by Mitchell Metz | Jan 15, 2024 | Postings
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.23.4" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]How to Maximize Your Valuable Investment Protect Your New Home Investment Building a custom home is a bit like buying a new car, right? In terms of maintenance, we think so.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231230220415/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-19.png" alt="best real estate investments" title_text="best real estate investments" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Happy couple access their forever home[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Maintenance is Key You know how you feel when you drive a new car out of the showroom? You don’t want any dust, dirt, or stains to ruin the beautiful seats on the inside or paint on the outside. You keep the interior clean and regularly wash and wax the exterior to keep it spotless. A little preventative care can go a long way in preserving the life of your new car. The car manual provides a maintenance plan that highlights key times to perform routine care to keep the engine running smoothly and the rest of the car performing at its peak. Do homebuilders provide a similar maintenance plan to new homeowners letting them know what regular care should be given to their new home? Not usually. But they probably should. After all, a new home is one of the biggest investments most people make during their lifetime. So it’s wise to take care of it from the start. A little planning and elbow grease will go a long way toward keeping your home clean, maintaining its value, and avoiding costly repairs later on. If you’re not that handy around the house, you might want to consider hiring a professional to tend to things that need cleaning and maintaining. This will be money well spent. Here is a home maintenance plan with some suggestions for maximizing enjoyment of your new home and maintaining its value: Regular Washing: Just like a new car, your new custom home needs a regular washing too. Try to pressure wash the exterior at least once a year; two times a year is best. The exterior paint, stucco, stone, siding, or other components will not only maintain a better look but will last longer as well. Flush the Air Conditioning Condensation Line: This preventive maintenance measure costs only pennies but has real, lasting value. Flush the air conditioning condensation line with a cup of bleach twice a year to avoid algae buildup and blockage. This simple preventive step will save you the stress of your line becoming backed up, allowing water to pour through the dry wall. Clean the Gutters and Filters: Have your home’s gutters cleaned at least twice a year to avoid leaf buildup. Also be sure to change (or clean if they are reusable) your air conditioner’s filter every three months. (If you have 4” media filters, then you will only need to change them twice per year for full-time use). A clean filter helps your unit run more smoothly and saves you money on your electric bill. A clean filter also increases the life of your air conditioning unit. Nothing is more frustrating (not to mention costly) than having to install a new air conditioning unit in the middle of the summer. Replace with Fresh Batteries: Daylight-savings time is a great reminder for this step. In the fall and spring, when you adjust your clocks, replace the batteries in your smoke alarm. As an extra note, be sure to check your irrigation clock every few months to ensure proper operation. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners on Hardwood: If you have hardwood floors, it’s important to keep them clean in order to extend their beauty and life. However, be careful to never use wax or harsh cleaners on your hardwood floors. The chemicals could permanently damage the flooring and result in a costly fix. Garage Door Safety Reminders: Two important things to keep in mind if you have a garage door opener. First, never remove the garage door obstruction sensor. This safety feature is designed to prevent the overhead door from coming down on a child or animal and injuring or killing them. Check the sensor every few months to make sure it is working properly. Second, it’s important to never try any type of garage door spring maintenance or adjustments by yourself. If the tightly coiled spring somehow comes off, it can cause serious injury. Always hire a trained installer or maintenance professional to assist you. Check and Reseal: Check the exterior of your home twice a year for any signs of expansion or contraction. Cracks may allow water
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by Mitchell Metz | Jan 8, 2024 | Postings
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.0" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]What Can I Expect After I Move In? Know What to Expect to Avoid Panic Imagine it’s been a few months since your custom-built home was completed. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231230222600/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-20.png" alt="luxury custom home builders" title_text="luxury custom home builders" _builder_version="4.24.0" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]The bliss that comes with spending your money on the right venture![/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.0" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Common Concerns You’ve moved the furniture in, decorated your favorite spots with mementos and other personal belongings, and even hosted a few housewarming and dinner parties. Your home is the envy of the neighborhood and your friends marvel at the attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship. But there are no perfect homes, and a fact of new home construction involves the foundation settling and minor cracks appearing. Many of the cracks appear because your home is adjusting to temperature and humidity changes—builders can’t build your home under factory-controlled conditions. So don’t panic when minor cracks appear. This is completely normal! To help ease your fears, here’s a list of common situations that occur in new homes. Builders are often asked these questions (and plenty more) from panic-stricken homeowners who fear their perfect home is now laden with problems. Remember, thousands of components were used to put together your home over an extended period of time, so settling and minor adjustments should be expected. A good builder will address your concerns promptly and work