Tag Archive for: builder

Top 5 Tips for Picking the Perfect Paint Color for Your Home

Back away from the paint chips until you consider our Top 5 Tips for picking the perfect paint color. The first impression of your home is greatly influenced by color. In fact, humans have an actual physiological response to color which is known to influence emotions. Get it right with our easy guidelines and capture the ultimate feel-good at home!

Lowell Custom Homes How to Pick a Paint Color Mood

Tip #1 Choose Your Mood

  • Think about the mood and feeling you want for each space. The color scheme of your home can lead you through the day with bright colors for high energy areas or subtle colors in relaxed spaces.  This brief overview on Color Psychology & Your Moods will help you decide with colorful room images.

 

2 Inspiration PIX

Tip #2 Inspiration

  • Every great artist works from inspiration. Begin with something you love and expand on the idea to create a color palette.  Develop a harmonious flow from the exterior to the interior and throughout your entire home with an appealing common thread.  You can even use a home from the Lowell Custom Homes Gallery as inspiration.

 

3 Color and lighting PIX

Tip #3 Lighting

  • Hold on to your paintbrush, these three spaces are all painted with the same color, Benjamin Moore #962 Gray Mist. The difference is lighting. For this reason it is critical that you choose your color in the actual room where it will be used, or at least in a space with identical light.   The following are key factors for how color is perceived.
    1. natural light
    2. artificial light
    3. room size and
    4. architecture
  • Our Interior Detail Gallery has wonderful examples to demonstrate the interplay of natural and artificial light in a variety of spaces.

 

4 Whites with lowell entry

Tip #4 White is a Color Too

  • There is no such thing as “just paint it white”. White is actually one of the most difficult colors to get right. Trim and ceiling colors must have compatible undertones to the wall color. While you’re thinking about undertone, be sure to also apply this concept to the  stained finishes in every rooms.

 
whitest white land of color PIX

  • If you are searching for the whitest white possible, take a look at the recommendations from Land of Color.

 
 

CR-BG-Paint-Neutral-Wall-Swatch Benjamin Moore

Tip #5 Always Test Your Color in the Exact Finish You Need

  • You know the drill, paint swatches on sections of your walls around the room. Check the swatches out at various times during the day and be sure you can live with any variation caused by changes in natural light. *Time Saving Tip – Often a designer or the paint store will be able to order larger paint sample sheets that you can tape directly to the walls.
  • Be sure to test the color sample in the finish you will be using. Matt, eggshell or gloss finishes all reflect light differently and will influence the final color impression.

 
Don’t be afraid of color,  but respect the pitfalls of a rushed decision. Start with these 5 Top Tips.   If you need extra confidence, definitely rely on the opinion of experts.

Lowell Custom Homes 

It's an honor just to be nominated – Lowell Custom Homes receives Best of Houzz Award

It’s awards season and the winners have been announced for the Golden Globes, Grammys, and our personal favorite, The Best of Houzz.
Best of Houzz Award 2017 Customer ServiceLowell Custom Homes won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home building, remodeling and design. It is truly an honor to receive this award for the second year in a row. Customer Service awards are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016.

Best in Houzz award 2017With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality.BEST OF HOUZZ 2017 MILWAUKEE AREA STAIRCASE

In addition to Best of Houzz Customer Service award, Lowell’s work was further recognized with the Best In Milwaukee – 2017 – Staircase Award. Houzz enthusiasts saved this winning staircase to over 43,000 Ideabooks!
 
LOWELL BEST IN HOUZZ STAIRCASE MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN AREA
As one of Lake Geneva’s most respected and celebrated builders, we are often asked to contribute to Houzz by advising and participating on their research panels. We are always delighted to take part and share information with the community.  A special thank you to Houzz for recognizing us with the Influencer and Industry Research Barometer badges for these contributions.

We always love to hear your comments and want to thank our homeowners for these wonderful reviews!

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Join us as we move into the next year of sharing our best in design, architecture and home building ideas on our Houzz Portfolio.

