Who doesn’t love a dream kitchen? Or a master suite upgrade? Or the addition of a home gym? The list could go on forever.
While there is definitely nothing wrong with these types of aspirational renovation projects, some of the most impactful upgrades can often fly under the radar.
Keep reading as we explore some design details that may not immediately come with the biggest “wow” factor but will undoubtedly pay dividends over the long run.
Top-Notch Foundation
“A house is only as good as its bones.” No doubt you’ve heard that old chestnut a thousand times. For better or worse, it has become cliche in the real estate vernacular because of the truth it conveys.
When it comes to bones, there is nothing more essential than the foundation. It guarantees the ongoing structural integrity of the home. A strong foundation also allows homeowners to make renovations without damaging the property irrevocably.
There are several prevailing concepts to get right when it comes to creating a home’s foundation:
- Site preparation – make sure that the soil is properly graded and compacted. Be sure not to put a foundation on soil that has a high clay content, as it can expand and contract based on moisture content
- Foundation design – keep the footings wide enough to support the weight of the house and any lateral hydrostatic pressure. Reinforce the concrete walls with rebar. Use adequate foundation waterproofing to keep moisture from compromising the walls
- Drainage and finishing – have the correct drainage system to keep water from accumulating around the walls. Use appropriate backfill to keep the area around the foundation snug and airtight
As a below-grade area of the home, the foundation will not be visible. Rest assured, however, that its impact will be felt via the safety, aesthetics, and performance of the rest of the home.
Comprehensive Insulation
Much has been made about sustainability in modern home construction. Designers and construction professionals alike are continuously looking for ways to limit the environmental impact of their structures. It is a trend that is set to last, as the real estate market and governmental regulations are only going to continue raising the bar in terms of ongoing sustainability initiatives.
One of the best ways to get a leg up on a sustainable home is via eco friendly insulation.
Mind you, any type of insulation can be considered “eco friendly.” If it raises the R-value of the home’s building envelope, it reduces the amount of energy required for heating and cooling. This is energy efficiency, right?
True, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Many types of insulation, while energy efficient in application, require a lot of energy during the fabrication process. This is known as high embodied energy. They may also be heavy, requiring additional transportation resources and/or structural alterations to the home before it can be used. Still other types of insulation may be packed with VOCs.
As such, the most sustainable homes are built with innovative insulation such as recycled denim, sheep’s wool, and hemp. Not only do these insulation products offer elite R-values, but they have minimal environmental impact during fabrication and transportation, providing the ultimate in mindful insulation sourcing.
Low-Maintenance Siding
Regular attention to maintenance is crucial for the ongoing viability of a home. Staining the hardwood. Painting the walls. Sealing the countertops.
Unfortunately, modern homeowners simply do not have the free time necessary to stay ahead of these essential upkeep tasks. Therefore, low-maintenance features are a top priority in contemporary homes.
The premier example may very well lie in engineered fiber cement siding. Fabricated from a combination of water, sand, Portland cement, and cellulose fibers, its heavy-duty, inorganic fabrication gives it the highest moisture, UV, impact, and pest resistance on the market. What’s more: it can be manufactured in a wide array of the best house colors to give homeowners the specific curb appeal they desire.
Functional Outdoor Areas
Outdoor spaces have received a lot of attention on the market recently. An increasingly remote society needs a way to escape their daily four walls for a change of scenery without leaving the property.
Despite the best intentions, many outdoor spaces quickly become underutilized. This is often due to strategic mishaps that render the space uncomfortable, unsightly, or (worst of all) unsafe.
There are several key considerations for ensuring that outdoor spaces receive lasting usage:
- Ensure adequate shading – pergolas, retractable awnings, canopies, and other shading devices must protect the space from UV exposure without getting ripped apart by winds
- Durable patio flooring – patio pavers must be able to withstand heavy foot traffic and shifting lawn furniture. Pavers must also promote adequate drainage
- Defined space – people generally don’t like feeling like they are sitting in the middle of an open field. Features such as decorative screen panels can give the area character while shielding the space from onlookers. Low-profile cable railings can add safety and definition to decks without encumbering desirable views
When features such as comfortable furniture, water accents, and fire pits are added, outdoor spaces can quickly become an extension of the home’s square footage.
Build a Home That Lasts By Using Thoughtful Design Details
The most impactful design ideas are sometimes the ones that may not be noticed at first glance. From next-level foundation construction to functional exterior accents, consider any of the quiet details listed above for premier design staying power. For more of the latest trends in home improvement and design, explore the content at Fresh Design Blog for ideas and inspiration!
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