Build a Retirement-Ready Home and Keep Your Independence for Years Published October 1, 2011 New Construction Leave a Comment 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: Remodeling Talk file:///Users/pzr022/Desktop/Folders/Remodeling ... 1 of 20 12/28/11 10:17 AM
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Build a Retirement-Ready Homeand Keep Your Independencefor YearsPublished October 1, 2011 New Construction Leave a Comment
Planning on maintaining an independent andmobile lifestyle throughout your senior years? Building a new home with these“Aging in Place” (AIP) features may be the wisest retirement investmentyou 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 atwaist level.
Garage:Wider door to make entry and exit easier, with space to maneuver on the sidesand get out comfortably into a wheelchair.
Counters at 34 inches with space underneath so they can be used from aseated position. Space cut out under the cooktop and knobs that are reachablewhen seated.
Lighting:All light switches placed at 44-inch height. Windows and sun tunnels flood thehome with natural light to eliminate shadows that cause falls. Contrastingcolors show differentiations in level changes, edges, hot, cold, or danger.Path lighting to illuminate hallways and lighting to illuminate allcounter 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 andhallway 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 accessedthrough bi-fold doors.
Don’t worry – these features won’t make your home look like a nursinghome. In fact, today’s qualified builders can design AIP features that blendin beautifully with your home’s design and add to its market value. The besttime to build a retirement ready home is before it’s too late.
Talk with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and get the necessary expertiseyou need. At Bella Vista Company, we have earned this designation and havethe 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,FollowFollow
6 Reasons Why a New Home is aSmart InvestmentPublished September 26, 2011 New Construction 2 Comments
If you’re in the market for a new home, there hasnever been a better time to choose new construction over an existing home. Ifyou have questions about any of the information below, please feel free to callus at (214) 823-0033.
Interest Rates Near Historical Lows:At the time of this writing, Bankrate.com’s local average for a 30-yearfixed mortgage is 4.33%, near historical lows. The less mortgages cost,the narrower the gap in payments between new and existing homes.
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2011 Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency:Several new residential energy systems now qualify for tax creditsamounting to 30% of the system costs.
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Sustainability of New Products:Of course new products will usually outlive older products. But it isn’tjust about avoiding replacement costs. More savings accumulate eachyear because of the warranties that come with a new home and the
superior reliability of products and materials that custom builders usetoday.Energy Efficiency Reduces Utility Costs.A quality new home is typically superior to existing homes in every aspectof energy efficiency. Green design and materials, better lumber, improvedinsulation, efficient HVAC and electrical systems, and energy efficientappliances and fixtures all substantially reduce utility costs.
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Space-Saving Modern Floor Plans:Properly designed home plans today feel larger than their actualsquare footage. They generally have clean, open layouts with largerrooms, including spacious kitchens and gathering areas. They also haveadequate storage spaces and big closets to eliminate household clutter.
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Lot Costs:In our recent experience, lot costs are as low as we’ve seen in years. It’s agreat time to buy a lot, and build the home of your dreams!
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PDF of September New Construction Talk. Lakewood/Ea! Dallas
Advocate, September 2011
Customizing a Floor Plan forYour LifestylePublished August 8, 2011 New Construction Leave a Comment
When you sign a 30-year mortgage, you marry yourhome. 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 andneeds is a home built to make you a little bit happier every single day. You’rehard-wired to appreciate the subtle differences. It’s why you have a favoritepair of jeans.
So how exactly is a custom home floorplan tailored for your lifestyle? If it’sdone 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 yourneeds, 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 fromone room to another. He’ll want to understand the frustrations you’ve had withyour previous homes, and he’ll make it his mission to turn those shortcomingsinto your new home’s strengths.
The better you know yourself, the more enjoyment you’ll find in a customhome. It’s more than just a place to live. It’s a place that rewards you for all theliving 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, callus. It’s never too early in the process to learn.
PDF of August New Construction Talk. Lakewood/Ea! Dallas
Advocate, August 2011
New Home Construction ProcessPart 2: The Building of a HomePublished June 22, 2011 New Construction Leave a Comment
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 newhome:
FoundationFirst, we clear and grade the soil before building trenches for the foundation. InTexas, most homes are built on a concrete slab, poured over rebar for strengthand durability. In the east Dallas area, we also build many pier and beamfoundations. These have considerable advantages, though the cost can behigher.
FramingThe floors, walls, stairs, and roof are assembled. The frame is the structure, orthe “bones” of the home, and the materials and construction process determineyour home’s build quality.
