Ideas for Getting the Most from your “Bonus Room”

August 24, 2020

The “bonus room” has become a staple of modern homes. Whether it’s the extra space over the garage, a finished basement, or even a den off the main level of your home, this room can be used for many different purposes. The key is to find a use for the room that is in line with your lifestyle. Custom home builders in Greensboro can design your bonus room with your intended purpose in mind to ensure you’ll get the most out of it.

Home Office/Homework Room

If you or your spouse work from home, a home office is a necessity. A bonus room can make an ideal home office, as long as you consider the location. If you need the office to be quiet and private, make sure it can be closed off from the rest of the house when necessary and don’t put it right next to the kitchen or living room. The office can also double as a homework room for the kids.

Home Gym /Yoga Studio

Dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle is much easier if you have a designated space for exercise. High ceilings give you plenty of room to move and natural light helps you feel more energized. Incorporate different types of equipment for the varied workout styles you and other members of your family prefer. Create a Zen space for yoga, Pilates, or martial arts. Include machines and weights for the lifters and treadmills for cardio. Don’t forget technology, such as a TV and audio equipment. Climate control is also important, so HVAC and ceiling fans are a wise addition.

Music Room/Art Studio

Does your family participate in the arts? Having a dedicated music room or art studio can give some members of the family a place to use their talents. Consider soundproofing if the intended use is a music room. You could even include a recording studio.

An art studio may need a sink for cleaning up and plenty of storage for supplies. Flooring should be durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean.

Game Room

Are games a big part of your family dynamic? A game room may be the best use of your bonus room. From pool and foosball tables to a big screen TV and video game systems, your game room can be a place for family fun or for the kids to hang out with their friends. Include a small kitchenette with a refrigerator for drinks and snacks, a microwave, and a sink for clean-up.

Spare Bedroom

You never know when you might have guests, and a spare bedroom can come in handy for those times. If you want to be able to use the space on the regular when you don’t have guests, you could incorporate a fold-out couch or a murphy bed so that the space can be made into a bedroom at a moment’s notice.

Get the Most from your “Bonus Room” with R & K Custom Home Builders in Greensboro

When building a custom home, your “bonus room” can be designed around the intended purpose for the room, with built-in features and specially selected materials. R & K Custom Homes has decades of experience designing homes around the homeowner’s interests so that the home is truly customized.

Call the premier custom home builder in Greensboro today at (336) 362-5225 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.

The Best Décor for your Home Office

August 18, 2020

A home office may not have been a priority for homeowners in the past, but with the recent pandemic, it has become more important than ever. You may even find that you need more than one home office to accommodate everyone who is now working from home. Even as many employees return to the office, the increase in work from home ability may change the workforce forever.

Homebuilders in Greensboro are seeing an increased focus on home offices, and with that comes the need for home office décor ideas. Consider these options for designing an ideal home office as part of your custom home plans.

Lighting Should Be Stylish and Functional

Lights can not only illuminate your home office, but also add style. Your office should be a place that inspires your sense of focus and motivation. Office lighting should be bright to help you feel awake and make it possible to see what you’re working on, but it should also be easy on the eyes. Choose bulbs that provide a soft glow. Include different types of light fixtures throughout the room and dimmable lights so that you can achieve the ideal level of brightness at any time of the day. Natural light can be both a help and a hindrance, so include plenty of windows with adjustable treatments to let in the right amount of light without causing a glare on computer screens.

Wallpaper Adds Texture and Depth

Patterned walls are back and easier than ever with new removable wallpaper. It goes on like contact paper and easily peels off again when you’re ready for a change. The right design can make your home office seem more spacious and vibrant to enhance your work at home experience. The wallpaper you choose can set the color pallet for the whole room, making it easy to choose other decorative pieces in complementary colors.

Make Your Office More Engaging with Mirrors and Wall Décor

Give yourself (and any office guests) something to look at besides 4 plain walls. Incorporate inspirational art and messages that help keep you motivated when focus is a struggle. Keep the walls of your office from feeling like they’re closing in by adding decorative mirrors to broaden the space. Clocks are a timeless office staple that can be both artistic and useful.

