Can I See An Example Of A Custom Design, Regal Classic Homes Built?
Before selecting a Custom Home Builder, Owners like to see an example of the Builder's work. Below is an example of a home we built in the Orlando, Central Florida Area.
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Mike
How Can I Make The Most Of Outdoor Living Space?
Custom Homes are dazzling but they can also be expensive. What if you could add living space but do it in a less expensive way and at the same time enjoy the fresh air and The outdoors? All of this is possible if your Buider and Architect help you maximize the impact of outdoor living space and make it part of your home design.
The key features of outdoor living space is achieved by:
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Mike
Clay Tile Roof Or Concrete Tile for My Custom Home?
Decisions? Decisions? Building a new Custom Home requires lot's of decisions. How do I decide between a light weight tile roof and clay roofing material?
Most Orlando custom home buyers select light weight concrete tile because it's less expensive than clay and easily lasts for 50 years. On the other hand, clay roof tiles last hundreds of years. The choice unusually comes down to cost and colors. Clay only comes in natural colors where as concrete roofing colors are almost unlimited.
If you are considering a shingle roof for your Central Florida home, most only last 15 years. I don't care what the manufacturers warranty says. Don't believe me, ask a roofer or your favorite Realtor. They have shingle roofs replaced very week.
Once you get past the decision of roofing tiles it comes down to other decisions:
After all, no matter which type of roof tile you select they all leak! What? Exactly, all roofing tiles leak so the real waterproofing is below the roof tile in the underlayment. If the Builder uses a cheap underlayment it doesn't make any difference which roof tile you select.
Have an awesome day!
Mike
How Do Homeowner's Select A Remodeling Company?
After The Remodel:
Before The Remodel:
You've heard the expression, "Build It And They Will Come"? Well that may work in the movies but not when it comes to a Builder's web site. A Builder can creat a flashy web site with lots of cool photos but it's not going to encourage an Owner to pick up the phone and call him. It's going to take more than that. How To Select A Builder
Even though the Internet has made to process of searching out Builders and Remodels easier, Owners still trust the recommendations of their friends the most. The more expensive the project the more important it is to trust your Builder, see Can I Trust My Builder?
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Mike
Granite Counter Tops- Been There Done That?
The ready availability of granite has revolutionized the counter top market. First, it was considered too expensive for most Homebuyers, then it was practically in ever kitchen. Even making its way into bathrooms and other locations in new homes. It's become so common place that Homebuyers are now searching for something a little different. A product that says, I'm unique and so is my kitchen.
Many Homebuyers are selecting the more expensive granites in the search for unique. Others, have switch to entirely different materials. From schist to petrified wood, meta-quartzite and fossilized limestone. What's next?
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Mike
Air Conditioning Ductwork, How To Tell If It’s A Quality Job?
The HVAC system of choice in Central Florida is electric heat pump with insulated ductwork. After you select the efficiency and correct sized units for your home it’s down to the installation. How can you tell an air conditioning nightmare from a well thought out and executed installation?
If it’s new construction, the first decision is to hire an experienced Custom Home Builder. How To Select A Builder. The quality Builder will surround himself with the best subcontractor team he can find. Experience should-i-hire-a-new-builder-that-s-cheaper-or-an-experienced-builder-? teaches him, the cheap tradesman usually comes with lots of problem. If his Homeowner has a problem the first person they are going to call is the Builder. Especially, if it’s an air conditioning issue. Try sleeping without air conditioning for a night when the daytime temperature is in the nineties! Smart Builders know that the HVAC system isn’t an after thought in Orlando.
Before the plans are completed the Builder sends a copy of the plans to his HVAC guy and asks, do you see any problems that are going to be an issue when it's time to install the system? Bonus Room Challenge
Before the framer even completes the rough framing stage the smart Builder has his HVAC guy visit the job site for a pre-installation walk through. Sure the entire system has already been designed, approve by the County and the mechanical permit issued but there is nothing like a job site inspection to see if what was designed in the office is going to work in the field. The Builder meets the HVAC superviser on site and reviews the entire system installation in advance. Equipment, the locations for air handler, condenser, supply and return register, schedule and who's going to be the guy installing.
The last thing a Quality Custom Builder wants is to wait until the electrician, plumber and low voltage guys have already run all their equipment throughout the house before the HVAC guy shows up to install. If that’s the case, the ductwork has to be run around all their equipment and the end result is a bad installation.
The Homeowner won’t know it’s a bad job until they move in and they have hot rooms and high electric bills. An experienced Builder can spot a poor HVAC job 5 minutes after he walks into a house that’s in the framing stage.
Long ductwork runs, kinks in the supply lines and poorly supported ducts are only the beginning.
