Innovative Products from the NAHB IBS 2022

The International Builder Show spotlights new products in the building industry and we look forward to learning about the new products and what they bring to the construction industry every year. While we couldn’t attend the show this year, we’ve done some research to find out what products were innovative and what the builders, designers, and contractors are excited to use in their projects. We know we will be utilizing some of these within our design work for our builder clients!

Thee were so many great and innovative products at this year’s show. Matt Risinger from The Build Show highlights some of the coolest new products from the show. We appreciate his knowledge and insights and we especially liked these products featured on his video:

Viewrail (7:17) — floating contemporary stair systems

Sugatsune (11:30) — specialty door hardware to create hidden and flush finish doors with the bonus of soft open AND close

EXACOR™ | Huber Engineered Woods (17:55) — Fire-rated structural panels that are suitable for floor AND wall use

Check out his YouTube video below talking about these products!

We also saw social posts from people attending the show sharing easy reach cabinet accessories from various companies (which would be amazing additions to kitchens), a one-touch auto hideaway kitchen, and waterproof cement backer board and foam backerboard from National Gypsum.

If you attended the show, what are you planning on using now in your construction projects?

Which of these are you already implementing or are planning on using? Our Design Team would love to help you create dream homes and remodels for your clients. Contact us to get started.

What You Can Expect in 2022 as a Builder/Remodeler

The State of the Area for Builders/Remodelers/Design Firms
The housing market is still incredibly unbalanced in Columbus, OH. There just aren’t enough homes for sale to meet the demand.

Columbus is in the Top 25 housing markets for investors. This leads to a competition with single family buyers, making the market even tighter. Builders have seen the demand for new homes and the push to get homes built, partly because of the lack of available existing homes. As reported in a recent Business Journal article, with information from Realtor.com, “2022 is shaping up to be nearly as competitive, but with perhaps slightly more inventory and slightly higher mortgage rates.”

Home prices are expected to remain higher than normal and with more people entering the home buying market, it’s a push for builders to get new homes built. And with supply chain issues continuing, being able to complete the build within the timeframe clients want is continuing to be a difficult challenge.

As a design firm, we have received increased requests for not only designing new homes, but remodeling homes as well. As a remodeler, this continues to be great news for you! And with some of the existing homes purchased needing renovations, we have had many inquiries for design work and qualified remodelers to execute those plans.

Supply Issues
Lumber prices seem to have leveled out and have begun to drop. Prospective home buyers are realizing this and are reaching out to builders now—are you seeing an uptick in inquiries? But as we know, other costs are still high, affecting our bottom line. Other materials are back ordered, sitting on a ship somewhere, or not able to keep up with demand. Despite these supply chain issues, people are still continuing to start projects here in Columbus and the surrounding communities. Not being able to find existing homes, needing homes with dual offices, bigger kitchens, entertainment space, and more are driving them to build new homes.

RDS Provides You & Your Clients Our Expertise
Seeing new clients soon after they call for their first consultation has made our designers incredibly busy. As we work with these clients, we discuss the fact that you, the builders and remodelers, are at least 6-8 weeks (or more) out before they ever have a first meeting with you. One of our roles, when designing and remodeling homes, is to be the liaison between you and the client, especially at the beginning stages. If we can be as effective as possible in creating the design, working within the budget, and prepping the clients for what is to come, we know that makes everyone’s job easier.

2022 Design Trends
As a builder or remodeler, you saw the changes created by the pandemic in home design. What’s trending now that we expect to see continue through 2022? We asked our designers to share what they have been asked for most.

• Kitchens that are modern and can multitask—meals prepared and eaten, homework completed, family time, entertaining and more have always occurred in the kitchen, but the design of the kitchen has evolved to include the ability to multitask, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon!

• A bathroom is more than a room with a bath—there’s nothing like spending a year at home to realize the bathroom can be a sanctuary. Our designers have seen an uptick in the creation of a bathroom that is more than just a shower or bath. It’s a place to relax, recharge, and spend time alone.