Office Furniture Should Be Purposeful

Choose furniture that makes sense for your line of work. Do you need additional seating besides your desk chair? Do you sometimes work better stretched out in a comfortable chair with your feet up? Will you need storage for files or bookshelves for reading material? Does your job require a drafting table, easel, or other specialty equipment? Your furniture should be functional but also reflect your own decorative style so that your office is a place you want to be.

Design the Best Home Office with R & K Custom Homes

House builders in Greensboro can design each room in your home to be just the way you want it, including your home office. R & K Custom Homes will create a home office you’ll love so you can work from home with style and ease.

Call the premier custom home builder in Greensboro today at (336) 362-5225 or contact us to schedule a free consultation.

When Should You Build Your Home?

February 15, 2020

Are you planning to build a new home? If so, you may be wondering what time of year is the best time to start. The honest answer is that there is not an ideal season for new residential construction. Each season has its own pros and cons. Here are some things Greensboro homebuilders take into consideration when it comes to choosing when to build.

Building in the Spring

Pros:

The ground has had time to thaw.
The temperature is getting warmer, but not too hot yet.
There is plenty of time to complete the project before winter comes around again.

Cons:

Rainy weather, which is common in spring, can delay work.
The project will likely last into the summer when the weather is very hot.
Spring is a busy time in the home improvement and construction field so the price of materials may be higher.

Building in the Summer

Pros:

Weather is pretty consistent, with the exception of some stray thunderstorms.
There are longer daylight hours for builders who prefer longer workdays and your project may be completed faster.
Starting early enough in the summer usually allows plenty of time for the home to be completed before winter.

Cons:

Temperatures and humidity can be high, meaning the heat index could make it harder to work outside.
Summer is peak construction season so the price of materials is at an all-year high.
Severe thunderstorms could delay work and high winds could damage a construction project that is in progress but not complete enough to be secure.

Building in the Fall

Pros:

Weather is typically ideal, with temperatures cooling down and low levels of rain.
The ground is not yet frozen as the coldest temperatures have not yet set in.
There’s time to get the outer walls and roof in place before winter weather when inside work can be the focus.

Cons:

Starting in the fall doesn’t always leave enough time to complete the home before winter.
If the weather does happen to be very rainy, it can delay progress so that the basic structure is not yet complete before winter.
An early winter storm could delay progress.

Building in the Winter

Pros:

The cost of materials comes way down as it is the off-season for construction.
Your builder is less likely to be busy with other projects so more time can be devoted to yours.
If you live in the Greensboro area, a mild weather climate area, the weather might actually be more bearable during the winter.

Cons:

If the weather is cold enough the ground could freeze making digging a foundation and pouring concrete more difficult.
A winter storm could delay progress.
The holidays could also delay progress.

The Final Decision is Between You and Your Greensboro Homebuilder

There are about the same number of pros and cons for each time of year when it comes to building a new custom home. The final decision may come down to when your builder is available, the projected building timeframe for your home, and other personal factors such as your needs and your personal considerations.

The best option is to consult with your builder. Schedule a free consultation with Greensboro homebuilder R&K Custom Homes by calling (336) 362-5225 or request an appointment.

Upstairs or Downstairs Master Bedroom: Pros and Cons

January 5, 2020

Should the master bedroom be upstairs or downstairs in a two-story home? This is a question that is worth some consideration, especially if you are currently, or are soon to be, working with Greensboro custom home builders on new home design. There are some definite pros and cons to each option.

Pros to a Downstairs Master Bedroom:

When you’re tired at the end of the day, you don’t have to climb any stairs to go to bed.
You have more space between your room and the kids’ rooms, which may be ideal if you have older children who tend to live loud.
If there are no children or any other family members living upstairs, there’s no need to heat or cool the upper level.
It can be an ideal guest room since a master bedroom will typically have its own bathroom and can work as a private suite.
More easily accessible for you and your partner as you age or when you have older guests such as aging parents.

