A Home Gym In A New Home, Images, 07-11-22

 

Choosing Flooring For Homes

Types of Flooring For Homes

FREDERICKSBURG, United States - /Sterling Creek Builders/

Since homes are an essential part of the life and dreams of most people, they put a lot of thought into designing a new home. This is why they choose the best home builder. Sterling Creek Builders in Fredericksburg, Texas, is a custom builder that has been serving the Hill Country area. This home builder gives information on flooring options and trends in this article. 

Floors make the largest surface in any home and significantly impact the look of the home. Depending on the lifestyle, individual preferences, and budget, flooring must be chosen. This is why knowing about types of flooring will be helpful. 

Here are some popular flooring options:

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is an expensive but popular option for custom homes. It is made from a solid piece of milled wood. Hardwood varieties include oak, maple, walnut, and cherry. The advantages of hardwood are its durable nature, versatile options, its positive impact on home value, and the ability to refinish it several times. But it has disadvantages like that it is costly, can sustain damage easily in high-traffic areas, is prone to be affected by water damage, and is unsuitable for rooms like bathrooms and basements.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood has a thin layer of hardwood fused over a high-quality plywood substrate. This looks like natural hardwood but is more cost-effective. It is easy to install and DIY-friendly; it is more resistant to moisture than hardwood and less likely to warp. The drawbacks of choosing engineered wood are that it can fade, the quality is not always assured, sounds hollow, and can be refinished only once. 

Laminate

Laminate flooring is a pocket-friendly material. Flooring consists of particle board wood base beneath a wood or tile photo with a protective layer of clear plastic. Laminate is a cheap option that is easy to install as a DIY, resistant to scratches, easy to clean, and available in various styles, textures, and colors. However, the material is susceptible to damage by water, gets chipped, and doesn't resemble wood. 

Vinyl Flooring

Composed of plastic, vinyl flooring is a water-resistant material available in luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Vinyl flooring is durable and easy to maintain, resistant to water damage, fade-resistant, DIY-friendly, and available in various designs that suit different styles. It is, however, more costly than laminate flooring. 

Tiles

Tiled flooring is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms in new homes because they are waterproof. Tiles can be ceramic or porcelain and are popular because of their durability, longevity, and water resistance. But they have disadvantages of being expensive, difficult to lay, cold and slippery, and needing prep work before installation.

Stone Floors

Marble, granite, and sandstone are a few natural stone flooring options in new construction homes for indoor and outdoor areas. Pros of stone flooring are the bold, elegant look, water resistance, and long-lasting nature. But stone floors are expensive, difficult to install and maintain, and are cold and slippery.

Linoleum

Linoleum is an eco-friendly flooring option made of linseed oil and cork. It is not expensive, easy to install, available in several styles, colors, and patterns, easy to maintain, and long-lasting. Linoleum can get discolored over time, dented, damaged when exposed to moisture, and will not add to the value of a home. 

Carpeting

Carpet is chosen for a soft and warm feel and look. It is suitable especially for bedrooms and comes in multiple colors, textures, and patterns. Carpeting helps to soundproof to an extent. The problems with carpeted floors are the difficulty to clean, they stain easily and show patterns of wear. Carpets may not be suitable for allergic individuals as they retain dust and mites.

Non-Traditional Flooring Materials

Alternative materials like rubber, cork, bamboo, and terrazzo are now available. When designing a new construction home, families can choose these for their eco-friendliness, durability, fire resistance, or aesthetics.

When choosing flooring material and making other decisions, a residential construction expert can help with suggestions based on experience and technical knowledge. Sterling Creek Builders in Fredericksburg believes in providing people with great homes they can fall in love with. Right from renovation, redoing the floors, or building a new home, this custom home builder assures the best results. For residential construction in Fredericksburg, Texas, an email to john@sterlingcreekbuilders.com or a call to the number (325) 219-5155 will put customers in touch with Sterling Creek Builders.

Choosing Flooring For Homes, Images 9/6/22

 

Design Considerations For Multigenerational Homes

 Considerations When Designing A Multigenerational Custom Home

FREDERICKSBURG, United States - /Sterling Creek Builders/

Multigenerational homes are households that have two or more adult generations living together. This can be adult children living with their parents or elderly parents moving in to live with adult children and their families. Census data between 1971 and 2021 shows that the number of people living in multigenerational homes has quadrupled. The reasons for choosing this arrangement can be practical, like financial factors and family caregiving needs. But there are other factors like emotional dimensions and cultural traditions.

