Tag Archives: build

Custom-Made Furniture for Your Custom Home

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If you’re going to spend the time and money to have a custom home built, why not fill that beloved home with some extraordinary custom furniture as well? If you plan ahead you can create a symbiotic environment and have furniture designed to fit the exact space it’s going to live in.

If this is something you’ve never considered, you may not know that San Antonio, and certainly Texas, is home to some brilliant and highly-skilled custom furniture designers, who can make furniture that’s either traditional or avant garde. Here are just a few local furniture designers/builders you might want to consider.

George Schroeder of Schroeder Design

George Schroeder has earned a reputation as one of the leading large scale metal artists in the United States, and we’re lucky that he’s located right here in San Antonio. Schroeder somehow manages to translate fluidity and energy into his pieces, so that they’re all incredibly creative and unique. Although the scope of his work really runs the gamut, from modern sculpture to paintings, his ability to construct magnificent custom furniture that are iconic pieces in any home is a rare gift.

Peter Zubiate of Zubiate Projects

Peter is known for his beautiful wood furniture and often works with local architects and builders to create specifically-designed furniture, including tables, chairs, beds, built-ins and unique pieces. Whatever you can think up, Zubiate can bring that vision to life.

WOOD by Alberto

Another talented, but perhaps lesser known woodworker in San Antonio is Alberto of WOOD by Alberto, who makes handmade, original Texas wood products, including furniture. He recently completed a commissioned project for a local home of stunning large custom barn doors that are connected via heavy duty metal wheels that allow the doors to slide open.

Cortese Brothers

Cortese Brothers is a family owned and operated furniture company in San Antonio. They work closely with customers to create furniture that’s beautiful yet affordable. They incorporate your initial design research into the finished piece.

Deep Fried Design

Although Andrew McGuire hails from Austin, we won’t hold it against him because his furniture is absolutely stunning. He makes stylish modern furniture like beds and tables using reclaimed wood. He has a photo on his website of a funky coffee table he made from a reclaimed gym floor. It’s clear this custom furniture maker not only thinks outside the box, but lives there.

If you already have the furniture and just need the perfect home to put it in, call us at 210-494-5400. To be added to our private email list to receive the Stone Creek Custom Homes newsletter, please sign up here.

 

Why Finding the Right Property for Your New Custom Home is Important

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One of the most valuable things that we at Stone Creek Custom Homes offer our clients is help with lot selection. This is a service that’s overlooked by many home builders, but if you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars or more into a new custom home project, don’t you think every aspect of that project should be carefully considered? We certainly do.

Perhaps you already own a piece of land. We find that about half of the clients that come to us already have a lot in mind, which is perfectly fine. We’re equipped to build on any kind of topography. Part of our job is to go in and dissect it to determine how best to utilize it.

However, if you don’t already have a lot picked out, it’s extremely beneficial for you to include us in the process. It’s one of the things that our Director of Sales, Brad Ynostrosa, really enjoys doing for our clients and is equally skilled at doing.

Why Lot Selection is Important

When most people think of a natural piece of land they don’t realize how varied each lot can really be. When you have a custom home built, it’s necessary to pick a lot that best suits your plan in order to minimize slab exposure as well as cost.

One of the first things Brad asks new clients is, “Do you know where you plan to build your house?” If the answer is no, he jumps into action. Many factors should be considered, such as your geographical preference, ideal school district and cost. It’s likely that anywhere you’ve considered living, we’ve built a house in that neighborhood.

Not only can we make recommendations, but we can put you in touch with land experts. We help our clients identify trouble areas or red flags such as trees and easements. Here are just a few things we look at when helping clients determine the best piece of land for their new home:

  • Will the topography greatly affect the cost of your foundation? If it’s going to cost an extra 40k, for example, it may be best to look elsewhere.
  • Is natural gas available on the lot? Is that important to you?
  • What other fees might impact you, such as a water meter tap?

Even if you’re only at the very beginning stages of perusing land options, please consider giving us a call at 210-494-5400. We’d love to help!  To be added to our private email list to receive the newsletter, please sign up here.

Repair Your Credit to Build Your Dream Home

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Maybe you’re ready to build your dream home, but your credit isn’t quite where you know it needs to be. Regardless of the market, banks are more careful than ever, and showing them that you have good credit is key to getting what you want.

Credit Score

Credit scores are what banks refer to when deciding whether you’re a safe bet. They look at your past credit history of spending such as what’s your level of debt and whether you make payments on time.

According to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, companies that purchase mortgages from banks and resell them to investors, a FICO score above 620 is considered good, 650 is even better.

Time is on your side when it comes to credit. Past incidences will eventually lighten up or fall away. It should also be noted that you will have a low score if you have little or no credit history. Meaning, if you’re looking to invest in a home any time soon you should start using credit cards, responsibly of course.

Here are some tips to boost your credit score:

  1. First, check your credit report to determine where you stand. You may find that there are some discrepancies on your report. If so, you can write to the credit reporting companies – tell them what happened and request they investigate. This might be a hassle, but it’s worth it if it removes bad credit history.
  2. Eliminate what they call “nuisance balances,” – these are cards that have small balances. Target these first.
  3. If you have credit cards or debt with large balances, do your best to start witling away at them. By paying down your balances and keeping those balances low, you’ll positively affect your score.
  4. Find out whether the credit card issuer will allow you to make multiple payments throughout the month and do so.
  5. Don’t try to get old paid-off debts removed from your credit report, that is if they were paid off appropriately. Good debt is actually helpful to your score. Besides, items typically disappear from your report after seven years.

