Sustainable construction is increasingly becoming a priority, with builders and architects looking for new ways to reduce the environmental impact of their work. Why is sustainability in construction so important? First, it increases energy and resource efficiency and reduces waste. Conserving energy and using materials for more than one project is not just a good way to save natural resources, it is also a cost-effective way to build. Additionally, one focus of sustainable building is in using materials that have a long lifespan, which means better buildings with increased longevity.

What is Meant by Sustainable Building Materials?

When you talk about sustainable or green building materials, this often means materials created from renewable resources, or from recycled materials. To be sustainable, building materials must have a minimal environmental impact during some portion of their life cycle. Recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and bamboo are some examples of sustainable building materials.

What Else is Involved in Eco-Friendly Building?

Of course, much more goes into a building than simply the materials used to construct it. Green building helps maintain safe water and air quality, conserves natural resources, protects ecosystems, and results in buildings that are energy and water efficient. Green building begins with the first stages of the planning process, with green materials architecture. This is architecture with the big picture in mind, designed with environmental purpose and focused on ensuring that each decision of construction aligns with the goal of sustainability. To build sustainably, builders optimize site potential, considering physical security, the local ecosystem, and storm water runoff. This can mean potentially reusing existing buildings or a previously developed site. When deciding on materials, it isn’t just about using sustainable materials, but also about finding the most cost-effective, least wasteful way to source them. Sourcing locally means fewer costs and less environmental impact, and reusing materials on another project saves waste. Other factors in green building include designing buildings that are energy efficient, conserve water, and have good indoor environmental quality.

How Landmark Homes Is Showing Dedication to Sustainability

At Landmark Fine Homes, we are committed to quality and integrity in everything we do. Our homes are verified as energy efficient by third party inspectors, and we have earned certification from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building program. This third-party residential building standard is certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and is considered the gold standard in the industry. This certificate is based on high-performance in six areas: lot design and development, resource efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and building operation and maintenance.

Build Your New, Green Home with Landmark Fine Homes

When you are ready for a beautiful new home, Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. For more information and inspiration, check out our gallery or visit one of our model homes. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!\

When you are having a new home built, it can be exciting to see it coming together. It may take longer than you expect, however, so it is important to know a little bit about the construction process before you begin. Building a house is a complicated process, requiring planning, prep-work, and plenty of labor. Knowing the various construction phases can help you better understand what is going on with your home.

Construction Phases: A Step by Step Look

Once you have met with your builder and chosen your home’s design, the construction crew can begin the hard work of making your dream home a reality.

