If you’re planning to build a custom home, you need to think about current house building trends (especially if you want your home to exceed your expectations). While some of them may be fleeting, other trends (such as smart home technology, energy-efficiency, and eco-friendly designs) will most likely stand the test of time. If you want to build a home that matches perfectly with your lifestyle, it’s all about the details.

Here are some custom home building trends that will help you to spark your imagination.

#1: A Blend of Straight Edges and Lively Curves

Modern designs have recently been favored over more traditional European and Victorian styles. Today’s trends focus more on simpler designs that make an impact. Homeowners prefer simple lines with more contemporary accents. They also prefer sharp lines and curves that play off each other.

#2: Seamless Transitions to Impressive Outdoor Living Spaces

In today’s custom builds, luxury is about being able to entertain from anywhere. Homeowners want to have a complete outdoor living space with nice furniture and enough space to entertain an entire crowd. Next to that may be a state-of-the-art infinity pool with a waterfall and a number of other features (such as a concrete fire pit with integrated benches). All of these are features that will make your home feel as welcoming and serene as a five-star hotel.

#3: Smart Home Features

One of the most popular custom home building trends of today has to do with what you can’t see, which is smart technology that goes far beyond your standard security and intercom systems. Smart homes use automation and AI, which can span from floor to ceiling. You can also control your window shades and coverings, as well as program smart thermostats. You can even remotely control various features within your home (such as cameras, lighting, and music).

#4: Dramatic Ceilings

One common and recurring custom home building trend is using ceilings as centerpieces. Barrel, coffered, and tray ceilings are all popular designs that will draw the eye upward. The reason why this feature is so popular is because it can work with any interior design — from understated farmhouse designs with white-washed planks to more dramatic designs with glossy, dark wood finishes.

#5: An Abundance of Light

Oversized windows and glass cabinets that are strategically placed to bring in more natural light have become popular (especially in warm, subtropical climates). Instead of adding light fixtures to light up a space, homeowners and designers are using glass, French doors, sliding glass doors, and mirrors that move through open floor plans. All of these features can create a bright and elegant space that opens up to a garden or outdoor area.

#6: Sustainable and “Green” Additions

Homes that are more eco-friendly are at the top of the wish list for a lot of homeowners. This can include using sustainable materials as well as high-efficiency pool pumps, air conditioners, and appliances. You can also design your garden spaces with native plants and flowers that are more drought-tolerant, so you can reduce the amount of needed irrigation.

#7: Intelligent Kitchen Extras

The best kitchen designs will allow you to work smarter, not harder. Kitchen extras that are intelligently designed can make things more convenient without the extra clutter. Prep sinks with covers that double as cutting boards next to the stove can let you wash and prep more easily. A piece of butcher block at the end of an island can create an area that’s always available for cutting and chopping — all while being away from the rest of the area. Integrated appliances are always coming back in style.

#8: An Emphasis on Natural Materials

If you’re looking for more natural sophistication, wood, stone, and quartz in earth tones and soft colors are great choices. They’re starting to replace darker and bolder materials (such as granite countertops and brightly-patterned tile backsplashes). Various focal points (such as fireplaces) are being updated and outfitted with stone instead of brick or tile. Even bathrooms are incorporating lighter designs, with tiles with a hint of sparkle and sheen.

#9: Casitas and Secondary Master Suites

Casitas (more commonly referred to as “guest houses”) are coming back in style. These 500-600 square foot residences are meant for short-term house guests. They have everything they may need for their stay — all while giving them complete autonomy and privacy from the main house. Secondary master suites are also becoming popular. They can have full spa-inspired bathrooms, walk-in closets, and a lot of space. They can also give guests the option to relax in their own space within your home.

If you’re looking for one of the best home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.

The roof of your custom home can have a huge impact on its look, safety, and durability. Your homeowners association may have certain regulations with regard to the color and style of your roof, as well as on what type of materials you can use. If not, you can educate yourself on all the available materials so you can make an informed decision.

