Category: building a new home

Chef’s Paradise: Creating a High-end Gourmet Kitchen

Posted on August 29, 2023 by CODESM Support - building a new home, home construction

A luxury home has almost everything the homeowner wants. One thing that can complete the luxury home is creating a stunning, high-end gourmet kitchen with a state-of-the-art culinary set-up. You can do several things to transform your kitchen into the ultimate chef’s paradise.

Install a High-End Cooking Range

A high-end kitchen cooking range is more versatile and provides the ideal equipment and space for the gourmet cook. It has a contemporary look with lots of technology for high performance. The high-end cooking range has more cooking power, precision, and versatility. Some tasks are much more manageable than lower-end ranges, like searing meat or melting chocolate without scorching. They are solidly constructed and made of heavier, longer-lasting material. Overall, installing a high-end cooking range will improve the look of your kitchen and, ultimately, the resale value of your home.

A Double Oven

A double oven would allow you to prepare different dishes simultaneously. It is ideal to entertain guests or prepare a meal for your family in a limited time. Double ovens come in various options – standalone units or built-into countertops. Your kitchen layout will determine the best option for you, although it is recommended to have an eye-level design that is easiest to monitor progress. Families or partners who like to cook together will find the double oven convenient for various cooking preferences. One of these ovens should be a convection, helping to cook food uniformly and efficiently.

Another option is a range cooker, preferred by many chefs. A range cooker is more versatile as it offers more settings, functions, and cooking options. Many even feature a separate grill, which means you can grill and roast simultaneously.

The Gourmet Kitchen Layout.

The layout of your gourmet kitchen should focus on different zones to prepare various dishes, store appliances and ingredients conveniently, prepare meals, serve, and clean up. The layout should accommodate easy, economical movement for the chef between various zones in the gourmet kitchen.

The Galley kitchen layout provides space for movement and can include a long island as a workspace or for the family members to gather and chat while the chef prepares the food. Consider your kitchen layout by drawing a model with windows, entrances, and access to the rest of the house. Place the appliances you wish to have in your gourmet kitchen on the model and move it around to determine which space is the best option. Decide what will work best for you and the family.

Sustainable Flooring Options

It is essential to select your flooring wisely. Your kitchen will experience moisture from cooking, appliances, spilling food and drink, and washing. An easy-to-clean option that will not be damaged is the obvious choice. Yet, the kitchen flooring must suit the style of your kitchen, whether contemporary or traditional style. Linoleum works traditionally best. On the other hand, for a natural aesthetic look, natural stone, wood, cork, or even bamboo flooring can enhance your natural gourmet kitchen.

Select the correct surfaces

Selecting the correct countertops is vital as the working space and as a statement piece in the functional kitchen. When selecting surfaces for the countertops, make sure it is:

Beautiful in appearance.
Extremely durable.
Resistant to scratches and stains.
Resisting mold, mildew, and bacteria.
Providing longevity.
Low maintenance and easy to clean.
Not in need of a sealant.

It is wise to use durable materials such as granite, quartz and stainless steel for a healthier, better workspace with stain resistance while at the same time having aesthetic appeal.

Lighting

Gourmet kitchens are well-lit. It provides the chef’s paradise ambience and brightens the areas where they chop, prepare, and cook food with task and pendant lighting. The functional and aesthetic illumination is essential for the cooking process and entertaining. A gourmet kitchen should include task, mood, and feature lighting. Task lighting for the practical working space, mood lighting to create a different atmosphere, and feature lighting to be eye-catching and give your gourmet kitchen that extra splendor.

Optimize Organization with Ample Storage

A gourmet chef has a meticulous way of using the latest and most advanced appliances. With that goes a well-stocked pantry with the necessary herbs, spices, and flavors to add to dishes. All ingredients must be kept in one place, visible and organized, so it is at hand while cooking. A good chef will organize the content of the kitchen rigidly to know where to find the butcher knife or chopping block or that piece of equipment to enhance the preparation, appearance, and flavor of the food. The space in the gourmet kitchen must be utilized and well-planned to be easily accessible to the chef. The ultimate organization of the kitchen will maintain function and space without compromising the appearance and functionality of the kitchen. Plan your kitchen considering all the extras you need to accommodate to cook that gourmet meal.