• It starts with the pre-construction phase. This is the phase in which everything is set into motion. The builder will acquire the necessary permits, the schedule will be set, and construction crew will level the site. Wooden forms will then be set up to create a template for the foundation. To lay the foundation, the crew will dig holes and trenches to create the ground support system of your home, typically made of poured concrete and rebar. The utility runs for electrical chases and plumbing drains will be fitted, and if there is to be a well, it will be created at the same time. Once the concrete has been poured for the foundation, activity on your site will be suspended until the concrete has had time to cure. At that point, an inspector will come out to the site to ensure that the foundation is up to code and properly installed.
• The construction phase has many elements. Once the foundation is in, the work of creating your house begins.
  • Framing: Wood frames and steel beams are installed to create the skeleton of your home. The walls, floor system, and roof of the house are set into place, along with necessary masonry. The exterior walls are covered plywood or strand board sheathing, which is then covered in a protective barrier to keep water from building up in the structure.
  • Electrical and plumbing: The rough plumbing and electrical work is done by specialty contractors, who install pipes and wires under the floors, ceilings, and walls. It is called “rough” because it is not the finished electrical and plumbing work, but just the tasks that need to be done for drywall, insulation, and ceilings to be installed.
  • Roofing: The roof is finished before the rest of the work begins, to protect the home from the elements.
  • Exterior finishing. The external parts of the building are plastered, and external cladding is installed to elevate the look of the house.
  • Heating and cooling: Now that the house has a roof and exterior walls, vents, ducts, heating units and cooling systems are installed.
  • Interior finishing: This involves plastering the internal walls, installing floor tiles, putting in drywall, ceiling, and insulation. At this point, the electrician can finish the outlets and install the light fixtures.
  • Woodwork and fixtures: Now that the construction is almost finished, the plumbing will be finished in the kitchen and bathrooms. At this point, the trim will be installed as well, including interior doors, window sills, moldings, baseboards, and decorative trim. Cabinets, mantels, and vanities are installed, and the walls are painted or wallpapered.
  • External walkways and driveways: While all of this work is happening inside, the driveway, patios, walkways, and other hardscaped areas are formed outside. This is often left to the end of the project, so that heavy equipment doesn’t damage the concrete.
  • Installation inside, yard grading outside: Hard surface flooring and countertops are installed, and the yard is graded to make sure that water drains away from the house. The yard is prepared for landscaping.
  • Waterproofing: This is done to keep water from infiltrating the house.
  • Painting: The house is painted to give it an attractive look and protect it from exposure to the elements.
  • Finishing touches, inside and outside: The mirrors and shower doors are installed, any carpet is put down, the house is cleaned, and the exterior landscaping is completed.
• The post-construction phase is the last part of the project, right before the home is handed over to you. The building team does a final walk-through, to make sure everything is complete. The architect, contractor, and relevant supervisors confirm that the building is fully functional and up to local requirements. Then the local government issues a certificate of occupancy. After that, the contractor can hand over the keys to your new home! You will have plenty of time to make sure that your home meets your expectations, and the contractor will give you all plans, models, and operation manuals.

How Long Does the Home Building Process Take?

While home building follows a predictable pattern of construction phases, there is no set timeline that applies to every project. The typical family home can take seven months to build, but a custom home can take longer than that. Your best bet is to stay in contact with your builder, who will be able to give you an estimate of when your home will be completed. Remember, home building can face delays, due to weather and other factors, so be patient. You will have a beautiful new home at the end of the process, and that is well worth the wait!

Build Your New Home with Landmark Fine Homes

Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. For more information and inspiration, check out our gallery or visit one of our model homes. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!\

When you are designing a new home, the kitchen is one of the most exciting rooms of the house. Because the kitchen is the heart of the home, it needs to meet your needs in every way, while also living up to your aesthetic expectations. A modern kitchen is beautiful and functional, with features that are as practical as they are stylish. How will you design yours?

Choosing a Kitchen Layout

The big trend in modern homes is the open concept floorplan, and that is particularly true in the kitchen. Kitchens that are open to the dining and living spaces offer a fluidity that encourages connection and makes entertaining simple. What’s more, with no walls to block the sightlines, the kitchen will appear larger and more inviting.

Incorporating Modern Kitchen Features

Modern kitchens function beautifully, blending high-tech convenience with comfort and customization. Which of these features will you incorporate into your new kitchen?

