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Experience Homes

Sep 08 2021
home build

How to pick the perfect paint colors for your home.

By Buying Process, Home, New Construction

How to pick the perfect paint colors for your home.

One of the most exciting things about getting a new home is getting to do things just how you like them. But picking paint colors can be a tough job. There are so many, where do you even start? Getting to know the color trends can make it a little easier. Maybe you have a particular look in mind or just want to exercise a little self-expression. Either way, you can use the 2021 trends to help get the right aesthetic for your new home.

Interior paint color

What better way to start thinking about your interior paint colors than by taking a look at the Pantone 2021 colors of the year. This year there are two: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, which is a bright yellow.  Grays are versatile neutrals that can complement just about any style and look perfect in any room. While yellows are a classic for kitchens. A bright yellow can also make a good accent color. You don’t necessarily need to go with these exact shades either, but it can be a good starting point.

Earth tone palettes are a very big trend this year. So many people have spent so much time indoors recently that anything that gives a nod to the great outdoors is a welcome sight. Greens, blues, and yellows are popular choices, but the big trend for earth tones this year is brown.

Along with dark brown, other fall colors like purple are popular right now too. Especially some of the bolder, more saturated, and luxurious-looking shades. A good example is Aubergine, a brownish-purple color. These colors are usually too intense for an entire room, but they can make a great accent wall or accent color in decor. If you have an accent color or two you would love to have in the room, you can work from there and look at wall colors that would work with them.

Exterior color

When picking exterior colors, you’ll want to consider the curb appeal of your home, or how it will look from the street. For this reason, most people don’t want to go overboard with something too bold. You’ll want to consider the window color and roof color too when making your exterior color choices.

Those can’t be easily changed and you don’t want anything visually offensive that makes your home look like an eyesore rather than stylish. White or other neutrals are always a popular choice, you can avoid looking too average by picking a trim color that is bold or dark. It’s the perfect spot to work in some color.

Neutrals and blue

If you absolutely aren’t sure what to go with, pick a neutral. They’re popular for a reason. And they work both inside and out.

Another color that is almost universally appealing is blue. It’s a calm and soothing color that also works inside and out. For that reason, it’s a popular choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. This year’s trendiest shades like turquoise and sapphire can provide a pop of color to your interior

If you need a change of scenery and are looking for more than just a simple “freshen up” of your current home, a home trade-in program is a unique option to help get you into your dream home quickly with no realtor fees, and no worries about two mortgage payments or moving out before you’re ready.

Call Experience Homes, professional home builders in Amarillo TX to trade in your old home, or build a new one and start dreaming of your perfect colors now.

Aug 14 2021
house

How to Choose the Best Layout for Your Home

By Buying Process, New Construction

How to Choose the Best Layout for Your Home

Homebuilding gives you the opportunity for no regrets, but the many layout choices can be daunting. At Experience Homes, we offer a wide variety of floor plans to choose from, and can design your beautiful new home to meet, and exceed, your needs.

BEDROOMS

Do you have a growing family, or plan to in the future? Do you frequently entertain overnight guests or have family come to visit? Having plenty of space for everyone is necessary to keep everyone comfortable and happy.

Along with your family’s growing needs, will come the desire for additional bedrooms. A crying newborn can keep other family members up through the night, children and teenagers will want their own space, and finding room for guests can turn out to be like a game of Tetris. These are things you’ll need to consider in the span of building your home.

LOCATION

If your kids are old enough for video games or loud music, you may want to keep their bedrooms a good distance away from yours. However, if you are just starting your family, you will want at least one bedroom close to the master bedroom to use as a nursery.

Do you want the master bedroom close to the main entrance of the home for security? Or would you rather have a closed-off quiet oasis separated from the main living area? If your kids are prone to fighting (we’ll call it playing rough) or have a large age gap, it might be best to separate their bedrooms a bit. However, if mom or dad is prone to working late or overnight hours, it might be a good idea to place the master bedroom closer to the garage or main entrance, for easy access without disturbing others.

DON’T FORGET THE BATHROOMS

Consider his and hers vanities for the master bathrooms. It sounds simple, but it will really help alleviate tension during busy mornings. “Jack and Jill” bathrooms (bathrooms connecting two bedrooms together) are popular for kids’ rooms and allow them to have their own privacy.

If you have frequent visitors to your home, it’s important to have a half bathroom available near the main living area. There should also be one full bathroom for every two bedrooms in your home.