Roofing materials have made significant improvement over the years, and you have more choices than you would have had decades earlier. As you go through the different options, you have to think about the importance of your roof, how to find the right materials, and the common types of roofing that are on the market today.

The Importance of Your Roof

There’s a reason why having a place to stay is called “having a roof over your head.” A roof can give you protection from the elements. Over the years, its construction has improved to the point where it can perform this duty more effectively. Your roof will not only protect the contents of your home, but it will also protect many of the systems that are required to make it comfortable. The underlayment might be coated with a reflective surface, and the area below it might have insulation to make your home more energy efficient.

Criteria for Choosing the Right Roof Design and Materials

There are many things that can determine what type of roofing materials will work best for your home, but its architectural style is often a driving factor in the roof’s overall design. Most styles have distinct roof lines and material that are part of their overall look.

Homeowners associations will often require certain roof colors and materials that they believe to be acceptable. Community restrictions and covenants may also require you to use a specific type of roofing material or color. Even local building codes may have requirements with regard to fire and weather safety. Sometimes, they will have standards with regard to sustainability and energy efficiency.

The color of your roof should go with your home’s exterior and the surrounding areas. Certain colors are also considered to be more energy efficient. You also have think about the roof rating, which is its projected longevity under normal “wear and tear” conditions. It also refers to its energy efficiency due to its color as well as its reflectance, emittance, and material sustainability. The local weather and environment can also be a deciding factor especially when it comes to wind and rain.

Your budget may also be a factor when it comes to deciding what type of roof you should install in your custom home. If you have more financial flexibility, you want to think about the lifespan and durability of the roof you plan to install because roof replacements are expensive propositions that you may not want to do that often. But before you decide what type of roofing material you plan to install, make sure it meets local requirements and that it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Types of Roofing Materials

There are a number of options when it comes to roofing materials, but here some of the most common:

• Asphalt Shingles — They’re the most common and the least expensive types of roofing materials. They’re usually made from a fiberglass base that’s topped with asphalt and mineral granules or a recycled paper that’s saturated with asphalt and covered with granules.
• Wood Shingles and Shakes — These are great if you want your roof to have a natural look. The shingles are machine cut so they have clean edges and a smooth surface, while shakes are cut by hand from wood blocks (which will have a more rustic appearance).
• Concrete Tiles — These are created by using a lightweight blend of concrete that makes them rough but easy to install. Some of them may also have wood or clay fibers that are blended into the concrete, so it can have more strength with less weight.
• Metal and Stone-Coated Steel — This type of roofing has gone far beyond the corrugated tin that was used in the old days. The metal roofing materials that are used today are made out of steel, zinc, copper, and aluminum (all of which are incredibly durable).
• Synthetic Roofing — These materials can be made out of plastic, clay, asphalt, or rubber and are often made to look like slate or wood. A lot of synthetics were made for flat and low-sloped roofs, which may be a part of your custom home.

If you’re looking for one of the best custom home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.

Whether it’s a third bedroom or an addition over your garage, a lot of homes have bonus rooms.  There are just as many homeowners who don’t know what to do with them. That’s why many of these rooms become “catch alls” for mismatched furniture, random decor, and storage. But, you can take back these spaces by converting them into something useful. Even if you’re planning out a custom home design, you can come up with extra room ideas that can be used for more than just storage.

Here are some ideas that can help you come up with a design for an extra room.

#1: Game Room

Whether you’re entertaining guests, keeping kids occupied, or creating a space for yourself, having a game room can be useful. When gaming consoles, foosball tables, air hockey rigs, board games are scattered throughout the house, things can get cluttered real quick. Not mention, all the extra noise.

Not only do you have to remember where everything is, but you can also end up with odd-looking pathways and flows for how people move around the house. People may have to move through the kitchen to get to the living room, and the sound of a gaming console in the background can get old quick. Rec tables, games, and other game-related items can also take up a lot of space.

You can also add a shed in your backyard that you can turn into a game room. In fact, it’s one of the most popular ways to use a shed. With some soundproofing, you can control the noise of happy gamers (which will create a more peaceful environment inside the main part of the house).

