Tag Archives : new construction

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 11 – A Champagne Wall and Museumesque Townhome In Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

In this episode of ‘Behind the Curtin’, Joanne Curtin takes you on an exclusive tour of the exquisite home of Billy Reeves Jr., featuring a one-of-a-kind champagne wall that defines luxury living like never before.

Joanne: Billy, where did you live before you moved to this gorgeous townhome in Roswell?

Billy: For the last nine years, we lived in Buckhead at a place called The View at Chastain.

Joanne: So, what made you choose Roswell? You could be anywhere.

Billy: I’ve been here all my life. After graduating Griffin High School, I went to Georgia Tech and I’ve been here ever since. My wife, Eileen, is from Stone Mountain. A friend of ours suggested we check out some new construction on Canton Street. I hadn’t been up to Canton Street for a while so I decided to take a drive up here. When I pulled in to Blacksmith Row, I called the real estate agent and she let me in. Once inside, I emailed Eileen the information and she simply said, “That’s where we’re going to live now”.

Joanne: What was it about this place that checked so many boxes for you?

Billy: Since the unit we purchased wasn’t completely finished, we had the option to make any changes that we wanted. And so, I felt like I literally built this place. I came here every morning and every evening for a year and a half and put this place together.

Joanne: How did your changes to the original design increase the value of the property?

Billy: The biggest thing was changing the layout and since I am in the cabinet business, we upgraded all the cabinetry, the countertops, and the closets. We also upgraded the fans and the showers. In addition, we worked with designer, Jennifer Crosby, of Crosby Design Group here in Roswell to select the tile, carpeting, and colors.

Joanne: Besides working with Jennifer Crosby, did you use a designer? What was that like?

Billy: We worked with a good friend of ours, Mariano. Previously, he had helped us redesign our showroom at Founders Kitchen and Bath. He is absolutely, off the charts talented and just a great guy.

Joanne: What does your home have that you and Eileen just felt like you really needed?

Billy: The layout of this home gives us the opportunity to tell our story, from the paintings to the family memorabilia. And everything has a place, and is very intentional.

Joanne: Where do you source some of your unique finds?

Billy: Most of the furnishings came from 14th Street Modern in Atlanta. The two bookcases in the living room came from the Michael Kors Showroom at Phipps Plaza. Possibly my favorite piece though is a small table in the elevator where we can put our coffee cups as we go up and down to the kitchen.

Joanne: Was there something that you splurged on?

Billy: Well, all of it was a splurge, the art and the furnishings. We definitely went over budget.

Joanne: What have you learned from this move?

Billy: After building an 8,000 square foot home on the golf course at Echelon, I felt like I learned a lot. Moving here from Buckhead, we learned to let our designer handle most things for us.

Joanne: What would you feel like people should not skimp on?

Billy: The biggest thing people should not skimp on is the small things, the little details. For example, the lighting in the hallway is set up to illuminate each step. This is not accidental, it is intentional. And I don’t think you should skimp on the fixtures, the faucets, the door handles, all that kind of stuff. And you definitely don’t want to skip on the cabinetry!

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 8 – A New Construction Home in Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Max Reiboldt and his wife, Kay, built a new home across the street from where they were living. This short journey resulted in a huge transformation of their living space.

Joanne: Max and Kay, it is a pleasure to talk to you. I am excited to hear about where you lived before you built this home.

Kay: We lived on Fowler, just literally diagonally across the street. We liked the neighborhood so much that when this property became available, we latched on to it quickly. We wanted to be on one level, and we didn’t want much yard. When the builder realized that two homes could not be built on this lot, Max said, “Why not purchase the entire property?” So, we ended up with a larger lot than we expected.

Joanne: What does your new home have that your previous one didn’t have?

Kay: The problem we had at Fowler is that you could not get into that house without stairs. We needed all of our living space on one level, but we have six grandkids, and we thought, we really would like to have space for them if they all want to come and stay. We also built over the three-car garage. We added that additional space in case we need live in help to stay with us. Caregivers, nursing homes, they are so expensive, we thought it would be better to have space for someone to live here and we can stay in our home which is our goal.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Kay: I think the whole downstairs – the kitchen, dining room, hallway. In the morning I love to sit in the hallway with the big windows and plants.

