Christmas Table Settings

Are you hosting the big meal this Christmas?  We understand that this can be a daunting task and wanted to offer our help by providing some ideas for table settings.

We hope you enjoy this visual inspiration and the upcoming holidays! From our Park Ridge Builders family to yours - have a very Merry Christmas!

Red and White

Natural

Silver and Gold

Cool Blue

Home Design Keywords

The home industry is always changing and growing. Along with those changes come new buzz words that on occasion, need some additional explanation.

Here is a quick list we developed to clear up any confusion on what these terms mean.

Accessible - In terms of home design and construction this term applies to creating a home that is capable of being used by all, despite age or health related concerns

Universal Design - Creating home and work environments accessible to people with and without disabilities

Aging-in-Place - The Center for Disease Control defines aging in place as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

Are there any terms you would like to learn more about?

Wreath Alternatives

The Christmas season is upon us! Here at Park Ridge we like to think outside the box when it comes to the design of our homes, so we thought our buyers might like some "out of the box" decorating ideas for Christmas this year!

We've provided some alternatives to the traditional Christmas wreath. Let us know what you think and if you have any ideas of your own to share!

Repurposed Picture Frame 

Candy Cane

Pinecones

Initial Wreath

New Youtube Video

Choosing a builder is the most important decision along your home building journey.

Park Ridge Builders hopes to help you make that decision by providing a little more information about our company and our process.  We've brought this to you in a new Youtube video.

Check it out!

Thanksgiving Tablescapes

Happy November 1st!

Now is a great time to begin planning ahead for your Thanksgiving festivities. From side dishes to seating arrangements there are many things to think about.  We've provided some inspiration for table settings. Take a look!

Rustic

Bold

Simple

 Elegant

What are your thanksgiving tablescape ideas?

Staying on Budget

A satisfactory custom building experience involves a few key elements: Professional service, quality workmanship, and a home delivered on time and on budget.

Staying on budget is often an area of concern especially for first time custom home buyers.  Here are a few tips to help keep you on budget.

• Know your priorities - What areas of the home are you most particular about? Where would you rather spend more money and where would you rather spend less?   For example, if no one will ever see the play room upstairs, put more money into the entertaining areas in the home.
• Spend the money now if it will cost more later - There are certain items that can be easily updated as you live in your home. For larger projects such as flooring or cabinetry, it might be worth paying the cost before you move in.
• Leave a little wiggle room - There may be something that comes up during the construction process that you wish you had thought of during the design phase. Leave yourself some room in the budget to make these changes.
• Talk with your builder - Be clear from the very beginning about your budget restraints, what type of look you want to have, and what products you want in the home. Keep clear communication lines throughout the building process so there are no misunderstandings.

Building a custom home should be a fun and unique experience. By planning ahead you can stick to your budget while still building the house of your dreams.

Multi-Generational Housing

According to the latest housing statistics, households with more than one generation living in them are on the rise.

There are several reasons for this rising trend including the down economy, aging parents with longer life spans and increased cultural diversity.

Park Ridge Builders offers home plans conducive to multi-generational living.  These plans feature two master suites - one on the first floor and one on the second.  Park Ridge also offers Universal Design elements that make homes accessible for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Contact Park Ridge today to see some of their multi-generational home plans!

Fall Maintenance

As the weather turns cooler it's a good time to find ways to prepare your home for Winter and perform some basic maintenance items that will keep your warm and secure.

1. Seal and Caulk. Look for openings around the base of your home's exterior, windows, or around doors.

2. Have your heating system checked by a professional HVAC company. Change your air filters on a regular schedule.

3. Reverse your ceiling fan so that it pulls warm air down from the ceiling and distributes the heat through your home.

4. Clean, cover and store outside furniture, grills and play equipment.

5.  Walk your home to make sure that no furniture or objects are blocking the heat vents.

Keep your home happy and healthy this Winter!

Fall Family Fun!

If you're looking for a reason to skip the chores this Saturday and enjoy the Fall weather, we may have found the opportunity you've been looking for!

Visit Steed's Dairy Farm in Grovetown for a Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, Hayrides, and tours of an actual working dairy farm - all right in our own backyard!

Coupons for admission are available at the Farm's website - http://www.steedsdairy.com/

The 2012 Fall Season runs until November 18th. Don't miss out!

Universal Design in the Kitchen

Park Ridge Builders offers several design options considered elements of "Universal Design".

Universal Design is a building movement that works to create barrier-free living through an accessible living environment.

With the increase in multi-generational living and homeowners choosing to stay in their homes longer in life,  the demand for Universal Design options are on the rise.

Here are some of the top Universal Design options for the kitchen. Talk with Park Ridge Builders to see what's available and the right fit for your family's needs.

• Varied countertop heights
• Single lever faucet handles
• Easier to maneuver cabinet pulls
• Pull-out work surfaces
• Raised or lowered appliances
• Available knee space

YouTube Video

Park Ridge is excited to announce that their first Youtube video is now up and running!

The YouTube channel will become a source of informative videos on a variety of topics including Universal Design, Custom Building, Park Ridge communities and more!

In this first video, Park Ridge owner and builder Glynn Bruker walks you through one of his available homes located in Tudor Branch. During the tour, Bruker points out the Universal Design features and the advantages they provide as a families needs change over time.

Check back often as we are just getting started building our video library!

Make your front porch inviting for Fall!

With the change in the seasons comes a chance to redecorate and redefine your home's look! Start with an update to the front of your home for the most impact on curb appeal.  For ideas we turned to Pinterest for some of today's hot looks in Fall decor.