This Project Led to a CotY Win!

Great things not only happen when we work alone, but also when we work together. That was the case when we partnered with Anne Rogers, Anne Rogers Interiors, to help design a remodel of this historic farmhouse. We were asked to help with some issues with the first floor and create an addition of a second story owner’s suite. 

While we weren’t initially involved in this project, when Anne called, we were intrigued. We’ve worked with Anne on many projects over the years and have a quality working relationship.

What you may not know is that this farmhouse remodel recently was awarded the 2022 NARI of Central Ohio (CotY) Residential Historic Renovation/Restoration! We were thrilled to receive this award along with Anne Rogers Interiors. Great things happen when we work together.

The historic home is over 150 years old and has been in the same family for 7 generations. A huge 2-story addition was added in the early 1900s and it was changed to the American Four Square style it is today with wraparound porch at that time. There were structural issues in the 1900 addition that we addressed. The removal of an existing attached shed allowed us to reconfigure the first floor and create a second story owner’s suite. The new first floor now offers a half bath and has a large new kitchen and dining area with built-in banquet.

The homeowners wanted to retain as much of the charm and character of the home, while updating it and creating better function for this busy family.

Take a moment to view these photos and appreciate the history of the home.

Are you searching for a design team to help you and your clients reconfigure space and create better flow and function for their home? Our team would be honored to work with you on your client’s next project. Contact us here or call.

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Photography by KMiller Photography

A Winning Team—Anne Rogers, Anne Rogers Interiors and Jim Wright, RDS

Collaboration is the key to success for many people. This was the case with a Historic Farmhouse project that Anne Rogers, of Anne Rogers Interiors, had spent several years meeting with the client and planning the remodel. But when there were some issues, Anne called Jim for his guidance and help with the plans.

The result, a gorgeous remodel that pays homage to the 200-year-old farmhouse and a NARI of Central Ohio CotY Contractor of the Year Award: Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration win!

We asked Anne to share a bit about the project and why she collaborates with Residential Designed Solutions.

How did you come to be working with RDS for this project?

I’ve known Jim for a long time. For this farmhouse renovation, I met with the client (who is a 7th generation owner of the home) over a period of several years to discuss this renovation. There were some issues with the house, and I decided I needed to bring in an architect to help with the plan. I asked Jim, owner of RDS, to work with me on the project. We both met with the client, and everyone hit it off well. Jim took my vision and was able to create the perfect additions and changes to the home. We added a bump out addition in the dining room with a big bank of windows and other changes to the first floor. While his original design didn’t include the 2nd floor on the top of the new addition for the main bathroom and closet, I had him design that as well. It was the perfect change to the original plan.

Jim is very easy to work with! Over the past thirty years we have worked together on many projects.  

What was your favorite part of this project?

This project was so interesting because of the history of the home. I got to restore history by taking something the client loved and making it more functional and more beautiful.

Every time we open the guts of a home, we never know what we will find. The owners wanted to keep the home as true to its history as possible. When we demoed, we salvaged the original oak 2x4s for various projects including countertops and a 10-foot kitchen table. We took reclaimed wood and built a new mantel for the fireplace. When we did the addition on the house, we tore off the porch but kept the old siding to make the barn door for the main closet. We also used old fencing as shiplap in the back hallway. We matched the original casings and created a second newel post to match the original newel post. New windows were made to replicate the existing (still in use) original windows.

 We exposed the original exterior brick (with the homeowner’s help), now part of the interior of the house on the staircase, the living room, guest room, and the main bedroom.

Back in the day, they threw bottles, tools, and crockery over the hillside and around the foundation. The homeowners had found of these items over the years as we were digging. I asked if we could use items from their collection. We even found some when we were digging around the foundation for the new addition. We cleaned them up and used whatever we could to keep the history alive in the home. Some bottles went on the table, crockery has flowers in them, and the original farm sign is hanging in the kitchen. They have dishes and glassware from her aunt, who previously owned the farmhouse, so if we were able to find a place for them, we have them displayed or in use.