Max: We have an outside covered porch patio and pool and that is a nice setting and pretty enjoyable when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. I also think the high 25-foot ceiling with a balcony view upstairs is a unique feature in this very custom home.

Joanne: So, upstairs is really for visitors and grandkids?

Max: We entertain quite a good bit actually. And each bedroom has a theme. For example, I am President of the Board of Directors of a medical missions effort serving central America, primarily Guatemala. And we’ve gone there so many times, we have named one of our guest rooms “The Guatemala Room” because we modeled it after some of the places we stay when we are there.

Kay: We have a purple room for our granddaughters. We also have a living room [on the second level] for the grandkids that has an arts and craft area. The third floor was actually not planned for anything more than storage. But we made it in to a game room where we have a pool table and we also have some extra storage up there as well.

Joanne: What is your favorite source for décor?

Kay: Working with our very talented interior designer, Christie, who has worked for HGTV and Netflix, I will buy something that I love and she will find a way to make it work. I love unique pieces and bargains! So, she and I are always on the hunt for a good sale. Locally, I pick up things at antique stores and sometimes I will find pieces online at Wayfair or Serena and Lily. I have a good friend and along with Christie’s assistant, we are able to purchase larger items that I could not transport on my own.

Joanne: What is a splurge in your home that you feel you couldn’t live without?

Kay: I can you right off the bat! It’s the master bathroom tile we had imported from Mexico.

Joanne: And, in your opinion, what is something that you feel someone should never skimp on?

Kay: I think flooring is something you need to get right. And it needs to be the right color, especially when you have a big open space. It has to go with everything. You don’t need to buy the most expensive stuff in the world, but you need to think about upkeep. I also think good quality furniture that will last for a long time is worth the investment.

Joanne: What would you say you and Max learned through the process of building this home?

Kay: Along with our vacation homes, we learned that location is very important. Here we are centrally located for our grandkids. We also learned that some of our original ideas changed as we built the home. For example, we originally planned for a simple little garden. But because of the drainage issues we had on the lot, it was necessary to build the house longer and route the drain system properly to keep the lots from flooding in heavy rain. And with the addition of an elevator, we can have multiple floors that I still have access to, even though we originally planned for a ranch-style home.
But I have to say, being prepared for additional costs that will inevitably come up is important. And be sure to have an attorney look over contracts with builders and vendors so that your financial interests are protected.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 7 – A Net Zero New Home in Roswell Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Joanne Curtin, Wynn Tierney, net zero home consultant, and Steven Sanders-Myers, Brightwater net zero engineer, discuss the newest Brightwater Homes project, a neighborhood of new construction, net zero homes in Roswell.

Joanne: Thank you for sitting down with me. What made you choose to build in Roswell?

Steven: It was part of our overall 2025 plan, and the Barrington neighborhood was ready for new construction, so we got to work here.

Joanne: What is “Net Zero”?

Steven: Net zero energy is as much energy that is needed to operate the house. That energy is generated onsite with solar arrays and we are generating the same amount of energy that’s needed to run the house. So basically “net zero” means nothing on the meter. You produce as much as you need.

Joanne: What is the main benefit of a net zero home?

Steven: Livability is the biggest benefit. These homes are designed and built to be more energy efficient using better systems and better construction methods. The home is built as a more complete structure with an extremely efficient HVAC. It is better able to control the temperature and humidity coming in to the home. It exceeds all of the code minimums by a large margin. Your HVAC is your biggest energy user. So that’s something that we’re really keen on.

Joanne: So, what does this home have that we all need?

Steven: Cost efficiency is the reason many builders use when they build to code minimums. But in the long run, there are better ways to spend your dollars to build a product that is going to give you a much more comfortable home. Again, the elements that we use to create a better envelope for the house include the HVAC, insulation, and construction techniques save you money over time. The other things people can do in their current homes is add low flow toilets, upgrade to highly rated Energy Saver appliances and even replace their current lightbulbs with energy efficient bulbs.

Joanne: Talk to me a little bit about how you used a designer with this community.

Steven: We actually use energy modeling and an energy designer. We have our architecture team designing the floor plan and the exterior. Then we have a designer work on all the interior finishes. Our buyers will go through a detailed process to curate a specific package for them.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in these homes?

