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With construction costs approaching all-time highs and buyers facing more volatile mortgage interest rates, new home affordability was a recurring theme at the 2019 NAHB International Builders’ Show. At Design Basics’ booth, homes 40-44 feet wide were the...
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Change is all around us, having become the norm in American society. And as our lives change, we begin to appreciate homes that were designed to adapt to our changing situations. It’s called flexible design. Flexibility in Design With a flex...
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by Nita Hull HOUZZ® + www + HGTV® = ___?___ Housing Consumers What is the most significant change in housing in the last ten years? In my observation as a space-planner, it is the homeowners themselves! Easy access to inspirational photos + access to live or...
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The modern farm house design has reached an all-time high in popularity. Though, you may wonder how this modern differs from a traditional farm house design? In this example, the Troon Manor (plan #9166) takes the Farm House Design and ups the ante. With highly...
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Modern design is known for interesting architectural features, elevations with mixed materials, and very open floor plans. Industrial design takes those features and incorporates exposed interiors, metal or concrete finishes, and high beamed ceilings. So,...
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“Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted.” “…the trouble is I don’t know which half,” uttered back in the 1800s by John Wanamaker, the Philadelphia marketing pioneer whose department stores ultimately became part of Macy’s; Wanamaker’s words still ring true...
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“It’s raining in the basement!” shouts my 10-year old son, looking up from his video game. Upstairs, our 13-year old daughter is lying on her bed, talking on the phone. The laundry room sink, where she had been washing delicates is still running…and still overflowing!...
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He’s never had another job. His father has been in construction for over 50 years. In fact, Brian Lantz started working for his father in home building when he was just 10 years old! In 1988, Brian went out on his own, founding Homes By Brian, Inc. The secret to his...
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A report by the real estate website Zillow found 17% of prospective home buyers are willing to pay the 20% premium for a brand-new home compared to a resale property. But willing and able are different sides of the coin. The median (half lower, half higher) sales...
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In 2018, Design Basics is celebrating 35 years of providing home builders and home buyers with quality home plans. In an age where only 20% of businesses are still in business after 20 years, we are grateful for the many wonderful people who have contributed to our...
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