 

We Predict the 2017 Home Design Trends with Staying Power

We love the direction home design is taking and you will too! The special features we are building into homes are all about enhancing lifestyle. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter plans and welcome in the latest features that will have real staying power for your new or remodeled home.
Lowell Custom Home Curate Your Personal Space

Curate Your Personal Space

Pick and choose exactly what makes you smile. This home for an avid auto collector creates a showcase where it can be enjoyed and shared effortlessly. Forget neatly stacking your treasured collections in a closet; use these special interests as a springboard for developing a home style that is meaningful to you.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Curb Appeal with New features

Curb Appeal With New Dimension

We have always designed homes to be appreciated from every perspective, and now the appeal for 360o detailing is catching on. When equal attention is given to the side and back elevations, your everyday home experience becomes richer. While you’re at it, be sure stunning architecture does not get lost in the shadows. Landscape and exterior lighting is an essential element for any home plan.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Natural charm in the kitchen

Kitchen Comforts

Natural charm and flow characterize kitchens today where we like to cluster cabinet storage along one wall to keep the floor plan open and accessible. Popular Farmhouse and Industrial trends merge to create highly functional spaces for living and entertaining. Materials here and throughout the home blend natural honed surfaces with polished finishes.  The interplay of texture is spellbinding and creates the perfecting setting for gatherings.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Energy Efficient

Stealth Energy Systems

Smart features go undercover while serving up substantial savings. Energy efficient windows and insulation work with zoned heating and cooling systems to maximize a homes mechanical productivity. Automated and voice-activated systems monitor comfort levels with the added convenience of off-site monitoring.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Outdoor Amenities

We work hard, so creating playful outdoor space at home lets everyone enjoy free time without traveling to another location. Screened-In porches and outdoor kitchens are often joined by even more personalized features like putting greens and movie screens.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Bar and Beverage Centers

At home entertaining is on the rise and a central hub allows the host to be a part of the action. Whether your preferences leans towards a fully stocked cocktail bar, coffee bar or ice-cream social bar, the mission is convenience. A dedicated area with storage and proper supplies will turn a simple beverage into a special indulgence.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WisconsinColor Turns Warm and Moody

HGTV and Pottery Barn may have caused you to forget about the warmer side of the color wheel, but that is about to change. Cool grays will still be important, but neutrals will move forward by including warm beige tones and occasionally a bit of brown. The freshest effects will be achieved when these colors are accented with saturated hues like Benjamin Moore’s 2017 Color of the Year – Shadow, and Pantones 2017 Color of the Year – Greenery.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

No Guilt Splurges on Functional Spaces

Luxury takes a turn towards practical when it comes to indulging ourselves at home. Oh sure, a spa bath is nice, but nothing compares to a laundry room with a potting station or a mudroom lined with exquisite locker storage. Those highly functional areas can be fitted to perfection turning everyday chores into a delightful escape.
 
 
The majority of rooms featured in this post were photographed by Victoria McHugh Photography
Interior Design for the home featured is by The Design Coach Phillip Sassone
Interior Design for the laundry room and potting area featured in the last image and the Beverage Bar with metallic tile backsplash is by Elizabeth Drake of Drake Interiors, Ltd.
 
 

Architectural Attraction – How to choose the architecture and style of your home

A stunning first impression is an invitation to consider who’s behind the front door.

Curb appeal or Rorschach test? What does the exterior of your home say about you?

When building a new home, choosing all of the parts and pieces that express your unique style is exciting. This can also be a bit overwhelming when you’re now sure about what you want your style to say. Having a good idea about the design and architecture you find appealing will help the entire process run smoothly.
A home can be architecturally faithful to a historic period, or reference a point in time with adaptations for modern lifestyles. We customize every home for the perfect balance of architecture, lifestyle and character. Browse through some of our favorite exteriors to help identify your style preferences. Then be sure to take the style quiz at the end to guide you in the selection of the perfect home for you and your family.

Cape Cod

This historic charmer has its roots in New England with inspiration from Britain’s thatched cottages. Its popularity grew post World War II as a modestly priced option in housing. This style is a classic and can be expanded in size with upscale amenities.

