Categories
Custom Homes

Why Choosing a Good Contractor is So Important

Building a custom home is a big task. And you want to make sure you hire a team you can trust. Choosing a good contractor is one of the most important decisions when it comes to building your custom home in Montrose, CO.

Insurance is important for a contractor

In construction, insurance is very important, and usually required by law. We are fully insured and licensed in Colorado. Insurance is important because it protects both us and you. Licensed contractors also have to follow strict industry standards and regulations. Insurance will cover expenses in the case of an accident. We always strive to keep a clean and safe work site so as to avoid the possibility of any type of accident.

modern black and white kitchen in a custom home

Specialization and areas of expertise

While other contractors may do a little bit of everything, we are committed to and specialize in custom homes in the Montrose area. We are committed to guiding you through the process of building your custom home. We’ll listen to you every step of the way and make your home suit your needs. You can be sure that it’ll come out just the way you wanted.

“Lack of vision”

Many times it is hard for clients and potential buyers to see the potential of a lot that may seem unappealing. Some lots that seem to have issues, such as being too sloped, can actually be great lots. But the whole topography of the lot can change with things such as grading or retaining walls. When you work with us, we can advise you on how we can utilize various lots and make them suit your vision.

Proper permits

Permits are required for many different steps of the building process. Some contractors will insist they can do the work without getting the permits or that doing it this way will save you money. But this goes against local laws and ordinances, and you may be responsible for some hefty fines if caught. Without the proper permits, it also means that inspections won’t take place to ensure everything is safe and up to code. We take care of all the needed permits so your home is up to code.

 

We are fully insured and licensed to work in Montrose, Colorado. If you are considering building a custom home, contact us to learn more about our services.

Categories
Custom Homes

Residential Architecture

Just like any other trend, housing styles become popular and then become outdated. Homes are made for protection, privacy, and are a treasure trove of memories. Some homes are extremely practical while others are an income class trophy, nonetheless, the desire to own one’s own home is a goal nearly every American tries to obtain.

That being said, our homes are an extension of ourselves and we all have different tastes. Home styles today are adaptations of their residential ancestors, with Ranch and Mid-century as the two most common house styles currently being built. Let’s take a look at some of the most common house styles throughout history in the United States:

Bungalow: These houses were built for the working class. They will have different influences based on where they’re built. For example, houses built on the west coast may have more Spanish influences whereas Bungalows constructed on the east coast may have more English influences. As far as basic features, Bungalows are generally built in Craftsman style – they are usually one-and-a-half stories with a low-pitched roof. Dormer windows are common and the overall design is simple

Cape Cod: Some might say that the little green houses in Monopoly resemble a Cape Cod style home; the central chimney location is the first indicator. These homes are prominent on the east coast and were brought to America by early settlers from England in the 1600s. True to the English style, these homes can have natural or pre-stained weathered gray shingles (the natural shingles actually get their look by becoming weathered due to ocean salt in the air).

Colonial: Ultimately, our home is built for protection from the weather. Original homes used whatever materials were nearby including local wood and stone. Colonial homes are one of the oldest styles in America so it makes sense this style has undergone a ton of architectural design changes. This house style is a derivative of the Colonial style. There are many types of Colonial styles including Spanish Colonial, German Colonial, Stone Ender, Georgian Colonial, French Colonial, Federal, Mid-Atlantic Colonial, and Dutch Colonial.

Dutch Colonial: These home-styles are sometimes referred to as “barn roof houses” because of their distinctive gambrel roof. This name actually derives from the Dutch Colonists who settled in parts of New York and New Jersey. Original Dutch Colonial homes have exposed ceiling beams. This style has either one-and-a-half or two stories and at least one chimney.

Log Cabin: Some of the very first homes built in the U.S. were square or rectangular homes made out of logs (if you’ve ever played with Lincoln Logs, you know the style really well). What isn’t commonly known is that this style actually was in use by the Swedes before being brought to America. Log homes are still prevalent but have also been seriously upgraded. A log home isn’t always tree logs, today these home-styles (found predominately in mountainous areas, such as Colorado) are fit for the rich and famous. Log Cabins can be found scattered throughout the woods and make for great campsites, but today these homes are known as Mountain Houses and resemble the stereotypical ski-lodge look.

Ranch: This home-style isn’t your typical farm ranch, but instead is a one-story home with an open floor plan. These homes are usually L-shaped or have an asymmetrical floor plan as well as an attached garage. People who don’t want stairs are more fond of this house-style since it’s all one level (sometimes with a basement). Ranch-style homes were popular from the 1950s to the 1970s and then regained popularity in the ’90s. This style of home is appealing to nearly any age homeowner in design and in price.

