Special Project

I have heard from a few of you about the "picture clue" in my last blog post. Thanks to the Facebook readers as well. Matt Lucas of 31-W Insulation knew what was going on because he was a contributor on this project. Again, here was the picture clue:

What was going on here? One guess was that we were finishing a basement. Actually, this special project consisted of a framed first level on a raised slab and a 2,000+ square foot finished modular home placed on top of that. The picture shows where we cut into the floor of the home to create space for a staircase down to the newly framed first level!

We had the first level precisely framed with extra support on the perimeter and other loading bearing areas so that the modular home could be set on top in three adjoining sections by a crane. The project is almost complete and here are several pictures that show the sequence of events.

The brick columns and arches really dress up the front of this home. The upper porch columns, railing, and steps to the ground level will again change the look from the road. I'll post more pictures when the project is complete!

This is one of those special projects that reminds me of how unique a custom home can be. I don't think there is another one like it. And most importantly, its just the way the homeowners want it!

Summer 2009 Update

It has been quite a while since I have posted. 2009 is proving to be a very interesting year in the custom home building business. We are currently working on two custom home projects with a few others on the radar.

The biggest hurdle I am seeing for many people wanting to build a custom home is in the area of lending. If you're paying with cash as some are (and they are getting some good deals) then lending is not an issue. For those that are looking for a construction-to-permanent loan, we are seeing banks that used to require 5% down now requiring 25% down. And some are requiring that a person's existing home be sold before a construction loan can be opened - and for good reason as we've learned in the past several months.

So, this post is primarily to let anyone that is reading know that Master Plan Homes is still building custom homes and we're looking forward to what the rest of 2009 holds.

Here is a picture clue of one of the projects we're working on right now. Its a first for us...


Any guesses?

Interior Trim Work - Part 2

Some additional pictures of an elaborate trim package being installed in one of our custom homes...