STORAGE

Storage space is so much more than closets. It can take a home from feeling cramped and cluttered, to roomy, clean, and comfortable.

  • Kitchen – As your family expands, so will your need for cabinet and pantry space. You will continue to require new cookware, new small appliances, and more food storage. Consider built-in pantry space and plenty of large cabinets to hide unsightly bulky items and keep food stored away.
  • HovHubs (Designated Workspace) – These spaces are essential for today’s families, especially if you opt for an open floor plan. Placed in a central location, it can serve a wide variety of needs for every family member from homework to a quick recipe search to answering an email.
  • Garage – A well-designed, well-organized garage can hold so much more than your vehicles. Think about your children’s bicycles, outdoor toys, family sports equipment, tools, and holiday decorations. You can also install a second mudroom in your garage.
  • Mudroom – If you’ve ever had a loved one come home after a long hot day’s work, or kids come in from football practice on a rainy day, then you understand how critical a well-located mudroom really is. It not only gives everyone their own “unloading” cubby space, but can keep your home from being extra smelly or cluttered.

CONSIDER ADDING A PLAYROOM

Having a designated space for all of your children’s toys can save you hours of time keeping their bedrooms clean and organized. As your children grow older, you could convert this space into a game or theater room.

WHAT ABOUT THE LAUNDRY ROOM?

A well-placed laundry room can make all the difference when you are raising a family. Multi-tasking is a lot easier if you choose a location near the kitchen because you can quickly check on the laundry in between cooking tasks. If you choose a two-story home design, you may prefer your laundry room to be located upstairs near the bedrooms so you don’t have to carry it as far.

DIMENSIONS

Do you dream of a large, eat-in kitchen or would you prefer more dining room space? If you’re a family whose life is lived around the kitchen or dining table, you may want to dedicate more space to create a larger, more open-concept kitchen and dining area, so the spaces aren’t “closed off” from one another.

What about beyond the interior? If you like to spend time outside, or if you have children or pets that like to run around, you’ll want to consider the size of your outdoor space in addition to your home’s square footage.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

You will also want to think about the location of outlets, windows, fixtures, and doors. We have all seen houses with out-of-place outlets or light switches, or even light fixture locations that don’t seem to make sense. Save yourself the trouble later on by planning ahead.

Outlets need to be easily accessible, and their locations need to be well-planned out before moving in and getting settled. There should be at least one outlet located on every interior wall, possibly two or more, depending on the size of the space. Well-placed light fixtures and ceiling fans can mean the difference between a dark and dreary room and a comfortable and inviting area.

Big fan of natural light? Your window placement is essential to what kind of sunlight comes into your home and where. If you’re a night owl or late riser, the last thing you’d want is your bedroom windows facing directly toward the rising sun in the mornings.

It takes much more to building a house than simply picking a layout. That’s why you should trust the experts at Experience Homes. We take the time to walk you through the building process, and not only take care of all the details but create a house you feel perfectly at home in. Contact us today.

Jul 12 2021

2021 Kitchen Backsplash Trends

By Home

Popular Backsplash Designs For A First-Time Build, Renovation, Or Remodel

Homebuilding isn’t a process that necessarily ends once the property has been completed. Every couple of years, there will be something that must be replaced. Even the best materials will need to be replaced over time.

The process of home building can be continuous. With a new home that’s a custom build, there are new trends you might want to consider. Today something that’s popular is commissioning the construction of a new home that, when completed, you exchange for equity associated with a previous residence.

Depending on involved equity, this may cover the bill of construction costs; but it will depend on things like materials, location, modification, and customization. Still, companies that build new houses like Experience Homes offer this trade-in program to help new buyers who might not otherwise have the option. Going this route eliminates showings and dealer fees, there are never two mortgages, and the moving process isn’t truncated into a short time frame.

You can get everything moved as you like. Plus, you have the added bonus of decorating the property however you see fit in terms of customization. One place where this will really come into play is in the kitchen–especially as regards backsplash designs. Here we’ll briefly explore five 2021 trends in backsplash options:

  • Cloe Tile, White
  • Quartzite Or Marble
  • Different Geometrical Shapes
  • Textures That Challenge Convention
  • Colors That Are Calming, Diverse Tile Sizes

 

White Cloe Tile

A lot of people associate bright white colors with the hues of a dream home, and white Cloe tile is there to fulfill that vision. Subtle coloration differences and texture variations make this modern-looking backsplash option subtle and expressive all at once.

