Tag Archive for: Lowell Custom Homes

lowell custom homes conservatory craftsmen

Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

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It turns out the key to happiness and the key to your front door is one in the same.  Latest findings point to the well designed home as a significant factor in leading your best life. Home should be a sanctuary of self-care, and the team at Lowell Custom Homes has a few ideas to help you make that happen.

Time is the greatest luxury

Most of our leisure time is fragmented by interruptions from an email, text, or simply caring for others. Since you cannot make more time, it makes sense to make the most of it.  That’s where the homes from Lowell excel.  Their forward thinking floorplans and distinctive features conserve your time and energy. Known for interiors that weave spaces together seamlessly, our homes will help you move efficiently throughout the day.

warm welcome entry foyer Lowell Custom Homes

You Had Us At Hello

Nothing invites happiness like a well designed entry.  From landscaping to architectural details, this is where the  journey begins. Our video explains the artistry behind the entry doors in this show-stopping home, with Lulu Belle and Tucker extending a warm welcome.

Togetherness

  You cannot make more time, but “time deepening” will make the most of what you have. Face-to-face interactions are an essential part of happiness.   A home that supports togetherness can be more rewarding than screen time.  We love open floor plans were the kitchen is at the heart of the home.  When the layout is spacious and the appliances are luxurious, the kitchen becomes an ideal place for multitasking and gathering.

open floor plan Lowell Custom Homes

Speaking of luxurious appointments, a range from La Cornue USA and custom hood by Raw Urth turn this  kitchen into a real happy place! Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company.

The den can be another favorite setting for togetherness.  This room wraps you in the warmth of knotty alder with its architectural barrel vault ceiling for an intimate cocoon.

Den Lowell Custom Homes Happiness at home

Enjoy the Journey

A recommended approach to happiness is to decelerate and enjoy the ride.  Home design should accommodate a variety of interests with space to rejuvenate.  We think you’ll enjoy a tour of the specialty areas in this newly completed Lake Geneva area home.

A potting shed created with reclaimed materials from Heritage Beam & Board

The workout room is located on the main floor for top of mind awareness.

First floor workout room

A master bath exudes luxury with the positive energy from copper finishes.

luxury bath luxury copper master bath Lowell Custom Homes

The conservatory is a natural retreat for the avid gardener, this one is from Minnesota’s Conservatory Craftsmen Conservatory Craftsmen Lowell Custom Homes

We are reminded of the great satisfaction of having guests when we browse the entertainment areas of this home.  A nautical themed bunk and bath is perfect for Lake Geneva weekends.  To see more of our favorite bunk rooms click here.  And for tips on caring for your guests click here.

nautical themed guest bunk and bath

 Even the tiniest guest receives a special place for precious overnight visits.

themed baby room

Did we leave anything out of this remarkable home?  Oh yes, the wine cellar and sauna!

wine cellar and sauna by Lowell Custom Homes

Now we’re talking happiness!

The home in this blog was featured on an interview with Todays Builder Television Show where builder Scott Lowell explains his “old-school” building methods that maintain the highest quality. Take a peek . . .

We believe in homes that are built to save you time, encourage togetherness and provide lasting contentment.  We invite you to read the reviews from our happy homeowners right here.

Lowell Custom Homes

262-245-9030

Photography by S. Photography & Styling – Shanna Wolf

There’s Always Something . . .

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We encounter all types of building conditions, but this one was one of the most challenging!  We are grateful for the expertise and talent of Jeff Frohling, Senior Project Manager and the entire crew at Trinity River Construction, LLC  in Marengo, IL   They made it possible to overcome the difficulties of building on this beautiful, but demanding site.  This concrete shoring wall that runs the entire length of the property is our specialized solution.

Watch this!

Special thanks to our superintendent Tim Flynn for overseeing this extraordinary project!

Stay in touch with the progress on this beautiful custom home and all of our projects right here!

