pacesetter_homes_rosenthal_gracie_ensuite4_web

Shower Trim Options

by Plumbing

Have you ever dreamed of having the ultimate spa shower in your own home? Before you start picking out the plumbing fixtures, it’s important to consider the different valve options available. Depending on the features you want in your shower this can be an important step! 

Shower Trim Options

At designQ, we offer 5 different shower trim options. Check out the below comparison chart for a good overview of what is included in each one, and then scroll down to read more information about the different options.

Posi-Temp

The Posi-Temp shower trim is the starting point. This is the included option in your new build and is probably what you are the most familiar with. 

This valve can operate only 1 fixture – the showerhead. It goes on and off and controls the temperature of your water. 

Most plumbing series comes with the Posi-Temp trim option. 

Posi-Temp Integrated Transfer Valve

The Posi-Temp Integrated Transfer Valve is the next step towards your dream shower. This valve option allows you to add in a 2nd fixture to the shower, and run them both at the same time! 

The top lever controls the temperature and the bottom one controls which functions you want running. 

This valve option is only available on select plumbing series. 

MCore-3 Integrated Transfer Valve

Just as it’s name suggests, the MCore-3 allows 3 fixtures to be added to your shower. Only 2 will be able to run at a time, but you have the option to throw another rain showerhead (or any other fixture) in if you want! 

The neat thing about the MCore-3 valve is not only can you control the fixtures and temperature, but you can also control the  water pressure. Simply pull up on the bottom lever, and have the ultimate control over your shower. 

This valve option is only available on select plumbing series. 

 

Exact Temp Thermostatic Valve Trim

Your dream shower just got better with the exact temp thermostatic valve. This trim allows you to dial in the temperature (literally.. there is a dial) and maintain your ideal temperature for the duration of your shower. 

There are separate fixture controls that get added and those will control turning each fixture on and off. 

This valve system allows for 3 different showering functions to be operated independently, or at the same time!

This valve option is only available on select plumbing series. 

Smart Shower Digital Controller

Would you like to be able to turn your shower on while still in bed? The Smart Shower creates a customized experience to meet your exact needs. Offering precise temperature control and preset options, you can operate the shower in three ways: voice control through smart speakers, the U by Moen Smart Shower App, or an in-shower controller. Plus, unique features, such as remote activation and “warm up and pause” provide both ease and potential water savings.

The Smart Shower allows up to 4 fixtures meaning you can finally get your body sprays, rain shower and handheld like you have always dreamed about!

Now that you are more informed on the different shower trim options, which one will you choose?! 

calypso showhome by pacesetter homes

Feature Showhome: The Calypso by Pacesetter Homes

by About designQGeneral KnowledgeShow Home Design

This week’s feature showhome is the Calypso by Pacesetter Homes. The overall design concept for this home is Modern California Coastal with traditional influences and natural elements. Read on as we unpack the style of home, the design concept and a touch on a few key products used throughout the home.

Check out our Instagram page to view the full review on this showhome! 

All About the Calypso

Size: 1911 sqft
Type: Single Family Detached Home
Garage Size: Double Attached 
Main Floor Perks: Separate lifestyle room, walk-through pantry and open to above great room.

Upper Floor Features: Primary bedroom has a walk in closet and beautiful ensuite. There are 2 additional bedrooms, a loft and laundry room upstairs as well
Bonus! There are many optional layouts to choose from with this model, including a separate entrance to the basement!

The Design Concept

The inspiration behind this home was a balance of contemporary and traditional elements. Clean, neutral colors help to create an airy and open feel, while the navy blue cabinets bring forth a coastal vibe while still remaining calm and relaxed.

One way to achieve this same look in your home is to utilize curved furniture and boucle fabrics for the contemporary aspects of this design. Then, bringing in elements such as navy & cream and a shiplap feature wall will help to tie in the Modern Coastal vibe. 

calypso showhome by pacesetter homes

Get the Look: The Kitchen

calypso showhome by pacesetter homes

The kitchen in this showhome is STUNNING. True to the contemporary style, our designers chose a sleek and clean cabinet profile showcased in the Crème color for the perimeter and Midnight Blue for the island. 