• Highly functional, sleek, beautiful cabinetry is a must in a modern kitchen. Prioritizing the simplicity and clean lines of the minimalist aesthetic, modern cabinetry features handle-less cabinets with soft-close mechanisms, and storage solutions that optimize available space. An appliance garage can hide small appliances that you use often but do not want to clutter your counter. Deep drawers can take the place of some of lower cabinetry, for easy access to frequently used items, without stooping. A corner cabinet with a lazy Susan offers smart, practical storage, using potentially dead space in a functional way.
• Modern appliances make technology work for you. Smart refrigerators feature touch-screen technology, wi-fi enabled ovens can be controlled from an app, and induction cooktops are eco-friendlier and more efficient than traditional cooktops. You might not want all of these appliances, but you have the option to create a futuristic kitchen that is highly efficient as well as elegant.
• Multifunctional kitchen islands make a kitchen more versatile. The right kitchen island can be the perfect centerpiece for your kitchen. A modern island can serve not only as extra counter space, but also as a breakfast bar, storage, and much more. A sink, cooktop, or warming drawer can be incorporated into the island, enhancing your workflow efficiency.
• Integrated lighting improves the functionality of a kitchen. Layered lighting is on trend right now, combining task lighting, accent lights, and overhead fixtures while also maximizing natural light. Lights can be used as a decorative focal point, to illuminate kitchen tasks, and to set the mood for a special occasion.
• High quality, durable flooring and countertops are important. Quartz, granite, and other solid surface materials are popular in modern kitchens. These materials make countertops durable and easy to maintain, and they come in a variety of design options. Kitchen flooring is just as important a decision as counters, and many homeowners are choosing hardwood, engineered wood, or porcelain tiles to create a beautiful look in the kitchen.
• A neutral color palette means redecorating is a breeze. Keeping the underlying palette of your kitchen neutral makes the space look clean and sophisticated. It also creates a canvas on which to express yourself through kitchen accessories, a colorful backsplash, or furniture that makes a statement. The beauty of this approach is that it is very easy to change without having to renovate the entire kitchen.
• Modern kitchens are sustainable and eco-friendly. As you design your kitchen, think about making eco-conscious choices. Energy-efficient appliances, low-VOC paints and finishes, and sustainable materials for cabinetry, counters, and flooring can make a difference in your carbon footprint while remaining stylish.
• Smart waste management solutions make life a little bit easier. In the modern kitchen, your trash and recycling can be  integrated into your cabinetry, so that it is easy to sort your different types of waste while maintaining a seamless, uncluttered look in your kitchen.
• Custom touches create a kitchen that is uniquely yours. How will you make your kitchen perfect for you? Dishwasher drawers incorporate into the cabinetry and enable washing half loads when there aren’t enough dishes for a full run. A warming drawer keeps dishes warm without taking up oven space. A wine refrigerator can be integrated into a kitchen, and built-in storage solutions can be created for pet food, dishes, and other supplies. When you are designing a custom kitchen, you have nearly unlimited options.

Design Your Ideal New Home with Landmark Fine Homes

When you are ready to build a new home with modern amenities and environmentally friendly sensibilities, choose a builder whose values align with yours. Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!

Understanding Flooring Options in Home Design

One of the most exciting parts about designing your own new home is choosing all the details, like fixtures and flooring. Particularly if you have not designed a home in a while, however, some of the flooring options available to you may surprise you. New developments in technology and design have elevated some flooring types you might have previously avoided, and that means you have more choices and more room to express yourself. As you are considering the different types of flooring, keep in mind that your final decision should be based not just on the look of the floor, but how well it will fit with your lifestyle and stand up to the usage your family will give it.

Different Flooring Types to Consider

Whether you are looking for something durable for a high traffic area, moisture resistant for a bathroom, or stylish for an entertaining space, you are spoiled for options.

• For people who want the look of a wood floor, there are a variety of different flooring options that fit the bill.
  • Solid hardwood is beautiful and can be refinished if it sustains damage. However, it requires a fair amount of maintenance and can get expensive, especially if you opt for exotic hardwoods like mahogany or Brazilian cherry.
  • Engineered hardwood can give the same look as solid hardwoods, but it is less expensive and doesn’t require the same level of maintenance. Engineered wood floors do not shrink and swell with the seasons, as solid wood floors are likely to do, and they can be installed directly over a concrete subfloor. Some engineered wood can be refinished, but only once, whereas solid wood can be refinished several times.
  • There is porcelain tile flooring that looks like wood. While this won’t have the same feel as a true wood floor, it can be a very practical choice for a room with heavy foot traffic, like a hallway, foyer, or mudroom. Tile flooring has many benefits, because it is durable, will not scratch, stain, or wear out, doesn’t fade, and is waterproof.
  • Laminate flooring is made to look like wood. It is an economical option, and is fairly low maintenance, though it cannot stand up to a lot of water, so it must be cleaned with a damp mop or Swiffer.
  • Vinyl flooring can also be made with a wood look. Vinyl plank flooring is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and it is less expensive than wood floors. It can be very durable in high traffic areas, and is waterproof. However, while it is sturdier option than laminate, even the best vinyl plank flooring does not mimic hardwood up close, so while it is a good option for a basement, it might not give you the aesthetics you want in a living room.
• Vinyl flooring has come a long way, and it is a durable, low-maintenance option. In addition to wood, vinyl can now be made to look like stone or other natural materials, but at a fraction of the cost. It can stand up to high moisture environments like bathrooms, and it won’t scratch or chip. Vinyl flooring comes in tiles, sheets, or planks, and is a good option for laundry rooms, basements, porches, and other places where durability is the primary concern.
• Porcelain tiles can take a lot of punishment, and they are versatile enough to give you the look you want. The beauty of today’s flooring is that it can be made to eliminate pattern repetition and incorporate texture. That means that you can get the look of stone, marble, or wood in a much sturdier material. In addition to natural materials, porcelain tiles can be made to look like handmade ceramic tiles. It is an extremely durable and low-maintenance option, though it can crack if something heavy is dropped on it. Still, it is a good option for just about every room of the house, and can even be made with a textured surface to prevent slips.

