Miami, Florida (PRWEB) November 13, 2014

The sounds of the ocean and fragrant tropical forest in Guanacaste are like no where else on earth. Blue green water tickles the charcoal-colored beaches competing with blazing sunsets that seem to last forever. These every day experiences reach deep into ones soul living in Costa Rica. Playa Carrillo and resorts in Guanacaste Costa Rica feel secluded and yet are close to a relaxing beach town where barefoot beach bars, surfing schools and horseback riding on the beach are the staple. Its the perfect place to unplug, disconnect and live forever.

Small coastal beach towns can make it challenging to find high quality vacation and second homes in a close knit community. The good news is folks who desire luxury real estate Costa Rica away from the high-density touristy areas of Tamarindo and Flamingo Beach have an excellent choice at Las Ventanas del Mar in Guanacaste. If folks blinked their eyes when they're there, they might think theyre in a southern California neighborhood perched high above the cliffs overlooking the thundering Pacific Ocean. Las Ventanas del Mar has all the makings of a chic California gated community but instead is built in a low density paradise where coffee plantations, waterfalls, volcanos and a bountiful sea are the neighbors.

Atlanta based real estate developers and custom home builders Gary and Matt Carter have done it again by creating another architectural masterpiece set along the sea. The new home now under construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2015. The highly anticipated 3 bedroom/3 full and 2 half baths home has dramatic views and carefully thought out architectural designs. For example, each bedroom has a private terrace, the kind of terrace folks wont want to leave. Features include two stone ceilings, one with a leaf impression that will leave folks gazing at the ceiling speechless. High ceilings and tall glass windows that showcase the breathtaking 100-mile views. The 5,000 square mountaintop home is designed with an extremely private infinity pool and an outdoor kitchen located on the third level's sun deck and outdoor living area. At night, its the place to see a billion stars and dream.

The communitys design is timeless and the construction team has spared no expense in making sure that all the luxury residences will stand the test of time. Las Ventanas del Mar is one of the finest resorts in Guanacaste Costa Rica. An intimate 22 home resort-style oceanview gated community with extensive amenities such as:

24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance 9,000 Square Foot Resort-style Infinity Edge Pool and Jacuzzi Community Gardens Poolside Two Acre Fresh Water Lake Stocked with Fish Three Lake Ranchos Entertainment Pavilions with Gas Grills Two Lighted Tennis Courts Bocce Ball Court Outdoor Gym

Within a five minute drive down the mountain is the picture perfect beachcombing beach of Playa Carrillo lined with skinny palm trees. The jagged shore is nick named Crocodile Rock because from the mountain top, the horseshoe cove beach looks like a crocodile protruding into the sea. When the tide rolls out, it exposes a huge wide sandy beach filled with exotic sea shells. Costa Rica is known for world class sportfishing and Playa Carrillo is a one of the best spots to set out to sea for the big catch. With all the natural beauty surrounding you in Guanacaste, its easy to understand why Costa Rica has earned the title as the "Happiest Country in the World". Just 10 minutes further is Playa Samara, a charming small beach town where youll find fresh produce, meats, local artisans and homemade ice cream. Popular restaurants in town include El Lagarto, Cafe Carola, Gusto and more.

Folks who live or have visited the luxury real estate Costa Rica describe Las Ventanas del Mar as service and hospitality are unrivaled anywhere in the world. Yes, folks can stay there for a week and try out the lifestyle up close. Another said It was the most satisfying place we have stayed in Guanacaste and can honestly say, there was nothing we didnt like, and we have always stayed in extraordinary properties.

Take a peek at Las Ventanas del Mar homes

Heres what one of the property owners has to say Las Ventanas del Mar is paradise. Its almost indescribable and one of those places that just has to be experienced. The views from the property are amazing and the sunsets spectacular. Theres so much to do, for all ages, and the amenities are first class. The people are very friendly, and make you feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive. Its the most beautiful, entertaining, peaceful, and relaxing place weve ever visited and were extremely blessed to be a part of it.

Read more:
Mountaintop Ocean View Home Breaks Ground at Las Ventanas del Mar in Costa Rica

What Our Customers are Saying:

GuildQuality: Customer Comments for Schaeffer Family Homes

We have already recommended Schaeffer Family Homes to a friend - Nov 10 2014 in Cape May Court House NJ

Schaeffer Family Homes has been top notch from the moment we started the process. The Schaeffer staff made me and my wife feel very comfortable and like we wer...

