Blog | Joseph Douglas Homes

In the past, basements were used for doing laundry, storage, a workshop, or as a place for kids to play on rainy days. Basements were mostly ignored because they were considered damp and dark or unlikely to offer any return if homeowners finished them.

Today, finished basements add not only livable square footage but also increase a home’s value. Many potential buyers won’t consider purchasing unless the basement is finished.

Staying Put

Housing sales fluctuate, pushing many homeowners to stay in place rather than move. To get the necessary extra square footage, homeowners often finish their lower level. Since basements already have walls, a ceiling, foundation, electricity, and sewer hookups, it is frequently less expensive to finish the basement compared to adding a second story or more rooms to the main floor.

Finishing the basement can be as simple as putting down an old rug and painting the cement block walls; or as complex as installing a bathroom, adding new flooring, drywall, larger windows, etc. However, professionals suggest not spending more than 10% to 15% of your home’s total value on your basement remodel. That means, if your home is worth $200,000, your top budget should be between $20,000 and $30,000.

Basement

How Will the Area Be Used?

What do you need? A casual space for watching television and playing board games? A workout room? Another bathroom? More bedrooms? A home office? Think through the area and talk with an engineer, architect, or home builder to help you design the best use of the space. Be aware that to use the basement as a living area, you will need another egress – or a way to exit the house. For a window to be an egress, it must be large enough for a fully equipped firefighter to fit through.

Before You Begin

Before starting any projects, check the basement thoroughly to be sure you don’t have any moisture issues. Are there cracks in the floor or walls? Get them repaired first. How tall are the ceilings? You’ll want to keep them feeling as high as possible, so consider using recessed fixtures to keep the height and add lots of light.

Don’t Split the Space

Just as most people like an open floor plan in the main living area, leave it open downstairs too. Try to keep the number of walls to a minimum, but don’t take any walls down until you talk to an engineer. They may be loadbearing.

Add a Bathroom

If your family intends to use the space daily, consider installing a full bathroom. It’s more expensive than just putting up some drywall, but another bathroom is not only convenient, it will add more to your home’s value. Hire a professional plumber, get good fixtures, and tile the floor and inside the shower stall. The initial cost is more but will make all the difference when you decide to sell.

Experts state that finished basements offer a 70% payback. That means if you spend $25,000, your home’s value will increase by at least $17,500. And that’s a great return on investment.

Thinking of finishing your basement? Contact an Award Winning Building & Remodeling Company Joseph Douglas Homes. Their architects can help make sure the end result is exactly what you hope for at a cost you can afford. Call today!

MBA Spring Tour

Menomonee Falls, WI March 4, 2019

Love looking at new houses? Thinking of building your dream home? Is a move in your future? Come to the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA) Spring Tour. The public is invited to view condos, single family homes, subdivisions, and single lots throughout the greater Milwaukee area.

While you’re taking the tour, be sure to stop at the Joseph Douglas Homes’ award-winning model home, “The Bristol.” This gorgeous 3,809 sq. ft. French country split ranch is a show-stopper.

Unmatched Curb Appeal

Visitors are greeted by an impressive roof line and lovely porch. As you step inside the front door, the open foyer leads you to a great room perfect for entertaining. You’ll be surprised by the expansive chef’s kitchen with a large island and plenty of counter space and cabinets. Just a few steps away is a convenient work-in pantry with a desk for meal planning, a second food prep area, and outdoor access.

A bonus room is hidden behind French doors and can be designed as a guest room, home office, or formal dining room. Separated from the other areas is the master suite. This private chamber boasts two walk-in closets, sitting nook, and plenty of space for a king-sized bed. A private master bath offers a shower big enough for two, a dual vanity, and separate water closet.

On the other side of the first floor is yet another bedroom suite with private bath. Nearby is a convenient mudroom, a spacious laundry room, and a powder room for guests. The finished lower level is the perfect place for a teenage hangout or entertaining. It includes a bar, billiards room, and theatre. An exercise room and third bedroom suite with adjoining full bath complete this level.

