Raleigh NC New Homes: Communities, Lots and Land in the Triangle

The American Institute of Architects continues to survey changes in residential design.  Here's some of the big changes they saw in third quarter 2009.

New Homes that Fit the Budget and the Lifestyle

As part of a general trend towards more affordable homes that fit well in the budget, the AIA saw more requests for simpler home exteriors, AND green features. 

Front Porches

The number of front or side porches requested increased by 53%.  Front porches have been one of our top requested items over the past year as well.  There's a focus on simpler living, with a bigger emphasis on time spent at home and building relationships with friends, family, and neighbors.

One Story Homes

Even though one story homes are a little more expensive to build (more roof and foundation, among other factors), one story homes continue to grow in demand.  The AIA saw a 24% increase in number of one story homes requested.  Our clients often like to see a second story bonus room or bedroom for extra space for guests.  One story homes are more accessible and easier on aging knees.

Simpler Detailing on Exterior

There was a 15% increase in requests for simpler detailing.  This can be a fairly easy way to cut some cost from the building process, while maintaining square footage (and adding that front porch!)

Contemporary Home Styles

Contemporary home styles are making a come back (think the 70s).  Clean, crisp lines, lots of angular windows, and an austere appearance is becoming more appealing.  We've done more design work lately for contemporary styles - it's harder to find floor plans with just the right look, but the number of "ready to build" floor plans has started to increase.

Designing Your New Lifestyle

Above all, it's your new home.  The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE. 

Gather ideas, then talk to your builder about how to best fit those ideas inside your budget.  Want to get started?

More new home design ideas:

Top Decorating Trends and Ideas for Your New Home - Dining Room

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Top 9 New Home Features in '09 - What To Look For! Raleigh NC Home Builders Top Tips

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

New Homes Raleigh NC

Formal Dining Rooms

Top Trends, Styles, and Ideas for Your New Home

If you're adding decorative touches to at least one room in your new home, consider the place where you meet to eat: the formal dining room. 

A formal dining room often sets the tone for the rest of the home, as the place your family, friends and special guests gather for a while to relax while they eat.

It is also nearly always located very prominently near the front entrance of your new home, where your special touches will be noticed right away. 

Archway entrances to the formal dining room emphasize sweeping lines and open space, setting the dining room apart as a separate entertaining area.

Multiple color treatments and an unusual darker accent for the crown moulding and baseboard give the dining area a luxurious feel.

Picture frame wainscoating adds more depth and formal appeal, when it uses a deeper tone in the same color range. 

The arch theme works especially well when it is carried from the front entrance to the formal dining room.

The Southern trend of deep, rich red for the dining room adds ambience with a touch of tradition to new homes.

Chair rail and a multi-dimensional tray ceiling add multiple layers of contrast that blend the color scheme.

The deep tones work well with the site finished hardwood flooring.

Dramatic lighting and lots of openings accent this formal dining room.

The built in Butler's Pantry in painted, glazed maple offers plenty of storage space for china and crystal ware, with a display area above.

A cut out window in your new home adds more spaciousness through natural light, drawing further attention to the dining room. 

Grecian pillars add elegance and dimension.  Different designs change the dining room's personality. This one features cherry wood inlay at the bottom of the pillars, for a bolder setting.

This dining room features a simple crown moulding, two tone color scheme with dark red contrast, and picture frame wainscoating.

A trey ceiling would add additional depth and complexity.

A well planned dining room can even accomodate for furniture, such as an heirloom dining room chest or a fabulous china hutch you'd like to set apart.

Your builder can add a furniture niche, with angles that really set apart crown moulding and wainscoating.

Even if the rest of your new home is painted neutral, your dining room can be the one spark of color that stands out - even if it's just a darker neutral.  

Take advantage of all the possibilities for your dining room in your new home. You may be surprised at how much you can do, without a lot of cost. 

Before you build, tour homes and take photos of your favorite ideas. 

Bring them to your builder along with pictures from magazines or websites, when you talk about your floor plan.

A good builder can help you plan a perfect dining room that fits your entertaining style and budget, with details that will make your new home a very special place - beginning with your dining room. 

More new home design ideas:

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Top 9 New Home Features in '09 - What To Look For! Raleigh NC Home Builders Top Tips

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

New Homes Raleigh NC

Kitchen Island Styles

New Home Trends and Ideas for the Kitchen

A kitchen island can be an integral part of your new home kitchen design.  When designed correctly, a kitchen island can work well in an extra large or extra small kitchen.