262.245.9030

 

Music: http://www.purple-planet.com

 

Gatherings Making memories at home for the holidays

Gatherings – A Time When Memories Are Made

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Memorable gatherings, great and small, begin in a home that radiates warmth.  Sharing the comforts of your home is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give for the holidays. While daily lifestyle takes precedence in home design, here are a few features that are truly appreciated by guests.

Lowell Custom Homes entry door

Welcoming Entry

Before the doorbell rings your home is making its first impression.  The character of this home is reminiscent of a French Country Chateau with exterior lighting that glows to guide visitors forward.   The richly stained and subtly arched entry doors are framed by curved corbels and surrounded by dimensional stone work.  For more inviting exterior ideas click here!

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wi Interior entry door

Balance

Guests are reassured by a sense of balance.  The beautiful symmetry of this living room plays a gracious role communicating comfort.

Lowell Custom Homes a entry flow into open living

Inviting Flow

Unobstructed views and an open floor plan encourage a relaxed flow throughout the home.

Lowell Custom Homes open concept floor plan

Lovely Scale & Proportion

Scale is more important than size when creating a welcoming room.  This floor to ceiling stone fireplace is perfectly at home in a room that can support its dramatic presence with ample ceiling volume.   View more ideally proportioned interiors in our gallery by clicking here.

owell Custom Homes options for intimacy cozy den

Options for Intimacy

Large formal rooms are lovely, but at times a scaled down room is just right for more intimate gatherings.  Here, fine handcrafted details are perfectly proportioned for a more personal setting.

Lowell Custom Homes versitility open or close spaces versitility

Versatile and Multifunctional

We all love an open kitchen, but at times you just want to pull the curtain, or in this case the pocket door, on the chaos.   Built-in versatility is the key to spaces that perform day-to-day as well as when entertaining.  This kitchen can be a place for meal preparations, casual dining, or mingling.

Lowell Custom Homes island party in front business in the back

Party in the Front, Business in the Back

Function is a priority, especially in kitchen design.  Here a dramatic oversized island is part of the design by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC.  At first glance you’ll notice show-stopping good looks, but a peek around to the back side exposes easy-to-access storage, wide open work surface and undercounted appliances.

Lowell Custom Homes behind the scenes convenience and staging area

Staging Area

Behind the scenes at any great event is a well executed plan.  This spacious laundry room can double as a butler’s pantry while thoughtfully designed cabinet interiors are a thing of beauty every day.

Lowell Custom Homes indoor outdoor

Seasonal Transitions

A protected indoor-outdoor area is appreciated by many guests.  This screened in room offers comfort and style along with a little fresh air.

Time to Unwind

And finally, after the last air-kiss good-night, every homeowner deserves a place to unwind and reminisce about the exciting events of the day.

Lowell Custom Homes place to rejuvanate after entertaining and careing for others

That should include the privacy of a Master Bedroom and Bath Suite as the perfect place to rejuvenate for the next round of holiday festivities.

We send our heartfelt thanks

to our customers and all of those who follow

our activities as we build these lovely homes,

always,

and especially this holiday season!

 

This home was originally built by Lowell Custom Homes and designed by M & E Architects.  The renovations in 2018 are by Lowell Custom Homes with architect Todd Cauffman and General Manager/Project Superintendent Rich Kinter.

To see more of the lovely details visit our Houzz portfolio by clicking here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

The new roof is by DaVinci Roofscapes and features a long lasting composition shake shingle.

The kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC features cabinetry fromPlato Woodwork, Inc.

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Knock Knock . . . Your Front Door Says “Hello”!

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From the Gates of Paradise in Florence to Monica’s framed peephole on Friends, the entry door has always told a story. It is an essential element in your home’s first impression and can add significantly to the value.

The material used on this interior-exterior element will impact your home’s energy-efficiency as well as style.  Doors are available in a variety of mediums, like wood, fiberglass, steel and composite materials.  But this video will demonstrate why we favor a beautifully crafted wood door.

In addition to the entry of this home, it’s important for the warmth and style of the entry door to be reflected on the adjacent garage.

Architect Todd Cauffman

 

Another lovely pairing expresses this same harmony with a carriage house aesthetic.

