Floors & More

Well if you've come this far in the building process no doubt you can see light at the end of the tunnel!

After the roof is completed and all the windows have been installed the house is sound and ready for all the electrical, gas and water to be connected. Good thing too because when installing cabinets and flooring, the electricity makes the job go faster.

As you can see from these photos, things are really starting to take shape. The walls have been set up and are ready for painting, the wood and tile floors are being installed and all the faucets are being hooked up.

This photo shows the special tile decor in the entry way. The tiles have already been set. The entry in this home will be a warm greeting foyer with the neutral tones and accents - ready for the home owner to decorate to their tastes.

Take a look at this cabinetry. We use only the finest wood in our floors and cabinets and it makes a difference. These won't look like every other home, they are chosen especially with this homes owner in mind. Notice also the granite counter-tops. These are not only beautiful, they are solid, sturdy surfaces for all food preparation.

We're excited about showing you the final walk thru on this home but first we've still got some work to do like sidewalks, painting, carpets & mirrors.

Be sure to check back as we finish up this project. And if you have any questions about having a custom built home, contact us! We'll be happy to review the process with you and show you the many options available.

Inside & Out

After your home has been framed, it's time to add insulation, exterior & windows!

Insulation, of course, will help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. We work with Jordan Spray Insulators to give fill every possible nook. It may look a bit messy but when you want to have an energy efficient home, it's worth the extra effort. The guys from Jordon's take pride in their work and always do a great job for us.

At this time we also make sure that all the electrical and plumbing connections are put in along with the heating and air conditioning vents.

Once these are all in place we can begin the sheet-rock work that will make the framed walls look like... walls! No longer will the interior be a maze of see through wood work, you will really be able to see the interior of your new home come to life.

A good home exterior will also go a long way toward keeping the home energy use down. As the interior is being sheet-rocked, the siding is being put on the outside of your home. Many of our homes feature brick as the exterior and generally include some type of rock accent.

It may still a be a bit messy inside and out but at this point we're about half way through the new home construction process. And, the best is yet to come!

New Homes Rate High on Satisfaction / Quality

A recent JD Powers report gave some pleasantly surprising results when it came to new home builders. Despite the housing concerns and credit problems in recent years, the 2010 JD Powers Home Builder report found that people who worked with home builders were more satisfied than ever before in the history of this survey (since 1997).

Participants in this study were asked to rate builders on a variety of areas that resulted in a possible total score of 1000. The study was based on new single family homes and took place between March & July of this year.

The new satisfaction rating averaged 826 out of 1000. The quality of new homes has also improved with an average of 844 out of 1000, another record high.

Even though customer satisfaction and quality has always been high on the list for home builders, the downturn in the economy has put an even greater focus in these areas and it shows in the new survey results. Now is truly the "buyers" market.

Green building has also received record attention in this survey with more people demanding a more environmentally friendly and energy efficient home. In 2009 only 35% of new home owners identified their homes as "green" but in 2010, 52% of owners said that their new homes were environmentally friendly. It's clear that new home owners & builders know the importance of building for the environment and this trend is expected to continue because not only is there a savings in energy costs, the home will have a greater value overall.

Here at Bob Cook Homes, we have several ways to make your new home "green" including ICF building options. Your satisfaction is always our greatest concern, you can count on us to make your building experience a good one from start to finish.


See the full JD Powers report at: http://www.jdpowers/home

You've Been Framed!

When you've got a new home in the works seeing the wood framework go up is pretty cool. If you aren't able to imagine where the rooms will be, what the view from a window might look like the frame can certainly give you a good idea.

We work with Rob Fanning Construction as our framing contractor and these guys really bring the home to life with their work. Where there were no walls, suddenly you can imagine the dimensions of each room. Where there were no doors or windows you'll be able to visually walk through the home as you'll be doing when it's finished. Where there are no stairs or vaulted ceilings you'll be able to descend to a walk out basement or view out the imaginary skylights of your living room.

Shortly after the framing is complete the rafters and sheathing is done. Then the permanent roof and siding is added. From the outside your home is looking good even though there may still be quite a bit of work to be done inside.

A Firm Foundation

The first step to any new home is to stake and dig the basement. Seeing your new home staked out is very exciting as it's the confirmation that the construction of your new home is about to begin!

Did you know that before 1950, basements didn't really serve the same purpose as they do today? Before then it was little more than a cellar, or it could be a section of a building containing rooms and spaces similar to those of the rest of the structure. Often there were exposed beams, dirt floors and cinder-block. Not what you would imagine for the extended living spaces of basements today!

There are 3 different types of basements: Walk-Out, View Out and the fully underground basement.

Walk-Out basements are built in a home that is situated on a slope where a doorway actually leads from the basement to the outside without a stairway. From the street this type of home can look like a one-story house when the slope is in the back or it can look like a two story home when the slope is in front.

A view-out basement has windows that are close to regular size or larger and actually look out at ground level. These make the basement feel more like the main level of the home and bring in a lot of natural light.

The standard basement is fully underground with small windows.

At Bob Cook Homes we use poured concrete for the basement. This has the advantage of being more fire and water resistant because of the density of the concrete. It is also able to resist the pressures of water, earth and wind.

