Home Builder | Everything You Need to Know About Stairs

Home Builder | Homebuyers who want the space and spaciousness of a two-story residence need to know a thing or two about stairs and staircases.

That’s because every two-story home naturally needs at least one full staircase to allow access between the floors.

Some 305,000 of the 569,000 new detached houses builders completed in 2013 had two or more stories and 166,000 had a full or partial basement, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That suggests builders constructed something like 471,000 or more staircases during that one-year timeframe.

Like doughnuts, staircases come in two types: fancy and plain.

New House Builder | Top Features Home Buyers Want

New House Builder | What do our neighbors to the north have to teach us about the Top 10 Features home buyers want?

Plenty, it turns out. It's clear the preferences of Canadian home buyers closely match those of American home buyers.

The award-winning interior designers from Rooms in Bloom shared their experience in a recent blog post. As the 2012 Home Staging firm in Canada, they should know. These experts help real estate professionals and home builders "stage" or decorate homes currently for sale. Like many top designers, Heather Cook and Alana Merrit find the challenge of staying one step ahead of the latest trends when they're staging new homes for sale to be of great value in all of their interior design work.

Home Building Trends | Residential Construction

Home Building Trends | According to a November press release by Dodge Data & Analytics, the construction industry should enjoy some growth this year — up 9% to $612 billion in new construction. That’s an improvement over 2014’s 5% increase.

Much of the growth will be in commercial buildings, but housing should see some growth, too. With more homes expected to be built this year, we’re taking a look at some of the residential construction trends you might be seeing as you work on new projects.

New Home Communities: Common New Homeowner Mistakes to Avoid

New Home Communities | You’ve finally moved into your new home. But, like many new homeowners, you may not be familiar with construction standards or how your home was built — and how to maintain it. 

Many builders work hard to educate their buyers to help them avoid common mistakes that can lead to costly repairs.

“We work with our homeowners to help ensure that they have all the information they need to make a smooth transition,” says Teri Wilber, customer experience coordinator for Grenadier Homes in Dallas, Texas. “Most of the common mistakes new homeowners can make stem from not having enough information.” 

Custom Homes: What Makes a Perfect Vacation Home?

Custom Homes | Are you looking for a vacation home?

According to the National Association of Realtors, vacation home sales rose strongly in 2013, jumping 29.7 percent to an estimated 717,000 from 553,000 in 2012.

Whether you’re shopping for the perfect spot for your own family to vacation or for an investment property you plan to rent out to others, it’s essential to do your due diligence to ensure that you spend your money wisely. 

Opportunities Abound 

According to Christine Hrib Karpinski, author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment, values in many popular vacation-home resorts have not fully recovered since the market correction. As a result, they may present opportunities for both new-homebuyers seeking a vacation home, as well as for investors. Karpinski cites the Smoky Mountains, Las Vegas, Florida’s Gulf Coast and South Florida as markets in which buyers may find opportunities. 

Home Builder: Choosing an Exterior Style

Choosing an exterior style for your home can be difficult. There are many options to discuss with your home builder, including:

Colonial

Popularized in the 1600s, there has been plenty of time for this style to give way to variations. However, symmetry, shuttered windows, dormers, columns and chimneys are common features. 

Contemporary

Contemporary styles refer to today’s building styles, which can vary in design and appearance. They tend to emphasize energy efficiency, sustainability, natural light and the use of recycled non-toxic materials.

Cottage

Originating with European peasant farmers in the Middle Ages, this type of home typically refers to homes made of stone or wood siding. They generally feature a curved entryway, gravel or brick front walkway and brighter exterior colors. Beautiful flowers are another common addition. 

New House Builder: Save Money by Going Green!

New House Builder | Why are more and more home shoppers seeking greener homes?

The answer is simple: Up to 30 percent cost savings on utility and water bills — as well as greater comfort year round and higher indoor air quality for your family.

In a recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), builders reported that more and more consumers are seeking greener new homes. In addition to lower energy costs, home shoppers are increasingly asking builders for features that provide higher indoor air quality and a draft-free, comfortable climate inside their home year round.