Design Your Perfect New Home with Landmark Fine Homes

If you are looking for a builder that provides plenty of design options for creating your perfect new home, you have found us! Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!\

Planning Ahead for Home Modifications

When you invest in a home, it should be a place where you can comfortably live for many years. Since situations change as life goes on, however, many families find that they outgrow their house, or it ceases to meet their needs. Carefully planning ahead for home expansions and modifications while you are still in the design stage of home building is a wise move, because it makes it more likely that your home will still work for you in the future.

Why Plan for Future Home Expansions and Modifications?

Let’s face it: moving is a hassle. What’s more, you chose your home because you like the neighborhood and the house. In fact, if you are building a new home, you are probably custom designing it to be perfect for you. The question becomes one of keeping it perfect for you, even if your life changes. Is there a possibility that your family will expand? This could happen if you have another child, need to care for an aging relative, or have a grown child who returns to the nest. Preparing for this possibility by ensuring you can add on to your home is a wise move, even if the idea seems remote at the moment. Then, too, if you plan to age in place, you may need to modify your home for accessibility purposes.

Home Expansions for Future Life Changes

In order to build onto a house, several elements must be in place. First, your addition must be in compliance with local regulations. Then, you will need to have structural elements in place to support the expansion of your home. A strong foundation is crucial if you plan to add another floor, and crawl spaces and basements make it easier to remodel. Simple roof design and strategic placement of walls can also make it easier to expand a house without compromising its structural integrity. If you think you may eventually need a stairway or elevator, this should be discussed and planned during the initial design phase of home building. Consider utilities and layout, as well. Make sure you have an HVAC, electrical system, and plumbing system that will support future expansion. Leaving an unfinished space, like an attic or the area over your garage, can give you the flexibility to expand as you need to.

Modifications to Allow Your Home to Change with You

Accessibility is one reason you might need to modify your home, but it’s not the only reason. Think about the possibility-- likely an inevitability—of technological upgrades in the future. Designing a home that keeps up with modern technology will ensure that you won’t have to do a major overhaul later. It may also be wise to allow space for potential renewable energy sources like solar panels. Planning ahead for accessibility needs is not difficult. By incorporating universal design principles, like using wide doorways and hallways, you can create a home that will accommodate you now and in the future, remaining accessible as your needs change.

Let Landmark Fine Homes Build Your Forever Home

Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!

Since the implementation of the ADA, you have probably noticed more accessible features in corporate buildings. Elevator access, wheelchair ramps, and handicap restroom stalls are all examples of accessible spaces in commercial environments. But what does accessibility mean when you are designing your home? The key to designing for accessibility in a home environment is to avoid anything that feels sterile, opting instead for a design that adapts to you organically, in a way that feels natural, welcoming, and comfortable.

Considerations for Accessible Design

When planning for accessible design, consideration should be given not only to current needs, but also to future accessibility requirements. Especially for those planning to age in place, it is crucial to anticipate what will be necessary as time goes by and occupants grow older. What’s more, accessibility is not just about avoiding trip hazards or navigating space with limited mobility. Vision and hearing tend to diminish as people grow older, and an accessible home needs to provide for those needs, as well.

