JAVIC HOMES BLOG

Home On The Range – Select The Right Hood To Ventilate Your Kitchen

admin — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:30:17 +0000

By Lana Bingham

While the smell of something cooking in the kitchen evokes our senses, we can do without all the grease, heat and fumes. A range hood provides a functional and stylish answer to removing odors and ventilating the kitchen.

Selecting the right range and hood duo for your cook top space can be a bit overwhelming, leaving you feeling just as flustered as the process of buying a new car can. A hood’s mechanical options (power, size, blower capacity, lighting, noise level, filters, heat sensors) will be determined by type of range, cooking requirements, kitchen size/layout and budget. Yet, the cosmetic options (style and finish) can reflect your own personal tastes, creating a dramatic focal point in your kitchen. So, which style of hood will perfectly pair with your kitchen?

Wall-Mounted: Typically the most popular option for ventilation, the chimney hood boosts function and style in nearly any kitchen. New home builders in Tampa recommend installing this type of hood on an exterior wall to allow for a shorter, more efficient duct path. If the hood is mounted to an interior wall, it will need a more powerful ventilation system to remove fumes from the home.

Design Tip – To fill the dead space between the cook top and hood, incorporate a shelf or a pot-filling faucet. When determining which items to place on the shelf, be conscious of the high temperature and cooking debris that may result from your range. If you prefer the space to have neither shelf nor pot filler, there is always something to be said for an intricate tiled backsplash.

Under-Cabinet: Similar to the wall-mounted hood, an under-cabinet hood hangs on the underside of the kitchen cabinets. Rather than displaying a chimney-like duct traveling to the ceiling, this style of hood blends in well with the kitchen cabinetry. It also takes up less wall space, allowing for more cabinets to use for storage or display.

Ceiling-Mounted: Hanging from the ceiling, this ventilation system is ideal for cook tops located on the kitchen island. The hood may either stand alone above the island, or be incorporated into cabinetry. Hanging pot racks on either side of the hood is also another option.

Design Tip – With an open floor plan layout, a Tampa builder must keep the kitchen’s ceiling height in mind, making sure not to obstruct the view from the kitchen into the family room.

Downdraft: Another popular ventilation system for kitchen islands, the downdraft hood easily removes fumes through the floor. A great option for those who want the benefits of a hood, without it being a design element, the vent can be easily hidden inside your countertop. A pop-up method can also be installed, allowing you to activate the hood when needed.

Custom: Some homeowners prefer the look of a custom-built hood enclosure, as it can be designed to perfectly match the kitchen’s style. Custom hoods are created in a variety of shapes (sloped, tapered, flared, etc.) and typically match or compliment the cabinetry, concealing the ventilation system.

Design Tip – While stainless steel is typically the go-to finish option for a hood, don’t be afraid to kick it up with a colorful hood, which will add character and charm to your cook top area. If you are looking to add contrast to your kitchen, a Tampa custom home builder can alternate between a dark hood and light cabinetry (or vise a versa)

Whether you desire an Iron Chef-inspired industrial range and hood duo, or a simple under-cabinet system that is concealed by colorful cabinetry, the hood is an important aspect of the kitchen. To learn more about how we design kitchen’s to fit your unique lifestyle and cooking personality, contact us.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder- Visit TampaShowcaseHome.com to follow our progress on our Southern Living Showcase Home

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

Southern Living Showcase Home Kickoff Draws a Crowd

admin — Tue, 21 May 2013 14:35:54 +0000

More than 80 Bay area vendors recently attended the kickoff lunch for the Southern Living Showcase Home at Maggiano’s at West Shore Plaza in Tampa. Javic Homes is designing and building the Tampa Southern Living Custom Builder Showcase Home that is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2014. Many of the area’s best companies attended the lunch to learn more about the home and event.

In addition to hearing about the event’s non-profit partners and beneficiaries, All Children’s Hospital and Operation FINALLY HOME, the kickoff lunch discussed partnership opportunities. To date, more than 25 companies have committed to partnering on the home. We will announce them all in the coming weeks.

