Landon Homes March into Literacy a Huge Success

At a recent Presentation Luncheon, hosted by Landon Homes in the Old Sebastian Point Model Home, volumes of books were given to the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida.  The goal of the project, Landon Homes March for Literacy, was to help the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida bring literacy to all children in the St. Augustine area.

According to the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL), roughly 93 million adults in the U.S. have basic and below-basic literacy skills. “For the children, I think owning their own brand new, book could help foster a love of reading,” said Marjorie Taylor of Landon Homes, “and that is a great start to improve the statistics in the future”.

Landon Homes St. Augustine Communities and assisting Local Real Estate Firms collected New and Gently Used pre-school books for children ages 0-5.  Helping with the project, Sunstate Realty, Olde Carriage Realty Downtown and the Beaches, Watson Realty At the Beach and US1 So., Century 21 St. Augustine Properties and Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage  

Marjorie Taylor and Kathy Addison

Pictured: Landon Homes representative Marjorie Taylor with Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Coordinator for the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida.

Benefits Of Building A New Home VS Buying An Older Home

If you wobbling between purchasing an older home and building a new home, there are some things that Landon Homes new home builders can suggest that you may want to take into consideration. For starters, when you choose to build you new home, you will be able to design a floor plan that is perfect for you and your family. You will be able to make sure that you have adequate space in your newly built home so that each family member has his own room and his own privacy when needed.

When purchasing an older home, there may be many unseen issues that you will not know about until you have already purchased the home and are living in it. Perhaps it has a wiring problem and you have an outlet or two that doesn't work or perhaps the air conditioning or the heating unit have seen their better days. There may even be a leak in the roof that can cause you to have to put a lot of money on repairs. A small problem, be it electrical, plumbing or heat and air can end up costing you major money.

By building your new home, you can rest assured that you are not going to have to deal with major appliances breaking down, electrical issues, plumbing issues or a leaky roof. Should you encounter any problems such as these, your home builder is going to be able to take care of these issues for you at no cost to you.

An older home that is not on a foundation can suffer from sagging or bowing floors. This can be another very expensive item that you would have to take care of out of your pocket. You don't want to purchase a home that is going to cost you a tremendous amount to repair. By the time that you pair for large repairs, you could have paid for half of the cost of a newly built home.

Another great thing about building your new home is that you can choose to build it anywhere that you want. If you would like it to be closer to your job or closer to your children's school, you will be able to do that. If you want it to be in a rural area away from the hustle and bustle of city life, that will be a choice that you and your family will have. Maybe you prefer that you home be on a foundation, you home builder is going to be able to make that happen also.

Perhaps you'd like to have lots of windows or you'd like to have a larger kitchen with smaller bedrooms, whatever you want will be no problem for you home builder. You might choose to have a two-story home with you and your spouse's bedroom downstairs and the children's rooms upstairs, these are all easy things that a home builder can make happen for you.

Purchasing an older home can lead to a lot of uncertainty which is something that you may wish to avoid. Building a new home will provide you with everything brand new so that you have the benefit of warranties to take care of any problems that may arise. Building a new home is just a smarter choice.

Essentials For Building a New Home

Building a new home can be a big step for everyone. A new house is something that is a milestone in ones life. Besides keeping up with the house plans, the location, the material, etc., there are other things, besides the construction of the house that a new homeowner has to remember, consider and implement.

When building the new home the new homeowners to-be have to keep in mind what they want their new house to look like. A home should reflect the personality of the people that are going to be living in it.

Many home building companies and new home contractors have an array of choices of house plans that customers can choose from. Each home design that you may have to choose from may be in a different price range, have a range of features and have totally different exterior looks.

The whole point of having all of these choices is to let the homeowner have, in a sense, the home of their dreams. Without having these essential choices, or only have a few home designs to work with, can make your newly built house turn into something that you aren't in love with. With your new abode you should feel fulfilled, not like you settled for something that was mediocre.

When choosing where your residence will be built you have another important decision on your hands. The location of your new house is essential to off-setting its appearance and being conducive to your lifestyle.

The location of your home should be chosen using a few different criterions. New homeowners should check into the school districts surrounding the dwelling so that when it comes time for the children to go to school, they will be attending one that will give them the proper education. Other aspects to consider when choosing a location is proximity to work, neighbors and neighborhoods, local activities and much more.

How to Pick a Great Lot When You Build Your New Home

Choosing a great lot is very important, especially if you are planning to build your new home in a rural or vacation development. Many times these developments take the longest to resell. If you plan to resell down the road it is critical that you get a prime location for your lot.

Here is a checklist of what to look for in a great lot:

1. Location:

In order of importance here are the key things to consider

1. Waterfront - lake, river, ocean
2. View
3. Easy access to main roads
4. Close to amenities such as shopping, schools, work

2. Features:

Does the lot have lots of trees? Will they have to be cleared first?

How much room is on the lot? What is the soil like? (Sand or Rock)

Is the ground level? It's easier to build on a flat site than one with a slope. However if it is too flat, water will not drain away.

3. Water:

Is the development on city water and sewer or will you have to drill your own well and install a septic system? If you have to install a septic system is there enough room for the drain field?

4. Power:

Does the lot have power or is this something you will have to pay extra to install?

5. Drainage:

Are there soft wet areas on the lot? Will you need to put in drainage ditches before you build your new home? What will the condition of the lot be in different seasons? Talk to neighbors in the area and see what they know about the drainage in different seasons.

6. Title:

There can be many types of title restrictions to consider when buying a lot.

