Featured House Plan: Meet Mahogany Springs

When you finally come across “the one,” you’ll know it right away… With steeply pitched gables with brackets, mixed exteriors materials like stone and siding, and double columns on pedestals, our Mahogany Springs house plan is love at first sight — but wait until you step inside.

With a modern charm and timeless coziness, this gorgeous home offers the perfect blend of luxury and function. On the main floor, you finally get to enjoy the company of family and friends without the barrier of walls — in your warm and inviting open-concept living area, your best memories and meals are waiting to be made.

A flex room provides an abundance of space that can be used however you wish, from a formal dining room to a media space. Best of all, your stunning master suite is exactly what you’ve always envisioned, with elegant design and contemporary features, including a spa-like bathroom with a free-standing tub and walk-in shower.

On the second floor, you’ll fall in love with the convenience of a sleek tech center at the top of the stairs, which is ideal for computers, games, or homework, as well as secondary bedrooms that share a compartmentalized bathroom. If you want even more space, an optional bonus room can be turned into whatever you dream up.

Not to mention, a vaulted covered porch and front porch extend the beauty of your home to the great outdoors, so you can enjoy all of the little things that make life so sweet — from mornings with a good book and coffee to evening dinners with your family under the stars.

Whether you’re a growing family or a couple who loves to entertain and enjoy an abundance of personal space, this craftsman style house plan embraces and enhances any lifestyle. With an expert, thoughtful design that’s just as comfortable as it is contemporary, this home truly is a place unlike any other. For more information, please call us at 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to work with you!

THE COMPLETE HOME BUILDING GUIDEBOOK

Frank Betz Associates is proud to have been a contributing resource to THE COMPLETE HOME BUILDING GUIDEBOOK written by Mr. Howard Zuckerman.
Mr. Zuckerman is very respected developer, builder and author. The book is a complete reference source for anyone considering becoming a merchant builder or an
individual building their own home. Just as the name implies, the book explains the processes and methods necessary to become a builder. Beside lumber, concrete or roofing for example, there are many other things to consider and/or include in the building process. This book reminds and teaches someone new to the home building industry to include and remember the intangible items as well as obvious building materials. Click this link to get your copy. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/The-Complete-Home-Building-Guidebook

Fall Decorating Ideas for Outside

Bold, bright colors, crisp leaves, festive flair… there’s something about fall decor that makes home cozier than ever. Now that you’ve found the perfect Frank Betz Associates new house plan and decorated the inside to match your preferences, you can use the new season as an opportunity to touch up your exterior. 

From classic wreaths to nontraditional front-porch arrangements, we’ve compiled a list of current design trends that add pops of autumn energy to your space. Get inspired to revamp your exterior’s aesthetic for fall:

Outside Fall Decoration Ideas

Pumpkin Vase: The ultimate piece of fall flair, pumpkins serve as the most stylish vases for your front step. Carve out a pumpkin or gourd (white ones look great, too) and place containers of your favorite fall flowers inside, whether warm-colored mums, pansies, or more.

Cotton & Muted Colors: Adorning your front door with fall-themed decor is nothing new, but this season, it’s all about light, serene colors. Whether you’re a sucker for a good wreath, pumpkins on your step, or trendy lanterns and candle holders, opt for more subtle hues like cotton to create an ethereal front-door vibe. 

Fruit Bowl: Adding a seasonal touch to your relaxing porch just makes it that much cozier. Incorporate the sweetness of fall into your favorite space with warm-colored fruits like apples and pears. Find a beautiful bowl — copper is always fall-approved — and fill it with the season’s natural gems. 

DIY Wreath: Do you fall head over heels for a seasonal DIY project? You’re going to want to make a new wreath every week… These festive wreaths incorporate things like plaid, fall fruit, flowers, harvest wheat, eucalyptus, puzzle pieces, pinecones, letter boards, hydrangea, autumn berries, and much more.

Door Mat: There’s no better time than fall to place a fun and festive mat at your door. Whether you go for a spooky-themed piece for trick-or-tricking or a timeless autumn design, your family and friends will love walking up to your door as they visit you this season.

Pumpkin Cart: Bar carts may be all the rage inside your home (is it time to break out the delicious autumnal red wines yet?) but pumpkin carts are making their way to the outside. This porch-front bar cart is given a new look when it’s filled with an autumnal crate and green oak leaves between beautiful white pumpkins.

Barrel Planters: Fall flowers and textures create a lovely vibe in your yard that make coming home even sweeter. Barrel planters give off a rustic aesthetic that pairs perfectly with yellow, orange, and red flowers. Try several planters of different sizes, and get creative with your flower arrangement.

From all of us at Frank Betz Associates, happy fall and happy decorating!

Helmsly Park

Find Out What Makes Frank Betz Associates the Best Choice

 

Any homeowner or builder knows that when a house plan is designed the right way, the entire living experience is significantly impacted for the better. Today, people are looking for modern features and a foundation that reflects comfort and luxury all at once — and when these needs are met, every day opens up new doors. 

At Frank Betz Associates, we understand house plans like the backs of our hands. When we create a blueprint that will become someone’s living space, we use our over 100 years of combined experience, as well as our care and passion for home, to ensure the greatest result possible. Here’s how we make the magic happen:

We Keep Up With Trends

When it comes to home design, it’s safe to say that trends emerge as quickly as they fade. At Frank Betz Associates, keeping up with what homeowners actually want is part of what makes us the most reliable choice. We know that a home’s layout plays a major role in any homeowner’s happiness — which is why our knowledgeable, skilled, and perceptive team is always on top of the desirable home trends of the moment.

We Have the Experience

There’s something to be said for industry professionals who have “seen and experienced it all.” Having been in business for 39 years (almost 4 decades!), we know exactly what it takes to design house plans that builders can trust and homeowners can fall in love with more and more each day. We have an extensive background servicing builders, which means we complete every job with builders and their businesses in mind.

We’re Good Listeners

Everyone deserves to be heard. Especially when it comes to new homes, having a group of professionals who act like partners and genuinely listen to every opinion and concern is what makes all the difference. At Frank Betz Associates, we don’t just say that our “customers come first” like everyone else does, we actually embody it. One of our biggest priorities is allowing everyone we work with to have a say and feel as confident as can be.

We Understand Great Products

Plain and simple, our team understands great products. In fact, we live and breathe them. Based on our success for the past 39 years, it goes without saying that we know exactly how to utilize cost-efficient design to create outstanding products at prices that people can be happy about. Our team wants nothing more than to exceed our customers’ expectations and provide the absolute best house plans at the best value — always. 

For more information about our exceptional house plans, please give us a call at 888-717-3003. All of us here look forward to working with you! 

 

cape cod home design frank betz associates

Featured House Plan: Meet the Seneca Falls

 

There’s something undeniably charming about a modern, farmhouse-style home; it’s sleek but cozy, luxurious but warm, and of course, as stylish as a living space can get. At Frank Betz Associates, we’re always excited to design innovative, livable house plans that reflect what homebuyers want today — say hello to the Seneca Falls, a true beauty that proves the right home really does exist.

With a steeply pitched gable roof and wide porches, the exterior of this home is truly dazzling. In fact, it disproves the age-old idiom: don’t judge a book by its cover… Anyone who glances at the outside of the Seneca Falls can be sure that the inside is just as incredible!

Just past the charming foyer, a wide open living space waits with open arms for friends, family, and guests alike. A family room with a beamed ceiling and cozy fireplace connects to a beautiful kitchen with a casual dining area, large pantry, and home management center; perfect for both entertaining and relaxing.

From dinner parties and holiday brunches to weeknight family meals and morning coffee, the kitchen and open living area provide the thoughtful space needed to enjoy the little moments that make life so special. Best of all, a vaulted covered porch and outdoor dining area connected to the family room offer the added pleasure of the peace and privacy of the backyard.

Past the stylish main floor, which also comes with a mudroom, a convenient laundry area, and a guest suite, the second floor provides the essential comfort needed in day-to-day life. From the master suite and vaulted master bathroom ceiling to three spacious bedrooms, everything a family needs to rest and recharge is right up here. Plus, an optional bonus room adds more space (and personality) to this cozy, contemporary floor.

Whether for a growing family or for a couple who loves to entertain as much as enjoy an abundance of personal space, the Seneca Falls house plan enhances any lifestyle. With a high-quality design that’s every bit as detailed and thoughtful as you deserve, this home truly is a place unlike any other.

For more information on the gorgeous Seneca Falls house plan, please call us at 888-717-3003. All of us at Frank Betz Associates can’t wait to work with you!

Bathroom Trends 2019

A master bathroom is so much more than an addition to the bedroom — it’s where homeowners recharge in the morning and unwind at night, it’s what they rely on for relaxation and comfort at any moment. As one of the most personal spaces a person can have in their home, it’s safe to say that your master bathrooms play a big role in your homeowners’ satisfaction.

At Frank Betz Associates, we believe that high-quality features and a stylish, modern design can completely change the vibe of a master bathroom, in turn changing a person’s entire mood when they’re in there. That’s why we offer both custom and stock house plans that incorporate the very best of the best in bathroom design, from stand-alone tubs to roll-in showers to spacious master closets. Take a look at the features we can include to transform the master bathrooms you offer:

Stand-Alone Tubs: Modern, luxurious, and incredibly easy on the eyes, both the aesthetic and feel-good benefits of stand-alone tubs are truly timeless. One step inside and every care melts away…

Giant Showers: When it comes to a master shower, less is not more. In fact, the more room the better! A spacious shower makes getting ready in the morning or settling down at night so much more enjoyable.

Volume Ceilings: We’re firm believers in the power of “looking up.” The gorgeous new-construction trend of tall, dramatic ceilings gives the entire home an unbelievably elegant feel that never diminishes over time.

Laundry Room Next to Master Closet: There’s something to be said for practical design, which is why we put laundry rooms right next to where clothing is stored. Easy to access, these laundry rooms redefine “chore.”

Age-Targeted Items:

Roll-In Showers: These no-door, no-step showers aren’t just contemporary and stylish, they provide easy, comfortable access without the threat of accidents or injuries.

Discreet Grab Bars: In a “slippery” situation, grab bars offer invaluable support. But when they’re just as sleek as the rest of the shower, they help to maintain the luxurious vibe of the bathroom while providing comfort.

Radius’ Large Enough for Wheelchairs: Why should anyone in a wheelchair have to feel less than comfortable in their shower? With the best-designed shower, wheelchairs can fit easily with plenty of room left.

Luxury Items:

Heated-Tile Floors: Let’s face it — there’s nothing worse than a cold bathroom floor beneath your feet first thing in the morning, especially in the winter. With a heated-tile floor, every foot gets its own spa treatment…

Steam Showers: Who says you have to go to the sauna to feel the therapeutic effects of steam? A steam shower is not only as contemporary and lasting as can be, it makes every shower that much, well, steamier.

Heated Towel Racks: A hot, relaxing shower is one thing; it’s another thing to step out of it and wrap yourself in a fluffy, heated towel. Heated towel racks are the feature everyone never knew they absolutely needed.

If you’re ready to upgrade your house plans to what your buyers truly want — for now and in the future — Frank Betz Associates is your trusted team next door. For more information on our custom and stock plans, please call us at 888-717-3003. We can’t wait to work with you!

HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR HOMES’ CURB APPEAL

Walk down any residential street and it’s the homes that make up most of the scenery. How your home looks from the curb point of view makes a statement. It’s a first impression that conveys a lot about who and what lives inside. Whether you’re looking to maximize your home’s curb appeal because it’s going on the market or you just want a great looking home, this article can help you get there.

Knock Knock

The front door is most often the centerpiece of a home’s front exterior. As people approach your home, they’re headed for the front door. As a major focal point, you should create a front doorway that is both strong and welcoming. Depending on your door type, this can be achieved with a fresh coat of paint or stain. While well-crafted hardware that includes the door knob, knocker and even the doorbell can dramatically contribute to the overall look of your front entry way. Long story short, a great front door is a must for curb appeal.

A porch that says, “come on up.”

If your home has a front porch, it already has a head start in the curb appeal department.

Nothing says “come on up for a visit” like a well-appointed front porch. Taking into consideration the style of your home, furnish your front porch with comfortable chairs or even porch swing. Potted and hanging plants and other attractive ornaments like windchimes, a door mat and sculpture are additional ways to turn up the welcome factor in this out-in-front space.

Landscaping matters.

Attractive landscaping means more than just freshly cut grass. From the curb, is there a path leading to the door? Make sure this path is well kept and even. Trimmed bushes, flowering plants and carefully pruned trees all add up to create a beautiful landscape. And remember, it all starts at the curb. The sidewalk and driveway are also important areas to keep looking neat.

A detailed approach.

Another step in increasing your home’s curb appeal is sprucing up the architectural details. These include any elements that can be seen from the curb. Make sure that any fencing is in order, the roofing and gutters look good and light fixtures and hardware are working and clean.

Even a neat mailbox can help. These items may seem insignificant alone, but together they have a substantial visual effect.

 

What a difference a color makes.

Finally, and quite important, is your home’s paint. Freshening up the exterior of your home with a shiny new coat of paint is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to boost its curb appeal. Shades of green and brown blend well with most landscapes. Light and dark tones of blue also work well to instill a look of calmness. And if your home is modern or traditional, white is a nice way to emphasize clean lines.

 

There are many simple ways to increase your home’s curb appeal. Start by standing on the curb and observing your home from an objective perspective. You’ll be able to identify key issues that can be easily addressed. With a little time and elbow grease, your home can be looking its best to you and anyone who happens by.

 

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

Besides the kitchen, the master suite is considered one of the most important areas of a home. It’s where you’ll be spending a good portion of your life, not only because it’s where you and your significant other sleep, but where you get ready for the day ahead. Taking the time to design a master suite that best fits your needs is well worth the effort. With a few design tips outlined in this article, you’ll be on the right path to creating a well-planned master suite.

The matter of privacy
Because your master suite will act as a retreat from the hectic world, a sense of privacy should be woven into the design. Positioning these rooms near the back of the home and/or on the upper story is recommended. The privacy issue also comes in to play when locating windows and doors. Yes, you can add curtains or blinds, but it’s comforting to be able to dress and undress freely without having to worry about putting on a show for the neighbors.

The size is right
The master suite most commonly consists of the largest bedroom and bathroom in the house.
Larger walk-in closets and sitting rooms are also popular features for these areas. When designing your home’s floorplan, assigning a generous percentage of the square footage for the master suite is advised. One should also consider the furniture that will go in these rooms. The size of the bed, dressers and sitting room chairs can help determine the amount of space needed.

Closet space. More is more.
One of the most attractive features of a well-designed master suite is ample closet space. If the square footage is available, including two walk-in closets is the best course. This allows enough room for both occupants to keep their individual wardrobes. A master suite with two walk-in closets is also a huge advantage when selling your home.

Bathroom zen
While the rest of your home’s bathrooms are purely functional in nature, the master suite bathroom can be extraordinary. Beyond function, this bathroom can be a place of relaxation.
Double sink vanities, spa tubs and steam showers are just a few examples of luxurious master suite amenities.

Laundry convenience
Since the master suite is usually inhabited by two people, it will generate a significant amount of clothing and bedding. To conveniently handle the cleaning and upkeep of these items, designing easy access to the laundry is suggested. If the master suite is on the second floor and the laundry room on the first, a laundry shoot is a feature that can aid the accessibility and save time.

Every great home should have a master suite to match. As your own personal escape from the busy world, it should include the space and amenities that will enable both functionality and relaxation. As much if not more than any room in your home, the master suite should be a reflection of your style with the space and features that will complement the home as a whole.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MUDROOM DESIGN

Similar to an airlock on a space station, the mudroom is a vital transition area between the outdoors and indoors. Coming in from outside, it’s a place to take off and store your outerwear and other daily belongings. When leaving your home, it’s the last stop to gear up with the needed essentials. Coming or going, a well-designed mudroom is an essential part of any home.

Kensington Creek House Plan- Frank Betz

A heavy traffic area

One of the keys to a properly designed mudroom is making sure it’s located adjacent to the most used entry way. Consider what door your family will be using the most often and that is the place for the mudroom. This is probably the area where everyone’s shoes, boots, gloves, coats, backpacks, keys and hats will live. So, it should be designed into the floorplan according to convenience and easy access to your home’s most popular doorway.

