One thing any new home builder in Summerfield, NC, can tell you is that the homes they are building today are far more efficient than those they were building even ten years ago. In part, this may be due to massive changes in building codes that require contractors to meet stringent new guidelines. But it is also due to new materials, new construction techniques and more.
New Materials in Home Construction
There have been many advances in building material design over the past few decades. Where once when utilities were cheap, a single pane of glass set in a wood or aluminum frame was sufficient, today we work with double and triple glazed windows that are gas filled for maximum energy efficiency. New insulation methods and materials such as expanding foam now create walls that lose virtually no heat. The drive to achieve more in this area comes directly from consumers who constantly demand more.
Size Plays a Role in Home Building
Today’s home buyers are tending more towards building bigger houses rather than smaller ones. The bigger the house, the more it is going to cost to cool, heat, and illuminate. This has led to new developments in energy saving appliances, heat pumps instead of furnaces and air conditioners, and the widespread demand for LED lighting that costs pennies per year to run.
This same concept applies to stoves, refrigerators, hot water heaters, and virtually every other appliance being installed by every new home builder in Summerfield, NC. It is no longer acceptable to use appliances that are not ultra-efficient. These are among the biggest ways in which the energy efficiency of new homes continues to improve.
Is There a Point Where a Home Can Be Too Energy Efficient?
To put it quite simply, no there is no point at which a new home can become too energy efficient. The average home built today can be up to 30 percent larger than a similar home built only five years ago and yet only increase the utility bills by approximately 2 percent thanks to the latest in energy efficiency technology.
If you want a home that is bigger than your current home and yet costs you no more than your current utility bill, it is quite possible. You need to work very closely with your new home builders in Summerfield, NC to add several changes in the design, materials, and appliances to meet your energy efficiency desires.
Most have the skills needed to create “high-rated” energy efficient homes using the very latest technologies. Homes like these far exceed the standards for the average home and leave the federal standards sitting in the dust.
Energy Efficiency Means More than Saving Money
There is more to an energy efficient home than simply saving you money on your monthly power bill. When your home is built to these standards, you should never experience hot or cold spots nor should the bottom floor be colder than the upper one.
These are some of the reasons why new homes are more energy efficient than those built only a few years ago. If you are interested in having an ultra-high energy efficient home built, call R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225. We specialize in building energy efficient homes using the latest technologies and materials.
How to Ensure a Timeless Home Design when Building a Home
Have you ever wondered why it is that some homes can look dated only a few years after they have been built, while others look current and almost trendy despite being decades old? Custom home builders in NC will tell you it’s because these homes have what is often referred to as a timeless design. This type of design is one that will not only stand the test of time but is always going to look like it’s new and trendy.
Start by Looking Around at Existing Homes
If you want custom home builders in NC to create a timeless design for your home, the best place to start is by looking at the classics. In other words, seek out those homes that already seem to have that timeless look. Look at the different colors, designs, and styles considered to be “classic” and build your design around these concepts.
Go with Classic home Building Styling
Classic styling is just what its name says, styles that draw on history to create a new look that will endure. The Greeks used columns, busts, stripes, statues, and an amazing array of architectural molding in their homes. You can draw upon these for inspiration and make use of natural materials such as wood, cotton, brick, stone both inside and out.
Avoid Fad Styles in Home Construction
A good timeless home design is one that doesn’t get its ideas from the latest trends. The design should instead be a little understated, sophisticated yet simple. Your home design should be one that considers function before form yet is not boring. Any design you choose should be one that can be adapted as life changes or the house is sold.
Timeless Designs are Truly Functional
If there is one thing you can’t help but notice when it comes to timeless homes, it is that they tend to be rather sensible and functional in design. Create rooms that will have neither too much nor too little space for your furniture. Choose fixtures that while quite beautiful and functional are not over the top. Choose furniture that will best compliment the size and style of your rooms.
Avoid Being Overly Colorful
If you look at traditional home décor, one of the first things you notice is a high usage of neutral colors. Colors like off-whites, beiges, grays all play a large role in timeless designs. They are often offset by bright white fixtures and moldings that bring the rooms together. Avoid trendy colors if you can or at least try not to make them the main focus of the room.
