The Ultimate Guide to a Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens often get the most attention during home renovation and remodels. This is for good reason: it often serves as a gathering place for dinner or cocktail parties, and should provide a seamless transition to the dining area or bar. Even when you’re not throwing a stylish fete, your kitchen is both the heart and workhorse of your home. It should be sturdy enough to handle all your hard work and culinary masterpieces, but attractive enough to woo your guests. A tall order for one room! That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to your custom kitchen remodel. Let’s create the perfect space to unleash your inner Joanna Gaines.

Countertops

Choosing the perfect countertops to complement the room is very important. Quartz, granite, and marble remain popular choices for custom homes, as each slab is unique and they come in a variety of colors. They’re versatile and only require occasional sealing and maintenance. New options, such as concrete and recycled glass offer a chic, industrial, or retro vibe, depending on how you use them. Butcher blocks can be harder to maintain, but are a good option for those who want to add warmth to a kitchen.

Cabinetry

Custom cabinetry has come a long way since the days of your grandparent’s scalloped wood numbers. Hardwood cabinets still reign supreme, and higher-end materials like walnut, cherry, and mahogany make a serious style statement. Soft-close options are a must to protect little fingers, not to mention the wood itself. Bamboo or high-gloss lacquered cabinets can add an exotic or modern air to your space, respectively.

Appliances

Choosing appliances to match your new kitchen aesthetic is part of the fun. Now is the time to consider that chef-style oven and range or farmhouse sink you’ve been eyeing. Many of these appliances can be custom-made or changed to match your aesthetic: for example, chef-style ovens, ranges, dishwashers, and fridges come in a variety of color options. For an uninterrupted look, consider ordering appliances that can be concealed by your cabinetry.

Custom Home Building and Your Perfect Kitchen

Designing your kitchen is one the best parts of custom home building. Whether you’re starting from scratch or pursuing a remodel, we can make your dreams come to life. We’ve been helping families in Dallas, Highland Park, and Park Cities design their kitchens for years. We can create a space that matches your unique personal style and aesthetic. Talk to Tony McClung about building your dream kitchen today!

Four Must-Have New Home Features

When it comes to building a new home, potential buyers have a lot on their plates. There are so many decisions to make before you can see your dream become a reality. It’s easy to overlook some great features and end up wanting to change things later. Here are some of the best new home features you shouldn’t forget.

Smart Home Tech

Technology offers some truly amazing opportunities – especially for your home. “Smart” upgrades are extremely useful for your comfort and convenience. Plus, they’ll appeal to buyers if you ever decide to sell. More and more people are employing the use of smart thermostats, adjustable lights, carbon monoxide monitoring, home security systems, LED bulbs, video doorbells, and more. If you want one or more of these installed, it’ll be easier and less expensive to include them in the building plans, so everything will work together flawlessly.

Multiple Fireplaces

Fireplaces add character and warmth to your home, both literally and figuratively. For decades, people have placed a single fireplace in their living rooms and left it at that. Now, homeowners are installing them in multiple locations across the floor plan. Bedrooms, bathrooms, and even kitchens can benefit from the aesthetic change that comes with a fireplace – especially when they’re double-sided.

Eat-In Kitchens

We don’t live in a world of formal dining anymore – at least not daily. Our lives are full of hustle and bustle, so many of our meals happen quickly. When we’re not on the go, a quick brunch or dinner in an eat-in kitchen is best. When your home is under construction, you can easily plan for an extra nook to enjoy those meals and extend your kitchen space.

Solar Capabilities

Renewable energy is a wonderful thing. You’ll be able to reduce your emissions and save a significant amount of money each month on energy bills. In many cases, it’s easy to use solar power exclusively and avoid paying the power company altogether. If you’re interested in adding this feature, do it before your home is finished. That way, you can plan around the sun and build your panels, batteries, and wiring right into your home. What’s more, many government grants can help you cover the initial cost of going solar and specialized loans to cover the rest.

Are you ready to craft the home of your dreams with these incredible features? Don’t wait any longer. Contact Tony McClung today and begin the process of becoming a custom homeowner.

The Benefit of an Architectural Designer’s Touch

You’ve saved and planned and dreamed, and now it’s time to build your perfect home. This is likely one of the most monumental processes of your life, so it’s definitely not time to cut corners. There are many reasons a real architectural designer like Tony McClung should be in charge of planning your home.

Homes are Pieces of Art

First and most important, homes are a form of art. They must be designed to function properly to serve you and your family while providing beauty and personality that fits your lifestyle. Planning a home is not as simple as you might think – especially when you want to build the custom house of your dreams. Just as it takes an artist to finish a beautiful painting, you need an architectural designer to craft the right plan to bring your ideal home to fruition.

Experience Matters

You need more than an architectural designer’s eye when you’re building a home for your family. Having artistic plans isn’t enough if your designer doesn’t know how to make them come together effectively. Roofs need support, doorways must be large enough, and so on. With so many details, it’s easy for less experienced designers to overlook crucial details. Tony McClung has been building for decades, so rest assured that he will forget nothing.

Hands-On Approach

One thing that sets Mr. McClung apart from other architectural designers is his hands-on approach. Instead of designing your home and handing the plan to someone else, Tony presides over the entire project. You’ll have his expertise at hand from breaking ground to the final inspection.

