Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Your Best Kept Secret

There is something intriguing about a secret room. It's something you hear about in fiction stories, but secret rooms have a history going as far back as the Egyptians. In the past they were used as escape routes, hide out places for evading capture, illegal drug smuggling, and more. In the modern times, secret rooms are a new and fascinating design feature.
A secret room can range from a niche for hiding a safe, to an underground wine cellar, to an entire room. Here's a creative idea for a secret room --a remote control lifts the stairs revealing a study for the family's teenage daughter. Fun, right? One very lucky teenager actually received this as a gift from her parents.
What a find it would be if you discovered a secret room within your home. Don't think you have one? Well, that's what one homeowner thought before she discovered a secret room almost one year after moving in. You might be wondering, why didn't the previous owners disclose it?  If you tell others about the secret room, it's no longer a secret room, right?
When constructing a secret room it is wise to consult a professional. Safety measures such as an exit strategy and proper ventilation need to be considered. If building your own, keep in mind that a true secret room means there is no evidence of the room from the outside --no joins or wires that might give it away. The cost of a secret room can range anywhere from the low thousands to over 50,000 depending on the complexity of the room. Although it might be difficult, if you are planning on constructing a secret room, make it your best kept secret.
Photo source: Pinterest.com
Photo source: Indulgy.com
 
Photo source:  Pinterest.com
Photo source: Lighthome.com
Photo source:  Pinterest.com
Photo source:  Stumble Upon article by Kristie Bertucci
Photo source:  Stumble Upon article by Kristie Bertucci

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Selecting a Custom Home Builder

A new home purchase is one of the biggest investments you will make. If you decide on new construction, choosing a dependable and reputable custom home builder is imperative. Be sure to do your research, ask questions, and then choose the best company. To help in the selection process, consider the following:
 
Does the contractor have local knowledge?
The contractor you choose must have a deep understanding of the local area.  Key issues such as building codes, zoning requirements, tree permits, and site conditions differ according to each area.  For example, Sarasota, FL has city and county limits, and each has it's own set of requirements. An experienced licensed contractor will have knowledge of the local area.
 
Does the contractor have a good reputation?
Research the contractor on the internet.  The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start.  Look for additional company reviews and testimonials. Speak with prior clients.  Any contractor with a good reputation is happy to put you in contact with past customers. 

Is the contractor qualified?
Ensure the custom home builder you chose is qualified to build your type of home. For example, coastal homes require an engineered piling system. Does the contractor have experience with this type of constuction? To ensure a contractor is qualified, speak with past customers, drive by the builder's completed homes or ask to view their home portfolio

Is the contractor easy to communicate with?
The ability to talk openly to the contractor and his team members is a must. The entire team should take pride in not only fulfilling your individual needs, but also exceeding your expectations. The contractor should provide flexibility, allowing you to tailor your home designs according to your specific preferences.

Does the contractor use quality products?
Quality is important. Cheap is not the way to go. Furthermore, the contractor's mission should go beyond building high quality, distinctive houses. A good contractor will take that extra step in making your house a home through their superior attention to detail. Don't skimp on quality when building your dream home.
 

Friday, August 16, 2013

A Sunny Escape for the Winter Weary! (New Listing)

Designer finishes and a great view!
This listing courtesy of GINA URSINI / KELLER WILLIAMS
For more information email or call 941-812-4894 
 
5106 Marsh Field Road, Sarasota, FL  34235
Remodel project by Brista Homes, Inc.

Visit Sarasota Homes for Sale and register under the "See More Homes" section to get all of the hottest Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Sarasota Homes delivered right to your inbox. Or use this form to submit a request to find out what your Sarasota home might sell for today.
 
Further Reading:
  1. Remodel Your Lakewood Ranch Investment Home: The Steps From Start to Finish
  2. Get Ready to Remodel and Flip!
  3. In It to Win It: Tips on Submitting an Offer
  4. Estimate Calculators:  A Tool for Investing in Real Estate

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Remodeling: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck


Remodeling: How much should you spend?
 
Whether you are a new homeowner, a seller preparing your home for the market, or an investor who remodels quick flips, where should you invest your money for the greatest return? 

Keller Williams recently distributed some very helpful information which provides valuable insight of where you should be spending your money. The following mid-range remodeling projects will offer the highest returns on your investment.

 
Entry door replacement 
Estimated Cost: $1137
Return on Investment:  85.6%                                

Wood deck addition
Estimated Cost: $9327                                             
Return on Investment:  77.3%

Garage door replacement
Estimated Cost: $1496
Return on Investment:  75.7%

Minor kitchen remodel
Estimated Cost: $18,527
Return on Investment:  75.4%

Window replacement
Estimated Cost: $9770
Return on Investment:  71.2%

Attic bedroom
Estimated Cost: $47,919
Return on Investment:  72.9%

Major kitchen remodel
Estimated Cost: $53,931
Return on Investment:  68.9%
 

For more information on building or remodeling your Sarasota, Bradenton, or Longboat Key home please do not hesitate to contact Mark Ursini/ Brista Homes (941-232-1948) or visit BristaHomes.com.
 
