TERRI TEST         DESIGN & REAL ESTATE

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION ADVANTAGES

Every part of the home – from the foundation to the roof – is new, clean, and in working order.  The buyer can avoid some costly maintenance and repair expenses that come with some resale homes. New homes usually come with a builder’s warranty on the structure and manufacturer’s warranties on all appliances and mechanical systems. Heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and appliances are manufactured with the latest technology in energy efficiency which can result in lower utility bills.  Wiring for electrical outlets, media, computers and phones enables capacity and location according to buyer’s specifications.  Finishes reflect the buyer’s taste and can enhance the enjoyment of their home.   A buyer walk-through with the builder prior to closing reduces or eliminates haggling over repairs.  There can be flexibility with respect to customization, site, size, and floor plan to better suit the buyer’s needs and wants.  Builders may offer a pre-arranged financing option, which speeds up the application process. They can offer attractive rates, terms, and incentives.  Builders within the same price point and market area must be competitive with other builders.  During the first year of ownership, builders usually make minor adjustments and touch-ups for their buyers.  Choosing a new home and personalizing it creates immediate enjoyment of your property.

HOUSE DESIGN and PLANS

House plans are available today from a wide variety of sources. Book stores, libraries, and home improvement stores are full of books and magazines filled with plans.  Builders often have design services available for a fee.  These fees are usually credited to you if you select them as your builder.  There is also the internet, with many websites offering plans for sale.  These plans are usually reasonably priced and they may be able to make changed for you at an additional fee.  I personally encourage you to look through these resources to get ideas and a good starting point.  I find that many of these stock plans that have to be available to the masses don't fit into our design criteria, in this part of the country.  Basements, narrow hallways, and small utility rooms are just a few examples, but a good starting point as I mentioned.  It is not generally cost effective to purchase a full set of these plans and then have someone local redraw it for you though. You also have the option of using an architect or licensed designer to produce a construction set of plans for you.  Unless your design highly unusual, or in just a handful of neighborhoods, you probably don't need an architect, which is by far the most expensive way to go.

Regardless, I suggest foundation plans be stamped by an engineer no matter who designed it, and in most areas, this is required to get a building permit. I also suggest having an engineered framing plan, if there is any question about the structure. Some engineering firms can accomplish both and I tell my clients that it is the cheapest 'peace of mind' that you can buy.

TEN BEST FENG SHUI FEATURES to LOOK FOR

PLEASE DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.  My home has five out of ten of these DON'T DO'S!

 

1. LOCATION - Find a home that sits along a nice curving street.  Do not choose one that is at the junction of an L or T shaped street.  Gentle curves on your street, pathway, and home create gentle curves throughout your life.

2. NEIGHBORS - Select a home that has houses or open spaces for neighbors.  Do NOT select a home that is across from a cemetery, hospital, church, or school if you can avoid it because of the negativity.

3. FIRST IMPRESSION - Choose a home with a welcoming entrance.  The driveway and walkway should be gently curved, as should the gardens out front.  The door should be visible from the front of the property.

4. KILLER VIEWS - Open the front door and step into the house.  If you can see straight through to the backyard, turn around and leave.

5. SQUARE FOOTPRINT - Look for a home that is designed to have a square or rectangular footprint.  Avoid homes shaped like an L, T, H, or U.

6. MASTER BEDROOMS - Should be sited past the mid-line of the home. The front half is more public and has too much energy.  Also avoid being next to or over the garage if possible.

7. HEART OF THE HOUSE - Look at what sits in the exact center of the home from front to back, and left to right.  Make sure you do not find a fireplace, stove, or toilet there.

8. BATHROOM BLOW-OUT - Baths have only been in home for the last 100 years or so.  Bathrooms located in the back right corner of the master bedroom will take all the romance out of your relationship.

9. KITCHEN - Avoid homes with the kitchen sited as the first room you see when you walk in the door.  You'll gain a ton of weight!

10. WATER FEATURES - If you are lucky enough to find a home that has outdoor water features, your life will be truly enhanced. Humans need water to live and almost all of us choose to go to the water for any given vacation.                                                                      Trisha Keel