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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.

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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?

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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.

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

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The Home Building Process

Custom Homes vs. Spec Homes

Affordable Renovation Services
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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Home Remodeling

Attractive Energy-Efficient Upgrades For Your New Home

Kitchen with granite island and cherry wood cabinetry
Bringing energy efficiency into your home is always in style, but the energy-saving fixtures can be stylish, too. Here are some of the most common energy-efficient upgrades that won’t take away from the aesthetic of your home.

Lighting

The lighting that you have in your home can blend in with the background or be used as a statement piece. No matter what you choose to do with your lighting fixtures, energy-efficient options are always available. These include tables, desk or floor lamps, hard-wired lighting for inside or outside of your home, wall fixtures and more. Choosing to use an energy-efficient light bulb will help you use 90% less energy, and it will produce anywhere from 70-90% less heat.

Appliances

A home is full of appliances, and there are plenty of different types that can be both stylish and energy-efficient. Some of the advantages of choosing energy-efficient appliances can include:
  • Washing machines and dryers: These two machines can end up a big chunk of the energy in your home, so put a stop to that and go with an energy-saving option. And lucky for you, energy-efficient washers and dryers come in a wide range of colors and finishes.
  • Refrigerators: Appliances are made to be more energy-efficient today than ever before. Today, refrigerators use 40% less energy than they did 15 years ago. And just like washers and dryers, refrigerators come in a variety of colors and finishes for you to choose from.
  • Dishwashers: Kitchen appliances are used pretty often, so be sure that you’re saving money each time you use them. Dishwashers, in particular, tend to use a lot of energy and water – switching to an energy-saving option can save you around $45 each year.
Getting help from an energy-efficient home builder is the key to getting the most out of your home’s energy supply. Call Carson Custom Homes today!
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Custom Home Design

Designing Your Hill Country Kitchen

Designing Your Hill Country Kitchen

Designing the perfect kitchen in your home can be tough. From picking out flooring, countertops and accent pieces, there can be a lot of options to choose from. Keep reading to get some tips for your perfect Hill Country kitchen.

Bring in the outside

A classic Hill Country kitchen reflects the Hill Country itself – so bringing in the surrounding outdoors is the best way to create the look you’re going for. To bring in the outdoors, look for items like these to add to your kitchen:
  • Choose a wood tone from your area and use it for cabinets or exposed beams
  • Pick a stone finish for your countertops that reflects your area
  • Stick with a rustic color palette (light blues, yellows and oranges)
  • Go with natural finishes over glossy ones

Keep the lighting natural

What better way to bring the outside indoors than by being able to really see the outdoors? Your Hill Country kitchen should be filled with natural light and big windows. Adding your own light fixtures is good for extra lighting, but be sure that the fixtures aren’t too modern. Sticking with rustic accents for your lighting is the way to go.

Add simple furniture

A house is a house because of its structure, but it becomes a home because of what you make it to be. Adding simple furniture can be a good way to tie in the whole kitchen. A large kitchen table with a simple build is part of a classic, rustic design. And of course, a wood table is always recommended.

Make it cozy

Finish off your perfect Hill Country kitchen by adding all the personal touches that will make your home cozy and welcoming – just like the Hill Country makes most people feel. Seating with soft cushions and reducing excess clutter will go a long way in making your kitchen a more cozy place to spend time with family and friends.

Remodeling your existing kitchen

If you aren’t starting a new build, but you want the perfect Hill Country kitchen, consider a total kitchen remodel. Remodeling allows you to give your entire kitchen a makeover that is in tune with your tastes and desired style. It’s a great opportunity for installing new and improved kitchen appliances, and to make cosmetic changes to kitchen features like countertops and cabinets. A total remodel is a great way to boost your home value and will turn your kitchen into the heart of the home. If you’re feeling inspired and ready to design your perfect Hill Country kitchen, call Carson Custom Homes. Our team will help you bring your dream home to life!
Categories
Custom Home Design

Classic Design Elements For a Timeless Home

Classic Design Elements for a Timeless Home

It seems as though we are always trying to keep up with the latest trend or fad. This can be difficult (and expensive) when it comes to updating your own home. No one wants to spend thousands of dollars on a home renovation just to walk in a couple years down the road and have it feel outdated and out of style. Here are some classic design elements for creating a timeless home that will stretch your dollar for years to come.

Think of Your Home Like a Canvas

Artists have been creating beautiful works of art on canvases for hundreds of thousands of years through changes in style, technique, and composition. Think of your home as a canvas. Neutral colors such as white, grey and beige are noted for being traditional and a great complement to any accent color or trend you might be playing with at the moment. Clean lines are another great design element to keep your home looking timeless.

Use Trendy Accents

Of course, we all want to be on trend when it comes to the overall look of our home. However, a total home renovation every couple of years is exhausting. Instead, focus on the smaller elements of your home to highlight trends. For example, cabinet knobs, pillows and light fixtures are all great ways to keep up with home decor fads while still being easy and inexpensive to replace.

Think Functionality

Functional homes will always withstand the test of time. When it comes time to sit down with your custom home builder, be sure to keep functionality top of mind. This will limit all future renovations to design only – rather than knocking down walls. When it comes to your next home renovation think basics, accents and functionality and you’ll create a home that lasts a lifetime. Contact Carson Custom Homes to build the timeless home of your dreams.

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

Download The Guide to Your Dream Home Today