Designing a gourmet kitchen is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning and attention to detail. With your aim in mind, contact the professionals in design and planning of luxury homes to assist you in transforming your kitchen into a Chef’s Paradise.

Heirloom Homes: Long-lasting Construction for Generations to Come

Posted on July 6, 2023 by CODESM Support - building a new home

Heirloom home featuring a large driveway and front lawn

Luxurious homes are all about lush features and lavish amenities. However, you can’t just put all the focus on extravagance at the expense of structural integrity. It is equally important to construct homes that can withstand the test of time and provide you with safe dwellings for years to come.

Durable luxury homes go beyond indulgence and provide a comforting sense of security for ages. There’s no doubt that luxury homes foster a high quality of life and a one-of-a-kind living experience for you and your loved ones. But when you compromise durability for luxury, you’re left with a home that constantly needs repairs and renovations.

When your luxury home is built to last, it doesn’t only give you peace of mind. It also serves as an excellent investment in the long run, preserving and growing its value as an asset.

At Heirloom Homes, we believe that building a legacy home isn’t merely a financial decision; it’s a celebration of our past and a gift to the future. In today’s post, we will explore several aspects of luxury homes that are long-lasting and durable. So read on to know more!

What are the Benefits of Long-Lasting Luxury Homes?

Requires Low Maintenance

Durable luxury homes maintain their structural integrity for many years. Since they don’t need frequent repairs and renovations, they also save much money due to reduced maintenance costs in the long run. When you’re already spending a significant amount on constructing a luxury home, saving your money on regular maintenance makes even more sense.

Testament of Quality and Craftsmanship

There should be more to a luxury home than just lavish amenities, fancy features, and aesthetic design. It should also uphold abstract values that are not visible to the eye, such as the quality of construction, elegance, and timelessness. So when investing in long-lasting construction, your luxury home will serve as a testament to high-quality craftsmanship for years to come.

Comfortable Living Experience

Residing in a luxury home with durable construction is a comfortable experience like no other. You don’t have to worry about every minor aspect of your home. Instead, you can confidently enjoy all the amenities that your home has to offer without being concerned about structural integrity.

Excellent Property Value in Long-term

Durable luxury homes retain their property value for many years, even in the unpredictable housing market. Since they are more resistant to wear and tear, such homes remain intact and in prime condition even as the years go by. So a long-lasting construction serves as an excellent investment for the future.

A well-built and well-maintained luxury home is more likely to retain its appeal and market value, even as architectural and design trends evolve. Should you ever decide to sell the property, you can expect high resale value.

Create a Legacy and Preserve Heritage

Luxury homes are often regarded as legacy properties. The longevity of luxury homes enables them to be passed down through generations or sold as valuable assets. By building homes to last, homeowners can ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the property’s architectural beauty and luxurious amenities.

In this way, durable homes provide a solid foundation for long-term family legacies and contribute to preserving architectural heritage.

Promote Sustainability

Building durable luxury homes aligns with sustainable practices and reduces environmental impact. Using long-lasting materials, weather-resistant exteriors, and energy-saving features ensures that your home requires fewer renovations. It reduces construction waste and conserves valuable building resources and materials.

How to Build Long-lasting Construction?

Solid Foundation

A strong foundation is crucial for the durability of any structure. Ensure that the soil is properly tested and prepared before commencing construction. Use high-quality materials like reinforced concrete and follow engineering specifications to ensure a solid and stable foundation.

Quality Materials

Invest in high-quality construction materials known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Residential home builders in Edinburg recommend using natural stones, wood, vinyl flooring, siding, aluminum coil stock, and so on. They also ensure that the materials used meet relevant building codes and standards, like, International Buiding Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), etc.

Professional Design and Engineering

It is advisable to enlist the services of skilled architects and engineers to design the structure. Their extensive knowledge and expertise will guarantee a well-planned construction process, considering essential factors such as load-bearing capacity, seismic considerations, and efficient drainage systems.

