It is three years later and the community has come a long way. Recently, an 'Independence Celebration' was held in New Danville to honor the builders and contractors who participated in the construction of New Danville's first residential neighborhood, Meadowbrook. Design Tech Homes is proud to have completed three homes for these special residents.
Monday, February 28, 2011
New Danville - a Special Place for Special People
Design Tech Homes is proud to support New Danville, a community located in Montgomery County for high functioning, mentally challenged adults. In 2007, we constructed a home in The Woodlands that was raffled off to raise money for improvements to the land and to start construction of the buildings in the community. Over a half million dollars was raised.
It is three years later and the community has come a long way. Recently, an 'Independence Celebration' was held in New Danville to honor the builders and contractors who participated in the construction of New Danville's first residential neighborhood, Meadowbrook. Design Tech Homes is proud to have completed three homes for these special residents.
It is three years later and the community has come a long way. Recently, an 'Independence Celebration' was held in New Danville to honor the builders and contractors who participated in the construction of New Danville's first residential neighborhood, Meadowbrook. Design Tech Homes is proud to have completed three homes for these special residents.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Our Low E3 Windows Provide Triple Protection
In order to provide more energy savings than ever before, all Design Tech Homes are constructed with Low E3 windows. Delivering the ideal balance of solar control and high visibility, Low E3 windows are comprised of a triple layer of silver, providing three layers of year-round thermal protection and energy savings. When the temperature soars in the summer, ordinary window glass just can’t beat the heat and tinted glass spoils the views. During the cold weather, the insulating effect of your windows has a direct impact on how your rooms feel and Low E3 windows will help you stay comfortable even in the coldest outdoor conditions. These high performing windows also provide greater fade protection, blocking up to 95% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. With Low E3 windows, you'll have no more complaints about faded carpets, curtains or wall coverings - they'll all stay beautiful for years. To read more about other energy saving products in our custom home designs, please visit our website.
Maintaining Your Foundation and Concrete Flatwork
The following is good advice for new homeowners and established homeowners alike. Following these tips can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in potential foundation damage, as well as the headaches and complaints that come with it.
It is critical for the homeowner to try and maintain even and uniform moisture content around your home. Uneven moisture content could cause one part of your home to move at a different rate than the remainder of the home. For this reason, in periods of drought, it is important to water completely around the foundation, and to maintain proper grade and drainage so that excess water runs away from the house. In some situations it may be necessary to install perimeter perforated drain lines to remove this water. Similarly, your foundation should be protected from large trees, particularly hard woods. These trees have massive root structures and can cause substantial upheaval. Design Tech Homes recommends a minimum of ten feet separation from canapy of tree, although more is better.
Exterior concrete should always be watched for areas where water is accumulating next to and potentially under the concrete. Water under the concrete can cause cracking and depressions. Cracks and separations at expansion joints should be filled with a concrete silicone caulk. Care should be taken to avoid heavy vehicular or equipment travel on your flatwork. It is designed to carry the load of typical passenger vehicles not dump trucks, concrete trucks, etc.
I personally observed this last example in action a couple of years ago when our neighbor hired a contractor to repair some brick damage to their house. The brick was repaired nicely but when the concrete truck left, it had busted up a corner of the driveway from the weight it was unable to support. Don't let this happen to you. Also, watch out for your neighbor's tree that is encroaching your property. You might want to get together now to discuss ways to avoid potential damage from the tree's roots rather than wait and ask for compensation after the fact. Good communication makes good neighbors. For more tips on caring for your home, go to www.DTH.com/index.php/hotips
It is critical for the homeowner to try and maintain even and uniform moisture content around your home. Uneven moisture content could cause one part of your home to move at a different rate than the remainder of the home. For this reason, in periods of drought, it is important to water completely around the foundation, and to maintain proper grade and drainage so that excess water runs away from the house. In some situations it may be necessary to install perimeter perforated drain lines to remove this water. Similarly, your foundation should be protected from large trees, particularly hard woods. These trees have massive root structures and can cause substantial upheaval. Design Tech Homes recommends a minimum of ten feet separation from canapy of tree, although more is better.
