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Why You Should Care About Cost Per Square Foot

By NEW

The time has come. You have decided it’s time to chase that dream and build your very own home. It’s okay if it is your first rodeo but we want you to feel confident, prepared and excited when entering the home building and design phase. While approaching the custom design process you may begin to feel overwhelmed, so we’re here to break down a common question first time home builders ask themselves; what does cost per square footage mean and why should I care?

“Cost per square foot is a formula used to break down the cost of your home into an easy to understand metric.”

Why it matters

The reason why this calculation matters is because home builders use this formula to determine the right amount of materials to calculate the total cost of building and designing your dream home. There is no set price per square foot because it completely depends on what kind of home you want, the location you want to build in, the finishes you choose and many other factors. This formula is a relatively simple way to determine how much a home builder and/or custom designer would cost.

Since all builders vary in what they include, it’s important to figure out what materials and parts are included and what the criteria is when determining that price. When you choose a home builder make sure you are both clear on what is defining that final number when calculated. This can include hardwood flooring, a finished basement, any high-end finishes, etc.

When entering the building process, it should be simple, clear, stress free and straight forward. Construction specifications should be laid out and transparent. If you have any questions, ask! It is important that you understand every aspect of the process not only so you end up with a custom home that matches your lifestyle, but also so you aren’t surprised by any hidden costs.

Questions to ask yourself

If you’re having difficulty choosing the right home builder, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do you feel confident the builder will deliver on the timeline they promised?
  • Are you confident that your new home will stay on budget?
  • What’s their reputation?
  • Do they build with quality in mind?
  • Do you know for sure what is actually included in the price of your home?
  • What is the process they used to get the cost per square foot?
  • What was included in the calculation?

The Sarasota Homes Experience

At Sarasota Homes, we are completely transparent and we work around your schedule and your budget without sacrificing quality. No hidden costs and no surprises. At Sarasota Homes, custom is our standard and we take pride in making your dreams become a reality.

Thinking of building? Think Sarasota Homes.

December 17, 2019

Christmas Décor Trends of 2019

By NEW, Uncategorized

Son of a nut cracker, Christmas is coming! Time to make it rain tinsel, ornaments and poinsettias! Okay, so maybe cool it on the tinsel because that stuff will clog your vacuum… speaking from experience. Christmas decorating in 2019 isn’t like it used to be. People are breaking the mold and reinventing the perfect Christmas home entirely! This week we sat down with our fabulous staging queen Kristen, and are providing you with some of the biggest trends going down this year and showing you how we’ve decorated our own showhomes in the past!

Show Your True Colours

Now remember, the colours you choose are going to be the most important decision you make this Christmas (not really, but in terms of decorating your home, YES.) We don’t want you to hold back your holiday cheer; we want it to shine bright like a Christmas topper. Mix and match prints, colours, and textures. We’re noticing more and more floral patterns making their debut around the holiday season as well!

Plaid on Plaid on Plaid

Plaid is the holy grail of Christmas décor. It’s tasteful in every colour it comes in and we’re noticing it being used not only in rustic settings, but also modern, contemporary and glam interiors. Featuring plaid patterns through your pillows, stockings, table clothes, blankets, etc. can instantly make your home feel more cozy and Christmas-ready. Kristen explains that “plaid can be useful by combining unexpected color combinations. For example, a classic red and white plaid infused with pale green or bright pink stripes can give you the ability to use these colors as solids (pillows, glass ornaments, candles) elsewhere in your home.”

Blacks and Dark Neutrals

There’s been a sudden surge in black Christmas décor and we’re not mad at it. It looks super sophisticated and modern but still gives off major Christmas vibes. Adding pops of white, gold or glittering metallic provide a stunning sharp contrast against blacks and dark neutrals. So don’t be afraid to be a little dark this holiday season! “Seasonal décor will always follow interior design trends as they need to go hand-in-hand. Black trim windows, tiling, cabinet hardware and light fixtures are a popular choice for new homes & renovations. Your smaller ticket items that are easy to change need to reflect your home’s style.” Kristen goes on to explain that her favorite items this season in matte black are “reindeer, chalkboard art, glass ornaments and votives.”

Rustic Nordic Vibes

Scandinavian style is so simplistic and its white colour palette makes for a perfect holiday interior. Wood textures and crisp whites create a cozy vibe when including natural elements such as deer antlers, branches, faux fur, wood cookies and rich wooden furniture. This interior style is so timeless; it can work with any home.

Would Ya Euca That!

Eucalyptus has taken the home décor world by storm and is now entering the realm of Christmas décor and all we have to say to this is YAS QUEEN! Seriously, this plant works in any season but we just love how it looks when paired with other greenery such as fir, spruce and holly berries. It gives an earthy look to your home and when placed strategically on your dining room table or around your mantel, it screams elegance! Kristen explains that “live winter greenery is also a huge décor trend. Varieties that will be long lasting indoors & look just as beautiful as they dry out are the featured eucalyptus, lavender, magnolia, dollar eucalyptus & boxwood. You can make any old tree or garland look plump and fresh by adding sprigs of fresh greenery throughout.” She suggests trying “to vary textures, tones & sizes as well as create groupings of the varieties, providing focal points for the eye.”

