4 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

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Abbott | Reed Communities New Years Home Resolutions

When it comes to changing things up in the new year, focusing on your home is a natural place to start. Our homes in San Luis Obispo provide the foundation for our lives – the starting points for work, play, rest, and rejuvenation. So, whether you live in a home, apartment, or your custom dream house, we’ve come up with four New Year’s Resolutions for your home to help you get a jumpstart on a great 2022.

Custom Home Trends: Flex Rooms

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Abbott | Reed Custom Homes-Flex-Rooms

These days, our homes are so much more than four walls and a roof. Home office, gym, gourmet restaurant, movie theater… there’s really no way to label all the things we’re asking from a house in 2021.

That means flex rooms, spaces designed specifically to be multipurpose, just one of the features of our custom homes in San Luis Obispo. And we’ve put together a guide to help inspire you when planning a flex room.

Funnel Your Passions into Your Flex Room

First off, think about ways to best utilize a flex room by asking yourself what you’re passionate about. Do you love going to the gym but wish you could save time? Are you working from home more these days but don’t have a dedicated space? Does your family love games but can’t decide on cards or video games?

All these things factor into how to best utilize the space in your house.

Consider the Best Location for Your Flex Room

How you plan on using a flex room will help determine its placement in your custom home. Flex rooms are often on the main floor near the front entryway or kitchen and can easily become a home office, children’s playroom or entertainment space.

Other placements all depend on how you plan on using them. A second-floor bedroom may serve as a home office and spare room for when family or guests are in town or a gym/gaming room.

What’s Going into the Design?

After you’ve determined how your flex room is going to be used, it’s time to dive into details like general design and décor. Sturdy, versatile materials, like bamboo flooring and multi-purpose furniture, ensures the room stands up to wear and tear over time.

Also, hidden storage can be a huge help when it comes to switching from one use to another.

Flex Room Inspiration

If you’re still thinking about ways to integrate different uses, here are some ideas for utilizing the most out of your custom home.

Playroom:

Give your kids space and freedom with a room for storing toys, books and games. Add a sliding door that separates the room to hide the clutter and mess.

Homework space:

Install built-in shelves to store homework supplies and a computer workstation.

Library:

Creating a library in your home is perfect for keeping all of your favorite reading materials in one spot. Built-in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cabinets make storing your books and magazines easy. Of course, a good read needs a comfy chair.

Game/Entertainment Room:

Whether it’s board games, video games or cards, this room can be used by the whole family. Loveseats, floor cushions, bean bag chairs and oversized pillows are a must.

Home Gym:

Who needs a fancy gym membership when you can create a home gym? Get as elaborate (think mirrors, wall-mounted TVs and sound system) or as simple (just a few pieces of equipment and a yoga mat) as your imagination will allow. Big thing here is storage to put everything away if you need to turn the space into something different, such as a guest room or office.

Flex rooms epitomize the “custom” in custom home, so however you plan on utilizing this space, you will truly have a home that caters to your needs. For more ideas or to see examples of flex rooms in our custom homes in San Luis Obispo, reach out to us.

Abbott | Reed Communities: Custom Home Styles that are Perfect for Gran Cielo de Vina Robles

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Abbott | Reed Custom Home Styles

Whether you’re ready to start seriously planning to move into a new home or just in the daydream phase, who doesn’t love imagining unpacking in a space you’ve made your very own. That’s what Gran Cielo de Vina Robles, our premier gated community of custom homes in Paso Robles wine country, offers: the perfect backdrop for this exercise in expression. From modern farmhouse to mission revival, we’ve come up with a list of custom home styles at Gran Cielo de Vina Robles to help guide your journey of creating your dream house.

Abbott | Reed Communities: 2021 Design Trends Shine at Noveno

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Abbott | Reed 2021 Design Trends

Our interior spaces have become so much more these days than just a place to hang your hat. Spending most of your time in the home became the go-to for 2020, and that trend doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

So, we’re all paying way more attention to the spaces we call home, and 2021 design trends in San Luis Obispo are certainly following suit as expressions of utility, sanctuary, artistic voice and so much more. Here are some new design trends you can find at Abbott | Reed Communities’ latest project Noveno.

Self-Isolation Friendly Design Ideas for Your Patio or Balcony

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Abbott | Reed Balcony Decor

Our homes are having to be pretty versatile these days, doubling as the office, classroom and restaurant, to name just a few isolation-related adaptations we’ve all been forced to make. Needless to say, getting outside isn’t exactly as easy as it used to be.

But if you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space in your home, there’s no better time than the present to make sure you’re enjoying it. To celebrate the completion of our latest multi-family property, Pacific Courtyards, Abbott | Reed Communities shares are some quarantine friendly ways to make your patio or balcony your own.

Closets and Storage for Your Custom Home

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Robbins Reed Custom Homes- Closets and Storage

Storage needs vary from home to home and person to person. If you or your family members like to cook, camp, create, or collect couture, there’s always something that needs to be put somewhere.

When considering a new home, be sure to think about your closet and storage requirements. Luckily, there are some great built-in custom closet and after-market storage solutions. Styles and materials vary, from practical metal component garage systems to beautiful, furniture-quality wood built-ins for every room. With some space and creativity, there are plenty of ways you can keep your stuff and your sanity.

Storage systems are available for bedrooms, laundry rooms, kitchen pantries, hall closets, garages, home offices and hobby zones. If you’re designing a new home, customizing storage is well worth a little extra time.