ExteriorBefore we install your façade and roofing, we’ll talk with you about theadvantages and disadvantages of all your options to ensure your home’s lastingbeauty.
Mechanical Rough-InsHere, the electricity, plumbing, and HVAC systems are installed. We’ll explainhow to ensure problem-free maintenance, performance, and lower utility costs.
InteriorThe flooring, drywall, tiles, cabinetry, and fixtures are installed and the home ispainted. This phase is the most time-consuming. Getting the details perfect isour obsession.
This is the time to ensure that everything is completed to your liking, and toaddress any touchups before you sign the final paperwork. We’ll explain howeverything 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 nevertoo early to start learning about all your options.
PDF of July New Construction Talk Lakewood/Ea! Dallas Advocate,July 2011
Create an Outdoor Living Oasis inYour Back YardPublished June 22, 2011 Remodeling Leave a Comment
When life’s pressures mount, butyour income doesn’t, you need a release. We agree with the wisdom thatexperiences provide more happiness than things. But what if you could getboth, and as a bonus, have your own paradise escape a few steps away?
The “staycation” is growing in popularity as people bring resort amenities intotheir own backyards. With warm weather through most of the year in Dallas,many of our neighbors are investing in outdoor living. They’re buildingbackyard paradises with fireplaces, fire pits, pergolas, outdoor kitchens,outdoor entertainment, and more.
Patio areas are becoming outdoor living rooms, with many stone andwood choices available to customize the look and feel you want. Pergolas andtrellises are options to house your outdoor living area. V-groove or beadboard ceilings in many varieties of wood create warmth. Flagstone andgranite blend perfectly with your gardens and landscapes, creating a tranquilsetting that no paint scheme could equal.
You can even enjoy your indoor entertainment options outdoors, using radiofrequency remotes and feeding connections from inside. Listen to the tunes onyour Ipod, surf the channels on your satellite system, and control it all fromanywhere in your yard.
Fireplaces and fire pits are an ideal focal point for your outdoor entertainingarea. The ambiance of a fire can help to recreate your idea of a vacationparadise – 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 mostelaborate indoor kitchens are now available for your outdoor kitchen: Sinks,built-in ice chests, refrigerators, as well as infinite counter and cabinetryoptions. You can create a chef ’s kitchen in your yard worthy of a visit fromBobby Flay.
To make your backyard oasis usable year-round, there are several typesof outdoor heating and cooling systems. Energy efficient mini-splitsystems heat and cool, free standing gas and propane systems are economicalways to keep warm in winter, and fan and misting systems keep youcomfortable in the summer months.
The next time you’re under pressure, take a mental “staycation” andimagine your outdoor spaces transforming into an oasis. Almost anythingyou imagine is possible. When you’re ready, Bella Vista can help.
Visit our gallery at www.bellavistacompany.com to get ideas for your ownBackyard Oasis!
PDF of July Remodeling Talk. Lakewood/Ea! Dallas Advocate, July2011
The Most Cost-EffectiveRemodeling Projects inDallas, TexasPublished May 27, 2011 Remodeling Leave a Comment
Remodeling Magazine recently published their 2011 Cost vs. Value remodelingreport, including Dallas specific data. The report ranks 35 home remodelingprojects by impact on home resale value. The full report is available in this PDFfrom www.remodeling.hw.net.
PDF - Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2010-2011
Here are Dallas’ top 5 projects:
Entry Door Replacement1.Garage Door Replacement2.Attic Bedroom3.Grand Entrance4.Siding Replacement5.
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/Ea! Dallas Advocate, June 2011
New Home Construction Process –Part 1: Choosing and Working witha BuilderPublished May 27, 2011 New Construction Leave a Comment
In real estate, there’s nothing more satisfying than picking a lot, choosing afloor plan, customizing your interior, and seeing it all come together. If you’reconsidering custom home construction, here are a few tips to help with themajor decisions along the way.
Choosing a BuilderBefore you pick up the phone, these questions will help determine your choiceof builder:
What degree of hand holding through the sales and constructionprocesses do you prefer? How much input would you like in the design, construction, and materialsof your home?Which builders offer the most experience, skill, quality and service in yourprice range?And above all else, which builders do you believe will be there for you inthe future?
Choosing a LotThe location of your lot determines everything from your property tax rate tothe schools and amenities available to you. But choosing a lot involves morethan picking a location. You must also consider the exposure of your home oneach 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 theFollowFollow
Closing DateGetting a firm closing date, or a close estimate will help you to finalize yourmortgage, schedule movers, plan utility start dates, and arrange your changeof address with the post office. Because there are so many contingencies innew home construction, you’ll need a good closing date estimate. Time ismoney, so you should be confident in your builder’s ability to meet the date.
