Home Design Trends In 2018

Can you believe that the first month of 2018 is almost over? The home design industry has already set the tone for what homes should look like in 2018 so, let's look at some trends that we are sure to see this year.  If you are planning on renovating your house this year, it is important to keep in mind some of the most recent trends in the industry.

Following are some styles, which are going to be big this year:

1. More Colorful Kitchens

Even though for a long time, white has been the classic color used for kitchen décor, in the year 2018, homeowners are moving away from the bland hues and incorporating rich colors into their kitchen décor. These colors include wooden tones and bright blues and yellows. This helps give the kitchen a fresher and warm feeling. 

 

2.  No Stainless Steel and White Sinks

Mostly thanks to Texas natives Chip and JoJo, the modern Fixer Upper farmhouse style, which started in the year 2017, is only going to get stronger during 2018. In the bathrooms, white sinks will be no more. They will be replaced by concrete, copper or stone sinks to provide the bathroom with a highly personalized effect.

 

3. Concrete Accents

 White marble, which has been in the home décor for a long time now has finally reached its end. This year it is concrete, which will be in the limelight. Used mostly for countertops and flooring, this marble is now going to be used in home accessories, for instance, furniture and pendant lightings. 

4. Casually Calm Bedrooms

This year, while designing bedrooms, it is important to keep in mind that less is more. Homeowners are advised to keep their bedroom minimalist and instead of going with bold and busy colors they should opt for a more soothing and neutral palette.

 

5. Vintage Lighting

Vintage lighting is back in the home décor scene. Lanterns, chandeliers, sconces, and pendants are all making a much awaited come back. This will help provide any room with a subtle warm glow.   

Working with Luxury Homes Designed and Built by Tony McClung ensures that your custom or newly remodeled home, will be decorated exactly as you want it. Tony McClung brings a team of builders, interior designers and more to customize your luxury home exactly as you wish. Give Tony McClung a call at 214-668-7802 to learn more about his expert custom home building team right here in Highland Park, TX.

What’s Included in a Luxury Custom Home Build, and How Much Does It Cost?

Maybe you’ve considered building a home, but must address the all-important question: Can I afford it? Luxury homes in Dallas come in all shapes and sizes. Chances are you can find a custom home that fits your needs and budget, but you’ll have to do a little legwork first. Here’s what you need to know about the home-building process:

Location, Location, Location

One of the biggest factors affecting your home-build will be where you build it. In Dallas, there is Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Richardson, Plano, Frisco, North Dallas...just so may options! Dallas neighborhoods range from very expensive to “up and coming.” Choose the latter and you may find you can get more house for your buck. Even better, you may find that your home appreciates over time. Keep in mind that as you price out property in different neighborhoods, taxes may vary considerably by location. You can easily estimate your property tax by talking to a local government branch, or looking up tax records of nearby houses with a similar value (or projected value).

Renovations Versus New Builds

If you’re currently in a home that can no longer accommodate your growing family, you might be thinking that a renovation is the best option. In some cases, renovations can be a cost-effective alternative to starting a new home from scratch. In others, however, a new build may actually be more frugal. For example, adding an addition can uncover unforeseen problems that may make working with your existing structure a cost-sink. This may apply to older homes, especially those built before the 1950s (when both asbestos and lead-based paint were used). Remember, these are most dangerous when disturbed, so you could be looking at costly remediation to make your home hazard-free. Lead remediation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. In other words: do your homework before choosing a renovation over a new build.

Consider Your Budget

A home cost in Dallas will vary greatly depending on the scope of the build and where you choose to build it. There is no set cost for custom homes, as each McClung home is completely unique and tailored to the individual. As a good rule of thumb, however, expect a new build to cost anywhere from $100-$400 per square foot. Having a home that meets your exact specifications, however, can be priceless.

Tony McClung will guide you through the custom home building process using his decades of experience and architectural design knowledge. For more information about our custom homes, please contact us.

Tony McClung: Dallas Custom Home Builder

If you’re designing a custom home in Dallas, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the options available. Often, the most difficult part of custom home building is choosing the features you want, and accommodating them to your budget. The right partner can make all the difference in getting the home of your dreams, all on time and within your means. Whether you’re undertaking a house remodeling or building a structure from the ground up, you’ll want a partner with both experience and vision. Tony McClung sets himself apart from the competition and is committed to helping you build the custom home of your dreams.

