“We reached out to Josh and his team to quote us for a basement remodel. The thing we liked most about Josh was he was responsive, which many know is half the battle. Josh walked the space with us and listened. He took our laundry list of dreams and ideas and made them a reality. He was truthful and honest. He provided a transparent timeline and always kept us involved every step of the way. His team created a beautiful space for our family. They were always respectful and detailed in their work. We would 100 percent recommend.”
How to Plan the Perfect Home Addition: Expert Advice from Brown Designs and Construction
A home addition is one of the best ways to increase your living space, improve functionality, and boost your home’s value, without the hassle of moving. Whether you’re adding a new bedroom, expanding your kitchen, building a sunroom, or creating a full second story, the success of your addition comes down to one thing: smart planning.
At Brown Designs and Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners bring their visions to life with beautiful, seamless additions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan a successful home addition — from the first sketch to the final nail.
1. Define Your Goals and Vision
What do you need — and why?
Start by getting clear on why you want to add to your home. Are you running out of space? Looking to add value for resale? Want more natural light or better flow? Common types of additions include:
- Primary suite expansions
- Home offices
- Family rooms
- In-law suites
- Kitchen bump-outs
- Garages or bonus rooms above garages
Take the time to envision how the new space will be used. At Brown Designs and Construction, we help you define these goals during our initial consultation, ensuring your design reflects both your needs and lifestyle.
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
Plan for more than just construction costs.
The cost of a home addition can vary greatly depending on the size, complexity, and finish level. Your budget should account for:
- Architectural and design fees
- Permits and inspections
- Site preparation and foundation work
- Materials and finishes
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing
- Contingency funds for the unexpected (typically 10–20%)
We work with you to develop a transparent, itemized budget and help you prioritize where to splurge and where to save.
3. Understand Zoning Laws and Permits
Every project needs to meet local regulations.
Before construction can begin, you’ll need to ensure your addition complies with local building codes and zoning ordinances. These may include:
- Setback requirements (how close you can build to your property line)
- Height restrictions
- Floor area ratios
- HOA rules, if applicable
Our team at Brown Designs and Construction handles all necessary permit applications and works closely with city planners to avoid costly delays or legal issues.
4. Design with Function and Flow in Mind
Your addition should feel like it was always there.
The best home additions blend naturally with your existing structure. That means matching rooflines, exterior finishes, window styles, and interior trim. But it’s not just about looks — your new space should improve the way your home works.
Key design questions include:
- How will traffic flow between new and old spaces?
- Does the HVAC system need to be extended?
- Will structural support or foundation upgrades be necessary?
Our experienced design-build team ensures every addition we create feels cohesive, functional, and beautiful — inside and out.
5. Consider the Impact on Your Home’s Systems
Don’t overlook what’s behind the walls.
Every new room adds strain to your home’s existing systems. You’ll need to consider:
- Electrical: Do you need more circuits or a panel upgrade?
- Plumbing: Will the addition include a bathroom or sink?
- HVAC: Can your current system handle the additional square footage, or will you need a second unit or mini-split?
Brown Designs and Construction performs a full systems assessment during planning to ensure your infrastructure can support your new space.
6. Plan for the Construction Timeline and Disruption
Additions take time — and can impact your daily life.
Depending on the size and complexity, a home addition can take anywhere from 2–6 months or longer. You’ll need to be prepared for:
- Construction noise and dust
- Temporary loss of certain rooms or access points
- Parking or driveway obstructions
- Possible weather delays
We keep you informed at every stage, with detailed timelines, weekly progress updates, and careful site management to minimize disruption.
7. Hire a Trusted, Full-Service Contractor
Experience and communication make all the difference.
Choosing the right contractor is the most important decision you’ll make. A reputable design-build firm like Brown Designs and Construction brings everything under one roof — from architectural design to permits to construction — for a smoother, faster, and more coordinated process.
We believe in transparency, craftsmanship, and communication. Our goal is to make your home addition feel like a seamless extension of your life — not just your house.
Ready to Expand Your Home with Confidence?
At Brown Designs and Construction, we bring years of experience, a proven process, and a passion for building spaces that enhance your lifestyle. From initial design concepts to the finishing touches, we handle it all — with care, precision, and integrity.
Let’s build something beautiful together.
Contact us today to schedule your home addition consultation.
Bathroom Remodel Essentials: 7 Must-Know Tips
Your bathroom should be more than just a functional space — it should be a personal retreat. Whether you’re dreaming of a spa-like sanctuary or a sleek modern update, remodeling your bathroom can dramatically enhance both your comfort and your home’s value. At Brown Designs and Construction, we specialize in high-quality, customized bathroom renovations that balance style, functionality, and durability.
Before you pick out tile samples or start swinging a sledgehammer, here are seven essential considerations to guide your bathroom remodel.
1. Define Your Goals and Budget
Start with a clear plan.
Ask yourself: What do I want out of this remodel? Is it increased storage, better lighting, improved layout, or purely aesthetic updates? Once your goals are defined, align them with a realistic budget. Be sure to leave a contingency (10–15%) for unexpected costs.
At Brown Designs and Construction, we work closely with you during the planning phase to create a vision and scope that fits your budget, without compromising on quality.
2. Maximize Layout Efficiency
Rethink the flow and spacing.