• Open floor plans are making a change—while open floors plans are one of the most requested design styles, we are also seeing a return to spaces that have specific purposes, with partial walls or artfully arranged furniture. We are seeing a desire for many rooms in the home to have a specific purpose, whether it’s a living room used for entertaining, a bar room, or playrooms/homework areas.

• Exterior spaces are forever changed—and for the better. Outdoor living areas, sunrooms, patios, and porches are everywhere. We have found we like being home and need outdoor space to prolong the ability to be outside and be protected from the elements.

We Are Your Partner
As your design partner, we are here to guide your clients or help you in the creation of a new home or a remodel. Our attention to detail will be evident in our designs. What we genuinely believe is that our ability to listen and visualize your dream sets us apart from the rest. Helping you and your clients dream big, but work within the budget, is the cornerstone of our beliefs. It’s important to have a reality check and know what to prioritize within the budget.

We know what we are doing, and we do it well. The Columbus home building/remodeling market is strong and busy, and we work with some of the best in the industry. This blog shares who we’ve worked with in 2021, and we’ve had a great relationship with a lot of these individuals/companies for many years.

Call us today and see what we can do for you in 2022. Don’t forget to check out our website and social media frequently to see what we’re up to and learn how we can collaborate and be your partner!

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Thank you, Builders!

Designing homes and remodeled spaces is what we do. Our Design Team is ready to bring our clients’ dreams and visions to life on paper. But it isn’t only our clients’ that we create plans for.

We wouldn’t be where we are today without the relationships we’ve built over the years with our builders, remodelers and contractors. A client may have brought you to us, you as a company reached out to us, or we offered your names as a recommendation to our clients. The relationships we have with you are what we are most grateful for every year.

2021 was a year like no other! We wanted to take a moment to offer our sincere thanks to everyone we have worked with this year. We sincerely hope to continue all of these relationships in 2022 and beyond.

Thank you to The Bellepoint Company, Betley Vistain Builders, BK Homes, Blanchard Builders, Bob Webb Homes, Brett Walcutt, Capitol Equities, The Cleary Company, Compass Homes, Cua Builders, Danny Stephens Construction, Darby Braeside, Dave Osmond Builders, D.R. Horton, Eagle Specialty Remodeling, Element One, Fingerprint Homes, Fiti Construction, Ghiloni Custom Builders, Inc., Gino Fantozzi Builders, Inc., Grand Villas of Clayton, Heinlen-Follmer Inc., Housesmith, Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders, John Romans Construction, Mark Troyer Builders, Dehlco Construction, Owens Construction, Palmer Builders LLC, Phillips Custom Builds, Preferred Living, Rizek Construction, RMF Builders, Rockford Homes, Scott Morse, Shaffer Brothers, Sierra Custom Homes, Taylor Lykins Custom Homes, Troyer & Troyer, V Build It, Vince Real Properties, Yore Fine Homes.

We appreciate your trust in us, your faith in the designs we create, and our continued working relationships! May 2022 be a year filled with building, remodeling, creating and sharing our time and talents.

Reach out to us at 614.430.0027 for all of your home design needs. Our Residential Designed Solutions designers are ready for your next project.

Residential Designed Solutions Honored with National Design Award

Columbus, Ohio, November 3, 2021 – Residential Designed Solutions has won an award for an Entire Home Remodel, $250,001 - $750,000 in the 2021 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Award levels, including platinum, gold and silver, as well as Best in Region and Of the Year recipients, will be announced at the virtual award ceremony held during the 2022 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.

Exterior Before

Exterior After

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Master Bath Before

Master Bath After

Sunroom Before

Sunroom turned Dining Room

New Laundry/Mud Room

The remodel was designed by Columbus, Ohio firm of Residential Designed Solutions (RDS) and completed by Timbercrest Custom Homes in Powell.