There are so many different ways to decorate your home this holiday season. Don’t be afraid to mix it up! If you still really value your old Christmas decorations, incorporate your vintage pieces into your new Christmas décor. Your vintage pieces can remind you of all the great Christmas’s you had in the past, and your new décor can you remind you of all the great ones to come!

November 22, 2019

The Benefits of Investing in an Income Property

By NEW

Trying to think of ways to invest your money? Need a little bit more cash in your pockets? Have you considered income properties?

We realize that sounded like the beginning of a really bad infomercial. But if we’ve peaked your interest regardless of sounding like a Shamwow advertisement, you might be wondering what an income property is. An income property is a property bought, flipped or developed with the goal of gaining another source of income. An income can be earned by renting out the property or selling after the value has increased. There are many benefits besides making more money, so we thought we’d list the top ones.

1. You Get to Pull the Strings

Since you own the property, you get to make all the decisions when it comes to the type of property you invest in; who you choose to rent to, how much you will charge in rent and how you deal with the upkeep. Investing in an income property gives you the opportunity to control and manage your money and your investment the best way you see fit.

2. You Gain a Second Form of Income

Before you go daydreaming about jumping into all the piles of money you’ll be making, it’s important to understand how much you’ll be realistically pocketing. Your mortgage won’t be the only thing you’ll be paying for using the money you make on your income property.

It’s important to remember to put aside additional savings for maintenance and vacancy costs in case a pipe breaks or your rental property is left vacant for a period of time. That’s not to say you won’t be pocketing a fair chunk of change at the end of each month, but it is important to consider possible hiccups that could pop up in the future.

3. Huge Income

As an income property investor/rental property owner, you’re entitled to BIG tax deductions.

Mortgage interest, utilities, property taxes, property management fees just to name a few.

4. Long Term Gains

If it’s one benefit that you should take home from this blog it is the return you gain from holding onto a long-term income property. Your investment will create another form of regular income and hopefully increase in value, all while you’re paying off some form of housing debt.

Compared to other investments, you’re guaranteed to see a return on your income property given you make sound decisions during the process such as picking reliable tenants, continuing to maintain the property when needed and allocating your rental income responsibly. If you like what you see and are seriously considering investing in an income property, check out our homes in Jensen Lakes! Our showhomes, The Sandkey (146 Joyal Way) in particular, showcase ways you can see a return on an investment!

October 18, 2019

Tips on How to Set the Perfect Thanksgiving Table

By NEW

Can you think of anything better than eating your body weight in turkey, stuffing and pie and washing it down with some prime gravy? All within the company of your family and friends. We couldn’t think of a better bonding experience than falling into a food coma together. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year (may the odds be ever in your favor) here are some ways to wow your family with your Thanksgiving table setting!

one

Bust Out That Plaid!

This may seem like a given but plaid is always a tasteful trend in Fall. It screams cozy vibes.  If you can’t find a plaid tablecloth with the colours you like, try a scarf or blanket! Or include plaid napkins. This is the perfect foundation for your table setting.

two

Sprinkle the Beauty of Fall on Your Table

A great way to bring some of the beautiful fall colours to your table is to use what’s outside your door! Fill your table with small pumpkins, autumn leaves, fruits, greenery, or flowers.

three

Try a Different Colour Palette

Don’t feel restricted to only using shades of red, orange or yellow as your colour palette. If you prefer to use a more neutral colour palette, try incorporating white pumpkins, black and white plaid, and greenery. Pairing your table setting with a burlap runner can help tie in that rustic thanksgiving aesthetic.

4.

Amp Up Your Rustic Side with Vintage Pieces

If you’re lucky enough to have plates, cutlery or décor passed down to you, use it! It creates that personal touch your family will love. Mix your vintage pieces with rustic objects such as wood cookies, burlap and pinecones!

5.

A Dash of Gold

Gold will take your Thanksgiving table setting to a whole other level. Gold cutlery is like the bow on top… but it can be a very expensive bow. If you have your eyes set on gold cutlery, check out thrift stores and yard sales. If you want cheaper ways to showcase gold pieces, take a look at candle holders, chargers, painted pumpkins or cups!

There are so many different ways to decorate your table for Thanksgiving. Don’t be afraid to bring a personal touch to your décor. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy the day with your family because that’s what matters most.

We posted lots of great Thanksgiving table setting pins to our board! Check it out for more ideas! All photos taken from Pinterest.

October 11, 2019

The Coziest Fall Porch

By NEW

Tips on how to create the coziest autumn porch

As soon as September hit, you could taste the pumpkin spice in the air and we’re not mad about it. Breathe it all in before Christmas pops out behind that bush over there. Now let’s get down to pumpkin spiced business. We thought what better way to amp up our autumn cheer than to decorate our porches! You know those cozy set ups your see on Pinterest where pumpkins scatter the stairs and lights are sparkling on the railings? That could be your porch too! Here are some tips and tricks on how to create the coziest porch passerby’s have ever seen!