By entrusting the design to professionals, the risk of potential structural problems in the future is significantly reduced. A meticulously crafted design ensures the structural integrity and longevity of the luxury home, providing peace of mind for both present and future homeowners. With the guidance of experienced architects and engineers, the construction process is optimized, resulting in a resilient and enduring structure that stands the test of time. Furthermore, most professionals also support custom home financing, thus streamlining the process.

Pay Attention to the Local Climate and Environment

When creating the design and constructing the building, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of the local climate and environment. This entails taking into account factors like:

Effective water drainage systems to handle the rainfall and prevent water buildup
Incorporating features that can withstand strong winds
Ensuring adequate insulation to regulate temperatures in extreme weather conditions.

By factoring in these elements during the design and construction phases, the luxury home will be better equipped to adapt to its surroundings, providing comfort, durability, and efficiency for its occupants. It is a proactive approach that ensures the home is well-suited to the local climate and environmental conditions, enhancing its overall performance and longevity.

Sustainable and Eco-friendly

Sustainable and eco-friendly features in long-lasting luxury homes include:

Using solar panels to reduce environmental impact and reliance on traditional energy sources.
Geothermal heating, utilizing the earth’s natural heat, offers efficient warmth with minimal environmental impact.
Energy Star appliances save energy and lower utility bills.
Water Sense-certified fixtures conserve water, and atria ventilation systems improve indoor air quality.
Green building materials like straw, hemp, and bamboo provide sustainable alternatives.
Energy-efficient windows reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Embracing these eco-friendly elements benefits the environment and creates a luxurious and comfortable living experience.

Comply with Building Codes and Regulations

Verifying that the construction adheres to the applicable local building codes and regulations is crucial. These codes exist to guarantee the safety, structural integrity, and longevity of the building. Some of them are:

Structural requirements: Ensure strength and stability to withstand gravity, wind, and seismic forces.
Fire safety codes: Cover fire resistance ratings, detection systems, emergency exits, and evacuation plans.
Electrical codes: Govern installation, maintenance, and safety of electrical systems.
Plumbing codes: Focus on installation and maintenance of plumbing systems.
Accessibility codes: Provide equal access for individuals with disabilities.
Energy efficiency codes: Promote conservation through insulation, ventilation, lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.
Zoning and land use regulations: Dictate property use, including building height, setbacks, and land use in specific zones.

Build a Long-Lasting Luxury Home With Us

Constructing durable luxury homes has many immediate and long-term benefits. The longevity of your home will be a testament to superior craftsmanship, timeless legacy, and preservation of architectural heritage. On the practical and economic side, it also reduces long-term maintenance costs, ensures that your property retains high value for years, and promotes sustainable living. It will always be a safe and comfortable dwelling space for you and your loved ones.

If you want to make your dream luxury home a reality, Heirloom Homes is here to help. With a wealth of experience exceeding 50 years, we know what it takes to build a home that stands the test of time and also reflects your lifestyle and uniqueness. As one of the leading McAllen home builders, we always take immense pride in crafting elegant luxury homes by delivering top-notch quality, design, and value for our clients. Understanding the importance of budgets and timelines, our skilled team ensures competitive pricing without compromising excellence.

So reach out to us at Heirloom Homes, and let us work together to bring life to your vision and aspiration of a luxury home that will be yours and stand strong for years to come!

10 Best Down Payment Saving Tips for Custom Home Construction

Posted on October 21, 2022 by CODESM Support - building a new home

A custom-home construction can be satisfying and expensive, both at the same time. According to the National Association of Realtors, a custom-made home in South Texas can cost you around $427,893, which is a lot of money to shell out. So, how do you save money when building a custom home? By utilizing money in the best way possible to save up for the down payment and cost of construction. Let’s dive deeper.

Custom home construction down payment saving tips

Keep a budget

The first step to framing a down payment savings plan is keeping a strict budget and sticking to it. Having a budget plan will help you achieve your savings goals. It will also help you understand your spending habits and financial situation. Keep track of your monthly income, list necessary expenses, and note other monthly expenses. You can also follow the 50-30-20 budget plan, where 50% of your salary can go to necessary expenses, 30% for personal uses, and 20% for savings. This rule may be difficult, but it can help you achieve your goals.

