Sunday, November 30, 2008
Interior Trim Work
Pictures of trim work in a magazine or a friend's house can be used as a starting point of what you're looking for. The trim carpenter can then draw ideas right on the wall for a custom design that suits your preferences.
Wainscotting can be used in rooms that you want dressed up.
It truly is amazing how trim work can transform a room - and even a ceiling!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Home Plans and the Home Planning Process
Your lot may provide multiple layout options. Perhaps you can make the most of a sloped lot by planning for a basement home. This works very well on sloped lake lots to increase views to the water. Then there are various styles to consider: craftsman, ranch, traditional, colonial, cottage, courtyard, etc. I am drawing house plans and would be glad to work with you to create your own custom home plan. My plans include elevations, floor plans, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and even 3-dimensional views and renderings. We can also save time by sending revisions out as PDF files for your review. This allows me to not only work with locals of the Columbia and Lexington SC areas, but also with individuals in other cities and states. Drop me a line if you want additional information.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Green Day at the Parade
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Friday, October 17, 2008
2008 Parade of Homes
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Are Columbia and Lexington banks still lending for new construction?
"We are still lending money the same as we always have. On construction loans we still do 95% loans and we still base the value off of the appraised value and not the cost (so if it appraises for more than the cost as it often does we give the client "free" equity). So, nothing has
changed.
The problem is that I've got no one asking for any loans. It is not that we aren't loaning - it is that no one is borrowing. However, I wonder if no one is borrowing because they think we are not loaning."
And I am wondering the same thing. But if you've read this, you now know that there are banking institutions right here in the Columbia and Lexington SC area that are lending money for qualified borrowers. Todd Mitcham of BB&T Mortgage is one that I would recommend. He has been in the mortgage lending business since 1992 and he has provided great service to many of our custom home clients. Todd can be reached at 803-251-1404 or by email.
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Salim Khalil, CGP
Lexington SC, October 1, 2008 - Salim I. Khalil of Master Plan Homes Inc. recently became one of the select group of professional builders nationwide who have earned the Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation, identifying him as someone with knowledge of the best strategies for incorporating green building principals into homes.
The CGP program is administered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) University of Housing and sponsored locally by the Greater Columbia Home Builders Association.
The CGP curriculum incorporates training by leading building industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes using cost-effective methods of construction, and how green homes provide buyers with lower maintenance and good indoor air quality. Techniques are also discussed for competitively differentiating your home products with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
First Time Home Buyer $7,500 Tax Credit
A few details about the law:
- The law defines "first time home buyer" as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
- Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
- The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year term or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from the sale.
- The credit is refundable so it can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset.
After examining the details of this "credit", I feel that it's really nothing more than an interest free loan of $7,500 on a 15 year term. The only way you wouldn't be paying back the full $7,500 is if you sold the house within the 15 year term and did not have enough capital gains on it. At this point, the loan is forgiven.
For additional details, visit the Federal Housing Tax Credit web site
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Saturday, September 20, 2008
Thanks For Stopping By
On the right side of this blog you'll find a slideshow gallery of our pictures, a few useful links, this blog's archive, and a number of key word tags for this blog.
Here are a few of my favorite posts:
Selecting a Lot to Build your Home
Thanks again for stopping by. Bookmark this page and come back again!
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Friday, September 19, 2008
US Financial Crisis?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Custom Spec in Park Ridge, Columbia NE
Monday, July 21, 2008
Green Building for Building Professionals
The course was offered here in Columbia through our local Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia and was attended by both local and out-of-state professionals in the home building industry.
The instructor for the course was Tom Stephani of Custom Construction Concepts Inc. of Crystal Lake, IL.
The main topics of the course included building science principles, site development and design, building envelope and durability, resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor air quality, remodeling considerations, effective operation and homeowner education, & marketing and selling green. Each of these topics was discussed in detail. Here are a few highlights I noted:
- The "whole house" approach means every system must be considered in relation to every other system in a house to build an efficient, more comfortable, safer, and more sustainable home.
- Energy efficiency is one of the biggest components of green homes under the NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines. A third-party review plan is required during construction to verify design and compliance of the energy efficiency guidelines.
- The typical household spends over $1,500 per year on energy bills. ENERGY STAR appliances can help homeowners save up to 30%.
And speaking of ENERGY STAR, a few stats:
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers use 50% less energy
- ENERGY STAR does not label clothes dryers because most dryers use similar amounts of energy.
- ENERGY STAR refrigerators use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than conventional models sold in 2001.
- ENERGY STAR freezers use at least 20% less energy than required by current federal standards.
- ENERGY STAR dishwashers use 25% less energy
You can contact me at 803-260-7546 or by email to find out more about green building in the Columbia & Lexington areas of South Carolina.
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
In Home Intercoms
Monday, June 16, 2008
House Plan Design & Drawing
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Picture It
Friday, April 25, 2008
Where we build
Our current projects are in Blythewood, Northeast Columbia, Lexington, and Lake Murray (Lexington side). In the past we've also worked in other areas of Columbia, Lake Murray (Chapin side), and even Saluda.