Exterior concrete should always be watched for areas where water is accumulating next to and potentially under the concrete. Water under the concrete can cause cracking and depressions. Cracks and separations at expansion joints should be filled with a concrete silicone caulk. Care should be taken to avoid heavy vehicular or equipment travel on your flatwork. It is designed to carry the load of typical passenger vehicles not dump trucks, concrete trucks, etc.
I personally observed this last example in action a couple of years ago when our neighbor hired a contractor to repair some brick damage to their house. The brick was repaired nicely but when the concrete truck left, it had busted up a corner of the driveway from the weight it was unable to support. Don't let this happen to you. Also, watch out for your neighbor's tree that is encroaching your property. You might want to get together now to discuss ways to avoid potential damage from the tree's roots rather than wait and ask for compensation after the fact. Good communication makes good neighbors. For more tips on caring for your home, go to www.DTH.com/index.php/hotips
Monday, February 21, 2011
Cost Plus vs Fixed Cost
As you shop for a new home to build on your lot, you may come across builders in Houston, San Antonio or Austin who offer incremental cost breakdowns or cost-plus contracts. As a turn key, full-service custom home builder, Design Tech Homes prefers to conduct business with a fixed cost contract. So what’s the difference?
A cost-plus contract means the builder or contractor agrees to supply labor and materials for an allowance amount, plus any future variations in cost on top of that. This type of agreement leaves the price open to circumstances encountered by the builder. Smaller builders and contractors prefer this type of bidding because it relieves them of sticking to a set price. They may not be as accurate in their initial bid because any extras will be passed directly to you. Therefore, a cost-plus is the riskiest type of contract to sign. You may be handed a bill for far more than the cost of what you agreed to initially. If you sign this type of agreement, you have to hope that no unforeseen circumstances are encountered by the contractor.
The more favorable contract is one with a fixed cost. This means the contractor will supply all labor and materials for "x" amount of dollars. If the builder misses something that results in additional cost or anything it ends up costing more than projected, the builder has to absorb the cost. This puts responsibility on the builder to be thorough and it protects you from being hit with unanticipated costs as a homeowner. There'll be no complaints that you were charged thousands of dollars more because "something was missed" or simply wound up costing more than anticipated.
As a fixed-cost builder, Design Tech Homes believes this to be the logical approach for consumers as the alternative is building a home with an “open check book..” We feel it is important to provide our homeowners with the best experience possible from the time they walk through the doors of our information center to the moment they walk through the doors of their newly completed home. In our experience, less risk, less stress, and less cost leads to happier, more satisfied Homeowners.
A cost-plus contract means the builder or contractor agrees to supply labor and materials for an allowance amount, plus any future variations in cost on top of that. This type of agreement leaves the price open to circumstances encountered by the builder. Smaller builders and contractors prefer this type of bidding because it relieves them of sticking to a set price. They may not be as accurate in their initial bid because any extras will be passed directly to you. Therefore, a cost-plus is the riskiest type of contract to sign. You may be handed a bill for far more than the cost of what you agreed to initially. If you sign this type of agreement, you have to hope that no unforeseen circumstances are encountered by the contractor.
The more favorable contract is one with a fixed cost. This means the contractor will supply all labor and materials for "x" amount of dollars. If the builder misses something that results in additional cost or anything it ends up costing more than projected, the builder has to absorb the cost. This puts responsibility on the builder to be thorough and it protects you from being hit with unanticipated costs as a homeowner. There'll be no complaints that you were charged thousands of dollars more because "something was missed" or simply wound up costing more than anticipated.