Small changes to a bathroom’s layout can make a big difference. Whether it’s relocating a shower, expanding a vanity, or reconfiguring plumbing for better use of space, a well-thought-out layout improves both form and function.
We specialize in space optimization, especially in compact bathrooms where every inch matters.
3. Choose Durable, Water-Resistant Materials
Think long-term resilience.
Bathrooms endure heavy use and constant moisture. That’s why it’s critical to choose materials that are not only stylish but also resistant to humidity, water damage, and wear. Porcelain or ceramic tile, quartz countertops, and moisture-resistant paint or wallpaper are excellent choices.
We guide you through material selection to ensure your new bathroom looks great and holds up for years to come.
4. Prioritize Proper Ventilation
Prevent mold and protect your investment.
One of the most overlooked elements of bathroom design is ventilation. Poor airflow can lead to mold, peeling paint, and moisture damage. Installing a powerful, quiet exhaust fan and possibly even a window ensures air circulation and longevity.
At Brown Designs and Construction, we always include ventilation planning in our remodels, no matter the bathroom size.
5. Lighting Makes All the Difference
Layer your lighting for both function and ambiance.
Good lighting transforms your bathroom. Use a combination of task lighting (for mirrors and vanities), ambient lighting (for general illumination), and accent lighting (like under-cabinet strips or backlit mirrors). Dimmers also allow for mood control.
We design lighting plans that complement your style and boost the space’s functionality.
6. Storage is Key
Clutter-free design starts with smart storage.
Built-in niches, floating vanities with drawers, linen cabinets, and recessed shelving all help maintain a tidy and serene bathroom. During the design phase, we tailor storage to your specific habits, whether you need space for daily products, towels, or cleaning supplies.
Custom cabinetry is one of our specialties, ensuring every inch serves a purpose.
7. Don’t Skip the Details
The finishing touches tie it all together.
From matte black fixtures to heated floors, towel warmers, and frameless glass shower doors, details can elevate your bathroom into something truly luxurious. Even hardware, grout color, and mirror choices affect the final feel.
At Brown Designs and Construction, our designers help you refine every last detail, ensuring a cohesive and high-end finish.
Transform Your Bathroom with Confidence
A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning, a trusted contractor, and attention to both style and structure, you can create a space you’ll love for years to come.
At Brown Designs and Construction, we’re here to turn your vision into reality with craftsmanship, care, and attention to detail.
Ready to start your bathroom renovation?
Contact us today for a consultation and discover what’s possible.
Top 5 Things to Consider When Redesigning Your Kitchen
By Brown Designs and Construction – Your Kitchen Renovation Experts
Redesigning your kitchen is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. As the heart of your home, your kitchen should be as functional as it is beautiful. At Brown Designs and Construction, we specialize in transforming kitchens into spaces that reflect your lifestyle, taste, and practical needs. Whether you dream of a modern culinary hub or a cozy farmhouse kitchen, here are the top five things to consider before diving into your redesign.
1. Layout and Workflow
Optimize the space to match how you cook and live.
The layout is the foundation of a functional kitchen. A well-planned layout ensures seamless workflow between the sink, stove, and refrigerator — also known as the “kitchen work triangle.” At Brown Designs and Construction, we tailor each layout to match your habits and space, whether it’s an open-concept kitchen, galley style, or U-shaped configuration.
Suggested Image: A top-down layout view showing the kitchen triangle and flow of movement.
2. Storage Solutions
Make the most of every inch.
Smart storage is essential in a high-performing kitchen. From pull-out spice racks and deep drawers to vertical storage and hidden pantries, the right solutions can maximize your space and eliminate clutter. Our team designs custom cabinetry and shelving tailored to your exact needs.
Suggested Image: Custom cabinets with pull-out drawers, corner solutions, or hidden storage compartments.
3. Lighting Layers
Blend task, ambient, and accent lighting.
Lighting can completely change the atmosphere and functionality of your kitchen. We recommend layering different types: task lighting for prep areas, ambient lighting for general illumination, and accent lighting to highlight features like open shelving or a backsplash. At Brown Designs and Construction, we integrate stylish and energy-efficient lighting plans into every design.
Suggested Image: A kitchen with under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights over the island, and recessed ceiling lights.
4. Quality Materials and Finishes
Durability meets design.
Investing in high-quality materials pays off in longevity and aesthetics. Think quartz countertops, soft-close drawer mechanisms, and durable flooring like luxury vinyl or tile. We help our clients at Brown Designs and Construction choose materials that not only look stunning but stand up to daily use and wear.
Suggested Image: A countertop sample board with a variety of materials and finishes on display.
5. Personalized Style
Create a space that feels like home.
Your kitchen should reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward minimalist modern, classic traditional, or rustic charm, our designers at Brown Designs and Construction collaborate with you to bring your vision to life — blending form and function into one cohesive design.
Suggested Image: A side-by-side of different kitchen styles: modern, traditional, and farmhouse.
Why Choose Brown Designs and Construction?
With years of experience, an eye for detail, and a passion for crafting stunning spaces, Brown Designs and Construction is your trusted partner in kitchen renovation. From concept to completion, we guide you through every step, ensuring a seamless process and a beautiful result.
Ready to reimagine your kitchen? Contact us today to schedule your design consultation.
