Collage of interior design photos showcasing various modern home spaces: kitchens with white and navy cabinets, an entryway with hooks, stylish bathrooms including one with a teal accent wall, and a sleek shower area. Center text reads "DESIGN Build.

The Benefits of Choosing Design-Build

If you’re feeling less than satisfied with your current home in Montgomery County, PA, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves dreaming of a space that better reflects their style or serves their needs more efficiently. Whether you’re considering a full remodel or just need a few updates, the key to a successful project is choosing the right approach. One option that’s gaining popularity is design-build remodeling—and for good reason. Here’s why this approach should be at the top of your list for your next home remodeling project.

  1. Streamlined Communication for a Smoother Process

    With design-build remodeling, you work with a single firm from start to finish. This unified team approach eliminates the need for constant back-and-forth between different professionals. From the initial design concept to the final construction, you’ll be communicating with one team that understands your vision and has the expertise to bring it to life. Since everyone is on the same team, the process is more efficient, and you’re guaranteed smoother transitions between each phase of the project. This streamlined communication makes a huge difference in staying on track, meeting deadlines, and minimizing costly mistakes.

  1. Simplified Change Orders and Flexibility

    It’s not uncommon for homeowners to make adjustments during the course of a remodel. In a design-build model, however, change orders are much easier to implement. Since the design and construction teams are working together, adjustments can be made quickly and without the need for additional hires. If you want to change the layout, update materials, or reimagine a space, the design-build firm can make those changes directly—saving you time, money, and unnecessary headaches. This flexibility ensures that the final result aligns perfectly with your vision, no matter how it evolves throughout the process.

  2. Greater Control Over Budget and Timeline

    A common frustration with traditional remodeling projects is the unpredictability of costs and timelines. When different teams are working independently, you may find that budget overruns or delays become frequent as the project progresses. Since design-build firms manage both the design and construction phases, they have a clear understanding of what’s possible within your budget and timeframe from the outset. This level of oversight means you won’t have to deal with the stress of going over budget or missing important deadlines.

  3. A More Cohesive Design Vision 

    One of the key benefits of a design-build approach is the way it integrates design and construction. When architects, designers, and contractors work together from the beginning, the design evolves alongside the technical details of the construction process. This ensures that your vision is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and feasible.

  4. The Future of Home Remodeling 

    Design-build construction is not just a trend—it’s the future of home remodeling. According to FMI Consulting, spending on design-build projects is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2025, as more homeowners recognize the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality it offers.

    This approach has been proven to deliver consistent results across residential renovations making it a trusted method for homeowners who want a streamlined, professional, and successful remodeling experience. 

    Ready to Transform Your Home?

    At Creative Contracting, we specialize in design-build remodeling, helping homeowners in Montgomery County and Bucks County create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and tailored to their needs. Reach out today to learn more about how we can turn your vision into reality, and let’s start drawing up plans for your home transformation!

    Lansdale aging in place addition exterior view

    The Full Reveal: An Aging in Place Addition in Montgomery County

    Navigating the large layout of a two-story colonial was not what our clients had in mind as they entered their golden years. Well aware of the changes they needed to make to overcome the challenges of climbing stairs in their current home, this Lansdale couple explored luxury senior living as well as ranch homes in the area. They sought a solution that would not only meet their current needs but also cater to their evolving requirements.

    After an exhaustive investigation and a realization of the limits within the housing market, the couple made a smart decision – they chose to enhance their existing home. The addition of a first-floor primary bedroom suite became the cornerstone of their plan, allowing them to remain in the home and neighborhood that holds a special place in their hearts.

    A Thoughtful and Contemporary Primary Suite

    Lansdale Primary suite

    Opting for a more contemporary aesthetic in their new addition, the couple embraced a sophisticated palette of grays and warm neutrals. The primary bedroom suite offers a spacious haven, complete with a small sitting area for moments of quiet reflection. Beautiful glass-paned French Doors were designed to allow no-step access to the expanded patio, creating a harmonious flow between the indoors and outdoors.

    Lansdale custom closet

    A custom-designed closet in the bedroom provides extra storage, ensuring everything has its place. Pocket doors were thoughtfully designed to maximize the space and provide an uninterrupted flow into the large walk-in closet.