In 2020 during the pandemic, there was a surge of families opting for multigenerational living. With schools closed, the need for child care at home increased, and working parents found it more difficult. Multigenerational homes might have the benefit of more adults taking care of children. Prebuilt homes may be designed for a single-family, but a custom home can be built to facilitate multigenerational living. Existing homes can be remodeled or renovated. Even if it is not needed now, designing a new home that can be easily modified to accommodate a multigenerational family in the future is a good idea. A custom home builder like Sterling Creek Builders in Fredericksburg, Texas, can help design the perfect home to keep multiple generations happy and safe under the same roof. 

Some things to be given importance when thinking of a custom-built home for multigenerational households

Accessibility

To ensure the independence and comfort of different members, accessibility is important. The abilities, limitations, and needs of children and aged family members must be considered. This is especially important in frequently used areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Having wider doors will ensure that walking aids or wheelchairs can be used without hindrance. Height-adjustable furniture can be bought if new furniture is being purchased, which will come in handy in the future. Functional design must be done keeping in mind that aged individuals may not be able to use stairs always. 

Main Floor Living 

When a family shares a home make sure to include main floor living for everyone so that life is easier, and accessibility is ensured for all. Having the master room or primary suite for adults on the main floor is beneficial, especially when there is an elderly person in the family. A custom home builder will ensure that a new home meets such requirements the homeowner communicates.

Open Floor Plans

Multigenerational homes are designed to foster closer relationships. A common area, like a great room, can be included. These are common areas with ample space to facilitate family members spending time together throughout the day. Open-concept plans can have spacious room designs that have adjoined outdoor living areas and large kitchens. These designs will provide space for formal and casual dining at home. They can also serve as work or private spaces as needed. 

Spaces That Allow Privacy

One key element to living together harmoniously is members having privacy when they need it. This will enable private conversations or work calls. If space allows, having a dedicated living space for each generation is ideal. Multigenerational homes that are large enough can include a family room, a den, and a playroom so that different generations can be together, yet have private spaces. 

Use Space Effectively

While multigenerational homes may be large, they also have more members. Every inch of space must be utilized effectively. Families must think of how to creatively use areas like basements, attics, and garages. Instead of these spaces being used purely as storage spaces, some innovative thinking can make them comfortable and cheery living spaces.  Keeping homes clutter-free is very important to avoid wasting space.

Separate Entrances

New homes can be custom-built to have separate entrances that will provide autonomy and reduce chaos. The chances of multigenerational families having different schedules is greater. Separate entrances will ensure the night owls and party goers will not disrupt the sleep patterns of the early risers and school-age children and vice versa.

Customization In Bathrooms

While separate bathrooms for each person may not be possible in multigenerational homes, they can be as spacious as possible with some features that make them comfortable and safe for the users. Having showers or tubs that are accessible and safe is ideal. It is good to choose anti-slip flooring and install grab bars. Children can have drawers or specific containers to store their accessories that they can reach and look colorful and fun. If space and the floor plan allow, a custom home can even include a Jack and Jill bathroom that children can share. 

Natural Light

Homes must be designed to let in natural light as much as possible. This gives warmth and light and maintains health. It is also an environment-friendly measure that can help save on electric bills. 

Highly Customized Options

For homeowners with highly-specific demands, enough space, and finances, the custom home can be a duplex, split level home, or acreage home. A custom home builder can help families design a home that checks all the items on the wishlist and can be constructed on the land available.

Multigenerational homes can be a great solution for many families' caregiving problems, and they can be money-savers. It can also be a positive atmosphere that reduces stress and forges strong relationships. A well-designed custom home can maximize these benefits while limiting the problems that usually arise from living in close quarters. Sterling Creek Builders is a custom home builder in Fredericksburg, Texas that can help families build their dream home or remodel existing homes to create the perfect abode. They can be contacted via email at john@sterlingcreekbuilders.com or at (325) 219-5155. 

