Tag Archives: cons

Upstairs/Downstairs: Should You Go With a One or Two-Story Home?

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We know that having a new custom house built is a huge decision. This is your dream home – the one you and your family may plan to live in for the next 20 years, the one you intend to happily grow old in. Many of our customers already know whether they want a house with one or two stories, but some don’t. For those still debating, here are some pros and cons worth considering:

-  Two-story houses can give you more space for the money, particularly if you’re on a small plot of land. With a two-story, you won’t spend as much on the foundation and roof.

-  With a two-story you can enjoy a bigger backyard. This is a plus for people who wish to build a spacious patio or garden.

-  Although the stairs in a two-story house can give you a built-in exercise regimen, it’s a fail if you see yourself getting lazy and avoiding them. If you have some sort of health impediment, then a one-story is definitely the way to go.

-  One-story homes may allow for more privacy. You can put the kids’ bedrooms on one end of the house and the master bedroom on the opposite end. Open floor plans for two-story homes can also be noisy. Still if you like the look of a two-story, you can have the master bedroom built on the first floor with the remaining rooms upstairs. This has been a popular trend for a while now.

-  Heating and cooling a two-story used to be a problem, but modern homes are much more efficient. However, you might think about putting in a second-floor laundry room close to the bedrooms.

When it comes down to it, no matter what concerns or wishes you may have, we can turn a con into a pro! Call us at 210-494-5400 to get started. If you’d like to be added to our private email list to receive the newsletter, please sign up here.

The Age-Old Debate of Electric Vs. Gas

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.