Bob's Building, Construction & Home Improvement Blog

The 'secret' of Garden Oaks gaining buzz in luxury home community

Houston, TX – May 29, 2012 - It’s been called one of the best-kept secrets in Houston and with a total number of homes that hovers around a mere 1,400, that may very well be the case. But with a diverse mix of home styles in a quaint small town setting to  draw the home  builder, Garden Oaks is a go-to destination for young families seeking to build or rehab their first luxury homes.

 

Surrounded by pine trees and colorful magnolias, the Garden Oaks community is at once both quaint and modern, making it one of the best locations for new luxury homes, according to David Gordon, one of the principals of Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com), one of the premier builders of luxury homes in the Houston area.

 

“Garden Oaks has a stunning mix of traditional homes, ranch-style houses and even attractive cottages,” said Gordon. “This diverse array of home styles has allowed Garden Oaks to attract many new younger homeowners while retaining its vintage charm. It’s one of the few communities in the Houston area that has managed to maintain a steady balance of both attributes.”

 

Long a destination for the home builder, Garden Oaks community, located just north of Houston Heights, was established in 1937 in a setting that teemed with pine, oak and pecan trees. Cottages were the first type of housing that dominated the neighborhood’s landscape and the easy-going country feel of the community was further enhanced by the absence of sidewalks, gutters and curbs that mimicked the simplicity of small towns.

 

Since that time, Garden Oaks has grown into a community that is comprised of a wide cross-section of housing styles, incomes and age groups. In Garden Oaks, you can find middle-class, middle-aged couples residing in modest bungalows; older couples in luxury homes complete with a backyard pool and a comfortable patio and others on either end of that spectrum.

 

If there is a “typical” modern Garden Oaks resident, it would be an adult between the ages of 25 and 54, college educated with a executive-level occupation, has children and who prefers and older luxury home, most often a mid-size house.  Many of the homes owned by this demographic were built in the ‘60s and typical of many homes built during that era, they have backyard pools and cookout areas, giving them the chance to unwind after the stress of the workweek.

 

The array of homes has become a strong source of pride among Garden Oaks residents, so strong that the community hosts an annual tour of houses that has become a popular event that draws hundreds of residents from neighboring communities as well as Garden Oaks residents.

 

Today, for the smart home builder, Garden Oaks is a close-knit neighborhood that provides an abundance of activities and projects that allows residents to interact to the betterment and improvement of the community. The Garden Oaks Civic Club allows all residents to provide input into projects that address community needs and improvements. The Home and Garden Club brings together those in the neighborhood with an interest in horticulture, while the Dance Club, Dad’s Club and Kid’s Club provide other unique activities. Throw in community pools and bike trails and Garden Oaks has something for every resident.

 

In addition to a wide variety of recreational activities, Garden Oaks supports a constable program that provides added security for residents and serves as a supplemental assistance force for the Houston Police Department.

 

“Unlike a lot of other communities, Garden Oaks has found a balance between new luxury home construction and extensive rehab projects,” explained Gordon of Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com). “The amount of land available for home construction projects in the community provides a unique opportunity for home owners who are ready to move up to the next level in home ownership.”

 

About Whitestone Builders

 

With a reputation for fine carpentry, period accuracy, and distinctive quality, Whitestone builds customized luxury homes for those with the most discriminating style. Customer focused, Whitestone employs proven, well-defined processes that exceed your expectations and create an experience that’s second to none. To learn more and view our gallery of custom homes, please visit us at WhitestoneBuilders.com, find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLuxuryHomes, and follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WhitestoneHou.

 

 

Whitestone Builders

9801 Westheimer, #302

Houston, TX 77402

(832) 274-3848

Email: Dgordon@WhitestoneBuilders.com

Website: http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com

Houston Heights - A Top Pick For Construction of Luxury Custom Homes in Houston

Houston, TX – May 28, 2012 – When the Houston Heights community is mentioned in the press, it’s usually preceded by the word “historic”, suggesting the area is firmly anchored in the past. But that adjective couldn’t be further from accurate as this neighborhood mixes the old with the new in a unique manner that defies definition and expectations.

