design during the Home Remodeling and Renovation process? Yes, changes can be made to the design during the renovation process, but it is best to make any major changes before the project begins to minimize delays and additional costs. Your contractor should be able to advise you on the best time to make changes and the impact they may have on the timeline and budget.

Who is responsible for purchasing the materials and fixtures for the renovation? In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for purchasing the materials and fixtures for the renovation, although the contractor may be able to assist with this. Be sure to discuss this with your contractor and review the contract carefully to understand your responsibilities and obligations.

Can I do some of the work myself to save money? You may be able to do some of the work yourself to save money, but it is important to understand the scope and complexity of the project, and to ensure that you have the necessary skills and experience. Your contractor should be able to advise you on the work that can be done by a homeowner, and what should be left to the professionals.

How can I find a good contractor for my home renovation? Call us 718-496-0947 or Email: info@brightcorpnyc.com for Home Remodeling and Renovation services.

Our Other Services

Bathroom Remodeling

Exterior Painting

Flooring

Home Building

Interior Painting

Ceiling Painting

Painting

Windows Services

Cabinetry

Kitchen Remodeling

Drywall Repair

Roofing

Waterproofing

Sealcoating

[idoodlestuffsometimes]

I need to share how the IT guy at work greeted my department on CrowdStrike Blue Screen Friday. Never have I seen a man so shocked by the sight of perfectly functional computers

(They were off during the update)

[isaacsapphire]

Whomst is Essex? Also are we talking about the cost of buying a house or the cost of rent or both? Because housing costs involve both, but they’re different things and the prices to rent vs buy similar places and the availability of renting vs buying are not completely linked together and sometimes which is cheaper or more available changes of varies between regions.

I can see how making rent cheaper by government decree might bring down the cost of buying homes as they can’t be rented for as much, but that doesn’t seem guaranteed to happen from modifying rent, especially in areas where there are very few renters already.

Homes are expensive because of landlords hoarding them for profit, not because of regulations.

[aoisouken]

Dining room with warmth

@aoisouken_official ←Other useful housing information is here!

The “Best Quality of Life” by Aoisouken.

A warm dining room with a simple and sophisticated design.

With the bright light shining in, everyday meals become a special moment.

Please take a look at it as a reference for your home building.

Please take a look at it as a reference ✨.

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We also introduce other useful information for home building and construction examples,

We also introduce other useful information for house building and construction examples.

▶ @aoisouken_official

Please feel free to take a look!

Aoi Souken for custom-built homes, remodeling and renovation in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by あおい創建｜宮城県石巻市｜注文住宅・リフォーム・リノベーション (@aoisouken_official)

@aoisouken_official ←その他の役立つ住宅情報はこちら！

『⼼地よい暮らしのお⼿伝い』

シンプルで洗練されたデザインが特徴の温もりのあるダイニング。

明るい光が差し込むこの場所で、毎日の食事が特別なひとときに変わります。

ぜひ皆様の家づくりの

参考にしてみてください✨

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他にも家づくりに役立つ情報や、

施工事例を紹介しています。

▶ @aoisouken_official��ら

お気軽にご覧ください！

宮城県の注文住宅・リフォーム・リノベーションはあおい創建へ！

[toyastales]

If Tarzan or George of the Jungle bought a luxury home this would be it.

[serenitybuildinggroup]

Serenity Building Group has strived to bring excellence and innovation into the homes of Sydney.

Serenity Building Group is a highly reputable construction and renovation company based out of Sydney, especially executing high-quality home improvement projects. Services offered include kitchen and bathroom renovation, custom home builds, second-story additions, designs for luxury outdoor spaces like pools and entertainment areas, and much more. Their business creates harmony with prioritizing the vision of the client in understanding what each owner wants and then molding bespoke solutions that will bring in functionality and aesthetic appeal for their properties. The company's core competency is managing comprehensive projects from initial design to final construction. Their staffs work closely with the clients to make sure there will be clear communication at all activities that will be done. From building toilet bathroom system upgrades all the way up to building on a full custom house construction project, serenity building group takes pride in precise workmanship using just the right quality materials and the best construction techniques for the best results. One of the main services for Serenity Building Group involves their luxury outdoor building. The service specializes in the design and creation of bespoke swimming pools, spas, and alfresco areas to take the luxury outside for the homeowner. Built to visually increase the living area for the customer's own property, these features also provide space for relaxation and entertainment purposes, and are therefore in high demand for Sydney families seeking to enhance their lifestyle outdoors. Besides renovation and custom builds, Serenity Building Group is involved in duplex constructions and large extensions. This philosophy, hence, of the company manages to marry modern design principles infused into a contemporary style of designs with practical layouts to ensure that each project both aesthetically functions and works to achieve the needs of the client, maximizing space and property value. Customer satisfaction is the core principle for Serenity Building Group, to which it closely works with each client, tailoring and designing solutions to fulfill each customer's vision. The company's commitment to quality combined with attention to detail has placed them among the most excellent in the Sydney building industry. Further sealing the deal in making them a trusted construction partner is an emphasis on delivering projects on time and within budget. Serenity Building Group is one of the most reliable companies for homeowners in Sydney in the pursuit of renovation, extension, or new custom homes. Projects undertaken here speak volumes about their skills, creativity, and focus on quality. Whether you need a simple renovation or an elaborate new build, at Serenity Building Group, they have the skills and experience to turn any vision into reality, which makes them the top choice for upgrading homes across Sydney.

