What Makes a Home More Energy Efficient?

New home in Summerfield NCOne thing any new home builder in Summerfield, NC, can tell you is that the homes they are building today are far more efficient than those they were building even ten years ago. In part, this may be due to massive changes in building codes that require contractors to meet stringent new guidelines. But it is also due to new materials, new construction techniques and more.

New Materials in Home Construction

There have been many advances in building material design over the past few decades. Where once when utilities were cheap, a single pane of glass set in a wood or aluminum frame was sufficient, today we work with double and triple glazed windows that are gas filled for maximum energy efficiency. New insulation methods and materials such as expanding foam now create walls that lose virtually no heat. The drive to achieve more in this area comes directly from consumers who constantly demand more.

Size Plays a Role in Home Building

Today’s home buyers are tending more towards building bigger houses rather than smaller ones. The bigger the house, the more it is going to cost to cool, heat, and illuminate. This has led to new developments in energy saving appliances, heat pumps instead of furnaces and air conditioners, and the widespread demand for LED lighting that costs pennies per year to run.

This same concept applies to stoves, refrigerators, hot water heaters, and virtually every other appliance being installed by every new home builder in Summerfield, NC. It is no longer acceptable to use appliances that are not ultra-efficient. These are among the biggest ways in which the energy efficiency of new homes continues to improve.

Is There a Point Where a Home Can Be Too Energy Efficient?

To put it quite simply, no there is no point at which a new home can become too energy efficient. The average home built today can be up to 30 percent larger than a similar home built only five years ago and yet only increase the utility bills by approximately 2 percent thanks to the latest in energy efficiency technology.

If you want a home that is bigger than your current home and yet costs you no more than your current utility bill, it is quite possible. You need to work very closely with your new home builders in Summerfield, NC to add several changes in the design, materials, and appliances to meet your energy efficiency desires.

Most have the skills needed to create “high-rated” energy efficient homes using the very latest technologies. Homes like these far exceed the standards for the average home and leave the federal standards sitting in the dust.

Energy Efficiency Means More than Saving Money

There is more to an energy efficient home than simply saving you money on your monthly power bill. When your home is built to these standards, you should never experience hot or cold spots nor should the bottom floor be colder than the upper one.

These are some of the reasons why new homes are more energy efficient than those built only a few years ago. If you are interested in having an ultra-high energy efficient home built, call R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225. We specialize in building energy efficient homes using the latest technologies and materials.

What Square Footage is Right for You?

Home for sale in GreensboroWhether you are buying a spec home or are talking to your building contractors in Greensboro, NC, about having a custom home built, there are many factors you must take into consideration. When it comes to the initial planning phase, should you think about the overall square footage of your home or worry more about functionality and design.

The simple reality is that while both are equally important, overall functionality and design are dictated by size. Yet if you haven’t taken the time to put both factors into play, you could easily end up with a home that is either too big or too small. There are several factors you need to take into account as you try to determine how much square footage you need. Among these are:

  • How many people will be living in your home?
  • Do you have younger children or are they older?
  • Do you plan to use your kitchen to cook big meals and entertain?
  • How much time do you spend in the bedroom or the common areas?
  • Do you like to spend time outdoors on a deck or patio?
  • Do you entertain and how often?
  • Do you need a lot of storage space?
  • How much money do you have to spend on taxes? On maintenance?

Any time you talk to one of the building contractors in Greensboro, they are going to ask you questions just like these. The whole idea is to find out as much as possible about how you plan to use your new home. Doing so will help you and your contractors make the right decision regarding the size of your home.

Other Considerations for Building a New Home

Once you answer all of the above questions, you should be getting close to being able to nail down the square footage of your new home. However, there are a few more things you might want to take into consideration before you commit. These include:

Resale Value: Functionality plays a large role in resale value as does size. For example, a home with 2.5 bathrooms will sell faster and for more money than one with only 1.5 bathrooms.

