Stanton Homes - Building Green in the Triangle: August 2009

Top 5 Reasons Home Buyers Request Spray Foam Insulation

Session for Builders, Real Estate Agents

The Wake County Home Builder's Association (HBA) is hosting a lunch time seminar to teach the benefits and uses of spray foam insulation, in their Raleigh offices.

Healthy Home Insulation will be presenting during the event.  Attendees can learn how spray foam insulation cuts energy costs, and why it's one of the most requested energy savings products in green and standard construction new homes.

Tues Sept 15th Noon - 1:30pm

Builders, real estate agents, and others are welcome to attend.  Learn over lunch why spray foam insulation offers answers to these problems:

Problem:  Energy costs are rising.

Answer:  Spray foam insulation keeps costs down.

Problem:  Healthy air is a big concern.

Answer:  Foam insulation keeps indoor air cleaner.

Problem: Noisy homes are NOISY.

Answer:  Spray foam insulation reduces sound.

Problem:  Attics are HOT in Carolina summers.

Answer:  Spray foam insulation creates more usable space.

Problem:  Green is a growing concern.

Answer:  Foam insulation reduces dependence on natural resources. 

Tu Nguyen of Healthy Home Insulation will be present to show how spray foam insulation reduces costs in a healthier environment.

"I've seen first-hand the alarming global increase in fuel demands," said Nguyen.  "Energy Wise and spray foam insulation are viable solutions to alleviating our dependence on fossil fuel, improving our health and protecting the environment for future generations."

The lunch time learning session will be held at the Home Builder's Association (HBA) offices in Raleigh on Tuesday, September 15, noon-1:30 pm.

Cost is $15 to attend. Pre-registration is required. 

Lunch is provided.  Visit http://www.hbawake.com/classes-and-education or call Judy Richardson at 919-232-5882 to register. 

Questions on spray foam insulation?

For more information contact Tu Nguyen at Healthy Home Insulation, Inc, 877-944-FOAM (x3626).

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

 Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?              

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

How to Buy a Lot - Step 5

What Will The Total Cost of the Home Be?

How to Make Sure You Can Afford to Build Your Home Here

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

How Much Will the Total Construction Package Cost? 

All lots and land under consideration will be some combination of location, size, amenities, cost, and buildability.  As you begin to narrow down your options, you may decide that some factors are more important than others. 

Building the Same Home Can Cost More on Some Lots

Don't worry, a good builder will work with you to make sure you're aware of any incremental costs involved in one lot over another.  At Stanton Homes, we provide a full cost comparison of your favorite lots or land, with these types of factors all considered:

Sewer or Septic - Building Costs

Sewer fees can vary considerably, from $1500 in some locations to $7K or more in Cary NC.  If a septic is required (which is very often the case in North Carolina, especially on lots over half an acre), cost can vary from about $3500 to more than $10K. 

Your builder can obtain a copy of the improvement permit and provide an accurate quote for septic or sewer costs.  A lot with a lower upfront cost may have some higher "site costs". 

Water or Well - Building Costs

The cost of providing fresh water for your home can vary.  Community water fees can be $500 or less.  Water hook up fees can vary from less than $1000 to more than $7K.  And a well can commonly cost anywhere from $5K to $8K.   Many times fees are dependent on the size of the home.  Your builder should factor in hook up fees, trenching, and any additional permits. 

Development - Building Costs

If the lot or land listing notes "water nearby" or "sewer nearby", you'll want your builder or land agent to find out what "nearby" means.  Even if the pipes are in the middle of the street rather than on the edge of your lot, there will be extra cost to pay for the city or county to come out, dig up the pipes, extend them to your property line, then charge to "tap" those lines for your home. 

Permits and Fees - Building Costs

Each city and county has their own list of permits and fees.  Your builder should be able to provide an estimate specific to the exact location or locations you have in mind.  Permits and fees depends on the location of the home, as well as the size of the home, based on total square footage (heated and unheated, including covered porches and garages).

Clearing and Lot Preparation - Building Costs

The lot conditions will affect the cost of your new custom home.  A sloped lot will require additional foundation work.  A heavily wooded lot will need additional equipment to clear enough room for the home to be placed.  A very large lot may require additional driveway.  Talk to your builder about where you want your home positioned.  Most of these costs can be estimated with a site inspection. 

It's Really Not That Scary!

A good builder will provide a full breakdown of all costs involved in building your home at a particular location.  But make sure they are aware of exactly where you'd like to build, and make sure they are willing to guarantee their costs.

A lot or piece of land with a lower price tag may have some higher building costs, particularly in sought after areas like Cary, North Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or Holly Springs.  Just ask your builder or land agent to help you do your research, and you'll be confident that you're making a great decision. 