Planning the DesignWhen you meet with the builder to discuss your floor plan, you’ll be askedabout 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 MaterialsOnce you finalize your contract with a builder, you will set an appointment tomeet with a designer to choose your interior materials. If a wide selection isimportant to you, or if you have specific ideas in mind, talk to builders aboutyour options. The earlier you begin to put together your preferences forcabinets, flooring, counters, and wall treatments, the more likely you are tolove the end result.
We would be delighted to earn your consideration as you choose a builder. Wehave been building homes in your neighborhood through the highs and lows ofour economy, and you can count on Bella Vista to be here for many years tocome.
PDF of Original Article Lakewood/Ea! Dallas Advocate, June 2011
Initial VisitPublished April 23, 2011 Remodeling Leave a Comment
If you’ve been considering a remodeling project in your home, you may wonder. . . “What would happen during an in-home visit with Bella Vista?” Toanswer that, we’ve simulated a visit with “Linda” who is considering a kitchenrenovation. We begin with her call . . .
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 gatheringplace.
Jan (our Coordinator): Let’s schedule a free consultation for one of ourpartners to meet you and and answer any questions you may have. He’ll talkwith you about your needs and your taste in design, and he’ll give you someideas and more information about us.
Lance (at the home, after the initial meet and greet): This is a tudorhome and it looks like the kitchen was last remodeled in the late 80s. Today’skitchens are more functional, especially as a gathering place. Does anyone Whoelse lives in this home?
Linda: It’s just me, my husband and our daughter when she comes home fromcollege.
Lance: Ok, so the design doesn’t need to incorporate features for children orseniors. What style do you have in mind? Do you like a more modern or moretraditional things feel? FollowFollow
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 incorporatedsome of the original materials, which may be worth preserving. Are we workingwith 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 hutchand doing something special with your backsplash. You can choose materials inour design studio and our interior designer can also take you to our suppliers tochoose the tiles. You’ll be surprised how many options there are. With yourhutch and an elaborate backsplash, I’d recommend painted cabinets to retain aclassic look and feel. There are hundreds of styles of cabinets, and lots ofconveniences like lazy susans, chef’s pantries, and pull-out drawers that I canshow 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 husbandloves the marbled look, but we’re both curious about what other looks there arein granite.
Lance: There are tons of colors and textures in all different price ranges. Webuy our materials from the quarry to keep costs low. 90% of the remodels inthis neighborhood use some form of granite. If you think you know what stylesyou want for counters, flooring and other materials, we can provide a closeinitial estimate for your project. I see wood flooring in most of the picturesyou’ve shown me. Is that your preference?
Linda: We love hand-scraped wood, and we’ve seen that in some of ourneighbors’ 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 wellunless you soak it on a regular basis without quickly drying it. It also adds valueto your home if you choose to sell someday. With our suppliers, wood can be ascost-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’dFollowFollow
want to do is start with your attic insulation. About 60% of your heat loss goesthrough your ceiling. You might consider energy star appliances or a tanklesswater heater. Today’s light and plumbing fixtures are much more energyefficient as well. We exclude appliances, decorative light and plumbing fixturesfrom our contract as those are separate purchases you would make aftershopping around. I can help you with what to look for and where to shop, andwe will include the installation in our bid.
Linda: I know what I like from my friends, magazines, and HGTV, but what arethe 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 competitivecost, people prefer their richer look to tile. People also want more storagesolutions, cabinet features like sliding drawers and appliances integrated intothe cabinetry. People want lighter textures or smooth finishes on their walls,but with rustic details including light fixtures to retain, but modernize theoriginal styles. There are more and more choices each month for countersurfaces, fixtures, plumbing, and the range of styles goes from rustic tomodern art. We’ve installed it all, and made it work with the existing home andneighborhood 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 yearson anything structural, 2 years on mechanical, electric or plumbing, and wegive a 2 year labor warranty which is twice the industry standard. It’suncommon, but we can offer that assurance because we take great pride indoing things right the first time.
Linda: Do you have any additional information including references I cancontact?
Lance: Now that we’ve gathered all the information about what you mightwant to do, we’ll put it all together in the initial proposal. We’d like to invite youback to our office for that information. We’ll give you a thorough packet thatwill answer every question our new customers have had. When you come backin, we’ll go over insurance, time frames, and references who have had kitchenremodels 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 whenyou’re ready. FollowFollow
PDF of Original Article. Lakewood/Ea! Dallas Advocate, May 2011
Ten Commandments ofHome RemodelingPublished April 11, 2011 Remodeling Leave a Comment
A set of good, basic laws governing homeremodeling has been etched in stone.