Entry door with complimentary garage doors carriage style

 

This Craftsman Style home is a stunning example of how doors can express architecture with something as subtle as the grid pattern.

arts and craft prarie style entry door and garage doors

Architect Todd Cauffman

 

When it’s all about the view, glass panel doors will reflect the natural surroundings via their mirror-like surface.

cape code lake home glass panel for reflection

Architect Todd Cauffman

 

For  slightly more privacy, you can always screen the entry with landscaping, #Snuffleupagus

entry door screened with landscape

Architect Robert Juris

 

Going Dutch will allow you to have a friendly open door policy.

dutch door with screen and sidelights

Architect Haganah

 

Once you have a door selected, add a bit of art in the form of a door knocker to truly make it your own!

crab door knocker

 

You can take a personality test to determine the perfect color for your front door by clicking  here.

 

To see more ideas for your home’s entry check out our Inviting Entries Ideabook on Houzz by clicking here.

Inviting Entries Ideabook on Houzz

 

Lowell Custom Homes

Creating Memories You Can Come Home To

262-245-9030

If you love our homes, please take a minute to Vote for Lowell Custom Homes as the Best of Walworth County!  We would deeply appreciate it!

Just click the button links below – You will be asked to enter your email address then you can vote for Lowell as

Best New Home Builder & Best Home Remodeler.

Be sure to pick at least 10 of your favorite Walworth County businesses to be entered to win an Amazon Echo.

 

 

Photography by Shanna Wolf, Josh Zuelke & Victoria McHugh

 

 

Geneva National by Lowell Custom Homes

How to Choose a Location When Building Your New Home

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The old adage “Location, Location, Location” has endured with good reason!

Where you build your home will determine your lifestyle.  It’s important to consider all of the variables for your future homesite and prioritize them with a list of the factors that are the most relevant to you.

The decision to build is a financial and emotional investment. Read this first to help you decide if building is the best way to have the home of your dreams.  When you know the timing is the right, we can help you search for the perfect location.

The Reserve Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI

What comes first, the home design or the homesite?

It’s best to select the community that you would love to live in and let that inspire your home design.  This allows you to create a home that takes full advantage of every positive element a site has to offer.

Community and Nearby Resources

When considering communities, the key is convenience.  This means something different for every buyer.  Important factors include proximity to

  • Work
  • Schools
  • City Resources
  • Entertainment and Restaurants
  • Family and Friends
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Leisure Activities – parks, pools, water sports, etc., like these in Lake Geneva

Private vs. Social

Would you like to wave to your neighbor every morning or do you prefer total privacy.  The lot you choose can facilitate either by its location or with the assistance of landscape screening.

Homesite Characteristics

The size of the lot and its topography will influence the design of your home.  Sloped sites have the advantage of beautiful views and multi-levels for indoor-outdoor living. A level lot appeals to those who enjoy gardening or are considering the installation of a pool or play area.

Home Orientation

When choosing your lot consider the benefits of generous lot lines.  They will increase versatility in home design.  This can allow you to take better advantage of the views, natural light and energy efficient placement of your home.

We have a limited number of homesites in three distinct neighborhoods of Geneva National .   This Award-Winning Gated Community offers a variety of resort-style living on 1,800 scenic acres that are in complete harmony with nature.   Year-round amenities including 54 holes of PGA-level golf and convenient proximity to Geneva Lake and downtown Lake Geneva for countless leisure activities.

The Wood Way Geneva National Lowell Custom Homes

Geneva National by Lowell Custom Homes

The Reserve Homesite Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI

 

Our specialists are here to assist with the many complicated decisions involved in selecting a homesite and designing a new home.

Lowell Custom Homes

Creating Memories You Can Come Home To

262-245-9030

Remodeling – A Story with a Fairy Tale Ending

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Do you get a kick out of those remodeling horror stories?  Then stop reading because this is more of a remodeling fairy tale!