As far as the cabinet layout goes a few modifications were made as well. The first was to convert the cabinets beside the fridge into a tall pantry. This allows for so much more storage space and fills in the kitchen nicely. Secondly, a custom wood hood was designed to bring in the coastal mood. Then the island was extended into the nook to accommodate a built in microwave! Finish the look off with a stunning hand glazed backsplash tile. 

Get the Look: The Lifestyle Room

In this showhome our designers staged the main floor lifestyle room as a homework space. By adding a built in desk to match the kitchen cabinetry, our designers were able to continue the modern coastal theme into this room. You don’t need to add a built in desk though – you can always get a few freestanding ones and still achieve the same look.  
 
Then add an interesting wallpaper, a comfortable chair and a few sconces and your kids will be begging to do their homework.

Get the Look: The Great Room

calypso showhome by pacesetter homes

With this home having an open to above living room space, it was easy to add in a knockout fireplace feature. Our designers decided to add in shiplap alllllll the way to the ceiling, and by painting it a taupe color it turns it from farmhouse to modern. Put a classic, contemporary mantle on top and voila! – a show stopping fireplace wall. 

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the railing in this home. One of the newer products available at designQ, we put in this stunning horizontal railing all the way to the 2nd floor. The handrail is stained to match the flooring, and the black spindles add just the right amount of contrast. 

Get the Look: The Ensuite

If you love going to the spa but hate leaving your house, then this is the ensuite is for you. We continued with the Midnight Blue cabinetry, and paired it with a crisp white brick backsplash tile that is carried all the way into the shower. By adding in gold framed mirrors and concrete-look countertops this ensuite is truly a coastal dream. 

View All of the Products Available In This Home
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15

All About the designQ Allowance

by About designQGeneral KnowledgeVlog

If you are purchasing a home with Pacesetter Homes, Sterling Homes or StreetSide Developments, you may have the option to visit their design center, designQ. Did you know you can add an allowance to your contract to spend on interior selection products with us? Watch below as we explain everything you need to know about the designQ Allowance.

What is a designQ Allowance?

A designQ allowance is basically a gift certificate to designQ. It allows you to add money into your mortgage to spend on upgrades at either your interior selections or retail appointment. 

When does a designQ Allowance get added to the contract?

The designQ allowance will be added by the area sales manager when writing up your contract. This allows it to be included in your mortgage. 

Can a designQ Allowance get added after the contract is signed?

We recommend you add the allowance to the initial contract with your area sales manager.

How do you determine how much of an allowance will be needed?

Start by browsing our website to get an idea of what products you are interested in. Then, while writing the contract with your area sales manager they will work with you to estimate a price that will cover the cost.

Why is it an allowance, and not an exact price?

As every home is unique there are many different variables to take into consideration such as layout changes, different specifications and different products. At your interior selections appointment we will provide you with exact pricing. 

What types of products can be included in a designQ Allowance?

Anything that is attached to your home, like flooring, cabinets, paint, window coverings and floor coverings. Basically if you took your house, flipped it upside down and shook it anything that didn’t fall out we can add. 

Can a designQ Allowance be added to a completed home?

Yes! Although the products you can include will be limited to items such as blinds, drapery and wall features. 

How does the designQ Allowance get used at the appointment?

Although you do create a wishlist with you area sales manager, it is not final. Our designers will use that as a reference during your interior selections appointment, however you can spend the allowance on whichever upgrades you would like. 

What are some key products to account for in a designQ allowance?

It’s a good idea to have a designQ allowance if you are interested in higher value items such as cabinet upgrades, cabinet layout changes, interior railing or tile. 

How will you know if you used the full allowance amount?

At the beginning of your interior selections appointment we will start with a credit of your allowance, and we will add upgrades towards it. Throughout the day your interior designer will keep you updated of where you are at and when you are approaching your total.

What happens if not all of the allowance is used?

