Building a New Home Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Lowell Custom Homes

Home Design to Lose Weight & Get Fit

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Healthy Living, Home Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

What if the design of your home could increase your potential for success?
In his book Slim By Design author and behavioral scientist, Brian Wansink, explains how changes to your environment can change your behavior.
With this approach in mind, we present some of our award-winning homes to demonstrate the best design ideas for a healthy lifestyle.

A well-organized kitchen is your base camp for success. An uncluttered environment is inviting and lets you feel in control. Store food out of sight except for a bowl filled with a variety of fresh fruit on the counter.

Food preparation and clean up is a breeze when you have innovative products to speed things along.

You will be more motivated to prepare healthy meals when cooking and clean up is a breeze! Innovative products and appliances will increase your efficiency and decrease the time you spend in the kitchen.

Drink more water! Easy to do when a beverage station keeps it icy cold, within reach, and removed from the tempting snacks in the refrigerator.

Drink more water! It’s easy with a beverage station to keep it icy cold, and far away from the tempting snacks in the refrigerator.

A dedicated planning desk will help you coordinate nutritional meals and keep track of your progress.

Take advantage of color psychology, blue is known to promote weight loss because it is not associated with food.

Take advantage of color psychology by using kitchen colors that do not stimulate the appetite. Blue is known to promote weight loss because it is not associated with food. But notice how appealing the contrasting bowl of oranges becomes!

Sit down and enjoy every bite. Studies show that a relaxed dining area without the distraction of television will increase your satisfaction for every meal.

Sit down and enjoy every bite in a dedicated dining area. Studies show that eating without distraction will increase your satisfaction during every meal.

Take the stairs! You do not have to dedicate a full hour at the gym, just make a conscious effort to move more and avoid shortcuts.

Take the stairs! You do not have to commit to a full hour at the gym, just make a conscious effort to move more often and avoid shortcuts.

Remind yourself of your commitment by surround yourself with healthy choices. Keep your workout equipment visible and ready to use.

Focus on your commitment by surrounding yourself with active options. Create a colorful visual display of your workout equipment that is ready to go.

Lack of sleep leads to low energy and poor choices throughout the day. A restful bedroom will help you get the sleep you need for success.

Lack of sleep leads to low energy and poor choices throughout the day. A restful bedroom will help you get the sleep you deserve.

Reward yourself with treats that are not related to food, like a stress reducing start to every day in a spa bath.

Reward yourself with treats that are not related to food. A spa bathroom will help you start every day stress-free.

Take a moment for inspirational reading or meditation to keep you on track and committed.

Take a moment for inspirational reading or meditation to keep yourself on track for success.

Should You Build? How to decide if building a new home is right for you.

2 Comments/in Accessibility, Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Downsizing, Empty Nester, Home Ideas, How to Select a Builder, Trends, Uncategorized/by Lowell Management

There may come a time when you look around your house and start to think about breaking up. As any good Cosmo article will confirm, once you outgrow a relationship there is no long-term potential. So, how do you know if it’s time to move on?
Consider the benefits of building a new home:

Geographic Desirability
When building new, your choice of home style and location are independent decisions. You create the unique combination rather than settling for homes that happen to be on the market. As builders we actually reserve beautiful properties in anticipation of future customer needs. Lowell Management Properties

Get your perfect match
The biggest advantage to building a new home is getting exactly what you want. This is your dream, your way. It doesn’t matter if most homes have a 3-car garage, you can have as many as you want. When you build you choose the right size, the perfect floor plan and then fill it with features that are meaningful to you. You are able to fully express your style with architectural details, cabinetry, flooring, finish colors and all of the other dreams from your wish list.

Compliment your unique needs and interests
No compromise needed, when building a new home you can design every aspect. Eliminate the Formal Dining Room, add a Pool House, Outdoor Kitchen, or 2^nd Master Suite, it is all about you! Your unique preferences for comforts, like counter height or lighting, will be built-in. Universal Design features can even be incorporated allowing you to enjoy your home for years to come.

