When you choose to build a home, you get to pick the design for the exterior and interior of your new home. Before the home can be built, the lot must be cleared, which means you also must have a clean slate on which to create your landscaping. Do you know how to landscape a new construction home? We’ve got some helpful tips.

Tips for Landscaping Your New Home

• Start with a plan. Your builder may already have some landscaping in place, but it might not be the final landscape you envision. Don’t feel obligated to keep the starter plants that were put in, or keep the same areas grassy. Take some time to evaluate your wants and needs. What kind of plants do you enjoy? How much hardscaping do you want? Which features will work for your lifestyle? Do you want a patio, fire pit, water feature, or retaining wall? Sketch out your ideas and then do some research to find out what’s realistic.
• Think about your lifestyle. How big is your family? Do you have pets? How frequently do you have visitors? How do you intend to use your outdoor spaces? All these elements should factor into your landscape design. Consider, too, how much maintenance you prefer to put into your yard. This is important when you’re choosing turf, plants, irrigation, and other aspects of your landscaping.
• Work with an expert. We could tell you to test your soil and research your growing zone; which kinds of plants are native to your area; the right time to plant a particular kind of grass; and so on, but it’s a better idea to hire an experienced contractor who already has this information. If you’re dreaming big about your landscaping, consider hiring a landscape designer or architect. If it seems simpler than that, find a contractor who has experience working with yards in your area. Working with someone who has experience and knowledge can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Install electricity before putting in grass. Wiring or power outlets you need to use, as well as sprinkler systems, should be installed before you put in grass or place other elements of your landscaping. That way, you won’t have to disturb anything newly planted when you’re making your property more functional.
• Work with your unique property. Each property has its own quirks, in terms of slope, sun exposure, necessary soil amendments, grading, and even plumbing, water, electrical, and irrigation lines. Working within the parameters set by your own property and its limitations will make the process go more smoothly and help you achieve the outdoor space you desire.

Your Dream Home, Designed Just for You

Landscaping your new home is just one part of creating the perfect space to build a life and create memories, in the home of your dreams. When you’re ready to build your dream 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 not only energy efficient but also built with the utmost attention to detail. Some are 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!

Post-pandemic, more and more people are embracing a work-from-home lifestyle. If you’re one of them, do you have a home office that helps you succeed? The right home office design layout and décor can have a big impact on your productivity, so it’s smart to incorporate some ideas from the experts. Here, we offer some home office design ideas to help you create the perfect space for working from home.

Five Top Tips For Productive Home Office Design

1. Minimize Clutter. The best home office space is one that is free from distractions, so that you can truly focus on what you’re doing. Make sure you have ample storage space to tuck away things you are not using, and embrace a minimalist aesthetic in your home office.
2. Make good use of color. While you might like a moody, cozy color scheme in your home office, some unexpected color choices can be energizing. Put in pops of orange and green, to boost energy and concentration. If some of that color comes from plants, that’s even better, because plants can also help improve productivity.
3. Bring in plenty of light. An office that’s bright and light is the perfect place to be productive. Make the most of natural light. Make lighting fixtures a priority, incorporating both ambiance and functional lighting.
4. Incorporate your personality. For a home office to be a place where you’re comfortable and productive, it needs to reflect who you are. Bring in books, artwork, and objects that inspire you. You’ll find yourself working more effectively.
5. Invest in comfortable furnishings. You might be working from a multipurpose space, or at your dining room table, but whatever space you choose for your office, it’s worth investing in the tools you need to work productively. Choose an ergonomic chair, make sure your desktop has room to spread out, and choose furniture that’s comfortable and functional. If you have dedicated office space, consider incorporating some pieces solely for taking breaks, like a cozy armchair or a stunning chaise. If you are limited on space, look for multi-functional pieces that can serve as storage, workspace, and more.

