Save MONEY building GREEN with Living Stone

Every home Living Stone builds is Energy Star Certified and receives a HERS rating.  With this rating our clients also receive a projection of energy usage for their home.  We are excited to announce that we can now offer an ENERGY USAGE GUARANTEE!  The home warranty we offer through Bonded Builders has just announced a new program for our clients.   Bonded Builder's Energy Guarantee is a unique way to enhance the HERS rating we secure on each home by making it just that, guaranteed that the house we deliver will actually preform as designed, without any risks! This program is designed to capture those buyers desiring such energy savings and also to attract potential buyers who are learning that energy-efficient homes is where they need to be focusing their efforts towards.  The easiest way to describe the process would be if a home is slated to consume $1,000 of energy throughout a year, any amount over that is paid back to the homeowner at the end of each year, up to $1,000 (100% of the anticipated amount).  For instance, if a home is slated to consume energy in the amount of $1,000 and after 1 year the homeowner used $1,200, we would send the homeowner a check for $200.  Subsequent years are reset at the $1,000 and any overages are paid at the end of each year for 2 years!     

Top 5 Remodeling Projects

Home owners considering planning to stay in their home should know about remodeling projects that increase the home’s usefulness and make it better to live in. A 2012 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey of remodelers found the following five most common remodeling jobs.   Housing market data reveals that small, smart remodels reward home owners with better return on investment and can help update and customize a home. Review these top five remodeling projects and begin planning to remodel during National Home Remodeling Month.         1.  Remodel the bathroom Payback on remodeling a bathroom can reach 65 percent with new fixtures, tile, toilet, vanity and lighting. Low flow toilets consumer less water and can decrease the monthly water bill.        2.   Remodel the kitchen A minor kitchen remodel can improve the look and utility of the space without costing a bundle, and yields a 75 percent return. Consider replacing backsplashes, cabinet fronts, countertops, and flooring. Installing low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances can also reduce water and energy expenses in a heavily trafficked room.         3. Replace windows and doors Updating windows can also return a solid portion of the investment (73 percent for wood frames and 71 percent for vinyl). New, energy-efficient doors and windows also help reduce energy leakage from the home and can bring down heating and cooling bills.         4. Repair property damage Property damage is a common but unfortunate occurrence. Seize misfortune as an opportunity to customize and upgrade the home. If you are already going to be inconvenienced with major home repairs, take that time to plan and incorporate home remodeling that may have been put off in the past.        5.Whole house remodeling Repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were cited as the top reasons for customers to hire a remodeler. Evaluate the use of the entire home to see if it fits your needs. Home owners are repurposing spaces to fit their families and making more efficient use of their home’s square footage and equity, rather than moving to a new home and mortgage. Smart remodeling projects for improving the home can make the home more comfortable for your lifestyle. 
The Alexis – semi-custom plan

The Alexis – semi-custom plan

All of semi-custom plans are fully customizable to create your ONE OF A KIND home.
Starting on your lot for $480,000
Contact: Sean Sullivan 828.669.4343

Features: Energy Star Certified, NC Green Built Home, Universally Designed plan

The Alexis is an alternate to our popular Alexandra model that keeps the same main floor plan and finishes, it simply eliminates the upstairs bonus room. It also, is a universally designed home that not only boasts a quaint craftsman architectural feel, but also incredibly energy efficient construction. This floor plan works well for families of all size and ages.

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How to Speak Remodeling

The home building industry celebrates National Remodeling Month in May, but remodeling is popular year-round, and the industry is growing every year. Whether it’s a small cosmetic remodel such as replacing bathroom fixtures, or a major down-to-the-wall-studs overhaul of your kitchen or adding new space to your home, understanding the terminology your professional remodeler is using can be very helpful to ensure you get the finished project you want.  See more of Living Stone's renovations here! [nggallery id=55] As you interview potential contractors, this glossary of common terms used by builders and remodelers will help you understand the language of your remodeling project — and help you avoid miscommunication with your contractor. Allowance: A specific dollar amount allocated by a contractor for specified items in a contract for which the brand, model number, color, size or other details are not yet known.  Bid: A proposal to work for a certain amount of money, based on plans and specifications for the project.   Building Permit: A document issued by a governing authority, such as a city or county building department, granting permission to undertake a construction project.   (more…)