Design Considerations For Multigenerational Homes, images, 06-05-22

 

Sterling Creek Builders Fredericksburg, TX - Lighting Up Homes

 Trends and Tips to Know When Choosing Lighting For A New Home Look

FREDERICKSBURG, United States -/Sterling Creek Builders/

For families, homes are their havens of safety and comfort. Homes are where lives are lived, and memories of a lifetime are mostly created in them. Homes are built and designed keeping this in mind. Functionality, aesthetics, comfort, and budget are all considered when designing a home. 

Lighting plays an important role in any home. It influences the ease of performing work or any task or activity in the home. Lighting can enhance or spoil the overall look of a house. Thoughtful lighting arrangements can set an ambiance and mood, which can also be altered. Homeowners can plan how the lighting must be in a new custom home depending on their needs, lifestyle, activities, furniture, decor, color scheme, etc. A custom home builder can help with suggestions on placement and types of lighting based on the family’s requirements. Sterling Creek Builders in Fredericksburg has been building homes and remodeling living spaces that bring their clients’ visions and dreams to life. In this article, they share some insights on lighting.

Choosing Lighting For A New Home Look

There are basically 3 types of lighting:

1. Ambient lighting: It is the general lighting in a space that provides enough light for comfortable visibility all over a room. Overhead lights like ceiling light fixtures are the most common sources of ambient light. Other sources of ambient light are ceiling fans, chandeliers, wall sconces, pendant lamps, etc. 
2. Task lighting: is to allow clear visibility to perform tasks like cooking or reading. Under-cabinet lighting in kitchens, desk lamps, vanity lighting, mini pendants, etc., are all used to provide task lighting.
3. Accent Lighting: helps to spotlight interesting features or call attention to certain decor. It also augments ambient lighting by providing light in parts that ambient light does not reach. Recessed lighting, wall sconces, and track lighting provide accent lighting. 

When choosing lighting, the need for light, the look or mood that the family desires, and the style of the fixtures are all considered. The trends in vogue will also play a role if they can be incorporated with the character and functionality the home call for. Some current trends in lighting are these.

• Lighting can be the focus of the design

Especially in the living and dining areas ceiling lighting can be statement pieces rather than just functional pieces. A wide variety of light fittings that suit any style are available, whether it is contemporary, cottage-like rustic, or extravagant designer homes. Lights can transform rooms and become the tone-setter for the design if they are chosen and placed thoughtfully. This should be something that is considered right from the planning stage when building a custom home.

• Bold designs that make a statement

When aiming for a unique look, homeowners choose bold designs with interesting textures, colors, or sculptural features that stand out even when not in use. These pieces add character to the room, are in harmony with the style of the home and its owners, and provide light. 

• Symmetry is key

Maintaining symmetry is a tried and tested interior designing trick. This works perfectly for lighting as well. Having two lamps on either side of a painting or a feature like an arch or shelf can add a smart, clean look.

• Make it colorful

Lampshades or light fixtures that complement the color scheme of the room or add bright pops of color can be chosen. These can lighten the mood or add a layer of warmth to the room.

• Layer lighting

Whether in the bedroom, living room, or home office, different types of lighting can be used to create different looks that suit the ambiance or mood. For example, bedrooms or living areas can have pendant lights for ambient lighting that also act almost like decor when they are off. There must be sources of diffuse light for a warm feeling on winter nights or for a quiet night at home. Shaded lamps, quirky light fixtures, and frosted bulbs can all be used for a different effect. 

• Lighting that accentuates wall art

Clever use of light to showcase art also throws backlight into the room. Art can be high-value in terms of money or personal reasons. Such art can be chosen to be a standout feature of a room. In a new construction home, the owner has the option to design a room with this feature in mind. 

 

Why Sterling Creek Builders Fredericksburg, TX?

A new home is a cherished dream being brought to reality for most families. Working with an experienced residential construction expert will ensure that the dream home blends character, style, and functionality. Sterling Creek Builders Fredericksburg, has been serving the Hill County area of Texas, building incredibly unique homes. They are particular about providing an effective and realistic cost estimate, practical scheduling, and an in-depth presentation of what the future home will look like. Sterling Creek Builders are just a call away, dial them on (325) 219-5155 for any residential construction requirements in the Hill County area, Texas. 

Sterling Creek Builders Fredericksburg, TX - Lighting Up Homes, Images, 12-04-22