An added benefit of Mr. McClung’s presence during construction is that you have the freedom to add your input at any time. If you change your mind about a portion of the build or have a sudden epiphany, he can alter the plans to fit your needs in short order. There’s no waiting for plans to be mailed back and forth, because he is the designer and builder both.

Your Dream Home for Less

These benefits equate to some amazing savings. You’re not paying inflated fees for other designers or middlemen, and there’s no chance of miscommunication between design and building. Plus, of course, the construction can be finished much more quickly without extended correspondence between parties, so you’ll save time as well as money. 

From Texas to Colorado and New Mexico, your dream home can be a reality sooner than you think, thanks to Tony McClung. Contact Tony McClung today to get your dream started.

The Best Home Efficiency Features

The weather is starting to get a little warmer and now is the perfect time to get your home prepared for summer. Everyone wants to make his or her house more efficient and convenient  – especially during hot Texas summers. As technology advances, new features are cropping up every day to do just that. These are the most valuable smart upgrades you can put into your new dream home.

Smart Thermostats

In older homes, a huge portion of the energy bill usually goes toward heating and air conditioning. In new constructions, this is less of an issue, but maintaining a comfortable temperature can still cost quite a bit – especially if your dream home happens to be rather large.

Smart thermostats are one of the best ways to stop yourself from wasting energy. These devices are very simple to install and offer a pleasing modern appearance. Most of them work along with your smartphone, so you can set the ideal parameters for your comfort. They’ll automatically adjust according to your schedule, so you’re not paying to keep the house cooler than it needs to be while you’re not home. They can drop the temperature a few degrees at night if you prefer to sleep cool. Over time, smart thermostats can pay for themselves several times over.

Smart Smoke Detectors

No one wants to experience a house fire, but you need to be fully prepared in case the worst does happen. Smart smoke detectors can save money on insurance premiums, but they can also save your life. Instead of screeching when you’re cooking or when their batteries are low, these modern devices will scan air quality constantly. Most also scan for carbon monoxide, offering double the protection. They can be programmed to send alerts to your phone if something is off.

Smart Sprinklers

It gets hot here in Texas – very hot. When the summer sun is out but the rain isn’t coming, it can be hard to maintain that beautiful green lawn of your dreams. Most of us don’t have time to worry about turning on traditional sprinklers. What’s worse, however, is when you forget to shut them off and waste water.

Smart sprinklers take the guesswork out of watering your landscape. You can program them to spray at certain times, but the best ones will calculate the proper amount of water needed based on the current weather and average climate. Since you’re not wasting water, you can see as much as 30% knocked off your next bill.

These are just a few of the incredible smart tech additions that can transform your home. Other options, like smart lighting and door locks, give us a glimpse into how magnificent and efficient our future can be with the help of technology. If you’re looking to transform your building from traditional to smart, let us know. At Luxury Homes Designed and Built by Tony McClung, we can help you throughout the process. Give us a call today at 214-668-7802.

Spring Maintenance Checklist for Texas Homes

Cloudy days and cool weather are finally behind us for the year. With the longer days and promise of summer, however, comes a maintenance checklist for Dallas homeowners. The Texas climate calls for specific care to keep your home looking and performing up to standards.

The Outdoors

There are plenty of things to attend to outdoors, and it’s a great place to start if you’re ready to enjoy the warmer weather. Begin by inspecting the home and property. Check to make sure there hasn’t been any damage from winter weather and keep an eye out for signs of pests like rodents or termites. These sorts of problems will compound through the year, so you’ll save money and hassle by solving them sooner.

You should also:

• Clean gutters and downspouts. You can, of course, hire this if you’re not able.
• Trim trees and bushes and remove dead plants. Dead plants attract pests, while overgrown branches can crowd or damage power lines and other accessories.
• Check the life of your mulch and replace if necessary. You can also plant new trees and shrubs now instead of later to make it easier on yourself.
• Wash windows and inspecting for leaks. Any signs of exterior water damage are a cause for concern.
• Clean and inspect siding, paint, and/or brick for damage. Siding, for example, is prone to chipping during cold weather, so make sure there aren’t any holes.

Interior

The first order of business indoors is to check for leaks. Inspect all windows and attic spaces to make sure your home hasn’t been compromised. The longer you wait to fix an issue like this, the more expensive the repairs will be.

Once you know your home has no damage, you can begin other maintenance tasks, such as changing the air filter and having a professional HVAC inspection. You need to replace air filters frequently to maintain air quality. Your HVAC unit, on the other hand, might need more refrigerant or some other adjustment. This is especially important, because you’ll need the cool air for the upcoming summer heat. Scheduling a yearly appointment can extend the life of the unit, too, which saves you money.

Check all your appliances and clean them well, so you can make sure they’re functioning at full capacity. Don’t overlook your exhaust fans and coils; they can become a fire hazard as grease, dust, and hair accumulate over time. Likewise, you should disconnect the dryer exhaust vent and clean it completely to remove lint build-up and keep your family safe.

If you have questions about maintenance for your new home, contact the team at Luxury Homes Designed and Built by Tony McClung.

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.