Planning a Kitchen Design for an RTM.

Selecting cabinets is one of the biggest decisions to make when planning a custom RTM. The kitchen also happens to be one of the most expensive rooms to finish in a new home. Before deciding on species of wood and countertop materials, consider your lifestyle and what functions you will need to determine the appropriate durability, gadgets and storage necessary for your family into the future.

RTM Homes Saskatchewan

Trendy or Traditional?

Are you the type to renovate your home when you are ready to make a change? Picking classic finishes may be more advantageous for timeless longevity and prevent your cabinets from looking dated. Depending what your personal style is, you will want your cabinets to match accordingly. What is the look and feel of the space you want to prepare daily meals and entertain in?

Cabinet Science: The Structure and Components

There are three basic structural components to a cabinet: the box, the shelves and the drawers. Each can be constructed in a number of ways.  At B&B Homes, we build all of our cabinets custom to the dimensions of the floor plan  and design them to fit the individual needs of all our customers.

Finish and Function

Cabinets are one of the most visible aspects of your kitchen design. At B&B we will make any home with the materials you wish. If you are looking for our advice, we recommend working with maple doors. These specs we use as a minimum standard in our RTM kitchens. This durable species adds warmth and elegance to both traditional and contemporary settings without blowing the budget or sacrificing quality.

Bringing It All Together with Appliances and Countertops

Creating a vision with a designer helps you plan your cabinetry colors,  countertops, backsplash tile, plumbing fixtures and appliances, to pull off the look and function you are aiming for. Often B&B clients make the investment in new appliances and granite or quartz countertops since their custom RTM will be their forever home. The kitchen is the space you will need to plan for the most diligently in an RTM project.

The Hudson RTM

RTM Homes Saskatchewan

how to select cabinets for an RTM

For more information or to start planning and designing your dream kitchen, contact B&B Homes to get started.

 

Planning a Mudroom for an RTM Home.

The mudroom is a common design element that farmers and ranchers incorporate into their RTM homes as this side entrance is a popular entryway point into the home.

With smart planning and design, you can keep these areas neat, organized and styled to your lifestyle. Whether you want to put the laundry in this area with a sink for a double function, or a convenient half bath, the mudroom area can help the rest of your home stay clean and organized.

planning a mudroom for an RTM                                                    Tile floors keep the area easy to clean and maintain.

RTM Mudroom

Lockers, drawers, hooks and benches are also commonly found to help keep everyone’ outerwear and accessories tidy.

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If you do not want to commit to a half bath in this area of your home, you can always add a sink to a connected laundry area to clean up in after working outside.

To start planning your own RTM mudroom in your design, contact B&B Homes.

Features that Add Value to Your Home

Your home is not just your personal sanctuary, it is also an investment! Whether you are planning your own custom home or preparing to sell your existing residence, there are some upgrades that will appreciate the price of your home when you are ready to sell. Below are a few ideas:

  • Upgrading flooring in bedrooms from carpet to laminate flooring.
  • Tile showers, as well as tile flooring in bathrooms.
  • Upgrading your countertop from laminate to quartz or granite.
  • Adding a fireplace (gas or wood burning).
  • Installing LED pot lights throughout the home.
  • Using vinyl siding to fiber cement board siding and/or adding stone to your exterior.
  • Upgrading from stipple ceiling to either painted or pine.

Whether it is your forever home or you know you will sell down the road, it is important to consider how the home will maintain it’s value over the long run.

Introducing The Chesapeake and The Hudson Floor Plans

If 2019 is the year you want to be living in your brand new RTM home, it is time to start planning! One of the first steps of the process is to determine the size of the home and the layout that will work best for your family and budget. It is never too early to start, but it can easily be too late when you start putting the various pieces of the process together. Start design early and check out these new inspirations from recent B&B Home’s projects!

The Chesapeake utilizes 1640 sq ft of functional living space that includes three bedrooms. With an open concept design and a high vaulted ceiling in the front entry, this home leaves a grand, open feeling for families to relax and prepare meals in. A double sided central fireplace is a statement piece for the entrance, dining and living room areas. The side entrance is kept tidy with the mudroom lockers and laundry room only steps away. The Chesapeake includes a walk-through pantry that adjoins the mudroom to kitchen for organization and extra storage. This home offers a comfortable living space while utilizing each square foot of space.

The Hudson boasts over 2100 sq ft of functional space for a growing family. With four bedrooms and a study, everyone has a space to call their own. Whether preparing meals for the family or hosting a dinner party, this spacious kitchen is a culinary haven. With custom cabinetry built into the design, there is plenty of room for storage to stay organized. Cozy up by the fireplace during the cold winter months and enjoy ceiling details created to fit any style. If you are looking for a beautiful custom RTM home with carefully planned features and generous square footage, The Hudson is the one for you.

