WHY WORK WITH A DESIGNER: THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Admin • April 30, 2025

TO SAVE MONEY

Some feel it costs MORE money to hire a designer, when it can actually be a big cost savings. Having a designer involved as you select structural and cosmetic details will have you making confident decisions, so you can avoid buying the wrong things and/or those nasty change fees later on in the building process, as you realize something isn’t working. This is a very common pitfall when building without a trained eye in your corner.

EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Many clients do not really know their own style. A good designer will assist you to get it right the first time while making sure the result is exactly what you wanted. You are not likely to have much experience building and remodeling homes. We have spent years refining our technical and aesthetic skills through schooling and hands-on training. We know what questions to ask, what's trendy vs. timeless, what mistakes to avoid, and what must-have features to add. We also can identify quality products and avoid cheaply made mistakes.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS FOR Y-O-U

A BIG part of any designer’s process is getting to know you. What is YOUR vision? What do you want out of your home? As funny as this sounds, a good designer often knows more about what you’ll want than you do. At least initially. Because of that, we help ensure you’re adding details to your plans that will best serve you in the long run. Do you have grandma's dining set? We can make sure your dining area will accommodate. Want a sofa table with lamps in the middle of your living space? We know to incorporate floor outlets into your space and where to put them. Perhaps you never knew you needed USB ports at your kitchen island, but now you can't live without them. And the list goes on!

NARROW DOWN THE SEA OF CHOICES

The decisions can be so overwhelming! People often want to choose paint first. Reality is, you should first identify any must-have elements that cannot or should not change. Perhaps there's only ONE rug you love, one tile that makes your heart sing, or one perfect sofa/chair fabric combination. These details should lead the way, with paint selections to follow. This allows you to choose shades that enhance your must-haves. With more than 900 shades of paint, it's far easier to adapt your paint to fit your finishing details. Of course, this also brings up the fact that there are 900+ colors. Don't worry, we know how to narrow that massive swatch book down to your perfect color and hue.

With this being said, I like to give our clients three options. More often than not, they will be able to make a confident decision with just those three options. Every once in a while we need to go back and try again, but having a designer weed through items that will not work in your home saves you from anxiety and saves you time!

By Admin February 6, 2025
At Samurai Construction, we’re always staying ahead of the curve to bring Middle Tennessee homeowners the latest and greatest in home remodeling. Whether you're planning a full-scale renovation or just a few upgrades, these 2025 trends will help transform your space into something truly special.
By Samurai Construction January 2, 2025
When it comes to purchasing a new home, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is whether to buy an existing property or build a custom one. While buying a pre-built home can seem more convenient and less time-consuming, there are many compelling reasons why building a new home might be the better choice for you. In this post, we’ll explore the key perks of building a home from scratch. 1. Complete Control Over Design and Layout One of the most significant advantages of building a home is having full control over its design and layout. When you buy a pre-existing home, you’re often limited by the design choices made by the previous owner or builder. With a custom-built home, you can decide everything—from the floor plan, room sizes, and window placements to the materials used in construction. Whether you want an open-concept kitchen, a spacious master suite, or eco-friendly features, you can design your dream home to suit your needs and lifestyle. 2. Tailored to Your Needs and Preferences Building a home allows you to create a space that is uniquely suited to your tastes and preferences. You can choose the finishes, fixtures, and colors that align with your vision. Additionally, if you have specific requirements such as a home office, gym, or accessibility features, you can incorporate these elements from the beginning. Buying a home often means compromising on certain aspects, but with a custom build, you can prioritize what matters most to you. 3. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability New homes are built to modern standards, which means they are often much more energy-efficient than older homes. From better insulation and energy-efficient windows to the latest HVAC systems and smart home technologies, building a home gives you the opportunity to incorporate sustainable features that can reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills. If environmental impact is important to you, you can also opt for renewable energy sources like solar panels or green building materials that might not be present in an existing home. 4. Fewer Maintenance Issues One of the drawbacks of buying an older home is the potential for hidden maintenance issues, such as outdated plumbing, electrical problems, or a worn-out roof. These issues can quickly add up in terms of time, effort, and money to fix. When you build a new home, everything is brand new, which means fewer maintenance headaches and the peace of mind that your home’s infrastructure will last for many years without major repairs. 5. Modern Technology and Smart Features Today’s technology is transforming the way we live in our homes, and building a new house offers the opportunity to integrate the latest advancements. You can choose to install smart home features like lighting control systems, smart thermostats, home security systems, and voice-activated assistants. These technologies can enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency. In contrast, retrofitting an older home with the latest tech can be a costly and disruptive process. 6. Personalization of Outdoor Space While the interior design of a home is crucial, the outdoor space is just as important. Building a home from the ground up allows you to design your yard, landscaping, and outdoor features exactly as you wish. Whether you envision a spacious deck, a swimming pool, a vegetable garden, or a fire pit area, you have the freedom to create an outdoor space that enhances your lifestyle. In contrast, buying an existing home may limit your ability to personalize the yard based on the size, shape, or existing structures. 7. Long-Term Financial Benefits While building a home may seem more expensive upfront, it can be a wise long-term investment. New homes tend to have fewer immediate repair costs, which can save you money over time. Additionally, building a home allows you to make cost-effective decisions during construction that can positively impact the resale value of the property. For instance, you can choose durable materials, invest in energy-efficient appliances, and design with future homebuyers in mind. Over the years, these factors could increase your home’s value, providing a better return on investment than purchasing an older home. 8. Location Flexibility When you build a home, you have the option to choose the perfect location for your needs. Whether it’s a quiet suburban neighborhood, a rural setting with lots of land, or a spot closer to work and amenities, the location options are vast. Buying an existing home may limit you to a specific neighborhood or location where inventory is available, and finding a home that checks all your boxes in a prime location can sometimes feel like a compromise. 9. Emotional Satisfaction There’s something deeply satisfying about having a hand in creating the place where you’ll make memories for years to come. Building your own home gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment that you may not experience when purchasing an existing property. The process of designing, watching the construction unfold, and finally stepping into a home you created from the ground up can be incredibly rewarding on a personal level. 10. Customization for Future Growth When you build a home, you can plan for future growth and changes in your family or lifestyle. Whether you anticipate having children, working from home, or welcoming elderly parents to live with you, you can design your home with flexibility in mind. By incorporating expandable spaces or multi-functional rooms, you ensure that your home can evolve as your needs change over time.  While buying an already built home might seem like the easier option, building your own home offers numerous benefits that make it a worthwhile investment. From having full control over the design and layout to reducing maintenance costs and integrating modern technologies, building a home offers unmatched flexibility and the chance to create a space that fits your exact vision. If you have the time, budget, and patience to navigate the process, building a home can provide long-term satisfaction, comfort, and financial benefits that simply can't be matched by purchasing an existing property.
Residential House During Winter Season
By Samurai Construction December 17, 2024
As the cold weather sets in, it's important for homeowners to prepare their homes for winter. Proper maintenance not only ensures comfort during the season but can also prevent costly repairs in the future. Here are some basic maintenance tasks and winter preparation tips that every homeowner should consider before the snow starts falling.
A Water Heater is Hanging on a Brick Wall in a Basement
By Samurai Construction October 26, 2023
A water heater is an essential appliance that provides much-needed comfort inside your household, so immediately addressing its issues is critical. According to Forbes, water heater replacement costs about $1,200 on average. Instead of purchasing a replacement, you can request an estimate from a water heater service and eventually hire one to save some money. You’ll understand why requesting that estimate is important by continuing below.