No problem. Any unused portion of your allowance will simply be applied to your closing statement as a credit. This can help to offset any other charges that have come up during your building, unless it’s within 45 days of your possession. 

Why 45 Days?

45 days prior to your possession, the builder finalizes your closing statement to send to the lawyer. This typically cannot be changed. 

What happens if more than the allowance is spent?

Once again, not a problem. Any additional charges at designQ will simply be added to your closing statement to be paid at the lawyers. 

Can any overages be added to a mortgage?

Yes this is a possibility, however here at designQ we are not privy to your mortgage details so we recommend you speak with your mortgage specialist first.

Can products be purchased directly through designQ?

No, unless you are purchasing products through our designQ Shop such as blinds, drapery, wall features or furniture. 

All information listed in this post and video are deemed to be accurate at the time of filming. The information provided is a general overview of how a designQ allowance is used and may be differ in unique situations.  If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your area sales manager with your builder. 

the best areas to save money in your kitchen re design

Save VS Splurge: The Kitchen

by Design TipsKitchenProductsShow Home Design

What are the best areas to save money, and splurge on in your kitchen design? Join us as we walk you through how you can get the look of this contemporary kitchen, and where we saved and splurged on the interior finishes. 

Featured Showhome: Pacesetter Homes ‘Tallin’ model in Desrochers – 2738 Donaghey Crescent SW, Edmonton

The Cabinetry Colors & Hardware

In this kitchen, our designer went with a two-toned cabinetry option. Doing a two-toned cabinet gives your kitchen more dimension and brings interest to the cabinets. This style is also a key component to a contemporary or even a modern farmhouse look. 
Upper Cabinets: Camp White | Lower Cabinets: Mistral

The Save

Thermofoil Cabinet Material

Thermofoil is a lower cost  option when compared to wood or painted cabinetry. 

Thermofoil cabinetry is made using vinyl that is heated & pressurized onto an MDF core, leaving you with a durable finish that is easy to clean. 

The Splurge

Upgraded Lower Cabinet Color

To achieve the two toned look, an upgraded color was used on the lower cabinetry. 

The lower cabinet color also has texture to it, giving it a similar appearance to a wood cabinet.

the best areas to save money in your kitchen re design

Upgraded Cabinet Hardware

Changing you cabinet hardware is a splurge that is well worth it. It’s a lower cost upgrade that really delivers. It allows you to really match the finish and style to the rest of your house, and tie everything together.

Cabinet Hardware Style: Matte Black | 80112890

The Backsplash and Hoodfan

The overall style of this kitchen is modern minimalism with natural tones and textures found in nature. Therefore, the backsplash tile chosen is a hand made and glazed tile, and really embraces the style of the kitchen. 
the best areas to save money in your kitchen re design
Backsplash: Mestizaje Series in White ; 5 x 5

The Save

Regular Ceramic Tile

You can still achieve a similar look by using a regular ceramic tile. Use a tile that is the same size, 5×5 square, and find a color that would mimic the natural hues. 

You can opt to not do a chimney hoodfan and/or tile to the ceiling which will save some money!

The Splurge

Hand Made & Hand Glazed Tile

This 5 x 5 square tile has a unique look to it due to it’s hand glazed technique. It adds to the natural feel of the kitchen. 

Additionally, we added a chimney hoodfan and took the tile right to the ceiling to add height to the kitchen. 

The Cabinet Height

Taking your cabinets all the way to the ceiling not only adds height to the space, but provides more storage space too!
the best areas to save money in your kitchen re design

The Save

Adding a Cabinet Riser

If you don’t want to spend the money to extend the cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, you can still achieve the same look by adding a cabinet riser. This is essentially a cabinet panel instead of a whole cabinet. You won’t get the same storage but you will get the sleek look!

The Splurge

Extending the Cabinetry to the Ceiling

If you want that sleek, contemporary look extending the cabinets to the ceiling is a great way to achieve that. In addition, it gives the room added height and gives you added storage! 

Our designer also chose to add a built in wine rack to this kitchen. Which is a completely, 100% justifiable splurge. 

