Create a Cozy, Welcoming Home in 2024

There are so many ways to make your home feel warm and inviting, and there’s never been a better time than in winter to make a change!

Even if you prefer a simplistic, modern style for your home, you can balance a clean and tidy space with cozy textures.

1. A cozy, cushioned runner for the kitchen – Kitchens can feel sterile or boring, so make yours feel warmer and cozier with a cushioned rug! Choose one that’s machine washable for easy cleaning.
2. Table lamps and warm lighting – Avoid using the ceiling light when you want to relax for an extra cozy feeling. Instead, add other light sources throughout your home like sconces, floor lamps, and table lamps for warm, subtle lighting.
3. Warm wood tones – Include warm wood tones in your décor! Consider a white oak console table, or a light wood toned coffee table in the middle of the room to warm up your space.

More design ideas are on our website! 

Your custom design + build experts in Ann Arbor!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Big Design Impact for Your Small Home with These Tips!

Want to create the illusion of a bigger floor plan in your home? 

There are a few options that can make your home feel larger, and give you the space you want to entertain or hang out with the family.

One option is to screen-in your porch or backyard deck. Not only will this make the space usable year-round, but it will give the illusion of added living space in your home. Add sheer drapes or curtains to your screens to give it a more polished look and provide privacy. 

Use smart storage in the kitchen and living areas to maximize living space and hide clutter. Lots of items on the tables or countertops will make an already small space feel even more tight, so consider slide-out racks for spices, baking sheets, and other kitchen utilities. In the living areas, consider built-ins on the walls to help store books, movies, and even toys and extra blankets.

Read more on our website!

All Smiles from Start to Finish!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Maximize Space with These Home Renovation Solutions

Do you live in a small home?

Don’t have the cash saved up for a full-scale remodel?

With smart, mini makeover projects, you can maximize the square footage in your home without compromising on style.

Consider:

1. Opening up your space: Look at the overall structure of your home. Are there lots of walls and separate rooms? In older homes, separate rooms for relaxing, dining, and sleeping were the norm, where today’s remodeling projects often call for open floor plans. Tightly compartmentalized rooms and hallways can make an already small home feel smaller, so consider opening at least some of the space if your budget allows.
2. Creating zones: If you already have an open floor plan or will be creating one in your home renovation project, you can create visual separation of your space or “zones” for separate activities. For example, use varied flooring material or rugs to maintain the distinction between the living room and kitchen. Some homeowners even opt for a half wall to open up the space, but still keep them separate.

Read more on our website!

All Smiles from Start to Finish!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Aging-in-Place Home Remodeling Checklist

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve not only made your house a home by adding furniture, colors, and décor, but you’ve also filled the space with memories.

A house truly becomes a home when we can picture ourselves staying long term. Whether you’ve built your home from the ground up or bought your dream home and are remodeling, there are a few changes you can implement to keep your home safe and accessible as you age.

First, for the overall floor plan:

• Consider making your main living space on a single story, including a full bath
• Get rid of any steps between rooms/areas on the main level
• Hallways should be wide and well-lit
• Add plenty of windows for natural light, but make sure they have easy to operate hardware

Second, consider the kitchen and appliances:

• Add roll out trays and a lazy susan to your lower cabinets
• Consider appliances with easy-to-read controls and at counter height
• Add under-counter seating for work spaces in the kitchen

Read more about aging-in-place home design on our website!

How can a Home Remodeling Company in Ann Arbor Help with Aging in Place?

Our professional designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re an empty-nester, we can help you consider aging-in-place principles when renovating that will not only look great, but make your life easier.

Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you with home remodeling, and our project managers, carpenters, and tradesmen have the skills to get the job done. At Alpha Design + Build, we believe that a properly designed project is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!

Contact us today to set up a consultation, and start creating your dream home with the help of an expert home remodeling company in Ann Arbor.

Home Design for Aging in Place

What do you love best about your home?

Maybe you have a historic home and love the stories that come with it. If you’ve remodeled and designed your home, maybe your favorite part is remembering the hard work that went into the project.

