Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, May 17, 2012 @ 01:18 PM
Ranch Floor Plan New Home Tours
One Story Home Video Tours
One story homes are very popular among Raleigh, NC homebuyers. And here are a few reasons why a one story floor plan is appealing:
- No stairs
- Accessibility: all bedrooms are already on the same floor
- Appealing exterior: a longer and wider exterior can appeal to buyers and help with resale
- Open floor plan design: vaulted ceilings can be added to almost any room, when there is no second story
Stanton Homes can usually add a basement to the one story plan you love. And it’s fairly common to add a room or two upstairs – like a game room for the kids to hang out in.
Just let us know what you need, and we’ll show you how we can design and build your one story home together.
Watch video tours of real homes we designed and built – here are some of our most requested one story homes:
There are hundreds of one story home plans to choose from, and our in-house design work comes at no extra cost, too.
Learn more about building a ranch home in North Carolina:
Here are ranch floor plan options by square footage. Click on these links to see more options.
Ranch floor plans under 1500 square feet
Ranch floor plans 1500-2000 square feet
Ranch floor plans 2000-2500 square feet
Ranch floor plans 2500 and over square feet
All our favorite ranch floor plans
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Mon, May 14, 2012 @ 08:13 AM
Country House Plans
Country Style New Homes in Raleigh, NC
What characterizes a country style new home? Country home floor plans strive for a comfortable, casual living experience. Here are some defining features of a "country" home:
- Welcoming large covered front porch or wrap-around porch. Some porches can be two stories high on a country style home.
- Dormers on the second floor
- Symmetrical windows with shutters surrounding the front door
- Wood, clapboard, or shake exteriors
- Large great room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling
- Large kitchen with oversized walk-in pantry, island with eating bar
- Vaulted dining area (does not have to be a formal dining room)
- Large master suite
- Square footage can vary from small cottage style plans to sprawling luxury plans
Watch a video tour of our most popular country style custom home plan, below. In this photo tour, you'll find: country style kitchen with farmhouse sink, vaulted great room with fireplace and second story overlook, vaulted dining area, wainscoting and beadboard detailing throughout, and so much more.
Ask us about country style homes in Raleigh, NC.
Stanton Homes is committed to designing and building the most exceptional custom homes in central North Carolina, specifically designed for your lifestyle.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, May 10, 2012 @ 08:18 AM
Home Design Details You Haven't Thought Of
Including a Built-In Plant Shelf
Think you're on top of new home design trends? Here's another subtle way to add elegance and detail to your new home: including a built-in plant shelf in the Foyer, Master Bedroom, or other rooms in your new Raleigh home.
Watch this short video tour of plant shelf examples. Get ideas for your next home.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, May 09, 2012 @ 11:44 AM
New Homes Cost Less to Maintain Every Month
NAHB's Data Analysis Shows Cost Savings When Building New
Why should I build a new home instead of buying an existing one? As you start to think about buying a home, you should know all the costs involved - not just the upfront price tag.
A recent article released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) re-emphasizes the cost disparities between new and used. Read the full NAHB article here.
New Homes Save Money
According to the NAHB, newly built homes (home built within the last four years) will save buyers money in monthly energy and maintenance costs.
The NAHB studied data from the 2009 American Housing Survey.
Analysis of maintenance costs found:
- 26% of all home owners spent $100 or more per month on various routine maintenance costs
- Only 11% of home owners of newly constructed homes spent $100 or more on upkeep costs
- 73% of new home owners spent less than $25 a month on routine maintenance costs
Analysis of energy costs found:
- The average home owner spent 78 cents per square foot* per year on electricity
- Owners of new homes spent 65 cents per square foot per year
For homes with piped gas,
- Overall, owners spent an average of 53 cents per square foot per year
- Owners of new homes spent 38 cents per square foot per year
*on a median per-square-foot-basis
More Reasons to Build a New Home
There are dozens of reasons to build a new home, over buying an existing one:
- New home warranties - on the home, appliances, and other products within the home
- Custom floor plan design to meet your needs - don't want to use square footage on a formal dining? That's your choice when building new.
- New appliances, built to last!
- Universal design feature integration
- Current lifestyle needs are met - more built-in storage, easy to clean floors, strategic lighting
Contact Stanton Homes to learn more about building a new custom home in central North Carolina.
Read more about the advantages of building a new home:
Top 10 Reasons to Build a Home Instead of Buying an Existing Home
Choosing New Over Used - Home Buying Tips
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Tue, May 08, 2012 @ 08:03 AM
Types of Porch Railing Popular in North Carolina
New Home Exterior Style Ideas
Here are three popular front porch railing styles - with up-close photos to help you see the differences.
Each of these porch railings have visual appeal with materials and styles that compliment the design and colors of the home exteriors. These porch railings also provide a practical measure of safety and convenience for both kids and adults.
There are endless railing designs to choose from. Get ideas from these picture samples.
This Raleigh new home wrap-around porch uses a unique railing style - a "spider web" custom wood design.
