Southwynd

On Saturday March 21st, Brent Cantrell, 3 Pillar Homes superintendent, played with his band Southwynd at Autumn Lake Camp Ground in Sunbury. Brent plays drums with his band for local fundraisers, class reunions and just for fun! They put on another great performance on Saturday!

A Welcome Retreat

As life gets busier and stress levels increase, more and more people are turning to their homes as a place of refuge and escape.

As a professional builder, we've seen an increasing interest in the transformation of the master bedroom into an "owners' suite"; a true, in-home retreat area. This trend has evolved from a simple "bigger is better" approach to a more sophisticated variety of features that go far beyond square footage. Owners' suite retreats have been redefined as spa-like experiences to create a relaxing and revitalizing environment.

One characteristic of the new owners' suite is a built-in separation between the increasing number of functional spaces. The sleeping area, for example, is just that. It may even be tucked away from direct daylight to maintain a serene environment. Television, reading, and conversation areas, adjacent but separate from the sleeping quarters, might also feature a mini-kitchen for early-morning coffee, light snacks, or after-hours refreshments. Some owners' suites may include a separate exercise/massage area, small-scaled but exclusive laundry equipment, and perhaps a private balcony or deck to enjoy a peaceful view.

Similarly, the new master bathroom is segmented by both function and, in some cases, gender. A closet space, changing area or vestibule often provides a buffer between bedroom and the actual bathroom functions. An early-rising spouse can use the shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet without disturbing the other person's sleep.

Where space permits, owners may even be interested in separate, his-and-her master bathroom spaces. Though usually sharing one tub or shower setup, each may prefer his and her private toilet, sink and vanity, and perhaps closet space to eliminate any "competition" for those functions.

In addition to the separation of spaces and functions within these owners' suites, we've also observed a significant increase in products that serve those areas.

Closet organizing systems, for instance, are in great demand. A variety of components allow homeowners to create custom closet spaces for their particular needs. Shoe racks, drawers, cabinets, and closet rods combine to make much more efficient use of the space with the ability to change configuration as needs change.

To complete a luxury "spa" suite, homeowners may choose from products that create steam showers, gently warm the floor tile on chilly mornings, provide massage-like shower experiences, and deliver soothing effervescent bubbles within an overflow soaking bathtub.
As life's pressures mount, owners' suites have become an attractive alternative to the infrequent resort vacation. Owners' suites create a refuge that can be enjoyed every day.

A Welcome Retreat

As life gets busier and stress levels increase, more and more people are turning to their homes as a place of refuge and escape.

As a professional builder, we've seen an increasing interest in the transformation of the master bedroom into an "owners' suite"; a true, in-home retreat area. This trend has evolved from a simple "bigger is better" approach to a more sophisticated variety of features that go far beyond square footage. Owners' suite retreats have been redefined as spa-like experiences to create a relaxing and revitalizing environment.

One characteristic of the new owners' suite is a built-in separation between the increasing number of functional spaces. The sleeping area, for example, is just that. It may even be tucked away from direct daylight to maintain a serene environment. Television, reading, and conversation areas, adjacent but separate from the sleeping quarters, might also feature a mini-kitchen for early-morning coffee, light snacks, or after-hours refreshments. Some owners' suites may include a separate exercise/massage area, small-scaled but exclusive laundry equipment, and perhaps a private balcony or deck to enjoy a peaceful view.

Similarly, the new master bathroom is segmented by both function and, in some cases, gender. A closet space, changing area or vestibule often provides a buffer between bedroom and the actual bathroom functions. An early-rising spouse can use the shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet without disturbing the other person's sleep.

Where space permits, owners may even be interested in separate, his-and-her master bathroom spaces. Though usually sharing one tub or shower setup, each may prefer his and her private toilet, sink and vanity, and perhaps closet space to eliminate any "competition" for those functions.

In addition to the separation of spaces and functions within these owners' suites, we've also observed a significant increase in products that serve those areas.

