Feb 06
This is part 1 in our new series, “How did they do that?” This video shows how we installed a 1,200-pound (that’s one thousand two hundred pounds!) solid granite sink / countertop into an upstairs game room. It was way too heavy to lift; so you’ll notice the use of a crane and several other unique pieces of equipment, many of which were custom built just for the day of installation. Enjoy!
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newhousebuilder.com/granite-sink-installation/
Jan 25
Okay, so maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement, but can’t you just see this in a James Bond movie?
When we designed this Parade Home, we knew something special needed to be done with the space that was created behind the wall of the study. The shape of the space meant that it could not be used for a traditional room, but it was just the right size for a safe room.
The term “safe room” may have been popularized by Jody Foster but it is actually just a room where a homeowner can place safe(s) that is/are hidden from someone attempting to burglarize the home. In this particular house, the space is big enough for someone to hide in, but the door does not actually lock shut.
Of course, does it matter that it’s not locked if the burglar can’t find the door or even any evidence of a room?!!
The “door” to this room is, in fact, a motorized cabinet that turns 360 degrees when a secret button hidden behind a book on the shelf, is pressed. What’s really neat about this cabinet is that it serves many purposes – wet bar, multimedia cabinet, door – pretty much as much as you can expect from a cabinet!
Is this practical for every home? Of course not. But what’s really great about this specialty cabinet is that it makes the most of the space while enhancing the lifestyle of the homeowner. And isn’t that what everyone is after? To find out more about the Custom Builder who built this, read about it here.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newhousebuilder.com/james-bond-wishes-he-had-one-2/
Jan 12
Jenkins Custom Homes recycles 80% of all jobsite materials on every custom home construction project in Austin.
Just call us Austin green home builders, as we have been doing this for over 3 years now in partnership with Construction Waste Recycler of Texas. It is simply the right thing to do for our environment. It doesn’t cost that much extra and tends to keep the jobsite cleaner, not to mention the positive effect it has on all who work on the project and visit it. We are proud, as a home builder, to support the environment and promote good, green community relations on all our jobs.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newhousebuilder.com/green-home-builders-austin
Jan 12
Waterproofing the exterior decks is one of those things that, while not required, really has become a necessary step (for us) in home construction. Furthermore, there are many different ways to waterproof, some less expensive than others. When we look at budget items that could be cut, we may discuss things like waterproofing the exterior decks. If it is left up to us, we will select the method shown below. However, sometimes clients want to look at less expensive alternatives. Why? It simply comes down to cost/benefit and return on investment. Water on an exterior deck that is installed properly will not cause immediate issues. It is one of those long-term maintenance items; however, the cost to maintain this particular item can be rather high (depending on the type of floor covering chosen). In addition, any little pin-hole leak in the floor covering allows water to seep in and go places it really should not be. It is highly unlikely it will get into the house, but the constant expansion and reduction caused by the saturation and drying out of the framing beneath the floor covering can be enough to cause cracking and other issues over time. The way we build homes at Jenkins, that is unacceptable. You would think that all builders feel the same, but…well, not so much. Most builders, if they do it, use what we call a “quickie solution”. There are products that can be slapped on like paint and called “waterproofing”. That’s just not how we roll… 
Here, watch a video of our trade partners installing waterproofing on the deck of a waterfront home we are building. This particular home is in the flood plain; so there are lots of exterior decks. It is a substantial cost to us to waterproof them all correctly, but it’s just the right thing to do.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newhousebuilder.com/deck-waterproofing/
Jan 06
We are often asked questions about pricing in our industry. So we thought it might be helpful to arrange a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about pricing in the custom home industry. These are our top 8 custom home pricing questions.
Answer: We select the products that provide the best cost/benefit to the client and then use our extensive cost database to price each item.
3) Question: Do you know the cost of every option?
Answer: Almost, but no. We do have to make a phone call every now and then to get pricing on something we haven’t ever used. There are always new products on the market, and we have to research the brand new ones. There aren’t many, however, just because we have been doing this for over 20 years.