Want to Get Started Planning Your Own RTM Project?

If you have any questions about the RTM process, want to book a site visit to tour some of our current projects or wish to start the process of drafting your own custom design plan, contact us here.

Considerations When Designing a Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is one of the fun parts to plan when designing your own custom RTM home. When visioning your layout, you need to be conscious that there is enough traffic space so you can be comfortable doing multiple tasks at a time in the kitchen, making the space functional. You also need to think about space for things like seating; you might need to leave a good amount of room for chairs. We would recommend for you to buy barstools for this as it will take up the least amount of space and make sitting at a kitchen island easy.

Don’t forget about lighting either! The right sort of lighting can make or break a kitchen island – we usually recommend some sort of long hanging pendant for this although spotlights are also very popular. However, there are plenty of lighting options to choose from. When the right lighting option has been chosen, it’s important to ensure it’s installed by a professional electrician so that it’ll last a lifetime in the kitchen but also so it’s installed securely. See, there’s a lot to think about isn’t there? Let’s review some more ideas for designing a kitchen island when planning a custom RTM home project.

Double sink in the island area while allowing for enough space from the range to move around the space for the busy multi-taskers.

You may prefer prairie views when doing this dishes and opt for family meals on an easy to clean and maintain quartz countertop. It’s well known that custom quartz countertops bring a certain elegance to one’s home which is precisely why it’s such a popular choice.

No wasted space if you plan for storage in advance.

Create an ambiance based on your personal style and preferences to prepare daily meals. A rustic look can be achieved with custom cabinetry and lighting fixtures to compliment.

Plan your own custom RTM dream home with B&B’s Dream It, Build It, Move It process. Contact us to get started.

Preparing for a 2018 Spring/Summer RTM Delivery

With fall coming full steam ahead and harvest wrapping up, it may be time to consider planning your RTM for a 2018 spring/summer delivery.

Not sure where to start? Check out the RTM Project Roadmap page on our website to see how the process is broken down into different pieces and phases.

It is never too early to start, so you can take your time in the process, as it is common that not enough time is allocated for design, quoting and obtaining financing. The build itself, once started, goes by quickly! There are however a few time intensive steps to take before you get there.

Below are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to work with B&B Homes on an RTM project.

Custom RTM Design Services

B&B Homes offers custom design services to all of our clients. Katia, our on-site designer will work with you to create a floor plan that meets your lifestyle needs, overall aesthetic preferences and will help you to stay within your overall budget. To learn more about the custom design process, visit here.

Efficient Project Management

B&B Homes offers a full suite of services making for a seamless experience including: foundation, basement, garage, deck and hook up services. B&B Homes recommends ICF basement foundations but will also complete wood basements upon request.

B&B Homes is now on Instagram! Follow us @BBHomes07 or click the image below to access visual inspiration from B&B Home’s projects. #DreamItBuildItMoveIt

For more information on planning a custom RTM project or to book a site visit, contact Suzanne directly at [email protected] or via phone at 306-856-0073.

How Long Does it Take to Build an RTM Home?

Planning a custom home is a once in a lifetime experience for many. Putting together a well thought out plan while getting all of the pieces of the puzzle together can take some time but this is not a process that you want to rush!

Building an RTM Home usually takes around six months if you need to get a design made and a mortgage from a lender. Your relationship with your builder will last beyond the project and into the warranty work. On average we stay well connected with our clients for up to 1.5 years. Make sure you like who you will be working with! Depending how custom you want your home to be or the size can influence this timeline.

Getting your design in place, the estimate where you want it, and lining up your mortgage are the core pieces of the project that will influence the timelines of your build getting started. You will want to take your time in the design planning process, so bank on one or more months, depending on the customization of your build. Additionally, your mortgage stage can have delays if your lender requires some leg work from you. The build itself, once everything is in place, has a set time frame.

Do not underestimate the time it can take to secure a mortgage (probably longer than you would think) or how long it will take for your design and blueprints to completely come together. . It never hurts to have time to spare between completing the initial stages and beginning your build.

Design & Project Details Overview

At this stage, clients collaborate their ideas with our designer, get a plan in place and can reserve their spot in the B&B Homes building schedule. Also during this time, clients get quotes for the foundation from B&B Homes, or their local contractor, a pre-approved mortgage and a local permit for the build (if required). Once the home’s completion and move dates are set, the client finalizes their mortgage and signs the official agreement with B&B Homes to get the project started. At this point, the clients approve the RTM final plans and begin making selections on Co-Construct so that B&B Homes can order materials for framing.