    Balancing Beauty and Functionality in This Primary Bathroom

    Lansdale aging in place primary bathroom

    In the primary bathroom, we strike a perfect balance between beauty and functionality. A double vanity takes center stage, featuring a rich espresso wood and a sleek marble countertop. The brushed nickel fixtures and large-format tile floor display various shades of gray and infuse the space with a sense of sophistication, while the black metal arch mirrors provide a modern touch.

    Lansdale aging in place addition bathroom

    To meet the practical needs of the homeowners, custom cabinetry has been seamlessly integrated into the primary bathroom. This addition not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides extra storage for clothing and laundry essentials. Ensuring a cohesive design, a makeup table in the same rich espresso wood as the double vanity perfectly complements all the cabinetry in this inviting primary bathroom.

    Lansdale aging in place shower images

    The homeowners’ forward-thinking approach to their future needs was remarkable. To suit both their current lifestyle and future considerations, we crafted a fully accessible, threshold-free shower featuring a bench and a tiled niche for storage. ADA-compliant grab bars ensure safety without compromising the overall design. The shower walls adorned with light gray textured tiles add a touch of sophistication to this walk-in shower, complemented by dark gray floor tiles and a matching shower niche that ties in with the overall bathroom floor design.

    Creative Contracting Helps Clients Gracefully Age in Place

    The completion of this project not only enhanced the functionality of our client’s living space but has also sparked joy and satisfaction knowing they can remain in their cherished home for years to come. If you’re curious about the design intricacies of this transformative project, check out our previous blog post. Our talented team is ready to guide you through a personalized aging-in-place solution. Reach out today for a free consultation, and let’s create a home where you can gracefully age in comfort and style.

    Crafting Dreams: The Journey of Renovating a Colonial-style home to a Luxe Modern Farmhouse 

    At Creative Contracting, we firmly believe that dreams can indeed come true. We understand that finding the perfect home can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The lure of brand-new houses with their pristine façades often comes at the cost of sacrificing space and customization. Conversely, charming neighborhoods boasting lush gardens are sometimes plagued by dated houses that don’t quite align with modern tastes. That’s where we step in – when faced with the challenge of reinventing a home to fit a family’s unique needs and style within a realistic budget, our creative juices start flowing.

    Revitalizing a Conventional Brick Home With Innovative Design

    To begin, the exterior of the house will undergo a striking makeover. The once-traditional brick façade will embrace a sleek modernity with dark siding and touches of natural wood. 

    The brick itself didn’t escape the transformation, being adorned in a contemporary color palette that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic.

    In the heart of the home, a new addition takes the form of a floor-to-ceiling windowed great room. This addition not only floods the interior with natural light but also capitalizes on the property’s serene backyard views, providing a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

    Visualizing the Interior and Crafting Informed Design Choices

     

    The journey from concept to realization starts with precise planning. A comprehensive floor plan is crafted, meticulously tailored to the homeowner’s wish list.

    This particular plan unfolds into a breathtaking great room, a functional home office, and an open-concept kitchen that not only boasts ample seating but also caters to modern entertainment needs with a dedicated TV viewing area. 

    3D Rendering of Interior Kitchen

    Traditional spaces like the formal living and dining rooms gracefully give way to a more casual and inviting living area, perfect for fostering family togetherness and socializing.

    Keys to Design-Build Success

    As we move forward in the design process, interior renderings become a valuable tool for conveying the envisioned transformation. Our clients step into our conference room, where three-dimensional plans come to life on a generous big-screen TV. This immersive experience allows them to tangibly explore their future space, making informed decisions with confidence. Once final selections are made, our drawings and renderings evolve to showcase these personalized touches, providing a visual roadmap for the project’s execution.

    Designing a project – be it a modest enhancement or an extensive renovation – involves a multitude of moving parts. Our role extends from the initial spark of an idea to the grand finale of a completed project. The time invested in crafting a holistic design that aligns with both vision and budget is pivotal to the success of the project. Once construction is underway, specialized software becomes our ally, fostering seamless communication between clients, production teams, and on-site workers. This ensures that queries are promptly addressed and that everyone is on the same page regarding daily progress.

