Getting a Handle on Home Building Costs

Home building cost overruns can plague any home building or remodeling project. This occurs so frequently that it is recommended you include a 5 - 10% contingency fund in your budget. This will be used for items that you will have no control over, such as problems found with the land once excavation has begun.

Use the 5 tips in this article to control home building costs & minimize cost overruns.

Tip 1: Planning Your Home Building Costs Take the time to plan on paper what you want your house to look like. When doing your budget, visit stores to look at appliances, fixtures, cabinets, flooring, etc. In doing so, you will have a clearer idea of what you want and more importantly, what it will cost. Then, build that amount into your budget so there are no surprises later.

Tip 2: Specify Home Building Materials When working with a contractor, be sure that the specific materials you expect to be used are included in the bid and subsequently, in the contract. If your plans say wood floors and you are expecting teak and get oak, your recourse is limited because you did not specify it in writing.

Tip 3: Change Orders If you take the time to plan your home building project on paper before breaking ground, you can minimize the number of Change Orders. Change Orders frequently increase the cost of your project because they were not planned for in the original budgeting. If you agree to a change order and there is an expense involved, you are responsible for those costs unless the contractor has agreed he will pay for the change. Depending upon the extent of the change, it can involve modifying the original plans and having the local building authority review the changes including the labor and materials. Always keep an eye on any changes to the original plan and design and take the time to determine the financial impact of the change on your project. Changes to construction projects represent the single most common reason a project goes over budget and/or the completion is delayed. Take the time to plan before you build.

Tip 4: Size, Style and Shape of the Home These three factors can significantly contribute to the cost of building your dream home.

• Size - Work with even numbers and have your home size rounded up or down to increments of two (2) feet. This reduces wasted materials. Also, build a home no deeper than 32 feet to eliminate the need for specially designed trusses.
• Style - Typically, it will cost less to build a two-story home than a one-story home of similar square footage. A two-story home will have a smaller roof and foundation. In addition, plumbing and ventilation are more compact in two-story homes.
• Shape - Having more corners and angles will increase the amount of labor and materials needed to build your dream home. A rectangular or box shaped home will cost less to build.

Tip 5: Two Most Common Times for Cost Overruns The beginning of your home building & construction project - when you are doing excavation and possibly putting in a well. You won't know what is under the ground until you begin to excavate. If you are drilling for a well, you will have no control over how far down you will need to drill for water. This is where having a contingency fund is essential.

The second most common time for a cost overrun is near the end of the project when you are selecting your finishes, i.e., cabinets, counter-tops, lighting and plumbing fixtures, flooring, appliances, etc. If you took the time to shop around before you did your budget, you can more easily stay within your budget when you do your final selections.

Cost overruns are common in any home building project, but with knowledge and planning they can be kept within manageable boundaries.

Upgrades for a Healthier Home (Part 4)

Let your bed air out before you make it each day. This will allow mite-friendly moisture to evaporate. Airing out your pillows and vacuuming the mattress will help control mites too. 

Screen out pollen. If you have a window air conditioner, use the fan setting, and change or wash the filter often. Keep windows closed.

Stop using moth balls, period. They contain possible carcinogens. Store clean silks and woolens in zip-up bags. Buy cedar chips from a pet store, and make your own sachets by wrapping them in cheesecloth; toss or refill when they lose their scent. 

Avoid placing office equipment in the bedroom; copiers and printers can generate lung irritants.

Put in a whole-house fan. Installed in the attic or under the roof, this low-tech cooling system draws poor-quality air out and fresh air in (a boon when it's not pollen season).

Zip dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses to keep mites out.

Swap out wall-to-wall carpet for hardwood and washable area rugs, steps that will help reduce the buildup of dust, pet dander, and other allergens.

Replace your mattress with one free of flame retardants. Some mattresses incorporate wool, which is naturally flame resistant.

Set up a humidity monitor. Aim for a humidity level of 40 to 50 percent; a higher level can trigger the growth of mildew and mites. If levels fall below 20 percent, consider a plug-in humidifier—and follow the manufacturer's care tips.

Check for radon. This odorless natural gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Use a test kit, like RTCA's 4 Pass Charcoal Canister Test ($22; rtca.com), to measure levels every few years and after any basement work. 

Schedule an HVAC checkup to make sure furnaces, boilers, and water heaters are properly venting carbon monoxide. 