[thelonesgroup]

The Election is Over - What's Next for Housing?

It has been an interesting few days, weeks, months, and even years leading up to the election this week. Depending on whether you have been cheering for team red or blue, you may be celebrating, welcoming in a new era, a bit bewildered, or even accepting and looking ahead.

As a real estate professional and steward of homebuilders in this country, my first inclination when anyone is running for any office that has an impact on housing is to determine what their mission is pertaining to it. Housing is currently flirting with a shortage of 5 million homes nationally and is one of our biggest issues that affects cost of living, the economy (as people have less to spend on purchases when there is so much tied up in a house payment), homelessness, security for seniors, and prosperity.

When it looked like it would be a Harris-Trump matchup, I took a hard look at their proposed housing policies. Both agreed that increasing the supply of housing is at a critical point and have ideas for how to ease the burden on housing supply.

I am going to briefly summarize their plans and provide my thoughts regarding what I think needs to be done in the years ahead.

Harris's Policies

Harris focused on increasing the supply of housing by encouraging the building of 3 million housing units. This would help reduce the deficit of 5 million homes that don't currently exist that we need. To do that, her primary method was to expand existing tax credits to make it easier for builders to build affordable and rental housing.

She also proposed a $40 billion fund for innovations in housing construction, affordable home design, and creative financing.

Another goal of hers was to take a look at existing regulation that is limiting construction, although most zoning, permits, and regulation is at the state and local level. That being said, there are currently limitations in terms of financing that is determined at the federal level that can be reconfigured to allow for more middle housing construction. She has indicated that some of her targets would have been reducing red tape for transit-oriented development and office-to-residential conversions.

She also proposed $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Although this doesn't actually increase supply - it may make housing more affordable. But without the additional supply of housing, this increased demand may actually cause prices to rise in excess of that $25,000.

Trump's Policies

One of the ways Trump has proposed to reallocate housing supply is to decrease demand by limiting immigration or deporting illegal aliens who are here now. The impact of this policy is not yet clear, and there is concern regarding how a massive deportation will affect the building industry which is already suffering from labor and skill shortages. According to REALTOR.com, a third of the housing market labor force is foreign-born.

Another way he may achieve this is by limiting mortgage access for undocumented immigrants.

He also supports opening more federal lands for housing - both he and Harris supported the idea of utilizing public lands for this purpose. Trump's plan calls for “ultralow tax and ultralow regulation” in order to support large scale housing construction. Trying to match up available public lands with areas of demand is something I foresee as a challenge. According to REALTOR.com, “the federal government owns about 27% of the total land area, but much of that land is located in the Western U.S.” Much of this land is in remote areas. However, I have high hopes that there are areas where this could have a good impact on our housing supply although not quickly as both politicians implied. Infrastructure may take a long time to install. Furthermore, in Washington State, we are hampered by Growth Management Act which curtails density. Even if federal and public lands were opened up, if they were not in areas that each county had slated for development, development would only occur at rural levels. This is a good long-range plan, but not something that will affect us now and even in the next few years.

In addition, he supports removing regulations and permit requirements that drive up the cost of housing, including environmental and safety regulations. The National Association of Homebuilders indicate that nationally, site and building permit fees account for approximately 7.4% of an average new-home cost. However, this will be limited for the same reasons Harris' plan would be - much of permitting and regulation exists at the state and local levels.

In Trump's previous term in office, he created an executive order to create the White House Council on Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing Development - the results from this Council could impact future policy. Two points from this have emerged which include changing the affordable housing environmental review process and changes to manufactured home regulations.

Bringing down mortgage rates is another focus of his. Although it is not yet clear how this will be manipulated, this would assist with both general housing costs with resale and in making it more affordable to build.

