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

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

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

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

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

The “staycation” is growing in popularity as people bring resort amenities into their own backyards. With warm weather through most of the year in Dallas, many of our neighbors are investing in outdoor living. They’re building backyard paradises with fireplaces, fire pits, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, outdoor entertainment, and more.

Patio areas are becoming outdoor living rooms, with many stone and wood choices available to customize the look and feel you want. Pergolas and trellises are options to house your outdoor living area. V-groove or bead board ceilings in many varieties of wood create warmth. Flagstone and granite blend perfectly with your gardens and landscapes, creating a tranquil setting that no paint scheme could equal.

You can even enjoy your indoor entertainment options outdoors, using radio frequency remotes and feeding connections from inside. Listen to the tunes on your Ipod, surf the channels on your satellite system, and control it all from anywhere in your yard.

Fireplaces and fire pits are an ideal focal point for your outdoor entertaining area. The ambiance of a fire can help to recreate your idea of a vacation paradise – whether it’s drinking wine in Napa or roasting s’mores at Big Bend. Fire warms the soul and stirs conversation.

All the components that you would expect to find in the most elaborate indoor kitchens are now available for your outdoor kitchen: Sinks, built-in ice chests, refrigerators, as well as infinite counter and cabinetry options. You can create a chef ’s kitchen in your yard worthy of a visit from Bobby Flay.

To make your backyard oasis usable year-round, there are several types of outdoor heating and cooling systems. Energy efficient mini-split systems heat and cool, free standing gas and propane systems are economical ways to keep warm in winter, and fan and misting systems keep you comfortable in the summer months.

The next time you’re under pressure, take a mental “staycation” and imagine your outdoor spaces transforming into an oasis. Almost anything you imagine is possible. When you’re ready, Bella Vista can help.

Visit our gallery at www.bellavistacompany.com to get ideas for your own Backyard Oasis!

PDF of July Remodeling Talk. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, July 2011

PDF - Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2010-2011

Here are Dallas’ top 5 projects:

1. Entry Door Replacement
2. Garage Door Replacement
3. Attic Bedroom
4. Grand Entrance
5. Siding Replacement

If your home is due for any of these five remodeling projects, give us a call. We’ll be happy to visit your home and answer any questions you may have.

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

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

Linda: Our kitchen hasn’t been updated in ten years. It’s closed off from the rest of the house and isn’t very useful as a gathering place.

Jan (our Coordinator): Let’s schedule a free consultation for one of our partners to meet you and and answer any questions you may have. He’ll talk with you about your needs and your taste in design, and he’ll give you some ideas and more information about us.

Lance (at the home, after the initial meet and greet): This is a tudor home and it looks like the kitchen was last remodeled in the late 80s. Today’s kitchens are more functional, especially as a gathering place. Does anyone Who else lives in this home?

Linda: It’s just me, my husband and our daughter when she comes home from college.

Lance: Ok, so the design doesn’t need to incorporate features for children or seniors. What style do you have in mind? Do you like a more modern or more traditional things feel?

Linda: I like a classic look and but I also want some modern design touches, and definitely more modern conveniences.

Lance: Even though your kitchen is outdated, the last remodel incorporated some of the original materials, which may be worth preserving. Are we working with things we already have in the kitchen, or is it a complete gut?

Linda: I think the kitchen would lose its original character without the hutch. I’d really like that area to be a focal point, with a nice backsplash.

Lance: Great, we can get a lot of bang-for-the-buck by livening up the hutch and doing something special with your backsplash. You can choose materials in our design studio and our interior designer can also take you to our suppliers to choose the tiles. You’ll be surprised how many options there are. With your hutch and an elaborate backsplash, I’d recommend painted cabinets to retain a classic look and feel. There are hundreds of styles of cabinets, and lots of conveniences like lazy susans, chef’s pantries, and pull-out drawers that I can show you. By the way, what kind of counter surfaces do you like?

Linda: Granite. I love the black with a little bit of shimmer to it. My husband loves the marbled look, but we’re both curious about what other looks there are in granite.

Lance: There are tons of colors and textures in all different price ranges. We buy our materials from the quarry to keep costs low. 90% of the remodels in this neighborhood use some form of granite. If you think you know what styles you want for counters, flooring and other materials, we can provide a close initial estimate for your project. I see wood flooring in most of the pictures you’ve shown me. Is that your preference?

Linda: We love hand-scraped wood, and we’ve seen that in some of our neighbors’ homes. But is it a good idea to use wood in the kitchen?