4) Question: Why are there so many different options and variables in residential construction versus commercial?
Answer: Primarily because clients in the high end are willing to consider the cost-benefit of better products. When price is all that matters, the less expensive option will always be chosen. However, high-end clients are willing to consider the ongoing maintenance costs of the home, energy costs, and what we call “lifestyle upgrades” such as whole house automation.
5) Question: If there is so much variation in the pricing, how can bids be compared from one builder to the next?
Answer: It’s tough. The best way is to ask for as much detail as you can possibly get. Then, ask more questions about the products chosen and methodologies being employed for each discipline. For example, where concrete is concerned, ask about the type of slab (slab on grade or post tension, for example), PSI of the concrete being used, soil testing, engineering of the slab (how much rebar, etc,) and keep asking questions until you feel confident in the answers you are getting. At some point, you should get a feeling for who is being the most honest and forthright. That’s who you want as your builder.
6) Question: If I find a builder who has less experience and has forgotten to price everything in, haven’t I just found a bargain?
Answer: You would think so, but the answer is a resounding no. The reason is simple. An inexperienced builder will leave things out, ask you for more money throughout the project, and make lots of mistakes that could end up costing you more later. If you don’t agree, read about the Sandra Bullock lawsuit against her home builder in Austin. She sued her builder and actually won. Many others who aren’t able to sue or who didn’t win have similar stories to tell. Building a home is complex. If done properly, it will be a huge blessing for many years to come. If not, it will be a curse. It’s as simple as that.
7) Question: Is there a big profit margin in the custom home industry?
Answer: No, and this is probably the area of the most confusion. People think about retail markets such as jewelry where markups can be 50% – 100% and assume our market is similar. Unfortunately for us, the margins are paper thin in the custom home industry. For instance, the common cost plus markup in our area is cost plus 18%. In this industry we deal with REALLY BIG numbers and REALLY BIG risks and little bitty margins. That’s just the nature of the business.
8. Question: Why is there so much variation in cost from builder to builder if the margins are so small?
Answer: Because of the many variations in products that can go into the home. This goes back to the answer in #1. Also, there is a difference in labor costs, sometimes rather significant. That’s another area where an experienced builder can really save you money. Good relationships with trade partners yield the best results and pricing.
What are your questions? If these questions have led you to more questions, bring them on. I will be glad to do my best to answer them.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newhousebuilder.com/custom-home-pricing-questions-faq/
Jan 01
Today, we are talking about design elements that inspire. Inspiration can come from many sources and this one comes from function, specifically how a home can really make family time more precious and valuable. When we interviewed these clients, they talked about the importance of having a home that was central to their kids (and, hopefully, future grandchildren). They had one grown child who was getting married soon and another who might be at some point. So, they wanted a home that would accommodate, even encourage, their kids to come and stay with them. ?Austin, being central to Texas, was the ideal location for all of them to meet. Plus, waterfront was available and is, besides being a great investment, attractive to the kids. This all culminated in a desire to build a custom home. So, we were commissioned to do just that.
One of the design elements that we recommended to them was the grandchildren sleeping quarters. Although they hadn’t given much thought to it, we told them about the different stages and, well, challenges of having young children while visiting Mom and Dad’s house. They were determined to make this a home that would be inviting to the whole extended family and encourage them to stay as long as possible. So, by designing the grandchildren sleeping quarters just down the hall from their parents, we were giving the parents a good night’s sleep. Let’s face it, if the parents sleep well and have a quiet place to rest even during the day, they will stay longer.
Another design element we felt was important for young children was the front courtyard, especially for this specific lot. The lot had sloping topography requiring a raised slab in back and the lake at the property line, neither of which were a great place for young children. The front courtyard is enclosed, making it a safe place to play and enjoy. Even the fountain is tall and wide enough to be kid-safe.
If you would like to see more photos of this beautiful custom home, click here.
Permanent link to this article: http://blog.newhousebuilder.com/designs-that-inspire/
