Mark Johnson Custom Homes Blog

Wilmington home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share with our readers a brand new innovative product that we’ve recently installed in a custom home.

It’s a thermostat called Nest from iPod inventor Tony Fadell’s new start-up, Nest Labs. And like Apple, Nest Labs has taken something you use every day and made it simple and delightful to use.

Nest operates with the same genius wheel user interface as the original iPod, with a digital screen in its center. It connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control it remotely via an iPhone app or the Web. And its stylish design made of brushed stainless steel is a showpiece.

What makes Nest stand out from other programmable thermostats is that it learns your behavioral patterns and creates a temperature-setting schedule from them. Nest has six sensors that can determine things like when you’re away from home. People with more than one thermostat in one home can use more than one Nest and they’ll all communicate with one another, though each can be adjusted to different temperatures. People with multiple homes can put all of their Nests on the same account.

Nest can get automatic software updates that the company says will let it do things in the future like adjusting temperatures according to current local weather and showing how much money temperature adjustments will save on utility bills.

Wilmington, NC custom home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to introduce our readers to the Spring Lake plan designed by Sullivan Design Company. This is an affordable design to build. Contact Mark directly at 910.409.2421 for community specific pricing on your lot or ours.

A rocking chair front porch is perfect for southern sunsets and adds to the warmth and charm of this 2880sf home. The entry invites you into the comfortable living room with a full wall of windows and a coffered ceiling that compliments the fireplace and bookcases.

The chef’s kitchen is open to the living area and offers an eat-in morning room flooded by natural light. The oversized granite island holds a huge double bowl sink and is lit by hanging pendant lights. The 36″ gas range sets up the space for cooking the perfect meal and will handle entertaining of any scale.

The master suit will easily hold a king sized bed, it’s accompaniments and a sitting area. The master bath has a separate soaking tub and large tiled shower. A linen closet and separate water closet for the toilet complete this luxurious bathroom.

Hardwood floors warm the main living space and keep the open floor plan concept. The main staircase leads to a sitting area and 2 bedrooms that share a full bathroom. There is a second back staircase for access to the bonus room over the garage.

Energy Features include:

• 2×6 exterior wall construction
• R24 blown in fiberglass insulation (Bibs)
• Radiant barrier roof decking to keep attic cooler and reduce demand on HVAC system
• Attic framed knee walls to include air barrier
• Recirculating hot water system with a tankless hot water heater

The holiday season is quickly approaching and we all know the challenges we sometimes face when juggling multiple activities this time of the year. Wilmington, NC builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share with our readers an article courtesy of RealtyTimes.com that gives great tips on how to make moving during the holiday season extra special for your family.

It’s the holiday season! For many readers out there this season is taking on a whole new meaning.

Cold weather, rain, and snow doesn’t keep a good buyer down. There are great deals to be had all year round. Buying doesn’t always happen on schedule. It can take weeks or months to find the perfect house, you may need to move suddenly to follow a new job opportunity, or move to be closer to ailing parents.

Buying happens for a myriad of reasons and during every month of the year. Yet, buying during the holidays can be challenging, especially if you’re a family with lots of traditions or with children.

If you have children, then here are some tips to make a move during the holidays a big deal in a good way!

First, children follow the lead of their parents. If you are depressed about missing out on Aunt Sue’s famous turkey or daily noting the bad luck of buying during the holidays, your children will likely pick up on this. So start by adjustingyour attitude first. Focus on the positive aspects of the move. Try to keep a cheery, upbeat attitude.

Will a child be getting their own room? Will their new room be “awesome”? These can be reasons to celebrate! Talk up all the great new area parks, restaurants, and kid-friendly attractions.

Older children may be a harder sell, especially if you’re moving them away from their school or friends. Do a little research and find out more on area malls, sports teams, or youth groups that your child may be interested in.

Also consider rewarding children especially well for their good behavior during a move. Maybe now is a time for that allowance raise (if it doesn’t seem too much like a bribe), to let them select the new decor for their new room, or to have one extra pizza night this week.

Communication is key for getting through a move, regardless of the season. Have a family meeting to discuss concerns and fears, or have one-on-one talks with each kid to assess their feelings.