Install a dehumidifier to keep humidity below mold-triggering levels.

If you're remodeling and finishing walls,choose lime plaster over drywall if you want to match plaster walls in the rest of your house; it's naturally mold resistant. Or at least go for paperless drywall, such as Georgia-Pacific's DensArmor, which is less vulnerable to moisture than the paper-backed variety.

Take inventory. Safely dispose of half-empty containers of dried-up paint, stain, and solvents (consult your local sanitation department for guidelines). Store gas in a no-spill container. Keep all such products far away from water heaters that have pilot lights. If possible, lock up volatile chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides in a separate kid-proof shed.

Set up to work outside, and wear a mask as needed. Opt for plenty of ventilation when cutting chemically treated lumber and formaldehyde-packed MDF. Even wood dust is a proven health hazard.

Switch to organic lawn care. Lawn chemicals may green up the grass fast, but they ultimately weaken its defenses against drought and disease. Runoff is a major source of pollution in rivers and lakes—which helps explain how nitrates and weed killers can end up in your drinking water. 

Upgrade your workshop's dust collection system. A HEPA-filter shop vac that screws right onto the ports of power saws and sanders greatly reduces airborne dust. 

Swap gas-powered lawn gear for quieter, fume-free electric and manual options. Fiskar's new Momentum reel mower ($200; lowes.com) has scissors-like blades that churn out mulch-size clippings.

The bottom line: You can have a well-kept home and take care of your health too.

First-Time Home Buyers Advice: Gift Money as a Down Payment

It’s not uncommon for first-time home buyers to ask: “Can my mom and dad give me money to help me buy this house?”

The good news is yes, you can receive a gift from your parents to buy a house, but the way that you actually receive the gift is very important. Mom and dad can’t just leave money under your pillow like the Tooth Fairy did when you were younger.

The process of accepting a gift for your down payment isn’t complicated, and by following these simple rules, you can be sure that the underwriter who is reviewing your file will look at it with an approving eye.

Write a gift letter

If someone is going to be gifting you money to help you buy a house, you’ll first need a gift letter. The gift letter needs to be a short, sweet letter that is hand-signed by you and the person giving the gift. It needs to contain the following:

• The relationship between the home buyer and the person giving the gift.
• The amount of the gift.
• The address of the home being purchased.
• A statement that the money is a gift and not a loan that must be paid back.

Establish a paper trail

Next, you’ll need to create a paper trail. This is important because underwriters will look for where the money came from and where it went. In simple terms, they will look for proof that the money came from your parents’ account and went into yours.

Each situation will be slightly different, but be ready to provide paper proof of your parents’ account having money in it, money coming out of that account, a deposit into your account and proof that your account now has the money in it. Accuracy matters when creating this paper trail, so make sure each transaction is for the exact amount of the gift.

Write a gift letter and use this shortcut

Creating a paper trail correctly has proven to have its fair share of hassles. Getting copies of transactions is time-consuming, and underwriters seem to question every little thing in the process (“where exactly did the $10,000 transfer that I see coming into mom and dad’s account come from?”).

The good news is that there’s a shortcut when it comes to gift letters — one that makes the entire process easier.

Simply add one sentence to the letter that says: “Will wire the gift directly to escrow at time of closing.”

If you add this line to your gift letter, you can avoid all of the paper chasing that most underwriters will require. A day or two before closing, you can get wiring instructions from your escrow agent for mom and dad to wire the exact amount of the gift directly to the escrow company working on your transaction.

Buying a Newly Built Home VS a Resale Home

When it comes to the major decision of building a new home vs. buying a resale home, your best bet is to start by taking a long look in the mirror. Are you the sort of person who feels more comfortable living in the presence of other people’s memories in an older neighbourhood, or do you consider yourself a  “pioneer”, preferring to forge your own future while a neighbourhood springs up around you? Still unsure? Maybe a few other considerations would help.

Why owners love their newly constructed homes
Depending on where you choose to live, a new home can offer you much more space for less money, plus you can really tailor it to what you want. You’re in control, with decisions about items like flooring and cabinets, specialized plumbing and electrical fixtures and sometimes even room layout. And of course, when you take possession, everything works right away. Floors gleam, faucets sparkle, and the home even smells new. Plus, the home is likely more energy efficient, with better insulation and more modern conveniences than older homes.