To learn more about the Southern Living Showcase Home, our partners and to follow our progress, visit TampaShowcaseHome.com.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

Javic Homes Announces Southern Living Showcase Home

admin — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:56:33 +0000

Javic Homes, the Bay area’s exclusive member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program, is proud to be the builder of the Tampa Southern Living Showcase Home which will be opening in Spring 2014. The home will be located on the waterfront in the South Tampa neighborhood of Beach Park. Javic will design and build the home, showcasing the best the area has to offer in design, custom home construction and technology.

The approximately 5,000 square foot West Indies style home will be fully furnished and decorated. It will be open to the public for 6 weeks. All admission proceeds will benefit our non-profit partners, All Children’s Hospital and Operation Finally Home.

“We are incredibly excited to have been chosen as a member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program and even more excited to be bringing a Showcase Home to the Tampa Bay area,” said Jon Solomon, President of Javic Homes. “The home will not only highlight the most innovative and beautiful products for luxury custom homes, but the Showcase Homes have become events that allow us to highlight our community to the rest of the country.”

National partners with products featured in the home include Belgard Hardscapes, Bevolo Lighting, Chevrolet, Marvin Windows, Moen Plumbing Fixtures, Lennox Air Conditioning, Rinnai Water Heating, Sherwin Williams Paints, Sunbrella Fabrics, Thermador Appliances, Trex Decking and Wellborn Cabinets. Javic is excited to be partnering with many local companies in the Tampa Bay area, including our current Title Partners NorthStar Bank and Coldwell Banker. We expect to announce many more partners in the coming weeks.

For more information about the home, partners and to follow our progress, please visit our Showcase Home page.

###

About Southern Living

Southern Living celebrates the best food, travel, style, and design across the South. Reaching over 16 million consumers each month, this iconic brand reflects and defines the region’s distinct culture through a variety of print, digital and tablet platforms, licensed products and events. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the rapidly expanding Southern Living brand is part of Time Inc., one of the largest content companies in the world and the largest publisher in the United States. Time Inc. is a Time Warner company.

About Southern Living Custom Builder Program

The Southern Living Custom Builder Program is a network of the South’s top custom home builders brought together by Southern Living. This invitation-only program selects custom builders acclaimed for their detailed craftsmanship, excellence in customer service, financial stability, and use of quality building materials in their homes. Before members are selected, Southern Living checks homeowner and business references, and conducts site visits to ensure we are selecting a builder that will deliver a quality custom home, and the customer service you expect. For more information, visit www.SouthernLivingCustomBuilder.com.

About Javic Homes

Javic Homes builds custom homes throughout the Tampa Bay area. Our goal is to design one-of-a-kind homes through innovative design, comfort and efficiency. Founded by Jon Solomon, who has been building Tampa custom homes since 2001, the “Javic Experience” is a process that other builders either can’t or won’t do. For more information, visit JavicHomes.com.

Make It Easy To Exercise With A Home Gym

admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:12:26 +0000

By Lana Bingham

With the inconsistency of weather, time spent commuting to the gym, and high membership fees; it can be too easy to make excuses to skip your workout for the day. A well-designed home gym can be all the motivation you need to get in a high dose of daily exercise. Break a sweat and get your heart pumping with these tips to design a functional and stimulating home workout area.

Location and Layout – The layout of your home will determine the size and shape of your gym. While some homeowners desire a state-of-the art workout haven, others can get the same results from a smaller, more intimate exercise space. For new homes in Tampa Bay, accessibility is key, creating an easy path to the gym and all of its equipment. Remember, a treadmill can fit almost anywhere, but the more conveniently located it is, the greater chance you will commit to using it.

Third floor bonus rooms are a great option for your home gym, as they typically have windows that let in lots of natural light and tall ceilings to accommodate all sizes of equipment. In this case, new home builders in Tampa can install sound-insulting material to limit the amount of vibrations that travel throughout the rest of the home. Tile or hardwood are great flooring options as they are easy to clean and provide a good surface to workout on (just don’t forget a comfortable yoga mat for floor exercises).