    In conclusion, the journey of transforming this colonial-style home into a modern farmhouse masterpiece is a testament to our commitment to turning dreams into reality. With a blend of innovative technology, creative design solutions, and a passionate team, our Design-Build remodeling firm stands at the forefront of making our client’s aspirations come alive. Whether it’s a simple renovation or a complete overhaul, we embrace every opportunity to create living spaces that deeply connect with the homeowner. 

    Allow us to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a complimentary design consultation in our Lansdale showroom. 

    Reimagining a Lansdale Home: A First Floor Suite Addition for Comfort and Aging in Place

    3D Rendering of Colonial Home with Addition

    Do you love your neighborhood, but feel like your two-story home isn’t the best layout for aging in place? That’s just what our Lansdale clients were facing when they came to us looking for a clever solution. Hearing their concerns about constantly having to navigate the large layout, including the stairs of their two-story Colonial, working together with the clients, we developed a plan to construct an accessible ranch-style addition. Read on to discover how this practical step can allow you to live in style while remaining in the home you love. 

    An Accessible Addition Is a Practical Alternative to Moving 

    Today, many active seniors are questioning the costs involved in downsizing to a smaller home. With an ever-shrinking home inventory, it can be especially difficult to find a home with accessibility and safety features that provide one-floor living.

    The other option is attempting to land one of the small number of spots in a 55+ community. The new housing market for one floor, luxury living in a 55+ community can be outrageously priced. It is also extremely competitive in Montgomery County and the surrounding suburbs, so finding a new place that you love can become a very difficult task in our area.

    While 55+ communities offer accessible construction, we’re meeting many people who don’t want to leave the house that they worked so hard to make a home over the years. Here at Creative Contracting, we understand that your house isn’t just a property but a place where some of your best memories have been made, where your children have been raised, holidays have been spent and traditions created. There’s also the neighborhood to think of, a place where you may have spent years forming bonds and building friendships. Leaving all that you’ve spent years working towards doesn’t have to be the only option. We are seeing a continuing trend for people to age in place in the home they love and we’re happy to be there to make this possible. 

    Explore Our Plans for This Lansdale Home Addition

    We are thrilled to share the details of our latest project — a first-floor ranch-style addition that will transform our client’s home into the ultimate aging-in-place retreat! After extensive research, this couple knew exactly what they wanted in a primary suite. We listened to their desires and paid attention to every detail. The couple envisioned a luxurious and functional space that would not only cater to their current needs but also accommodate their future requirements. Working closely with our design team, they expressed a strong preference for an open layout to enhance accessibility and maneuverability, allowing for easy movement throughout the space.

    Creative Contracting Existing Floor Plans

     

    Creative Contracting Proposed Floor Plans

    As you can see from our floor plans, this new addition will create a first-floor primary suite, equipped with a primary bathroom, that will ensure comfort, accessibility and elegance. The couple’s new bathroom will incorporate features that will truly elevate their experience. A curbless shower will be the highlight of this design, thoughtfully designed for easy and safe entry.  

    Creative Contracting Bathroom Plans

    Safety is of the utmost importance, which is why we will install a shower seat and safety bars. But please don’t think for a moment that practicality compromises style! Our experienced interior designers will incorporate these elements, ensuring that they blend harmoniously with the modern aesthetic of the space.

     

    Creative Contracting Front Elevation

    Creative Contracting 3D Addition

    With the desire for a distinguished stone façade, the couple envisioned an addition that would set their home apart from the rest. Our team worked closely with them to craft a design that captured their aspirations while thoughtfully considering their budget. After exploring various options, our clients decided to opt for the same siding of their existing home, skillfully blending the new addition with the original structure. Thanks to our meticulous 3D rendering, it’s evident that this cost-effective choice will create a seamless integration that will elevate the home’s original charm.

    Stay In Your Home Instead of Uprooting Your Family

     Our Lansdale clients love the idea of lower-maintenance living and that’s just what they’ll enjoy with this one-floor living that’s built for their convenience. And the best part is, they won’t have to give up the beautiful and spacious home where they raised their children in a neighborhood where they’ve built deeply rooted community ties. As housing prices continue to rise and the market of new homes remains small, the advantages of modifying your family home and investing in a place you already love can make the most sense.

