HYGGE DESIGN+BUILD
  • Home
  • Services
  • Design Studio
  • Projects
    • Hilltop Farm
    • MCM Reno
    • Slate House
    • Mid-Century Mod
    • West Olive Scandi Farmhouse
    • Saugatuck
    • Brandywine Lake House
  • Terrino
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog

Slate House

8/30/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Let's talk about our Slate House project! This home has been one of our favorites because it's the very first house where we used natural slate on the exterior. There are  so many awesome things to say about slate but here are just a few:
  • it's a totally natural material so it's eco-friendly with no off-gassing 
  • it will last a lifetime
  • maintenance free 
  • it has a very good price point (yup! you read that right)
We also used a clear grade cedar to pair with the natural slate in order to bring some warmth and contrast to the exterior. One of the super cool features of the home features a cantilevered patio on the north side of the home. It literally looks like the roofline is hanging in the air...so cool! 

For the inside we kept it very monochromatic with a neutral color palette and then added some texture with tile and natural stone countertops. The main level of the home is anchored by a white oak cube that houses a hidden modern day scullery with a prep sink and plenty of storage. We used the Marvin Windows Essential line throughout the home which really helped us to take in as much of the natural light as possible (and the views)! Inside we added some more dimension to the vaulted ceilings by adding a minimalistic beam ceiling detail. 

The mudroom flooring choice ended up being natural slate (again playing off of the exterior theme of the home) and was finished off with a dark grout. All of the cabinetry was custom and we used a combo of white oak and paint grade doors/drawers. In order to bring in more natural elements we chose a brick for the primary bathroom shower and backsplash area.

The overall floor plan was geared towards main floor living with a generous primary bedroom/bath ensuite on the south side of the home. The lower level was designed for the kiddos-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a mini-fridge. In order to bring some warmth to the lower level space we installed a plaid wool carpet. 

All in all we really enjoyed working on this home...and as an added bonus the Slate House will be featured by Dwell Magazine as a video home tour starting in mid-September! 
0 Comments

BUILDING PITFALLS AND HOW YOU CAN AVOID THEM!

6/30/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
So ya wanna build a house? Start a home renovation? Building can be a complex process with potential pitfalls.

Here are some common pitfalls and suggestions on how to avoid them:

1. Poor Planning and Design:
  • Take the time to plan and design your project before construction begins thoroughlyegins. This includes consulting with architects, designers, and other professionals to ensure a well-thought-out design that meets your needs and adheres to local regulations.
  • Communicate your requirements, expectations, and budget to the professionals involved to avoid misunderstandings and design flaws.​​

At Hygge Design+Build we offer everything under one roof when it comes to building your new home. We create the design from our space needs survey that we give to clients and also discuss the budget right from the beginning. Those 2 key factors drive the design from that point out. We have heard this story so many times...thousands of dollars spent on a custom home plan only to find out that it's too expensive to build. 

2. Inadequate Budgeting:
  • Create a detailed budget that considers all aspects of the project, including construction costs, materials, permits, and contingencies.
  • Build in a contingency fund of around 10% to 20% of the total budget to account for unexpected expenses.
​
We deliver a highly detailed bid that shows the breakdown of our construction costs. Our proposals include specs for items like appliances and flooring so our clients can have some reference points when they decide to choose those things. A builder may only give a $10,000 appliance package allowance but then not tell you which brand or suite of appliances that $10,000 will get you. If it's not clear in the beginning and let's say you wanted a Thermador or Sub Zero appliance package then you'll quickly find out that you'll be going over on that allowance...not fun!

3. Lack of Communication:
  • Establish clear lines of communication with your builder and other professionals involved in the project.   
  • Regularly communicate with them to stay informed about the progress, changes, and any issues that arise.
  • Maintain open and honest communication to address concerns promptly and avoid misunderstandings.
​
Here at Hygge Design+Build, we use a project management software called Buildertrend. Everything from emails and daily job site logs to specs/selections, budgets, and the job schedule can be found here. We also schedule weekly touch base meetings with clients either on-site or virtually. We LOVE communication and keeping our clients informed.

4. Insufficient Documentation:
  • Document all agreements, changes, and decisions made throughout the project.
  • Keep a record of all communication, including emails, contracts, invoices, and permits.
  • Having proper documentation will help resolve disputes and ensure accountability if any issues arise.
​
We track all of this information in our Buildertrend software. Our clients have all of the above information readily available for them to review.

5. Ignoring Permits and Regulations:
  • Understand and comply with local building codes, permits, and regulations.
  • Work with professionals who are knowledgeable about the necessary permits and ensure all necessary approvals are obtained before construction begins.
​
Well, this one is a no-brainer...we comply with all building codes and regulations. Each new build undergoes local building inspections to ensure that codes are being followed.

6. Poor Quality Control:
  • Address any issues or defects promptly to avoid costly rework or repairs later.
  • Failing to supervise subcontractors properly.
​
Here at Hygge Design+Build, we have a committed team of subcontractors that understand the detail and level of quality that we expect in all of our homes. We have weekly on-site visits and quality checklists for our team to follow which ensures that consistent points of quality are being met.

7. Unrealistic Timelines:
  • Set realistic timelines for the project, taking into account potential delays and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Communicate with the builder to ensure they have a clear understanding of the project timeline and can manage it effectively.
  • Regularly review the progress against the timeline and address any delays or issues promptly.
​
One of the biggest delays can be due to change orders...especially if the change involves moving a wall or some other structural request. We also encourage interior selections to be made early in the process to avoid any supply chain issues.