If this sounds overwhelming - don't worry!  At Stanton Homes, we work to provide you with all the information you need to make a good decision, including free lot inspections, research on your lot, and much more. 

Just contact us or call 919-278-8070, and we'll answer any questions you have about how to buy land and make sure you can build the custom home you're looking for on your lot.  

Browse Raleigh Area Lots and Land for Sale

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Lot or Land for Your New Raleigh Home

Don't worry, at Stanton Homes we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Buying a Lot or Land Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying a Lot or Land Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying a Lot or Land Lot Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying a Lot or Land Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying a Lot or Land Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

Copyright Stanton Homes 2009.    Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any claims.  Buyer or buyers agent to verify all information before purchase. 

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

Built In Bars Growing in Popularity

Wet Bars Accent Home Theaters, Bonus Rooms, and Media Rooms

Ever wonder if a built in bar is right for you?  Here's the top three places you're likely to find built in wet bars in today's top custom homes, and why built in wet bars are climbing in the "top requested feature" list.

Family Entertainment Centers - Built In Bar Ideas

For homeowners looking for a "family" space for weekly movie nights and board game marathons, a built in bar makes sense - for the "under 21" crowd too.

A countertop with bar stools is a great place to hang out.  The small refrigerator offers juices and other beverages.  The microwave fills the room with the smell of fresh buttered popcorn, just like the movies but without a $10 per person admittance fee, plus another $10 for the popcorn! 

On the other end of the room, a large flat screen TV and surround sound system bring the theater home, while built in bookcases feature classics like Monopoly and new favorites like Outburst and Cranium.

The "Man Cave" - Built In Bar Ideas

Just want any man wants, a cave of his very own.  Your home will be the destination of choice with a guys getaway that features a built in bar. 

A built in keg dispenser keeps the brews cold, while plenty of cabinetry and seating keep everything close at hand. 

A man cave is easily found - an unfinished third floor, bonus room, or daylight basement all have great potential for your guys' place to play. 

Enticing Entertainers - Built in Bar Ideas

If your idea of a terrific weekend is a couple of hours with a couple dozen of your best friends, a built in bar comes in handy.  Consider adding a dedicated corner in the game room, bonus room, or family room. 

A couple of well-placed wine racks highlight some of your favorite reds and whites, while the wineglass holder keeps your favorite crystal close at hand.   The small refrigerator offers drinks for a variety of tastes, while the countertop is perfect for displaying assorted appetizers.

Thinking of Including a Built In Bar Now?

Before you begin building, discuss your ideas with your builder.  You may want to add the perfect size alcove, or move some walls just a bit. 

Think about the type of cabinetry you'd like, and the function of the space.  The size of the bar, cabinetry style, and number of appliances will all affect your total cost.  Flooring is important too - for a full size bar, you'll want to consider hardwood or tile around the bar area, especially if you're including a small bar sink. 

How much seating is ideal?  Do you need seating at all?  What types of items would you like to store, serve, or save here?  The answers to these questions will help your builder better determine your perfect combination. 

Thinking of Including a Built In Bar Later?

You'll still want to consider the function and size of the space.  Even if you're planning to add your own built in bar later, you'll want your builder to provide an area that will work well. 

Plumbing - you'll need a plumbing rough in for each fixture, which could include a bar sink, dishwasher, or refrigerator with ice maker.

Electrical - each appliance that continuously runs, such as a keg dispenser or refrigerator, will need it's own circuit.  You may want to plan extra outlets for blenders, microwaves, or other appliances.  And think about lighting too - you may want to add additional lighting in the area for your future bar. 

There's a combination that works for nearly any budget - talk to your Raleigh home builder today about your ideas! 

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot

Copyright Stanton Homes 2009.    Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any claims.  Buyer or buyers agent to verify all information before purchase.  

Raleigh Custom Homes

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Step 2: Amenities and Features

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

Amenities and Features - What's Important?

Amenities and features can include many different details.  As you consider choices of locations, you'll want to think about what's most important to you.  Is budget your biggest consideration?  Or is a particular lifestyle your primary goal?  All lots and land under consideration will be some combination of location, size, amenities, cost, and buildability.  As you begin to narrow down your options, you may decide that some factors are more important than others. 

Golf Course Communities

There are many different golf course communities in the Raleigh area where you have the option to build your new custom home, using the builder of your choice.  For golf lovers, the convenience is terrific.  Just walk or drive the golf cart right to the course at tee time! 

Cost of lots in golf course communities varies.  Most lots on the golf course are well above $100K.  There are occassionally lots within the community available for less than $75K, depending on the community, location, and other factors.  Contact us for more information on available lots in golf course communities.

