We’re going to outline a list of questions, that you should ask an architect, before you commit to working with them. If an architect seems unequipped to answer these questions, then you might want to reconsider working with them. Never be shy, because if you are, you might not end up satisfied with your renovation. Let’s get started.

Ten questions to ask an architect 

1. When you’re designing homes, what are the values and principles that ground your work?
2. During the renovation, in what ways will you gather information about my personal goals, ideas, needs, wants, visions, and more?
3. What steps do you take in your design process, and what will the experience be like for me, as a client?
4. How will I be able to visualize the progress of the project, as we go? Will you show me designs through models, drawings, sketches, or renderings, so that I can better visualize the design and end-goal?
5. What are the important things to consider, when working on my project? What are the possible problems that will arise, because of my project? Are there challenges that will come, with my project?
6. Who is the member of your team that will render the initial concept for the renovation, and after this is rendered, who finalizes their design and plans?
7. Currently, how much work does your firm have? Are you at capacity or close to being at capacity? Considering your workload, will it be feasible for you to finish my project in the timeline that I proposed?
8. How do you charge your clients? What are your fees like—meaning, is it possible to accrue additional fees, that extend beyond the initial rate that we discussed?
9. If unexpected circumstances came into fruition, and I decided to reconfigure the trajectory of my project, how would you charge me? How would you determine any additional fees that would come with the changes in the project?
10. Could you give me a list of references?

After asking these questions, you can figure out how knowledgeable an architect is. You can also determine if the architect is right for you and your project. If an architect aces these questions, then that’s a good sign that they’re ready to work with you.

Plus, if your architect is responsive to these questions and willing to ask you follow up questions, then that’s a good sign. You want to work with someone who has good communication skills, and these questions test an architect’s communication skills.

Marc Julien Homes is committed to fulfilling your vision, so if you’re interested in learning more about our custom services, contact us. We’re ready to answer all of your tough questions.

If your home features bright carpets, eclectic cabinetry colors, dated draperies, or small tiles, your home might seem dated in the future. While these are all trends that are popular in 2022, as history stands to prove, microtrends are not going to last a lifetime. Sure, we might be interested in statement carpets today, but a more timeless option is a neutral carpet. Bright cabinetry is interesting today, but who’s to say that we’ll like that tomorrow. We probably won’t. Therefore, since white and black cabinetry has stood the test of time, in ways that bright green and orange have not, you might want to opt for cabinetry that is not flashy and bright. Because once you’ve made substantial decisions like this, you’re stuck with it for the duration.

In terms of the floorplan of your home, there are crucial things to avoid in order to create the most functional home. Many homeowners design their bathrooms, so that they’re small, to enlarge other rooms in their home. Don’t underestimate the amount of space you’ll need in your bathroom. There’s nothing worse than cramped a bathroom that doesn’t give you enough room to house your essentials. You don’t want your morning routine to be worse than it has to be, because of a small, claustrophobia-inducing bathroom. Another room that is often neglected, is the laundry room. Don’t compromise the size of your laundry room, because this space is vital. You’re going to need room for a benchtop and sink, plus space for the ironing board and the appliances themselves.

To recap, how do you keep your home timeless? Well, you’ve got to keep things simple. For example, it is important to use vertical joints and shaker doors and cabinetry. These trends have proven to be timeless. You want to aspire towards a classic look, because then you can impermanently adapt your home depending on the times. Instead of making structural decisions that are specific to the present generation, opt for something that can isn’t specific to the trends of the era.

Above all, a home belongs to you. That means that, the fool proof thing to do when designing your home, is to trust your own stylistic sensibilities. Regardless of the forecasted trends, make design decisions based on your own tastes. That’s where Marc Julien Homes comes in. We know that you have specific needs and wants, and we want to help you make those a reality. We build custom homes for people like you. So, collaborate with us, and we’ll build you a home that’s waiting for you to design its interior to your liking. We want to get to know you, so that you can build the home of your family’s dreams.

