| Custom built homes are a thing of expressive beauty. | | | | some companies that reclaim items from dilapidated |
| A custom built home is one of the few ways that an | | | | structures or houses scheduled for demolition. It is |
| individual or family is able to express themselves | | | | often more inexpensive to find a highly detailed |
| outwardly, almost as if it were a piece of art to relax | | | | crafted 85 year old door or banister than it is to |
| in and enjoy. There are so many choices of materials, | | | | have a new one made. This practice is more |
| styles, construction techniques, etc., that it is almost | | | | common in the Eastern half of the U.S. due to the |
| always a daunting chore to decide. | | | | fact that the oldest communities were founded |
| With the recent push of technological advances in | | | | throughout the Eastern U.S. |
| the home building industry, there are now more | | | | When a custom built or remodeled home is nearing |
| choices than ever before. Newer technologies | | | | completion, the final interior is ready to receive paint, |
| translate to improved quality and more efficient | | | | carpeting, or maybe new cabinets. Many new paints |
| energy consumption, however many of the materials | | | | being advertised are no or low VOC paints. Volatile |
| are actually recycled materials or are vintage antiques | | | | Organic Compounds or VOCs are harmful gasses that |
| given a new lease on life. | | | | are given off long after the material or item is |
| Almost every aspect of a home can take advantage | | | | installed. The majority of kitchen cabinets are |
| of these green technologies. Newer types of | | | | constructed from particle board. Traditional particle |
| materials such as loose fill insulation, which is | | | | board is created using formaldehyde, which is known |
| composed of newspaper or recycled denim jeans, | | | | to be carcinogenic. |
| can be used throughout the house. Recycled glass | | | | The majority of builders are well aware of these |
| tiles, which are gaining in popularity, are commonly | | | | newer methods and technologies commonly written |
| used in either the bathroom or kitchen areas. Dual | | | | about in trade magazines or journals, some builders |
| flush toilets are making in roads in order to save | | | | embrace the improvements, while others will continue |
| water and money. Synthetic lumber is popular to | | | | down the traditional construction path which may not |
| craft decks and sunrooms due to longevity, saving | | | | be of any great benefit. Should a custom builder |
| trees, and low maintenance. | | | | utilize these contemporary materials, then usually this |
| In certain instances, some builders will even be able | | | | will be advertised in order to benefit the client's |
| to refinish and reuse actual wood panel doors, light | | | | needs. |
| fixtures, wrought iron work and more available from | | | | |