Customize the Master Suite to Fit Your Lifestyle

Shouldn't the Master Suite in your home say something about your lifestyle? At the very least, it should be more than a bedroom, bath and closet. At Sterling Custom Homes, one of Austin's premier custom home builders, the Master Suite should be the crown jewel of the home -- the room that describes you.

“We have created many one-of-a-kind master suites to match the lifestyle of our home owners,” said Duke McDowell, president of Sterling Custom Homes. “These highly customizable rooms should be well-thought out to create the perfect retreat for the homeowners. This is one of the areas where our extensive experience pays valuable dividends to our clients.”

Sterling Custom Homes offers new home buyers several options for personalizing their Master Suites. Why not add a little relaxation in the form of a coffee room or a massage room? Or stay fit with an exercise room. No matter what you come up with, Sterling Custom Homes can help you build it. This Austin custom home builder believes that creating a Master Suite that is as unique as you are requires excellent customer service. The building process is about commitment, understanding and effort.

Currently, Sterling Custom Homes is building five custom homes in the Austin area that feature unique Master Suites for each owner's lifestyle. If you're looking for your own dream home with a Master Suite to match, why not choose Sterling Custom Homes? The builder will work with you through every step in the process to ensure that you get the perfect home while staying within your budget.

For more information, visit their website or call 512-263-2214.

If you're a Realtor working hard to sell luxury homes in Austin, TX, then you know it's not an easy task. However, Sterling Custom Homes wants to assist you. Sterling Custom Homes is offering seven convenient, one-hour mandatory continuing education courses, taught by Master Builders Duke McDowell and Gary Grambley.

"These courses will help Realtors better understand the steps Texas custom home builders take to create luxury custom homes, from choosing the right home site to establishing a warranty," said McDowell, president of Sterling Custom Homes. "They will be better equipped to sell custom homes in Austin and to succeed in a part of the market they may not have worked in before."

The Texas Real Estate Commission has approved these courses, for Mandatory Continuing Education for Texas Realtors, and courses have a flexible class format. This gives you as a broker or realty office manager, a way to take several courses in one long session, or fit in one course at a time if you have a tight schedule. Topics taught in the courses are: choosing the right lot, plan evolution, custom home framing, custom home foundations, cost plus vs. fixed price, custom home warranty and green building.

Duke McDowell, GMB, CGB, CGP, a graduate of Texas Tech University, has a degree in Engineering with a Construction Option. He has spent his life in home building, and also been recognized for his contribution to the home construction industry, when he was inducted into the Engineering Technology Academy of Texas Tech University.

Gary Grambley, CGB, GMB, is the director of sales and marketing for Sterling Custom Homes. He works closely with clients and other Realtors, and introduces them to Sterling Custom Homes' exclusive process and unparalleled finished product. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, where he earned a BBA in Accounting as well.

To schedule a course for your team, please call Sterling Custom Homes at 512-263-2214. The MCE courses for Realtors are available for a nominal fee.

For more information about the long-time luxury custom home builder, Sterling Custom Homes, visit www.SterlingCustomHomes.com. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest company news, by subscribing to their blog, interacting on Facebook, or following on Twitter.

Remodel Your Kitchen for Less

It's time for the Fall Clearance Sale at Construction Resources. Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Some of specials that shoppers will enjoy:

• 15 percent off showroom prices for all countertop purchases
• Granite remnants starting at $19.95 per square foot (ready to install)
• Marble bathtubs from $200 (ready to install)
• Free sink with purchase of 40 square feet or more of countertop
• 15 percent off tile backsplash with the purchase of 40 square feet or more of countertop
• Free faucet with the purchase of 40 square feet or more of countertop

Kitchen and bath products that you'll recognize by name will be on sale, including Corian, Cambria, granite and quartz countertops; tile; hardwood flooring and carpeting; shower doors; mirrors; garage doors and

Sterling Custom Homes Now Incorporating Pool Construction Into Home Building

Luxury home buyers in Austin frequently add a pool as part of their outdoor landscaping, and Austin custom builder, Sterling Custom Homes, understands the benefit of having your home-builder manage pool construction during the build of your home. Through completing the home and pool together, home buyers truly have a custom design for both, and avoid obstacles that often occur if the pool is built after the home, which can save money as well.