 We were grateful to have the owners take part as well. The homeowner did a lot of the work by helping with demo, prepping areas, landscaping and other outdoor work, and was there every day.  

We took away the ugly, added many beautiful elements, and stayed true to the farmhouse’s history and the fact it is still a farm.

How was your overall experience when working with RDS?

It is always a great process. The designers at RDS are incredibly talented. The documents I receive are always very accurate. They first sketch the design, and once we decide on the sketch plan, then it moves onto a blueprint—this can make it a lengthy process, but it works. The preliminary sketches don’t ever take us down the wrong path and corrections can easily be made before the work moves to the blueprints.

What type of projects does Jim complete for you and your clients?

We recently finished a new build in Evans Farm. Jim was the [residential] designer on it, and I was hired as the designer by the client to take them though the build out process. I hired RDS to help me with a “detached” office project that needed to connect to a breezeway, working with them to figure that out. Ultimately, we didn’t do that project because of the price to do it, but the collaboration was spot on. I’ve worked with Jim many times over the years with new builds where he is the architect/designer and then I come in as the interior designer. Now I bring him in on my renovation projects as needed.

What services do you appreciate that RDS provides?

The reason I continually choose them is that they are all very creative. They work well with us as a team, they listen to me, and when I bring specs with what I need in a design, the documentation is always excellent. They are great communicators, which I feel is really important. I like their style and the way they do things.

Would you use RDS again?

Yes absolutely. They are one of my first go-to groups!

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If you are a designer, contractor, builder, or remodeler, we would be excited to collaborate with you on your next project. Reach out to us here or give us a call at 614.430.0027.

Lighting—How We Can Make it Work For Us!

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The impact of light becomes increasingly important as the days get shorter. Knowing how to integrate it can make a substantial difference to our health and well-being. Especially in the winter, we crave light, both from the sun and in our homes and businesses. Light does impact how we feel.

Four types of lighting

• Decorative—The purpose of this lighting is to create character or a design element to a room. Whether it is hanging, sitting on a table, or a floor lamp, it’s purpose is to be something your eye is drawn to.

• Ambient—This lighting provides general brightness in a room. Typically, these are recessed can lights, or ceiling fixtures and chandeliers.

• Task—Used along with ambient lighting, task lighting allows you to see better in certain areas. Under cabinet lights, lighting along stairways, or any place you need increased lighting.

• Accent—Flood lights, track lights, and sconces are three good examples of lighting used for focus or to feature a part of a room or area.

Create more natural light in your home

• If possible, design a home with bedroom windows not facing strong outside lights. If you don’t have that ability, get light-blocking curtains or blinds to use when sleeping.

• Choose homes with big windows on all sides to allow natural light in during the day.

• Remove or trim bushes away from windows.

• In rooms with little natural light, hang mirrors across from the windows to reflect light back into the room.

• Use multiple types of lighting to add brightness.

• Use light paint colors in small dark rooms.

• Don’t block the windows with furniture.

• Keep your windows clean!

• Choose lightbulbs that work in each room. Daylight, Soft White, and Warm White are the three types of color temperatures available, as well as decorative colors. Choosing the right color temperature depends on what color temperature you need. Bedrooms tend to benefit from daylight or cool (soft) bulbs and kitchens benefit from all three, depending on the natural light available. Bulbs are available with many wattages and styles, so understanding what you need will involve some sleuthing on your part.

Circadian Lighting

What is it?

• Circadian lighting is a newer technology that can impact our health and circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are the mental, physical, and behavioral changes that follow the 24-hour cycle. Think-sleeping at night and awake during the day. And using a computer or phone late in the evening is one thing that can disrupt our rhythms.

• Exposure to daylight is important for our health. We react to the blue wavelengths from the sun, which change in intensity during the day. Blue wavelengths suppress melatonin, which is the hormone causing sleepiness.

