Home Interior Design – Connecting Little Rock

Posts Tagged ‘Building’

Article by Boris Stoka

When people go for building their home, first thing comes to our mind is expense. Definitely you can save a lot of money if you build yourself. But that process takes a lot of time, energy from you. If you can afford these two generously then nothing like building your own home! It is just

Working On Your Budget

Looking at your financing options will help you determine how much money you can spend in building your custom home. Home mortgage or housing loans from banks are just two of the many options you can consider when you want to have your house commissioned for design and construction. Some home builders in Austin also offer financing options. Asking questions and being well-informed will help you take a step in the right direction for your home construction project.

Look through the bills you take care of every month and see how much you can afford to invest. If you jot down the figures that you spend on food, clothing, utility bills, phone bills, car payments, lease payments and other things that you allot money for, you will be able to figure out how much money you have now and how much money you will need once the home construction starts. Your lifestyle and what kind of home you want to build dictate how much you can spend on your home construction.

Deciding Where to Put Your Dream Home

The location of your property is important. Aside from anticipating what it would be like to live in the home you have envisioned, it is also important to look at your home construction project as an investment. Putting your hard earned money into your home design and construction necessitates that you keep in mind the potential value of your house in the future.

Will it be easy to capitalize on the home that you have built after years have passed? Is it near the city’s business district? Does it offer a quiet environment conducive to work, study and raising a family? Is it far from roads and other areas that have too much noise? If the property you choose is near a school, it can also increase the value of your property. Having a glimmer of what your neighborhood will look like after a few years is also something that must be considered when choosing your lot’s location.

Finding a Reputable Home Builder

A reputable home builder makes all the difference when you decide to have your home custom built. In order for you to be comfortable about the money you invest when you hire people to design and build your home, it is beneficial to make sure that they have ample experience in the industry. Ensuring positive results in your home building project will be easier when you have professional recommendations from other experts in the field. For example, realtors, home remodeling companies or a builders association can give expert opinions about reputable custom home builders in Austin.

Aside from looking at company portfolios and photo galleries of their work online, you can also visit different home builders and ask for brochures. Having initial consultations with different builders also enables you to ascertain if they can work within the budget you have and still execute the design of your home as you want it.

With Beach home you can at least have time to enjoy and spend time with yourself free form the worries living in the carefree environment of the beach home. Plus owning a home at the beach is becoming a luxury that people enjoy and the beach property is becoming scarcer with each passing day.

Building a durable Beach home requires a specific design that prevents it from being washed away.

Before you start to build a Beach home, there are many important aspects that you need to consider and then only you can plan the perfect dream home.

For Beach home, due to technological advancement all these problems are sorted out but you should always use the services of a professional Beach home constructor who know their job thoroughly as these are the people who will pull you out of the rubble and build a perfect dream Beach home on the beach for you.

Constructing Beach home on the shore need careful planning as sand is going to be pretty weak foundation. And if things are not planned and constructed in an organized way the action of water and other elements on the foundation of your Beach home can really create havoc and collapse.

Beach home materials needs to be strong enough to withstand the hurricanes are used to build your. Plus the design of the Beach home is planned according to aerodynamics as this helps the wind to blow easily with very little resistance and this way there is no damage.

The effect of heavy winds and sand will certainly end up in a sand storm that will create disaster wherever it goes.  The best thing about a Beach home is, if you love to swim in the cool waters of the sea which helps to relax and revive your energy.

Garden Offices – Self Contained Office Building in the Garden

Garden offices and structures are now one of the fastest growing trends in home and property improvements and landscape features to come along in years. The reasons are simple but by far the main one is that it just is so enjoyable to have an garden office or outbuilding strategically placed in a beautiful outdoor surrounding.

A Great Setting To Get Things Done In

Many people, particularly creative productive people find that the ambiance of a garden office is far more conducive to doing great work and just a far more relaxing setting to get things done in. This, it turns out is one of the most popular reasons why people from all walks of life and career genres are now having garden offices and workstations installed at their homes or places of work.

Now Far More Affordable

Garden offices have always been around but in years past they tended to be the exclusive domain of the more well heeled. Those who had the money that it took to have a specialty structure of this type designed and built on their estates. However; in recent years new materials, manufacturing and construction techniques and developments have made the garden outbuilding so much more affordable.

