Looking for quality new homes in Greensboro, NC? You might consider building a new home with customizations to make it accessible to older people. The number of older adults in America has been rising steadily and is projected to grow by as much as 133 million by 2030, more than a 70% increase since 2000.
This is according to a study conducted by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies titled “Housing America’s Older Adults – Meeting the Needs of an Aging Population”. There have been similar other findings over the years so the news is really nothing new. However, despite America’s awareness of the fact about its aging population for a long time now, the study added that most houses still do not have the necessary construction details to accommodate the elderly, such as wider doorways or lever-style doors.
Lauren Hunter from Custom Home further explains the study:
Researchers note in the report that as people age, they are less likely to relocate, and that the “residential mobility rate drops sharply after age 50.” and continues to decline among homeowners in their 60s and beyond. For builders, this means introducing aging-in-place and universal design features into homes that will make younger buyers take notice, enticing them to find a new home that will help them and their family grow old gracefully.
Indeed, targeting younger home buyers may be essential. The Harvard report notes that more than 70% of homeowners aged 50-64 were still paying off their mortgages in 2010.
A separate study from the AARP has shown that three out of four people prefer to remain in their homes for as long as they can. This makes more economic sense, instead of going to assisted-living facilities, which can cost over $34,000 annually.
The need for a more universal design for homes that accommodates fixtures and details for senior living, is earning some appeal. Inside most homes today are fixtures and built in areas that can present some risks to older folks, especially when they’re all alone. Raised doorway thresholds, rugs, and electrical cords can be hazardous as they can cause a slip or a fall.
Whether you are considering keeping your home until you have retired, or you are looking for a safe home for your aging parents, you might want to consult with builders who specialize in building custom homes in Greensboro, NC. Building contractors, such as R and K Custom Homes can help you with ideas during the design stages so that you can enjoy a happy and safe home for years to come.
(Source: New Homes Must Meet the Needs of an Aging America, Custom Home, September 3, 2014)
Building Ideal Greensboro, NC Custom Homes is Possible with Some Help
When you’re looking at the available homes in Greensboro, NC, it can be difficult to find one that fits all of your requirements. The most effective solution to this dilemma is to have experienced custom builders like R & K Custom Homes construct your dream home for you. It may seem like a difficult task, but with experienced help, you can have a house that meets your needs for an affordable price and in a reasonable time
The first thing you need to remember about building Greensboro, NC custom homes is to have a solid budget and financing plan. The main factor to consider is that many lending institutions consider building a home a risky proposition. Thus, you need an excellent credit score as well as provide a down payment of at least 20 to 25 percent of the loan amount. Lenders also may require that you prove that you have cash reserves available in case there are delays or extensions in your construction project.
The next step is to pick the right location. You’ll want a place that has easy access to the basic utilities like water, electricity, and gas, as well as vital services like schools and hospitals. This can easily be solved by buying a property in a new home community, which also gives the benefit of providing you with a neighborhood to connect with. Another factor to consider when choosing a location for a new home is the condition of the soil and other elements that can affect your construction; if you’re breaking ground on a new home, you’ll want to be aware of what difficulties you may be facing like loose soil or tough bedrock.
After you’ve chosen the parcel you want to build on, it’s time to develop a plan for the house itself. A custom home builder will often have pre-made designs available; however, you may also have your own plans implemented. If this is so, a home builder can point out if the plans are feasible and offer advice on how to improve the design. In addition, builders will also be able to provide insight on any building codes that need to be observed.
Once the plans have been finalized and the property bought, your builder can finally get started building your ideal home. Missing your construction schedule can create cost overruns, leading to budget problems. Experienced home builders know how to avoid any difficulties that can cause you to miss your schedule, which is why you’ll want their help.
(Source: How to Fulfill Your Fantasy With a Custom Home, Realtor.com)
Building Custom Homes in Greensboro, NC for All Ages, Young and Old
Looking for quality new homes in Greensboro, NC? You might consider building a new home with customizations to make it accessible to older people. The number of older adults in America has been rising steadily and is projected to grow by as much as 133 million by 2030, more than a 70% increase since 2000.
This is according to a study conducted by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies titled “Housing America’s Older Adults – Meeting the Needs of an Aging Population”. There have been similar other findings over the years so the news is really nothing new. However, despite America’s awareness of the fact about its aging population for a long time now, the study added that most houses still do not have the necessary construction details to accommodate the elderly, such as wider doorways or lever-style doors.