1. Can you get clear title?
2. Are there any easements put on by utility companies that might restrict where you can build?
3. Are there building restrictions because the lot is on a natural preserve or next to a national forest?

7. Other Factors:

There many outside factors that could affect the value of your property. Check with the Zoning and Planning Department in your county to find out if there could be potential development that will affect the value of your property.

For example:

• Is that beautiful pond in front staying or is the developer planning to drain it to make room for more homes?
• Are there plans to build a freeway in your backyard?

Keep this checklist in mind when choosing your lot and soon you will be on your way to building the new home of your dreams.

Quick Move-In Ready Homes - Jacksonville

Landon Homes | Custom Home

Jacksonville is an interesting city and there are a lot of entertaining events constantly happening in and around the city. Throughout Jacksonville, you can find many new home communities from several different Jacksonville home builders.

So, is making a real estate investment in Jacksonville a good option?

Most experts say that any investment in Florida real estate is sure to pay off, meaning that you will most likely see your property's value rise in the years to come. The reason experts believe this is because Florida is a growing state, and Florida real estate is undervalued.

People relocating to Jacksonville due to their job or those just looking to settle in a new city and have the ability to move quickly, should consider buying a move-in ready house. Such homes are ideal for people who just want to quickly buy a good home, with the most popular options and upgrades, and move in a soon a possible. Many inventory homes give buyers the option to move within a period of just 30 days, something that is not possible with homes built from the ground up.

Another advantage in buying a move-in ready house is that it, in most cases, costs less, or carries a greater incentive than a new build. The reason why this happens is that the buyer really does not have much of a choice in the way the house looks and the options that come with the home. They get what they see and really cannot make too many changes to it. In addition, if inventory homes remained on the homebuilder's books, they would cost the homebuilder a lot of money, which is why they lower the price for a quick sale.

Move-in ready homes in Jacksonville are homes that were purchased by a home buyer, and for whatever reason, the deal did not go through, or they were built as spec homes by the home builder. In most cases, a spec home is built based upon popular floor plans, upgrades and options and is meant to accommodate buyers looking for a quick move.

Quick move-in homes are a great bargain and in Jacksonville, you have plenty of move-in ready homes to choose from so you're sure to get a the home you've been looking for. Before purchasing any home, be sure to seek the advice of a qualified professional.

Home Building Basics

Landon Homes | Custom Home

Building a new home is exciting! With the limitless possibilities of features, lay outs, and colors, your new home can be customized to your specific wants and needs. Your plans should go smoothly if you take the time to use the following suggestions before you begin your home building adventure.

1. Take tours of new homes. There are so many designs and styles of homes available today that it is impossible to know all of your options by looking at a few home building magazines or books. Arrange to take some tours of new homes in your area, especially homes built within the past six months. These homes will offer the latest in features and will give you a good idea of the most recent developments in home building and design. Keep an open mind as you look at these houses. Features that you consider unnecessary now may actually turn out to be just what you need.

2. Choose the right location. It is very easy to get caught up in the thrill of designing and building a new home, but it will pay off in the long run if you step back and take a practical look at your plans before making a final decision. Your home's location is the most important consideration. Is the new home's location convenient for you and your family? Do you like the location? If you decide to sell your home in five years, what will potential buyers think about the location? Rethink your home building decision if you are not happy with the location.

3. Think ahead. If you plan to stay in your new home for many years, think about the possible life changes ahead of you. You might want an extra bedroom or two if there are children in your future. Look at the layout of the home. Will you still want a two-story home in twenty years? Will the rooms be too small or too big for your family in a few years?

4. Get several estimates. Talk to at least two builders to get a good idea of what your new home will cost. Keep in mind that for most homes, the actual cost exceeds the estimate. If you are making plans to build a home in another six months to a year, you will need to add another three to six percent to the cost to account for inflation.

5. Ask everyone you know for opinions. Family and friends can be great sources of honest information. Ask them if they have ever heard of your builder or the builder's subcontractors. Find out what their biggest home-building mistake was. Gather ideas for home layouts and extra features. Use the expertise and knowledge of people that have "been there" and can help you by sharing their experiences.

6. If possible, put more money into the kitchen and bathrooms. If you need to cut back on the cost of building your home, try to make concessions in areas besides your kitchen and bathrooms. These rooms will contribute the most to the value of your home and will be the biggest selling points if you decide to move in a few years.

Common Home Building Mistakes

Landon Homes | Old Sebastian Point

You've been planning to build your dream home, but you haven't got a lot of construction experience. Regardless of how much of the building you plan to do yourself, the process is exciting but potentially risky. You will most likely work with a number of hired professionals at every stage of the build from the original framing work to the final finishing touches. Unfortunately, at every stage of home building there are a number of mistakes that can lead to costly consequences. Here are the top 5 home building mistakes that plague a new build.

You're No Expert
Many people who dream of their new home also want to get their hands dirty in the process. DIY can be exciting and satisfying but it is important to know your own limitations. You may think that you'll save yourself money by doing some or most of the work yourself, but if you haven't got the necessary skills or tools, you'll probably cost yourself more than you save. Ultimately, you want to build a solid, safe, and dependable home and to achieve this you will want to work with some professionals. Make sure to accurately assess your DIY abilities and hire professionals to help along the way.

Choosing Materials

You're building your home on a budget, which means you are going to look for cost savings wherever possible. Obviously, you're paying for the project so you have final say, but always choosing the cheapest materials is not always advisable. Inexpensive materials usually offer less in the way of durability. Speak to your contractor about the different materials available and ask for recommendations about what suits your budget and your long-term needs best.

