Close to 100 people gathered near Lovettsville Wednesday morning to witness U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Ronny Porta in breaking ground at the future site of his custom home provided by the Building for Americas Bravest program.

While serving in Iraq in May 2007, two years after enlisting in the Marine Corps, Porta, 27, sustained major injuries when his vehicle was hit by an IED. He lost his right arm and two fingers on his left hand. Severe burns covered 35 percent of his body.

Through the program, a joint initiative of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers and the Gary Sinise foundations, Porta and his family will receive a brand new Smart Home equipped with the most advanced technology designed to help him live independently.

The energy efficient home comes completely furnished and will be tailored to fit Portas individual needs. Every room will have fully accessible features, such as movable countertops and cabinetry that can be electronically operated by an iPad or smartphone.

The house will be just under 3,000 square feet. Construction costs alone may reach the half a million range.

John Hodge, vice president of operations for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, said the builders go the extra mile to design the homes that do not look as if a disabled person lives there.

Several people involved with the project participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, which also was attended by State Sen. Dick Black (R-13) and Del. Dave LaRock (R-33).

On behalf of the state of Virginia, and as a member of the Marine Corps League myself, Id like to thank [Ronny] for everything hes done for us, Black said. This was his sacrifice and Im really pleased that people can give back.

Actor and foundation founder Gary Sinise was not able to attend but sent a message for Porta that Hodge read aloud. It is the Gary Sinise Foundations true privilege to help Ronny reclaim his independence and freedom, the very things that he fought to protect for us. I only wish I could be there today to thank you personally Ronny. It is our hope that his home represents in some small way the sincere gratitude that we feel.

An elated Porta, who has undergone more than 100 surgeries, thanked the crowd and shared his story of struggling to adapt to life after the incident.

Follow this link:
Organizations Join Forces To Build Lovettsville Home For Wounded Vet

Niagara This Week - Niagara Falls

Building a new home is a major decision and having a respected and experienced quality builder that is as invested in the final product as you are is the key to success.

DRT Custom Homes & Renovations is a family owned business with an experienced team that pays meticulous attention to detail.

Building custom homes throughout Southern Ontario for more than 20 years, as well as completing renovations of all sizes, President and builder Roman Tymczak and project manager Isabella Burt have a customer first attitude, as do the construction managers, trades people and designers at DRT Custom Homes. Their goal for more than two decades has not been to build the most custom designs, but to build the best custom designs.

Deciding to turn an empty plot of land into your new home can be an intimidating process. But by choosing DRT Custom Homes to build your dream home, you also get their experience and commitment to meet your needs. The schedule will be managed, the exterior finish details completed and even decks and the landscaping done so you can relax and enjoy your new outdoor space.

Your home will be truly unique through DRT Homes' extensive customizing process, offering features you may never even have dreamed were possible, adding to the functionality of your home and providing pleasure for years to come.

Every decision in the process, whether it is creating a custom home or adding a second story addition on an existing home, is made in the best interests of you, the client. Every job, including bathroom remodels and adding a deck to a home, is done to the highest standard with your personal style and budget in mind.

DRT Custom Homes is the winner of an Award of Excellence for Best Custom Designed Home presented by the Niagara Home Builders Association.

To learn about the experiences others have had through DRT Custom Homes & Renovations, visit the testimonials section online.

To see what DRT Custom Homes can do for you, visit the companys model home in the Niagara region today or give them a call at 905-658-8283.

Visit link:
Latest Sports SEE MORE

Germantown, MD (PRWEB) July 02, 2014

Advantage Homes, LLC was recently recognized by the Frederick County Builders Association, receiving awards in multiple categories.

A leading builder in quality custom production homes, Advantages Prescott Model at Brunswick Crossing, located in Brunswick, MD was awarded Best New Single Family Home Design priced $400,000-$500,000 for 2014. Additionally, The Prescott was also acknowledged as achieving the Best Interior Merchandising Single Family Home in same price range.

Rick Centra, President of Advantage Homes: Were continually humbled by the accolades Advantage Homes consistently receives. The Prescott is the most popular design in our Founders Series. It appears new construction buyers really gravitate to the main floor family room and kitchen combination as well as the natural light provided by the morning room. What Ive found even more impressive, however, is the recognition Amy Goline has received.

This is in reference to the honor bestowed upon Amy Goline, three-time winner of the prestigious Individual Achievement Award for Sales Manager of the year. Amys total number of sales, enormous volume and passion for excellence continues to impress everyone in the building industry. We are truly blessed to have Amy on the Advantage Homes team.

Advantage Homes, LLC is a multi-award winning homebuilder, recently presented with the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Market Leader Award. Based in Germantown, MD with communities in Frederick County, MD (Brunswick Crossing in Brunswick) and Fairfax County, VA (Melody Farms in Chantilly), Advantage Homes can be found online at http://www.advantagehomesusa.com.