A Great Home Improvement Investment

Also, the everyday common home owner has become so much more savvy in terms of property improvements and investments as well. The net result is that more people every day are realizing the great investment potential in incorporating a garden office or secondary outbuilding into their property or home improvement strategies. In short, garden building are a great place to put your home investment money.

A Multitude of Use Options

Also, more people are discovering the many design and use options for well thought out and built garden structures. Even of they don’t need an office or formal work area, garden outbuildings are a great alternative to the flimsy built and unsightly green houses, metal or wood tool sheds, barns or equestrian tack rooms. Also, they make great children’s play houses as well as extra unattached guest quarters.

A Myriad of Design and Price Options

The broad span of prices, as well as the eclectic range of styles has also been a great contributor to the growing popularity of garden offices and outbuildings. In short, what so many homeowners are discovering is that finding a style that fits their home and garden design motif, as well as their budget is now so much easier to do.

Exotic to More Contemporary Design Styles

In fact, todays garden office or secondary residential structure can easily be found in just about any motif from any of the more contemporary design styles, to classical Victorian and even more exotic styles such as classic to contemporary Chinese and Japanese. They also come in highly decorative to more utilitarian designs with more straight forward functional lines and features.

The Ever Popular Classic Victorian Gazebo

Of course the classic garden gazebo is still as popular as it has ever been and built in the proper shade filled garden setting they are a fantastic contemplation areas. Decorative gazebos are also a great place to do one gardening tasks such as repotting and trimming plants preparing seed treys or working on floral arrangements. Gazebos also make great children’s play areas as well.

Chris Tyrrell writes for Garden Lodges who manufacture and install garden office structures for the UK market. View the garden office range here.

Thinking of building a new home? Before you pick your Location, your Home Plan or your Home Builder, invest some time, to read about the 7 common mistakes when home building. Avoiding these mistakes can ensure that your home creates… The Wow Effect.

1. Finding a Home Builder with … Passion!

“Home Builders with Passion” – In every town, there are always a few Home Builders that are so passionate about their craft, that every home they build is a “Work of Art?. Their attention to detail, ensure that they will always be at the top of their industry.

When you first meet a “Home Builder with Passion”, you will notice their charm, and keen listening skills. They are very similar to a great doctor. Their focus will be entirely on listening to the patient, or you the homebuyer. They will have many questions, which will help them diagnose or determine your needs.

Once they understand your needs and desires… Hang On. They will begin a presentation of ideas and possibilities that will astound you. You are now sensing that they are more than just a Home Builder.

To find your “Home Builder with Passion”, begin by asking for referrals from friends, subcontractors, Interior Designers, and Architects. Also visit new real estate developments, looking for clues.

One of the “Secrets to Great Curb Appeal” in a new home, is the importance of “Staggered Visual Lines”. Square boxes are not visually interesting, without another visual dimension added to it. Our eyes and our emotion, love to focus on… curves, angles, depth, texture, and color tones.

When first meeting with the Home Builder, listen to their story. How are they different from the other Home Builders in the area? How do they capture trends in New Home Building Construction Ideas?

Important – do not make your decision on the lowest bid. Almost anyone can make various cuts to lower their final estimate.

Invest the time, to find your “Home Builder with Passion”. Their ability to balance your enthusiasm and the realities of building, are what make them so unusual.

2. Saving Money On Your Lot? … Maybe Not

If you are saving money on your lot today, you will have to pass this savings on tomorrow. The Number One Rule is … go heavy on your lot purchase. This is Critical!

Unfortunately, it is very rare that you will find a good deal. Great location comes at a price. Do not make your decision based on price alone. Look at the other homes that are in or will be built near your location. Are they in the same price range? What are the future and current traffic patterns? What direction does the lot face?

Note – Location truly is everything. This is one of those decisions in life, when you cannot make a mistake. Always, go heavy on your lot investment; you will never regret this decision.

3. Common Floor Plan? … Lost Opportunities

Creating drama is much easier when building a home from the ground up. Within your building plan, you must design and designate some areas of unique opportunities. This is where you will be able to create the drama in your home.

The additional investment for a Tray Ceiling, Niche, Barrel Ceiling, Dome Ceiling, Unique Drywall Spaces, Dramatic Dining Room, or Grand Columned Entry Way, are minimal for what they can add to the total market value of your home.

