All posts by admin

Lifestyle, Post and Beam, Timber Frame

Essential Decorating Ideas for Heavy Timber Homes

/

With their wide-open interiors, high ceilings, and natural warmth, heavy timber structures make some of the most beautiful and visually intriguing homes on the market. Characterized by their intricate joinery and exposed wood members, these home designs offer a unique canvas that boasts endless customization options for your space. 

Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting to gather ideas for your design, there are plenty of ways to enhance the natural beauty of your home while keeping things stylish and homey. If you’re planning to build a post and beam or timber frame residence, here are five tips for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that brings out the best features of your investment. 

1. Embrace Natural Color Schemes

When designing your heavy timber home, a primary consideration should be complementing the natural hues of your wood components. Earth tones like greens, browns, and beiges work wonderfully, as these colors help highlight the warmth of your timbers without overpowering them. However, if you’re feeling adventurous or desiring something different, muted blues and soft grays provide a subtle contrast that adds depth and sophistication.

Remember, the goal with heavy timber homes is to create a harmonious space that feels connected to nature and draws attention to the stunning details of your interior. By incorporating more subdued colors in your home, you can create a well-balanced design that feels unique to your style without drawing attention away from your timber accents. 

2. Choose Furniture That Complements Wood

Furniture can make or break the aesthetic of a heavy timber home. For optimal results, we suggest including pieces that feature a healthy blend of rustic and modern touches. Think sturdy wooden tables, comfortable leather or fabric sofas, and classic metal accents. The trick is to fuse the striking look of timber with something more substantial and inviting. Mixing different textures, like a plush rug on a wooden floor or soft throw pillows on a leather couch, can add comfort and sophistication to your living space.

3. Get Creative with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. In heavy timber homes, where wood can absorb light, having a mix of lighting sources can dramatically enhance the natural characteristics of your space. Large windows are a must for natural light, as are floor lamps, table lamps, and ceiling fixtures for the evening. Warm, soft lighting best complements the warmth of your timbers, with pendant lights or chandeliers making a bold statement in expansive areas with vaulted ceilings.

4. Incorporate Textiles for Warmth and Texture

Heavy timber can sometimes feel a bit overpowering, even as the main attraction of a space. However, homeowners can always help soften the look with plenty of textiles. Thick curtains, plush cushions, cozy throws, and area rugs help break up the dominant wood features of your space. They also provide an easy way to introduce colors and patterns that accentuate your personal style. 

5. Don’t Forget the Art and Decor

Finally, personalize your timber home with art and decor that reflects your taste! Wall art can bring color and interest to large expanses of wood, with more substantial pieces of art standing up to the boldness of timber walls. Also, incorporating different decor elements like pottery, glass, or metal can add visual interest and personality. 

Decorating a heavy timber home can be a delightful journey that allows you the freedom to infuse your style into your space while respecting the natural beauty of your wood elements. By keeping things balanced, cozy, and authentic to your tastes, you can create a one-of-a-kind home that feels distinct to you and your goals. 

Ready to get started on your post and beam or timber frame home design? Call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a catalog here to start gleaning ideas for your project!

 

Barns, Equestrian, Stables

Stables with Style: Tips for Elevating the Look of Your Horse Barn

Image /

If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest at all, you’ve likely come across some pretty elaborate horse barns. While a few interiors may seem over the top or out of reach for your project, the reality is that you too can create a Pinterest-worthy stable with just a few material upgrades. With our tips and tricks, we can help you elevate the look and feel of your custom horse barn in no time. Get ready to say goodbye to dull and lifeless horse barns forever, and hello to elegant and efficient stables that you and your horses will love!

Chandeliers

No one likes harsh fluorescent lighting. Instead, consider how you can brighten your stables with something fun and exciting! Chandeliers can be an excellent way to make a statement, with these elegant lighting fixtures adding a distinguished touch to any horse barn. From wrought iron metal to sophisticated crystal-lined chandeliers, there are dozens of unique chandeliers to choose from for your horse barn. So why install lackluster lighting when you could have the warm glow and elegance of a chandelier? There’s no harm in having a bit of fun with your chandelier selection and plenty to gain with these types of add-ons! 

Euro-Style Horse Stalls

European-style horse stalls are a sleek way to upgrade the look of any horse barn. These stall fronts are typically hinged, meaning they swing outward to open. With this design, you can look forward to a tailored solution that perfectly suits your needs and distinctive style. Furthermore, these Euro-style stalls have a low stall front, which grants more visibility and freedom for the horse so they can freely socialize. Happy horses and gorgeous stalls, what more could you ask for? 