Style Features

  • Symmetrical exterior with centered front door
  • Steep roof with side gables and dormer windows
  • Clean lines with siding of clapboard, shingles or brick

Style Attraction

  • Simplified style can range from casual or moderately formal
  • Excellent choice as starter home or vacation home
  • Compact footprint adapts well to smaller lot size and lends itself well to future additions

Craftsman Architecture Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI

Craftsman

An impressive comeback is in progress for the Craftsman Style, which emerged in 1905 from the Arts and Crafts Movement. This style is characterized by modest yet meaningful carpentry details and the use of natural materials. It is uniquely American with a nostalgic reference to the home kits sold in pattern books and catalogs.

Style Features

  • Wide porch with tapered columns on shingled, stone or brick piers
  • Low-pitched roof with exposed rafter tails
  • Emphasis on rustic qualities using natural and local materials

Style Attraction

  • Relaxed atmosphere that encourages togetherness for families or entertaining
  • Organic quality with gentle transition between indoor and outdoor spaces
  • Open floorplans with built in niches for convenient storage

Farmhouse Architecture Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI

Farmhouse

Unpretentious and real, these homes are streamlined versions of Victorian or Colonial architecture. The pure form is based on need and efficiency rather than ornamentation. Uncomplicated lines make this style suitable for both country and urban aesthetics.

Style Features

  • Front or side gabled roof with tall windows and second story dormers
  • Signature wide or wraparound porch covered by roof overhang
  • Rectangular structure with additions, all covered in lap siding

Style Attraction

  • Casual comfort with sprawling, light, and airy spaces
  • Minimalist appeal balanced with the warmth of county styling
  • Large kitchen or gathering spaces that relate to the outdoors

 
Meacum from Vicky from lake w logo -59-1x

Victorian

Complex and ornate, the Victorian home is rich with detail and covers popular styles from the Queen Ann, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Romanesque architectural periods.

Style Features

  • Asymmetrical with complex intersecting gabled or hipped roofs
  • Steep roof pitches with turrets, towers, and eyebrow dormers
  • Detailed, often with lacy ornamental work and decorative shingle patterns

Style Attraction

  • Romantic quality with whimsical details
  • Architectural details are complimented by multi-color schemes
  • Layout offers opportunity for privacy and special purpose rooms

Shingle Architecture Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI

Shingle Style

Uniquely American, the Shingle style incorporates Queen Ann and Colonial Revival architecture with the costal free form character that originated along the shores of New England.

Style Features

  • Asymmetrical forms featuring multi level eaves, towers, dormers and eyebrow windows
  • Rambling shapes unified by shingle siding, often on a rough-faced stone foundation
  • Wrapped porches, classic columns and expansive windows

Style Attraction

  • High style inspired by architects of New England’s seaside resort design
  • Relaxed formality with breezy rambling floor plans
  • Strong relationships between indoor and outdoor rooms

Dutch Colonial Architecture Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI

Dutch Colonial

With humble beginning as early American one-room houses, the Dutch Colonial hosts highly efficient floor plan. Resembling a barn, the gambrel roof creates extra living space without adding a second story.

Style Features

  • Gambrel roof structures adaptable to multiple architectural periods
  • Moderate roof pitch, dormer windows often with flared eaves
  • Round window on gable end of roof and covered entry often with pediment top

Style Attraction

  • Efficient personality making every square inch productive
  • Friendly human-scaled structure with intriguing curb appeal
  • Timeless design in a cost efficient structure

Traditional Architecture Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI:

Traditional

This American icon is rooted in the 1600’s and continually adapts to lifestyle trends. Using classic Colonial or Tudor architecture as inspiration, these homes present a formal façade to the public while integrating comfortable living areas behind the scenes.

Style Features

  • Steep roof pitches allowing for volume ceilings and loft areas
  • Combination brick, stucco and siding exteriors
  • Symmetrical or Asymmetrical exteriors with covered entry

Style Attraction

  • A balance of formal public spaces with relaxed private areas
  • Gentle application of historically accurate details
  • Floor plans that are adaptable for modern lifestyles

European Influence Architecture Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI

European Influence

European style homes suggest features from Country French and English Tudor homes dating back to the 18th century. The emphasis is on high quality finishes, and large scale spaces for a luxurious experience.