Multi-generational home design is becoming more and more popular, especially with the passing of the COVID-19 pandemic, where more of us were at home, getting to know our neighbors, and spending time making our homes into our oasis.

Here are some home design tips to consider incorporating into your remodel that will help keep you in your home longer:

1. Wall switches with LED nightlights
2. Pull-down shelving in upper wall cabinets (this avoids the need for a step stool, which can increase the risk of a fall in older adults)
3. LED-integrated light fixtures where bulbs don’t need to be replaced

Read more about aging-in-place home design on our website!

How can a Home Remodeling Company in Ann Arbor Help with Aging in Place?

Our professional designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re an empty-nester, we can help you consider aging-in-place principles when renovating that will not only look great, but make your life easier.

Our design team has the knowledge and expertise to help you with home remodeling, and our project managers, carpenters, and tradesmen have the skills to get the job done. At Alpha Design + Build, we believe that a properly designed project is less expensive, completed more quickly, and has fewer cost overruns than a project done “on the fly”. Our process puts you first!

Contact us today to set up a consultation, and start creating your dream home with the help of an expert home remodeling company in Ann Arbor.

Recycled Flooring for Your Home Remodel

Looking for new ideas to spruce up your home?

Do you want something unique, eco-friendly, and beautiful for your flooring?

While you’re giving extra thought to the type of materials used in your remodel, also consider recycled materials, particularly for flooring.

Recycled flooring can be as beautiful, durable, and comfortable as their more traditional counterparts, and they’re better for the environment because they’re made from clean, renewable sources.

Some options include:

1. Natural-fiber carpeting
2. Bamboo
3. Cork parquet or planks
4. Reclaimed and salvaged wood
5. Terrazzo tiles or planks

Read more about natural vs. man-made materials on our website!

Your Custom Design + Build Experts!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home remodeling in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Pros and Cons of Natural Materials for Your Home Remodel

Love the look of natural materials?

Don’t love the cost and maintenance?

Looking for a balance between natural beauty and convenience?

Man-made materials that mimic the look of natural elements can expand your decorating options while saving you money. On the other hand, man-made products can require a lot of energy to produce, inflating the carbon cost.

How do you decide which materials to choose for your home remodeling project?

1. Natural stones like marble, limestone, and granite need to be sealed regularly. They scratch easily because they’re a softer stone.
2. Stone tiles can be two or three times more expensive than ceramic tiles, and can cost twice as much to install, in some cases. Additionally, ceramic tiles hold up well against moisture after they’re properly grouted and sealed. 

Read more about choosing the right materials for your home remodel on our website.

Start Your Dream Home Remodeling Project Today

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home remodeling in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Home Renovation Trends: Bring the Outdoors Inside

The outdoors has natural appeal to all of us. Finding a way to bring the outdoors inside is important as it can make you feel refreshed, calm, and more at peace!

1. Use natural fibers, textures and patterns
2. Use colors like green, inspired by the outdoors
3. Use natural flooring like wood, cork, or bamboo
4. Let in natural light with light, white fabrics to brighten up any room

More ideas for home renovation are on our website!

Choose Alpha Design + Build for Home Renovation in Ann Arbor

We understand that most building and remodeling projects are a major investment for our clients, and they can be a nerve-wracking foray into the unknown. You may be worried that someone will take advantage of you. You may have heard some frightening first-hand accounts of remodeling nightmares. We’ve worked with many clients who say, “I sure wish we had hired you last time.”

Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Thinking about starting a home renovation in Ann Arbor? We’d love to hear about your project. Contact us today!

Start Your Home Renovation with a Workstation Kitchen

Want to improve the functionality of your kitchen this year?

Do you wish you had the space and tools to be more efficient with meal-prepping and packing lunches?

One of the biggest home renovation trends for 2023 is a workstation kitchen, combining the tools of a commercial kitchen with the needs you have to make your home more efficient. 

