How to Create Old World Style

A Picture Like this Can Offer Many Tips

On a recent anniversary trip with my wife to Quebec City, Canada I took this photo of one of the many busy streets in lower Quebec.  I'm not sure why exactly that I took it but I remember being drawn to the architecture here.  With it's British and French roots, Quebec City is rich in old world style and architecture.  Just looking down this street you see an interesting array and use of stone, plaster, brick, wood and in the far distance-you can see a copper roof that has patine d over the course of about 30 years according to the locals.  What's amazing is that even though these buildings were built hundred's of years ago, they still represent great style and architecture.  I have definitely drawn on some of the concepts and ideas and plan on incorporating them into some of my next homes.  My challenge to you is to do the same.  Start by taking a picture or collecting one of a vintage home or setting that best represents how you would want your next home to look.  Even though technology has advanced considerably, if you look hard enough you will be able to find ways to achieve certain elements by pointing out the things you like to the professional who can accomplish it for you.  A different stucco technique, an old school way to lay stone, a different roof pitch- these are all ways to create something truly timeless that will be the envy of the neighborhood.  Start with the picture, let it become a part of your vision and find the most creative way to make it happen that suits your budget.

When Custom Building, Set the Right Expectations are Key

I tell people all the time that one of the toughest things in the custom home building world is setting the proper expectations.  I think it's one of the single largest factors that give builder's a black eye.  You would think, starting with a detailed set of plans that you have a real good idea of finish out and how it will look once completed but when plans go from 2D to 3D, people that have a hard time visualizing things.

Before we ever go to plan stage, we like to ask the question of final back end budget.  The reason is we need to know how to arrange the pieces of the puzzle to where the client can get what they want for their dollars.  Trust me, half of the time we are delivering realistic news that our clients don't want to hear.  Things like "those appliances won't fit in the budget, or there is too much square footage, etc."  It always pains me to deliver messages like that, but I would rather do that and risk losing the deal then have a home owner who doesn't know the industry like I do get disappointed 6 months down the road.  The worst thing I think that can happen, is you tell the customer what they want to hear at all times and then once the build process begins and they have terrible experiences on selections the whole process through.  What excites me the most is at the end having a happy customer who is close to budget or below at the end of the project.  I am happy to say that the last 5 recent projects have all been that way and it is a very good feeling.  Make sure when building to do your best to completely understand what your budget gets you when finishing out your dream home.

Award Winning Design 2012

Won Statewide Texas Star Award for Best Architectural Design

Won Statewide Star Award for Best Outdoor Living

I am so thrilled to report that Mattern & FitzGerald was recognized at the state wide level recently for the Star Awards which honors builders from all across the state for excellence in design and architecture.  There was a banquet in Austin that we were not able to attend but they did send the trophy's which were amazing.  The architectural design award was for homes in the $700-999,000 range and the outdoor living award was for homes in the $800-$999,000 range.  Special thanks to our clients and contractors for help making these homes so special.  We are so very proud and thankful to be a part of these wonderful projects.