Design Your Perfect Office in Your Dream Home

Designing your perfect office is easier when you’re putting it into your perfect home. When you’re ready to build your dream home, Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. We will even help you design your perfect space, with our in-home design center. See colors, feel textures, and visualize your selections in each room of your beautiful new home. Landmark Fine Homes houses are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail. Some are 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!\

Homeownership is a big step. When you are building a home, location is extremely important. You may know the general area in which you want to live, and you may even have chosen a home builder; but one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is whether to live in the country or the city.

The lifestyle each area affords is very distinct, shaped by the population density, community dynamics, and infrastructure. The decision you make will greatly affect your experience. There’s no wrong answer but finding what best suits your needs and fits your lifestyle will make all the difference in your overall happiness and wellbeing. Do you prefer the peace and natural surroundings in the country? Or the vibrant bustle of urban life?

Pros and Cons of Rural Living

Living in the country offers wide open spaces and a chance to connect more closely with nature. When you think about a rural location, you may picture rolling hills, quaint farms, and small, friendly towns. However, rural may just refer to a community that is outside of a city; not necessarily a traditional “country” setting.

• Pros of Country Life:
  • Often, the cost of living is lower in rural areas, but this can vary from place to place.
  • Housing costs are often more affordable.
  • You’ll have more space for whatever you choose to do. Whether that’s raising animals, building on to your home, or adding a new structure onto your property.
  • You will have more opportunity to spend time outdoors and be closer to nature.
  • The pace is slower and distance from the frenetic city energy gives you the space to live at your own pace.
  • Rural communities are often smaller and more tight knit than the neighbourhoods’ you’ll find in the city, and you are more likely to get to know your neighbors.
• Cons of Rural Living:
  • Fewer job opportunities.
  • You’ll most likely often need to travel or spend extra money to get the things you need (i.e. Grocery Stores, etc.).
  • Access to utilities can be a challenge.
  • More maintenance and more time, energy, and money spent on a larger property’s upkeep.
  • Rural areas tend to lack public transportation and are not particularly walkable because everything is spread out.

Pros and Cons of Urban Life

City life offers proximity to amenities, plenty to do, and connection with a vibrant, bustling community. There’s always activity and can be very exciting. However, you should think carefully about whether living in the city is right for you. Consider these factors before deciding.

• Pros of Urban Life:
  • People are all around you and you can meet new people and make new friends every day. While this offers continual exposure to new ideas and new faces, it also allows a certain level of privacy and anonymity.
  • More diversity.
  • You’ll have exposure to cultural events and activities. There will be more ‘things to do’.  
  • You’ll have more access to public transportation in a big city. Some city neighborhoods are often very walkable, but should always be done with caution (considering time of day, etc.).
  • It’s easier to find job opportunities in a city. The job market is continually growing.
  • There are more options for utilities, services, and shopping.
• Cons of Living in the City:
  • The cost of living is higher.
  • While the job market is larger, it’s also more competitive.
  • Housing prices are higher, and you’ll get less space for the money.
  • Higher crime rates.
  • Cities are fast paced making it difficult to relax and unwind.
  • Generally, there is more pollution in the city than in rural areas.

Deciding Which Lifestyle is Right for You

How do you choose between the two lifestyles? First, think about your lifestyle. Preferences in terms of pace of life, social connections, and proximity to amenities. Do you prefer big city excitement? Do you prefer the tranquillity of the country? Consider the factors that matter most to you, and visit different areas. Research both urban and rural locations to gain first-hand experience of each. Picture your future and think about how you want your life to be in the long term. What are your goals? Which location will best support them?

Finally, talk to people who have experience living in the areas you’re considering to gain perspective that will help inform your decision.

A High-Quality Custom Home Builder No Matter Where You Want to Live

Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the quint relaxing peace often found in rural areas; when you’re ready to build your dream 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. Some are 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!

What’s involved in site preparation for construction? Before a home can be built on a piece of land, the site must be cleared and graded. The soil must also be compacted. Why is site preparation so important? First, it ensures that the site is ready for construction to begin. It also helps minimize the impact of the work being done on the surrounding environment. Properly preparing a construction site makes for easier access and easier movement of materials within the site, which speeds the construction process. What are the factors you need to consider when you want to prepare a site and build a home?