Not only do newly constructed homes mean no renovations required, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing that there is no question about what you’re purchasing.  You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing what happened in your home from day one without the threat of hidden problems.

Along the way, you may have had help with your builder providing expert advice and knowledge, from home selection to interior design, while giving you ultimate control over the big decisions. Besides all that, buying new will mean lower maintenance costs – and the Alberta New Home Warranty.

Perfection takes time and patience
It’s no secret that building a new home takes time, could take anywhere from 8 to 16 months (on average) depending on your builder, time of year and whether or not you want to make alterations to the original plan. For the most part, your costs are set up front, but along the way you may face unexpected costs that can add to the overall anxiety surrounding the project.

Then there are the frequent decisions you may be asked to make – something some new home owners love to be in control of, while others may find annoying or even stressful. Finally, after you move in to your new home, you may find yourself waiting again – for trees to grow, for soil to settle so fences can be built, for basements to be developed and for neighbours to get finished with their own projects.

Why owners love their resale homes
With roughly twice the available homes on the market being “previously loved,” selection is a big advantage. Plus, the fact the home is owned by someone else gives you more leeway to offer and counter-offer until you get the price you want. The home itself may have been substantially improved over the years, with additions or interior renovations increasing the livability and reducing the need for you to roll up your own sleeves, meaning you can move in a lot faster.

Choice of location is another reason that many people choose to buy resale. Homes are available in all areas of the city, whether in more established neighbourhoods or in new communities that are still growing, the resale market simply has more locations to choose from.

Many house hunters like the way that older homes look and feel, seeking out the ‘charm’ of certain features that may not be readily available in newer homes, such as exposed beams, decorative moldings or curved archways.

Do your homework before making it yours
As much as it can be a bonus, a renovated older home can also be a headache. If the home doesn’t meet your taste or needs, you may decide to renovate.  This means that you may find you have to uproot your family and change your entire lifestyle during re-renovations.

Even if you’re not renovating, there’s almost always something to attend to with an older home. Remember, home building standards and codes have vastly improved over the years, and it’s not unusual for owners of older homes to sink money into updated plumbing and wiring. Also, make sure you have a thorough inspection done before making any move on the purchase; surprises like leaky roofs, cracked foundations or mould build-ups will have you loving your older home a lot less.

New or old? There is no right answer
Getting back to the original question of which one is right for you, the new vs. old conundrum is a personal one. Of course, your own preference and lifestyle requirements may change over time. You may find yourself with a new family addition, a change in relationship or simply a desire for change, so what’s new today could be old tomorrow – and vice versa.

Moving Tips that'll Make Your Life Simpler

A Checklist for Before and After You’ve Moved

Please take advantage of our moving tips and moving advice. Print this page and carry it with you before and several days after the move. Moving tips that may seem obvious can be easily over looked. Take our moving advice and utilize this checklist before and after you have moved.

•  Take Notes - Make a note of your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment.
• Get the Bed Ready
  
  Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
• Don't forget about the Fridge
  
  After you've thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.
• Keep the Phone Book
  
  Take your current phone book with you. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown.
• Pack Heavy - Pack Light
  
  Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
• Give out your Number
  
  Before the van foreman leaves for your destination residence, give him a phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to provide him with an alternate contact in case you can't be reached.
• Protect Your Memories
  
  If it's irreplaceable, take it with you in the car (you don't want regrets later). But if you do decide to pack framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection.
• Know how to Pack Plates and Records
  
  Plates and record albums should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.
• Remember the Bare Necessities
  
  Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, paper towels, and cleaning supplies are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
• Unscrew Bulbs
  
  Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.
• Tag your Items
  
  For your garage sale, tag all items and be prepared to wheel and deal. Garage sale gurus love to haggle.
• Give the Kids an Exercise
  
  Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town.
• Help your Pet Relax
  
  Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.
• Be Nice to Your Plants
  
  When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.
• Take a Break from the Computer
  
  Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer "acclimate" itself to room temperature before plugging it in.
• Enjoy the Help
  
  Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move. Be sure to get a good night’s rest before the pickup and delivery days!

Upgrades for a Healthier Home (Part 3)

Replace failing caulk and cracked tiles to discourage mold from growing behind the walls. For how-to advice on fixing both.

