General

Latest Technologies Found in Custom Homes

Technological trends are constantly adapting and changing in order to keep up with the shifting wants and needs of consumers. Despite the sluggish economy, more and more homeowners are looking for sleeker, more elegant products that are inter-connected, easy to use, portable and high quality. With mobile awareness at its peak, 2011 will also see a number of consumers purchasing more internet-connected products for their homes.

Home automation: This home technology allows you to have easy control over your home theatre, iPod, house lighting, security system, air conditioner/heater, and whatever other technology that you have in place. It's so easy that anyone can use it, even if you aren't "technologically savvy".

APP driven technology: The "app" world is growing rapidly as more third-party developers continue to offer a wide array of products, games, and interfaces that allow homeowners to customize their viewing experiences. It also allows for a more interactive, engaging experience in some cases.

Green Technology: You can expect to see a lot more "green" in 2011. With the onset of high energy prices, the economic downturn and the government's support of green innovation, custom home trends will focus greatly on the "green" industry. Despite the economic crisis and depleting resources, green technology will continue to prevail and be a viable solution to many homeowners' needs.

• Sustainable lifestyles solutions, including: energy usage detectors; appliances that communicate via wireless networks so maintenance issues get handled quicker; solar panels; systems that control window treatments to help reduce HVAC usage, and more.

• More energy efficient solutions include: LED light bulbs; Low-flush toilets; Energy star appliances and more.

Home theatre: The home theatre is a continually growing trend for custom built homes raking in around $6 billion in 2007 and expected to bring in more than $11 billion by 2012. Although, the layout and style differs from home to home, the common attributes include:

• An all-encompassing movie watching experience with 3D screens, surround sound, and big comfy chairs. Some even double up as massage chairs!

• With an increase in gaming systems that use motion sensor technology, televisions are being installed with more consideration for the "interactive" experience.

• The most common trend for home theaters (accounting for about 75 percent of audio installations) is in-ceiling and in-wall speakers.

Because of technological advances, these technological applications are no longer just for the wealthy, as they are becoming more available on the mainstream market. Now, everyone can enjoy a simpler, luxurious, more eco-friendly life without going into debt or sacrificing on quality.

Advantages of Lake Living

There are many opportunities to live on the lake, especially in Georgia, and many homeowners are taking advantage. Whether you are looking for a calming place to unwind after a hectic day at work or a fun dwelling where you can entertain guests during a warm summer day, lake living may be the ideal location for you. The following are some of the key advantages of lake living that prove how beneficial lake front property can be to your mind, body and soul.

Privacy
Unlike highly populated neighborhoods, many lakeside properties are secluded and carefully maintained to provide lasting privacy. This can be a huge advantage for people that like to keep to themselves or simply enjoy their own space without external disturbances such as noisy (or nosey) neighbors, busy traffic, or other unwanted annoyances.

Relaxation
Looking out over your back yard to see the beautiful view of the lake can put anyone’s stresses at ease. The sound of flowing water can be extremely soothing, and soaking in the cool lake can be quite refreshing. You can start your day off right with an invigorating sunrise, or wash away your daily stresses with a peaceful sunset. Either way, the relaxing benefits to living on the lake are endless.

Entertainment
With the lake being right at your backdoor, it’s easier to participate in fun water activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, skiing, swimming, etc. For people who enjoy hiking and skiing, buying a lake home is the perfect way to get back into those activities you enjoy. Imagine the fun that you and your family could have living on the lake!

Health & Exercise
In addition to privacy, relaxation and fun, lake living also offers opportunities for you and your family to stay fit. By living on the lake you can take part in fun ways to exercise such as rowing, swimming, hiking, etc. -- even jumping on a giant water trampoline can provide you with a healthy dose of fitness. When deciding on a lake front property, be sure to choose a location that best fits your needs. Just like certain areas of town have their own personalities, certain areas on the lake also have unique qualities. Some areas may be quieter and less traveled, while others may have frequent traffic with more activity. Either way, living on the lake you will present you with more opportunities for privacy, relaxation and entertainment than you could have ever hoped for. 

Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builder

We have offered home building tips that we believe can benefit you as you look to build a home.  Beyond the tips we provide, we also want to arm you with some of the most important questions you can ask your home builder.  Asking the right questions early on in the process or even before the process begins, can help you avoid unforseen headaches down the road.  The top 10 questions to ask your custom home builder include:

1. Can you work with my budget?
2. Do you have a list of references for me to review?
3. Do you have photos of work you have done?
4. Are you licensed?
5. Who will oversee the construction of my home?
6. What type of building products will you be using?
7. What is your service area?
8. Who handles the permits?
9. Can I count on you for other services I may need in the future like adding square footage?
10. How do you know what to design for me?

The questions listed above is an excellent place to start when looking to build a new home.  The home builder you choose should not only be qualified to build you a home specific to your needs, but they should also be accomodating to your questions because this is probably a new experience for you. 

If you are interested in Sullivan & Forbes for your next home building project, contact us today.  We have a wealth of experience working with people in Gainesville, Georgia, Lake Lanier, and the surrounding North Georgia areas.  We look forward to hearing from you soon.