Category Archives: Construction Quality

Tips to help you prepare for your new home search in 2012

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Are you searching for a new home in McKinney, TX to buy this year? You couldn’t have picked a better location. This North Dallas suburb with the small-town feel is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  Before you start your new home search, here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you prepare:

1. Review your finances. It would be very frustrating if you found a home to buy, and then realized you couldn’t afford it. Avoid that scenario by reviewing your income and debt, and then meet with your bank or other financial expert to determine what your ideal mortgage payment would be.

2. Be aware of all costs. An existing home may cost less than a new home, but the upkeep and unexpected repairs could cost you much more in the long run. A brand new home in McKinney, TX built by Landon Homes includes many energy efficient features that can save you money on your utility bills.

3. Gather search tools. When you’re out for a drive, carry a mobile phone – preferably one with a camera and Internet access – so you can use it to take pictures and notes about neighborhoods and new home builders. You can search online for information about schools in the area, for instance, and other amenities you may be interested in.

4. Review and study areas. Choosing a neighborhood to live in affects many aspects of your life, including your work commute, where your children go to school, where you shop, etc. As you whittle down your possibilities, study the areas for traffic and activity. You might even talk with your potential neighbors to see how they like living there, and what type of experience they’ve had with the home builder.

The more prepared you are to buy a new home in McKinney, TX, the happier and more secure you’ll feel when you sign the contracts. Visit the Landon Homes website to see the different new home models that are available in McKinney. If you have any questions, you can conduct a live chat online with our Internet Sales Manager Tanya Smith or call 800-898-3603.

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New Home Trends for 2012

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Looking for a new home in Frisco, TX to buy this year?  One reason people opt for new construction is to have the opportunity to design their own interior space. If you’re looking for design ideas, here are some of the new home trends for 2012 to consider:

1. Bold colors – Orange made a splash on spring fashion runways, so it’s expected to have an influence on interior design this year. Bright, colorful and bold patterns are cropping up in furniture too.

2. Wood patterns – Look for dining room tables with interesting wooden floor patterns that add character to a functional surface.

3. Decorative walls – Wallpaper’s comeback continues to gain momentum as it gets used more for larger spaces like the living room and bedroom.

4. Lighting – Blend styles such as iron and crystal, drum pendants and blown-glass, and colored crystal and organic shapes to add a “wow” factor to your new home in Frisco, TX.

5. What’s old is new – Vintage farm, Americana, Amish influences reflect the “modern country home” in 2012. To achieve this affect, opt for natural hues in the bedroom such as creamy whites, bark browns and sea-glass greens to bring a touch of the outdoors in.

6. Opposites attract – The nature motifs of the past few years are becoming more refined. Unusual combinations will make a big impact such as lambskin with acrylic or wood with polished metal.

7. Bigger is better – Think big when it comes to lighting and wall space. Try wall-length floor mirrors or huge art pieces. They become breath-taking elements in otherwise low-key rooms.

Landon Homes has a professional design center that offers selections in cabinetry, countertops, flooring, window treatments, lighting and more for your new home in Frisco, TX. Their staff is well versed in the latest home design trends and can guide you through each decision, large or small. Visit the website today to learn more.

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New Home Kitchen Trends

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One of the most important features to evaluate when looking at new homes in Little Elm, TX is the kitchen. Today’s kitchens have become the focal point of the home with islands, prep areas, and seating that enable families and friends to cook together or just talk.

Here are some of the latest kitchen trends to take note of as you browse the new homes in Little Elm, TX:

Stainless Steel – White appliances are out and stainless steel or black appliances continue to be popular. Both colors blend well with Landon Homes’ granite countertops and are easy to take care of. Plus, new appliances provide a seamless, nearly germ-free surface, which is important if you have children.

Natural Elements – Natural stone countertops are also popular. Landon’s elegant granite countertop options are resistant to scratches, burns and wear. They also add a natural beauty and refinement to any kitchen.

Colors – Bold colors such as orange and yellow, and a palette of scarlet reds and dark purples are being used, reflecting a move away from the more neutral tones of the past few years. Black is also still a popular color for appliances.

One of the premier builders of new homes in Little Elm, TX, Landon Homes has a Design Center that can help you select kitchen options and designs for your new home. Design Center staff will help you find the right color of your granite counter tops, cabinet stain and matching backsplash to create the gourmet kitchen of your dreams.  Landon Homes’ Design Center is well versed in the latest trends, and is ready to help you choose among the various options available best suited to your style and budget.

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How Landon Homes Helps You Save Money on Utility Bills

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Looking at new homes in Little Elm, TX? That’s a smart decision, especially if you want to save money on your utility bills.   Newly constructed homes are more energy efficient than older homes because building codes mandate stricter standards than they used to. For instance, the most recent International Energy Conservation Code came out in 2009 and required homes to be about 17% more efficient than three years earlier.

Landon Homes specializes in building energy efficient new homes in Little Elm, TX. Landon is the first major builder in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to use 2”x 6” exterior wall construction. Since the lumber is 50% thicker than the standard 2 x 4, it can hold 57% more insulation, reducing unwanted heat loss or gain, decreasing the energy demands on your home.

Landon incorporates other energy saving features too, such as a highly rated wall insulation system, and an exterior foam sheathing system that seals against outside air infiltration. The net effect allows your heating and cooling systems to work more efficiently, saving you money year-round.

The new homes in Little Elm, TX that Landon builds also feature cardinal glass windows that block out much of the sun’s heat and up to 84% of the UV rays that cause carpet and furniture fading. In addition, the A/C units in these homes exceed Energy Star standards, providing you with a more comfortable home and lower utility bills.

Energy efficient water heaters and GE appliances that meet or exceed Energy Star ratings are also included in Landon’s new homes in Little Elm, TX. Plus, low flush toilets and water saving faucets and shower heads help you conserve water and minimize utility bills.

To find out more about these energy saving features, visit the Landon Homes website or contact Tanya Smith by phone at 214-707-0347.

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Top 5 Things to Build Better Homes

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Top 5 Things Landon Homes does to Build Better Homes in Dallas

Dallas new home by Landon Homes

Dallas new home by Landon Homes

New homes today are built stronger and more energy efficient than ever. Homes can stand up against some of the worst weather and still be left standing with walls, windows and the roof intact.

When comparing the homebuilders for your new home, consider the following 5 ways Landon Homes builds you a better home to meet or exceed all the new and improved energy efficiency standards and latest building codes. 

  • Add ½ inch Styrofoam™ Sheathing for enhanced thermal efficiency which reduces energy costs – most builders will only use cardboard sheathing.
  • Add Fortiflash Waterproof Membrane to increase building durability and energy efficiency by protecting against air infiltration in the most demanding environmental conditions.
  • Low E-240 Plus glass windows that block over 84% of the harmful UV rays to keep inside temperatures cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Bottom line: this can save you up to 20% on your monthly energy bills.
  • Higher R-Value Insulation – blown R38 insulation on flat attic surfaces and R-22 insulation laid on sloped ceilings increases energy efficiency and decreasing your energy bills.
  • 2 x 6 Wall Construction makes this all possible! Holding up to 62% more insulation, 2 x 6 framing is 50% thicker making your house sturdier and more energy efficient. Most builders offer only 2 x 4 framing.

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