 

Rather than a run-of-the-mill residential community designed for the home builder, Houston Heights (also more commonly known as “The Heights”) has become an ideal location to not only construct new luxury homes but to purchase and redesign existing homes, thanks to the extremely reasonable prices, according to Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com), one of the leaders in the luxury home construction industry in Houston.

 

“For the savvy home builder, Houston Heights has become one of the fastest growing communities with regards to the construction of luxury homes,” said David Gordon, one of the principals of Whitestone Builders. “The location, prices and amenities make it an attractive option for many people seeing to construct the home of their dreams.”

 

Houston Heights (its name comes from the fact it has the highest elevation in the city) was one of the first planned communities in the Houston area and was annexed by the city in 1919. Traces of this early history can be found all over Houston Heights, from the homes built in the early 1900s that have been lovingly restored, to the immaculately tendered Marmion Park and its award-winning Kaiser Pavilion gazebo and the city fire house. Indeed, Houston Heights’ downtown strip makes it seem as you’ve stepped through a time portal and traveled back a century to a simpler time.

 

But the city has kept up with the changing times and now features classic craftsman bungalows and newly constructed luxury homes alongside the Victorian mansions that first defined the community. Indeed, many of the newly constructed homes intentionally mimic the look of the existing Victorian homes to create a sense of harmony.

 

This variety of housing options has created a home pricing range that extends from below $100,000 to well over $1 million, with a demand that runs across the board. Through it all, palm trees and climbing vines accent the surroundings, which include the well-manicured grounds of the members of the Houston Heights Garden Club.

 

Perhaps it’s that very simple approach to community that has made Houston Heights a popular destination for artists as well as members of the gay and lesbian community. This all-inclusive nature of The Heights has not only prevented the corporate, chain-store gentrification that has affected nearby areas, but turned The Heights into an art tourist destination (the ArtCar Museum is a must-see stop on many a tourist road map, as are the antique shops).

 

For the home builder, Houston Heights can offer a number of pleasures include a simple walk down one of the many tree-canopied esplanades, greeting neighbors puttering in their gardens or walking their dog in the park. On the weekends, there may be a farmer’s market offering fresh fruits and vegetables or a 5K fun run providing the chance for friendly competition. The evening may conclude with a concert at the Kaiser Pavilion gazebo (the gazebo can also be rented for weddings).

 

“Houston Heights possess that unique combination of the old and the new, making it an ideal place to construct a luxury home that also combines both of these elements,” said Gordon of Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com)

 

 

About Whitestone Builders

 

With a reputation for fine carpentry, period accuracy, and distinctive quality, Whitestone builds customized luxury homes for those with the most discriminating style. Customer focused, Whitestone employs proven, well-defined processes that exceed your expectations and create an experience that’s second to none. To learn more and view our gallery of custom homes, please visit us at WhitestoneBuilders.com, find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLuxuryHomes, and follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WhitestoneHou.

 

 

Whitestone Builders

9801 Westheimer, #302

Houston, TX 77402

(832) 274-3848

Email: Dgordon@WhitestoneBuilders.com

Website: http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com

David Gordon to Speak on Building Custom Homes in Houston During a Recovering Economy

Houston, TX – May 2012 - As the United States housing market continues to struggle, millions of potential homeowners are caught in limbo, anxious to begin building custom homes in Houston and secure a piece of the American dream; yet  worried about how the current crisis will affect building costs and the future value of their home.

 

But according to David Gordon, a principal with Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com), one of the premier home construction companies in the Houston area, building custom homes in Houston in volatile market doesn’t have to mean incurring additional costs if you know how to select the right builder.

 

Gordon will address “How To Select a Builder In a Recovering Economy” when he speaks on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, 3 p.m. at the 20^th Annual Greater Houston Building Association Home Show, which will be held in Hall D of the Reliant Center in Houston. The two-day event will showcase the latest trends in new home construction as well as the latest developments in home remodeling/improvement.

