Welcome to Our Blog
Designing with Natural Light
Home designers know natural light is one of the most important elements of residential design. We are drawn to places in our homes that are bathed in natural light and oftentimes we don’t even realize it. But whether we’re having friends over or simply curling up with...
New Home Cost: Cheaper than Expected?
“When the price is higher, people tend to focus on the things that make it higher. When the price is lower people tend to focus on things explaining why it’s lower,” William Poundstone wrote in his book, Priceless. Which do you want? Prospective buyers touring your...
A Great Elevation Helps Make the Sale
Prospective customers rule you “in” or “out” based on your homes’ exteriors. It’s a fact. Overwhelmed by too many choices, buyers use shortcuts to narrow the number of home builders they will consider. One of those shortcuts is your elevation designs. Photographs can...
From plan alterations to locating a builder in your area, find the resources you need for making your new home a reality!
5 Green Choices that Won’t Break the Bank
Eco-friendly home upgrades can be beneficial for a variety of reasons for both you and the environment. From installing new systems and appliances to reducing our waste, every green choice we make helps us create a better environment for the planet. It’s important as...
Tailoring Solutions for You – Design Basics’ Concierge Service
Adding new home plans to your portfolio is risky. Will the design attract buyers? How much will that home cost to build? Design Basics’ Concierge Service is designed to help you minimize such risks. We know what is selling in terms of home design. Based on your goals...
If Your Suitcase is Always in the Way!
Always on the go? Then you're sure to appreciate our Travel Center option, designed to keep everything handy and make packing a snap! You know where your suitcase has been...so you're probably not going to want to pack it on the clean bedspread! Our travel center was...
Design trends, articles, and other resources to help you make important decisions about your new home design and included amenities.
What Your Home Says About You
You have found what just might be the perfect home plan. You love to entertain and admittedly, when visitors say, “Wow!” or “I love your home,” it feels good. You also enjoy being outside as much as indoors. The home doesn’t have to be large. From what you’ve seen...
Futureproofing: Another Reason to Buy New
Your expectations for the future will have a big impact on identifying the best home for you. How long do you see yourself living in the new home? Life happens! What will likely change, such as kids moving out or parents moving in? Are aging-in-place features...
New vs. Resale Homes: Peace of Mind
Over half of all home buyers consider new construction according to Zillow’s Consumer Housing Trends Report. Maybe it’s because they get grossed out by toenails. We were touring an open house as was another couple when all of a sudden, we heard, “Eeew!” Apparently,...
Home designs and amenities to make your home ‘live’ the way you live.
Beyond the Basics with Tricia Baker
Describe your responsibilities at Design Basics. As the plan alterations designer, I’m responsible for incorporating changes to plans in accordance with customer request and architectural specifications. I also review existing plans to identify how the design could be...
Celebrating Women in Construction
Design Basics’ Executive Vice President, Natalie Wendling, is featured in the “Celebrating Women in Construction” section on Page 20 of the latest issue of Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines' Blueprint Magazine! Read more about her experience as a woman...
Lumber Association Partnerships
Design Basics, LLC, is pleased to announce our partnership with the Northwestern Lumber Association (NLA), serving Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, and the Mid-America Lumbermens Association (MLA), serving Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. With preferred access to...