Have an awesome day!
Mike
2016 Will Finally Be The Big Year For The Housing Market!
After a number of false starts over the past 7 years the experts say, 2016 is going to be the year. All the signs point to 2016 being a banner year. So what are these signs? Pent-up demand, rising rent prices, still low interest rates and increasing home values.
Yes, I know, we've been hearing about the break out for years but this one is really, really going to the big one!
Have an awesome day!
Mike
Why Do Plumbing Leaks Happen While You Are Away On Vacation?
In most households there are probably 2-6 people living in the home. Baths, showers, dishwashing, toilet flushing and clothes washing is all part of daily activities. Nothing out of the ordinary is happening. Water is available on demand 24/7.
Additionally, most homes are connected to municipal water systems where the water pressure is constant. There is a water tower where the town’s water supply is pumped high up in a tower where the weight of the water produces the pressure we are all use to enjoying. We turn on the faucet and the water just flows out. Daily the water is turned on and off numerous times throughout the day and even during the night. Little thought is given to the entire system, unless something goes wrong.
When we leave for vacation a last check of the house is normal to make sure all the lights are off, toilets not running and none of the faucets are dripping. After, that home sits empty day after day without any water being used. This is when the trouble starts.
All the hot and cold water pipes are experiencing an unusual event, a period where they are exposed to the constant pressure from the municipal water system for an extended period. A situation that is not normal for most homes. That continuous pressure is straining all the water pipes and fittings without the relief that is experienced when the household is functioning normally. When the family is home, the water pipes only experience full water pressure for short periods of time. The older the home, the more likely a leak will develop.
The week points are older pipes, fittings, valves that are part of appliances such as dish and clothes washers. Plastic supply lines to toilets, dishwashers, ice makers and clothes washer. Added up, lots of places where a leak can develop.
A water leak inside a home can do a lot of damage over a week or two. Imagine 4” of water distributed throughout the inside of your home. Carpet, cabinets, hardwood flooring, doors, baseboards and furniture ruined. It’s not going to be pretty!
So what can a Homeowner do about water leaks while away? You can have somebody stop by and check on your home or arrange for a house sitter. Turning off the main water supply to the home is probably the easiest solution or some type of Leak Detection System.
You can forget about the entire issue and just have the home insurance company deal with the flood disaster but you’ll have to live through the clean up process. Perhaps, you have a pet sitter stopping by every day to take care of your animals. The most important part is to understand your exposure to a disaster and take pro active steps to avoid it.
Have an awesome day!
Mike
Regal Classic Homes Awarded Best Of Houzz 2016
Over 35 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World Orlando, USA, January 10, 2016 – Regal Classic Homes of Orlando has won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design.
The “30-year old Custom Home Building And Remodeling Company” was chosen by the more than 35 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.
The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 35 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2015. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.
A “Best Of Houzz 2016” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.
Michael McGuffie, president of Regal Classic Homes said, “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award from the Houzz community and reinforces our company philosophy. You can pay someone to work for you but can't pay them enough to give you their heart. They either have that capacity or not. Paying more for somebody's heart only results in throwing, good money after bad. Select a Custom Builder that will put their heart into constructing your home”.
“Anyone building, remodeling or decorating looks to Houzz for the most talented and service-oriented professionals” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re so pleased to recognize Regal Classic Homes, voted one of our “Best Of Houzz” professionals by our enormous community of homeowners and design enthusiasts actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”
For more information regarding Regal Classic Homes, please visit our web site at www.regalclassichomes.com
About Houzz Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow and Tokyo. Houzz and the Houzz logo are registered trademarks of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.
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Mike
What’s A Man Door And Do I Need One For My Custom Home?
A “man door”, what the heck is that? That sounds like a sexist description? Why isn’t it called a woman door? Frankly, I don’t really know why they call it a man door but you should have one on your Custom Home.
A man door is a descriptive term for a swing door in your garage. It’s a door in addition to the overhead door that you drive your car through. So why should I have one of these?
Well, let’s say your are in your home and decide to take the trash out and going out the front door is not an option. A man door is a convenient way to exit or enter through the garage without raising or lowering the overhead door. It can also be used to take the dog for a walk or a convenient way to the side yard.
Perhaps, it doesn’t sound like a big deal but if your home doesn’t have one you’ll regret not having an additional exit door in your garage. It just requires a little pre planning before you visit with the Architect. Just add it to your list of home design requirements.
Have an awesome day,
Mike
Should I Install A Floor Safe For Valuables In My New Custom Home?
I’m certainly not a security expert but as a Homeowner and Custom Home Builder, I’ve had some experience with security. Over the years, I’ve had Owners ask me to provide and install floor safes.
