Archive for January, 2009

DALLAS – Texas customers are clamoring for homes with energy-efficient features — and local builders are trying to learn how to build them.

A standing-room-only crowd of building professionals gathered Thursday at the Dallas Convention Center to learn about green building standards, the best practices for achieving energy efficiency and an environmentally sound design. At the same time, they learned that Texas is the No. 1 area in the country where customers are requesting homes with green features.

“It’s pretty important that we catch up with the market,” said Ken Sidebottom, chairman of the board of the North Texas U.S. Green Building Council.

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A leader brings vision and direction, showing others the way, or at least a way to aspire to better things. These builders and architects, through forward thought, passionate design and fresh ideas, have emerged as leaders in their field. We took this space to honor them and their achievements.

• WorkPlays Studio - Grenola House
• Edwards Design Group - Arrowhead house
• West Bend Property Company - Northwest Crossing
• Lisa Petterson - SERA Architects
• Tom Kundig - OSKA Architects
• Michelle Kaufmann - Michelle Kaufmann Designs

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By Nigel F. MaynardAmericans love getting a deal, which might begin to explain why so many consumers flock to shopping malls on Black Friday. Of course, they aren’t always ending up with a real bargain, but sometimes this doesn’t matter. As long as an item or service has a high perceived value to people, there’s a good chance they’ll choose to buy it.

This concept can be applied to selling homes. Create high perceived value, and you stand a better chance of closing the deal with buyers. One way to do this is to offer high value at a low cost. If your cool-looking kitchen was inexpensive to build, but it looks like it cost tons of money to do, you’ve hit a home run for your business and your buyers.

Find out the 10 Must-Haves for your next home.

By: Rich BinsaccaFrom a distance, both figuratively and literally, The New American Home (TNAH) 2009 appears contradictory to what’s being deemed appropriate in the current conservative housing climate: a nearly 9,000-square-foot estate with a multimillion-dollar price tag built in a market, Las Vegas, that is the poster child for the industry’s woes.

Never mind that the house sold before it was finished, albeit at a slight discount to ­accommodate a lease-back deal allowing the builder, Blue Heron Properties, to use it as a model home for the 12 other lots of the new infill community in which it sits.

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BUILDER LivingHome is the latest  annual show home series showcasing great design and innovative construction methods and products. A modular home, it is being built in a factory for final assembly on the exhibit floor of the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
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Although interchangeable with the home site selection, many times your Builder is the first step and decision to make. We suggest that you begin by interviewing several builders who have been recommended to you by friends and associates. You must feel that others have had good experiences with these builders before you even start interviewing. Also, it’s important to view some of the builder’s work to make sure the quality and details are compatible with your expectations. After you’ve met with the builder and established that he is a candidate, ask the builder for a list of previous customers; and call a few. Everyone likes to talk about their home builder if you ask!

Choosing the builder first is a smart move that will pay dividends throughout the remaining steps of the building process.

By selecting your builder first, you gain the benefit of his or her experience in making decisions regarding the home site. The builder should also be an excellent resource for information and guidance in regards to the architect or plan designer (if necessary), and sources for financing.

Time and pitfalls can be spared if you consult with your builder on the home site decision. You don’t want to discover lot problems after it’s too late. Many times there are unseen issues with home sites that will drive costs higher than expected. Relying on an experienced builder for guidance in finding the right home site to suit your needs will help you avoid costly mistakes.

To provide a home plan that truly fulfills your every desire for your new home, we begin with a “wants & needs” meeting where we can begin to help you narrow down the field from which to select your plans.

In many cases, we are able to use variations of plans we have built before or “stock plans” from local plan designers and architects. In some cases, the uniqueness of your needs will require the services of an architect or home designer. We feel the home plan is the most important part of the success of your building experience.

Most architects and designers are happy to include builders in the process of planning your home. The team of owner, builder and architect allow all three to comment during the design process. This can be extremely helpful to you as the plans are being drawn. Commenting on construction detail costs can help keep the home within your budget parameters as well.

Davis Signature Homes is a “design/build” custom home builder serving the Collin, Denton and surrounding North Texas Counties.

Our personal approach to home building stresses constant communication and teamwork between client and builder from concept to completion. Our experience, quality and attention to detail assure that your building expectations will be surpassed.

Davis Signature Homes is a true custom home builder. Our mission is to build quality custom homes and exceed our clients’ expectations with regard to the building process, the final product and service after the sale.

Rock Creek Resort is a master-planned, exclusive gated community located on the Texas shores of beautiful Lake Texoma, located 60 minutes north of the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. With over 1,300 lush acres, Rock Creek will combine the best of serene lakeside living with all the amenities of an upscale resort. Rock Creek Resort on Lake Texoma will feature a Nicklaus Design Golf Course, Yacht Club and Marina, Hotel, Clubhouse and Pro-Shop, Exhilarating Spa and Fitness Facilities, Tennis Court, Health Trails, Innovative Business Center and an On-site Activities Director.

Residents of Rock Creek will attend the Whitesboro Independent School District.