Islands can be accessed from all sides, which makes them ideal for both workspaces and storage.

A kitchen island can feature display shelves, drawers, and cabinetry. 

Kitchen islands can be a beautiful feature in luxury homes or affordable custom homes. 

The style, size, and design depend on both taste and budget. 

Looking to keep your kitchen costs down?  Consider an island with one bank of full cabinets, with a great seating area.

Add some pendant lighting to emphasize this focal point of the kitchen.

In some kitchens, the island can provide the majority of the counter space.

Guests and family can be seated around the kitchen island while meals are prepared.

Homework routines can even revolve around the kitchen island - it's easy to answer those math questions while chopping vegetables!

Thinking of moving the kitchen sink to your kitchen island? 

Here's some thoughts to consider:

- Is there enough room for the dishwasher next to the sink (both depth and width)?

- Can the dishwasher open comfortably, with room to walk around?

- Is there room to include a pull out garbage bin/recycle center?

- Can the silverware be stored near the dishwasher?

- Is it possible to use dual height counters to better hide those dirty dishes?

Want to use the kitchen island mainly for food prep?

Keep these thoughts in mind:

- Are there outlets for small appliances?

- Is the refrigerator and cooktop conveniently close?

- Do you want a prep sink?

- Should you consider a butcher block counter?

Looking to cook at the kitchen island?

You'll want to talk to your builder about:

- Countertop materials: should it be heat resistant for ease of cooking with hot pans?

- Is there at least 18 inches of counterspace on either side of the range or cooktop?

- Can an overdraft hood be added, or is a downdraft cooktop required?  What is the additional cost versus a typical range or cooktop?

- Should a raised eating area be included?

Will you dine frequently at the kitchen island?

Discuss your options for informal dining at the kitchen island.

- How many can you seat comfortably at the island?

- Should stools be tucked away when not in use?

- How much will seating limit your storage options?

- What height should the island be?  Do you want two heights?

Your new kitchen island design should reflect your taste, be fully functional, and be ready for multiple uses and plenty of storage.

Talk to your builder about your ideas for your kitchen island design.  Bring pictures of what you have in mind.  Your builder will help you decide what's right for you, based on budget, size of kitchen, traffic flow, and much more!

More new home design ideas:

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Top 9 New Home Features in '09 - What To Look For! Raleigh NC Home Builders Top Tips

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

New Home Trends

Top Trends in New Homes

Today's Homes are Smaller, Cozier, and More Energy Efficient

Here's what homebuyers and builders are focusing on in today's new home market! 

- Focus on Smaller Homes

Many builders are shifting from a focus on homes in the 2500 to 3500 sq ft range to homes mainly in the 1600 to 2500 sq ft range.  The average and median square footage in new homes has dropped for the first time in many years.  Smaller homes cost less too!

- "Great Room" Instead of Formals

More homebuyers are looking for a "Great Room" concept - one large room adjoining the kitchen for entertaining and everyday living, instead of a smaller Family Room and Living Room.

- Fewer Volume Ceilings

9 foot ceilings are still fairly standard on the first floor, but there is a decreased demand for vaulted or two story ceilings.  A floor plan that offers a two story room can be "expanded" for very little cost, with a bonus room or game room added over the family room.

- More Focus on Floor Plan, Less Focus on Features

Homebuyers and home builders are opting out of many of the expensive options they were more likely to choose a couple of years ago, in order to keep overall costs in line.

- More Elaborate Kitchens, But Smaller Dining Rooms

The kitchen has become a focal point of the home.  We cook, entertain, and even eat here, at large islands and seating areas.  In some homes, the formal dining room disappears altogether, replaced perhaps with a home office.

- Three Car Garages

There has been more demand for larger garages, but space can get creative to save on cost.  Tandem garages, where one car parks behind another, can save on the cost of an additional door, and might be more cost effective to build.   Or garages may have a "workshop" or "storage" area or extension.

- Energy Efficiency

According to several recent surveys, many homebuyers are willing to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $11,000 or more to make sure that their monthly energy costs are much lower.  ENERGY STAR and the Energy Wise program both offer lower energy costs.  Energy Wise guarantees 50-70% savings on heating and cooling.

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Looking for a new home?  You may want to check out some of these other ideas!

Staircases - Ideas For Your New Staircase

Geothermal Becoming More Affordable - How the Tax Credits Work

How Much Does a Septic System Cost?  Tips to Keeping Your Lot Affordable

Butlers Pantries - Why You've Gotta Have One (and what is a butler's pantry, anyway?)

