Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Best Builder

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, How to Select a Builder/by Lowell Management

People often wonder how to choose the right builder for their new home or home remodeling project. The best advice we have comes directly from our very own expert. This clip from the Today’s Builder TV Show features Scott Lowell discussing the qualities that make his company so highly sought-after and respected.

We created this Top 10 list to summarize the qualities you should look for when hiring a builder.

Experience – Nothing surpasses experience and longevity in the custom home industry. A builder must have a strong character built on the reputation of the experts within the company. Meet our experts right here.
Quality – High quality materials should be the standard for a custom home project. The infrastructure in a home is just as critical as the components that can be seen. This delivers a home that is solid, serenely quiet and finely detailed.
Responsiveness – The best builder is more than a good listener, he is a responsive innovator. The process of designing and building the perfect home requires an ongoing exchange between builder and homeowner in order to deliver a home that is truly distinctive.
Empowered Customer Experience – A fully transparent system allows homeowners to be comfortable with the process from day one. A builder should document every aspect of the project and its progress so the homeowners can have a clear understanding of every nuance. This results is happy customers like these and these!
Clear Communication – The right builder will have a designated point-person to establish a direct line of communication for the homeowner. At Lowell this is the Project Superintendent who is always available to update and respond promptly to questions and concerns. Without a doubt there will be unexpected circumstances that arise during any construction project, but a good builder will keep you informed and have them resolved without delay.
Established Timelines – A timeline for construction should be established before the project even begins and include a secure delivery date for the convenience of the homeowners. Common delays are avoidable when the builder has an in-house team that includes an architect, office staff and reliable contractors who are meticulous about staying on track throughout the construction process.
Established Budgets – A good builder will have an accurate budget that has been approved by the homeowner. The building process should include flexibility for some changes, but the builder must have a documented system where homeowners can approve variations. There should be no surprises.
Value Engineered – It is a balancing act to deliver the best value with uncompromising quality. You want your home to have every feature on your wish list, and an experienced builder will help you prioritize and allocate funds in order to deliver the perfectly customized home.
A Home Warranty – A quality builder will have a comprehensive home warranty that delivers complete peace of mind to the homeowner. Lowell Custom Homes is known for their exceptional commitment to the care of every home. Even after homeowners have moved in, the Lowell team never walks away. They even provide a warranty for the next owners if the home is ever sold.
Ongoing Relationships – A sure sign of a quality builder is when customers remain enthusiastic about their homes long after it has been completed. You can read about what Lowell customers have to say right here!

At Lowell Custom Homes we treat our clients like family.

It’s the reason generation after generation turns to Lowell when it’s time to build a home of their very own.

262-245-9030

What it’s like to be a Lowell Homeowner!

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, How to Select a Builder, News/by Lowell Management

The one thing that makes every day more memorable is the people you encounter along the way.

We have had the honor of working with the most delightful clients over the years. While our slogan is “Building Memories You Can Come Home To” we are building memories of our own as we get to know and enjoy our homeowners throughout the building process.
If you wonder what it would be like to build with Lowell Custom Homes, just listen as our homeowners share their experience!

Thank you to all of our homeowners for becoming part of the Lowell family!

Lowell Custom Homes Featured on Today’s Builder TV March 31st!

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, News, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

Move over Norm Abram – Scott Lowell is coming to a screen near you!

Flashback – June 2017! The film crew from Today’s Builder Television Show was in Lake Geneva filming at Lowell Custom Homes. It was a flurry of activity that was only contained by the ambitious efforts of Nadine Harris in Marketing. The award winning television show has become the premier showcase for the finest custom builders in the industry . . . and next week it will feature an episode about Lowell Custom Homes!

Tune in! We think you will be completely charmed by the program!

For a sneak peak at the interview with Scott Lowell click right here

Then listen here while our resident AIA Architect Todd Cauffman explains how we create beautiful flow throughout each home.

Next Up, General Manager Rich Kinter explains how Lowell Custom Homes ensures complete customer satisfaction, right here

Then click here so Superintendent Dennis Levine can fill you in on a few of the essential details that make every Lowell Custom Home better than the rest.