Working with your custom home builders in NC, create a design that is not overstated yet is large enough for your needs now and in the future. Use plenty of neutral colors both inside and out to create a warm traditional look and you are well on your way to owning a timeless home. For more information and help designing your next home, please contact R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225 and talk to our team of expert custom home builders.
5 Common Mistakes First Time Homebuyers Make
Buying a House Whose Price Is Over Your Head
If you were to ask the best home builders in Greensboro what they thought was one of the most common first-time homebuyer’s mistake was, chances are good they would say spending too much. Bear in mind that just because you qualify for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it on a home. Buying the most expensive home you can qualify for can leave you scrambling to pay the bills each month, let alone save any money.
Failure to Educate Yourself on Home Buying
When the time comes to buy a home, take your time and look around at the various homes in your price range and in the area you wish to live in. While you may feel the need to act fast, you should never feel like you are being pressured into buying your first home. By taking the time to learn about local markets and pricing, you could save yourself thousands of dollars including the purchase price, utility bills, taxes, and insurance.
Not Making Sure You Have Your Financial Ducks in a Row
Before you start shopping for your first home, you need to take the time to get organized and make sure you have all of your financial ducks in a row. According to several of the best home builders in Greensboro, far too many first-time homebuyers end up biting off more than they can chew and risk losing their new home because they ended up getting in over their heads and being unable to meet their mortgage payments.
The Best Home Builders in Greensboro Say You Need to Visit Your New Home Frequently
The best home builders in Greensboro all agree that the house you buy is not going to move, it is stuck where it is whether that happens to be in a good location or not. You need to visit this location several times and at different times of the day to see what is going on. The last thing you want is to buy a home on a noisy, busy street or in a neighborhood that doesn’t suit you. Do your homework and make sure you can live where your new home is located, if not move on and find another one.
If you are interested in having a custom home built for you, contact R&K Custom Homes, one of the best home builders in the Greensboro area. Call us at (336) 362-5225 to discuss new home construction or renovating your current home.
What Makes a Home More Energy Efficient?
New Materials in Home Construction
There have been many advances in building material design over the past few decades. Where once when utilities were cheap, a single pane of glass set in a wood or aluminum frame was sufficient, today we work with double and triple glazed windows that are gas filled for maximum energy efficiency. New insulation methods and materials such as expanding foam now create walls that lose virtually no heat. The drive to achieve more in this area comes directly from consumers who constantly demand more.
Size Plays a Role in Home Building
Today’s home buyers are tending more towards building bigger houses rather than smaller ones. The bigger the house, the more it is going to cost to cool, heat, and illuminate. This has led to new developments in energy saving appliances, heat pumps instead of furnaces and air conditioners, and the widespread demand for LED lighting that costs pennies per year to run.
This same concept applies to stoves, refrigerators, hot water heaters, and virtually every other appliance being installed by every new home builder in Summerfield, NC. It is no longer acceptable to use appliances that are not ultra-efficient. These are among the biggest ways in which the energy efficiency of new homes continues to improve.
Is There a Point Where a Home Can Be Too Energy Efficient?
To put it quite simply, no there is no point at which a new home can become too energy efficient. The average home built today can be up to 30 percent larger than a similar home built only five years ago and yet only increase the utility bills by approximately 2 percent thanks to the latest in energy efficiency technology.
If you want a home that is bigger than your current home and yet costs you no more than your current utility bill, it is quite possible. You need to work very closely with your new home builders in Summerfield, NC to add several changes in the design, materials, and appliances to meet your energy efficiency desires.
Most have the skills needed to create “high-rated” energy efficient homes using the very latest technologies. Homes like these far exceed the standards for the average home and leave the federal standards sitting in the dust.
Energy Efficiency Means More than Saving Money
There is more to an energy efficient home than simply saving you money on your monthly power bill. When your home is built to these standards, you should never experience hot or cold spots nor should the bottom floor be colder than the upper one.
These are some of the reasons why new homes are more energy efficient than those built only a few years ago. If you are interested in having an ultra-high energy efficient home built, call R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225. We specialize in building energy efficient homes using the latest technologies and materials.
What Square Footage is Right for You?
The simple reality is that while both are equally important, overall functionality and design are dictated by size. Yet if you haven’t taken the time to put both factors into play, you could easily end up with a home that is either too big or too small. There are several factors you need to take into account as you try to determine how much square footage you need. Among these are:
Any time you talk to one of the building contractors in Greensboro, they are going to ask you questions just like these. The whole idea is to find out as much as possible about how you plan to use your new home. Doing so will help you and your contractors make the right decision regarding the size of your home.