 
 
 
Further Reading:
  1. Remodel Your Lakewood Ranch Investment Home: The Steps From Start to Finish
  2. Get Ready to Remodel and Flip!
  3. In It to Win It: Tips on Submitting an Offer
  4. Estimate Calculators:  A Tool for Investing in Real Estate
 

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Budget Friendly Decorating Ideas

Budget friendly decorating ideas that won't break the bank.
 
Follow these tips on how to stretch your dollar by creatively transforming your home's existing furniture and accessories in something fabulous. By adding a little paint and some affordable finds, you will be amazed at the difference it makes in your room and your wallet.
 
Get creative and keep costs down. A tight budget does not mean you need to compromise on style. The entire budget for this 1,400 sq. foot home was a minimal $3,000. Shopping at second hand stores, tag sales, and clearance racks, was the key to this room's success.  

 
The dining chairs, a clearance item, were the only new items in the room. Additional accessories and furniture, including the light fixture, were purchased at the local Goodwills, Habitat for Humanity, Craigslist, second hand shops, and tag sales. The below photo provides a glimpse of  the room's dated appearance prior to the transformation.
 
A quick tip for decorating on a budget. Take time in redoing your room. Don't be in a hurry to get everything done. As a result, you will make bad decisions which affect your budget.
 
 
Put your DIY skills to work. This bedroom received a classy, yet inexpensive update. The room's walls were painted a soothing blue. A coverlet purchased for $6.00 from a second hand store was cut apart and used as a bed throw, accent pillows, and a shower curtain valance.  The curtains, rod, bed ruffles, and head board were tag sale finds. The home owner's old green lamp bases received a coat of black spray paint and some new white shades. 
 
Repurpose and reuse. Reuse items you currently have around the home. Photo 1: An outdated print was removed from it's frame and replaced with hanging star fish. Photo 2: Take a few inexpensive pots, then add florals for a chic home accessory. Photo 3: Go through your kitchen cabinets and use it's contents as lovely decor
 

 



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

A Get Gutsy Paint Idea

Walls are not the only place where you can add pattern and color to a room. Get creative & get gutsy! Paint your floors instead. Your old, worn hardwood planks provide the perfect opportunity to add color and pizzazz to any space. Paint them solid or get artsy and add a playful design. This technique can be applied to stairs too. This DIY paint project is labor intensive but worth every minute. You will be in awe with the results.
 
How to:
 
1. Sand your floors, and then clean well
 
2. Apply a base of primer. Let dry 24 hours.
 
3. Start at the back of the room and work your way to the door.
 
4. Paint your floor with oil-based exterior paint. Let dry 24 hours.
 
5. If painting a bathroom floor, consider using marine paint (used on boats)
 
5. Lightly sand and clean. Add another one or two coats, sanding between.


(How to & photo source: Natalie Myers / Houzz.com)
 
White, black, gray are all safe floor color options. But what about red? Paired with white walls, it's an electrifying jolt of color and offers the opportunity to create a consistent color story, complemented by red accessories in each room.
 

 
This gingham plaid pattern is so inventive for a painted floor. As long as the the paint coats are kept thin, this pattern seems relatively easy to achieve.

(Photo source: Bockman & Forbes Design)

Continue your design on the stairs to create a unique space that will become the envy of your neighbors.
 

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Refreshed and Rejuvenated!

Brista Homes Remodel Nears Completion



















 
If you are looking for a beautifully updated move-in-ready condo, then this is it! Located in the Meadows of Sarasota, this unit is contemporary and stunning. Every square inch has been renovated with style and class. You won't find another one like it.  Here's your sneak preview!

Located in the wonderfully maintained community of the Meadows, this second story unit's redesigned kitchen will boast espresso shaker style cabinets, glass tile backsplash, Cambria counter tops and stainless steel appliances.  Rectangular ceramic tile mimicking distressed salvaged wood completes the look and continues through out the rest of the main living areas, including both bathrooms. The bedrooms switch up to hand scraped dark hard wood flooring.

Other new features include:
  • Newly remodeled bathrooms with soft close doors and drawers
  • New contemporay soft white doors through out
  • New soft white contemporary mouldings with gray painted walls
  • New water heater
  • New air conditioning unit
  • New contemporary light fixtures and fan
  • New recessed lighting in kitchen
  • Large tiled lanai with storage closet and a great view!

Asking $159,900. Expected completion date is end of July.

For additional information or to view, please contact Mark Ursini at 941-232-1948 or by email.














Thursday, August 1, 2013

Find A Home for This DIY Project

Find a Sarasota home where you can apply this DIY project

Give your home, or home-to-be, the wow factor and make it stand apart from the rest by adding small, creative touches through out the home.  Plain walls are the perfect place to begin.  Most people will default to painting their walls, but let's kick up the creativity a notch and use traditional flooring as a wall treatment.
 
Flooring used as a wall treatment adds dimension,sophistication, and drama. You can take this idea and apply it to a ceiling as well. If cost is a  factor, shop for flooring on Craigslist, Habitat for Humanity, or Salvage shops.
 
(Photo source:  Fulcrum Structural Engineering)