No Old Baggage – Cost Control & Savings
Building instead of remodeling offers a fresh start with major efficiencies in scheduling and purchasing. The problems with retrofitting an older structure are eliminated and the latest smart home technology integrated. Building allows you to balance your spending priority features, like a gourmet kitchen, with saving opportunities for low profile areas.

Quality & Trust
When you are working with a custom builder like Lowell Management, you witness firsthand the level of quality and craftsmanship going into your home. All components of your home are new and finely tuned to provide years of comfort before you need to think about replacements.

Saving Energy and Operating Costs
State of the art systems, with innovative technology, meet and exceed the latest codes for energy efficiency. Our HVAC, insulation, and windows are selected based on their ability to prevent energy waste. The latest appliances, and fixtures for plumbing and electric offer a substantial savings by operating at highly efficient levels.

Good for your health
Having a healthy home starts with good construction. The latest ventilation and air filtration systems are known to improve air quality while materials used for construction are designed to be non-toxic and sustainable. Cabinetry, carpet and paints now use fewer VOC (volatile organic compounds) to drastically reducing outgassing and allow everyone to breath easier.

Low maintenance
Modern construction uses materials that have been engineered for durability. Mechanical systems are more reliable and maintenance requirements have been simplified.

Satisfaction and Connection
There is a strong emotional connection to a home when you take part in its creation. It is a satisfying experience and the team at Lowell Management enjoys the process as much as their homeowners. Once you decide that you are ready for a change, we are happy to guide you in building a new home where you will live happily ever after.

Should You Remodel? How to decide if remodeling is right for you.

1 Comment/in Accessibility, Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Downsizing, Empty Nester, Home Ideas, How to Select a Builder, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

Like many of life’s decisions, this one can cause sleepless nights. The financial bottom line is as significant as your readiness for change. How do you make the decision to remodel instead of moving?

Asking yourself a few key questions will help you evaluate your position and guide you in the right direction. Once you make the decision to remodel, join forces with a team like Lowell Management to create a fresh version of your home with experts who know how to make the process run smoothly.

Location, Location, Location!

Are you in a beautiful location with friendly neighbors?
Are you close to everyday conveniences?
Would you love your home if it just had a little more space or updated appearance?
Are the views from your home already stunning?
Is your home sitting on a beautiful lot?

Then why would you want to leave? Most homes can handle a renovation or addition. Remodeling will allow you to maintain your connections while adding considerable square footage. As a builder and remodeler we are familiar with zoning regulations and will help you create a new plan that satisfies all of your lifestyle needs.

Your Home’s Character

What about your home attracted you in the first place?
Does your home have a special “feel”?
Would it be impossible to recreate the atmosphere in another location?

Distinctive architecture, vintage-building materials, and exclusive views cannot be recreated. When you love so much about your home, making adjustments that will increase or update your space is the right decision.

Good Bones

Does your home have good bones?
Are you sitting on a solid foundation?
Can known issues be resolved easily?

Not every home should be remodeled. It must have good bones. A professional opinion is needed for proper evaluation of your home’s condition. Adding space, reconfiguring your floor plan and updating plumbing and electrical is logical when you are sitting on a solid foundation.

Budget Talks

Does remodeling suit your budget?
Would remodeling save you more than the expense of relocating and moving?
Would updating windows, roof or mechanical systems increase energy efficiency?

Of course you need a trusted professional to provide an accurate quote and detailed contract. Consider related costs that may be involved. Temporary living arrangements will often allow your contactor to complete your remodel more efficiently and furniture storage will protect your belongings.

We are always happy to hear from our homeowners at the end of a project!

Are you up for the experience?

Do you have the patience to tolerate some inconvenience for a worthwhile outcome?
Can you be flexible and adapt to change if construction uncovers any surprises?
Do you have a builder that you can trust?