with you. So what can you expect?: Trim Molding Cracking: This is very common and there’s no way around it. Expect to find minor cracking and separation in your moldings, especially in two-story homes. Settling, heat expansion, and contraction will occur as your home acclimates to the new temperature conditions inside from running your air conditioner and heating systems. This does not mean there is anything structurally wrong with your home. Cracks in your molding actually look worse than they really are. A qualified handyman can caulk these minor cracks within minutes, and after the repair you shouldn’t be able to tell there was ever a crack at all. Grout Cracking: Another common spot to find minor cracking is in the tub and shower or kitchen backsplash area. You may notice cracks appearing along the grout lines between tiles or in the corners of these areas. Again, a handyman with the appropriate sealant can take care of this. It’s a good idea, however, to add the sealant quickly to prevent moisture from seeping behind the tile and causing any damage. Hardwood Expansion and Contraction: If you have hardwood floors professionally installed in your home (not constructed from a pre-fabricated kit), you can expect to find some minor cracks or swells, appearing over time. The hardwood acclimates to the temperature and humidity of your home (again due to cool air and heat) after installation and the wood planks will expand and contract. This is normal! It’s best to allow the wood to expand and contract for at least six months so it completely settles before making any repairs. A professional installer or handyman can putty in the minor cracks. Window and Door Adjustments: Even windows and doors will need time to adjust to the temperature after a new home is finished. The doors, locks, door handles, and deadbolts may need some minor adjustment. This is completely normal. Cracks in the Sidewalk, Driveway and Garage: It is not uncommon for minor cracking to occur along concrete sidewalks, driveways, and even inside the garage or basement. Expansion and contraction also happens here because of the varying temperature conditions that the concrete is exposed to. As long as you don’t notice a difference in the height of the concrete on either side of the crack, don’t worry. These cracks are normal. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with the concrete foundation. Typically cracks in concrete are not mended unless there is a height difference between the concrete on either side. Receptacle Not Working: If a receptacle (wall plug) in the bathroom, kitchen, garage, or in the home’s exterior mysteriously stops working, don’t be alarmed. It may just be a tripped circuit. The current electrical code requires builders to put in a receptacle called a GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. This measure is added for your safety to prevent accidental electrocution. These receptacles have an internal trip circuit built in that acts as a safety mechanism when there is water and electricity coming in contact. If there is an electrical surge, the receptacle will
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by Mitchell Metz | Jan 5, 2024 | Casa Bonita, Construction, Construction & Design
Living Stone Design + Build announces its inaugural luxury custom home in the northern mountains of South Carolina, a masterpiece set to unfold within The Cliffs at Mountain Park, marking a significant milestone for our team and inviting you to witness the seamless blend of nature’s beauty and architectural prowess.
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by Mitchell Metz | Jan 3, 2024 | Postings, Recognition
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="76px||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Recognition as the Best Home Remodelers in Asheville by Home Builder Digest At Living Stone Design + Build, we are thrilled to announce that we have recently been featured at the top of the list for The Best Home Remodelers in Asheville, North Carolina by Home Builder Digest. This recognition from a national online magazine specializing in the residential housing industry is a testament to our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and dedication to building happier, healthier lives in Asheville and beyond. Read the article here.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129143321/Image-14-1-1.jpg" alt="best home remodelers near me" title_text="best home remodelers near me" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.2" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="29px||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]About Home Builder Digest: Home Builder Digest is a reputable national online magazine that focuses on showcasing the best in the residential housing industry. Known for celebrating top home builders, remodelers, and architects throughout the country, Home Builder Digest is a trusted source for recommendations about construction professionals. The magazine provides valuable guides, inspirational resources for homeowners, and consultation services, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to enhance their living spaces. Living Stone Design + Build's Achievements: Being recognized as Asheville, North Carolina's leading design-build firm is an honor that reflects our commitment to excellence. Our portfolio boasts exceptional craftsmanship and an innovative approach that has earned us prestigious awards, including the Best in American Living Awards and the Best Single-Family Custom Home award from the North Carolina Home Builders Association. As active members of the National Association of Home Builders and the Asheville Home Builders Association, we continuously strive to stay at the forefront of industry trends and best practices. Our Dedication to Building Happier, Healthier Lives: At Living Stone Design + Build, our mission goes beyond constructing beautiful homes; we are dedicated to building happier, healthier lives for our clients. This commitment is evident in every project we undertake, from the initial consultation to the final touches. Our team is passionate about creating living spaces that enhance the well-being of those who inhabit them, promoting a sense of joy, comfort, and fulfillment. Asheville, North Carolina: A Hub for Renovation and Revitalization: Asheville, North Carolina, is a thriving location for new and upgraded homes, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative movement. The city's captivating blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community makes it an ideal setting for our design-build expertise. Asheville's rich history is reflected in the abundance of historic homes that can be renovated and revitalized to meet the needs and preferences of modern homeowners. Situated in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers stunning scenery and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities. The city's friendly and welcoming atmosphere adds to its charm, making it a sought-after place to call home. Conclusion: The recognition by Home Builder Digest as the Best Home Remodeler in Asheville, North Carolina is a proud moment for Living Stone Design + Build. This accolade reinforces our position as a leading design-build firm, dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and a commitment to building happier, healthier lives in the Asheville community. We look forward to continuing our journey of excellence and contributing to the growth and transformation of Asheville's residential landscape.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Mitchell Metz | Jan 1, 2024 | Construction, Postings
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.0" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Should I Hire an Independent Building Inspector? How to Make the Right Call Sometimes homeowners choose to hire an independent building inspector during the building process of their new home, but that decision can be a double-edged sword.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231230224921/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-21.png" alt="independent building inspector" title_text="independent building inspector" _builder_version="4.24.0" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.0" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]A home inspector inspecting a client's custom green-design home.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.24.0" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Pros and Cons of Building Inspection On one hand, if the building inspector’s intent is to genuinely help the process by effectively communicating what he observes, it can really aid in the process of completing a new home. On the other hand, a building inspector who tries to justify his fee by searching for insignificant things can add confusion and even create an adversarial relationship between the builder and the homeowner. When this happens, nobody wins. Understanding Home Inspections We don’t discourage our homeowners from hiring an independent building inspector. We think it’s important for them to be fully comfortable with the building process. After all, they are investing a lot of money in their new home. If the homeowners can clearly define in positive terms what they want the inspector to do, the inspector will know we’re not in an adversarial position. We will all be on the same page, working together to create a beautiful home. Much of what is noted by a private building inspector is already being handled by the builder, energy rater, green inspector, or the required local, county, and municipal building inspectors at code inspections. Hiring the private building inspector may be additional cost without any real value added to the homeowner. The Risks That May Arise Homeowners who live out of town, out of state, or even out of the country from their home building site may want to hire an inspector to watch over the construction process. This is a different assignment, it is also known as Owner’s Representative. We do not recommend this because it is very difficult to stay on the same team when you are paying someone to find problems. Dustin & Catherine hired an Owner’s Representative after some friends visited their site and one of them advised that they thought we has used the wrong type of plywood on the porch floor. The Owner’s Representative claimed that he was a licensed builder and dazzled them with research on YouTube videos showing alternative methods/products for tiling a porch floor. I showed them our research and had them speak with the representatives from the supply houses who recommended the products in the first place. We offered to replace the porch flooring how Catherine wanted it, but Catherine began second guessing her counsel and ended up telling us to use the product we would stand behind. This incident caused undue stress and expense for all involved. Later, it was discovered that the Owner’s Representative license was archived (meaning he wasn’t allowed to practice). Your Goals Should Align with Your Building Inspector’s To achieve the desired results, it will be important to choose a building inspector who understands the difference and does not try to create an adversarial situation. A good choice here can make or break a situation. We look for people who understand the “we’re-all-on-the-same-team” mentality (and a lot of people don’t). We’re all on the same side; we all want the same thing. We all want a beautiful home, built to the highest standards. Our goals are not opposite yours or the inspector’s. Understanding this is crucial. Be sure you are not hiring someone who feels the need to justify his fee. For any homeowner, if you are feeling uneasy about your builder, then you should question why you are hiring that builder in the first place. Your superintendent should be the person to responsibly manage the project. If you hire an independent inspector, make certain he is helping, not in hindering the building process. -Sean Sullivan [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Building a Quality Custom Home" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="39px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on"][et_pb_column type="2_3" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="2_3" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" header_font="|||||on|||" header_text_color="rgba(17,32,73,0.79)" header_font_size="54px" header_2_font="||||||||" header_2_font_size="34px" custom_margin="||||false|false" header_font_size_tablet="39px" header_font_size_phone="38px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" header_2_font_tablet="||||||||" header_2_font_phone="||||||||" header_2_font_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Building A Quality Custom Home Want to know more? This book by Sean Sullivan is full of helpful information in easy-to-read chapters like this blog post. It is a step-by-step guide to the “must-know” issues of building
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