by Sarah Thorn | Feb 14, 2024 | Construction & Design, 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="4.24.2" 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="{}"]Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Manage Your Expectations During the Building Process A few years ago, Richard Carlson wrote a book titled, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff— and It’s All Small Stuff.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240214150139/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-25.png" alt="don't sweat the small stuff" title_text="don't sweat the small stuff" _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="{}"]Let your builder provide you a perfect custom home blueprint.[/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"]Perspective in Homebuilding In his now famous book, he said, “Often we allow ourselves to get all worked up about things that, upon closer examination, aren’t really that big a deal...” That’s not only good advice for life, it’s especially important during the homebuilding process. I can assure you, there’s going to be a lot of small stuff during the building of your home. Many people who frequently call their builder’s office worrying about minor things make the building process much more difficult, both for the builder and for themselves. A homeowner who worries when a subcontractor is two hours late to the job, or needs to know why a two-by- four has a knot hole in it, or notices some sawdust in a corner of the living room can take the wind out of anyone’s sail and cause delays. Yes, it is important to let your builder know if there are things that truly concern you because your builder wants to provide a complete and pleasurable experience. However, people who view every little thing as a “big deal” and worry about it all (especially those who call their builder daily with their current worry list) are never going to be satisfied. Case Study: The Pitfalls of Over-Attention to Detail Jordan was someone who excelled in “sweating the small stuff” during the building of his new home. Throughout the design and contract stage of his new home, Jordan was a delight and seemed to be the perfect candidate for a successful project. The trouble started when his builder mentioned the surveyors were scheduled for Thursday. Even though the survey work didn’t need to get done for at least two weeks, the builder wanted to schedule it early so it wouldn’t be a critical component in the building schedule. At 7:00 Thursday morning it was raining buckets and continued to rain all day. Early Friday morning, before the builder’s offices opened, Jordan called because he was worried about the surveyor. The builder explained to him that because of the full day of rain the previous day, the surveyor was delayed by a day. Jordan was stressed. It was the first of many times throughout the process that Jordan was “sweating the small stuff.” A week later, when the material was dropped at his lot so construction could begin, the delivery truck got stuck due to all the recent rain. The builder’s office got another call from Jordan wanting to know all the details about why there were tire ruts in his front yard. The day the foundation man was scheduled he was delayed because of traffic. Another phone call from Jordan. Once the foundation work was prepared, Jordan called to find out what day the inspection would occur. Once inspection passed, Jordan wanted to know what the inspector said and why the inspection card in the permit box was signed off in black marker instead of blue ink. After the foundation was installed, there was a bag and a half of mortar left over and two wheelbarrows of sand. Jordan called to ask what was going to be done with the leftover material. It went on and on and on throughout the entire job! Jordan continued to “sweat the small stuff.” No amount of meetings and explanations could convince Jordan to let the builder do what he had hired him to do. It was counterproductive to the relationship and impeded the builder’s ability to execute the job with excellence. The builder spent more time answering Jordan’s questions about the small stuff than he did looking for opportunities to build his home in the most efficient and effective way possible. Focus on the Bigger Picture: Quality and Timeliness It’s important to know that if you’re going to sweat the small stuff (and remember, as Richard Carlson said—it’s all small stuff), it usually will not help you get what you really want. At the end of the day, you and your builder both want the same thing: a quality, custom home completed on time and within a reasonable budget. So relax and let your builder
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by Sarah Thorn | Feb 5, 2024 | Building A Quality Custom Home, Construction & Design, 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="4.24.2" 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="{}"]Excellence or Perfection? Manage the Balance Between Expectations and Reality People build custom homes. People are not perfect. It doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t expect excellence.