Manage your spending

Cutting out unnecessary expenses will help to add to your savings. It may be challenging to give up on some luxury and comfort, like having your own car, going on vacations, eating out, and buying new products and clothes. However, opting for better, affordable, and cheaper options temporarily will help you save for your dream house. Some other unnecessary spending that you can cut out are gym memberships, subscriptions, and other entertainment services.

Clear off debts

Paying off all the remaining debts from car loans, credit bills, or educational loans before constructing a house will help to lessen your financial burden. Clearing off your debts will help you have a tunnel vision focus on saving most of your income for a house down payment.

Embrace cheaper rentals

Wondering how to save for a down payment while renting? How about moving, ditching the comfort of an expensive apartment and moving to a cheaper option? Moving into a cheaper apartment will help you save thousands of dollars in just a year. Renting an apartment in a less popular neighborhood will also help cut costs, as apartments are usually cheaper in more remote places than in popular towns and cities.

Save extra money

Putting every extra cent you get from work into down payment savings will help you achieve your goal faster. Whether you get bonuses for extra hours at your job or a higher pay raise, utilizing this money for saving instead of spend it on personal purposes will prove to be rewarding.

Get a second job

Another way to pay for the cost to build a custom home in RGV is to get a second job or have several side jobs to bring in extra money. It may even be your chance to start earning from a hobby you love, such as selling artwork, receiving commissions, photography jobs, giving dance lessons or music lessons, tutoring students, etc. If you love physical exercise, animals, and kids, you can also be a physical trainer, walk dogs and babysit.

Share an apartment

Sharing an apartment is another option to save money, as the rent and other expenses can be split between two or more people. Sometimes the cost of renting a single-bedroom apartment can be just as much as a two-bedroom apartment. You will be able to save much more towards your down payment if you share a two-bedroom apartment and split the rent rather than live in a one-bedroom apartment by yourself.

Lock in the best mortgage rates

It is important to stay alert and plan ahead when it comes to mortgage rates, as they go up and down owing to external factors. It is best to keep an eye on the rates and lock in when the mortgage rates are at the lowest, as this will also help you in the future.

0% APR credit cards

Building a home is expensive, so getting a credit card that offers 0% interest for 12 or more months is great. You can make expenses and purchases without paying interest for a year or more. Some credit cards even offer points for every dollar spent. However, making conscious decisions while purchasing with a 0% APR credit card is always recommended.

Chalk out a good construction plan

To increase savings while constructing a custom house, having a good construction plan is ideal. A good plan involves negotiating better deals and finding a good architect and lender. Other things to consider are:

Choose quality builders

To find the perfect builders, one should consider the cost and quality they provide. The style of the house should also be considered when looking for builders.

Location matters

Finding the right location that fits your budget and understanding land rates across different states is important to save money while building a house. For example, Rio Grande Valley offers a lower living cost and a warm climate all year round.

Start saving now

So, this is how to save for a house. Undoubtedly, it will be a painstaking process, but worth it. For more information on building custom homes, contact the best luxury custom home builders today.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in South Texas?

Posted on October 14, 2021 by CODESM Support - building a new home

Buying a home or building a custom home is a hallmark of the American dream. Everyone wants to live in a home that they own. The latest data from the National Association of Realtors shows that the average price of buying an existing single-family home is $271,300. In contrast, the average cost of building a custom home is almost double that of $427,893.

While buying a home seems easier on the pocket, building your own custom home gives you the freedom to personalize every inch of the house to your liking. So if you’re willing to dig deeper into your pocket to build the ideal home, why not go down to South Texas to build one?

Why South Texas?

South Texas is one of the most frequented places owing to its attractive tourist destinations and recreational opportunities. It is also famous for its strong Hispanic cultural influences, especially in architecture. Comparatively, building a custom home in South Texas is also quite affordable compared to other areas of the country.

Many people moving into South Texas from other states like California sell their homes and buy larger homes or build new and better ones for just a little more than half the price. This makes it an ideal location among others when it comes to building a custom home. So how much does it cost to build a home in South Texas? To answer this, there are several factors and hidden costs that you need to consider.