Want to spend some time outdoors? You’re in luck. Outback, The Bristol showcases a beautiful screened porch, deck, and patio. Put your feet up and toast the sunset. What could be better?

“The Bristol has many amazing features, but you’ll be stunned by the beautiful finishes and quality craftsmanship,” said Deron Butler, founder, and principal architect. He added, “We would love the opportunity to show you this custom home or create a home to meet your specifications.”

Join friends and neighbors for the 2019 MBA Spring Tour. It runs every weekend from noon to 4 p.m. from April 27 through May 12, 2019. Remodeling projects will be featured on the first weekend of May.

The MBA Spring Tour features projects in a wide variety of communities, built or developed by MBA member builders. Best of all – admission is free!

With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, Joseph Douglas Homes has been voted as one of the finest custom home builders in Southeastern Wisconsin. In business since 1998, Joseph Douglas Homes will simplify the often-complicated process of home building by providing complete base pricing, custom floor plans, and one-stop shopping for selections and finishes.
Contact Joseph Douglas Homes for more information.

Custom Home Builder Waukesha WI by Joseph Douglas Homes

Do you live in the Waukesha area and thinking of building your dream home in Waukesha County? That’s awesome! Waukesha is a great place to live. Best of all, some of the the best rated home builders build in Waukesha County thus, hiring a home builder from the area is the way to go.

Local businesses make Waukesha County different from every other place in the US

“Buy Locally” has become a rallying cry of a nationwide movement. It means purchasing goods and services from local businesses instead of national corporations. It first began with food sourcing, but now means buying as many products as possible from local companies – even brand new homes. Many of the reasons we want locally grown food (higher quality, better service) can be applied to hiring a local home builder. If you’re planning on building a home in Waukesha County, here are some excellent reasons to find someone local.

Excellent Customer Service
Have you ever tried to reach someone at a big corporation like the phone company? It’s a nightmare. You’re on hold forever and probably transferred several times before finally talking to a real person (who may or may not be able to help). On the other hand, when you call a home builder near you, they are genuinely interested in hearing your issues and finding ways to fix them. Their company reputation is on the line.

Supporting Your Community
When you hire a local builder, your money stays local. It creates jobs and helps the area’s economy. Independent businesses impact the community significantly more than a national chain. Buying locally is especially true for builders, who hire local staff and subcontractors and use materials from area stores and suppliers.

Reputation and Reliability
Local businesses have a connection to their community, and that fosters integrity and honesty. A successful business reflects an active community and vice versa. When a builder has been around for many years, they generally have a great reputation and are reliable – otherwise, they wouldn’t still be in business.

Local builders are also interested in helping their community. They often serve on nonprofit Boards, support local causes, and encourage their staff to volunteer in county schools, animal shelters, or fundraising walks. Locally owned businesses help to create prosperity, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in their communities. They won’t let you down.

Expertise and Knowledge
Most importantly, custom home builders in Waukesha County will have a much broader understanding of the community’s zoning regulations, building codes, economic standards, and the entitlement process. They recognize the weather, soil, and economic conditions of Waukesha, and know the prices, sizes, and locations of high demand lots.

Also, a Waukesha builder knows people. They know whom to talk to when filing building permits, getting an inspector, and knowing what commercial buildings will be built in the neighborhood. They also understand buyers and what kind of home they need – whether the clients are empty nesters, first-time buyers, or somewhere in between. By knowing the county, a local builder has the advantage of recognizing where and what the client should build. Your local builder can help bring your dream home to life.

With an A+ grade from the BBB, Joseph Douglas Homes has been voted a top home builder in southeastern Wisconsin.

Founded in 1998, founder and principal architect Deron Butler sets the standard for making the sometimes-complicated process of building a home easier. Joseph Douglas provides an in-house designer, custom floor plans, complete base pricing, and so much more. They always put their clients’ needs first.
Local businesses make Waukesha County different from every other place in the US. By supporting a local home builder instead of a national chain, you can be certain that individuality is preserved, and you are building the best home for yourself and your community.

cost to build a custom home - Joseph douglas homes

If you’re thinking about building a custom home soon, your first question is most likely, “How much is this going to cost?” Excellent question!
However, there are several answers due to many factors. Things like: Do you want a ranch style or a two-story home? How many square feet are you thinking about? How many bedrooms and baths? A 2-car garage or three? Do you want brick, wood, or aluminum siding? What kind of cabinetry do you prefer? Do you want carpeting, tile, or wood flooring? The options can be endless – and that affects the bottom line.