Once the home is staked out, the foundation and walls are poured, then we apply damp-proofing to make sure the basement is absolutely dry. It's very important that the basement be very dry before finishing it out to become a living space in your new home.

After the basement concrete has had time to cure, we'll back-fill the areas around the outside basement walls and install any underground plumbing. Then we can put in the basement floors.

At this point you'll know your home is well underway. More on the steps to construction coming in future blog posts so check back often.

Location, Location, Location!

If you've been thinking about having a custom home built, it's certain you have been considering where you would want to live! With all the new developments cropping up and the option to live in suburban or rural locations, there are many options to choose from when choosing your building location.

Is your desired location akin to a "Field of Dreams?" Before investing in a rural building location there are a few things you'll want to check on up front. First, of course, is the land build-able? The building site may be unstable, have drainage issues or require excavation work. Also check on the water source, is it potable (not all water sources are!).
And then, unless you want to live in the literal dark ages, you'll want to check on the availability of electricity and phone or cable service.

If you are looking into an area that is on the fringe of of a city, but not quite fully developed, be sure you know about the easements, zoning and property line restrictions.

There are also developments that are currently underway where you can buy a lot in a community with built in amenities like playgrounds, water features, or swimming pools. In these areas you'll need to find out about the homeowner's association requirements and dues.

Above all, the key is location, location, location! Proximity to the activities you enjoy, shopping, entertainment and parks should be considered. If you have children, you'll want to check out the local schools and be sure to choose a "kid friendly" neighborhood. If retirement is around the corner, you'll may want a more peaceful environment with couples in the same stage of life.

Don't be afraid to talk to people who live in the area you are considering to get a better view of what you can expect. Find out if the area is tight-knit or if anonymity is the norm.

Bottom line, before you build be sure you are happy with the location and you'll enjoy not only your new home, but you'll enjoy the community for years to come. And by the way, we'll be happy to help you find the best location for your new home & build it too! Contact us today.

The Eyes Have it!

How do you make an impact when you're building project is on a tight budget? Pay attention to the details at eye level!

Doors, windows and eye level trim are key places to add a touch of class without going over budget. Here are a few examples to consider:

Brick. The texture and color options of brick (or stone) are appealing to many but can be pricey if covering the entire exterior. Instead use brick as an accent and use it from the ground to window bases. This will add character to the homes exterior while keeping costs down.

Doors. The exterior entry to your home is the place everyone looks to first when visiting. Use this as an accent piece with unique or hand crafted doors. The door frames can also be accented with different wood, brick or metal.

Windows. Windows are the eyes of your home. Don't go with traditional with shutters - this is the perfect place to add style. Think shape, color and function. Why not try accenting lower level windows with a bit of stained glass. Use the shape of the home to inspire the shape of the windows and window panes. Now more than ever there are many new choices in window design.

Garage Doors. Often ignored, a unique garage door can increase curb appeal and the home's future value! Instead of plain aluminum that seems to be so popular, how about carriage doors? There are many different styles of the carriage door that you may not recognize the style at first!

Adding class to your new home doesn't have to be expensive, focus on eye level and you'll quickly see how attractive your new home can be with just a hint of individuality.

Ballyclare Addition

Located in Southeast Wichita, the Ballyclare neighborhood features a beautifully landscaped lake, community pool and playground for children. The homes in Ballyclare are equally beautiful and well appointed. We at Bob Cook Homes are pleased to have three such homes in the Ballyclare community:

• 10725 Boston 3 bedrooms 3 baths 3 car garage and a partially finished view out basement with a family room and bar
  
  
• 10622 Boston: 4 bedrooms and 3 baths 3 car garage and a partially finished view out basement
  
  
• 1416 Shiloh: 5 bedrooms and 3 baths with finished view out basement and 3 car garage

All the lots in this development have been sold so this is your last chance to get a Bob Cook Home in this community. Contact us today and we'll be happy to arrange for a showing or discuss building the home of your dreams.

Landscape for Your New Home

Now that spring is here, you may be thinking about the exterior of your new home as much as construction of the home itself. More often, architects, builders and homeowners strive to make homes blend to form an actual community. Landscaping brings all the individual homes into one cohesive group.

When considering the land around your home, think about the character of your home and what
natural elements will enhance the overall presentation of your new home. The goal is to have a balanced look that compliments your home as well as the community as a whole. The landscape should have a soft touch which includes plants that are native to the area.

Begin planning your landscape early by considering how to frame outdoor patios, decks and entries. It's not necessary to plant exotic shrubs or flowers, often using plants and grasses that are low maintenance will be appreciated when it comes to keeping up with care in the future. Choose seed mixes that are include perinnial plants and supplement them with a few annual flowers for interest.

Ground cover like ivy can be a nice replacement to grass and will cut down on mowing, especially in hard to reach areas. Choose ornamental grasses can provide eye appeal even in winter when seasonal grass is dormant.

Start your plan by dividing up the lawn into 3 main areas: foreground, service space and private areas. The foreground or street side areas include the lawn, walkways, foundation plants and a few trees. The service space includes the house itself and any outside structures like dividers that hide the trash receptical. The private areas are comprised of patios, gazebos and primarily the backyard.

