How to Find the Right Builder for Your New Custom Home

You’re finally ready to start construction on the custom home of your dreams. You’ve probably been dreaming about and saving for this project for years. So how do you choose a quality builder you can trust to do the job right? You need to carefully consider what type of home you want and use these guidelines.

1. Define your needs. First, write down exactly what you’re looking for. Consider things like square footage, layout, special additions, and price range. Some builders specialize in specific configurations and styles and can ensure higher quality craftsmanship.
2. Look at experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, of course, but builders with a proven past are less likely to make mistakes. Choosing a less experienced builder could potentially save you money, but you’ll also be taking a gamble.
3. Get references. Talk to anyone you know who’s had experience with local builders, and see how his or her experience was. Many construction companies will also list past references and testimonials on their website so you can compare. If customers aren’t satisfied, make sure you find out why – a rough attitude might be an equal trade for a superior quality house.
4. Verify licensing and insurance. Do some research about licensing requirements in your area to understand what certifications your builder needs. Double check that their licenses, permits, and insurance are all up to date before you make any decision.
5. Ask about warranties. If a builder isn’t willing to stand by his or her work, it should be a red flag. Talk to the builder about quality guarantees and what the warranty fulfilling process is like. If he or she is indirect or wants to send you through a bunch of loopholes, it’s probably not a good sign.
6. Check into previous build values. Ideally, homes from your builder will appreciate over time. Look at any listings or estimates for properties they’ve built and compare. If the value looks consistently low, it’s not good.
7. Tour model homes or customer homes. Seeing is believing. If the builder has a model home, it’ll be easy to inspect the craftsmanship firsthand. If he or she doesn’t have a dedicated model, you may be able to talk to a previous customer for a walkthrough or find an open house. It’s important to view the handiwork before you decide. This step shouldn’t be skipped if at all possible.

Finding the right builder can feel like a wild goose chase for some people, but don’t despair. Tony McClung is a custom home builder in Dallas Texas that is here to help you bring your dreams to live, within your budget and timeline. With a proven track record, numerous references, certifications, awards and recognitions, you will be more than pleased with the home Tony McClung can design and build for you. Check out a sample of some of the beautiful homes designed and built by Tony McClung in Highland Park and the Park Cities, and give us a call at 214-668-7802 with any questions.

2017 Texas Home and Garden Show in Dallas This Weekend

Texas Home and Garden Shows have been connecting homeowners with professionals for nearly four decades. Visiting one of these exhibitions is the best way to find expert advice, learn tips for saving money, gather ideas for future renovations or projects, and more. There are nine shows throughout the year, so make sure you don’t miss this chance.

Why You Should Go to Garden Shows

Home and garden shows are a great way to get out of the house and meet new homeowners and professionals who share your interests and tastes. These expositions allow you to build a network of connections and contacts so you’ll be ready for whatever projects you have in mind. Some of the professionals who attend home and garden shows include:

• Architects
• Contractors
• Design consultants
• Home builders
• Home security experts
• Interior designers
• Landscapers

There are plenty of other benefits to attending shows besides just meeting new professionals, however. Most expos include giveaways, seminars, and beautiful displays. Before there was Pinterest, people attended home and garden shows to see all the new developments and ideas that they could bring into their home. There’s no better way to get inspired than by perusing displays and asking questions directly without the same pressure that comes with visiting regular stores.

And, of course, if you’re looking to buy, the Texas Home & Garden shows give you the opportunity to find the very best prices from suppliers and contractors of all sorts. In a show environment, they’re competing for your business instead, giving you the power to save money and negotiate with the best in the business.

You can also learn some valuable skills at some of the show workshops. These miniature classes give you hands-on experience and instructions from industry professionals. That means it’s easier to transform DIY into done.

Texas Garden Show Locations and Dates

Ready to see what the Texas Home & Garden shows have in store for you? In Dallas, you can experience the exhibition from March 3rd to 5th at Dallas Market Hall. They’ll also be setting up in September from the 8th to 10th. Go once or twice – you’re sure to see fantastic ideas and meet incredible people either way.

The annual Texas Home and Garden shows are in Dallas, Houston and Fort Worth later this year.

Houston:

• February 17-19, 2017
• April 1-2, 2017
• June 24-25, 2017
• September 23-24, 2017

Fort Worth:

• May 19-21, 2017
• August 11-13, 2017

For more information or to buy your THG tickets ahead of time, visit the Texas Home & Garden website.

