Some Ideas to Consider …

  • How to Tell if a Wall or Column is Load-Bearing

    Many homeowners seek to open up space in their home during a home renovation project by removing a wall. This can connect spaces and completely transform a home’s layout. Before a wall can be removed it must first be determined whether the wall is load-bearing. This can be determined by:

    what to do with load bearing walls
    Traditional Staircase by Wilton Design-Build Firms Country Club Homes

    • Searching for beams at the lowest level of the house that interface directly with the concrete foundation.
    • Locating the home’s beams and noting which walls they connect directly to.
    • Identifying joists that meet a wall at a perpendicular angle and transferring the weight to the load-bearing wall.
    • Following internal load-bearing walls up through the structure.

    Since load-bearing walls can’t be removed, there are certain things you can do to integrate them into the home’s design. Consider installing structural columns in place of the wall and tie in their design to the room’s aesthetic. You can also use beams in the ceiling to help support the weight of a load-bearing wall while opening up the space.

    If you are considering undertaking any home renovation projects, contact our professionals at Country Club Homes today at 203-762-0550. We’re ready to be your trusted home design, renovation, and construction team.

  • Home Style of the Month: Shingle

    Making its mark between 1880-1900, particularly in New England coastal towns, the Shingle style of architecture is unmistakably American, with influences from Queen Anne and Colonial homes. Shingle style was never a mass building trend. The homes remained high style, architect driven projects, usually for wealthy families building a summer “cottage” home. The style has…

  • Solid Style: Ideas for a Stone Fireplace

    A natural in traditional and rustic homes, a stone fireplace is a solid focal point in any style interior, contributing warmth and character to a space. Multiple options for the size and shape of the fireplace, the type of stone used, and the earthy variations of the material make each stone fireplace truly distinct.  …

  • Fall in Love with Your Home: Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day

    We’re no experts on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your significant other but we do know something about how to show love to your home using these romantic ideas. February is a wonderful opportunity to create a spirit of joy in your environment by focusing on the senses romance inspires. Sight: If January didn’t…

  • A Bright Winter: Lighting Design for Your Home

    During the season of shorter days, the lighting design in your home more strongly influences mood. We all spend more time at home during the winter months and lighting can help us feel comfortable, warm and optimistic even on the coldest days. First, there’s natural light. Allowing as much natural light into your home as…