Your Future: If you have kids or are planning to have more, you need to plan enough space in your home for them. This means adding another bedroom, making common areas larger, even adding an extra bathroom.

Your Hobbies: Hobbies come in an amazing array of sizes. Do you quilt and need a large sewing room, maybe you’re a woodworker and need room for a shop, or perhaps you like to play noisy online games? These can dictate how much space you need in your home.

Be True to Yourself: Take a good look at the dream home you are planning and think carefully about what you are planning to have your building contractors in Greensboro build. Do you really need a huge kitchen or are you just trying to impress others? Maybe you would be better off with a smaller kitchen and funneling the money towards another part of the house.

For more help in determining how much square footage you truly need, contact R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225. Our experts will work with you through the entire process. Then you can count on us to design and build your perfect dream home.

Best Questions to Ask your Home Builder

Checklist for your home builder graphicIf you’re considering custom building your new home and are interviewing custom home builders in NC, don’t miss these important questions to ask before you hire them.

Do You Have References for Whom You’ve Built Custom Homes?

Find out what it is like to actually work with your custom home builder by asking for references. Calling former customers and speaking with them will help you decide if you can partner and work with your new custom home builder for an extended period of time.

Do You Offer a New Home Warranty, and What Does It Cover?

Reputable custom home builders in NC will offer a warranty. But don’t just settle for a yes. Ask for the details surrounding the warranty and what it specifically covers and does not cover to avoid surprise expenses.

Am I Permitted to Visit the Building Site During Construction of My Home?

After you pick out your materials and design, you won’t want to wait until your home is fully constructed to visit and check on the status. Ask your custom home builder if you will be permitted to come on site and be a part of the entire process.

How Will You Communicate with Me During the Home Building Process?

Communication is paramount to a successful project. Find out what the home builders’ communication style and frequency are to ensure you’re not in the dark about your new custom home’s progress, problems, and cost.

Get Your Questions Answered by Expert Custom Home Builders in NC

Interview one of the best custom homebuilders in NC, today. With more than 20 years’ experience building custom homes, R&K custom homebuilders has the rapport and expertise to make your custom home building experience a smooth and successful one. Start making your custom home plans and call them at (336) 362-5225.

Great Questions to Ask Your Real Estate Agent About New Homes for Sale in Greensboro

Photo of a new home for sale in Greensboro NCSearching for new homes for sale in Greensboro can present countless options for your perusal. Choosing the right one can be challenging, especially if you’re not a new home expert. Enter: your real estate agent. Agents spend their professional lives buying and selling homes. While you’re searching for your perfect future home, tap into your agent’s wealth of knowledge to help you make the right choice.

What Do You Like About This Home?

Agents spend their days touring new homes in Greensboro. They are privy to the conveniences and drawbacks of many new homes. Asking your real estate agent about what they like about the home may uncover some of the home’s appeal you may have missed.

What Do You Know About the Builder’s Reputation?

Real estate agents don’t just know homes; they know home builders. Being in the industry of selling homes built by various builders naturally results in feedback from clients or other agents’ clients about their new home experience. That information can be helpful when making your decision to purchase a home by a specific builder.

What Would You Change About This Home?

Real estate agents don’t just know what’s great about a home, they’ve seen enough homes to know what negative signs to look for. Ask them what they’d change about a home you may be interested in. It’s as valuable as asking a renowned chef what he would change about a recipe. You’re bound to come out ahead with his answer.

Do You Think the Price is Fair?

Real estate agents also know about price and the housing market. They know what homes have sold for in the area, and possibly what the value may be in the future. Take advantage of your agent’s history in the new home market by getting honest answers about price before going all in.

Start Your List of Questions About New Homes in Greensboro, Today

Start the conversation with your agent by starting your new home search with R&K Custom Homebuilders by calling them at (336) 362-5225. With brand new homes in Greensboro, NC and a solid reputation with area real estate agents, they are the premier custom homebuilders in Greensboro with whom you can find the answers to your new home questions.

