Interviewing Your Builder

Choosing a custom builder is the first important choice you'll need to make in building a new home.

So how do you decide?

We've compiled a list of questions to ask when interviewing potential builders.

• Licensing and insurance: Is the builder licensed in South Carolina and are they insured? These two items are deal breakers if not present.
• Experience: How long has the builder been doing this type of work. Have they worked on a home of your size and scope before? Can they provide references of past work.
• Staff: Who will be your point of contact during the process? What contractors are used?
• Process: How is the budget set? How are construction issues or changes addressed? What type of follow up or walk-throughs are part of the construction process?

In addition to these questions, how do you feel when talking with the builder? This is an important part of the decision making process because good communication with your builder is an essential part of building a custom home.  You want to work with someone who makes you feel comfortable and listens to your requests.

If you've chosen a builder before, what did you look for and how did you decide?

Colors 2013

Happy New Year!

Each year some of the major paint companies develop their list of color trends they predict will be popular in new home design.

Today, we're sharing with you two color forecasts for 2013.


Behr

Behr predicts that several color families will be trendsetters in 2013 including a style throwback to the roaring 20's, deep natural colors, color blocking and magenta - a spin on traditional red. They also see "water-cooled blue" as a popular color for accessorizing a room.

To see samples of their color predictions click HERE


Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin Williams predicts several color families in 2013

Midnight Mystery - Moody, muted and masculine - click HERE

Honed Vitality - Soft neutrals inspired by nature - click HERE

Vintage Moxie - Bold Pastels and gem-inspired tones - click HERE

High Voltage - Bold and bright hues - click HERE



What colors are inspiring you this year?

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?