Whether you have been living in an older house for years now or you have just bought an old home you may be wondering whether you should tear down and rebuild or remodel. This can be a hard decision and it is one well worth seeking out a professional on. However, if you are just starting to think about which decision may be better for you, the tips in this blog post may help.

What to Consider when it comes to Rebuilding or Renovating

• The Structure of the Home – If your old home is not structurally sound it may cost more than you think to fix. Major structural issues can be costly. Not only do the structural issue need to be fixed but you may need to look at making the home more energy efficient and fixing other potential problems that may arise. If you do have major structural issues in your home, demolishing and rebuilding could be a better option. If your home’s structure is solid and you love the existing house, remodeling could be a more affordable option.
• Heritage Listed Homes – If you have a home that is on state or territory heritage register then demolishing and rebuilding will not be an option.  Renovating heritage listed homes can also be tricky as any changes you plan to make will need to match with the heritage listed rules.
• Your Home’s Boundaries – Before making a decision whether to rebuild or renovate you will need to make sure there are no boundary changes or issues on your current property. You may plan to knock down and build only to realize the boundaries have changed and now you can’t build the house of your dreams or even shadow the previous home that was there. It is a good idea to check this out before deciding or planning to knock down and rebuild.
• Do You Need Somewhere to Live, Now? - If you need to continue to live in the home while changing it, remodeling often makes more sense.  This is especially true if the home is structurally sound and parts of the home still appeal to you. When remodeling you can go in stages so that you can continue to live in the home while you tackle each separate area.

These are just a few of the things you will need to consider when making a decision whether to remodel or knock down and rebuild. The team at Towne Craft are experts in both building and remodeling. We can come out to your home and give you an assessment, helping you decide what would work better for your unique situation.

No matter whether you choose to knock down and rebuild or you choose to remodel, our experts will work with you from beginning to end to make sure you get the home you have always wanted.

Whether you are looking to build a brand new home this year, looking to renovate or you just love knowing what is happening in home trends, 2017 looks to be a great year for home design.

Design teams are seeing trends like stark white kitchens and brush metals leave us while new tones, design ideas, and materials make their way onto the home design scene.

5 New Home Trends for 2017

1. Matte Appliances – Out with the shiny appliances and in with more of a matte look. Companies like Whirlpool have already started to adjust their product lines for this new trend. Not only are matte appliances totally unexpected but they also don’t show every little fingerprint making it easy to keep your kitchen looking clean.
2. Cerused Wood - Cerused wood or cerused oak gives a finish that shows the unique grain of a wood piece. This type of finish has actually been around for centuries, however these days it is completed without the toxic chemicals.  You will see ceruse wood on cabinets, tables, and other wood surfaces become more popular throughout 2017. This finish goes best with woods like oak and ash.
3. Drama Filled Colors – Say goodbye to white and beige as the trends this year will be dramatic, deep colors. Think deep rich colors and jewel tones like amethyst, rich plum, and emerald green. Don’t worry if the rich, dark colors are not your style, 2017 will also see a resurrection of Easter season pastels.
4. Smart Home Features – This trend has been ramping up for years but designers say 2017 is set to be the year where the smart home really takes off. This will include furniture that is specifically built to house your smart devices, think bedside tables with wireless charging docks. Voice-activated assistants like Amazons Echo or Dot will also be popular.
5. Kitchen Storage Walls – Say goodbye to rows of upper cabinets surrounding your kitchen and say hello to a storage wall. These storage walls are designed to take up one large wall in your kitchen giving you one central/highly organized space for kitchen storage. Your storage wall can include hidden appliances such as the refrigerator, microwave, and wine fridge.

Overall 2017 looks to bring back depth, color, and ease of living to our homes.

Custom Home Builder in Southern Maryland

Before we begin working with you on your luxury home design plans, we will talk about your:

• Goals
• Lifestyle at home
• Stage of life
• Personal interests (and those of your family members)

Click here for a convenient form that helps you define more clearly what you’re envisioning for your new luxury home.

We’re not selling you a house – we’re providing you with design-build services that make the entire custom homebuilding process a cooperative effort between you and Towne Craft Builders.

Schedule a Consultation for Your Custom Home In Maryland

If you are looking to build a custom home in the Southern Maryland area or you are looking to remodel this year, the team at Towne Craft can help. We are luxury homebuilders that specialize in custom new build and remodeling services. Contact us today to talk about incorporating some of these 2017 trends in your home.