Cons to a Downstairs Master Bedroom:

Being closer to the living area means noise levels could be higher.
There’s less privacy in a downstairs master bedroom as proximity to living spaces means more people walking by.
The upstairs activity above your bedroom could disturb you.
You might feel that you are too far away from young children if their bedrooms are upstairs and yours is downstairs.
If you have a baby or young child who gets up at night, you’ll be traipsing up and down the stairs multiple times each night when you’re tired.

Pros to an Upstairs Master Bedroom:

Some people feel safer while sleeping on the second level.
There’s more privacy away from living areas and up off the ground level.
If you live somewhere with a view, such as in the mountains or on the water, you’ll most likely have a better view from the second level.

Cons to an Upstairs Master Bedroom:

You’re closer to the children at night, which could mean more noise when you’re trying to sleep.
You’ll have less privacy from children or guests.
As you age it may become increasingly difficult to go up and down the stairs.
When you’re tired at the end of a long day you’ll have to climb the stairs in order to get to your bed.

Designing a Home with Greensboro Custom Home Builders

One of the biggest benefits of a custom home is that you can have it your way. Your master bedroom can be upstairs or downstairs, depending on your personal preference. Discuss your thoughts with your builder and get some insight from their experience as one of the best Greensboro custom home builders. Each family has their own needs when it comes to the location of the master bedroom. There’s no right or wrong choice here, just the choice that is best for you.

Interested in building a custom home? Call R&K Custom Homes today at (336) 362-5225 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit our website and click the “Contact” tab on the right side of the screen to fill out a contact request and we will be in touch.

To Landscape or Not to Landscape: Pros and Cons of Landscaping your Custom Home

December 23, 2019

Landscaping the land around your home has distinct advantages and disadvantages. When you decide to build a custom home in Greensboro, you will have the choice of whether or not to landscape your yard. Consider all the pros and cons before making your decision.

Pros of Landscaping:

Curb Appeal

Landscaping the front yard makes a great first impression when guests arrive at your home. Flower beds, walkways, lighting, shrubbery, and anything else you choose to add can work together to make your home as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

Better Use of the Land

It is not only attractive to the landscape, but it is also functional. A walkway to the front door with lighting will help guide your guests in the dark. Backyard landscaping can create beautiful spaces for entertaining and enjoying time outdoors with the family.

Property Value

Landscaping also adds value to your property, which is not only helpful when you go to sell the home, but it helps increase the collective property value of your neighborhood.

Cons of Landscaping:

Cost

There is an initial cost associated with landscaping. However, that amount can be added to the overall price of the home, which may be nearly unnoticeable. If you’re trying to find ways to cut costs though, landscaping is one way. You can also choose simple landscaping that will cost less to implement.

Maintenance

In addition to the initial cost, there is a cost associated with regular maintenance of the landscaping, from bags of mulch to yard tools. Even if you choose to handle the maintenance yourself, that’s a significant time commitment and requires a good bit of energy, especially for elaborate landscapes.

Impact on the Environment

Drastic landscaping changes are not always environmentally friendly. Cutting down trees and using chemicals to kill weeds is potentially harmful to the wildlife in the area. Consider landscaping around the natural elements and using a plant-based weed killer.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences more than anything else. You may decide to skip the landscaping now to save money and plan to do it later. However, you will likely find bringing in a landscaper later for the project will end up costing you more. Including landscaping costs in your total home price from the beginning is more practical.

Planning to Build a Custom Home in Greensboro?

Landscaping is just one part of the process of planning a custom home. It is often tacked on at the end of the process, but it should actually be part of the initial planning phase. The landscaping you want for your home may have an impact on the structural design of your home and where it will be situated on the property. Don’t just tack it on as an afterthought.

If you plan to build a custom home in Greensboro and landscaping is a priority for you, keep that in mind when you’re choosing a home site. R&K Custom Homes can help you find a home site that will work for both your home and landscaping plans. Call (336) 362-5225 today to schedule a free consultation.