How to Prepare Land for Building a Home

When you are preparing a construction site, you must consider the nature of the project. Whether it’s residential, commercial, or public infrastructure, and the size of the project. It’s also important to factor in the location of the project. Is it in a rural or urban setting? What’s the climate like in that location? Once you have considered these and other major factors, you can follow these steps to prepare your site for building.

• Clear the site. This means removing trees, vegetation, debris, and other obstructions. Normally, this is done using heavy machinery, including excavators and plows.
• Evaluate the site. This requires more than just a cursory inspection while walking around the site. You will need to check the soil; testing it to determine whether or not it can handle the weight of all you intend to put onto it. Items to consider include structures, foundations, and heavy equipment. You will need a geotechnical investigation of the soil, because if it’s the wrong type of soil, it could jeopardize the integrity of your structure. You will also need to make sure that there are no underground obstructions to hamper your construction. This includes underground sewer, gas or electrical lines, as well as natural obstructions.
• Survey the land. Hire a surveyor to determine the boundary lines, as well as the best way to lay out the construction site. Site surveying is required for zoning and permitting purposes, and it helps prepare you for the design phase by showing you where certain structures can be built.
• Plan your design. Once you’ve tested the soil and surveyed the land, you can begin to develop a site design plan. In this plan, the designer will determine precisely where everything goes, including structures, drainage, and septic systems.
• Plan access points. When your design is in place, you can determine where the site access points at the building site and around the job site should be located. Heavy machinery needs to be able to access necessary areas, and you’ll need to provide perimeter access points for workers to move around the site safely. This is when you should determine how many porta-potties are needed on site, and how the site can be managed and accessed most efficiently.
• Install drainage and erosion controls. Before you begin to build, you must have adequate drainage systems and erosion system controls. This can include retention ponds and dewatering of groundwater. It also involves a silt fence installed around the property to make sure construction doesn’t cause erosion of the soil into roads and sewers. It’s important to use best management practices to keep the soil and sediment on the site, stabilize the soil, and mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff.
• Grade and compact the site. This is the final step in preparing a site for a new building, in which earth is moved around to create the desired site conditions. The ground can be excavated using methods like “cut and fill” and “split level,” and then it will need to be compacted to ensure stability.
• Have a safety plan in place. Create a plan to keep everyone safe during construction. Note the types of hazards on site, developing procedures to prevent injuries and reduce exposure to hazards. Make sure you have emergency contact information in all areas of the site. Also, be sure to have contact information for everyone working on site, and ensure you’ve given them proper guidance regarding personal protective equipment to be worn on site.

Custom-Built Homes

Of course, you don’t have to worry about how to prepare land for building a home if you leave the building to the professionals. When you’re ready to build your dream 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. Some are 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!\

Buying a new home is your chance to find a property that perfectly fits your needs and preferences. Two popular new construction options include custom homes and spec homes. While they are both brand new, these types of homes differ significantly. Learn more about custom homes vs. spec homes to help you make an informed decision.

What are Custom Homes?

A custom home is designed and built at the behest of a specific buyer. The process begins by selecting a custom home builder to design and construct a home that meets your unique requirements. You may work with an architect or designer to create a floor plan from scratch or customize one of the builder’s existing floor plans. You can also choose between building on your land or in a safe, planned community. Either way, your builder helps you select the materials and finishes that best match your vision.

What are Spec Homes?

A spec home, short for speculative home, is built by a developer or builder without a specific buyer in mind. The builder may construct several spec homes in a new subdivision on the speculation that the design, finishes, and materials appeal to a broad range of buyers. Once the home is complete, or sometimes when it’s still under construction, the builder puts it up for sale.

Differences Between Custom Homes and Spec Homes

1.      Customization

With a custom home, you have complete control over the design. Whether you create a unique floor plan or customize an existing design, you get to choose the materials and finishes you like best.