Other Considerations for Building a New Home
Once you answer all of the above questions, you should be getting close to being able to nail down the square footage of your new home. However, there are a few more things you might want to take into consideration before you commit. These include:
Resale Value: Functionality plays a large role in resale value as does size. For example, a home with 2.5 bathrooms will sell faster and for more money than one with only 1.5 bathrooms.
Your Future: If you have kids or are planning to have more, you need to plan enough space in your home for them. This means adding another bedroom, making common areas larger, even adding an extra bathroom.
Your Hobbies: Hobbies come in an amazing array of sizes. Do you quilt and need a large sewing room, maybe you’re a woodworker and need room for a shop, or perhaps you like to play noisy online games? These can dictate how much space you need in your home.
Be True to Yourself: Take a good look at the dream home you are planning and think carefully about what you are planning to have your building contractors in Greensboro build. Do you really need a huge kitchen or are you just trying to impress others? Maybe you would be better off with a smaller kitchen and funneling the money towards another part of the house.
For more help in determining how much square footage you truly need, contact R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225. Our experts will work with you through the entire process. Then you can count on us to design and build your perfect dream home.
Best Questions to Ask your Home Builder
Do You Have References for Whom You’ve Built Custom Homes?
Find out what it is like to actually work with your custom home builder by asking for references. Calling former customers and speaking with them will help you decide if you can partner and work with your new custom home builder for an extended period of time.
Do You Offer a New Home Warranty, and What Does It Cover?
Reputable custom home builders in NC will offer a warranty. But don’t just settle for a yes. Ask for the details surrounding the warranty and what it specifically covers and does not cover to avoid surprise expenses.
Am I Permitted to Visit the Building Site During Construction of My Home?
After you pick out your materials and design, you won’t want to wait until your home is fully constructed to visit and check on the status. Ask your custom home builder if you will be permitted to come on site and be a part of the entire process.
How Will You Communicate with Me During the Home Building Process?
Communication is paramount to a successful project. Find out what the home builders’ communication style and frequency are to ensure you’re not in the dark about your new custom home’s progress, problems, and cost.
Get Your Questions Answered by Expert Custom Home Builders in NC
Interview one of the best custom homebuilders in NC, today. With more than 20 years’ experience building custom homes, R&K custom homebuilders has the rapport and expertise to make your custom home building experience a smooth and successful one. Start making your custom home plans and call them at (336) 362-5225.
Great Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent About New Homes for Sale in Greensboro
What Do You Like About This Home?
Agents spend their days touring new homes in Greensboro. They are privy to the conveniences and drawbacks of many new homes. Asking your real estate agent about what they like about the home may uncover some of the home’s appeal you may have missed.
What Do You Know About the Builder’s Reputation?
Real estate agents don’t just know homes; they know home builders. Being in the industry of selling homes built by various builders naturally results in feedback from clients or other agents’ clients about their new home experience. That information can be helpful when making your decision to purchase a home by a specific builder.
What Would You Change About This Home?
Real estate agents don’t just know what’s great about a home, they’ve seen enough homes to know what negative signs to look for. Ask them what they’d change about a home you may be interested in. It’s as valuable as asking a renowned chef what he would change about a recipe. You’re bound to come out ahead with his answer.
Do You Think the Price is Fair?
Real estate agents also know about price and the housing market. They know what homes have sold for in the area, and possibly what the value may be in the future. Take advantage of your agent’s history in the new home market by getting honest answers about price before going all in.
Start Your List of Questions About New Homes in Greensboro, Today
Start the conversation with your agent by starting your new home search with R&K Custom Homebuilders by calling them at (336) 362-5225. With brand new homes in Greensboro, NC and a solid reputation with area real estate agents, they are the premier custom homebuilders in Greensboro with whom you can find the answers to your new home questions.
Tricks to get the Most out of Your Building Contractor in Greensboro
Deciding to hire a building contractor is far from the last decision you’ll need to make in your project. Even if you hired a general contractor to oversee your project, there are additional things you’ll need to be involved in and decide throughout the course of your project to ensure you stay on budget and on track. Learn tricks to get the most out of your building contractor in Greensboro.