Our design+build process follows a very clear and direct roadmap. We start with our design phase which can take anywhere from 8-10 weeks depending on the scope of the project. Once we have completed this step we move into the estimating/bidding process which typically takes 4 weeks for us to come up with a pretty accurate build number. Once we have bidding complete and contracts signed we move into breaking ground and the actual construction phase which will average between 8-12 months. It sounds like a long time but time flies when you're havin' fun! And our goal is to make it fun!
​

By being diligent, proactive, and well-prepared, you can minimize the risks associated with building projects and increase the chances of a successful outcome. Hiring experienced professionals and maintaining clear communication will help you navigate potential pitfalls and ensure a smoother construction process.

Are you looking to build, renovate, or just need help with some interior design? We would love to help!
Email us: hello@hyggedb.com
Let's Chat!
0 Comments

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Interior Designer...Us!

5/30/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture

  1. Design expertise: Interior designers have the knowledge and experience to make your space look and feel amazing. We love working as a design+build  team because we are able to look at a space and determine whether or not walls or plumbing can move...things like that! We also know about the latest and greatest products that are hitting the market as well as pricing in order to fit into the design budget. 
  2. Time-saving: Designers can save you time by handling the details and coordinating everything for you. Believe it or not there are a lot of moving parts that go on behind the scenes. Emails, communicating with subcontractors and vendors, managing product and selections which is especially fun with the current supply chain issues.
  3. Budget management: Designers can work with your budget to create a design that fits your needs. We love giving our design clients that WOW factor without breaking the bank! There are sooooo many options out there when it comes to sourcing really cool materials that won't break the bank.
  4. Access to resources: Designers have access to a wide range of resources, such as furniture, fabrics, and materials that you might not know about. Nate + I attend the yearly IBS (international builder show-not irritable bowel syndrome) which also hosts the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) show. We learn all about the new products that are coming to market which helps us bring the latest and greatest to all of our design projects.
  5. Personalized design: Designers can create a design that reflects your unique style and personality. We definitely put out a Hygge vibe when designing spaces and creating custom homeplans. We love creating modern spaces with a side of warmth and coziness. 
  6. Problem-solving: Designers can help you solve design problems and find solutions to practical issues. Nate offers a wealth of knowledge when it comes to our extensive home renovation projects...tearing open walls, moving laundry rooms to main or upper floors, etc. And depending on budget we offer less drastic solutions as well.
  7. Coordination: Designers can coordinate with other professionals, such as architects and contractors, to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Well that totally rings true! We are fortunate to have interior design AND build all under one roof which makes for a streamlined and efficient process. As a husband and wife team we are in constant communication about all of our projects...even after hours (usually at happy hour).
  8. Increase home value: A well-designed space can increase the value of your home. Yes of course it does! Need we say more?
  9. Stress-free: Working with a designer can take the stress out of the design process and make it fun and enjoyable. We love having fun and want our clients to have some fun with us! Our golden rule for design clients: HARD STOP on Pinterest/Instagram once selections have been made. You can easily start to go down the rabbit hole of tile on Pinterest.
  10. Long-term savings: Investing in a professional design can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes. Ok, so this is another no-brainer. We take into account so many things when working with our design and/or our build clients. Everything from site visits to review the topography and see where the sun rises and sets to giving our clients a space needs survey before setting pencil to paper. Design expertise: Interior designers have the knowledge and experience to make your space look and feel amazing. We love working as a design+build  team because we are able to look at a space and determine whether or not walls or plumbing can move...things like that! We also know about the latest and greatest products that are hitting the market as well as pricing in order to fit into the design budget. 
​

If all of this sounds good to you + you wanna have some design and/or build fun...then hit us up!
Hit Us up!

Author: Becky Vandenbroek

Lead Designer at Hygge Design+Build

0 Comments

Our top 10 favs for transforming your home into a hygge hideaway!

3/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Looking to bring some of that Hygge vibe into your home? Look no further...we've got you! And we have made it even easier to shop some of our favs below! Looking for more design help? We would love to chat with you! Feel free to contact us on our website! 

1. West Elm Andes Sofa
Picture
2. West Elm Souk Wool Rug
Picture
3. West Elm Tanner Solid Wood Coffee Table
Picture
4. West Elm Inez Chair
Picture
6. Pottery Barn Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Picture
7. Mara Hoffman Pillow Cover Set
Picture
8. Lulu and Georgia Elulia Throw
Picture
9. West Elm Monti Lava Stone Side Table
Picture
10. West Elm Diego Olivero Terracotta Vase
Picture
Hygge Design+Build offers not only new construction and renovation services but also interior design services. Let us bring some of our Hygge magic into your home! Not local to our service area here in West Michigan? No problem! We are now offering e-design services virtually through our website at www.hyggedb.com

This blog post is sponsered by West Elm, Lulu and Georgia, and Pottery Barn.
0 Comments

    Author

    Becky Vandenbroek
    Lead Designer
    ​Hygge Design+Build

    Archives

    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2021

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • Services
  • Design Studio
  • Projects
    • Hilltop Farm
    • MCM Reno
    • Slate House
    • Mid-Century Mod
    • West Olive Scandi Farmhouse
    • Saugatuck
    • Brandywine Lake House
  • Terrino
  • About
  • Contact
  • Blog