What other special features can you name on this home exterior?
- Colonial round windows
- Transoms (above the front door and porch windows; on the side of second story center window)
- Shutters to match front door
- Stone and shake siding accents
Take a closer look at the front porch railing - custom built by Stanton Homes.
This "spider web" is another specialty design, similar to the "chippendale" rail style.
This Chapel Hill new home full-length front porch uses a different railing style - a vertical "criss-cross" custom painted wood design.
What other special features can you name on this home exterior?
- Transoms (above the front door and porch windows; on the side of second story center window)
- Front door glass accent
- Board and Batten exterior siding
Take a closer look at the front porch railing - custom built by Stanton Homes.
The posts alternate meeting at the top of the rail and bottom of the rail for a "zig-zag" design.
Compare these two homes to a more common front porch railing style - vertical posts evenly placed with matching square columns, painted white.
What other special features can you name on this home exterior?
- Wide colonial arch window above foyer
- Solid wood front door with window
- Beadboard accents
Take a closer look at the front porch railing - custom built by Stanton Homes.
Many homebuyers love this classic front porch look.
While these porch designs are made of wood, vinyl railing is becoming more popular. While wood requires maintenance over time (repainting, revanishing), vinyl railing is very durable. Vinyl can even come in pre-made patterns.
Here are some new home exterior style and outdoor living features you may be interested in:
Also learn about:
Types of exterior siding - most popular new home exterior types
Are one story homes better than two story homes?
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Fri, May 04, 2012 @ 08:34 AM
What is a Cape Cod Style House Plan?
Cape Cod Homes in Raleigh
The term "Cape Cod" originates from home designs in the city of Cape Cod, Massachusetts - and the modern Cape Cod home pulls elements from traditional colonial New England homes.
What gives a North Carolina home Cape Cod style?
A Cape Cod style house plan is defined by:
- 1.5 stories (with the second story left unfinished in some cases for future expansion)
- Main floor master bedroom
- Additional bedrooms located on the second story. Cape Cod homes can have a large number of bedrooms for a given square footage.
- Dormers
- Symmetrical, "clean" exterior facade (number and placement of windows on each side of the front door) and little ornamentation
- Similarly symmetrical interior with a "center hall layout" and rooms to the sides
- Exterior made of real (or simulated) wood shingles or clapboard siding
- Traditional Cape Cod homes have a central chimney, steep piched roof, and end gables.
Ask us about Cape Cod homes in Raleigh, NC.
No two Stanton Homes are alike - and our homebuyers get ideas from dozens of different home styles.
Each custom home is a result of combining our vision and the ideas of our homebuyers with the expertise of our in-house design team. Our in-house design work comes included in our custom home packages, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, May 03, 2012 @ 12:55 PM
How to Choose Betwen a One and Two Story Home
Raleigh New Home Styles
Your new home should fit your lifestyle perfectly. Love to entertain? Have small children? Need space for elderly or disabled guests to navigate easily? Already own a lot for building a home? These are all important questions to ask when choosing a floor plan.
See which type of home will best fit your needs - a one story or two story - below.
Why Build a One Story Home?
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider building a one story home in North Carolina:
- No stairs to climb every day.
- All bedrooms are already on the same floor - with easier accessibility.
- A longer and wider exterior is visually appealing to a lot of homebuyers - and it can help resale.
- Love open floor plan design? More rooms can open up in a one story home with vaulted ceilings.
Why Build a Two Story Home?
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider building a two story home in North Carolina:
- While you will need to go up and down stairs, a two story home can include an elevator for full accessibility. See a custom home with an elevator in this version of the Dugan.
- All bedrooms can still be placed on the same level - and are generally placed on the second floor of a two story home to free up living and entertaining space on the first floor.
This setup is ideal for wide-open entertaining spaces.
- A two story home can fit better on a small lot space. If you own or plan to buy a smaller lot, you may need to consider two story floor plan options.
- Two story homes can be more energy efficient when heat rises to warm the second story in the winter.
Why do I see so many two story homes in the Raleigh, NC area?
Two story homes can be more popular because they cost less per square foot! There is less roofline, framing, and foundation to pay for, in a given amount of square footage. Extending your home upwards will save you money.
Still undecided? Watch video tours of real homes we designed and built for real people – here are our most requested one story homes!
Compare some of our most requested two story floor plans.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, May 02, 2012 @ 10:38 AM
Most Popular North Carolina New Home Exteriors
Exterior Siding Types
What are the most popular new home exterior types used in North Carolina?
There are many different types of exterior siding materials available when building a new home in North Carolina.
Below are descriptions of some of the most popular exterior siding types in NC. Each of the custom Stanton Homes pictured below use two or more exterior types to add dimension, emphasis, and detail.
1. Vinyl Exteriors
Vinyl siding (composed of PVC or polyvinyl chloride) is a very popular exterior type used in North Carolina.
It can be cost effective, require low maintenance, and come in a variety of shades, tones, and thicknesses. A high quality vinyl exterior looks great and has one of the lowest maintanence factors of all exterior siding types.
