Category: Blog Posts

At Hamlet Homes, we’re thrilled to be homebuilders you can count on when searching for a new house. We have years of experience building neighborhoods and providing beautiful homes that will make you and your family proud and happy.

If you are thinking about buying rather than keep renting, this is for you. Here are some of the major benefits of owning your home.

Remodeling Benefits

When you rent a home or apartment, your options for improving the living space are very limited. When you own a home, remodeling is completely up to you – and it can benefit you both personally and financially.

Not only do renovations make your home more enjoyable for you and the entire family, they can also provide value. Additions like landscaping, central air, updated appliances, and/or insulation can lead to a major hike in your resale price and may allow you to make some very basic tax deductions as well.

Own Equity

Buying a home is a personal investment. As you pay off a basic mortgage loan, you are building equity in your home-owning more and more of it as you move along. After years of building up, you can use the money to take out a home equity loan or line of credit for help.

Locked-In Costs

With a rental situation, it’s common for the landlord to increase rent year over year – even if you are living in the same unit. The price increase has actually outpaced inflation due to high demands since the housing bust.

Owning your own home, acts as a hedge against this. Especially if you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly costs will be the same no matter what’s happening in the market.

Tax Breaks

Owning a home also comes with major tax breaks. You can get mortgage interest tax breaks, and there are several others depending on your exact situation. Sites like TurboTax make these kinds of deductions easy to figure out.

For more on why owning a home will benefit you or to learn about any of our new home construction, speak to the pros at Hamlet Homes today!

As your premier homebuilders in Salt Lake City, Hamlet Homes knows it can feel intimidating to construct your dream home. You may have always wanted to build but pushed the goal aside thinking it was too lofty. Perhaps you simply can’t make a decision on whether to buy or to build.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are a few signs that you’re ready to work with a homebuilder and construct your home.

You have your budget nailed down

We can help you determine the right budget for your family, but it’s good to have an idea of what you can afford.

Once you run the numbers, you will most likely see that buying a home is actually less expensive than renting. You may also find that building a new home is similarly priced to purchasing a pre-owned one. Best of all, Hamlet Homes has a variety of financing options to work with!

You know what you want, and it fits in your budget

We want you to get everything you want, but it’s also smart to set realistic expectations for your budget. Consult your homebuilders, and we will help you decide the finishes, location, and home style you can afford.

You will like it new

It’s a great sign that you are ready to work with homebuilders when you realize that you’re ready for something new. If you considered remodeling an older home, remember that it has old hardware. That means you’ll have unexpected surprises when something wears down and breaks. Most of these items would be covered under your new home warranty (be sure to ask us about our Hamlet Homes Warranty Program)!

When you work with a homebuilder, you enjoy the world of customization! You get to select the finishing touches, creating an aesthetic that perfectly matches your taste.

You have your eye on the perfect homebuilders

When looking for your homebuilders, you should select the one that inspires you. Remember, consistency is key, so watch for reliable, quality work before committing. Fortunately for our residents, we always produce lasting, beautiful houses that we can show as examples.

Once you choose your perfect partner, you know that you’re ready to build!

After reading our list, are you ready to take the plunge? Call our expert homebuilders today or check out our already available properties!

Purchasing a new home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life.  Hamlet Homes, your new home provider in Salt Lake, is here to guide you through the process and provide you with a long list of beautiful homes and communities to choose from. We can also assist you with many of the details involved in what’s often a complex process. These are a few common mistakes you should be aware of:

Overspending

Budget is always one of the major concerns. Unfortunately, there’s a natural tendency to spend a bit more than we might think is appropriate. This is totally understandable! Your home should be one of the defining characteristics of your family. It’s the place where you spend most of your time, and wanting the only the best makes perfect sense.

However, budgeting properly is vital. You have to consider building costs as well as future maintenance and upkeep. Don’t forget to keep in mind mortgage types, rates, property taxes and utilities. To help you in this process, consider making a checklist.

No Research

Before purchasing a new home, research the area. Be aware of important aspects such as schools, crime statistics, traffic, amenities, and more. Try visiting the neighborhood and start talking to residents. The lack of proper research can leave your family in an uncomfortable location or situation.

Emotional Purchases

A home might be near the neighborhood in which you grew up, or maybe it reminds you of a cherished childhood memory. Just remember that buying a home is a big decision that requires reasoning, rather than emotion. Don’t make any decisions hastily.

New Home Furniture

Many people want to get an idea of the furniture and décor they’re interested in even before they begin construction, and this is definitely a good idea. You don’t want to get halfway through the process, before realizing things won’t fit with your preferred style and then be forced to alter your budget or sacrifice your desired look.

As premier homebuilders in Utah, Hamlet Homes will help you navigate these landmines and others, all while providing you top quality service. Speak to one of our brokers today!

Floor Plans

You have a lot to keep in mind when searching for new homes in Salt Lake, from price and location to all sorts of particular details. One of the first things you’ll want to tackle? Floor plans. The basic layout of your house is one of the first things you’ll have to decide on before construction. Additionally, it sets the baseline for many other elements to take into consideration.