Quartzite Or Marble

Another favorite for any dream kitchen is quartzite and marble. There is an affordable opulence defining such backsplash designs. Both materials are durable and easy to clean. Especially for kitchens that have non-traditional color schemes, like those incorporating deep greens, this is a fine option for 2021.

Different Geometrical Shapes

You can also make backsplashes in your kitchen into unique shapes using tiles. In this way, fairly cost-effective tiling can be made into a little miniature art piece that directly matches your sensibilities.

Textures That Challenge Convention

Textures are a big part of what makes a backsplash aesthetically pleasing, and 2021 textures have a different sort of “flavor” than some years. Ceramic and porcelain are materials with unique, interesting textures that aren’t exceptionally costly. Find what works for you and your kitchen.

Colors That Are Calming, Diverse Tile Sizes

Tranquil blues, or the aforementioned deep green hues, tend to be calming colors excellent for the kitchen. Also, your backsplash arrangement doesn’t have to use tiles that are an inch square. You can have big or small tiles, and 2021 is a year where people are playing around with their options in detail, color, and style choices.

Perusing New And Favorite Backsplash Options

If you’re looking to build, remodel, or renovate your home, there are many trends to explore. For backsplashes, 2021 is seeing a lot of calming colors, diverse tile sizes, convention-challenging textures, geometric shapes, quartzite options, marble options, and white Cloe tile. What works for you?

Experience Homes in Amarillo Texas offers a home trade-in option where you can build your own house, trading equity of the previous property. If you’re building from the ground up, you might as well explore what sort of backsplash designs are available. To learn more about such interior options, or simply explore the costs of building a home, contact us at Experience Homes today!

Jun 28 2021

Questions to ask your home builder

By Buying Process

Home Building: A More Modern Approach

For those looking to build equity and retain existing assets, one of the best possible moves is to acquire real estate. You can even design a home with certain builders, such as Experience Homes, then they’ll purchase your old home as you’re looking to move into the new property. This makes everything a lot more affordable and includes a host of associated benefits such as:

  • You Don’t Have to Pay Any Realtor Fees
  • There is Only One Mortgage at a Time, Instead of Multiple Mortgages
  • You Don’t Have to do Any House Showings
  • The Stress of Being Out of the Old House on a Deadline is Gone

Notable Questions Worth Asking

Of course, less complication doesn’t mean you should neglect to ask your builder certain home building questions. Especially with custom builds, there are a lot of little details that need to be addressed. A few we will briefly explore here include:

The Level Of Budget You’re Working With

When you’re in the home building process, the budget you’re working with will likely expand. Asking the builders what you should expect to spend in advance is wise. Now, the more professional the company, the closer they’ll hit initial estimates. However, the more customization you desire, the more your budget will need to expand.

Accordingly, when asking about the associated budget of a prospective build, add about 15% to whatever you’re told. If builders come in under budget, you just saved a huge amount of money that can be put into other aspects of the property.

You will also need to take into consideration closing costs, living expenses, home insurance, and other fees. Ask your builder if those things can be “rolled in” to your overall home payment.

What Sort Of Timeline Defines Your Build

How long will it be before the home building project you’ve initiated is complete? Again, more professional builders tend to get the job done in a fast way that is simultaneously qualitative; but unexpected events still happen. Add at least a few weeks just to give yourself a margin for error.

The Location Where You Build: Do You Have Land?

You should have the location where you plan to have the house built figured out beforehand. There will be utility fees unless you’re building some sort of totally sustainable off-grid property. Most traditional builders operate on designs built around traditional grid-based utilities.

How Many Customization You’re Going For

If you’re building a custom home, that could be more or less expensive depending on associated customization. Working with your home builders in advance can help you balance your own custom modifications with their abilities and preferences as builders, facilitating the most cost-effective and harmonious result. That said, some customizations get pricey.

Decor Packages, Including Associated Trim And Fixtures

What sort of decor, trim, and fixtures will be associated with your new property? You definitely want to get these details right. If they don’t match your aesthetic preferences, the cost of fixing such issues can be high, and it’s unnecessary if you just get these things figured out in advance with your builders.

Exploring Home Building And Trade-In Options

Going the trade-in route allows you to save time and money while getting a greater level of customization in your new property, and avoiding both realtor fees and simultaneous mortgages.