Spec homes have pre-determined designs, finishes, and materials. You may be able to make minor changes, such as choosing the paint color or selecting from two cabinet styles, but the home’s overall design is already established.

2.      Cost

Custom homes tend to be more expensive because they offer unlimited customization. You must also pay for design services, land, materials, and labor. Of course, prices vary widely based on the home’s location, size, and finishes.

Spec homes are typically more affordable because the builder constructs several homes at once in a single development, reducing the cost of labor and materials. You also only pay for the finished product, with no additional design or customization expenses.

3.      Timeline

A custom home may take six months to a year or more to complete, depending on the design and the availability of materials and labor. You must also acquire permits and conduct inspections before construction begins, adding to the overall completion timeline.

Spec homes are usually completed much faster. Builders already have the necessary permits and inspections in place once you contact them, and they use economies of scale to speed up the construction process.

Build a Custom Home in Oklahoma City

If you think a custom home is right for you, turn to Landmark Fine Homes. We’re a premier builder with over 20 years of experience building great homes for great people. We also offer pre-built homes in numerous communities across the Oklahoma City metro area. To learn more about custom home building, please call 405.400.8616 or contact us online.

Building your dream home is an exciting and fulfilling experience. For many people, a surprisingly difficult part of custom home building is finding the right place to build. So you might feel lucky if you already have a plot or acreage. While it may be cheaper to build a home if you already own the land, you still have other costs to consider before getting started.

The Cost to Build a House

Building a home requires a financial investment, though the cost varies widely. The average cost of building a home in the United States is about $300,000, with some buyers spending as low as $100,000 or as high as $1.5 million or more. The biggest factors affecting home building costs include:

• Location: Where you build your home significantly impacts the cost. For instance, building in a rural area may be less expensive than in an urban setting due to lower land prices and construction costs. The exact site conditions, including the amount of preparation required, are also major factors.
• Size: The size of your home contributes significantly to the overall cost. Larger homes require more materials, labor, time to build, driving up the price.
• Design: More complex designs and features such as vaulted ceilings, custom cabinets, and intricate trim increases the cost to build a house.
• Materials: High-end finishes and materials drive up construction costs, while more basic selections save money.

Building on Your Land

If you already own the plot or acreage where you want to build a home, you avoid paying land acquisition costs, but you must still consider several expenses associated with building on your land.

• Site preparation: It’s vital to prepare the site before construction begins. Site preparation includes clearing and grading, soil testing, land surveys, driveway construction, and utility hookups. This can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the lot size and location.
• Design and planning: Designing a floor plan is not a do-it-yourself job. Partner with a build-on-your-lot home builder who can customize a floor plan to meet your needs. Be aware that design and planning costs range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on design complexity and build location.
• Construction costs: Construction is the most significant home-building expense, with costs typically ranging from $100 to $500 per square foot.
• Landscaping: Once construction is complete, the final step is to landscape your property, which includes planting trees, shrubs, and grass, as well as installing hardscaping and outdoor lighting. This may cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more.

Build on Your Lot in Oklahoma City

If you’re ready to build a home on your land, turn to Landmark Fine Homes for assistance. We’re the ideal partner whether you already own a lot or need help finding one in your preferred location. We also offer custom and pre-built homes in planned communities around the Oklahoma City metro area. To learn more about your custom home building options, please call 405.400.8616 or contact us online.

Buying a new home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. It’s crucial to ensure your new home is quality constructed to avoid costly repairs and safety hazards in the future. Follow these steps to determine if your new home is built to a high standard.

Check the Foundation

The foundation is the most crucial element of any building. In new home construction, it’s important to have a level foundation free of visible cracks or gaps. Check the concrete for stains, which could indicate water damage, and ensure the foundation has proper drainage to prevent moisture problems.

Examine the Walls

In a quality construction, the walls are straight and plumb. Examine both the interior and exterior walls for cracks or gaps. Inspect the drywall as well for signs of damage or unevenness. The walls should also be well-insulated for efficiency and sound dampening, which you can test by knocking on them. If you hear a hollow sound, this indicates low wall quality.