Myth Busting: 5 Home Building Issues in the Winter

December 23, 2019

Building in Winter Have you heard that it’s a bad idea to build a home in the winter? It’s actually a common myth. In fact, there are 5 myths in particular that are often believed, but not true about building a house during the winter months. One of the best home builders in Greensboro, R&K Custom Homes, wants to dispel these myths, not just to gain your business during the slow season, but to prevent you from postponing your plans for no reason, and perhaps even to save you some money. Don’t believe everything you hear. Trust the experts.

Myth#1: It Costs More the Build in the Winter

This one is definitely a myth. While there may be some aspects of building in the winter that cost more, there are other aspects of building in the winter that cost less. Construction expenses may arise, but materials are priced much lower in the winter, which could actually save you more money overall.

Myth#2: Labor Quality Suffers

This one doesn’t really make sense. Building during the extreme heat of summer is much more oppressing and potentially harmful to builders than the winter weather. Most builders would actually prefer to build in colder weather. Winters in Greensboro tend to be pretty mild anyway.

Myth#3: Lumber Gets Damaged by the Cold

This one is understandable, yet still false. The cold dry weather does affect lumber, which is why it is specially treated during the winter to account for the difference in weather. Framing will not be damaged and the wood will not lose its shape just because it is exposed to the cold. If anything, the wood that is treated for winter will be less affected by the cold weather in future winters, even though it won’t be directly exposed.

Myth#4: Concrete Poured in Winter is Weak

For concrete to properly set in the cold, calcium chloride is added to it. The myth is that this additive makes the concrete weaker in the future. This has been proven false by years and years of solid concrete foundations, driveways, and walkways that were poured during the winter and have stood the test of time. Even concrete experts will tell you that there is no difference in strength.

Myth#5: The Ground is too Frozen to Dig the Foundation

This is especially untrue here in Greensboro, NC where the ground rarely gets cold for extended periods of time. Even so, in colder climates where the ground does freeze, there is strong enough machinery to dig in anyway.

Don’t Be Afraid to Start Building your Custom Home with Homebuilders in Greensboro

One advantage of building in the winter is that some homebuilders in Greensboro are more readily available to build your home than they would be in the spring or fall. R&K Custom Homes can only handle so many new home projects each year. Get yours planned out with your newly acquired knowledge of homebuilding. Call (336) 362-5225 today to schedule a free consultation with R&K Custom Homes.

7 High-Tech Appliances for your Custom Kitchen

November 18, 2019

Custom Kitchen High Tech Options Are you designing the custom kitchen of your dreams? In addition to choosing colors, backsplash, countertops, and cabinets, don’t forget to stock your kitchen with the latest high-tech appliances. Not only are the newest gadgets convenient, they are also extremely efficient, helping you keep your energy bills low. Greensboro home builders can help you incorporate these top 7 appliances for 2019.

Perfect Bake Pro

Like to bake? Eliminate the margin for error with the Perfect Bake Pro. Using a system of scales connected to your smartphone, you will know immediately if you put too much of an ingredient into the mix. The app can even help you to correct the problem by compensating for the error.

Bluetooth Thermometer

Using wired probes that are Bluetooth connected to your smartphone, this thermometer can monitor two dishes as they are cooking to let you know when they reach the desired temperature.

Sous Vide

This latest cooking technique involves vacuum sealing food (usually meat) and cooking it fully submerged in water. It keeps the food moist and not overcooked. Sous Vide devices are available or you can purchase just an immersion circulator that fits on a pot you already own.

Steam Oven

Control your oven from an app on your smartphone and cook your meals and desserts to perfection using the power of steam. You can look up recipes through the app and even preset your oven to come on at a certain time and temperature.

Alexa-Controlled Microwave

If you have an Amazon Echo device you can purchase a microwave that responds to commands through Alexa. Save time and effort in preparing simple meals and snacks.

Smart Phone-Controlled Coffee Maker

Tell your coffee maker to start brewing coffee before you even get out bed using your smartphone. Sleep in longer on the weekends and save time on busy work mornings.

Smart Refrigerator

The latest smart fridges allow you to adjust temperature settings, monitor ice-making, and some even have cameras inside so you can see what you’re out of before going to the grocery store.