On the program, which airs March 31st at 6:30 pm, you will also have the chance to see the Lake Geneva area featured from a lifestyle perspective. Along the way many of our favorite craftsmen and vendors are showcased with their remarkable work.
The entire experience was wonderful, but we are most touched by our homeowners who opened their homes for photography and interviews while discussing their experience with Lowell Custom Homes.

A special thanks to our producer Tom Langdon and videographers Greg and Matt!

Please join us to view the Today’s Builder Television Show and learn all about what makes

Lowell Custom Homes so special!

Tune in on March 31st at 6:30 PM

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Home Design Lesson: Living in Harmony

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, How To, Trends/by Lowell Management

How is it that some homes overflow with lovely feelings of contentment while others are just “meh”? Often it is the result of an elusive quality known as harmony. Harmony is one of the most essential principles of design, but it often defies description. To achieve harmony, a delicate balance is needed between all of the other elements and principles of design.

While we were gushing over Gussie at the latest photo shoot, we couldn’t help but notice the natural sense of harmony that flows throughout this home. As the fluffiest member of the family, she too fits right in with the welcoming composition. While we work closely with clients on architecture and material selections, the credit for achieving the complete sense of harmony goes to our brilliant homeowners! But . . . we are happy to tell you how it’s done.
Harmony is a complex formula that we can start to understand by looking at the basic elements of design. Individual factors like color, line, and proportion, can be described as either creating unity through sameness, or adding variety through contrast. Well balanced elements bring the most pleasing sense of order and relevance to the exterior and interior design of a home.

Harmony through Unity

When every part of a home has a general sense of order and belonging it is referred to as unity. In this home it starts with the consistent use of unsaturated light and airy colors to create a palette that is visually soothing.

Maintaining a consistent character will further the sense of harmony in home design. As a lakeside retreat, this home uses references to the nautical theme as well as natural materials to be beautifully in sync with the lake front setting. Playful details, like the porthole pantry window, lighting and hardware, join the guest bunk-room concept to lend a refreshing vacation atmosphere to this home.

Harmony through Variety

A subtle contrast in material selection plays an important role in alleviating monotony. This allows the eye to pause on areas of interest, without a jarring transition. Here the light ash flooring and weathered wood furnishings play well against the matt wall surface. While the color palette and character remain consistent, this contrast offers a healthy balance for the overall sense of harmony of the room.

Visual texture will also enhance the harmony of a home. Here architectural elements add moments of importance with a light hand that is consistent with the homes lake front character. The woodworking details include shiplap paneling, cabinetry and crown molding which all serve to introduce contrast to the smooth quartz countertops, shapely glass light fixtures and hardware. Every accessory is refined and displayed in keeping with a harmonious approach.

Most importantly, the exterior of this home is thoughtfully planned to be in complete harmony with its lakefront setting. The natural stone foundation is a mix of lighter natural shades to support the refined selection of washed gray shingles and silvery white trim. And just as nature likes to surprise us with pop of color, the peaceful exterior of this home is gently accented by a lovely shade of blue to reflect the sky and nearby waters.

You can see more of this delightful getaway in our last blog were we take you through the process of building, from the Tear down to Tranquility. See our Houzz Portfolio for a complete tour! For a limited time the entire step-by-step process of this home’s evolution will be shown on the Lowell Custom Homes Project Gallery!

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

We have been nominated for the

Best of Walworth County Award in the

New Home Builder and Home Remodeler categories!

We would appreciate your vote – just click here – Vote for Lowell Custom Homes!

Voting is open until October 15, 2017

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Photography by S.Photography & Styling, Lake Geneva, WI

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Battle of the Bunks – Bunk Beds and Bunkrooms defeat the blow-up mattress!

1 Comment/in Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Guest Rooms, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

The latest trend making its way into the most stylish homes of Lake Geneva is reminiscent of pillow fights and childhood sleepovers. Bunk beds and even bunkrooms are becoming the guest quarters of choice. There is an appealing social factor to this trend that blends sleeping arrangements with the ability to spend quality time together. You are never too old for a sleepover!

