Summit Custom Homes is proud to announce that we’ll be opening operations in Fredericksburg with this exciting new project!  We’ve worked tirelessly with the owner this past year to build this home on paper and now we’re ready for groundbreaking.  This conventionally framed floorplan boasts the  interior and exterior timber frame accents that have come to serve as our trademarks.  If you’re looking for green, this house will have it! From the airtight, expanding foam envelope to the geothermal heat pump system, we’ve taken great care to incorporate many of today’s most sought after green building techniques.  This popular floor plan has been featured in a number of fine home building publications over the years and we’re very excited to add it to our portfolio!  Please contact the office if you care for a tour or a spec sheet on this exciting floor plan.

The recent break in winter weather has allowed us  to break ground in Old Trail and, as of this week, we have walls in place!  Over the next several weeks we’ll be bringing to life this fantastic Southern Living plan that blends traditional southern vernacular with the rustic timber accents we’ve grown to love.  Please visit our website for plans and pricing on this great home that’s scheduled for a June delivery.

After a very long winter, Summit has finally been able to start this 1800sf Post & Beam classic in Goochland, Virginia.  Framing commenced on February 24th and this house should be dried in by March 5th.  Please call the Charlottesville office if you care to discuss a future Post & Beam or Timber Frame project.

We are very excited to announce that Summit will soon proceed with the construction of this Southern Living plan in Old Trail Village.  As a member of the exclusive Southern Living Custom Home Builder program, this project serves as Summit’s first step in transcending the pages of Southern Living magazine into the Old Trail setting.  With this project, we will provide a reasonably priced home while maintaining the custom touches and quality finishes that our customers demand.  High efficiency mechanical systems, solid wood custom cabinetry and quality floor finishes are just a few of our standard specifications that will continue in the Old Trail setting.  A spring 2010 completion is expected. Please contact our office if you would like more information on this exciting project.

The First Time Home-Buyer Tax Credit has done a tremendous amount to kick start the ailing housing market.  With it’s looming expiration on December 1st, many industry and government officials are pushing for an extension.  Interestingly enough, they are also pushing for an expansion of the program to a $15,000 credit that’s available to all home-buyers!  Will they get it? Click here for the full story…

If you’ve participated in any real estate transaction over the last 6 months, you’re probably aware of the radical shift that has taken place in the appraisal world.  The flood of distressed properties has made it increasingly difficult for appraisers to determine fair market values for the neighboring non-distressed properties.  This affects those looking to purchase existing homes or build custom homes and need to pursue bank financing.  Industry groups are finally beginning to realize the role this issue is playing in further delaying a true housing recovery and it appears reform may be on the way.  Click here for the full story… 

We’ve all known for quite some time that convience and efficiency rank high on the list of considerations in custom home construction.  You don’t have to be a boomer to have a significant appreciation for these criteria.  Interestingly, however, many consumers in this survey report the desire for “greener” materials in the construction of their homes but also report an unwillingness to pay extra for them.  As a builder, Summit has certainly seen evidence of this in the Charlottesville market.  Recent government stimulus, however, has started to bring the costs for greener systems down to a more attainable level.  Click here for more on this topic from the NAHB.

Summit recently received the materials package from Appalachian Woods for the Georges Mill Road project and framing is underway!  This cabin is a hybrid of Timber Frame and Post & Beam construction.  The main floor joists are rough sawn, reclaimed oak 2×8′s.   The main floor decking will be roughsawn, randomn width full 2″ oak boards.  Walls are soon to follow so stay tuned as this little work of art comes to life!

The average square footage of new homes has been on the downturn for the last year.  That raises the question: Are the days of the McMansion over?  Some industry experts point to the fact that smaller homes are simply more affordable and the downturn is merely a reflection of  what buyers can afford rather than what they want.  Others will argue we’re seeing a shift in lifestyle.  With a newfound respect for the dollar, energy efficiency, and sustainability, many homebuyers feel a certain duty to steer clear of excess and focus on quality and efficiency. 

As a custom home builder in Charlottesville Virginia, Summit is seeing more and more empty nesters that simply don’t need or want the headache of the upkeep that comes with the additional square footage.  We’re seeing a definite trend toward smaller, well designed Post &  Beam and Timber Frame home plans with particular focus on the quality of finish spec.  This is especially true  in the active adult population.

For more on this topic, read The Incredible Shrinking Home from CNN’s Money.com

The Log & Timber Home Show will be returning to Dulles this fall.  This is by far the areas largest home show that focuses on Log, Timber Frame and Post & Beam home construction.  Whether you’re getting ready to break ground this spring or planning for that Dream Home to be built several years out, this is a great place to pick up ideas and continue your planning.  Let us know if you plan to attend and would care to meet to discuss your custom home plans.  Click here for more information on this event.