Factors To Consider While Making Cost Estimates For Building A House

The location of your home
The cost of labor in your area
Pricing differences among the different regions
Home type and size
The different building materials and products you choose to use
Use of modern or custom designs
Other miscellaneous costs
Price hikes due to the pandemic

With these in mind, let’s follow the steps while building a custom home to get a better idea.

STEP 1. Obtaining A Plot Of Land

Building a house requires a plot of land. If you already don’t own one, then you’ll need to look for one to purchase. Most average single-family homes are built on a half-acre lot, so that would be an ideal comparison base while looking for a new one. There are mainly two types of land in Texas: subdivided lots and raw land. Depending on the city and the size of the plot, the costs of each type of land may vary.

Subdivided lots are fully finished lots in cities that feature roads and various utilities most of the time. The actual land, however, is platted. Subdivided lots can range from $30,000 to over $300,000 for 1-acre depending on the area, community, or city. Subdivided land costs are more when you factor in other features and utilities, surveyor costs, septic tank installation costs, grading, roads, etc.

Raw lands are undivided plots of land. These types of land are cheaper by the acre, but they are costlier to develop when you factor in utilities, grading, and roads. Such types of land can range from $7,000 per acre to over $50,000 per acre for larger tracts. This may seem like a cut-price compared to subdivided lots, but the cost of developing these raw plots brings their actual cost up to par with subdivided lots.

STEP 2. Obtaining Building Permits

Building permits are essential before you can start building a home. The cost of obtaining a building permit ranges between $400 and $4,000, depending on the location of your land. Usually, getting permits in rural areas is cheaper, and costs can vary widely depending on local regulations.

STEP 3. Creating A Construction Budget

Single-family homes on the mid-levels usually take up around 2500 to 3000 square feet of space. San Antonio, the fastest-growing city in South Texas, has an average of $160 per square foot. Other cities are comparatively cheaper, around $100 to $140. This gives you an estimate of the total cost of building a house, which can vary from $260,000 to $400,000.

All these costs, however, vary according to different factors. For example, while the house structure and exterior finishing make up the bulk of the total budget, you should allocate around 25% of the total budget towards interior finishing. Given below are some of the different expenses that factor into the total amount.

Foundation work

Foundation work involves breaking ground on your new home, and it will usually cost you anywhere from $4,500 to $21,000 when pouring a concrete foundation.

Finishes and fixtures

There are many options when you consider finishes and fixtures. While some basic packages may start at $90/square feet, luxury packages can hit up to $1100/square feet.

Type of roof

Installing new roofs can cost up to $7,300. However, the prices increase if you go for options such as slate roofing.

Appliances

Appliances like smart home features can cost you from $50 to thousands of dollars, depending on the quality. Moreover, you’ll also need to factor in the electrical wiring and water plumbing costs as part of your budget estimates.

With all these different estimates and expenses in mind, now you have a better idea of how to plan your budget for your custom home construction. While the cost of building your own custom home may seem hefty compared to buying a new house, it is suddenly worth every penny you spend. In addition, there may be parts of the new house that you may be tempted to change for a few thousand dollars or more. Factoring this in mind, building your own custom home may be the ideal decision while opting for a new place to stay.

Top 7 Reasons You Should Build a Home in 2021

Posted on December 18, 2020 by CODESM Support - building a new home

Ah! Finally, 2020 is about to end, and we can’t be happier. 2020 was one hell of a year. Social distancing, masks, lockdowns, and whatnot?

But one thing that 2020 taught us is to have your home – the one you call your own, the one you can practice work-from-home from, and the one you can relax yourself in amid tough lockdowns and other situations.

So, let’s welcome 2021 with all the positivity and hope. Here are the top 7 reasons you should build a new home in 2021.

Property value never depreciates

The main reason people invest in real estate is that the value (almost) never depreciates. And this has been true during the pandemic as well. Even the lockdowns and economic recession haven’t been able to put a dent in the housing market.

Going by the stats, property rates have increased two-fold since the last two years. A report published by the National Association of Realtors suggested that the existing home sales hit an all-time high since December 2006. This means that people are still buying and selling homes, even in the pandemic recession.

So if you’re building a home in 2021 intending to sell it later in the future (yes, we know you don’t want to sell it, just in the worst-case scenario), then just know that you’ll never incur a loss.