The homeowners initially approached RDS with dreams for a kitchen and sunroom update. The existing sunroom had been added over a deck and was unsafe and unstable. But the small update turned into a whole house remodel as the conversation became a series of “what if” questions. As construction started, major structural problems were discovered, and all the exterior walls were stripped down to the studs to make things right. Electrical and mechanical systems were totally replaced at the same time. And the homeowners decided if they were doing all of this, they might as well update the exterior of the home to a style that they had always wanted. With one last request, RDS was able to incorporate their desire for a covered porch on the north-facing front exterior. And their cold 1970s contemporary became a warm and welcoming craftsman home.

Now in its 38th year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, multifamily, affordable, remodeling, community and interiors. BALA is built on the principle that all great homes start with great design, no matter cost or size.

Buying a home is often the most significant purchase people will make in their lifetime, and BALA winners spotlight what building industry professionals need to know to set their project apart and hit the right mark with today’s highly educated and discerning home buyers.

Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at bestinamericanliving.com. The 2021 Winners Portfolio, featuring design trends and project photographs, will be available online immediately following the ceremony.

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About Residential Designed Solutions

We are a team of residential design professionals dedicated to helping you visualize your dreams. We focus on creating thoughtful and highly functional new homes, additions and renovations devoted to your lifestyle with sensitivity to neighborhood and site. Our passion for homes, our eagerness to listen and our attention to detail are evident in our designs as well as our client interactions.

Our offices in Worthington, Ohio are in a repurposed residence that dates to 1857 with a small red barn on the property that is thought to have once been a blacksmith shop. These historical references provide a residential scale and feel for our clients and visitors to enjoy.

Builders - What to Anticipate in Home Construction in the Second Half of 2021

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

They say the only constant is change. And over the last year and a half, in the building industry, we’ve known this to be true. Some builders locked in prices for their clients, so that even as prices rise and fall, the price quoted to the client remains the same. Others have absorbed some costs, passed some costs on, or are somewhere in the middle. It’s important to remember we are all in this together–no matter how we are dealing with these unprecedented times.

A few months ago, we wrote a blog, Construction Lumber - Demand, Pricing and Reducing Use. While costs for most products are still high, we are starting to see some changes. However, lumber demand and prices aren’t the only issues affecting builders here in central Ohio.

So, what are we to expect in the building industry for the rest of 2021?

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Shortage of workers
As home construction companies, we understand this all too well. We are all searching for skilled construction trade workers. Some of us are well staffed, but many of us are searching for qualified employees. And with that, the pool of available workers lowers and we all compete for the same people. The direct result of fewer employees–it takes us longer to get homes built, which affects our timelines and our ability to take on new projects.

Projects Are Moving Forward
This article from Cleveland Building & Construction shares the significant number of projects underway around Ohio. Columbus is leading the way with many massive projects occurring now. And the housing market continues to show no signs of slowing down. While we are still in a housing shortage, more homes were built last year than any year since 2006, says this article from The Columbus Dispatch.

According to this article from Columbus Underground,  we do have the fastest selling housing market! With homes selling quickly, many people are planning on building new homes. How has this affected your build timelines?  

Image by sawaeng wonglakorn from Pixabay

Lumber and Other Supplies
Lumber prices and supply has had a significant impact on builders here in Columbus. We are seeing positive changes as lumber prices are beginning to come down-slowly. Sawmills are beginning to increase production and people are returning to work (therefore not doing as many home renos and DIY projects). NAHB has been instrumental in working with the government to boost domestic lumber production, try to bring prices down and the get Canadian lumber supply lines back open, but it’s been an uphill battle so far. But as this article from NPR points out, it could take weeks or months for price reductions to take effect and prices probably won’t fall to pre-pandemic levels. But there is hope!  

