Dewey Hennessee, co-owner of Matt Powers Custom Homes & Renovations, said over half of his recent projects have included multi-generational features.
Spending extra time during design pays off, he said. “Our design process is very involved. We ask all kinds of questions, because we want to understand all of our buyer’s needs.”
He suggests keeping a folder with design ideas. “Think of all the things you would like in a new home,” he said. “If you don’t write it down, you’ll forget it. There’s an infinite number of choices.”
Peggy Fuller, president of By Design Interiors Inc., reports a number of her clients are considering multi-generational living.
“I think it’s an excellent trend,” she said. “It’s truly bringing families back together.”
Fuller and her husband share a home with her adult daughter’s family. “It’s just more convenient,” she said. “We were able to pool our resources and get a great home on two acres.”
With two households, taking care of the property is easier as well as her being immediately available to help out with the grandchildren, she said, but key to making sure everyone gets along is having enough room. “If you have the space, you won’t feel on top of each other,” she said. “It takes the right mix and understanding to do it.”
Planning ahead makes all the difference, Fuller said. “It’s very expensive to retrofit, so plan ahead to minimize expenses when the time comes.”
Dennis Celsor, with Built Green Custom Homes, agrees that a little foresight goes a long way.
He asks clients to consider all options, coaching them to think about whether they might end up taking care of a parent. “We need to think about all the what-ifs. There are health challenges that can come along or children that might move home. It’s all about giving yourself options,” he said. “A few hundred dollars now could save you a lot down the road.”
All homes benefit from incorporating “universal design” – features for those with disabilities, the elderly and young children, Celsor said.
the 12th annual PRODUCT
EXPO 2014
SAVE-THE-DATE October 23rd
RESERVE YOUR BOOTH BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!
Booth Fee: $700 Includes pipe-and-drape, skirted table, booth sign and company recognition in the 2014 Product Expo Guide.
Contact: Donna Buenik 281-970-8970 x141
dbuenik@ghba.org
Thank you to our current sponsors!* Title Sponsor
The GHBA offers the National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Aging-in-Place designation (CAPS) to its members, and while Celsor was getting his designation, he was challenged to spend a few days in a wheelchair. “When you have the ability to walk, you take a lot for granted,” he said. (Find out more about the CAPS designation at
ghba.org/education.)
A great resource for homeowners is the Custom Builders Council’s list of profes- sionals who are not only familiar with the latest trends, but can offer guidance for any type of custom home.
Fuller said the Council’s professional programs keep members updated with the latest design and construction concepts.
“We’re team players,” she said. “If you have an architect, builder and designer, you have a good team. It’s amazing what you can accomplish.”
For information about the Custom Builders Council, call Donna Buenik at 281-970- 8970 ext. 141 or visit
www.ghba.org. The Custom Builders Council meets the third Thursday of every month (except July and December).
Come join us at the Houston Racquet Club, 10709 Memorial Drive on May 15 at 11:30 a.m. for a roundtable discussion on current trends, change orders, customer service, marketing selections and account- ing/financial key issues. Register online at
ghba.org/calendar.
Give-Aways Sponsor
(2) Trip
Horse Racing Game Sponsor
Complimentary Food and Bar Tickets Sponsors *As of print date.
GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE | HOUSTON BUILDER | MAY 2014
39
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48