SPRING Has Sprung!
The temperatures are finally starting to heat up, and so has the construction industry. Amity has seen a significant rise in client inquiries for new homes, renovations and remodeling.
Spring is just around the corner, the temperatures are finally starting to heat up and so has the construction industry. In that vein, Amity has seen a significant rise in client inquiries for new homes, renovations and remodeling.
The highest percentage of inquires is for significant remodeling and renovations for existing homes and cottages along the shore. Some are still dealing with storm damage, for some it is a desire to improve the older summer beach cottage into an updated cottage or even a year-round residence. Some others are looking at a complete tear down with all-new construction.
A common theme to these and many other projects that are being considered is: How do we decide which is the best approach to take with these proposed improvements?
There are many factors to contemplate: What is your true realistic goal? What is your desired budget? What, if any, are potential impacts for zoning, sanitary and code compliance?
Amity has found that these are just some of the many issues that need to be resolved before the design, plan work and budget can be laid out accurately.
“At Amity, we start with a very thorough interview process either at our office or at the client’s property,” said Amity founder and President Russ Smith. “During
this interview, we follow a check list of items to be identified and discussed in order to determine the viability of the project and an initial budget estimate, and we make suggestions as to what might be the best approach or we present an alternative approach to satisfying the clients’ goals.”
A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THIS IS A CURRENT PROJECT WITH AMITY.
The clients approached Amity with questions concerning a new subdivision in Guilford that Amity currently is building. Bentons’ Knoll in the Sachems Head area of town is a high-end development of detached condominiums offering custom designs, quality features throughout, a nice cul de sac neighborhood and single-level living if desired.
Smith met with the clients, guided them through the interview process and took them through a couple of recently built homes. During the process, Smith learned that the clients had a home in a nearby shoreline community. They loved the location and the picturesque salt marsh views, but they were convinced the home could not accommodate one-level living – now or in the future.
Other than that, the clients’ existing home had many features they loved, so it was decided to meet at their current home and investigate what could be done to allow for their goal of single-level living.
After the initial site visit, Amity developed a basic concept floor plan and budget that could work for the clients’ present home. That was a great first step, but any concept for enlargement of the home would require zoning approvals, both for a variance as well as coastal area management approvals. Amity coordinated all of the required survey work and applications and obtained all required approvals.
This project will entail a substantial addition that will allow for a first-floor master suite with views to the marsh, a large accessible bath, a new laundry and a covered deck area. Amity also plans to expand the existing foyer and kitchen to allow a flow of traffic and incorporate a new ramp entry, eliminating any steps to the newly designed entry and foyer.
“We have determined that with proper information gleaned from our interview process and good input from clients, we can usually come up with a solution,” said Smith. “It may not be what they first envisioned, but our mission is to help them achieve their housing goals.”
Look for this project to be featured in one of our upcoming Day articles.
If you have a thought or wish to improve your current home or build a new one, Amity can provide you with a no-charge consultation to discuss what they can design and build to satisfy your goals. Visit our showroom in the Old Lyme Marketplace, call us at 860-434-5500 or visit us online at www.amitycd.com