By the way, it may cost slightly more to build a ranch home than a 2-story house of the same quality and size. That’s because the footprint is larger, giving it a bigger basement. But ranch homes often look grander and have great curb appeal. Also, not having a staircase is better for those with mobility issues and there is more usable floor space without stairs.

Custom Home Prices Will Vary

The Basic Home Price
To give you a general idea of cost, let’s begin by pricing a “basic” home. Nothing too fancy, not too big; a nice, three-bedroom, two-bath ranch, with an open living area and vaulted ceilings. A home approximately 1650 square feet, with a 2-car garage. Add a small concrete patio of just 100 square feet (or 10’x10’) and leave the basement unfinished for now.
What will it cost? By using an “Average Standard Quality” on a cost-to-build calculator, this primary home will have an approximate value of $289,874 or $150. Per square foot.
But, it’s important to realize that prices can and will change with time. Some home builders will quote a price and attract potential customers with their low “base price.” However, as the home is being built, there are additional costs. And changes. And surprises. And unexpected extra fees. And suddenly your $289,874 home has become much more expensive.

Joseph Douglas Homes
Before you completely give up on building your dream home, contact Joseph Douglas Homes. Their home pricing is complete with commonly “forgotten” costs such as building permits, excavation, plan modifications, erosion control, garage, and driveway stone, and even finishing touches like exterior and interior painting, flooring, light fixtures, and final site cleanup.
All you have to do is add any upgrades to the base price to know what the complete cost of your home will be! No surprises! Joseph Douglas Homes calls it their “All Inclusive Pricing.”

One Step Further
Joseph Douglas Homes also includes the most common upgrades as a standard feature – taking their pricing philosophy one step further than any other builder in southeastern Wisconsin. Items such as dimensional shingles, exterior cultured stone, custom wall painting, granite counters in the kitchen, wood floors in high traffic areas, ceramic tile in the laundry and baths, and so much more, are all part of their “all-inclusive price.”
Now, wasn’t that easy?

Kitchen and bath trends of 2019

Are you remodeling in 2019? Alternatively, have you decided to build that custom home you’ve been dreaming of? Get some great ideas by reading about the top 2019 trends for kitchens and baths. You may not be interested in decorating, by why date your home by five years before you even begin? The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars only to discover your house is “old looking.”

Check out what’s in Style in 2019

Granite is Out, and Quartz is In
Since the 90s, granite was the top-of-the-line for counters. However, quartz is now the hottest trend. Like granite, quartz is durable and can be expensive; but has more finish options, colors, and styles. It’ll give a fresh look to your new kitchen or bathroom.

Specialty Sinks
You’ll see beautiful, deep specialty kitchen sinks in brass, bright metallics, and hammered finishes. For bathrooms, intricate designs and details make this kitchen aspect look like a piece of art. Check out Kohler designs and others.

2019 Kitchen and Bath Trends - by Kohler

White Cabinets Are Gone

Although white cabinets will always be classic, many people are tired of having a kitchen or bathroom without any color. The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, so give it some life. Consider wood tones in warm chestnut, pale ash, or painted in pale or dark turquoise, blue, green, or even black. Another trend is to use a dark color on base cabinets and lighter shades on the uppers.

Speaking of Cabinets
Another new trend – but one that is gaining more popularity – is to eliminate the upper cabinets. As people head toward the minimalist movement, fewer cabinets make a kitchen look cleaner and more open. If you add a walk-in pantry or antique armoire, you can balance the lack of storage. Some clients add open shelves, but do it in black metal, not wood – another new trend!

