4 of the Most Popular Trends in Mountain  Home Design

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A mountain home’s attraction lies not only in its secluded beauty, but also in the inner space and solitude it offers when perfectly blending into its surroundings. Mountain home design trends represent changing consumer tastes and a rediscovered appreciation for leading a more balanced lifestyle. 

Discover the latest trends and must-have features for mountain living.

Expansive and Multiple Outdoor Spaces

One of the defining features of mountain living is the stunning scenery right at your doorstep. Embracing this natural beauty, mountain homes are now designed with multiple outdoor spaces that seamlessly merge with the surrounding environment. The more chances to enjoy a meal or entertain outside, the better. If there’s an opportunity to add multiple outdoor spaces, do it. The top outdoor living trends include:

Expansive Decks and Patios: Contemporary mountain homes often feature large decks and patios that extend the living space outdoors. These spaces are perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or simply taking in the breathtaking views. They may include comfortable seating, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and even hot tubs to create a true outdoor haven.

Balconies and Terraces: Balconies and terraces offer private escapes for homeowners to enjoy solitude while taking in the mountain vistas. These spaces are often connected to bedrooms or cozy reading nooks.

Outdoor Dining Areas: With the rise of farm-to-table dining, mountain homeowners are increasingly designing outdoor dining areas to savor fresh, locally sourced meals in the crisp mountain air. These spaces may have built-in grills and seating for gatherings under the stars.

Fire Features: Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are quintessential in mountain home design. They provide warmth and ambiance, making chilly mountain evenings cozy and inviting.

Dedicated Mudrooms

Mountain living often involves outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, which can lead to muddy boots and gear. Having a dedicated space off the garage, like a mudroom, prevents moisture, mud, and debris from moving into the rest of the home. It’s also the perfect spot to stow the family’s gear when returning home from errands or an afternoon on the slopes. What should you include in your space? These four items are must haves in your mudroom:

Storage: Mudrooms are equipped with ample storage for outdoor gear, including cubbies, hooks, and shelving for boots, coats, and backpacks. Custom cabinets and benches can be tailored to the homeowner’s specific needs.

Utility Sink: A utility sink is a practical addition for cleaning muddy gear without tracking dirt throughout the house.

Proper Flooring: Durable and easy-to-clean flooring materials like tile, stone, or even concrete are ideal for mudrooms. Radiant floor heating is a luxurious touch for those chilly mountain mornings.

Seating: Providing a comfortable spot to sit while putting on or removing shoes is a thoughtful touch. It can also serve as a convenient place to wait for others before heading out on an adventure.

Expansive Windows and Lighting

One of the most popular design choices for a mountain home is one that includes a lot of large windows. Large windows offer maximum natural light and greater connection to the beautiful views, especially when choosing an open floor plan. Custom home builders can help you find the best windows that provide additional benefits such as:

Energy Efficiency: To maintain energy efficiency in colder mountain climates, high-quality windows with proper insulation are essential. Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and double-glazing help retain heat.

 Window Seats: Many mountain homes incorporate window seats or cozy reading nooks by these large windows, providing the perfect spot to curl up with a book and soak in the scenery.

Homeowners are also opting for the right balance of artificial lighting. The use of layers of lighting is an on-trend and timeless way to brighten a home – a combination of ambient, accent, and task lighting provides plenty of light for tasks.

Sustainably Sourced Materials and Features

A key component of the design of modern mountain homes is the use of natural materials to maintain a connection with nature. Incorporated elements such as wood, stone, and glass echo those found in the environment. There are a variety of options for woodwork, including exposed beams, accents made of wood and stone, and picture windows. Local manufacturers and designers often source these materials from the mountains for homeowners. Other popular uses of materials include:

Reclaimed Wood: Furniture and architectural elements made from reclaimed wood, such as barnwood or distressed timber, add character and a sense of history to mountain interiors.

Stone Accents: Stone is a quintessential material in mountain homes. It’s used for fireplaces, accent walls, and even kitchen countertops to create a rustic yet elegant look.

Exposed Beams: Exposed wooden beams in ceilings and walls provide a touch of rustic authenticity and can be combined with modern design elements for a balanced aesthetic.

Cozy Fireplaces: Fireplaces are a central feature in mountain homes. Whether they’re made of stone, brick, or other materials, they create a warm and inviting focal point for gathering and relaxation.

Designed with the harmony of modern living and the natural world in mind, mountain homes embrace the latest trends in mountain home design. By incorporating multiple outdoor spaces, functional mudrooms, abundant windows, and rustic materials and features, homeowners can create a sanctuary where they can both escape from the world and connect with the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. Whether you’re building a new mountain retreat or renovating an existing one, these trends offer inspiration for creating a home that perfectly captures the spirit of mountain living. WaterStone at Jonica Gap GA can help turn your dream mountain home into reality. Contact us today!

How to Choose the Right Plan For Your Custom Mountain Home

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A custom-built mountain home is like a dream. Building a home is not only a great way to live in the mountains, but it allows you to design it exactly the way you want, right where you want it. 