 

Gordon will offer professional advice and tips on how to select a qualified home builder; his talk will cover:

 

-          The changes in the home building industry before and after the recession

-          Important considerations and decisions to make when selecting a home builder

-          Key questions to ask when interviewing a company for a home building project

 

“The current housing recession poses new and unique challenges for potential homeowners,” explained Gordon. “Many of the previous methods and techniques involved with home building have changed and it’s important to be able to find a home builder who understands these changes and can adapt to the current market conditions.”

 

In addition to Gordon’s speech, the GHBA Home Show will offer demonstrations of home building techniques and materials as well as classes that will address remodeling and building custom homes in Houston featuring the top professionals in the industry.

 

Since 1941, the Greater Houston Builders Association has served as a bridge between government, the community and the general public and the home building/development/remodeling industry. It seeks to create a useful and welcoming business environment for local builders and help the community at large find quality, affordable housing. The GHBA is the largest home builder association in the state of Texas and is the fourth largest home building association in the United States.

 

About David Gordon

 

A Houstonian born and bred, David Gordon (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com) developed an interest in building early in life and gained valuable experience while running his own construction crew at 18 years of age. He gained a former education in the construction business by attending Texas A&M and the University of Houston, earning a degree in Construction Management.

 

About Whitestone Builders:

With a reputation for fine carpentry, period accuracy, and distinctive quality, Whitestone builds customized luxury homes for those with the most discriminating style. Customer focused, Whitestone employs proven, well-defined processes that exceed your expectations and create an experience that’s second to none. To learn more and view our gallery of custom homes, please visit us at WhitestoneBuilders.com, find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomLuxuryHomes, and follow us on Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WhitestoneHou.

 

Whitestone Builders

9801 Westheimer, #302

Houston, TX 77402

(832) 274-3848

Email: Dgordon@WhitestoneBuilders.com

Website: http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com

Green Homes - More Popular than Ever

Houston, TX - May 2012 - With apologies to Kermit the Frog, it’s getting much easier being “green” these days, thanks to major advances in environmentally-friendly home building materials, according to Whitestone Builders, a builder of custom homes in Houston.

 

Across the nation, homeowners are taking full advantage of new technologies that not only utilize sustainable materials that reduce their carbon footprint, but also – and perhaps more importantly – result in a substantial reduction in energy costs.

 

The Houston area is no exception to this growing green building material trend. Like many other areas of the country, the region is discovering special materials and building processes that can be tailored to the area’s special environmental needs. From top to bottom – literally – homeowners of custom homes in Houston are discovering green home building elements that address their environmental and economical needs.

 

According to David Gordon, one of the principals of Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com), the most significant green building trends occurring in the Houston area are:

 

• Sustainable roofing material (such as Delta-Floraxx) that combines the benefits of both efficient water drainage and water retention. Irrigation channels in the roof allow excess water to drain off while a portion of the water is trapped in indentations. The water that remains aids in keeping the home cooler in the hot summer months.

 

• Cement material made from 74 percent recycled material that is used in constructing kitchen countertops and table surfaces. It can also be used to create tiles or even household furnishings such as benches or shelves.

 

• New green flooring material such as Elastilon that is made from non-toxic, emission-free material and is designed to cut installation time by as much as 70 percent as well as eliminate the need for glue and nails as part of the installation process.

 

• Planters and pots made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, banana leaves, etc. that are coated with a resin to make them resistant to the elements and stay strong for years.

 

“Green building techniques and materials have been drawing the attention of owners of custom homes in Houston because of their benefits,” explained Gordon. “Builders who have experience with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification can offer their clients the benefits of sustainable materials along with savings on energy and building costs.”

 

Whitestone Builders has emerged as one of the premier builders in the Houston area with extensive experience in the usage of green building materials. Their innovative approach to home construction has earned them numerous awards and accolades, including a 2011 Star Award from the Texas Association of Builders.

 

The highly skilled and talented interior designers at Whitestone Builders, easily found online at http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com, have the unique ability to combine the vision of the homeowner with the benefits of sustainable material. The result: a home that not only captures the classic look of a traditional home but also employ modern features that are environmentally friendly and economical.

