Keeping Your Project on Budget Designing a Custom Home

Posted by BBHomes on

Little known fact: The start of your custom home project is not when you break ground for the first time. It’s all figured out on paper first.

Be prepared to review, revise, and repeat to get everything within your budget and style. Make sure to allow enough time for planning and building to achieve your desired delivery date.

Being candid with the stakeholders for your project will help you stick within your budget while planning the home of your dreams.

It is easy to get carried away when planning a custom home, however we want you to keep these key areas in mind so you develop a realistic project plan.

 

RTM design budget

Below are the key recommendations to help the pre-planning stage to run smoothly so you get the home you dream up while still being able to afford it.

Do Not Fear Disclosing Your Budget

One big, and necessary, step is discussing what you hope your overall project will cost. At B&B, we have compiled an entire list of the expenses associated with building a home – reaching past the costs related to the RTM alone, including site prep, hookups and foundations.

Discussing your budget with our on-site designer and estimator gives them the ability to design and quote your home project using materials and function that will fit within your overall budget while allowing enough room for other expenditures and features.

Know your must haves and what you can live without when planning.

To ensure that you do not encounter any surprises along the way that can suddenly hinder you from achieving your dream—or will require last minute split decisions—our estimator at B&B Homes is equipped to provide you with detailed quotes based on your budget parameters. From your RTM home costs to your on-site garage, foundation, hookups and deck, as well as any other required on-site elements that may come up.

Be Prepared to Review, Revise, and Repeat

There are a couple steps involved in this process. First, designing your custom home. This involves everything from the style and materials chosen, to the layout and function of the home that fits your family’s lifestyle. All of these parts are taken into consideration and reviewed to make sure they are fitting your overall vision.

The next step is estimating the cost of the design. In this phase you will be given quotes that include everything discussed during the design process.

Once the first vision of your home is quoted, and you have a concrete idea of all the costs involved, it may be necessary to go back and revise some of the options chosen, or remove some features.

Do not fear this step. Request changes or revisions to get the project to a stage you are comfortable with.

This is a natural progression point in all major projects. More often than not, there is another material available, or another timeline to consider – like saving the decks or garage for a project the following year – that will make achieving your exact vision a reality (without depleting the quality of your home).

So What Now?

The biggest feeling may be to give up. We get it, we’ve all been there. At B&B, we want to be there for you helping you through this stage. We understand this last step is full of very personal decisions, and requires thoughtful deliberation of answering the questions like “What do you most want to get out of your home?” and “What are the top 5 priorities?”. Once you feel you have those questions and thoughts answered, approach the drawing board again with our team of professionals.

Be Involved, Ask Any Questions You Have Along the Way

Ask all your questions, state your ideas, and display any concerns or fears you may have. B&B Homes wants to build you a home that we ourselves would live in. That requires perseverance, flexibility, and honesty from both sides. Believe us when we say all the hard work at this stage, makes the reward at the end even better.

B&B Homes has earned the reputation for providing excellent quality RTM homes and prides itself on delivering superior customer service throughout the process.

If you are ready to start planning a 2021 RTM project, reach out to us here for more information.

Creating a Consistent Theme With Custom Features

Posted by BBHomes on

Building a custom RTM means you have infinite possibilities when it comes to planning features that will make a home truly unique and tailored specifically for your family.

With endless possibilities, it’s helpful to work with an onsite designer throughout your new home planning to help unlock your personal style while making sure that the home’s overall “look and feel” come together cohesively.

See how these custom features came together to harmonize a consistent theme throughout the home from a recent B&B project.

Vaulted ceilings decorated with beams created a grand feeling when on the upper level of the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beams were used as a dramatic feature to enhance doorways throughout the home. Shiplap was used to add texture to accent walls in the home.

The kitchen had a tiled backsplash, with a featured statement piece above the stove.

Hutch cabinetry in the laundry room provided ultimate storage and function.

What ambiance and colour tones would you like in your dream home? Let’s get started making your vision a reality by heading into a consultation with our design team.

For more information on the process or to get started planning your own custom floor plan, reach out to B&B at any time.