Tongue & Groove Accents

If you’re looking for a way to bring your entire barn together, tongue and groove wall and ceiling coverings are a great way of enhancing the rustic elements of your space while adding considerable warmth and style. Tongue and groove is a particular style created by fastening two wood panels together. One side of the wood paneling has a ridge, which is the tongue, and the other side has an incision, which is the groove. The purpose of tongue and groove style is to effortlessly fit the groove boards and joints together with minimal effort or stress. Tongue and groove coverings can tie everything together while giving your stable a cozy and welcoming vibe — just take our Santa Cruz Horse Barn project for example!

Clerestory Windows & Cupolas

Natural lighting is one of the most important elements to consider with your horse barn design. One way to make use of an unusable area would be to install clerestory windows, which are windows installed at the top of a wall just below the roof. You can get creative with your clerestory windows by adding a series of smaller ones or even one large window for dramatic effect. Cupolas are another great way to bring more natural light into your space and help ventilate the interior. A cupola is a small, dome-like structure placed on the roof. These additions are often enclosed but have vents or windows to let in natural light and air. Natural lighting and ventilation are major features to consider, as both can help keep your barn interior fresh and healthy. 

Hopefully after reading this, we’ve sparked your imagination for your barn project. From lighting and stalls to wall and ceiling coverings, there is so much you can do to elevate the style of your stable. Now it’s time to bring your wildest equestrian dreams to life!

Coming Soon, Construction, Current Projects

Project Preview: The All-New Patrick Lumber Headquarters

/

At DC Builders, we’re more than a little passionate about working with wood — it’s practically in our DNA! Considering most of us grew up here in the Pacific Northwest, there’s something inherently special about using the timbers grown right in our backyard to create beautiful custom structures that our clients love. While many of our buildings stand as a testament to our deep appreciation and love for wood, one project goes beyond all others in the diversity of timbers and craftsmanship displayed. This project is the soon-to-be headquarters for our dear friends at Patrick Lumber, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share some of their progress photos with you today.

About Patrick Lumber

Established in 1915, Patrick Lumber has been manufacturing and trading niche, high-end timber products for over 100 years. From kiln-dried Douglas fir lumber to Western red cedar, hemlock, and pine, they supply various high-end wood products to top manufacturers and distributors around the globe. Their integrity and commitment to quality go hand in hand with our company, as both of our organizations greatly value the expertise and dedication required to create an exceptional product. With our help, Patrick Lumber plans to open a one-of-a-kind corporate space that speaks to the quality of its lumber and inspires visitors to appreciate the diversity of Oregon’s timber exports.

The Plan for Their Upcoming Headquarters

Located in Philomath, Oregon, the all-new Patrick Lumber headquarters will sit on a stunning hillside property overlooking their storage yard and kilns, as well as the surrounding forest. While property views were certainly a consideration in the design of this building, the team at Patrick Lumber emphasized wanting a structure that would display every level of forestry inside the space and serve a variety of needs as a flexible office space and event venue. To create this, we sat down with their team to review rough sketches of what they envisioned for the building and come up with a design that both captured their ideas and showcased their timbers in the best way possible. The result is a 4,315 sq. ft. timber frame building that not only embodies their vision and the diversity of their products but also highlights the different building methods we can use to enhance the beauty of their timbers.

Custom Features 

Oversized Douglas Fir Timbers

One of the most remarkable features of this structure are the kiln-dried 12” x 12” Douglas fir timbers used to frame the building. Typically, we use 6” x 6” Douglas fir timbers as the standard in our timber frame structures. However, to really convey the versatility of Patrick Lumber’s products, we ended up using #1 grade 12” x 12” Doug fir S4S FOHC timbers supplied to us by Patrick Lumber as the primary framing elements in this building, as well as some 12” x 12” x 30” beams that run across the clerestory.

To protect the support timbers on the exterior deck, our team used a pressure-treating product called Klear Gard | 25™, which is non-corrosive to fasteners and does not contain metals. Because Douglas fir can be difficult to permeate with other wood preservatives, we decided to use a preservative system like Klear Gard | 25™ that absorbs better than standard pressure treating and ensures the lumber is fully preserved and protected all the way through. By utilizing this product, we could also maintain a natural wood appearance for these timbers without them looking pressure treated. Additionally, our team sand-blasted these timbers before siding and installation to create a clean, textured surface that gives the wood a more polished finish.

