Category: Blog Posts

You have a lot to keep in mind when searching for a new home, from price to location to all sorts of particular details that you and your family want. One of the first such details you’ll want to tackle — floor plans. The basic layout of your new home is one of the first things you’ll have to decide on before construction, and it sets the baseline for many other elements of the home as well.

Hamlet Homes is a premier homebuilder in Utah, offering beautiful communities with a wide variety of home floor plans. What should you be considering with regard to a floor plan when you’re looking for your new home?

Lifestyle

Firstly, you need to consider the practical elements of your floor plan. Do you have children who need rooms and floor space to play? Do you or your partner work from home or require special, set-aside space for work? Do you have teenagers who need their own separated space? Do you prefer one floor, or multiple stories?

All these and more are the basic questions to ask yourself. Any lifestyle element large enough to be a day-to-day consideration should be covered, plus personal preference to whatever degree you can fit it in.

Special Accommodations

There could be a number of situations where you might need a special accommodation within your floor plan. Maybe you have small children who require wide hallways, or maybe you or a loved one who stays with you frequently needs wheelchair considerations. Make sure these themes are loudly noted early on in the process.

Plan on Having Guests?

Many people pick a floor plan with hosting guests as a top priority. Wide entryways and large amounts of open space in community areas can be a great way to go here, plus many people design particular spaces with guests in mind. There are also plenty of ways to separate social and family life with guest hosting areas in one location, then private family areas on another floor or in another area.

Outdoor vs Indoor

It’s also important when choosing your floor plan to assess how much you and your family will use your outdoor amenities. Whether this is a pool, a barbecue or a larger yard space, it counts as part of your floor plan when you’re making these calls. Make sure you can handle the responsibilities and maintenance associated with a large yard or multiple outdoor amenities if you choose to go in that direction.

Ready to get started? Our experts at Hamlet Homes are standing by today.

Donate Time

Though we’re all probably excited for Christmas day and receiving the gifts on our wish lists, the holiday season is also about giving. Donating your time is a great way to spread holiday cheer and help those in need, and it won’t take anything out of your pocket book. These three organizations allow locals to volunteer and do everything from wrap presents to roll burritos all over Salt Lake City.

The Burrito Project

This group, made up of all volunteers, was founded by Rico Brand back in April of 2012. Rico donates tortillas, beans, rice, and their facility space. Volunteers roll burritos and pass them out to the homeless around downtown Salt Lake City. This organization feeds up to 500 homeless people every single day, and they’re always looking for more volunteers to help the cause. Click here to learn more.

The Ronald McDonald House

This wonderful organization is a nationwide effort to help families who have a loved one in the hospital feel a little more at home. The Ronald McDonald House of Salt Lake City offers a temporary home-away-from-home for families of children receiving care at nearby hospitals. They feed them and give them a relaxing place to stay so they can focus on helping their loved ones heal. The Ronald McDonald House offers a variety of volunteer options, including special holiday events and donating a meal to the residents.

Recently, our Director of Construction, Jon Southern donated his time and some supplies to help the local Ronald McDonald House (pictured below).

The Candy Cane Corner

Now in their 17th year of operation, the Candy Cane Corner offers a great way for low-income families of Utah to select new holiday gifts for their families. This organization is looking for volunteers to sort through, organize, and wrap gifts for families in need. These families can receive presents in a dignified shopping environment, and you can help make their holidays a little brighter if you donate some time.

How are you getting involved in the local community this month? Let us know in the comments!

December is a very merry and bright month. But what makes it even more special is the décor that towns, businesses, and homeowners put up. Snowmen, Christmas trees, wreaths, and twinkle lights truly give us that holiday feeling. To get this feeling in your own home, why not try a few DIY projects? They’re easy, inexpensive, and most of all, festive!

Pine Cone Christmas Trees

Using simple terracotta pots, a few pine cones, and some paint, you can create an original Christmas tree look. Use these as table centerpieces, mantle decoration, or on shelves to add a little extra holiday magic to your home.

Wrapping the Front Door

Give your front door a little personality with this DIY décor idea. Cut out construction paper into shapes for the eyes, mouth, nose, and button down coat. Add in some holiday ribbon, garland and Christmas lights to truly bring your door to life!

Candles with Nature

If you’re looking for a classier holiday look while staying in budget, try this idea out. Tie holiday green leaves with a simple white ribbon around different sized candles. These are perfect for a dinner with friends or simply adding elegant cheer to your home.