The Countertop & Kitchen Sink

These 2 items are most likely the most used products in your kitchen. 
the best areas to save money in your kitchen re design
Quartz: 3/4″ Thick | Color: Concrete

The Save

3/4″ Quartz Countertops

Going with a thinner quartz will still give you the same durability and glossy finish as a thicker solid surface product, however there is limited color availability. But otherwise there really is no difference!

The Splurge

1 – 1/4″ Quartz Countertops

Adding in a thicker countertop opens it up to way more options in both the color and material department. With a 1-1/4″ thickness you can choose from either quartz or granite, and a large array of colors. 

Bonus! The Kitchen Sink

Many people think that if you go with a thinner quartz, you can’t then have an undermount sink. But that’s not true! So if you want to splurge a bit in this area, you can choose an undermount sink and still save on the countertop! 

We hope this article helped you in designing your own kitchen! For more information on any of the products used, please feel free to send us an email. Thank you!

6

Interior Railing Guide: The Selections

by FinishingVlog

When you have your interior selections appointment with designQ, you have the option to select interior railing for your home. Watch below as Chelsi show you the available selections, and walks you through the process of selecting interior railing.

Step 1: The Style

The first step in choosing your railing is to determine which style of interior stair railing you want in your new home. At designQ, we have 3 main styles to choose from:

interior stair railing

Spindle Railing

interior stair railing

Glass Railing

interior stair railing

Horizontal Railing

Spindle Railing:

This is the most common type of railing. You can choose from either a wood spindle or a metal spindle. 

The wood spindles come in 2 different styles – blank or textured. Click here to view the options.

The metal spindles come in 10+ patterns & styles, as well as multiple color options. Click here to view the options.

Glass Railing:

Glass railing has a very unique style. It is visually stunning and can really transform a home to make it seem more open & bright. Glass railing has only 3 post & cap options, however it can still be painted or stained to match the rest of your interior. Click here to view the options.

Horizontal Railing:

This railing style is a new addition to designQ, and to the design community in Alberta! Horizontal railing is very on trend, and offers a modern or industrial look to your home. 

There is only 1 post & cap option with this style of railing, and 2 bar options – round or flat. However you are still able to choose the color of bar as well as the paint or stain of the railing. 

Click here to view the options.

Step 2: The Post,  Cap & Handrail

Once you have decided on the style of railing you want in your new home, you then have to select the post, cap & handrail type. 

The options for these components will change depending on the style of interior stair railing you have chosen. 

Click here to view the options for spindle railing. Glass & Horizontal railing are limited to more modern styles due to the construction of the railing. 

Want to learn more about the components of interior railing? Click here to view our vlog!

Step 3: The Color

The final step in selecting your interior railing is the color! The components that would be painted or stained are:

  • The Handrail
  • The Post
  • The Cap
  • The Shoe (bottom part between the stairwell carpet & the spindles)
  • Wood spindles if selected

If you are choosing to paint your railing, you can select from any color in the Dulux paint fan, however keep in mind some colors will be an extra charge. 

If you are choosing to stain your railing, you can choose any stain color that would normally match your cabinets or hardwood (if applicable). When you select a stain, you are also able to pick the species of wood you would like your railing to be from either Maple or Oak.

Click here to view a few of our favorite color choices. 

interior railing

Interior Railing Guide: The Components

by FinishingVlog

Selecting the interior railing for your home can sometimes be a bit overwhelming! There are many components, and each of them with their own style. Watch as we break down the 4 main components to interior railing, and show you the 2 main areas of your home where you may put railing.

5 Main Components

Below are the 5 main components to any interior railing selection. For more information on the options available, click here to head to our railing page. 

Handrails are what you grab when you walk down the railing. They finish off the top of the spindle pattern and are also mounted to the wall where spindles are not able to be installed. 

Wall Brackets support the handrail where spindles can not be installed

Spindles are the focal design feature of your railing. Whether you chose wood or metal spindles there are a ton of finishes, patterns and styles available so you can find something unique to fit your home!