Traditional & Decorative Timber Frame Joinery

Knowing the structure would be a showcase of Patrick Lumber’s products and those they supply, it was very important that we figured out early on how to display their timbers in a way that highlights their impressive size and quality. To us, the solution was to not only utilize a combination of traditional and decorative timber frame joinery in the framing process but also incorporate a builder-friendly approach to the ceiling portion of the build. A few common timber frame connections we used throughout the structure included scarf joints, which were used to overlap beams under the shed roof, and mortise and tenon joinery on knee braces. We also added a large scissor truss with protruding timber framed corbels to the entryway for dramatic effect.

While most of this structure is timber framed, we decided to incorporate a purlin roof system where the ceiling itself is drywalled in but features exposed beams, purlins, and rafters over the surface. The reason why we ultimately used this method is that there’s more coordination and planning that goes into wiring everything into a traditional timber frame ceiling, whereas this approach makes the rough-in stage easy and a lot more intuitive. Though it’s technically not a timber framed ceiling, you still get that traditional timber frame look without the added cost and tedious troubleshooting during installation. With everything tucked in tight to the ceiling, the Patrick Lumber team can experience the beauty of their wood products from top to bottom and enjoy a one-of-a-kind interior that wows throughout.

Horse-Friendly Knife Plates

As part of our best practices, we try to utilize horse-friendly knife plates as often as we can and whenever the job site warrants their use. These types of knife plates are best described in a blog post by our sister company DC Structures as “steel connection hardware pieces that are hot-dipped galvanized and powder-coated for maximum protection.” During installation, they are “bolted directly into the structural footing and feature an I-shaped design that raises the bottom of our posts to a pre-determined elevation.”

A major reason why we used horse-friendly knife plates for this project is that this method creates the illusion that our posts are sitting right above their finished surfaces. This gives the exterior a more seamless appearance, in addition to making installation easier and producing a better result than our standard knife plates.

Key Takeaways

With every project, our team makes the extra effort to evaluate and develop a design that best fits the client’s needs and the characteristics of their job site. In this case, we had the pleasure of working in tandem with Patrick Lumber to not only create a building that fits their needs and property but also exhibits the quality of their high-end wood products and our extraordinary craftsmanship. We designed, engineered, and prefabricated this building in-house to ensure a seamless, efficient, and highly accurate installation process. As a one-stop shop for Patrick Lumber, we couldn’t be more grateful to be a significant part of this custom build and watch it come to life with their team.

Stay tuned for more updates on this project and others in the pipeline! If you’re ready to get started on your custom structure, give us a call at (888) 975-2057 to speak with one of our representatives.

 

 

Construction, Custom Homes, Post and Beam, Timber Frame

Determining the Right Foundation for Your Home

/

There are many important decisions to be made during the design phase, but arguably none as imperative as choosing the right foundation for your home. As the support system for your building, you want to be sure the type of foundation you select provides optimal durability and protection year-round, especially in the event of extreme weather conditions or natural disasters. While the type of soil, slope, and location of your building site will ultimately determine the foundation you can have, it’s always helpful to understand the different types of foundations available to home buyers and the pros and cons associated with each one. If you’re planning to build a custom home from the ground up,  here’s what you need to know about some of the most common foundation types and the factors that might affect your final decision.

Slab Foundations

Slab foundations are ideal for clients seeking an easy and affordable solution for their structure. Otherwise referred to as a concrete slab foundation, a slab foundation describes any foundation created by pouring concrete onto the ground. At DC Builders, we typically offer two types of slab foundations – monolithic slab and stem wall foundations. The primary difference between these options lies in their installation method, as monolithic is poured in one go while stem wall is poured in multiple stages.

Monolithic Slab Foundations

Between the two slab foundation types, monolithic slab foundations – or slab-on-grade foundations – are the cheapest and simplest option you can select for your structure. This type of foundation is also considered a low-maintenance and energy-efficient alternative to a basement or crawl space foundation, making it an excellent choice for homebuyers hoping to minimize their monthly energy bills. However, there are a few downsides related to this type of foundation that are important to consider.

For instance, all of your plumbing and electrical work is built underneath the slab in a monolithic slab foundation, which means a professional will have to break through the concrete to access your hookups if you begin experiencing issues with your drainage or wiring. On average, these repairs cost between $3,500 to $6,500, according to HD Foundations, Inc. However, some homeowners can end up paying upwards of $10,000 or more depending on the severity of the issue.