Fireplace Surrounds - Types and Trends

Meet the Builder Special Event

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land

Top 10 Master Bath Trends 

Stanton Homes Offers Up to the Minute Updates - Right at Home

We're so excited!

Thanks to Feedburner, Stanton Homes now offers a blog feed right on our website.  It's clean, neat, and full of all of our favorite topics and top requested articles.

We've worked very hard to put together topics that are interesting, useful, and ORIGINAL.

Topics include:

• New Home Ideas and Design Trends
• Green Building
• Accessible Homes
• New Home Communities, Lots and Land in the Triangle
• Floor Plan Ideas and Trends
• Raleigh Area Market Reports

and much more!

Here are some related links:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot  

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Top 5 Articles - Stanton Homes Favorites!  

Thinking of building or buying a new home?  Check out the top 5 hottest topics for home buyers!

The things that matter most to today's home buyers can be found in the Stanton Home articles requested and read most often. Take a look at the top 5 most popular topics we're seeing in today's home building market.

New Home Trend #1: Types of Ceilings

Learn basic definitions for all kinds of ceiling treatments commonly found in custom homes, starting in very affordable price points.

New Home Trend #2:  Building an "In Law Suite" Home

Mom wants to live with you?  Not a problem!  There's plenty of space in mother in law suite homes designed or modified by Stanton Homes. 

New Home Trend #3:  Wood or Concrete Front Porch, Which is Better?

Front porches are very popular features for custom homes.  The "wood or concrete" debate keeps getting attention - which one is your favorite?

New Home Trend #4:  Comparing Cost of Main Floor Master Suite Homes

More and more homeowners are thinking ahead to retirement, or simply looking to avoid stairs.  Find out how a first floor master bedroom affects the cost of your new home.

New Home Trend #5:  Grey Water Systems - How They Work  

I was surprised to see this as one of the top topics, but the interest in green building continues to grow. 

Energy Wise is another growing trend - we've just completed a 2800+ sq ft home that GUARANTEES a monthly heating and cooling cost of only $80, about 35% of typical cost!!!

Don't see your favorite topic?  Let us know - we're working on more educational articles all the time!

Contact us with questions about building or buying your new custom home in North Carolina.

Or sign up for our monthly newsletter for more great tips on new home trends and ideas, with a special focus on the Raleigh NC area.

Other recent articles you may be interested in:

Butlers Pantries - Why You've Gotta Have One (and what is a butler's pantry, anyway?)

Fireplace Surrounds - Types and Trends

Meet the Builder Special Event

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land

Top 10 Master Bath Trends 

Top 10 Master Bath Trends

Ten Most Requested Master Bath Features

Fifty years ago, the "master bath" didn't even exist in most homes.  Today, the master bath is a standard part of the "Master Suite", a private retreat that can be comfortable, luxurious, or both!

If you're considering a new home or a bathroom remodel, here's the hottest trends and tips you'll want to be aware of, before you make your move.

Top Master Bath Trends #1 - Larger Showers

In some homes, an oversized shower replaces the more typical shower and separate tub. 

In others, the bath is enlarged slightly to accomodate an oversized shower. 

With a larger shower, you may want to consider adding a second showerhead. 

Multiple tile colors, styles, and patterns can help transform an oversized shower into the centerpiece of the master bath.

Remember to keep focused on neutral tones!  Even with a larger shower, it's best to keep the palette on the lighter side - the master bath will feel larger. 

Depending on your budget, the shower fixtures and glass enclosure can be chosen from many different styles and finishes, including Oil Rubbed Bronze, Tuscan Bronze, Black, Brushed Nickel, and more. 

Top 10 Master Bath Trend #2 -Green Features

Some simple things that can make the master bath a greener place to be?

- Tankless (On Demand) Water Heater

Yeah, it's not exactly in the bathroom, but a tankless or solar water heater does provide all that delightful hot water, much of which is used in the master bath! 

- Low Flow Toilets

Watersense and other programs have good recommendations for low flow toilets.  Options include a dual flush toilet, with separate buttons, for, well, separate functions. 

Top 10 Master Bath Trend #3 - Windows and Skylights

After all, the master bath is the place where you begin and end your day.  Why not watch the sunrise from the shower, or stargaze from the soaking tub? 

A variety of different window configurations are available, and window grids can add some cottage character. 

Glass blocks also work well to admit light when the neighbors are nearby.

Skylights or light tubes work well to add light without taking away privacy. 