• Using the technology of circadian lighting, we can recreate the amount of brightness during the day in our homes with adjustable LED Smart bulbs. In essence, we mimic the daily progression of the sun. In dark, grey winter days, this is especially an interesting idea. But this is not a replacement for exposure to natural light, just a tool to help us.

Photo courtesy of https://www.thelightingpractice.com/what-is-circadian-lighting/

Is it worth the money?

• It can be effective and deliver the right amount of light every day if it is installed correctly and calibrated and programmed for the area where you live.

• If you live or work in darker spaces with little natural light, it can help keep the mind and body alert, making your workday more productive.

• Because it is programmable, once it is set up you don’t need to think about it or adjust it. But getting it set up is a bit of a challenging experience as you need to use on online calculator to find the right intensity and spectrum of light throughout the day.

• Since it works by controlling spectrum, intensity, and timing, it is an expensive system. (Just using dimmable bulbs won’t achieve the same result.)

• While it is a known product, finding a reputable manufacturer will take some research.

• Smart bulbs are expensive and may add more blue light than is needed. Again, research is important.

Lighting is a complex endeavor and requires some time and energy to understand how to light your home effectively. It might take some trial and error on your part to make it work for your needs. Our designers here at RDS are well-versed in understanding how to help you create and maximize natural lights as well as helping your find the right types of lighting for each room in your home. And if Circadian Lighting is intriguing, we are here to help!

2023 - The Year of Color In Your Home

While white kitchens will always stand the test of time, we’re seeing color design in homes moving away from all white kitchens and adding bold colors in many rooms of the home. We’re not denouncing shades of white in a home by any means, as they are timeless and work well in many areas of the home. But color is in and we are excited about it!

Bring in Pops of Color

• If a white kitchen is a must, bring in pops of color with the finishes, a red or blue range or refrigerator, colorful chair cushions, bold backsplashes, and eye-catching curtains or blinds.

• Install a countertop featuring pops of color.

• Is it time for an island with a saturated bold base?

• Plants create color with minimal changes—just remember to water them. Put them in colorful pots and bingo—you have even more color.

• Embrace an interesting color palette with floor tiles that features some color.

• Wallpaper is everywhere and is a straightforward way to add some color to a feature wall, a powder room, or the ceiling in the laundry room.

• And speaking of laundry rooms, this a fun room to go wild with color and patterns. We don’t love doing laundry, so why not make the room fun and exciting?

• One stand-out cabinet is a fun way to add a pop of color without painting all of the cabinets.

• Want to keep it mostly neutral? Paint just the ceiling in a hue that complements the lighter wall color, but creates a bit of intrigue.

• Not ready for much color? Paint the front door or garage, the inside of some bookshelves, or hang some colorful artwork.

Paint Colors for This Year

This year’s paint colors are filled with both subtle and dramatic hues. Repainting a room, kitchen cabinets, or a feature wall makes a big change without a great deal of effort, especially if you have someone paint it for you!

Photo: Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year is Redend Point, a subtle earthy pink.

Photo: Courtesy of Behr

Behr’s color of the year is Blank Canvas, a creamy white.

Photo: Courtesy of Valspar

Valspar’s color of the year is a combination of 12 comfortable, livable paint colors, featuring hues of greens and blues, pastels, and soft neutrals.

Photo: Courtesy of Pantone

Pantone’s color of the year is Viva Magenta 18-1750, a bold pinkish red.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is Raspberry Blush, a vibrant red-orange.

Photo: Courtesy of Dunn-Edwards

Dunn-Edwards’ color of the year in Terra Rosa, a deep rosy pink.

Photo: Courtesy of Dutch Boy

Dutch Boy’s color of the year is Rustic Greige, a blend of beige and gray.

Photo: Courtesy of Glidden by PPG

Glidden Paint by PPG & Glidden’s  color of the year is Vining Ivy, a deep shady aqua.

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Take a chance and brighten up a room in your home this year. Creating a cheery, warm inviting feeling might just be what your home needs! Our designers here at RDS can help guide you on color choices for every room of your home, be it a new build or a renovation to a room or rooms in your existing home.