Garland this and garland that

The nice thing about garland is that once you buy it, you can basically use it for every season and dress it up however you want to. Similar to our blog on how to make a fall wreath (https://sarasotahomes.ca/make-your-own-fall-wreath/) you can do the same for your garland. Attach some autumn leaves and sunflowers! Once you’re done, frame your door or wrap your garland around your handrail. It’s a simple and quick way to dress up your porch.

You get a pumpkin and you get a pumpkin!

Luckily during this season, you don’t have to look too hard or go too far to find pumpkins. Try to find a mixture of white, green and orange pumpkins and line the steps on your stairs! If you’re feeling real fancy, add in some pots of flowers.

Pump up the rustic-ness

Crates are very versatile. You can use them as décor in your home, as storage for blankets, or for your front porch! Assemble a couple crates together on their sides and fill them with hay, small pumpkins, flower pots and lanterns. You’ll get to admire your display every time you leave and enter your home!

Go more modern

You don’t have to stick to the ordinary colours of fall for your front porch set up. Try painting the pumpkins along your front steps copper, off-white and gray. Or go strictly black and white with your décor. We’re seeing this trend more this year with white and plaid pumpkins, white flowers, and black lanterns.  You wouldn’t think to incorporate these shades at first for fall but it actually looks very modern and sophisticated!

Don’t skimp on the flowers

Flowers make everything look more beautiful so don’t be afraid to go ham! Depending on the look you’re going for, we suggest deep reds, whites, oranges or yellows. Orange mums, sunflowers or baby’s breath would look amazing perched on your front porch.

The cozier, the better

If you have a great lounge area on your front porch, show it off and incorporate some cozy plaid pillows and blankets. Your fall inspired porch doesn’t have to serve only looks (although we know it’s going to serve allllll the looks this season). Make it functional too! Enjoy a hot chocolate with your family or friends while bundled up in blankets.

All signs point to Fall

There are so many autumn signs in stores right now. However, if you’re in the adventurous mood, try making your own sign! Reclaimed wood and pallets are the best for creating that distressed and rustic fall sign for your front porch. The nice thing about this project is that you can tailor the sign to match your colour scheme.

Pumpkin, Lights, Action!

Like flowers, lights can take your porch to a whole other level and there’s so many ways to incorporate them into your display. You could place fake candles in your lanterns (safety first people!), wrap fairy lights around your crates, or weave string lights around your railing making for the perfect cozy setting,

Autumn really is one of the most beautiful seasons to enjoy; from the falling leaves, to the colours and the feeling that overcomes you to slow down a little and take it all in. Decorating the front of your home is the perfect way to kick off the season. It’s also easy to go from fall to Halloween. You can keep a lot of the décor you already have. All you have to do is incorporate a couple festive pieces (jack-‘o-lanterns, skeletons, and cob webs) and boom! It’s Halloween baby!

September 30, 2019

Make Your Own Fall Wreath!

By NEW

Make your own Fall Wreath!

Give us spicy pumpkin lattes, leaves, fuzzy sweaters, extremely oversized scarves, plaid on plaid on plain and alllll the pie we can get! We. Want. It. All! To get you into the mood, we thought we’d teach you how to make a festive fall wreath. The fun thing about this craft is that the creative decisions are in your hands… literally. You could choose materials from nature or go to your nearest craft store (don’t forget the hidden gems in the dollar store!)

Here’s some tips before starting!

  • Use reoccurring materials so you avoid clashing colours and plants.
  • Consider the size of your door or window that you’ll be placing your wreath on. You don’t want to build a mega wreath and have it crushed every time you close your door.

Step 1.

First you’re going to want to buy yourself a wreath frame. There are several different types of frames you can purchase such as wire frames (which are perfect for holding heavier decorations), intertwined twisted frames that pair well with light coloured greenery, or wreaths that consist of branches. If you simply don’t have the energy to start from scratch (we feel this on a deep level), buy a basic premade wreath and add additional materials to it!

Step 2.

Pick out all the materials you’d like to include on your wreath; leaves, flowers, vines, grass, berries, wire ribbon. Whatever revs your festive engine. If you buy too much, just store it for the next project you work on!

Step 3.

If you bought a cluster of faux flowers or vines that are attached and you want to separate them into individual stems, use a pair of wire cutters. Try not to cut your stem too short as you’ll be using the stem to weave in and out of your wreath frame.

Step 4.

Continue to weave in and out your stems of flowers, leaves and branches. Once you’re nearing the end, fluff up or fix where needed. Wanna add a cute bow using your wire ribbon? Thinking of adding an extra sunflower? Went a little crazy on the yellow leaves? Nothing is permanent my friend, that’s the beauty of wreaths.

The nice thing about wreaths is that you can take them apart and create a new one for the next season. It’s a great way to get creative, decorate your home and put in minimum effort with maximized results. We like the sound of that.

Check out this video of our staging queen Kristen creating wreaths!

September 18, 2019
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