Giving green homes a thought

Society as a whole has become more and more conscious about the environment. A lot of people have come up with ways to preserve energy and other natural resources for future generations. One of the more notable efforts comes in the form of construction – green construction. A green home can be a lot more beneficial than conventional homes and still be appealing to homeowners.

Image source: trusolarscore.com

Also known as sustainable homes, these structures focus mainly on creating their own energy. From the design to the materials used during construction, green homes feature areas that require less power than ordinary houses. For example, rooms have better natural light and are well-insulated to use less electricity for lighting and heating or cooling. 

Going back to the point of construction, much of the materials used in creating a green home are either repurposed or recycled. Objects that have been discarded or are about to be sold for junk or burned are salvaged and restored to be used in a green home. The best examples of these are furniture. Also, during construction, construction crews use only paint and other materials that are safe for the environment. 

One can say that the trademark of a green home is indeed social awareness and responsibility. The world can only hope this trend catches on.

Image source: ecohome.net

Grand Homes has been building homes that have innovative and creative designs since 1986. With Stephen Brooks leading the firm, it continues to build quality homes in Dallas. For information on how Grand Homes can help build your dream home, visit this website.

More innovative luxury home ideas for 2018

Adding extra features to a home can be loads of fun. The renovation and construction as well as the added purchases are all part of the bigger picture, which is the realization of a homeowner’s dream. Let’s take a look at some of the innovative home ideas that can be actualized this coming year.

Image source: www.pinterest.com

Gyms 

There are several great benefits to having a home gym. Aside from the fact that it takes away any need to travel to the local gym and pay (sometimes ridiculously high) membership fees, home gyms can be customized. Whether a person is into heavy lifting, CrossFit training, yoga, or MMA, creating a home gym is an adventure with advantages. 

Theaters 

There are very few home features that hold as much promise as home theaters. When done right, home theaters can beat out even the snazziest of movie theaters in ambiance. Homeowners also have the choice to make their in-house theaters more appealing by adding cozy recliner chairs, throw pillows, and even a sunken garden where people can relax. Theaters can also be made into gaming rooms for kids who love their video games, with everything in full-HD.

Image source: http://homeepiphany.s3.amazonaws.com/

The rapid growth and success of Grand Homes can be attributed to the creativity and dedication of its founder, Stephen Brooks. With over 30 years of experience in the home building industry, he has been a vital force in setting architectural trends. Grand Homes has sculpted some of the most popular features in the Dallas market such as front porches, stone accented exteriors, and second-story verandas. For more updates, visit this website.

Favorite Common Areas In a Home That Should Be Designed Perfectly

The favorite areas of people in their houses are usually the ones that afford them all the privacy in the world. In this respect, it doesn’t really matter how it’s designed since it only needs to be appreciated by a very limited number of individuals. But there are places that many people share, and these are the places that need designs that are universally loved.

Image source: verabug.com

Take the living room for example. It is a place where people generally converge upon entering a home. It should be designed in such a way that allows it to adjust with the seasons. If it’s raining outside, the living room should show warmth. If it’s sunny, the area should look bright. It should be well-lit at night. Spaces of the couches and shares should allow people to move freely and sit without banging their knees.

Gardens in the backyard are favorite common areas for guests and homeowners alike. As such, it should be a place where people can unwind and relax. In fact, many designers have emphasized the fact that backyards are places where people can reconnect with nature. A good idea would be to install gazebos or trellis or other open-air hardscapes. Of course, this would all depend on the climate of the area.

Image source: houzz.com

Grand Homes, led by Stephen Brooks, has been making the Dallas community a better place to live in for more than 30 years with its innovative and creative home designs. Learn more about the firm by visiting this website.

Upfront and personal: Innovative front porch construction ideas

The front porch is one part of the house that requires attention from homeowners. It might not be a part of the main house, technically, but the structure usually extends the home’s welcoming atmosphere beyond the four walls. This external section can serve many purposes. It can be a convenient reception area for guests or a veritable transitional area between the outside environment and the internal areas of the dwelling. The immediate openness of the front porch intrinsically connects the owners with the natural world, who conveniently watches everything under a sheltered extension. 

Image source: grandhomes.com

The roofing can pose considerable challenges for most builders, ranging from foundation engineering concerns to support the addition of another structural load to architectural details and general roof shape, which often determine the difficulty of work that is going to be involved. But in any case, realtors would take an opportunity like that to add profitable features. The main thing, though, is to ensure a seamless continuity between the interior construction and the porch to create organic unity. 

A variety of designs that match one’s lifestyle and personality can enhance a home’s style. Picking the right porch is usually a personal matter, and seasoned realtors will always provide customers with options. Whether it’s Victorian turrets, Mediterranean porticos, or the ranchy coziness of large overhangs, one should be able to find something that will define this prominent structure. Aiming for enough depth to work with, so all the other architectural furnishings of the porch could be emphasized and a focus can be created, is an important construction idea that one must take note of. Making the porch look like an afterthought won’t add any value. 