Split-Level: This home usually greets you with a set of stairs right as you walk through the main entrance. The bottom level is an open finished basement and the top level is where the kitchen and bedrooms are. Split-Level homes also may have another set of stairs in the inside of the house to yet another level (referred to as Tri-Level).

Victorian: If you love the doll-house look, this house style is for you. Like Colonials, Victorian architecture is now a collaboration of many designs. The height of this house-style in the U.S. was between 1830 and 1901 under the reign of Queen Victoria (United Kingdom). These houses are very ornate mainly due to the boom of mass-production and mass-transit, which made the decorative pieces more affordable. Stained glass was also a common feature during this time. Victorian-style homes are traditionally tall and narrow and include a tower or two. Carved woodwork and high ceilings are also common features within a Victorian-style home.

Like we said previously, your home is an extension of you, and we at Stott Custom Homes understand that. We want to help you build your dream home! With your wish list in hand, we invite you to look at our three design options: Basic Floor Plan, Custom Floor Plan, or the Third-Party Custom Floor Plan. We place emphasis on customer delight and high-quality materials. Our portfolio is available on our website. Contact us today to get started on your dream home!

“Let’s Build Your Future Together

Categories
Remodel

Spending Your Golden Years In Your Home

You may be ready to spend your golden years in your current home, but is your current home ready for you?

We gain lots of things as we age – experience, family members, free time, and senior discounts – but with age also comes health issues and common aging concerns. Aging-In-Place refers to a person in their golden years when they choose to live in a residence of their preference and are still independent from assistance. However, staying in your house as you grow older often requires some modifications.

If you or someone you know is in this stage of their life (congratulations!) consider making these suggested (Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist) CAPS updates to your home:

ONE STORY LIVING if you have an upstairs, no need to get rid of it, but instead just use the main floor for all of your living needs (bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and bedroom)

LOW OR NO-STEP ENTRY INTO YOUR HOME this is also crucial from room to room

BRIGHT LIGHTING  helps with poor vision and helps everyone else see better too

LEVER-STYLE DOOR HANDLES AND ROCKER LIGHT SWITCHES  great for those who can’t grip very well or if your hands are full

FLOORS AND BATHTUBS WITH NON-SLIP SURFACES  this is a great safety measure no matter your age

HANDRAILS ON ALL STEPS AND IN SHOWERS AND BATHTUB AREAS  in areas where falling is a possibility, it’s better to take the safe route

HANDHELD SHOWERHEADS AND SINGLE-LEVER FAUCETS  installing these will just make life easier, for anyone

CONTRASTING COLORS TO AID IN DEPTH-PERCEPTION  same colored walls, floors, and even stairs can cause depth-perception issues such as mistaking the last step for the floor

PULL HANDLES ON CABINETS AND DRAWERS ► these are easier to use than standard knobs and better for arthritic hands

AT LEAST ONE LOWER TOILET IN THE HOUSE  this is great for kids too!

INSTALL VARIED HEIGHT CABINETS  having cabinets at all levels is beneficial no matter the age and abilities of the resident(s)

It’s also suggested that doorways and hallways are widened should the need for a wheelchair arise. Along the lines of wheelchair use, installing ramps to the front door is another modification that will make moving around your house easier. (For reference: ADA standards for width of a door opening must be a minimum of 32 inches.)

Contractors can assist with these home modifications without making your home look hospital-like or unattractive. When adhering to a universal design (the design of a home which is usable by all people), you’re able to incorporate accessibility for everyone without sacrificing visual appeal and style.

If this concept is new to you and you’re already in your home, modifications can be made, but it’s best to keep in mind that these modifications are best installed (and more affordable) during a new construction project. In general, these changes may also be far less expensive than moving into an assisted living facility in the future.

If budgeting is your main concern when making universal design modifications, start with what will convenience you the most. Be sure to talk to your contractor about your wants and needs, because after all, you’re the one living there.

Some seniors may qualify for home improvement grants based on their income and where they live. Speaking with a local agency such as Montrose’s Region 10 Area Agency on Aging should steer you in the right direction on those types of grants.

If you are considering a home remodel that fits your aging and health needs, give Stott Custom Homes a call at 970-433-0103. With over 35 years of construction experience, we are ready to help you with your Aging-In-Place needs.

“Let’s Build Your Future Together