 Moving or building a new home is a wonderful new chapter in anyone’s life. When the holidays come around, it’s important to embrace not only the unique opportunities your new home provides, but also establish some new holiday traditions in it. There will be some timeless ones your family might already have, but there are potentially hundreds of new traditions to start bring in. Let’s think about what you could create in your new home for the upcoming Holiday Season.

Ornament Making

The beauty of ornament making is that it does not necessarily have to be kid centric. Adults love to create ornaments, especially if they have a keen eye for arts and crafts. If your new home has a large open area for guests or kids to spread out and create ornaments, then why not use it? Your new home will inspire guests and annually remind them of their time crafting away in your new home.

Photo Shoot

 The Christmas Family Photo Shoot is a traditional way of capturing everyone at the happiest time of the year. It also happens to be the perfect way to display your new home to family and friends. The photo shoot will not only act as a snapshot frozen in time of your family, but your home too. Reflecting back on this time in years to come will be delightful.

Hosting A Party

 Hosting a party in your new home can be a fun way of introducing it to family and friends and a perfect way to establish a new tradition of hosting. Sure hosting a party can be a lot of work, but it’s also quite a selfless act. And what time of the year is better than the Holidays to be selfless! Guests will love the tradition you create by hosting in your home and each year you can tweak the theme, activities, food and drink… whatever you feel like.

Decorating Your Home

There’s no country in the world that decorates for Christmas like here. Our homes can be decorated for the Holidays in so many ways. Outdoor displays in the yard or light displays on a roof are fun ideas for neighbors and passersby. When it comes to inside, new homeowners don’t have to stop at the tree. Fill your new home with garlands, ornaments, light features and mistletoe to really give it that Holiday feel. For those that may not necessarily have the eye for holiday design, the good news is that there are a number of companies out there who will come to your new home and do it for you!

Baking

 Chances are your new home has a great kitchen in it. Why not put it to use in the Holiday season by baking up a storm in it! Cookies, Gingerbread Houses, Pies and Cakes why not try it all in your new home’s kitchen. Kids will love the experience and everyone will love the end product!

Nothing is a fun and fulfilling as living in a house with the design you’ve always wanted all your life. Everything is placed where and how you envisioned it – from the cabinets in the kitchen to the bedroom’s balcony. It’s the kind of utopia we all crave!

But there is one downside to constructing a home from scratch – costs associated with building materials and labor can be high. But that should not deter you from getting your dream house.

You have several loan options to help you construct the home you want, from a construction-to-permanent loan to construction-loan only. This guide will look at the construction-to-permanent loan option, including what it is, its benefits, how the process works, and where you can get a custom home builder.

Let’s get started!

What is a construction-to-permanent loan?

Also known as a single-close construction loan, a construction-to-permanent loan is a special loan that finances the cost of buying land, building a home on it, and later serving as a mortgage once it’s complete. It’s the go-to loan for individuals who want to build a custom home from scratch on a chose lot using a contractor of their choice.

Typically, you would have to take two separate loans to build your home: the first loan to buy land and build on it and a mortgage loan to finance the completed home. The construction-to-permanent loan serves both goals, however.

Benefits of a construction-to-permanent loan

Although relatively expensive than a standard mortgage loan, the construction-to-permanent loan offers you innumerable benefits.

First, you don’t have to apply for two loans and go through two closing processes with this loan. This makes it easy to set up your home without much paperwork involved in the process.

Second, this kind of loan is similar to a line of credit, where you’re allowed to draw the amount of money you need when you need it. This makes it possible to construct your home in the least time possible since you have funds at your disposal.

Third, you’re only charged an interest rate on the amount of money you borrowed during the construction phase. In fact, you make the interest payment when your home is being constructed. This means that the instalments will be lower as compared to other different loans. Depending on the bank, you get 12 or 18 months of interest-only payments.