Tricks to get the Most out of Your Building Contractor in Greensboro

Deciding to hire a building contractor is far from the last decision you’ll need to make in your project. Even if you hired a general contractor to oversee your project, there are additional things you’ll need to be involved in and decide throughout the course of your project to ensure you stay on budget and on track. Learn tricks to get the most out of your building contractor in Greensboro.

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Plan Together

Most good building contractors will have a detailed project outline. Reviewing the project with your contractor line by line will make sure you’re both on the same page in terms of design, cost, and scheduling while establishing a partnership that will last throughout the project.

Communication is Key

While you’re reviewing the project, ask him how he prefers to communicate. Getting a phone or email can help solve problems as they arise. Be on site and talk with him each day before the work begins to ensure you’re included in any changes and decisions.

Track Changes in Writing
A project may start out simple but as unexpected circumstances arise, so will the need for changes. Whether you change a design, budget, or schedule — write it down and get any additional costs in writing. This will help keep both you and your contractor on the same page, and eliminate surprises that can throw your project, and your budget, off track.

Keep a Project Diary
While you’re writing down your changes, also write in a project journal. Jot down questions you want to ask your contractor the next time you meet, pen ideas you may have, and record progress. Projects can become complex, especially if it is a large one with an extended schedule. Writing down the progress will help keep your project on schedule and on budget.

Check the Work
At the end of each day, it benefits both you and your building contractors in Greensboro NC if you check the work and relay any concerns during your next meeting. Track your reviews in your journal so you can discuss any issues with your contractor timely. This will maintain your forthcoming relationship with your contractor while ensuring the project’s transparency.

Plan Your Project Today with RK Custom Homes

Knowing how to make a project successful is the first step, finding building contractors in Greensboro who are open and willing to collaborate with you is the second. R&K custom homebuilders invites communication with its clients to ensure a successful transparent project. Call them today at (336) 362-5225 and get the most out of your building contractors in Greensboro.

Advantages of Custom Building Your New Home

A photo of a custom home built in the Greensboro NC areaIf you’re considering custom building your new home and are reading this, chances are you’ve never done it before. Deciding to custom build your home can be overwhelming if you don’t know enough about it. Getting insight from experts who custom build homes for a living can help. Learn the advantages of custom building your home from the team with the best home builders in Greensboro, NC, R&K Custom Homes.

Your Home Builder Will Help You Customize Your Home

This is the most obvious advantage; rather than settling for a pre-existing home you get to choose the layout of your home, the materials used, the overall look, style and appeal of your new home. You get to choose the details down to paint colors and wood finishes.

You Get to Pick Where You’ll Build Your Home

When you custom build your own home, you don’t just get to determine how it will look– you get to pick where it will be. Having the opportunity to choose an exclusive community or a private lot means you already know you’ll love where you live as much as you love the home you live in.

A New Custom Home Will Save Money on Repairs and Maintenance

Custom building your home means your home is new and under warranty. So on move-in day, you won’t need to prepare your home with fresh paint or update its look, you can simply move in and enjoy the freedom of not having a fix-it list.

Custom Built Homes Are Energy Efficient

When you partner with one of the best home builders in Greensboro, you have your choice of efficient appliances, roofing materials, windows, and other selections to improve your energy consumption and lower your energy bills.

Custom Build Your New Home with the Best Home Builders in Greensboro

Get more information on the benefits of building a custom home by calling the crew with the best home builders in Greensboro. With more than 20 years’ experience building custom homes, R&K custom homebuilders has the experience and the insight you need to make the best decisions. Take the first step towards your new home today by calling (336) 362-5225.

Upgrade Possibilities to Take to your Home Builder

When having a new home built, certain features will be standard and others will be considered upgrades, which add to the cost of the home. If keeping to your budget is a priority for you, some upgrades are more valuable than others. When planning with home builders in Greensboro NC, seriously consider adding these features to enhance the beauty, functionality, and resale value of your home.