When we are building in neighborhoods, we try to be mindful of the current residents. One way this is done is with silt fencing. Silt fences are used to prevent erosion and runoff from a property. They help our lot and any adjoining lots. Silt fences also help create a visual barrier for our trade contractors and suppliers to keep them on our lot.
When allowed, we post Master Plan Homes Inc. signage on the property along with the building permit so our suppliers, trade contractors, and inspectors can easily identify the lot.
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Lighting Allowances
The answer varies... The size of the house obviously makes a difference. Probably what makes the most difference is the finish and personal taste. Finishes include brass, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, satin, black, white, etc.
Depending on the size of the home, fixture finish, and your personal tastes, typical lighting allowances can range between $1000 and $6000 or more.
The best way to see if the lighting allowance you've budgeted for is suitable, is to go somewhere like The Lite House. Take your house plans or a list of the rooms in your house and pick out your light fixtures to see what the total cost comes to. This could be done before you even break ground on the house. By doing it early in the process, you'll increase your comfort level with your lighting allowance or be prepared to adjust it.
Outdoor lighting can create curb appeal and improve security.
Also, don't forget to account for bulbs, smoke detectors, door bell buttons & chimes, and recessed can bulbs & trims. There is even a selection of choices in these areas as well.
One way to save money on your lighting is to visit one of the "tent sales" at The Lite House. I called them this week to find out the dates of the next tent sale. It will be May 15-17 at the Bush River Road location.
If we can help you design and build a house to put all these lights in, let us know!
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Friday, April 11, 2008
Getting Busy
- Signed two contracts for investor speculation homes
- Started the design/drawing process for a home we'll build on Lake Murray this year
- Bid on a client's home addition and garage
- Bid on another client's garage and room over
- Met an associate at their lot to discuss building their custom home
In addition to these new activities, the custom home we're building in Lexington right now is going very smoothly. In just 8 weeks we've completed the footings, crawlspace foundation, exterior veneer, framing, roofing, doors & windows, electric rough-in, plumbing rough-in, HVAC rough-in, and the drywall. All that and we had 4+ rain days that slowed us down! At this pace, the house will be done in a total of 4 months. We told the client it would take 5 to 6 months. That feels good!
You hear people talking about lower interest rates being an incentive for people to build or add-on... You also hear that many construction material prices are down... And with a supposedly "slow" housing market, you hear there are trade contractors competing with their prices... We aren't just hearing these things, we are seeing it as a reality with the recent flurry of activity in our business at Master Plan Homes Inc.
If you're on the fence about building a new home, give us a call or email and we'll talk about the possibilities.
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Monday, March 31, 2008
In The Field
Last week we had the opportunity of investigating a lot for someone. This is often a great time to ask questions in preparation for breaking ground. Selecting a lot and envisioning your house on that lot can be a difficult task, but it's one that we like to participate in.
Friday, March 21, 2008
How long does it take to build?
- Size of the home (both heated and non-heated areas)
- Type of site work required (clearing, grading, digging basement, etc.)
- Amount of detailed features in the home
- Weather
- Availability of materials
The majority of the homes we have been building take less than 5 months to as many as 10 months. This slideshow makes it look incredibly quick!
At Master Plan Homes Inc, Jon and I are licensed residential builders that want to build our homes in a timely manner without sacrificing the integrity of the job.
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Monday, March 17, 2008
Building Your Home Green
What does that have to do with building a green home? Nothing. But I had to mention it considering today is St. Patrick's Day.
I did go to the "Build Your New Home Green" seminar this past Friday at the Home & Garden Show. This seminar was presented by Michael Strong of Brothers Strong, Inc. and GreenHaus Builders, Inc. from Houston, Texas. He is a Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).
The two gentlemen seated behind him in this picture are Mark Bostic of Square One Design Service and Joseph Gilmore of Gilmore Consulting Services.
During this seminar, Mr. Strong facilitated a conversation about how green home construction is defined. At the meeting were homeowners interested in building green, homeowners interested in remodeling green, and a couple of builders including myself. Topics included site placement, reducing landfill waste during construction, radiant barrier sheathing, insulation, more efficient hvac systems, dual flush toilets, non-potable rainwater systems, tankless water heaters, buying material within a 500 mile radius to reduce greenhouse gases, low-VOC paint, solar energy, etc.
Mr. Strong pointed out that the system in place in Houston is very similiar to the Build Green Greater Columbia system. The program is based on the NAHB Green Home Guidelines which uses a checklist with points assigned to different areas. Some homes can be "greener" than others so there is a Bronze, Silver, and Gold designation based on the total number of points. Strong also pointed out that homeowners in Houston realize building green could cost them more upfront, but they will also save on utility bills for the life of the home - not to mention they will be making a more positive impact on their environment.
Green homes are becoming more talked about - and they are being built right here in South Carolina. Just yesterday, Megan Sexton of The State paper wrote an article titled "A Green Dream" about a new green home in the Lowcountry. This home is the first green home built by HGTV and it achieved a Gold certification. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert, even created a Dilbert strip just for the Green Home!