Remodeling is an exciting undertaking and proper preparation will eliminate problems. Patience and versatility are good qualities that will make the entire process more enjoyable for you.
As builders we routinely expect the unexpected and are always ready to adapt. We approach every project with the understanding that this is a new experience for most homeowners and we keep it as stress free as possible.

Home Remodel by Lowell Management - Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company

Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC in Lake Geneva WI

There are countless options and decisions to consider throughout the remodeling process. Our best advice is to find a qualified professional like Lowell Management who is able to guide you through every major to detailed decision for a worry free experience.

Master Your Bath: Planning Decisions

in Bathroom Design, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

The bathroom is where you prepare for the day ahead and transition for a good nights rest. The typical American spends at least an hour a day on bathroom activities. That adds up to two weeks per year, or the amount of time spent on vacation. If you are thinking of building or remodeling your bath, consider all of the options that can make it a place worthy of your time.

Your Bathroom Profile
The essential fixtures are familiar, but the endless variety can be overwhelming when making decisions. Knowing the role a particular bath will play in your home helps narrow down the choices so you can focus on the best solution. Ask yourself the following questions to help identify the most beneficial features.

How many people live in the home and what are their ages?
What is the size of the bath?
How many bathrooms are available and how convenient is the location of each?
Will there be growth or reduction in number of people at home?
Are there any physical issues that need to be addressed for safety and comfort?
Is this bath private or will guests share it?
Is water quality or usage a concern?
Aside from normal activities, are their other ways you would like to use this space (e.g. spa shower, washer and dryer, beverage station)?

Layout
A good layout will makes the most of available space while providing for your personal and intimate needs. As an experienced builder we strive to maximize the efficiency of every square foot while introducing economies in the location of plumbing fixtures. Consider key usage matters in advance to alleviate daily congestion.

How many people will use the bath at the same time?
What plumbing fixtures or appliances will you use (e.g. number of sinks, soaking tub, towel warmer)?
How much counter surface is needed?
How much storage space will you need for linens and grooming products?
How many electric outlets are needed and what location would be best?
Would having an enclosed water closet allow multiple users privacy?
What is the most direct path between activity zones?
Would you be more likely to use a soaking tub or luxurious shower
Would adding Universal or Accessible design features allow for aging in place?

Express Your Style

No matter the size, every bath deserves a style statement. Since you need to purchase new components when building new or remodeling, this is the ideal time to apply a viewpoint to each selection. Consider all of these possibilities:

Plumbing fixtures that have a sculptural quality to advance your style.
Vanity styles from built in wall-to-wall to freestanding furniture pieces.
Trough and Vessel Sinks
Shapely tile in an unexpected pattern to add visual texture.
Hardware to act as a touch of jewelry accenting the overall look of your room
A bold wall color that makes you smile every time you walk in.
Countertop materials from man-made to natural to standout as statement piece.
Showstopping mirrors that set the tone for the entire bath.

This helpful quiz from Medallion Cabinetry will help you identify your style!

Cabinetry: Storage & Convenience

At the intersection of style and storage is your bathroom cabinetry. Interior cabinet and drawer organizers divide space for clutter-free access to daily essentials. These latest features will make the most of every inch.

Niches built-in above sinks and in showers keep necessities visible and within reach.
Cubbies and open shelving move into the bath to help organize and sort belongings.
Push-touch and soft-close features are worthy additions for quiet, smooth and safe cabinet operations.
Electric outlets on the interior of cabinets or drawers prevent tangles and dangerous dangling cords.
Vertical pullout organizers maximize space.
Above counter storage improves visibility and provides easy access.
Built-in step stools and laundry hampers free up floor space.

Lighting the way to a good mood
7 lighting image
Every room benefits from multiple sources of lighting, and the bath is no exception. A combination of fixtures and natural light will help you achieve balanced color rendition throughout the day and through the seasons. The mirror area is most critical. Good illumination from above and the sides will eliminate shadows during grooming. Using the correct lamp completes the picture by allowing you to see color accurately when doing hair and makeup.