Style Features

  • Steeply pitched roofs with multiple generously sized chimneys
  • Brick and stucco exteriors with details trimmed in stone
  • Formalized balance to the ornamental and structural details

Style Attraction

  • Accommodates a highly formal to semi formal lifestyle
  • Well-appointed design with luxurious amenities
  • Highly attentive to historic accuracy in the architectural details

Cottage Style Architecture Whimsical Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI

Cottage Style

Whimsical features often add to the storybook appeal of cottage style homes. The intimate scale features romantic details borrowed from medieval times. It is the perfect starter or vacation home that can be enlarged and still maintain its charm.

Style Features

  • Intimate scale with an abundance of picturesque details
  • Steep roof pitches, cross gables and arched doorways
  • Bright exterior color scheme surrounded by flower gardens

Style Attraction

  • Romantic character with an effortless country attitude
  • Meandering walkway to the main entry and throughout property
  • Cozy and inviting style that translates well to larger spaces

While these beautiful homes express some of today’s most popular architecture, we have a full team of designers and an AIA architect who will work with you to design a home that truly reflects your personal style and lifestyle.  

You can start to discover your style personality with this fast and fun Style Quiz from Homegoods  It’s amazingly accurate!

Style Quiz from Homegoods

Image Credit: Style Quiz from Homegoods

Next learn more about various architectural styles, by visiting this helpful guide from Realtor Magazine.

Image Credit: Realtor Magazine

Image Credit: Realtor Magazine


 

Be sure to stop by the Lowell Website for more information about building and remodeling your home.

You can view the Lowell Gallery of Homes on our website

or visit our portfolio on Houzz.

While you’re there, check out the Houzz Decorating Personality Quiz!

 

We enjoying hearing from you, so contact us for answers to your home building and remodeling questions!

 

Should You Build? How to decide if building a new home is right for you.

There may come a time when you look around your house and start to think about breaking up. As any good Cosmo article will confirm, once you outgrow a relationship there is no long-term potential. So, how do you know if it’s time to move on?
Consider the benefits of building a new home:
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Geographic Desirability
When building new, your choice of home style and location are independent decisions. You create the unique combination rather than settling for homes that happen to be on the market. As builders we actually reserve beautiful properties in anticipation of future customer needs.   Lowell Management Properties
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Get your perfect match
The biggest advantage to building a new home is getting exactly what you want. This is your dream, your way. It doesn’t matter if most homes have a 3-car garage, you can have as many as you want. When you build you choose the right size, the perfect floor plan and then fill it with features that are meaningful to you. You are able to fully express your style with architectural details, cabinetry, flooring, finish colors and all of the other dreams from your wish list.
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Compliment your unique needs and interests
No compromise needed, when building a new home you can design every aspect. Eliminate the Formal Dining Room, add a Pool House, Outdoor Kitchen, or 2nd Master Suite, it is all about you!   Your unique preferences for comforts, like counter height or lighting, will be built-in. Universal Design features can even be incorporated allowing you to enjoy your home for years to come.
Cabinets by Geneva Cabinet Company
No Old Baggage – Cost Control & Savings
Building instead of remodeling offers a fresh start with major efficiencies in scheduling and purchasing. The problems with retrofitting an older structure are eliminated and the latest smart home technology integrated. Building allows you to balance your spending priority features, like a gourmet kitchen, with saving opportunities for low profile areas.
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Quality & Trust
When you are working with a custom builder like Lowell Management, you witness firsthand the level of quality and craftsmanship going into your home. All components of your home are new and finely tuned to provide years of comfort before you need to think about replacements.
Cabinets by Geneva Cabinet Company, Lake Geneva, WI
Saving Energy and Operating Costs
State of the art systems, with innovative technology, meet and exceed the latest codes for energy efficiency. Our HVAC, insulation, and windows are selected based on their ability to prevent energy waste. The latest appliances, and fixtures for plumbing and electric offer a substantial savings by operating at highly efficient levels.
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Good for your health 
Having a healthy home starts with good construction. The latest ventilation and air filtration systems are known to improve air quality while materials used for construction are designed to be non-toxic and sustainable. Cabinetry, carpet and paints now use fewer VOC (volatile organic compounds) to drastically reducing outgassing and allow everyone to breath easier.
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Low maintenance 
Modern construction uses materials that have been engineered for durability. Mechanical systems are more reliable and maintenance requirements have been simplified.