Here are some tasks made easier by workstation kitchen sinks:

1. Rinsing produce
2. Chopping veggies
3. Straining pasta
4. Drying dishes

Other ways you can make your kitchen more efficient are to choose items that do double duty – mason jars that are for drinking as well as food storage; and corner cabinet storage that maximizes space that might be otherwise overlooked.

Read more about how to make your home renovation dreams come to life!

Choose Alpha Design + Build for Home Renovation in Ann Arbor

We understand that most building and remodeling projects are a major investment for our clients, and they can be a nerve-wracking foray into the unknown. You may be worried that someone will take advantage of you. You may have heard some frightening first-hand accounts of remodeling nightmares. We’ve worked with many clients who say, “I sure wish we had hired you last time.”

Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Thinking about starting a home renovation in Ann Arbor? We’d love to hear about your project. Contact us today!

Kitchen and Bath Upgrades for 2023

Looking for kitchen and bath design ideas for the new year?

These high-use areas of your home may need a makeover! Switching out countertops, adding light fixtures, and replacing old appliances are sure to be the top of many homeowners’ lists this year.

Here are some upgrades you can make:

1. Lighter and brighter spaces: Huge windows, light hues, and reflective materials will boost the glow in your kitchen or bathroom. 
2. Family focus: Cozy spaces with enough seating for your family are more important than ever in 2023. Large kitchen islands double as a workstation, homework zone, or even for family game night allow you to spend more time with everyone you love!

Read more about home renovation trends for 2023 on our website!

Your custom design + build experts!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space.

Eco-Friendly Home Renovation Trends for 2023

Want to go green on your next home renovation project?

As homeowners look to cut costs and make homes more eco-friendly, homeowners will look for opportunities to install solar panels, add insulation, and low-flush toilets.

Here are more ideas for eco-friendly upgrades:

1. Composite decking: Often made from a combo of wood waste and recycled plastic, this type of decking is strong, long-lasting, and won’t warp.
2. Use local materials: Try bamboo for flooring or countertops, and even concrete. Because these readily-available materials are sourced locally, they don’t have to travel on multiple tractor-trailers and save fuel. 
3. Solar energy: Solar panels can be expensive initially, but when you start using the energy they produce, you’ll save money in the long run.
4. Used recycled items: Whether it’s furniture, art, or anything else, try to buy something recycled or reclaimed rather than brand new. The fewer new things you buy, less ends up in a landfill. 

Read more about home renovation trends for 2023 on our website!

Your custom design + build experts!

The hardest space to re-envision is usually the one you live in -- even for professional designers! Sometimes clients begin the design conversation by telling us, “I know there’s nothing you can do about this layout…” We prefer to begin with the assumption that there’s not much we can’t do. 

Our local know-how ensures a smooth process. Although Ann Arbor is our home, we’ve been working with building officials in jurisdictions from Jackson to Livonia since 1989. You can be confident that your project will be designed right the first time and will meet local requirements.

Contact us today for home renovation in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities! We can help you breathe new life into your space. 

Get More Use Out of Your Basement!

Do you have a hard time figuring out how to find space for home schooling, working from home, or working out?

Do you think your basement would be a good place to fit all these needs, but you’re not sure how to make it happen?

Homes that have extra, unused basement space are great for multipurpose rooms, but it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start.

Here’s a few additional tips for maximum storage and functionality:

1. Utilize multi-functional furnishings: Pieces that fold away neatly to free up floor space, or double-duty pieces that can transform into something else entirely are key to making a room work for several activities. A fold-away desk or furniture that doubles as storage space are great ideas.
2. Don’t overlook corners: The addition of L-shaped corner desks or corner shelving can improve space that might be otherwise overlooked or under-utilized. Added shelving can multiply a room’s storage space, freeing up floors and closets.
3. Look up: Vertical expansion is key! Walls are valuable real estate for hanging chairs, and fold-up furniture. If you don’t have much wall space, you can also use the back of doors for hanging storage.
4. Clear the clutter: Creative storage options like walk-in closets with shallow cabinets, wall hooks, and a built-in shelving will help you keep a space clean and easier to transform depending on your needs. The key here is having a dedicated storage spot for toys, craft supplies, and workout gear. When every item has its place, you can find what you need quickly.

