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.

Your master bathroom should be more than just a place to get ready before work. It can also be your own personal sanctuary — a place where you can relax and unwind. A luxury suite used to be something that was only reserved for the rich and famous. But now, modern technology and design techniques can turn your master bathroom into a place where you can have a spa-like experience. Whether you’re getting ready for a remodel or planning out the layout of your new home, here are some great features that you should consider adding to your master bathroom design.

#1: Double Sinks

Relationships are hard enough without having to share a sink with your partner. But, like having “your” side of the bed, there’s something satisfying and comforting about having your own sink with enough counter space to put all your stuff.

#2: Integrated LED Vanity Lighting

You can find mirrors with integrated and adjustable LED lighting, which can eliminate the harsh shadows and unflattering angles that can come with standard vanity lighting. The adjustable light in these mirrors will fall perfectly on you no matter how tall you are.

#3: Touchless Faucet with Built-In Soap Dispenser

Touchless faucets aren’t just for public bathrooms anymore. A lot of bathroom faucet manufacturers offer a variety of styles that use touchless technology. Delta’s Touch20 Collection uses touchless controls that will allow you to turn them on and off, and they have an LED light at the base of the faucet that indicates the temperature of the water. Delta even has a line of electronic soap dispensers for both kitchens and bathrooms.

#4: Open Shower

Curbless showers will not only add value to your home but, will also give off an aura of luxury and style. Glass enclosures will give you a sense of openness to the bathroom. And with MOMA Design’s 100-point shower head with colored lights (which are created by optical fibers), you’ll feel like you’re standing under a starry sky every time you get in the shower.

#5: Separate Soaking Tub

While you can enjoy your open shower on a daily basis, there are times when all you need is a long soak. A great master bathroom design would have enough space for a separate soaking bathtub. Whether it’s a freestanding bathtub or a sunken tub, it’s good to have an extra-deep model with enough space on the rim for some aromatherapy candles.

#6: Sauna or Steam Shower

A sauna or steam shower can be a great thing to add to any master bathroom design, even if you live in a hot climate. A sauna that’s built for two won’t take up a lot of space. While they may seem like a luxury item for which you have to pay top dollar, the cost of installing one is probably lower than you think.

#7: Separate Water Closet

Even couples have some things that they don’t want to share, and what they do while “taking care of business” is usually one of them. If you have the space, think about installing a toilet behind a pocket door because it might keep you from having to hire a marriage counselor.

#8: In-Floor Radiant Heat

There can’t be a worse way to wake up in the morning than to step onto a cold tile floor with bare feet, which is why in-floor radiant heat can be a great addition to any bathroom design. But, it also has some sustainability benefits. Radiant heat is more efficient than forced air. It can also be installed by using electric tubes or loops of tubes that pump heated water.

#9: Wall-Mounted Heated Towel Rack

While it’s a common thing in most European bathrooms, wall-mounted heated towel racks are just starting to gain foothold in the American market. They can keep your towels warm in colder climates, and they can keep your towels dry and smelling fresh (even in damp environments).

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. We would be happy to help you come up with bathroom design ideas for your next custom home!

If you’re thinking about building a custom home, you will most likely have a lot of questions. But, two of the most common ones are about how much it will cost and how long it will take. Both of these questions make a lot of sense. Price is often a determining factor when it comes to deciding which home builder to hire, but the timeline isn’t too far behind in relative importance. Besides these two, there are plenty of other considerations you should explore before you commit to a home builder because it can be the difference between owning your dream home and one that’s second-rate (or even worse).

Here are some important items to consider when buying a new home in Corpus Christi

#1: How much can I customize my home?

The word “custom” lies on a spectrum, which can range from touch-ups to full-on remodels. A 100% customization is where you can decide on every single detail in the home, but most home buyers want something in the middle. However, the biggest customization gap among home builders is whether they will let you make changes to its architecture. This can include any of the following:

• Expanding a room.
• Adding an extra bedroom.
• Changing the roof line.
• Adding a deck.

Some home builders say that they’re custom, even though they only allow for cosmetic changes (such as countertops and cabinet finishes). They won’t allow you to make changes to their preset blueprints in any way, shape, or form. True custom home builders will allow you to expand on a design, even after the construction process has already begun. You can add a fifth bedroom, have a bigger kitchen, or expand your patio area.

#2: How do I find the right decorative surfaces, colors, and fixtures?

If you want to build a semi-custom or custom home, you can choose from a variety of details. But, you need to know how the interior design process works for each builder, because all of them are different. Typically, there are three main options:

• The builder has either an in-house showroom or an on-staff interior designer/decorator.
• You hire an independent interior designer or decorator to help you find the right finishes. The builder can often refer you to ones they have worked with before.
• You find the suppliers and finishes on your own.

Because there’s no extra coordination necessary, the first option will be the easiest. The second option is also good, but it’s probably not a good idea to go with option three.

#3: What kind of features are included with the price?

Features on a custom home are usually available in two formats:

• They’re included in the home’s base price.
• They’re part of different packages you can add.