Another important aspect to consider with monolithic slab foundations is that there are more limitations to where you can build them. For instance, monolithic slab foundations are not feasible in areas susceptible to flooding or ground freezing because of the increased risk of cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. Monolithic slab foundations are, however, best suited for land that has already been leveled or one with very little fill dirt required, considering monolithic slabs can crack easily if the soil is not properly compacted. This makes monolithic slab foundations ideal for clients planning to build on a subdivision or developed land in relatively mild climates like Oregon or Washington.

Stem Wall Foundations

In instances where a monolithic slab foundation isn’t feasible or recommended for your property, stem wall foundations can be a great alternative. Compared to a monolithic slab foundation, this is a much better foundation method for several reasons.

For starters, stem wall foundations are typically several feet high as opposed to several inches. This design not only gives your structure a striking elevated look but helps protect your building from flooding and other environmental hazards, particularly in coastal regions. This type of foundation is also used for sites where a lot of fill dirt is required and is generally more stable. This is because stem wall foundations rest on concrete footers and exterior walls, leaving the inside portion open aside from the addition of piers. With fill dirt added to the interior section, this offers another layer of protection for your structure.

Additionally, this design allows easy access to plumbing and electrical hookups so clients can fix any problems as needed without jackhammering their concrete slab. The only setback is that stem wall foundations take longer to build and are generally more expensive upfront than monolithic slab foundations. That said, stem wall foundations are perfect for clients seeking an exceptionally stable foundation adaptable to their site and needs.

Basement Foundations

Basement foundations are commonly found in colder climates like the Midwest and Northeast regions. However, there are plenty of reasons to build a basement foundation outside their ability to handle brutal winters and storms. From increased square footage to providing extra strength for your structure, basement foundations are worthwhile investments that add value and functionality to your building. DC Builders typically offers both full basement foundations and daylight basement foundations. The decision between the two largely depends on your site, as either option benefits different properties.

Full Basement Foundations

A full basement foundation is ideal for clients living in climates susceptible to extreme weather storms like blizzards and tornadoes. This type of foundation is typically dug eight feet deep or more into the ground and built with concrete structural walls that rest on footings installed below the frost line. This construction method not only protects your foundation from cracking or buckling during ground freeze but also keeps your structure rooted firmly to the ground. As a result, you can enjoy a foundation that preserves its strength and stability over time — all while providing you and your family with a haven in unfavorable conditions.

Another bonus of building a full basement foundation is being able to enjoy an extra level of living space below your existing floors. While some homeowners choose to utilize their basement area for storage, many end up insulating their basement to use it as a man cave, private office area, or guest bedroom. With a basement foundation, clients can also benefit from easy access to all their plumbing and electrical hookups. This makes the process of repairing any drainage or electrical issues much easier for you and your repairman, as you can assess any issues by simply walking downstairs as opposed to having to crawl through your foundation or jackhammer your concrete slab foundation.

Something else to keep in mind with basement foundations is that this foundation type is one of the more expensive options available, especially if you decide to condition your basement area. In addition to construction costs, you have to factor in how much you want to spend monthly on energy bills, as finished basements will increase your heating and cooling expenses. Because basements are built into the ground, this foundation type is also more susceptible to flooding. However, with proper drainage solutions in place, you can prevent your basement area from potential flooding.

Daylight Basement Foundations

Similar to a full basement foundation, a daylight basement foundation is traditionally dug eight feet deep or more into the ground and anchored by footings placed below the frost line. The main difference between these two foundation types is that daylight basement foundations have one or more walls that open to the outside and are often designed with windows or doors that allow natural light to pour through the space. Commonly referred to as walk-out basements, this foundation type is perfect for clients planning to build their structure on a hillside or sloped lot, as one or more walls can be built into the hillside while walls on the descending slope offer stunning property views.

As with full basement foundations, clients who decide to build a daylight basement foundation can enjoy an entire level of living space in addition to their main residence, plus the bonus of having a naturally well-lit basement. However, it’s important to note that this foundation type is the most expensive option of all, considering there’s a lot more site preparation and construction that goes into building a basement on a sloped lot. In terms of cost, clients can expect to pay about $20,000 more for a daylight basement foundation than if you were to have a full basement foundation. That said, the decision between the two depends on what you plan to do with your basement area and if you’d prefer to take advantage of your property views from every level.

