Custom Tips 3

Custom Home Building Tips
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INTERIOR FEATURES

CEILING HEIGHTS - The typical ceiling or wall height in most homes is 8 feet and the ceiling is flat.

However, it is not uncommon to find the height of the walls to be higher to provide a more spacious feeling and add value to the home. The ceilings can be flat or vaulted. Hot air rises and if a ceiling fan is used to pull the cool air down and keep it down, the high ceilings will be quite energy efficient. There is a trend today toward high flat ceilings instead of vaulted ceilings.

MOLDINGS - Most builders construct a home that is a mix of traditional and contemporary. They sometimes include crown molding and other moldings associated with a traditional home. Should you desire these moldings you can chose from a wide variety.

ATTIC STORAGE - Many homes include an attic stairway in the garage or in an upstairs hallway. This attic space will typically accommodate storage of the Christmas tree, stereo boxes, etc. The roof trusses can be made to accept storage of heavier goods adding to the amount of storage space. If the trusses are not rated for attic storage, the building code will not permit the builder to install a floor in the attic.

PLUMBING FIXTURES – Fixtures may be polished brass or chrome depending on your taste and budget. Commodes are normally 2-piece toilets and consumers are showing a preference to the elongated type. The single-piece low boy commodes cost approximately $500-600 more than the 2-piece commodes. This should be a value judgment. The master bath normally has a luxurious bathing tub, either cultured marble or acrylic. Most of the master bathrooms have dual vanities and separate shower and tubs.

INTERIOR DOORS - Your choice may be between Masonite hardboard (Elite) and wood (pine) panel doors. The quality choice is wood doors, but the hardboard doors are quite popular. Be especially careful to learn the height of the interior doors proposed.

POCKET VS. SWINGING INTERIOR DOORS - Many times the pocket door is used in door openings where the door swing would hinder the flow of traffic or the door is rarely used. If a door will be used often a pocket door can prove to be aggravating, keeping it on the tracks, etc.

CEILING FANS - You should have the bedrooms, rear porch, and major living areas pre-wired for ceiling fans. The ceiling fan helps lower energy use and does an exceptional job cooling the home. If you want light kits installed on the bottom of the fan you will need to advise the builder so that proper wiring will be done.

APPLIANCES - You should have the choice of appliances used in a custom home. We suggest you spend time looking and studying the various appliances available. This will assure you long term satisfaction with the appliances.

COST PER SQUARE FOOT
Cost per square foot is a commonly asked question of builders. It is difficult to give an accurate answer to

this question until the plan is chosen, finishes are agreed to, and the home site has been evaluated.

Each home is quite different and the items included, or not included, make a major difference in the cost per square foot. There are probably many variables that can impact square footage cost due to home design, specifications, site conditions, and much more.

Typically, as the square footage rises, the cost per square foot will decrease. This is because the same home, no matter the size, built on the same lot with the same quality will have the same amount spent for landscaping, utility impact and tap fees, driveway, mailbox, appliances, garage, and many more major items. As the square footage increases those common costs are spread over more square footage which reduces the actual cost per square foot.

YOUR DREAM HOME!
Creating your dream home can be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences of your life. Find a builder you have a rapport with and trust in. Spend the time, up front, designing the home, put everything in writing, ask for a firm price, use the decorating and design professionals of the builder, and your dream will come true just as you had imagined.

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The Kelsey Glen
	• 3.,300 square feet
	• 5 bedrooms, 3 Baths
	• His and Her closets
	• Professionally designed gourmet kitchen

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