Wynn: I always like the kitchens and the sculleries. With the advent of everyone working from home, you’ve got more people in the kitchen at different times. Some people want an extra sink or dishwasher, some want a wine fridge or an appliance garage.

I also like our FROGS (finished room over garage). They can be more versatile than a finished basement, providing extra guest, work, or workout space.

Joanne: What are you hearing from buyers? What do they like?

Wynn: Our buyers love our new curated design process. We get to know the family and their likes and dislikes and what they need. We ask questions about the music they like, the food they eat, if they like to entertain, etc. We try to get a complete picture of their tastes without overwhelming them. We then create a unique curated package of design choices and materials that fit such as Modern or Timeless Elegance. It is more than a visit to a showroom with basic choices.

Joanne: What are buyers splurging on? Are they being too frugal in some areas?

Wynn: We see buyers upgrading materials in the primary bathroom, such as tile, and we see higher end appliances in the kitchen.

Since we build these homes at such an elite level, there really isn’t a reason to scrimp on anything. If anything, people with basements sometimes choose not to finish every room right away.

Joanne: What have you learned from this process?

Steven: I have been researching net zero homes and techniques for a while but to actually see it in reality is great. There are so many extra things that are done beyond a standard new construction build. For example, window glazing that is required to meet Energy Star standards. Our technical team and energy advisors are here on site to make sure the homes are as efficient as possible. Our goal is the top HERS rating of zero (most efficient). HERS (Home Energy Rating System) is a national standard for demonstrating a home’s energy efficiency. The average home is between 100 and 130.

Also, there is a big debate about building a house too tight. This could lead to moisture build up and mold growth. That is why we install fresh air flow ventilation sized appropriately per cubic feet. Our homes are “healthy homes” for that reason.

Joanne: Is there anything else you’d like to see added to these homes?

Steven: There are strict guidelines from the city of Roswell about water flow calculations and so the footprint of the home, porches, and sidewalks limit the size of the backyard pools that can be installed. As a solution, some buyers are installing smaller splash pools.

Joanne: What is the next Brightwater project after this?

Wynn: “Aster” is coming soon. That is a 24 -home neighborhood off of Cox Road. And then we have the next phase of “Sweet Apple” off of Ebenezer Rd.

Join your host, Joanne Curtin, as she takes you on an exclusive tour of new construction homes and townhomes in Barrington Place, Ecco Park, and Millstone Park. Can you guess the price?

WATCH THE HOME TOURS HERE

House #1- Barrington Place home, built by Brightwater Homes, is in historic Roswell near The Mill Kitchen and Bar and is a net zero home (Net zero means the home generates the renewable power to match the needs of the home). Did you know that Roswell is a certified Green Community – platinum level?

Townhome #2 – Ecco Park is located in Alpharetta 30022. This townhome community is being developed and built by The Providence Group.

Townhome #3 – Millstone Park townhomes are located near Deerfield Parkway, Alpharetta. These three story townhomes are conveniently located near Exit 11 (GA-400) and close to shopping and restaurants.

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New home construction has come a long way in recent years with a focus on space design, energy efficiency, and environmentally-friendly materials. Here are the latest features in new home construction:

Large Mud Rooms (aka Family Foyers) – Large mud rooms have extended their footprint in new homes. Previously, mud rooms were often limited to just a hallway with a built-in, but now they are taking on a larger role by accommodating seating, sometimes with a desk to pay bills, and drop zone for mail. Think about it as a room to hide all the mess when you or your children walk in the door – there’s a place to drop shoes, coats, backpacks, laptops, papers, mail and even to take a minute to sit and relax before entering the main house. All of this is usually hidden behind a sliding door to create separation and the ability to close off this area from guests seeing the mess.

Heated floors – Heated floors are especially popular in the primary bathroom. Making cold tile warm in the winter is a game changer! Heated floors operate on a timed thermostat so you can program the heat to match your schedule. Waking up and the bathroom is already toasted, no longer cringing when your bare feet hit the cold floor and scrambling to get your slippers on. Once you have them, you’ll never want to be without them.

A Hidden Room – Childhood dreams come true! Having a hidden room to relax and unwind or to safely retreat into if needed, these rooms are being added behind bookshelves just like in the movies! Often found in an office, a walk-in closet, or primary bedroom, hidden rooms can serve a variety of purposes like hiding a prized and valuable collection, a hidden entertainment area, or a reading and relaxing spot. Another example is the understairs space that often goes unused, which can be turned into a hidden fun playroom for kids. We’ve even seen a hidden hatch door in the floor that led to a wine room underground. The possibilities are endless.

