Universal Design: Great For Aging In Place

open concept living area

Universal design principles are about creating homes that are accessible for as much of the population as possible, and for as much of their lives as possible. Rather than designing a home for different stages of life, such as drafting house plans for seniors separately from house plans for young couples, universal design attempts to accommodate all stages and possible changes in lifestyle in the same design.

The Advantages of Building a New Home

home under construction

Building your own home is an exciting journey, allowing you the freedom to create the home you've always wanted in the way you envisioned. And with a range of customizable house plans offered by Joe Koch Construction, your dream home could become a reality much easier than you might have thought!

 

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages that building your own home has to offer.

 

1. You get to start fresh as the first owner of your home. Everything is brand new! 

 

What You Should Know When Choosing a Contractor

construction workers building house

At Joe Koch Construction we pride ourselves on our reputation with the local community. We strive to go above and beyond for our clients and to give them the best experience possible when building or remodeling.

However, this isn’t always the standard for other construction companies. So, when you are choosing a contractor to head up your home construction, these simple steps can mean the difference between complete confidence and sleepless nights.

 

Daylight Savings: Time For Important Home Maintenance

man checking the time on his watch

Daylight savings time begins this year on March 8! Turning the clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time reminds us that Spring is just around the corner. Yea! At this point we're all ready to say goodbye to winter.

When we change the clocks, it's the perfect reminder to perform some very important home maintenance items. If we don't do them, who will? And, yes, they are important and you should not procrastinate, unless you are prepared to face the unpleasant circumstances that may result.  

Here is a list of important maintenance items you should get done in March.

4 Trends in Home Building!

open kitchen design

Home design is constantly changing to reflect the latest tastes of the next generation of home buyers. Now that 2020 is here, you can expect to see some common themes across new home building. Home builders in Youngstown, Ohio (and all across the country) have noted these top four trends in new home construction.

 

1. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Best Design Ideas for Your New Kitchen

modern kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. This is where your family and guests gravitate. A well-designed kitchen can add so much functionality, efficiency, and value to your home! 

Whether building a new home, or remodeling your existing home, here are some good ideas you should consider when designing a new kitchen.

 

Concealed Appliances

Refrigerators, induction stoves, and microwave drawers create a sleek, adherent look for your kitchen, especially if you are creating an open concept that will blend into your living space.

 

What Homebuyers Want in a Newly Constructed Home

people gathering in the open kitchen

Buying an existing home sometimes means giving up things on your wish list, because the home has already been built by someone else. 

Building your own home or a home that is in the construction process means having more flexibility to make sure the things you want are

included in your home.  At Joe Koch Construction, we are always keeping up to date on the latest trends and wants of our customers.

 

Here are some of the few things that new home buyers put on their "want" list. 

 

Energy Efficiency

Spring Cleaning Checklist

open window

check mark Check The Windows & Doors   

During the winter, the doors and windows stay closed.  Now is the best time to check your entryways for irregularities.  After being closed for so long, windows and doors can develop drafts, stick, or warp. This type of maintenance is one of the easiest and quickest in the whole home. 

 

Spa-like Bathroom Trends

lavender soap and towel closeup

Clean, uncluttered lines, energy- and water-efficient features, the open and accessible aesthetics of universal design, materials and colors drawn from nature, and a spa-like feel of comfort and relaxation: That's today's bathroom. 

Let's look at the features of a spa-like bathroom:

 

Sinks and Vanities

Floating vanities enhance the open feel of the room. A simple countertop with cabinet and drawers or a few shelves underneath is mounted on the the wall and seems to float above the floor, leaving an uninterrupted flow and easier cleaning.

The Company You Choose is the Most Important Decision

builders standing in front of a house discussing

The most important decision you will make when starting a new home or home improvement project is The Company you Choose!

So, how do you ensure you choose the right company for the job? 

Here are some guidelines that show the measure of a good contractor:

 

Knowledge and Skills

Is this person truly a professional craftsman, or a part-time do-it-yourselfer earning some extra money?

 

Experience and Track Record

What other work similar to mine have they done, and what kind of job did they do?