Mortgage rates are at an all-time low

Contrary to the property value going up, the mortgage rates have hit an all-time low. Since the beginning of 2020, the drop seen in December is the 15th for the year.

Freddie Mac reported that the FRM rates have dropped by one percentage point to 2.59% (15-year FRM) and 3.13% (30-year FRM).

Therefore, banks are offering cheaper rates on mortgage loans. This means that getting financing for building your home in 2021 has become easy.

Since the economy has started to recover, you never know when the price may go back up. So it’s best to build a house in the early part of 2021. The sooner, the better.

Leverage the pandemic sale

Building a home isn’t only limited to plots, bricks, cement, and all those things. You’d also have to purchase carpets, electronics, furniture, and other essentials that make up a luxury home.

The pandemic has forced several consumer sectors to roll out cheaper variants to stay competitive. Not only companies but consumers too are demanding discounts on products.

You can take advantage of this pandemic sale and buy products and materials at cheaper rates for your home.

Save money on rent

If you do not own a house, then you must be living on a rented property. This means thousands of dollars of bills every month. The average monthly rent for an apartment in the US was about $1,400-1,500 in 2017. Factor in the inflation rate today, plus additional expenses like application fee, security deposits, pet deposits, insurance, among others.

By having your own house, you’ll be saving those expenses every month. For example, saving $1,500 every month means you’ll save $18,000 every year. You can reinvest that somewhere else and reap dividends.

Earn money from rent

By owning a house, you create an additional income source for yourself. You can rent out part of your home to a tenant and receive monthly recurring payments from him/her.

Renting out to tourists is also another option. When the travel industry is back to its feet, travelers will be looking for low-cost accommodation options. You can list the rooms on services like AirBnb, Homestay, and Couchsurfing, and get paid.

If renting out to tourists is why you’re building a home, you should consider building a high-end luxury construction as vacation rental property for higher profits.

Receive tax breaks

Almost no one likes paying taxes, especially when it’s in the higher percentages. Real estate is one of the best ways to receive tax deductions in the US. Therefore, many people prefer to invest in them and REITs.

The tax benefits you receive for building a house are associated with:

Mortgage interest
Property tax
Operating expenses
Depreciation
Repairs

When you combine these verticals, you’ll see that you’re saving a lot of money with tax breaks in the longer term. There are also capital gains to be made when you sell your house in the future.

Get a customized home in 2021

Custom homes are personalized and hence allow you to express your creativity. From the kitchen to the living room, you have complete control over the design. Not only in design, but you also have power from a budget standpoint.

You’ll also realize the value of a customized home when you’re trying to sell. People value creativity for which you can charge more.

Your turn

There you go, those were the top 7 reasons you should consider buying a custom home in 2021. As the year is about to end, now is the best time to kickstart your 2021 positively and buy a home. What are your views on this? Do you have any questions or want to discuss anything? We are here to help you out. Contact us today!

The One Reason Why Now Is the Best Time To Buy A House

Posted on October 30, 2020 by CODESM Support - building a new home

What tells you it’s time to invest in a home now?

falling mortgage rates, and
soaring prices of existing homes

Although the two trends seem contradictory, for home buyers they actually work together to solve the common issue – building an affordable home. A low rate of interest is by far the most important factor in the final decision to build a home.

Mortgage rates are at a record-low

If you have always dreamt of buying your own home, there is no time like the present. Financing is more affordable just now. Mortgage rates are at an all-time low. In fact, this is the lowest it has ever dropped in three decades. According to Freddie Mac, banks are rolling out cheaper loans. FRM rates have plunged by one percentage point as a norm as seen in June: 3.13% (30-year FRM) and 2.59% (15-year FRM).

For prospective buyers, it means that mortgage repayment is less expensive. If you take out a home loan now, you can lock-in this rate and be assured of a low, predictable monthly outflow, irrespective of market fluctuations.

Let’s do the math:

In Jan, an interest rate of 3.72 % on a mortgage of $300,000 could set you back by $1,384 every month. With a lowered rate in June (3.12%), you pay $1,284. Jingling away in your kitty is a neat saving of $100 each month, or $1,200 a year.

