Tag Archives: san antonio custom home builder

It’s All in the Design!

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We’d like to introduce you to our phenomenal residential designer, Shawn Campbell of Campbell Designs. He’s the gentlemen responsible for creating the magnificent custom home designs for our clients. He’s able to take all your dreams and aspirations for your new home and translate them into a plan from which we build. It’s fair to say, we couldn’t do it without him!

Shawn started his career as a residential designer in Dallas over 20 years ago. When he began, he was even drawing by hand. This was before the inception of the advanced designing software commonly used today.

We’ve been working with Shawn for over 10 years now. When we sat down with him to ask his advice on how to help make the process more seamless for our clients, he offered these tips:

  • Know what you want. So many people get started but don’t really know what they want, which results in having to continually make changes, costing time and money.
  • Have a firm grasp of your budget. Coming in with a clear budget helps inform, not just the design, but every element of the entire project.
  • Make a list of your priorities. What aspects of your new home are most important to you? Say, for example, you know you want a luxurious primary bath, a three car garage and a really amazing view of the lake, then that’s our starting point, and we design the layout of the home around those priorities.
  • Be open to alternative that fit within your budget. While we always really appreciate the photos people find in magazines and online of home elements that they really like, it’s often those really cool details that get cut because of budget restrictions. However, I do my best to give the client what they want while making the house affordable and buildable. For example, a lot of people want curtain walls these days (with the metal frames and glass in-between) but they’re very expensive, so alternatively, I can implement large windows with wood frames that are close together, giving it a similar effect.

Trends Shawn is seeing in new home designs:

  • What’s still really popular right now is the modern farmhouse design, with one big rectangle as the layout for the main public spaces that includes a kitchen on one side, dining table in the middle and the living room on the other side. I haven’t designed a formal living room or dining room in a long time.
  • As you might imagine, we’re still seeing more home offices.
  • Guest rooms and kids’ rooms are getting a little bit smaller, as they’re less of a priority.
  • Not everyone ones likes a soaker tub in the primary bath anymore. It’s nice to have, but not everyone really uses it.

Shawn has worked with several builders over the years and still does. He told us: Stone Creek Custom Homes is the number one builder I work for. If anyone asks me which builder I recommend, I always say Stone Creek.

Thank you, Shawn, we feel the same way!

Trending Architectural Elements You Need to Know About! 

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In the heart of the Lone Star State, where the spirit of independence and innovation thrives, the world of custom home building has never been more exciting!

Texas, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique canvas for builders and architects to create high-end custom homes that are a perfect blend of style, sophistication and, of course, functionality.

As we step into the realm of luxury living in Texas, it’s important to us that we are always up-to-date with the latest architectural styles and elements. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home or simply intrigued by the world of cutting-edge architecture, let us direct you to the future of Texas custom homes.

Here’s what our customers are considering:

Open Concept Layouts: Open floor plans that create a seamless flow between living spaces remain highly popular. This design encourages interaction, maximizes natural light, and gives homes a spacious feel. Perfect for families that love to entertain!

Large Windows and Glass Walls: Expansive windows, sliding glass doors, and glass walls continue to be sought after. These features bring the outdoors in, provide excellent views, and flood interiors with natural light. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen more and more home owners interested in this idea.

Minimalist Design: Clean lines, simple forms, and a minimalist aesthetic are favored by many homeowners. This approach focuses on functionality and uncluttered spaces.

Energy Efficiency: Sustainable and energy-efficient elements are an ever-growing trend. This includes solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, well-insulated walls and roofs, and high-efficiency HVAC systems to reduce environmental impact and lower utility bills.

Indoor-Outdoor Living: Outdoor living spaces are becoming more elaborate, featuring outdoor kitchens, fire pits, covered patios, and even outdoor rooms with heating and cooling options. We love nothing more than building our customers a luxurious outdoor space!

Smart Home Integration: Homes equipped with smart technology for lighting, security, climate control, and entertainment are increasingly popular. Voice-activated controls and automation systems are becoming standard.

Natural Materials: The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and metal in interior and exterior design elements adds warmth and character to custom homes.

Multi-Generational Living: Designs that accommodate multi-generational living are on the rise. This includes features like separate living spaces or additional suites for extended family members.

Custom Built-Ins: Custom shelving, storage solutions, and built-in furniture are gaining popularity, as they add functionality and uniqueness to your beloved spaces.

Floating Staircases: Contemporary, minimalist floating staircases add a sense of elegance and modernity to homes.