The warm climate of Austin encourages home buyers to design their custom homes with outdoor living spaces, including swimming pools. As the newest designs for pools become popular, it's truly valuable to be sure the materials for the pool and outdoor areas compliment the home. If the buyer desires a rocky oasis, a lap pool stretching 50 feet, or a luxurious infinity pool, the best solution is to have the new home and pool completed together. In the situation that the home has already been built, and you would then like to add a pool area, it is much more difficult to accomplish for the builders, and costly for you.

This also provides easier access to the home and pool areas for Sterling Custom Homes to construct both, instead of trying to work around a home and fencing already being present. Because the sites are easier to access, this saves money for the home buyer on pool construction, and by having Sterling Custom Homes handle the whole custom home building process, the buyer can be assured they have a quality builder with reliable industry partners for supplies. In addition, the buyer will know they have a company that has centralized project responsibility for both indoor and outdoor components, reducing miscommunication and possible and costly delays.

For more information on Sterling Custom Homes, visit the website.

Escavara Home Nearing Completion at Flintrock Falls

The exciting sound of construction can be heard each day as the beautiful home built by Austin custom homebuilder, Sterling Custom Homes, nears completion. This home is being prepared as a quick-delivery home, so there is still time for the interested home buyer to personalize all the finishing touches.

Offering a fresh twist on quick-delivery custom homes, 111 Escavara Cove showcases stunning one-level living with a casita, gourmet kitchen and deep outdoor living space. The home's footprint extends nearly 4,000 square feet and is more expansive with a large outdoor living area. A casita is the perfect guest space or home for a household employee. The casita features private access and a one-car garage.

Two kitchens, one indoor and one outdoor, offer plenty of space for food preparation and storing all of the culinary gadgets that make meal prep fun.

The flow of this home's plan is perfect for entertaining and everyday living alike. Construction is expected to be complete by September 30, so interested buyers need to act fast to customize their dream home.

Beautiful Austin Custom Home on Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a wonderful place to spend the weekend, but what if you had your own custom home there? Better yet, what if your home was so well integrated with the outdoors that the transition from inside to out is seamless?

This Austin custom home could be yours. Sterling Custom Homes has built a beautiful cliff-side home at The Reserve at Lake Travis. The contemporary-style home is priced at $2,998,780 and features five bedrooms, five bathrooms and two half baths. This home is perfect for relaxing with the family or entertaining multiple guests.

This home is outdoor living is at its finest, with a vanishing edge pool with beach and spa, covered firepit area and large outdoor covered living space. Other luxury features in this home include a gourmet kitchent, 5-car garage, 2-story walls of glass, sunken wet bar, exercise room with meditation court and specialty garage with wet bar.

Walls of glass showcase unbelievable views in this home and create harmony between the indoor and outdoor living spaces. The home features dual pocketing Fleetwood sliding glass doors which opens an entire wing to outdoor living areas. For more information on this beautiful home, visit the Sterling Custom Homes website.

Austin Custom Home Builder Hosts Party at Escavera

Sterling Custom Homes builds premier Austin custom homes in beautiful locations. Normally, they only build custom homes, but a speculative home was recently erected in Escavera at Flintrock Falls to showcase their talents to the fullest. This home was recently toured by clients and real estate agents at a preview party for the community, where only 15 lots remain.

Escavera is surrounded by the Jack Nicklaus designed Flintrock Falls golf course. The homesites in this community are perfect for taking in the view of the Texas hillside. Guests at Sterling's event were able to see the beautiful completed home, a custom home in the framing stages and a "quick delivery" available home with a newly poured slab.

Catered by the Hills Country Club, the event was a success as past clients and real estate agents learned about this unique property. The homesites are aggressively priced between $265,000 and $295,000 and are sure to move fast.