Dallas's Home to American Leaders: Preston Hollow

If you’re looking for the site for your dream home and want to enjoy life in the Dallas, but at the same time have a quiet large lot, look no further than Preston Hollow – the jewel of Dallas, home to former President George W. Bush and corporate giants such as H. Ross Perot, T. Boone Pickens, and Mark Cuban. Preston Hollow is the cream of the crop, boasting expansive lots, plenty of privacy, and a prime location in the city. Despite being one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Texas, you don’t have to be absurdly rich to own a home site in Preston Hollow. Work with Tony McClung on any budget, and discover your options.

Facts About Preston Hollow

Named for its beautiful flowing creeks and deep-wooded hollows, Preston Hollow is one of the most scenic places to live in Texas. At the same time, its location is incredibly convenient for residents, located near the Northwest Highway, Royal Lane, Preston Road, and Midway Road, Preston Hollow is about five miles out of downtown Dallas, yet feels like a secluded estate. It’s replete with luxury, privacy, and security – not to mention the esteem that follows the neighborhood. People come to Preston Hollow for its proximity to private schools, easy living atmosphere, and high-end homes.

Preston Hollow is close to many top shopping plazas and five-star restaurants. Residents flock to nearby Preston-Royal, NorthPark Center, and Preston Center for a plethora of shops. There’s no end to the things to do in Preston Hollow.

Home Styles and Prices

Most homes in Preston Hollow are ranch style, but you won’t find cookie-cutter style communities here. Each home in Preston Hollow exudes custom design elements and creative architectural vision, like pieces of art. Some buyers are renovating while others are tearing down old-fashioned ranch style homes from the 1940s and putting up exquisite modern builds in their places. Many homes have private gates, pools, and tennis courts.

Homebuyers know Preston Hollow for its homes’ pristine craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unbeatable quality. The houses in this neighborhood are nothing short of extraordinary. Beautiful homes are available on spacious lots for approximately $450,000 to over $15 million. Property prices range from $250 per square foot to around $1,000 per square foot, depending on the home and land.

To work with an architectural designer and homebuilder who can create beautiful results with any size budget, call Tony McClung at (214) 668-7802. He can craft a dream home in Preston Hollow to fit any size budget and works closely with clients every step of the process.

Best Practices for Texas Winters

Texas is rarely a winter wonderland, but when cold weather, ice or snow does come, Texas homeowners need to be prepared. The ordinarily warm and sunny weather in the Lone Star State rarely gives way to the cold. This means many Texans don’t know how to keep their homes protected from inclement weather. Here are four top tips for winterizing your home and keeping your investment safe from snow, sleet, and ice. This week has been a gorgeous week and there is no better time to check these areas of your home than in great weather. As we well know, it may be 70 today, but could be snowing tomorrow!

Check Your Weatherstripping

On a cold, blustery day, the only thing between you and the great outdoors is your weatherstripping. Check all the weatherstripping in your home, inspecting doors, windows, and skylights for leaks. The easiest way to detect a leak is to light a stick of incense and hold it by the weatherstripping. If there is a leak, the outdoor air will pull or blow the smoke of the incense. Replace worn-out weatherstripping before the cold hits, and remember to put it on both sides of your doors and windows – the jamb and lintel.

Clean the Gutters

Give your gutters a thorough cleaning at the end of fall. Cleaning them before autumn means falling leaves will fill them up again. You don’t want to wait too long, however, and risk a winter storm with clogged gutters. Blocked rain gutters can spill water down the exterior of your home, sometimes getting trapped in the siding, leading to wood rot and expensive repairs. Blocked rain gutters may also freeze, place too much weight on the gutters, and tear away from the house.

Heat Efficiently

There are many ways to stay warm in the winter without racking up the electricity bill. Invest in preventative heater maintenance and repair to save money on a major breakdown. New heaters are much more energy efficient than older models, especially if you opt for an Energy Star-rated heater. High-efficiency heating systems can keep your Texas home more comfortable for less money.

Be Prepared

The best defense you have against the cold in Texas is preparedness. Put together an emergency kit in case you lose power or you can’t leave your home due to bad weather. Your kit should include plenty of bottled water, nonperishable foods, a battery-operated radio, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight, and tools. It has been a few years since we have really been shut down by the ice or snow, but when it does come again, you’re only as safe as the roof over your head. Ensure your home is strong, sturdy, and expertly built by partnering with design/build professional Tony McClung. For more information, call (214) 668-7802.