Dehumidify. Run your ceiling vent fan after every shower. Install a switch timer to make sure it runs at least 20 minutes to vent moist, mildew-attracting air outside.

Avoid using cleansers with ammonia and chlorine (and never, ever mix them). These irritate skin and lungs, and even provoke asthma.

Sanitize faucets, where germs and flu viruses collect fast. Wipe them down with a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution or try wipes that use plant oils to kill germs and viruses, such as EPA-certified Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes ($5.75; seventhgeneration.com).

Swap out vinyl shower curtains for washable nylon or polyester ones. Vinyl can contain phthalates, which may be hazardous to reproductive health. Similar to shown here: Nylon Hotel Shower Curtain ($20; restorationhardware.com). 

Avoid chemical grout cleaners. Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide instead, and let it sit on grout for 30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

Install a whole-house water filter to reduce exposure to airborne chlorine while you're showering. Or try a filtered showerhead, such as Aquasana's Shower Filtration System ($85; aquasana.com).

Vacuum, dust, and damp-mop regularly. This will wipe out dust bunnies that can carry flame-retardant residue from electronic equipment, carpet backing, foam rubber, and other furnishings. Kids are especially vulnerable because they play on the floor. 

Test suspect paint surfaces for lead. This known neurotoxin can be released into the air when paint chips or peels, and is present in paints made before 1978. Newer, more reliable test kits, such as the LeadCheck Household Lead Test Kit, can evaluate most light and dark colors ($19 for eight swabs; leadcheck.com). If you suspect toys of having lead paint, check the list of recalls at recalls.gov.

Sanitize doorknobs and toys, which can harbor germs for 48 hours. Small items can be treated with a handheld germ blaster, such as Verilux's CleanWave UV-C Sanitizing Wand ($90; verilux.com).

Install linoleum, cork, tile, wood, or stone in place of carpets and vinyl flooring. Unlike vinyl, these natural materials contain no phthalates, and linoleum inhibits bacterial growth. All collect less dust than carpeting does. Shown at left: Marmoleum Click linoleum tiles ($7-$9 per square foot; forboflooringna.com). 

Look for chemical-free furnishings filled with batting made from natural fibers, and pressed-wood furniture and cabinets made with little or no formaldehyde. 

Avoid furnishings and clothing with stain-resistant coatings that contain perfluorochemicals. Questions have been raised about their safety.

Upgrade to a steam washer. Look for an NSF-certified model able to zap germs and allergens with high-temperature steam heat.

Home Upgrade Trends: Increasing Value (Part 2)

Spend the money now to invest in your home.  The value that you create now will increase in time. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, you will enjoy the upgrades that are made and in turn will add value to your own life.  Use these 15 tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the process.

8.) State of art audio and sound: Consider adding surround sound systems in your living areas as well as master bedroom area for a notch above your competition.  If you are selling electronics with your home, plasma and flat screen televisions are a plus and media rooms are now becoming well sought after. Add seating areas for multiple screen viewing and add theater sound if considering a media room. These upgrades will be an amenity that adds value and buyer appeal.

9.) Eco-friendly homes bring in a higher value: In this green modern age, eco conscious upgrades have a big return on investment. From water saving plumbing fixtures to tankless hot water heaters, investing in the earth can add value to your home.  Choose rapidly renewable resources for finishes like bamboo flooring and opt for systems that save on energy costs.  Regardless of the method, green living upgrades are always worth the investment.

10.) A fully usable garage is an asset: A garage can add usable storage space for the home buyer as well as dry, clean area for parking cars. All homes don’t have garages and therefore can add value on to your home. If your home is on the market, spend time cleaning and organizing your garage so it can be shown.  Install garage wall or ceiling organizing shelves to fully take advantage of vertical storage and space.

11.) Invest in curb appeal: To be able to meet the demands of the average home buyer you will need to create curb appeal. A well manicured lawn, trimmed landscaping and clean drive and sidewalks will help bring greater buyer appeal, and in turn will add value on to your home.  Keep your flower beds free of weeds and full of thriving and colorful plants.  Nothing says ‘buy me’ like a front yard that has quality upkeep behind it.

12.) Have fully functioning irrigation system: The more ways you can add convenience of time and energy to a home buyer, the greater appeal is created for your home.  An irrigation system that works properly and covers the full yard can add value.  Consider having a maintenance check by an irrigation professional that can service and recommend the proper maintenance of your irrigation system.