Trump's platform also calls for tax incentives and support for first-time buyers. It may include tax deductions for mortgage interest, mortgage insurance, or tax credits. But similar to Harris' plan, this may actually result in driving up demand, increasing prices, and essentially erasing this benefit.

Denise's Soapbox (My Top 5)

I was very glad to see that both candidates made housing a priority and I hope the new Trump administration will continue to do so. We have such a deficit of housing which impacts so many other facets of the economy that we need a focused, multi-faceted approach. There are elements of both plans that I believe will help fix what is broken with our housing supply. If I could sit down with President Trump and lay out a plan for fixing the housing shortage, these would be my Top 5:

#1 Remove Barriers that Cause Delays to Getting Initial Approval

There is too much policy and regulation red tape that exists at the state and local levels. This is a national problem and therefore needs a national solution. We don't need to pay a non-profit firm or an internal watch crew to figure this out. There needs to be a state mandate - with consequences - on permitting and processing timelines. Most delays are caused by one or more of these three things:

Lack of permit technicians, planners, and people in the building department OR existing personnel have not dedicated enough time to processing permits (existing personnel are wearing too many hats).

Permit approval process is too segmented and each segment takes too much time - need to streamline.

Too many special reports or studies are needed on properties.

Local government needs to understand how much delays cost every step of the way. This is just one of the reasons the cost of building has gone up - builder carrying costs. Now with interest rates higher, these costs are going to hamper how much risk our builders are willing to take on unless these can be limited.

#2 Remove Costly and Excessive Regulation Causing Barriers to Housing

We live in an exciting time when it comes to housing product innovations. When I am at the International Building Show, I am wowed by all the ways people in other countries are developing products that will help in the construction process or result in a better product for the consumer. However, regulation and red tape keep some of those innovations from coming to the US. We have to get out of our own way.

Additionally, regulation caused by the new energy code, tree ordinances, critical areas ordinances, and more, are driving up the cost of housing - and causing delays that drive up housing costs. We can't keep adding to the Builder Burden - we have to get these under control or perhaps put a pause on some of them - people are in the streets and suffering while we are out measuring tree trunks. Come on, people!

#3 Analyze ALL Government-Mandated Fees Around Housing

My permitting fees have increased an astounding 25% over the last couple of years WITHOUT the benefit of a more-predictable, more-expedient processing timeline. In fact, it has gotten exponentially WORSE. Builders need relief! We can't keep passing these exorbitant fees along to buyers, but we don't have a choice.

According to the Building Industry Association of Washington, it costs approximately $200,000 more to build a home in Washington State than elsewhere due to #1, #2, and #3. Those are costs that builders either have to eat or that get passed along to the buyer. No wonder we can't get enough housing built!

#4 Pre-Approved Plans for Infill Lots

This includes ADUs, DADUs, and small Single Family Residential plans. If a buyer or a builder knows they don't have to wade through the permitting process for the build, there is a lot more certainty in terms of build costs, carrying costs, and build timelines. We must do what we can to eliminate uncertainty and one way we can do that is through pre-approved plans. These plans may be altered for décor like a gingerbread house - the structure is the same, but perhaps the siding and colors can change.

For example, in Washington State, modular and manufactured homes are approved at the state level which essentially means they can be placed anywhere. There is no local permitting that needs to be done on the build, just the land. This same principle can be applied at each state level with federal funding.

NOTE: The above four issues are state and local in nature. But the federal government can provide a mandate and funds to address the issue. For example, the federal government could roll out a program with funding attached, tax incentives, or a combination thereof with stipulations that the fees be used to implement the above objectives. Harris had proposed $40 billion to look at ways to cut costs and improve processes. Something like this could work to achieve the above.

Also, we need to expand tax credits and incentives. All types of housing are needed - permanent supportive housing, partially-supported housing, workforce housing, and luxury homes. It makes sense to provide some sort of sliding scale depending on the type of housing needed per area. For example, King County needs over 300,000 housing units built over the next 20 years and the Washington State Department of Commerce has indicated how much of each economic category is needed. It wouldn't be difficult to create a system of tracking these and once we hit the numbers, that tax credit or incentive goes away.

#5 Institute a Government-Funded Builder Loan Program

Builders have to fight to get money for their projects at market which drives up costs. However, if a lower-interest and lower-fee program were available, builders could build more and housing would be less-expensive.

I have plenty more to say on how the federal government can prioritize housing supply, but the publication timeline is getting too close. So, it will have to wait. But no worries! I have plenty more to say at my upcoming State of the Market class which I am pleased to announce!

