Best Websites for New Construction

Information, Inspiration, & Ideas

We want to build your dream home, but we hope your dream will be a well-informed one. Bookmark this page and use it as your online portal to a world of information, inspiration, and ideas on New Construction.

Then join us in the reader discussion below. We (and your neighbors) welcome your input on your favorite sites – including any we may have missed!

1. NAHB.org

The National Association of Homebuilders site is essential for educating yourself about all aspects of building a new home, from the economic and timing considerations, to hiring a builder. We recommend starting with the information under “Housing Topics,” where you’ll see content about design, green building, financing, and more. Then check out “E-Learning” under Education and Events for some useful webinars and online learning opportunities.

2. Finehomebuilding.com

This site is chock full of content that will educate you on the finer points of quality homebuilding and construction techniques. Use this as a “foundation” for your understanding of what goes into a home, from the foundation to the roof, and what distinguishes quality construction from cost-cutting. Start with the videos. There’s a huge searchable forum that we recommend bookmarking as well.

3. Houzz.com/new-home-construction-ideas

Architectural and design ideas for your new construction are boundless – but where do you begin? It’s great if you have a source for determining what styles you like best and even better if you can share that reference with your builder. So apply the filters this site offers, scroll through the gorgeous photos, and put together your new construction “Ideabook.” It’s the perfect first step toward your truly satisfying dream home.

4. Buildinggreen.com

The longer you stay in your new home, the more important it will be for you to build green. Not only will you make your home more energy efficient, but you’ll also be adding to your home’s value at resale. Our hunch is that in 2030, green will be the norm. So check out the Research Topics and Continuing Education Courses under “Learn” on this site for a good, green start.

5. Buildingscience.com

Click on “Information” for a great resource on building physics, systems design concepts, and an awareness of sustainability to promote the design and construction of buildings that are more durable, healthier, more sustainable and more economical than most buildings built today. As with building green, the longer you plan to stay, the more important it is to invest in your knowledge of sustainable building.

See more great New Construction inspiration websites in the sidebar to the right.

5 Kitchen and Bathroom Trends for 2012

Want to be sure your new home has the hottest (but still practical) kitchen and bath trends? These popular features are gaining momentum in Dallas as we head into Spring:

Original PDF  Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, May 2012

Protect Yourself from Price Gouging and a Bad Builder Relationship

Custom new homebuilders set prices using one of three different methods. The first two seem reasonable enough, but there are serious caveats to each. The third is the wiser choice because it protects you from an unfavorable relationship with the builder, and from any incentive for price gouging.

Option #1: Set Price for a Set Scope of Work

Advantages: Arranging financing is easy with this option, and you know early on exactly what your cost is.

Disadvantages: Because there are so many variables that affect the cost to build a home, including materials, fixtures, and other options, the builder may overestimate to give you a set price. In order to guarantee that price, he must factor in more expensive options or ask you to make decisions you’re not ready to make.

Option #2: Set Profit Percentage over Cost

Advantages: A set percentage (usually around 15%) allows flexibility for the builder and buyer, since choices can be made during the building process.

Disadvantages: This arrangement seems straightforward, but it allows the builder to be vague about certain costs until after the contract is signed. It also allows the builder to be careless about cost-effective planning, resulting in greater expenses for you. Most important, it could create an incentive for the builder to bring in higher-priced trades and sell you on more expensive options, since he’ll earn a percentage of your cost.

Option #3: Cost Plus Builder Fee

Advantages: This allows a close estimate for planning financing and competitive, upfront pricing with slimmer profit margins. It also provides flexibility for the buyer to choose options and change some details during the build. But most importantly, with this structure, there is no incentive for the builder to inflate any costs during the process.

Disadvantages: None. With a set fee, the builder and buyer have no conflicting interests.

This is why we recommend that when signing a contract for a custom home, you get an estimate based on cost plus a set builder fee, no matter which builder you choose.

PDF of original article. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, April, 2012.

The Time to Build is Now

San Benito Way, Forest Hills

The Dallas housing market, including Lakewood, has been relatively stagnant in recent years, compared to most metropolitan areas around the country. Many have fared much worse, including Atlanta, which had a 12% drop in 2011.

According to housingpredictor.com, Dallas home prices are forecast to rise by 1.4% in 2012. Our stronger job market is gradually lifting the housing market and available home inventory is shrinking. Because home prices are lower than most other major cities, we continue to attract transplants that come for the jobs and low housing costs. These transplants arrive with great discretionary buying power, which is a boon to our local economy. But all these factors will raise home prices. It’s a matter of when, not if.

Goodwin Ave., off of Greenville Ave.

So what’s keeping housing so affordable right now, including new construction? Tough mortgage lending standards are making it harder to buy, and more stringent appraisal requirements are making it difficult for sellers to push the market higher.

The inventory of available lots still favors buyers, as well as the availability of building materials. More demand will drive up these costs and home prices. It’s foreseeable in 2012; all it takes is the right catalyst. A sudden boost in the local job market, in consumer confidence, or in market or political incentives to homebuyers could boost the housing market. So if you’re considering a new home, you’re lucky. Right now is the perfect time to build.

PDF of March Advertorial, Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, March 2012

What’s In, What’s Out for 2012

We’re witnessing a cultural pendulum shift from conspicuous consumption to enduring practicality. Today’s buyers are applying economic realities and lessons learned from previous homes to build their new homes smarter. It’s no longer about keeping up with the Joneses…

IN: Energy & Space Efficiency

OUT: Soaring Cathedral Ceilings

Buyers increasingly prefer warm, functional spaces, to cold, austere, and energy-inefficient two-story caverns. Double story entrance foyers, dual staircases, and gratuitous volume spaces are now passé. “Our customers are tired of expensive heating and cooling bills. They want more value with functional living spaces on both floors,” says Bella Vista Partner Darin Breedlove.

This creates space for a fourth or fifth bedroom or an extra bathroom, which adds value at resale to the home.

IN: Storage Rooms and Large Closets

OUT: Dedicated Offices

Today’s storage room or “drop zone” is a larger version of a mudroom, with organized space for everything from wet boots and backpacks to mail. Breedlove says, “It’s customizable to the needs of the family, whether the priority is getting kids ready for school, or storing work-related equipment”. Buyers not only want these dedicated storage rooms, but they also want more abundant storage and closet space throughout the house.

Getting sacrificed is a dedicated office, no longer necessary with laptops, tablets, and portable computing. Buyers now want multi-use media/work/exercise/meditation rooms in place of the single-use office.

IN: Integrated, Open Gathering Areas

OUT: Separate Formal Living and Dining Areas

Expensively decorated, barely-used formal rooms are now the antithesis of today’s pragmatic design concepts. Integrated areas for daily living and formal entertaining, with the kitchen as the central hub, are the new norm.

In lieu of the wasted formal and two-story foyer spaces, buyers often want higher ceilings in the central living and entertaining areas. 9-foot ceilings are the new standard, and 10 and 11-foot ceilings are often requested for a more luxurious feeling in a home.

We love today’s home design trends. Pragmatism leads to lasting contentment and fewer regrets – exactly what we strive for in every new Bella Vista home. Even the Joneses can appreciate that . . . eventually.

More Trends for 2012

IN
Outdoor Living Spaces
Hi-Tech Gourmet Kitchens
Jack & Jill Bathrooms
Game & Media Rooms
Tankless Water Heaters
Steam Showers

OUT
2nd Staircases
Faux Commercial Kitchens
Piano Rooms
Wicker Furniture Rooms
Soaker Tubs & Jacuzzis
Breakfast Nooks

What do you think of today’s design trends?

PDF of February Advertorial, Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, February 2012

Build a Retirement-Ready Home and Keep Your Independence for Years

Planning on maintaining an independent and mobile lifestyle throughout your senior years? Building a new home with these “Aging in Place” (AIP) features may be the wisest retirement investment you ever make:

Front Entry:

Wide, well-lit pathways for walking side-by-side. No steps or slippery surfaces. A wide front door with a low threshold to accommodate a wheelchair, with plenty of clear space on the pull side, and an exterior package shelf at waist level.

Garage:

Wider door to make entry and exit easier, with space to maneuver on the sides and get out comfortably into a wheelchair.

Kitchen:

Counters at 34 inches with space underneath so they can be used from a seated position. Space cut out under the cooktop and knobs that are reachable when seated.

Lighting:

All light switches placed at 44-inch height. Windows and sun tunnels flood the home with natural light to eliminate shadows that cause falls. Contrasting colors show differentiations in level changes, edges, hot, cold, or danger. Path lighting to illuminate hallways and lighting to illuminate all counter surfaces and inside cabinets.

Bedroom:

Closets with height adjustable bars, and grab handles on walls near bed. Outlets and thermostat at 44-inch height. Wide entries to bathroom and hallway from bedroom.

Bathrooms:

Fitted with out-turning doors and specifically designed bathing facilities. Counters set at 34 inches with space for pulling a wheelchair up underneath. To make up for lack of under counter cabinetry, a closet accessed through bi-fold doors.

Don’t worry – these features won’t make your home look like a nursing home. In fact, today’s qualified builders can design AIP features that blend in beautifully with your home’s design and add to its market value. The best time to build a retirement ready home is before it’s too late.

Talk with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and get the necessary expertise you need. At Bella Vista Company, we have earned this designation and have the experience to answer any questions you may have.

Feel free to call us today, even if your retirement is years away.

PDF of October New Construction Talk. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, October 2011

6 Reasons Why a New Home is a Smart Investment

If you’re in the market for a new home, there has never been a better time to choose new construction over an existing home. If you have questions about any of the information below, please feel free to call us at (214) 823-0033.

1. Interest Rates Near Historical Lows:
   At the time of this writing, Bankrate.com’s local average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 4.33%, near historical lows. The less mortgages cost, the narrower the gap in payments between new and existing homes.
2. 2011 Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency:
   Several new residential energy systems now qualify for tax credits amounting to 30% of the system costs.
3. Sustainability of New Products:
   Of course new products will usually outlive older products. But it isn’t just about avoiding replacement costs. More savings accumulate each year because of the warranties that come with a new home and the superior reliability of products and materials that custom builders use today.
4. Energy Efficiency Reduces Utility Costs.
   A quality new home is typically superior to existing homes in every aspect of energy efficiency. Green design and materials, better lumber, improved insulation, efficient HVAC and electrical systems, and energy efficient appliances and fixtures all substantially reduce utility costs.
5. Space-Saving Modern Floor Plans:
   Properly designed home plans today feel larger than their actual square footage. They generally have clean, open layouts with larger rooms, including spacious kitchens and gathering areas. They also have adequate storage spaces and big closets to eliminate household clutter.
6. Lot Costs:
   In our recent experience, lot costs are as low as we’ve seen in years. It’s a great time to buy a lot, and build the home of your dreams!

PDF of September New Construction Talk. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, September 2011

Customizing a Floor Plan for Your Lifestyle

When you sign a 30-year mortgage, you marry your home. So shouldn’t you be highly compatible with your home, or dare we say… almost in love?

Such affection may sound fanatical, but a home tailored to your wants and needs is a home built to make you a little bit happier every single day. You’re hard-wired to appreciate the subtle differences. It’s why you have a favorite pair of jeans.

So how exactly is a custom home floorplan tailored for your lifestyle? If it’s done right, the builder will learn how you live, down to very granular detail. He’ll want to know who will live in the home, and he’ll ask about each of your needs, daily tasks, and style preferences. He’ll ask about how you entertain, what purposes you have in mind for different rooms, and how you move from one room to another. He’ll want to understand the frustrations you’ve had with your previous homes, and he’ll make it his mission to turn those shortcomings into your new home’s strengths.

