Custom built homes are a thing of expressive beauty.

A custom built home is one of the few ways that an individual or family is able to express themselves outwardly, almost as if it were a piece of art to relax in and enjoy. There are so many choices of materials, styles, construction techniques, etc., that it is almost always a daunting chore to decide.

With the recent push of technological advances in the home building industry, there are now more choices than ever before. Newer technologies translate to improved quality and more efficient energy consumption, however many of the materials are actually recycled materials or are vintage antiques given a new lease on life.

Almost every aspect of a home can take advantage of these green technologies. Newer types of materials such as loose fill insulation, which is composed of newspaper or recycled denim jeans, can be used throughout the house. Recycled glass tiles, which are gaining in popularity, are commonly used in either the bathroom or kitchen areas. Dual flush toilets are making in roads in order to save water and money. Synthetic lumber is popular to craft decks and sunrooms due to longevity, saving trees, and low maintenance.

In certain instances, some builders will even be able to refinish and reuse actual wood panel doors, light fixtures, wrought iron work and more available from some companies that reclaim items from dilapidated structures or houses scheduled for demolition. It is often more inexpensive to find a highly detailed crafted 85 year old door or banister than it is to have a new one made. This practice is more common in the Eastern half of the U.S. due to the fact that the oldest communities were founded throughout the Eastern U.S.

When a custom built or remodeled home is nearing completion, the final interior is ready to receive paint, carpeting, or maybe new cabinets. Many new paints being advertised are no or low VOC paints. Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs are harmful gasses that are given off long after the material or item is installed. The majority of kitchen cabinets are constructed from particle board. Traditional particle board is created using formaldehyde, which is known to be carcinogenic.

The majority of builders are well aware of these newer methods and technologies commonly written about in trade magazines or journals, some builders embrace the improvements, while others will continue down the traditional construction path which may not be of any great benefit. Should a custom builder utilize these contemporary materials, then usually this will be advertised in order to benefit the client's needs.

Back to Value Through Design »