Design with a Builder’s Mindset
Honest advice on construction costs, architectural trends, and building a home that lasts
Featured Insight
Why White Shaker Cabinets are History.
For nearly 15 years, the white shaker cabinet has been the "beige carpet" of our generation—ubiquitous, safe, and increasingly sterile—but as we approach 2026, the era of the clinical white box is officially fading. In its place, we are seeing a dramatic shift toward warmth and texture, with homeowners trading bright white for the refined lines of "Skinny Shaker" doors, the organic depth of natural walnut, and the sophistication of moody "mushroom" and taupe neutrals. Luxury is no longer about blinding brightness; it is about character, and the new wave of kitchen design proves that the future is anything but generic.
Built to Last? Why My 1775 Farmhouse Still Stands Strong Without Rebar or Ties
My 1775 home in Phoenixville doesn’t have a concrete foundation or steel rebar—it rests on stones from the Schuylkill River and timber cut centuries ago. In an era of strict building codes and Simpson ties, are we over-engineering today's homes? Or was the lumber used by pioneers simply superior? Join me as we explore the structural tug-of-war between old-growth materials and modern safety.
What Does "Grandfathered" Actually Mean for Your Home Renovation?
Renovating an older home comes with a common fear: will touching one room force me to update the entire house to modern standards? The answer lies in understanding what is truly 'grandfathered' and what isn't. Residential Designer Robert Smith breaks down the reality of building codes, identifying the specific triggers for mandatory upgrades—from egress windows to stair railings—so you can budget accurately and avoid costly surprises.
The “VIF” Trap: Why It’s Time for Designers to Stop Passing the Buck
The acronym "VIF" (Verify In Field) appears on almost every set of blueprints, but too often, it’s a red flag for a lazy design process. While sometimes necessary for hidden conditions, this note is frequently used by architects and designers to shift the burden of accuracy—and liability—onto the builder. In this article, Robert Smith of Fresh Start Designs explains the real cost of "VIF," why it leads to change orders, and how a commitment to precise measuring protects the homeowner's budget.
The Remodel Paradox: Why Fixing Up Your Home Costs More Than Ever (and How We Can Fix It)
Renovating used to be the clear financial winner over building new, but recent market shifts have upended that logic. In this deep dive, Robert Smith explores the economic forces driving up remodeling costs—from the labor shortage to regulatory hurdles—and shares how Fresh Start Designs is using smarter planning to make expanding your home affordable again.