Poor Planning

From financial planning to construction planning, there are pitfalls aplenty during the build of your new home. If you have limited experience building homes, you should take even more time to plan the build. Develop a budget that respects your long-term financial needs, and stick to that budget. You should work closely with an experienced contractor to ensure that your budget is feasible, and he'll also be able to help you plan your build so that you have fewer financial surprises down the road.

Hiring the Low-Baller

As is the case with materials, hiring the cheapest professional is not always advisable. While saving money on labor costs now helps you keep within your budget, those professionals that provide you with a low-ball bid are likely scrimping somewhere important. For example, the cheapest contractor may employ inexperienced workers, and ultimately the workmanship on your home suffers.

Location, Location, Location

Even though you don't have complete freedom when deciding where to build your home, you still have important choices to make. You want to build somewhere that you actually want to live, so avoid lots near busy streets or those in proximity to industrial parks. But location is about more than just appeal; factors like soil conditions, hills, sources of water on the property, and the slope of the property may interfere with construction and increase building costs.

How to Find the Right Home Building Location

One of the basic steps in building your new home is deciding where you want to build it. Home designs vary widely, along with the different home building locations to choose from.

Decide on what type of neighborhood you want to live in. It is good to drive around different areas. Take some notes. If you see an empty lot, take note about its location and try to imagine having your home there. If that lot is listed with a realtor, take note of their names and contact numbers.

Landon Homes | Old Sebastian Point

You might also want to consider the distance of the site to your workplace. If you have children, then you might also want to know how far the school is. Other important places would be the nearest hospitals, clinics, and police stations.

o Find out if the lot is developed or undeveloped. You can expect the developed land to be less expensive in building your home. Developed land already has existing streets, gas, sewer, and electric lines. All you have to do is tap into these services to connect your new home.

A disadvantage is that many of the developed lots may have already been sold and built on, especially if it is a highly popular development. But if you opt to settle at a quiet and rural home building location, then undeveloped land is not a problem as long as you are aware of the additional costs involved. Undeveloped land has no gas, sewer, and electric lines. Developing such land will add to the expense of building your home and should be budgeted into the cost from the beginning of the project.

o Consider the topography of the land. Is it suitable for your building plans? A steep or hilly lot is ideal for a house with a walk-out basement. However, this requires a lot of excavating to make the land suitable for that type of house.

o Learn about the zoning laws and building restrictions. Be sure that the lot where you want to build your home is zoned for residential use. Also, check with the local building commission so that you will know if there are restrictions on the type of home that can be built in that particular area.

o Be ready for additional costs. If you have chosen a lot in a new development, find out if there is a Home Owners' Association and if you are required to join. If so, you would need to know the annual fee. Being a member of the Home Owners' Association can be beneficial. It can provide neighborhood amenities. It can also pay for some of the maintenance fees.

However, the Home Owners' Association may have rules such as how tall your grass is allowed to grow, the maintenance of the exterior of your home, and even the decorations that are acceptable for the holidays.

When looking at the price of a lot, also check on the cost of similar lots. Then, price compare to the lot of your choice. You want your lot as well as your home to be a good investment. If you plan on selling your home in the future, then you want a location/property that is likely to make a good profit.

There are many home building locations to choose from. In the end, it usually comes down to which property suits your budget and meets your lifestyle needs.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3764252

Eight Steps to Home Building - Saving Guide

Landon Homes | Pablo Creek Reserve

Are you building your home? Apply home building saving guide to uncover home building plans, building lot location, home plans, residence construction specs, contractors, construction project guides, and also just about anything to total a home building decision.

1 - Get Prepared

We will present you just how to utilize easy organizing procedures to make the most of ones time too as prevent stress and also chaos. Home building decision isn't easy, this is the very first step in home building.

2 - Select Your Construction Team

Constructing a home is all about working together. Starting from day one, you will be building a working relationship with numerous folks and also personalities.

3 - Get Your Economic Reports Together

Your monetary strength will determine the framework for the size, style, composition, and also location of your house. So that you can get towards the bottom line question, you must do a complete and accurate economic analysis in your home building plans.

4 - How do You Strategy a Budget

A nicely planned budget is vital for obtaining construction and also mortgage loans, keeping construction costs under control and also having stress-free mortgage obligations over the period of your loan.

5 - What Home's Design do You Like

From the roof to the foundation-and anything in between-you will have a fantastic deal of style choices, product or service choices, and decorating decisions to make.
6 - Uncover the Ideal Home Program

The strategy you select will not only ascertain your homes cost and how well your house will fit your land as well as community, but it will likewise effect how nicely your loved ones will live together even long right after moving into your brand new residence.

7 - Learn concerning the Anatomy of the Residence - Residence Structure

If you know nothing in regards to the construction of a residence...do not be scared you aren't alone. Not everyone is aware every thing about home-building. Nonetheless, should you want your experience to become successful and rewarding you require to know much more than just the basics.

You will find a number of elements that are essential to the function of the nicely balanced house. Some are required, others are optional, but all need to become considered. If you know nothing in regards to the internal elements of a house, or you don't do your research, you could end up with some real problems. Always, always, usually discover out what is needed for your home and also its proper installation-from the correct source.

8 - How as well as Where to Find Excellent Creating Goods

Have you been searching the internet for home building goods but you can not appears to keep track of all the web sites? When you take the time to investigation creating goods properly, the selection making procedure becomes much easier. Therefore, it's wise follow a research plan to be able to utilize your research time effectively.

Tips For Controlling Home Building Costs

Landon Homes | Payasada Estates Home

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.