This helpful guide from Energy Star will help you choose the best lighting!

The installation process
Like many contractors, we trust a cabinet showroom like Geneva Cabinet Company to assist with the proper layout and detailing of cabinetry. Their work was recently featured on the PBS home-improvement show, HOMETIME. Follow this link to watch the show as they discuss the important consideration for planning master bath and the installation of these beautiful Medallion Cabinets.

Cabinet Planning Video by Geneva Cabinet Company

Follow this link to view the entire episode of Hometime where you will also see how solid surface Cambria countertops are measured, fabricated and installed in the Master Bath.

Inviting Entries – Guidelines for your homes first impression

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

You had me at hello!
It is scientifically proven that first impressions are lasting. A phenomenon refer to as thin-slicing demonstrates our powerful ability to make rapid decisions based on a narrow window of experience. No matter the size, the entry point is where you and your home will make a first impression. With thoughtful design guidelines, your foyer will make a stunning statement on your behalf.
Communicate Your Style
Create an “ahhh” moment at the point of transition between the great outdoors and your home interior. Ancient Feng Shui principles believe the entry is the gateway for your homes energy. Use this idea of natural flow to heighten the anticipation for visitors with a well-curated selection that represents your style.

Focus on developing a mood that will set the stage for your entire home.
Connect to the exterior of your home by repeating an architectural element, color scheme or material.
Control the visual “thin-slice” with simplicity as your guide with a few well-chosen features.
Think of the entry as an introduction to your home with a story that will unfold room to room.
Hint at the level of formality to your lifestyle with the size and detailing of your space.

Consider every angle
Your entry is experienced from several vantage points. Consider them all when making selections for this space. Start with the exterior approach to your entrance and take in 360 views while standing in the foyer. This space is often in the background of your daily activities. Reach for an integrated design theme that can be referred to throughout your home.

Select an entry door that enhance the character your homes character.
Express your style and gain natural light by choosing from the variety of transoms, sidelights and windows.
Consider privacy needs during in the initial design process. Size, shape and architectural features can control exposure to the elements and unknown visitors.

Practical matters
Comfort features will be greatly appreciated by guests and family. When the entry is reserved for visitors, a more streamline, statement focused on design is possible. However, don’t neglect these basics that are appreciated by everyone.

A Chair or bench for struggling with footwear
Closet or coat rack
A mirror for last minute check ups
A chest or console table to hold and store out-the-door items like keys and gloves.
Good general lighting with a task light option

Traffic Flow
An Architectural pivot point, the foyer often guides traffic through the home. Directional cues are helpful for guiding visitors and family to the path you would prefer they travel.

Increase the size of any openings that you want used more often.
Use the same type of flooring to encourage flow into adjacent areas.
Change the flooring or wall color to subtly suggest a boundary.
Minimize walls or hallways and use open space to establish a visual connection that will encourage everyone to move into that space.

Showcase Your Style
The entry is an ideal location to showcase your style by displaying art or special collections. This placement allows you to share something special with visitors while the central location lets you appreciate it daily.

Build in shelving or niches to keep collectables out of harms way.
Use accent lighting to highlight your treasured pieces
Keep this area simple and streamline to create a gallery effect that elevates the value of art, area rugs or a statement light fixture.

Foyer Flexibility
Often various rooms within a home converge at the foyer or entry. The shared open space will facilitate traffic flow as well as create open space that you can transform as needed.

Place important pieces, like a baby grand piano, in this area to make a statement within easy view.
Free up family activity areas by moving large storage pieces to this transition space.
Expand into this space for special events with a beverage bar or dining tables.
Enjoy this space for music lessons, dance practice or reading corner.

Entice and Surprise
Complete your entry area in a way that will entice and surprise everyone including yourself. When all of the elements of this space are carefully selected, your first impression will be memorable.