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Building and Tailoring the Home

Once the design is finalized, you have a meeting with our designer to select all the components that go into your home. From there, B&B starts your build process. First, B&B completes the framing (floors, walls, roof). Then the first walk-through of the home takes place. Here, you verify with our designer all your electrical and plumbing rough-in locations so you can begin to look for a plumbing company and an electrician. As well at the same time, all the exterior materials are being installed. Once the framing and electrical and plumbing rough-ins are complete, it is now time to insulate, drywall, paint, install modern interior doors and casings, flooring, cabinets, closets, and mirrors. During this time, clients can still make changes or decide to include any unique features that are not on the original plan, if it has been stated before the ordering of that phase has occurred. They can monitor their whole build and the different phases in Co-Construct.

winter build 2

Finishing Touches and Planning Moving Day

Almost done! B&B finishes the plumbing & electrical, lighting, applies the final paint, and cleans the house in preparation for the move date. It is important that the plumbing services of the house have been done before fitting anything else, as if there is a problem with the plumbing, it could impact the rest of the house too. As a result of this, the move in date may be pushed back. There won’t be a problem if you have trusted plumbers and contractors completing the work. The client then reviews the home and gives the final approval before B&B Homes moves the home to the prepared foundation.
Moving day 3

During the move the homeowner is on site to verify the movers have everything they need to make sure the house is set down and taken care of, such as ensuring the https://ineedtheplumber.com/sewer-and-drain-cleaning/ works have been completed. In the event that any work needs to be completed by B&B after the home settles, the client tracks what needs to be completed via the warranty list in Co-Construct. These items are covered by B&B Homes’ one year warranty guarantee and the home is also covered in the Saskatchewan New Home warranty as well.

Eliminate the Upgrades When You Plan a Custom RTM Home.

At B&B Homes we pride ourselves in making a home special for each client. After building and delivering over 80 houses with a lot of great clients, we feel comfortable offering a RTM building methodology that builds trust in the process and leaves our customers happy with the home of their dreams. We do not include upgrades in our options since every home is quoted to each family individually we are working with, making it a feature that was chosen specifically for them.

Hear it from them: testimonials.

We Don’t Like the Term “Upgrades”

With the exception of the odd show home, each build we do is tailored exactly to the client we are working with. Through your ideas and the collaboration with our onsite designer Katia, we are able to create the home you want. We will create a home from scratch and plan for creative touches in design phase, then include everything you want into your quote, so we don’t  hit you with ‘upgrades’ later. Working with a builder that is conscious of your budget while finding ways to make things work, offers possibilities that buying a pre-built RTM or pre-fab home doesn’t allow.

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Designing a Home Within Your Budget, What You See is What You Get

For most of our customers, their new RTM will be the home they will live in for the rest of their lives and likely pass down to their children. We work to have each home durable for the test of time while incorporating the special features that make the home special and unique to the homeowners it is going to.
The benefit of creating a home from scratch is that you are getting exactly what you want. Working with a builder that is conscious of your budget while finding ways to make things work offers possibilities that buying from a yard doesn’t allow.

custom-home
Offering a Starting Point

Our philosophy is to build a home custom for each family.  This is why it is hard for us to answer what the cost is per square foot as each home ends up with unique finishes and features based on each clients” needs and wants. This is done through careful consideration in the design process. Realizing that those considering an RTM need a starting point, we do provide our minimum standards on existing designs to help our prospective clients make informed choices that allow a better comparison across RTM builders. Most of our homes range from 185,000 to 230,000 (not including moving charges).

View our standard specs we are very proud of here.

These are our minimum standards, though every quote we give to potential client includes the features they want to include so there are no surprises along the way and allows for modifications to the design and features accordingly before the project kicks off.

ironstone showhome specific upgrades

The possibilities are endless once you decide to make a home unique to your family. B&B is pleased to offer foundations, garages and hookups for all of our clients. For more information on how to get started on your own custom RTM project, contact us to get started!

Audio and Home Theater Systems for an RTM Home.

There lots of factors, decisions and steps to take when planning a new RTM home. At B&B, we pride ourselves in making the whole process as smooth and seamless as possible. Planning an audio and home theater set up in the planning stages saves you hassle down the road if you get your wiring done right from the onset. If you’re planning on implementing Graham Slee Hifi equipment into your audio setup, then plan accordingly.

Whether it is time to go all out in your dream home or plan for future set ups and upgrades, home audio is a consideration that should be planned for before the walls come up on your brand new RTM Home.

