Raleigh Relocation Information Center - Moving To the Triangle?

Master Bedroom Tray Ceiling Ideas

The master bedroom is your space, your retreat, your quiet, calming place.  The ceiling can reflect your personality and be a unique detail in this special part of your new home.

Adding a Trey Ceiling to Your New Home

Most builders offer trey ceilings as an option, but you may be limited to one particular style and size.  Other builders have several options.  Some custom builders like Stanton Homes can allow you to design a truly unique trey ceiling with your builder.

This master bedroom features a sitting area.  Both rooms offer a single depth octagonal trey ceiling, with a recess for optional accent lighting.  

The depth or height of a trey ceiling can be limited by what's above - if there is a room directly above the master suite, the trey ceiling might "drop" rather than "raise" the ceiling, and is usually limited to about 6 inches or so.

This master suite also features a private sitting room.  Here, the trey ceiling "interconnects" the two rooms in a truly unique treatment custom designed for the space.

This master bedroom features an extended height trey ceiling, with multiple layers of crown moulding. 

The "lower step" of the trey extends inward towards the center of the room, and an electrical outlet included inside the recess allows for the addition of future accent lighting.

A deep, bold color can really set off the architectural details in a trey ceiling.  The bright white of the crown moulding stands out very well against a deep blue, red, or green.

This dual step trey ceiling highlights alternating bands of ceiling color and wall color.

A luxury home can include all kinds of unique details.  This sloped trey ceiling in the master bedroom includes picture frame wainscoating details, along with a wallpaper treatment for the base of the trey.

The medallion centers the light fixture as the highlight of the room.

The width of the "steps" in a stepped trey ceiling can vary, changing the look and feel of the room. 

Standard widths vary between 6", 12", and 18" per step, though other options can also be constructed.  Steps size should be proportionate to room size.

A wider step can create a more ornate feel for the same trey ceiling. 

The wider the steps, the more materials and labor are required for the framing, painting, and trimwork in the trey ceiling. 

An extra deep octagonal trey ceiling painted with an accent color adds a lot of height and depth to the ceiling, without a huge expense.  This type of ceiling treatment can look very appealing in master bedrooms of many different sizes and shapes.

Standard height of each step in a trey ceiling is usually 8" to 10" per step.

Thus a room may have a 8' ceiling height for the "outermost" portion of the ceiling not part of the trey, then 8'8" height for the first step, and 9'6" inside the trey itself.  But heights can vary by room and design.

 Talk to your builder about the design you'd like to see in your new master bedroom.  Bring pictures, and explain what you have in mind!   

Designing Your New Lifestyle - Your New Home in Raleigh NC

Above all, it's your new home.  The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE. 

Gather ideas, then talk to your builder about how to best fit those ideas inside your budget.  Want to get started?

More new home design ideas:

Top 7 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your New Home - Kitchen

Top Decorating Trends and Ideas for Your New Home - Dining Room

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Top 9 New Home Features in '09 - What To Look For! Raleigh NC Home Builders Top Tips

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

Energy Star Homes Make a Big Difference

ENERGY STAR Movement Continues to Grow in Durham NC

ENERGY STAR qualified homes built in Durham NC in 2009 are the equivalent of:

• Eliminating emissions from 285 vehicles
• Saving 1,722,084 lbs of coal
• Planting 471 acres of trees
• Saving the environment 3,377,353 pounds of CO₂

Looking for a home that makes a difference?  Consider an ENERGY STAR home.  An ENERGY STAR labeled home has been verified and checked, not just by the home builder, but by a licensed third party organization like Southern Energy Management.

1955 ENERGY STAR qualified homes have been built in Durham NC to date.

581 ENERGY STAR qualified homes were built in Durham NC in 2009.

The ENERGY STAR program continues to grow.

What is an ENERGY STAR home, and how does it save money and resources?

An ENERGY STAR home is independently certified by a third party inspection agency. The process starts with the blueprints. A complete energy analysis of the planned home is determined, and all necessary steps to increase energy efficiency are then incorporated. The home is inspected several times during the building process to ensure all work is to the highest standards.

What features are in an ENERGY STAR home in the Raleigh, NC area?

Superior Insulation Installation - Must be installed and rated at ENERGY STAR standards.

High Performance Windows - ENERGY STAR rated windows with a low-E coating.

Tighter Construction/Tighter Ducts - Advanced techniques are used to seal every part of the home, which also reduces noise, moisture, pollen, and dust.