Lastly, your builder requests payments from the lending firm, not you.

How does the construction-to-permanent loan work?

Once you have the perfect place to set a home, you approach a builder who will construct the custom home for you. The builder submits “draw requests” to a financial firm during the construction process, which then pays the builder. The total amount borrowed is added to your loan.

During the construction phase, the lender sends an inspector to the site to ensure the house progresses as planned and to their satisfaction. Once the construction is complete, the loan converts to a traditional fixed-rate permanent mortgage, which you can repay in 15 to 30 years, depending on what you choose.

The bottom line

Today, custom construction financing has become a norm among people. Specifically, the construction-to-permanent loans have helped millions of people worldwide build the custom homes of their choice. However, you need a reliable custom builder to have your house up and running in the shortest time possible.

If you’re looking for a custom home builder, look no further than Marc Julien Homes. Since 2009, we have built 75 homes for clients using expert techniques, high-end materials, and spectacular vision. We’re a phone call away for all your custom home queries.

Bathroom Redesign

From smart technology to open showers and stand-alone tubs, remodeling trends in south Florida show an emphasis on updated and new bathroom solutions. Touch-less appliances have become increasingly popular since theCOVID-19 pandemic, such as motion-activated sinks, automatic lighting, and other smart technology. Even as we move towards a post-COVID world, an increase in hygiene and less-touch options will remain popular as people remain increasingly aware of their personal health. Regardless of health, these new smart technologies are also modern, efficient, and energy-saving.

For showers, many people are turning to solutions such as open showers, which save space and provide a natural flow of the bathroom. Open showerscan be a great way to highlight intricate tile designs. For medium or larger homes, stand-alone tubs are also increasing in popularity. While you might be thinking of a dated tub from the 2000s, think again. New, modern, and updated stand-alone tubs are available and can be a great accent to a newlyredesigned bathroom. Even better, they can promote a spa-like or oasis feeling to your new bathroom.

Home Office Space

The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed our workforce moving forward, hence the “work from home” era. With many companies transitioning to either full-time remote work or hybrid schedules, people are craving proper workspace within their homes. A home office remodel can provide a functional workspace for your work-from-home days while still allowing for components of home comfort. For remote workers with kids or pets, having a dedicated home office space can be a necessary spot for productivity.

Kitchen Changes

For many, the kitchen is the focal point of the home and the room they spend the most time in. While the white cabinet and modern finishes remain classic, 2021 trends are showing homeowners want more warmth and texture in their upgraded kitchens. This includes utilizing wood cabinets or wood-grained countertops. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many families tospend more time cooking and gathering around their kitchens; thus, the kitchen should provide a warm and home-like environment.

Floor Plans

Open floor plan homes were all the rage in past years, but a slight shift is occurring in remodeled homes in south Florida. The past year has opened many eyes to the fact that private, secluded, or quaint spaces in a home canhave a time and place. Open floor plans can still be done, though there can be some spaces within a home with more privacy.

Outdoor Spaces –

Homes with stunning outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular in 2021. Having a functional and stylish outdoor space is perfect for both the homeowners’ enjoyment and for holding events/entertaining in warmer weather. Covered outdoor patio spaces are trending, especially those that come with summer kitchens. This makes entertaining a breeze- and keeps guests comfortable in extreme temperatures. Even better, outdoor spaces that feature waterfront views are highly desirable in the current luxury real estate market.

Amenities –

Homeowners are beginning to pay extra attention to important home features, such as air filtration systems. Homes that come equipped with these types of air filtration systems are attractive in 2021 due to the increased ability to clean the air we breathe. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners are increasingly aware of their personal and respiratory health. Air filtration systems are a plus because the technology can filter out harmful bacteria, viruses, etc. from the air you breathe in your home.