    Take a New Look At Accessibility

    At Creative Contracting, we understand that you’ve worked hard all of your life to enjoy your retirement years. That’s why we’re here to help you live those years in style and comfort! The Creative Contracting team is committed to being experts in the many new options available and we’re experienced in helping homeowners in Montgomery County design an addition that makes sense for their individual lifestyle and needs. 

    We believe you don’t have to sacrifice style when designing for accessibility and make a point to create spaces that look as stunning as they are safe. For instance, forget what you know about those institutional looking tub safety bars. Today we can add in more attractive options such as framed showers and trendy wet-rooms (which allow for a shower to be placed without any need for a step or threshold). 

    Elevator for aging-in-place

    Or perhaps it’s worth considering incorporating the increasingly popular option of an elevator or lift into your home’s design. We’ve helped clients add in these home mobility enhancements while seamlessly incorporating them into the home’s overall design aesthetic. Whether or not accessibility is a concern in your life right now, we encourage clients to think long-term about these modifications and additions. Having a plan and preparing your house now can provide you with countless years of enjoyment in the future. Contact us to get started on your own home transformation.

     

    Exterior Upgrades for This Maple Glen Home

    Have you ever had the feeling that your home needs a refresh and an upgrade? That’s just what our Maple Glen clients were thinking when they reached out to us. The homeowners shared with us their desire to create a new look for their all-stucco exterior to create a modern style.

    What Is Stucco?

    Stucco is a cement-type mixture made of Portland cement, lime, sand and water. It goes on the outermost layer of residential structures and is set to a thin finish coat. Stucco has been a popular exterior finish for many years, but it has its limitations. Due to its brittle nature, stucco will crack as a house’s foundation settles, which can be a pain point for homeowners.

    A Stone and Siding Façade Gives Instant Curb Appeal

    The exterior of the house had been entirely stucco, but the homeowners knew the problems stucco could cause to the home. Many homeowners, however, are unaware of the risks stucco poses to the structure and durability of a home. Stucco is known to cause water infiltration, encouraging the growth of mold and rot in the underlying structure. We always encourage clients to move away from stucco and replace it with more durable materials that will protect their family’s health and investment in the property.

    As you can see from the before and after photos, the switch to stone and siding for their home wasn’t just practical, it also provided a major update and created a polished feel to the exterior. Our clients have found that upgrading to stone and vinyl siding has been a smart investment that not only improved the appearance of their home but also increased its value and reduced maintenance costs.

    Since it’s common to have to undergo a stucco remediation process prior to selling a home, our clients were happy to get this upgrade taken care of. Once moisture gets into stucco exteriors, problems multiply. This is a complication any homeowner would want to avoid when they’re ready to sell their home for its full value.

    Call Creative Contracting For Your Home’s Makeover, Inside and Out

    If you’re worried about your home’s stucco, give us a call. We can help with stucco remediation, and exterior upgrades to prevent minor problems before they become major concerns.

    How This Couple Went From Chaos to Calm With a Newly Redesigned Laundry Room

    Do you love your laundry room? That was the question we asked our Lower Gwynedd clients when we began their first-floor renovation. Sara and Craig put extreme effort into designing a beautiful and functional laundry room when updating their home. The room has a simple, yet dramatic black-and-white color scheme, wainscoting for architectural detail, heavy black hooks for outerwear and bags, and a full-view back door that provides natural light and easy access to the backyard.

    When Style and Functionality Meet

    When style and functionality meet, it creates a balance between aesthetic and practicality, resulting in a finished product that looks amazing and serves its intended purpose effectively. And since the laundry room is often considered the hardest working room in the home, the design must be durable and timeless. 

    Puppy Approved

    This laundry room is equipped with storage, folding space and a hanging rod. It features a no-fuss stainless steel sink and leathered granite for easy cleaning. The room has black fixtures and hardware that contrast the white cabinetry and soft gray walls. The ceramic tile floors and stock cabinetry are cost-effective selections without compromising a gorgeous farm-style design. Additionally, the sink in the room is used to wash off the couple’s Cavachon puppy after muddy playtime in the backyard.