Iron, copper and steel tariffs are still expensive, and we know builders are trying to find ways to utilize less of it and find other ways to build homes using other products. This article from Construction Dive explains the ripple effect of these price increases. Steel for home construction (which includes studs, ductwork, beams, and some light fixtures), copper, vinyl siding, concrete, and gypsum, all continue to suffer from supply chain issues. This has continued to drive up the price, as well as the time to get supplies to the job site. Builders are looking at the use of insulating concrete forms, instead of wood framing. Structural insulated panels and steel frame construction are other framing methods utilized by some builders, hoping to keep costs down. But as we know, there are times when only iron and steel will do. 

Supply changes are impacted worldwide, so many items are in short supply for home construction. You might get a home almost completed and then not be able to outfit it with kitchen appliances, windows, or other materials.

This article, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce paints a rather dire picture (while giving us some hope), but we recognize we are luckier than most in Columbus. But if you have clients that do not understand what is happening, this might be worth having them read.  

The challenge? Creating viable timelines, costs (what you pass on and what you absorb), waiting for prices to go down, finding skilled workers, and keeping your clients happy! What is working for you? What can we all learn from one another?

In Other News:

2019 BIA Parade of Homes, SIerra Custom Homes

BIA Parade of Homes
In case you haven’t heard, it is back! Are you participating or just going to see what others have been up to this year? There is still time for your home to be featured as an on-line Virtual entry. Click here!

At RDS, our designers are here and ready to help you create the home construction design your clients are asking for. Give us a call and let’s work together!

Welcome Our New Administrative Manager, Tammy Howard

Beginning May 17th, 2021, we turned a new chapter here at RDS with a new Administrative Manager. Tammy has started this job with a bang and has quickly become part of the team. As she is the first person you will see when you walk through our doors, we thought you would like the opportunity to get to know her a bit, in her own words. We know you’re going to really like her, just like we do!

How would you describe your job and what you do?
As the Administrative Manager, I am in charge of accounts payable and receivable, ordering, invoicing, answering phones, greeting clients, preparing reports for meetings, payroll, HR functions for the office, as well as filing and other general office duties.

Where else have you worked?
I have had a storied career. I’ve worked at Allied Universal Security Services, Capital City Awning, University of Cincinnati in the Department of Plastic Surgery, and Nuance Transcription Services. When dinosaurs roamed the Earth, I worked at various doctor’s offices.

What colleges did you attend and what training have you received?
I attended Baker Junior College after high school. Most of my training has been on-the-job training.

How would your friends describe your personality or character?
I laugh hard and love harder! I am open, friendly, and funny. As I love to say, “I don’t know how to act my age. I’ve never been this age before!”

What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out of it alive.” ~ Elbert Hubbard 

What are a few interesting facts we should know about you?
In my early 20s, I saved a man using the CPR training I learned in 7th grade. I love taking rides with my boyfriend, Pete, and finding little out-of-the-way restaurants. I’m also a singer and have always wanted to compete on America’s Got Talent. I am writing my first novel, as well. My most noteworthy achievement to date? The day I became a mother!

What makes you amazing at your job?
I am a people person who loves to make people feel good about themselves. I excel at paying great attention to detail, a major benefit for my job!

We are so excited to have Tammy join us here at Residential Designed Solutions. Stop in and say hi to her!

Happy Retirement, Barb Marquis!

An ad in the local newspaper 18 years ago led to one of our greatest joys – hiring Barb Marquis as our administrative manager here at RDS. We are so very happy that Barb has been a part of our family at RDS for so long. While we are sad to see her go, we are thrilled she is able to retire and start the next chapter of her life.

Barb made everyone feel welcome from the first moment they stepped foot into our office. Her friendly smile, cheery attitude, hugs, sense of humor, laughter, and upbeat attitude has been a major part of our office, for us and our clients.

Barb’s years of experience in finance and administration, as well as her ability to keep us on track and answer any questions she received from clients, or us, made her a key member of our staff. She handled everything required of her with poise, adeptness and a positive attitude.