As a fixed-cost builder, Design Tech Homes believes this to be the logical approach for consumers as the alternative is building a home with an “open check book..” We feel it is important to provide our homeowners with the best experience possible from the time they walk through the doors of our information center to the moment they walk through the doors of their newly completed home. In our experience, less risk, less stress, and less cost leads to happier, more satisfied Homeowners.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Token of Gratitude
As many of our military troops are returning from Iraq and rejoining their families, Design Tech Homes is proud to be a part of helping them begin anew. As a token of our gratitude for serving our country, we’re offering ALL Military Personnel a 5% discount off the net base price of a new custom Design Tech Home. We restarted this program September 23, 2010 as our way of paying tribute to these remarkable citizens coming home to the U.S. Without complaint, our veterans do what is necessary to make our country a better place to live. It would make us proud to be their custom home builder. Ask us for details.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Finding a Lot on Which to Build
Many homebuyers come to Design Tech Homes excited to start building a new custom home, but complain that it is difficult for them to find that perfect piece of land on which to do so. After hearing these complaints, we took it upon ourselves to create an online tool that will hopefully aid them in their search, and narrow down those that best suit their lifestyle and budget. Still in its early stages, our Land Search site will continue to grow with more communities being added on a continual basis. But you'll want to check this site frequently, as many developers are offering special incentives exclusive to Design Tech Homebuyers.
We're here to help you build on your lot.
We're here to help you build on your lot.
Friday, February 11, 2011
A Word About Custom Home Modifications
I have listened to many potential home buyers complaints that they could not find a home builder that would modify a home to fit their needs. Many of these buyers were handicapped or had children that had special needs. The first question that would come up when I would state that we do those types of modifications was how much extra would it be. Our feeling at Design Tech Homes is that you should not be penalized if you or your immediate family have special needs that require modifications to your home. We modify our plans -- or yours -- and only charge the cost of the material difference to the plan. So, for example, if you need a wheel chair ramp up to your home we would only charge you the cost of this modification. Many contractors charge individuals with handicaps more money for these types of modifications.
At Design Tech Homes, we'll build a home that's just right for you. Come visit us today.
Mike Feigin, CEO
At Design Tech Homes, we'll build a home that's just right for you. Come visit us today.
Mike Feigin, CEO
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Getting a head start on your landscaping!
We're heading into late winter and you don't hear anyone at Design Tech Homes with complaints. Although we build custom homes year round, we definitely prefer spring, summer and fall months when it comes to working in the outdoor elements, even in the mildest of winter conditions.
If you're already a homeowner and can take advantage of a few sunny days in February, you might try a little gardening preparation for the upcoming spring season. Now is an excellent time to transplant mature or established trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Make flower and vegetable garden plans now before the rush of spring planting.
Time spent in armchair gardening before the fireplace will pay off in improved plant selection. Sow seeds in flats or containers to get a jump on plant growth before hot weather arrives. Prepare beds and garden area for spring planting. Petunias, begonias, and impatiens should be sown in early January.
Warm temperature plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, and periwinkles, should be sown in late January or early February. Apply a light application of fertilizer to established pansy plantings. Use one-half pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of bed area. Repeat the application every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on rainfall.
More tips can be found on our Design Tech Homes website.
If you're already a homeowner and can take advantage of a few sunny days in February, you might try a little gardening preparation for the upcoming spring season. Now is an excellent time to transplant mature or established trees and shrubs while they are dormant. Make flower and vegetable garden plans now before the rush of spring planting.
Time spent in armchair gardening before the fireplace will pay off in improved plant selection. Sow seeds in flats or containers to get a jump on plant growth before hot weather arrives. Prepare beds and garden area for spring planting. Petunias, begonias, and impatiens should be sown in early January.
Warm temperature plants, such as tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, and periwinkles, should be sown in late January or early February. Apply a light application of fertilizer to established pansy plantings. Use one-half pound of ammonium sulfate per 100 square feet of bed area. Repeat the application every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on rainfall.
More tips can be found on our Design Tech Homes website.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Are We Headed Into An Economic Recovery?
A January 2011 report published by the Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program in Washington DC ranked 150 cities in a global study to determine the level of recovery from the recession. Austin was the highest ranked U.S. city and No. 26 in the world. San Antonio ranked 11th in the United States and 51st in the world. Houston landed at 15th in the United States and 61st in the world. Since Design Tech Homes just happens to build custom homes in three of the nation's most resiliant cities you won't get any complaints from us. If you’ve been waiting to build a new home on your land but put it off due to national economic conditions, wait no longer. You can have greater peace of mind knowing that Texas is (and always has been) the best place to settle down and build your dream home. Take the first step to building your custom home in Houston, San Antonio or Austin by setting up a complimentary one-hour design consultation and site visit.
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