If you want your parents or in-laws to live nearby in case of an emergency but would like for them to retain their independence, then you may want to consider an in-law suite addition. In-law suite additions can be built in a number of different ways, whether it’s by building an apartment over your garage or adding a room onto your home. Our remodelers at Towne Craft Builders have the experience necessary to both design and build an in-law suite addition no matter what your unique needs may be.

Our In-Law Suite Projects

We have designed and built many in-law suites over the years. For example, one of our projects in St. Mary’s County, Maryland consisted of an in-law suit on the first floor that could someday transition into a first-floor master suite – yet another benefit of adding an in-law suit. We designed this particular project with the following features:

• A master bath with numerous universal design features, such as a wheelchair-accessible shower stall with frameless glass doors, a bench and grab bars as well as an adjacent soaker tub.
• A large walk-in closet, a laundry room and a library area with custom built-in bookcases.
• Energy efficient gas furnace and air conditioning units along with a tankless water heater for individual climate control.
• Additional sound insulation that creates a sound barrier between the suite and the house.

Additional Benefits of Our In-Law Suite Project

Our Towne Craft Builders contractors worked closely with the owner of the home to create the in-law suit they desired and also added a butler pantry at the back of the existing home that not only helped expand the existing dining room, but also acted as a transition between the in-law suite and the rest of the home.

We managed to perform this remodeling project in only five months, despite the challenges of winter and the expansion of the ground floor.

Working With Our Client

We work very closely with our clients, as evidenced by the work we did on the St. Mary County in-law suite project. In the beginning stages of the project, we drew a minimalistic floor plan of the existing home in order to create a 3D model. We then created three to four different plans for the in-law suite addition, meeting with our client regularly to go over those plans.

With every meeting, we were able to narrow down their vision and our interpretation of that vision more and more until there was a common consensus. One of the goals of the client was to make sure that the addition looked like an part of the original home design and not an obvious addition – something that we worked hard on to achieve.  

If you are interested in expanding your Southern Maryland area home for multi-generational living, then you may want to consider adding on an in-law suite. Be sure to contact us today at Towne Craft Builders for more information about our in-law suite remodeling services.

The kitchen may very well be the most important part of your home. Not only is it the place where you store and cook your food (and often eat it as well), it’s also the area of the house that will most likely benefit the most from a remodeling project. This is because kitchen remodeling projects generally result in the highest ROI and can greatly boost your home’s value.

However, kitchen remodeling isn’t just a financial investment that can help improve your home’s value and its appeal to buyers, it can also greatly improve you and your family’s lifestyle. If your kitchen feels too cramped, doesn’t have enough storage space or doesn’t have an effective or convenient layout, then you may want to turn to the Southern Maryland kitchen remodeling experts here at Towne Craft Builders.

The Best Kitchen Remodeling Contractor in Southern Maryland

If you’re thinking about investing in a kitchen remodeling project, then there are a number of things you should ask yourself first.

• Do you use your kitchen primarily for cooking or entertaining?
• Do you want a whole new look?
• Does your kitchen need more natural light?
• Are you regularly running out of storage space?
• Do you have enough workspace?
• Is it easy and convenient to get around your kitchen space?

This will help you determine whether you are happy with the kitchen you have or whether it could benefit from a remodel. Here at Towne Craft Builders, we’ll make sure that your new kitchen will meet your specific wants and needs.

Our Southern Maryland Kitchen Remodeling Services

We offer full-fledged kitchen remodeling services, whether you’re looking to implement a couple of improvements or are looking for a complete makeover. We can do everything from install custom countertops and cabinets to building breakfast rooms or expanding small kitchens. We’ll even help install more energy efficient kitchen appliances.

• Cabinet installation and replacement - There are few kitchen features that have as big of an impact on the aesthetic and function of your kitchen than your cabinets. Our professionals can help you choose new cabinets that provide the storage space you need and that fit the unique visual style of your existing kitchen.
• Countertop installation and replacement - There are many different materials to choose from when it comes to installing new countertops, such as granite, concrete, steel, ceramic tile and more. We can help advice you and properly install any of these countertop materials.
• Kitchen tile installation and replacement - Kitchen tiles can be used in a variety of ways, including for your floors, for your countertops and for your backsplash. Installing or replacing tile is a huge project that requires a professional’s experience and know-how.