RDS—Our Year in Review

As 2022 comes to a close, we often take time to reflect on the year. We thought we’d check in with everyone here at RDS, asking some questions to see what they thought of the year here at work. Some of their responses are below. We encourage you to ask your family and coworkers these questions and enjoy the conversation that ensues.

As we reflect on our year at RDS, we thank all of our clients for their trust in us! We love creating home designs and know that you have choices when it comes to finding the right partner to work with you. Thank you for a busy, interesting, exciting year of design.

Funniest memory from 2022?

Jim—We’re always having a good time, it’s hard to pick just one!

Hylas—The NARI golf outing continues to provide a great networking event for the industry, and time to blow off a little steam. The ‘dress up’ in ladies’ attire for the 10th Hole tee shot is always a favorite. Donning floppy hats and long flowing skirts never looked better!

Jeremy—During one of our Lunch-N-Learns, we had someone shadowing us while he was on summer break. At lunch we were discussing our careers, including where we went to college and what we thought about the schools we attended. Everyone had a good chuckle when we realized living away from our parents was one of the top priorities for selecting our respective universities. In hindsight, I would have preferred to go to OSU rather than OU for undergrad, however, if I did go to OSU, I would have to live with my parents, and that was a non-starter at 18. 

Most interesting design from 2022?

Jim—The next one! Each design presents a unique set of challenges to pull together the ideas and pictures the clients have along with the square footage and/or zoning parameters to make everything work well and within budget.

Hylas—What began as a limited kitchen remodel, blossomed into a full house renovation and update for this 1910 original home in the city of Delaware. Stunning and contemporary finishes seamlessly contrast the historic nature of the original house. A new pool, pool house and carriage house rounded out the renovation.

Jeremy—The design that was probably the most interesting for me so far was one where we designed a detached garage using the design elements from the existing mid-century style home. The existing home was designed using a hexagonal module. Essentially, there are no 90-degree corners in the existing house.  

Best comment from a client this year?

Jim—Various clients and builders letting me know that they really enjoyed the team member they worked with and that person’s ability to solve their design problem.

Hylas—“Kathleen and I really enjoyed meeting you and felt you truly wanted to find a solution that worked for us. You spent more time talking with us at the house and trying to understand our needs than anyone else we met with.”  

What do you like about working at RDS?

Jim—Working with my daughter 😉 and of course the entire team!

Erik—The opportunity to learn something new every day. Lunch & Learns: Construction site visits allow us to see designs come to life.

Hylas—The flexibility and encouragement to grow and develop. The changing nature of each project keeps things interesting and exciting. An owner that values employees as team members and creates the glue that binds us all together.

Jeremy—What I like most about RDS is that Jim, Dominic, and Hylas continue to provide guidance and answer my questions when it comes to designs. It’s nice to actually be learning something and to be gaining more and more confidence in my abilities. Also, instead of just saying this is how things are done, they are open to some of my ideas and ask for my input on certain topics. For instance, we are currently working on a way to make drafting using SoftPlan more efficient for our projects and I feel like that I am able to contribute to making the process better. I also enjoy working here because we are providing a much-needed service given the current world circumstances, especially when it comes to the housing shortage.

Dominic—I like the variety of projects and Jim keeps things moving smoothly.

Lunch and learn trip to visit a project in process!

As 2022 ends and 2023 begins, we’d love the opportunity to work with you, creating the home design you have been waiting for. Contact us here to get 2023 off to a fantastic start!

Mistakes that Homeowners Think are a Good Choice

We all make mistakes, right? Sometimes we just make a wrong turn or say the wrong thing. But sometimes, we make design mistakes in our homes. As home designers, we always have our clients’ best interests at heart, but sometimes they want things to happen that we don’t think are going to work. It might be during the planning stage of a new build or a remodel, a change order that clients insist on, or a project that happens after the home is finished.