Highland Park’s 3 Most Popular Home Styles

Highland Park, Texas, is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, boasting exquisite homes that are custom-crafted and the height of luxury. Highland Park attracts homebuyers who are ready to build their dream homes from the ground up, pulling out all the stops. Homes in the Park Cities are some of the most beautiful properties in Texas, showcasing top home-style trends.

Dutch Colonial

Colonial home styles are very popular throughout Dallas and are evident throughout Highland Park and University Park. Dutch Colonial homes are typically two stories, with a gambrel roof and eaves that flare outward, using bricks or shingles. The gambrel roof is a low, sweeping structure with dormer windows. This style of home is extraordinarily flexible, with the possibility of arranging the interior to suit specific tastes. Dutch Colonial homes are replete with Colonial Revival characteristics and are beautifully picturesque.

New England Colonial

New England Colonial homes stem from American tradition and are box-like with gable roofs. These houses typically have small-pane windows with wooden shutters, clapboard siding, and shingle roofs. They boast timeless beauty and superb craftsmanship, paying homage to an era of home building that prioritized quality. New England Colonial homes are classic choices that homeowners can remake to reflect their individual spins, customizing the interiors and exteriors while staying true to traditional design.

Southern Colonial

Southern Colonials are large two- or three-story homes that are world-famous for having statuesque front columns and sprawling porches – perfect for Dallas’s year-round good weather. Deep porches and indoor/outdoor living spaces are mainstays in southern architecture. These homes are luxurious, with stately front entryways and columns.

Tony McClung, one of the most respected design/build professionals in Dallas, builds homes from the ground up. He works closely with clients to design and create ideal, completely custom homes in Highland Park, the Park Cities and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. McClung can skillfully craft a Colonial style or other type of home with all the trimmings, including rustic copper accents, mixed materials such as metal and wood, smart-home technology, indoor/outdoor living spaces, even hidden doors.

With McClung’s creative imagination and knack for incredible architecture design, there’s no limit to what your home can have. Learn more about what he can do. Contact us to start the design process in Highland Park or in another Dallas location or give us a call at (214) 668-7802 today.

Dallas’ Very Own Luxury Fixer-Upper: Tony McClung

If you’re a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper, you’re going to love real-life Dallas fixer-upper Tony McClung, who designs and builds spectacular luxury custom homes throughout Dallas Texas. McClung’s career path began at just 12 years old, when he designed and built a storage room addition in his father’s garage. Fast-forward to today, and McClung has been named one of the top Dallas 500 business leaders – a high honor that takes incredible skill and dedication.

The Making of an Expert Architectural Designer

McClung graduated from Texas A&M University as a master of engineering in 1974. He knew he wanted to be a homebuilder since childhood and pursued his passion after earning a bachelor of business administration from North Texas State University in 1971. He joined Mount Miller Architects as a general superintendent and carpenter while finishing his undergraduate degree and then moved on to hold jobs at Brown & Root, Hudson Engineering Inc., and McClung Construction Company. While president of McClung Construction Company, he became the president and operating officer of Providence Development Inc. when the McClung Construction Company underwent an ownership change.

Since 1986, he has been owner and operating officer of BLG Development Providence Development Inc./Tony McClung & Company. He designs and builds large, superior-quality residential construction projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. His education in construction, years of work experience in the field, and lifelong dedication to the craft marks him as one of the best professional architectural designers in the state of Texas.

From Fixer-Uppers to Phenomenal New Builds

The booming success of fixer-upper and house flipping shows highlights America’s attraction to gorgeous custom builds. McClung is Dallas’s own fixer-upper extraordinaire, giving clients exactly what they want in their dream homes. He takes control of a space and transforms it into a sleek, stylish, striking place to live. He blends modern technologies and innovations with timeless architectural design, giving clients the best of both worlds.

Just like Chip and Joanna Gaines, Tony McClung built a name for himself throughout years of hard work, stellar designs, and creativity. He founded his brand on breathtaking designs and outstanding architecture, building custom homes for clients with a wide range of budgets. McClung uses his fixer-upper expertise to create stunning works for all clients. Check out Tony’s current projects, which showcase his implementation of cutting-edge design trends with classic, elegant architecture. To create a 3D walkthrough of your dream home with Tony McClung, call (214) 668-7802 to get started.