Sources

[NPR] Trump-Harris Housing Costs Plan

[Realtor] Donald Trump Will Return to the White House: What His Presidency Means for the Housing Market

[Bi-Partisan Policy] Comparing the Housing Proposals of the 2024 Presidential Campaigns

[NowBam.com] What a Trump Presidency Means for Housing

ANNOUNCING!

REGISTER NOW

The impact of elections is just one of many more important things impacting our industry that I will be covering in more detail at my upcoming 2025 State of the Market. Here are a few other topics I will be covering:

How will a new administration handle our housing shortage?

How will mortgage rates contend with the economy?

What changes can we expect to see with inventory and buyer demand?

How will our comprehensive plans and new housing legislation shape our markets?

How will availability of rentals, a hot legislative topic, impact our market?

What must agents know about second-home and other opportunity markets?

What opportunities are ahead for brokers, builders, and developers?

This year's State of the Market will be online, allowing you to tune-in from anywhere. We are also including 3.0 Washington State Clock Hours for all of you real estate brokers. I hope to see you at State of the Market!

Get your ticket today!

By Denise Lones CSP, CMP, M.I.R.M. The founding partner of The Lones Group, Denise Lones has over three decades of experience in the real estate industry. With agent/broker coaching, expertise in branding, lead generation, strategic marketing, business analysis, new home project planning, product development and more, Denise is nationally recognized as the source for all things real estate. With a passion for improvement, Denise has helped thousands of real estate agents, brokers, and managers build their business to unprecedented levels of success, while helping them maintain balance and quality of life.

[avalonstudiodesignbuilder]

Ground-up Construction vs. Remodeling: Finding the Best Path to Your Dream Home

When it comes to transforming your home, the choice between ground-up construction and remodeling is pivotal. Building from the ground up means creating a brand-new home on an untouched piece of land, where every element is designed precisely to your taste. Remodeling, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing an existing structure, bringing fresh life and functionality to spaces you already love. The right choice depends on your unique vision, financial plan, and how much time you’re willing to invest. By collaborating with an experienced general contractor, you can explore each option in-depth to find the path that aligns with your dream home vision.

Ground-up Construction: Building a Personalized Retreat

Ground-up construction provides an unmatched level of customization for those who envision a truly unique home. With a blank canvas, homeowners can shape every aspect, from floor plans and finishes to advanced energy-saving features, creating a residence designed around their lifestyle. This option brings flexibility to incorporate the latest technology and sustainable materials that older homes may not support. A skilled general contractor guides each step, ensuring everything from the site layout to the final fixtures aligns with your vision and meets local building regulations.

Remodeling: Reinventing Your Current Space

For those who are rooted in their community but crave a more functional or modern home, remodeling is a transformative yet practical choice. Remodeling allows you to elevate specific areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces, making them better suited to your needs without starting from scratch. By working closely with a general contractor, you can ensure that each upgrade blends seamlessly with the existing structure, meets safety standards, and brings out the best in your current home. This approach is often more cost-effective and quicker than building anew, making it ideal for homeowners who want meaningful changes with minimal disruption.

Weighing Costs and Project Timelines

One of the most significant factors in this decision is balancing costs with time. Building from the ground up, while allowing complete customization, typically involves a larger budget and a longer timeline, as the process requires multiple stages, from land preparation to final inspections. Remodeling, however, is often a more budget-friendly and faster solution, especially if the focus is on a few key spaces rather than the entire property. The scope of the remodel can also influence cost and duration; structural changes may require additional time and resources, while aesthetic updates are generally quicker.

Aligning Your Choice with Your Lifestyle and Goals

The decision to build anew or remodel often comes down to the home you envision for yourself. If creating a home that perfectly aligns with your long-term lifestyle is your priority, ground-up construction provides the creative freedom to do so. Remodeling, however, offers the chance to make targeted upgrades that improve both functionality and style without losing the character of your current property. A knowledgeable general contractor can offer valuable insights, helping you assess the potential of your existing home, clarify the scope of changes you’re considering, and provide guidance tailored to your timeline, budget, and zoning requirements.

[hisforhome]

The importance of risk assessments in the building industry

The importance of risk assessments in the building industry

In the building industry, safety is paramount. With workers exposed to a wide array of hazards, including heavy machinery, working at height and dangerous materials, managing these risks is crucial. One of the most effective ways to ensure safety on construction sites is using thorough and regularly updated risk assessments. These assessments play a key role in identifying potential dangers and…