Hamlet Homes is your premier homebuilder in Utah, offering beautiful communities with a wide variety of home designs. with that being said, we have the insider list on what you should be considering with regards to a new home floor plan.

Lifestyle

Consider the practical elements of your floor plan:

• Floor space for children to play?
• Space for working from home?
• Teenagers needing their own, separated space?
• One floor or multiple stories?

All these are the basic questions to ask yourself. Be sure your lifestyle elements are covered, as well as any personal preference.

Special Accommodations

There could be a number of situations where you might need a special accommodation within your floor plan. Maybe you have small children who require wide hallways. Perhaps you or a loved one stays requires wheelchair considerations. Be sure these details are noted early on in the process.

Guests

Is hosting a top priority for you and your family? Wide entryways with large, open-space, community areas are important if you frequently have guests. There are also plenty of ways to separate social and family life. Keep in mind that hosting areas can be in one location and private areas designed in a different location.

Outdoor vs Indoor

It’s also important — when choosing your floor plan — to assess how much you and your family will use outdoor amenities. A pool, barbecue, or large yard all count as part of your floor plan. Make sure you can handle those associated responsibilities and maintenance if you choose to go in that direction.

Ready to get started? Our experts at Hamlet Homes are standing by today!

Homebuilders

During new home construction, you are able to customize the finishing touches to fit your lifestyle and design tastes. What’s more is that you can choose to add optional builder upgrades to transform your new house into your dream home.

As your premier homebuilders in Utah, we know that picking and choosing your upgrades can seem a little daunting, usually because new homeowners have particular features important to them, but they aren’t sure if the upgrades will increase the value of their home.

Many homebuilders don’t help homeowners navigate between possible homebuilder upgrades, but at Hamlet Homes, our designer — Janet Allen at Carpet Diem — can assist in helping you choose your personal improvements and help you select the right combinations for your budget. Here are a few tips to help you decide which upgrades to choose for your home.

In the Kitchen

The kitchen has an extensive list of possible upgrades, and the ones you choose can add up quickly. We suggest keeping functionality in mind. It may seem like your new kitchen will have so much space that you don’t know what to do with it, but you will most likely want even more room to house food and cooking items down the line.

We recommend going for taller cabinets for extra storage and a trendier look. You can choose to add pots and pans drawers to make for easy access during your quick, weeknight dinners. Don’t forget to put a little focus on your appliances. While they may not change the aesthetic as much as custom cabinets, upgrading to energy-efficient and high-end appliances with your homebuilder will almost always save you money in the long run.

Keep it Light

As far as we’re concerned, you can never have too much light in your home. That’s why the homebuilders at Hamlet Homes strategically plan the layout of all new home constructions to take advantage of natural light, but you can always make your home a little brighter.

We suggest keeping with ambient lighting in your living spaces, and making your kitchen and bathrooms extra bright. In your bathrooms, choose task and overhead lighting, so you never have to squint when shaving or applying your makeup. In your kitchen, go beyond recessed lighting by installing under-cabinet lighting. These little lights will help you navigate your cooking and brighten up the space when you entertain. If you choose glass cabinets, install lighting inside for a similar effect.

Flooring Done Right

Sure, you can always upgrade your flooring later, but that can be expensive and time consuming. Not to mention the headache of living in a home undergoing updating. Instead, choose the flooring options that match your aesthetic and lifestyle before moving in. If you prefer hardwood in bedrooms and hallways, we always suggest upgrading during the build.

To help with the cold Utah months, we splurge and install radiant floor heating. Not only will your family love it, but future buyers will, too. Finally, choose to upgrade the carpet pads. The cost is typically low and will provide a longer lifespan and softer step.

Fantastic Finishes

Not all upgrades need to break the bank. A few simple finishes can make all the difference in your new home. We suggest customizing tile grout for a trendier look, choosing your home’s interior paint color, and adding extra outlets or ceiling fans.

So many residents in the homebuilding process stress about upgrades because they didn’t budget for them. Instead, put aside a portion of your budget for improvements that will personalize your home and allow you to get the biggest bang for your buck. If you would like to learn more about the personalization options you receive from the homebuilders at Hamlet Homes call us today at (801) 281-2223.

If you’re in the process of building your dream house, there are a number of factors to consider. Our homebuilders at Hamlet Homes have a high level of professionalism that will exceed your expectations.

Find Quality Insulation

When talking to a homebuilder about insulation, you’ll be able to tell fairly quickly if they are knowledgeable. You should make sure they speak in terms of insulation installation grades and request Grade I installation, which means all cavities will be filled tight with as little compression as possible.

Heating and Air

In addition to insulation, the HVAC contractor will be responsible to install the heating and cooling system. In this case, the homebuilder should be keeping up to speed on the process so calculations, proper equipment and ducts are designed properly.

Inspections and Certifications

Getting the right company is a must. Check to make sure your home builder has all of the inspections and certificates they need to build your home to code and the highest standards.