Crawl Space Foundations

Crawl space foundations are the standard for most conventional homes in warmer climates. This elevated foundation type is made of short concrete walls that are typically four feet tall and rest on concrete footers. In comparison to stem wall foundations, crawl space foundations may seem similar, as both utilize concrete walls to form the perimeter support system and piers for structural support. However, the primary difference is that the top layer of a crawl space foundation is created with wooden floor joists while a stem wall ceiling is made of a concrete slab.

Crawl space foundations are slightly more expensive than concrete slab foundations to build but offer several benefits for homeowners that monolithic slabs do not. For instance, crawl space foundations are ideal for clients in areas susceptible to flooding or earthquakes due to their raised elevation and resilience to ground shifting. Their design also allows clients to easily access their utilities if any issues arise, considering the space between the footings and floor trusses provides enough room for someone to crawl under the home and inspect their hookups. Crawl space foundations can also be built on a sloped property with little excavation or site preparation required, making them a cost-effective investment for clients with sloped lots in hotter regions.

That said, crawl space foundations are not well insulated and can harbor pests if not properly maintained. This type of foundation can also trap moisture, which might lead to issues associated with water damage. For this reason, clients should consider adding insulation and waterproofing solutions to their crawl space foundations as a means of minimizing issues related to water damage and reducing their energy bills.

No matter what foundation type you choose for your structure, DC Builders is here to help you make the most of your investment. If you’re looking for something different than our standard foundation offerings, our team can design any type of foundation out there and is able to model your building around your selection, so long as it meets your local building codes.

Ready to get started on your project? Give us a call at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote today!

Custom Homes, Timber Frame

Why You Should Build a Timber Frame Home

/

It may surprise you to learn that timber framing is one of the oldest building methods still practiced today. In fact, timber frame construction is said to date back to the Neolithic times, with timber frame buildings appearing across continents nearly 12,000 years ago. While modern-day timber frame homes have changed drastically from those built thousands of years in the past, many of the qualities that made these buildings desirable throughout history remain as reasons to build a timber frame structure today–chief among them being their structural integrity, efficiency, and enduring beauty. If you’re debating whether or not to invest in a timber frame home for your property, here are a few characteristics of timber frame structures to consider as benefits for your build.

Structural Integrity

Aside from its attractive heavy timber aesthetic, perhaps the single biggest reason why timber framing has persisted to this day is because of its unparalleled durability. Timber frame construction relies on large heavy timber posts and beams connected by mortise and tenon joinery and other traditional and decorative joints to secure the frame of a structure. Due to the combined strength of the heavy timbers and joinery, a timber frame building is able to withstand extreme amounts of pressure and, in many instances, even natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis. According to Timber Framers Guild, the frames of a timber frame building are so strong that they can remain standing after 300 years.

As an added bonus, timber frame homes do not require load-bearing walls to support the upper floors and roof, as the heavy timbers and joints used create a durable building system that doesn’t need extra supports. As a result, homeowners can arrange their layout however they please and enjoy wide-open interiors throughout their home.

Ease of Construction

Similar to post and beam construction, all of the heavy timbers used to frame a timber frame structure are pre-cut, labeled, and drilled to precision prior to arriving on a job site. This method of prefabrication ensures that every piece of framing lumber is ready to be assembled and no additional on-site work is required. Since timber framing traditionally uses wooden pegs to join heavy timbers, any skilled framing crew is able to construct the frame of these structures with ease and often in record time compared to conventional builds.

Energy Efficiency

Timber frame homes are energy efficient by design, as wood is considered to be one of the best renewable building materials on the planet. As a naturally insulating material, wood creates a thermal envelope that protects against temperature transfer between the interior and exterior of a building. Wood also improves air quality by absorbing and releasing moisture in the air to maintain equilibrium. This means you’re not only able to enjoy a cozy indoor environment in all seasons, but also see significantly reduced power bills for heating and cooling.

Additionally, the development of new insulation techniques has allowed timber frame homes to reach new heights in terms of energy efficiency, namely through the use of structural insulated panels. Otherwise known as “SIPs,” these high-performance building solutions are engineered to create an impermeable barrier that prevents air leakage for superior insulation and comfort. When added to the design of our timber frame buildings, SIPs succeed in creating an air-tight envelope around the structure and help us meet high-performance building codes.