Satisfaction and Connection
There is a strong emotional connection to a home when you take part in its creation. It is a satisfying experience and the team at Lowell Management enjoys the process as much as their homeowners. Once you decide that you are ready for a change, we are happy to guide you in building a new home where you will live happily ever after.
 

Should You Remodel? How to decide if remodeling is right for you.

Like many of life’s decisions, this one can cause sleepless nights. The financial bottom line is as significant as your readiness for change. How do you make the decision to remodel instead of moving?

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Asking yourself a few key questions will help you evaluate your position and guide you in the right direction. Once you make the decision to remodel, join forces with a team like Lowell Management to create a fresh version of your home with experts who know how to make the process run smoothly.

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Location, Location, Location!

  • Are you in a beautiful location with friendly neighbors?
  • Are you close to everyday conveniences?
  • Would you love your home if it just had a little more space or updated appearance?
  • Are the views from your home already stunning?
  • Is your home sitting on a beautiful lot?

Then why would you want to leave? Most homes can handle a renovation or addition. Remodeling will allow you to maintain your connections while adding considerable square footage. As a builder and remodeler we are familiar with zoning regulations and will help you create a new plan that satisfies all of your lifestyle needs.
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Your Home’s Character

  • What about your home attracted you in the first place?
  • Does your home have a  special “feel”?
  • Would it be impossible to recreate the atmosphere in another location?

Distinctive architecture, vintage-building materials, and exclusive views cannot be recreated. When you love so much about your home, making adjustments that will increase or update your space is the right decision.
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Good Bones

  • Does your home have good bones?
  • Are you sitting on a solid foundation?
  • Can known issues be resolved easily?

Not every home should be remodeled. It must have good bones. A professional opinion is needed for proper evaluation of your home’s condition. Adding space, reconfiguring your floor plan and updating plumbing and electrical is logical when you are sitting on a solid foundation.
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Budget Talks

  • Does remodeling suit your budget?
  • Would remodeling save you more than the expense of relocating and moving?
  • Would updating windows, roof or mechanical systems increase energy efficiency?

Of course you need a trusted professional to provide an accurate quote and detailed contract. Consider related costs that may be involved. Temporary living arrangements will often allow your contactor to complete your remodel more efficiently and furniture storage will protect your belongings.

We are always happy to hear from our homeowners at the end of a project!

We are always happy to hear from our homeowners at the end of a project!


Are you up for the experience?

  • Do you have the patience to tolerate some inconvenience for a worthwhile outcome?
  • Can you be flexible and adapt to change if construction uncovers any surprises?
  • Do you have a builder that you can trust?

Remodeling is an exciting undertaking and proper preparation will eliminate problems. Patience and versatility are good qualities that will make the entire process more enjoyable for you.
As builders we routinely expect the unexpected and are always ready to adapt.  We approach every project with the understanding that this is a new experience for most homeowners and we keep it as stress free as possible.

Home Remodel by Lowell Management - Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company

Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC in Lake Geneva WI


There are countless options and decisions to consider throughout the remodeling process. Our best advice is to find a qualified professional like Lowell Management who is able to guide you through every major to detailed decision for a worry free experience.

How to Choose the Best Home Plan

You don’t have to settle for ordinary home plans.  Your home should be customized to fit your personal needs.  The floor plan or layout of the room is a key factor for shaping how you live in your home and how happy you are living there.  We enjoy guiding new homeowners through the process of building their dream home and want to share some of the factors that will help you create the perfect home plan.
Home Plan Floor Plan Lifestyle ConsiderationsLifestyles
This is an all encompassing category that will help you express the general attitude of your home.  It is all about who you are and what your typical day looks like.  In general, think in terms of your desire for a structured or relaxed atmosphere. Consider where you are in your life and the possibilities for the future.  Does this home need to accommodate a single or married person, youthful or mature couple, growing family or empty-nester?  These are all indicators to help you decide on the compatibility of your home to your lifestyle.
Floor plan size considerations for home plans
Size
A home of any size can be fabulous, so asking yourself how much space you use.  Take inventory of your current living conditions and plan ahead for the amount of space your will need to be comfortable in the future.
Questions to ask yourself:

  • Is the space you have actually where you need it?
  • What spaces are unused and where can you use more square footage?
  • Do you need more storage or more living space?
  • Will you family be growing?
  • How long do you plan to stay in this home?
  • Is this a weekend retreat or your main residence?
  • Will you need additional living space in the future to possibly care for elderly parents or grandchildren?

