Category: Guides and Checklists

  • Our Guide To Buying Land And Building A House

    Our Guide To Buying Land And Building A House

    Our Guide To Buying Land And Building A House

    There aren t many things more satisfying than having the freedom to build and design a brand-new home to build on your land. But the process can also be filled with uncertainties and anxieties for homeowners. Many are overwhelmed just thinking about the process. In this post, we answer more of the most commonly asked questions about building on your own land, and show you how we take the guesswork out of the process

    Want to speak with one of our design experts? Schedule your free Idea Session to discuss your needs today.

    Can my builder help us if we don t already own land?

    Don t worry if you don t have land yet. Many of our customers did not own land before they came to us. In each of our building areas, we have valuable relationships with the real estate community which will be happy to help you find the perfect lot for your home.

    What type of land do you build on?

    The best part of being a custom home builder is that we build your home on the location of your choice. The location is up to you, in a rural setting, on a family farm, on a lake, in a development— wherever you choose. Whether you currently own a site, are in the process of narrowing down your options or are just getting started we can help you!

    Will your team come out to evaluate my future home site to assure it is right for my new home?

    Definitely! This is the best way to assure that your new home gets situated on your land the perfect way. We can also address any concerns or questions you might have about your lot before the actual building of your home takes place to make it as easy and carefree as possible. For example, even if the house location is set, you can still decide where to locate each room to get the best views, privacy, sunlight, and breezes.

    Are the boundaries of the property clearly and accurately marked?

    This is one of the most important questions to ask. If there is any uncertainty about the boundaries of your property, ask if a survey of the land has been done recently. A recent survey will be able to show you clear and up to date boundaries on your property. If it has not been done, we can help you complete this.

    Will you handle my site work for me?

    Unlike some builders that expect you to prepare your site and have it build ready before they start we do all of that for you. Since every lot is different, we will estimate the costs involved to get your site ready for your new home, but you can rest assured: we will handle all the work.

    How do we get started?

    You re already off to a great start by doing the homework that landed you here. The easiest and most convenient next step is to contact us, via phone, email, or our  schedule your Idea Session today  button at the bottom of this page. We are looking forward to talking with you about your hopes and plans for your custom home build. Once you ve made contact, we will suggest scheduling your complimentary Let s Talk session so we can learn more about you and your priorities and vision for your home.

    For more answers to commonly asked questions about building a home on your own land, download the ebook linked below. In it we answer all of the above questions, and more. We can take the guesswork out of building the home you are dreaming of, and ensure that your homebuilding process is an enjoyable one.

    Free Guide

    FAQs – Building On A Lot In San Antonio Texas

    What are the questions you should know before building on your own plot of land? Here we detail what every land owner should know – everything from zoning, environmental, and water drainage to other factors unique to this type of purchase and more.

  • Our Design Experts Reveal The Top Luxury Home Decor Trends In San Antonio

    Our Design Experts Reveal The Top Luxury Home Decor Trends In San Antonio

    While home design and decor trends are ever-evolving, one trend has been and remains! strong for several years. Think natural, organic, and simple.

    Exteriors

    Studies show that being close to nature reduces stress. By incorporating use of nature, from natural materials and colors, to plant-themed decor and live plants, outdoor living areas can become personal oases for relaxation and retreat, and expanded space for entertaining:

    • Landscape designs may feature more garden spaces and hardscape areas such as patios and decks.
    • Amenities can include custom-designed walls and trellises, outdoor kitchens, and specialty lighting.
    • Outdoor audio systems can add a soothing layer of sound to a peaceful retreat, or be a lively addition to gatherings of family and friends.