If you want a more modern look you can always choose to have glass panels or even horizontal railing in place of where the spindles would go!

The post is the main support for the installation of the railing. You will see them at any turning point or end of the railing. There are many designs from traditional to contemporary available

The Cap is mounted on top of the post to finish off the look and complete your railing.

Interior Railing Locations

When it comes to putting interior railing in your home, there are 2 main areas you would want to showcase your railing – either just the main floor or you can take it all the way up to the 2nd floor. Another location you may want to consider is going downstairs to the basement! 

interior railing
Showhome: Pacesetter Homes Madeline in Cy Becker

Main Floor

Depending on your staircase configuration, typically adding railing to the main floor only would encompass the first set of stairs going from the main floor to the landing between the 1st and 2nd floor. 

In some cases, there may be a small portion on the other side of the stairwell that will get railing as well. 

interior railing
Showhome: Pacesetter Homes Aspen in Keswick

Main & 2nd Floor

If you want to add railing all the way to the 2nd level, this would encompass railing on the entire stairwell going to the 2nd floor. 

Depending on the layout of your home, and the stairwell configuration, this may also include railing in parts of the hallway or bonus room. Typically, if there is a part of the 2nd floor that is open to below, there will be the opportunity to put railing there. 

interior railing
Showhome: Pacesetter Homes Austin in Riverview

Basement

If your floor plan has an open stairwell leading to the basement, then you may want to consider adding railing all the way down. 

This will complete the look and make your interior railing flow seamlessly. 

When you come to your interior design appointment with designQ, you will have the option to select railing for your home. Click here to watch a video where we show you exactly which options you can choose from, and how the process works! 

Tub Shower Tile Cover

6 Tub & Shower Tile Surround Options

by Design TipsFlooringPlumbing

When you have your interior selections appointment at designQ, one of the products you will be selecting is the tile surround for your tub & showers. *

There are a few different options when it comes to what type of tub and/or shower you can have. Additionally, there are a few tile choices as well. 

To learn about these options check out our video below. We show you exactly what the options will look like, and how we’ve installed the tile. There are also some inspiration galleries below to show you just a few of the endless options you can have in your home. 

Play Video

Get Inspired

These showhomes showcase how you can add 6″ or 12″ tile above a fiberglass tub & shower surround. You can choose either a wall or floor tile. 

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These showhomes showcase how you can add tile to the ceiling above a fiberglass tub & shower surround. You can choose either a wall or floor tile. 

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These showhomes showcase how you can add remove the fiberglass surround from the tub, and fully tile the walls 6′ high or all the way to the ceiling. You can choose either a wall or floor tile. 

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These showhomes showcase an array of shower options – from a simple tile with fiberglass base, to a fully decked out shower with tiled floor, walls & ceiling. You can choose either wall or floor tile for the walls & ceiling. A tiled shower base requires specific tile suited for that purpose. 

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Pacesetter Homes | Vienna in Summerwood

Tile Selections in 4, 3, 2, 1…

by Flooring

Tile can play a huge factor in the look and feel of your home. It makes up over half of the real estate in your home from the floor, to the bathrooms to various backsplashes and even walls. Read below to find out everything there is to know about the tile we offer in designQ. 

4 Most Popular Types of Tile

1 | Ceramic Tile

The Banff Collection | Light Grey

Ceramic tile is probably the most popular type of tile as it has the most versatility. Ceramic tile is affordable, durable and most importantly – easy to maintain! There are a ton of different style & color options, and it can be applied pretty much anywhere.

Glazed ceramic tile offers even more protection against damage, stains or spills that can occur. 

2 | Porcelain Tile

The Cemento Collection | Black

Porcelain tile is a step above a cermic tile. It is made of a higher ratio of silica and quartz compared to ceramic, and is baked at a higher temperature. This means that porcelain tiles will be more durable than a ceramic BUT it also means they will be more expensive. 

Porcelain tiles also have more variety in the looks department. They can be glazed, etched & texturized and can resemble a hardwood plank, industrial brick or chic marble.