Efficient Heating and Cooling - HVAC systems must be ENERGY STAR rated, and higher than normal performance systems may be required.

Complete Air Barrier - Tested using a field-verified blower test.

Interested in finding out more about other green building features and ideas?

Some popular green home building features and questions include:

• Energy Wise - guaranteed energy savings with spray foam insulation system, save 50-70% on heating and cooling versus standard building practices. 
• ENERGY STAR
• Passive Solar

• Solar hot water
• Tankless hot water
• Solar photovoltaic power
• Geothermal heating and cooling

Wondering how to save money in your new home?

Tips on What's Worth Upgrading - From a Custom Home Builder

Smart home building tips for the Kitchen

This questionnaire will help you determine where to spend your money in the kitchen as you  build - and what you can do differently, later.

1. Where do you spend your time in the kitchen? Factor in ease-of-use and functionality.

2.  Who hangs there with you? Do you need an island, breakfast bar, or conversation corner? Do the countertops need to incorporate extra width or arches, or will something simple do?

3.  How important is the overall look and feel - layout, cabinets, countertops, flooring, lighting, cooking, sink capacity?

4.  How much traffic flow through capability is necessary?

5.  How much usage will the room get? Do you need the strength of granite, or will a laminate be sufficient?

6.  What's a reasonable cabinetry package for your budget?  Do you need a higher-end wood like cherry or exotics, or will a maple or oak package with lots of extra storage options be better for you? 

7.  Cooking for a crowd? Need two ovens, deep freeze, heavy duty dishwasher?

Some things are more costly than others to change later.  Here's what to focus on:

Layout

The layout is extremely expensive to do all over again. Expanding the kitchen to gain more space involves major renovations that can cost three times more later than during initial construction.

Adding an island or moving major appliances

Another costly renovation; unless your kitchen has a lot of extra space, an island added later can actually reduce your ability to maneuver.

Deciding the oven would be better in another area means rewiring and restructuring, plus changes to cabinetry (which may not match the originals). 

Major structural changes to a kitchen can be the most costly change in the house.

Adding windows

The ability to add windows or sky lights later can depend on the construction of your home. It's not always possible to put it where you want it, once the home has been completed, due to structural issues. This is one of the things you'll want to get right, the first time.  Not sure?  Talk to your builder about "preframing" a future window. 

Adding lighting

If you're going to want a lot of lights in the ceiling, under the cabinets, or in special areas, this is something you'll pay a lot less for if you have it wired when the house is under construction. Doing it later can involve a lot more time and complexity. 

However, you don't need to spend a lot of money up front on the latest designer lighting fixtures.  If the prewire is in place, you can add many of the fixtures later.

Start simple, with basic lighting.

Putting in a bigger pantry

If you want a big, walk-in pantry, you're going to pay a whole lot less to start right out with that. Unless you're willing to knock out some walls and lose some space later in the adjoining family room, dining room or hallway, there's just no way to add another room in the middle of the house without a lot more work than you're going to want to adjust to.

Cabinets

If you decide on inexpensive cabinets, don't be under the mistaken impression they can be changed out easily later on.

The process can involve much more than the cupboards - including removal of countertops, flooring, trimwork and appliances. Ask your builder how to choose a quality cabinetry that you'll be happy with, without breaking the bank - and start with these tips:

Type of Wood - Consider oak or maple as an alternative to more expensive hickory or cherry choices.  A well-made cabinet can be just as appealing in a variety of different species, at varying costs.  

Glazes and Special Finishes - a glaze can add 15-35% or more to your total cabinetry package.  Consider accent pieces as an alternative if you're on a tight budget. A pair of glass doors or a contrasting accent door hardware can spark up the decor at a lower cost.    

Storage Solutions - Have your builder tell you whether that built-in recycle center or wine rack involves an extra charge. It may be just what you want - but find out what it's costing, just in case.

Countertops

The difference in cost can be huge depending on what kind of countertop you use. Recycled glass countertops may sound economical, but can cost three times as much as granite. Your builder can walk you through the choices, benefits and costs of every option out there, so you know just what you're getting - and paying.

Countertop questions to ask your builder:

What kind of countertops are best for each room?

What would it take to change countertops in a few years?

What are my best ways to save money on countertops?

Will a few changes in design save some money on countertops?

Flooring

Starting with a laminate floor won't break the budget later if you decide to go tile or hardwood. The floor is one of the easier things in the kitchen to change later - and many kinds of flooring can be done with some "do it yourself" skills. 