    Interiors

    An interior garden provides daily contact with nature, promoting tranquility and relaxation in the midst of the busyness and stress of contemporary life:

    • Use of natural materials continues to be relevant in home design: wood, glass, stone and metal continue to have prominence; meanwhile, not surprisingly, plastics and other synthetic materials continue to be out of favor in design and decor.
    • Natural, even unfinished, surfaces have increased in popularity too, with unpainted wood, stone texture, living plants, ceramic articles and even wicker are making a strong showing in luxury decor.
    • Additionally, luxury homeowners are improving the health qualities of their indoor environment as they modify their homes to have a more natural feel. Among the strategies, they are adding air-purifying houseplants, changing air filters frequently, using eco-friendly paints, adding air purifiers, and eliminating their use of household products containing harmful chemicals. In addition to attention paid to air quality, green , energy efficient technology continues to be incorporated into homes in order for them to not only feel more natural, but also to have a smaller impact on the natural environment surrounding them.

    How do we get started?

    You re already off to a great start by doing the homework that landed you here. The easiest and most convenient next step is to contact us, via phone, email, or our schedule your Idea Session today button at the bottom of this page. We are looking forward to talking with you about your hopes and plans for your custom home build. Once you ve made contact, we will suggest scheduling your complimentary Let s Talk session so we can learn more about you and your priorities and vision for your home.

    For more of this year’s leading luxury home interior design and lifestyle trends, download the ebook linked below.

    Tips & Trends

    Modern Luxury Interior Design: Kitchen & Bathroom Trends

    Are you looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Our design team gave us their professional opinion on what styles, colors, product features, materials, and technology will be popular in kitchen and bath designs for the next few years. According to our experts, people are wanting their homes to be more than just a place to live. Download our free guide for the inside scoop to help you make well-informed choices when planning your next project!

  • Evolutionary Homes Identifies Top Features and Design Trends In San Antonio Homes

    Evolutionary Homes Identifies Top Features and Design Trends In San Antonio Homes

    In the ever-evolving world of home design and decor, we ve identified the current top trends. These are all pointing toward more comfortable, multi-purpose spaces, incorporation of smart technology, and a rethinking of the home office. Luxury dwelling is striving to be smarter at home.

    Multifunctional Spaces – Remodeling & Repurposing

    Luxury homeowners are reimagining their existing spaces such as laundry rooms and bedrooms to increase efficiency and comfort. Seeking ways to allow rooms to function in multiple ways continues in popularity a spare bedroom that is also a home office space, for example. Another example of a multi-purpose space could be a spare room lined with task areas, accommodating a utility sink and laundry closet, home office and craft table.

    Rethinking the Kitchen – Open Layouts & More Space

    With families spending more time together at home, the kitchen is even more in focus as the heart of the home. A large percentage of luxury homeowners want a kitchen that functions in a variety of ways: for entertaining, school activities and working from home, along with meal preparation and family dining. Open kitchen layouts that provide more space and visibility, larger kitchen islands and upgraded appliances are emerging as design trends that meet all of the current needs.

    The Home Office – Taking on New Meaning

    Interiors are beginning to prioritize including quiet spaces, set away from the day-to-day activity of the household, that allow privacy for working. Work-from-home spaces require good lighting, more robust WiFi, and that all-important “Skype space” or “Zoom room” a wall or nook in a quiet spot designed to provide a nice backdrop for video-conferencing.

    Smarter Technology

    Requests for “smart” features in luxury homes continue to be on the rise. Technologies such as automatic or motion-sensor lighting, and smartphone-controlled technology are increasingly common. Voice-activated control of appliances and use of touchless devices like shades, faucets and toilets will be even more widespread.

    How do we get started?

    You re already off to a great start by doing the homework that landed you here. The easiest and most convenient next step is to contact us, via phone, email, or our schedule your Idea Session today button at the bottom of this page. We are looking forward to talking with you about your hopes and plans for your custom home build. Once you ve made contact, we will suggest scheduling your complimentary Let s Talk session so we can learn more about you and your priorities and vision for your home.

    For more of this year’s leading luxury home interior design and lifestyle trends, download the ebook linked below.

    Tips & Trends

    Modern Luxury Interior Design: Kitchen & Bathroom Trends

    Are you looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? Our design team gave us their professional opinion on what styles, colors, product features, materials, and technology will be popular in kitchen and bath designs for the next few years. According to our experts, people are wanting their homes to be more than just a place to live. Download our free guide for the inside scoop to help you make well-informed choices when planning your next project!