Turn Up the Heat with a Variety of Fireplace Designs for Your Home

in Building a New Home, Design Ideas, Outdoor Living, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

Blustery cold or slight chill, you can find us cuddled up around the warm glow of a fireplace throughout the seasons. It appeals to our natural instinct to seek warmth and our social desire for a cozy place to gather. Seattle architect Betty R Torrell has written about the architectural history of the fireplace and describes its contribution to our homes as “emotionally sustaining”.
Often identified as a family room fixture, the appeal of a fireplace is now found throughout the home. We use intentional variety when designing and constructing elements that define a style statement for each one we build. The mantel, hearth, surround, and type of firebox all contribute to the distinctive character. We invite you to browse through our fireplace compositions to find your own inspiration.The centerpiece of an open floor plan, this fireplace is an indulgence in natural stone which was inspired by the view of weathered silos down the road. The central placement delineates a cozy living space and sets the mood for a home that is modern and organic in nature.
A classic wood mantel respects tradition with refinement. Crafted with crown, dentil molding, and paneled legs, the appearance has a composed formality. The slip surrounding the actual firebox can further a formal or informal direction based on the type of non-combustible material. Here we use marble and stone to reflect the hearth and compliment the traditional direction.
The see through fireplace unites two areas with a shared focus. This minimalist approach is accomplished with a streamlined firebox. Flush tiled surfaces and hearth encourage the eye to focus on the simplicity of shape while revealing an invitation to the hearth room beyond. Raising the firebox to seated eye level opens the view between rooms when not in use and adds to the enjoyment when a fire is burning.
While some design purists are horrified, it is time to get over the whole TV vs Fireplace debate. The reality is that this arrangement just works. It is a clean fitted look and solves the problem of how to arrange furniture with comfortable seating in order to enjoy both views. Often this is an opportunity to add much needed storage without cluttering a room with heavy furnishings.
The direct vent gas or propane fireplace is energy efficient and streamline. It initiated the trend for clean linear ribbons of fire. Streamline units become a non imposing part of the wall. Here we maintain a restful horizontal landscape using stacked brick to present a relaxing retreat within the master bedroom. Often installed at eye level for greater appreciation, the surrounding wall can take on a variety of shapes.
The kitchen is the heart of many homes so the addition of a fireplace increases the draw while introducing the option to cook over a wood fire. Contrasting material creates warmth and emphasis while niches below provide convenient wood storage.
Extend your time outdoors by including a fireplace as part of your outdoor living space. Here a see through fireplace is placed on the exterior wall of an indoor/outdoor room for shared enjoyment for both perspectives. The latest weatherproof options available for electronics even allow the TV to be a part of the experience.
Whether you are building or remodeling, the experts at Lowell can help you envision the perfect character for your fireplace.

Built In Storage Ideas for Every Room

in Building a New Home, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, How To, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

Are you dreaming of a beautiful clutter free home? Is storage something you only think about when your pots are toppling over or when you’re frantically looking for your keys?
LOWELL thinks about storage in the early planning stages of every building or remodeling project. It can’t be an afterthought; otherwise you end up with cookie cutter solutions that don’t work for most families. Our first step is listening and understanding the unique lifestyle needs of every client.
The latest trend for home design responds to modern living with designated storage space in every room for frequently used items. The beauty and practicality of kitchen and bath storage is expanding to every room. Accommodations for connecting to technology and convenient charging stations are finding multiple locations throughout the home.
Important questions we ask, you can ask yourself when planning a home improvement project:

How do I use each room?
What activities take place in each room most often?
What household or personal items are used for each activity in the room?

Out the door convenience is at the top of every list. The grungy mud room is a thing of the past when storage is included in the plan. Referred to as the “drop zone” or “landing pad” everyone has a place to sort their on-the-go necessities. Benches, hooks, cubbies and charging stations keep everyone organized for grab and go convenience.

