Tag Archives: construction

Return of the Custom Home Buyer

We were surprised and delighted to hear recently how rare it really is to get repeat customers in the custom home building and construction business. Unfortunately, it’s rife with builders who can’t seem to deliver what they promise which makes this phenomenon even more rare. At Stone Creek Custom Homes, however, we’ve been blessed to have several repeat customers – some we’re designing for right now.

“We’ve had ten repeat customers total. Having that many people ask you to build a second home for them is not the norm. The reason why they want a second house usually varies. They love their homes, but some need more space while others want to downsize or live in a different area. They come back because they know what we’re capable of, they know how we operate, and they respect the value of their home,” said Brad Ynostrosa, our Director of Sales.

We decided to investigate a little further and find out exactly what brought them back. Interestingly, for most, our dedicated customer service tops the list. “We have a team of good, honest people who want to provide an exemplary product,” explained Brad. “It’s an honor when they come back. Even though we maintain a really close relationship with many of our clients, most just call us out of the blue, and tell us they are ready to get the process started again. We didn’t even know a lot of these folks were entertaining the idea.”

A recent client of ours spent a great deal of time and effort researching potential builders and gave us some valuable information on why we were chosen. They based their decision not only on stellar customer service, but our reputation and responsiveness. “I met with them for three hours on a Saturday, my day off, and I went home. They came back a few hours later looking for me to answer a few more questions and spoke to Michelle, another one of our Sales Managers.  Michelle answered their questions then called me to let me know they had come by. I immediately followed up with a phone call to make sure all of their questions were answered. They told me it meant a lot to them that I followed up with them so promptly. It showed that we care,” said Brad.

We also pride ourselves on our preparedness, which has also been commented on recently. We come to meetings not only ready to listen, but with notes and ideas for you as well. There’s no searching for a pen because we already have one ready. When we’re with you, you have 100% of our attention – that’s the only way we’re able to successfully translate your ideas from ideas topaper and finally into to reality.

Working with our clients a second time is an even better experience for both us and them, because we know how they operate and they know how we operate, which makes the process that much easier. “We’re grateful to be given that opportunity. Some are even contractors. It’s one of the highest compliments when someone in the industry comes back and asks us to build a second home for them,” said Brad.

Ready to build again? Call us at 210-494-5400 to discuss the next incarnation of your dreams! You know what to expect from us. If you wish to be added to our private email list for our newsletter, please sign up here.

Get Ready for Your Memorial Day Cookout!

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Who doesn’t look forward to an amazing Memorial Day cookout with all of their friends and family in their lusciously-landscaped backyard?! But what if your backyard isn’t so luscious? Here are some fast, easy things you can do to help enhance your Memorial Day experience, your backyard and your culinary prowess!

The Backyard

If you haven’t had time to landscape your backyard the way you want it, consider sprucing it up for your party by covering the deck and yard with potted plants filled with beautiful blooming flowers. As an added touch, you can paint the pots with glow-in-the-dark paint to make them stand out when the sun goes down.

No one will be paying attention to how perfect your backyard is or isn’t as long as you have games for people to play. Buy a set of bocce balls, croquet and badminton and keep everyone entertained and happy. However, beware of mixing too much alcohol with a game of bocce ball… or croquet for that matter!

The Grill

You may already have the king of grills, but if not, think about adding this little green gem to your backyard. The Big Green Egg is a popular addition to outdoor kitchens. We’re finding that a lot of our clients either have one or want one. It may not be the prettiest appliance, but this kamado-style ceramic charcoal barbecue cooker is considered one of the most versatile cooking devices on the market. You can grill, bake or smoke just about anything with it… and it tastes delicious!

The Barbecue

You can enhance just about any protein – beef, chicken or fish with a simple pesto. San Antonio’s own, Chef Chuck Hernandez, also known as the Pesto King and owner of Arugula Catering and the soon to be open O’liva Cafe downtown, was kind enough to share his Chihuahuan-style Pesto recipe with us. It goes great with grilled meats and veggies, either as a marinade or a condiment. Chuck likes to add it to his quail diablos and grilled avocados (pictured here). If you try it this Memorial Day, please send us a pic or post on our Facebook!

Chihuahuan Pesto Recipe

  • 2 cups  fresh cilantro – rinsed, drain-dried with some stems
  • 1 medium fresh jalapeno pepper
  • 1 green onion, stalk included
  • 4 cloves  garlic
  • 1/3 cup  jack cheese
  • 1 teaspoon  prepared mole paste
  • 1/3 cup  toasted pecans
  • 1 tablespoon  orange, pomegranate or pineapple juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon  cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  oregano dried or fresh
  • 1/3 cup  EVOO
  • sea salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

Using a food processor, gently pulse ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Scrape sides down with a rubber spatula. Approximately 1 minute. Serve or refrigerate in an air-tight container, up to 4 days.

If you don’t already have an amazing home and backyard for your Memorial Day cookout, we can help you get ready for next year! Give us a call at 210-494-5400.

 

2015 Home Trends – Hot or Not?

If you’re going to put time and money into building a new home, you might as well make sure it’s everything you want it to be. Here are some fun new trends designers are anticipating for 2015. Read on to see if any of them spark your imagination!

ARCHITECTURE & FURNITURE

According to Zillow, mid-century modern elements in architecture as well as furniture is one of the biggest up-and-coming home design trends for 2015. However, keep in mind that trends such as these should serve as inspiration, but should not be overdone!

COLORS

Everyone’s talking about colors, but what colors are hottest is up for discussion.  According to Sherwin-Williams, people are opting for brighter colors now that we’re out of a recession.  Check out their Coral Reef, color #6606, which they’re saying reflects America’s new optimism for the future.

Pinterest seems to support this idea, as a majority of the color trends for spring on display are certainly bright, bubbly and even traditional Easter holiday colors.

Conde Nast Traveler would have you believe that ochre is the “it” color of the moment. Inspired by recent fashion trends, ochre is transitioning into home design, where it makes a dramatic impact when paired with rich, velvet jewel tones.

Remodelista’s pick for interior wall color of the year is a gorgeous yet humble pale, dusty pink called “Pink Ground” from Farrow & Ball. It pairs especially well with black or grey furniture.

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

An organic look for appliances is a continuing trend. Buttons on dishwashers are being gracefully hidden; refrigerators and ovens are made to blend into the kitchen’s décor, so that sometimes they’re even hard to find! Take a look at the Zen Oven by Amica, which has a crisp white façade with a simple wood handle and two black buttons –  the perfect accent to a minimalist kitchen.

Marble backsplashes are being used to create an exotic look and accent piece in any kitchen, while jewel-toned tiles in fun shapes are a stylish option for master baths or even guest baths and go great with vintage tubs.

THE LIBRARY

Surprisingly, in a country obsessed with getting online, libraries filled with old-fashioned books (made with paper!) are back in style. According to Details.com, libraries with actual books are making a comeback. Maybe it has something to do with the popularity of Downton Abbey, or perhaps people are simply nostalgic for the old days. Even VCR’s are coming back!

Stone Creek Custom Homes, along with our interior designers, can help you make all of these important decisions. Call us today at 210-494-5400 for a complementary consultation!