Brad Levine... the best asset Schaeffer has to offer. Although he was in the sales part of the process he certainly was genuine in caring to make sure we were...

Our experience with Schaefferhomes has been such a pleasure Thanks to all of you for helping us build our dream home - Aug 04 2014 in Clayton NJ

Yes Christy Redner was awesome She was the person who presented the home we had built and Schaeffer homes. Also Lenny who was our project manger and Elaine...

With the people we had to deal with. They were all so nice and always there Also the way the home was built. Every person that has walked into this home has...

Everything Definitly the 4 star features and how low our utilitie bills are - Aug 04 2014 in Clayton NJ

Nothing Schaefferhomes did a great job building this home - Aug 04 2014 in Clayton NJ

See more here:
Schaeffer Homes | South Jersey Builders | New Homes In NJ

Comments(0)

RESIDENTS are being given the chance to build their own dream homes in one of the city's regeneration areas.

Burslem and Middleport Local Forum has secured more than 55,000 in Government cash for the self-build schemes in Middleport.

Architects will work with potential home-builders to design their own affordable houses in Newport Lane, Harper Street and Longport Road where previous properties were demolished.

The three projects will be managed by Burslem-based regeneration partnership Urban Vision.

Forum chairman Clare White, below, said: "We hope our ideas will add to the emerging confidence in the area and show that self-build and custom-build aren't just options for professional builders or the rich.

"There have been many examples of self-build and custom-build houses in the past in Stoke-on-Trent, but for a long time people have lacked the confidence or finance to build homes for themselves.

"We hope that these projects will lead the way in the development of high-quality homes that will last for generations and make use of the empty spaces in our city."

Mick Downs, director of Urban Vision, added: "Urban Vision is delighted to be working with the Local Forum on this project and taking the first practical step to making the idea of community-led self-build housing in Middleport a reality."

The 55,700 awarded by the Homes & Communities Agency will pay for architects' fees and feasibility studies.

Read the rest here:
Chance to build your dream home! 55k funding boost for Middleport community-led housing project

By SEAN FORDNov. 1, 2009, 11:34 a.m.

HEAVEN, quite clearly, is right near Ulverstone. Welcome to the Housing Industry Association's Tasmanian House of the Year. Built by North-West company Mead Con, the house on Lobst

HEAVEN, quite clearly, is right near Ulverstone. Welcome to the Housing Industry Association's Tasmanian House of the Year. Built by North-West company Mead Con, the house on Lobster Creek Rd also took the Custom Built Home over $450,000 and the Custom Built Project of the Year awards at the HIA/CSR awards night at Wrest Point on Saturday night."This successful Ulverstone family home was created for a growing family and is set in a secluded bush setting with 180-degree viewsof mountain, river, bush and pasture, whilst blending into its environment with a clever use of rock, timber and colour materials," HIA Northern Tasmania branch manager Nick Proud said. "For Mead Con to be named as a winner of the major housing award is a huge honour. "For them it means their work exemplifies the best of modern housing and allows them to represent Tasmania in the national housing awards next year." Mean Con's awards were the only three of 30 awarded statewide to go to a North-West company. More than 550 of the state's top builders and designers competed for the awards. The home is owned by Ross Lamplugh and Miranda Stephens. Mr Lamplugh said the award was unexpected. As a platypus swam by, he described to The Advocate what he liked most about his home. "It's the way that it blends into the environment," he said. "We have tried to stick with as many Tasmanian finishes as possible ... blackwood, myrtle, Huon pine, there is lots of Tasmanian timber throughout the house."

Follow this link:
House of the Year right here on Coast

ICI Homes, Inc. owns the development of Oakmont, a new subdivision being built at 11619 SW 24th Avenue in Gainesville.

Before the past decade, single-family home construction in Alachua County was largely the domain of local builders. That changed at the height of the boom in the mid-2000s when a few regional builders that were already operating in Orlando or Jacksonville expanded into the area to take advantage of the increased building activity.

With the subsequent crash and recession, out-of-town builders have been slowly building out their holdings in the area, but with new home sales on the rebound, they now have big plans going forward.