Finally, make every attempt to keep traditions alive. This is important for adults and children alike. If your family loves having a fully decorated tree, then you might have to set it up twice this year — once at your current home and then quickly again when you first arrive in your new home.

Boxes and chaos aside, you can still sit down for a fun family dinner or for an evening of singing songs and opening presents. Keep your traditions alive and your move this holiday season will be an easy one!

Article written by: Carla Hill, RealtyTimes.com

Wilmington, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share with our readers a creative Halloween decoration idea from Southern Living Magazine.

We’re officially declaring Mason jars the ultimate multipurpose item. (Sorry, duct tape.) Southerners use them for everything from storing bacon grease to serving sweet tea. And now: as jack-o’-lanterns.

To create your own, paint jars of assorted sizes in desired color of acrylic paint. (One to two coats will do; paint that’s too thick will impede that lantern glow.) Add ghoulish features with black paint or permanent marker, and then spray with a clear glaze for a glossy finish. Pop in battery-powered LED lights and you have one jarringly spooky—and simple!—display.

Courtesy of: Southernliving.com

Wilmington new home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes is excited to announce that we have completed construction of The Angelique, a custom home in the Landfall community. We invite you to take a tour via the two minute video below to experience the home’s New England colonial style and old world charm. Simply click “The Angelique” below to view the video.

The Angelique

Wilmington, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to introduce our readers to The Sater Group.

For over twenty six years, The Sater Group, has been providing award-winning, custom residential design and has become one of the country’s most recognized residential design firms that specialize in luxury home design. Led by Dan F. Sater II, AIBD/CPBD/CGP, The Sater Group has won over 450 regional and national design awards in its 26 year history.

In an effort to combine custom quality design with more affordable pre-drawn plans, Dan formed The Sater Design Collection. The Sater Design Collection has been serving builders and individuals both nationally and internationally for over sixteen years. 

”We give the same attention to detail in the pre-drawn plans we sell, that we give to our custom, luxury homes. I meticulously think through every aspect in creating these unique home designs, as if I was designing it for myself.”

Dan F. Sater II, AIBD, CPBD, CGP

The Sater Group, Inc. is a member of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Institute of Classical Architecture (ICA), and the Chamber of Commerce.

Wilmington custom home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share the following information about Frank Deals with those of you located in the Wilmington area.

1 CARD + UNLIMITED DISCOUNTS & DEALS + PARTICIPATING LOCAL BUSINESSES =

Launched in January 2010, Frank Deals was established to connect consumers and businesses by way of the “Frank Card”. Consumers are rewarded for presenting their Frank Deals card when making purchases; businesses are rewarded by receiving new and frequent patrons from the Frank Network. Most importantly, Frank Deals is active in our community, helping local organizations like the American Cancer Society raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. For more information or to get involved, visit www.frankdeals.com.

MJCH is not compensated from Frank Deals. We appreciate the value they provide our local area.

Wilmington, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes encourages anyone in the Wilmington area to attend Monty’s Home Pet Expo taking place this Sunday, February 27th from 11:00am – 4:00pm at the Schwartz Center, Downtown Wilmington.

Monty’s Home Pet Expo is the largest indoor pet event in the area! Allowing more than 70 pet related vendors to showcase a huge variety of pet items and services. Be sure to visit the Silent Auction, offering hundreds of items for bid.

Call 910.259.7911 for more information.
Cape Fear C.C. Schwartz Center
610 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.montyshome.org/expo.htm

Wilmington builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share with our readers an article written by Carla Hill with RealtyTimes.com that gives tips for increasing the value of your home.

It is no secret. 2010 was a hard year for home values. According to Zillow.com, homes were expected to lose $1.7 trillion in value. This is an even greater loss than what was seen in 2009.

They report that “the bulk of the total value lost during 2010 was in the second half of the year. From January to June, the housing market lost $680 billion. From June to December, Zillow projects residential home value losses will top $1 trillion.”

Some of the largest losses in value were seen in the West. Los Angeles’ values fell by $38,000 over the course of 2010. And they are down a whopping $676,000 from the peak in the second quarter of 2006. Phoenix, Arizona, saw values falls by $36,000 in 2010. This is down $222,000 from peak times.