For New Home Construction, Practicality Is Key

Landon Homes | Custom Home

The hottest trends in new home construction are not things like glass sinks and marble floors. Ostentatious architectural behemoths are no longer being seen in newly created neighborhood. New homebuilders are listening to buying trends, watching their pennies and making wise eco-friendly choices in materials. Practicality is the new key word in the home building industry.

Perhaps, the biggest change in new home construction is the size of the home itself. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average size of new US homes dropped between 2007 and 2009. The overall size of a new home shrunk from 10% to 15%, which in turn brings down the price of the property. Buyers no longer see the need or have the funds to care for the spacious way of living anymore. Amenities are still present, quality finishings are still used, granite countertops are still popular but the kitchens and bathrooms are smaller.

Energy efficiency is the next biggest trend in new home construction, which is not surprising. Builders are using better methods of construction, choosing to spend money in areas that will not only make the home more green but will also appeal to the buyer's wallet. Choosing better windows that help maintain a higher R-value in the home is one way to increase energy efficiency. Properly sealing duct work so the homeowner gets the maximum possible benefit of air flow, is now a regular part of home construction. Using closed cell spray foam insulation in walls, cavities and attics, instead of pink batted insulation, increases the home's R-value tremendously. Perhaps, builders are choosing to construct energy efficient homes for the good of the environment. Or perhaps, it is an attempt to stay competitive in a market where foreclosure real estate is cheap and plentiful. Either way, the buyer benefits.

Anyone who has been in the real estate market for a few years knows that the best way to increase the value of your home is updating the kitchen and/or bathrooms. The reverse is also true if your intention is to decrease building costs. New home-builders have begun to scale back the size of kitchens. Bathrooms are losing square footage as well, but they are also decreasing in numbers. Homes, previously having two or three bathrooms, will now have one or two depending on the number of bedrooms. The kids' exclusive bathroom or a downstairs' powder room is no longer the trend. Most often there is the main bathroom for guests and an ensuite half bathroom for those who occupy the master bedroom. Resort style door-less showers are now a rarity in new homes. Instead, there is the built in linen closet. The kitchen is smaller but as the most used room in the home, it is constructed with practicality in mind. Traditionally, this is a multi-use space so new home-builders are adding features for those uses. Perhaps, there will be a charging station for cell phones and laptops. Or the ability to sit in multiples ways; at a breakfast bar, at a kitchen table or at a built in desk area.

In Europe, laundry facilities in the home are traditionally located in the kitchen. In North America, we do not see that too often. However, the practicality of the arrangement is pleasing and perhaps new home builders will catch on at some point. For now there does seem to be a trend towards building a dedicated and organised laundry room on the main level of the house. Instead of sticking the washer and dryer in the basement or a closet, home-builders are creating a dedicated space. Now the never-ending mundane task of laundry can be completed without bumping elbows with the furnace or closet doors. Plus if space allows, the laundry room can double as a mud-room.

As the US continues to struggle with recovery from the infamous economic downturn of 2007, home-owners will continue to seek ways to lower the cost of living. Foreclosure sales are great if you have the cash in hand but those homes do not necessarily come with the components to make the cost of living less. Rooms will usually be larger and more expensive to heat. More bathrooms means a higher water bill. Most homes are not properly insulated, which is a huge factor in energy consumption. Windows today are far more energy efficient than even five years ago. If you are looking to get into the real estate market, take a good hard look at new home construction. After all, practicality is key.

The Basic Home Construction Process

Landon Homes | Adams Lake Model

We don't always have a good idea what happens during the construction process of our homes. For this reason, a lot of home buyers ask a lot of questions such as: How long will the house take to build? What does the construction process involve? When can they visit the site?

If you find yourself asking the same questions, this article will help you understand the basic home construction process; although this article only offers a brief overview, it will still help you get a general idea of how the construction process works.

Stage One: Pre-Construction

Before the home construction begins, the floor plans must first be developed, finalized, and then submitted to the municipal office for review to get a building permit. The building permit is needed for various construction work including electrical, sewer connection, septic system, plumbing, and home building. Additionally, the home builders will also perform site tests to examine the soil, the capacity of the ground, water table, and environmental tests.

Stage Two: Foundation

After getting the necessary building permit and doing all the initial tests, the land of your house will be prepared. The topsoil will be removed and piled somewhere else to be used later on. Excavation is also done, along with the footings- which are concrete slabs to support the wall foundation, are formed and poured. The wall foundations are also erected. This process may use concrete temporary wooden forms or preserved wood, or permanent insulated blocks. Weeping tiles are also installed so that the ground moisture will be drained away from the house. During this phase, the home builder may ask you to decide on flooring, cabinets, tiles, and many more.

Stage Three: Framing

This phase involves erecting a framing skeleton. The exterior sheeting is also applied or other framing technique can also be used. Frames are also constructed on the floor, one wall at a time and then lifted in place. The windows and doors are also installed during this stage.

During this process, the basement floor is also constructed and installed. Electrical and plumbing are roughed in, along with the heating, cooling, and ventilation. During this stage, the municipality will conduct a structural inspection to make sure that the house is built according to the building codes. Electrical and plumbing inspections will also be conducted.

Stage Four: Interior and exterior work

During the next stage, interior and interior work will be done at the same time; thus, proper scheduling must be observed. The insulation of the exterior walls is done, heating and cooling systems are installed, and vapor barrier will be applied. During this process, the walls and ceilings will also be painted, the flooring is laid, and the cabinets for the kitchen and bathroom are installed. These are just some of the work involved during this stage. Additionally, during this stage, the homebuilder will stay in contact with you to keep you updated on the construction progress.