I buy the floor safe from my supplier in the size requested and install the safe prior to pouring the slab for their home. The concrete is poured over steel flanges that are provide on the exterior of the safe and I place additional steel reinforcing rods to make the installation even more secure. That safe is not coming out of the floor unless the burglars have a lot of time and a jackhammer.
Additionally, I leave a thin layer of concrete over the opening to the safe so workman are not aware of the safe. The safe company comes out when the home is completed, removesv the thin layer of concrete and install the door and lock to the safe. Finally, a metal plate is installed and then the caret in pulled over the location. The location is secret.
The problem with floor safes is not the security of the safe, it’s access. The floor safes are usually installed in the master bedroom closet in a corner. You have to get on your hands and knees, pull back clothes and dial in the combination. It’s dark in the corner of the closet and it’s difficult to see what you are doing. It’s not very convenient at all. In fact, I have a floor safe in my master closet that I never use. I wish I never spent the money.
I suggest a safe where it’s location is more convenient. Perhaps, a wall safe, located in a hallway, close to a light source so you can see what you are doing. Yes, I agree, its’ not as secure as a floor safe but I you really want security, use a safety deposit box at your local bank. I like a location where I can conveniently access valuables.
Remember, you have homeowner insurance for jewelry and other items in you home. Cash on hand is where having convenient access to cash becomes important. So now you know the answer to:
Should I Install A Floor Safe For Valuables In My New Custom Home?
Have an awesome day!
Mike
Subcontractors And Suppliers, Should I Hire A Custom Builder That Will Allow Me To Hire My Own?
This is a question Clients often ask. The short answer, it's a bad idea. When managing people the best way to make sure they perform to the highest standard is to make them responsible for the outcome and have no excuse but to perform. Absolutely, everytime, I've made an exception, the Client and I always regreted that decision.
The Builder has a team that is conditioned to working together and interested in being included in the next job. In short, the Builder has leverage over his team members. An outside vendor understands this job is a one shot deal. A long term relationship is not in the cards. Unfortunately, they also perform that way.
Many times, the Owner has a family member or a friend that says, I can save you lots of money if you let me do the plumbing, electrical, HVAC etc. on your new home. If the Owner insists, I have his vendor provide a price for the work and compare it to our normal vendor. Nine times out of ten our vendors pricing is superior. In the one instance where the outside vendors price is better the difference is insignificant.
If you find a Builder that says, sure, you can hire any subcontractor or supplier that you want. After all, it's your home and you should be able to hire anyone you want! RUN! Don't walk, RUN! He is a new inexperienced Builder that is desperate for a job! It's going to turn out like one of the nightmare homes you hear about on TV or a cocktail party. Believe me, it's not going to turn out well and you'll regret it.
When I was new to the business I allowed one of my first Clients to use an outside vendor. They had a close relationship with a national paint company that was giving him the paint for free. Despite my advice to the contrary we used his supplier. They provided the 5 gallon buckets of interior paint with a life-time warranty. We asked for specific application instructions and were told to apply as normal.
Our painter sprayed the entire inside of the house with the free paint and all of it peeled off the walls and ceilings. After site visits from the factory experts and many accusations the supplier determined that they should have provided our painter with a specific primer. To fix the painting fiasco, we provided a team of 5 drywall finishers for 2 weeks to completely refinish the entire inside drywall finish. It was a nightmare as the interior trim was already installed.
The Project was delayed by several weeks, additional cost & supervision was required and the quality of the finish was compromised. New primer now applied, our painter sprayed a new test area only to have the paint peel a second time. The supplier threw up his hands and told us to use our regular paint. We continued painting without any additional problems. So much for the free paint!
Another Client insisted they wanted to have a boat dock installed while we were building their home. Being young and dumb, I agreed. They also wanted to use my subcontractor to clear the area where the boat dock was to be installed, being a great guy, I agreed.
The Client directed the excavator to clear a specific area for the dock without first obtaining a survey. The dock was built as specified. After the home was finished and the Owner moved into their new home, I received a phone call informing me that the boat dock was constructed on the neighbors property instead of his and that I was responsible because he used my subcontractor.
When you hire a Builder make sure the plans and scope of work spell out everything that is to be accomplished, then turn him loose to do his job. If somethings wrong it's his responsibility. In fact, no matter what happens once a Builder steps onto the job, everyone holds him responsible from the Owners, neighbors, County and all the other Government agencies.
If you want a high quality job, let the Builder execute the building contract without interference. If you want to hire somebody to work on your property wait until after you move into your home.
Subcontractors And Suppliers, Should I Hire A Custom Builder That Will Allow Me To Hire My Own? NO!
Have an awesome day!
Mike
