| What constitutes a 'custom home?' If you build | | | | freezer onto my brand new hunter green ceramic tile. |
| anything that is not an exact standard cookie cutter | | | | Four broken tiles later, I was very glad for the extra |
| floor plan, then your home has crossed the line into | | | | boxes in the basement. Tile is very durable, but a 20 |
| being custom. The vast majority of homes are | | | | pound turkey is unusual wear and tear. |
| actually based on a standard floor plan and then it is | | | | 3. You can economize on counter tops. Use marble |
| modified some to fit the homeowners ideas. This | | | | top vanity tops which are regular stock items. |
| modification results in a "custom home". | | | | Typically they come with the vanity cabinet. For |
| When building there is almost always a lot of | | | | kitchens consider using Formica instead of granite, |
| attention devoted to these five words, "How much | | | | marble, or a solid surface. There are some very nice |
| will it cost?" | | | | tops that don't have to cost thousands of dollars. |
| That is a very good question. We all need to make | | | | 4. Consider using a good vinyl window that is not |
| the most of our money. In the topics I am going to | | | | name brand. It is amazing how much more a window |
| address there are MANY different opinions. But as | | | | costs just because of the label on it. The name brand |
| general contractors, here are some ideas that we | | | | windows are very good, but there are also some |
| typically tell individuals who have limited resources. | | | | less known manufacturers we have been very happy |
| AREAS TO ECONOMIZE IN: | | | | with. |
| 1. For flooring, consider using a mid-grade carpet | | | | SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR THINGS SUCH AS: |
| instead of hardwood floors. Or use the hardwood | | | | A counter top, carpet, or bath vanity can be |
| floors to accent your living room and install carpet for | | | | replaced without too much of an ordeal, but things |
| the rest of the home. | | | | such as a timber roof system, adding attic trusses |
| 2. If choosing ceramic tile watch for discounted tile. I | | | | over a garage and finishing it later, making a spacious |
| have bought lots and lots of tile that is very nice, but | | | | master suite, or putting in a fireplace are things which |
| is deeply discounted due to overstock in a store or a | | | | can't wait. They increase the value of your home as |
| change of products. Any time you buy tile be sure to | | | | well. |
| buy at least 2 or 3 boxes more than you estimate | | | | So think log and hard about your custom home and |
| you will need. Then if a tile gets broken you and | | | | the decisions you will be happy with. |
| replace it. I had a 20 pound turkey fall from my | | | | |