There were exceptions to this loss trend. The Boston metropolitan statistical area (MSA) gained $10.8 billion in value, while the San Diego MSA gained $10.2 billion.

Now, while you cannot protect yourself against market corrections such as these, you can take small steps to help increase your home’s value and make it more marketable. The following tips are meant to inspire and motivate you to treat your home like the investment it was meant to be.

1. Make Repairs: Homes require regular maintenance and repairs are a necessary component of homeownership. Procrastination gets you nowhere when it comes to home value. Stay on top of repairs as they are needed. And be sure to address large projects before placing your home on the market. For example, roofs are expensive to replace or repair. Many buyers will pass up your otherwise wonderful home when faced with roof issues.

2. Curb Appeal: Curb appeal is about first impressions. It is also about neighborhood values. Drive down a street lined with manicured lawns and well-maintained homes and the values are sure to reflect the care their owners take. On the other hand, streets with overgrown trees, junky yards, and chipped and faded paint are fighting an uphill battle in the values game.

3. Community Involvement: The classic quote from Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu says, “A journey of 1,00 miles begins with a single step.” This is especially true for improving the health and wealth of a community. Change starts with yourself. By becoming an active member of your community, you can inspire the change you desire. Family, friends, and neighbors will follow your lead of civic duty. How can you get involved? Run for city council, join the PTA, volunteer, and help organize fund raisers and events that inspire community togetherness.

4. Updated Kitchen: Kitchens are a real selling point. Outdated cabinets, counters, and appliances will stick out like a sore thumb to buyers. Be sure, however, that you research your comparables before beginning a remodel. You don’t want to price yourself out of the running. This means if while you love granite and travertine, other homes in your area are selling with laminate, you will probably not be able to ask for a drastically higher price that covers the price of the granite.

5. Updated Bath: Bathrooms also hold much of a home’s value. New low-flush toilets cost as little as $100. And tubs and showers can be easily replaced or resurfaced. Be sure, above all else, that your bathrooms are clean for showings.

6. Energy Savers: Buyers are looking for homes that are energy efficient. Low-flush toilets, solar panels, water filtrations systems, and insulated windows are all inexpensive fixes for energy zappers.

Consider these simple tips and decide for yourself what may help your home retain its value.

Article courtesy of: RealtyTimes.com

Wilmington, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes recently installed a grey exposed aggregate driveway using recycled sea shells at a home being built in Landfall. Exposed aggregate with broadcast sea shells gives concrete the elegance and beauty of the old south. 

The process includes broadcasting and pressing recycled sea shells into concrete when wet, then removing the top surface when the concrete flashes (water evaporates) allowing the beautiful shells to appear.

Adding the Aggregate to the Concrete:

The most commonly used method is to seed the decorative aggregate onto the slab surface immediately after the concrete has been placed, struck off, and bull floated. This involves sprinkling the aggregate by hand or shovel uniformly onto the surface and then embedding it with a bull float until it’s completely covered by a thin layer of cement paste.

Exposing the Aggregate:

There are several exposure methods contractors can choose from, depending on the look desired and size of the project. Only the top of the stone is exposed while the rest remains permanently embedded in the concrete. The general rule of thumb is to remove the surface concrete to a depth no more than one-third the diameter of the aggregate particle. Brushing and washing is the oldest method and the simplest because it doesn’t require chemical retarders or special tools. You just wash away the thin layer of surface concrete covering the aggregate by spraying with water and scrubbing with a broom until the aggregate is exposed to the desired depth. The timing of the operation is critical, however, so this method is often better suited for small jobs. The work should begin as soon as the surface concrete can be removed without overexposing or dislodging the aggregate. You can test this by lightly brushing away the surface mortar in a small area with a stiff nylon-bristle broom.

Choosing Decorative Aggregate:

The color palette of an exposed aggregate surface is largely determined by the type of decorative stone that’s used. Aggregate selection can also have a big impact on the total cost of the project. Expensive aggregates are not always needed to achieve impressive results. You can also use manufactured materials such as recycled colored glass.