Bring your Interior Design team together when you are drafting your floor plan. Their experience from previous projects and gift for great design can offer you a collection of ideas to introduce in your home. This additional step can ensure that you do not miss out on the many creative opportunities in the designing stage.

4. Is Your Custom Floor Plan Marketable? … Review Your Plan With An Architect

Custom floor plans are the Pinnacle of Home Building, but make sure that your dream home is marketable in the future. We have all seen floor plans that were not as well thought out, as they should have been.

If the floor plan for your dream home is truly unique, I would encourage that you discuss your project with an Architect.

Architect’s have the vision to identify problem areas and discover new areas of opportunity in your home that you may not have considered.

Finally, someday, maybe sooner than you think, you will be selling your home. Could you sell your home tomorrow? What is it about your home that will generate Home Buyer’s knocking at your door? Take the additional step to share your home plan with an Architect.

5. Lost In My Design Layers … Share A Coffee, With An Interior Designer

Once you have agreed on your floor plan, and have drafted your unique spaces or opportunities for drama, the next step is … Interior Design.

Here you will coordinate all of the layers of your Interior Design Project. This can be overwhelming at times. All of these design elements must flow congruently to create a dramatic effect throughout your home.

I would strongly encourage you to discuss your project with an Interior Designer. They have a unique gift to visualize multiple layers of color, texture, and effect, which is difficult to do. Discuss their fees, which can vary from nothing, to an hourly fee.

6. Electrical Decisions … I Wish I Would Have

This has to be high on the list of regrets for many homeowners. It is so hard to visualize all of the areas where you will have future electrical needs. During the holidays it may be a receptacle on the stair landing, front porch, or separate breakers for outside lighting.

Important – go through the seasons, reviewing how all areas of your home will be used. Will a bedroom someday become a future office? Remember, lighting is so important when you are staging a room. Meet with a lighting specialist to discuss these many decisions.

If you invest the time, you will be well prepared, when you get the call to meet with your Electrical Contractor.

7. Budget Blues, Not Designating Funds For … “The Wow Effect”

Everything in the Home Building Construction process revolves around the target budget. But almost everyday, you will be confronted with new cost overrun decisions.

Keep in mind these words … Drama, Effect, and Staging. If you truly wish for your home to have ?The Wow Effect?, then you must designate a budget for it. Without designating funding, the opportunities that you have designed and drafted into your floor plan will not create the drama or effect.

Think back, we have all gone through the annual Home Builders Parade of Homes, and waited in line for the 1 or 2 homes, that truly understand “The Wow Factor”. It is hard to describe its effect. It will stop you in your tracks. You will stop and stare, trying to absorb what you are seeing. All senses are kicking in. Conversations can be heard around you.

Look at this room,… Wow, what is it?”

“I love the colors. What is the finish on the walls? It is almost translucent.?

Did you see the Barrel Ceiling finish, is that Italian Venetian Plaster?”

“Did you feel the Dining Room Walls? Cold like stone, but felt just like marble or granite… Wow!”

The Best Home Builders and Interior Designers will always include a room that will take your breath away. It is bold, but not brash. It can change your taste in an instant. The ?Wow Factor? has pushed you out of your comfort zone. Contact these professionals to discuss your project.

Finally, building “Your Dream Home” is an important goal for most families. But a word of caution, the Home Building process can be stressful. As a couple, I would strongly suggest that you discuss the following rule … “Preferably, over a Glass of Wine and some Great Italian Food.”

“The Marriage Saving, Home Building Rule”

“As a couple, if you cannot agree on a Home Building Decision, then wait on the decision. Sleep on it that night. The next day, begin to look for a better idea. You will not be as emotionally charged, and together, you will come up with a much better solution.

“When emotions are high and each side has dug in, you will be glad you have discussed this rule. This will give you a reason, to set aside a difficult Home Building decision, preventing it from becoming a much bigger issue than it really is. Trust me … It Works!

To ensure that your new dream home, has a minimal list of… “I wish I would have’s”, you must literally… “Live In Your Floor Plan”. Your opportunities for any change in design are… very brief. Lastly, the “New Home Building Process” is an incredible experience. Looking back, you will never forget the memories, the lessons, the laughs, and the new friendships you have made in this exciting chapter of your life.

