Author: CODESM Support

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.

What To Look For When Buying a New Home in McAllen?

Posted on June 17, 2020 by CODESM Support - buying tips

You might have seen photos of a gorgeous house on the internet, only to be disappointed later when you visited the location, as the property didn’t fit the description. This is true for many real estate listings on and off the web. They claim big but fall short of the concept of luxury.

When you set out to buy a brand new home in McAllen, chances are, you may not choose the first house that you come across. It is a huge investment on your part since your choice of home decides how your family is going to live for a major chunk of their lives. Needless to say, you have to make significant considerations before you settle on one property.

Tips for Buying a New or Luxury Home

When you are dealing with a purchase worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, you should not be resenting your decision later. Here are some tips to help you choose the right home for your situation:

1. Map Out Your Finances

Brand new homes are expensive, no doubt, owing to the substantial and unique amenities they offer. So, it makes sense to get a realistic look at your financial matters. Some sellers want to know that you are financially equipped, even before allowing you to visit the property.

You may need to produce your bank statement or a pre-approval from a bank. Or, they may need other proof that you are well funded to buy the home. If you are taking a loan, understand the local laws, or hire a financial advisor or a trusted lawyer who can guide you.

2. Get the Right Agent

Take the help of experienced professionals when hunting for your dream home in McAllen. The real estate agent you choose must have a strong portfolio. Top agents must be experts at dealing in the luxury market – not just anyone successful in the mid-range housing sector will do.

Pick someone who understands what you are looking for in a regular or luxury home, but not someone biased toward the latest trends.
The agent’s top priorities must be your privacy and confidentiality.
They will have a great network of luxury home sellers and a list of happy clients as references.

3. Take Time to Choose the Right Location

Research the local area of the property you are interested in purchasing. Ask yourself: “Is this where I see my family living for a considerable time?” Note the proximity to its surroundings – is it close to the city if you need to visit, or is it on the outskirts?

Think long-term. Will there be any future developments in the area? How about any new constructions or high-rises being planned near you? Will they block the gorgeous views for which you are paying a high price now? During your research, you may even find a meatier place in the same neighborhood!

4. Make More Than One Trip to the Home

Do not simply trust the photos on the website or a video walkthrough. There is always a possibility that the features or the whole space got some embellishments. Those fancy photos may have some heavy editing done or were clicked by professionals.

It is always better to check it out yourself, and more than once. Maybe you can visit the home during the day and compare how it fares in the dark. The more trips you take, the surer you will be of your choice.

5. Check If It’s the Right Fit for Your Family

Now for the actual home! Make sure that it suits your family and your tastes. You may have wanted a spacious kitchen or a walk-in closet the size of a small bedroom; now is your chance to check the features.

Kitchen

While most people are happy with a luxurious master suite with a large bathroom, some homes do not have spacious kitchens. Check if the home has ample room in the kitchen so the whole family can enjoy cooking sessions. See if you can entertain all your friends in the dining area. Ask if it comes with state-of-the-art appliances and smart technology.

Floor Layout

You may want to have extra rooms for kids, guests, or elders who might move in later. Ensure that it is senior-friendly or allows you to make future modifications. A movie room, game room, entertainment center, bar, automated maintenance systems, lighting and ventilation features, and more are becoming common these days. So is an outdoor living situation with a beautiful swimming pool, backyard landscape, and privacy from prying eyes.

Premium Materials

High-end homes call for the use of quality finishes and premium materials. Be it your kitchen countertops or floors, your luxury home has to exude opulence. Also, take great care when you decorate the home with deluxe furniture, fancy artwork, and antiques.

6. (Bonus) Get an Inspection Done on the New Home

As much dazzled as you are by the classy home, you need to make sure that everything is in working condition. Hire qualified home inspectors who specialize in new or luxury homes and can judge the state of high-end appliances. Invest in advanced home security systems, the latest smart tools, and have the necessary upgrades.

Conclusion

Buying a luxury home is a huge investment that not only involves huge bucks but is also entwined with your lives.
Home is where your heart resides – so, true! And when you spend your hard-earned money on something that your family can cherish for years to come, it is important to take time and avoid making a hasty decision.

What Is a Luxury Home?

Posted on May 30, 2020 by CODESM Support - luxury homes

If you are currently looking to buy a house or just flipping through a magazine, luxury homes must have caught your attention. They promise astonishing views and feature grand designs and finishes.

While most of them are genuine, many advertisements or agents oversell the concept and boast of luxury, which the buyers only understand when moving in. So, what differentiates a high-end home from an ordinary one?

What Does a Luxury Home Entail?

The top 3 considerations for a home to be considered a high-end construction are:

Square Footage

The higher the area of a house, the more luxurious it is. More space equals more rooms, more features installed, extra space for guests or staff, entertainment corners, and large outdoor living areas.