Three Top Reasons For Opting For New Home Building

Landon Homes | Beach Haven Model

New home construction is often a better option than buying an existing home. Getting your dream home constructed is the best way to fulfill your specific residential needs. There are several benefits of getting a new home built, such as energy efficiency, modern decor, latest appliances, customized design and cost effective construction. However, you should consider a few things before you actually get your home constructed, such as:

1. Select a reliable builder with an excellent track record.

2. Select the design and layout for the home after proper consideration.

3. Don't forget to check with the builder during each construction phase.

4. Remember to keep a check on the amount of money being spent.

5. Try to time box the whole process.

According to official reports on residential construction trends in the metropolitan regions of America, the number of residential units constructed annually, between the years 2001 and 2005, grew substantially across all regions. However, a sharp decline in the construction of residential units was observed between 2006 and 2007. The decline rate was higher in single family units than in multifamily units.

Here are top three reasons that have made new home construction the preferred option:

Tailored Design

You can decide on the design depending on your particular requirements and tastes, such as a spacious home office to conduct business, an extra bedroom for guests, a gourmet kitchen, choice of flooring, etc. Also, if you take well thought out decisions during the building process, you will not need to redecorate your home for a long time. Building your own home also ensures that your home is constructed according to your life style and other functional needs.

Modern Facilities and Energy Efficiency

In case you opt to buy a preexisting home, you may have to face several problems, such as lack of adequate insulation, inefficient and obsolete appliances, leaky window panes and chipped tiles. New home construction enables you to install the latest, energy efficient materials, such as energy saving appliances, advanced energy saving windows and high R-value insulation. These energy efficient appliances help to reduce electricity consumption and result in long-term savings.

Superior Quality Workmanship

Hiring the services of reliable and experienced home builders eliminates concerns that are otherwise associated with buying a preexisting home. Further, the superior quality of workmanship ensures that the job gets done in the best possible manner.

Renovate or Reinvent? 7 Reasons Why Building a New Home May Be Your Best Choice

Are you wondering whether you are better off going out and building your dream home from scratch, or buying an existing house and renovating it to suit your needs? Everyone's situation is unique, but here are 7 powerful reasons why building a new home may serve you better than trying to re-create a house that already exists.

1. It's your own dream! When you build from scratch, you can design the home of your dreams. You create the house the way you want it, to suit your family's individual needs and priorities.
2. No skeletons in the closet. The existing housing stock is invariably old, and in need of renovation, requiring more money. Often, when you buy an existing home, you will need to replace plumbing, and install a new kitchen, and and and. These costs add up fast.
3. Location location location. Many people believe that they can't afford to build new in the location of their choice, and can only choose from the existing housing stock. In reality, there are many small to medium builders who can build you a new home in the location you desire at a competitive price. Their building techniques differ from Volume Builders which allows them to access more challenging blocks, without charging the Earth.
4. New homes, well built, require little maintenance. The older the existing home, the greater the maintenance that is needed, whether you tackle these jobs yourself, or hire someone to do them for you. This includes attending to hot water systems that may be antiquated, spouting, roofing and decking. When a good builder puts it in place new, then you will have no headaches about any of these areas.
5. Orientation. You can design the orientation of your home specifically to suit your land, maximizing your particular location both for view and for sunlight.
6. Save money. Lots of money. When you maximize your orientation to North, and build accordingly, you save enormously in your ongoing costs of living, both for heating and cooling.
7. Last but not least, New Houses are better built. Much better. Building standards have improved enormously in recent years, now incorporating 6 star energy efficiency, and double glazed windows. Double glazed windows will make a house more comfortable, far beyond most people's expectations.

So while you will have your own check list to consider, take some time to look beyond any apparent differences in cost and feasibility. Building new does not have to be a financial nightmare, if you find the right builder. And in terms of comfort, quality, ongoing expenses, and your freedom to bring your own dreams to life, building your own home will often prove to be by far the most satisfying solution.

3 Fatal Mistakes When Buying A New Home

Buying a new home is truly an exciting venture and if its family home then its even more exciting. A home is so much more than just a roof over your head. It reflects your life, your lifestyle and gives a family that sense of belonging and feeling safe inside the four walls. Apart from that, any home is a significant investment and its probably the biggest investment you will ever make. For that very reason its important that you make the investment wisely.

So many people make silly mistakes when buying a new home. Some mistakes can be costly financially while some mistakes can cost you in terms of space and comfort. Lets quickly look at 3 very common mistakes.

1. Impulse Buying
Buying a pair of shoes on impulse is probably okay. Buying a new home on impulse definitely ain't. So many people get swept up by their excitement when they first see a home they really like and end up buying it - on impulse. You need to set your emotions aside when making any investment and look at it from a practical and logical perspective.

2. Location
No matter what property you buy, location is critically important. No matter how great the property, you need to look at the broader context to truly access its value. Proximity to schools, public transport and amenities are very important aspects that can affect the resale value of the property.

3. Price
No matter what you are buying there is one important thing that is always negotiable and that is the price. Sellers want to get as much as possible while buyers want to save as much as possible. Its important that you always get an accurate evaluation of the value of the property in the current market and never pay more than that.

The Benefits of New Home Construction

Landon Homes | Kingsmil Home

New home construction has a number of benefits. When you're in the market for a new home, you have to determine if you want a new home or a pre-owned home. This means you have to consider costs and features to figure out where the best deals are. To learn of all the benefits, you have to find the right builder. Once you locate the right builder, the benefits become more and more obvious.