The Value of Working with a Professional Designer for an RTM

Posted by BBHomes on

Anyone can draw up a floor plan, but when it comes to creating a design for your forever home and selecting the features and finishes, you are going to want expert advice that you can trust throughout the planning and building process. Smart design prevents unnecessary renovations down the road.

Like when you book a hotel room, you will have expectations about what kind of experience you want to have for what you are willing to pay.

B&B Homes takes pride in offering unlimited creative options to design a home with the counsel of our onsite designers Katia and Kendra, who will guide your decision making and planning all the way through to your home’s delivery. From letting you know what you can “pull off” in your floor plan within your square footage, to going shopping for lighting fixtures and flooring with you, they are along for the whole ride throughout an RTM project.

We must admit, our design team and process methodologies are part of B&B Home’s secret sauce for delivering a premium RTM building experience. Keeping a strong relationship onsite between the designer and the building crew has lead to a lot of beautiful custom RTM homes over the years.

“We are very pleased with the final product of our customized home with the help of our designer Katia. The entire B&B staff was very professional and easy to work with throughout the entire process.”
-Mike & Shannon Palmier

Hear more about the B&B Home’s RTM building process from past B&B Home’s clients here.

Exciting Announcement for Future RTM Projects.

Posted by BBHomes on

We are always looking for new ways to bring value to our clients planning their dream home project with us.

After building and moving over 100 RTM projects, we have developed best practices and methodologies to keep our standards high for the quality and service delivery of our homes.

As we like to say one company from start to finish.

With that said, it is our great pleasure to announce that we now move our own RTM homes!

Not only will this help our clients save on this expense, it also gives us the flexibility to move homes on our ideal project completion schedules.

We can now move our homes with the same care that we have for every custom RTM home we build.

If you have any questions about planning a custom RTM project or if you are ready to get started, contact us to begin.

A Designer’s Input on Furnishing Your New Home.

Posted by BBHomes on

It’s no secret that B&B Homes’ on-site designer, Katia, is here to guide you through your entire custom home project. From the designing stage through to selecting interior finishes to fit your style and budget, she knows your home’s space, style, and your family’s lifestyle inside and out. She can help you decide on the best pieces that suit your aesthetic, from accent armchairs (go now to take your pick) to the best wall designs.

At B&B Homes we are all about making your entire home building experience stress free. Once your custom home project commences, you may start thinking about what furniture or decor you would like in your space, or even how to arrange what you currently have. A big question you might be having is ‘What is going to fit or look good?’ If you’re after some luxury pieces then you might want to consider shopping at Macy’s. Don’t panic, this doesn’t have break the bank – not if you use the discounts you can get through using coupons and promo codes found on this page and others online.

If this question is keeping you up at night, you will be happy to know that Katia is available to help you through this section of your project too. She has scoped out places in Saskatoon that are guaranteed to have furniture and decor to fit your budget and style. With her expert input, she will help you fit and arrange unique pieces for your home.

If you are wishing to use what you already own, but would like some advice on arranging it, B&B Homes also offers the option to schedule Katia to come to your home once it’s moved and give her advice.

Below are some of the homes that Katia has furnished and decorated, tailored for each unique style:

RTM Homes Saskatchewan RTM Homes Saskatchewan

RTM electric fireplace

Making the Most of Your Space: Planning for Storage Through Design

Posted by BBHomes on with 1 Comment

Get the most out of your space through smart design for storage and function. Custom cabinets and shelving units not only help you stay organized, but they will also help you get the most out of your storage capacities that are available within the square footage of your brand new RTM home. If you’re also wanting to add extra storage space, researching into sheds storage buildings for an extra room could be beneficial to your storage capacities.

B&B Homes works with a number of suppliers that can help you plan and customize this important consideration for your home that makes smart sense over the long run. Getting some outdoor storage buildings has become popular these days, after all. All cabinetry is made to order for each B&B Home with custom measurements based on your floorplan.

