Articles

Where did the term “Barndominium” come from?Why have Barndominiumns become so popular?What are the hurdles of building a barn as a living space?Are Barndominiumns actually more cost-effective to build than traditional stick-built homes? ...
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This plan is a transformer type plan that offers “plug and play” options without too much of a fuss for the builder. A very popular option as of late is the multi-generational offering. Having the ability to take a space and convert it to appeal to a family with an aging parent is priceless. Th...
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Better bust out the Grey Poupon for this one. Turrets, steep roof, stone and stucco will drive up the cost per square foot a bit on this design. However, as I have mentioned in the past Lean Design is not about cost, it is about value. Lean Design focuses on eliminating waste and providing maximum ...
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Nothing brings up feelings of fairy tale romanticism about a home quite like a turret. With a soaring roofline and endless natural light it is very easy to fall in love with a well done turret. In this plan the turret becomes a space within a space that is used for retreat – let’s take a closer...
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This little plan has really been a high producer. It is simple to build, lean, and has great curb appeal. As a result this plan has sold very well for several builders. It reminds me of the quote “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. The bits and pieces of this seemingly simple plan...
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Recent industry research shows that when it comes to selecting exterior design features and materials for new homes, buyers are most concerned with overall curb appeal. More than three-quarters of builders report that “great design/curb appeal” is a key issue for their buyers. That same res...
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This week at TK Design BuildSmart, we’re proud to share that TK Design has been recognized with a Distinguished Service award in architecture. It has been 21 years since Todd Hallett, along with his wife, Katie, co-founded TK Design with a focus on creativity, collaboration and innovation. TK ...
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If you’re a builder looking to streamline construction and put more money on your bottom line, lot specific plan sets can help you: Reduce your up-front architectural cost Pass  the architectural cost for customization to the buyer Reduce your long-term architectural cost Avoid cost...
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Have you ever heard a framer say “I just make it look like the picture”? I have - far too often. They are referring to a lack of elevation detail on the construction drawings. For some reason this is relatively common. Many drawings I have reviewed show that there was a good deal of effort expe...
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Is your belle of the ball now just a wallflower? Reimagining existing plans can pay off huge.  What do you do if a previous best selling plan hits the skids? Dump it, pitch it, give it the old heave ho? Possibly, but many builders are using another strategy.  All throughout the country...
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