Style or History

If the home has a famous story behind its construction or is well-known for its architectural style, it carries a lot of prestige. Sometimes the previous owners also lend a piece of property its prominence.

Optimal Location

Real estate prices shoot up depending on location – more so in case of a luxury home. These homes are situated in the most desirable places near a bustling city or high-net-worth areas across the country.

Given these points, it is no wonder that luxury homes have a higher price tag than the rest. However, not every pricey house can be a luxury home.

Exceptional Aspects of a Luxury Home

For a home to offer pure opulence, it has the following luxurious aspects:

Spacious Master Suite

Home is where people feel comfortable after a weary day at work or travel. And when they have a luxurious abode, they would want to incorporate every aspect that can relieve them from the troubles of their modern lifestyles.

For many, “luxury” means products, amenities, and features that are available in spas, resorts, and similar places they would go to relax. Large bedrooms attached with master baths with hot tubs, beveled mirrors, soothing dimmer lights, and more to enhance your calming and personal time are the norm.

In addition to multiple shower-heads, bubblers, separate steam rooms, and saunas, the bathrooms are built to suit the owner’s tastes to match innovation with functionality. Touchscreens, rotating mirrors in the master suite, or the bathroom doubling as TV screens, provide unlimited entertainment in your cozy nook.

Not to forget the walk-in closets and dressing rooms with glass cabinets that allow you to showcase your favorite pieces of garments, shoes, and purses.

High-Quality Materials

Not everything is about the size. In matters of luxury, quality goes hand-in-hand with quantity. If you have a large home and ample rooms, but they are not of exceptional quality, they cannot be called elegant. The use of premium materials is of the utmost importance when choosing a luxury home.

From wooden herringbone floors, state-of-the-art smart home systems, or straight-out-of-the-museum decoration to Italian marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances for your gourmet kitchen, high-end homes offer top-quality elements.

Exotic kitchen layouts are always in trend; they help transform your culinary sessions and invite the whole family into a warm, loving space to cook together, enjoy the delicacies, and strengthen your bonds.

Advanced Tech Systems

Convenience is at the core of luxury constructions. Remote-controlled blinds and curtains to shield you from the harsh sun rays, programmable thermostats, motion sensors for lights, taps, automated cleaning systems for the pool, and home are but a few smart types of equipment that you cannot do without.

Wireless speakers, in-built, internet-connected security appliances, and other cutting-edge tech features can help you control and monitor every corner of the home without moving from your spot.

Home theater, video gaming rooms, and hi-tech fitness facilities have become must-haves on the property. When you have impromptu social gatherings, parts of the home can be transformed into recreational areas at the drop of a hat. Folding, retractable walls, or transforming furniture and other futuristic aspects also see a rise.

Custom Designs and Amenities

Luxury homes break the cookie-cutter designs in more than one way. Amenities that you rarely find in a private property, such as your tennis court, swimming pool with a natural landscape design that magically takes you into nature, can be installed in a luxury home. They bridge the gap between private and public conveniences.

And these architectural elements are not limited to classic designs, but even outrageous ideas like rock-climbing walls can be incorporated. Luxury constructions offer a high level of customization, without compromising on the craftsmanship.

Are you inspired by the Gothic-themed high ceilings, or maybe the distinctive Grecian archways? If you have a dream, reliable builders have a way to fit it into the construction.

Outdoor Living Experience

Luxury homes have upscale additions in the backyards that enhance the property’s value and deliver an ultimate outdoor living experience. Seeing as a swimming pool is almost a given in any home, a pool house and deck offer excellent opportunities to spend your time enjoying the beautiful nature.

One of the hottest luxury trends is to bring the indoors out – meaning, an outdoor room and a full-size outdoor kitchen create lavish exteriors that reflect the homeowner’s preferences. And there are no restrictions on what goes and what stays in the design.
Covered patios, pergolas, and outdoor fireplaces not only look stunning but also turn any ordinary backyard into a luxury retreat. Being in a tranquil setting surrounded by the green landscape on a lazy afternoon gives you the much-deserved vacation right at your home.

Top-Notch Security System

No doubt, all the added features that luxury homes have are hard to find in other residences, which may attract unwanted attention. And sometimes, a high-value property can be an easy target for burglars.

So, this situation calls for appropriate security systems, which offer 24/7 security and property monitoring. Some extraordinary elements of these security systems include speedy notifications to the authorities, reduced false alarms, and more.

Conclusion

Swanky neighborhoods, proximity to major business outlets, extravagant designs maybe some of the reasons why luxury homes are more coveted than others on the market. If you wish to sample all the outrageous and incomparable amenities, why not look for what’s on the market today? Contact Trevino Construction, your luxury home builders in the Valley!