Appliances

As long as you don't want two ovens instead of one, or a bigger appliance than what you're starting with, changing out appliances is not going to involve ripping apart the entire kitchen. But before you decide to start with the most economical brands available, determine other cost factors such as energy saving and estimated life cycle. 

Ask your builder if you can supply your own appliances - then shop around for the very best pricing. 

Keeping Upgrades in Line

Talk to your builder about your lifestyle, and let him help guide your choices, from layout through amenities.  Ask your builder if they'll let you take a second look at all your choices before making a final decision - sometimes it's easier to decide when you can sit down with the price tag for each feature.

Room-by-room: Smart building choices that help you stay on budget.

Watch for upcoming articles - and learn what's smart to "upgrade" in your new home, while keeping your overall budget in line. 

Kitchen

Bathroom

Master Suite

Bedrooms

Family Room

Entryway

Laundry Room

Garage

Exterior

Energy Savings

Green Homes Raleigh NC

First Certified Green Home in Horizon Breaks Ground

Will be Featured in NC's 2010 Triangle Green Home Tour   

Stanton Homes has broken ground on on its first totally certified Green home in Horizon, one of Chatham County's most exciting new communities, just 7 minutes from Chapel Hill!

This Stanton Homes custom design will be one of just 30 homes featured in the 2010 Triangle Green Home Tour. 

The third party certified green homes in the Green Home Tour will be open to the public the weekends of May 15/16 and May 22/23. 

Green elements in the Stanton Home home in Horizon's green home entry featured in 2010 Triangle Green Home Tour include:

• Energy Wise guaranteed heating and cooling cost of $100/month (40% of standard heating and cooling costs)
• Silver Level Green Certification and ENERGY STAR certification (now in progress for this home)
• Spray foam insulation for superior energy savings and cleaner indoor air
• Tankless hot water for endless supply of heated water at lower cost
• Superior Walls insulated wall system in basement
• ENERGY STAR Cool Roof designed to reduce peak cooling demand by 10-15% and maintain more constant temperature
• Ductwork and plumbing entirely inside thermal envelope to eliminate exposure to unconditioned air
• EPA WaterSense labeled high efficiency toilets and low flow faucets
• Kitchen and bath cabinetry with ESP (Environmental Stewardship Program) certification
• Passive radon system
• Energy Star Appliances and built in recycling centers
• Green label carpet certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute for improved indoor air quality 

Stanton Homes works hard to protect the beautiful land and environment in gorgeous Chatham County.  Our green building practices help protect the land during construction, and enable homeowners to reduce energy and water consumption on a daily basis.  Less energy consumed means lower carbon emissions, and more effective management of natural resources. 

The Horizon community offers beautiful level or rolling acre plus lots just one mile off 15/501, only five minutes from shopping.  Only 26 lots remain in Phase One.

Horizon is only about 10 minutes from Jordan Lake, and 5 minutes from the Haw River.

Come see us on the 2010 Triangle Green Home Tour!  

Get all the latest at the Green Home Tour 2010 page on Facebook.

See you there!

Find out more about these favorite green building topics and ideas:

Green Home Building in the Triangle

What is a Green Home?

What Is Geothermal?  Geothermal News and Information

Military Discounts NC

Lowe's Home Improvement Expands Military Discount Program

Lowe's has long offered a 10 percent military discount on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends.  They've just announced an expansion of that discount - the military discount will now be available on a daily basis.

The 10% Military Discount is widely available - here's the details!

- Customers must have a valid, government-issued military ID card.

- Available to all active duty, reserve, retired, or disabled military personnel.

- Available on in-stock or special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

- Not valid at Lowes.com, on previous sales, or on purchases of services or gift cards.

Lowe's was originally founded after World War II by two war veterans, and have long held programs that recognize the military on some level.

Lowe's has many great product lines, including ENERGY STAR lighting, Water Sense plumbing fixtures, green flooring, and much more. 

Ask how to integrate this discount with the "Stanton Homes for Heroes" military discount program for new homes - contact us. 

If you or a family member are a disabled veteran with need for accessible housing, here's where to find out more about the Specially Adapted Housing program through the VA.

Accessible Homes for Veterans | Raleigh New Home Grants from VA

Energy Star Homes Continue to Make Ground

972 Energy Star Qualified Homes built in Raleigh in 2009

Looking for a home that makes a difference?  Consider an ENERGY STAR home.  An ENERGY STAR labeled home has been verified and checked, not just by the home builder, but by a licensed third party organization like Southern Energy Management.