#2: Home Office

When you work from home, not having a dedicated workspace can be stressful, which can affect your productivity. Home offices can give you the space you need for all work-related tasks. You can also design a productive area that can help you focus and do your best work, so you can have more time for your family and your hobbies.

Keeping a home office away from all the noise throughout the rest of the house can help as well. Even if you don’t work from home, but need a place to balance a checkbook, make a grocery list, or have a quiet place to read, home offices can be a proverbial lifesaver. When you have a desk, lamp, and a closed door, they can even be indispensable.

#3: Quiet Room

There are times when you need to get away, even when you can’t leave the house. In these types of situations, having a moment of peace and quiet is far from easy. Instead of escaping into the bathroom or trying to hide away in some other area, turning an extra room into a place where you can enjoy some quiet time can be much more satisfying and a lot more convenient.

Quiet rooms can have dim lighting, comfortable seats, and even white noise (if that’s what you prefer). They can have calming music and will often be decorated with potted plants. They can close you off from the world and will allow you to regain your focus. They can also be great resources for people who need moments of peace during a hectic day. You can even add some soundproofing to create a quieter space that’s ready for relaxation. Depending on your interests, you can even use it for meditation, yoga, reading, and even homework.

#4: Hobby or Craft Room

Another great way to use an extra room is to turn it into a craft room, art studio, or workshop for one of your hobbies. If you know you want to use it as a craft room, you can design it for that purpose. If you like to dance, you can turn it into a dance studio. But, if you’re interests are more musical, you can turn it into a space that caters to that specific interest. You can even add the right soundproofing during the building process if you include it in your custom home plans.

#5: Home Library

If you have a growing collection of books and don’t have a room in your custom home design for storing all of them, an extra room can be turned into a home library. You can add built-in shelves, so you can have a space to put all your books. They can also be used as storage or display spaces for other things.

If you’re looking for one of the best custom home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Devonshire Custom Homes.

As you think about your new custom home, you most likely have a specific atmosphere that you have in mind (especially when it comes to lighting). People have made their share of mistakes when it comes to designing and building custom homes and lighting is no exception. One big and easily avoidable mistake is picking home lighting without making the necessary preparations. Homeowners will pick all kinds of lighting options that they think are attractive. But, once it’s installed, it doesn’t work in that room or with the home’s overall decor.

Home lighting is about more than just brightening up a room. Much of your home’s design and décor depends on lighting. It’s also easy to overlook how different lighting options can complement (or even clash) with a specific space. Lighting can be affected by a number of elements (such as the room’s size, shape, and color). It can also be affected by the height of the ceilings and even the furniture. You want to think about how you’ll be using each room and whether adding recessed lighting above the living room sofa can give you the right atmosphere for game night.

Home Lighting Options for a Modern Aesthetic

If you want to give your home a more modern look, stainless steel and bright white is a good starting point because it’s a classic trend for home lighting. Brighter lights can also bring out the pristine visuals of a modern design. Some of the best home lighting options for achieving this type of look can include:

• Recessed Lighting — One of the best ways to give your home a modern look is to have the lights built in. Whether they’re installed inside walls or ceilings, recessed lighting can give your home that futuristic appeal.
• Track Lighting — Often seen in galleries and museums, this type of lighting can give any room a modern look. It can also work well with stainless steel or black trim.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about modern home lighting options.

Home Lighting Options for a More Elegant Look

While there are options for making your home look more modern, there are some lighting fixtures that can give your home a more elegant feel. These types of home lighting are often found in ballrooms, castles, and mansions. But, you can install them in your home as well. Some of the lighting options for giving your home a more elegant look can include:

• Chandeliers — Often found in grand halls and opera houses, large chandeliers can make everyone stand in awe as they enter the room. There are also smaller versions that are made from a variety of materials, but they can have the same awe-inspiring effect.
• Sconces — This type of lighting will often remind people of classic times, especially if they’re lined with real candles. Modern sconces use light bulbs and are much more efficient, but it doesn’t mean they’re any less elegant.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more home lighting choices on how you can achieve this kind of look.