Even boutique hotels are introducing bunk options. Not only is this attractive to families, but the luxurious feather bedding and 300+ thread count sheets draw big kid pajama parties and friend getaways.
For the Lake Geneva homeowner, bunks are the best way to maximize space without compromising style. Children, grandchildren and long-lost cousins can all have a place to rest for round-the-clock togetherness and good times.
Which bunk bed concept is the best fit for your home? Let’s look at the possibilities . . .

An open and airy space with built-in bunks will transform one bedroom into a space for 4 – 6 houseguests. Keep the base bunk low to allow extra headroom for your full-grown bunkmates.

Playing with themes can add an element of intrigue for your guests. We created enclosed bunks with The Design Coach, Phillip Sassano, to be more Orient-Express than summer camp. Each is like a mini room with privacy curtains, storage and individual lighting, all wrapped up in plushy velvet comfort.

Unused space can be transformed into a guest area when fitted with freestanding or built-in bunk beds. Consider an open niche, attic space, or even a generous hallway that can be lined with bunks. Each cozy little cocoon will attract kids of all ages when it’s time to take a snooze.

Encourage camp-like comradely, minus the swirlies, with an adjoining locker and shower room. Beautifully detailed bunks feature specialized lighting and easy access steps instead of a ladder for ageless appeal.

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designers & Construction Superintendents who are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

Lowell Custom Homes

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It's an honor just to be nominated – Lowell Custom Homes receives Best of Houzz Award

in Custom Builder, Trends/by Lowell Management

It’s awards season and the winners have been announced for the Golden Globes, Grammys, and our personal favorite, The Best of Houzz.
Lowell Custom Homes won “Best Of Customer Service” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home building, remodeling and design. It is truly an honor to receive this award for the second year in a row. Customer Service awards are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016.

With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality.

In addition to Best of Houzz Customer Service award, Lowell’s work was further recognized with the Best In Milwaukee – 2017 – Staircase Award. Houzz enthusiasts saved this winning staircase to over 43,000 Ideabooks!

As one of Lake Geneva’s most respected and celebrated builders, we are often asked to contribute to Houzz by advising and participating on their research panels. We are always delighted to take part and share information with the community. A special thank you to Houzz for recognizing us with the Influencer and Industry Research Barometer badges for these contributions.

We always love to hear your comments and want to thank our homeowners for these wonderful reviews!

Join us as we move into the next year of sharing our best in design, architecture and home building ideas on our Houzz Portfolio.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

in Accessibility, Aging, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Downsizing, Empty Nester, Trends/by Lowell Management

This old proverb traces back to early French literature, and we find it especially meaningful during the holiday season. Whether applied to gift giving, people or even homes, the lesson is one of genuine appreciation.

We build homes with a smaller footprint for a variety of homeowner needs. Empty nesters, second homes, lot restrictions, or the need for easy accessibility, are all factors that can play into the square footage equation.

But don’t confuse smaller with a lack of luxury. In fact, scaled down homes like this little gem often emphasize details that define a new type of luxury. Quality, craftsmanship and a perfect fit are more significant than size for many of today’s homeowners.

And small certainly does not mean subtle when applied to architecture and design. Open floor plans with high ceilings give the illusion of unlimited space. Cue the soaring windows and the home expands beyond actual proportions.

A smaller home permits manageable splurges on elements that are most meaningful to each homeowner. Hand-scraped wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling built-in storage, and connoisseur appliances are all realistic investments when the square footage is moderate.

The reputation of Lowell Custom Homes was built on high quality construction, superior craftsmanship and detailed woodworking. The same standards of excellence are used on every home, regardless of size. Your needs may run towards a smaller package, but know that all of the good things you value will be inside.

We appreciate the opportunity to build homes that become part of the lives and memories of our homeowners.

Homeowner thank you for their new home Lowell Custom Homes Good things come in small packages

Note from the owners of this cozy little cottage.