Six Exciting Trends in Custom Home Building

A prime advantage of custom homes is the complete control over the building approach, from architectural style to the features you covet most. Whether you’re looking for a completely smart home, an energy-efficient dwelling, or even secret doors that lead to a wine cellar, we’ve compiled the best and most cutting-edge trends in custom builds. From the popular to the extreme, consider adding one of these statements into your dream home. As we close out 2016 and begin a new year, let's look at six trends in custom home building for the next year.

Copper Accents

For a feeling of luxury that makes a unique statement, consider copper. This out-of- the-box material can work with any design aesthetic, from the rustic to the traditional. When used in tandem with other metal and wood features, it can even give a modern, steampunk feel. Install a freestanding copper bathtub to create an oasis that is as calming as it is effortlessly cool.

Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces

We’re lucky to live in an area of the country that allows us to enjoy the outdoors most of year. Dallas Texas really does have great patio weather! Create a living space that moves seamlessly from indoors to outdoors by using features like retractable glass walls, unusual floor materials, and stackable doors. This creates an organic flow that would even make Frank Lloyd Wright proud. Low-impact (environmental) design elements are also becoming more popular. Incorporating native plant species into landscaping, permeable pavement, and sustainable features that remain conscious of the environment surrounding the home are coveted trends.

Mixing Materials

Mixing accents like metal and wood combines a rustic aesthetic with modern sensibility. Industrial elements, like sleek furniture and lighting, can be effective talking points, especially when mixed with bright colors. When paired with rustic wooden accents like barn-style doors, they create a feeling that is unexpected but posh.

Smart-Home Technology

Smart technology allows homeowners to be as energy efficient as possible. Advancements in technology allow builders to incorporate elements of smart design from electrical to plumbing. Examples include smart appliances and thermostats that can be controlled from anywhere in the world to TVs that serve as smart control hubs, allowing the homeowner to oversee the home’s smart processes.

Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic

Everything old is new again. Just as fashion trends come and go, so do architectural features. Beginning with California and Nevada, we’re beginning to see a re-emergence of mid-century modern design. Mid-century detailing is unique, and it must be done right. If you want to start small, consider adding mid-century vintage appliances in your kitchen. For a bolder approach, talk to your architectural builder about mid-century statement exteriors.

Hidden Doors

Looking for a reprieve from the daily hustle and bustle? You can’t get more escapist than a hidden room. For a touch of the unexpected that wows your dinner guests and gives you a place to find solace, create a hidden door in your pantry that leads to a secret den or wine cellar. Consider it your own personal bat cave.

For today’s custom homes, the only limit is your imagination. From secret spaces to green technology, homes can be simultaneously low-impact and make a design statement. If you want to make your dream home a reality, get in touch with Tony McClung. As an architect builder, he has more than 50 years of experience in designing and building some of the most dramatic properties in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information and to create a 3D walkthrough of your vision, call (214) 668-7802.

Merry Christmas from Luxury Homes by Tony McClung

Here at Luxury Homes by Tony McClung, we are very thankful to you for all that you do for us. From past clients, to future clients, we love being a part of your life and helping you design and build your dream home. Have a wonderful Christmas holiday with your family!

Finding the Right Colors for Your New Home

Custom home building is all about getting your vision exactly right. Once you settle on the number of stories, rooms, functionality, and layout, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Your home is a blank canvas, waiting to be painted in a palette reflective of your personal style and taste. It’s also important to consider how a color scheme will highlight the architecture of the home you’ve waited so long to have. Use this as a guide for choosing the best color scheme for your custom build, whether you’re working with an interior designer or on your own.

Don’t Be Afraid of Color

Most people assume the best way to play up the architecture in the room is to choose a neutral hue and let the architecture speak on its own. This isn’t always true. Every architectural period in history has welcomed color, and when done well, color makes your architecture pop. Mantels, built-ins, wainscot, windows, doors, and arched doorways all provide opportunities to provide visual interest to a space. Here are a couple of different approaches:

• For a subtle emphasis, try painting architectural features a shade darker than your primary walls. It provides an understated shift in color while highlighting the aesthetic features. Alternatively, adding a metallic gloss on top of a painted element enhances its natural beauty.
• For those who love a bold approach, consider two different hues in the same room. For example, painting a built-in a shade of green brings an element of modernity and a sense of daring to a space.