There is no doubt that lending rates have fallen. Nowhere in history has this rate been as low as it is currently. If you need more information, do your own research on the top American banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, or JP Morgan Chase to find more about falling mortgage rates. Or, you may talk to a trusted builder to find out if they have any preferred lender to help you pre-qualify.

However, there are no projections that rates are going to go further below. Besides, as the market picks up and the availability of homes rises, the tables are going to be turned.

Property prices have risen steadily

Contrary to predictions, house prices are continuing to surge. Even the pandemic couldn’t put a dent in the housing market. If anything, rates have increased two-fold since last year. So, you can safely discard any thoughts of bargain-buying your dream home. In the near future, housing projections show a rise in housing costs brought about by both an insufficient inventory and demands for new homes. Hence, housing pundits are encouraging prospective homeowners to put in the money now lest prices swell out of reach.

Apart from borrowings, a surety of earnings also affects buying decisions. The pandemic has wiped away thousands of jobs and although the market has been recovering since May, most Americans are staring into an insecure employment scenario. Hence, before applying for a mortgage, the one thing first-time homebuyers must ensure is their ability to repay it. Interest rates are, for the first time in housing history, at their lowest level but this should not be the sole reason to burden yourself with a house loan.

Hence, if you are financially ready for investing in the new home of your choice (loss of employment is not a major concern for you now and you have enough dough in the bank) it is only practical to buy the same house at a lower interest rate.

Personalized homes in the Valley

Buying a custom home in south Texas is a safe option given the condition of the housing market. Many homes have been pulled out of local listings and house prices are predicted to rise further. Experts suggest that building a new home with low interest rates in mind could help you increase savings on your EMIs.

Trevino Construction comes to the rescue with their luxury home packages that not only use the finest building materials but also help you make over a thousand dollars every month in savings.

Three premium residences – Castle Lux, Royal Grande, King Marques – are built-to-order homes that speak of architectural finesse. These residential spaces carry some of the highly-priced characteristics of first-class homes:

guarantee of quality
attention to details
network of reliable financers
strong community of existing buyers
foundation built over a decade of expertise

Trevino Construction can further lower your house-building expenses by helping you save more. Combined with dreadfully low interest rates, a Castle Lux home can earn you almost $1,200 every month.

Apart from assisting customers with checking out their eligibility for mortgages, we also help you get the most affordable interest rates for your budget. For instance, a Royal Grande home is designed to save as much as $1,500 per month and the savings extend to cover taxes and insurance.

We also have a unique system to arrive at the final cost of your property. Rather than selling at per square foot of space, we factor in all the exclusive elements that went into the building. A fully customized Kings Marque home will squeeze out $1,800 a month from your monthly loan bill.

Overall, if you find a home that appeals to your aesthetic and practical selves, go invest in it now rather than wait. The country is in a state of an unprecedented period of recession and no one knows where the end lies.

Waiting further in the hopes of even lower rates may prove futile since a lot of factors determine the trends. Take advantage of a rate cut in mortgage and reach out to us today to start building an exclusive, premium home for your family.

Top 10 Things to Know When Building a New Home

Posted on July 14, 2020 by CODESM Support - building a new home

Couple holding tablet in front of imaginary home

New home construction takes much effort on your side, from making sure it fits your investment to get all the features you ever wanted. It is also about getting a trendy, yet comfortable space, while adding your personal touch. Besides, you get an opportunity to install unique features that you rarely get to see if you buy a preowned home. No doubt competent builders take care of every project, but as a homeowner, you may also consider giving your inputs.

So, before you start your dream home in McAllen, here are the:

Top 10 Things you Should Know About Building a New Home

1. Make a Budget Plan

Most homeowners might have applied for a loan before they started the construction. This budgeting phase is crucial in your home construction process. You will have to take a realistic look at your expected costs, how much you can afford, and how to gather the funds. Plan for cost overruns and hidden costs.

These are one-time purchases during the build and recurring expenses towards the home maintenance. It is a great idea to hire the services of a financial advisor who specializes in similar processes. Shop around for materials and see if you can find better deals on premium materials.