Building an Accessible Home

One consideration for accessible design is an open floor plan. This type of layout ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to accessibility, offering wider areas and fewer obstacles so that people with mobility issues can navigate the home safely. Open floor plans also provide clear sight lines, as well as ample light. They eliminate walls, which allows sound to travel more freely, which can be beneficial for those with hearing difficulties. It should be noted, however, that open floor plans can sometimes be cacophonous, which might be detrimental for people with certain types of hearing loss. What are some other home elements to consider?

• Doorways should be expanded. At home entry points and inside the house, door frames need to be at least 32 inches wide, preferably 36 inches. This allows people to navigate safely, even when using a wheelchair or another mobility device.
• Make doors easy to use. A no-step entry or ramp can make getting in and out of the house easier, and interior doors need low or flat thresholds as well. Rather than round doorknobs, use lever-style handles or open-shaped pulls, so that people with poor motor skills or hand strength can easily open doors.
• Lighting is crucial. Natural light from large windows is beneficial, but when designing an accessible home, make sure to include ample lighting throughout the house, as well. Lighting areas that can be hazardous is particularly important, so make sure lights are appropriately placed near staircases and in bathrooms. Be careful that the lighting you choose is properly placed to avoid glare or extra shadow.  Extra lighting under cabinets and in closets is helpful, and rocker light switches or motion sensors make it easier to navigate the home.
• Lower work surfaces are helpful. Consider where eye level will be for the occupants of your home, and lower cabinets and countertops so that they can be reached easily and safely. Choose adjustable shelving and rods in your cabinets and closets, as well as drawers and roll-out shelving for large, heavy items.
• Bathroom safety is vital. This is also one of the most straightforward rooms for achieving accessibility. Grab bars in the shower and by the toilet are required, and the toilet should be chair height. Showers should be stepless, to eliminate barriers, with a seat and a hand-held shower head to facilitate independent bathing. Walk-in bathtubs are also an option, and of course all floors should be non-slip.

Let Landmark Fine Homes Help You Build Your Forever Home

When you are ready to talk to a builder about creating the perfect home to meet your needs, we are ready to help. Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!

The effect of light fixtures on a home is undeniable. The way we light our homes informs our mood, lights our activities, and creates the home ambiance experienced by our family and friends. More than just utilitarian, light has the power to change the way your home looks and feels. If you are in the process of designing a new home, it is important to consider your options carefully when it comes to the selection and placement of lighting.

Different Lights for Different Moods

What is the purpose of the lighting in any given room? It is to illuminate the space, certainly, but lighting does more than that. Think about the ambiance you want to achieve when choosing your lighting.

• For a romantic mood, use warm lighting. Overhead lights and table lamps with dimmer switches and warm, white bulbs can make a space feel intimate.
• To make a room feel inviting, layer your lighting. Floor lamps and sconces can add dimension, creating warm spaces of light around the room.
• If you want to feel energized, use cool bulbs. Cool white bulbs are perfect for overhead and task lighting in workspaces and kitchens.

Different Types of Lighting

It can be helpful to identify the different types of lighting, to determine what you need in which area.

• Task lighting is used to direct light onto a specific area. This enables you to do detailed work, as you might in a home office or a kitchen. Examples of task lighting include pendant lights over a kitchen counter, under-cabinet lights in a food preparation area, or a lamp on the desk in a home office.
• Ambient lighting illuminates the entire space. Overhead lights, recessed fixtures, and floor lamps are examples of this, and you can use warm or cool bulbs, depending on the mood you are trying to achieve.
• Accent lighting highlights a focal point. This could be track lighting around artwork, or a light that shines on an architectural feature.

How to Place Your Lights

Positioning your lights correctly can make a world of difference. While you are designing your décor scheme, consider these tips when placing your lights.