New Construction –

While new construction has always been popular, we anticipate this luxury real estate trend to stay around for a while. Newly built homes are in high demand as they allow a homeowner to customize their own home needs and work off a blank canvas. Many new construction homes come with attractive features that older homes may not have, based on the year they were built. For example, home offices provide a great working environment to support the increase in work-from-home jobs. As previously mentioned in #2, newly built homes also come equipped with higher quality air filtration systems too. Other new technologies, such as “smart” and touchless technologies make new construction an attractive luxury real estate trend in 2021.

Kitchens –

In luxury homes, kitchens are a make or break room for many homebuyers. A kitchen is not only important for those who like to cook and entertain, but it is also the center of many people’s homes that they tend to gather in most often. While specific kitchen styles may come and go, spacious and modern kitchens are timeless and always desirable in the luxury real estate market. Kitchens, featuring new technology appliances, are increasingly attractive in the 2021 luxury real estate market and we anticipate this will stay as we move into 2022.

Technology –

New and updated technology does not just apply to kitchens. The luxury real estate industry has placed an increased focus on homes with new and updated technologies throughout the entire home. This includes digital and adjustable thermostats, adjustable lighting, home security cameras, and many other new and upcoming technologies. These technologies that can connect via bluetooth or WiFi are attractive as they can be accessed from anywhere– even when you are not in or near your home. These features can improve the security of your home as well as make day-to-day life so much easier

How do you feel about 2021 luxury real estate trends? Drop us a comment or message and let us know!

At Marc Julien Homes, we’ve spent years crafting exquisite custom homes. Read on to learn which parts of your custom home project can be your “budget-friendly” option, and which parts you should absolutely never cut corners on.

Countertops: Splurge or Skimp?

Skimp. Everyone loves granite, marble, and quartz countertops — until they see the quote! Thankfully, there are plenty of high-quality laminate options that give you this luxurious aesthetic without the sticker shock. If you must have real granite or marble, use it in the places that draw the most interest, such as your breakfast bar or kitchen island. Your bathroom counters, window sills, and other elements can be a faux granite or marble.

Windows: Splurge or Skimp?

Splurge. Windows aren’t just for bringing in beautiful natural sunlight. They’re a critical mediator of your home’s energy envelope — the overall structure that regulates its temperature. High-quality windows help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This, in turn, reduces your energy bills.

Windows are also a home’s most vulnerable element. From energy leaks to pest intrusions, poorly done windows can make your house inefficient and unsafe. Bottom line: never skimp on windows!

Flooring: Splurge or Skimp?

Skimp. Yes, really! While you probably don’t want the cheapest option on the market, you don’t have to buy premium flooring, either. There are many quality options, including vinyl paneling that resembles hardwood and multiple types of laminate flooring. If you want real hardwood floors, there are now more sustainable and affordable options on the market.

Insulation: Splurge or Skimp?

Splurge. A home without proper insulation will experience more fluctuations in internal temperature. Your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain your desired setting, which increases your power bills. Cheap insulation also degrades more quickly, meaning you’ll have to replace it within a few years.

Lighting: Splurge or Skimp?

Skimp. You no longer need to cough up lots of cash for premium light fixtures. In fact, a few simple fixtures along with recessed lighting often looks classier and more modern. Invest in LED bulbs for each fixture, and you’ll enjoy brilliant light that lasts years with minimal energy costs.

And remember, you can easily change out fixtures later, as long as the wiring is in place. It’s more important to splurge on a proper electrical setup with sufficient outlets and wiring than to buy that pricey chandelier right off the bat.

Storage Spaces: Splurge or Skimp?

Splurge. Built-in storage spaces are a crucial part of your home’s comfort. If you have an expansive open-concept floor plan but only a few tiny closets or storage rooms, you’ll quickly lose that roominess to standalone wardrobes, shelving, pantries, etc. Plan ahead and make closets, pantries, foyers, mudrooms, and garages part of your overall floor plan. It’s worth your while to go ahead and install shelving and cabinetry in these as well. Once you move into your custom home, you’ll be grateful to have a place for everything rather than having to buy a bunch of storage furniture.

