Builders seek to set home apart from others
Building a new house can be overwhelming, but when one is properly prepared and has a detailed vision of what they want, it’s easy to turn one’s dream home into reality.
J.R. Maddox, general manager of United- Bilt Homes, LLC, is in the making-dreamscome-true business. “I enjoy helping someone with an idea for a house plan really dig deep and discover what they want in a home, and then seeing the imagination become reality,” Maddox said.
Maddox, who is responsible for overseeing all facets of the business including sales and construction, has noticed many trends – both new and old – pop up in time for spring. “Right now, we’re seeing that people are still in love with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, as well as the cleaner look of brushed nickel,” Maddox said. “That industrial look is starting to come back.”
When it comes to choosing lighting, builders are gravitating toward pendant, or display, lighting. “Pendant lighting accents are increasing in popularity because it really contributes to the open concept of a home that people still desire,” he said.
According to the 2014 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas, current trends in today’s new home also include speedy appliances. Today, everyone is busy, and meal prep is one time-sucking luxury many simply don’t have to give. Double ovens and steam ovens are increasing in popularity in new homes, along with dishwashers such as the new Electrolux QuickWash machine that boasts a 30-minute quick cycle.
Also trending at the International Builder’s Show was the color gray, especially in the kitchen and in the bathroom, replacing the previously popular white and off-white. Whether it’s paint color or quartz countertops or cabinet finishes, gray will continue to make a subdued splash in 2014.
One of Maddox’s personal favorite trends right now is the solid neutral color pattern. “A solid color pattern or scheme makes a home look larger than it is,” Maddox said. “A pattern that breaks up the eye can chop down a room pretty quickly. Even accent walls can make a room appear a lot smaller. Solid neutrals are the way to go if you want to keep an open feel in your home.”
Floors might be meant for walking on, but when it comes to choosing flooring in a new home, builders and consumers are thinking green. “Reclaimed flooring is becoming popular,” Maddox said. “Whether that’s reclaimed brick or refinished wood, recycling is hot right now.”
Reclaimed brick is simply brick from old buildings that has been refurbished and recycled in a new home. “It’s easy to be eco-friendly with your building products,” Maddox said. “People really seem to enjoy getting the look and the trend they want, while still maintaining a green conscience.”
Despite fads that come and go in the industry, some trends remain timeless. “People always want somewhere to go in their home that is pure comfort,” Maddox said. “Comfortable never goes out of style. Everyone wants that room, whether it’s a bonus room or their master bedroom, where they can let their hair down. That trend will never fade.”
With all the trends to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to selecting the details of your home. Maddox warns against making decisions based on emotion. “Slow down and take your time,” Maddox said. “Choose wisely, and don’t put yourself in a financial bind because you get overwhelmed with the options.”
Maddox said picking the right floor plan is crucial. “Some people tend to rush through the floor plan and take way too much time on amenities and cosmetic issues later in an attempt to make the floor plan better,” he said. “If the floor plan was done well to begin with, you don’t have to keep spending more money to doll up your house.”
When it comes to building their home, Maddox always asks his customers what it is about their current living situation they want to change. “It’s important to keep the main thing the main thing,” Maddox said. “What you build next is largely based upon what you want to leave. Are you moving because of space? Design? Do you just want something new? Knowing the answer to that will help a builder keep their goals the main thing and not get overwhelmed or distracted in the process.”
In addition to years of experience in construction, Maddox and the rest of his sales staff are also licensed loan officers in the states of Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.
– Betsy St. Amant
