Have you noticed a difference in how newer subdivisions look compared to older ones? Yes, because of the housing downturn, they tend to be emptier right now, but they also tend to look a little better and are planned more carefully.

The reasons are threefold. First and most obviously, construction methods have evolved. Second, the people moving into subdivisions want more from their neighborhoods, like walkable streets, low traffic and nearby schools. Third, some cities are requiring that subdivisions be ranked, at least in part, on how nice they look.

Maple Grove and Shakopee are two local communities that have taken the appearance of a subdivision into account during the approval process. But now that the city is no longer one of the metro-area leaders in new building permits, Shakopee is backing away from that system. Given the low levels of platting in recent years, it may no longer be as necessary and may even be holding up approval processes on the few proposed construction projects.

Shakopee still wants to work with developers to ensure attractive neighborhoods, but it will approach the issue in different ways.

Developers say they have no interest in building crummy-looking subdivisions. Now is a particularly competitive time for new home construction. Not because there are many people or companies looking to build, but for the exact opposite reason. Because there are so few people that want a new home construction, builders are doing their best to make their properties attractive to buyers and that includes aesthetics.

Source: Building a Better-Looking Subdivision

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The Brockton is now complete!

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Exterior View

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Front Entry Way & Living Room

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Living Room

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Living Room & Kitchen

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Kitchen

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Kitchen

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Kitchen & Dining Room

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Dining Room & Staircase

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Master Bedroom

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Master Bedroom & Bathroom

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Master Bathroom

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Bedroom Upper Level

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Bedroom Upper Level

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Bathroom Upper Level

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Laundry Room Upper Level

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Upper Level View

Legacy Creek | 3541 126th Ave NE | Ready to Finish Lower Level with Egress Windows

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We have had quite a few inquires about this nearly completed home so I thought I should get a quick blog post up.  The bad news is this beautiful home has recently sold, but the good news is we have several other fantastic homes nearing completion.  These homes will be completed in the next few weeks and several additional homes within the next few months so check back often!

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New residential construction, in Minnesota and throughout the U.S., has slowed down, but it certainly hasn’t stopped. And the houses are getting smaller due to the economic crunch, but the most important room in the home – the kitchen, – isn’t yielding much. Kitchens have changed a lot in the last 50 years, as evidenced by these great photos from the Parade of Homes Blog show. More than a space for cooking, as multi-purpose spaces where dining, entertaining, homework, telecommuting and more can occur, flexibility is an absolute must for the modern kitchen. But money is tight these days, so thrift is a virtue – along with sustainability, energy efficiency, and functionality. We’ve picked five of 20 Kitchen Design Ideas that today’s buyers love, according to Builder Magazine Online (and our own experience, of course!).

Design for all. Kitchens should work for everyone in the house. Universal design elements like right-height appliances, ergonomic hardware, and reachable storage make homes accessible to home residents of all ages.

Get some green. Not every new home construction budget can accommodate solar power systems or geothermal heating and cooling, but small changes in kitchens can make a big difference in energy efficiency and savings. Some ideas could include WaterSense plumbing fixtures, Energy Star-rated appliances, and recycled or renewable materials.

Make short and long-term decisions. Trends come and go, so they can be a little risky. Take a chance on finishes and materials that can be easily and economically replaced and keep the permanent stuff more neutral. A maroon appliance is a 10- to 20-year investment, but a maroon wall can easily be painted over.

Warm it up. Homeowners are entertaining more at home. Its easier to imagine friends intermingling over drinks in paces that feel welcoming. Craftsman style is popular for this, with its emphasis on natural materials and simple beauty.

Exercise restraint. Paying attention to details is fine, but don’t’ overdo it. Add drama in ways like veiny countertop stone or wood cabinetry with a pronounced grain, but keep the rest simple so it can stand out without having to fight for attention.

These are just 5 of the best 20 Kitchen Design Ideas from Builder Magazine Online. Read the rest of the article for more ideas for your Minnesota New Construction Custom Home.

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The Brockton is sheetrocked and ready for paint!  Completion will be the end of January/Early Feb

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