No Subway Tile
Like white cabinets, subway tiles are classic. However, why use what everyone else has when there are thousands of shapes, colors, and patterns from which to choose? Especially in a small bathroom, try something fun. A colorful backsplash can give your kitchen some pizzazz. If you’re afraid of too much color, use an unusual shape or a tile with texture.

Stainless Steel Appliances Are Out
Remember your mother’s or grandmother’s kitchen in the 70s with harvest gold and avocado green appliances? Everything old is new again! Top appliances are no longer stainless, they’re in blue, red, gold, or even painted to look like a British phone booth or modern art. Moreover, don’t worry about matching appliances – get different colors if you want.

Gold Faucets and Handles
For years the trend was brushed nickel, now it’s gold. Not shiny brass – this time it’s rose gold, gold patina, or black golds — a gorgeous twist on traditional.

Colorize Your Decor!

If there’s one trend to remember for the coming year, it’s color! Appliances, tile, cabinetry, doors, and more kitchens and bathrooms are now alive with color. Take your time and choose wisely, but don’t forget to have some fun. It’s your home, after all!

Joseph Douglas Homes
Founded in 1998, Deron Butler established Joseph Douglas Homes as its principal architect and founder. They have been voted one of Greater Milwaukee area’s best home builders receiving an A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau). They can bring your vision to life with outstanding custom designs, quality craftsmanship, and excellent prices. Let Joseph Douglas Homes build your dream home! Contact Joseph Douglas Homes.

The Bristol is a clear winner with both judges and attendees

Menomonee Falls, WI October 3, 2018

On September 28th, more than 300 people gathered at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee, WI, for the Metropolitan Builders Association (MBA) Achievement Awards ceremony. The event honored builders who participated in the recent 2018 Parade of Homes.

Joseph Douglas Homes model home, The Bristol, was the clear winner in the Hidden Hills subdivision in Sussex. Among others, The Bristol received the award of “Best in Design” and the highly coveted “People’s Choice – Best Overall.”

In all, Joseph Douglas Homes received a total of 8 awards (out of a possible fourteen):

• People’s Choice Best Overall Home: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC – The Bristol
• Best Overall Home – Silver: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC – The Bristol
• Best In Design: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC -The Bristol
• Best Finished Basement: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC -The Bristol
• Best Kitchen: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC -The Bristol
• Best Family Living Area: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC -The Bristol
• Best Master Suite: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC -The Bristol
• Best Outdoor Living Area: Joseph Douglas Homes & Remodeling LLC -The Bristol

The awards were determined by a panel of judges selected from members of the Madison Area Builders Association (MABA). Also, during the Parade, the public was invited to tour the homes and vote on which was their favorite in each subdivision. The selections with the most votes received the People’s Choice Award for Best Overall Home. Developments in Sussex, Brookfield, and Summit were chosen to take part in the 2018 Parade of Homes.

“I was very excited to be honored with so many awards in front of my peers,” said Joseph Douglas Homes founder and principal architect, Deron Butler. “This is a friendly competition between all of the builders and it inspires us to strive for excellence.”

The Bristol

In the Sussex subdivision, Joseph Douglas Homes built a popular split bedroom ranch. With many custom features, the 3,809 sq. Ft. French country residence has an impressive roof-line and a grand porch. The entry opens to a stunning great room, perfect for entertaining. A large kitchen with a generous island has plenty of storage and counter space, with formal dining nearby.

The master suite is separated from the other bedrooms by the center living areas. The luxurious suite boasts plenty of space for a sitting area, king-size bed, and two walk-in closets. A private bath offers a dual vanity, a shower big enough for two, and a separate water closet.

The other end of the first floor has yet another bedroom suite with private bath. A spacious laundry room is nearby, plus a guest powder room and convenient mudroom. The finished lower level is the perfect place for a teenage hangout or party overflow. It includes a bar, theatre area, and billiards room. The lower level is completed by a third bedroom suite with full bath, and an exercise room.

Joseph Douglas Homes

Joseph Douglas Homes is one of Wisconsin’s best custom home builders. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, Joseph Douglas Homes has been building unique, quality custom homes in Southeastern Wisconsin since 1998 and is featured every Saturday morning on the network tv show Builders Showcase Television.

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