Archive for May, 2011

Dreambuilder Custom Homes announces completion of kitchen remodel, Dreambuilder Twelve

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

Dreambuilder Custom Homes is pleased to announce the completion of Dreambuilder Twelve:  a kitchen remodel for the Mankowski family in Jacksonville, FL.

This mid-century ranch’s kitchen had been remodeled before — about 35 years ago.  The cabinets, while stylish in the ’70s, were out-of-date and old.  Additionally, the kitchen suffered from too many doorways, little cabinet space and no pantry.  Appliances were few and barely functional — including an ancient double oven that was a fire hazard.

Dreambuilder worked with Susan Mankowski to design a contempoary kitchen that solved all of these problems.  By eliminating one entrance to the kitchen, we improved traffic flow and had the room to build a new pantry closet.  Larger 42″ upper cabinets and other features further increased storage capacity and versatility.  Widening the doorway into the dining room opened up the space between the two rooms, creating an updated feel common to today’s floorplans.  (more…)

Dreambuilder Thirteen progress photos now available on our Facebook page

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Dreambuilder Thirteen, our latest kitchen remodel, is in full swing.  Check out progress photos on Dreambuilder’s Facebook page.  More photos will be uploaded as we work through the project.

If you aren’t a ‘fan’ of our Facebook page, please become one today!

Mortgage rates fall for sixth straight week

Friday, May 20th, 2011

– from interest.com

by Mike Sante

May 19, 2011

Mortgage rates have declined six straight weeks since peaking in early April according to Interest.com’s new survey of major lenders.

The average cost of all four major types of home loans we track fell to new 2011 lows, and are anywhere from a quarter- to half-point below where they began the year.

This is as low as mortgage rates have ever been during the month of May.

Our May 18 survey found the average interest rate for a:

30-year, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.77% from 4.82% the previous week.  Interest rates remain lower than they were this time last year, when a 30-year loan averaged 4.96%.

15-year, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.95% from 4.00% the previous week.  A year ago, it was 4.34%.

30-year, fixed-rate jumbo loan (for mortgages exceeding $417,000 to $729,750, depending on the city) fell to 5.22% from 5.26% the previous week.  A year ago, it was 5.75%.

Five-year, adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 3.48% from 3.52% the previous week.  A year ago, it was 4.14%.

Dreambuilder Thirteen begins: a dramatic kitchen renovation

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Dreambuilder Custom Homes is pleased to announce the commencement of its latest project, Dreambuilder Thirteen.

This project involves swapping the locations of the kitchen and breakfast room, effectively uprooting and relocating the kitchen.  A complete redesign of the space, including new exterior doors and windows, is on its way.  Additionally, the new breakfast room will be opened up to the family room, creating one large space between all three rooms.  When combined with the outdoor porch, the area will be ideal for entertaining.

Along the way we’ll update this dated kitchen with brand-new cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances — just to name a few.

More information and the ‘before’ pictures are in our Dream Home Gallery, and be sure and check for progress pictures on our Facebook page.

Dreambuilder announces completion of Dreambuilder Nine: a master bath remodel

Monday, May 16th, 2011

Dreambuilder Custom Homes is pleased to announce the completion of Dreambuilder Nine:  a master bath remodel transformation for the Hughes family in Jacksonville, FL.

The original bath was full of low-grade finishes such as vinyl floors, oak cabinets and laminate countertops.  Additionally, the configuration of the water closet, linen closet and shower entrance was awkward for the homeowners.  Additionally, the Hughes wanted to update their bathroom with contemporary finishes to create a serene, spa-like environment.

“Since we have no experience in renovations or remodels, we were looking for someone who had the expertise and willingness to guide us through the entire process,” said Karen Hughes.  “Shawn assisted us in every stage – from designing our space, to selecting materials, to the final construction and realization of our vision.” (more…)