 

“With each home we build,” said Graham Gamble, another principal at Whitestone Builders, “we strive to capture the historical charm, intimacy and nostalgia that is part of the homeowner’s vision, without sacrificing the benefits and convenience of modern technology.”

 

About Whitestone Builders

 

With a reputation for fine carpentry, period accuracy, and distinctive quality, Whitestone builds customized luxury homes for those with the most discriminating style. Customer focused, Whitestone employs proven, well-defined processes that exceed your expectations and create an experience that’s second to none. To learn more and view our gallery of custom homes, please visit us at WhitestoneBuilders.com, find us on Facebook:

 https://www.facebook.com/CustomLuxuryHomes, and follow us on Twitter:

www.Twitter.com/WhitestoneHou.

 

Whitestone Builders

9801 Westheimer, #302

Houston, TX 77402

(832) 274-3848

Email: Dgordon@WhitestoneBuilders.com

Website: http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com

Homeowners Thinking Outside of the Box when it Comes to Remodeling

Houston, TX – May 2012 - It might be time to say good-bye to the traditional home as more and more homeowners are thinking outside of the box – sometimes literally – and are embracing new concepts and design ideas to make their living space more organic, efficient and personalized, according to Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com), a company that has been building luxury homes in Houston.

 

“Thanks to new materials, new technology and a trend toward a ’greener’ lifestyle, homeowners are discovering creative uses for formerly under-used spaces and employing special features that are not only innovative but energy and cost efficient as well”, said David Gordon, one of the principals of Whitestone Builders.

 

According to the Greater Houston Builders Association, there are several hot new trends in homebuilding that utilize these new concepts. They include:

 

• Outdoor areas that deftly integrate features usually found indoors such as fireplaces, kitchens and sleeping areas
• The creation of “me” spaces, or spaces that are personalized for individual members of the home
• Bathrooms that boast water-saving faucets and showerheads, as well as unusual features such as televisions
• Entertainment, lighting and appliance systems that are intuitive and respond to the owner’s voice or physical commands
• Environmentally-friendly home insulation that not only reduces heating and cooling costs but also acts as sound proofing material
• Tankless home water heating systems that are up to three times as efficient as traditional water heating systems.

 

The challenge for most homebuilders is successfully integrating these two concepts – tradition and modern technology – seamlessly into one home. But as homeowners in the Houston area have found out, Whitestone Builders has mastered this skill and emerged as the premier homebuilder in the region.

 

“When you are designing your custom built home, your dream home, there’s really no end to the special features, details and amenities you can include,” explained Gordon. “Of course, some house styles accommodate different needs and interests, and then within that set of home styles, there is an appropriate floor plan to fit your lifestyle. Then there’s of course a big difference between building modest custom homes and building luxury homes in Houston.”

 

While many of the features and innovations being requested by homeowners rely on modern technology and elements, the project doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice the beauty and traditional look of their classically styled home, according to Whitestone Builders (http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com).

 

“The goal with each home is that it reflects historical charm, intimacy, and nostalgia without sacrificing any conveniences of a modern lifestyle,” said Graham Gamble, another principal at Whitestone Builders. “We strive for period accuracy throughout the design process, with the end result being a customized luxury home that reflects the owner’s discriminating taste and style.”

 

Whitestone Builders has a proven track record of remodeling and building luxury homes in Houston. Their distinctive, quality work has resulted in numerous industry awards, including a 2011 Star Award from the Texas Association of Builders. They employ experienced and talented craftsmen and designers who work together to create custom homes that encompass the vision of the homeowner and even take their vision above and beyond their expectations.

 

 

About Whitestone Builders

 

With a reputation for fine carpentry, period accuracy, and distinctive quality, Whitestone builds customized luxury homes for those with the most discriminating style. Customer focused, Whitestone employs proven, well-defined processes that exceed your expectations and create an experience that’s second to none. To learn more and view our gallery of custom homes, please visit us at WhitestoneBuilders.com, find us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CustomLuxuryHomes, and follow us on Twitter:

www.Twitter.com/WhitestoneHou.