Sterling even agreed to the terms on the sale of lot 14 at the event!

Construction Resources Announces Director of Design

Looking for new carpet, flooring, countertops or other products? Now more that ever, Construction Resources can be your one-stop shop. Angelique Baez has joined Construction Resources as their new director of design! She will manage all three kitchen and bath showrooms as well as implement new programs such as the new Custom Builder Design Program.

Before joining Construction Resources, Angelique operated a showroom in Charleston for a leading builder in the Southeast. Her past two years have been spent in the building supply industry, making Angelique a wonderful asset for Construction Resources.

Construction Resources is a premier destination for home remodeling. Three magnificent showrooms are located in Decatur, Alpharetta and Lake Oconee. For more information, visit the Construction Resources website or the Construction Resources Facebook page.

Atlanta Kitchen and Bath Supply Sale May 21 and 22!

Mark your Calendars for the Inventory Clearance Sale at Construction Resources

Here is everything you need to know:

WHO: Construction Resources, Inc., Atlanta’s one-stop shop for kitchen and bath needs.

WHAT: A two-day Inventory Clearance Sale that will include free lunch, giveaways and family-friendly activities. Discounts include, ready-to-install granite countertops as low as $19 per square foot, Whirlpool tubs as low as $200, gas fireplace logs as low as $225 per set, vanity tops as low as $29, shower bases as low as $75. Giveaways include free Cambira cutting board for the first $25 purchasers and a free polished chrome kitchen faucet for the first 25 people to purchase 40 square feet or more of counter top.

WHEN: Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and is set to take place rain or shine!

WHERE: Construction Resources
224 Rio Circle
Decatur, Ga. 30030.

ABOUT:Construction Resources, Inc. is a 39-year-old company that provides residential and commercial builders/remodelers, as well as homeowners with a one-stop shop for their kitchen and bath needs. The staff at Construction Resources, Inc. has the ability to provide products from several sister companies including Atlanta Marble Mfg., Atlanta Kitchen, Inc., Atlanta Glass & Mirror, Inc. and Atlanta Garage Doors & Fireplaces,LLC. By offering a diverse selection, Construction Resources, Inc. allows customers to simplify their ordering, scheduling and vendor process by dealing with just one salesperson and company rather than multiple salespersons and companies.

Constructions Resources, Inc. has four showroom locations throughout the surrounding Atlanta area including Acworth, Alpharetta, Decatur and Lake Oconee. For more information on Construction Resources, Inc., call 404-419-1259 or visit www.constructionresourcesusa.com.

Five Tips for a Success Home Remodel

Spring is the season for home remodeling, and to help make sure your project is turning out exactly the way you had anticipated, the National Association of Home Builders has released a list of five tips for a successful home remodel:

1. Compile a list of home remodeling ideas and draft a budget for the work.
2. Look for a professional remodeler to help plan the project.
3. Check the references and background of the remodeler.
4. Agree on a contract.
5. Take advantage of the energy efficiency tax credits.

It's absolutely true that these five little steps will help ensure your remodeling project runs smoothly with as little stress and hassle as possible. When it comes to professional remodelers in the Austin area, look to Sterling Custom Homes. The custom home builder encourages clients to check references and their professional background, confident you will be pleased with what you find. After learning of all the professional designations, awards, recognitions and honors, as well as the rave reviews from previous clients, you are sure to settle on Sterling as your professional remodeler.

As part of their business model, Sterling always sits down with the client to walk through the construction process. They have a unique costs and specifications sheet that will help detail all costs throughout the project so that you aren't stuck with any surprises two weeks from completion.

As for the energy efficient tax credits, Sterling Custom Homes has three Certified Green Professionals on staff and remains up-to-date with the latest green building technologies and products. They can suggest different energy-efficient features to incorporate into your home renovations, and then guide you through claiming the different tax credits.

This list from the NAHB for a successful home remodel is spot-on, and it seems like Sterling Custom Homes meets each point. So, for those Austin area remodelers out there, turn to Sterling Custom Homes as your professional remodeler.