Top 10 Master Bath Trends #4 - Soaking Tubs vs Jacuzzis

Believe it or not, a jetted tub is no longer the most desired feature in the master bath.

A large, deep soaking tub offers relaxation without noisy jets.  And those pesky jets also require special cleaning to keep from looking, well, used (or was it "well used"?)

Want another tip?  If you're considering Energy Wise or foam insulation in your new home, ask your builder to add foam insulation around the soaking tub. 

That hot bath will stay hot at least twice as long! 

Top 10 Master Bath Trends #5 - His and Hers Vanities

A single sink is no longer enough, which you already knew if you've tried to get ready for work at the same time as your spouse! 

A long countertop with dual sinks is becoming commonplace.

Even better, many master baths are separating "his and hers" into completely separate countertops, sinks, and storage as seen here. 

This should also eliminate some arguments about who didn't wipe the counter down!

Top 10 Master Bath Trends #6 - Toilet Rooms

The toilet has been banned from the master bath altogether in many homes.  A private "toilet room" is a big trend. 

But this is one of those "love it or hate it" ideas.  Get claustrophobic?  Ask your builder to leave a "dividing wall" instead of a room, or remove the toilet room walls completely. 

Otherwise, take advantage of isolating the least talked about function of the Master Bath!

Top 10 Master Bath Trends #7 - Benches and Grab Bars

As the Aging in Place movement gains speed, more homes are seeing tasteful additions of built-in benches and grab bars. 

Some bars can be much more decorative than others - it's possible to include these features without an institutional feel. 

Talk to your plumbing showroom about the different options available. 

Other great features for current or future restricted movement include hand held showers, or combinations of traditional and hand held features. 

Top Master Bath Trends #8 - Storage

The growing storage movement hasn't missed the master bath. 

A basic under the sink cabinet just doesn't cut it for many homeowners, who want space to store all the little items like toiletries and make up, plus big ones like home manicure equipment, Costco size refill bottles, and more.

Cabinetry options include sets of small drawers, and additional upper cabinets. 

Creative use of cabinetry can include corner cabinets, tall, narrow utility cabinets on both sides of the countertop, and more.

Think about everything you'd like to store in the bath, and discuss your cabinetry needs with your builder.  A combination of cabinetry pieces and imagination can be more affordable than you might think. 

Top Master Bath Trends #9 - Radiant Floor Heating

Radiant floor heating continues to be a trend in the master bath.  While this can be expensive for the full home or an oversized master bath, a small master bath floor may not add much cost. 

Radiant floor heating is installed before the tile floor, so make your decision before the flooring and electrical work is completed in your new home.  A wall control will also be required.

If you do decide to keep your feet toasty warm, keep "green" in mind too, and install a timer to make sure you don't forget to turn the heater back off! 

Top 10 Master Bath Trend #10 - Tile Tones

Tile continues to be a strong trend in master baths. 

Ceramic or porcelien tiles can be found on master bath floors, around soaking tubs, and in showers, as well as around backsplashes. 

One newer feature is glass mosaics.  Glass mosaics can be used alone, or combined with more traditional ceramic or porcelein tile.

Be careful with tile tones - when considering future resale, stay away from deep dramatic colors like dark blues and reds. 

Try to incorporate some neutral tones - then fill your need for brightness with colorful accents that are easily changed. 

You may also be interested in:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot

Custom Home Builders Raleigh NC

Top 9 New Home Features in '09

Recommended Renovation Projects Important in New Homes Too

Buying a home with long-lasting value is always important.  A recent article focused on the top recommended home improvement and renovation projects for 2009. 

When buying a home, you'll want to consider each of these factors.  They may be features you'll need to consider renovating yourself.  Or if you're leaning towards a new home, you'll want to know how many of these Top Features are included!

1.   Siding and Windows

The quality of the siding and windows in your home are both important.  North Carolina now requires low-E windows, or more energy efficient windows, so a home built even a few years ago may require more energy to heat and cool. 

The three main kinds of siding in the Raleigh area are vinyl (or a vinyl siding and vinyl shakes combination), Hardiboard, or brick, with or without stone accents, depending on the price point.  Ask about the warranty and maintenance required for the type of siding on your new home. 

2.  Energy Efficiency and Green Features

Most energy efficiency programs should be integrated into the home during construction, for maximum effectiveness and minimum cost.

The most common energy efficiency program in North Carolina is Energy Star.  An Energy Star certified home usually costs only 1% more than a standard home - but is 15% more energy efficient than a home built to minimum codes, and qualifies Triangle area buyers for a 5% monthly discount from Progress Energy.