• Layer lighting to create ambiance. When you use different types of lighting in one room, you can establish different moods and allow the lights to complement each other.
• Distribute light sources uniformly. This eliminates dark corners and harsh shadows, as well as preventing eye strain.
• Consider scale. Keep the light fixtures properly aligned with the dimensions of your room.
• Make use of dimmers. When you use dimmers, you give yourself flexibility and the option to change the ambiance whenever you want to change the mood.

Choose Your Perfect Design with Landmark Fine Homes

Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. When you build your new home with us, you have access to our design studio, where you can choose the finishing touches for your home, with the guidance of our experienced design team. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!

When you have pets, they are more than just companion animals. They are members of your family, and so you naturally want your home to be as comfortable and welcoming for them as it is for all of your other family members. Creating a pet-friendly home environment, then, will be a top priority. What does this mean? It means ensuring that your home is not just a safe environment for your pets, but also an enriching place. How can you accomplish this?

Create a Pet-Friendly Home Environment at Your Home

• Make it safe. First and foremost, your home should be a safe place for your pets to live. Pet-proofing is important, so inspect your home thoroughly to determine any hazards that could harm your pets. Small items that could be ingested, household plants that could be toxic, and cabinets or drawers that hold harmful substances should all be addressed. Secure your trash bins, so that curious pets cannot get into the trash, and make sure the plants in your garden are non-toxic.
• Give pets their own areas. A place where your pet can go to feel secure is important, and it helps keep your home orderly. Set up a comfortable bed or crate in a quiet, low-traffic area for your pets to go when they need time to get away and rest. Food and water should be easily accessible, along with safe toys.
• Make sure they have enough exercise. Pets need plenty of opportunities to engage in physical activity. Take your dog for walks or runs. Set up a cat tree or scratching post for your cat. Incorporate playtime into your daily routine, to provide your pet with mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
• Create a grooming station. Keep grooming tools like brushes, combs, nail clippers, and pet-friendly shampoos together, in a place where you can offer regular grooming. If you have the space, a pet-grooming sink in your mudroom or laundry room can be perfect for this. Establish good grooming habits for your pets early in their lives, and inspect them for signs of parasites, skin issues, or other health problems as you groom them.
• Provide comfortable places to rest. Aside from their dedicated “getaway” space, pets should have comfortable resting spots throughout your home. Pets generally want to be near their owners, and having blankets, soft beds, and cozy nooks in various quiet parts of the house will facilitate this.
• Keep your home environment clean. Vacuum and sweep regularly to remove pet hair and dander from the house. This will improve your indoor air quality and reduce allergens. Make sure that your cleaning products are pet-safe, and read labels to make sure nothing you’re using is harmful to pets. Pay attention to the areas where your pets sleep and eat, taking care to keep them clean and hygienic.

Home Builders and Pet-Friendly Design

Increasingly, home builders are recognizing the importance of accommodating people’s pets as members of their families. Homes are being designed with that in mind, providing creative solutions to the needs of families and their furry companions. From pet bathing sinks in mudrooms to built-in crates in living areas to spaces to accommodate pet food dishes and supplies in the kitchen, there are nearly endless possibilities for pet-friendly building. Additionally, builders who use sustainable materials in their construction processes and safe materials inside the houses can create non-toxic environments for every member of the family, including pets.

Come to Landmark Homes for the Right Home for Your Whole Family

Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!

Creating a Workout Space in a Home

In our post-pandemic world, people are increasingly taking to the idea of a home gym. For some people, it may have started with workouts at home while the fitness centers were closed, but it has turned into something bigger than that. It makes sense, because having a workout space at home has many benefits. It provides a way for you to keep up with your fitness goals without ever leaving the house.

Benefits of a Home Gym

The most obvious benefit of having a home gym is the convenience of being able to work out from the comfort of your home. This means you don’t have to brave bad weather or share machines to get some exercise. But while skipping the commute and having your own equipment is a big draw, there are many other benefits, as well.