Flexible Design

As mentioned earlier, timber frame homes boast wide-open interiors due to the fact that these structures don’t require load-bearing walls to support the frame of the structure. This allows homeowners to create a floor plan that perfectly suits their needs and vision. Since the walls of the structure are typically positioned on the outside of the frame, homeowners can also enjoy exposed heavy timbers in their living space and even design entire rooms around their timber centerpieces. With our vast heavy timber supply, clients can choose from a variety of select-structural grade lumber for their timber frame design, including builder-favorite Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and redwood. We source the finest heavy timbers from our mill-direct connections in the Pacific Northwest to provide clients with the best and highest quality options for their distinct build.

Timeless Appearance

Last but certainly not least, timber frame homes are widely beloved for their meticulous craftsmanship and rustic charm. Considered to be one of the most beautiful architectural styles in existence, timber frame residences are designed with an abundance of stunning details that make them endlessly fascinating for occupants and visitors. From their structural and decorative trusses to their seamless timber connections, timber frame homes showcase the best attributes of your building in every aspect and make excellent family homes that homeowners can be proud to pass down to subsequent generations.

If you’re interested in learning more about our timber frame capabilities, be sure to get in touch with our team today by calling 888-975-2057 or sending us a note!

For clients seeking an existing timber frame design, be sure to check out our sister company DC Structures’ line of pre-engineered timber frame home kits.

Wedding Barns

Why Wedding Barns Will Bring Big Payoffs in 2021

/ Leave a comment

With more than half of U.S. states issuing statewide lockdowns in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, millions of Americans are grappling with the fact that they will have to postpone or cancel social gatherings and travel plans until restrictions lift. The disruption to everyday life has caused thousands of businesses to suspend operations in the interim, with many major industries dealing with setbacks beyond what they anticipated for spring. Of these major industries, one of the biggest to experience a wave of postponements is the wedding and event planning industry.

With the majority of the country being forced to stay inside, springtime weddings are officially cancelled until further notice, with many couples postponing their wedding to later in 2020. To put the number of cancellations and postponements into perspective, recent surveys estimate that 6.5% of couples are cancelling their weddings, 28% are moving their date back to later in 2020, 22.5% are postponing until 2021, and 43% have yet to decide what they will do. While this means wedding industry professionals will likely take a huge hit to profits this season, these statistics suggest that the $54.4 billion wedding industry is gearing up to see an overwhelming amount of bookings in late 2020 and 2021. Likely more than they can handle.

Anyone in the wedding and event industry knows that couples typically book their wedding reception site at least nine months to a year before their date. With the majority of couples being forced to postpone their wedding date, this suggests that those who haven’t booked their venue yet will need to start their search as soon as possible if they plan to marry in 2021. Experts say that because of these postponements, the market for weddings is anticipated to look very different in the next 12 months. The expectation is that popular venues and florists will be snapped up quickly, leaving millions of couples to continue the search for their ideal wedding destination, and weekday weddings, brunch events, and smaller weddings will see a steady rise in popularity as venues struggle to keep up with demand.

This presents a considerable opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to break into the wedding and event planning industry in 2021. With millions of couples looking ahead to next spring for their big day, wedding venues can expect a big payout in coming months that will undoubtedly make up for lost profits this spring – our clients’ wedding barns included.

At DC Builders, we’ve designed dozens of beautiful wedding venues across the country that cater to the needs of today’s bride and groom. Built in the reliable method of post and beam construction, our wedding barns feature wide-open main halls characterized by their soaring ceilings and exposed heavy timbers sourced from the Pacific Northwest – perfect for any bride and groom seeking a uniquely romantic venue for their big day. Furthermore, our flexible design capabilities make it easy for our clients to craft the perfect wedding barn for their clientele, whether that be an intimate reception venue or an elegant wedding barn with an all-encompassing design.

As nontraditional wedding venues continue to grow in popularity, we anticipate that the demand for countryside ceremonies will see an unprecedented high in the next year. If you’re considering investing in a wedding barn of your own, there’s no time like the present to start building your structure and no better team to work with than DC Builders.

Request a quote today if you’re ready to launch your event business!

Barn Homes, Coming Soon, Construction, Current Projects, Custom Homes

Project Preview: Sandy Foursquare Home

/ Leave a comment

As the nationwide leader in one-of-a-kind wood structures, we’re constantly working on several projects all over the country. From custom wineries in Oregon to all-encompassing wedding barns in Tennessee, we’re known for designing some of the most versatile all-wood buildings in the nation; and this beautiful custom home in Sandy, Oregon is no exception.