Request a Free Estimate for Kitchen Remodeling in Southern Maryland

Here at Towne Craft, our professional kitchen remodelers have the training, skills and experience to provide you with full fledged kitchen remodeling services in Southern Maryland. Be sure to contact us at Towne Craft today to request a free estimate for your kitchen remodeling project.

The kitchen has become the central gathering point in a home. It tends to be the room that people congregate in during a party, and it’s one of the few rooms in the home that brings families together. With so much entertaining happening in the kitchen, you want this space to offer a positive impression of what the rest of your home holds.

Kitchen remodeling services is an area of specialty for our team at Towne Craft Builders and Remodelers, and we invite you to view our online portfolio to see some of the latest kitchen remodels that we have completed.

Southern Maryland offers a wealth of older, beautiful homes. If your fortunate to be living in one of these older homes and are interested in kitchen remodeling services, you need to decide whether you want your renovation to match the period of the home or give your home a modern update.

To offer some inspiration, we wanted to share some trending kitchen remodeling ideas for older homes:

Green Friendly Design

Especially in older homes, people have a strong desire to upgrade to energy efficient appliances. Not only will this help to bring the home up to 21st century standards, but it’s a big step in the right direction for improving the efficiency and functionality of the home.

Specifically in regards to the kitchen, energy efficient upgrades could include the installation of an induction range (much more efficient with its power use) and choosing appliances such as a dishwasher and oven that are ENERGY STAR certified.

Using environmentally safe materials that are rapidly renewal in the kitchen is another one of the most requested kitchen remodeling services. Examples include bamboo butcher block countertops or a backsplash made of recycled stone.

Unexpected Pops of Color

One way to bring an old, outdated kitchen to life is by introducing pops of color. While stainless steel appliances are a timeless choice, don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Dacor recently introduced a dishwasher with personality as it offers a front panel that comes in 6 different colors such as blue water and slate green.

If you want to go really bold, install a 48-inch gas range by BlueStar that comes in 190 different colors.

Convenient and Multifunctional Design

This concept can apply to many aspects of kitchen design.

For one, opening up the kitchen so that it is exposed to the living room has been a trend that homeowners have been embracing for the past decade. This allows the person cooking in the kitchen to be involved in the conversation when entertaining, or a parent to keep a close eye on young children when preparing dinner.

To appeal to multi-taskers, specific fixtures in the kitchen can be modified to serve multiple purposes, such as a sink that also offers a preparation board, colander, and drain tray.

Request a Kitchen Remodeling Estimate Today

To learn more about our kitchen remodeling services and design trends that we are seeing in older houses, contact us at Towne Craft Builders and Remodelers.

A remodeling project can be time-consuming, costly and often an inconvenience to those living in your home, however with a little careful planning you can protect your family and your budget.

Things to Do Before Finding a Contractor

• Create a Wish List - Creating a wish list can help you make the tough choices down the road when you may have to eliminate things. This is the time to map out your needs and your wants. This way you will get everything you need, adding the wants in as your budget allows.
• Have a Budget - Going into a renovation without a budget is never a good idea. It is always good to add at least 10% extra for things that may pop up during the renovation.
• Think About the Timeline - It is important to have a timeline before heading to the contractor. Look at what is coming up on your calendar and try not to schedule a renovation when your family will be visiting or during stressful events.

Finding a Home Remodeling Contractor

Now that you have an idea of your budget and what you want to get from your renovation you can start looking for a contractor. Looking for a contractor doesn’t have to be hard, follow these tips to find the right team for you.

• Ask Around - Ask anyone you know if they have had renovations and who they chose, look for reviews online and check with the local Master Builders Association. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau.
• Pick Up the Phone - Start calling local contractors, ask if they have a portfolio of similar jobs they have done in the area, you may also want to ask about education and certifications carried by staff in the office.
• Check Licenses and Insurance - When you are calling contractors be sure that they carry the right licenses and insurance to work in your local area and within the state.
• Test of Time - A remodeler that has been in business for a significant amount of time likely carries less risk than a company that just started six months ago.

Working with a Home Remodeling Contractor

Now that you have found the right Contractor for you, be sure to keep the lines of communication open. Being upfront with your expectations can help calm your fears and set a good working relationship from the beginning.

When you sign a contract for your remodel be sure to examine the contract closely, reading all the fine print to make sure there are no unusual clauses added.

Ask the contractor to give you a basic timeline on paper, expect that things won’t always follow this timeline exactly, but know that if you have something in writing you can go back and refer to it with the contractor.