Ask about decor, trim, and fixtures. Determine where the land will be that you build on. Plan for a timeline within a few weeks of projected estimates. Finally, design a budget around these things as you fully realize what will be necessary for the process, and how much equity you already have in your existing home.

For more information on home building, and how best to go about it, check out Experience Homes in Amarillo, Texas. We offer trade-in options, customization, and experience.

 

May 03 2021
new home build

Production Homes Vs. Custom Homes

By Buying Process

Anyone planning on engaging in the home building process and planning on finally seeing their “dream home” become a reality needs to think carefully about the differences between production homes and custom homes.

Production homes are basically a more uniform, streamlined, or even “cookie-cutter” approach to homebuilding. It gives the homeowner less control over the process and less ability to customize the exact details of his or her future home.

That’s not to say, of course, that production homes are not a good choice for some homeowners – and then there’s the middle-of-the-road “semi-custom” home option, too, to consider. BUT, if you want to custom-craft the exact home you want, you have to go to a custom home builder to get it done.

Here are 4 key advantages of opting for custom home building over production homes:

  1. Designed & Built “From Scratch”

The homeowner has the ability with custom homes to choose the floor plan, the size of the building, building materials, landscaping, stone countertops, and practically everything else.

A production home will have all or most of these features pre-set, while a semi-custom home gives you a greater but still limited menu of options to select from. Custom home building means you can collaborate with the builder and architect over any or all aspects of your future home.

  1. You Can Find Your Own Lot

With custom home building, you have the option to search out and buy your own lot separately if you wish. You can buy it from the custom builder if you wish, but it is not a requirement. With production homes, the lot and building simply automatically “come together.”

Custom-built homes are often designed in a way that closely marries the lot to the home, make architectural decisions based on geography. For example, you may change the position of windows and doors to gain more lighting or a better view of your surroundings.

  1. You Can Monitor & Control Costs

Building a custom home will require more involvement by the homeowner, and it may take more time and cost a bit more – but it’s worth it for the often superior quality of workmanship and the full customization you receive.

But another way to look at it is that customized homes mean customized budgets. You can make decisions to balance features and costs and stay within your desired budget. You don’t have to just go with a predetermined price point as with production homes.

  1. Working With Local Custom Builders

One big benefit of building and buying a custom home is that you get to work with friendly, local builders with a high level of experience and expertise. All too often, big national companies control production home projects and you just don’t get that “local feel” and “customized customer service.”

To learn more about the benefits of custom home building or to talk to an experienced custom home builder and start planning your dream home, contact Experience Homes in Amarillo, Texas, today!

Apr 05 2021
Home for sale in amarillo home builders amarillo

Siding & Brick Trends: How To Pick The Right Exterior for Your Home

By Buying Process, Home, New Construction

Home for sale in amarillo house amarillo

 

Building a new home in 2021? It’s important to be aware of this year’s trends so you can make an informed decision with all of your options in view. This is never more true than with the exterior covering of your home.

Most homes built today will utilize either brick or siding – or more likely a combination of the two. Custom home builders will be familiar with all of the latest trends as well as the timeless classics, so you should definitely go over home exterior options with your builder.

But we can look briefly here at the basics. Here are four key considerations when selecting brick and siding colors/styles that every Texas homeowner should be aware of.

1. Brick Is Booming Across Many Styles

Brick is now readily available to home builders in numerous colors and styles – more than ever before. The real trend with brick is simply diversity and uniqueness – making your home different in some way from all others. While more costly than siding, brick is more durable.

Classic brick red, a deeper burgundy red, antique white, browns, blacks, and khaki are among the more popular exterior colors for brick homes right now. But there are many other colors and shades that offer a panorama of curb appeal possibilities!

And you also have rough-hewn brick surfaces, smooth-faced brick, “faded glory style,” and more to consider. The surface contour of the bricks will do much to influence the overall ambiance of your new home – creating anything from “vintage” to “business-like” to “playful.”

2. Don’t Forget About Thin Brick & Brick Highlights

Many times, homeowners are choosing to have their porch areas or other small, stand-alone brick zones done in a brick veneer product often called “thin brick.” This trend saves money, makes installation easier, and gives you much of the look and feel of “thick brick.”

Also important when designing brick areas for your home is to outline brick zones with other materials. Brick up against natural stone, stucco, or siding can create an interesting and aesthetically pleasing “highlighting” effect.