 

Whitestone Builders

9801 Westheimer, #302

Houston, TX 77402

(832) 274-3848

Email: Dgordon@WhitestoneBuilders.com

Website: http://www.WhitestoneBuilders.com

How to Take Care of the Ready to Assemble Cabinets Ventura Products

Los Angeles, CA, April 2012 - When talking about the ready to assemble cabinets Ventura products, the issue of taking care of the cabinets is as serious as any. This is due to the fact that if not taken care of, the cabinets can easily deteriorate and lose their shine. Many will invoke the reason that the companies take a great pride in the fact that they are extremely durable, the http://www.cabinetsense.com/cabinets/index.php website and other great names in this industry really put this aspect in their priority list. The issue here is that any particular product damages over time if not properly taken care of. It's a matter of outside factors that negatively influence the wellbeing of the products.

The other idea here is the fact that ready to assemble cabinets Ventura products don't require any special attention. There are no norms or something like that when it comes to cleaning the cabinets. The only requirements there is here refers to the fact that people should choose products that are specially designed for cleaning and removing all the bacteria and other stuff that can be found on the cabinets. In this way, everything remains clean and safe and the owner can rest assured that the life of the cabinets is enhanced.

The company is easy to be reached at the following contact information.

Cabinet Sense Inc.
2221 Madera Road, Unit B
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: (877) 240-6700
Fax: (805) 520-0376
General Inquiries: info@cabinetsense.com
Website: http://www.cabinetsense.com/cabinets/index.php

Crane Service Company Does it Right

Los Angeles, CA, April 2012.  There are many crane service companies in the industry to choose from, but when it comes to getting the very best in the business, working with a company like Crane Guys LLC is a good bet.

 

No matter what crane service company a customer chooses, it is important to work with a company that offers high integrity and has attention to detail.  In Los Angeles, working with Crane Guys LLC provides the customer with both flexibility and excellent customer service.  Hauling loads is a tough job, but the experts at Crane Guys can offer the customer top service.

 

This crane service company is attuned to the needs of the customer; among the offerings is "ordering made easy," which allows the customer to understand beforehand what information is needed in order to make the job go smoothly.  Most construction or hauling jobs encounter trouble when there is miscommunication between the company and the customer - but at Crane Guys, the customer is given a list of questions to consider before calling the company in order to ensure that communication goes smoothly.  For those who are looking for a comprehensive crane service that makes the job easy, look no farther than the experts at the Crane Guys.

 

In addition to offering crane rentals, the Crane Guys also offer traffic control, lifting planning, permit services, and more.  Don't just think that this crane service company is limited to crane needs - the Crane Guys have the knowledge and expertise needed to take care of many aspects of construction.  To learn more about Crane Guys LLC, visit their website for more information.  The owner also welcomes calls at any time.

 

The Crane Guys LLC

Contact:  Wes Staley

Toll Free:  877-357-2729

Mobile: 626-523-7983

E-mail:  TheCraneGuysLLC@yahoo.com

http://www.craneguys.com

San Antonio Remodeling Team Shares 3-Step Process

San Antonio, TX  April, 2012.  As a local San Antonio remodeling company, Dunn-Wright Remodeling has been servicing the community for years.  Offering high quality work to both private and commercial clients, Dunn-Wright now offers insight into their successful approach to remodeling.

 

Through years of experience, Dunn-Wright has been able to improve their strategies and perfect their business approach.  Starting with an assessment, the remodeling team will determine the scope of your project and begin to develop a plan.  The plan will be updated throughout the project, but this first draft is a great way to determine necessary requirements later in the process.

 

The second step is where the logistical planning begins.  At this point, time schedules are determined, budgets are assessed and estimates negotiated, though an estimate can often be offered on the spot at a first meeting.  These professionals are familiar with San Antonio remodeling and have nearly seen it all!