Currently, DC Builders is finishing construction on an American Foursquare home located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range. This 2,853 sq. ft. residence features an open concept living, dining and kitchen area that are partially separated by half walls on the first floor, as well as a private study and walk-in pantry.

Upstairs, our clients can enjoy four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a spacious third-story attic that they intend to use as an entertainment room for their kids. A pagoda-style dormer was added to create additional headroom in the attic area.

Inside, you’ll find a number of special design details including Craftsman style built-ins, custom in-lays, and box beam ceilings in line with the traditional interior of many Foursquare homes built between the 1890s and 1930s.

While vastly different from our traditional barn homes, this custom home displays a number of our signature markings throughout. This includes stained wood trim around the windows and doors, as well as cedar lap siding and fascia sourced from the Pacific Northwest.

Stay tuned for more photos of the finished project this spring!

Considering investing in a custom home for your property? Be sure to request our digital catalog today to learn more about our customizable barn and barn home kits.

Apartment Barns, Garage with Living Quarters, Lifestyle, Tiny Homes

Tips for Living in a Small Space

/ Leave a comment

Not everyone dreams of living in a big mansion. People who choose to live in small spaces have a variety of reasons for doing so, whether that be finances, desiring a minimalistic lifestyle, or simply not wanting to clean five bedrooms and bathrooms at a time. As tiny homes and co-living spaces grow in popularity, even those who are not self-described minimalists are warming up to the idea of living with fewer things. If you’re considering downsizing your home, here are some ways you can make the most out of living in a smaller space.

Ignore the Rules

Forget everything our teachers taught us and throw the rulebook right out your second story window. One of the best ways to thrive in a small space is to look at everything you currently own and assess how it could best function within each room. For example, a desktop computer in your bedroom can double as a television. A couch and coffee table in your living room can transform into a cozy dining table for two. Even your shower rod could turn into an indoor clothesline. It’s all about using your creativity to make the most of what you’re given. That, I’m sure, your former professors can appreciate.

Use Multifunctional Items 

When you’re living with fewer items, it’s essential to maximize on the multifunctionality of everything in your space. Storage ottomans and cabinet drawers are a few examples of areas in your home that can help you stay organized and keep personal items stored away. Depending on the size of your home, you may want to consider investing in a wall bed so you can make the most of your living area during the daytime. Another testament to multi-use living is seen in garages with attached living quarters, where owners can work by day in their garage and utilize their living space at any time.

Say Goodbye to Clutter

One of the greatest benefits to living in a small space is learning to de-clutter. Often, home owners with more space will cram memorabilia and unnecessary junk into any unused room in their house, namely their garage and closets. Sometimes it can get to the point where people have accumulated so much junk, they don’t even know how to start removing it. With a smaller living space, you’re forced to consider every new purchase or decorative item and the value it brings to your home.

Look at Everything As If You’re Moving

If you were to move into a tiny living space today, what items would you bring and what would you get rid of? Think about it, because this is the exact mentality you would need to have while living in a smaller space. When visualizing the layout of your small home, look over everything you currently own to determine what should stay or go. Guaranteed you’ll feel better once you do!

Find a Home for Everything

Not everything you own will fit seamlessly into a smaller living space. Your beloved pool table and grand piano will most definitely have to go if you plan on purchasing a tiny home or small apartment. However, this doesn’t have to be a negative thing. The main purpose behind the process will be to show you what is most important in your life as opposed to what simply exists for added entertainment.

For more helpful tips on de-cluttering your space, be sure to visit this article from Good Housekeeping that will help you maintain an organized, minimalistic living area.

Barns with Living Quarters, Garage with Living Quarters, Lifestyle

How to Organize a Garage or Workshop

/ Leave a comment

Keeping your garage or workshop clean can be difficult, especially if you’re working in the space on a daily basis. While it’s tempting to toss a bunch of junk and memorabilia in the garage, as it is to leave tools and materials lying around a workshop, consistently tripping over your vinyl records doesn’t exactly make for the most productive workday. Instead, it’s important to take a strategic approach to organizing your garage or workshop so you can maximize your time and ensure the success of your projects. Here are some ways you can make the most of your space while keeping it clear of chaos.

The Deep Clean

Doing a deep clean of messy garages and workshops isn’t as intense as it sounds. Often times, it just means starting with the smallest things first and working your way up from there. This step is for people with garages and workshops in disarray who might need a little motivation to start the cleaning process.

