After months of design, redesign, corrections, tweaks…Finally it is here!  Meet the Chateau Collection by Penn Homes.  The first two plans have rolled out and promise to be another spectacular creation.  The goal was to provide never before constructed sustainable exteriors that appealed to the demands of todays buyer.  Mixing old world stucco with used brick and stone was chosen as the facade.  Harmonizing the mix is key to curb appeal.  Our designer is provided as part of the total building package when selecting us to build your home.  Our designs include towering ten foot tall ceilings adorned with crown molding to suit your needs.  Open floor plans were selected where family can connect after the activities of the day.  Spacious Kitchens and Breakfast Nooks with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances anchor the finishes in this area.  The Master Suite provides for a perfect retreat from along days work.  Separate shower and garden tubs accompany each plan with large walk in closets in the Master Bath area.

Let Penn Homes build your dream home.  It all begins with a phone call to one of the numbers on this page or by simply clicking on the Contact Us button.

Now that we’ve been ‘invited’ to your home…we are happy to accept the invitation.  When giving someone directions to your home, you always describe your house.  ”Take a right on Oak Street, we live in the second block, third house on the right…our house is the one with ____________.”  So, what does one see when looking at your house?  What is the descriptive trademark of your home?  What’s the ‘curb appeal’ of your home?

This is one area that could be an inexpensive project for your home and would have an immediate impact.  It could be as simple as a new coat of paint, a new front door and maybe some shutters, or it could be an exterior project with an interior impact.

First, the simple project.  Many times we are asked if we would do something as simple as replace a front door and some rotten wood.   The answer is “Yes!  We’d love to help.”  We’d take a good look at the exterior of your home and make suggestions.  Are the columns in good shape?  What about the shutters – do they need painting, are they the right size shutters for your windows, does the shutter fit the style of your home?  Are the flower beds or shrubs compromising the integrity of the foundation?

"Before" - the owner wanted a new look for her bungalow

Next, let’s take a look at an exterior project with an interior impact.  ”Recently, I was asked to consult on a project where the owner wanted to update her exterior, but she had an interior problem.  She didn’t have enough closet space” said Mike Penn. After measuring and sketching, Mike had the following solution.  ”We were in luck, the Master Bedroom faced the front of the house.  It was a pretty easy fix — she had enough room between the front door and an existing window to extend the front porch which allowed for a nice sized closet addition into the Master Bedroom. Then, the front of the house could be re-faced with stonework, shutters and a new front door.”

Penn Homes Sketch

Mike recommended a combination of products to create a focal point that added historic strength to the home.   The use of cultured stone and cedar beams from an old sugar mill gave a distinct look that was also durable and weather resistant.  Additionally, he recommended adding a Bevolo gas fixture for ambiance and additional lighting.  The owner had a great looking house with fantastic curb appeal while solving her interior problem of inadequate closet space.  A simple solution the owner could afford yet couldn’t visualize without the help of a professional builder like Mike Penn.

These are the type things Penn Homes has to offer.  We’d look at your project – then make recommendations based on what you were interested in investing in your home.  Mike Penn would break them down into the things necessary and those things which are optional, yet would add value to your home.  We would help you determine the cost of the project and work out a construction schedule to suit your family’s needs.

Curb appeal is what makes someone want to see the inside of your home and we’d love to help.  Can’t wait to hear from you.

An informal poll of professional remodelers revealed five tips for maintaining your home to keep it in top condition and support home value. Proper home maintenance should start with a regular inspection of the home’s exterior and the heating and cooling system to ensure the home is running smoothly.

1. Inspect the roof
An examination of the roof will reveal spots that need repair, preventing leaks that ruin home interiors and valuables. Regular roof maintenance prevents roof problems leading to structural damages and other expensive emergencies.

2. Add insulation
Most houses can benefit from installing or repairing the insulation barrier in the home. Adequate attic insulation, in particular, keeps the home from losing energy with wasted heating and cooling. A better insulated home means less work for the heating and cooling system and lower energy bills.

3. Repaint surfaces
A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a home by updating the color palette and giving the home a shiny new start. Quality paint jobs also protect surfaces and prevent problems like rotting wood. Consider using no- or low-VOC paints for reducing fumes while drying and keeping the home air quality more comfortable.

4. Monitor flashing and caulking
Worn window flashing and caulking allows water to penetrate the walls, causing damage to drywall and framing. Asking a professional to inspect windows can prevent water intrusion, saving thousands in major repairs down the road. Additionally, examine caulking and sealing in bathrooms to ensure water isn’t leaking into walls or floors.

5. Check the water heater and heating and cooling system
Waiting until the water heater, furnace, or air-conditioning fails will cost more in emergency repairs. Bring in experts to assess these units to ensure they are functioning and receive needed repairs. Newer water heaters and HVAC systems can increase home efficiency, bringing down water and energy bills.

For more information about remodeling, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

• Brick is fully compliant with ASTM C21607a: Standard Specification for Facing Brick (Solid Masonry Units Made from Clay or Shale). No other material, except for brick made from genuine clay or shale, can make this claim.
• Walls built of brick don’t need immediate replacement because of severe conditions. Brick exceeds the 34 mph resistance requirement for high velocity hurricane zones in the Florida building code, and it inherently fireproof.

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Recently we were honored to complete a commercial/retail construction project for Clarkes Jewelers in Shreveport, LA. This video features their Grand Opening of the new location.

Over the next couple of weeks we will be posting more video and information on the construction, design and green aspects of this collaborative project.