2. Choose the Right Lot

If you already own a piece of land and build on it, then it is fine. Otherwise, you have to select the right building lot for your home, in your planned budget. Typically, the land alone may cost up to 25% of your construction budget. Even if you have a neighborhood in mind, compare the land costs in the surrounding area. And the locality where you purchase the land also impacts its price. For instance, it may be lower in a suburban area and higher if you are looking for an ocean view.

3. Engage an Expert Team

Your construction team includes an architect, designer, builder, surveyor, excavator, subcontractors, and more. To start with, you may want to hire a home designer or architect. Also, ask your family and friends that had their homes built for advice. Most importantly, ask yourself: “How much time and effort am I going to give to this project?”

Because, if you want to be involved in every step of the way and see to it that your ideas take shape, it may be better to engage a custom home builder. Moreover, hiring a construction company may make sense as they will be dealing with the subcontractors, skilled crew, and coordinate the project.

4. Plan the Layout

For builders, home construction can be routine. But for you, it is a matter of sentiment and full of ideas that you have dreamt of. So, rather than picking a stock plan off of a catalog, try incorporating your favorite style. Take inspiration from as many sources as you can, and with the help of a designer or an architect, you can make changes to the stock designs and build a home per your tastes.

In contrast, a custom home builder will ask you about your preferences and recommend ideas to suit your lifestyle. You should also keep your future needs in mind. If you are a young couple who is going to start a family, you will need more rooms.

5. Customize Every Aspect

Incorporate the custom options you have always wanted, such as, under-cabinet lights in the kitchen, higher ceilings, or a deep pour basement. The main advantage of making these modifications is that you open up the area and your home looks more spacious. You can make the living space more dramatic and vibrant with a custom shelf unit as the focal point. They are functional, add a ton of storage space, and can be made to perfectly fit any corner or archway.

6. Install Smart Technology

Smart devices and systems may be installed as add-ons after the build, but why wait until then? You can add smart home systems like a self-programmable thermostat, smoke detectors, advanced home security systems, and more, as you start building. Mirrors that can turn into TV screens, motion sensor lighting, energy-efficient devices, smart faucets, and AI-powered refrigerators that memorize your grocery lists can make your life so much easier.

7. Make Way for More

If there is a possibility that you can have more space in any room or area, go for it. Extend your garage so it fits 2-3 cars easily and has enough storage space for the safekeeping of valuable items, tools, bikes, and other stuff.

Instead of doing your laundry in the basement, why not have a laundry room upstairs, where you can have ample sunlight to brighten the space? And while you are doing these for your convenience, it is time to consider adding a mudroom to keep your dirty shoes. A mudroom can be a small area with a bench and cupboards.

Separate bathrooms may be a stretch, but a closet for each of the couple is an excellent idea to be well organized. Talk to your designer or builder to check if they can shave off an unused area in the master suite to add more square footage for two closets.

8. Electricals and Built-in Equipment

Adding extra outlets around the home might come in handy during the holidays when you have to plug in Christmas lights or outdoor speakers. Installing them now would save a lot of money in hiring an electrician after the build is finished. Another idea that you may use is a heated driveway to avoid all the strenuous snow shoveling come winter.

Built-in equipment like sprinkler systems with programmable settings let you maintain your yard without moving from your spot. Similarly, heated floors and a central vacuum system can keep you cozy, comfortable, and safe in all seasons.

9. Look into Green Options

Make sure to power your home – either with electricity or with lighting, naturally. Ensure that the design flows in tandem with sunshine and wind coming into the home. Situate the laundry, bathrooms, and garages, are on the south side of the home, where you receive more sunlight. They must have small windows to reduce heat loss. Choose energy-efficient products for your cooling and heating system and other appliances around the house.

10. Don’t Forget the Resale Value

No matter how much effort you put into choosing and inspecting each part of the home, unforeseen events may lead to you sell it in the future. Given this situation, you should plan now for any potential resale years down the line. If you add too many upgrades, it may become too pricey for your neighborhood. Besides, make sure no addition is over-the-top and ends up being unappealing to others.

Conclusion

When it comes to building your home, take advantage of every chance you get, and indulge your fantasies a bit. You have the control to decide how you live for a substantial amount of time. So, it is crucial to have an open discussion with your builder.