Organize

One of the best ways you can start your deep clean is by making piles for items you want to keep, throw away, or donate. This helps you better understand what you need so you can design a space centered on making these important items more accessible. Luckily, there are plenty of places in every city that welcome donations, regardless of what the item may be. If you’re looking to donate specific supplies, we recommend checking out this article by Consumer Reports that details where to donate heavy-duty items like appliances and building tools.

Relocate

Some items you choose to keep simply shouldn’t be stored in a garage or workshop. For instance, pet food should be relocated to an area of your house where pests can’t easily break into it. Similarly, propane tanks can be ignited by vehicle sparks and thus should not be stored near your vehicle. It’s important to critically think about how each item functions in your garage or workshop, and decide from there if it works in the space or needs to be relocated.

The Floor Plan

Another great way of keeping your garage or workshop organized is by drafting a floor plan that outlines where everything will be stored in the space. This is especially helpful if your garage and living space are joined. Noting the location and dimensions of doors, outlets, and windows is recommended so you can plan to keep those areas clear of any blockages. Otherwise, here are some helpful tips for designing your floor plan:

  • Categorize items and put them in the same spot so you know where to look for certain supplies.
  • Place items used often near the doorway, this way you can easily access them once you start your workday.
  • Put seasonal and other rarely used items in the areas hardest to access.
  • Store bulky items in areas away from vehicles so they won’t get damaged

The Storage

When working in a smaller structure like a workshop or garage, it’s important to have plenty of floor space. For this reason, it’s crucial to invest in shelves and storage bins to ensure messy piles don’t collect on the floor of your workspace. It’s generally recommended to purchase clear, stackable bins so you can easily spot out the items you need and be able to keep them stored together.

 

 

Barn Homes, Barns, Barns with Living Quarters, Lifestyle

Should You Buy a House?

/ Leave a comment

It goes without saying – buying a home is a major decision. Even people who have saved up for years question whether or not it’s the right time to purchase a home, especially in a market where housing prices are record high. And while it can be a confusing and difficult process, buying a home can also be a very exciting time. If you’re on the fence, here are some basic things prospective homebuyers need to consider before buying or building their own home.

You Feel Ready

It may seem like common sense, but listening to your gut is sometimes the best way of realizing whether or not it’s the right time to buy or build your own home. Societal pressures such as getting married or having kids can often override someone’s sense of self-awareness, but it’s crucial to make decisions according to your own comfort. So ask yourself, is this something you want to do because it aligns with your goals or is it something you feel you need to do in order to be accepted by others? If it’s the latter, maybe it’s time to take a step back and try to re-evaluate what your priorities are. I guarantee it will give you a better sense of clarity than following a how-to guidebook on adulthood.

You Are Financially Stable

Again, it’s common knowledge that you should be financially stable before buying or building a home, but you might be surprised to discover the many factors that go into purchasing a home, such as your credit score, job security, and savings.

Do You Have a Good Credit Score?

According to NerdWallet, a credit score of 620 is typically the minimum that mortgage lenders will accept for homebuyers. Sometimes lenders will go as low as 580 or below, but it’s more likely you’ll be approved for a loan if your credit score is between 680 and 740. Paying your bills on time and keeping balances low on credit cards is a great way of raising your credit score.

Is Your Job Secure?

Sure, you may have a really good job with a great salary and benefits, but is it a guarantee that job will last forever or otherwise propel you into the next job if you get laid off unexpectedly? Prospective homeowners need to consider if their consistent source of income will be just that – consistent. Even if you have enough savings, it’s essential to make sure you’ll have a steady income to keep up with monthly home payments.

Do You Have Savings?

People seeking to buy or build a home should have a great deal of savings before finalizing their purchase. Savings are not only necessary for a down payment, but will also act as a safety net to protect buyers and their homes in case of any unforeseen emergencies. Losing your job and natural disasters are some of many circumstances that make savings key before deciding to purchase a home.

Home Ownership Aligns With Your Long Term Goals

Some people dream of traveling the world, while others envision settling down and buying a home near family and friends. Prospective homebuyers should determine if they plan to keep their job long-term and if the location aligns with their vision for the future. Other factors to consider are your current family size, if you plan on having more kids, the type and size of home you will need, and the lifestyle you want to live. If you still have dreams of traveling the world or living in several cities over the next couple years, buying a home is probably not the best decision for right now.

If you’re still interested in buying a home, but feel like you need more information before finalizing your purchase, we recommend reading this article by Bankrate that discusses the home buying process in depth and the Forbes 2019 real estate forecast.