Functional Home Lighting Options

While atmospheric lighting is an important part of any home, some areas may need more functional fixtures. Bathrooms, kitchens, and home offices can find this type of task lighting beneficial, because it will allow you to see what you’re doing more clearly. Here are some home lighting options that can help you in these areas:

• Floor Lamps — This type of home lighting can illuminate your home while also being stylish. If they’re properly placed and are made of the right materials, they can serve their purpose without sacrificing the atmosphere.
• Desk Lamps — These lamps are designed for workspace (whether you’re balancing a checkbook, drafting blueprints, or fixing electronic equipment). You can find them in any home because of their practicality (whether they’re goosenecked or rigid).
• Overhead Lighting — This type of lighting isn’t just for large retail stores. It can also be used in homes (except for the fluorescent bulbs). With smaller fixtures that use less wattage, overhead lighting can give you a great deal of illumination without wasting wall or floor space.

Because lighting can play such an important role in your home design, it’s important to make the right choice. That’s why you should seek the help of a professional. If you’re planning to build a custom home and are looking for one of the best home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Devonshire Custom Homes.

Like any major event in your life, building a home is a journey. Even the idea of performing the steps in a new home construction can be exciting. But, for a lot of people, the most difficult part can be what happens after you have made all the choices and signed all the contracts. They feel as if they have to “wait around” for something to happen. They may not see much going on — at least, not at the beginning. But, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Permits are being pulled, plans are being finalized, and blueprints are being sent to all the people who will be helping in the process of putting it all together.

The new home construction process will allow you to spend a great deal of time designing it in a way that’s unique to your family’s needs and your personal tastes, which is why seeing it all come together can be rewarding. But, the steps in new home construction can be vary, depending on where you plan to build it. That’s why you should make an appointment with your agent or project manager to give you a walkthrough of the home at every stage. Not only does it mitigate some of the safety issues while it’s under construction, but it also gives you a chance to have a one-on-one conversation.

Steps Involved in the New Home Construction Process

After you have picked out the lot, floorplan, and finishes, you can sit back and watch your home come to life. There are a lot of steps. While some of them are more exciting than others, they all have to come together to build your dream home. Before you can start breaking ground, your local government must approve the design. They must also give you permits for everything, which can include the following:

• Zoning and grading (changing the layout of the land to accommodate your home and driveway).
• Installing the septic systems.
• Installing electrical work.
• Installing plumbing systems.

Once you get the right permits, the actual construction process can get started. A good home builder will make sure you don’t have to worry throughout the process, but here is an explanation of each phase of new home construction.

Phase 1: Construction Site and Foundation

The construction site needs to be prepared for the construction of your new home. Then, the first step of the construction process is pouring the foundation.

Phase 2: Framing

After the foundation has been laid, the framing has to be built. You will then have a better idea of how your new home will look on the lot, because it’s where the walls and roof structure will be built. During the framing phase, the subfloor, walls, and roofing system will be built. The window and door units will also be installed, as well as any backfilling around the foundation.

Phase 3: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC

Once the walls and roof have been built, it’s time to start doing all the important interior work. This will include installation of the plumbing and electrical systems, as well as the heating and air conditioning units. All of this happens before the drywall and insulation are put in, which allows the home to have all of its necessary systems to be inside the walls.

Phase 4: Drywall and Exterior Finishes

Once the drywall has been put up, the home starts to take shape. The drywall is hung and taped so the seams between the boards aren’t visible, and the drywall texturing (if applicable) will be installed. The primer coat of paint will be applied after the taping process has been completed, while exterior finishes (such as brick, stucco, stone, and siding) are installed.

Phase 5: Interior Finishes

Some of the things that will be installed during this phase include the following:

• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
• Trim work.
• Visible plumbing fixtures (such as faucets and showerheads).
• Countertops.

This is where you’ll start to see the beauty of your home’s design come to life.

Phase 6: Last Steps

During this phase, everything comes together. The final coat of interior and exterior paint will be applied, while the different flooring choices (such as carpet and hardwood) are installed. Kitchen appliances will be put in, while the yard is graded and finished. After a final cleaning and an inspection, your home will be ready to be moved in.