Designing and building a custom mountain home requires careful consideration and planning. Here are some steps to help you choose the right plan for your custom mountain home:

7 Tips to Consider When Picking a Custom Home Design

Define your goals and needs 

Your dream may have started with a few Pinterest boards and a trip to the hardware store to look at backsplashes. However you find inspiration, it is important to define your goals before you are ready to start choosing your final look. Start by identifying your goals and needs for your mountain home. Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the desired square footage, specific features like a fireplace or a large deck, and any other requirements you have in mind. This will help you narrow down your options when choosing a plan.

Select a Your Location

The mountains have a lot to offer. You can live on more remote lots, in the middle of a town, on lakes, or anywhere you prefer. Consider not only your view but the type of land you want and the limitations. Important questions to ask your builder:

  • What is the water source?
  • Is the lot accessible?
  • How is the land graded?
  • What are future plans for the surrounding area?

These are a few of the many questions you want to ask your builder and realtor. Understanding the basics about the area and lot can help you choose the perfect location that meets your needs and allows you to incorporate all of your dream design features.

Choose Your Dream Team: Architect, Builder, and Designer

Your dream home needs your dream team. You want to choose an architect and builder with experience building custom mountain homes. Experienced professionals can provide valuable insights and guide you through the planning and design process. Discuss your goals with them to ensure the plan aligns with your vision and meets their capabilities.

Find Your Exterior Home Style

Research the various architectural mountain-style homes. Popular styles like rustic, log cabin, contemporary, or modern mountain homes each have their unique characteristics. Consider your personal preferences and the architectural style that will blend well with the natural surroundings. Ask for references from past customers to see if you can view the outside of the home. Seeing the home in the natural surroundings is great for inspiration.

Pick Your Floor Plan 

Ask your builder and architect for design plan examples. Get to know your options in terms of functionality. Consider the flow between rooms, positioning bedrooms and common areas, and integrating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Ensure the plan suits your lifestyle and provides the desired level of comfort and convenience. Once you have selected a base plan, work with your architect or designer to customize it to your specific needs and preferences. This may involve modifying room sizes, reconfiguring layouts, or adding unique features that enhance your mountain home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Go Green with an Energy Efficiency Home

Mountain areas often have fluctuating temperatures and unique climate conditions. Ask about plans incorporating energy-efficient features such as proper insulation, passive solar design, efficient heating and cooling systems, and sustainable materials. This will help you reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable environment.

Choose Your Interior Style

Remember those pins and dream boards you created? It’s now time to turn those into a reality.

Look for common design elements, materials, and finishes that resonate with your vision. Work with your building and design team to incorporate your style into the plan you choose. The perfect mountain retreat is a combination of your style and embracing the natural beauty around your new home.

By following these steps, you can choose a suitable plan for your custom mountain home that reflects your vision, meets your needs, and harmonizes with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. When you are ready to take the next steps, let our team at Waterstone at Jonica Gap help turn your vision into a reality.

7 Reasons To Consider Building a Custom Home

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Many dream of building the perfect custom home. A custom home offers the opportunity to design and construct a living space that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. While it requires careful planning and decision-making, the benefits of building a custom home far outweigh the challenges. Before you begin your journey, check out this list of the advantages of working with a custom home builder.

Customized to Your Vision:

The opportunity to design a home that reflects your own wants, tastes, and visions is one of the main benefits of choosing a custom-built home. Every element of your home can be tailored to your tastes, from the plan and architectural style to the materials and finishes. This level of customization enables you to design a space that accurately reflects your character and principles.

Location Control:

In real estate, location matters. When building a custom home, you have more freedom to choose the perfect location that suits your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a secluded

property surrounded by nature, like the Blue Ridge Mountains, or a bustling urban setting, the decision is entirely in your hands. If you choose a homesite with the right setting, views, and amenities, your home will become a sanctuary completely integrated into its environment.

Quality Materials and Craftsmanship:

With a custom home, you have greater control over the construction process, materials, and the builders and contractors involved. By selecting experienced professionals, you can ensure your home is built with the utmost attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. Directly working with your preferred team will allow you to control the final details and reduce the cost of ongoing maintenance and repair.

Green Building/Energy Efficiency:

In today’s market, the demand for energy-efficient homes is high and continues to rise. In some cities and states, energy-efficient homes may even be a requirement for a new build. Creating a custom home presents an opportunity to incorporate sustainable techniques and materials from the beginning. From solar panels and energy-efficient appliances to advanced insulation and smart home systems, your custom-built home minimizes its environmental impact and reduces utility costs in the long run.

Maximize Space:

Newer homes often feature open floor concepts with functional layouts and tucked-away storage. A custom home allows you to optimize the use of space according to your needs. You can work with your architect to design rooms and floor plans that suit your needs, ensuring no square footage is wasted. As the workforce continues to offer remote and hybrid positions, many opt for multi-purpose rooms that allow homeowners to convert designated spaces for home offices and guest rooms, libraries, etc. Creating these rooms from scratch has many advantages over retrofitting existing floor space in an older home.