Storage through design

Mudroom lockers are a trend and a popular feature in most of B&B Home’s projects. Some people have this as an adjacant building to their home, as can be seen with some metal buildings alaska uses, but others have this in their homes. Lockers help everyone stay organized each season while having a little personal space to store your stuff. Those who are increasingly running out of space for their excess belongings may want to commit a certain amount of them to a storage solution (like this one here) which can collect, store, and deliver practically anything you no longer have room in your home for. The laundry area is often in the mudroom as well and conceals products for a tidy and clean look.

mudroom RTM storage

Take into account all of the different areas of a home that you can organize with shelving, cabinets, and storage combined with what you already know about your lifestyle and make special accommodations for it when planning with our on-site designer Katia. She will help you navigate this part of your design plan while keeping your budget considerations in mind.

wine fridge RTM

custom cabinets RTM

planning for storage

For more information on planning a custom RTM project or to book a site visit, contact Darwin directly at darwin@bbhomes.ca or via phone at 306-856-0073. Want to view current projects? Book a site visit here.

4 Things to Know Before You Start Design

Posted by BBHomes on

Designing a custom home floor plan doesn’t have to be as intimidating as you may think. Working with professionals to help guide you along the way of the process will help you make decisions you can feel confident about.

Here are a few recommendations from our in-house designer that will make the process a bit smoother from the onset. Consider having an idea in mind regarding a few of these points below.

Number of Bedrooms

Do you know how many bedrooms you want? There is a science of square footage and the allowance that make the number possible. For example, you will need at least a minimum of 1450 sq ft if you want to have 3 bedrooms. This may also come at the expense of some of the square footage you want to include in other areas of the home. Most homes B&B builds are usually between 1500-1600 sq ft depending on budgets. Generally, finishing a basement down the road with extra rooms in the basement is usually cheaper than adding extra square footage upstairs.

RTM Homes Saskatchewan

Your Budget

We realize that without knowing what things cost it is hard to decide on what features to add into your home. Having an idea of what you want to spend or having a mortgage pre-approval will help our designer keep you in line with your floor plan in relation to what you want to spend. It’s easier to have an idea to work around versus having to detract from what you planned later on. Make a realistic plan by knowing what you want, so you can have a candid conversation around materials and features based on your budget amount, and some allowance to incorporate some (or all!) of your custom wishlist features accordingly.

RTM Homes Saskatchewan

Number of Bathrooms

The number of bathrooms you want will also be a factor in determining the square footage of your home. On the same note, knowing whether you want a separate bath and shower in your ensuite or if just a shower is sufficient for your lifestyle, will help determine layout, and the overall square foot of your home. Or, perhaps adding a half (or full) bath in the mudroom would be a convenient feature to keep your home tidy after coming in from the yard.

The Churchbridge RTM

Basement or Crawl Space

When you get your floor plan drafted by B&B’s onsite designer, a basement plan could also be included. Knowing if you plan to have a basement or crawl space will help you make decisions for the areas mentioned above. Future plumbing work that may need to be carried out from Sharp Plumbing & Heating, as well as considering the electrical locations for the time when you are ready to develop your basement will also be taken into consideration.

If you don’t have all your details completely hashed out before talking to our designer, don’t worry. She will guide you through this decision making process and ask key questions that gets you thinking more about how your future home should function for your lifestyle, while possibly bringing up a few more options and ideas to consider!

For more information on the custom design process visit here.

 

Keep Cozy in the Winters: Explore these Popular RTM Fireplace Options

Posted by BBHomes on

There is no doubt about it that the prairies have some of the harshest winters out there. But there is a silver lining, and that is keeping cozy by the fire in the bitter cold months in the comfort of your own home. Whilst many people will want to keep their home furnace maintained by Https://www.thecomfortdoctors.com/furnaces/ for ease of use, having a fireplace is a great extra option at this time of year.

There is no shortage of different options to customize a fireplace with lots of options available for aesthetic and function. Three popular options for B&B Homes clients are traditional wood burning, gas and electric fireplaces.

RTM fireplace

Wood burning fireplaces are a traditional option that have been heating homes naturally for decades. This tried and true style of fireplace requires a little more upkeep than more modern gas and electric options and is not as efficient at producing heat. But if the scent and ambiance of the burning logs is what you are after, the additional maintenance can be considered a labour of love when maintaining your wood supply and cleaning your chimney seasonally. Want to try something entirely different? Why not consider using Fireglass pebbles.