Open Floor Plan Great RoomActivities
It is important to know how do you spend your day and accommodate all of your normal activities.  A family with children may have the central focus of a sunny eat-in kitchen while a retired couple may spend a good part of the day in a cozy den with a fireplace.? Questions to ask:

  • Which room is used most often during the most active hours of the day?
  • Do you live a formal or informal lifestyle?
  • Do you entertain often? Will you need space for overnight guests?
  • How many people and pets are living in a home and how active are they?
  • What are the important home activities to make space for, like cooking, working-at-home, relaxing?

staircase squareAdjacency, Traffic Flow & Versatility
This is as important as the size of the rooms. Be aware of how your day progresses, and which rooms need to be near or next to other rooms?  This is referred to as “adjacency” and having your spaces organized with convenient locations will save you time and energy in your day-to-day activities.  The idea of an open vs. closed floor plan will start to form as you decide on the best relationships for your spaces.  Entry points, traffic flow and storage spaces are all key considerations. The location of the storage space must be convenient to its use, serving pieces near the kitchen, coats near the entry, toys near the play space.
Floor Plan Home Plan consideration energy efficiencyEnergy Efficiency
As a builder we are using the most advanced materials and systems.  In addition to this, floor plan design becomes an important part of the equation.  The most active areas during the day should take advantage of natural lighting. This along with the careful placement of windows is referred to as “Daylighting”.  Generous overhangs and abundant windows are just the start to floor plan design that will work with the mechanical systems to enhance the efficiency of your home.
Floor plan Home plan considerations noise cotrolNoise Control
Open spaces are great for the flow of activity, but noise will easily bounce through the room.  If you need quiet zones, build in niche areas with walls or lower ceiling heights to help control the sound.  Add to this the careful selection of materials for sound absorption and the combined effect will give you the alternatives you need for balance.
Home Plans Private Spaces vs. Open PlanPrivate Spaces
How much privacy do you need and where do you need it?  Even an open floor plan needs areas of privacy or intimacy. Analyze your needs in terms of the amount of quiet time you would like in your day and be sure your floor plan provides the space for you to retreat, study or work-at-home.  In addition to this, be sure to consider the views into and out of each room to ensure that you have privacy from neighbors and street traffic.
Floor Plan Home Plan Indoor to OutdoorIndoor Outdoor Living
Your access to the outdoors will be determined by the convenient location of exit points to the leisure areas on you property. This is a major consideration in the placement of your home on the lot.  If you can see your property and the outdoor living spaces from indoors, you are more likely to go out and enjoy them.  Create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces with plentiful doors that open wide for activities like cooking, entertaining or playtime.
Floor Plans Accessible and Aging in PlaceMulti-Generation Friendly, Aging In Place & Accessibility
Building our homes so they are accessible through the normal ups and downs of life is more important than ever.  It’s not just about aging; the occasional injury or health condition can influence your appreciation of design factors like living on one level or easy to reach cabinets and appliances.  Additionally, blended families are becoming more common and empty-nesters are not necessarily downsizing. Our longer and healthier life styles make it wise to add accessible features that will allow us to live independently in the homes we love.
Expert guidance is available to you. As a highly reputable and experienced builder, we encourage you to seek the help you need in making key floor plan decisions as you prepare to build a new home or remodel. We are available to answer any questions you may have and please visit us if you are in the Lake Geneva area!
Lowell Management
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
262 245 9030