Enjoy this … Fun Walk!

Mark Nordgren

So you’re thinking about building your own home…

It’s a great idea, because you can get a lot closer to what you really want when you build rather than buy.

But there are some critical things to be aware of, in order to keep risks and surprises to a minimum, and end up getting the home you want.

We’ve compiled this helpful guide from a number of industry sources and our own experience.

We hope it gives you a good introduction.

…the team at DJ Builders & Son

1. How important is it to choose the right builder?  

Your new home is going to be one of the most important investments you will ever make both financially and emotionally. You want to get the design and construction right so that it suits both your present and future needs and lifestyle. There are a lot of builders out there prepared to build you a house but which one is the right one? Which one will turn your dream into reality? Follow the steps in this information pack and you will be several steps closer to fulfilling your dream.

2. Your role in the process

Before beginning the design the following needs to be conveyed to the designer:

Your budget The size of the house to be designed – including room numbers, their locations and functions Facade type including exterior finishes for walls (e.g. rendered, face brick) and the roof type and finish (e.g. tiled, metal) Individual design features that you would like Specific details like ceiling heights, window sizes, and bathroom and kitchen fittings. The time frame. Note that plans have to be submitted to various authorities and this may take longer than expected. Build this into the construction time frame.

 

3. The designer’s role in the process

When using an architect, building designer or engineer the charge for designing the house will be in addition to the construction costs. When using a builder who provides a design service as part of the package the design is factored into the price. This will have some bearing on the amount of time that can be spent in working with you on the design. Consider this as well when selecting who designs your home.

Designers must be up to date with the following:

Latest legislation New building trends Environmental and energy considerations like insulation, water saving, building materials and energy saving systems like solar power and solar water heating

They should also be able to advise you on the most appropriate house orientation in relation to the sun and prevailing winds. They should also be able to advise you on how best to make use of a site’s topography.

For example it is often better to build a house on a sloping site that makes use of the shape of the site rather than bringing in a bulldozer to reshape the site. Earthworks can be expensive.

At your first meeting with a designer you need to assess whether they will be able to meet with your expectations in terms of being qualified to do the job. Attached is a checklist (see page of questions that you should consider asking the designer.

4. Builder’s reputations

Once you have a list of builders your next step is to find out about their reputations and the quality of their work. Probably the best way is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners. A reputable builder with satisfied customers should have no problem in providing the names and addresses of recent customers that are willing to talk to you.

Some questions you can ask:

Are you happy with your home? Was the house built within the agreed time frame? What problems did you experience? Were they attended to promptly and to your satisfaction? Would you have this builder build another house for you?

Some observations you can make and note down:

Quality of the finishes including cabinetry, paint and trim Quality of the construction Style of design Construction type

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your new home is probably going to be the biggest investment you have made to date!

5. Advantages in working with a builder to design your home

There are some definite advantages in individual designs. These include:

Personalised and flexible design process Design suits your lifestyle and budget requirements Inclusions not limited Tailored to your particular site

Reputable builders that specialise in individual designs have examples of their work in display villages. This gives you the opportunity to see examples of their work without confining you to the plans you see displayed.

6. Project homes

Project home builders usually offer a range of standard plans in different price ranges including varying fittings and inclusions. They may specialise in single or double storey homes but are limited in inclusions and colour selection choices, design changes and site falls. 

7. Individually designed homes

Building designers, engineers, architects and licensed builders provide design services. Probably the most commonly used design service is that offered by builders who specialise in individual designs. They both design and build the homes and the service is included in the price whereas building designers, engineers and architects will charge for the service.

The majority of builders who build custom designs will have a portfolio of plans of homes they have built or standard plans, often based on their display homes. They will quite happily adapt these plans to suit your requirements or design a completely new plan. In addition they may specialise in a certain style of home like colonial or federation or in designing and building homes to suit difficult or sloping sites.

Regardless of whom you select to design your home you should feel comfortable with them. At the outset you should ensure that you both clearly understand each other’s roles and responsibilities. This will reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings and disputes.

8. Designing your home

Design services are provided by the following:

Licensed building designers Architects Licensed builders Engineers

Licences can be checked on the BSA website, www.bsa.qld.gov.au. or by phone. Note that architects and engineers do not require a licence but must be registered with their professional associations.