Most home builders will use both forms. Certain high-end features will often be included in the base price, but you can also add more with a luxury package. You should, however, take any base price with a grain of salt once, especially after you ask about what kind of features are included. One builder may have a low cost, but the features you want may not be available without paying for a hefty upgrade. Make sure you pay attention to whether the following features are included in the base price:

• Plumbing for appliances.
• HVAC systems.
• Electrical systems.
• Cabinets.
• Tile.
• Countertops.
• Hardwood floors.

All of these are important, because you don’t want to pay more than you need to.

#4: Do you help with land acquisition, or do I need to find land myself?

The land you buy will determine what you can do with your home (both on a structural and aesthetic level). Some neighborhoods have design guidelines that you need to follow and are typically set by the homeowner’s association. Also, the land may not support the kind of home you really want. If a builder can help you find land, they will often make sure it can accommodate the kind of home you want to build. But, if the builder doesn’t provide that kind of service (or you want to do it yourself), you will be responsible for finding your own property. You will have to work with an architect, land surveyor, or builder to determine if that land can bring your vision to life.

#5: If I find a property I like, what can you do to add value?

If you have already found a property, you should ask your home builder if they can inspect the land or if you need to hire someone else to do it for you. Other things you can discuss with your home builder include:

• The lot’s size.
• Whether the utilities are installed.
• Whether the plumbing needs to be replaced.
• Whether the builder needs to tear down an existing home.
• Whether there are any zoning issues.
• The quality of the soil.
• Whether the property is at an incline.
• Whether the neighborhood has a certain home style and whether you have to build in that style.

If you’re looking for a custom home builder in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out of Devonshire Custom Homes.

There’s a lot to think about when you plan on building a home. Whether it’s a new layout or some new design finishes, the features you put into a custom home design will be there for many years. But, it’s also an opportunity to get creative by putting in a set of unique features that you might not be able to find in a home that has already been built. Whether you’re planning to build a custom home or are curious about what you can put into its design, here are some great ideas that you should take into careful consideration.

#1: Custom Shelving

If you’re planning to build a new home, this is the best time to add some custom shelving. A good built-in shelf that’s strategically located (such as a set of bookshelves around an archway or a multimedia unit that fits inside a space in your main living area) can be the focal point for any room. Custom shelving can also have a utilitarian purpose. There may be places in your custom home design where you can add some extra storage, so be sure to work with your builder to see if there are any places where you can use this option.

#2: High Ceilings

When it comes to opening up your space, it’s almost always worth it to splurge on some taller ceilings. There’s a big difference between the look and feel of six-foot ceilings and eight-foot ceilings, with the latter options adding not just the literal amount of space, but in how luxurious it looks. It will also allow you to add more finishing touches (such as extra fixtures and wall art).

#3: Upstairs Laundry Room

Moving laundry up and down the stairs isn’t the worst thing in the world, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t avoid it if you can. Having an upstairs laundry room can make an everyday activity a lot more convenient. If you can add a window to brighten up the space, it can make loading washers and folding clothes a more pleasant experience.

#4: Mudroom

Building a new home can give you a chance to play around with different home design ideas, so you can add things that you didn’t have in homes you have had before. If you know about the hassle of walking into the front door with no place to hang your coat or to take off your muddy shoes, you know how useful a mudroom could be. But, it doesn’t have to be big or extravagant. Even a closet-sized space with a wall of cubbies and a bench can be useful, especially on days when it’s pouring down rain.

#5: His and Hers Closets

Why should you share a closet with your spouse if you don’t have to? Why not add a set of his and hers closets for each of you? That way, you can have enough room for all your stuff. It’s becoming an increasingly popular option for custom homes, because they’re not finding as much appeal in sacrificing storage for the sake of adding extra space. They want to have areas of their home that serve a particular function. Talk to your builder or architect to see if it’s possible to take some extra square footage from the master bedroom or bathroom to put toward a dual closet solution.

#6: Cabinet Lighting

Adding some lighting both in and under your cabinets can not only create more aesthetic appeal, but can also be useful (especially in your kitchen). While it’s something you can add later with some adhesive strip lighting, a built-in option will be brighter and better-looking. You can choose between standard bulbs or LED strips, and you can have them wired to a main switch so you can turn them on an off.

#7: Heated Floors

Heated floors are becoming popular in custom home design plans. Warming coils run under your floorboards, which can be turned on and off with a switch. They can warm up the floors located in cooler areas of your home (such as homes that have been built over a set of slabs instead of a foundation) and can be great additions to any bathroom. If you want to stay warmer during the winter months or would like to be a little cozier when you step out of the shower, talk to your builder to see if this is an option.

#8: Central Vacuum System

If you like the idea of not having to carry a vacuum cleaner from one room to another, a central vacuum system might be something worth looking into. It’s a vacuum that lives inside your walls and has a collection container for dirt, dust, and debris housed in a central location. If you want to use it, just plug in a hose to one of the portals around your house. Central vacuum systems will also throw less dust and dander into the air than traditional vacuums, which is a good perk if you have allergies.

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