Read more creative ideas for a multi-functional home remodel on our website!

Making your space work best for your family can be done efficiently, and with a new remodel, you can get a custom design that includes the best storage options you need. Whether it’s a kitchen, bath, basement, addition, or remodeling your entire house, we’ve built our 30+ year reputation on exacting design and workmanship

Let our interior designers and craftsmen team up to create the perfect space for your needs! Contact us today to get started on your home remodeling project!

Plan Out Your Dream Retro Space!

There’s are so many home renovation ideas that are a blast from the past with a modern twist. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious bathroom upgrade with a freestanding tub for a vintage touch or want some fifties fun incorporated into your design, Alpha Design + Build can make it happen!

We can also help you breathe new life into your historic Ann Arbor home. Keep the traditional elements that made you fall in love with your space, but make them beautiful and functional to best suit your needs.

What's trendy in retro design? Go classic with your hardware. Stainless steel is old news! Warm up your spaces with brass and copper elements and fixtures.

Contact the Experts About Home Renovation in Ann Arbor

Our professional designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re looking for a retro modern design, our team can work with you on a design that will fit your needs. We’ll brings your vision to life, and our experienced contractors have the know-how to make it happen on time and on budget!

Contact us today to set up a consultation for a home renovation for your Ann Arbor home with the help of our design team.

Go Retro with Classic Cabinets and Freestanding Tubs

Looking for a style refresh?

Use a home renovation in Ann Arbor as an opportunity to go retro this summer.

Some retro trends involve more than vintage-style appliances!

For example, Shaker and Craftsman-style cabinetry showcase a simple yet functional design that can make either a classic or current statement in your kitchen.

In the bathroom and powder room, go for freestanding tubs. Vintage tubs have regained the spotlight as a luxurious upgrade with a wide range of custom finishes and styles. Add elegance to your space with a clawfoot tub and classic black and white tile flooring.

Contact the Experts About Home Renovation in Ann Arbor

Our professional designers are passionate about what they do. We’ll help you imagine new ways to live in and love your space! If you’re looking for a retro modern design, our team can work with you on a design that will fit your needs. We’ll bring your vision to life, and our experienced contractors have the know-how to make it happen on time and on budget!

Contact us today to set up a consultation for a home renovation for your Ann Arbor home with the help of our design team.

Stylish Laundry Room Remodel Ideas

Believe it or not, your laundry room can be just as stylish and organized as the rest of your house!

The laundry room doesn’t have to be a room you dread. From painted cabinetry and detailed tile work, there are plenty of design ideas that will make you feel inspired in this often forgotten about space.

1. Consider mixed patterns: Creative wallpaper contrasting with patterned marble countertops can give your laundry room a fresh, bright look.
2. Natural wood: Natural wood can give your laundry room a cozy, cabin feel.
3. Serene spa: Decorate with house plants and woven baskets for storage to make your laundry room feel like a Zen spa.
   

Want more ideas about how to spruce up this area of your home?

Read the full article about home renovation and laundry room design on our website!

Our team includes professional designers, project managers, and master carpenters working together to provide beautiful custom living spaces and ensuring our clients have a smile on their faces from start to finish!

Call Alpha Design + Build for your home renovation in Ann Arbor, including your laundry room.

Design and Organization Ideas for Small Laundry Spaces

Looking for a way to make the most out of a small laundry room?

Doing laundry is unavoidable, and since you spend a considerable amount of time washing, drying, and folding each week, it only makes sense to design a laundry room that makes this never-ending chore more tolerable.

Remember, your laundry room should work for you! From stacking the washing machine and dryer to using top-loading washing machines, you can make any size space the perfect space for your needs.

• Make sorting easy: Hide pull out shelves in a below-counter cabinet to house hampers that will help you sort your whites, darks, and delicates.
• Elevate your machines: Ease the strain of loading and unloading by raising your machines. Some machines come with a riser kit for an easy fix.
• Build a countertop: Install a countertop on top of your front-loading machines to give you plenty of space to store laundry essentials and fold clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer.

