The Design-Build Advantage
Architectural design in Toronto is as diverse and
creative as the city itself. The city is remaking itself at an unprecedented
rate, propelled by economic growth and the talents of the city’s architectural
and building community. Part of this activity is coming from design-build
companies, which combine for their clients the talents of both architects and
contractors.
There are a number of advantages to the design-build
system. Four important ones are:
- Accountability.There is no room for passing the buck when all facets of design and construction are housed in the same company. This includes budget accountability, as well. And because the entire design-build team is on-board right from the start, both price and scheduling are taken into account right from the beginning.
- It’s more efficient when everything is in-house. One company means a faster completion of the project.
- Expertise. Design-build means just that; there are architects AND builders involved – not a jack of all trades trying to do all jobs while mastering none.
- Client involvement. It is easier for the client to be involved and to collaborate when dealing with one entity.
Bathroom Renovations – Some Ideas
The design-build process invites input from the
client, from a completely new building to additions and room makeovers. In the case of bathroom renovations,
there are a number of decisions a client can make that will expedite the
process with the custom home builder.
Get a good sense of the fixtures you like to use
beforehand. Design stores are full of state-of-the- art faucets, but sleek and
modern is not always easy to use. And, if your home has a traditional decor,
you may want to carry that theme through with the fixtures.
What kind of flooring do you like? Stone can look
great and is water resistant, but marble tiles, in particular, can be slippery.
Wood is warmer.
Consider shared functions. If your home has
back-to-back bathrooms, why not save space by having one shower with access
doors to both? Think about dividing functions as well, with a separate room for
a toilet.
Other considerations are the kind of shower you’d
like, the role of mirrors, how much storage space you need and who is generally
going to use this
bathroom, and when.
Designing a Front Porch for Curb Appeal
It’s amazing what a new – or re-imagined – front porch
can do for a home. Your front entry says just about everything about you and
your home. It is one of the most essential elements in its curb appeal.
The internet is full of mini-steps you can take to spruce
up your front porch. You can repaint the front door, fix the screens, repair
the glass around the door and rebuild the steps leading to the porch. But, you
might also want to consider a complete makeover and, again, a design-build
custom home builder is your best partner.
For example, an enlarged porch can add substance to
your home by making it look bigger. It will also provide natural shade for the
home and, if it’s your taste, a great place in which to sit and watch the world
(and neighbors) go by.
The options are infinite and a good architectural
design firm in Toronto will help you make the best choices for your home.