You can learn all about this Green Home on HGTV's Green Home web site. A one hour special on the home will also be aired on HGTV at these times:
• March 23, 2008 9:00 PM ET/PT
• March 24, 2008 1:00 AM ET/PT
• April 04, 2008 10:00 AM ET/PT
• April 06, 2008 5:00 PM ET/PT
• April 22, 2008 10:00 AM ET/PT
• May 04, 2008 5:00 PM ET/PT
We'll keep learning more about green home construction and we'll be ready to build a green home for you when you're ready.
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What is PUPS?
By calling 811, the PUPS system will then notify the participating utility companies and municipalities which service your location. They will come out to stake or mark your property at any buried utilities. And the service is free!
According to the PUPS website: "The South Carolina STATE LAW requires that excavators give a 72-Hour notice, (3 working days excluding weekends and holidays), for the locators to get out to mark the area. After a ticket has been processed, you will know when you are legally free to proceed with the digging work and which utilities in the area P.U.P.S. will be notifying for you. Any utilities that P.U.P.S. does not notify, you will be responsible for notifying directly. The Utility Companies ask that you leave a 2 1/2 feet margin on each side of a marked utility line. Also note that your request is good for 15 working days after it has been processed by our system."
Utility markings are color-coded as follows:
- RED - Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lightning Cables
- YELLOW - Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Materials
- ORANGE - Communication, Alarm, or Signal Lines, Cables or Conduit
- BLUE - Water, Irrigation, and Slurry Lines
- GREEN - Sewers and Drain Lines
- PINK - Temporary Survey Markings
- WHITE - Proposed Excavations
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Selecting a Lot to Build your Home
Established neighborhoods have become very sought after as people often want to know what the properties around them are going to be like. A neighborhood can have restrictions on the size and style of houses being built. This can be beneficial for those concerned about how the neighboring properties will affect their resale value. Also, neighborhoods often can provide shared amenities such as a pool, tennis court, or pond.
On the flip side, some people prefer private land so they aren't forced to deal with community restrictions. Private land can generally be found at a lower cost since neighborhood amenities are not built into the price. Also, some people build on private land that belongs to their family or to get a bigger tract of land than what is available in most developments.
From the construction side, it is also helpful to consider the following when selecting a lot or land to build on:
- Elevations - Check to see the slope of the lot (if any) and how this will relate to the house you want to build. Be mindful of how and where water run-off from your house will go.
- Setbacks - Each lot is going to have a minimum setback for the front, back, left, and right sides of the property. This is particularly important on smaller lots - you want to make sure the house you intend to build will fit within the setbacks of the lot.
- Facing direction - Find out which direction your house will face on the lot to ensure it's going to suit you. This will let you forsee which rooms in your house will be getting direct sunlight at certain times of the day.
- Sewer or Septic - A septic system usually requires more clearing of the lot in order to install the septic drain lines.
- Public Water or Well - The expense of digging a well is often unknown because it depends on the depth which must be dug before a good supply of water is hit. You won't know this exact depth until you start digging.
All of these things considered ahead of time will help you make a good lot selection. Of course, all of these issues may also have an affect on the price of the lot or land. Lot and land prices have been increasing considerably in recent years. This is not a surprise as there is only so much land out there. The price range can also be very wide. For example, the price range of lots in neighborhoods in Lexington SC 29072 is any where from $35k to $415k.
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Monday, March 3, 2008
Structured Wiring
Structured wiring was originally used in commercial construction to integrate security, cable, and phone systems. As the cost of structured wiring systems has come down, it is becoming more and more common in residential homes. Installing a system like this during new home construction can also cost half as much as retrofitting it to an existing home.
Some of the systems that can be wired in this structured manner include phone, television, intercom, security, audio, computer networking, cameras, etc. Having these systems in a structured wiring configuration also allows for easy access via the structured wiring panel that they all can be wired into.
A structured wiring system typically consists of "home run wiring" which means that each cable is run from a source panel to its destination (ex: a bedroom) without connecting to another jack in a different room. This allows each cable to work independently and reduces interference. Additionally, this will allow for greater flexibility as to the purpose of that wire. For example, a cable used for a phone in a bedroom could be modified in the source panel to now be part of the home's computer network or an IP camera system. The cabling in structured wiring systems is typically: Category 5 or 5e for voice and data; RG6 coaxial cable for video. Fiber optic cable is also an option, but is expensive.
One benefit of structured wiring systems is that they give you more control over the wiring in your home, instead of giving that control to the phone or cable company. Those companies would just bring their outside wire to your source panel and the structured wiring system takes over from there getting the signal to the rest of the home. Also, some phone companies will charge an "inside wiring maintenance" fee on your bill which you can eliminate if you have structured wiring.
I encourage anyone building a new home to consider a structured wiring system at least for their phone, television, and networking. A basic system starts around $1,200 to $1,500 and goes up from there. I think the value it adds to your home will be worth the cost.
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