TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW

1)   Square footage pricing can be deceiving when determining house cost.  The most expensive areas of your home are the kitchen and master bath.  The cost of these rooms will include cabinetry, appliances and more custom features that incur a higher investment. The remainder of the rooms in the house (bedrooms, great room, etc.) would be at a lesser cost per square foot because you are paying for only space. A square footage price is estimated by averaging all phases of construction including labor and material.  This includes the builder’s site observation and profit margin.  The amenities you have chosen, both interior and exterior, along with site conditions will determine this final number.

2)   Likewise, the cost of adding space to your home will vary widely depending on the area of the home that you enlarge. If the added space is in the great room or bedroom, it is considered low cost space.  If it incorporates the kitchen or master bath, it will impact the cost more. 

3)   Rectangular windows offer the lowest cost when added for accent areas (second floor entry, rear family room vaulted areas, etc.) as compared to round, elliptical, or arched windows.  Those windows add a more custom and personal appearance, but be aware of their significantly higher costs. Fixed window units also cost less than operable units.

4)   Finished basements and spaces over garages are “money in the bank" areas.  They offer a high return for resale because you have increased your home’s square footage in areas that already have a roof, walls and floor. Designing the space initially for future completion can be achieved with spacing columns further apart, higher foundation walls, and window wells allowing for a more comfortable space with natural light.

5)   National averages show that a home is sold every 3-5 years.  Although this may be your dream home, chances are that eventually you may wish to consider the “resale value”.  Home owners do well to keep the region of the country or neighborhood flavor in mind when making major design decisions.   

6)   As trends change, so will amenities: pub rooms, wine cellars, built-ins, kids' lockers, computer centers, a walk-in kitchen pantry, and so on.  These upgrades set you apart from the remainder of new builds or older homes on the market for resale.

7)   Blueprints ordered from a website or magazine never meet the requirements of your local building department.  Each area of country has a different governing body that provides code enforcement for construction.  This criteria makes it impossible to order “one size fits all” documents.  At CADscapes, Inc. we provide the plans needed for your location.

8)    In today’s market most Architects and Designers are using computers to provide this service.  We want your home to be unique to your living style and we offer that opportunity by meeting with you one on one. At CADscapes, Inc., we can provide all of these services and save you money.