Paper Holiday Lights

This is a perfect family craft that the kids will love. All this craft requires is some twine and different colored construction paper. Use whatever colors most appeal to you and cut out light shapes. Tie them all together on a line of twine and you now have the cutest DIY lights that can go anywhere.

Popsicle Christmas Trees

Here’s another kid-friendly DIY idea that will make a holiday keepsake you can use for years to come. Create your own unique popsicle Christmas tree ornaments with different bling and accessories. They can be hung on a tree, on the walls, or on twinkle lights for some extra pizzazz.

Mantle Garland

Red and white garland is a timeless piece of holiday décor. Instead of buying pre-made garland at the store, try and make it yourself! Use construction paper, wire, and mini close-pins to spell out your own holiday message.

What do you think of our DIY decoration ideas? Tweet us your thoughts at @HamletHomesUtah!

We’re only a few weeks away from Halloween, and you’re probably already seeing lots of Halloween decorations go up around the Salt Lake City neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a way to decorate using some crafty skills and just a couple of dollars, this is the blog for you. Here are our favorite DIY Halloween decoration ideas to get you ready for the spooky holiday.

Spider webs in the yard

This easy to make Halloween craft is perfect for adding a little spookiness to your yard. Using a balloon, some plastic spiders, and hot glue, you can create this fun and scary look.

Black cats

These black cats are not quite what they seem. Select different sized pumpkins and paint them black with a shiny finish. Carve classic cat eyes and add ears and tails to finish the look. Once you light up the eyes, passerby will definitely stop and look twice at your front porch.

Floating witch hats

Your front porch will look positively wicked with these floating witch hats. Use simple fishing line to hang them, and attach battery operated candles inside to illuminate.

Eyes in the bushes

Give trick or treaters a little extra scare with these eyes in the bushes craft. Simply cut out various eye shapes from paper towel or toilet paper cardboard, and place glow sticks inside to illuminate. Arrange them strategically in shrubbery, bushes, and trees to give Halloween goers that eerie feeling that someone is watching them.

Front door with attitude

Make your front door truly expressive with this fun DIY project. Gather up construction paper, streamers, and paper plates of all different colors and go wild with your idea. This is a perfect project to include kids on because it’s easy, fun, and there’s no wrong way to make it!

Pumpkin bowl

If you’re hosting a Halloween party this year, create a one-of-a-kind bowl to serve drinks out of. Just cut a pumpkin in half, take out all of the seeds and goo, and fill with ice. You’re ready to relieve your guests’ thirst and they’ll be pretty impressed with your creativity too.

Do you have any other Halloween decorating ideas? Tell us about it on Twitter!

All rooms need a focal point that is aesthetically pleasing and also fits with the design around it. For bedrooms, the headboard is often this focal point. Headboards provide a chance to create a stylish centerpiece that also has a function. From color and texture to design and materials used, there are a variety of headboard ideas that can give a room an extra dose of style. Check out these ideas to update your bedroom look.

The classic dimpled look

This classic design is beautiful and timeless. It can be adapted to a variety of color pallets and can be easily integrated into most existing bedroom designs. There are even some great DIY ideas out there so you can create this headboard look using your own crafty skills.

Full contemporary

In the opposite direction, this full on contemporary look provides clean cool lines for a bedroom design. This wall-to-wall effect is the visual centerpiece of the room, and with neutral colors, it doesn’t overwhelm the room.

Simple and elegant

The simplicity of this headboard design idea allows for more accessorizing and details around it. This cloth headboard stays low on the wall and provides a great simple backdrop for throw pillows and hanging art above.

Wooden and chic

A wooden headboard is the ultimate in chic home décor. White washed wood gives this room a country kind of feel, but you can use wood painted any color to give the effect you desire. This design looks best between two windows, because it offers balance and symmetry in the room.

Unique colors

Boldness is not just reserved for your dining or living room areas. Take advantage of bold colors and design pieces to make a statement in your bedroom design. This example uses dyed leather as the headboard accessory, and pairs it with other mixed and matched pieces.

For more great design ideas and inspiration, visit our website for weekly blog updates!