 Request a Home Remodeling Estimate in Eastern MD

If you live in the Eastern Maryland area and are looking for a trusted contractor to complete your renovation, contact the team at Towne Craft Builders.

If you are looking for a kitchen that brings a luxurious feel to your home yet is still practical, the team at Towne Craft are here to help. When designing their new kitchen many homeowners ask for an island. Kitchen islands can provide extra space, give families a place to gather and make entertaining a breeze.

There are many design options available when it comes to kitchen islands, here are some design options you may want to consider.

Design Options for Your New Kitchen Island

• Entertainers Dream – An Island that has a cooktop, full sink, coffee station and even a built in microwave is an entertainers dream island. You can be cooking and chatting while your guests enjoy a drink at the bar.
• Meal Time – If your family is less formal your island may be the place where you gather for a meal. In this case, you will want to make sure your counter has enough space to fit your whole family comfortably.
• Usable Storage – If you are looking to add storage to your kitchen, an island with drawers and  cupboards is a great addition. You will have the storage you need and a countertop you can prep food on or eat at.
• Open Design – If you don’t need extra storage you can leave the bottom of your kitchen island open. Using some decorative pieces you can still have a stand out island while allowing for your kitchen space to look bigger.
• Connected – Your island doesn’t have to separate to the rest of your kitchen counters. You can have an island that connects to existing countertops, creating one seamless space. Add some stools on one side and cabinets on the other and you have a very functional space.
• Prep Space – If you love to cook, bake and prep food, having an island with a sink is a great choice. The sink gives you the extra space you need to prep or bake yet you can still be in the center of your kitchen talking with family and friends.

No matter what type of island you are looking for in your new or existing kitchen, the team at Towne Craft can help you come up with a design that works for you and your home.

From beginning to end, we work with you to get the look and feel you want from your home. Our designers will work with you to get the ball rolling coming up with a design plan that looks and feels right. We will then work through the process of permits and council guidelines. Next, our installation team will arrive with their knowledge and skill.  Before you know it you will have a kitchen you don’t want to leave.

If you are looking for a new kitchen island or you are looking to remodel your current space, contact the team at Towne Craft today.

If you are looking to remodel your Eastern Maryland kitchen, Towne Craft builders are the experts at craft kitchens. In fact, we can help you install that custom kitchen that you have dreamed of fro years. From planning to installation we can help guide you but we also want you to have a say in what goes into your kitchen.

Kitchen Remodel Must-Haves

These kitchen remodel must-haves are a great place to start when you are considering what to have in your new kitchen.

• Double Ovens – If you love to bake, entertain or hold all of the holiday dinners then double ovens are a must in your new kitchen. Not only will you have not bend over to get in the oven  but you can cook more at once.
• Pot Fillers – These handy faucets can be mounted anywhere a cold water line can run. They really help when you are wanting to fill those big pots for soup or pasta.
• Coffee Bar – A small alcove that can hold your coffee maker, espresso machine, jars of coffee, mugs and anything else you like to make the perfect cup of coffee is a perfect place to stay organized and hide everything away.
• Sliding Full Extension Drawers – These drawers allow you to not only stack more than one drawer in a large cupboard but to pull those drawers all the way out for easy access.
• Under Cabinet Lighting – Under cabinet lighting is a great feature. This is especially true if you have deep countertops that you like to store things on. They can also show off your beautiful kitchen décor.
• Built in Appliances – Built-in refrigerators and dishwashers can give your kitchen a seamless look.  No more appliances standing out. These built-in appliances can match the rest of your cabinets so no one can even tell the difference.
• Bar or Island Sink – If you have a large kitchen you may want to consider installing a second sink in your bar or island. This second sink can be perfect for meal prep.
• Quartz – When it comes to countertops, quartz is the new granite. This low maintenance material is much easier to take care of than other countertop materials and it looks fabulous in any kitchen.
• Outdoor Access – If you are going for a full remodel you might want to consider adding outdoor access. Beautiful glass sliding doors off the kitchen not only give you access to the outdoors, they also offer a whole lot of natural light.

If you are looking for a team of professionals that can help give you the kitchen of your dreams, the team at Towne Craft can help. From our design team to our qualified install team, we will help you through each step of your remodel.

Contact us today at Towne Craft and start planning your perfect kitchen remodel.

