custom vs semi custom build
Summer
6 years ago
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mushcreek
6 years agocpartist
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Eichler Custom or Southwestern Semi-Custom? (money is an object)
Comments (7)Hi Mayberry, Maybe you could do something with a central courtyard/atrium area? It isn't too hard to design something yourself with the really nice software programs available these days. I spent a lot of time thinking through the layout and flow of the house, and drawing up various versions til DH and i were both happy before we bid it out.. If you can do this part, you have saved the architect a tremendous amount of time since so much time is spent listening and interpreting what the clients want, then doing changes when the clients change their minds. The architect we hired had a lag in business, so he actually was less expensive than some building designers. He helped us draw up the plans to code and coordinated with the mechanical and civil engineers to draw their portions to get the plans through the city approval process. The city did ask us for a few modifications which the architect took care of. The architect also makes himself available on a per hour basis should we need to consult him during the construction. So far, we have consulted him only once for a couple of hours to clarify some items, which he didn't charge us for. We still aren't finished building yet, hopefully this summer.. HTH!...See MoreCustom vs semi custom
Comments (9)jrldh wrothe, "...Given how uniform the true custom homes that people post here on this forum look, I'd say that it's a waste of money to go true custom..." Actually, the majority of the homes posted here are stock plans from the Internet or from builder's tracts or plan books. And they are often very similar, since builders go to the same trade shows, look at other builder's houses (especially those that sell) and replicate them. Many of the homeowners who post their "own" plans here, freely acknowledge that they have visited open houses and their friend's homes and "borrowed" what they have found appealing. None of these homes are "custom" or "architect-designed"--they are "borrowed" and "replicated" homes. It doesn't matter if someone adds some stone to the outside or swaps carpet for hardwood on the inside. Taking the misuse of terminology further, many posters write that the take their preliminary drawings to "an architect" to have their plans "drawn up". Architects do not "draw up" someone else's plans. In many states, they are prevented by law from doing so. Looking at the final plans, and their frequent lack of imagination (and often lack of resolution), it's clear that it really was a drafter who was responsible, not an experienced architect. In some cases, after questioning, the poster will acknowledge the author of the final plan was the drafter at the local lumberyard. So even the term "architect" is often misused here. To experienced observers, this is almost always immediatedly clear. To others, however, it may never be understood. So we can use and value "custom" and "architect-designed" based on our own personal preferences and value systems, but as the Bard said so well, "a rose by any other name is still a rose". It's just that they may not always smell so sweet!...See MoreCustom vs. Semi-custom kitchen cabinets
Comments (14)Cabinets made in Ca when made legally are to be finished with water based paint and stain products. The cabinets made in South Dakota like Starmark and Showplace are oil based catalyzed varnishes which are much more durable. If you want to test it. Ask to have a sample from both places. Put acetone on the finish and wipe it off. If it is water based the finish will dissolve to some degree during the wipe. The oil based finish will look un touched. The La area store of Ca I work does not offer locally made cabinets for this reason. If you want to buy oil based floor stain or poly urethane you have to drive to San Diego county just to purchase it... The basic premise of the what the dealer told you is correct... The acetone test will tell you if you will get a inferior finish from the local company... I have heard of one company that made cabinets for a project I bid and did not get where the local cabinet maker bought oil based finish in pints to have it shipped in from out of state. You would have to mix all them together I would think it get an even finish color... The national cabinet makers use the oven and the catalyst to be able to finish their products faster. The upside is most also add an hardener to the finish that cures with the oven making the finish more resistant to light scratches and other wear and tear.. I have spoken with many people who have locally made cabinets where the area around the knobs and pulls discolors over time from the oils in the skin from being touched. The out of state finish is likely to be more durable from a reputable company in South Dakota....See MoreHelp with Custom vs Semi Custom
Comments (8)Kraftmaid offers reduced depth and increased depth as a construction modification, your KM desinger at HD just isn't plugging that into the design (or the cost). Do not rely on a big box designer to know what he/she is talking about. Some do know (I know a few of them) how to design a good kitchen but many don't. When dealing with a big box designer, you need to vet your own design. If you're looking at Kraftmaid, go to a stand-alone Kraftmaid or Merillat dealership (Merillat Masterpiece is made in the same factory as Kraftmaid, offers the same styles and finishes, often with the same name). Talk to the designer there if there's not an independent kitchen designer in your area. It's the installation that makes or breaks a kitchen, new construction or remodel. A cabinet dealership can't mess up on too many installations without word getting out and business falling off. The designers at my showroom have been with us for 20 and 25 years respectively. They both participate in yearly continuing education and are very familiar with the products we sell. It has to do with experience and knowing the cabinet line just as much as it does having design degrees, like our designers do....See MoreUser
6 years agoAnglophilia
6 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
6 years agoUser
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
6 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
6 years agoMrs Pete
6 years agoworthy
6 years agolexma90
6 years agobeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
6 years agoSummer thanked beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionallytrifecta264
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