9. Design choices

There are effectively 3 design choices:

Make use of a standard design package supplied by a builder. They will usually have a range of designs from which you can make a choice. Often referred to as project homes. Review the builder’s standard plans and adapt them. Have a builder, designer, engineer or architect do a custom design.

 

10. Colour consultation

Uncertain about your homes finishes? Reputable builders have qualified colour consultants who can guide you through this important process.

They usually have sample finishes available to view, either in-house or at their display homes. They ensure that you get the finish that suits you, right down to the smallest detail.

Working with the colour consultant to choose your finishes usually occurs after the deposit has been paid and the design agreed (note not all builders provide this service so take this into consideration when selecting your builder).

You will be provided with a pack of information on finishes and invited to meet with the builder’s colour consultant for a several hour appointment to review the various options. This is your opportunity to ensure that all the finer details are not missed or taken for granted.

11. Inclusions

As mentioned earlier, project builders often have houses on view in display villages. Be warned that these houses are quite likely to have inclusions that are not included in the base price.

The following items will probably not be included in the base price:

Inside: 

Floor coverings with the exception of wet areas like bathrooms, toilets and laundries. Blinds, curtains and light shades Items like wallpaper, fixed mirrors (outside of bathrooms) and picture rails Furniture that is loose Dishwashers and washing machines Security systems

Outside:

Garages and carports Paths and driveways Security and fly screens Tiled and concrete floors under verandas and entry porches Landscaping Garden sheds, outdoor furniture, pergolas and fences Clothes lines and letterboxes Spas and pools Connections to services

However some builders will offer several levels of fit out as different price packages. Take care to identify exactly what you are being offered and ensure that the builder has an in house colour and fittings consultant to guide you through the process.

12. Additional costs

Do you have a sloping, timbered or difficult site on which to build? Be aware that the type of site on which you want to build can add considerably to the overall cost of the project. Note that builders are required under the Domestic Building Act 2000 to provide customers with foundations data before finalising the contract. Most project homes are quoted for building on flat stable sites with little underground rock. A site that is steeply sloping, unstable or has rock beneath the surface can add considerably to the cost of building a home.

If you have a difficult building site then it may be worthwhile to consider approaching a builder who specialises in building on this type of site. They usually design a house to suit the site minimizing the amount of excavation and making best use of the inherent benefits of a sloping site.

Check whether the builder has included the cost of soil tests, contour surveys and building approval fees in the required deposit.

Note that despite a soil test being done it is usually only from two or three boreholes and may not accurately represent the entire site. The builder may have rock removal as a provisional item in the contract and it may become very expensive.

Ensure that your contract has a fixed price for the footing excavation and footings (excluding rock removal) and that you have copies of the survey reports on which this is based. Also ensure that the contract specifies who is responsible for removing excess earth left after excavations.

13. Designer Question Checklist

1. Licence

Does the designer, whether a builder, engineer, architect or building designer have the appropriate BSA licence or professional registration? This you can check prior to your meeting. Yes No

2. Does the designer provide the following services?

Site inspections to ensure the characteristics of the site are taken fully into consideration in the design process? Yes No

Elevation sketches of the house in 3 dimensions to show what the house will look like when built? Yes No

Preparation of documents and plans and lodgement with the authorities for their approval? Yes No

Check for easements and utility locations (e.g. sewerage pipes) that could affect the design and siting of the house? Yes No

Check with Local Government or private certifier to ensure that plans include any special requirements before lodging? Yes No

3. Contract

Does the designer provide a standard contract? Yes No

Have you obtained a copy and read it carefully? Yes No

Will it accurately cover any agreement you have reached with the designer in terms of costs and service? Yes No

4. Deposits and fees

Have you ascertained what deposit the designer requires up front? Yes No

Have you ascertained how the designer’s fee is calculated? (e.g. fixed sum or percentage) Yes No

Are there additional costs involved in varying the plans once they are complete? Yes No

5. Timeframe

Have you ascertained how long it will take the designer to draw up your plans? Yes No

Does this fit into your timeframe? Yes No

14. Building complaints

The Building Services Authority has a website that keeps a record of disciplinary proceedings against builders. The BSA site can be accessed at
www.bsa.qld.gov.au and you should check the record of each of the builders on your list against the information on this website. No guarantee that you will not experience problems with a builder but past history often determines future behaviour. You can then cull from your list any builders that you doubt.