When you're looking at new home construction, you have to remember that no one else has ever lived in the home. This means that you're not inheriting someone else's problems. Many people buy homes but don't truly know how to take care of them. This means that you may find all sorts of problems with wiring, plumbing and even cleanliness as you get situated into the home. With a new home, you don't have those issues.

You also have to remember that with new home construction, you're the one making all of the decisions. You get to choose the color schemes, the design of the tile, the color on the walls, the wood on the cabinets and everything more. If you buy a pre-existing home, you're stuck with someone else's decisions. If you want to change anything, you have to spend thousands of dollars with a contractor to do so. Even a DIY project can cost a significant amount of money.

With new home construction, you are in charge of many details. You not only get to choose the details about the interior but you get to choose the lot you want and much more. When you buy pre-owed, you buy what's on the market. If there are no homes on a corner or in a cul-de-sac, you have to take what's available, whether you like it or not. A new home being constructed gives you a little more power about all of the little decisions.

Ultimately, you have to decide what you want. When you buy a new home, you want to be happy with everything. This includes location, interior and exterior. With a new home, you have two options: new construction or pre-owned. A pre-owned home is completely left up to the market. You choose where you want to live and a realtor tells you what's available. You must then choose from what's available at the time you're looking. With new home construction, many of the decisions are left up to you to make.

You may only have a limited budget to spend. With new home construction, your money may go farther. Part of this is because you're not dealing with an individual that's emotional about their house. Many homeowners charge more than what the home is actually worth because there's sentimental value rolled into the price. You shouldn't have to pay more just because someone is emotionally connected to the house you want to buy.

Before you rule out new home construction as being too expensive, think again. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you get and what it will cost.

If you're looking for a new home builder that will act as your partner in the residential home construction process, call Landon Homes. Landon Homes is a Jacksonville home builder that listens to your wants and needs.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7555883

Green is More Than a Trend, It's a Standard in Home Building

With help from the new first-time home buyer tax credit and improving rates on home mortgages, the long downswing in production activity is slowly but surely putting us back on track to a healthy housing market."- Sandy Dunn, former president of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The road back to a healthy housing market must include green and sustainable design and building techniques. Old ways of building, without concern for the environment and energy consumption will be replaced with careful consideration of each site environment and ways to incorporate renewable energy. Every positive action counts.

From the vantage point of a home builder, any improvement to any portion of the building process helps the environment. An incredible 40% of energy consumption in the United States is attributed to residential buildings, and of that, 32% is consumed in heating and cooling.

Homeowners desiring to make the largest effect for the smallest effort & investment will build a better insulated, energy efficient home with renewable heating and cooling systems, utilizing natural day-lighting and incorporating a renewable energy system such as solar to produce hot water and/or electricity or geothermal system, which uses stable ground or water temperatures near the earth's surface to provide heating, air conditioning, and in most cases, hot water.

Small steps in aggregate will have an enormous impact on our global environment - and give you a comfortable, energy efficient home with a great return on your investment.

Landon Homes is a locally owned and staffed new home construction company in Northeast Florida that is committed to a personal, hands-on approach to building homes. Our goal is to not only build an exceptional home, but also deliver an memorable homebuilding experience for our customers. Communication, honesty, integrity, a commitment to doing it right, and creating a relationship that extends beyond the home sale and closing are our top priorities when helping homeowners discover their dream home. Once in their new home, homeowners can rest assured that we will stand behind our product long after the sale. Give us a call today (904) 567-3430 and let's get started!

8 Little Things Not to Forget When Building a New Home

Building your own custom home can be exciting yet nerve racking experience. Paying attention to detail throughout the new construction home process will help streamline the process and increase your ultimate satisfaction with the home. Here are eight little things not to forget when working with a Premier Home Builder on the construction of your new home.

Ample High Performance Lighting - Be sure to install ample high output energy efficient lighting in high use areas. This rule absolutely applies to kitchens and bathrooms. If installing recessed lighting, be sure to several lights through out the kitchen or bathroom to avoid shadows. Chandeliers, track lighting, fluorescent lights or under cabinet light will all work fine. Just be sure to install plenty of them in high use areas.


Insulate Your Garage - Most builders only install insulation within interior walls of the home that face the outside of the house. Generally, builders do not insulate the exterior walls of your garage. Forget this tip and your garage will be hotter in the summer and colder in the winter. Have your builder insulate the exterior facing walls of your garage before the drywall is installed. Better yet, do it yourself to save some money.


Electrical Outlets Under Eaves - If you like to install lights during the holiday season on your roof line, be sure to install electrical outlets under the eaves to simplify installing the lights. Also be sure to install a switch to turn the lights on or off from inside your home near the front entrance. When you are up on that ladder on a blustery winter day, you will be thankful you can just plug the lights in with minimal extension cords and flip the lights on or off with a switch from inside your home. Speaking of holiday lights, install an outlet near the mantel of your fireplace too.


Double Coaxial Connections in Wall Jacks - Given the popularity of high definition televisions and digital video recorders, be sure to run two coaxial cables into each wall jack where you may want a TIVO or DVR unit. This will allow you to record one show and watch another simultaneously. Forget and you will need to drop that second coaxial line later which can be very tricky after drywall is installed.

Gas Line In Utility Room - Even if you plan to use an electric clothes dryer, it may be prudent to install a gas line into your utility room to allow for a gas clothes dryer in the future. Although gas prices are on the rise, if you have a large family and do many loads of laundry each week it may be cheaper in the long run to use gas. If you do not add a gas line in the utility room, an electric clothes dryer will be your only option.