The rest is here:
Advantage Homes Honored With Multiple Awards

The long drought of home construction is finally breaking.

Contractors built nearly 5,000 homes in the nine-county metro area last year, up 20 percent and the highest levels since the housing bust of 2007, according to the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis. And through the first four months of 2014, construction is up 4 percent from last year.

Buyer tastes have changed since the drought set in. Heres a rundown of whats hot and whats not in custom-home construction, defined by BAGI as priced above $425,000.

Kitchen nooks

Nooks are replacing what for decades had been a mainstay in scores of higher-end homesthe dining room.

Whats different now is the increasing use of open spaces in which a kitchen and nook, still big enough to fit a table into, are

connected and essentially one big area without a wall to differentiate a traditional dining room.

One of the main reasons for the change to nooks: Younger homebuyers arent interested in purchasing expensive dining room sets, said Joe Garcia, owner of G&G Custom Homes Inc. in Westfield.

Why put that 15-foot-by-15-foot room in there when you dont have the fancy furniture that you might only use twice a year, he said.

Garcia was one of five custom builders featured earlier this month at BAGIs Home-A-Rama in Westfield.

Here is the original post:
Home buyer tastes have shifted since housing bust

WEST CHESTER TWP.

A Butler County-based developer with more than three decades of experience is helping bring a new and final phase to an upscale residential community.

David Clinton of David J. Clinton and Company in Hamilton this month launched The Estates of Treillage, which sits south of Hamilton-Mason Road just east of the border between West Chester and Fairfield townships.

Clinton, who has developed 19 subdivisions since 1978 and run about nine homeowners associations, said hes well aware of the challenges and pitfalls of developing on the site and well equipped to handle them.

I came in here with the resources and the business experience to operate it successfully, Clinton said.

The second phase of the Treillage development will feature 37 residential estate homes with lot sizes of between half to one acre each.

Homeowners may choose from a variety of building lots on wooded home sites featuring panoramic views and flexible setbacks, with the ability to accommodate sprawling floor plans of as much as 12,000 square feet, said Susan Horner of Keller Williams Pinnacle Group Realty.

Instead of being limited to the first phases Frank Lloyd Wright-style of architecture, residents of The Estates will get to consult with home builders The Leland Group or Somerset Custom Homes to help tailor the design, materials, amenities and character of each home from start to finish.

Its true custom design, Horner said. When you have select custom builders, what that means for the consumer is a one-of-a-kind home. That assists in maintaining the value.

Prices for each home will start in the $500,000 range and could top out at $1.5 million, she said.

See original here:
Upscale development launches custom-design second phase

Its been an exceptionally busy week for the builders participating in the 31st Annual HBA Parade of Homes and theyre looking forward to a strong finish with homes open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday.

Since location is one of the most important decisions people make when shopping for a new home, its important to compare them as carefully as you compare houses. Sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana, this years scattered site event featuring 37 homes allows you to see and compare whats new in some of the most dynamic cities and towns throughout the region.

Along with touring different areas where you will have the opportunity to meet some of the neighbors, learn more about the local government, public service, education and day care, police and fire protection, parks and recreation, medical facilities and places of worship, as well as get a feel for the distance to work, schools and shopping,

The parade is also the perfect opportunity to ask the experts about other locations suitable for the new home of your dreams. All of the participating builders have experience in multiple locations, with many offering homes in a variety of locations as well as the opportunity to build on the site of your choice.

When it comes to making your new home your own, building from the ground up allows you to make it your own every step of the way from site selection to choosing the contemporary floor plan and finishes that work best for you. If youre hoping to move a bit sooner than the timetable for building from scratch allows, you can still enjoy all the benefits of new construction, starting with a home where no one has ever lived before you. Everything is clean and brand newfrom state-of-the-art building technologies and materials that offer better-than-ever long-term quality and energy efficiency (youll be saving money from day one on utility bills)to the peace of mind as you settle in thanks to a new home and product warranties that protect you during the first year and beyond.

Visit the Parade of Homes builders this weekend to see all your new homes options from new homes that are complete and ready to move in to new homes in various stages of construction that offer some opportunities for personalization and the ability to move sooner than building from the ground up, which allows you to work closely with the builder to create every aspect of your new space. Whichever way you choose, you can rest assured there will be no unexpected surprises when you choose a builder who you feel comfortable with and keeps you informed every step of the way!

Look for these Parade of Homes builders in new home communities throughout the following cities and towns:

Cedar Lake

McFarland Homes

Monastery Woods - Summit paired ranch home

Read this article:
Last chance to tour and discover the ideal location for your new home

Meet Custom home builders Quakertown PA Pros 215-768-2303 Custom Homes Pa
Vist http://casadontihomes.com - See how Casadonti Custom Home builders tackle building projects with detail.Creating a custom home to fit your needs.