An EnergyWise home is another great energy option.  EnergyWise technology has been time tested to provide a guaranteed 50 to 70% savings on heating and cooling costs.  Not all builders are EnergyWise certified, so ask about this program. 

A new home can be green certified (must happen during the construction process), or can incorporate greener features like tankless hot water heaters, solar hot water heaters, low flow faucets and toilets, energy efficient appliances, or a multitude of other options.

3.  Decks

Having an area in the backyard to retreat during the many Carolina seasons is an added benefit.  Consider a patio, deck, or screen porch, depending on your budget. 

4.  Cosmetics - Paint, Carpet, Tile, and Hardwood

When comparing several homes, look at the features of each home.  It's becoming expected over a certain price point to see hardwood floors in at least a couple of rooms, a great full tile master bath, quality carpeting with 8 lb padding (instead of basic 6 lb), and a paint scheme that includes a coordinating accent color in a key room like the formal dining or the master bedroom. 

5.  Pizzaz Factor - The Extras

A home with extensive crown moulding and multi-tiered trey ceilings will stand out dramatically next to their simpler cousins.  Same for rounded corners in the living areas, archways, built-in plant shelves and display shelves, and barrel vault ceilings. 

6.  Kitchens That Count

A home with a ten year old kitchen will contrast vividly with today's kitchen. 

Cabinetry colors are lighter now, with many homebuyers opting for maple or painted maple.  Extra details go far here too.  Bright brass fixtures were very popular fifteen years ago, but today, classic chrome or brushed nickel are the way to go. 

Countertop options have changed too - today's Corian has tremendous depth and color, as well as integrated, one piece sinks.  For the green customer, pressed paper countertops have increased in popularity, but are still pricier than granite.  Look closely at quality and the overall package before focusing on a single feature. 

7.  Bathrooms - Bold Retreats without Breaking the Bank

Master baths with the best resale value tend to have a great soaking tub and a separate shower, ideally a custom tile shower with some detail work and a full glass enclosure.  Lots of tile work makes the difference here, as do lighting, ceiling treatments, and choice of fixtures.  Laminate countertops in bathrooms have become less popular, except at entry level price points. 

8.  Reinventing Space

For some homebuyers, a formal dining room and a breakfast room are redundant.  A formal dining can easily be converted in the early construction stages to a downstairs office, often with full French doors or other details.  Great rooms and open living areas are more important, and smaller formal living rooms are becoming less popular.  Experienced builders can work to expand living areas or rearrange space to offer a more ideal arrangement. 

9.  Electric Radiant Heat

This isn't something commonly requested in the Raleigh area - we're more likely to need some extra cooling power!  But anyone intent on radiant heat should definitely request it early in the building process, so that it can be integrated into the structure. 

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot

We were recently asked this question:  "I like this floor plan, but am concerned about noise between the living and bedroom areas.  What are my options?"

As an increasing number of families are considering one story and main floor master bedroom homes, the end result is that master bedrooms are moving closer to living spaces.  Not a problem in most cases.  There's easy access for midnight snacks, no stairs to climb...  But what if spouses have very different habits?

Noise inside the master bedroom can be a major concern if one spouse works night shifts while the other works days.   Noise is also a consideration when one spouse is a night owl while the other is an early bird!  Here are some options to provide everyone with the best quality of sleep possible.

1.   Add some insulation. 

Interior walls of a home are not normally insulated.  The first, and least expensive, option would be to install R-13 insulation in the walls between the sleeping and living areas.   This will reduce sound levels, but will not eliminate sound.

2.   Increase wall size.

Secondly, the interior walls can be expanded from a 2x4 framing system to a 2x6 framing system, and R19 insulation can be installed.  This is a middle ground from both a cost and sound barrier perspective.

3.   Use top-of-the-line foam to fill it all in.

A third option is to install a solid foam insulation in the barrier walls.  Polyisocyanurate spray foam is a newer technology being used in upper end Green Homes.  Because it is a spray foam insulation, it expands to cover every crack and crevice, creating the most effective sound barrier.  Additional caulking can also be used to cover any small gaps between framing materials.

4.   Or try one of these other options.

Insulation is not the only way to reduce sound transmission, it is simply the most cost effective, however the installation of party walls, and/or dual layer drywall with sound channel are also common options for sound control.  There are far more elaborate systems which will completely deaden sound but most are excessive for bedroom noise transmision.

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot