Three Generations and Continuing!

Three Generations and Continuing!

May 23rd, 2018 |  R.L. Gordon & Co., Inc.

Have You Talked About How Much Your New Home Will Cost?

Have You Talked About How Much Your New Home Will Cost?

April 12th, 2018 |  R.L. Gordon & Co., Inc.

Before having a home built know what is in your plans, specifications and contract before signing.

How important are the colors and finishes you choose in a home?

How Important Are The Colors & Finishes You Choose In A Home?

March 9th, 2018 |  R.L. Gordon & Co., Inc.

At R. L. Gordon & Co, we have been privileged to build hundreds of custom homes for a broad spectrum of people over 34 years. Like the TV commercial states “we’ve learned a thing or two because we have seen a thing or two.” One thing inevitably became clear years ago; regardless of whether we were building a smaller 2000 square foot home with a modest budget or a 12,000 square foot home with a sizable budget, paint selection and finishes make all the difference.

Custom Homes vs. Tract Built Spec Homes in Subdivisions

Custom Homes vs. Tract Built Spec Homes in Subdivisions

February 12th, 2018 |  R.L. Gordon & Co., Inc.

Larger tract builders have developed some great floor plans over the years, which address most of the needs of a typical family. Building the same model with slight variances in design, such as exterior color, flooring, countertops, cabinetry is certainly the most cost efficient way to build for the masses. This certainly is a great option for most families.

But, what if you don't fit the "mold"? What if you want to break out of conventional tract housing options? Your needs could range from wanting to express your own style to needing more functionality and less maintenance. Maybe you want your home to leave less of a footprint on the earth or maybe you want a home with all the latest technology?

Your Home & Winter

Your home and winter. Like our northern friends, we Floridians should also prepare for the changes of the season. Here are some suggested items that you may want to look at.

·         Heating system: clean and check.

·         Air-conditioning: the condensate drain builds up with dust and mold so now is a great time to simply add a little bleach.

·         Pests are looking for a place to go. Use a good pesticide and spray it around the exterior of your house, plants and ground cover.

·         Check the weather-stripping on the doors and windows. The bottom gets a lot of wear and might need to be replaced.  

·         Our yards take a beating here in the south. We have frost some mornings and it can be hot a day later. Treat problem areas with weed and feed and by spring, your yard will be looking good.

·         Fireplaces are a must check. Gas and wood burning both must be checked for proper venting. For gas, check for any leaks & make sure that there is a proper flame when burning.

Horror Stories

Horror stories abound from those who have attempted major remodels or have built a new home with most problems occurring from poor communication between the home owner and builder. The contract amount and what is included in the home is often misunderstood. R. L. Gordon & Company provides a complete breakdown of every cost and allowance item that is selected by the buyer before the contract is signed. The allowance items include cabinets, appliances, flooring, tile, lighting fixtures and many other things. By selecting what is wanted in the home upfront, it allows us to get exact pricing which allows the buyer to add or delete based on the cost of each item.  

Anyone who is spending the kind of money it takes to build a new home, should enjoy the process and when done properly, should be an enjoyable and satisfying experience for all.

Home Maintenance: Painting and Caulking

PAINTING & CAULKING: as caulk shrinks, small cracks begin and moisture begins to enter the walls. Same with cracks in your stucco. Cracking is a normal process but again, moisture begins to enter the walls. Over time, if the cracks aren’t repaired, everything from rot to mold issues begin. The painting industry has made great strides over the last few years in developing products to last longer. Here in Florida with the baking heat, our quick afternoon showers cause temperature and humidity changes which promote cracking. SOLUTION: walk around your home every 6 months and inspect the caulking around the windows, door openings, siding and trim or stucco and look for any gaps or cracks. Purchase clear paintable caulk and seal any areas that need it and you shouldn’t have to repaint the whole house.