Read more laundry room design and home renovation ideas on our website!

Our team includes professional designers, project managers, and master carpenters working together to provide beautiful custom living spaces and ensuring our clients have a smile on their faces from start to finish!

To finally get the laundry room that works for you, call Alpha Design + Build for your home renovation in Ann Arbor. We’ll talk with you about the best options and dream design for your space, and make your vision come to life. Contact us today!

No Design Fees for First Responders in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties through July 15!

At Alpha Design + Build, we’re so thankful for our dedicated first responders. To show our appreciation, qualified first responders will have their design fees credited to their project when they sign a construction agreement by July 15, 2020.

"Our first responders are on the front lines putting themselves at risk to care for us. When they do have a chance to come home to rest, we want to help ensure they have a beautiful space they can relax in and enjoy. If waiving the design fees for our services can help in that regard or let us say "thanks," we're honored to do so."

To learn more about how we can help bring your dream home to life, call us at 734-769-1900, or contact us on our website.

As a Design Build remodeler, Alpha Design + Build is accountable for the entire project, including how the end result looks, how much it costs, and how quickly it is completed. As experts in both design and construction, they know how buildings come together and consider all aspects of the project -- from fees to scheduling -- early in the process which often results in lower total cost, fewer overruns, faster construction, and better continuity.

Take Away the Stress of Moving By Doing Home Remodeling First

Feeling the stress of moving into a new home?

Trying to tackle all your home remodeling projects before you move?

Moving can be stressful enough — make it less complicated by getting some of your home improvement projects out of the way before all the boxes and furniture get in the way.

If time and budget allows it, you should consider adding personal touches to your dream home before you move in. An empty home with no furniture is easiest to paint, install new flooring, or tear down a few walls.

Hire Ann Arbor-Based Alpha Design + Build to Help with Your Home Remodeling Projects!

Along with our training and experience, we can lend you a fresh set of eyes. We're experts at space planning and in almost every case, we really can improve your layout by:

• Opening closed-off living spaces and relating them across your whole home
• Reclaiming awkward or unused rooms
• Creating a ground-floor master suite
• Turning a porch space into year-round living space

Read more on our website!

Why You Should Tackle Home Remodeling Before Moving

Have you recently purchased a home? Is it move-in ready, or a fixer upper?

Are you building from scratch?

It seems like owning a home automatically means adding home remodeling projects to your to-do list, whether you do them now, or five years from now.

If time and budget allows it, you should consider adding personal touches to your dream home before you move in. An empty home with no furniture is easiest to paint, install new flooring, or tear down a few walls.

Moving can be stressful enough – make it less complicated when you hire Alpha Design + Build to help you remodel your new Ann Arbor home!

Make Your Home Remodeling Project a Breeze

Along with our training and experience, we can lend you a fresh set of eyes. We're experts at space planning and in almost every case, we really can improve your layout by:

• Opening closed-off living spaces and relating them across your whole home
• Reclaiming awkward or unused rooms
• Creating a ground-floor master suite
• Turning a porch space into year-round living space

Read more on our website!

Starting a Home Remodel? Tips for Budget, Timeline, and More

Are you beginning a home remodeling project?

Do you know how to find the right contracting team to get the job done? What about a designer, or even an architect? Do you know who to trust with your home?

Not sure if you should try to tackle a project on your own? A lot of it has to do with your skill level. Taking on more than you can handle can be costly in the long run if you have problems down the line. Some projects that are best left to the professionals are plumbing and electrical, hardwood flooring, and any big structural changes.

Read more in our guide to hiring the best home remodelers on our website!

Alpha Design + Build Can Help with Your Home Remodeling Project in Ann Arbor and the Surrounding Communities!

We’re part of your community and deeply invested in our good standing here! Over 65% of our business comes from repeat clients and referrals. We want you to love your new spaces and call us back time and again over the years. We’ll be happy to introduce you to our past clients and the spaces we’ve created for them. Just give us a call to arrange a visit.