Building for your future:

A custom home can incorporate future-proof features and technologies that will adapt to evolving needs and technological advancements. For example, you can integrate a flexible floor plan to accommodate family structure or lifestyle changes. Additionally, you can wire your home with advanced connectivity options and infrastructure to support emerging technologies and safety features, ensuring that your home remains relevant and functional for many years.

Less Competition:

The housing market will always be up and down. One day inventory is low, the next, you can be outbid for 20 properties. When you build a custom home, you are the only buyer. While you still need to secure the homesite you desire, you have few competitors than you do for an already-built home.

Building a custom home is a special journey. There are undeniable advantages to custom home construction, from location control to planning for your future. By building a custom home, you can create the perfect space that is an extension of yourself and where memories are made for generations to come. Let Waterstone help you achieve your dream and build your custom home.

8 Things Everyone Should Know Before Building a Custom Home

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Building a custom home is a dream come true for many people. The ability to design a home that perfectly suits your needs and desires is an incredible opportunity. However, building a custom home can also be a daunting task requiring significant planning and preparation. 

This blog will discuss some essential things everyone should know before building a custom home.

Project Budget & Costs

Creating a realistic budget is one of the most critical aspects of building a custom home. Building a custom home can be expensive as there are numerous factors to consider when planning a budget. When considering a budget, consider the land cost and potential tax rate. While you can’t determine the exact taxes until the final assessment, looking up comps can help you understand your potential tax rate. 

Your biggest expense will be the cost of the home itself. Once you select a builder and architect, you can choose from model homes or work directly with them to price out your costs based on the final floor plan and features. Your builder will be able to explain the costs of different finish options, such as hardwood floor vs vinyl planks, granite vs quartz counters, etc. Finally, it would be best if you also planned for unexpected expenses that may arise during the construction process. Delays, inflation, and upgrades can all add to the cost of your home. Having a contingency plan can avoid having to eliminate your dream items.

Hire Your Power Team: Architect, Builder, and Designer

Often you may find a trio that works together, but in some cases, you will have to hire your team to build your home. Understanding each part of building a home can help make your research much easier.

Architects design the layout and exterior of the home.

The residential builder will execute the design plans, including all home functions like electricity and plumbing. 

Designers will bring your style to life by helping you choose the right colors and visual aesthetics. 

Choosing the right team takes a lot of time and research. You should consider different builders, architects, or designers in your area and choose one with experience building custom homes. Review each of their portfolios or model homes if available. You can even drive through a neighborhood of homes that are similar to the style you are looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from past clients and check reviews. 

Plan for The Future

When building a custom home, thinking about your future needs is important. Consider factors such as your family’s size, aging in place, and any potential lifestyle changes that may impact your housing needs. Your location is also relevant to planning for the future. If you want to live in a large city that is always changing vs a small town, knowing the area can help you choose the right area for your future home. When visioning your future home, look for one that meets your needs but also design your custom home with flexibility in mind so that you can adapt it to your changing needs over time.

Storage is Key 

While deciding between an open-concept layout and your dream kitchen, remember storage. Your home should have adequate closets, space, and room for your future needs. Adding crawl spaces and basement or attic storage can help you maximize the square footage of your home. Many individuals want to use their garage for their cars and outdoor equipment such as lawnmowers; ensuring you have enough room in your garage for the necessary items rather than home storage can help make a huge difference.

Invest In What’s Difficult To Change Later

Routine maintenance, like new roofing and windows, is common. However, many aspects of a home are difficult to update or change later. Popular features like radiant floor heating upgraded electrical wiring for sound systems, and even energy efficiency can be much more difficult to change over time. Discuss your options with your builder. Even if you are not ready to invest fully in additional features, rough-ins for certain projects make upgrades easier.

Anticipate The Project to Cost More

As much as you can plan and budget, custom-built homes tend to cost more than you expect. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your team spent more than the budget. As mentioned earlier, planning for unforeseen costs, such as inflation on building materials, last-minute upgrades, or even small changes, such as choosing a different cabinet hardware or faucet finishes, can 

quickly add up.

Expect the Project to Take Longer than Anticipated

Regardless of how well-planned a build is, builders prepare for setbacks. Common setbacks range from weather delaying the early build phases to securing permits, subcontractor availability, and inspections. Unfortunately, builders are at the mercy and timeline of city permit processing and inspections. If there is a backlog, they will need to wait their turn. Many construction phases can only proceed once the inspection is complete and passed.

Other common setbacks as the project progresses include receiving materials and appliances.

Building a custom home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Considering these essential factors before you begin, you can ensure your custom home project succeeds. You can create the home of your dreams with the right budget, location, builder, energy efficiency, future planning, and attention to detail. Contact the team at WaterStone to help make your dream custom home a reality.