We build peace of mind...
During the holidays we gathered our two youngest grandsons, Jasper, seven and Jett, four and got to work. Of course, in our haste we didn’t create a plan and we certainly didn’t get the house engineered.
The project went well as we progressed and followed the instructions. Not having the “advice” of a structural engineer, the project soon went “awry” when we
began to erect the walls. No matter what we did (we did follow the directions) we couldn’t get the consistency of the icing just right to hold the walls and roof together.
As we started to decorate the erected walls with gum drops, candy canes, chocolate snow drops, etc. the walls slowly began to collapse! As a result, we decided not to add Ginger Bread Home building to our list of services. 
Well, we didn’t end up with a pretty Ginger Bread House but we sure had a lot of fun making it and eating the ginger bread and candy. This is a day at Grand-mom’s and Grand-dad’s home that Jasper and Jett won’t soon forget.
We can honestly tell you that, we aren’t changing our business model. We will continue to build, renovate and add on to your homes as well as update kitchens and baths providing you with great services and using sound science, making your home high performing and energy efficient. We can’t build a Ginger Bread House but we can build or remodel a great home for you.
There is no better time then now to plan your remodel project for the new year. Call us at 512-301-6000 so that we can help you make your dream become a reality. All referrals are greatly appreciated.
Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012
Lucy Katz of Katz Builders, Inc., Custom Builders & Remodelers was notified on Wednesday that the Katz Builders Team has been selected by Qualified Remodeler Magazine and the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers Council as Remodeler of the Month for the March 2011 addition. This is an exciting moment for our Company Team Members which has received numerous industry recognitions ranging from: finalist for Customer Service with the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Customer Service Pacesetter Award from Custom Builder Magazine produced by Hanle Wood, the Builder and Remodeler of the Year as well as many other accolades. Being recognized by your peers and industry mentors as well as our homeowners for the work that we do to elevate our process and product means a great deal to us. In the end, as builders and remodelers, it is service that we provide and with that service comes a wonderful end product and happy homeowners. 
Source: Building Products Magazine
As of January 1, 2013 the traditional 75 watt incandescent light bulb will be history in the U.S. By 2014 Americans will wave good-bye to their beloved energy inefficient 40 and 60 watt A shaped incandescents. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will require the use of more efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), halogens, or LED’s.
In Austin, Texas – New construction must now have 90% high efficacy lamps (fluorescent or LED) or have a calculated lighting allowance of .6 watts per sqft. For example, a 400 sq. ft. addition can have light fixtures with a maximum wattage of 240. That would generally mean they are all dedicated fluorescent or LED.
After looking at many homes our home owner purchased a home in Lost Creek that has good bones and lots of potential. Although the home had been updated by the previous owners so that it would be easier to market, there were changes the new owners wanted to make so that the home would feel like there own. With a great site and a good floor plan with which to start, we are now adding two bedrooms a bath and a teen room.
The back of the home has a large deck that has been neglected over the years and we will be removing the wood and replacing it with Brazilian Hardwood which, with little care, will not only be beautiful but will last for years to come.
We first met with our clients in March of 2010 to brainstorm their thoughts and needs. Quickly we realized that the home built in the 1950′s had many challenges. Not only would it be costly to make the necessary repairs, bringing the home up to the level of energy efficiency that our clients desired, the layout of the 1400 sq ft home did not allow for an easy expansion and conversion. No matter which way we pushed and pulled on the design, it just wouldn’t work.
So the remodel/addition was set aside and we started the plans for new construction. The plans are finished, priced, engineering is almost done. Owners have moved out, and deconstruction will begin next week. Materials that are salvageable will go to Habitat for Humanity Re-Store. With the foundation removed, soils will be tested and engineering will be completed.
If you are not familiar with the The City of Austin Arborist Program go to http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/trees/preserve_code.htm. You’ll discover that there are very stringent rules that govern the trees in our yards and that the City of Austin places great emphasis on trees. Don’t assume anything. I have found that the best way to get answers from City Staff is to show up early at the City, in what ever department from which you need answers, bring a book or some work with you and plan to wait until you see a staff member. If you get there early enough, the wait won’t be long. One thing I did learn this go around is that no matter what the size of the tree, if it is in the City Right of Way, you must request a permit to take it down. The tree doesn’t belong to you.
AIA architects report greater interest in smaller residential development close to transit and urban amenities.
By: Stephani L. Miller
Ongoing weakness in single-family housing markets has resulted in dramatically fewer large residential developments, but according to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) third quarter 2010 Home Design Trends Survey, smaller infill developments close to public transit, commercial opportunities, and other amenities are filling some of the void. Read the rest of this entry »
Katz Builders, Inc. is a full service out- of- the- house design build firm dedicated to helping homeowners realize their home’s investment potential. From new construction to kitchen and bath remodels as well as additions, were building a reputation for excellence one project at a time. Read the rest of this entry »
What Do You Want In Your New Home?
An important question to ask yourself is how will your new home improve your life style? In some cases, if you are in a good location and the investment would be sound, you may want to consider remodeling the home in which you currently live. Read the rest of this entry »
What’s the difference between a custom home, customized home and a production home:
Custom homes are one of a kind, site specific and they afford the buyer the ability to develop and control the floor plan, build on owners home site, incorporate Universal Design and energy efficient materials and systems while controlling their budget. Additionally, a custom builder builds 25 or less homes per year. Read the rest of this entry »
“SHOPPING FOR A REMODELER QUESTIONNAIRE”
The following is a guide to get you started in your quest for information on shopping for a remodeler/renovator. Although this is not a comprehensive list, this will give you a good start. Read the rest of this entry »