Most Porcelain tiles come in a glossy or matte finish. Be careful where you add the glossy finish, as when it gets wet it can be very slippery. So adding it to a shower floor may be a bit risky. 

3 | Glass Tile

Glass tiles are a stunning option for a backsplash or shower tile. Not to be used on the floor, glass tiles can only be used on the wall.

Compared to ceramic or porcelain, glass tiles have the highest level of stain resistance which makes them a superb choice for a kitchen backsplash. Wine spills are no match for a glass tile! However, one downfall of glass tile is it is easier to chip and crack if an item is dropped on it. 

4 | Marble Tile

Source: Olympia Tile

Real Marble Tile is not offered at designQ. 

First off, as designers, we LOVE marble tile. It exudes a level of elegance and panache that really is hard (not impossible, just hard) to replicate with other materials. 

Marble Tile offers deeply veined lines with natural minerals and beauty that can really set your floors apart from the rest. However, marble tiles can be difficult to maintain and if not maintained correctly, will absorb stains more easily due to it’s porous nature. Marble tiles are also very expensive. 

So is a marble tile right for you? That really depends on your lifestyle and the level of care & attention you are willing to put into it! If you really want the look of a marble tile, but not the hassle, check out a porcelain tile, such as the Eterna Collection, that has a marble look to it. Chances are they will look very similar, but without the extra maintenance and cost. 

3 Most Common Uses for Tile

Tile can be used just about anywhere! Below are a few places in your home to consider adding tile too. Some of obvious, but some maybe not so much! 

1 | The Floor

Alright so this is pretty common. When you think about tile, you probably first think of a floor. 

In most cases, you will find tile flooring in any wet area’s such as bathrooms, laundry room and the mudroom. But have you considered adding tile flooring to your kitchen? If you want to add a bit of contrast and texture to your main floor, try opting for tile flooring. Tile is durable, water resistant and versatile so it makes sense to be in your kitchen. You can add different textures, colors and patterns or keep it nice and simple. 

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2 | Kitchen Backsplash

Again, another area that is very common to install tile is the kitchen backsplash. The great thing about a kitchen backsplash is you can really have some fun with the style and color of the tile. Because it’s a relatively small area, it’s easier to get away with something unique (and easier to change out later on!). 

Wall tile is typically smaller than a floor tile is, so you can also do some cool install patterns here such as a herringbone or chevron. Click here to view the different install patterns available. 

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3 | Shower & Bathtub Tile

There aren’t many options to use for a shower or bathroom tub surround, due to the fact that it must be waterproof. You can really only use tile or fiberglass. So, it’s good that there are a multitude of different tile colors, patterns, textures, materials and install patterns to really make your shower or tub stand out. 

The sky is the limit when it comes to picking a tile for your bathroom – so have fun with it! After all, it will only be seen by you!

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2 Slightly Less Common Uses for Tile

1 | Fireplace Tile

Tile is just one of many options when it comes to selecting a feature surround for your fireplace. The benefits of adding tile is that it is fire rated, and safe to add if you have a gas fireplace. Whereas some materials such as shiplap or wallpaper are not recommended to install around the fireplace unit itself. 

Additionally, you can match the fireplace tile to your kitchen or bathroom backsplash if you wish to help create a coordinating design style. Or go crazy with it! 

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2 | Feature Wall Tile

When you think of a feature wall, you probably think of barn wood or maybe wallpaper or ship lap. But you can also make a bold statement to any wall using tile! 

This is typically where a more unique and bold tile could be used. Our designers have put tile on a wall in the half bathroom, in a master bedroom as a focal wall, and even 

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1 Way to Spruce Up Basic Subway Tile

Sometimes the classic is best. Subway tile has been around for ages, and is used in some many different applications and settings. It got it’s start (and name) by being used in old New York Subway stations. 

You may be thinking – ok ok, yes it’s a classic but is it too boring? The short answer, is no. It’s not. But if you really want to add a little oompf to your subway tile try this super secret designer trick…

Contrasting Grout. 