Seal Your Garage Floor - Consider sealing your garage floor before moving into the home. Concrete sealer is available in do-it-yourself kits that will protects your garage floor from deterioration caused by road salts and prevent stains due to oil and other fluids. It also adds to the aesthetics of the garage and may make your home more marketable when you sell in the future. You might also consider a drain in the floor of your garage.

Ample Height for Shower Heads - This may seem like a no brainer. However, if you forget to raise your shower head to a comfortable height during construction, you will have to squat or bend over while you should be relaxing under a nice warm shower.


Automatic Pool Water Filler - When installing a pool or spa, remember to hook the pool fill line into your sprinkling system so you can automate adding water to your pool. This is especially convenient in the south where water evaporation rates are high in the summer. This will allow you to set one zone of your sprinkling system to add water to your pool. You then simply tell it to run 10 or 15 minutes once a week.

The character of your home will often shine through in the details. Paying attention to the details, such as those noted above, will help increase your satisfaction with your new home and should help simplify your lifestyle.

Landon Homes is a locally owned and staffed new home construction company in Northeast Florida that is committed to a personal, hands-on approach to building homes. Our goal is to not only build an exceptional home, but also deliver an memorable homebuilding experience for our customers. Communication, honesty, integrity, a commitment to doing it right, and creating a relationship that extends beyond the home sale and closing are our top priorities when helping homeowners discover their dream home. Once in their new home, homeowners can rest assured that we will stand behind our product long after the sale. Give us a call today (904) 567-3430 and let's get started!

The Value of Custom Homes to You

Landon Homes | Quick Move-In Home - Model: Amelia

Custom homes are those you design and build yourself, through the help of professionals. Rather than having to buy a property that is already constructed, you get to buy a lot, design a house that is right for you and then participate in the process of building it. There are many benefits to doing this. Though many think they cannot afford to do so, it may be just as affordable as buying and remodeling another property. However, there is added value the homeowner will see when he or she builds.

Property's Value

One of the key things to keep in mind is that many custom homes have a very high value even after you have lived in them for years. For example, if you build a home and then sell it 10 to 15 years later, you can be sure the value of it will remain high because it is still significantly newer than other properties. As long as it is maintained and attractive to other buyers, it may retain most of its value for you and the next buyer.

The Way You Want

Imagine having that den you have dreamed about or having the large bedroom that has a master bathroom. You may want the big yard that offers plenty of room for your favorite plants. You may be after individual rooms for the kids or that luxurious kitchen you have dreamed about for years. No matter what your goals and dreams are, when you build the property yourself, you get to make those changes. You get to create the type of space that fits your desires.

Get It Right, Right Now

Another key benefit of building a home rather than buying is that you get to make all of the changes and adjustments right away. That means that there are less projects to worry about down the road. It also means that you will have less money to worry about after the home is built. It is just the way you want it from the beginning. Of course, if you want to add on or make changes later you can do so. However, unlikely purchasing a home that requires remodeling, you are less likely to put off what you can do right now.

Custom homes make sense for many people. With so many options available for customization, including the layout, the style and the lot design, there is no doubt that you can create a space that is just right for you and your family. It may even be a house you plan to live in for years to come knowing it feels just right. Why buy something that is not just right when you could build something that is perfectly suited to your needs now?

Landon Homes is a locally owned and staffed new home construction company in Northeast Florida that is committed to a personal, hands-on approach to building homes. Our goal is to not only build an exceptional home, but also deliver an memorable homebuilding experience for our customers. Communication, honesty, integrity, a commitment to doing it right, and creating a relationship that extends beyond the home sale and closing are our top priorities when helping homeowners discover their dream home. Once in their new home, homeowners can rest assured that we will stand behind our product long after the sale. Give us a call today (904) 567-3430 and let's get started!

10 Steps to Building the New Home of Your Dreams

Many people shudder at the thought of building their own home because they think the process is too complicated. Read this short article and you will learn that it is not complicated at all.

1. Budget - Determine how much you can afford. Consider your debt-to-income ratio. This is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses. Monthly mortgage payments should be no more than 31% of gross income. Your mortgage payment combined with non-housing expenses should total no more than 43% of your income.

2. Credit score - Check your credit score before you start the borrowing process. It is important that you clean up any negative information that affects your credit score as it will affect the interest rate that you will be able to negotiate for your mortgage.

3. Financing - Many home builders have arrangements for financing in place with incentives built in so you will take advantage of their financing.

If you decide to go elsewhere you need to decide whether you want to use a mortgage broker versus banker. Which is best? Your bank has high overhead with their expensive buildings, staff, and equipment. Who do you think they will pass those expenses to? Mortgage brokers usually have less overhead. You may even save money by checking the Internet.

4. Location - Where do you want to live? How long is your commute to work going to be? Are there parks nearby to walk your pets? How close is the nearest shopping? Does it meet your needs? Are there schools nearby for all of your children? Are there buses available to get them there?

5. Realtor - An experienced new homes specialist will help you avoid making any costly mistakes when going through the home building process. They can save you time by searching for neighborhoods and homes that meet your needs. An experienced realtor will also keep your interests at heart with the contract negotiations.

6. Pick your plans - Is this dream home practical? If you live alone do you really need a 4 bedroom/4 bath home? It will give you the extra room you've always wanted, but can you afford the higher utility bills and higher taxes? Figure out your costs for extra furniture and decorating. Will the home suit your present and future needs?

7. Pick your Lot - Is it big enough to accommodate the plans you picked? Will you be adding a pool? How much yard do you want to maintain? What direction do you want your backyard to face?