Living Room, Family Room, Gathering Rooms, all need built in storage that contributes to the overall design aesthetic. The numerous electronic components and accessories need suitable housing. Storage for blankets, games and your pets squeaky toys should easily co-exist with decorative displays.

Dining rooms delight with built-ins that provide convenient storage for bulky serving pieces as well as a buffet surface. Glass front cabinetry will highlight collections while drawers and doors keep dining china and flatware organized and at your fingertips.

Window walls are an opportunity for storage in any room. A window seat with storage adds both seating with storage benefits. When wall space is generous a niche can be created for a window seat or vanity flanked by generous closet space. This solution can be a real space saver when space it tight. It also adds value when the need to purchase furniture for storage is eliminated.

Personal items find a home in closets that perform far beyond the recommended 48” hanging space per person. Coveted personal collections like purses or shoes can be featured for your enjoyment in glass front cabinets instead of stored in boxes. Include a vanity for delicate items like jewelery and lingerie. A mirror and good lighting are essential for pulling yourself together and getting on with your day.

To wrap up all of your storage dreams, the kitchen! The cabinets you know so well have evolved. This kitchen designed by Geneva Cabinet Company include specialized dividers and pull outs for ergonomic ease. We love a well thought out Kitchen Island for expanded storage. Drawers are another easy to reach storage solution for sorting kitchen necessities. Knowing your style of food prep from gourmet to short order cook will dictate your storage needs with no wasted space.
Consider this, having an organized home has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety! A study by Real Simple magazine shows that the average American spends 55 minutes a day looking for lost or misplaced items! There are a lot more pleasant things you could do with 55 minutes each day.

Why Fi? Home networks that run as smoothly as your refrigerator.

in Building a New Home, Home Entertainment, Technology/by Lowell Management

You settle down with a few friends to watch “House of Cards” on Netflix and so it begins, start…stop… buffering…play…buffering. Arghhh! Isn’t technology WONDERFUL?!
The rest of your household runs so smoothly. Your refrigerator keeps things cold – it doesn’t require any attention and rarely lets you down. Your oven cooks things – set the temperature and walk away. Why can’t your network behave the same way? Is your home network conspiring against you?! You’re not alone. It can be a challenge to keep your house connected to the internet in addition to all of your devices.
Unfortunately, these problems can be traced to any number of sources. The data that arrives on your TV screen from Netflix has to go through more stops than a Southwest flight from Rockford to Topeka. While the largest part of that journey is made outside of your home, it backs up like rush hour once it arrives to your house. The outside journey is made through very high-end and professionally maintained equipment. But once in your home…not so much.
In your home, the equipment is designed to be simple to set up, maintenance free and of course, has to be so inexpensive that your internet service provider can basically give it to you for nothing. The problem here is when any sort of a failure occurs, the equipment simply stops working. You can’t diagnose the error, you can’t troubleshoot it, all you can do is re-boot it. Then things start working…until the error occurs again…so you re-boot again. Sound familiar? Moreover, homes come in many shapes and sizes with differing construction materials and different wiring infra-structures. But who needs wire anyway? Just connect a bunch of wireless devices right? No. Not right. Wrong. Very wrong.
Off the shelf Wi-Fi devices are basically set up to operate in a vacuum by themselves. Installing more than one device without professional configuration can cause network conflicts, the devices can interfere with each other and they can confuse the wireless devices that we love so much. Not only that, the connection information can be a pain. When a friend tries to connect to your network do you have to give them codes suited for strategic air defense encryption?
“Hey Dave, can I get on your wireless network?”
“Sure Bill, just look for “2wIRe276399” and enter the password “94be3465lL43T” but if you’re using it in the guest bedroom go to “Lynksis01” and type in “0brwLLJerK”.
“Thanks Dave, is that jerk with a capital J?”
So…the solution to these problems? The best solution starts with setting up access points across your home to eliminate dead spots. This equipment needs to be configured correctly so that your devices can seamlessly move from access point to access point without your interaction and so they don’t interfere with each other. You can also add more sophisticated equipment to create a more robust wireless network environment with simplified connection information. Equipment can be installed by professionals to monitor your internet connectivity and re-boot the basic gear the moment it shows an issue.
And for those of you who want a mission critical killer network with all of the diagnostic capability and robust features of the commercial equipment that is maintained by professionals, there are solutions for you too. You can make your network run like a finely tuned Ferrari (on the autobahn).