Inspect the Roof

The roof should be flawless to protect your home from inclement weather for the foreseeable future. Check the shingles for damage and make sure the flashing around the chimney, vents, and other roof protrusions are installed properly. Then, watch out for water stains on the ceiling, which indicate a leak.

Inspect the Electrical System

Electrical wiring and fixtures can pose safety hazards if not installed properly. Look for any exposed wiring or loose connections. Then, test all outlets, switches, fans, and lights to ensure they’re working correctly.

Check the Plumbing

Pipe leaks are a common new home construction problem, so be on the lookout for visible signs of water damage, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls. Turn on every faucet and showerhead and flush every toilet to ensure proper functionality. Then, open under-sink cabinets to check for water stains or dripping.

Look for High-End Materials

Quality construction incorporates durable, beautiful materials. Check the quality of the cabinets, countertops, and fixtures. Then, look for thin drywall, low-grade carpeting, and other inferior materials. Finally, watch out for scratches or dents that a clumsy crew may have left behind.

Assess the Workmanship

A well-constructed home has clean lines and seamless surfaces. Look for signs of shoddy workmanship, such as uneven floor tile, poorly fitted windows and doors, or gaps between walls and ceilings. Also, check the paintwork for drips, smudges, or uneven coverage. These defects could indicate that construction was rushed or not done to a high standard.

Partner with a Quality Custom Builder in Oklahoma City

Landmark Fine Homes is one of Oklahoma City’s premier custom home builders with a reputation for exceeding expectations. We offer a diversified product line of custom and pre-built homes, which we can construct in planned communities or on buyer-owned lots. Our knowledgeable, caring team has been building great homes for great people for over 20 years, and we would love to bring your vision to life! Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more.

When building your dream home, it’s important to factor in every expense that comes with the purchase, including closing costs. Far too many home buyers are unaware of what closing costs to expect or who pays them. While the buyer usually pays closing costs, home builders sometimes offer incentives to help offset this expense.

What are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing a real estate transaction, including things like appraisal fees, title search and insurance fees, home inspection fees, and lender fees. The exact costs vary by location, lender, and type of home loan, but they can add up to several thousand dollars.

Who Pays Closing Costs?

Traditionally, it’s up to the buyer to pay closing costs. In some cases, a home seller may offer to cover some of the costs. But in new construction, the responsibility for paying closing costs is less clear-cut.

Do Home Builders Pay Closing Costs?

Some builders offer incentives to help buyers with closing costs and other home-buying expenses. These vary by builder and location but may include discounts on the home price, cash-back at closing, or interest-rate buy-downs.

Keep in mind that builders don’t usually cover the full cost of closing, so be prepared to pay some costs out of pocket, even if you receive an incentive. Also, be aware that some incentives are subject to certain conditions, such as using a preferred lender or closing within a specific timeframe.

Save on Closing Costs with a Custom Home Builder in Oklahoma City

At Landmark Fine Homes, we frequently offer deals to help our clients save on the home purchase price, closing costs, and mortgage interest rates when they choose our preferred lender. We also have incentives for buyers purchasing a home outright.

Over the past two decades, Landmark Fine Homes has become one of Oklahoma City’s premier custom home builders with a reputation for exceeding expectations. We offer a diversified product line of custom and pre-built homes ranging from $200K to $1.5 million. Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn what money-saving deals are currently available.

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. Perhaps you’ve bought a pre-existing home in the past, but now you’re ready to build a custom home to fit your unique needs and preferences. The custom home building process can be complex and overwhelming, especially for first-time custom home buyers, so follow these tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.

