Compass Builders of Florida

Homes for Real Life

Cathy Jones — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:39:35 +0000

As the housing industry continues to improve and buyers that have been on the sideline return to the marketplace, it is clear that they are not looking for the same product mix as previously offered. A recent article in Builder Magazine, published by the National Association of Homebuilders, states that buyers in the new economy are poised to reject gratuitous design in favor of highly functioning space that gets used every day. The best-selling homes today often dispense with formal living and dining rooms and stress function in key workspaces such as the kitchen and bath and emphasize rooms where people spend the most time, over rooms that are just nice to have. It is also clear that these homes confront rather than avoid the cost of operating a home after move in.

These trends are apparent in both new construction and the renovation of existing homes. As you evaluate your construction options, it pays to be thoughtful about creating living environments that will ensure a solid return on your investment. It is important to understand and evaluate more than just the initial move in costs and to strive to choose solutions that will deliver a high-performance, energy-efficient home that will address your needs in the future as well as today.

Killing Vampires Pesky Energy Drainers

Angela Vaughn — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:50:02 +0000

Did you know that a cordless drill charger typically drains about five watts, even when it’s not recharging a tool? This is just one example of hundreds of “vampire” power devices that contribute to household energy waste. All you have to do is look around your bedroom at night after the lights are off to identify these energy sucking vampires. Fortunately, new products are hitting the market that address phantom power. New chargers and power strips that automatically shut down when the main device is clicked off, as well as outlets for devices that require continuous power, are becoming available – it just takes a little research to find them. All consumers can take personal responsibility to make changes that will minimize sources of phantom energy.

Building Verses Buying Existing

Angela Vaughn — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:15:22 +0000

In today’s housing market, one question that homeowners frequently ask is “Why should I build a new house when I can get such a good deal on an existing house?” It’s a great question and, unfortunately, the answer is not simple. It is more important than ever to become an educated consumer and to carefully evaluate your options. Frankly, there are some fantastic deals to be found in the existing home inventory, but frequently, the old saying holds true . . . if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

You should first ask yourself if the house you are considering meets your requirements without major changes or repairs. Make sure that you are not “settling” for something just because it is a distressed sale. Be certain that you hire a qualified home inspector and price the repairs and changes that would turn the house into the home you really want before you make the decision to purchase it.

Unfortunately, the most overlooked aspect of purchasing an existing home is energy efficiency. Rising energy costs and the push for stricter regulations at all levels of government have the potential to significantly impact the cost of operating your home as well as its marketability on the resale market. If you aren’t sure about an existing home, request an energy audit from the utility company and talk to your builder about ways to make the home more energy efficient. A lower price initially is not always the best value in the long run.