 

Once the logistical action plan is put into place, Dunn-Wright takes care to finish on schedule and as planned.  The third step involves clear communication throughout the entire building phase so that clients are always aware of what's going on. 

 

It is also important to Dunn-Wright that workers not intrude too much in the home or work environment.  Staff are respectful of the client workspace and remain professional at all times.  Customer care is a huge priority here, and no other San Antonio remodeling team has been known to go out of their way for clients like Dunn-Wright.

 

Dunn-Wright only staffs the best, from contractors to carpenters.  High quality work at affordable prices will always be the goal of this company, whose work can be seen throughout the area, in both residential and commercial areas.

 

To find out more about the details of Dunn-Wright remodeling, to see a gallery of past remodeling jobs, or to gain a better understanding of the services offered, please visit the company website at http://www.Dunn-Wright.net.

 

 

Dunn-Wright Remodeling

1315 Basse Road

San Antonio, TX  78212

210-821-6000

http://www.Dunn-Wright.net

National Remodeling Magazine Names Local San Antonio Company

San Antonio, TX  March, 2012.  Dunn-Wright Remodeling has been offering high quality remodeling services to the San Antonio region for years, and has been building a great reputation for themselves along the way.  Those services, and that reputation, are now being showcased in a national trade publication.

 

The January 2012 issue of Remodeling Magazine featured an article about Dunn-Wright Remodeling, and the incredible fact that 80 percent of the company's business is composed of referrals.  Rather than bringing in new customers through marketing, Dunn-Wright simply lets the satisfied customers do the advertising!

 

General Manager of the company, Jeff Stief, said that they also boast a 79 percent repeat rate, indicating that they're definitely doing something right.  Few companies can boast of customer satisfaction so powerful that it can nearly fuel the business on its own.

 

This recognition is long overdue, as Dunn-Wright Remodeling has been providing high quality remodeling services since 1989.  That is a great deal of time to build a foundation of trust and reliability within the community, and the dedicated and professional staff has definitely earned it.

 

Dunn-Wright performs a wide range of services, from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to outdoor patios and decks.  All employees are highly trained and qualified to perform every task required, and they are experienced in both private and commercial projects.

 

The staff has even been asked to do various community jobs around town, including painting and repairs of the local fire, police stations, and The San Antonio Museum of Art.  Their dedication to the community is only matched by their dedication to a job well done.

 

To learn more about Dunn-Wright Remodeling services, to view a history of completed projects, and to learn more about community projects that the company has been involved with, please visit the website at http://www.Dunn-Wright.net.

 

Dunn-Wright Remodeling

1315 Basse Road

San Antonio, TX  78212

210-821-6000

http://www.Dunn-Wright.net

Not Letting Anyone Else Choose Kitchen Cabinets Los Angeles Products

Los Angeles, CA, March 2012 – The kitchen is one of the hardest places to decorate when it comes to personalizing your home, due to the fact that it’s complicated to actually combine the utility of the kitchen with the stylish touch. Luckily, there are many companies that understand the need of coming up with various products that are both useful and stylish as well, so this makes it much easier. The kitchen cabinets Los Angeles products are carefully design to match almost any taste and preference.

The http://www.cabinetsense.com/cabinets/index.php website brings forth the various models that can be chosen by the ones that are interested into converting their normal kitchen into a stylish one. Here one can easily combine the futuristic approach or the old school one with the other styles used in the house. The idea is to have a sense of harmony and make things bind together in order to come up with the greatest result.

One last aspect about the kitchen cabinets Los Angeles products is the fact that they are extremely durable. This means that the owner can easily choose something that will certainly sustain the pressure of time. It’s basically a lifetime investment and that is a one of the reasons why it’s worth considering it. http://www.cabinetsense.com/cabinets/index.php

The company is always available at the given contact information

Cabinet Sense Inc.

2221 Madera Road, Unit B

Simi Valley, CA 93065

Tel: (877) 240-6700

Fax: (805) 520-0376

General Inquiries: info@cabinetsense.com

Website: http://www.cabinetsense.com/cabinets/index.php