Far be it from us to be the design guru, but we do know a thing or two. We humbly submit some design mistakes we’ve encountered over the years, whether it is something a client wanted, a design element added after our part was completed, or it’s something completely baffling we’ve seen or heard.

Source: hgtv.com

Furniture size: Walking into a room should be easy, and not an obstacle course. The furniture needs to fit in the room, while leaving room to maneuver. If the furniture is already purchased or being reused in the new space, then the plan should be in place to have a big enough room for all the furniture. If you are going to buy new furniture, measure the room and the furniture to make sure it will fit.

Splurging vs. Saving: Don’t skimp on the items you will use daily—fixtures, doors, windows, kitchen appliances, and furniture. Building a room for a home gym when you don’t work out might not be the best option. Really think about where you should splurge and where you could save a few dollars or some space.

Overdoing a theme: Have you ever walked into a home and were overwhelmed by what was happening? It might be the color of the walls, the décor, the tchotchkes, the wallpaper matching the furniture, you get the idea! More is not always more.

Source: hgtv.com

Source: laurelberninteriors.com

DIY or Expert: Some projects are just better left to the professionals. Electric and plumbing are two that come to mind. When we’ve created plans for homes being remodeled, we’ve seen it all.

Window Coverings: What kind of window coverings do you have, or do you not have any? A bathroom at the front of the house definitely needs window blocking blinds. We are always surprised at homes that let family life be on full display, especially at night.

Source: Apartment Therapy

Artwork placement: Rule of thumb is eye level. But if you’re tall, bring it down a bit.

Electric outlets: We have this conversation with every client to understand where they want outlets. But we continue to see homes without enough outlets or rooms that are not situated to take advantage of where the outlets are in the room. Who wants a light cord extending across the room?

Want to avoid making some design mistakes? Our designers here at RDS are here to walk you through the whole design, come on site to see the progress, and give you design thoughts for your finished spaces. Let’s start a conversation today!

2023 Trends and What We Love in Home Design

Trend: a general direction in which something is developing or changing.

Every year, we see articles from various sites detailing what is trending in home design, technology, interior and exterior design. While we love trends, we also err on the side of classic, timeless design. There is a place for trends and a place for the classics. No matter where you fall, there are some trends that continue to shine, some that are evolving, and some that have piqued our interest.

As home designers, our team here at RDS is always up for the challenge of a trend our client might ask of us, or something we’ve seen that we know will be perfect in a remodel or home design. The list we’ve compiled has some classics on it—they’re either still “trending” or have something new to offer.

Technology

• Smart technology continues to dominate and shape how we design homes. There are refrigerators sending messages to your phone to get more eggs or milk, thermostats that learn how you use your heat and air, and so much more.

• Seamless integration is set to make our lives easier and more connected than ever. Almost everything can be connected through our Wi-Fi and controlled through our phones, tablets, and televisions.

Kitchens

• Kitchen islands serve many purposes — extra counter space, storage, prep sinks, seating, additional built-in beverage fridge, dedicated space for a microwave, to name a few. It’s the hub of the kitchen!

• See storage ideas below!

Photo Courtesy of Dave Osmond Builders

Bathrooms

• Low-curb showers or curb-less showers are more popular than ever. These designs allow for safely getting into the shower, make the room look better with a low profile, and are sleek and gorgeous. Add some stunning tile and the shower becomes the focal point of the bathroom.

• See storage ideas below!

Living Areas

• Versatility with spaces that can be more than one thing! An area of a room that doubles as school space. A game room that doubles as a craft room. An office with a Murphy-style bed or sleeper sofa becomes a bedroom. An open concept floor plan with living zones creating multifunction. Along with this is the need for dedicated activity spaces—a home gym, art studio, office, or a home theater. If you want it, it can be designed.

• Bespoke home bars in living room or basements allow for entertaining at home—with or without friends. The past few years have shown us what we want in our homes and who we want to spend time with.

Of Note

• Natural lighting is nothing new, but the last few years have shown us that when we’re home for extended periods of time, we crave natural light. Big windows, bifold doors, multiple banks of windows, and glass walls are prevalent in design.