13.) The more closets the better: At the top of buyers’ lists is always storage.  The more you can provide the more value you add on to your home price.  Make sure closets are fully functioning and are not being used to hold so many belongings that a home buyer can’t see how much space the closet offers.  When choosing how to upgrade your home, storage is one of the easiest and often overlooked suggestions.

14.) A quality roof is a plus: The roof of your home protects and beautifies the structure beneath.  A quality roof will add value to your home and reduce the risk of damage in the near future.  For roofs older than 15 years, consider having a roofer inspect and possibly replace. Upgrade from asphalt shingles to clay tiles, copper, slate or standing metal seam to add durability and value.

15.) Windows are for more than viewing: Your windows are the source for your light, but also the source for conditioned air gain and loss.  Upgrade to windows with higher R values to resist heat and cold transfer from the outdoors. Double paned windows, windows with integral window treatments and insulated varieties all equate to saving energy and therefore will add more value to your home.

Hot Housing Trends for 2015: Go Open

Open spaces go mainstream. An open floor plan may feel like old hat, but it’s becoming a wish beyond the young hipster demographic, so you’ll increasingly see this layout in traditional condo buildings and single-family suburban homes in 2015. The reason? After the kitchen became the home’s hub, the next step was to remove all walls for greater togetherness. 

Open floor plans rank high on the list of must-have amenities for many people remodeling or looking for homes. Homes featuring open floor plans combine the kitchen and living room into one large space. Larger spaces, such as in the photo shown above, allow family members and guests to interact during an entire visit without having to vanish to prepare dinner. People can be lounging in the living room while others are in the kitchen and yet everyone is still together!

Today’s new homes are more practical than houses built 25 years ago because they reflect the way people live and an open concept is a much sought after bonus. However, very few houses being toured in the Greater Grand Rapids area have them. Most of these homes are older with small broken up rooms, not ideal for entertaining. Just imagine inviting all your friends and family over for a party in a non-open floor layout. It would be crowded… and chances are  you’d probably end up bursting through the walls and create an open concept kitchen and living room by accident! Around here it is understood that a little elbow grease is in order to make the dream of an open concept floor plan a reality. Knocking down a wall or two during a remodel isn’t uncommon and totally worth it if you’re looking for extra space.

The result of taking down a wall between the kitchen and living areas is a home that inspires a more modern relationship between the kitchen (traditionally considered a working zone), and formal living spaces. With open floor plans the kitchen becomes the heart of the home often times featuring an island that provides extra counter space with casual seating. Islands such as these help bridge the gap between “work space” and “living space” by providing a space for kids to do homework, enjoy light meals, or for guests to chat with the cook. With this concept sometimes a formal dining room is eliminated entirely, and replaced with a large table serving as the family eating area. Auxiliary rooms designed for organization and convenience, such as a butler’s pantry, mudroom, or home office, are usually sited adjacent to the main living area.

Upgrades for a Healthier Home (Part 2)

Ban smoking. It's a fast, effective way to cut indoor air pollution.

Open a window (unless you're fighting pollen). Indoor air can contain two to five times more chemical pollutants than air outdoors. 

Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. High-efficiency particulate air filters are best for sucking up dust, dust mites (and their allergy-aggravating droppings), animal dander, and fleas. Use a crevice tool on upholstery and a brush attachment on dust-catching curtains and lamp shades. 

Pot up a plant or two. Spider plants, peace lilies, philodendrons, and aloe vera can help neutralize formaldehyde (found in furniture) and benzene (found in car fumes and paint supplies). Snake plants, English ivy, Boston and asparagus ferns, and Areca and bamboo palms are good neutralizers too.

Clean hardwood floors often using a mild vinegar-and-water or lemon-oil-and-water solution. Avoid chemical-based cleansers and floor waxes that can be high in lung-irritating VOCs. 

Sanitize handheld devices. Cordless phones, TV remotes—even computer keyboards—may harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.  

Hire a chimney sweep, today. Regular fireplace and chimney maintenance helps lower airborne particulates and carbon-monoxide emissions. Before sweeping up yourself, dampen ashes so that they won't fly around the room.

Invest in a central vacuum system. Opt for one that vents to the outdoors for optimal removal of dust and allergens. 

Buy an air purifier. While hardly a panacea, the new generation of purifiers can help control dust and allergens. Find buying guidelines at achooallergy.com. 

