Does it seem to you that new homes are generally bigger than older ones? If so, your observation is correct. The average new home today is nearly 500 square feet (or 25%) larger than the average house built 20 years ago, and 12% larger than those built in the late 1990s.    However, mere square footage is not the primary reason why new homes are more spacious than their predecessors.

Homes are now designed to enhance the perception of larger space and to allow a variety of functions in the common areas of the home. Open floor plans, increasingly popular across all housing types, sizes and prices, create long views through the home and afford “shared” spaces that serve multiple needs.

The perfect example of this concept is the combination kitchen-eating nook-family room. An uninterrupted view from either end makes this space appear quite large as each “area” spills easily into the next. A kitchen island extended into the eating area, for instance, may serve as the family’s everyday dining area, homework or bill-paying center, or craft counter. In turn, that area transitions seamlessly into the family room where family members and guests can relax but stay in touch with activity and conversations in the kitchen — where the cook used to be isolated!

This perceived space is made even greater by a row of windows along the long wall of the room looking into the back yard. More windows may be located on the kitchen and/or family room end-walls.   These windows extend the long interior view even further to the exterior of the house, giving the illusion of more space inside. Extensive daylight — especially from three walls — also creates a more comfortable and energy efficient living space.

The benefits of the open plan kitchen-eating nook-family room are now being extended to include other rooms on the main floor of the house. Passageways from the living room and formal dining rooms to the more informal areas of the house are uninterrupted by doors to maintain the shared usage and long sightlines that create the feeling of spaciousness.

The open plan concept is taken to its extreme in floor plans that eliminate the distinction between living room and family room to create a “great room” that is entirely open to other areas of the house. Another variant, the loft-style house (born out of urban industrial warehouse space adapted to residential use) offers an open floor plan that is completely flexible in its use — and therefore appears to be the most spacious option of all.

Other design features that enhance perceived or actual space in new homes include the use of higher ceilings — most effective in large rooms where good proportion can be maintained — and greater access to usable outdoor living areas. Patios, decks and balconies fitted with furnishings, cooking and eating areas, pools and spas, and lounge areas with flat-screen TVs and fireplaces are a more recent and popular innovation in new homes that actually boosts a home’s practical footprint.

In summary, it is clear that design trends in new homes offer greater space and lifestyle flexibility. Existing homes, even those from a decade ago, cannot match the spacious look and feel of new homes.   This trend towards open floor plans and large common spaces is especially evident in the new custom homes which are being built in Highlands and Cashiers NC.

Contributed by Zac Koenig of Koenig Homebuilders in Highlands NC.  

Are you looking for a home to buy in Highlands North Carolina?  522 Lake Sequoia Drive in Highlands NC is referred to as the “Total Package”.  This is a four bedroom home with a fabulous floor plan situated on over five acres with all the conveniences of town close by.  The attention to detail in this Highlands home is evident throughout this new home.   The kitchen is complete with top notch appliances that include two dishwashers and an industrial six burner stove.  Throughout the home the intricate stonework, wood work and finishing touches create a one of a kind retreat.

Views, privacy, convenience and location add up to create a spectacular environment.  Owning a second home in Highlands NC is an opportunity to create a lifetime of memories, and this Highlands home is a wonderful environment, offering a true respite from a hectic life.

For more information about Highlands North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558.

Today, simple respect and responsiveness seems to be more the exception than the rule … especially after the sale. How a homebuilder manages after-sale service, also called warranty service or call-backs, is a key indicator of the company’s overall professionalism and ability to meet (and ideally exceed) a homebuyer’s expectations.

The goal of the professional builder is to quickly and completely respond to and resolve issues that come up during the time a home is under warranty. As a critical part of providing great housing value and achieving customer satisfaction, professional builders encourage questions from homebuyers and respond to their concerns in a timely and respectful manner.

Typically, a builder’s warranty addresses specific issues with a home related to its structural components (such as the foundation and frame), basic electrical and other mechanical systems, and the quality of workmanship for a set time period. How a builder responds to warranty service inquiries varies depending on the policy offered and sold with the house: some are defined and managed entirely by the builder, while others are defined, at least in part, by independent agencies (such as an insurance company) and administered by the builder.

Specific warranty language and procedures benefit both the builder and the homeowner. Simply, a well-defined and properly communicated warranty service policy helps eliminate confusion about who is responsible for issues, concerns, and other call-back items that may occur in the first year or so of occupancy.