• Offices are back in a big way and need to function for both adults and kids. Many of us are now working from home and our kids might be home from school from time to time, or are homeschooled now. Offices are now designed to be functional AND comfortable, getting use daily.

• Have you noticed the increase in front porches being added to existing homes and part of new homes? Front porches are having a moment in the wake of the past few years and our need to connect with people. Outdoor living—whether it’s on the front porch, back deck, sunroom, or patio is a way to connect with the outdoors and nature.

• Who doesn’t want more storage? It continues to be one of the most requested design items for our clients. But just adding cabinets isn’t enough. Storage options that are targeted for specific purposes—holding devices (hair dryer, flat iron, makeup, etc.) in bathroom drawers, pullouts and dividers in kitchens and other areas for laundry, spices, pantry items, and appliances create storage in unique ways.

• Aging in place—but making it look stylish and accessible. Different finishes, tiles, and color can make an accessible design look seamless and trendy, not medicinal.

• A fireplace in the bedroom is cozy, artistic, and moody. A double-sided one can separate a sitting area from the bed, creating simple and modern lines. And who doesn’t want a cozy fire while relaxing in the bedroom?

No matter what you’re dreaming of, looking at on the internet, home shows, or magazines, our talented and dedicated designers will create your dream home for you. Whether it’s a whole house, an area to be remodeled or someplace in between, give us a call to see what we can do for you.  Send us a note and let’s connect today!

The Benefits of Indoor Plants

We all love to look at beautiful plants and trees when we are outside. And who doesn’t like wandering through plant stores and parks to feel re-energized? Now look around the inside of your home or office—do you see any plants? If you do, you probably know the benefits of having plants inside. If not, this blog is for you (and us-the dried up succulent in our window isn’t the best look!).

When we design homes, you’d be surprised at how many times clients ask us about the natural light and if they will have a good area for plants. While this isn’t our first priority when designing, we do understand the benefits of plants and will do what we can to create perfect places for them to thrive.

 Benefits of Indoor Plants

The research is easy to find and very interesting. The more we read, the more we learned. And yes, we are going to get some plants for the office soon.

• Plants can boost your general health and well-being—they just make you feel better!

• Let’s face it— plants are beautiful—and bring nature inside.

• Plants help improve air quality as they help to clean the air and release water vapor, creating humidity. They also absorb toxic substances and produce oxygen.

• Plants can reduce stress by creating a feeling of calm and comfort when working around them. It helps us to feels like we’re outside, which helps us connect and boosts our moods.

• Caring for plants can help lower anxiety and stress, so take time to enjoy the plants, revel in their growth, and chat with them. 😃

• Some studies even say they boost productivity—who doesn’t like a quick break to look at something beautiful in nature and then get back to work? Being surrounded by living plants can make you feel like you have been transported to someplace else.

So, what plants should you choose?

First and foremost, if plants are going to be in your home and you have kids, choose plants that are safe for children and pets. Lists like this one are available online or check at your favorite garden center for the safest plants.

So much about choosing plants depends on the natural light in your home. Loads of natural light allows for choosing almost any plant you see at a garden store. Less light? You’ll need to do some research or talk with knowledgeable people about what plants work best with low light.

There are so many amazing plant stores in the Columbus and surrounding areas, and one of our favorites is Groovy Plants Ranch. They specialize in interesting plants and are so helpful! Check out their website and you’ll find so much helpful information.

Some plants we’ve found that are pretty forgiving (for those of us just starting out) are plants in the Pothos Collection, Peace Lilies, ZZ plants, Snake plants, Philodendron, spider plants, Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Tillandsia (Air plants), and Cactus.

Whatever you choose, we know that not only will you feel happier, your home will look that much better. And if you’re in the market for a new home design or a plan for a remodel of your home, our designers here at RDS are waiting for you. Drop us a line today!

Now excuse us while we go plant shopping!