Before You Sign a Contract:
You shall interview contractors and test their know-how: Askfor solutions they have provided customers with similar needs. Askfor a range of options for your design dream or challenge. Learnabout the products, materials, and techniques that can be used, andask to visit completed or in-process projects.
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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 beachieved, and your needs for privacy, convenience, and cleanlinessrespected.
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You shall get the “must-have” details, preferably in writing.3. FollowFollow
Request copies of the builder’s risk and general liability insurancecertificates. Ask about the coverage in the event of an accidentinvolving a worker, visitor, or resident. Also ask for customerreferences and written guarantees and warranties.You shall share your detailed “vision”. The more you share yourwants, needs, and “vision”, the better the quality of feedback and themore specific cost estimates you’ll get in return. Your specificity willallow the contractor to educate you on all the decisions you’ll need tomake.
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During Your Project:
You shall prepare for the “Kick-Off” meeting. The ProjectManager reviews the scope of the work, sets schedulingexpectations, and gets your project ready for delivery. He discussesyour ideas and concerns and answers all of your questions, so askaway!
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You shall try to return all calls promptly. Often, your ProjectManager is awaiting a decision from you, and work may be delayeduntil you call back. Sometimes a simple text may keep the projectmoving.
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You shall not be alarmed at work in-progress. Expect to seecosmetic imperfections while the project is still in progress. Detailslike small paint flaws and bathtub smudges are perfected before thefinal walk-through.
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You shall make timely payments. Payment schedules areprepared when the contract is signed, and remodelers adhere to theestablished milestones in order to maintain budgets.
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You shall think of final touches before the project iscomplete. Keep the lines of communication open to avoid surprisesat the end. Request any final touches you may think of with enoughtime remaining so the PM can operate within the framework of theestablished schedule.
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After Your Project is Finished:
You shall support achievement with referrals. The best “thank-you”a remodeler can receive is a new customer. Most of ours are the friendsand family of delighted customers we’ve proudly served.
PDF of Original Article. Lakewood/Ea! Dallas Advocate, April 2011
Builders vs. Remodelers, Whoshould you choose?Published February 7, 2011 Remodeling Leave a Comment
It’s fairly easy for a remodeler to build anew home, but almost impossible for a builder to become a
remodeler. It’s just a different animal. – Da#n Breedlove,
Pa$ner
Remodeling generally requires a more encompassing set of skills. Sure there’sthe overlap you would expect in actual building disciplines, but because you livein your home during a remodel, remodelers must have PEOPLE skills (we’veeven performed light marriage counseling on occasion!). Here are the keyconsiderations if you’re contemplating whether to hire a builder or a remodelerfor your next project:
Remodeling is a service business first and a construction business second.During a remodel, the owner may live in the home, so crews must actappropriately. They are expected to be polite, friendly, conscientious, clean,punctual, and good listeners, as well as experts in their constructionspecialties. Only a small percentage of trades have the service trainingnecessary to meet the higher standards of the remodeling industry.
Problem-Solving
There are few variables aside from weather in new home building, but inremodeling, every project is a new experience. Many of the challenges areunknown until they are uncovered. Inexperienced remodelers may never knowwhat they are going to find in a wall, or with the electrical or plumbing. Theprofession requires experience and know-how in handling issues that sneak upon builders who are new to the remodeling industry.
Material Sourcing
Because remodelers typically work with diverse home styles and original builddates, they tend to have relationships with more suppliers and vendors. Thatenables them to provide clients with better pricing on a wider selection ofmaterials, including hard-to-find items.
Recommended reading on Material Sourcing: “How to Go Green”
Neighborhood Expertise
Perhaps the smartest reason to choose a remodeler rather than a builder foryour renovation or addition is that an established remodeler knows the existinghomes in your area. This has a range of implications, from obtaining permits, tounderstanding local architectural trends over time, to maximizing tomorrow’sresale value. You want a remodeler who knows the changing standards of yourneighborhood, and can create lasting value, while making your unique visionFollowFollow
We’re proud to be among a small group of firms with the training, expertise,and years of experience necessary to meet the highest standards in bothremodeling and new construction. In fact, we believe our success in onediscipline strengthens our work in the other. Please call us and arrange a visit toour office and design center if you’d like to see the new homes or remodelingprojects we’ve completed in your neighborhood.
PDF of original article. Lakewood/Ea! Dallas Advocate, September