While there are specific differences among builders, a superior warranty service program includes:

Documentation. A documented process for responding to call-backs and customer service inquiries creates a “paper trail” that ensures that questions and concerns are properly communicated, managed, and resolved. A professional builder will document the details of the warranty policy and keep track of inquiries, response time, and specific types of service calls from the first call to follow-up to ensure the homeowner’s ultimate satisfaction.

Response time. Responding to a service call is more an issue of timing than time; the key is to understand which calls will be addressed immediately, and which may require or allow more time. No one likes to wonder if or when a call or email will be answered; if homeowners can depend on getting a reply from their builder within a reasonable (or better still, stated) time frame, chances are better that they’ll be satisfied with how the issue is resolved.

Collective calls. Even if a builder responds to a warranty service call within a day or so, making a visit to the house to resolve a non-emergency situation may be timed to coincide with other scheduled work at the house. This “collective call” minimizes the number of times an owner needs to be at home to make the house available to the builder’s warranty service team. Of course, emergency calls demand immediate attention, but collective calls can be a more convenient and reliable way to address a variety of concerns or maintenance issues at the same time.

Scheduled visits. Professional builders are becoming more proactive in how they address scheduled service and other routine maintenance work while a house is still under warranty. In many cases, a builder will schedule a visit and “walk through” (or tour) a new home within a month after occupancy. These visits are opportunities for homeowners to ask questions and for the builder to document or schedule service work covered by the warranty. Such visits also help builders refine their warranty service processes based on a homeowner’s feedback.

No builder follows exactly the same policies and procedures for warranty service, inquiries and incidents.  How builders refine and improve their after the sale process goes a long way toward delivering superior customer service and buyer satisfaction.

Article contributed by Zac Koenig of Koenig Homebuilders in Highlands NC.   Koenig Homebuilder is one of the preferred builders on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.   Contact Zac at 828) 787-1000 or by E-mail: info@koenighomebuilders.com.    Visit their website at www.koenighomebuilders.com.

Avid fly fishermen will not be disappointed by the waters around Highlands NC

Highlands NC and Cashiers NC are a fly fishing mecca, offering a wide variety of rivers, lakes and falls to fish.  Whether your are looking to hook a brown, rainbow or a brook trout, if you like to wade in the water and throw out your line the Highlands and Cashiers area of Western North Carolina is a beautiful and peaceful place to fish.

In the Highlands area the brook trout can be found in more isolated streams.  The rainbow trout are found more often in the upper part of the Cullasaja & Chattooga Rivers. and the brown trout are typically located in the mid to lower portions of the Cullasaja & Chattooga Rivers.  If you are visiting the area there are fishing and guide services that will help you get to know the area and what the fish are biting.  If you love to fly fish, you will not be disappointed by Highlands NC.

For more information about Highlands North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558.

Highalnds NC offers some amazing hiking, complete with spectacular views

Hiking is a great way to enjoy Highlands North Carolina.  Highlands North Carolina is a resort community with a great deal to offer its residents and visi tors alike.  Located in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, this western North Carolina area has an environment that is meant to be enjoyed.  Among the activities afforded by the great outdoors in Highlands NC are golf, fishing, mountain biking and hiking.

The hiking in the Highlands area encompasses all ability levels as well as length and time commitments.  Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll through the woods or an extreme and steep climb, the mountains around Highlands have it all.  The one thing that all of the trails have in common are their breathtaking views.

Click here for a list of hikes and their descriptions.

For more information about Highlands North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558.

Western North Carolina offers visitors and residents alike a beautiful environment with a laid back atmosphere.  The communities of Cashiers and Highlands are areas which offer exposure to the fabulous Blue Ridge Mountains.  Yellow Mountain, Rock Mountain, Chimney Top and Whiteside are mountains which offer unparalleled views and spectacular hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking.  Whether you wish to sit and relax while you read a book and breathe in the fresh mountain air or hop right in and enjoy the plentiful recreational opportunities, Highlands and Cashiers have a great deal to offer.

A slower pace of life, the great outdoors and a mountain lifestyle are what draw visitors to become homeowners in Highlands and Cashiers.  People come to Western North Carolina and don’t want to leave.  Purchasing real estate in Highlands and Cashiers can offer a full time, mountain lifestyle or a respite to get away to.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands/Cashiers NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558.

2008 Moorewood Circle in Highlands offers new construction with fabulous views and privacy

New construction in Highlands Country Club offers views and privacy.  Located in a gated community this 7 bedroom 6.5 bathroom home is expected to be complete shortly.  No stone is being left unturned for this large custom home located just a short drive to Main Street Highlands.  This home is perfect for a large family or for those that like to entertain.