Buying a new home is an exciting experience. Not only do you get to choose the perfect floorplan, you also get to determine exactly what the interior will look like. You’ll pick out the perfect carpet, the ideal flooring, and just the right fixtures to finish it off. Another advantage of moving into a brand new home is the new home warranty. These warranties are designed to ensure that you receive a quality home. It also gives homeowners piece of mind that if something goes wrong after it’s built, there’ll be an easy fix. Here are some key components of a new home warranty.

Home Construction

Most builders offer a multi-year structural warranty to ensure the quality of construction on the home. These policies usually include one or two years of coverage for workmanship (detailed later). It also includes about 10 years of coverage for structural issue problems. This is not limited to problems with load-bearing elements, foundation, and other things for which the safety and security of the home could be compromised.

Appliances

If your homebuilder includes appliances in the sale of the home, those are often included under the home warranty. The most common are the HVAC system and kitchen appliances. Since most appliances have their own warranties from manufacturers, it’s important to note whether the builders include these things or if they are simply what’s offered from the manufacturer.

Workmanship

Your homebuilder also includes coverage for workmanship too. A warranty covers components like the roofing, walls, doors and trim, flooring, and countertops. In case there’s a problem with the plumbing or electrical work, a home warranty covers these things for a short time after the home is built.

How to Redeem Home Warranty

As you read through your homeowner’s warranty, make a note of what is covered and how you are supposed to make a claim. Builders require that you send requests through a specific process. This often entails contacting manufacturers to find out about any warranty available prior to using the builder’s warranty. Understanding these steps ensures that you get repairs done in a timely manner if you ever need them.

Before you buy a new home, see what kind of warranty your homebuilder offers, and what provisions are included in it.

Does your entryway need a little re-imagining? It’s all too easy to abandon your plans of keeping your front entry clean, organized, and decorated. After all, once we enter our homes, we usually just want to relax and unwind. Use these 4 ideas to revitalize your entryway and bring new life to the entrance of your home.

Hooks, mirrors, and tables

Make a smaller entryway look more spacious and welcoming by strategically placing a few handpicked items. An end table with drawers, a mirror, and a few hooks will add organization and style to your home. It also creates clean lines that are visually pleasing to all who enter. Make it even more unique by creating your own key rack, like the example below.

Personalize it

Show off what you love most by adding personal touches. Whether it’s family photos, favorite quotes, or art from your favorite designer, the entry is the perfect place to display these items. Your guests will feel welcome and at home once they set foot through your door.

Entryway bench

Benches are great for adding visual interest, providing seating, or creating additional storage space. There’s a bench for every trend and style, so finding one for your own home will be quick work. Benches with cubbies or drawers underneath are perfect for storing shoes and bags, and others are just a great place for guests to take a brief rest once they come inside.

Make a statement

Go all out and make a bold statement with your entryway. It’s your home after all! Place your family initials above the door and display unique pieces of art and sculptures where you see fit. There’s no limit to the creativity you can display in your entryway, so have fun with it and make it your own!

When moving into a new house or townhome, you’re presented with a whole world of opportunity. New homeowners are usually eager to begin decorating and filling their living space with all their favorite personal items. However, in their eagerness to get started, homeowners can sometimes make design choices that they later regret. Here are some tips to help you make successful and long-lasting home decorating choices.

Decorating Colors and Patterns

Color is perhaps the most important decision of any home decorating project. If you’re looking to buy all new furniture for your home, your color choices are virtually endless. But even when moving into a brand new home, most of us still move the majority of our old furnishings with us. In this case, see if there is a color that predominates the items you already have. Many people cultivate a particular theme for years and never realize it!

If you have the start of a theme, you can acquire new items in accordance with that trend.  You can integrate these new items so they easily coordinate with just about any color palette. Here are a few examples of home décor items that may go along with a color scheme or theme you already have in mind.

• Metallic silver, gold, or brass-tone objects
• Storage containers in neutral colors like white, off-white, beige, and grey
• Wicker or willow baskets
• Handmade pottery and ceramic goods
• Light- or dark-colored wooden items
• Rag rugs or other area rugs with many colors

Vintage, Retro, and Antique

Throwback styling choices are the latest trends to sweep interior design magazines. Even the most modern living space can benefit from a little touch of vintage style. Antique pots, cups and dishes, vintage bath towels, and other retro accessories can bring some serious style points to any part of your home. And don’t be afraid to mix and match. You’d be amazed at what you can integrate with your current decorating choices.

Hamlet Homes creates elegant living solutions for families of all sizes. Contact an associate today to learn more about what makes our communities so special.