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.

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. 

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.

Adjustments for Aging in Place Home Design

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.

According to Susan Wright from the AIA New York Chapter Design for Aging Committee, “subtle design choices can have a profound impact on how long you can comfortably live in your own home, without compromising your aesthetic aims.”

Adding these small changes sooner will not only save you time and money in the long run, but it will allow you and your partner to stay in your home longer, which has been proven to help seniors have greater health and happiness outcomes.

Read the full article about adding aging in place elements to your design with a home remodeling company on our website!

How can Alpha Design + Build 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, 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.