The Secrets to Timeless Design for Your Home

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Child-Friendly Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Empty Nester, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

A well designed home has staying power. It transcends a specific architectural style to focus on an emotional connection, lifestyle and comfort. The secret to creating this type of timeless design starts with a collaboration of experts who truly understand the homeowner’s aesthetic.
This getaway home embodies the relaxed Lake Geneva lifestyle while integrating the homeowner’s appreciation for tradition and creativity. We worked with Architect John A. Hagenah and Interior Designer Elizabeth Drake as well as our talented craftsmen and quality resources to build a home that is both timeless and inviting.

Get In Sync with Your Setting

The Craftsman architecture utilizes wide gabled rooflines, tapered stone columns, and minimalist ornamentation for an intriguing relationship with the countryside. Cedar shingles and horizontal siding introduce subtle pattern with gable details that expose rafter beams. A screened in room and sleeping porch provide protected connections to the outdoors. The back elevation of the home features a wall of windows and French doors where indoor-outdoor activities can flow effortlessly.

Rely on Classic Lines

The entry features a Mahogany Dutch Door inviting guests to the refined elegance of the Music Room. Classic lighting and traditional woodworking are relaxed with the warmth of grass cloth wall covering and medium wood tones.

Use Neutrals or Classic Colors for Permanent Elements, Have Fun with Easy to Alter Elements.

The living room relies on Craftsman elements for its inviting character created with the low profile of a beamed ceiling, custom stone mix on the fireplace wall, stone mantel and conversational seating area. All of the permanent architectural features in this home are timeless, neutral, and versatile. The dramatic surprise of coral paint for the walls is actually an on trend element that can be easily changed should the homeowners ever feel the need for a different mood.

Right-size the Floor Plan for Effortless Traffic Flow

The dining room is adjacent to the entry hall and features another stone fireplace. Coffered ceiling and traditional moldings step up formality that is then relaxed with the rustic texture of stone. A built-in wine and refreshment bar is located at this mid-point of the home for easy entertaining with a convenient connection to the outdoor pool area.

The dining area of this open floor plan flows directly to the kitchen with its large island seating for casual dining and entertaining. Here Wood-Mode cabinetry from Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC is done in a custom color with Quartzite countertops. Appliances include a Wolf range, Miele Oven, Steam Oven, Warming Drawer, and Sub Zero refrigerator. An artistic tile backsplash from Bella Tile and Stone, grounds this area with handcrafted appeal.

Provide Accessibility and Privacy

The first floor Master Bedroom Suite is a key feature for a timeless home plan. This area is designed with such grace and style that you may not notice the accessibility features that allow for future aging-in-place. The compartmentalized Master Bath, with double vanity and spacious shower, is detailed with classic tile patterns using basket weave and hexagon mosaics. Interior windows provide shared light and privacy while a tiled wall performs as an easy to maintain backsplash for the vanity area.

Include Versatile Rooms

The Guest Suites include bathrooms for privacy and access to the second story Sleeping Porch. Each suite features a seating area and a full wall of windows for natural lighting , ventilation and views of the countryside.

Recognize the Value of Functional Spaces

Even the highly functional spaces of this home are treated with timeless details and easy transitions to the outdoors. A clever open combination space blends the laundry, creative studio and mudroom. It includes a workstation with stainless steel countertop and sink that can serve as a Butler’s Pantry or potting area for gardening. Another space with direct access to the pool performs as a cabana like dressing room with stacked washer/dryer and locker storage.

You can see more of this beautiful home with larger detail pictures on Houzz.

Clean Building Improves Air Quality

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Healthy Living, How to Select a Builder/by Lowell Management

Every cloud of dust has a grubby lining.

That is why alleviating dust on every one of our home projects is a top priority at Lowell. We use the most advanced system in the industry, BuildClean, to trap and contain dust, and then virtually eliminate it. This system removes dust particles that result from common construction activities, like demolition, drywall and sanding. We actually trap the dust within the work area and then “scrub” the air. This maintains a high quality of indoor air and prevents construction dust from lingering.

Dust isn’t just a nuisance; it can have adverse effects on the health of your family and pets. Particles can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions and problems for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lowell will not allow any of these potentially harmful particles to settle and be sealed into the walls and crevices of your home.