Make a copy of the diagram for your home and make some sketches in pencil to designate what
you would like to see in the different areas. Search garden magazines for the different plans you would like to include. You may want to hire a landscape architect or do it yourself, either way it's best to work within your capabilities physically and financially.

The Green Valley Community - 943 Threewood Ct

If you are looking for a home in a family oriented community with playground, pool, golf course and access to award winning schools, Green Valley is the place for you!

Green Valley is located just north of Kellogg and east of 159th East. Our home at 943 Threewood Ct is located just off the golf course. This home is on one level, there are no steps, and has a beautiful open floor plan.

If you love to entertain, this home is for you! The kitchen features Corian countertops, breakfast bar, and a walk-in pantry made out of ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) blocks to double as a storm shelter. The master bath suite won a ribbon in the Parade of Homes and features a lighted trey ceiling, double vanity, separate shower and tub, and a large walk-in closet.

The community also has an active social calendar with many opportunities to meet your neighbors like pool parties, barbeques and Christmas party complete with Santa Claus. Green Valley also provides trash service with curbside recycling!

With Wichita just minutes away, living in the Green Valley / Andover addition you'll have the best of both worlds. Contact us today to see this home!

Pick of the Parade

The Parade of Homes is over and we're excited that our property, 520 Belle Terre won Pick of the Parade! It also won ribbons for Effective Design, Kitchen Design, Master Suite/Bath Design and Basement Design for its price category. If you haven't been by to look at this property, plan on coming by soon - we'd love to show you around!

"Despite the national news of poor lending practices and credit crunches in large markets, such conditions are not present in Wichita," says Wess Galyon, president and CEO of the Wichita Area Builders Association. "The greater Wichita housing market remains strong." (As quoted in Wichita Business Journal)

We agree! Today's homes are not only affordable and attainable, the overall construction and building materials can lend to the cost efficiency of owning a newly built home vs. buying an older home.

To everyone who visited our homes, it's been great meeting all of you and hearing your comments.

Spring Parade of Homes

It's here! The Spring Parade of Homes officially started April 10 and will run through April 25. This is an exciting line up of showcase homes in the best areas in and around Wichita. And this is a great time to invest in a new home with the material costs being low, the mortgage rates are low and there is still time to get the $8000 homebuyer tax credit.

We're participating in the Parade of Homes with 3 entries:

• Home #67 - 520 Belle Terre. This home has an incredible view of the golf course, it's conveniently located in the Terradyne community and is part of the Andover school district. Download a pdf flyer about this home: click here.
  Update: This home has won Pick of the Parade! It also won ribbons for Effective Design, Kitchen Design, Master Suite/Bath Design and Basement Design for its price category Come see why today!
  
  
• Home #105 - 1118 Waters Edge, Derby. Located in the premier area of The Oaks Golf Course, this home has a spacious master suite, tucked in deck and completely finished basement.
  
  
  
• Home #128 - 108 N. Fawnwood, Goddard. This 3 bedroom ranch style home is located in Auburn Hills. It features a curved breakfast nook, walk-in pantry, wood flooring and custom shower in the owner's suite. The lower level features a finished family room.

The weather has been beautiful lately and it's a great time to visit the Parade of Homes to get ideas for your new home. When you're ready to build, call the award winning builder, Bob Cook Homes.

Auburn Hills Affordable Lifestyle

Did you know that Wichita ranks 27th in a national survey of national housing affordability? In fact, Wichita has always been a leader in affordable housing. Ahead of Oklahoma City and even Kansas City!

In the Wichita area, Auburn hills not only offers affordable homes, Auburn Hills offers an affordable lifestyle. This community, located within the Goddard school district, has many amenities including:

• 2 clubhouses,
• 4 pools
• 4 playgrounds
• 18 hole public golf course

Bob Cook has two homes in the Auburn Hills addition, both are eligible for Homebuyer Credit!

14307 W. Burton Ct. 312,542

A couple of streets away from clubhouse Cul de Sac Corner Lot

108 N. Fawnwood 439,909 Clubhouse / Pool - Brand New

one of 4 new homes.

Both north of Maple & 135 & 151s

Home prices in Wichita are slowly gaining in home value so if you buy a home today, it's going to appreciate, despite what the news may be telling you!

The Development at Water's Edge

If you're looking for an upscale home in the suburbs, consider Water's Edge in Derby.

Derby KS is a burgeoning community on the Southeastern edge of Wichita which has recently seen a boom in commerce including a Kohl's department store and several restaurant chains.

Water's Edge is a smaller neighborhood within the Oaks subdivision at 63rd and Rock Rd. The homes in Water's Edge all have a minimum of 1900 sq ft and are considered the cream of the crop by the city economic development director.

Water's Edge will eventually feature 450 homes ranging upward in price from $150,000. And did I mention that the community is built around the Derby Golf Course and Country Club?

We are currently building a home at 1118 Waters Edge which will feature 4 bedrooms 3 1/2 baths and is priced at $412,421.00.