If you’re looking for one of the best home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Devonshire Custom Homes.

If you’re building a custom home, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the decisions you have to make. You also have to make another big (and potentially expensive) decision that will directly affect your home’s curb appeal. There are a lot of options when it comes to the windows of your new home, and each one will serve a certain purpose. You can, however, find an option that will work with your style and within your budget.

Here are some window types that you should consider as you plan the design of your new custom home.

#1: Single Hung Windows

Single hung windows open vertically from their bottom window panel or lower sash, which will move up or down. But, the upper sash stays in one place. When you open the window, the upper sash is covered on the inside. In fact, the major difference between single hung and double hung windows is in how these sections move. A single hung window will typically cost between $280 and $605 per window, and it’s considered to be the most affordable option on the market.

#2: Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows are similar to single hung windows, except that both the upper and lower sashes can move. They can also be tilted so cleaning and maintenance are easier. They’re the most common type of window installation that’s available in a broad range of sizes and materials. They’re also offered by all the major brands.

Double hung windows will usually cost between $310 and $665 per window, but the type of window frame you choose can also affect the pricing. A vinyl double hung window installation will cost less, while a double hung window with a wood frame will be more expensive.

#3: Arched Windows

Arched windows have rounded tops, which can make the architectural design of any home more appealing. Most of these windows don’t open or close, which is why they’re often installed above standard windows. But, some arched windows can open the same way as a casement window does. The average cost for an arched window installation is $345-$950 per window. They can also be installed in a multi-arch structure with square or rectangular window panes on both sides and a set of arched curved windows on the top.

#4: Awning Windows

Because they create a water-resistant awning when they’re opened, awning windows work great in areas that get a great deal of rain. They swing open on the outside by being pushed outward with a latch or handle, which not only makes them weatherproof but is also easier to clean. An awning window installation will typically cost between $225 and $480 per window (depending on the size and material). They’re also more affordable than other window types.

#5: Bay Windows

Because they can provide an alluring view to an outside area, bay windows can be a great addition to any living room or kitchen. They stick out from an exterior wall and create a small shelf inside your home. They also rely on flat windows set into an angled frame that’s built out of the home. But because they’re larger windows that require a more skilled installer, the cost of bay windows will be higher.

The average cost to install a bay window is $1,215-$2,595, with each window costing between $240 and $800 on average. This will usually include a center window, with two side windows that are angled at 40-40 degrees. The wide windows can be double hung or casement, which can be installed for ventilation.

#6: Bow Windows

Bow windows create a circular area along the outside of your home with custom curved windows. This can give you an extended view of your front or back yard. But, depending on the number of window panels you want to use, they can sometimes be more expensive than a full bay window. This is because of the complexity of this type of window installation, which will cost an average of $750-$1,700.

#7: Casement Windows

Casement windows swing up or out to the side for them to open. This allows the window to be made out of solid glass, which can give you a view with fewer obstructions. A casement window installation can cost between $415 and $890 per window. They typically come with one casement window pane on the left and one on the right. They’re also considered to be a growing trend in modern window designs, because they can open up a room while adding to a home’s value.

If you’re looking for one of the best Corpus Christi home builders to help you with the design and construction of your property, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.

One area of the home that has come the farthest in terms of design is the outdoor living space. They used to be areas for some patio furniture and even a grill, but that isn’t the case today. People are installing televisions, kitchens, and entire dining areas. Many outdoor spaces also have fire pits that look like works of art, and some of them even have full fireplaces.

If you’re ready to update your outdoor living space, here are some incredible ideas that might work for you.

#1: Outdoor TV Area

One of the ways that outdoor spaces have evolved is that they have included technology. This has become possible since the invention of the flat screen. You can hang a television in almost any spot. There are a number of ways that you can make a television work in an outdoor living space, but you need to make sure it’s installed in an enclosed area, so it’s protected from the weather.