Plan Together
Most good building contractors will have a detailed project outline. Reviewing the project with your contractor line by line will make sure you’re both on the same page in terms of design, cost, and scheduling while establishing a partnership that will last throughout the project.
Communication is Key
While you’re reviewing the project, ask him how he prefers to communicate. Getting a phone or email can help solve problems as they arise. Be on site and talk with him each day before the work begins to ensure you’re included in any changes and decisions.
Track Changes in Writing
A project may start out simple but as unexpected circumstances arise, so will the need for changes. Whether you change a design, budget, or schedule — write it down and get any additional costs in writing. This will help keep both you and your contractor on the same page, and eliminate surprises that can throw your project, and your budget, off track.
Keep a Project Diary
While you’re writing down your changes, also write in a project journal. Jot down questions you want to ask your contractor the next time you meet, pen ideas you may have, and record progress. Projects can become complex, especially if it is a large one with an extended schedule. Writing down the progress will help keep your project on schedule and on budget.
Check the Work
At the end of each day, it benefits both you and your building contractors in Greensboro NC if you check the work and relay any concerns during your next meeting. Track your reviews in your journal so you can discuss any issues with your contractor timely. This will maintain your forthcoming relationship with your contractor while ensuring the project’s transparency.
Plan Your Project Today with RK Custom Homes
Knowing how to make a project successful is the first step, finding building contractors in Greensboro who are open and willing to collaborate with you is the second. R&K custom homebuilders invites communication with its clients to ensure a successful transparent project. Call them today at (336) 362-5225 and get the most out of your building contractors in Greensboro.
Advantages of Custom Building Your New Home
Your Home Builder Will Help You Customize Your Home
This is the most obvious advantage; rather than settling for a pre-existing home you get to choose the layout of your home, the materials used, the overall look, style and appeal of your new home. You get to choose the details down to paint colors and wood finishes.
You Get to Pick Where You’ll Build Your Home
When you custom build your own home, you don’t just get to determine how it will look– you get to pick where it will be. Having the opportunity to choose an exclusive community or a private lot means you already know you’ll love where you live as much as you love the home you live in.
A New Custom Home Will Save Money on Repairs and Maintenance
Custom building your home means your home is new and under warranty. So on move-in day, you won’t need to prepare your home with fresh paint or update its look, you can simply move in and enjoy the freedom of not having a fix-it list.
Custom Built Homes Are Energy Efficient
When you partner with one of the best home builders in Greensboro, you have your choice of efficient appliances, roofing materials, windows, and other selections to improve your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.
Custom Build Your New Home with the Best Home Builders in Greensboro
Get more information on the benefits of building a custom home by calling the crew with the best home builders in Greensboro. With more than 20 years’ experience building custom homes, R&K custom homebuilders has the experience and the insight you need to make the best decisions. Take the first step towards your new home today by calling (336) 362-5225.
Upgrade Possibilities to Take to your Home Builder
When having a new home built, certain features will be standard and others will be considered upgrades, which add to the cost of the home. If keeping to your budget is a priority for you, some upgrades are more valuable than others. When planning with home builders in Greensboro NC, seriously consider adding these features to enhance the beauty, functionality, and resale value of your home.
Home Builders in Greensboro Offer More Upgrades as Standard Features
Features that are considered upgrades for some builders are simply standard at R&K Custom Homes. Bring up these ideas with your builder to see what features you can add to enhance your home. Even the upgrades that do cost extra are often worth the price. Your builder will work with you to help you decide what items will offer you the most in return. Call R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225 or (336) 382-0728 to make an appointment to meet with your builder.
5 Hot Trends in Custom Home Design
Do you want to know the hottest trends to be sure to include in your new custom home? Stylish features popping up at building shows across the country are sure to influence the design of new custom homes in Greensboro NC. These 5 hot trends in custom home design will make your home the envy of your guests while adding to the resale value.
Custom Homes in Greensboro are Being Built with These Trends
If you’re planning to have a custom home built in the Greensboro area, you can make any of these trends part of your home design with R&K Custom Homes. When you incorporate these beautiful elements in your home, you can count on the envy of your guests, better resale value in the future, and best of all, your own enjoyment. Call (336) 362-5225 or (336) 382-0728 to get started designing your new custom home with R&K.