Next Level Exterior Living

Next Level Exterior Living

Before

Sometimes, a design becomes even more than an amazing design. It becomes a design that wins an award, and who doesn’t like to share news like that?  

This year, one of our designs received a big award, The 2022 American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) Grand ARDA (American Residential Design Award) for Outdoor Living. There were 168 entries from 63 designers, and we were honored to have won for our project we titled, “Next Level Exterior Living”. We were blown away by all the entries and the design talent that was on display at this year’s award ceremony.

Before

Project Details

This project was two-fold—create outdoor living and keep the integrity of the design of the existing home. Our clients were installing a new inground pool and we were tasked with creating a two-level covered patio overlooking the pool.

Design features include:

• Ample room for dining on both levels

• An outdoor kitchen

• A large sitting area on each level, each with its own fireplace

• An open-air deck for the grill and bar

• Easy access to the pool patio

Working closely with the builder, Taylor Lykins Custom Homes, we were able to construct this area with a low-profile roof and brick piers and arches to maintain a cohesive look that was true to the original style and feel of the home.

Now every design we create for our builders and clients won’t win an award, but you can be rest assured we will create the vision needed to win in our clients’ and builders’ eyes.

What can we design for you? Our team at Residential Designed Solutions would be honored to work with you and create award-winning projects. Call us at 614-430-0027 or contact us here.

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Photography by ARC Photography.

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The Politics Happening Around the Lack of Affordable Housing

We recently read an NAHB article that discussed what they are doing in Washington D.C. with regards to the housing affordability crisis. While we don’t usually take on politics in our day-to-day operations, we felt this article was worth paraphrasing and interjecting what else we’ve learned and experienced as home designers. Read the full article here.

Affordability

As stated in the above article, affordable housing is in crisis. The reason—not enough housing to match the demands of those searching for homes. Whether it be homes, condominiums, or apartments, we know that prices to build homes continues to go up. And with that, the cost to rent or own has skyrocketed as well.

From the aforementioned report, NAHB testified at a recent Senate Finance Committee hearing and shared that while tax incentives will help, Congress needs to take broader actions.

Issues that have contributed to affordability issues include:

• Supply issues

• Building materials slowdowns and shipping issues

• Change in regulations

• Labor shortages

• Construction costs increasing home costs

• Entry level prices of homes 

Steps the NAHB suggests Congress take (from the above article)

• Remove the mortgage interest deduction and replace it with a 15% tax credit claimed against mortgage interest and real estate taxes paid

• Strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit by enacting the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (boosting production of affordable rental housing)

• Supporting a proposal for a Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit

• Address the housing tax incentives not indexed for inflation

• Reconsider the current limits on the state and local taxes deduction

• Suspend tariffs on Canadian lumber imports and negotiate with Canada on a new softwood lumber agreement

• Reduce regulations that account for nearly 25% of the price of building a single-family home and 40% of a typical multifamily development

• Help to ease the construction labor shortage and promote and fund job training

• Ease bottlenecks that have contributed to home building material costs

Our thoughts based on conversations we’ve had with those in the industry

If you’re in this business, and we all are, we’ve had conversations, especially over the last few years, about affordable housing. It’s one thing to build a home for a client that has no money issues, and we need those clients, but we do have those that can’t afford housing. Do we have an obligation to help solve the problem?

• What can be done about the current housing shortage? Fewer homes than ever are being built now.

• Change zoning laws that restrict what kinds of homes can be built in many neighborhoods.

• Talk with those in government that can be a voice for us.

• Understand the recent Housing Supply Action Plan and determine what we can do to support it within our industry.

As home designers, builders, and contractors, it is important that we pay attention to what is happening with not only housing, but affordable housing. We know that we all believe that everyone is entitled to live in a safe and habitable home, no matter the circumstances. Here at RDS, we know that many of you we are in contact with see this as a problem that needs to be solved and we are willing to do what we can to help the situation. We encourage you to read the full article that we paraphrased and weigh in with your thoughts.