Many thanks to our Guest Blogger! Paul Faber is the co-founder of MediaTech and a charismatic tech geek. His company designs & installs high-end home automation systems that encompass network infrastructure, home audio/visual, lighting controls, climate, and more fun stuff (think The Jetsons).”

Top 5 Smart Features for Your Home

in Building a New Home, Home Entertainment, Technology, Trends/by Lowell Management

Can your home be smart and pretty? Absolutely! Forbes is predicting an explosion of smart home networks that will become the brains behind you homes good looks. An intelligent mix of wireless technology along with your homes traditional hard wired systems will allow your inner geek to shine whether you are building a new home, remodeling or updating an older home.
These are our Top 5 Picks for smart features you will want in your home!

Whole House Integration
The ability to access lighting, heating, security and more from multiple touch screens located throughout the home is a time saver and the ultimate convenience. Using either remote controls or a central controller that interfaces with your smart phone or tablet, the well connected homeowner can monitor and operate current conditions at home for peace of mind and energy efficiency. New HVAC systems actually learn your typical behavior for heating and cooling and automatically make adjustments so you are always comfortable. Whole house automation can even extend as far as your garden irrigation system.
SECURITY
Peace of mind is within reach with digital door locks that have the ability to operate through your Smartphone as well as set off alarms and send you a text if they are triggered. Some systems have integrated cameras allowing you to see and talk to visitors even when you’re not home. And did you every wonder what Fido is doing all day? Now you can check on his activities as well as the kids through an internal camera system with a live feed to your Smartphone.
ENTERTAINMENT
To see or not to see, that is the question. Everyone is happy when the decision is made based on the potential use of the room. The newest televisions have superior sound and video quality in streamline fashion. Networking permits multiple entertainment points throughout the home with the ability to access a whole house DVD and music server along with security cameras, lighting and the internet. So hide the television behind the fireplace art or show it off in a media-centric room, there is a system to suite your style.
CONVENIENCE
Smart home appliances are more intuitive and affordable than ever. All will increase your productivity while building some flexibility into your over scheduled life. While you are enjoying the kids soccer game, you can start the dishwasher then sit back and wait to receive the text message from you oven telling you dinner is ready. Even gardening becomes easier with sensors that send you updates on humidity, air temperature and pH to maximize your crop without stepping into your Wellies. Smart Body analyzers will plot the data from your morning weigh in and track your heart rate, body fat and workout to keep you on track for wellness. Even the refrigerator is multitasking to help you plan meals with recipe suggestions based on current contents and an updated shopping list.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Integrated systems use occupancy sensors, dimmers and timers to contribute to your overall energy savings and climate control. Dishwashers, washers and dryers are incorporating intelligent features so they will operate when consumption in you area is the lowest in order to save you money. Lighting systems can gradually brighten your rooms to wake you up naturally. Clothes dryers now use sensors to stop once the clothes are dry and your oven will let your thermostat know it is heating up the kitchen so HVAC can adjust to keep you comfortable.

Lowell has the smartest solutions for all of your home technology needs, including multiple convenient and discrete charging stations so you will always be ready to go!