#2: Outdoor Kitchen

A lot of modern outdoor living spaces have entire kitchens, which can include small refrigerators, as well as a variety of outdoor cooktops and sinks. Many outdoor kitchen appliances are also made of stainless steel, which makes them more resistant to weather and other forms of wear and tear. A common design feature is to put stainless steel appliances inside stone or brick, which combines the rustic look of these materials with the modern feel of stainless steel. The stone also helps to keep the appliances in place while giving them a more “outdoorsy” look.

#3: Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits

The fire pit is a classic mainstay of any outdoor space. A lot of people have spent nice evenings relaxing around the fire, but fire pits have gotten a more artistic feel in recent years. They look more like “fire features” than standard fire pits. People have also taken the traditional fireplace from inside the home by placing it outside. Doing this can give people a nice sitting area and can even provide a backdrop for a TV.

#4: Outdoor Dining Area

It may not be an outdoor living space without bringing the dining experience outdoors. Today, outdoor dining spaces are so detailed that they look like they need to be indoors — that is, until you take a closer look. Then, you realize that everything has been designed to stand up against the elements. Some outdoor living spaces have long, full tables that are similar to what you would see in a dining room. Others even have a bar area. There are so many options that your outdoor dining space can be completely customizable.

#5: Two-Level Backyard

Having a two-level backyard can help you get the most out of your outdoor living space and can even give it more character. A spacious paver patio will give you plenty of room for furniture. You can also run string lights along the length of the yard to make the entire space feel connected.

#6: Creating a Focal Point

Having a central focal point can give you something around which you can build the rest of your outdoor living space. It can also create a place where your guest’s eyes can move toward, but it can also make your yard look more beautiful. If you’re planning to build an outdoor kitchen, it could be the central part of the entire space. It can also be something you have in your yard (such as a winding tree or pond). If you’re not sure what your focal point could be, take a little time to think about the different options. You could always install a water feature (such as a fountain) or buy a sculpture.

#7: Adding Dimension with Light

Adding the right lighting can add dimension to your outdoor space. Depending on what you decide to use, you can give it different feels. Outdoor electrical lights that you can turn on and off with a switch can make your space feel bright and modern, while hanging string lights can make it feel cozy and warm. Tiki lights and torches can give the space a more dramatic feel. You can even add a chandelier if you want your outdoor space to look more elegant. Just make sure you get one that can withstand the elements.

If you’re looking for one of the best custom home builders in Corpus Christi to help you with your outdoor decorating, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.

Flooring is one of the most important parts of any home. Not only does it have a functional purpose, but it can also determine the style and overall “feel” of a room. There are a lot of great flooring types to choose from, so you can be sure to find what you want while staying within your budget. But, as you design your new custom home, you want to make sure you choose a flooring option that will wear well over the years (especially if you have young children or pets). You also want to choose materials and colors that will work well with the rest of the home and will keep their beauty for many years. Easy maintenance and durability are also things to consider, especially if you have a busy or active lifestyle.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some factors that you should consider:

• Budget
• Cost of installation
• Style and aesthetics
• Return on investment

Some rooms might be better suited for carpet, while hardwood might work well in others. But, you may need a flooring option that’s more resistant to wear and tear, especially if you have pets or children. Higher cost and quality will often mean that it will last longer, so that’s something you should remember.

Here are some of the best flooring options for your new custom home.

#1: Hardwood

Hardwood flooring has a classic look that can work with any type of home. It’s durable enough to be installed in every room of the house, including kitchens and other high-traffic areas. It’s also available in a variety of finishes, which can give you plenty of options to choose from. Some of the best types of hardwood floors include, but may not be limited to:

• Birch — A naturally light wood with a tight grain.
• Hickory — Natural color variation with a striking grain.
• Kupay or Brazillian Cherry — An exotic species of wood with a reddish-brown color.
• Maple — A type of wood with a medium shade and a broad color variation (with occasional knots).
• Oak — One of the hardest woods on the market with a heavy grain.

