4 Ideas for Transforming Your Accessory Building

Having an accessory building on your property has the potential to add substantial value. Oftentimes, however, that potential is never fully realized, as they’re frequently left unfinished and used as storage spaces. If your accessory building is approved to be used as a living space or dwelling, here are several ideas for transforming it into a valuable feature. 

Exercise and Wellness Space
Imagine having a separate area where you can escape to for a quick workout followed by a few minutes of pampering yourself. Well, you can certainly make that a reality. After all, a small yoga studio or exercise area and a few spa-like features, such as a steam shower and a massage room, don’t require all that much space. Plus, with a growing demand for home gyms and wellness areas, this is an investment that’s sure to appeal to luxury homebuyers in the future. 

Kids’ Space
As the children get bigger, it’s only natural that the house will start to feel smaller. When that day comes, you can put your accessory building to use by creating a fun hangout area for the kids. From arts and crafts stations to a game room with ping pong and air hockey, there are endless possibilities to transform this into a place they’ll love for years to come. 

Home Office
A fully-equipped work space is one of the most important features these days. For some people, however, all of the distractions found at home can make it difficult to be productive. If you’re the type who needs a change of scenery before sitting down to work, then converting your accessory building into a stunning office is sure to be a good use of this space, while also adding value to your home. 

Guest Accommodations
Self-contained guest accommodations are one of the greatest luxuries that a home can have when friends or family are visiting, especially for extended stays. Everyone can feel much more comfortable in their own space without imposing and all it takes is a thoughtfully designed bedroom with a few essential living features.

Is Granite on its Way Out?

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today, while the use of quartz is on the rise.

Why? For one thing, man-made quartz countertops are offered in a far greater range of looks and feels. Reason number two: it’s a bit easier to maintain over the long haul, and it’s deemed a better environmental choice because it emits lower levels of radon—a potentially cancer-causing agent. To be fair, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the radioactive materials in granite countertops are far too minuscule to pose a health threat.

So what, exactly, is a quartz countertop? It’s made of engineered stone, composed of at least 90% ground-up quartz mixed with a binder (like resin) then molded into a slab. Because pigment is added during the manufacturing process, the sky’s the limit when it comes to color. And quartz is non-porous and fairly resistant to stains, mold and bacteria.

Unlike granite countertops, which require periodic resealing to maintain their beauty, quartz is low-maintenance, needing only regular cleanings with soap and water or a mild detergent.

Quartz can be more impervious than granite to cracking or chipping under average conditions, although it is not quite as heat-proof. Most manufacturers recommend using a trivet when placing scalding hot pots or pans on a quartz countertop.

Apart from durability and maintenance, quartz comes in an infinite variety of designs, ranging in look and feel from sleek solid colors to organic-looking variations that resemble real substances found in nature, like veined marble. It can have a smooth and shiny finish or a softer, brushed feel (almost suede-looking). Choose wisely because the design can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a room.

Quartz counters may be a bit more expensive, up to 10 percent higher in cost than their granite counterparts, but shopping around and resealing over the years can mitigate any cost differences.

So, what side are you on? Natural stone mined from the earth or a man-made variation?

4 Home Features to Look for When Starting a Family

Starting a family is one of the most significant moments in life. Oftentimes, it requires moving into a new home where your family can comfortably grow and spend time together. If you’re getting ready to start this exciting chapter, here are several home features that are ideal for new families. 

Large Backyard
The backyard is a special place for kids. It’s great to have a spacious outdoor area where they can run around and expend their energy, but perhaps more importantly, it’s a place where early memories are formed. Whether they’re learning to throw a ball or practicing cartwheels, there’s nothing like having a big backyard while your kids are growing up.

Kid-Friendly Design
Now that you’re going to be a parent, you’ll start to see everything differently. When it comes to homes, you need to make sure that it’s safe for kids. You probably don’t want a residence with lots of sharp corners or a spiral staircase that can be dangerous with little ones crawling around. However, a tub where you can wash them during bath time is a must-have. 

Neighborhood and Schools
Of course, if you plan on having children in the near future, schools are one of the most important things to consider when moving into a new neighborhood. In addition to that, living in an area with lots of young families can have its benefits, like knowing that there are other parents keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood when the kids are out playing or riding their bikes around.

Room to Grow
If you want to be on the safe side, be sure you have plenty of extra space for the family to grow. An extra bedroom or two might save you from having to move again in a few years and, inevitably, you’ll want ample storage space for all the stuff that you’re going to accumulate, like strollers, cradles and toys.

What to Look for in a World-Class Equestrian Estate

When it comes to lifestyle properties, equestrian estates have appealed to luxury homebuyers for centuries. Often grand and historic, they are devoted entirely to enjoying one’s passion for horses. If you’ve ever considered purchasing a property where you can ride, train and care for these beloved animals, these features are essential for an equestrian estate that leaves nothing to be desired. 