Learn the Art of Contrast

Flip open the pages of an interior design book or magazine, and you’ll see boldly contrasting hues are the decorating trend du jour. The key to pulling off this trend is balancing bold with the right mix of neutral. For example, teal and bright yellow are natural friends, but mixing with soft gray helps offset the color palette and prevents it from being jarring to the eye. This is also where painting and decorating get fun. Start with a statement piece – for example, that patterned chevron rug you’ve been eyeing for the sitting room. Pull your colors from that piece, choosing hues for the walls, built-ins, and furniture. Don’t be afraid to carry your contrast to textiles – for example, contrast a luxe velvet sofa with a plucky, modern canvas wingback chair.

Don’t Forget the Ceiling

People often discount the ceiling, painting it white and forgetting about it. But think of your ceiling as your “fifth wall,” as it’s equally capable of creating a mood in your room. While a light-colored ceiling adds height and makes a room seem airy, a darker color choice adds a sense of intimacy and evokes a feeling of cozy. For example, a rich shade of red in the dining room or a warm brown in the den makes the space feel inviting and naturally brings people together. This works well in rooms with ceilings that are 11 feet or higher. If your ceilings are, say, 8 or 9 feet high, choose a lighter shade, like a soft blue, for a similar effect.

Choosing the color palette for your home requires planning, but it’s also a fun part of building. Spend some time playing with different hues, and don’t forget to paint a test strip on the wall to see how it translates to your space and amount of light. Be sure to give Tony McClung with Luxury Homes by Tony McClung a call at 214-668-7802 for any questions about designing your new custom home.

Four Things to Remember While Building a Custom Home

Think of new home construction and most prospective home builders think of miscommunication between contractors and missed project deadlines, right? Wrong. While these are hallmarks of less-than-prepared building companies, with the right team, you can step into your dream home on schedule and under budget. If you’re beginning your journey in building a custom home, keep these things in mind to make the process as smooth as possible. You’ll step over the threshold of your new build before you know it.

Address the Present and the Future

Life changes and families grow. Rather than building a home that addresses your present needs, plan one that addresses your future ones, as well. Do you plan to have kids (or more of them)? Do your parents or in-laws rely on you for support? Plan more than the next five years – think 10, even 20 years down the road.

Think Layout and Flow

When planning a home, most people think open floor plan, number of rooms, number of floors, the “man cave,” and so on. While this is part of what makes custom home planning fun, these aren’t your only considerations. While less entertaining, planning the mechanical aspects of your home (HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components) is equally important. For example, ensure that you have enough electrical outlets to run all your appliances and gadgets. Addressing these aspects during the planning process assures your home has both form and function. Also, think of how you’ll use each room. It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of custom home building: Will you actually use the craft room, the second sitting room, or the library? Think carefully and prioritize. Put your budget into amenities that make your home functional, instead of rooms that will sit unused.

Choose a Designer and Builder Combination

People often have an architect to create their vision and a builder to bring it to life. When these are two separate teams, you’re more likely to have miscommunication between members and a budget and timeline that go off the rails. Pick a professional who both plans and builds homes.

This has a few distinct advantages:

• Such a professional can bring your vision to life – while following local codes, zoning restrictions, and the law of the land. It would be devastating to spend time and energy building your dream home only to have a builder tell you it can’t become a reality.
• It’s easier to keep track of your budget. Your hard-earned dollars are going to one person, so it’s easier to keep track of where to allocate them – and the project is more likely to come in under budget when finished.
• Seamless communication minimizes chances of mistakes. Your designer/builder combo team will be the point of communication for all subcontractors, like HVAC and electrical. With expertise in both fields, this team can address problems as they arise and keep your vision intact.

Think Location

One of the biggest benefits of custom home building is the freedom to choose your perfect location. You may have wanted that rural lifestyle, only to find you dislike the longer trips to the grocery store, work, or school. Think carefully about the location you choose and make sure you can live with every aspect of living in an urban, suburban, or rural setting.

Have you been dreaming of a custom home? Tony McClung has more than 50 years of experience as an “architect designer/builder” and is responsible for some of the most dazzling properties in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Turn your vision into a reality and call (214) 668-7802 today.