Lauren Hunter from Custom Home further explains the study:
Researchers note in the report that as people age, they are less likely to relocate, and that the “residential mobility rate drops sharply after age 50.” and continues to decline among homeowners in their 60s and beyond. For builders, this means introducing aging-in-place and universal design features into homes that will make younger buyers take notice, enticing them to find a new home that will help them and their family grow old gracefully.
Indeed, targeting younger home buyers may be essential. The Harvard report notes that more than 70% of homeowners aged 50-64 were still paying off their mortgages in 2010.
A separate study from the AARP has shown that three out of four people prefer to remain in their homes for as long as they can. This makes more economic sense, instead of going to assisted-living facilities, which can cost over $34,000 annually.
The need for a more universal design for homes that accommodates fixtures and details for senior living, is earning some appeal. Inside most homes today are fixtures and built in areas that can present some risks to older folks, especially when they’re all alone. Raised doorway thresholds, rugs, and electrical cords can be hazardous as they can cause a slip or a fall.
Whether you are considering keeping your home until you have retired, or you are looking for a safe home for your aging parents, you might want to consult with builders who specialize in building custom homes in Greensboro, NC. Building contractors, such as R and K Custom Homes can help you with ideas during the design stages so that you can enjoy a happy and safe home for years to come.
(Source: New Homes Must Meet the Needs of an Aging America, Custom Home, September 3, 2014)
What Makes a House a Home? The Value of Custom Homes in Greensboro, NC
Cookie-cutter houses just don’t cut it anymore, and this rings true for many people looking for homes in Greensboro, NC and other states across the nation. Those who are willing to invest deeply into their properties are opting to work with custom builders to make sure that their houses will be a clear reflection of their wants and needs down to the tiniest details. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) underscores the reason why custom homes are rising in popularity: Read more
Tips on Choosing the Final Site for Custom Homes in Greensboro, N.C.
When looking to build new custom homes in Greensboro, N.C., most people are often faced with two major questions: how the house should look, and where should it be built. However, several people tend to focus on designing the house first, before even choosing an ideal location for the style they want. Architecture expert and About.com contributor Jackie Craven explains why carefully choosing the initial site should always be top priority: Read more
Needs and Wants List For Your Custom Home in Greensboro
Custom Homes Needs and Wants List
A needs and wants list is simple and can often be created during our initial consultation. At R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro, we will sit down with you and your family to discuss your list and what things need to be added. A needs and wants list may look something like this.
At least 3 Bathrooms
Large Living Room
Large Kitchen
Dining Room
Study Area
Laundry Room
Basement
Garage
Patio
Counter Space
Play Room
Pantry
Library
Media or Entertainment Room
Exterior Options (Garden, Firepit, etc.)
Having these few things decided can really help with the custom home design process. We will discuss these with you and your family in great detail to help you decide which should be in the want section and which should be in the need section. Keeping these in mind when designing your custom home will ensure that your every desire is met.
At R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro, we also have a variety of spec homes available at varying stages to show our home designs and the quality of our work. Looking at these homes can help when planning your own. We may have thought of something in our past designs that you have not. When you see it, you may say, “I want that in my home.” This can help alleviate some of the stress of figuring out what you want and need in your custom home.
Keeping these things in mind when designing your custom home can make the process go smoothly. Call R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro today. We are passionate about what we do: “Crafting Homes… Building Memories”.
By: Kathleen Dumas
Greensboro Custom Home Building Process
The R and K Custom Home Building Process:
Step 1 – Custom Building Consultation
The first step is our initial consultation with you and your family. We want to discuss your design ideas as well as your wants and needs when it comes to your new home. You may decide to use one of our many available design plans, or you may want to create your own. We will help you customize the building plan to meet your personal needs and budget while maintaining your vision.
Step 2 – Custom Home Contract
The next step in the custom home building process is the contract. A detailed set of specifications are included as part of the contract to answer the most common questions during the building process. The contract is approved and signed, then we can move on to the next step.
Step 3 – Pre-construction Meeting
The pre-construction meeting comes next. Before construction begins, we will meet with you to review the project, making sure that nothing has changed or needs to be corrected. We will review the construction and selection schedule, change orders, and allowance summary, so that you are kept in the loop about every detail of your custom home.
Step 4 – New Home Construction
Now construction on your custom home can begin. Our Operations Manager and Site Superintendent assigned to your home will supervise your project personally. There will be several site meetings during this step. These meetings are to ensure that everything is going along smoothly and on budget.