Lance: A lot of people have reservations about wood, but wood holds up well unless you soak it on a regular basis without quickly drying it. It also adds value to your home if you choose to sell someday. With our suppliers, wood can be as cost-effective as tile.

Linda: My husband wanted me to ask, what are the most cost-effective, energy-efficient changes you can make to my kitchen?

Lance: Even though we’re talking about your kitchen today, the first thing we’d want to do is start with your attic insulation. About 60% of your heat loss goes through your ceiling. You might consider energy star appliances or a tankless water heater. Today’s light and plumbing fixtures are much more energy efficient as well. We exclude appliances, decorative light and plumbing fixtures from our contract as those are separate purchases you would make after shopping around. I can help you with what to look for and where to shop, and we will include the installation in our bid.

Linda: I know what I like from my friends, magazines, and HGTV, but what are the latest kitchen design trends in this area?

Lance: As you know, we do existing home remodels and new construction. Right now, wood floors have become more popular, and with the competitive cost, people prefer their richer look to tile. People also want more storage solutions, cabinet features like sliding drawers and appliances integrated into the cabinetry. People want lighter textures or smooth finishes on their walls, but with rustic details including light fixtures to retain, but modernize the original styles. There are more and more choices each month for counter surfaces, fixtures, plumbing, and the range of styles goes from rustic to modern art. We’ve installed it all, and made it work with the existing home and neighborhood design standards.

Linda: What kinds of protection will I have against malfunctions and breakage?

Lance: You’ll have all the manufacturer warranties. Our warranty is ten years on anything structural, 2 years on mechanical, electric or plumbing, and we give a 2 year labor warranty which is twice the industry standard. It’s uncommon, but we can offer that assurance because we take great pride in doing things right the first time.

Linda: Do you have any additional information including references I can contact?

Lance: Now that we’ve gathered all the information about what you might want to do, we’ll put it all together in the initial proposal. We’d like to invite you back to our office for that information. We’ll give you a thorough packet that will answer every question our new customers have had. When you come back in, we’ll go over insurance, time frames, and references who have had kitchen remodels similar in scope to yours. We can schedule a visit to our office today, or you can feel free to think about what we’ve talked about and call us when you’re ready.

CALL US. WE’RE HERE TO HELP. (214) 823-0033.

PDF of Original Article.  Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, May 2011

A set of good, basic laws governing home remodeling has been etched in stone.

Before You Sign a Contract:

1. You shall interview contractors and test their know-how: Ask for solutions they have provided customers with similar needs. Ask for a range of options for your design dream or challenge. Learn about the products, materials, and techniques that can be used, and ask to visit completed or in-process projects.
2. You shall learn how the contractor will manage your project. Find out how your project will be managed, down to the details. Learn who will oversee the daily work, how your vision will be achieved, and your needs for privacy, convenience, and cleanliness respected.
3. You shall get the “must-have” details, preferably in writing. Request copies of the builder’s risk and general liability insurance certificates. Ask about the coverage in the event of an accident involving a worker, visitor, or resident. Also ask for customer references and written guarantees and warranties.
4. You shall share your detailed “vision”. The more you share your wants, needs, and “vision”, the better the quality of feedback and the more specific cost estimates you’ll get in return. Your specificity will allow the contractor to educate you on all the decisions you’ll need to make.

During Your Project:

1. You shall prepare for the “Kick-Off” meeting. The Project Manager reviews the scope of the work, sets scheduling expectations, and gets your project ready for delivery. He discusses your ideas and concerns and answers all of your questions, so ask away!
2. You shall try to return all calls promptly. Often, your Project Manager is awaiting a decision from you, and work may be delayed until you call back. Sometimes a simple text may keep the project moving.
3. You shall not be alarmed at work in-progress. Expect to see cosmetic imperfections while the project is still in progress. Details like small paint flaws and bathtub smudges are perfected before the final walk-through.
4. You shall make timely payments. Payment schedules are prepared when the contract is signed, and remodelers adhere to the established milestones in order to maintain budgets.
5. You shall think of final touches before the project is complete. Keep the lines of communication open to avoid surprises at the end. Request any final touches you may think of with enough time remaining so the PM can operate within the framework of the established schedule.

After Your Project is Finished:

1. You shall support achievement with referrals. The best “thank-you” a remodeler can receive is a new customer. Most of ours are the friends and family of delighted customers we’ve proudly served.

CALL US. WE’RE HERE TO HELP.

PDF of Original Article. Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate, April 2011