Each type of wood has its own unique color, style, and price. Many of them are also available in a variety of board sizes (including wide planks). But today, many manufacturers offer both solid hardwood and engineered hardwood planks. Engineered hardwood is more durable, because it’s more resistant to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

#2: Laminate

High-quality laminate flooring looks and feels like real wood, but costs a lot less than standard hardwood flooring types. It’s also more resistant to dents, scratches, and stains. Laminate flooring can be easily cleaned with a vacuum or broom, so pet hair and dust aren’t a problem. Laminate comes with more color and texture choices than hardwood, but new options can mimic the look of stone, brick, or even tile. It can even be textured to make it feel like wood grain or the surface of stone, which makes it look more realistic. Laminate flooring will give you a lot of flexibility, so you can be sure to find a look that works best for you.

#3: Carpet

While hardwood and laminate flooring types have gotten more popular in the last few decades, carpet is still an important material in many homes. Not only does it come in a broad range of colors and materials, but it can also give your home a feeling of warmth and coziness. It can even minimize noise, which makes it a great choice for rooms on the second floor, hallways, and kids’ play areas. Many people like having carpet in the bedroom, especially on a cold winter morning.

You do, of course, want your carpet to wear well, which is why quality is so important. The material you choose also matters. If stain resistance is important, polyester carpet will be a better choice than nylon. You can also get treated carpet, so spills can be easier to clean up. If you’re thinking about adding carpet to certain areas of your custom home, make sure you choose a manufacturer that uses high-quality materials that wear well.

If you want to know the best flooring options for your custom home, you should speak with a professional. Devonshire Custom Homes is one of the best home builders in Corpus Christi. If you want to get the most out of your custom home, be sure to get in touch with us. We would happy to speak with you about your specific needs!

Most homebuyers will spend a great deal of time and energy on searching for or designing what they believe is “the perfect home” before they sign any contracts or get the necessary funding. A lot of things are taken into consideration before the house hunting can begin, which can include but may not be limited to:

• Location
• Price
• Market trends
• Property taxes
• Homeowners association fees
• The condition of the property

Buyers will also have a “wish list” of things that the buyer must have, but they will also have a list of things that they would like to have, but could do without. While the home-buying process can involve several important choices, one the first decisions buyers need to make is whether to look for an existing home or build a new one. Both paths have their own advantages, but they also have their drawbacks.

Benefits of Buying a Home

Buying a home has two main advantages: convenience and cost. Once you have been approved by a lender, you can shop around, pick out a home, and make an offer. A good real estate agent will be able to streamline the process by finding the right properties, guiding you through the negotiation process, and helping you with the paperwork.

Once your offer has been accepted, you can close the deal and move in within a month or two (depending on the circumstances). While the process can involve a number of steps (such as financing, looking at homes, making offers, home inspections, and closing), the convenience that comes with being able to move in right away is enough to take this direction.

In most cases, it will be cheaper to buy an existing home. And depending on your specific real estate market, the prices on these properties may still be favorable. Another advantage of buying a home is that you would be able to get into a more established neighborhood — one that may be near your place of work, schools, as well as friends and family.

There’s also a good a chance the home will have more mature landscaping. You won’t have to worry about starting a lawn, planting shrubs, and waiting for trees to grow. If you want to live closer to town, your best bet would be to buy an existing home because most of the land will have already been built upon. There is, however, a big disadvantage to buying a home. You most likely won’t be able to get exactly what you want. You may not be in love with the floor plan, or you may want to have that half-bath on the first floor.

Advantages of Building a Home

Building a home won’t be as convenient as buying an existing one. Not only do you have to buy the land (which may not be in an existing neighborhood), but you also have to think about the time it would take find an architect or builder. Not to mention, the decisions you’ll have to make about every single element of the home. You can minimize the risk of going over your budget or experiencing time delays if you work with a reputable builder or have a good contract in place. Joining an existing development can streamline the process, but it may limit your choices. You also have to think about certain systems (such as access to municipal water and sewage). You may need to build a well or septic system, and you may need to get certain permits.

