This issue of the Dimension Design-Build-Remodel e-newsletter includes information on…

• The benefits of working with a professional designer
• Feature Project – Our second “healthy” home
• Flooring options with safety and mobility in mind
• Client Feedback
• Following Us on Facebook
• Spring Recipe – Pasta Primavera

We look forward to working with you on your next home building or renovation project.

We’ve all had bad experiences that remind us “you get what you pay for.” It’s a lesson you don’t want to learn on something as important as your home. The services of a professional home designer will add a level of value to your home project that far exceeds the cost. A thorough design process with truly accurate project estimates sets Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. apart from other design/build firms.

Other firms stop by your home and offer you a quick, rough estimate for the project. With Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, we respond to your initial phone call or email by calling you back within 48 hours and asking a number of specific questions. What are your goals? How long have you been thinking about this project? Have you established a budget?

Honest conversations are essential for accuracy. When we come to your home for the initial meeting, we will not offer a quick estimate. We’ll establish what the scope is for the project, and we’ll show you costs around the area for what you’re looking at doing.

When we ask what you can afford to spend, we aren’t using that number to decide what the project will cost. We don’t want to waste your time if your budget and your project goals don’t line up. What we will come prepared with is research, so we can answer your questions and begin the preliminary design phase.

A thorough design process is essential for accuracy. For this first phase of the project, we’ll establish a preliminary design agreement, which will explain your goals, your budget, and the cost of doing preliminary design drawings. These drawings will be very important for determining the details of your project and the accurate estimate of what your project will truly cost.

What is the value of a professional home designer?

The initial cost up front for these drawings will prove to be a valuable investment. First, the drawings will be yours to own, even if you decide not to continue working with Dimension Design-Build-Remodel. Second, unlike most other contractors who guess on their estimate and end up significantly over budget, there are no surprise charges with Dimension’s accurate project estimate.

Without these drawings, it’s all nothing but guesswork. Performing professional design work at the start is the best model for you, the client.

During the preliminary design phase, we will work with you to analyze two or three different versions of the floor plan and design, to narrow it down to the best plan. We will do the research necessary to make that plan work and make sure we’re covering everything you want.

Based on the scope and size of the project, we’ll meet with you three-six times during this phase, from site measurement through design. Although we aren’t picking final finishes yet, we will thoughtfully explore the options, develop drawings, and come up with real construction costs that allow us to accurately compare with your budget and make adjustments as needed.

At the end of the preliminary design phase, we will ask if you want to move forward. If you don’t, the plans are yours to keep. Most other design/build firms will not give you the drawings if you choose to walk away.

If you choose to continue with Dimension, the next step will be the construction agreement. During this phase, we formally finish the drawings, make the selections, and do the construction of the project.

Accuracy and reliability are valuable, and you can count on Dimension Design-Build-Remodel to deliver both. Taking chances with design guesswork will only cost you in the end. You can’t afford not to use a professional home designer.

Choose Dimension Design-Build-Remodel for experienced designers, tradesmen, and material suppliers that work together seamlessly. To arrange an appointment, call 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form to get started.

We are excited to present our second “healthy” home build. Offering a new level of healthier home features, this Kenosha home is the first built for a specific client, who suffers from Lyme disease, and was looking to improve the quality of her family’s everyday living.

Every detail of the home was designed and built with the thought of creating a healthier indoor air environment to improve quality of life. The Dimension team paid attention to every item used to build the home, including construction detailing of alternative building materials as well as how the home was built using superior mechanical systems to control VOC's, particulates, and minimize the ability for mold to develop inside the structure.

Building a “healthy” home requires an entire team of consultants, vendors, and subcontractors who have a deeper understanding of how to build healthier homes and are willing to do things differently to achieve the common goal of building homes that make the long-term health of its occupants the number one priority. Special thanks to the following healthy building partners for being a part of this process:

• The Green Design Center, Healthy Home Consultant and Material Supplier
• Arianne K., Consultant, Spec Book Writer, and Homeowner
• Patera LLC, Architect
• Anja Schiller, Consultant, This Organic Home 
• Step Beyond Green to Healthy, Consultant

We will again have the home evaluated, as the evaluation scores of our first healthy home in Sussex were off the charts on every measure as reported by a third-party tester. This new home will be no different and we believe may test even higher, as we added more layers of healthier building concepts and materials.

We'll be sure to keep you updated on our progress as we will be sharing additional photos of the home over the next several weeks via our Facebook page and website. Construction is scheduled to be completed later this spring.

Falls are one of the biggest concerns for those who choose to stay in their homes as they age. Using a cane, walker, or wheelchair is also a possibility for the future. When you’re planning to remodel for aging in place, Dimension Design-Build-Remodel, Inc. will help you choose the best flooring options for safety and mobility.

We’ve put the eight flooring options in order of worst to best for safety and mobility.

Click here for the rest of the article.

I have known Dave for a few years, as we met through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Builders Association and I have worked with him on the business side. I referred one of my clients to him to evaluate a large project they were looking at. Throughout the process, Dave was professional and prompt with his follow-up. His advice and suggestions were great, and he provided my clients with a tour of Wisconsin's first “Healthy Home” built by his company. Dave's industry knowledge and professionalism are second to none. Plus, I have learned a lot about healthy building and living. I highly recommend Dave and Dimension Design-Build-Remodel for your next custom home build or remodeling project.

Matthew M., Sunset Bank, Waukesha

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Ingredients

• 16 oz. penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz. asparagus, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 1 small zucchini, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Dash crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoon lemon juice, divided
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups halved grape tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, for garnish
• Extra parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and pasta to boiling water. Cook for 11 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain well. Pour the pasta back into the pot.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the asparagus, peppers, and broccoli. Sauté for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the zucchini and cook for one to two minutes or until vegetables are tender, but still crisp. Season vegetables with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the vegetables to a large plate or bowl.
3. Place the skillet back on the stove. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook for two minutes. Stir in the lemon zest and vegetable broth. Simmer until the broth reduces by half, about four to five minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and two tablespoons of lemon juice.
4. Stir the peas into the pot with the pasta. Stir in the cooked vegetables. Pour the lemon cream sauce over the pasta and vegetables and stir until well combined. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Gently stir in the tomatoes and basil. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
5. Pour the pasta primavera into a large serving bowl or dish. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve warm.