And Voila! Your subway tile is no longer basic, but instead a show stopping focal point to any room.

To view all of the tile selections has to offer, select your Builder below. 

Pacesetter Homes | Sterling Homes | StreetSide Developments

blueprint main

Reading Blueprints for Beginners

by General Knowledge

You may hear or read this phrase a lot when you are building a new home “Locations As Per Plan”. But, if you are a newbie to reading a job plan it may be difficult to figure out exactly where those ‘locations’ are. 

When you come to designQ for your interior selections appointment, it’s important to know a few of the more common “as per plan” notations on your blueprints, so you can be prepared for your appointment. 

Flooring Locations

One of the largest selections you will make at designQ is what flooring will be in your home. If you are sticking with the included flooring options as per the Builder, then you will want to know which areas include what. 

The best place to see what is included is in the threshold of a room, or at the top or bottom of a stairwell. There will typically be a line separating the rooms, with a type of flooring on either side of that line. This will tell you what flooring is in what location. If there is no line in between rooms, then the flooring is continuous from the rest of the space (ie: great room to the half bath)

See below for some examples.

Railing or Stubwall?

Another item most people want to look for is does the home include railing or a stubwall, and furthermore is it just on the main floor or upstairs too? 

First step is to find the staircase. Once you have located the staircase, look on the outside edge.

  • If it’s stubwall it will show diagonal lines and will read STUBWALL
  • If there is railing, it will generally show a smoother line space, and will say 36″ HIGH RAILING

Type of Hoodfan

Another big question from clients is “what type of hoodfan do I get”. On the plans, search for the kitchen, and more specifically the stove. It will generally look like a square with 4 round circles on it. Typically, the hoodfan is above it. There will be a notation of what type of hoodfan is there. Types include:

  • OTR Microwave – This stands for ‘Over-the-range’ hoodfan + microwave combo
  • Hoodfan – This is just a hoodfan. The microwave will be located elsewhere in the kitchen. 
  • Chimney Style Hoodfan. This again will only be a hoodfan, no microwave. 

Upper Cabinet & Shelving Locations

A blueprint is generally showing a 3D building in a one dimensional version. Therefore, seeing an upper cabinet or shelving location can be a bit hard to locate. 

For a kitchen, the cabinet locations are drawn with just a simple solid line. You can usually tell they are cabinets because a) they are in the kitchen (or bathroom), and b) they show where the appliances will go. 

For an upper cabinet though, the line is shown as a dashed line, usually 3/4 of the way up from the solid lower cabinet line. 

Some shelving lines will also be represented by a dashed line. For example, a shelf above a washer & dryer. Or in a closet too. 

Bathroom Accessories

Towel bars, robe hooks and toilet paper holders may seem like small details, but trust me when you get out of your shower and have to run across the room to grab a towel, you’d wish you thought about the locations sooner! 

Most of the time, the builders standard locations for these items is in the right spot. However, if you customize your plan at all just double check these items are all in the correct spots, and there are enough of them! Here is how to spot them:

PH = (Toilet) Paper Holder
TB = Towel Bar
TR = Towel Ring
RH = Robe Hook

The above notations are simply a guide, and may not reflect each client’s individual blueprints or job plans. This is intended to provide a simple, easy reference for finding certain items, however all blueprints will be different. Please refer to your area sales manager or interior designer for accurate locations in your home. 

kitchen plumbing

Kitchen Plumbing

by KitchenPlumbing

When it comes to adding faucets and sinks to your kitchen there are so many options you can choose from. In this blog we breakdown all of the different variations of kitchen faucets, the benefits of a soap dispenser and explain what a pot filler really does (and why you need one!). 

Kitchen Faucets : 4 Things to Look For

Align Spring | Matte Black

Choosing the faucet for your kitchen should be an easy task. I mean, you just turn it on and off, right? Wrong! These days a kitchen faucet is so much more than just a tool to get water from. It’s a statement. It can have personality, style and can make or break the overall design of your kitchen. 