3. Pair Siding Colors With Brick Colors Wisely

Some homes have the entire exterior done in brick alone, and that can look great. But it’s usually more economical and/or desirable to most homeowners to do a brick-siding combo on the exterior.

This brings up the issue of pairing the siding color with the brick color. Pairing a forest green with brick red is popular, both colors having a kind of “faded” look to them.

Deep burgundy brick can go well with the same color of siding. Blue-green siding contrasts well with most colors of brick popular today, while light gray is the top “neutral” (less bold) siding color of choice with just about any brick color.

4. Choose Your Siding Material Carefully

Vinyl is the most popular siding material these days, largely due to two factors: a huge variety of color options and the most affordable price point.

But don’t overlook the possibility of wood siding for its warm, natural look. Pine and cedar are the trendiest woods, with board and batten and shingles/shakes being typical forms. (Engineered wood mimics fiber cement board siding while reducing the weight and the cost somewhat.)

Doing the front with vertical wood siding and the gables with wood shakes is a popular trend. Selecting out certain areas for “special treatment” in general is “in.” So this gives homeowners plenty of space to exercise their creativity!

Custom Home Builders in Amarillo, Texas

To learn more about modern home exterior, especially brick and siding, trends in 2021 and beyond, contact Experience Homes – the custom home builders of Amarillo, Texas, today!

Mar 23 2021

What Countertops Best Suit Your Needs?

By Home

High-quality countertops are a key aesthetic and practical feature you can add to your current home or to a new home you plan to have custom-built. In fact, given the centrality of the kitchen and the necessity of functional bathrooms, choosing the right countertop is a major home building decision.

There are a plethora of options for countertops and a few of the top contenders in today’s market for stone countertops are granite, quartz, quartzite, and marble.

Which stone should I choose?

All of them are quality and popular materials, each of which has its own set of pros and cons. Some situations will call for one, while others may call for the others. Every homeowner may have his or her preference in this regard as well.

The important thing, then, is to decide based on the facts which option is “right for you.” Here are the main points you need to know when choosing what stone countertops best suits your needs.

  1. All Stones Offer Much Variety In Color & Style

There is a huge variety in color and style when choosing stone countertops. In general, granite slabs tend to be darker and bolder, but this is just a rule of thumb and nothing more. Marble usually has softer vein patterns than other stones. This may make them more appealing to those seeking a lighter touch, a softer ambiance. Quartz is an engineered stone that allows you to have an even and consistent appearance and Quartzite has the look of marble, but it’s much easier to care for.

  1. Granite Costs Less & Lasts Longer

Although it always varies from specific stone to stone, granite has a lower price range than does marble. You can find some marbles, however, that cost less than some granites.

In general, granite is more durable. It survives longer and requires less maintenance over the years. Both stones have to be sealed from time to time, but marble may require more frequent sealings. (Note that each particular granite stone slab is given a durability rating ranging from A to D, with A being the most durable.)

Marble is “magnificent,” but it is also more “touchy.” You have to be a little more on your guard against staining and etching with marble. But again, it varies from stone to stone so that some marble slabs are less at risk of staining than some granite stones are.

  1. Marble Gives You Greater Consistency

There is always some variation in pattern and color from stone to stone, which is considered desirable by most involved in the home building process. But many prefer countertops made up of slabs that are as close as possible to each other in style.

Granite slabs usually vary more from piece to piece, which may be an attraction to some home builders. However, the greater consistency of marble slabs may be more important to others. Usually, marble’s closer matches are considered more appealing, and this is part of the reason why marble generally requires a little bit more of an investment.

  1. Quartz Is New But Here To Stay

Quartz countertops are relatively new, but they’ve found a loyal following because of their many good qualities such as their attractive appearance, durability, and the fact they don’t have some of the weaknesses of natural stone.

Quartz has the same durability as concrete and granite but is quite a bit more forgiving, so it won’t chip or crack as easily. It doesn’t have the same hardness in the feel that some people find unpleasant. A downfall is that they can be a bit pricey, but if you want an upscale look with very low maintenance required, quartz countertops are definitely worth considering.

  1. Quartzite

Quartzite countertops are often confused with quartz countertops, but quartzite countertops is a naturally occurring stone. Quartzite is an extremely dense material and does not etch when exposed to acidic foods, making it a popular choice for countertops, especially for those looking for an alternative to typical granite.