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240828194227/master-betroom-sokolis.webp" alt="mountain modern living room" title_text="mountain modern living room" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]A competent builder will leave you fulfilled in your custom 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" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Reality Check A prospective homeowner once asked me, “Will my new home be perfect?” I told him there are two kinds of perfectionists: one who asks for perfection but realizes life is not perfect and is very pleased with 95 to 98 percent. The other type expects perfection and is never happy, no matter how well a job is done. If you are the latter, please don’t build a custom home. Life is too short and too wonderful to take two years—or more—out of your life only to be disappointed in people and processes that are not perfect. Excellence Vs Perfection People build custom homes. People are not perfect. It doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t expect excellence. Here are a few ways that excellence differs from perfection: Excellence is taking people and materials that are imperfect and executing a process to its very highest level. Excellence is a home that’s done timely. Excellence is what happens when something goes wrong and it’s quickly recognized and corrected. (Trust me, when you build a custom home, things will go wrong.) Excellence is when your builder acknowledges if there is a mistake and promptly corrects it without pointing fingers. Excellence is clear communication. Excellence is a quality home built with straight walls, functioning doors, and overall good quality. Excellence is moving into your home and having your dishwasher, garbage disposal, and gas grill all operational on move-in day. Excellence is a prompt phone call from your builder if something unexpected comes up and the schedule needs to be modified. Excellence is having a homeowner so pleased that when the topic of homebuilding comes up he says, “Let me tell you about my builder, we have no regrets.” Planning, designing, and building a new custom home for you and your family can be an exciting, rewarding experience if you select a competent builder who is committed to excellence and you have a clear understanding of each other’s expectations. Homebuilding can be a miserable experience if you are a perfectionist who is unhappy even if your builder builds to excellent standards. Conclusion It is important to choose a competent builder committed to excellence and managing expectations to ensure a positive homebuilding experience. But if you require perfection, don’t build a custom home. -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 your dream home. Discover the custom-home construction secrets that could save you headaches, heartaches, and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/building-a-quality-custom-home" button_text="Learn More" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151432/Untitled-design-8.png" alt="Building A Custom Home" title_text="Custom Home Book" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
by Sarah Thorn | Jan 30, 2024 | Construction & Design, Postings
I’m not advocating you only interview one or two builders, but I am suggesting you narrow your search down to one or two builders. When I know there are many builders competing for the same job (especially if the job doesn’t have a clear, defined focus), I decide to put my limited time and energy where I can be most effective.
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by Sarah Thorn | Jan 26, 2024 | Construction & Design, 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="4.24.2" 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="{}"]Is Your Title Insurance Policy Up To Date? Ensuring Adequate Coverage Congratulations, you’ve just completed building your beautiful new home! Now it’s time to consider your title insurance. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20240126152816/Youtube_Thumbnails_For_Project_Features-22.png" alt="home title insurance necessary" title_text="home title insurance necessary" _builder_version="4.24.2" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/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="28px||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Understand the Importance of Title Insurance Title insurance provides protection if someone sues and says they have a claim against your property before you purchased it. When you purchased your property, you received a document most often called a deed, which shows the seller transferred their legal ownership, or “title” to their property, to you. Title insurance protects you if someone later sues and says they have a claim against the property from before you purchased it. Common claims come from a previous owner’s failure to pay taxes or from a previously unknown heir. If there is a claim on the title of your property, the title company will defend you against the claim, or reimburse you for the loss of your property up to the dollar amount specified in the policy. Secure your investment So you are thinking, “No problem. I purchased title insurance when I purchased my lot”. While that may be true, a key point to remember is the dollar value of your title policy. If you built your home after purchasing your lot, the dollar value of your policy may only cover the value of the land. In the event of a claim against your title, you may not be reimbursed for the value of the home you built after purchasing your lot. If you built your home after purchasing your lot, think about contacting your title company to update the value of your policy to account for the added value of your home. If you are planning to build a new home on your lot, make a note to update your policy during or after construction to ensure adequate coverage. Title insurance is relatively inexpensive and typically a one-time charge. Contact your title company to ensure the policy value covers the value of your land and home. Now you can stop wondering about Title Insurance and start enjoying your new home! Conclusion Make sure your title insurance policy reflects the value of your lot and your new home. -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 your dream home. Discover the custom-home construction secrets that could save you headaches, heartaches, and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/building-a-quality-custom-home" button_text="Learn More" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151432/Untitled-design-8.png" alt="Building A Custom Home" title_text="Custom Home Book" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
by Sarah Thorn | 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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