About Tony McClung

Tony McClung knew what he wanted to do with his life earlier than most. In fact, it started in the seventh grade, when he built an addition to his family’s garage – from the foundation, to framing, and even the roof. Now, Tony McClung has over 50 years of architectural design experience, which gives him an eye for detail and vision. His building experience also gives him the foundation for the practical consideration of homebuilding, from timelines to permits.

Truly Custom Homes

Some firms label themselves as “custom home builders” but still have a group of templates for you to choose from. Tony McClung believes that a true custom home should be exactly to an owner’s specifications. That’s why we design unique floor plans and spaces, giving new meaning to the term custom homes in Dallas. Every project he does gets tailored to the client’s exact wishes, and you’ll have the benefit of his expert guidance throughout the entire process.

At Tony McClung Homes, we start with the idea that your home should make a statement, both on the outside and the inside. From curb appeal to the interior finishing touches, Tony can help you choose the features that will make your home the best on the block.

Home Remodeling

Sometimes, we want to stay in our current homes, but our expanding families and evolving needs mean we outgrow our existing spaces. When this applies, a custom home remodeling partner is essential. Whether it’s redesigning a kitchen to accommodate entertaining or creating a bath that’s a welcome respite from the daily grind, we help make your vision a reality. Our firm can handle it all, from the planning and zoning stages to choosing the raw materials for construction. That’s the Tony McClung difference – and it’s something you won’t find anywhere else in Dallas.

What You Need to Know Before Building a Home

Increasingly, Dallas residents are turning to custom home-building, as it ensures they’ll have all the features they desire. There is nothing more frustrating than undergoing a home renovation, only to realize your dreams won’t fit in an existing space. What’s more, owners of new homes don’t have to contend with hazards such as lead-based paint, asbestos, mold, or other things known to cause health issues. Before building your home in Dallas, however, you must follow a set of certain steps. Follow this home checklist to get into your dream home:

1. Know Your Budget

Estimating costs of a custom home can be difficult, but it’s essential to know how many boxes you can check off your wish list while still remaining in-budget. To start, research the median home price in the area you want to build (these numbers are available on popular home sites like Zillow and Home Advisor). By design, the cost of building a custom home varies widely, but the range is $100-$400 per square foot. Both your chosen location and the cost of your materials will determine the bulk of your investment (and explain any variances).

2. Obtain Financing for Both Land and Structure

Getting financing for a custom home-build is generally more involved, especially if you don’t already own the land. Not many banks offer construction loans, so be prepared to talk to lenders until you find the right fit. Keep in mind that custom home loans typically require excellent credit and up to 25% down payment, as this will factor into your budget. It’s also important to remember that banks might require you to keep extra reserves in the event of construction hiccups.

3. Hire an Architect and a Builder

It’s your job to find the right candidate to bring your vision to life. Tony McClung is both a builder and an architect, so he can help you create your vision – then make it a reality. He has also established a network of experienced and responsible subcontractors who can help deliver your custom home-building project within a timeframe that works for you.

As you go through the planning process, keep in mind that construction hiccups can happen, whether it’s a delay in obtaining materials or an unforeseen issue with the land. Extensive planning can help minimize the chances of these delays. That’s why it’s important to prepare as much as possible before breaking ground on your structure.

How to Design and Build Your Custom Home in Dallas, Texas

The prospect of building a house is exciting, but it’s also confusing. A custom home-build allows owners the opportunity to incorporate the features they’ve always wanted into their Dallas luxury homes, but beginning the process can be daunting. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Get Your Financing Together

Financing a custom home can be trickier than a conventional mortgage, as you’ll need a construction loan. If you don’t already own a parcel of land, you will first have to finance the property purchase before the construction loan. This often means two sets of closing costs and settlement fees, so be prepared.

Custom home-building may also require an excellent credit score and a down payment of 20%. In order to protect themselves from construction glitches, the ban may require extra reserves, as well. Keep all these things in mind as you begin your custom home research.

2. Hire a Contractor and Architectural Designer

When building a house, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is your architect and contractor. Check references, review examples of previous work, and ensure the match up will be a good fit. Some people choose to find a builder first who recommends an architect, while others seek out an architect first. Tony McClung is a skilled Architectural Designer, both an architect and a builder, so our firm handles the entire process and eliminates any confusion. Tony will manage every step of building a custom home.