Due to its density, quartzite takes a nice polish and is also available in honed and brushed finishes. If maintenance is an issue that keeps you from marble, quartzite is a great alternative. It is also very durable, like granite, quartzite leans toward the hard side of natural stone, so that means it won’t wear down or develop problems in the short term.

  1. All Stones Are Highly Heat-resistant

One part of a home building scheme is to envision your home design in actual use. Your daily habits and everyday use can partially determine which highly-rated stone you’re more likely to choose. Each of these different stone types can take the “heat” of the kitchen in everyday use and will continue to add value and a pleasing aesthetic to your cozy space for years to come.

To learn more or to discuss a custom home building plan, contact Experience Homes in Amarillo, TX today!

Jan 05 2021
kitchen sink

Top 5 home design trends in 2021

By Home

As the new year gets started, many will be thinking about more than just cleaning their home – it may be time to redecorate or even to buy or build a new home. 

If so, you will definitely want to start thinking over some interior design ideas. It’s good to make a list of your must-haves and should-haves and to brainstorm up some unique features you’d like to make a part of your new home design.

To help you get started, here are five trendy home design tips and ideas to use during 2021.

1. Multi-style Ambiance Combinations

2021 looks to be, if anything, very eclectic in regard to its trending decorating styles. It’s becoming more and more common to see mixtures of modern styles with classic, not only in the same house but even in the very same room.

Thus, modern living and on-trend decor need not be divorced from the past. Earthy wood grains and an emphasis on metals like copper and brass are now wedded. Rustic fireplaces and antique furnishings are now being paired with on-trend designs like bold colors and modern artwork.

2. Multi-zoned Kitchens

Another key trend going into 2021 is the specification of multiple, small “zones” in your kitchen space – called a multi-zoned kitchen. This allows even busy families to all “do their own thing” in the kitchen at the same time without getting in each other’s way.

For example, you might have a special small nook for morning coffee preparation, another for lounging and eating while watching TV, and yet another for simple food prep like microwaving or toaster use (versus major food prep at the stove.) 

3. Contrasting Colors & Shades

It is certainly “in” these days to create sharp color contrasts. One common strategy is to have light-colored furniture or shelves set up against a dark-colored wall. In fact, black is the most trending color right now. I guess “black is the new black!”

Geometric patterns are often painted onto walls as well, and those patterns not only involve creative shape and size variations but also include sharp color, shade, and tone contrasts. Contrast is one key method to help something stand out, look bold and daring. And that’s trending for 2021.

4. Blending Outdoor & Indoor Living

When building or renovating a home, you should also consider how you will play host to family and friends during the holidays. In the warmer months of the year, you may need quick access to the kitchen from outdoors during a backyard barbecue.

It’s quite in-trend now to put in an outdoor kitchen and barbecue right next to doors leading directly into your indoor kitchen. Using sunrooms, pergolas, and indoor terrariums to blend outdoor living with indoor living is also quite popular.

5. Home Automation Systems

Home automation systems are becoming commonplace, almost standard in some circles, as we move into 2021.

Things like motion-sensing lights, no-touch faucets, automatic blinds, and programmable HVAC systems are certainly very common nowadays. The ability to lock/unlock doors, open/close garage doors, turn on/off the oven or laundry machine, etc., from a distance with your smartphone is fast becoming a new trend as well.

To learn more about these and other home design trends that look to be very popular as we move into the year 2021, or to discuss buying, building, or trading-in a home, contact the experts at Experience Homes in Amarillo, TX, today!

Dec 23 2020

What You Need to Know Before Building a New House in 2021

By Buying Process

As we move into a brand new year – 2021, you may be thinking about building your dream home. Both home buying and home building carry with them a flurry of requirements, steps, and processes that should be given careful thought before you get started.

First of all, you should think about contacting a local, reliable builder who specializes in new homes and can help you build your own. A helpful, experienced builder will be able to guide you through the process step by step from beginning to end.

But even in the initial planning stage, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind – including these:

1. Formulate A Home Building Budget

Everyone who undertakes to build his/her own home has to work from a budget. This gives you a framework within which to work and plan and helps you to figure out where you can save money and where you want to invest your biggest expenditures.

Begin by finding out how large of a building loan you can qualify for. The lender will take into account your total annual income, your current financial obligations and debts, and your credit history.