Image source: grandhomes.com

Established in 1986, Grand Homes has been building extraordinary homes with creative and innovative construction designs. The company built some of the most popular features in the Dallas housing market such as front porches, stone accented exteriors, and second-story verandas. For more updates, visit this website.

Trends in home renovations in Dallas

In the newest trends in building homes, homebuilders are reacquainted with nature, outdoor spaces, kids’ activity, pet stations, physical health, and overall efficiency. Not that these have been forgotten, but the top priority for every client is to have all areas of their home become accessible without wasting any space. 

Image source: waxedfloors.co.uk

Natural look 

From wooden floors to artificial turf, homeowners go for a natural look for their estates. Some makers consider wood-like porcelain tiles for their flooring, but fumed with a matte finish, limed, and bleached floors are also returning the renovation scene. 

Outdoor spaces 

As homeowners want to experience the outdoors all-year round, especially in Dallas, outdoor spaces are created with built-in kitchens and entertainment systems. Custom-engineered windows and doors make access to the space easier; heaters and air conditioners designed specifically for outdoors control the patio temperature. With a kitchen and fireplace built into a livable area outside the main house, the space makes up for a fun zone for adults and kids to have regardless of the season. 

Kids’ zone and family activity area 

A custom-made kids’ area inside the house takes playing inside the house to a whole new level. Secret spots made accessible by ladders and rock-climbing walls are connected to the child’s bedroom. Sports and recreational areas have also made it inside the house. For clients who dream to make their homes their playground, these areas are sure spots to get healthy and active. 

Pet stations

Many families consider their pets as family members. Pet stations that may make their home-living easier are created. From pet bath stations to cabinets where pet food can be stored, these requests are no longer new for homebuilders. Special doors and other access points are made to fit the pet’s needs.  

For a homeowner, overall efficiency is the goal. Making the home a space for each one to feel belong is something all homebuilders desire to deliver. 

Image source: contemporist.com 

Grand Homes, led by Stephen Brooks, has been making the Dallas community a better place to live in for more than 30 years with its innovative and creative home designs. For more on its communities, visit this website.

A Guide To Buying Or Building a Home

Buying or building a home is one of the biggest investments and commitments anyone can make. Thus, it should not be taken lightly. However, it need not be that difficult because those looking for a home can refer to guides that could help them in choosing the best property for them. The following are some of the considerations in buying or building a home:

Image source: successfulcredit128.com

Home type and site: There are several home type options to choose from: single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and others. Other than the type of property, the home site is the next step to be decided.

Floor plan: The floor plan should be one of the first considerations because it will define the layout of the rooms and other features, such as the porches, balconies, and more. Find a design that will fit well with the family lifestyle and preferences.

Personal color and material selections: By choosing which color and material to adorn the walls, floors, ceilings, and fixtures, the homeowner can make the home as distinct and individual as possible. The minutest details should not be left up in the air.

Hire professional services: As mentioned, the home is a massive investment. Therefore, it is important to acquire the services of trustworthy service providers, including contractors and real estate agents. Finding the right people to work with will not just result in the construction or purchase of an ideal home, but it will also help homeowners get value for their money.

Image source: swahdesign.com

For more than 30 years, Grand Homes has been building homes through creative and innovative construction designs. For more information about the company and its communities, check out its official website.

Home Renovation Or Remodeling Should Engender Family Bliss, Not Ruin Personal Relationships

Every home renovation or remodeling project is driven by the noble objective of the proprietor. The most common goal is to upgrade the resale value of the property.  Another is to update one’s habitat with modern features and amenities whose technologies were still unknown at the time the house was constructed.  Or, the family just wants to convert their space into a more comfortable, stress-free atmosphere.

Ironically, in many instances, this undertaking intended for financial windfall and  personal enjoyment ends up instead in nerve-racking and disquieting situations such as severed marital relations.A published survey reports that 12% of couples who went through home renovation file for divorce.  It is quite unfortunate that such eminent attempt for decent, enjoyable living could lead to a disastrous waste of resources as well as another round of irksome and hostile interactions, this time with lawyers and marriage counselors. Whereas, this scenario need not happen. 

Image Source : porch.com

Often, the source of distress is a simple, easily discerned misunderstanding or lack of transparency among the parties involved, aggravated by unclear plans and directions.Issues emanate from the absence of upfront and honest agreement with regard to the details of the renovation plan, financial requirements and completion time. 

Starting a new project can be overwhelming,especially for the inexperienced. Thus, the initial critical decision required is hiring an experienced, professional builder or contractor who would respect the homeowners budget plan, help them economize and maximize their resources, and never introduce changes to the plan without consultation. 