  • Floors. Go ahead and opt for the wood floors. They are beautiful and stylish and mainstream culture appreciates them. If not throughout the entire home, at least get them in the kitchen, living room, and foyer.

    Hardwood floors in a custom built home by R and K in Greensboro NC photo

  • Kitchen. Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. You spend time there preparing and eating meals at least 3 times a day. It is worth the money to make your kitchen both stylish and functional with features like an island for example.

    Photo of a Custom kitchen in Greensboro NC

  • Appliances. Don’t skimp on appliances. Get quality items that are also energy efficient. You’ll save money on your energy bills and avoid having to replace them.

    Beautiful stove in a new home in Greensboro NC

  • Closets. You can never have too much closet space. And when it’s time to sell, luxurious closets can lure potential buyers.

    Luxury closet in a custom home in Greensboro NC

  • Lighting. Lighting should be both attractive and functional. Opt for additional light fixtures such as under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen and globe or pendant lighting over the island.

    Lighting fixtures in a new custom built home in the Triad photo

Home Builders in Greensboro Offer More Upgrades as Standard Features

Features that are considered upgrades for some builders are simply standard at R&K Custom Homes. Bring up these ideas with your builder to see what features you can add to enhance your home. Even the upgrades that do cost extra are often worth the price. Your builder will work with you to help you decide what items will offer you the most in return. Call R&K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225 or (336) 382-0728 to make an appointment to meet with your builder.

5 Hot Trends in Custom Home Design

Do you want to know the hottest trends to be sure to include in your new custom home? Stylish features popping up at building shows across the country are sure to influence the design of new custom homes in Greensboro NC. These 5 hot trends in custom home design will make your home the envy of your guests while adding to the resale value.

  1. Beautiful bathtub in a custom designed home in Greensboro NC photographRepurposed wood accents. Wood accents in interior design have been used in various ways throughout the years. Using repurposed wood has added a new element to this classic look, including the concept of recycling used materials.
  2. Green or low impact materials. Being environmentally conscious has become more than just a movement, but an actual trend. This trend includes building homes that are considered green and are built with materials that have a low impact on the environment in their production and use.
  3. Merging indoor and outdoor areas. Sliding doors, retractable walls, and floor to ceiling glass make the separation between indoor and outdoor areas of homes less distinct. Indoor spaces can become outdoor spaces and vice versa quite easily, providing versatility in how you can use home and yard.
  4. Rustic features. Items such as sliding barn doors add a rustic element that is also functional. You can close off certain rooms when not in use and open up smaller rooms to make one large room. Rustic features made modern is a real attention grabber.
  5. Elaborate outdoor spaces. As people are spending more time outdoors, patios and backyards are beginning to receive a larger part of the focus in custom homes. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits with comfy seating create a cozy ambiance for entertaining or relaxing after a long day.

Custom Homes in Greensboro are Being Built with These Trends

If you’re planning to have a custom home built in the Greensboro area, you can make any of these trends part of your home design with R&K Custom Homes. When you incorporate these beautiful elements in your home, you can count on the envy of your guests, better resale value in the future, and best of all, your own enjoyment. Call (336) 362-5225 or (336) 382-0728 to get started designing your new custom home with R&K.

What Comes AFTER Custom Home Builders Finish Your House?

Custom Home built in Greensboro NC photoIt is exciting to move into a brand new house, especially one that was completed to your specific requirements. After pouring over all the choices and deciding on the smallest of details, as well as the big picture, you now get to experience the joy of waking up in it every morning. But wait! Just as you depended on the knowledge and experience of a custom home builder in Greensboro during the building process, you will also benefit greatly from the information available to you in reference to maintaining your new house. Here are some areas where you will want to make sure you know everything necessary to prevent costly mistakes.

Ask Your Builder about Your Utilities

It is always wise to be prepared for emergencies. A quality home builder will locate the circuit breaker panel for you and ensure all the switches are labeled clearly and accurately. It’s also important to know where your various meters are located, as well as emergency equipment such as the fire extinguisher and the water shut off valve.