Even little things like setting up payment reminders can help you build better credit and in the end help you build your dream home. That’s where Stone Creek Custom Homes comes in. We’re here when you’re ready! You can call us anytime at 210-494-5400.

 

 

The Age-Old Debate of Electric Vs. Gas

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Although there are many perks to building a custom home, one of the best things about building a home that’s centered around your specific lifestyle is that you get to choose whether you want to use either gas or electric energy for cooking, air-conditioning and the water heater. Of course, sometimes, depending upon where you’re building, you may not have that option, but if you do, here are some things to consider when deciding whether you want to use electric or gas.

Cooking

When it comes to electric ranges versus gas ranges, there may not be one perfect choice, as what will work best for you really depends upon who you are and how you live your life.

Electric Ranges

1.  Electric ranges are typically less expensive.

2.  Electric ranges are a better choice if you have young children, as open flames aren’t kid-friendly.

3.  Can be easier to clean.

4. Considered to offer more even heat distribution when baking.

Gas Ranges

1.  Gas ranges are typically preferred by professional cooks due to the versatility of flame heat that can be quickly and accurately adjusted. If you love to cook, regardless of any cons, you should probably stick with gas.

2.  Cools and heats so much faster than electric.

3.  Natural gas is inexpensive, green energy that’s abundantly available.

4.  Are not subject to power outages and are ideal for making s’mores!

Air Conditioning

When it comes to air conditioning, it usually boils down to cost, but here are some other factors to consider.

Electric Systems

1.  The cost of an electric system is typically less expensive than gas.

2.  Because gas furnaces emit a low-level amount of carbon monoxide, electric units pose less risk of danger to the family and home.

3.  Electric systems are usually quieter, more durable and will last for up to 30 years.

Gas-Powered Systems

1.  Because gas is cheaper than electricity, a gas heating system is less expensive to operate overall.

2.  Natural gas is considered more convenient and consistent. It’s also known to heat the home faster, but since we’re in Texas this is not usually a primary concern.

If the electricity goes out, you’re still good to go!

The Water Heater

Electric Water Heaters

1.  Electric water heaters are considered safer than gas water heaters, but not by much as gas water heaters are safer than ever before.

2.  They’re much cheaper to install than their gas counterparts.

3.  They last longer.

Gas Water Heaters

1.  Similarly to using gas for ranges and A/C, gas water heaters are less expensive to operate in the long run.

2.  They’re well-insulated and maintain water temp with less energy.

3.  Gas can heat more quickly than electric.

We can help you with these and all other big and little decisions when you’re ready to build your next custom home. Please call us at 210-494-5400.

Get to the Beach Before Winter is Over!

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If you think the beach is only good for summer, think again?! In fact, winter at the beach can be the best time to go relax and find utter serenity. No matter how much we love San Antonio, nothing brings a new sense of appreciation for our homes than a mini vacation. In Texas, all the smart Snow Birds head to South Padre Island, but you better hurry because summer will be here before we know it!

You might not want to dip your toes in the water, but if you’re lucky, you’ll still enjoy an 80-degree day sunning on the sand with a good book. If you forgot your book, don’t worry! South Padre Island has a bunch of little gems, and one of them happens to be the best book store in Texas.

Paragraphs Book Store

Book lovers will cherish this warm and cozy independent book store. The owners, a husband and wife team, are not only knowledgeable and friendly – the kind of characters you expect to find in a small Texas town, but the selection is thoughtful and eclectic and includes popular reads as well as classics and more obscure titles. You can expect to walk out of there with books for yourself as well as your friends and family. Paragraphs is located at 5505 Padre Blvd. Make sure to also inquire about book signings and other events, which are hosted throughout the year.

Outdoor Adventures

After an hour or two at the book store, you might be ready to get outside. Although they don’t see as many visitors as during the summer, it’s still fun to go to the Birding and Nature Center and walk around to see what you’ll find. This part of Texas is home to hundreds of indigenous species.

You can also explore the lives of turtles at Sea Turtle, Inc., which is located on the northern end of Padre Boulevard. They offer presentations about turtle conservation and kid-friendly activities all year long. In the spring, you can watch as they release the baby sea turtles back into the wild.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the chance to go on a dolphin watch. Although they’re limited during wintertime (make sure to call ahead), this is such a wonderful excursion. Nothing is more rejuvenating than the ocean air and, without fail, the dolphins will find you!

Foodie Finds at the Beach

You don’t always expect to find incredible food at the beach, but you’re in for a huge treat in South Padre. A good lunch spot for beach food is Harpoon’s Surf Bar & Grill. Everything is made from scratch, and they serve up some of the best fried fish you’ll ever eat!

For some fine dining options, or as fine as you’ll find this far south, Sea Ranch offers great ocean views and fantastic seafood – from blackened gulf shrimp to oysters and perfectly-cooked red snapper.

When you get tired of seafood, Gabriella’s Italian Grill & Pizzeria can compete with just about any other Italian restaurant around. Grab a big plate of “Momma’s Spaghetti,” or our favorite pizza – Clams Casino!

If you return home to San Antonio refreshed and ready to build a new custom home, you can always call us at 210-494-5400.