Vinyl is generally installed horizontally, but can also be vertical (such as in Board and Batt designs, described below).
2. HardiBoard/Fiber Cement Exteriors
HardiBoard or Fiber Cement Siding is another popular choice for North Carolina new homes. Fiber cement looks similar to vinyl, but can generally be more expensive for a few reasons:
- it has a realistic wood grain look and feel
- it is installed differently
- it requires full exterior paint, which vinyl siding does not
HardiBoard/fiber cement also requires re-painting unlike vinyl. It can come in many different shapes and styles (such as Board and Batt and Shake).
Some communities with an HOA require fiber cement siding on all new homes. Fiber cement siding usually comes with a 50 year warrenty, depending on the manufacturer.
3. Stone Exteriors
Stone exteriors can be natural stone or simulated stone, and is generally the most expensive type of home exterior.
Many North Carolina homeowners choose to add stone as an accent, in combination with vinyl, Hardi, or brick exteriors. Stone accents can be:
- one or more full walls (generally on the front of the home)
- half walls or water tables along the front and side of a home (generally about 2-4 feet tall spans)
4. Brick Exteriors
Brick exteriors (composed of clay bricks) are a classic exterior that remains popular for their durability, strength, and low maintanence.
There are many different shapes, colors, sizes, and styles of brick to choose from.
A "standard" brick is 2 by 4 by 8 inches.
Other brick options include:
- "King": thicker, longer bricks
- "Roman": thinner, longer bricks
Brick exteriors are more costly than vinyl or fiber cement, but less than full stone exteriors.
5. Stucco Exteriors
Stucco (composed of plaster and cement applied over a mesh screen), while very popular in some regions of the nation, is rarely used as a home exterior in North Carolina, due mainly to climate conditions. It is also one of the most expensive siding options in North Carolina.
Stucco can be smooth or textured, painted or pigmented.
6. Board and Batt Exteriors (Board and Batten)
Board and batt exterior can be composed of vinyl or fiber cement.
A board and batt design alternates wide boards and narrow strips (battens). While board and batt can be horizontal, it is generally used as a vertical design.
Board and batt is generally associated with cottage and barn style homes, but has been increasingly used as an accent on vinyl, Hardi, and stone homes.
7. Shake Exteriors
Shake exteriors (also composed of various materials including vinyl and Hardi) are traditionally made from split wood, such as cedar.
Shakes are generally placed as an "irregular" pattern to give a rustic or artistic appeal.
Here are some new home exterior style and outdoor living features you may be interested in:
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Tue, May 01, 2012 @ 12:32 PM
What is a Bungalow?
Bungalow Style Home Features
Bungalow style homes can be defined by many different features depending on their location (West coast, East coast, etc) and construction time period (new construction, or existing home).
Bungalow homes in North Carolina have some similiar features to craftsman style homes.
Here are some of the more common features you will find in a North Carolina new "bungalow" home - see if a bungalow home is right for you!
- One or 1.5 stories
- Roofs with a low-pitch and broad eaves
- Different types of siding, with brick and vinyl most common in North Carolina
- Front door opens to living room (with small or no foyer)
- Open concept floor plans with little wasted space (for example, bungalow homes minimize hallway square footage)
- Fewer formal areas
- Craftsman aspects such as built-ins (bookshelves, cabinets, desks, etc)
- Outdoor living space with large front porches, patios, decks, and/or verandas.
Ask us about bungalow homes in Raleigh, NC.
No two Stanton Homes are alike.
Each is a result of combining our vision and the ideas of our homebuyers with the expertise of our in-house design team. Our in-house design work comes included in our custom home packages, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 @ 07:27 AM
How is the Chapel Hill Housing Market?
Home Sales Up Again in Orange County, NC - March 2012 Market Report
Another North Carolina county is showing continued housing market strength - this time it's good news for Orange County.
The March 2012 Triangle MLS Report for Orange County shows significant percentages of increasing closed sales (up 16.2 percent) and decreasing new listings (down 10.8 percent).
16.2% Increase in Closed Sales in Orange County
Orange County closed home sales are up 16.2 percent in March 2012 versus March 2011.
March 2011 - 74 Closed Sales in Orange County
March 2012 - 86 Closed Sales in Orange County
10.8% DECREASE in New Listings Available in Orange County
In addition, new listings of homes for sale have reduced as well, which means there are fewer choices to select from.
March 2011 - 333 New Listings in Orange County
March 2012 - 297 New Listings in Orange County
28.4% DECREASE in Total Homes For Sale in Orange County
The total available inventory of homes for sale in the Chapel Hill area, specifically in Orange County, has decreased from 1,206 last year to 864 this year.
Orange County NC New Home Resources - Building a Home in Chapel Hill, NC
Orange County New Home Communities
Orange County NC New Homes
Orange County NC Property Tax Rates 2011
Acreage Homes in Orange County
Orange County Accessible Home Builders
Golf Community Homes in Orange County
Build On Your Lot in Orange County, NC
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.