Lowell Custom Homes remodel in Lake Geneva Exterior Elevations Before and After
It all begins in a not so far away land near Lake Geneva. A stately but dated home starts it’s transformation at the entry by correcting a medieval door which was completely exposed to the elements.   (While medieval works in fairy tales, it’s not ideal for a lake house.)  A new welcoming covered porch completes the front elevation with other gracious architectural details.
2 entry door .jpg
On the interior an equally impressive makeover was in progress.  In the kitchen, walls were taken down to open up the space to the family room.
3 kitchen before and during.jpg
The dark 80’s oak cabinets were replaced with bright white and gray painted cabinetry from Medallion Cabinetry with kitchen design by Geneva Cabinet Company.
4 kitchen after
A small walk-in pantry flanked by two tall glass-front cabinets provide additional storage and eliminate the need for wall cabinets in order to maximize lake views.
6 living room before and during
Meanwhile the formal living room was taken down to the studs.  The load-bearing wall was removed and a new I-beam installed.  The fireplace was trimmed to the ceiling and the dark brick painted pale gray.
7 living room after
On the second story the guest bedroom had a ceiling that was just too spectacular to remove.   We preserved it and updated it with high gloss white paint for a fresh look in keeping with the new character of the home.
8 bedroom ceiing

All drywall and floor sheathing on this 2nd floor was replaced before new wool carpet was laid.  The crowning accent was a delicate chandelier to replace the tired ceiling fan.
5 family room
The family room and staircase were not neglected during this enchanting makeover.
9 stairs
But the real drama is saved for the lake side elevation of the home’s exterior.
10 screened porch
More than a cosmetic makeover was needed.  This exterior suffered damage from water that had seeped in under the siding and all soffits and facia.  Once repaired a screened porch was added to the back of the house with access to the family room and kitchen.  This allowed for a balcony off of the 2nd floor master bedroom.  A delightful outdoor kitchen by Danver was added to complete the lakeside living space.
11 screened porch after with kit and shower

We are happy to report that homeowners and the entire Lowell team lived happily ever after! lowell team at More

Special thanks to our homeowners for the pleasure of working together (and the pizza parties) !

When it’s time to build or remodel, just ask us how you can create your own fairy tale ending.

262-245-9030

Photography by Josh Zuelke Josh Z Photography
Kitchen by Joyce Zuelke for Geneva Cabinet Company
Superintendent Rich Kinter for Lowell Custom Homes
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Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Best Builder

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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. 
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

 

Lowell Custom Homes Homeowners

What it’s like to be a Lowell Homeowner!

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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!

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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!

Nadine Harris schedules film crew

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

Scott Lowell interviewed on Today's Builder TV

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

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

Rich Kinter General Manager Lowell Custom Homes

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.

Superintendent Dennis Levine Lowell Custom Homes
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!

Greg and Matt Videographer for Today's Builder television

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)

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Lowell Custom Home Lake Geneva Wi Living Room remodeling

Lowell Wins Best of Houzz Awards 2018!

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Best of Houzz 2018 Best of Design Award
All of us at Lowell want to thank all of you and the fine people at Houzz for awarding Lowell Custom Homes the Best of Houzz 2018 awards for Best of Service and Best of Design! We were selected by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.Houzz Best of Service 2018

Best of Service

Lowell Custom Homes has been awarded the Best of Service every year since joining Houzz in 2016. We owe that honor to all of our customers who took the time to submit a review about their experience working with our dedicated team.

Best of Design

This is our very first year to win the sought-after Best of Design award! Although Lowell homes have been featured in other award winning portfolios, this year viewers selected their favorites from the many projects we posted on our Lowell Custom Homes profile resulting in this 2018 award!
“The Houzz community selected a phenomenal group of Best of Houzz 2018 award winners, so this year’s recipients should be very proud,” said Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz. “Best of Houzz winners represent some of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry, and we are extremely pleased to give them both this recognition and a platform on which to showcase their expertise.”
We invite you to continue to  join us on Houzz where you can view our portfolio of lovely homes.  Be sure to save your favorites to your very own Ideabook for future inspiration!

To learn more about building with Lowell Custom Homes

contact us at 262.245.9030

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