• You get to make the rules. Gyms have set hours, dress codes, and control of the thermostat. When you work out at home, you can do it at any time, in whatever clothes make you most comfortable. You can watch your favorite show, blast your favorite music, and have control over the environment in which you do your workouts.
• At your home gym, you have privacy. Many people feel anxious about going to the gym. They’re nervous that people will judge them for their weight, for not being athletic enough, for looking awkward, or for using equipment incorrectly. There is also the problem of having to undress and shower in an unfamiliar environment. When you are at home, you can exercise however you want, with no judgement from others, and you can shower alone.
• In your home fitness space, you can make exercising a family affair. Your whole family needs exercise, so why not make it easier for them? It can be hard to find the time to exercise, but when the gym is in your house, you can encourage your family to get the exercise they should.
• You don’t need childcare to work out at home. For those family members too little to work out, there may not be a lot of good options when you are at the gym. Some fitness centers offer childcare, but this is not always the best place to leave your little one. What’s more, if you have children who are too old for the gym nursery but not yet old enough to stay home alone, finding a place for them can become complicated.

Home Gym Design

One benefit we haven’t discussed yet is that when you have your own gym, you get to design it in any way you choose. You can choose the machines in the fitness space, and you can get more than one of something if you want to work out with a friend or family member. Your home gym can be anything you want it to be, and you can be confident that it is clean and safe. And while a home gym might initially be expensive, you will find that it is cost-effective in the long run. You will no longer need to pay for a gym membership, you will reduce your carbon footprint by not driving to the gym, and you will be making an investment in your health and overall wellbeing.

Let Landmark Fine Homes Help You Find Space to Incorporate Fitness Design

If you are looking for floorplans large enough to accommodate your home gym, you have come to the right place. Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!

Building a home involves countless decisions, including choosing the right roof style. The material affects your roof’s durability, efficiency, appearance, and more. Compare various roofing materials and learn how to make the best choice for your home.

Exploring Roofing Materials

Here are some of the most popular roofing options in the Oklahoma City metro area:

• Asphalt shingles are versatile and budget-friendly. They come in a variety of colors and styles to match different exteriors.
• Metal roofing is known for its durability and energy efficiency, with a lifespan of up to 70 years. It comes in styles like standing seam and shingles for a sleek, modern look.​
• Wood shingles or shakes, often made from cedar, redwood, or pine, provide a rustic charm that other roof styles can’t match. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent mold, pest, and insect damage.​
• Slate tiles are made of natural stone and offer an elegant appearance. Keep in mind that their weight makes them harder to install and may require additional structural support.​
• Clay or concrete tiles are durable against fire, rot, and pests but can be brittle and prone to cracking in hail or extreme temperature changes.

Tips for Choosing a Roof Style

Every material has pros and cons, so weigh the following factors to guide your decision:

• Exterior architecture: Your roof should complement the rest of your home. For instance, the Mediterranean style pairs well with clay tiles, while a rustic farmhouse looks great with a metal roof. If you’re going for a traditional suburban look, you can’t go wrong with classic asphalt shingles.
• Oklahoma’s weather: Hot summers, high tornado risk, and the occasional hailstorm mean you should prioritize durability. Impact-resistant asphalt shingles and metal roofing have the best reputations for withstanding storms.
• Budget constraints: Roofing materials vary greatly in price. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective, while premium slate and clay tiles are more expensive.
• Energy efficiency: Some roofing materials offer better insulation or reflect solar heat more effectively to reduce energy costs. Look for lighter-colored options or shingles specifically designed to be reflective for a cooler home during Oklahoma’s hot summers.
• Longevity and maintenance: Consider how long you want your roof to last and how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Wood shingles have the shortest lifespan and require the most upkeep, but the effort could be worth it if you love the rustic appearance.

Why Choose Landmark Fine Homes?

At Landmark Fine Homes, we’ve been building great homes for great people for over 25 years. Our Certified Green Professional designation means we construct highly energy-efficient houses that cost less to keep comfortable. Our in-house design studio makes it easy to plan the architectural design for your roof and finalize other materials, fixtures, and finishes with professional guidance. Whether you go fully custom, buy a pre-built home, or build on your own lot, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to find your next home in the Oklahoma City metro area.