1. Establish your budget and stick to it: Be realistic about your financial situation and set a budget you can comfortably afford. Then, stick to the dollar amount you set to avoid overspending and financial stress.
2. Choose the right builder: Selecting the right custom home builder is crucial. Research and compare builders in your area, read online reviews, and contact references. The builder you choose should have experience designing and constructing custom homes similar to what you want.
3. Location, location, location: When it comes to custom home building, the location is just as important as the design. If you want to build on your own lot, consider the proximity to schools, shopping, and work, along with the quality of the neighborhood, before buying land. The builder may also have lots available in safe, planned communities.
4. Consider resale value: You might be building your dream home, but it’s still important to consider resale value. Choose a practical, functional design that appeals to many buyers. You never know if you may have to sell, and an overly customized design may limit your potential buyers and decrease your resale value.
5. Pay attention to the details: Building a custom home allows you to incorporate your unique style and personality. As you do, pay attention to the factors that make a home functional, comfortable, and visually appealing. Work with your builder to ensure every detail—from lighting to storage to traffic flow—is accounted for.
6. Don’t forget about energy efficiency: Building an energy-efficient home can save you money on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Consider finding a Certified Professional Builder who can help you incorporate high-efficiency HVAC, insulation, and appliances into your custom home design.
7. Plan for the future: Consider your family’s current needs and how they may change. Might you need additional bedrooms or a larger living space in the future? Anticipating and planning for your changing needs now saves you time and money in the long run.
8. Communicate with your builder: Clear and open communication is essential. Check in regularly with your builder for updates on the progress and any potential issues that have come up. Also, voice your questions or concerns to prevent misunderstandings and ensure your vision is achieved.

Building a custom home is incredibly rewarding when you partner with a knowledgeable builder who can bring your dream home to life. To ensure top-notch results, choose Landmark Fine Homes as your custom home builder in Oklahoma City. Our trustworthy, family-run business has been building great homes for great people for over 20 years. Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more.

If you’re tired of compromising on the features or location of your current home, you may be ready to move. Rather than looking for an used property, why not build your dream home from the ground up? If you go this route, you’ll have countless decisions to make as you craft the perfect living space, from selecting a prime location to designing the perfect layout to choosing high-quality fixtures and finishes.

It may seem overwhelming at first, but working with the right custom home builder makes the design and construction process a breeze. But what does a home builder do, anyway? Here’s a closer look at the responsibilities of a custom home builder.

Understanding Client Needs and Preferences

First and foremost, a custom home builder learns their client’s wishes. This requires active listening, effective communication skills, and a deep understanding of the build process and code requirements. Expect the builder to ask detailed questions about your vision, lifestyle, and budget to create a design that meets your every need.

Designing and Planning the Home

Once the builder understands your goals, they create a detailed plan for the home. Depending on your preferences, this may include customizing one of the builder’s floor plans or bringing your own design to the table. It might mean building on a predetermined lot or land you already own. You can even skip ahead and buy a pre-built home in a safe, planned community.

Obtaining Permits and Approvals

Before construction begins, the builder must obtain zoning permits, building permits, and inspections from local government agencies. The builder is also responsible for complying with building codes and regulations throughout the process.

Managing the Construction Phase

Your builder manages all aspects of the home build, from creating a construction schedule to hiring and supervising subcontractors to ensuring each phase is completed on time and within budget. Expect to remain informed of the progress and receive updates on any changes or issues that arise during construction.

Ensuring Quality and Safety

One of the most important home builder responsibilities is to deliver a safe, high-quality home. This involves using top-notch materials and finishes and ensuring the work is completed to code. The builder also schedules regular inspections to identify any potential safety hazards or quality issues and addresses them promptly.

Providing Post-Construction Support

Once construction is complete, your builder arranges a final inspection to receive a certificate of occupancy. Then, the builder hands over the keys, and you can move in! But that’s not where the relationship ends. Your builder offers continued support, providing guidance on home upkeep and addressing any issues that arise during the warranty period.

Contact a Custom Home Builder in Oklahoma City

Clearly, a new home builder plays a vital role throughout every phase of the design and construction process. To ensure your complete satisfaction, consider partnering with Landmark Fine Homes. Our knowledgeable, quality-focused team has been building great homes for great people since 2000. Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more about building a custom home in Oklahoma City.