Barb plans to travel with her husband, Larry, visit friends and her 5 children and many grandchildren, and take care of her mom. We know she will be busy visiting with everyone, but we hope she takes some time for herself, as well.  

We wish Barb the very best and thank her for being such an integral part of RDS. Barb, you will be missed!

A Big Welcome to Erik English, Project Development

Erik English joined our RDS team on April 7, 2021. With 20 years of experience in the field, we were thrilled when he answered the call for a job! He is a true team player and has acclimated quickly into our team. Erik is doing amazing work. As he is someone you might work with, we thought you would like the opportunity to get to know him a bit, in his own words. We know you’re going to really like him, just like we do!

How would you describe your job and what you do?
I transform initial conceptual designs and basic project information into Design Development Documents and/or detailed Construction Documents of a project.

What is one of your noteworthy achievements?
I have a Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Design in Architecture, from Miami University.  

How would your friends describe your personality or character?
My friends would describe me as responsible and easygoing with a good sense of humor.

What are two interesting facts about you?
I have a substantial vinyl record collection. Every day is made better by music! I love to hike and spend time outdoors.  

What is your favorite slogan?
Keep on keeping on!

What makes you amazing at your job?
I enjoy incorporating creative thinking and problem solving into my design process. I find it easy to work alongside a professional team to produce quality projects.

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We are so excited to have Erik join us here at Residential Designed Solutions. We know you’ll be impressed with his work!

A Contemporary Farmhouse

From conceptual design sketches to a finished home — It’s always fun to see progress on projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on. This project with a Contemporary English Country feel is located outside of Lebanon, Ohio and is being built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Homes. We’ve had the opportunity to visit the site multiple times and see all the progress that’s been made. Scroll down for the inside scoop on this project!

Foyer

Study
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

First Floor Conceptual Sketch

It might not look like, but this home is a ranch! A one story home with a full finished basement.

Stair Detail

The open concept great room, kitchen, and dining areas were thought out very carefully. The space is warm and welcoming, and while it’s a large space, it doesn’t feel expansive.

First Floor Bath with Exterior Access from Pool

Family Foyer

The family foyer offers ample storage for just about anything you can think of. There is also a full bath off of the family foyer that includes exterior access - no more dripping through the house to shower off after spending some time in the pool!

The Owner’s closet and bath are great! The closet maximizes every inch of available storage space, with pull handles to access out of season clothing or just clothes you wear less often. The bath has options for everyone - a large soaking tub and a large walk-in shower! And daylight pours in from the large window in the closet and the small windows above the mirrors and vanity really bringing the space to life.

Inside, looking out to the Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Covered Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

The home sits on a beautiful piece of property with views for miles. We have a feeling this porch will be a very popular place to relax in the coming months.

Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Do you have a project we could help with? We would love to talk with you about becoming a part of your team. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Builder: Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

Meet Steven - Production Detail

We are proud of our team members at Residential Designed Solutions! Steven is one of our newest hires and we’re thrilled to watch his professional growth and have him as part of the team.

Welcome to RDS, Steven!

Name: Steven Winters

How would you describe your job and what you do?
I assist project managers in creating construction documents by using SoftPlan and AutoCAD.

When did you begin working at Residential Designed Solutions?
I started in February of 2021.

How would your friends describe your personality or character?
They would probably say that I’m helpful, nice, easy to get along with, and genuinely a good friend.

What are two interesting facts about you?
I’ve enjoyed modern residential architecture since I was a kid. And I enjoy woodworking and playing video games in my spare time.

What is your favorite quote?
”Architecture starts when you carefully put two bricks together. There it begins. - Mies van der Rohe
”No design is possible until the materials with which you design are completely understood.” - Mies van der Rohe

What colleges did you attend and what training have you received?
I have a Bachelors of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture.

What makes you amazing at your job?
Understanding how the physical building is assembled can aid in the translation from a digital model to completely built structure.