The big advantage of building a home is that you’re more likely to get exactly what you want. For many people, this is enough to persuade them. Building a home has other advantages as well. You’ll be able to create a more efficient home that will meet new energy codes and standards with regard to heating, ventilation, cooling, insulation, and air filtration. A more efficient home will be better for the environment and can save you money on your monthly utility bills. A new home may also be better for your health. Older homes can have asbestos, lead paint, or mold. But, if you build a home, you can use materials that are better for you and the environment.

While the upfront cost of building a home can be higher, you may have a better chance of getting a return on your investment. You can make more of a profit from selling your home because for most people, newer properties are more appealing that older ones. A newer home won’t need as many repairs and will require less maintenance, which can save you both time and money. Your new home will also have a warranty. So even if something goes wrong, you could still be covered.

If you’re looking for one of the best custom home builders in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.

If you’re thinking about adding a laundry room, you may be having a hard time deciding where it should be located. Your laundry room design should be able to strike a balance in ways that may seem contradictory in the beginning. It should be conveniently located, but it shouldn’t be so close to living areas where noise becomes an issue. You also want it to be big enough to accommodate large appliances without having to take room from your house’s main living areas. Flexibility, convenience, and space all have to coordinate with the need to tap into a variety of utilities and access points that can be hard to move or even extend. For most custom homes, this goal can be achieved if you do a little planning.

Important Considerations for Your Laundry Room Design

The first main consideration as you design your laundry room is how well you can access core utilities. Of all the things to consider, this is the most important. Putting your laundry room at a place where you can access electrical and plumbing points (in addition to a venting location) will save you a great deal of time, money, and hassle. All dryers (both gas and electrical) need to use electricity for them to run. Gas dryers will usually need a 120V, three-prong electrical outlet. Electric dryers will need access to a 240V, 30-amp electrical outlet. Washers only need a 120V (AC only) 15- or 20-amp fused electrical outlet. All of these electrical hookups need to be within four to six feet of the appliances. The power must be grounded, and all the outlets need to be three-prong.

Washers will need access to both hot and cold water valves that are clean and free of corrosion. They must also be within six feet of the hookup location. Washers will need some way to drain the water, which can be done with any of the following:

• Floor drain
• Wall standpipe
• Floor standpipe
• Laundry tub

All dryers need to hook up to a duct that goes out through an exterior wall or roof. Some rigid metal ducts with no bends can go as far as 120 feet to the outside, but the best approach is to keep the dryer duct as short and straight as possible. If your dryer runs on natural gas, it will need access to a gas line. You won’t be able to connect it to a liquid propane hookup.

Planning the Space for Your Laundry Room Design

You should plan on having at least 30 inches of width and 35 inches of depth for each machine, but you should also add another 5-1/2 inches behind the dryer for the dryer vent. Stackable machines can save you a great deal of floor space, but they will typically have smaller capacities than individual machines. Your laundry room should be on a floor that’s sturdy enough to support at least 200 pounds of weight, but you will also have to think about the combined weight of a companion appliance. You should also keep the floor’s slope to one inch or less across the width of the appliance

Having a laundry room that’s too far away from living and working areas (such as the kitchen) can be inconvenient and will add more work to your laundry day. Make sure you keep it within a realistic distance of the areas in your house where spend most of your time. You also want to make sure the washer and dryer are set up properly and that they’re well-maintained. Being vigilant about keeping the dryer vent clean, clear, and flowing is important as well. And if you’re using stackable machines, make sure they’re properly installed so they won’t topple over.

Layout Options for Your Laundry Room Design

The location of your laundry room will depend on its layout. Galley-style laundry rooms are long and narrow. They also use the least amount of room, which can work well on the other side of kitchen walls. The downside to this type of design for a laundry room is there’s very little working space. L-shaped and U-shaped laundry rooms can give you the most options in terms of the location of your washer and dryer. It will also have more storage options and will give you more working room.

You will need a wider space for an L-shaped room to accommodate the extra section for countertops and cabinets. For a U-shaped laundry room design, the space will need to be even wider so you can have room for entire U-shape of cabinets and countertops. If you want to add a table for folding clothes in the middle the room, you will even need more space.

If you’re looking for one of the best home builders in the Corpus Christi area, be sure to get in touch with Devonshire Custom Homes.