4103 ENERGY STAR qualified homes have been built in the Raleigh/Cary area to date.

972 ENERGY STAR qualified homes were built in the Raleigh/Cary area in 2009.

The ENERGY STAR program continues to grow.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes built in the Raleigh/Cary area in 2009 are the equivalent of:

• Eliminating emissions from 476 vehicles
• Saving 2,881,008 lbs of coal
• Planting 787 acres of trees
• Saving the environment 5,650,236 pounds of CO₂

That's just one year, in one area! 

An ENERGY STAR qualified home can feature:

What is an ENERGY STAR home, and how does it save money and resources?

An ENERGY STAR home is independently certified by a third party inspection agency. The process starts with the blueprints. A complete energy analysis of the planned home is determined, and all necessary steps to increase energy efficiency are then incorporated. The home is inspected several times during the building process to ensure all work is to the highest standards.

What features are in an ENERGY STAR home in the Raleigh, NC area?

Superior Insulation Installation - Must be installed and rated at ENERGY STAR standards.

High Performance Windows - ENERGY STAR rated windows with a low-E coating.

Tighter Construction/Tighter Ducts - Advanced techniques are used to seal every part of the home, which also reduces noise, moisture, pollen, and dust.

Efficient Heating and Cooling - HVAC systems must be ENERGY STAR rated, and higher than normal performance systems may be required.

Complete Air Barrier - Tested using a field-verified blower test.

Interested in finding out more about other green building features and ideas?

Some popular green home building features and questions include:

• Energy Wise - guaranteed energy savings with spray foam insulation system, save 50-70% on heating and cooling versus standard building practices. 
• ENERGY STAR
• Passive Solar

• Solar hot water
• Tankless hot water
• Solar photovoltaic power
• Geothermal heating and cooling

The American Institute of Architects continues to survey changes in residential design.  Here's some of the big changes they saw in third quarter 2009.

New Homes that Fit the Budget and the Lifestyle

As part of a general trend towards more affordable homes that fit well in the budget, the AIA saw more requests for simpler home exteriors, AND green features. 

Front Porches

The number of front or side porches requested increased by 53%.  Front porches have been one of our top requested items over the past year as well.  There's a focus on simpler living, with a bigger emphasis on time spent at home and building relationships with friends, family, and neighbors.

One Story Homes

Even though one story homes are a little more expensive to build (more roof and foundation, among other factors), one story homes continue to grow in demand.  The AIA saw a 24% increase in number of one story homes requested.  Our clients often like to see a second story bonus room or bedroom for extra space for guests.  One story homes are more accessible and easier on aging knees.

Simpler Detailing on Exterior

There was a 15% increase in requests for simpler detailing.  This can be a fairly easy way to cut some cost from the building process, while maintaining square footage (and adding that front porch!)

Contemporary Home Styles

Contemporary home styles are making a come back (think the 70s).  Clean, crisp lines, lots of angular windows, and an austere appearance is becoming more appealing.  We've done more design work lately for contemporary styles - it's harder to find floor plans with just the right look, but the number of "ready to build" floor plans has started to increase.

Designing Your New Lifestyle

Above all, it's your new home.  The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE. 

Gather ideas, then talk to your builder about how to best fit those ideas inside your budget.  Want to get started?

More new home design ideas:

Top Decorating Trends and Ideas for Your New Home - Dining Room

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Top 9 New Home Features in '09 - What To Look For! Raleigh NC Home Builders Top Tips

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

Looking to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit before it expires?

Make sure you know how long it will take your builder to complete your new home.

It's important to know how the home building process works - you might not have as much time as you think. 

Buyers have until April 30 to sign a sales contract. But they must close on the home by June 30 in order to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers or $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers.

One of the first questions you need to ask your builder is, 'How long will it take to build the plan I have in mind, on the lot I chose?'

Here's some basic steps to keep in mind:

- Line up your financing

It can take 30-45 days or longer to get financing in place.  Make sure to respond to your lender as quickly as possible when they request information - remember, they're working with quite a few other folks looking to take advantage of record low interest rates and tax credits, and make sure they're following all the new rules.  Ask your builder for recommendations of responsive lenders.  Yes, there is construction financing available, with good rates and low down payments - contact us.

- Get permits started for your new home

Your builder can apply for building permits as soon as your contract is signed and deposit in place - this can be as low as $2,000 for some builders.  The permits can then be ready at the same time your financing is approved.