3. Plan, Plan, Plan

Once you obtain financing and choose the best partner from custom home builders, the fun (and real) work begins. Planning for every detail and contingency in your custom home can save you money and prevent potential construction hiccups. Planning your home from foundation to roof reduces the possibility that you’ll incur hefty costs from tearing down existing structures to accommodate a change order, or that materials you suddenly need aren’t available.

4. Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Now that you’ve finished the planning process, it’s time to break ground. Remember as you go through the construction process to communicate with your architectural designer. It’s much better to address any potential issues as they arise than to wait until they become a problem. It’s also a good idea to embrace flexibility – custom home-building is rewarding, but the best things take time. If you’re patient and open-minded, you’ll find the process of building your dream home rewarding.

Have questions about building your custom home? Feel free to reach out to Luxury Homes Designed and Built by Tony McClung. Tony is here and ready to help you walk through every step of building your custom home in Dallas TX.

How to Design the Perfect Home Office

Whether you need an office to manage your business after hours or a space to organize family paperwork, you can create a space that maximizes productivity, keeps your creative juices flowing and allows you to accomplish necessary tasks while staying close to your family. Read on to discover tips for designing functional storage that organizes both horizontally and vertically, planning for technology, including plenty of natural light, and creating a focal point or accent wall.

1.     Location

You will spend hours in your home office, so be smart with where you choose to put it. Consider distractions and traffic flow, as well as your preferences in a work environment. Do you work better with noise or silence? How about in a large space or a small office? While a central space may sound nice to you, a visiting client might disagree.

2.     Function over Form

Your office should work for you, not against you. Plan your office day into your design. Place shelving within arm’s reach for those necessary manuals or reference books. Have a smart organizing system built in to keep your desk free of clutter.

3.     Your Body Matters

Your body is going to spend hours at a time sitting in your office. Splurge on yourself and get a beautiful, ergonomic seat – your body will thank you. If you’re building your office, consider the standing desk as an option. Just make sure you add some comfort for your feet if you do.

4.     Smart Organization

Most offices lack square footage, but storage options are a must. Hang floating shelves or other alternatives for books and office technology, and arrange vertical file folders or baskets for important papers. Set aside one desk drawer with built-in organizers for those pesky items that clutter your desk.

5.     Mastery Over Technology

You may not have control over the design of your equipment, but you do control where it sits and where the wires go. Build near adequate electricity and network ports. Install excess cord storage space into your desk or buy something to help hide wires. Organize your cords under your desk as efficiently as you can, keeping in mind which cables you might need to lengthen on occasion.

6.     Let There Be Light

You need to see what you are working on. Make sure to install adequate lighting and arrange your monitors so window glare doesn’t block parts of your screen. If you conduct office meetings online, add proper lighting for being on camera.

If you’re looking for an architectural designer to build the perfect office for your space, contact Luxury Homes by Tony McClung today! See your space in 3D, designed by an architect with more than 50 years of experience.

Using Drones in Home Building

Tony McClung is always looking to provide his clients with the very best builders, materials, design and processes in building their custom home. One way Tony does this is by using drones to give homeowners a preview of their new home.

A drone flyover will show progress that is being made on the home, as well as give homeowners a view they will see from their 2nd floor master bedroom, before the second floor is even built! Tony McClung and his team also use drones to view the crawl space under a foundation and check on roofing structures. 

Drones are just one more way Tony McClung and his team has found to make luxury custom home building in Dallas Texas less stressful and more efficient. If you are interested in learning more about Luxury Homes Designed and Built by Tony McClung in Dallas, Texas, please contact us 214-668-7802.

Selling Your Home? These Upgrades Pay Off

When Dallas homeowners build a new home, or remodel their old one, they’re not just thinking of the enjoyment they’ll get from improvements. They have one eye toward the future when their investment could earn them even more. Homeowners should know what projects boost a home’s market value and which cost more than they’re worth. A family room addition or basement remodel can provide extra space and improve home value. Homeowners can expect to recoup approximately 80 percent of a minor kitchen remodel. A new front door dramatically improves a home’s exterior for an impressive return on investment. Here are some further upgrades that really pay off:

1.     Family Room

Families need places to hang out. Renovating a space to serve as the home’s social hub adds an intangible value to your house that family buyers will love. Installed cabinetry and hard-wired entertainment systems increase that value.