8. Contracts - You have finally narrowed down your choice for your new dream home. Now is the time to negotiate with the home builder and get a contract signed with them. Your new homes specialist can guide you through the process and make sure you understand everything thoroughly.

9. Furniture - Are you buying new or using the furniture you already have. Will it fit? You can use a home design software program to help you visualize your furniture in each room. There are design websites like Plan3D.com that are also a great tool.

10. Interior Design - Now comes the fun part. Your new home builder may have a design consultant on staff that will help you pick your colors. There are also numerous websites, magazines and books that you can reference.

Building your new home can be and exciting time. Keep yourself organized and use the resources offered to you and soon you will be moving into the new home of your dreams.

If you're considering building a new home, give Landon Homes a call today (904) 567-3430 and let's get started.

5 Reasons to Build a New Home

More and more people are interested in building a new home rather than buying a fixer-upper that could take years and thousands upon thousands of additional costs to complete. When you build new, you'll have the luxury of a comfortable living space that will SAVE you thousands of dollars through the years by reducing the waste of energy.

Below are 5 Reasons to Build a New Home

1. New Heating and Cooling System. When you build a new home you'll get "top of the line" Heating and Cooling equipment to make sure you can keep your house comfortable while these ENERGY STAR rated products use and waste far less energy. These new HVAC systems can sometimes pay for themselves within the first few years.
2. New Appliances. Once again, look for that ENERGY STAR appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, lighting fixtures, fans, etc. These new appliances use less energy and will last A LOT longer than your old stuff. If you find the right home building company, they will include appliances within their overall bid so you'll be able to see the savings.
3. New Windows. Windows are one of the major problem areas when it comes to wasting energy. Older windows will send your dollars "flying out the window" since they are not usually "air tight" like new windows would be. ENERGY STAR windows can also allow less sunlight to shine through on the hot summer days, while keeping your warm air inside during the cold winter days.
4. Properly Sealed Air Ducts. Air Ducts are where you'll lose the most money. 15-20% of air is lost through cracked and leaking air duct systems. These crack and leaks can also bring unwelcome moisture and dust within your home. With a newly built home and a newly built air duct system you will save a significant amount of money through the years. We are all looking to lessen our carbon footprints in this world of high energy costs anyways, so why not build new and start living Green.
5. New Insulation. With building a new home comes newly installed insulation. Insulation can slide and become less effective through the years. With new insulation installed and installed properly, you'll be able to control the climate of your home and save A LOT of money with no problem at all.

The more economical choice really would be to build a new home rather than buying and fixing up an older home. You'll be able to save energy and save money by building a brand new energy efficient home. When looking for your dream home, why not build new, customize it just the way you want it, and enjoy a climate controlled environment that will allow your dollars to start working for you.. instead of always working against you. With all the "fixer-upper" projects your could potentially run into if you buy an older house, it's worth the extra up front money to just build a brand new home.

If you're considering building a new home, give Landon Homes a call today (904) 567-3430 and let's get started.

April Designated As National Pest Management Month

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) celebrates April as National Pest Management Month, an observance that has been taking place for more than 30 years. National Pest Management Month honors the professional pest control industry for playing a key role in protecting both health and property from significant pest-borne threats.

Pest such as termites, rodents and carpenter ants can cause extensive property damage by chewing through walls, flooring and even electrical wiring. Other pests, including ticks, mosquitoes, cockroaches and stinging insects pose health threats to humans. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, while mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus. Cockroach allergens can trigger asthma attacks, while stinging insects send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year.

During April, the NPMA recommends that homeowners follow these tips to prevent pest infestations:

• Seal up cracks and small openings along the foundation of the house.
• Eliminate sources of moisture or standing water.
• Keep tree branches and other plants cut back from the house.
• Keep kitchens clean by wiping counters and emptying the garbage frequently.
• Keep all food containers sealed.
• Avoid leaving pets' food dishes out for long periods of time.
• Keep trash containers clean and sealed, both indoors and outdoors.
• Screen windows and doors.

If you see signs of pests or suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest professional.

Landon Homes is a locally owned and staffed new home construction company in Northeast Florida that is committed to a personal, hands-on approach to building homes. Our goal is to not only build an exceptional home, but also deliver an memorable homebuilding experience for our customers. Communication, honesty, integrity, a commitment to doing it right, and creating a relationship that extends beyond the home sale and closing are our top priorities when helping homeowners discover their dream home. Once in their new home, homeowners can rest assured that we will stand behind our product long after the sale. Call a Jacksonville or St. Augustine Home Builder today to get started (904) 567-3430.

The Adventure Continues in Old Sebastian Point

Our St. Augustine Realtors came out for an evening of fun to celebrate a Mardi Gras themed Grand Opening of our New Atlantic Model Home. Agents got their pictures taken on "Bourbon Street" as prizes were given throughout the evening! Below are some photos of the fabulous evening:

Landon Homes is a locally owned and staffed new home construction company in Northeast Florida that is committed to a personal, hands-on approach to building homes. Our goal is to not only build an exceptional home, but also deliver an memorable homebuilding experience for our customers. Communication, honesty, integrity, a commitment to doing it right, and creating a relationship that extends beyond the home sale and closing are our top priorities when helping homeowners discover their dream home. Once in their new home, homeowners can rest assured that we will stand behind our product long after the sale.

We look forward to the opportunity to share with visitors an opportunity to visit and explore our newest model. Schedule an appointment today (904) 567-3430 with us and speak with one of our fantastic sales representatives.