    Redesign Your Laundry Room With the Help of Creative Contracting

    The laundry room is often subjugated to “closed door” status. Don’t let that be the case in your home. Contact Creative Contracting today to get started on a stylish and functional space you’ll love to show off.

    A Montgomery County Kitchen Gets a Light and Airy Remodel 

    When our clients began their kitchen remodel journey with us, they knew they wanted a light and airy welcoming space with room for their family to gather. What they didn’t realize was that once they decided on the design, finalized the budget and agreed upon a timeline, they thought they’d gotten over the biggest hurdles. But then reality set in and decisions needed to be made on cabinets, hardware, and appliances —and the possibilities seemed endless and overwhelming. 

    Decisions, Decisions

    The homeowners painstakingly weighed every decision to create a beautifully designed kitchen. Refreshing traditional red oak floors were lightened to remove golden undertones, creating a lighter shade that coordinates beautifully with the neutral white oak island. We were able to expand the white oak through the space with custom shelving, an accent file folder and charging storage cabinet, and a new mantle in the adjoining family room.

    A light wood table, chairs and bar seating continue the feeling of soft neutrality. Namibian white quartzite and white glossy tile with a handcrafted look, add a subtle, soft texture to the space. This neutral backdrop allows the beautiful Brizo luxe gold faucets to pop. The cabinet hardware echoes the intricate knurling of the faucet design. In this case, thinking of hardware as a jewelry accessory for the kitchen makes perfect sense.

    Gold Highlights Create a Vibrant Kitchen

    Light fixtures add vibrancy to the gold highlights and paned glass doors in the upper cabinetry supply ambient light, creating a soft glow. All lighting is on dimmers, so it’s easy to create the desired atmosphere at any time of the day. This gorgeous, subtly neutral kitchen is easy to accessorize with pops of color and natural greenery.

    The additional set of windows flanking the original French doors to the backyard change the entire feel of the space and offer a beautiful view of the lovely patio and provide more natural light.

    Creative Contracting Can Transform Your Kitchen

    We love working with clients who are completely involved in their projects. Working closely to create a successful and satisfying kitchen design is extremely important and rewarding. Ready to lighten up your kitchen? Get started today.

    A Montgomery County Home Gets New Luxury Vinyl Flooring

    At Creative Contracting, we enjoyed bringing our client’s dreams to reality by helping her see the potential in her downsized home. This once-outdated 1970s-era sunroom has been brought back to life with just a few simple upgrades.

    Painting the beautiful original exposed wood beams in a fresh coat of white created a much-needed open and airy feel to the space. The windows and trim were painted white to match, while the deep gray color on the walls added a modern contrast. To complete this room, we installed LVF or Luxury Vinyl Flooring, which is a very popular material for high-traffic areas. This floor has so many great qualities that homeowners love.

    Here are four features of LVF flooring that we believe every client should consider as a part of their home remodel:

    Durable

    LVF or Luxury Vinyl Flooring is an extremely popular choice for busy family living. Both scratch resistant and waterproof, it can be used in virtually any living area and is practically impervious to pets and children, wear and tear.

    Beautiful

    This material is almost indistinguishable from real hardwood floors. The next generation of graphic design and printers allow LVF to be manufactured to showcase the amazing realistic textures and designs of natural wood or stone through advanced technology.

    Affordable

    This is not a vinyl sheet product. It consists of planks in varying lengths or tiles that can be installed with ease. It is often a floating surface, meaning the pieces fit together without being nailed or glued to a sub floor. The labor savings on installation is a huge cost reduction over traditional hardwood or tile.

    Comfortable

    In addition to LVF being super durable, it has other added benefits depending on its construction. Some LVFs are made with a core that can lessen noise. Some have a core with more resilience that helps reduce joint stress when standing for extended periods. LVF also provides a level of insulation and warmth.

    Creative Contracting Will Guide You Through Your LVF Choices

    We were excited to help our Montgomery County client choose the right flooring throughout her home, especially for this wonderful sunroom addition. Choose a Luxury Vinyl Floor option that is right for your remodel by contacting Creative Contracting today.