Environmentally Friendly – Environmentally-friendly building has become a favorite for energy efficiency, with an attainable and clear ROI and because of increased environmental awareness. Homeowners want to be a better steward of the planet, and this not only saves homeowners money on energy bills, but it also helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the home. There are many ways builders are incorporating this into their plans, such as:

● Solar: Your builder can prepare the roof when built for solar panels. Installing mounts and preparing for wiring during construction will save you money for when you do install solar panels in the future.
● EV Ready: Your builder can ensure that your home has enough electrical service in your garage and install chargers during construction.
● Battery Ready: Equipping your home with solar batteries allows you to capture the energy produced with solar (instead of or in addition to sending it back to the grid) and then use it as you need it, either during a power outage or on cloudy days when solar may not be sufficient.
● Geothermal Systems: According to the US Department of Energy, a Geothermal heat pump can mean a 25%-50% reduction in energy consumed compared to a traditional system that uses air. In addition to the electricity savings, geothermal systems are eco-friendly because they don’t burn gas during operation. And because there’s no combustion, there’s no admission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other greenhouse gasses. Because these systems are much quieter to operate, it also saves on noise pollution. If the builder is already digging for a septic for your home, ask about the possibility of adding geothermal during the dig.

There has been a significant shift towards the use of environmentally-friendly building materials. This includes the use of recycled materials, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes. Eco-friendly building materials cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources; all while improving water and air quality. Examples are Low-Formaldehyde Insulation, Low-VOC Drywall Adhesives, Low-VOC Paints and Carpets, ENERGY STAR® Low-E Windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, dual flush toilets and LED lighting packages.

Hidden Outlets – These can be an afterthought, but with planning ahead and smart design, your outlets don’t have to take away from your beautiful kitchen backsplash. Electrical outlets can be placed under the cabinets so they remain hidden from view and still easy to access. There are also countertop pop-up outlets that only appear when needed or removable tile plates that can keep the outlet masked when not in use. With the amount of device charging we need now, consider a charging station drawer. This drawer will have a power strip at the back of it and you can keep unsightly wires and devices out of view while charging. Perfect in the kitchen, bathroom and built-in desk drawers.

Large Kitchen Island – Kitchens are the heart and center of the home. Large kitchen islands serve a multitude of roles, from prep station to homework spot to eating area. Large kitchen islands have an aesthetic impact on the room as well. Popular design trends include the waterfall edge where the countertop continues down the side of the island all the way to the floor or the simpler English cottage style with tongue and groove paneling. Large dramatic hanging light pendants and gorgeous sink hardware help showcase the island as a centerpiece of the kitchen.

Floating vanities – Floating vanities add a contemporary feel and modern look. These shorter base cabinets appear to “float” on the wall instead of sitting directly on the floor. They can make small spaces look larger and open up the room. The downside is less storage space. To add to the floating visual, under-cabinet lighting is a popular added feature, this lighting below the floating cabinetry also adds to the “floating” appearance of the vanity.

Dog Wash Station – Dog owners are spending more and more on their dogs every year. A recent survey cited that one of the main reasons Millennials purchased a home was because of their dogs. So, it’s no surprise that new features specifically for dogs are becoming standard. We’re even seeing dog watering stations with a faucet to refill the water bowl.
Locating a dog bath in a mud room, laundry room ,or garage is a practical solution, especially if your space has exterior access. Putting everything you need right by an exterior entrance; your home will remain better protected from tracked-in dirt. Ideally your wash station has a faucet with a handheld sprayer attachment and drain area. Plus, it’s more versatile than you might think. You can use it not only for your furry friends, it’s also great for washing off muddy kids or dirty shoes.

Built-In Speakers Inside & Out – Bring on the tunes! If you already know where you want to put the sound system and entertainment center, talk to your builder about installing built-in speakers in those rooms. You’ll save yourself valuable floor or wall space and have the luxury of having your house literally filled with music.

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing one, these trends are worth considering to stay ahead of the curve and to optimize your space in a modern, fashionable way.