Loosen grime with steam. Steam appliances, such as Haan's Steam Cleaning Floor Sanitizer ($100; buyhaan.com), rely on water alone.  

Shop for finishes and furniture that are low- or no-VOC and formaldehyde-free. These hazardous chemicals can take up to three years to off-gas. Shown here: Benjamin Moore's no-VOC Natura ($50 per gallon; at paint stores).

Featuring the 'Vilano' Floorplan, Adams Lake has Quick, Move-in Ready Homes!

The 'Vilano' Floorplan is a luxury home with 3 possible exterior looks to choose from, including a stone exterior. At 2125 square feet, this home has an optional small or large patio, an optional shower or deluxe bathroom. 

Adams Lake is a Deed Restricted Community located on the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida. It offers homeowners the best of both worlds. Located off Normandy Boulevard between SR23 and Chaffee Road, Adams Lake is just minutes away from restaurants and shopping and just two miles from I-10.

Adams Lake has a beautiful nature preserve and lake lots available to choose from to build your new home.

Home Upgrade Trends: Increasing Value (Part 1)

The value that you have in your home is the single most important reason why you own instead of rent a home. In the this recent economy of falling house values and unstable housing market statistics, every home owner should know how to put more value back into their homes. Although making home improvements is not a sure-fire way to increase the value, it will at the very least make you more competitive against your competition.  Use these tips to increase the value of your home and enjoy the rewards when it is time to sell your home.

1.) Update kitchen appliances: The most sought after room in your home is the kitchen. It is worth the most per square foot and will make the difference of your home appealing to buyers or not.  If your appliances are more than 3-5 years old consider updating them to the comfortability of your wallet. A newer model, a more designer finish, or more features will help home buyers take a second glance at your kitchen.  For top of the line appliances consider stainless steel and professional series lines.

2.) Kitchen cabinetry makes the look: When you walk into a kitchen the first thing you notice is the cabinets. Cabinetry is at the top of the percentage of kitchen costs, but also shows the most return.  Opt for wood over laminate surfaces and add custom features like crown molding, wine racks, glazing, and custom woodworking to set your kitchen apart from your competition. Reface cabinets and add door and drawer hardware for less expensive updating.

3.) Add value by upgrading your countertops: Any room you have countertops – kitchen, bathroom, bars, or utility rooms the more money you can spend into a higher end countertop the better. Plastic laminate countertops are considered the lower end grade, solid surfacing, concrete and granite is considered to be the higher end grade. Consider overlay countertops that are made from composite granite/resin combination for the look of granite at a fraction of the cost.

4.) Flooring is a forgotten upgrade: The rule of thumb for flooring is the more resilient and long lasting, the higher the upgrade is, but the higher return is on investment (ROI). Vinyl flooring and low end carpet is at the bottom of the upgrade spectrum.  Consider wood, tile, and natural stone for flooring options to add value to your home.

5.) Upgrade plumbing fixtures in kitchen and bathrooms: If your plumbing fixtures are more than 10 years old, consider upgrading them. If you have standard grade fixtures, such as chrome finish, opt for higher end finishes and materials. Brushed nickel, antique copper and brass fixtures are relatively inexpensive to replace.  At kitchen sinks choose plumbing fixture collections that offer matching faucet, control, and sink sprayer.  Similarly in bathrooms, choose bathtub/shower/and sink controls that coordinate for a unified look throughout your home.

6.) Master bedrooms should feel like a retreat: The master bedroom or suite as some like to refer to it is a high commodity for home buyers.  Upgrade flat ceilings to raised tray ceilings and allow for several lighting options.  Recessed lighting with dimmers, lighting wall sconces help create an ambiance that has a high value in appeal and for the value of your home.

7.) Upgrade master bathroom with spa-like features: Part of the master bedroom is the master bathroom.  Buyers want to have spa features from the shower to the over-sized garden tub.  Similarly to the kitchen, put upgrades where you can most afford it.  Upgraded tiled floors and showers will add value over pre manufactured units.  Jetted soaking tubs, multisprayer showers and large square footage will also add value to your overall home.

Featuring the 'The Riley' Floorplan, St. Augustine's Coranado has Quick, Move-in Ready Homes!

The Riley floor plan features 2,214 square feet, with an optional 4th bedroom, multiple options including a flex room and a 2 car garage!