Most banks right now are pretty generous about home building loans, so you can most likely qualify. But you also have to ask yourself how much you are comfortable owing and for how long. And you need to plan on the project costing at least 10% more than planned due to unexpected costs that inevitably come up.

2. Decide On Your New Home’s Location

You want to look carefully at the 2021 forecast for the housing market in each local area, such as the North Texas Panhandle. The best place to build won’t be determined solely by cost, but you want to plan (usually) on 20% to 25% of the total cost going toward the purchase of the lot.

Proximity to your workplace, schools, relatives’ houses, and amenities and the safety and desirability of the neighborhood must be considered, of course. But don’t forget to look into things like zoning rules, building codes, drainage, and soil conditions as well.

And pay some attention to landscaping issues or to what you would like to do with the landscaping and how much that will add to the total cost of home building.

3. Dig Deep Into Home Design & Outfitting

There are many pre-made, standard home designs you can find online, and even a custom home builder would use a number of “starting point” floor plan options that you can adjust. Or, you can make your own floor plan 100% from scratch if you wish.

Custom homes will take more work to figure out as to exact plan, material and labor cost estimates, and what it will cost to furnish and “outfit” each room. But it’s worth it! You get exactly what you want.

You will need to make a list of must-haves and should-haves, calculate costs for each element of the new house, and even calculate it out room by room. You will need a system for organizing and tracking expenses. And you may have to trim down your original design if it gets too far out of budget. Home building is a process, and that’s normal.

Finally, you will need to plan on how to sell your current home, and you may want to consider a home trade-in program to simplify and speed up the process, while avoiding the possibility of a period where you carry two mortgages or have stressful deadlines to meet.To learn more on how to get started on building a new house in the year 2021, contact the professionals at Experience Homes in Amarillo, TX.

Oct 22 2020
keep your house warm

Winter Preparation:

Keeping your house warm and cozy for cold winter months

By Holiday, Home
keep your house warm
Texas is known for its hot summers, but in some areas, like the Panhandle, winters can be a bit chilly. It pays to prepare ahead of time for the cold season so you and your family can stay as warm and cozy as
possibleduring the late Fall and Winter.

In previous blog posts, we covered how to protect your home from viruses and from Texas storm season. Protection from the cold is no less important! Here are 5 tips to help you keep your home warm and cozy this winter.

1. Invest In New Windows & Doors

If your home has outdated, inefficient windows and doors, that is costing you money every day as you pay to heat or cool your premises. Winter is the season when this kind of poor energy efficiency costs you the most.

Thus, there is no better time to upgrade with newer, more efficient, and better-looking windows and doors than just before winter. They will ultimately pay for themselves in what they save you on your energy bills.

2. Up Your Insulation Game

Another approach is to add insulation – or more/better insulation as the case may be, around your existing windows and doors. Use heavy curtains to help reduce drafts as well. And use caulk and/or weather stripping around all openings.

If you lack proper insulation in your attic, realize that most of the heat escaping from your home goes out through the attic. Reducing attic heat loss greatly boosts your home’s overall energy efficiency. It will make it faster to warm up your home as well.

One final thought. Laying down large, heavy area rugs will help insulate your flooring, preventing excessive updrafts and preventing cold feet in the morning as well!

3. Get Your HVAC Inspected

Many times, homeowners fail to get their HVAC system up to speed before winter. But having it inspected and repairing and ductwork leaks or problems with the heater may save you hundreds of dollars and keep you warmer and toastier too.

If you rely on an oil heater during the winter months, at least in some rooms of your home, be sure it is filled (but not overfilled) with oil before use. Also, consider getting the oil heater a professional tune-up.

4. Call A Chimney Sweeper!

Chimneys aren’t as common these days, but wood stoves are. Anything that has a flue requires some maintenance for maximum performance and full safety.keep your house warm

Use a chimney-cleaning fire log, have the flue inspected and repaired if necessary, and (for chimneys) call in a pro sweeper to ensure top performance this winter.

5. Run Your Ceiling Fans Backwards

One final trick that can keep you significantly warmer with minimal additional cost – run your ceiling fans in reverse during the cold season.

This has the effect of pushing heated air back down and lifting the colder air up. It will let you experience the benefit of your heating faster, plus, it will circulate air so that your home’s air ultimately reaches a more even temperature distribution.

For additional tips and advice on maximizing the warmth and comfort of your home this Texas winter, or for help in selling, buying, building, or trading-in a home, contact Experience Homes in the Texas Panhandle today!

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