15. Queensland Master Builders Association

The first step in process is to decide on the type of home you would like to build and to work out how much you can spend. You then need to make a list of local builders that can build your chosen home style within your budget.

One way is to go to the Queensland Master Builders Association’s website at www.masterbuilders.asn.au. They have a search function that will provide you with a list of local builders in your region. Contact details and links to websites are included but no detailed information. This means that a lot of searching is required to find key information so you may want to consider other sources.

16. Other sources

If you want another way then advertisements in property supplements, magazines like Homebuild, website searches and display homes will provide more information in easier to use formats. Identify those builders that specialise in the style of house in your price range.

Make a list of these builders. You might even want to create a file with information printed off their websites or sourced from property supplements and magazines.

17. DJ Builders

A great way to find out more about designing your own home is to contact DJ Builders and Son. We have been building homes in South East Queensland since 1973 and have thousands of examples for you to view.

We specialise in individual designs and have skilled designers who can assist you in designing your dream home. No architect or designer fees on top-they are included in the price.

We’ll give you the home you want, designed for you, built as promised.

And to make it even easier, turn the page to read out our 10 step guide to designing and building your home:

The 10 Steps to Designing and Building your Home

1. The land

Maximising the investment you have made in your land, not only as a financial investment but as an emotional investment is important. You’ll want to build a home that will make best use of your land and its aspect to enhance your lifestyle. Our design consultant will visit the site with you to ensure that the design incorporates what you want and makes best use of the attributes
of the site.

2. The plan

You have decided to build. You may know exactly what you want or you may just have some ideas. The first step is it to turn these ideas into a concept plan. Sit down with one of our design consultants and discuss these ideas.

Look at designs and photographs of homes we have built. These will help clarify what you like and what you want in your new home.

3. The investment

At this stage you’ll have a draft plan. Go through our inclusions brochure and decide what you’d like. Once you have done that our consultant will be able to give you an estimate of the investment you’ll be making in your new home.

4. Soil test and contour survey

The next step is obtaining an engineers survey of the site. This is a legal requirement and it is essential safeguard in ensuring that your home is built with proper foundations and on the correct position on the site. This is also the point where we require a deposit to cover these costs. Once the design consultant has this information he can finalise the design with you and provide a base price with standard inclusions.

5. The final price quotation

At this stage we can give you a quote which includes all the details. You’ll need to go through this thoroughly with the consultant to make sure that you are happy that it’s exactly what you want. With this signed off it’s time to turn your dream into a reality-and that begins with signing the contract and paying the balance of the deposit. With that paid can get on with preparing the building permit applications and all the paper work that’s involved to get the plans approved.

6. Colour and finish selection

Now it is time to meet with our colour consultant who will assist you in colour selection and those final touches which will your turn a house into a home. Our inclusions brochure is a great start here and it’s worth browsing through it before your free appointment with our colour consultant. And in the meeting you’ll see sample finishes too-so much easier when you can see the real thing.

7. Beginning the build

This is your dream home-it can’t be thrown up in a few weeks from mass produced elements knocked up offsite and still maintain the quality you want. So we’ll agree with you on a reasonable time to build your home without compromising quality. With all the paperwork done we’ll begin the preplanning and within a few short weeks construction will begin..

8. During the build

It’s hard to keep away from the building site while your home is being built! You are encouraged to visit the site on a regular basis however, it is standard practice to be accompanied by your site supervisor due to safety requirements. You’ll meet the building Supervisor at the beginning and he will keep you up to date on the progress and explain each stage.

9. Completion

When everything is complete and when we have thoroughly pre inspected the house it will be time to hand over the keys. But before we do that we’ll accompany you on your own inspection to make absolutely sure that the home we have designed for you has been built as promised.

10. Moving in

You’ve moved in but we still want to make sure that our promise to you to build the home you want is kept. The six month maintenance period is your opportunity to make sure that we have kept our promise and a further six year structural guarantee.

Beginning the process

Give us a ring on 1300 858 177 or visit one of our display homes at Brookwater and in the QMBA village at Daisy Hill.

You’ll get the opportunity to meet one our consultants and find out how easy it is to design your own home.

We hope this information has been of assistance and wish you well in building your new home!