First-Class Facilities
A well-designed stable with an adequate number of stalls, a wash rack and a tack room for your equipment is perhaps the most important item on the list. Some all-encompassing estates take it a step further, however. On these properties, you’re also likely to find a riding arena and a spacious paddock for the horses to spend time outside. 

Riding Trails
Part of the grandeur of equestrian estates is that they’re often built on large tracts of land with their own riding trails. For an equine enthusiast, there’s quite simply no greater luxury than being able to leave their private stable on horseback and leisurely roam the property’s scenic trails. Although not all horse properties enjoy this feature, they’ll likely still have access to nearby trails.

Equestrian Community
Community, of course, is always important. If horses are your passion, then chances are you’ll appreciate being around others who share this. Not to mention, you can expect many important benefits, like an abundance of nearby services and specialists to help with caring for your animals. Equine veterinarians, trainers and nearby supply stores are just a few things that you’ll be thankful for having easy access to. 

Ample Accommodations
Lastly, let’s not forget that equestrian estates tend to be used as gathering places. Multiple generations of families and large groups of friends come together at these prized homes to spend quality time away from the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives. For this reason, it’s common to see numerous dwellings on a sprawling equestrian estate, like a manor house, guest house, staff quarters and more. 

4 Home Features That Outdoor Enthusiasts Love

There’s nothing like spending a day under the sun, breathing fresh air and soaking up picturesque views. For some luxury homeowners, life is all about being connected to nature and engaging in outdoor activities. If you’re the type who feels most at home while outside, these four features are sure to cater to your lifestyle.

Access is Everything
Whether you want a ski-in/ski-out chalet in the mountains or a waterfront property with a deep water dock to keep a boat, your home should provide access to your favorite activities. Living close to well-maintained hiking and biking trails where you can spend a few hours outside is a luxury that you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Scenic Vistas
There’s just something about a scenic view that delivers a sense of calm and relaxation. For many outdoor enthusiasts, you simply can’t put a price on being able to wake up to that each morning. While there are many luxury home features that you can add to a home after you buy it, breathtaking views that allow you to feel connected to the outside world are not one of them.

Trees and Plants
Of course, anyone who feels at home when surrounded by nature will gravitate toward homes that have been thoughtfully landscaped with an abundance of greenery. From towering trees to secret gardens, adding some vegetation to your property can offer much more than just curb appeal. A backyard terrace that’s completely removed from the outside world is always a valuable feature, but especially so for nature-lovers. 

Plenty of Storage
Outdoor activities tend to require a lot of gear. If you partake in more than a few, then chances are you need ample storage space to keep your bike, kayak, fishing pole or any other equipment you may have. To accommodate all this, you may want a large garage that you can outfit with a few racks or a generously-sized mud room where you can store your gear. Maybe even both.

How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Kitchen Floor

Whether you’re planning to completely remodel your kitchen or want to give it a new look without making a major financial investment, flooring tile is one of the most important elements. The floor is one of the first things that guests notice when they come to visit and it typically experiences significant foot traffic on a daily basis. Choosing kitchen tiles can feel overwhelming since there are so many materials, colors and design options available. Here are some things to consider when making a selection.

Think About Your Family’s Needs and Your Budget
The prices for kitchen tile vary widely. Before you start fixating on a specific design or type of tile, set a budget for materials and installation so you can focus your attention on realistic options. 

Kitchen floor tile can be made from a variety of materials. Choose one with your family’s lifestyle in mind. Porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic and is also less porous. Glazed porcelain is more slippery and scratches more easily than non-glazed porcelain. Ceramic tile is softer, more porous and easier to install and clean than porcelain. If you use the kitchen a lot for cooking, eating and socializing, or if you have kids or pets, choose a durable tile that will not crack easily. Clay, limestone and quarry tile are good options.

Be sure to choose tile that is intended to be used for flooring. It will have a slightly raised or textured surface to provide traction. Tile designed for counters and walls is smoother and too slippery to use on a floor. It also may not be durable enough for daily foot traffic.

Think about the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Choose floor tiles that will complement the cabinets and give the kitchen a cohesive appearance.

Choose tile that will be easy to clean and that will resist stains. A darker color may do a better job of hiding dirt and stains, but it may also make the kitchen look smaller. Some tiles may need to be cleaned with a specific product. Ask about cleaning requirements before you make a choice. 

Kitchen tile comes in many sizes. Choose a size that is appropriate for the dimensions and layout of your kitchen. 

Get Professional Advice
Homeowners are often shocked by the number of options available when it comes to kitchen flooring tile and confused by the differences between them. Since the kitchen is typically the room that is used the most, you should talk to a flooring professional so you can make an informed decision. If you plan to redo the kitchen floor yourself, measure the room at least twice so you order the right amount of tile. Make sure that you have the appropriate tools for the job and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.