Maronda Homes, which is in five states and has its headquarters near Pittsburgh, has been building in Newberry and Alachua since 2006 and now has plans to build more than 400 homes combined in those towns.

ICI Homes of Daytona Beach, the developer and one of the builders of Oakmont near Jonesville, is now moving forward on the 999-home development approved 10 years ago, sharing the first phase of 233 homes with five local builders.

ICI was also one of the original builders in Weschester in Gainesville, along with Jacksonville-based Watson Custom Home Builders. Now New Atlantic Builders, formed from the ashes of Watson, is preparing to build the next phase of 132 homes.

Rosy Messina, vice president of online sales and marketing for ICI Homes, said Gainesville was a natural fit for the company when it first came here 10 years ago since the city was close to its large projects in Jacksonville and Daytona Beach.

Gainesville's slow and steady growth is also a good fit for a company specializing in higher-end homes that don't sell as fast, she said.

"We see potential in good, long-term growth," she said. "We're not like, run in and build production-tract housing and get out. That's just not how we operate."

Local builders and Realtors say the lack of large, national builders such as D.R. Horton and Pulte Homes that build large subdivisions lessened the severity of the housing crash here compared with other areas where they dumped a lot of inventory on the market that went into foreclosure.

More here:
Out-of-town home builders have big plans for area

Bass Homes, Inc. - Quality Custom Home Builders
Bass Homes, Inc. can custom design and build your dream home to your exact needs. We are located at 34661 US Hwy 59 S. in Stapleton, AL 36578. For more information, call 251-964-2500 or visit...

By: Bass Homes Inc

Read the original post:
Bass Homes, Inc. - Quality Custom Home Builders - Video

JonMarcHomes Custom Home Builders

By: okanaganmedia

Read the original here:
JonMarcHomes Custom Home Builders - Video

Dennis Wiltgen with Wilco Enterprises remodeled areas of the home at 1940 S. Broadway in stages, doing this kitchen remodel in the first stage. Hes also done the living room and will do the master suite after the Parade of Homes.

Staff

Dennis Wiltgen with Wilco Enterprises remodeled areas of the home at 1940 S. Broadway in stages, doing this kitchen remodel in the first stage. Hes also done the living room and will do the master suite after the Parade of Homes.

Dennis Wiltgen Wilco Enterprises, LLP P.O. Box 3741 Grand Junction, CO 81502 970-242-2203 parade of homes builder

By Special to the Sentinel Monday, November 3, 2014

Wilco Enterprises, LLP, was formed in January 1982 by Dennis and Carol-Ann Wiltgen. We started doing remodels, new homes and light commercial projects, which we are still doing today. Over the years we managed the building of McDonalds restaurants and Round Table Pizzas and commercial office/ warehouse buildings. Wilco has built and designed more than 250 different custom homes, as many remodels and a number of commercial jobs. The company has created design plans for many customers and builders. Dennis has held the office of HBA of Northwestern Colorado president and served on the board of directors for six different years. He also served as National Association of Home Builders Director for 23 years, a Senior Life Director of NAHB (20- plus years), NAHB Remodelers, Certified Green Professional and CHC Certified Renovator.

Where did you grow up? I was born in Minnesota and grew up in Security/Widefield, Colo., living there until 1976.

How did you get started in the building industry? After going to college and studying architecture and working in the construction trades, I started drawing plans for the first woman custom homebuilder in Colorado Springs. Then I started my own home plan design company before moving to Grand Junction for a management job in 1976. In 1980, I started a company installing cabinets, countertops and doing remodels. In 1982, we started Wilco Enterprises, LLP.

How has the industry changed since you got started? The industry has changed as construction has evolved over the years with changes due to new products and building techniques. With this, came new styles of homes and customer needs. Also, changes in size from an average of 1,200 square feet to larger 2,800-square-foot homes Even garages went from one car to two cars and now three cars. What should consumers look for in a new home? What kind of questions should consumers ask a builder before they sign a contract? What customers should look for in new homes should first be energy efficient and then have a good living floor plan with good proven products and construction. Customers should ask for references, contractors license, insurance and building relations with their suppliers and subcontractors. How much experience and how long?