Maintaining a high standard of air quality is even more critical on remodeling projects. About 90% of homeowners stay in their homes during construction. Using this BuildClean system provides a “livable remodeling” environment with quiet and continuous highly efficient air filtration.On an average day most rooms will contain 30,000 to 50,000 particles of dust larger than .05 microns. Remodeling activities can increase that to 700,000. Within 30 minutes of running our air scrubber the particles return to the normal 30,000 level. In one hour it is even lower at 16,000 particles.

There are substantial benefits to our clean building policy:

A more livable environment
Healthier home conditions for you, your family and pets
Protection for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and smart home systems
Virtual elimination of lingering dust issues

Also, since the dust is contained within the work area for scrubbing, potentially harmful particles are never released into the environment. It is part of the good neighbor policy we establish on every construction site.

Before & After photos are wonderful, but we also believe in sharing our “During” photos. You can follow the complete construction process for all of our projects by clicking here: Lowell Construction Process Gallery. This gallery will show your how we manage every detail of construction on every Lowell home.

Lake Retreat Built by Lowell, Lake Geneva, WI

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

Click here to tour this remarkable Lowell Custom Home!

Take a minute to enjoy a video tour of one of our custom homes on 336 acres surrounded by a 1000 acre nature preserve in Wisconsin. This property includes a 9,000 square foot main house, a guest house the sleeps six, tennis courts and a lighthouse clubroom.

We created this Top 10 list to summarize the qualities you should look for when hiring a builder.

At Lowell Custom Homes we treat our clients like family.

It’s the reason generation after generation turns to Lowell when it’s time to build a home of their very own.

262-245-9030

The one thing that makes every day more memorable is the people you encounter along the way.

Move over Norm Abram – Scott Lowell is coming to a screen near you!

Tune in! We think you will be completely charmed by the program!

For a sneak peak at the interview with Scott Lowell click right here

Then listen here while our resident AIA Architect Todd Cauffman explains how we create beautiful flow throughout each home.

Next Up, General Manager Rich Kinter explains how Lowell Custom Homes ensures complete customer satisfaction, right here

Then click here so Superintendent Dennis Levine can fill you in on a few of the essential details that make every Lowell Custom Home better than the rest.

A special thanks to our producer Tom Langdon and videographers Greg and Matt!

Please join us to view the Today’s Builder Television Show and learn all about what makes

Lowell Custom Homes so special!

Tune in on March 31st at 6:30 PM

CBS Channel 2 (WBBM)

Harmony through Unity

Harmony through Variety

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

We have been nominated for the

Best of Walworth County Award in the

New Home Builder and Home Remodeler categories!

We would appreciate your vote – just click here – Vote for Lowell Custom Homes!

Voting is open until October 15, 2017

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designers & Construction Superintendents who are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

We always love to hear your comments and want to thank our homeowners for these wonderful reviews!

Join us as we move into the next year of sharing our best in design, architecture and home building ideas on our Houzz Portfolio.

We appreciate the opportunity to build homes that become part of the lives and memories of our homeowners.

Get In Sync with Your Setting

Rely on Classic Lines

Use Neutrals or Classic Colors for Permanent Elements, Have Fun with Easy to Alter Elements.

Right-size the Floor Plan for Effortless Traffic Flow

Provide Accessibility and Privacy

Include Versatile Rooms

Recognize the Value of Functional Spaces

You can see more of this beautiful home with larger detail pictures on Houzz.

Every cloud of dust has a grubby lining.

There are substantial benefits to our clean building policy:

A more livable environment

Healthier home conditions for you, your family and pets

Protection for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and smart home systems

Virtual elimination of lingering dust issues

Also, since the dust is contained within the work area for scrubbing, potentially harmful particles are never released into the environment. It is part of the good neighbor policy we establish on every construction site.

Click here to tour this remarkable Lowell Custom Home!

Take a minute to enjoy a video tour of one of our custom homes on 336 acres surrounded by a 1000 acre nature preserve in Wisconsin. This property includes a 9,000 square foot main house, a guest house the sleeps six, tennis courts and a lighthouse clubroom.

Lowell Custom Homes