The Home Building Process

What to Know Before You Build

What to Know Before You Build


The process of remodeling or building your home is exciting, but can be stressful at times.  Your best strategy is to educate yourself and select a builder with experience and a stellar reputation.  The right builder will guide you through the process seamlessly and run interference before you are even aware of any problems.
A great place to become familiar with the homebuilding process is the  “Current Construction” section of our Portfolio where you will see our daily behind-the-scenes activities.   Here you can follow along as stunning custom homes take shape from the ground up.
Here to illustrate the earlier stages of building, is the stunning home featured in last month blog.
The Design Build Process

The Design Build Process


Having a builder with the patience to walk you through the building process is essential to your peace of mind.  Every design and construction detail must be worked out in advance.  The design process can take six months or more depending on the style and amenities you choose.  There will be multiple meetings between you, your builder, designer, and architect with everyone focused on creating your unique space. Some builders even have a complete team in-house for you.  Creating a stress-free experience for his homeowners is the main reason Scott Lowell assembled his team of experts at Lowell Management.  You can be certain that everyone is pulling together.  Their goal is to listen to homeowners and say yes to as many requests as possible.
Selecting the Perfect Site for Your New Home

Selecting the Perfect Site for Your New Home


What does going home look like to you?  The home site will influence the design of your home.  Equally important, your home’s architecture must be appropriate for the site and surrounding areas.  The right location will validate your investment and provide years of happiness.  An experienced builder will ensure the best combination suitable for your home site and style.  Major considerations when selecting a lot include:

  • Level of activity or seclusion you desired
  • Views from multiple perspectives
  • How the home will be oriented on the lot to maximize natural light and protective barriers
  • Technical considerations such as elevation, slope, soil type, depth of soil, water table, etc.

In addition to the expertise required to evaluate a lot you are considering, Lowell has secured a number of beautiful home sites in the most desirable areas of Lake Geneva.
http://lowellmanagement.com/properties.html

Customizing Your Home

Customizing Your Home


This is the reason you decide to build or remodel. The opportunity to have the exact home you’re dreaming of without compromise.  Every detail, interior to exterior, will be designed just for you. Each nuance will set your home apart from the ordinary.  Your preferences will come into play as your home design evolves.  Major decisions will include:

  • open vs divided spaces
  • flow and adjacency of rooms
  • plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems
  • insulation and energy efficient systems
  • window and door options
  • interior and exterior materials
  • cabinetry, lighting and plumbing fixtures

An experienced builder will guide you through all options and help you evaluate the cost/benefit of each.

Plan Ahead to Minimize Changes


Do your best to include everything you want at the very beginning.  Once construction is underway it may becomes difficult or costly to add to the plan.  An experienced builder will be tuned into all possibilities during the planning stages.  Keep an open mind and you are sure to benefit from a professionals experience.

Budget and Timeline Management


You want a builder with the ability to maintain ongoing open communication with you throughout the process.  A contract detailing cost and possible contingencies will be agreed to by all parties along with a timeline compatible with the size and features of your home.  You want a builder who understands what it takes to deliver your home on time and within budget.   You will play a major role by making selections according to a timeline created to keep construction on schedule.  Lowell maintains long term relationships with the most talented craftsmen and reliable suppliers who work together to avoid and efficiently resolve problems with the least amount of delay.

Exceptional Building Materials


You simply can not find the type of materials and finishes you see in dream homes at a big box home improvement store.  Access to statement making material is a result of continuous research over time.  Many exclusive sources will only work with the most reputable and established builders.      Many specialty products take longer to receive, so professional planning and scheduling is vital to timely availability on site when needed.

Constant Supervision to Ensure Quality


Supervision during the construction of you home is essential to quality.  Building codes and architectural specifications are fundamental to your health, safety and welfare at home.  The permit process and scheduled inspections are calculated into your timeline.  A professional builder respects the codes and will oversee every aspect of construction to make certain your well-being and investment are protected.

Builder Reputation is Everything


The perfect partner for your building or remodeling will have your best interests at heart.  You want to select a builder who develops lasting relationships with customers.  Reading what our customers say is a valuable lesson in the importance of trust and confidence.
http://lowellmanagement.com/testimonials.html
We wish you the best as you explore your options for building a new home or remodeling your space.  Your questions and inquiries are always welcome, please let us know if there is any way we can help.
 