2.     Finished Basement

An unfinished basement means different things to different buyers. Some will love the chance to design their own space, while others will see it as more work in their already-busy lives. If you leave your basement unfinished, make sure it’s clean and dry. If you finish the space, use materials equal to the quality of surrounding homes and make the functions of that space stand out.

3.     Kitchen Renovation

Buyers will always focus on the kitchen. Make sure yours tells them “you want me” with refurnished cabinetry, an added island, new water fixtures, new countertops, and energy-efficient appliances. If you’re buying new appliances, go the extra step and buy smart appliances.

4.     Steel Entry Doors

Secure front doors speak to buyers in ways the rest of the house won’t. It’s the first impression they get of your home. Make sure it looks secure and new with a steel entry door.

5.     Fiberglass Attic Insulation

Lower heating and cooling bills are important to potential buyers. Upgrade your home’s insulation with top-of-the-line R-30 insulation. Do it when you move in to maximize your savings, as well.

6.     Smart Homes

Smart technology is here to stay. If you’re going to add smart appliances to your kitchen, go the extra step and upgrade the entire home. Add smart thermostats and a security system. Install a professional network. Make your home a beacon of technology for today’s tech-minded buyers.

7.     New Windows

No one wants to experience cool, blustery weather inside their house. Make sure your windows are the most energy-efficient brand you can find, which will decrease your energy bills and pass that same benefit on to a potential buyer.

Going that extra step now could lead to a higher sale when the time comes to move on. Contact Tony McClung, a Highland Park based architectural designer with more than 50 years of experience, to upgrade your home today!

How to Design a Luxurious Outdoor Living Space

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The Texas heat is finally starting to cool off some and our personal favorite time of the year is around the corner. This is the time where we can sit outdoors around a fire pit to watch College GameDay and enjoy our friends and family. And we aren't alone. Homeowners often dream of outdoor living spaces that offer the same luxury and comfort they have indoors. Top-of- the-line accent pieces, sumptuous outdoor fabrics and high-end entertainment features can change a plain patio into a lavish space for entertaining or relaxing.

Layered lighting, such as gas-flame sconces hung from a rough timber trellis, built over side-by-
side stone fireplaces or beautiful table lamps, coupled with a carefully chosen statute or sculpture
amplifies the ambience. Let's discuss some of our favorite things that make an outdoor spot the perfect place to enjoy a Texas Fall!

1. The Perfect Porch
Resorts the world over employ large open walls leading outdoors. These porches, or
verandas, take advantage of nature’s beauty to add a spacious feel to the living space. The
outdoors comes inside, brightening your space. Enjoy the sunlight or rain’s soothing sounds
with a roof overhead.

2. Lanai
If you are constructing a lodge in the mountains or a house on the beach, consider adding a
lanai porch to invite the spectacular outside views into your living space. Install accordion
doors to open up onto a deck to make your space even larger. Add a kitchen or dining area,
and you will turn this large, open space into a unique entertaining or living area you won’t
want to leave.

3. Outdoor Lighting
Bring the power of light outdoors. Harness the beauty of fire to add a warm, relaxing light to
your space. Place table lamps on ledges or eating surfaces, hang gas sconces from a trellis or
pergola, or install a chandelier to fit your setting to add a touch of light that flickers and
invites you outside. For that outdoor bar, consider adding a melted glass countertop with
fiber optic lighting built in to light up cocktail glasses and other glass decorations.

4. Fireplaces and Trellises
If you’re installing an outdoor fireplace or two, consider constructing a trellis or pergola over
the space to create the feeling of a room outside. The shade, along with the added warmth
from the fire, will make this a year-round space. Build the fireplaces facing each other to
create separate sitting and dining spaces out of one. Hang some art on the stonework for a
splash of color or texture.

5. Entertainment
Enhance your outdoor living space with technology for that extra touch. Install surround-
sound speakers in the garden, attach them to walls, or hang them from the trellis for just the
right ambience whatever the occasion. Add an outdoor plasma TV or install a retractable
screen with a projector to get the theater experience you love while the stars join you to
watch.

Looking to add that something extra to your outdoor space or open up your inside space to the
grandeur of the outdoors? Tony McClung stands ready to transform your home in ways you can
only imagine. Call us today at 214-668-7802!

In My Next Home or Remodel, I am Looking For:

Give us some ideas! When you dream of your next home, either a new home or when you remodel the home you are living in now, what are the things you most want to see?