One great thing about the Raleigh area - no matter where you live, there's probably at least one golf course within 5 miles!

Swimming Pool Communities

A good number of communities offer community swimming pools.  Some require additional fees for the use of the swimming pool, beyond HOA fees.  Usually, the more features the community has, the higher the cost of the individual homesites - and sometimes, the smaller the homesites are.  After all, the cost of the swimming pool, clubhouse, and other features must be somehow recouped, usually by dividing the cost by the total number of lots, and adding that portion to the other costs that determine what each lot will be valued at. 

A small community is much less likely to have a swimming pool or other expensive amenities - but there are other benefits to a small neighborhood too!  Contact us for information about available communities with swimming pools. 

Clubhouse and Tennis Court Communities

Most often, clubhouses and tennis courts can be found in golf course communities.  Clubhouses are useful for community events and social activities. 

Again, balance the features within the community with nearby YMCA facilities, health clubs, state and local parks, and community centers.  The HOA or other fees and higher lot costs may very well be counterbalanced with a membership fee to a great outside facility.  The Triangle area offers terrific events, activities, classes, and sports memberships through a variety of community centers.   

Contact us for information about available communities with clubhouses or tennis courts

Equestrian Communities

If you'd like to keep horses on your own lot or land, keep in mind that you'll need at least one acre of grazing land per horse. 

Generally, you'll need at least a lot that is at least 2 acres to accomodate your home, driveway, etc and also provide enough grazing area. 

Guidelines for Finding Land for Horses in the Raleigh area - read this guide on what to look for. 

There are equestrian communities throughout the area in a variety of price ranges.  There are also many horse boarding ranches in the Raleigh area, particularly on the outskirts of Holly Springs, Hillsborough, and other outlying areas, where your horses can be very close to your new custom home. 

Playgrounds and Walking Trails

If you have children or enjoy walking, you'll probably want to think about features like picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.  Many different types of communities have these features, or are very near some of Raleigh's excellent parks. 

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Lot or Land for Your New Raleigh Home

Don't worry, we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Available Lots, Land, and Communities in the Triangle

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Today's Ceilings Make Statements - Types of Ceilings and Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Next Home

New Home Trends and Ideas - What's the Latest?

Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot

Copyright Stanton Homes 2009.    Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any claims.  Buyer or buyers agent to verify all information before purchase. 

Raleigh Custom Homes

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Step 3:  How Much Land Do You Want?

Determine Your Desired Lot Size

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

What Size Lot or Land?

Start by narrowing down some factors, like what size lot, ideally, your new home will be situated on. 

There are a lot of factors that can determine what size lot or land works best for you!

Quarter Acre or Less

If you're looking for low maintenance, a smaller lot makes more sense.  A quarter acre or less lot will likely not accommodate a large one story, a three car garage, or a very wide home, but this size lot is perfect for many compact plans with good use of space. 

Quarter to Half Acre

A quarter to half acre lot provides "just enough" space for many homeowners.  Homes aren't too close together, and yards are large enough for a wide variety of landscaping opportunities.   Often there is plenty of room for an inground pool, if desired, or a larger three car garage home.  A side entry garage will also likely require at least 1/3 of an acre.  

While many metro areas have limited availability of this size lots, there are plenty of communities in the Raleigh/Triangle area with ¼ to ½ acre homesites.

Half Acre to One Acre

There are plenty of ½ to 1 acre options, especially on the outskirts of southern Wake County, eastern Wake County, Chatham County, and many other locations. 

A 3/4 acre lot is ideal for many homebuyers - just enough room for some privacy, a great front yard, and plenty of space around the home. 

In the Raleigh area, a lot larger than half an acre will nearly always have septic rather than city or county sewer.  Not to worry, North Carolina has one of the best and most developed set of septic ordinances in the country, and a large percentage of homes use septics.    

Over One Acre

Lots and land over one acre are great for anyone looking for extra privacy, extensive gardens, horses, or just plenty of land to call their own. 

Cost for acreage varies from below $40,000 in some areas of Harnett County, Johnston County, and other areas, to well over $200,000 for acreage in North Raleigh or Chapel Hill. 

Making a Decision on Your Raleigh Lot or Land

We suggest starting with some selections that meet your basic criteria for price point and location, and taking a drive through the neighborhoods to get a feel for what works best.  You may find that you actually want to go a little larger or a little smaller than you initially thought. 

You may also find some neighborhoods meet your overall needs better than others, or that your budget requires you to either adjust the lot size, or adjust the areas under consideration. 