Do you want to listen to soothing music as you sit in your deep soaker tub or hook up outdoor AV for BBQ’s and gardening tunes or set up your basement home cinema? You can and the possibilities with home audio today are endless.

Getting Your Wiring Set Up for the Right System with a Plan in Place

Whether you have your own preferred home audio vendor or want to work with one of ours, B&B Homes will collaborate with your provider to ensure that the wiring is done for your ideal system set up for the long term. This is a great time to get all of the wiring you need both now and for your vision for the future to optimize the labour and wiring set up that will already be taking place. If you need an option to do this, you can visit their website here. These electricians, or a good local firm, will be able to help set up everything you need on the wire side.

audio and home theater

Whether you are ready to finish a basement right away or plan a future home theatre system down the road, getting the wiring set up in advance, by companies such as asburyelectric.com/poquoson-electrician/, can help streamline set up in the future.

audio and home theater

Whether you are looking at smart home technology to have audio in every room or pick up a television program in another room at the same spot, consulting with an audio technician can help you set up the framework of your home audio plans. B&B Homes will install the wires and some of the speakers as part of our process in making your custom home special and unique for your family.

To plan your own audio and home theater system with your own custom RTM home, contact B&B Homes.

Getting an RTM Home Ready for Seasonal Changes.

At B&B Homes, we are so excited for our in house-designer Katia who will be celebrating her upcoming wedding. She will taking some holidays during this special time and will be away until October 11th. When she is back, she will be able to take on the post harvest designs for future RTM homeowners that are ready for their new digs spring 2017.

Maintaining an RTM home, like any other home, requires some upkeep to prevent damages, safety concerns and overall protection from wear and tear of the life of the home. As we head into fall, there are a few areas to consider for some home chore duties to catch up on before winter creeps in.

Maintaining Your Windows for Energy Efficiency

Maintaining your windows is critical to maintaining the longevity of your RTM home investment, while decreasing the need for repairs down the road. As the seasons change, you will want to check and make sure your windows are functioning properly by checking the sealing and examining for them for moisture damage. In triple or double pane windows you should check for water condensation. Maintaining the sealing procedure is inexpensive and key to maintaining your home’s energy efficiency when done regularly.

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Guarding Your RTM Home Against Humidity

Whether you have lived in an RTM home for a few years or have only recently moved or are planning for an RTM, you need to be careful of this time of year when it comes to dealing with humidity as the seasons change. Moisture and humidity problems are classified as regular maintenance issues and are not covered by B&B Home’s or any of our third parties’ warranties. It is super important that you are aware of the dangers to prevent damages so you can take the appropriate steps to avoid incurring costly repairs. You may need to contact a company like onehourmagic.com who can help with ONE HOUR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING services to see how they can help reduce humidity in your home during high heat seasons, preventing maintenance problems.To learn more about this topic visit below.

Read More: RTM Maintenance: Protecting Your Home From Humidity and Moisture

Tuning Up the Fireplace

Keeping your home warm during the harsh winters is key to staying comfortable during the cold months while saving on the energy bills. Before the cold season creeps in and you decide to turn on your fireplace, ensure that you schedule your maintenance and safety inspection for wood-burning fireplaces. This may result in a cleaning recommendation, depending on how much you use it. If you have an electric or gas fireplace, you have less to concern yourself with. We recommend cleaning the fireplace glass at least twice a year (spring/fall) with a proper fireplace glass cleaner since the materials from other chemical-based cleaning products may not preserve the look at of the glass.

mountain view fireplace RTM

Replacing Furnace Filters for Optimal Performance

Fall is the best time to give your furnace a tune-up. We recommend hiring a professional (like https://valleyservice.net/fargo-services/furnace-repair, for instance) to come and inspect every two years. If you notice that your furnace isn’t working as it should, it may need a repair. A company like Energy Pro Heating & Cooling (check it out here!), will be happy to come and inspect your furnace to see if there are any issues with it. It’s so important to make sure your furnace is working properly by getting it regularly maintained too. On those cold winter nights, a furnace is often essential. To keep yours functioning, it’s so important to get your heater maintained by a company that can offer top ranking furnace repair services. That should prevent the heater from breaking, ensuring all necessary repairs are completed. If your house has a lot of dust, pets, or any smokers, you will want to change your filter more often. A simple eye test to see how clean the filter is will help you gauge if it is time to change your filter and to keep your furnace running optimally. If there is a lot of hair and dust particles surrounding the filter, bring out the vacuum before making the switch and clean the area. Filter lifespans depend on the quality of the filter you purchase and your family’s lifestyle, your furnace filter should be changed every 1-6 months accordingly.

By creating a routine every fall, you can get in a home maintenance flow that won’t take much time each year and will prevent future problems.