Top 10 New Home Trends

The freshest ideas for your new home or remodeling project are inspired by classics and designed with ease.  Enjoy and be inspired as you create your personal vision of home.

Inviting Open Spaces

Inviting Open Spaces


Architectural features rather than walls define spaces today.   An open feel prevails with rooms radiating from an internal landmark feature like this dramatic stone fireplace.
Indulge in Architecture & Authentic Materials

Indulge in Architecture & Authentic Materials


Classic style with graceful lines emerges as the favorite when enhanced by a selection of authentic materials with integrity.   The time to splurge is during construction so your home has permanence with quality that will last for generations.
Energy Efficient Design & Materials

Energy Efficient Design & Materials


New homes have the advantage of building in the very latest technology with innovations that will maximize energy efficiency.   High performance windows and household systems all contribute to the effective operation of a home. The proper orientation of a home to its site will contribute by taking advantage of natural light and protection from the elements.
Artfully Mixed Elements

Artfully Mixed Elements


Style statements are not born from overly matched materials and finishes in the home.   The most stunning results emerge from a combination of contrasting colors and textures.   Salvaged, reclaimed and recycled materials compliment the newly manufactured to expand your opportunity for a unique look.
Command Center Kitchens

Command Center Kitchens


Not just the heart of the home, the kitchen has become the core of all activity.   The size is not as significant as the layout.   The commonplace island has evolved and now acts as a pivot point for operations as well as a style directive.
Space for Connecting

Space for Connecting


In order to add balance to everyday demands, a cozy gathering place ranks high on the list of “must haves”. Comfortable furniture, technology and entertainment systems complete this haven for families to reconnect.
Spa Luxury at Home

Spa Luxury at Home


The Master Bedroom Suite is becoming even more luxurious as the demand for in home retreats intensifies.   Multiple shower heads, free standing tubs, and dedicated grooming areas all contribute to the spa-like character of these personal sanctuaries.
Stop and Drop Organization

Stop and Drop Organization


Your homes entry points accumulate daily necessities that can evolve into chaos.   Point of use storage will assist in the organization and recovery of on-the-go essentials
Prized Possessions

Prized Possessions


You can take it with you. Homeowners are holding on to significant pieces they love from previous homes.   The beautiful antique doors in this entry were incorporated into their new home along with cherished memories.
Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living


The desire for outdoor living is stronger than ever.  Moving beyond relaxation and entertainment, outdoor kitchens, showers and sleeping spaces are inviting us to spend more time in the fresh air.   Visit last month’s blog post for important considerations when planning your outdoor  space.
 
 
 

Creating Attractive Outdoor Living Spaces

1 exterior deck and windo

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!'”      Robin Williams

Longer days and calmer temperatures signal a return to outdoor living.  Using nature as a backdrop, the open-air space surrounding your home can provide hours of delight and relaxation.  Multiple studies have shown that just looking outdoors will activate the part of the brain related to thoughts of balance and happiness.  Take advantage of natures feel-good with the creation of al fresco spaces that will also enhance the square footage and value of your home.

The most successful outdoor space will be an extension of your homes interior style while blending with the surroundings.  A perfect plan will provide appealing and useful outdoor “rooms” as well as beautiful scenes when you look out the window.

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Where do you start? 

  • Our recommendation is to first make a list of any daily activities that would be pleasurable if moved outdoors.  Often relaxation tops the list, with entertainment, cooking and play space following closely.from website 20180008
  • Take inventory of your property and the available options to create outdoor rooms.  Consider exposure to the elements, the direction of sunlight and your desire for privacy vs. neighborhood interaction.  This will guide the placement of your outdoor living space to the front, side or back yard of your home.

MG_0062-1

  • Next evaluate your floor plan and the most logical points for moving from indoors out.  The more convenient this transition, the more you will use your outdoor areas.  When building or remodeling, we like to feature specialty Nano (folding) or French Doors to visually diminish the indoor/outdoor line and encourage fluid movement.

Kaskel010

  • An informal sketch of your property showing home placement will allow you to designate logical active and calm areas.  Allow for entertaining and family fun as well quiet activities like reading, napping and gardening.

