Custom Home Build Update: Completing the Guest House
We are thrilled to share the final update on our latest custom home build—a cozy guest house designed for our client's father. This single-level home features a welcoming wrap-around porch, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a laundry room, and a spacious living area connected to the kitchen. Here is a detailed overview of the entire process, from initial planning to the final touches.
Project Overview
Our journey began with an in-depth planning phase, during which we closely examined the county’s septic and building permit requirements. By consulting with the permit office early on, we ensured a smooth process without too many delays. Understanding the desired square footage, budgeting, scheduling, and selecting materials was crucial to setting the foundation for a successful build.
Construction Timeline
Once permits were secured, we prepared the land and poured the concrete slab. Our skilled team framed the structure, installed trusses, and sheathed the walls, bringing the blueprint to life. Each step was carefully coordinated to maintain structural integrity and adhere to our client's vision.
The dry-in process involved sealing the home with roofing felt, windows, and doors, protecting it from weather elements. We then moved on to the rough-in phase, installing essential systems like plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork. All these hidden details are important for building a custom home. We ensure that all the rough-in details are per code and match our client’s expectations for where things will be placed throughout the house.
After passing rough-in inspections, we hung drywall, mudded, sanded, and primed it. Painting followed, transforming the interior with a clean design that enhanced the home's aesthetic appeal. Attention to detail is a hallmark of Howland Homes. We installed custom shelving in the kitchen, added shiplap paneling to the island, and chose a white tile backsplash extending from the counter to the ceiling.
We also installed soft-close white cabinets with drawer bases for optimal storage, granite & quartz countertops, and an elegant backsplash. Flooring choices included Luxury Vinyl Plank in common areas and tile in the bathroom, creating a seamless look.
The final stages involved inspections and addressing punch-out items. Third-party inspections ensured every detail met the county’s standards without slowing down the project. Installing fixtures, hardware, lighting, and an electric fireplace were the final touches that completed the home.
Design Features
The heart of the home is its open floor plan, where the kitchen and living room are connected in the same space. The custom features in this space include quartz countertops, white drawer base cabinets, floating shelves, and a built-in electric fireplace with shiplap trim. These elements combine modern design with cozy functionality to enhance the space.
Bathroom: The bathroom features a walk-in shower with seamless tile extending from the floor, creating a modern and minimalistic look while the black and white contrasts add a touch of elegance.
Bedrooms: The primary and guest bedrooms are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. Each bedroom features an exterior door that opens directly onto the wrap-around porch, providing easy access to outdoor spaces for enjoying fresh air and serene views.
Laundry Room: The laundry room closet is designed for convenience and efficiency, located in the hallway across from the bathroom for easy access from both the bedrooms and the main living areas. It features ample storage and workspace, making laundry chores more manageable.
Challenges and Solutions
Building a custom home presents various challenges. Common obstacles include zoning and permitting issues, budget management, scheduling delays, material selection, and communication breakdowns. To overcome these, contractors should engage early with permit offices, create detailed budgets with contingencies, choose and order materials early, and establish clear communication channels. Our team’s proactive communication and meticulous planning allowed us to address these challenges efficiently. Despite these common challenges, we were still ahead of schedule and on budget!
Final Result
This custom guest house reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail we bring to every project. We are proud to have been part of this journey and look forward to many more successful projects in the future.
Building from the ground up offers the freedom to create nearly any structure within budget constraints. At Howland Homes, designing and building houses is significant as we aim to enhance value and functionality for homeowners. This custom home is significant for our clients as it provides a place for their dad to live independently while being close to family. We respect our client’s story throughout the entire building process.
Many people are intimidated by the initial planning phase of building a custom home. We understand the stress of planning the exact layout, so we are here to guide you through the entire process. We provide architectural plans and customize the design layout to fit your needs and expectations.
This custom guest house reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail we bring to every project. We are proud to have been part of this journey and look forward to many more successful projects in the future.
Contact us to discuss your dream home today!