Grand Homes, Inc. in Dallas, Texas has been in the forefront of providing services to homeowners for three decades. Professional in its dealings with the clients, it ensures there shall never be a room for misunderstanding with regards to costs of materials, labor and other attendant expenses spelled out in the work plan.The company believes that regular communications among the parties involved is a must to iron out snags as well as potential misconceptions. 

Image Source : media.propertycasualty360.com

Working with a reputable building company eases the tension in the homeowner’s turf, particularly between the spouses, as the nitty gritty of the entire project can be clarified and resolved.

Thanks to the creativity and vision of Stephen Brooks and his team,Grand Homes has been credited  with  setting  the  trend  when  it  comes  to  building  residences.  It has  been  a  recipient  of  the  Home  and  Apartment  Builder’s  Award  for  best product in Dallas.  For more information about the company, visit this website.

Investing In Real Estate And Looking At The Prospects In Dallas

Real estate investment is becoming an exciting proposition, with Forbes and the Local Market Monitor of North Carolina declaring that the home market is set to grow by 17 percent by 2020. Things are even more promising in the Lone Star State with the Dallas market expected to grow up to 31 percent in the next three years.

Image source : img.clipartfest.com

Mortgage leader Freddie Mac put Dallas, Nashville, and Honolulu at the head of its list of cities with the best market improvement. It was pointed out, however, that the current mortgage rates are not even up to their 2008 levels.

Dallas homeowners welcomed this piece of news as they have seen an influx of business and people in the past few years. The number of people went up by around 144,000 from 2014 to 2015 and this has contributed to the notable numbers in the local real estate market.

These homeowners need to look seriously at the prospects for the rental market as investing in Dallas real estate at the moment can yield great profits, with properties continuously increasing in value. With the demand for homes and other properties only going up in the next three years, this year is the perfect time. Already, some real estate practitioners have reported very quick activity, with some properties not even lasting longer than a couple of days in the market.

Image source : grandhomesblog.com

The situation in Dallas is also helped by the fact that the home developers have focused on bringing good quality and customer experience to their clients. Grand Homes has been in the business since 1986, building extraordinary homes through innovative design. Visit the company’s website for a preview of its work.

Dallas: The Rising Star Of The U.S. Housing Market

There is a reason Dallas is headlining recent reports on the U.S. real estate market. The Texas city, after all, has been performing extremely well in the first three months of 2017. And Realtor.com has ranked the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex fourth in its March market hotness index, further cementing the “very hot” status of the city.

Image source: helpfulinvesting.com

But as industry observers note, it is not all surprising to see Dallas emerge as one of the hottest performing real estate markets this year. Although the city was not included in most outlook reports on must-watch housing markets for 2017, Dallas has been creating a buzz since August last year with its “relatively quick sales and strong demand.” In fact, a 2016 National Association of Realtor study revealed that Dallas ranked second in the top 10 list of metro cities where there’s the biggest need for single-family housing.

The shortage of inventory homes in the city is just one of the signs that the Dallas housing market is on the upswing. And market forecasters anticipate that with the increasing demand for homes in Dallas, housing prices will also rise for the rest of the year.

Image source: realtorstexas.com

Although Dallas has always been a lucrative real estate market, the 2008 financial crisis hit the property market hard. And it took years before the Big D finally recovered. These days though, there’s no doubt that Dallas, for the next two to three years, will only offer golden opportunities to property developers, real estate investors, and home buyers and sellers.

Follow this Grand Homes Twitter page to keep track of the latest news and developments in the Dallas real estate market.

Road To Sustainability: Building Energy Efficient Homes

In designing or remodeling homes, the US Environmental Protection Agency – and all environment advocates, for that matter – recommend practices toward energy efficient houses.

There are numerous ways to work toward energy efficiency.

One is purchasing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and by installing renewable energy systems, such as solar-powered electricity and water heating.

Image source: simphone.com

However, a whole-house systems approach would be a better alternative. It involves viewing the house as an energy system with various interdependent parts affected by different factors, namely, resident behaviors, conditions of the location, and climate.

The objective is to maximize the home’s energy efficiency by going beyond using advanced appliances and lighting. The house framing, roof, insulation, air sealing, daylighting, windows, doors, and skylights are also designed optimally and with sustainability in mind.

Grand Homes, a Dallas-based home construction and community building company, was awarded the Energy Star Certified Homes Market Leader Award back in 2015 in recognition of its dedication to constructing quality energy efficient homes.

Image source: wascoskylights.com

In that year, the firm built more than 300 Energy Star Certified homes, akin to planting more than 14,000 tree seedlings, reducing oil consumption by around 1,300 barrels, or eliminating 117 cars from the roads.

Founded in 1986 by Stephen H. Brooks, Grand Homes’s first community, The Collections at Valley Ranch, was an instant success. The company has since become a respected name, charming the market with innovative, award-winning architectural designs. For more interesting reads about the industry, visit the company’s official website.