The better you know yourself, the more enjoyment you’ll find in a custom home. It’s more than just a place to live. It’s a place that rewards you for all the living and all the learning you’ve ever done before.

If you’d like to know more about whether a custom home is right for you, call us. It’s never too early in the process to learn.

PDF of August New Construction Talk.  Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, August 2011

New Home Construction Process Part 2: The Building of a Home

In last month’s issue, we covered choosing and working with a builder. Now, here’s what you need to know about the progression of building your new home:

Foundation

First, we clear and grade the soil before building trenches for the foundation. In Texas, most homes are built on a concrete slab, poured over rebar for strength and durability. In the east Dallas area, we also build many pier and beam foundations. These have considerable advantages, though the cost can be higher.

Framing

The floors, walls, stairs, and roof are assembled. The frame is the structure, or the “bones” of the home, and the materials and construction process determine your home’s build quality.

Exterior

Before we install your façade and roofing, we’ll talk with you about the advantages and disadvantages of all your options to ensure your home’s lasting beauty.

Mechanical Rough-Ins

Here, the electricity, plumbing, and HVAC systems are installed. We’ll explain how to ensure problem-free maintenance, performance, and lower utility costs.

Interior

The flooring, drywall, tiles, cabinetry, and fixtures are installed and the home is painted. This phase is the most time-consuming. Getting the details perfect is our obsession.

Walk-Through

This is the time to ensure that everything is completed to your liking, and to address any touchups before you sign the final paperwork. We’ll explain how everything in your home works, and then… We’ll Hand You the Keys.

If you’re considering new home construction, give us a call. It’s never too early to start learning about all your options.

PDF of July New Construction Talk  Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, July 2011

New Home Construction Process – Part 1: Choosing and Working with a Builder

In real estate, there’s nothing more satisfying than picking a lot, choosing a floor plan, customizing your interior, and seeing it all come together. If you’re considering custom home construction, here are a few tips to help with the major decisions along the way.

Choosing a Builder
Before you pick up the phone, these questions will help determine your choice of builder:

• What degree of hand holding through the sales and construction processes do you prefer?
•  How much input would you like in the design, construction, and materials of your home?
• Which builders offer the most experience, skill, quality and service in your price range?
• And above all else, which builders do you believe will be there for you in the future?

Choosing a Lot
The location of your lot determines everything from your property tax rate to the schools and amenities available to you. But choosing a lot involves more than picking a location. You must also consider the exposure of your home on each lot you consider to sunlight and wind, and their effects on your utility bills. You’ll want to consider lot size too, and its effects on what you can do with the property, home value, and property taxes.

Closing Date
Getting a firm closing date, or a close estimate will help you to finalize your mortgage, schedule movers, plan utility start dates, and arrange your change of address with the post office. Because there are so many contingencies in new home construction, you’ll need a good closing date estimate. Time is money, so you should be confident in your builder’s ability to meet the date.

Planning the Design
When you meet with the builder to discuss your floor plan, you’ll be asked about your lifestyle.

• Do you prefer intimate or open spaces?
•  Do you enjoy cooking, exercise, and in-home entertainment?
• Do you work from home?
• Do your children need a play area?

It pays to think about these questions as early as possible.

Choosing Interior Styles and Materials
Once you finalize your contract with a builder, you will set an appointment to meet with a designer to choose your interior materials. If a wide selection is important to you, or if you have specific ideas in mind, talk to builders about your options. The earlier you begin to put together your preferences for cabinets, flooring, counters, and wall treatments, the more likely you are to love the end result.

We would be delighted to earn your consideration as you choose a builder. We have been building homes in your neighborhood through the highs and lows of our economy, and you can count on Bella Vista to be here for many years to come.

PDF of Original Article  Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, June 2011