700 S. Shore Pool

  • Consider ways to lengthen the time you can enjoy spring and summer months by including the protection of a covered porch or three season room.

porch

  • Connect your outdoor living areas with landscaping, walkways and privacy screening than integrates the outdoor space with the overall architecture of your home.

1 sunroom two

  • Finally, remember that there are experts,  like those at Lowell Management,  with the expertise and ability to guide you in the planning and execution of your new home and remodeling projects.

Celebrate Romance at Home

Valentine’s Day is about love and romance, but we like the idea of sharing the love more than one day a year.  It’s easy when you have special areas of your home that are created for togetherness.

 Take a look at some of our favorite romantic spaces and get inspired!

master bath luxury with free standing tub and armoire

Spa Night – Just add water, bubbles and your special someone!

g fireplace

Fireside Picnic
Cozy up in front of the fire with a basket full of treats, including almonds, chocolates, dates, raspberries, strawberries and wine.
Cue the soft music!

 

Cooking Up a Good Time
Food brings us together, especially when sampling and learning something new.

Game Night
If you’re from the Cupid-Is-Stupid school include the kids and neighbors for and evening of games and finger foods spread across the bar with a chocolate fountain for dipping deserts.

Whether you share it with a special someone or the entire family, your home should be the backdrop where loving memories will be made.  Our Number One mission when we are building a new home or remodeling, is to create spaces where you can celebrate and make every day a special one.

Remodel now and enjoy your home

Lowell Management Kitchen

Kitchen by Lowell


In talking with home appraisers and sellers there is a consistent theme I’ve heard time and time again . . . the condition of your home needs to be updated!  Friends of mine have homes with amazing bones, on a prime piece of property, with spectacular views, yet the interior of the house dated!  Appraisers are now grading homes on how well maintained they are.  They are asking about when the renovation took place or if a renovation has taken place.  Many are recommending that the home owners look at upgrading their kitchens and bathrooms to give the house a more appealing look inside.
This is a true buyers’ market, people don’t want to spend that extra money on the  “potential”  of the house.  They want a home that is move in ready and the home of their dreams!  It’s time to invest into your home.  Patching those cracks, painting the walls, updating the bathrooms and kitchen are all things that can help you in the long run.  I don’t mean spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, but find a key designer that can help give you tips and tricks on giving your home an updated look.  A little lipstick will go a long way!  Don’t wait until you move, now is the time for you to enjoy your home.  Invest in your lifestyle, fall in love with your home once again!
Our website portfolio is a great place for ideas,!  Then check out ideabooks on Houzz.com.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks
http://www.lowellmanagement.com/
http://www.genevacabinet.com/

Room with a View


Outdoor living spaces have become much more than a place to relax; they are now an extension of the home.   Many even include upscale kitchens and screened in porches.   Scott Lowell recognizes the demand for this extra space and accommodates the personal taste of each homeowner.  “Some families want an elaborate outdoor kitchen with a top of the line grill and plenty of island space to prepare food and entertain.  Others simply want a porch with a view to enjoy,” says Scott Lowell, president of Lowell Management Services.  “We create each space that accommodates the lifestyle of the homeowner.”

Adams Elect shot taken at night of front

In Geneva National, where Lowell Management Services currently has three distinctly unique communities, all with custom homes built by Lowell Management Services, the outdoor space is as significant as the home.  With homes located on Lake Como, the 18th hole or in the midst of 200 year old oaks, the outdoor space in the home is a necessity.   Geneva National is Southern Wisconsin’s most notable year-round golf resort community.   It is located on Lake Como, just four miles west of downtown Lake Geneva.   This 1,600-acre property has expanses of preserved wooded and open space and surrounds 54 holes of legendary golf designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino at Geneva National Golf Club.
Other amenities include tennis, swimming, water sports and miles of scenic hiking trails.   A new state-of-the-art fitness center is now open.   There is also a beautiful clubhouse with a new members-only dining room, a lavish new lounge and more. Both golf and social memberships are available.   Keefe Real Estate maintains a sales office open everyday at the entrance of Geneva National for both resale and new construction.   For additional information or to schedule your appointment to find out about The Woods, please call 262/245-2380 or visit www.gnbuilders.com.