Custom Homes Come with Warranty Information You Need to Know

Your kitchen appliances, heating and cooling systems, and many more items in your new house will come with warranties. Even some types of flooring and fixtures will be covered. Many will be included within miscellaneous information packets, but it may be best to separate the warranties from these and keep them all together. You may need to sort through the instruction packets on occasion, so keeping all your warranty information together in a separate location will decrease the likelihood of it being misplaced. You may never need most of them, but knowing exactly where they are will save you time and stress if you ever do. Since your home builders will likely have taken delivery on these items, they may be the ones who were given the warranty information.

Get the Information and Instructions You Need from Your Home Builder

The information packets mentioned above will often contain instructions. Whether a full pamphlet or just one page, it is vital that you keep these where you can easily reference them. However, home builders in Greensboro NC will be happy to walk you through all the instructions for using unfamiliar systems. Whether it is entering a new code for the burglar alarm, regulating the solar heating, caring for your beautiful wood floors or just using your new energy efficient washer and dryer, they can show you the ropes and answer any questions you might have. You don’t even need to wait until you move in. You will be visiting your house as it is being built, so you can just make notes at each visit and schedule a meeting to go through any questions on a regular basis.

In any case, custom home builders can offer a great deal of invaluable help even once your house is complete.
R & K Custom Homes strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Call (336) 362-5225 to get started building the house of your dreams.

Custom Homebuilders in Greensboro: Why Choose R&K Custom Homes

Homebuilders in GreensboroR&K Custom Homes is a team of experienced, award-winning luxury custom homebuilders in Greensboro. The company is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and possesses a remarkable collection of awards for their homes in Greensboro, NC. R&K’s customers’ satisfaction is their driving force, and their success is proven through customer testimonials.

Since 1992, R&K Custom Homes has built well over 300 custom homes located in distinguished subdivisions throughout the Greensboro area. Their exclusive custom homes in Greensboro, NC, and the surrounding area are situated in stunning natural surroundings.

Choosing where you live is just as important as how you live, and they want to be a part of your future by providing locations to suit any lifestyle.

Luxury Custom Homes in Greensboro, NC, and the Surrounding Area

R&K Custom Homes has a selection of communities to choose from in and around Greensboro. Their variety of communities is certain to suit your needs from luxurious and exclusive settings, to natural backdrops and convenient locations. While you’re here, check out their gallery of homes.

R&K Custom Home Communities in, and around, Greensboro:

Birkhaven offers spacious Greensboro luxury homes and custom home sites.

Dawn Acres is tucked away in a gorgeous location just minutes from Greensboro, NC.

Jessup Ridge offers single family homes for sale close to Greensboro area as well as custom home sites from R&K nestled in a beautiful area with a neighborhood swimming pool.

Knight’s Landing provides luxury homes with a neighborhood pool.

Lennox Woods is an ideal community just outside the quiet little town of Summerfield, complete with a pool and offering stylish, all brick homes.

Other communities include Riverside in Oak Ridge, The Farm at Lake Brandt in Summerfield, Hartman Farms, and Linville Ridge in Oak Ridge.

Additional Homes for Sale in Greensboro

R&K Custom Homes has both lots and custom homes for sale. Visit their additional listings of lots and homes for sale on our Available Homes page. Whether you fall in love with one of their brand new homes in Greensboro, NC, or want to sit down with them and design your own home, they are the premier custom homebuilders in Greensboro you can count on.

R&K Custom Homes Warranty

All of R&K’s homes come with a one-year builder’s warranty, as well as a six-year state warranty that is purchased for you through a bonded Residential Home Warranty Association. R&K prides itself on procuring peace of mind for you in peaceful settings designed for your lifestyle.

Choose the Premier Custom Homebuilders in Greensboro

Whether you want to custom build your next home or purchase an existing home in one of our prestigious communities, we are the premier custom homebuilders who can help build your future. Our communities are ready for your brand new home in Greensboro, NC. Call us today at (336) 362-5225 for a free consultation.