Making the Most of New Energy Efficient Homes: Visit the Upstate Parade of Homes

by Matt Shouse | Oct 13, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes

Thinking about your home’s energy efficiency?  After a very hot summer and early fall, many people are considering upgrading to a new, energy-efficient home. Analysis by the National Association of Home Builders shows that the newer a single-family home, the less energy it uses. And even though newer homes are larger, their increased efficiency means that homes built since 1999 use the same or slightly less energy than homes built before 1950.

Yet, even though new homes are built to be more efficient, true energy savings will depend on household behavior. Here are some ideas for making your home, no matter how old, more efficient.

• Installing compact fluorescent or LED light bulbs throughout your house is an easy and inexpensive money saver.
• Electronics: Turn them off when they are not in use. This includes TVs and computers!
• Use your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Even small changes in temperature can save money.

Study your home’s energy usage and understand where the energy is going.  Do you have a new home but an old refrigerator?  Is someone taking excessively long showers?  Do you leave lights, a computer, or the television on even when you are not in the room or at home?  Small changes in your energy habits can save big money over time.

 Upstate Parade of Homes

The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, begins this weekend and will feature more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate.  The Parade will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville.

Homes are open to the public 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily on the weekends of October 11-13 and October 18-20.  Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket.  Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets, and download our parade app in your phone’s app store.

Plan Now for a 2020 Home Purchase: Visit the Upstate Parade of Homes

by Matt Shouse | Oct 6, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes

Thinking about buying a new home next year?  It is not too early to start planning to buy your first home, or a new home.  And the Home Builders Association of Greenville has the perfect event to help you get started on your new home search.

Upstate Parade of Homes

The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, will feature more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate.  The Parade also will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville.

Homes are open to the public 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. daily over two weekends, October 11-13 and October 18-20.  Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket.  Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets, and download our app in your phone’s app store.

While you start your new home search at the Upstate Parade of Homes, here are some tips to help you understand the home buying process:

• Attend a home buyer education seminar. The Greenville County Human Relations Commission offers seminars on a regular basis.
• Conventional mortgages require a 20 percent down payment. Some government-backed mortgage programs require lower down payments.  Set a savings goal and start saving now for your down payment.
• Establish a budget, calculate your monthly payment, and stick to it. A home is an emotional purchase.  Having a plan and sticking to that plan will help you find a house that you love and can afford.
• Get your credit in order. Pay down your debts.  Other debts will limit how much you can borrow for your dream home.
• Select a lender and get pre-approved. When you find your dream home you may find that it is someone else’s dream home as well.  Be ready to make an offer.

Kitchen Design Trends in 2019

by Matt Shouse | Sep 29, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes

Kitchens are the focal point of any home, and not just for cooking.  It is the primary gathering spot in most homes today.  If you are interested in adding some pizazz to your kitchen, here are a few top trends:

Colors and Finishes

Single hues are passé, and bold colors are in. Designers are mixing and matching different colors all around the kitchen. When it comes to finishes, metallics continue to be popular.

Cabinets and Sinks

Storage is important in any kitchen, but how much is too much? Fewer cabinets are trending this year. Kitchens without upper cabinets add a modern design element, and is part of a minimalist trend that makes the room feel less cluttered.  Even the kitchen sink is evolving with a new hot color: black. Utility is key for any kitchen sink, but adding a bold dark finish elevates any basin.

Islands

Meals begin and end at the kitchen island. Home owners have moved the island to their “must-have” home features list. Trending this year are large islands with bold colors that contrast the rest of the kitchen.

Lighting

A bright, well-lit kitchen is always in style. Trendsetters are using single pendant lights grouped in a dramatic or unexpected way this year. The non-traditional arrangement of pendant lights can make a statement in any kitchen.

Upstate Parade of Homes

The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, is back again in October featuring more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate.  The Parade also will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville.

Homes are open to the public 12 noon until 5 p.m. daily on October 11-13 and October 18-20.  Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket.  Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets, and download our App in your phone’s app store.

Five Reasons Women Should Consider a Career in Home Building

by Matt Shouse | Sep 22, 2019 | Approved Professional Builder, Blog, Upstate Parade of Homes

Home Building provides a rewarding career path for women. Builders and remodelers in the Upstate are seeking skilled artisans and professionals, including carpenters, architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians and painters. With women making up about half of the workforce, here are some reasons why women should consider a fulfilling career in Home Building.

Competitive Pay. A pay gap exists between men and women across most industries, but not in construction.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns, much better than the 80 cents in the rest of the workforce.

Job Opportunities. Unfilled jobs in construction reached a post-recession high earlier this year. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the residential construction industry is one of the few sectors where demand for new workers has risen and significant shortages of labor continues to exist.

Scholarships. The National Housing Endowment offers several student scholarships and programs and the American Council for Construction Education has resources available for students interested in teaching opportunities in the field.

Network of Experts. A growing community of women in construction are willing to mentor and share insights with women entering the field. The Professional Women in Building Council of the Upstate is a group within the Home Builders Association of Greenville dedicated to empowering and supporting women in Home Building.

A Sense of Accomplishment. A career in Home Building brings a sense of satisfaction for completing high-quality work that contributes to the industry, our community, and the American Dream.

Upstate Parade of Homes

The Upstate Parade of Homes, produced by the Home Builders Association of Greenville and presented by Ryan Homes, is back again in October.  The Upstate Parade of Homes presented by Ryan Homes will feature more than 30 new homes by the top Approved Professional Builders in the Upstate.  The Parade also will spotlight our Signature Community, Riverstone by Ryan Homes, a community of more than 450 new homes near Simpsonville, and our Featured Community, Ridgewalk Cottages by Rosewood Communities in Greer.

Homes are open to the public 12 noon until 5 p.m. daily on October 11-13 and October 18-20.  Admission to the homes requires a complimentary ticket.  Visit UpstateParadeofHomes.com for information and tickets and download our App in your phone’s app store.