RTM gas fireplace

Gas fireplaces are a stylish, modern option that provide flexible heat and aesthetic options by efficiently burning natural gas or propane instead of wood. There are a number of options for gas logs that create the ambiance of your flame. Gas fireplaces are also enclosed, providing safety from embers without requiring any chimney maintenance. Gas fireplaces also provide an alternate heat source for the home. If you opt for ethanol, it is imperative that you take ethanol fireplace safety seriously. They are very safe when used correctly.

RTM electric fireplace

Electric fireplaces allow you to have the visual of a fire without having to produce any actual heat allowing for use all year round to create a relaxing ambiance at your leisure. You could even get a tv stand with electric fire place built right into it. This gives an extra level of aesthetic appeal. Most electric models B&B sources do give you the option for both flame and heat or just the flame. An environmentally conscious option, electric fireplaces do not use any gas or produce any emissions.

Do you want to warm up by your own brand new fireplace next winter? Are you ready to start planning your own custom RTM dream home with B&B’s Dream It, Build It, Move It process? Contact Darwin directly at darwin@bbhomes.ca to get started.

Same Design, Two Totally Different Homes.

Posted by BBHomes on

The Redburn is one of B&B Homes most popular designs that we have built many variations of over the years. When reviewing floor plans, the colours and features that make a home are not yet quite clear.

In this short series, we want to showcase the differences that style and features can make in a home that may otherwise appear the same when reviewing the floorplan, whether that be the Window shutters chosen or the floor panels that change the mood of the place.

The Redburn Floor Plan Features Include:

  • 1668 Square Feet
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 ½ Baths
  • Vaulted ceiling in kitchen, dining, & living room
  • Main floor laundry
  • Swinging closet doors
  • Walk-in kitchen corner pantry
  • Island seating
  • Walk-in closet in master bedroom
  • Front deck overhang

See how one Redburn in a transitional style with light color tones throughout compares to one in a rustic style with warm earthy tones in these similarly customized floor plans below.

Here is an overall view of the open concept living, dining and kitchen areas in each style. Optional features that can be incorporated into any home include fireplaces, window coverings (like attractive custom shades), and appliances.

Simple shaker cabinet doors vs rustic hickory cabinetry that were made uniquely for each home.

Simple and elegant materials such as minimal patterned tile with chrome finishes can be found in a transitional style vs dark natural materials such as wood and stone used in a rustic style.

Modifications can be made to any floor plan in a custom RTM project based on each families preferences for storage and natural light.

For more information on the process or to get started planning your own custom floor plan, reach out to B&B at any time. Schedule a site visit for a one-on-one consultation and to tour our current projects.

Incorporating Concrete Into Your Design Features

Posted by BBHomes on

Concrete like tile, is a diverse material that can be used in various applications of a home. Not only can concrete be used for foundations and ensuring structural stability, but it can also add modern design elements to suit your style and preferences. Concrete is a fantastic material however, over time it can start to crumble if it’s not looked after properly. This can cause serious issues if the concrete is cracking in your home’s foundations. Luckily, there are lots of foundation repair denver companies that can help with this sort of thing so if you notice any changes, call the professionals! This shouldn’t put you off from having any concrete in your home, it’s a great material and it has lots of uses. Whether you want to install some new concrete countertops or your home has concrete foundations, concrete is one of the most popular materials out there at the minute.

Here are some uses for concrete in a home:

  • Countertops
  • Countertops with integrated sinks
  • Backsplash (either as one ‘piece’ or multiple tile like pieces)
  • Showers (same as backsplash)
  • Fireplace mantles
  • Custom furniture tops – ie. coffee tables, end tables, dining tables, benches

*Please note: Concrete that is used for any surface exposed to liquid would need to be sealed once a year like granite because it’s a naturally porous material. This includes all of the items above except fireplaces, mantles and furniture.

Did you know that concrete can be mixed to create any color? It can also have a smooth, glossy, matte or exposed aggregate finish. It is even possible for concrete to have a wood grain texture.

See these different examples of concrete home finishes from Stoneflow Concrete Designs, a supplier that works with B&B Homes.

For more information on the process or to get started planning feel free to reach out to B&B at any time. Book a site visit for a one-on-one consultation and to tour our current projects.