Green Roofs and Living Walls: Incorporating green roofs and gorgeous living walls not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Unique Roof Designs: Architects are experimenting with creative roof designs, such as flat roofs with rooftop gardens or pitched roofs with interesting angles.

Dedicated Home Offices: The need for dedicated home office spaces has grown significantly, with many homes now featuring stylish and functional workspaces. Here, you can go wild or conservative with the interior design to make work life as interesting as home life.

The world of high-end Texas custom home building is an ever-evolving landscape of innovation and creativity. The architectural styles and elements mentioned above represent just a glimpse of the exciting possibilities available to you through us at Stone Creek Custom Homes.

Fun Summer DIY Building Projects

Gorgeous Mosaic Birdhouse by Betsy Wunderlick Gruy

Gorgeous Mosaic Birdhouse by Betsy Wunderlick Gruy

Summer is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and build something new! Whether you’re looking for a weekend project or something to keep you busy the rest of the summer, there are plenty of DIY building projects to tackle. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Build a patio bench. This is a great project for beginners that brings a lot of added value with extra seating for your patio. All you need is some wood, screws and a few tools.
  • Build a birdhouse. This is another wonderful project for beginners, and it’s a fun way to attract beautiful birds to your backyard. All you need is some wood, nails and a few tools. The one featured in the photo above, made by local artist Betsy Wunderlick Gruy (@sugarloose on Instagram) features a mosaic design with glass tile. It may be a bit more advanced, but it gives you an idea of just how creative you can be.
  • Build a garden shed. This is a more challenging project, but it’s an excellent way to add some extra storage space to your backyard. You’ll need some basic carpentry skills, but there are plenty of tutorials available online and in home improvement stores.
  • Build a play-set for your kids. The kiddos will thank you for this one! There are plenty of different types of play-sets available, so you can find one that fits your budget and your backyard.
  • Build a treehouse. This project may also require a bit of skill, but it’s the perfect way to give your kids a special place to play that’s all their own, with the added benefit of giving them a sense of accomplishment, if they’re able to help. You will need some basic carpentry skills, but we know you’ve got this!

The good news is it’s easy to find plenty of helpful tutorials online or even in home improvement stores for all of these.

No matter what project you choose, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when working with tools. And always consult with a professional if you’re not sure how to do something. With a little effort, you can build something amazing this summer!

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Where do you build a new home in San Antonio?

When it comes to building a custom home, there are constant decisions to be made. One of the most significant is deciding where to build your home. With San Antonio’s continued growth, finding the space to build often means looking on the outskirts of the city. The Texas Hill Country boasts beautiful rolling hills, expansive yards, more trees than rooftops and great schools. All these benefits come without the price tag of city taxes. Whether you want an oasis outside the city, or a refuge within the radius of HEB, the Hill Country has you covered.

 

Found between San Antonio and Austin is the rolling 4,000 acre community of Vintage Oaks. This community offers 1-14 acre lots with gated and ungated options to guarantee the ideal fit for each customer. Residents can enjoy the events, food and shopping of quaint New Braunfels as well as year round community activities. Home owners also have access to resort-like amenities including a fitness center, multiple pools, and a lazy river. No doubt about it, this community is a gem for families seeking to escape the city.

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Located in Spring Branch, Texas and nestled on the Guadalupe River is Serenity Oaks. This community boasts home owner river access as well as private access for lots located directly on the river. With 1-3 acre sites, home owners can expect a spread out feel while still having the opportunity to pass neighbors on walks. Serenity Oaks is a gated community with a recreational park offering a playground, basketball court and pool. Located in the Comal Independent School District, children have a variety of education options sought after in the area.

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In the tiny Texas town of Bulverde, lies Belle Oaks. Offering a 15 minute distance from North San Antonio, this community can offer peaceful scenery without a killer San Antonio commute. Prospective homebuyers can choose between 1-2 acre sites also zoned within the Comal Independent School District. The community offers outdoor amenities such as trails, a playground, a pool, and sport courts. For those seeking aquatic leisure, Belle Oaks is only 20 minutes from the beautiful Canyon Lake.

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All three of these communities allow people to purchase land but wait to build until the time is right for them, a sign of the easy going nature found in home divisions on the margins of San Antonio. The Hill Country is filled with gorgeous views and growing communities allowing a small town feel without losing access to city amenities. Wherever you picture your dream home, it can’t beat the Texas Hill Country.

Stone Creek Home

View from a Stone Creek Home