- Build your new home

The entire building process for a custom home in the $200s-$500s generally takes about 90-120 days, but this can vary by builder.  Ask your builder what the timeline for your new home will be.  And help everything stay on track by making your selections and any floor plan or other changes by the deadlines provided.

Have more questions on the First Time and Repeat Home Buyers Tax Credit?  Check out the answers here:

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

New Homes Raleigh NC

Formal Dining Rooms

Top Trends, Styles, and Ideas for Your New Home

If you're adding decorative touches to at least one room in your new home, consider the place where you meet to eat: the formal dining room. 

A formal dining room often sets the tone for the rest of the home, as the place your family, friends and special guests gather for a while to relax while they eat.

It is also nearly always located very prominently near the front entrance of your new home, where your special touches will be noticed right away. 

Archway entrances to the formal dining room emphasize sweeping lines and open space, setting the dining room apart as a separate entertaining area.

Multiple color treatments and an unusual darker accent for the crown moulding and baseboard give the dining area a luxurious feel.

Picture frame wainscoating adds more depth and formal appeal, when it uses a deeper tone in the same color range. 

The arch theme works especially well when it is carried from the front entrance to the formal dining room.

The Southern trend of deep, rich red for the dining room adds ambience with a touch of tradition to new homes.

Chair rail and a multi-dimensional tray ceiling add multiple layers of contrast that blend the color scheme.

The deep tones work well with the site finished hardwood flooring.

Dramatic lighting and lots of openings accent this formal dining room.

The built in Butler's Pantry in painted, glazed maple offers plenty of storage space for china and crystal ware, with a display area above.

A cut out window in your new home adds more spaciousness through natural light, drawing further attention to the dining room. 

Grecian pillars add elegance and dimension.  Different designs change the dining room's personality. This one features cherry wood inlay at the bottom of the pillars, for a bolder setting.

This dining room features a simple crown moulding, two tone color scheme with dark red contrast, and picture frame wainscoating.

A trey ceiling would add additional depth and complexity.

A well planned dining room can even accomodate for furniture, such as an heirloom dining room chest or a fabulous china hutch you'd like to set apart.

Your builder can add a furniture niche, with angles that really set apart crown moulding and wainscoating.

Even if the rest of your new home is painted neutral, your dining room can be the one spark of color that stands out - even if it's just a darker neutral.  

Take advantage of all the possibilities for your dining room in your new home. You may be surprised at how much you can do, without a lot of cost. 

Before you build, tour homes and take photos of your favorite ideas. 

Bring them to your builder along with pictures from magazines or websites, when you talk about your floor plan.

A good builder can help you plan a perfect dining room that fits your entertaining style and budget, with details that will make your new home a very special place - beginning with your dining room. 

More new home design ideas:

Kitchen Islands - New Home Trends and Ideas

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective!

Top 10 Master Bathroom Trends - Ideas You're Going to Love!

Top 9 New Home Features in '09 - What To Look For! Raleigh NC Home Builders Top Tips

"Green" Countertop Options | Green Kitchen Countertops in Your New Home

ADA and Wheelchair Accessible Homes

Looking for accessible homes in the Raleigh, NC area?

If you or a family member has special needs, Stanton Homes can work with you to build a fully-accessible home, in the budget you're aiming at.

Check out this just-completed accessible home, featuring an elevator, fantastic master suite, and much more!

Looking for an accessible or Aging in Place home? 

Here are some of the options you may want to consider including:

Accessible Custom Home Features

Bathrooms

· Roll In Showers

· Built In Shower Benches

· Grab Bars

· Room for Maneuvering (5 Foot Minimum Diameter)

· Knee Space Under Countertops/Reduced Height Countertops

Kitchen

· Room for Maneuvering

· Reduced Height Countertops

· Built-in Range Countertops with Front Controls and Knee Space Below

· Pull-Out Shelving (Slide Out Shelves)

· Accessible Electric Outlets and Switches

· Roll-Under Kitchen Sinks

Accessible Homes

· Ramps and Walkways

· Enlarged Garage

· Egress (exit) Door From Bedroom

· Enlarged Hallways and Doorways

· Non-Slip Flooring

· Low Pile Carpet

· Turning Radius in Laundry Room

No matter which features you're looking for, we'll incorporate them into your new home.

Have a floor plan you love - but it needs to allow for special considerations? Stanton Homes can modify it to meet your specifications.

Stanton Homes has the kind of experience you're looking for, with the fabulous signature details you'll want to include in your new home.