Is there a particular style of home that you consider your specialty or prefer to build? We build all styles and sizes of homes, specializing in award-winning designs in the 1,200- to 5,000-square-foot homes (in all price ranges). We were one of the first builders to build open-concpet homes. We have built more than 25 Parade of Homes and won Best of Show and Best Kitchens and Floor Plans on a number of them.

Continued here:
Dennis Wiltgen

OH DEAR: Going to the Disputes Tribunal is a lengthy and stressful process, but it isnt expensive. So if things do go horribly wrong and you get advice that youve not had a fair deal, dont let the threat of 'court action' scare you from standing up for your rights.

This weekly installment is your chance to joina family of fouras they experience the highs and lows of building a home for the first time.

This week it's all about how to choose that all important 'plan' - custom designed or a design and build package?

How to pick your design team

This piece should be titled how not to pick your design team. In fact, if our story was a reality TV show, the producers would be rubbing their hands in glee at the drama. Seriously. It got so bad we ended up at the Disputes Tribunal with our first architect.

I'd love to say I know why we got it so wrong when we picked him, but I'm still not sure. However I now know what to do if it goes completely pear-shaped.

Design and Build

Of course, you don't have to get an architect at all as design and build firms can do it all in one package. Most of the big group home builders, and even some of the smaller prefab firms, provide a design package where you can chose a home you like and build it, just like that. Fewer design fees and, at least in theory, less stress.

If you choose to modify their design you will be charged for the changes, and if it is a smaller firm be aware that you may end up paying for some of the design process because they haven't spread that cost out yet (it happened to a friend of ours).

If you make significant changes, they can incur significant cost. Still, even if there are costs involved, planning should be a straightforward process.

See the article here:
How to build a house - step three

As confirmed by a strong robot presence in our round-up of the best tech toys for kids this year, there's something captivating and fascinating about interacting with robots. But rather than just play with a factory-assembled robot like the mesmerizing MiP we got to control at IFA back in the September, many folks want to build and customize their own. The Brighton, UK-based Maker Club has launched a project developed for the home and educational market that combines a custom control chip, a mobile app, an online learning package and 3D printing.

Kids young and old can currently only dream about having the resources and the money available to create advanced mechanical pals like Honda's ASIMO, but it is still possible to build custom robots at home without breaking the bank. "Affordable electronic components and 3D printers, mean anyone can create things for tens of pounds rather than thousands," said Club CEO Simon Riley. "They just need to be led through the process."

The Maker Club is looking forward to the day when folks will be printing their own personalized vacuum cleaners, educational toys and "special projects" and is hoping to add fuel to that future fire with a robot kit that comes with Arduino-based brains and an iOS/Android smartphone app package called the MakerConnect. The microcontroller and app allow control of the bot over Bluetooth, though home hackers can also use the system to for home automation systems and sensors. The team is also planning to leverage the power of a user's smartphone to connect the app to the cloud, meaning that it could be possible to remotely control bots or access user sensor data in other parts of the world.

The Club has designed its range with interchangeable components. Each bot comes ready to build straight from the box and the team has developed a library of Arduino code that will allow tinkerers to use the robots straight away, but builders are encouraged to expand, experiment and evolve the designs. Of course adventurous robo-scientists can design, 3D-print and program their own creations using custom electronics, step-by-step online tutorials and a game-like learning system developed by the Club.

The developers promise to provide the support needed to create and code dream projects, and roboticists will even be able to upload and sell bot designs to the Club's online portal. Folks who want to get in on the action, but don't own a desktop 3D printer can relax, as the Maker Club says it can print the necessary components and ship them out with the electronics needed for the build.

The Maker Club is raising funds for the project on Indiegogo, where backers can choose pre-printed kits (which all come with the MakerConnect microcontroller and app) or can design and print their own. A Grabber robotic arm is pitched at 39 (US$60) and a Carduino RC car kit at 59, for example, and will get you the electronics and 3D CAD files needed for home printing. If you don't plan to print the parts yourself, you'll need to add another 20 and the Maker Club will take care of that for you.

At the time of writing, an early bird MakerConnect chip and app package aimed at pro-level robot builders is still available for a pledge of 19. If all goes to plan, the team estimates delivery will start in March 2015.

The Club's pitch video is below.

Sources: Maker Club, Indiegogo

Read the original here:
Maker Club is hoping to start a 3D-printed home robot revolution