Design Review

A good builder knows how to get everyone on the same page. The architect, builder, HVAC contractor, electrician, plumber, and insulator should meet with you, to set timing goals.

To learn more about the characteristics of a reputable homebuilder, or to find out about our available new homes, speak to the experts at Hamlet Homes today.

Intro

When searching for new homes, one of the first decisions you will make is the type of property you would like to purchase. Of the many options available, you may want to consider a new townhome from Hamlet Homes.

What makes a townhome different from a single-family home, and how can you benefit from these differences? Let’s take a look.

Structural Differences

The most visual difference between townhomes and traditional homes is their basic structure. A townhome has at least one shared wall with another unit, but a traditional house is a single structure that doesn’t share any walls.

Despite popular opinion, traditional homes don’t necessarily have a larger square footage or more rooms. However, in general, townhomes tend to be slightly more compact than single-family homes making them ideal for young families, retirees, or anyone who would like less upkeep than a single-family home.

Cost Differences

In a broad sense, townhomes are generally much more affordable than traditional homes. They’re a cost-effective choice for first time homebuyers. Townhome communities typically boast additional amenities like parks, tot lots or even pools and a clubhouse. Additional services may also be organized by the community — typically through an HOA — for a much lower rate.

Townhome Privacy

Although the assumption with townhomes is there will be less privacy, through modern construction this is very rarely the case. Sound insulation and quality construction stops noise from being a concern. For those particularly concerned, sound-proofing materials are available in many buildings.

Despite the shared walls, the advantages of being in a townhome community can be vast. They often have associations or organizations governing the community, taking some stress off your shoulders as a homeowner.

For more information on new townhomes, or to consult with our new homebuilders, speak to the experts at Hamlet Homes today.

Move-In

As your go-to homebuilders in Utah, we at Hamlet Homes offer both quick move-ins and other new home formats for you and your family. Our communities are both safe and affordable, with all the amenities a modern family needs.

As a prospective buyer, what are some of the advantages of quick move-ins versus under-construction homes? Let’s take a look.

Project Delays

This rarely happens within our new home construction processes, but the construction industry can be variable in terms of timing. Those who cannot afford any delay and need a guaranteed, locked-in date are generally better suited to look to quick move-in locations, just in case there are any unforeseen issues during construction. These are often unavoidable issues that don’t even signal a mistake by the builders, but rather a standard issue within the industry.

Interest Rates and Default

In many cases, under-construction properties will come with higher interest rates. They can also bear higher risks of default, which are expected by many experts in the industry to rise over the next several years. Move-in ready homes, however, can come with lower rates, and can also offer you the ability to save money – there’s no need to pay additional funds to stay somewhere else while the home is finished.

Liquidity

If there’s any chance you may need to sell the property soon after purchasing it, move-in ready is generally the way to go. These homes have more liquidity, and some under-construction homes cannot be sold for a period of time without the approval of the builder, and an extra commission.

Want to learn more about the advantages of move-in homes, or any of our other services? The experts at Hamlet Homes are standing by.

Avoiding Pitfalls is key when searching for a new home. Purchasing a new home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life, and at Hamlet Homes, we’re here to guide you through the process and provide you with a long list of beautiful homes and communities to choose from. We can also assist you with many of the details involved in what’s often a complex process.

Some of the most important things to know are which mistakes to avoid, and we’re here to help steer you away from those as well. Before you get started on new home construction, here are a few pitfalls to be sure to stay away from.

Overspending Pitfall

Budget is always one of the largest concerns, and there’s a natural tendency to want to spend a bit more than we might think is appropriate. This is totally understandable – a home is one of the defining characteristics for a family and a place where they spend most of their time, and wanting the best for it makes total sense.

However, budgeting properly is vital, both in the present and future. You have to not only consider building costs, but future maintenance and upkeep as well. Keep in mind there are also different types of mortgage options and rates to take in account, as well as, property taxes and utilities. Many people find that making a checklist is very helpful.

No Research

Before purchasing a new home, research the area. You’re looking for things like schools, crime statistics, neighborhood characteristics, and more. Try coming back during different times of day, if possible, and speak to residents in the area if you find any willing to speak with you. A lack of proper research can find you and your family locked into a location or situation you aren’t comfortable with.

Emotional Purchases

Maybe a home is in or near the neighborhood where you grew up, or maybe it reminds you of a cherished childhood memory. These are great memories to hold onto, but you have to separate them from a huge decision like buying a new home. Don’t make any decisions hastily or based on anything but logic and reason.

Furniture

Many people want to get an idea of the furniture and décor they’re interested in even before they begin construction, and we recommend this. You don’t want to get halfway through before realizing things won’t fit with your preferred style, and then be forced to alter your budget or sacrifice your desired look. See if there is a model home available to tour. From there, you can get an idea of what the interior space is like. An alternate option is to get a detailed floor plan.

As premier home builders in Utah, Hamlet Homes will help you navigate these landmines and others, all while providing you top-quality service and locations. Speak to one of our agents today to learn more regarding Pitfalls today!