Closet organizing systems, for instance, are in great demand. A variety of components allow homeowners to create custom closet spaces for their particular needs. Shoe racks, drawers, cabinets, and closet rods combine to make much more efficient use of the space with the ability to change configuration as needs change.

To complete a luxury "spa" suite, homeowners may choose from products that create steam showers, gently warm the floor tile on chilly mornings, provide massage-like shower experiences, and deliver soothing effervescent bubbles within an overflow soaking bathtub.
As life's pressures mount, owners' suites have become an attractive alternative to the infrequent resort vacation. Owners' suites create a refuge that can be enjoyed every day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRENT

We would like to extend a big Happy Birthday to our superintendent Brent Cantrell. Brent celebrated his birthday Monday March 16th!

Congratulations!

3 Pillar Homes would like to extend a big congratulation to 2 of our current homeowner’s. Chad and Mary Brisentine are proud new parents of baby girl MacKenzye born November 18th, 2008 and Charlie and Carrie Birch are second time parents of Carter Birch born February 12th, 2009. We wish both families the best of luck! The 3 Pillar Homes family is growing everyday!

Letters of Distinction

Do you know what CGR or CGB stands for? How about CAPS or AIA? Do letters after the name of an architect, builder or contractor confuse you or do they provide you with useful information?

In fact, these acronyms demonstrate something important: a commitment to professional business practices and project management skills that help ensure quality and a hassle-free experience for clients considering a construction project. Some acronyms can help you identify a builder's specialty. Others indicate a level of third-party support and certification regarding a contractor's ability to complete a project on time and on budget to a client's satisfaction.
Here's a primer on what some of the most common designations mean and why they are a component in the process of selecting the right builder or contractor for your project.
Certified Graduate Builder or Remodeler (CGB/CGR). Offered by the National Association of Home Builders, these certifications result from extensive classroom, correspondence, and job site curriculum regarding all aspects of running a successful building or remodeling operation. The Graduate Master Builder (GMB) program provides even greater depth for the most experienced builders.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). Designed to serve both new and existing homeowners, this certification indicates that the contractor has the knowledge essential to creating and modifying homes that will accommodate changing lifestyle and physical needs as the occupants age.

Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS) and National Housing Quality (NHQ) certification. These programs qualify builders and specialty trade contractors, such as framers and insulation workers, to manage both their businesses and their work on the construction site. Once certified, contractors must submit annual reports to be re-qualified and maintain their status.

AIA. This designation marks members of the American Institute of Architects, the nation's leading organization for licensed architects. Achieving AIA status requires a degree in architecture as well as practical experience. Licensing includes an extensive test similar to the bar exam for attorneys. Members must adhere to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and earn a minimum number of continuing education credits sanctioned by the association in order to maintain membership.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). Like AIA, the AIBD is a national organization supporting design professionals, specifically those focused on residential work. AIBD membership affords designers access to the latest business, client relations, and building code information to ensure that their design work meets regulatory standards and are to their clients' satisfaction.

Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM). A top-level achievement for people within an organization who focus on the marketing aspects of residential construction, such as market research, sales promotions, advertising, and public relations. Other sales-related distinctions include Master Certified New Home Sales Professional (Master CSP) and Certified New Home Marketing Professional (CMP).

This list is just a smattering of the certifications available to professional builders and contractors who want to enhance their technical and management skills. It should be remembered, however, that such distinctions are neither a shield nor a guarantee. Smart homeowners recognize these acronyms and what they represent, but use them as part of a thorough process of winnowing and selecting the right builder or contractor for their project. In essence, these and other distinctions provide a baseline of professionalism that consumers can rely upon to help ensure a successful construction project.

Home & Garden Show

This weekend started the Central Ohio Home & Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center. It runs until the 8th of March and tickets are just $10 and children under 12 are FREE! I strongly suggest that you make time to go view the show. From the Columbus Dispatch Website “The Central Ohio Home & Garden Show offers nine days packed with special events and attractions for all ages. Internationally know celebrities and daily cooking, gardening, home décor and home improvement presentations on two stages are crowd favorites this year.” This is a perfect time and opportunity to get some new ideas for the Spring that is quickly approaching us!