Turn Your Master Bath into an Oasis

One of the best things about purchasing a new home in this day and age is that it will most certainly come with a "luxury spa bath" in the owner's suite. Typically this means a double vanity, garden tub with separate stand-up shower and a different, secluded area for the commode. There are other features and finishes that can help make these master baths truly luxurious, but these are the basic elements.

Unfortunately, if you have recently purchased a re-sale home or own a home that is 20 years old or more, your master bath is probably extremely small with a shower/tub combo and one tiny vanity. Why not turn your your small master bath into a luxurious oasis where you love to spend time?

Sterling Custom Homes can help you transform your current bathroom into a luxury spa bath. The Austin custom home builder will work closely with you, listening to your desires and needs, to create the bathroom of your dreams. If you have no idea which features are important to you or even available, the expert staff at Sterling will be able to offer suggestions and help guide you through the creative process.

They have created luxurious master baths that feature over-sized showers with multiple shower head, two-person jacuzzi tubs, custom cabinets, televisions, custom tile work, marble floors and more. The options to create your own personal oasis are endless. Call Sterling Custom Homes at 512-263-2214 to begin your bath remodeling project.

Get a Free Sink from Atlanta Kitchen!

Spring is just around the corner and instead of doing a deep clean this year, why not give your entire kitchen a renovation? Now is the perfect time to remodel the kitchen because Atlanta’s premier source of all kitchen products and materials, Atlanta Kitchen, is offering a free Artisan stainless steel sink with your countertop purchase (a $300 value!).

This is the perfect promotion for a kitchen supply company. You know that you'll be purchasing countertops as part of the renovation and now you get a free sink just for buying a product you were going to anyway.

No matter if you are going for a modern design, classic American or looking for eco-friendly countertops, you'll find it at Atlanta Kitchen as they have the widest variety of countertops in metro Atlanta. For those that have just begun to think about a home renovation and you have no idea what you type of countertops you want, just head to one of the three Atlanta Kitchen showrooms and consult with their sales staff. the Atlanta Kitchen sales staff can go over the advantages and disadvantages to the different materials and help you make a decision.

In order to get the free Artisan sink, you must purchase 40 square feet of granite, quartz or solid-surface countertops before March31, 2010.

For details or more information, call us today at 404-378-3132.

2010 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends

The 2010 International Builder Show took place last month in Las Vegas, and the Austin custom home builder Sterling Custom Homes was in attendance. They never miss this industry trade show as it is a prime opportunity to learn about new design trends and the latest technologies available in the home building industry. While they were able to gain more knowledge about building green and selling homes, some of the most beneficial knowledge came from perusing the exhibit floor. Here Sterling was able to scope out the newest innovations for the kitchen and bath industry as well as keep current on the most popular design trends.

Some of the most interesting trends for kitchens in 2010 include:

• Under-counter refrigerator - We love this idea! While most homes still use one large appliance, it is becoming more and more popular to use refrigerator drawers and other under-counter options. They are convenient, aesthetically pleasing and allow you to have different degrees of refrigeration for different items. Currently, the most common under-counter refrigeration is a wine cooler, but feel free to think outside the box and try using these under-counter options for anything you can think of.
  
• Flexible faucets - It is no longer common practice to have only one faucet in the kitchen. Instead, you are more likely to see a faucet in the island, along the countertop, near the stove and anywhere else it may be convenient. The pot filler at the stove is specifically designed to fill a pot with hot water so that it doesn't take so long to boil. These different faucets help make cooking a bit more efficient.
  
• Dishwasher drawers - Similar to the under-counter refrigeration, these dishwasher drawers allow you to run smaller loads, which saves water and electricity.

If you are planning a custom kitchen renovation, keep these three things in mind. If you live in the Austin, TX area, be sure to give Sterling Custom Homes a call as we would love to help you design the kitchen of your dreams. Be sure to ask us what other new trends are making their way into the kitchen.