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.

  • At Your Service: Ideas for the Perfect Butler’s Pantry 

    A butler’s pantry, originally used to plate meals and store silver, is a tradition from the 1800s that has enjoyed a revival in recent years. Usually positioned between the kitchen and dining room, a butler’s pantry is a wonderful custom element for people who love to entertain at home. While butler’s pantries from the 19th…

  • 2016 Trend: Cutting-Edge Home Automation System

    Do you have a cutting-edge home automation system in your home? Smart homes used to be thought of as something of a frill to many. Today, these electronic systems enhance the way we live in a simple yet revolutionary way bringing elegance, simplicity, convenience, flexibility, security and sensibility to our lives. A strategically and well-planned…

  • Escape the Elements: Cold Climate Home Design Ideas

    Another New England winter is upon us and while we may pride ourselves on our hardy natures, it’s still smart to do whatever we can to design our homes with ample comfort and protection from the elements. Here are a few home design ideas to make your home a safe and sturdy haven during the winter…

  • Design Pros Call it – Hottest Appliance: Convection Steam Ovens

    Sub-Zero and Wolf revealed the results of their 2016 Kitchen Design Forecast at “Design Pros Call It.” Below are key findings from their poll: Open floor plans are still in demand. Formal dining rooms are a thing of the past. White is still the most popular color in the kitchen while new neutrals and accent…