Building a Custom Home is not for the Feint of Heart - But Oh So Rewarding

It takes whole team of people and a dedicated home owner in order to bring the process from conception to final product.

Getting the design and exact finishes that you want are some of the advantages of the custom home market versus purchasing an older home and going through a remodel.  There are so many design styles out there to choose from and websites like www.houzz.com or www.pinterest.com can help you define your own particular tastes.  Do you like Art Deco, Contemporary, Craftsman, Victorian, Tudor?  Finding your particular style home from that perspective will give your architect a starting point.

Finding the Right Builder and Architect

When looking for the builder/architect relationship sometimes you might go first to the architect or flip and go straight to the builder and build the relationship in that direction asking the builder to do a design/build or recommend an architect that they work closely with.  When interviewing architects always make sure to:

• Ask for referrals
• Ask for names, phone numbers, whether you can call them and to see examples of their work.
• Interview them personally
• You want to make sure that you have a good "feel" for the person and their personality and style.  The fit has to be right. 
• Bring in the architect as soon as possible in the process
• You want someone to be with you from start to finish.  They can end up saving you in the long run from a whole host of headaches.
• Ask about their fee structure
• You should know upfront how much you will be paying and what you will be receiving for those fees.  
• Do revisions cost extra?
• What about time spent on the site or in conversation with the builder?
• Get as much information as you can during the interview process. 
• Realize that selecting an architect is a mutual process
• They should feel as comfortable with you as you do with them.  
• Finding the right fit will make the whole process go so much smoother.  

The Mingioni Construction Team

A Seven Part Series on how to make the most of your home.  To make your home more livable, more inviting and really a place you are excited to come home to.

The Foyer

Definition:  Foyer - an entrance hall or other open area in a building.

Well, for practical purposes let's just call this the "entrance" to your home.  The main door for which company will enter your home.  Do you find this entrance less than appealing?  Is it not the image you'd like for your home? Does it scream I NEED A MAKEOVER!??

Let's start with the basics:

The first step to making your foyer an inviting place actually begins outside the home. 

• Is your walkway clear? Are shrubs overtaking the path?
• Do you have a porch or portico:
• How about that front door?

Let's look at each item individually - Clearing the walkway can be as simple as getting your pruning shears out.  Friends and family DON'T want to fight their way to your front door.  Make it simple and inviting.  Try adding some plantings in the spring to make the walkway a joy to come through.

If you have a porch or portico, has it been swept clear of last year's leaves?  Are there broken boards that need attention?  Maybe your front door needs a fresh coat of paint or varnish.  Little things go a long way in making a wonderful entrance and impression on those coming to your home.  Sweep away the cobwebs in the corners, get some paint and make that front door and porch homey and inviting.  Try adding a potted plant, a trellis, or a wreath to your door.  A clean and artistic welcome mat will really add something as well. 

Now that your guests have entered through into the foyer - think about what you want your foyer to say about you.  Do you want guests to feel a sense of luxury, country charm, or traditional flow?  Put little touches in the foyer that reflect your personality.  A bench, flowers, pictures, tapestries, anything that reflects the feel of your personality and what you want your guests to feel as they come in through your door.  A place to hang coats and keys is very handy and can add charm depending on the style.  I am in favor of a coat rack with umbrella stand in a very traditional manner, but there are MANY options out there. 

If your foyer is too cramped and you feel like you need to think about enlarging the space, give Mingioni Construction a call.  We can help you determine what walls, if any, can be removed to enlarge your space.  New flooring can be added as well as interesting trim details like wainscoting, crown mold or paint.  Add some new sconce lighting or a chandelier.  It's all about your personal style.

 Don't feel like you have to live with what you have.  Make the bold move to make a change.  So many things are possible. 

The Mingioni Construction Team


Next Up:  The Dining Room

Edgemont, PA Mingioni Construction Company, Inc. - February 12, 2014

Mingioni Construction Company, Inc. has been nominated by the Press for Million Dollar Home Builders.

http://www.milliondollarbuilders.com/pennsylvania-million-dollar-home-builders/



"We are very excited at Mingioni Construction to be included in this group of builders.  We always are looking to be the best quality builder in our area.  Our staff is consistently being educated on the best techniques for building and Joe Mingioni has been very involved in the regulatory processes for our state building codes.  We are honored to have been noticed for our efforts and will continue to try to exceed our customer's expectations" - Denise Mingioni, CFO/Business Development.

To have Mingioni Construction build your next home - contact the Sales Department at info@mingioniconstruction.com