Wrapping Up

When building your custom home, think ahead. What elements or amenities are crucial to your lifestyle? Avoid the allure of that shiny chandelier or premium flooring, because often, you’ll start bloating your budget with those purchases — and end up spending more down the line because you did not invest in your home’s energy efficiency or infrastructure. Wiring, insulation, windows, and the overall layout of your home are harder to change later on. So, splurge and get them right the first time!

For expert guidance on choosing the right fixtures, furnishings, and floor plan for your custom home, reach out to Marc Julien Homes. We’re happy to help you make your vision a reality.

Space

For a spacious feel, open concept is the clear winner. Having no walls or partitions between various areas of the house instantly makes the home seem better. Open floor plans allow a “flow” that many people find freeing. If you tend to feel cramped by walls or get frustrated by having to open doors or go around corners, an open-concept home is an excellent choice.

Coziness and Privacy

Open floor plans are designed to allow the free movement of people, light, and energy from area to area. But for some people, there is such a thing as too much space. Open concept has minimal distinction among various parts of the shared room. This can lead to a feeling of not being able to escape one room or cozy up inside another. People who enjoy feeling snug in a room will probably prefer a traditional floor layout.

Natural Light

Open floor plans allow light from the windows to spill throughout the home. This has a clear benefit for both design and peace of mind, as people love seeing natural sunlight. That said, common rooms can get a bit toasty if you’re not careful! However, open concept is the indisputable winner when it comes to ambient natural light.

Interior Design

Believe it or not, open-concept homes can be more challenging to design than closed-layout ones. This is mostly because traditional layouts demarcate one space from another, so it’s easy to give each room a distinctive feel — from wall color to flooring to overall aesthetic. By contrast, open floor plans require you to get a bit creative with furnishings, lighting, flooring, and fixtures. It’s very easy for spaces to bleed together, which can make rooms look cluttered rather than spacious. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional interior designer who can help your custom home gain a cohesive yet fluid feel.

Resale Value

Trends change, but in recent years, open-concept homes have become increasingly popular. Most buyers are requesting to see homes with open-floor plans. Spacious living/dining areas and open kitchens are in high demand. So, if you plan to sell your home at some point, an open floor plan is probably a wise choice.

Wrapping Up

As you see, there are pros and cons to each type of layout. You can also pull from elements of both, such as having a joined living/dining room but a separate kitchen, or opening up the kitchen into an entertaining area but keeping a separate “den” for a quieter space.

No matter which is your preference, Marc Julien Homes can bring your vision to life. Inquire today to learn about our custom home design and construction.

Experts are predicting the South Florida real estate resurgence will stick around for the long haul as we see other major cities like Manhattann ad San Francisco deal with long-term re-pricing in the other direction.

Even just last year, it would have been hard to imagine a resurgence of this magnitude in South Florida’s real estate market. During the majority of South Florida’s previous real estate booms, up to 80% of buyers of the most high-end properties were foreign. Post-pandemic, we are seeing those numbers flip to 70% domestic. A figure only amplified by the fact that most foreign buyers are still unable to travel to the United States.

In fact, Palm Beach county is home to the recent purchase of the most expensive home in Florida history, with a price tag of $140 million.

The market is performing at historic levels as average sale prices for single-family homes in Palm Beach county continue to skyrocket 20% year-over-year. Additionally, sales of homes over $3 million have increased for seven consecutive months. What’s more, 17% of all single-family homes (in all price ranges) that closed in January were sold above the listing price.

So, how long will the boom continue? The pandemic will eventually be mitigated, which is likely going to slow down the pace of immigration to the Sunshine State. It also depends on the Tax Reform Act of 2017, and unless it is repelled, the boom is suitable and likely to stick around as long as the underlying tax expense and planning incentives stay at play.

The South Florida real estate boom is great news for the real estate market, as well as the long-term sustainability of the local economy.