  • How To Buy Land And Build A House In San Antonio

    How To Buy Land And Build A House In San Antonio

    How To Buy Land And Build A House

    There aren t many things more satisfying than having the freedom to build and design a brand new home on your very own plot of land. But the process of buying land to build a house can also be filled with uncertainties and anxieties for homeowners. Many are overwhelmed just thinking about the process. In this post, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about building on your own land, focusing especially on questions you might have about your lot such as, Is 1 acre of land enough to build a house? , Should I buy land now and build later? , Is buying land and building a good investment?

    Want to speak with one of our design experts? Schedule your free Idea Session to discuss your needs today.

    Our Guide To Buying Land And Building A House

    How do I know if the land is buildable?

    This is the first, possibly most important question to ask about building a custom home on any lot. If the land isn t buildable, then it will be necessary to find a different lot for your dream home. So, how do you avoid the disappointment of finding out that your dream land cannot be the spot for your dream home?

    Before you buy any land to build a house, pay a visit to the county planning & zoning office to ask about any zoning laws that might not allow you to build there. You ll also need to research what kinds of buildings can be constructed, where a home can be built on the property, and if the property has any issues that might limit the amount of space you can build on. Each lot will have design parameters due to the slope and orientation to views and/or other homes. Within those allowed parameters, we start to incorporate your priorities. Before we start this process, we will analyze the lot to let you know if what you want is feasible.

    Some important questions to answer when selecting a lot for your build are as follows:

    How does the water drain from the property?

    Some properties dry quickly, while others stay wet most of the year. It is important to know this upfront to fix any poor drainage around buildings that can cause permanent damage and mold.

    What s going on with the surrounding properties?

    It s a good idea to be in the know of what s happening on the land near you and getting to know your neighbors. Are properties near you in the process of development? Have there been environmental issues or hazards with your neighbors? This will help you get an idea of what to expect from your own land.

    What type of land do you build on?

    The best part of being a custom home builder is that we build your home on the location of your choice. Whether you’re looking to buy land to build a house in a rural setting, on a family farm, on a lake, or in a development wherever you choose, we can help! Whether you currently own a site, are in the process of narrowing down your options, or are just getting started we can assist you every step of the way.

    Is it important to have a drone aerial view?

    Gathering preliminary surveillance before starting the project is helpful. Getting an aerial view allows us to see the land from a different angle and assists us in gathering additional information to determine elevations, provide additional perspectives of potential designs, gain insight into how the water drains from the property and more.

    What if utilities are not available on my property?

    When you buy land to build a house, it s crucial to consider utilities. We handle securing the utilities to your land, such as water, natural gas, and electricity, and coordinate all necessary connections to make your custom home build as seamless as possible.

    How do we get started?

    You re already off to a great start by doing the homework that landed you here. The easiest and most convenient next step is to click our  Schedule Your Idea Session” button on the side of this page. We are looking forward to talking with you so we can learn more about your hopes, priorities, and vision for your custom home build.

    For more answers to commonly asked questions about buying land to build a house, download our free guide.In it we answer all of the above questions and more. We can take the guesswork out of building the home you are dreaming of, and ensure that your homebuilding process is a 5-Star Experience from beginning to end.

    Free Guide

    FAQs – Building On A Lot In San Antonio Texas

    What are the questions you should know before building on your own plot of land? Here we detail what every land owner should know – everything from zoning, environmental, and water drainage to other factors unique to this type of purchase and more.