From old siding with chips and cracks to gutters that no longer function correctly, your home exterior can say a lot about your home. If you have been working hard to improve the inside of your home, you may have left the exterior to its own devices, doing this does not just affect your home’s curb appeal, it can eventually lead to damage inside your home.

No matter your exterior remodeling needs in Eastern or Southern Maryland, Towne Craft Builders has the experience and expertise to make your project a success.

Home Exterior Renovations

From new exterior paint to adding a beautiful sunroom, home exterior renovations can bring a lot to your home. Here are some things you might want to consider for your home exterior renovation project.

• New siding, brickwork or paint can do wonders for the outside of your home.
• Adding a deck or covered porch can give you more outside space and make your home feel more welcoming.
• A sunroom can extend your living space year round and with the right design can add architectural detail to your home.
• Adding architectural elements like interesting trim or wooden brackets can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal.
• Upgrading your entry way by extending the overall space, adding a deck, or adding a new door design can give your home new style.
• A new roof using architectural shingles will not only protect your home from the elements and add insulation, it will also make your home stand out.
• Replacing a dilapidated porch with a brand new sturdy porch that suits the style of your home can increase your home’s value and make your home safer.
• If you have a beautiful view from a deck, but bugs get in your way, turning your deck into a screened in porch can increase the time you spend outside.

There are many things you can do during a home exterior renovation that can make your home safer, increase the curb appeal and add to the value of your home.

Towne Craft Builders Home Exterior Renovation

If you are thinking about upgrading your home exterior with a home exterior renovation, Towne Craft Builders can help. We have worked on with many customers throughout California, MD and surrounding areas to bring custom upgrades to their homes. You can see some of our finished projects here on our website. We believe in providing the highest quality service. We do this by only hiring licensed and insured sub-contractors and suppliers and providing you with full design-build services. We offer warranties on all our work and aim to give you a home exterior renovation that will be both practical and beautiful.

Request a Free Exterior Renovation Estimate Today

If you are looking for a team of experts that can offer you design-build services, contact us today at Towne Craft Builders.

Planning an addition, or remodeling project is a very exciting time for homeowners.  From designing the new space, to finding the right team of craftsmen, to seeing your home addition ideas come to life, the experience is fraught with anticipation.  You likely haven’t been this thrilled about your home since you left the closing table.

When you set out to update your home, many reasons factor into your design.  The purpose for your room is at the heart of all your home addition ideas.  Specifically, who will be using this room and what is the intent?  Are you in need of more space for your family, like a teen suite, or guest quarters?  Do you want to extend your living space?  Add on a sunroom?  Expand your kitchen?  Maybe your new hobby warrants a studio or workshop.

Whatever your plans, Towne Craft Builders is ready to help you realize your home addition ideas.  Town Craft is a custom builder par excellence.  Our unmatched skill and craftsmanship has lasted for more than four decades.  In Southern Maryland, Towne Craft is known for quality, custom homes, and remodeling services.

The custom design team at Towne Craft will consult with you on every aspect of your project to ensure your ideas are brought to life.  Factoring in your personal needs, and your lifestyle, Towne Craft will create the ideal addition for your home, with the utmost in attention to detail.

Kitchen Home Addition Ideas

Whatever your home addition ideas for your kitchen, stunning style and functionality is your end goal.  Consider an integrated kitchen, with built-in appliances and seamless appearance.  If you have an historic home and want to preserve the authenticity, but have given up on modern convenience, don’t fret.  Your home’s historic integrity can remain intact and you can enjoy the luxuries of the 21st Century.  It’s as simple as contacting Towne Craft.

Extended Living Space

A porch or deck addition extends your living space.  You and your family can enjoy the beautiful Maryland evenings after dinner.  Or sip your morning coffee while enjoying the peace of a new day.  Make your new porch or deck a space to relax in year-round by turning it into a sunroom or screened porch.

Space for Guests

Guests are a pleasure.  However, long term guests present a challenge if you don’t have the space.  One of the more popular home addition ideas is the guest house, or guest quarters.  Whether your friends have come for the weekend, or your in-laws have come for the month, your visit can be more enjoyable when you let Towne Craft create custom guest quarters.

Request a Free Home Addition Estimate Today

Bring your home addition ideas to Towne Craft Builders..  We specialize in all aspects of custom building and remodeling, from finished basements, dream kitchens and home offices, to waterfront estates.  Our experience has earned us the distinction of being the very best in client service and satisfaction.

Bring your dreams to life and contact Towne Craft Builders today.