By: Meet Quakertown

Link:
Meet Custom home builders Quakertown PA Pros 215-768-2303 Custom Homes Pa - Video

The spacious interior of the House of the Year. Photo: supplied

A stunning custom-built home in Forrest with a timeless design and the Garangula Gallery in Harden have taken out top honours in the association's excellence awards for 2014.

Canberra builder Manteena Construction won the prestigious Project of the Year award for the iconic gallery, which was designed by Fender Katsalidis Mirams to house the clients collection of indigenous art.

The judges said the project was a perfect example of how a close collaboration between client and architects could deliver a unique building with minimal impact on the environment.

Papas Property Group, Architects Ring and Associates and Archertec Interiors won House of the Year. Photo: supplied

The gallery, which is about 20 kilometres from Harden, was built in sympathy with the local surroundings with stone and earth excavated on site for thebuilding's walls.

Advertisement

Substantial quantities of recycled timber from the old Hornibrook Bridge in Queensland were used as well as patinated Corten steel.

The result is a gallery which is most striking when first viewed against its natural landscape and continues to impress, even after detailed study, the judges said.

Canberra builder Manteena Construction won the Project of the Year for the Garangula Gallery in Harden. Photo: supplied

Continued here:
Forrest home wins Project of the Year at MBA awards

A La Jolla house, called "Clean Living" due to its low-energy consumption, won a grand award at the Gold Nuggets contest at this year's Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco. Jim Brady Architectural Photography

A La Jolla house, called "Clean Living" due to its low-energy consumption, won a grand award at the Gold Nuggets contest at this year's Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco.

San Diego architect Joseph Wong's design for a Hyatt Regency Hotel in Shanghai won top honors at the Gold Nuggets awards program at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco.

A La Jolla project and San Diego architect struck gold at this year's Gold Nuggets awards, announced Thursday at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Francisco.

San Diego projects also won 11 merit awards in the contest that drew nearly 600 entries, primarily from builders, developers and architects in western states but also extending to countries bordering the Pacific Ocean.

The local grand awards went to:

Among the 11 merit awards was Arterro La Costa, a housing project by Davidson Communities in Carlsbad, a runnerup as residential project of the year. It was designed by R. Douglas Mansfield and planned by Hunsaker & Associates with the interior by Design Line Interiors. The project also won a merit award for best single-family tract home of more than 4,000 square feet.

The other nine merit awards went to:

The contest judges were Amy Albert, design editor of Builder magazine and editor in chief of Custom Home magazine; San Francisco architect David Baker; Tom Doucette, president of Doucette Homes in Tucson, Ariz.; Florida architect Phil Kean; Boyce Thomson, author of "The New, New Home"; and Laguna Beach architect Bob White.

See the original post here:
LJ house, Shanghai hotel: Gold

CARROLLTON, Texas, June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Custom fence and deck builder, Mike McGuinness, of North Texas Fence and Deck http://www.ntfencedeck.com/ suggests that homeowners opt for a custom wooden gate. It will be far less expensive than custom upgrades to the entire fence and it will still to show off their personal style.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140625/121661

Custom wooden gates are just that: custom. You choose the style to compliment your own personal style. With details that only you can imagine. A reputable Carrollton fence builder will offer several designs to choose from so that you can easily find a design that you will love and will appeal to you. From gates with small windows to handmade lattice work, the choices are limitless. If you don't see the design that is perfect for your home, our designers will work with you to come up with a design that you have envisioned for your home.

All our wooden gates are not only beautiful but are also made to last. All gates are made of the best materials. This ensures that your new gate will withstand the harsh elements. Whether it is the brutal Texas sun, wind, rain or the occasional snow and ice storm, our gates will withstand and be able to provide visual enjoyment for years to come. Your home is your castle and only the best will do for your home.

When looking for someone to provide you with your custom wooden gate, make sure that you use a company with years of experience and one that offers workers who specialize in the design and building of your new gate. You also need a company that will listen and will share the vision you have for the entire project: deck, fence, and gate. You also need a company that will make sure no detail is overlooked and you new custom wooden gate is perfect.

Whether you are looking for a gate for your new fence or a privacy gate for your driveway, we have exactly what you have envisioned for your home. With detail work, custom craftsmanship and only the best materials, North Texas Fence and Deck can provide the custom gate that will not only add to but also enhance your home.

About North Texas Fence and Deck:

North Texas Fence and Deck is an acclaimed fence, deck and arbour building and repairing service provider offering top notch service throughout the North Dallas, Plano, Texas region since the year 1996. The company has has built decks and fences in Carrollton, Frisco, Plano, Rowlett, Garland, Richardson, Allen, McKinney, Princeton, Lowry Crossing, Lucas, Parker, Wylie, Murphy, Sachse and surrounding areas. The company offers free quotes.

Contact:

North Texas Fence and Deck

Go here to see the original:
Should You Ask Your Carrollton TX Fence Builder to Add a Custom Wooden Gate?