Top notch appliances, custom cabinetry and well-designed rooms are evident when viewing this property.  An outdoor living area includes a large covered deck complete with a fireplace, allowing its residents to enjoy the mountain views and spectacular scenery.  Highlands Country Club is a marvelous community with a golf course, clubhouse and recreation room there to be used.

If you would like to learn more about this beautiful custom home available in the Highlands Country Club, contact the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty today.

For more information about Highlands North Carolina, and for access to the Highlands NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558.

Wonderful newly constructed home for sale in Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club

If you have been searching for the ideal luxury home in Mountaintop, look no further.  Located in the Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club this newly constructed masterpiece offers both architectural inspiration and functionality.  Built to be lived in and enjoyed this 5 bedroom 4 ½ bath home is ideal for those seeking peace and serenity or those who wish to entertain.

No detail in this Mountaintop home has been ignored.  A top of the line kitchen, spacious master suite, wonderful living space and impeccable landscaping accent this beautiful home.

For elegant mountain living in a private setting this newly constructed Mountaintop home is tough to beat.  The Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club offers a gated community and easy access to tennis, golf, water and more.

For more information about Mountaintop North Carolina, and for access to the Mountaintop NC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558.

This gorgeous Highlands NC home is a rare gem with tremendous views and large acreage.  This 4 bedroom, 5.5 baths home is spacious with a lot size of 5.74 acres.  Tim Green designed this stunning home and Schmitt Construction built it with all the details you’d expect including eye-catching stone work, cedar shake and board and batten siding in the elegant mountain style, textured walls, and immaculate heart pine floors.  Other highlights include a lovely kitchen with dual dishwashers and industrial six burner range and vegetable sink, wine bar with wine cooler, walk-in wine cellar, luxurious master suite with walls of fixed glass, travertine bath with sauna, jetted tub, and surround sound speakers.  This home features 5 flat acres of virgin forest, covered post and beam deck equipped with fireplace for relaxing, canoeing opportunities on Lake Sequoyah, and 180 degree mountains.   List price for this dream home in Highlands NC is $2,995,000.

View pictures of this gorgeous home and mountain views here.

For more on this listing or other Highlands NC mountain properties, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today.

The concept of a “media room,” as a space specifically devoted to home theater and audio systems, is more popular than ever. New home designers and builders, responding to the demand of their buyers, have incorporated media rooms into the floor plans of many new homes, all along the price spectrum. Such rooms are designed for comfortable television and movie viewing and are acoustically separated from the rest of the house.

Yes, the media room has also become the game room, again driven by homebuyer demand and a host of new (mostly electronic) toys. Builders are educating their buyers about the lifestyle advantages of including such a project and the value it adds to their property.

Consider some of the special features that a true Game Room encompasses, all of which are easily accommodated in a new construction project:

• Acoustics. Sound transmission in or out of a game room can be disruptive. Builders incorporate products that block or deaden sound through the walls, floors, and ceilings. Special membranes and laminated drywall and plywood panels meet the need without adding a lot of extra cost, rendering the Game Room almost a separate acoustical zone within the house.

• Light and shading. Everyone enjoys natural light … except when there’s a movie playing. Windows are a prime consideration that maintain flexible use of the room when the house is sold. The home’s exterior appearance must be considered, as well. To create the optimal movie-watching experience, builders turn to motorized screens and draperies that smoothly draw across the windows. Controlled by remote devices or wall-mounted panels, such screens retract into the wall when not in use or disappear into a subtle housing to retain the room’s overall aesthetic design.

• Multiple displays. One screen may not be enough in the modern Game Room. Though builders usually leave the purchase of consumer electronics up to the homebuyers after the house is finished, high-tech game rooms must be designed and wired to accommodate several displays and multiple signals. These may include satellite, wireless and wired Internet, cable, personal computers, and (don’t forget!) electricity.

• Seating, storage, and snacks. Like its media room predecessor, the new Game Room is a gathering place for family and guests, often engaged in multiple activities at the same time. Space for several zones of comfortable seating is very popular, as is built-in cabinet storage for all of the game players, audio and video equipment, and other components. Small kitchen setups, complete with sink, under-counter appliances, and counter work space, provide family and guests with additional convenience in this self-contained haven.

Media rooms are among the new wave of distinct, specialized areas within today’s new homes. The “Game Room” reflects the development of high-tech consumer electronics and the consumers’ desire to maximize enjoyment of these new toys.

This article was contributed by Zac Koenig of Koenig Homebuilders in Highlands.