With most kitchen’s being an open concept, and most sinks being in the island, your kitchen faucet should stand out. It is literally in the middle of the room, on display for everyone to see. 

1) The Finish

This choice is pretty easy. Generally when you pick the finish of your faucet, it is to match the style of your home and the other finishes. If you have chrome hardware, you will probably go with a chrome faucet. 

BUT! Mixing metals is very on trend right now. So don’t be afraid to pop in a black matte faucet with chrome hardware. Even some faucets have a combination of finishes in the same unit. The Sinema faucet for example has the option of adding a gold handle to the black matte faucet. 

Align Chrome Kitchen Faucet

Chrome

Align | Spot Resist Stainless Steel

Spot Resist Stainless

Align | Brushed Gold

Brushed Gold

Align | Matte Black

Black Matte

Align | Black Stainless

Black Stainless

2) The Style

Now that you know the finish, it’s time to pick the style. Do you want something more traditional, or super sleek and modern. Or maybe somewhere in between? Do you want a low-arc faucet, or a high-arc faucet. How about an ‘in your face’ industrial look, or something a bit more refined? Here are a few of our favorite styles. 

One thing to note though – not all finishes come in all styles! 

The ‘Spring’

There are a few collections available in the ‘Spring’ style. The spring style is effectively just adding a higher arc, and a coiled spring on top. This really gives the faucet an industrial, edgy look or even a modern farmhouse feel. 

The collections we offer with the ‘Spring’ style are:

Align Spring | Chrome

Align

Sleek

Weymouth

3) The Handle

The on and off handle. Simple right? Not if you don’t want it to be! Some styles will have the handle on top of the faucet. Most styles now have it on the side though. It all depends on the look you are going for, as well as what is more comfortable to you. 

One of the really cool features though is that on a few select styles you get 2 different styles of interchangeable handles. So depending on your mood, swap it out for a new look! 

Check out these unique faucet handles available at designQ.

Nio: Chrome or Matte Black Handle

4) The Tech

If you really want to impress your family, friends, kids, even the dog, then you need to get the U by Moen Smart Faucet. This mind blowing feature is available on most Moen faucets, and allows you to literally talk to your faucet. Click below to view the specs on it. It’s seriously cool. 

If you don’t want to go this crazy with technology, you can always opt for the simple motion sense feature. By simply waving your hand in front of the faucet, you can turn it on or off. Simple, yet still cool. 

Pot Fillers: Why you Need One!

If you have never heard of a pot filler before, and honestly most people have not, let me introduce you to your new best kitchen friend. 

The pot filler is a faucet that goes above your stove, or on the counter beside your stove, and essentially enables you to fill your pots without having to lift them from the sink to the stove. GENIUS. Back saved. 

Now, there is one thing to keep in mind if you want one of these in your home. Unless you add in extra framing behind the wall, you can’t have one installed on an exterior wall. Reason for this – Winter. The pipe will simply freeze in the winter if it’s on an outside wall. 

Modern Pot Filler | Matte Black

Modern Pot Filler

Traditional Pot Filler | Matte Black

Traditional Pot Filler

Soap Dispensers: 4 Big Benefits

Why should you add a soap dispenser to your kitchen plumbing arsenal? Well, our designers love a soap dispenser for these reasons:

  1. Cleanliness. And not just because it’s a ‘soap’ dispenser. It unifies the rest of your kitchen plumbing, and ties everything together into a nice little chrome bow. You won’t have any messy random soap bottles cluttering up your counters – especially for those of you with a kitchen sink in the middle of an island. 
  2. Convenience. An average soap bottle is around 8.75 fl/oz. The refillable soap bottle that comes with a soap dispenser is 18 oz. So you will have to refill it less often! 
  3. Cost Effective. Unless you really love your fancy, yummy smelling soaps, having a soap dispenser can actually save you money. By buying a large bulk bottle of soap to fill up the soap dispenser, instead of many smaller bottles, it can help you save money. 
  4. Environmentally Friendly. The soap dispensers have easy to refill bottles, meaning you won’t throw as many smaller plastic ones out!