Get the Latest Kitchen Design Trends from Greensboro Home Builders

Do you want your kitchen to be on the cutting edge of technology and design? R&K Custom Homes creates kitchens that are attractive and functional with the latest smart features and appliances built right in. Enjoy your time in the kitchen more than ever by making it easier to cook your favorite dishes. Or spend less time in the kitchen by controlling your kitchen appliances from your phone. Whatever your culinary goals, there are high-tech kitchen appliances that can help you achieve them.

Work with Greensboro home builders who keep up to date on the latest kitchen design trends so that your kitchen will be as current as possible. Call R&K Custom Homes today at (336) 362-5225 to schedule a free consultation.

8 Built-in Storage Ideas for your Custom Home

November 14, 2019

Storage space is in high demand. It has become one of the most important features homebuyers look for in a home. The key to useful storage spaces is to make them functional, convenient, and attractive. You want storage that is easy to access, near the places where the items to be stored are used and inconspicuous so that it blends in with the rest of the home décor. This can best be achieved by incorporating storage space into the design of the home. Here are 8 built-in storage ideas from one of the best of the custom home builders in Greensboro, NC.

Utilize Space Under Stairs. The space under staircases in multi-story homes has been used in a variety of ways from bathrooms to closets. Make the best use of this space with organizational tools such as slide-out panels for coat racks, shoes, books, games, and more.

Built-in Seating with Storage. Bench seating along the walls of a room or a window seat offers ample room for storage underneath. This type of storage serves a dual purpose.

Recessed Bathroom Shelves. “Recessed” refers to shelves that are built back into the wall as opposed to jutting out from the wall. They offer a place to put personal items, towels, candles, etc. without wasting space unnecessarily in a small room.

Built-in Entertainment Center with Doors. Save space and include extra storage in your living room with a built-in entertainment center. With a designated space for the TV surrounded by shelves for storing movies and games, you won’t need a big piece of furniture. Enclose the entire space around the TV with doors to cover the shelves.

Accessory-Cabinet Behind Full-Length Mirror. Save yourself trips back and forth to your full-length mirror by storing accessories in a tall recessed cabinet with the mirror on the inside of the door. Try on jewelry, scarves, and more conveniently stored behind the mirror.

Built-in Desk and Office Cabinetry. Avoid bulky office furniture by building in a desk and storage cabinets in your office. Include space for computer equipment and office supplies.

Sliding Storage Wall. One of the newest features in storage is the sliding storage wall. It moves on runners attached to the wall, giving you adjustable rooms with built-in storage space inside.

Recessed Storage Behind Art. Want the ultimate disguise for storage? Put cabinets behind art using the piece itself as the door and your guests will be none the wiser.

Get these and More Strategic Storage Solutions from Home Builders in Greensboro, NC

If you’re interested in using any of these ideas in your custom home, or you wish to learn about additional storage options, call R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225 for a free consultation. Work with a builder who understands your need for ample storage, who can offer innovative solutions other builders don’t. The home of your dreams with the storage of your dreams is possible to achieve with the help of R&K Custom Homes.

5 Weather-Proof Outdoor Space Ideas for your Custom Home

October 14, 2019

sec2-featimg_05 Are you in the planning phase of building a custom home? If so, have you given much thought to outdoor spaces? Don’t just tack a deck onto the back of your home as an afterthought. Plan your custom home so that the indoors flow right into the outdoors in a virtually seamless transition. The outdoor spaces should be a part of your home design from the beginning.

R + K Custom homes are local Greensboro builders that can design custom homes with weather-proof outdoor spaces you can enjoy with family and friends. Here are 5 ideas.

Covered patio/porch

Ideally, a back patio or porch should be an extension of the house with the roof continuing out overtop for weather protection. For those times when you do want some sun, have the patio continue out from under the roof with room for additional seating. If you plan to include a pool or hot tub, the patio could extend to the edge of the water for easy access.

Screened-in porch

If you wish to enjoy time outdoors without pests, a screened-in porch provides a bug-free zone for eating and socializing. Throw out old notions of what a screened-in porch looks like – the old fashioned type that consists of no more than wooden beams wrapped with wire screens. Screens can be incorporated in a less noticeable way for a stylish, understated outdoor space.