How to Choose the Best Home Plan

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

You don’t have to settle for ordinary home plans. Your home should be customized to fit your personal needs. The floor plan or layout of the room is a key factor for shaping how you live in your home and how happy you are living there. We enjoy guiding new homeowners through the process of building their dream home and want to share some of the factors that will help you create the perfect home plan.
Lifestyles
This is an all encompassing category that will help you express the general attitude of your home. It is all about who you are and what your typical day looks like. In general, think in terms of your desire for a structured or relaxed atmosphere. Consider where you are in your life and the possibilities for the future. Does this home need to accommodate a single or married person, youthful or mature couple, growing family or empty-nester? These are all indicators to help you decide on the compatibility of your home to your lifestyle.

Size
A home of any size can be fabulous, so asking yourself how much space you use. Take inventory of your current living conditions and plan ahead for the amount of space your will need to be comfortable in the future.
Questions to ask yourself:

Is the space you have actually where you need it?
What spaces are unused and where can you use more square footage?
Do you need more storage or more living space?
Will you family be growing?
How long do you plan to stay in this home?
Is this a weekend retreat or your main residence?
Will you need additional living space in the future to possibly care for elderly parents or grandchildren?

Activities
It is important to know how do you spend your day and accommodate all of your normal activities. A family with children may have the central focus of a sunny eat-in kitchen while a retired couple may spend a good part of the day in a cozy den with a fireplace.? Questions to ask:

Which room is used most often during the most active hours of the day?
Do you live a formal or informal lifestyle?
Do you entertain often? Will you need space for overnight guests?
How many people and pets are living in a home and how active are they?
What are the important home activities to make space for, like cooking, working-at-home, relaxing?

Adjacency, Traffic Flow & Versatility
This is as important as the size of the rooms. Be aware of how your day progresses, and which rooms need to be near or next to other rooms? This is referred to as “adjacency” and having your spaces organized with convenient locations will save you time and energy in your day-to-day activities. The idea of an open vs. closed floor plan will start to form as you decide on the best relationships for your spaces. Entry points, traffic flow and storage spaces are all key considerations. The location of the storage space must be convenient to its use, serving pieces near the kitchen, coats near the entry, toys near the play space.
Energy Efficiency
As a builder we are using the most advanced materials and systems. In addition to this, floor plan design becomes an important part of the equation. The most active areas during the day should take advantage of natural lighting. This along with the careful placement of windows is referred to as “Daylighting”. Generous overhangs and abundant windows are just the start to floor plan design that will work with the mechanical systems to enhance the efficiency of your home.
Noise Control
Open spaces are great for the flow of activity, but noise will easily bounce through the room. If you need quiet zones, build in niche areas with walls or lower ceiling heights to help control the sound. Add to this the careful selection of materials for sound absorption and the combined effect will give you the alternatives you need for balance.
Private Spaces
How much privacy do you need and where do you need it? Even an open floor plan needs areas of privacy or intimacy. Analyze your needs in terms of the amount of quiet time you would like in your day and be sure your floor plan provides the space for you to retreat, study or work-at-home. In addition to this, be sure to consider the views into and out of each room to ensure that you have privacy from neighbors and street traffic.
Indoor Outdoor Living
Your access to the outdoors will be determined by the convenient location of exit points to the leisure areas on you property. This is a major consideration in the placement of your home on the lot. If you can see your property and the outdoor living spaces from indoors, you are more likely to go out and enjoy them. Create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces with plentiful doors that open wide for activities like cooking, entertaining or playtime.
Multi-Generation Friendly, Aging In Place & Accessibility
Building our homes so they are accessible through the normal ups and downs of life is more important than ever. It’s not just about aging; the occasional injury or health condition can influence your appreciation of design factors like living on one level or easy to reach cabinets and appliances. Additionally, blended families are becoming more common and empty-nesters are not necessarily downsizing. Our longer and healthier life styles make it wise to add accessible features that will allow us to live independently in the homes we love.
Expert guidance is available to you. As a highly reputable and experienced builder, we encourage you to seek the help you need in making key floor plan decisions as you prepare to build a new home or remodel. We are available to answer any questions you may have and please visit us if you are in the Lake Geneva area!
Lowell Management
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
262 245 9030