Everything in its place and a place for everything

Accessibility and organization are two very important components to a functional mudroom design.
Built-in shelving and cabinets are nice for storage. While racks and hooks to hang coats and hats make getting in and out of the house more efficient. If there is room for a bench, not only will it provide a comfortable place to sit while removing shoes and boots, but with the right design, the area under the bench can be utilized for storage, as well. Installing a small mirror is also a nice amenity, for a last-minute look before you head out the door.

Size is relative

Beyond location, the size of your mudroom should be determined by the number of people and pets in your home. Remember, with each person comes at least one set of shoes, a coat and hat. And for our
four-legged family members, you’ll need room for a leash and outdoor toys. If there’s space for its own room great, but a mudroom can be designed into a hallway, laundry room or larger closet.

 

Durable materials

The very definition of a mudroom describes a place where muddy and wet clothing is taken off before entering the rest of the home. It’s there to protect the rest of your home from the outdoor elements. With that, a mudroom should be designed using materials that can handle dirt and moisture. Tile flooring or an easy to clean rug will help keep things tidy. Metal hooks and wire baskets are also moisture resistant features that make for durable storage and organization.

All told, the mudroom should be designed for function. It is a place to keep outdoor clothing and any other daily items used outside the home. But just because the mudroom is designed for utility, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be attractive and complement your home. Incorporating the same color pallet and material styles will help weave this room into your home’s established décor. Yes, it is a mudroom, but it can be a beautiful room, as well.

DESIGNING A CRAFTSMAN STYLE HOME – IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

 

Gaining popularity in the early twentieth century, the Craftsman style house is easy to identify. Its distinct design characteristics set it apart from most other home styles. From its iconic front porch, exposed beams and grand fireplace, the Craftsman home has a character all its own. If you’re planning to build a new Craftsman home, this article will highlight a number of its classic design features.

A welcome like no other

Of all the defining features of a Craftsman home, the covered front porch is one of the most recognizable.

Anchored with brick or stone footers, Craftsman porch columns start wide at the bottom and taper toward the top. The front porch has deep overhanging eaves, visible knee braces and exposed rafter tails that extend beyond the roof line. Shingled eaves and handcrafted trim are also a notable detail found on examples of the style.

Definitive scale

Balanced proportion and scale are very important qualities of a Craftsman home. Standing vertical but solid, most Craftsman’s are only one or two stories. Their low-pitched roofs provide a squat facade which works proportionately with their wide floorplans. Intersecting roof lines also help to convey a textured dimension to the home when viewed from every angle.

 

Creature Comforts

Another hallmark of the Craftsman style is a large fireplace usually located in the living room. Working as the home’s centerpiece, it often uses the same stone and wood detailing found throughout the home.
As with other elements pulled from the Arts and Crafts movement, built-in cabinetry and shelving can a be found in the living spaces beyond the kitchen. More tell-tale interior details include multi-pane windows with wide trim wainscoting or chair rails, period light fixtures and paned doors. Intricate metal hardware on doors and windows add to the Craftsman charm.

Show the bones

Craftsman homes are known for shamelessly showing off their structural components. Exposed beams on the interior and exterior of the home act as signature architectural details. As mentioned above, the ends of the beams, called rafter tails notably extend outside of the roof line. Inside, natural wood rafters accent the ceilings in most every room. This treatment brings an element interest to an otherwise overlooked aspect of the home.

 

Naturally designed

With locally sourced wood and stone as the go-to materials, the Craftsman home exudes an earthy ambiance. The color palette of this style reflects the natural world, as well. Earth tones like browns and greens are most often used. While handcrafted dark wood detailing and accents add to rustic influence.

There are many reasons the Craftsman style home is one of the most popular across the country. It’s iconic style fits in nicely from coastal to mountainous regions. And in addition to its historic architectural beauty, the style is still quite functional in our modern world. Featuring a deep-rooted essence of comfort and hand-crafted elegance, the Craftsman home has earned its illustrative name while standing the test of time for more than a century.