In central locations, it may be hard to find a lot of any kind for under $75,000, while in other growing areas with new amenities, the same size lot may be much less.   Contact us for a list of lots, land and neighborhoods meet your criteria!  

Don't worry, we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Available Lots, Land, and Communities in the Triangle

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

You may also be interested in:

Raleigh New Homes, Lots, and Land

Available Land and Lots in Communities

Subscribe to this blog!

Fairview Garden Center - One Stop Shop for Outdoor Living

Outstanding Local Business Between Cary and Holly Springs NC

Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center in Raleigh NC offers pots, plants, and patio items - at a great price

There's actually a whole lot more to Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center than pots, plants and patio items.

But I ran out of words that start with "P" for the headline.

And even if I used the entire alphabet it would take a very long time to list all the wonderful landscape and natural decorating offerings the Fairview Garden Center has to offer, including plant care products, garden tools, bird products, flower containers, statuary, home decor, and a gift boutique.

It sure doesn't look like a "mom and pop" - the Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center is absolutely huge.  I wasn't surprised to learn this local Raleigh business has been a community staple for 30 years now.

There's a couple of acres of greenhouse space where they grow their annual flowers and poinsettias.

There are eight acres outside where trees, shrubs, groundcovers and perennials are grown.

And there's even more inside their spacious store.

I made sure I had my walking shoes on when I got out of the car, delighted to stop a while and ponder the creative talent behind everything from bird baths to summer tropical, colorful, plants.

But even more fascinating than what you can buy is what you can learn.

The sales people are knowledgeable about what to plant to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. 

And the Nature Nook at the Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center has absolutely everything, from including hummingbird food, feeders, and handbooks.

The Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center staff helped me understand what kind of plants would not shrivel up and die in the summer heat (like the ones I usually buy and wonder what happened a couple of weeks later.)

And they even pointed out that I might want to opt for some of their new silk and dried floral arrangements to take the pressure off my total lack of a green thumb.

These are real experts, so I came away with some perenials, feeling pretty sure I could manage to do some gardening that would actually pay off this time.

They've received awards for the quality of their plants, and were even voted "Best Garden Center of Western Wake County" by the Maggy Awards. And they knew how to get rid of bugs without killing the flowers.

The Fairview Greenhouses and Garden Center even had some of the coolest outdoor furniture I've seen - and I've been watching a lot of "outdoor living space" episodes on HGTV!   

If you want to check them out at home, they've got a great website to get you started with tips for year-round gardening and plants. http://www.fairviewgardencenter.com

Become a "Friend of Fairview" and get even more bargains.

You can call them at 919 851 6821.

And they're easy to find, at 8224 Holly Springs Road in Raleigh (conveniently located between Holly Springs NC and Cary NC). 

Check them out. And don't be surprised if you go home with something special.

Want to know more about the Raleigh Area, including other great local businesses?

You may also be interested in these popular articles:

Jobs in the Raleigh Area

Triangle Area Market Reports - How's The Real Estate Market in Raleigh?

Shopping in the Raleigh Area - What Kind of Shopping Is There?

Raleigh Relocation Package - All About the Raleigh Area!

Which Part of the Triangle is Cheapest to Live?  Property Tax Guide

Copyright 2009 Stanton Homes 

Eleanor Thorne has answers to this popular question.  We've seen positive headlines nearly every day for the past weeks...including nine month highs for the stock market.

Home Sales Increase - First Time in 5 Years!

Which Way For Home Prices? Federal Housing Finance Agency Says "UP."

Manufacturing Index UP

Green Homes Raleigh NC

Building Supply Companies "Certified Green"

Better Understanding of Green Materials Helps Growing Green Building Movement Gain Speed

Professional Builders Supply of Morrisville, NC has just announced completion of eight courses required for the LBM Journal's Certified Green Dealer Program.

Professional Builders Supply sells windows, doors, siding, and other building materials to area builders - and has seen the growing demand not only for green building materials, but for sales staff that can knowledgably support green builders with new products and advancements. 

There are a variety of green building supply showrooms and businesses in the Raleigh area, including:

CaraGreen - Sustainable Architectural Materials

Located in Carrboro, NC, CaraGreen offers Cotton Insulation, Bamboo Plywood, BioGlass, and Eco Tiles, among other products.  Browse the showroom for green ideas.   

Common Ground Green Building Center

The Common Ground Green Building Center in Durham NC carries eco-friendly flooring, green cabinets, no-VOC wall coverings, caulking, and sealers, and other products.  Kitchen and bath design services are available. 

There is an immense variety of green building products available now - be sure to work with a builder who understands what "certified green" really means! 

You may also be interested in these popular green building topics:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?              

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Passive Solar Homes and Ideas