  • Unique Home Plans: Cool Things To Include When Building A House

    Unique Home Plans: Cool Things To Include When Building A House

    Unique Home Plans

    Building a custom home takes lots of careful planning before you even break ground, and a great custom builder can walk you through all of the homebuilding steps. One of the most helpful things a builder can do is provide you with a list of cool things to include when building a house with sample shots of unique home plans and custom home interiors. That list is a great starting point for your planning process. We provide such a list, and in this post, we ve broken down the list into the following sections, each of which contains many particular points to consider:

    • Size and scope of the project
    • Purpose of the build
    • Residents and guests at the home
    • Design and feel of the home
    • Health, sustainability, and efficiency
    • Use of space in and around the home
    • Leisure activities
    • Additional features of the home
    • Outside the home and the surrounding property

    Cool Things To Include When Building A House

    Not asking all the right questions upfront might impact your project. Some commonly asked questions include:

    • What are the must-haves when building a new home?
    • What should you not miss when building a house?
    • How can I make my construction house unique?
    • What are the 4 key elements of building a house?
    • What should a dream house have?

    Download our free worksheet to help organize your thoughts, and ensure that you don t inadvertently overlook any vital aspects when you plan your new home build or luxury home remodel. This will help take out the guesswork, and ensure that your homebuilding process is a 5-Star Experience from beginning to end.

    You re already off to a great start by doing the homework that landed you here. The easiest and most convenient next step is to click our  Schedule Your Idea Session” button on the side of this page. We are looking forward to talking with you so we can learn more about your hopes, priorities, and vision for your custom home build.

    Free Questionnaire

    Wish List – My San Antonio Home Ideas

    Need new home ideas for your upcoming custom home build or luxury home renovation? This document is geared towards helping you organize your thoughts to build a dream home wish list complete with all of the detailed questions you’ll need!

  • Important Questions To Ask A Home Builder In San Antonio

    Important Questions To Ask A Home Builder In San Antonio

    QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUILDING A HOUSE THAT MEETS YOUR NEEDS AND MATCHES YOUR LIFESTYLE

    The process of building a custom home, or renovating an existing home, can be filled with uncertainties and anxieties for homeowners. Many are overwhelmed just thinking about the process.

    NOT SURE WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK A BUILDER?

    As you begin the custom homebuilding process or even start thinking about beginning it you might be asking yourself several questions. Some of the most common questions that people setting out on a homebuilding journey ask are:

    • How do I prepare for a home builder meeting?
    • What questions should I ask a builder before hiring?
    • Is there a professional who can simply take responsibility for the entire project?
    • Should I form a team for the project, and if so, which professionals do I need and how do I select them?
    • How do I get what I want on time and on budget, and is that even possible?

    All such questions and concerns are normal and valid. So, how will you make these decisions? Do you have a clear strategy for making them, or will you rely on gut feelings or instincts?

    Making the decision to break ground and build a custom home is an exciting experience and it comes not only with all the questions above, but also with many important choices. The first, most important choice is who to trust to bring your vision to life. When you find an excellent contractor, they will gladly answer your questions and help put your uncertainties to rest. Also, when you find a great contractor and know that your build is in good hands, many other questions and uncertainties disappear as your contractor will ensure that your vision becomes reality.

    We love bringing our clients dreams to life and believe that they shouldn t have to sacrifice their time, relationships, budgets, or sanity to arrive at their dream home. We ve got the knowledge, experience, and dedication to ensure that our clients not only achieve their dreams but love the process, as well. It s our pleasure to help remove the uncertainties and anxieties from building a custom home, and to help answer our clients questions.

    One of the ways we have been able to achieve the best results for our clients has been to work together with them to create a clearly defined objective, with an effective strategy and a workable plan to follow. Our method is called the Collaborative Method.

    You re already off to a great start by doing the homework that landed you here. The easiest and most convenient next step is to click our  Schedule Your Idea Session” button on the side of this page. We are looking forward to talking with you so we can learn more about your hopes, priorities, and vision for your custom home build.

    For more answers to commonly asked questions about building your custom home, download our free guide. In it we answer all of the above questions to ask a home builder and more. We can take the guesswork out of building the home you are dreaming of, and ensure that your homebuilding process is a 5-Star Experience from beginning to end.

    Free Guide

    FAQs – Building Your Home In San Antonio Texas

    Building a custom home is a large undertaking. In this guide, we teach you how to build the custom home you want while loving the process – how to get started, timelines, change orders, financing, warranties, and more. Take a look and contact us to schedule your Idea Session. We re here to help!