How Many Subcontractors It Takes to Build a New Home

Ever heard of the joke how many people does it take to screw in a light bulb?  Well this is the thought process when approaching the subject of how many subcontractors it takes to successfully build a new home.  When we hear the term builder, some new home buyers think that a builder has a wide range of employees that each do the specific tasks it takes to “put a home together.”  Some home buyers don’t realize that builders are more the organizational2-100-hardwood-drive-exterior-main and contractual arm of the building process, a hands-on, supervisory position.  Builders use contractors and subcontractors to actually complete all of the components of building a new home.  A 2015 Special Study in Housing Economics reports that builders rely on 11 to 30 subcontractors to build one single-family home.  That means that there is an average of 22 different subcontractors that will be used to build one new construction home.

Based on a survey of builders done by the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), we can figure out what particular jobs are subcontracted out the most.  Over 90% of builders sub-contract concrete work, masonry, drywall, foundations, fireplaces, technology, plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, carpeting and security systems.  There is still a lot to be done even if the previously mentioned projects are taken care of by subcontractors.

Home buyers should know that both the builder and subcontractors are a vital part to the construction of a new home. Without one the other could not successfully do their job.

Click Here for the Source of the Information.

New Home Trends That Builders Are Using in 2016

Fashion is not the only area we see ever-changing trends.  Housing looks, features and construction are also changing each year.  If you are looking for a new home or are in the process of building a new home, here are some new home trends we are currently seeing builders build.

The first feature that ranks the highest on our list is a tie between the walk-in closet in the master bedroom and the laundry room.  Builders across the country agreed these two features were very important when building a new home.  Organization is a priority these days, and these two areas enhance organization and storage in a new home.

Next, to add to our list of features that ranked high on a builder’s list are energy features.  In a rating from a vote of 9-205 Oak Park Court Breakfast Room“very likely” equal to 5 and “not at all likely” equal to 1, the Low-E windows rated 4.8, Energy-Star rated appliances rated 4.5, Energy-Star rated windows came in at 4.4 and the programmable thermostat rated 4.4.  We are all concerned with the environment, and energy conservation not only helps the environment but also helps save on your utility bills!

Coming in next is the great room that is one large kitchen-family room-living room combination.  Builders rated the great room an average of 4.7 making it a likely feature that will be included in a new construction home.  Families want to have a house that flows and is open and airy.  Mom can be in the kitchen cooking while keeping an eye on the kids playing in the family room.

Speaking of open and airy, more and more home buyers want 9’ ceilings on the first floor.  This feature can make a small area look much larger and feel a lot more open. Builders ranked this a 4.4 on the likely scale.

These last features made the list but are not as important as those mentioned above.  Builders keep repeating that 16-100-hardwood-drive-upstairs-livinghome buyers have been asking for features that will give additional organization and storage space, an open feel and clean lines.  For the average newly built home, you will find a two car garage, granite countertops and double sink in the kitchen, walk-in pantry, mudroom, bathroom linen closet, front porch  and exterior lighting.

There are also many features builders will stay away from in new homes.  These include outdoor fireplaces, laminate countertops, two-story rooms, carpeting, jetted tub in master bathroom, media rooms and sunrooms. Builders rated all of these as least likely features they will use when building a new construction house this year.

You cannot go wrong with any of the popular features mentioned above if planning to resale, build or purchase a home.  When it comes to real estate you want to always keep track of the up and coming trends.

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Jefferson Parish to Have New Development

Jefferson Parish is home to many big developments such as the TPC (Tournament Players Club) Louisiana Golf Course, NOLA Motorsports, Churchill Farms Technology and Business Park, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy and the future Delgado Community College River City Campus.  These existing developments captured theNew Jefferson Parish Development in the Works attention of Southern Lifestyle Development. The company is taking a serious look at the vacant 9,000-acre Fairfield area located between and south of Avondale and Westwego.  According to Parish President John Young, the project would overtake East Baton Rouge population numbers making it the most populated parish in the state of Louisiana.

The development firm has experience with large, mixed-use developments.  Village of River Ranch in Lafayette is one of Southern Lifestyle’s previous projects.  The vision of the West Jefferson project is new commercial and residential construction that has the potential to house 30,000 people. This would be six times larger than River Ranch.

Prescott Bailey, Southern Lifestyle Development’s local area President, says, “We’re looking at it as an opportunity to essentially create a small city that would have different products for everyone: all types of commercial, all types of multi-family, as well as single-family.”  The project will include large green spaces which will minimize some of the development’s density.

“We find a lot of people leaving and going across the lake for a different kind of lifestyle,” Young said. “But we can give them that kind of lifestyle in Jefferson.”  Young believes the project will transform the West Bank making it a great place for potential home buyers to purchase new construction housing.  The project will not only give new home buyers a new attractive area but will also give them easier access to New Orleans by way of the Huey P. Long Bridge expansion.

Click Here for the Source of the Information.

Rendez-Vous Des Cajuns – January, 2016

acadian-cultural-center

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
Rendez-Vous Des Cajuns

Prairie Acadian Cultural Center
250 West Park Avenue
Eunice, LA 70535

At Liberty Theater next door to center. Live Cajun and zydeco music.

Every Saturday in January, 2016
6:00PM
– 7:30PM

January 2, 2016
January 9, 2016
January 16, 2016
January 23, 2016
January 30, 2016

 

Call the Theater at 337-457-7389 for Ticket Information.

 

Battle of New Orleans Talk – January, 2016

chalmette-battlefield

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve
Battle of New Orleans Talk

Chalmette Battlefield and Chalmette National Cemetery
8606 West St. Bernard Hwy.
Chalmette, LA 70043

Discover 1815’s Battle of New Orleans on the battlefield where it happened. Time is approximate; talk takes place when Creole Queen excursion boat arrives.

Tuesday – Saturday – January, 2016
2:45PM
This Is a Free Event.

Call 504-281-0510 or Visit Here to Learn More Information.