Brock Builders Chosen for The Cliffs Signature Services

The Cliffs communities are some of  the finest and most beautiful in all of the Carolinas. So it is with great pride that we are announcing that Brock Builders has been selected as one of the highly qualified custom home builders chosen for recommendation by The Cliffs Signature Services. The Cliffs Signature Services was created to aid property owners in the navigation of their Cliffs home building process by rec0mmending highly qualified builders, architectural designers and interior design firms. Choosing the right home builder is essential to creating your dream Cliffs home.  Brock Builders is well-renowned  in Western North Carolina for their experience and expertise in custom home builds. For more information about building your dream home in one of The Cliffs exclusive communities, please visit CliffsSignatureServices.com.

Tags: Asheville, custom home builder, The Cliffs

Why Green Your Home Remodel?

While remodeling your existing home as opposed to buying a new one may save you money and produce exactly what you want, incorporating green features and practices into the process may generate an even higher ROI. A great place to start is to consult a custom home builder who also has experience in building green and HealthyBuilt Homes.  At Brock Builders we are often able to incorporate green features with little change to the budget, but that also save the homeowner money over time.

Popularity Means Better Pricing

Many home remodeling fads cycle out rather quickly, but “greening” a remodel is a trend that’s here to stay.  Popularity is so widespread in fact, that incorporating green features into your home will cost you less today than ever.  Plus added incentives like government tax credits, longer product life-spans and long-term reductions in energy use are converting more homeowners every day.

Greater Availability and Design Options

With increased availability also comes a wider range of design options.  In the past, green home features may have been thought of as “thrifty” or aesthetically unappealing, but today green home features can be luxurious, stylish, even cutting edge.  And in the Asheville area, all levels of green remodels are taking place.

Community Benefit

If you are still unsure of whether or not your home remodel should be a little greener, consider the community impact.  Using greener practices doesn’t just benefit your family, but also the builders, painters and all contractors who are hired to help make your dream home a reality. Brock Builders has green home building and remodeling experience, plus the Certification to remodel older homes that may contain lead paint that became required by law earlier this year.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss the options for “greening” your home.

Tags: Green Building, Home Remodeling

Wood Flooring Options for Custom Homes

Wood flooring is a long running favorite among home owners.  But with choices ranging in price, look and eco-friendliness, it helps to understand the basics.  The first step you should take is consulting your custom home builder who will already have a strong understanding of what fits your home and budget.

Cost

While lower priced wood flooring materials have gained popularity in these economic times, it’s important to understand not only what you’re paying up front, but how a material will handle the test of time. Some homeowners may want a flooring choice that has a low up-front cost and are not concerned with how it will wear in 10 years, like a low grade number one or two oak.  However, most homeowners prefer to invest a little more up front for a product that’s going last, such as a Brazilian cherry.

Green Factor

Green wood flooring like bamboo is appealing, but for it to truly be eco-friendly, this renewable wood source must be local, not shipped across an ocean from Thailand.  If you want a green wood flooring option, talk to your certified green builder who can help you find out what’s available locally.

Use

In newer homes, the floor plans are typically more open, making wood throughout a great choice.  But wood flooring in kitchens and bathrooms will likely be damaged by water and wear over time, making cork and engineered wood products may be a better choice. Again, this is where your home builder may be able to help, as he will have a greater understanding of a room’s use matched with an aesthetically appealing floor.

Tags: custom home, flooring, Green Building

Tips for a Successful Remodel

Working with an experienced and well-respected builder can help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible.  But before the work begins on your home remodel there are still a few points to clarify with your custom home builder to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

Weekly Check-Ins

Establishing the expectation of holding weekly meetings will keep you up-to-date.  Your home builder has eyes on every aspect of your home remodel.  Spending just a few minutes together each week will keep you in the loop on all progress.

Nominate a Decision Maker

In cases where a critical decision must be made without notice, your builder needs to know which of you to approach, and how to reach you.  Typically, one member of the family has final say in matters of design or even price.  Knowing who that is, will save valuable time and help things to get done right the first time.

Photograph Everything Beforehand

Taking pictures of your entire home’s existing condition before a remodel can ensure that everyone is on the same page after completion.  While going back over things after the fact could uncover a crack or flaw that may or may not have been there previously, the pictures will give everyone a reference point.

Map Things Out

Messes are made when things have no place to go.  The same goes for a construction site.  Designate where delivery trucks should park, where tools can be stored and which areas are off-limits to workers.

Set Standards for Cleanliness

Reputable home builders like Brock will take careful measure to protect areas of the property you may not have considered, like the landscaping.  They will also have end-of-day clean-up procedures and take care in practicing dust-containment procedures.

Keep Children and Pets Safe

A construction site is not where you want to find your child or pet.  Make arrangements to keep entrances to construction zones off-limits for your little loved ones.

Tags: custom home builder, Home Remodeling

Wood Frame Homes Win

The surge of innovative new materials to the home building market may have you wondering whether a wood frame is the best choice for your new custom built home.  The experts agree, wood frames win. Natural and engineered wood products provide unmatched structural strength and safety.  Even after its long reign at the top, wood is still considered the primary choice for residential and even commercial building structures. Here are some of the top benefits to using a wood frame for your new home build:

Wood is Affordable

Wood is one of the most affordable and available choices for your home’s frame.  While lower-priced prefabricated wood products are growing in popularity, framing wood is available in a wide range of types and price points.

Wood is Available

Wood and wood based products are in great supply and easy to find.

Wood is Adjustable

Wood products can also be easily cut down to meet a job’s specifications, while other materials may be more difficult to alter.

Wood is Strong

Innovations in wood products and in the way that wood is used in framing a structure mean greater strength than ever.  Wood framed houses have even been shown to survive hurricane winds and earthquakes. The facts are in; wood materials make great home frames, but be sure to consult an experienced home builder to help select the best products for your new home. We at Brock Builders have the experience and expertise to help you select the best products for your home build.

Tags: custom home, custom home builder, custom home builders