Step 5 – Selection Process
The next step is the selection process. Every detail in your home is chosen by you: from bricks, lighting, and cabinetry, to colors and more. The details in your home should be exactly what you want. R and K Custom Homes will work hand-in-hand with you so that all your personal selections are coordinated throughout the home.
Step 6 – Final Walk Through
The final walk through is the sixth step in the custom home building process. Before you close on your new custom home, you will have the opportunity to conduct a final walk through inspection with the R and K Custom Homes team. This is to assure a satisfactory completion.
Step 7 – New Home Orientation
The final step is a meeting for orientation to your new home. We will discuss your closing package and any final details that may need attention. Your closing package will contain information relative to warranty, utilities, and caring for your new custom home.
Call R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro, and we will get you started on the custom home building process today. We are passionate about what we do: “Crafting Homes… Building Memories”.
By: Kathleen Dumas
Choosing the Best Location For Your Custom Home
What is important when choosing the best location for your custom home?
If you have children, look at the local schools and decide which one would be best. Having your home close to you child’s school can alleviate the stress of getting your children to school and picking them up on time everyday. And having them in the best school can be vital for their future.
Also look around at what is close by the lot you are considering. Is there shopping close by? Are you far enough away from highways, trains, or other things that might keep you up at night? Are you close enough to work that you won’t have a long commute?
Different neighborhoods come with different characteristics. You will want to consider this when choosing the best location for your custom home. You’ll want a place that fits your lifestyle and personality, where you’ll feel comfortable and where you are most likely to get along with your neighbors.
Another thing to think about is proximity to friends and family. You may want to be as close as possible to your relatives so you have the reassurance that in case of emergency someone you know and trust will be close by. However, keep in mind, your friends and family may move at some point.
At R and K, we keep an inventory of lots in several different subdivisions and price categories to choose from. We encourage you to view these lots. They are located throughout the Greensboro area, nestled among the natural beauty of the area, from peaceful wooded surroundings to rolling hills. At R and K Custom Homes, we believe where you live is as important as how you live.
When you do decide on the right location and are ready to build your custom home, call R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro. We will build you a quality home with the latest in design and amenities offering all of the comforts available today. We are passionate about what we do: “Crafting Homes… Building Memories”.
By: Kathleen Dumas
Choosing the Best Home Plan For You in Greensboro
At R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro, we will meet with you and your family to discuss what ideas you have for your dream home. Our initial consultation will cover a number of different things that will be included in your home plan: how many bedrooms do you need? How many bathrooms? What type of kitchen are you interested in? We will also discuss where in the Greensboro area you would like us to build your custom home. We keep an inventory of lots in several different price category subdivisions to choose from.
Choosing the best home plan for you and your family is what’s going to keep you satisfied with your home over the years. We want you to love your dream home. We will build you a quality home with the latest in design and amenities offering all of the comforts available today.
Not quite sure what your dream home should look like? We keep a variety of spec homes available at varying stages, showing home designs and the quality of our work. You may see one you just fall in love with but want to change a few things in your home plan to better suit your family and lifestyle. We work with local architects and draftsmen and can custom design a home for you or make adjustments to one of our existing designs.
At R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro, we will work with you every step of the way to ensure your custom home is exactly what you pictured when envisioning a dream house. So when choosing the best home plan for you and your family, call R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro today. We are passionate about what we do: “Crafting Homes… Building Memories”.
Benefits of Building A Custom Home in Greensboro
At R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro, we are creative and innovative in our approach. We’ll consult with you, identify your unique needs, and devise a solution to fit your desires and budget. We’ve built over 300 custom homes in the Greensboro area. Working with our customers is important to us, because in the end, it’s your home. We understand that this is a major life decision for you, and we want to ensure that your home will suit your needs while also staying within your budget.
There are several benefits of building a custom home. We work with you to design your home from the ground up. Need a certain number of bedrooms for your children? We got you covered. Having a kitchen that is just right for you and your family is a big deal, so we take the time to figure out exactly what you want and need. Then we set out to build a quality home with the latest in design and amenities. We work with local architects and draftsmen and can custom design the perfect home just for you.
Not sure where to begin with your dream home? We keep a variety of homes available at varying stages of development, showing various designs as well as the quality of our work. You may see one you fall in love with but need to change a few things to better suit your family and lifestyle.
If the home buying process is getting you down, and you decide that the benefits of building a custom home is what you are looking for, call R and K Custom Homes in Greensboro today. We are passionate about what we do: “Crafting Homes… Building Memories”.
By: Kathleen Dumas