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Home Remodeling

4 Major Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Home

When remodeling a home, there are countless details, information, decisions, and processes. Very often, they become overwhelming … “Did I choose the right tile? Should I call the plumber or the electrician first? The tile guy wants to start tomorrow … Do we have tile yet? When do I call the painter? Are we on track with budget? When will this be done? Was this even worth the hassle? These are just some of the questions that come to mind with remodeling clients. Luckily, your home remodel doesn’t have to be so stressful. Here are some mistakes to avoid so you can remodel your home without the unnecessary hassle.

Mistake #1: Hiring the wrong contractor.

The contractor and team you hire will be the one to answer (or help answer) all your questions. Make sure that the contractor is not only capable and reliable but also trustworthy. Remember, this is the person making decisions about who will be in and out of your house over the course of a couple months. Can you have an honest, frank conversation with this person? Are they able to be honest and frank with you? If you choose the wrong team, the difficult times lie ahead.

Mistake #2: Fuzzy Math and unreliable budget information.

Many consumers rely on 3rd party lead generation sites to set their budget. These companies have figured out people frequently search for “cost to remodel a kitchen” or something similar. However, they are not qualified to answer this question, nor do they know the details of design or the details of your kitchen. They just want to sell a lead to 3-5 different contractors. Discuss your budget openly with your contractor and hold back 20% of what you are willing to spend for contingencies. Don’t trust a website to answer this question. It wastes your time and your contractor’s time to stand in your home and dream up a $65k kitchen when you only have $40k to spend.

Mistake # 3: Rushing the process and a lack of efficiency.

Time is a funny thing. Most contractors will tell you that time kills deals. I believe that is true, but I also believe that the deal that gets killed over time was never meant to be. Contractors take as much time as necessary in design and planning for good reason. Once the job starts, decisions made in haste can have a negative impact both in time, money, form and function. That is exactly why we try to make all our selections upfront. This also allows us to provide a fixed-price proposal and consider alternatives along the way. Taking time in the design process to think through all the options before the demo starts makes for better job planning. With that sort of planning, we can order materials and have them on hand or have plenty of lead time to make changes if something is no longer available. This sort of job planning allows us to be very specific with trade partners so that scheduling is easier and they know what to expect when they arrive on-site.

Mistake #4: Caring too much about the payoff.

The Cost vs. Value Report is published annually by Remodeling Magazine. Follow the link to check out how different remodeling jobs contribute to resale value: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/ I used to ask every client “do you care about resale value?”. Many times, the answer was no. Everyone has different reasons for remodeling, and among them is the payoff. The question then becomes whether the payoff worth your time, money, and the upheaval of remodeling. Unfortunately, I have been witness to marital issues and family problems stemming from what one person thinks is important and life-changing, but the other doesn’t even see the relevance. Consider the payoff not only in terms of financial cost vs. value but also cost vs. value in the quality of life for all those involved both during and after the job is done. the money pit movieThere are many lessons to learn from the 1980’s movie classic The Money Pit. We have already covered a few of those lessons above, hiring the right contractor, poor budgeting, inefficient processes and systems, rushing into a bad deal. The job turned out great, and Hollywood rescued us with a happy ending, but at what cost? Hollywood won’t be there to bail you out, so plan to avoid these mistakes!
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Custom Home Design

Home Design Series: What is French Country Architecture?

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French country homes provide a sense of warmth and belonging to their owners. With soft lines and stonework encasing the exterior, and wooden beams, plaster walls and stone floors lining the interior, homeowners get the best of both the farmhouse and estate designs.

But before you can design a French country style home, you need to learn the history behind it in order to exhibit the style as best as possible!

Originating in France during the 1600s, a movement was spearheaded by King Louis XIV to make France the leader of style around the world. He wanted this design to have a refined taste, with distressed wooden features, stucco-like and stone exterior walls, and vibrantly painted shutters. As more and more people who lived in simple country homes sought for the design, they adapted it to fit the needs of everyday life. That created the French country design – high class but also relaxed enough to enjoy.

Exterior Details

“Provence” colors, such as natural, rich blues, yellows, dark reds, warm browns and greys, coat the outside, which is usually stone or brick. Roofs are made of tall peaks and windows arch or curve with shutters along the outside in perfect symmetry to other windows above or below. The door should be a color that sticks out against the stone or brick of the house but sticks to the earthy color palette.

Interior Details

The inside resembles a farmhouse structure, with wooden beams stretched across the ceiling and tall casement windows. The walls are made of smooth plaster with warm, calm colors and a wooden or limestone tile floor design. As a centerpiece in the living room, an oversized mantel stands tall, creating a high-class elegance to the rustic farmhouse look.

Although French country style homes sometimes resemble Victorian-style homes, the French homes maintain symmetry and warm, welcoming colors. French country architecture provides large living spaces to relax and enjoy family time while also making it feel like you’re living in an old estate. For home design questions and options, call Carson Custom Homes today!

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Home Remodeling

8 Keys to a Successful Remodeling Project

1. Defining a Successful Remodeling Project

Remodeling projects are like a complex equation with many variables and compounding values. There are many moving parts to a remodeling job, and much like a math equation, one wrong move can cause a massive problem. Just as every job is different, so is every customer, so success can be defined in different ways. Here is how we define success at Carson Custom Homes: A successful remodeling project executes the intended design in a manner that pleases the client by providing high-quality work and outstanding customer service – leaving the client with a great experience. In fact, this could be the first indication that a contractor is not a good fit for you. Ask how they define success and make sure it aligns with YOUR definition of success. The following 7 items are what we consider to be the keys to executing a successful remodeling project.

2. Hiring the Right Business

Finding the right contractor is one of the most crucial parts of the equation. The person you hire should be the person you trust the most to execute your project and permit people into your home. Remember, you are hiring a business, not a person, so the person you are making a connection with may not be the person in your home. Ask to meet the person who will run the project before it begins. Open communication with your contractor is vital to establishing trust. Here are some questions you should ask your contractor before the project begins:
  1. Who will be on-site?
  2. How often they will be on-site?
  3. Is there a lead carpenter or superintendent?
  4. What hours do they usually work?
  5. Are they flexible if the hours don’t fit your lifestyle?

3. Systems and Processes

From sales to warranty work, the business you hire should have multiple systems and processes in place in order to keep your job on track. Ask about them. We are a fan of checklists and we use project management software to keep you updated through an app on your phone. Our checklists are proprietary, but we will let you see one or two just to demonstrate how they work. We also set a weekly update meeting to keep you in the loop at all times.

4. A Clear Plan, With a Clear Scope of Work

Clarity is always a good thing… from contracts to plans, to scope and specifications. A clear scope of work in the contract goes hand in hand with a clear plan to be executed. The more precise your contractor is with writing specifications and scope of work, the more successful the project will be in regards to many of the items below.

5. Finishing on Time

Limiting downtime goes a long way in providing a great experience. Nobody likes to come home to a job that is at a standstill because nobody told the plumber when to come in. We use a 3 week “look ahead” in order to keep things efficient and communicate with our subs. Our goal is to hit our timeline every time. We also update our scheduling and keep a job log on the app that you can access anytime. Another component of limiting downtime is making selections and pre-ordering materials. This can only happen if selections are made before the job has even started.

6. Finishing on Budget

Finishing on budget goes a long way toward leaving the client with a great experience. We track budgets through an app so all your budget info is right there at your fingertips, including changes and selections and a breakdown of how those affect the numbers. Being transparent about budget updates and changes is vital for our customer satisfaction.

7. Limiting Change Orders

Obviously, change orders will have an effect on the project’s timeline and cost. While some change orders decrease spend, we usually see costs increase. We ask you during the discovery/design phase to think in terms of no change orders. To prevent change orders, we show you views of the room in our design software so you can get a feel for what a “column would look like in that location” or “how a window would add more light,” etc. The dirty little secret about change orders is that subcontractors will use those changes in order to “make up for the great deal” they gave you when things didn’t work out. We have worked with most of our subcontractors for years and don’t offer bidding opportunities to contractors who do that. We have noticed that change orders always seem to be a point of contention, and in our pursuit of providing great service, we do everything we can to avoid them by asking you to think through all those decisions before we start including selections, plans, and so on.

8. A Clean Job Site

Last but not least, a clean, well-protected job site will make all the difference in how you feel about the project when you get home. Nobody wants to come home from work to a place covered in dust and debris. These are our standards for a clean job site:
  1. Finished materials should be covered and protected.
  2. Clean up should occur daily.
  3. The dumpster should be closed and all debris, demolished materials and personal trash should be properly disposed of.
  4. Paint cans, wash buckets and rags should be properly stored.
  5. Materials on hand should be neat and organized.
  6. The floor should be swept daily.
  7. Barriers should be used to keep dust out of the rest of the house and air scrubbers should be employed as necessary.
When you’re selecting a contractor for your remodeling project, it’s important to find a contractor whose vision for success aligns with yours. For reliable hill country contractors, contact Carson Custom Homes.
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Custom Home Design

Home Design Series: What is Hacienda House Architecture? 

Hacienda architecture is becoming more popular in the United States, branching out from the west coast. This style of home holds many unique characteristics that developed during the early colonization of North and South America and stuck around until it gained traction in the 1920s.

Where can you find Hacienda style Homes?

California and Florida are the two main states this style can be found. Known for its curves, arches, white stucco exterior, painted tile walkways, and terracotta roofing, these houses line the western coast of California and have for just over 100 years now.

Hacienda Characteristics

Hacienda style homes express a rugged, romantic beauty with their unique characteristics mentioned above. The problem with trying to create this style on your own is that it can seem somewhat imaginative.

Choosing such vibrant, decorated tile for your walkway can seem a bit outlandish at first, especially if you are not fond of bright colors. However, once you stucco the outside of the house, everything comes together to create part of your hacienda-style home.

Challenges

The harder part of creating a hacienda home is the architecture. One of the main features of these homes is the arches. Without this defining feature, the home wouldn’t be considered a hacienda style. Your best bet is to hire a contractor or custom home builder to update your home to the style of your liking.

Resale

Just like every home, there are pros and cons to having a style-specific house. Hacienda homes have a large market for resale because they are aesthetically pleasing. However, these homes usually have stairs leading up to the house, as well as inside, creating potential mobility limitations.

Carson Custom Homes offers a variety of different floor plans, exterior and interior designs, and can create a home that fits the exact vision you have. Call us today to get started.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

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Custom Home Design

Why You Should Invest in Energy-Efficient Architectural Design

More so now than ever it is important that we focus on energy efficiency and sustainability in as many aspects of our lives as possible. Eco-friendly construction design focuses on reducing the amount of energy needed to heat, cool, ventilate and light a home or building for the duration of its life. Whether you live in an urban or rural area, investing in sustainable, green design architecture will benefit both you and our environment. Continue reading to learn a few reasons why you should invest in energy-efficient architecture.

It Creates a Healthier Environment Inside the Home

Keeping your family safe and healthy includes providing them with a home that benefits their physical well-being. A home built with green design is constructed to control the flow of air and reduce heat and moisture. Having more efficient windows and doors and a high-efficiency HVAC system increases the quality of your air, making it safer for your family.

It’s Better for Our Outdoor Environment

Lowering the amount of energy used in your home directly reduces the amount of gasses and emissions released by power plants. Since electricity is made by burning natural resources, the fumes released in doing so are harmful to our environment. By investing in eco-friendly construction, you will directly decrease your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.

It’s More Cost-Efficient Over Time

Having a home that works efficiently overall is also more cost-effective. A home designed to reduce the amount of energy used will directly lower your monthly energy bills and benefit the environment in the meantime. In addition, investing in sustainable architecture will prolong the life of your home and increase its value in the event that you decide to place it on the market.

It Increases the Efficiency of Your Appliances

Green design also increases the lifespan of your appliances. If your home is eco-friendly, your appliances won’t have to work as hard to get their job done. Choosing energy-efficient appliances to fill your home with will only increase their lifespan and sustainability more. Grow your green thumb and reduce your carbon footprint by investing in eco-friendly construction. Contact us at Carson Custom Homes to learn more about energy-efficient architecture or to start your building process. Contact us today to schedule your free interview with one of our home building experts.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

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Custom Home Design

Home Design Series: What is Farmhouse Architecture?

Let’s talk about an architectural design that is sweeping the south. We want to give you the history, style characteristics and much more that define farmhouse design.

History of the Farmhouse

The farmhouse originated out of function. Just as it sounds, these homes were built on agricultural land. Their function was to provide shelter for those who worked on the farm. The first, original farmhouses date all the way back to the early 1700s. Functionally, these homes are built to be practical for their residents.

Key Characteristics of Farmhouse Architecture

  • Practical Porches: by practical, we don’t mean small. Farmhouses are known for having grandiose porches. However, these large porches aren’t just for looks. One of the farmhouse trademarks is having porches that are functional extensions of the house. For example, a place for your kids to leave their muddy shoes.
  • Rural Locations: It is uncommon to find a farmhouse in the middle of a city. Farmhouses are known for being located in rural locations with lots of space, such as in the Texas Hill Country.
  • Transitional Spaces: Going back to the farmhouse’s traditional roots, one of the key design elements of the home is to have the formal spaces like the kitchen and living room in the front of the house and the bedrooms and bathrooms in the back or off toward the sides.

Remodeling a Farmhouse

One of the biggest problems when it comes to remodeling a historic farmhouse is the structural challenges – for example, redoing the roof, gutters and downspouts. However, we suggest consulting a licensed contractor to ensure the structural integrity of your home is maintained while adding your desired updates. With the “modern farmhouse” being all the rage at the moment, Carson Custom Homes is perfectly suited to help you get the house of your dreams.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

Download The Guide to Your Dream Home Today

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Custom Home Design

Home Design Series: What is Ranch House Architecture?

A ranch-style home can be easy to spot. This type of home design comes equipped with a long history and specific design elements that make it what it is. With the first boom of ranch houses being built in the 1930s, post-WWII, they started to dwindle in popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, today the style is starting to rise in popularity once again, so you’ve probably seen a ranch house or two around your area. But do you know what truly makes it a ranch house?

Elements of the Ranch House

1. Single-floor plan

In a ranch style home, this is the piece of the architecture that probably sticks out the most to you. The long, single-floor homes are still filled with the elements of a traditional home in terms of rooms – a kitchen, dining room, living room, bedrooms and bathrooms. But in this case, they all share the same floor.

2. Asymmetrical Design

Traditionally, most ranch-style homes have a similar layout or design. The asymmetrical design of the home is constructed as either an ‘L’ or a ‘U’ shape if you were able to see it from a birds-eye-view. The front of the home is built horizontally and facing the street.

3. Focus on the outdoors

One of the biggest reason these homes were once so popular, and are now growing in popularity once again, is because of the emphasis on the outdoors. Ranch style homes were designed to incorporate indoor and outdoor living as one, with a big focus on the backyard. In the past, the emphasis would be on the front porch. Over time, it has shifted to the backyard to create a private living space. If you think the ranch architecture is right for you, call Carson Custom Homes today and let us build your dream home.

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The Home Building Process

Custom Homes vs. Spec Homes

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Affordable Renovation Services
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking for a new place to call home, buying a house is never a small investment. Two terms every potential homebuyer needs to know when house hunting are speculative and custom. Both spec homes and custom homes are completely new on the market, but each type comes with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Spec Homes

A spec home is a move-in-ready home that is built with the average homebuyer in mind. This can be a pro or a con, depending on the way you look at it. Having the ability to see and tour the finished product of the home you are potentially purchasing ensures you’re getting exactly what you pay for. Purchasing a move-in-ready home also means you can move in as quickly as you’d like. Homes built to fit the needs of the average homebuyer also allow the homebuilder to buy their materials in bulk, making them very cost-effective. Buying a move-in-ready home, however, leaves the buyer with a lack of choice when it comes to the style, detail, and color scheme. If you wanted to change something about your speculative home following completion, it would be at your own expense. In some cases, if you find a spec home not yet entirely completed, there is the chance the homebuilder will allow you to have a say in a few finishes such as the color of the walls. You will most likely be choosing from their list of options, though, because of their bulk purchases.

Custom Homes

If you’re someone with a unique design in mind for your dream home, purchasing a custom home is your best option. Working with a builder to construct your one-of-a-kind home means you create the design and feel you want your house to have. This means you will be able to choose and approve every detail from the inside doorknobs and cabinet fixtures to the outside siding and shingles. Building a custom home also gives homebuyers a preference on the location, since they will have to purchase a lot to build on. Due to the freedom of choice and other appealing aspects custom homes offer, most homebuilders have clients create budgets for certain design elements to ensure the cost of your home won’t be more than expected when finished. Custom homes built to preference are obviously not move-in ready and can take longer than others to build. Once you see your dream home come to life, however, the wait will have been totally worth it. At Carson Custom Homes, we are ready to make your dream home a reality. With attention to detail throughout the entire building process and use of quality materials, your Carson Custom home will keep you content and comfortable for a lifetime. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to jumpstart the building of your custom home.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

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The Home Building Process

The Best Time of Year to Build a House in Texas

You’re ready to make a move – your house is getting too cramped, and the grass seems so much greener on the other side of the city. You may be antsy to get started on building your new home, but you need to consider the timing for your construction.

There are many different factors that come into play when building a house. Read below to find out when is the best time to build a house in Texas.

Consider the Season

The weather has a huge impact on home construction. Texas is blessed with mild winters, but the state still experiences cold, wet weather in some of the winter months. Additionally, the summers can experience heat waves, which can make construction difficult.

You generally want to start your construction when the weather is cool and dry. If you start in autumn, you will be starting your construction in mild weather and your foundation will be built before there are any potential ground freezes. I

f you start in the summer, your contractors will have time to get exterior construction done before there are any freezes, but hot weather may delay work on your home. You will need to meet with your contractor to discuss which season will work better for your particular building needs.

Consider the Cost

Even if you’ve just won the lottery, you will still want to consider the most cost-effective time to build a house.

Building in summer may seem ideal because of the weather, but prices will be much higher because of increased building demand. Your home will be built faster, but you will have to pay more for materials.

If you are not concerned with building speed and want to save money, consider starting your build in the fall or winter. Fall is the off-season for contractors, so you will be able to take advantage of potentially lower prices. However, you will have to prepare for building delays and a longer build time.

If you’re searching for a custom home builder that can set you up with the best construction schedule for your building needs, contact Carson Custom Homes. Our experienced team of builders will help you design, plan, and build your dream home. Find out more and get started on your custom home today!

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

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The Home Building Process

Why Personality Fit is Important When Selecting a Home Builder

New Home Under Construction
Choosing a home builder means choosing a professional that will work with you through a long-term, intensive process. When you pick someone who will be helping you make personal decisions about your home, it is important to find someone who will align with your goals and personality. If you’re currently selecting a home builder, here are some tips on what makes a good home builder fit.

You Should Choose a Builder You Work Well With

Before starting the selection process, have a well-thought-out list of your own personality attributes and what kinds of personalities with which you work well. You should also have a plan for what you want for your house. Careful thought and planning will ensure that you get what you want out of your working relationship with your home builder and will prevent dissatisfaction later on in the process.

You Should Work With Someone You Can Trust

Some of the most important personality qualities in a home builder are cooperation and problem-solving skills. When you meet with potential home builders, ask plenty of questions to determine if they will be able to work with your personal vision for your home. Be sure to question them on what courses of action they would take if various problems arise during the building process. Anticipating delays in the building process ahead of time and working out a contingency plan with your builder will prepare both of you for later issues. Relationships can sour with even the most personable builder if your problem-solving skills do not align.

They Must Be a Strong Communicator Throughout the Process

Communication is another important attribute when you choose a home builder. You need to choose a builder who will keep you updated while your home is being built. There are many issues that can affect your home build, from building delays to bad weather to necessary changes in building plans. A good home builder will contact you immediately when problems happen and will be responsive when you need information about your home build. If you’re looking for home builders that fit your personality needs, get started on your custom home with Carson Custom Homes. Our experienced team will help you through the entire process of planning, selecting and building your dream home.

Want to build your dream home, but don’t know where to start?

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