Outdoor kitchen

Go beyond your basic backyard grill and incorporate an outdoor kitchen into your home design. Outdoor kitchens typically include built-in features such as a grill, sink, refrigerator, smoker, storage space, and more. An outdoor bar can be fun for entertaining and additional seating space. The best part is that you can avoid making trips in and out of the house while cooking out. You have everything you need already outside.

Freestanding fireplace/Firepit

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits create an ambiance that brings people together. Something about a fire taps into our primal senses and draws us in. Consider incorporating a tall outdoor fireplace complete with a chimney or a low fire pit that allows for seating on all sides. Built-in seating of stone or wood can be both attractive and functional, eliminating the need for folding chairs.

Sunroom/screen room

An indoor/outdoor room is a highly functional space that can be used year-round. With rows of windows that can be opened to screens when the weather allows and closed when needed, a sunroom/screened-in porch can be enjoyed no matter what the weather outside is like.

Learn more about Outdoor Space Options from Greensboro Builders

R&K Custom Homes can expertly incorporate a wide variety of outdoor spaces into your home design for a fluid transition from the inside out. If you have ideas for the outdoor areas of your home, share them with your builder early in the process so that your home can be situated on the lot with enough space reserved for a patio, pool, etc.

Looking for Greensboro builders who can create the home of your dreams complete with beautiful, unique outdoor spaces? Call R&K Custom Homes today at (336) 362-5225.

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Lot for your Custom Home

October 7, 2019

3206 Pasture View-46 Building a custom home is a very rewarding experience, but it requires a lot of careful planning for a successful outcome. One of the most important steps in the process is choosing the right lot for your home. Most home builders in Greensboro have ready-to-build home sites reserved in new home neighborhoods. It’s just a matter of choosing the right one. Here are 4 tips to help you when you’re in the process of choosing a lot.

Consider the location within the neighborhood.

Before you even look at the lot itself, consider how it is situated within the neighborhood.

Is it on a cul-de-sac? If so, you may have less traffic, a smaller front yard, and a bigger back yard.

Is it a corner lot? You’ll likely have a bigger lot, but you’ll get traffic from two different streets.

Is the lot in front of a T intersection? At night you’ll get headlights shining directly into your windows. It doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker, just consider putting bedrooms at the back of the house. Window treatments help too. Or avoid the lot and the hassle.

Evaluate the lay of the land/topography

The topography of a lot refers to the land and how it is shaped.

Is it flat or sloping? Land can always be regraded, but it may cost extra to do so.
How will the water runoff? Be sure there aren’t low spots where water may sit or run toward the foundation of the home.
Are there trees or other vegetation? You may not have to remove any trees to build your home, but if so, the removal of trees can also cost extra.

Determine the style and size of the home you want before choosing a lot

Sit down with your builder and get a general idea of the design and size of the home you want to build. If you choose a lot that is too small to accommodate the home you want, you may have to compromise later. If you only want a one-story home and the land is sloped, you may end up with an additional level you didn’t want to make the home fit the land.

Think about your lifestyle now and in the future

Don’t build a home for your life as it is now if you know it may change. The only certainty in life is that life changes. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you plan to have kids or more kids? If so, plan for a larger home and make sure your lot will accommodate the size.
Do you intend to stay in this home as you age? If so, plan for easy accessibility, such as a one-story home with no stairs and choose a lot that suits the floor plan.
Do you have aging parents that may eventually move in with you? If so, consider planning for an apartment-type space in the basement or over the garage, which may affect the size of your home’s footprint on the land.

Home Builders in Greensboro have Available Lots in Highly Desired Neighborhoods

Are you ready to look for a lot? Home Builders in Greensboro, R&K Custom Homes, can show you a variety of ready-to-build home sites to suit your needs in some of the newest up and coming neighborhoods. R&K will help you plan your home design and ensure you find a lot that will accommodate your wants and needs. Call (336) 362-5225 today to get started.