 Landon Homes newest community featuring new spacious homes with basements in St. Augustine's popular Coronado community. Coronado presents an outstanding opportunity to experience quality living in a neighborhood that emphasizes convenience and connectivity. The home designs will showcase generous interior with plenty of room to grow, couple with views of Moultrie Creek and wooded back yards that offer the ideal setting for outdoor entertaining.

Upgrades for a Healthier Home (Part 1)

Life is risky. But while you can't avoid every hazard thrown in your path, you can try to create a wholesome nest for yourself and your family—pets included. It starts by blocking certain nasties at the front door, including pollen, pesticides, noxious solvents, and disease-carrying creepie crawlies. Indoors, you want to prevent mold, bacteria, and viruses from taking hold, and minimize allergy-provoking animal dander and dust mites. Making your home healthier can involve simple remedies, such as opening a window to let in a blast of fresh air, and more lasting solutions, like moving away from paints, 

Keep pollen out. During hay fever season, shake or brush off outerwear, and keep a brush and wet wipes handy to clean pets' fur and feet. Don't hang laundry on outdoor clothes lines, at least for now.  

Add mats on both sides of the door. Up to 80 percent of the dirt that gets tracked inside—along with countless allergens, bacteria, and lawn chemicals—can be caught with a double length of washable matting before it makes itself at home.

Establish a no-shoes-indoors policy. Keep a basket of slippers at the door for family and guests alike.  

Install vent fans in crawl spaces. Keeping humidity levels in these areas below 50 percent prevents condensation and the spread of musty odors and mold and mildew, which can trigger allergies and asthma. 

Caulk holes and crevices so that disease-carrying mice and insects won't come looking for a free lunch. 

Filter your drinking water. Activated carbon filters—whether a pitcher, tap-mounted, or under-sink model—can cut levels of lead, chlorine, and other contaminants. 

Change fridge filters before their expiration date. If your refrigerator comes with a water dispenser, change the filter every six months, before sediment buildup starts to overwhelm it. 

Eliminate BPA-containing plastic containersthat could leach the chemical—a suspected health hazard, especially for kids—into food or drink. Toss containers that have the number 3, 6, or 7 on the bottom; go to rubbermaid.com or tupperware.com for info on their products.

Toss cracked cutting boards. Opt for ones made of maple or a hard plastic so that germs don't have a place to hide. 

Clean prep surfaces regularly. Scrub those cutting boards with hot, soapy water after each use. 

Use your range-hood fan when you cook. It'll reduce cooking-related air pollutants, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, and will lower humidity, which can encourage bacteria and mold. Before the gunk builds up on the filter, clean or replace it.

Let plates and silverware dry thoroughly to discourage bacteria—and wash your hands before putting them away.

Where to build your New Home

 

Where to build your New Home

The builder you choose for your new home is vital to enjoying the process. The next most important factor is the location of your new home.

Whether you’re planning a home by the beach, by the river or the city, be sure to investigate the area thoroughly. Drive the general area and walk the neighborhood at different times of the day and week. Find out the current and prospective locations for airports, heavily-traveled highways and along with the sewage treatment plant and landfill. Evaluate the area’s outlook for growth. Although a fast-growing area offers faster appreciation of housing and greater choice of subdivisions and sites, these areas tend to suffer from growing pains. Infrastructure, schools, and public services can lag population growth. Local college GIS divisions create reports to determine land growth by counties, call the county office to acquire this data. It always helps to see where the growth is.

Unless you work at home, consider your commute. Take a test drive during the work week at the times when you would normally be traveling to and from your job. Distance to stores, churches, and health care services should also be considered. If you have children or anticipate raising a family in the future, be sure to investigate the area’s school system. Even if you don’t have children in school right now, the quality of the area’s school system is an important factor in the eventual resale value of your home. Communities with good schools are good places to invest. Quality parks and recreation facilities can also enhance resale value, as well as your quality of life.

Take the time to research the real estate taxes in the area. A little digging will uncover any planned assessments or increases, such as those needed to build new schools in fast-growing areas. Also county lines can divide a neighborhood in half which will affect taxes and the school districts. Check back soon for more tips on where to build your new custom home.

Choosing your forever home is a big decision with many factors to consider. Here at Landon Homes we want to help you create this dream home. Call your local representative today and get started creating your new home.