As bedroom

sizes trend down and sleek interiors gain devotees, less floor space is devoted to stand-alone furniture. This means bedroom closets should be efficient and functional. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. Integrated systems with hanging rods, cabinets and shelves, and shoe storage are great for streamlining smaller closets, while storage benches, make-up nooks, or fold-down ironing stations can be great additions to walk-ins.

A laundry room

of any size can be enhanced by taking advantage of wall space. Replacing stock cabinetry with a laundry organizer system puts products, hanging space, and productivity at your fingertips. Ceiling-hung drying racks for delicate items can save floor space for other items, such as a storage bench for outdoor toys and boots, or house cleaning tools.

A kitchen pantry

doesn’t need to be huge to make life easier. Storage gets a boost with adjustable shelving that can be reconfigured to create just the right space for the items you use most. Do you buy more things in boxes, cans, bottles or bags? It can be helpful to pay close attention to your shopping and cooking habits before you design your pantry.

Hall closets

hold more than coats. Some hold sports equipment, crafting, or cleaning supplies as well. Be sure to evaluate storage spaces with your lifestyle and needs in mind.

Garages

range in size and duties. Tools, sporting goods, seasonal items, and even cars all vie for space. Think beyond big plastic tubs, and consider products and systems that let you create practical areas that increase space and utility.

Home offices and hobby zones

require storage that is appropriate for specific activities. Don’t be afraid to make your space work for you! You’ll thank yourself for the small customizations that lead to increased usefulness, or the personal touches that make you smile.

Before you talk to an architect, real estate agent, or builder, make sure you think about all of your needs, including storage. Online sites such as Houzz and Pinterest are great for sparking ideas and fueling imagination. Let your custom home builders create the right spaces for you, your lifestyle, and the things that help you enjoy it.

If your next home will be on California’s Central Coast, give us a call at 805-543-7277. We’ll build the home, and you can fill it with memories.

Abbott | Reed Communities: Noveno Observations, Appreciation, and an Invitation!

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New Homes on the Parkway at Noveno, San Luis Obispo

Noveno is a collection of 23 single-family Avenue homes and 44 single-family Parkway homes in San Luis Obispo, California. In this contemporary place opportunities for connection are built-in, from colorful community spaces to convenient bike paths, and a play area for all ages.

We’ll be enjoying Noveno with new and future residents at a block party Saturday, March 7th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Can you join us? Follow this link for more info and let us know you’ll be there!

How to Find the Best Custom Home Builders in San Luis Obispo

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Some our Custom Home Builders favorite projects

Whether you already know the ropes or you’re a first-timer, building your new custom home in San Luis Obispo should be a rewarding experience you feel confident about. So, how do you find the best home builders in SLO? Here are some tips from our team.

 Know what you want

Before you talk to any contractors, have a discussion with yourself! Make some lists about how you see your new home: Must Have, Nice to Have, Not a Fan Of, Deal Killers. Do your homework. Take lots of notes, save images and links, walk around neighborhoods. Ask yourself what you do or don’t like about certain things you see. Using your notes, organize the information in a way that clearly defines your wants, needs, and expectations.

 Ask around and look around

 Talk to your friends about their projects and experiences. Get opinions. Don’t be shy. Are you on social media? Ask your Facebook friends. If you encounter the owner of a home you admire on your dog walk, stop to chat. Read reviews of the home builders who have been recommended, and see how they compare to others. Check out their qualifications and the projects they’re proudest of on their websites.

 Choose the top contenders

 Make a list of the builders who’ve risen to the top of your list. Check the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to confirm licensing status, bonding and workers’ compensation insurance. See if any complaint disclosures or construction-related civil judgments are shown. Do a web search to see if they’ve been in the news for anything that makes you uncomfortable.

 Talk to the contenders

 When you feel well-informed, schedule meetings with the home builders at the top of your list, and prepare your information and questions. After giving an overview of your project, you may have specific things you’d like to learn. Here are some of the more common questions.

  • Is this the type of project you’re looking for?
  • Can you help me with site selection, or should I return after I make a purchase?
  • Do you handle everything including permits and site preparation?
  • Can you show me some similar projects you’ve done?
  • Will I have one main point of contact? How much time will that person spend at my project? How many jobs will they be running at once?
  • How much of the work is done by subcontractors?
  • What percentage of your projects are completed within your projected timelines? What percentage within your budget estimates?
  • Can you explain the typical process and expected timeline for me?
  • What kind of reporting and communication should I expect during the project?
  • How long will I have to make decisions on things?
  • Do you have any concerns about my project?

The builder representative (or team) should be able and willing to answer your questions, and will have some of their own. Be sure your answers are accurate and carefully considered.

 Weigh the facts… but also trust your gut

 When building a new custom home, you’ll be investing more than money. Your time, energy, passion and communication skills will all be required. A good relationship with your home builder will be essential. So, in addition to weighing the information you’re given, check in with your gut. How do you feel about doing business with this team? Do you feel heard when you speak? Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Do you feel like your best interests and desired outcomes are the focus of the discussion? Do you feel confident that you can work with this team for the length of the project? Do they demonstrate the balance of professionalism and personal attention you expect?

Let the fun begin!

 When your questions have been answered, it’s time to make a decision. Your new San Luis Obispo custom home won’t magically appear overnight. It will be a process. The right home builder will guide this process for you. They’ll make sure it’s exciting, but not scary. They’ll help you evaluate options before making decisions, based on their experience and industry knowledge. They’ll understand your vision, protect your interests, and build the home you’ve worked so hard to save and plan for.

When you’re ready to build your custom home in San Luis Obispo, give us a call at 805-543-7277. We’re ready to answer your questions and show you how our people and processes will make your experience groundbreaking, from start to finish.