The Home Building Process

What to Know Before You Build

What to Know Before You Build


The process of remodeling or building your home is exciting, but can be stressful at times.  Your best strategy is to educate yourself and select a builder with experience and a stellar reputation.  The right builder will guide you through the process seamlessly and run interference before you are even aware of any problems.
A great place to become familiar with the homebuilding process is the  “Current Construction” section of our Portfolio where you will see our daily behind-the-scenes activities.   Here you can follow along as stunning custom homes take shape from the ground up.
Here to illustrate the earlier stages of building, is the stunning home featured in last month blog.
The Design Build Process

The Design Build Process


Having a builder with the patience to walk you through the building process is essential to your peace of mind.  Every design and construction detail must be worked out in advance.  The design process can take six months or more depending on the style and amenities you choose.  There will be multiple meetings between you, your builder, designer, and architect with everyone focused on creating your unique space. Some builders even have a complete team in-house for you.  Creating a stress-free experience for his homeowners is the main reason Scott Lowell assembled his team of experts at Lowell Management.  You can be certain that everyone is pulling together.  Their goal is to listen to homeowners and say yes to as many requests as possible.
Selecting the Perfect Site for Your New Home

Selecting the Perfect Site for Your New Home


What does going home look like to you?  The home site will influence the design of your home.  Equally important, your home’s architecture must be appropriate for the site and surrounding areas.  The right location will validate your investment and provide years of happiness.  An experienced builder will ensure the best combination suitable for your home site and style.  Major considerations when selecting a lot include:

  • Level of activity or seclusion you desired
  • Views from multiple perspectives
  • How the home will be oriented on the lot to maximize natural light and protective barriers
  • Technical considerations such as elevation, slope, soil type, depth of soil, water table, etc.

In addition to the expertise required to evaluate a lot you are considering, Lowell has secured a number of beautiful home sites in the most desirable areas of Lake Geneva.
http://lowellmanagement.com/properties.html

Customizing Your Home

Customizing Your Home


This is the reason you decide to build or remodel. The opportunity to have the exact home you’re dreaming of without compromise.  Every detail, interior to exterior, will be designed just for you. Each nuance will set your home apart from the ordinary.  Your preferences will come into play as your home design evolves.  Major decisions will include:

  • open vs divided spaces
  • flow and adjacency of rooms
  • plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems
  • insulation and energy efficient systems
  • window and door options
  • interior and exterior materials
  • cabinetry, lighting and plumbing fixtures

An experienced builder will guide you through all options and help you evaluate the cost/benefit of each.

Plan Ahead to Minimize Changes


Do your best to include everything you want at the very beginning.  Once construction is underway it may becomes difficult or costly to add to the plan.  An experienced builder will be tuned into all possibilities during the planning stages.  Keep an open mind and you are sure to benefit from a professionals experience.

Budget and Timeline Management


You want a builder with the ability to maintain ongoing open communication with you throughout the process.  A contract detailing cost and possible contingencies will be agreed to by all parties along with a timeline compatible with the size and features of your home.  You want a builder who understands what it takes to deliver your home on time and within budget.   You will play a major role by making selections according to a timeline created to keep construction on schedule.  Lowell maintains long term relationships with the most talented craftsmen and reliable suppliers who work together to avoid and efficiently resolve problems with the least amount of delay.

Exceptional Building Materials


You simply can not find the type of materials and finishes you see in dream homes at a big box home improvement store.  Access to statement making material is a result of continuous research over time.  Many exclusive sources will only work with the most reputable and established builders.      Many specialty products take longer to receive, so professional planning and scheduling is vital to timely availability on site when needed.

Constant Supervision to Ensure Quality


Supervision during the construction of you home is essential to quality.  Building codes and architectural specifications are fundamental to your health, safety and welfare at home.  The permit process and scheduled inspections are calculated into your timeline.  A professional builder respects the codes and will oversee every aspect of construction to make certain your well-being and investment are protected.

Builder Reputation is Everything


The perfect partner for your building or remodeling will have your best interests at heart.  You want to select a builder who develops lasting relationships with customers.  Reading what our customers say is a valuable lesson in the importance of trust and confidence.
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We wish you the best as you explore your options for building a new home or remodeling your space.  Your questions and inquiries are always welcome, please let us know if there is any way we can help.