Adrenaline Pumping Atmosphere – Level of comfort is another important aspect to consider when designing your home gym. A bright, organized space with ample lighting is much more aesthetically pleasing than a dark, cramped area with little room for movement and equipment. Selecting a high-energy paint color can be inspiring, and so can decorating your walls with photos or memorabilia. A nice view is equally significant and can be achieved with windows and doors, a wall of mirrors or even a large television.

Tampa home builders recommend utilizing built-in shelving and cabinets to store towels, free weights, and a mini fridge for water bottles. You can also plug in a mixer to effortlessly whip up morning protein shakes.

Choosing The Right Equipment – Your home workout area does not need to mimic Gold’s Gym, so no need to try and include every type of workout equipment. Select machines suited for you and your family’s personal workout routines. Yoga mats, free weights, benches and cardio machines are the staple of a home gym, but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box if your family is into more high impact activities like kick boxing or rock climbing.

A post workout cool down is a relaxing reward and will help keep you committed to your daily routine. Adding a small sauna or steam shower will recover and rejuvenate you after a high impact sweat session.

Functional Flex Space – Rather than dedicating an entire room to staying fit, some homeowners opt for a dual-purpose gym. A guest room or home office can also act as a home gym. Make it easy by adding a Murphy bed for overnight guests, this way you wont have to sacrifice workout space. An unused bedroom nook is also a great spot to fit a treadmill or weight bench.

While some home gyms are combined with a small play center to keep children entertained while parents get in a workout, practice proper safety by making sure they are far enough away from machinery and are never left unattended.

A well-designed home gym creates an inspiring environment, making it easy and enjoyable to stick to your workout goals. Whether your workout space consists of a single treadmill or an all-inclusive studio that would make Jillian Michaels envious, a functional home gym allows you to dedicate more time and energy to getting fit.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

6 Wonderful Ways To Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day

admin — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:15:13 +0000

By Lana Bingham

Mom works hard, and she deserves to be spoiled every now and then. In addition to cards, flowers and candies, there are a few nice things that can be done for her right in the comfort of your own home. These 6 tips are sure to leave Mom feeling spoiled on her special day.

#1 – Cook a comforting meal. While taking Mom out for a nice dinner is the standard on this holiday, sometimes it can be more relaxing to dine at home. Treat her to a balanced breakfast in bed, or serve an elegant brunch in your outdoor entertaining area. Don’t let her touch those dirty dishes though!

#2 – Let your love grow. Although flower arrangements are beautiful, they don’t last long. Planting flowers for Mom allows her to appreciate your gift long after Mother’s Day has ended. Tampa new home builders advise to pick plants that are easy to care for and are compatible with Tampa Bay’s summer climate – such as Zinnia or Portulaca.

#3 - Take the chores off her hands. Don’t let Mom lift a finger as you take over the household duties on her special day. While you catch up on loads of laundry, let her soak in the tub. Provide her with brand new plush towels and fill the bath with scented bubbles and oils. Scatter the bathroom with aromatherapy candles for a soothing atmosphere. For extra bonus points, arrange for a massage therapist to come to your home for a private session.

#4 – Keep the kitchen composed. While cleaning the entire house is a nice gesture, creating a simple storage system will continue to help Mom in the long run. With the kitchen typically being the most susceptible to clutter, Tampa home builders recommend deep drawers and large walk-in pantries to help maintain order. Adding drawer inserts and dividers will provide a spot for everything. A set of glass jars will also help organize and make ingredients easier to find. Decorative bins and bowls are great for storing produce.

#5 – Set up a relaxing reading nook. A comfortable nook will allow Mom to unwind and catch up on her favorite book. While a home builder Tampa installs built-in seating beneath a large picturesque window, a DIY nook can still be easily created with a large, plush chair or chaise lounge. Enhance the space with throw pillows, comfy blankets and a bookshelf. Fill the shelves with easy and enjoyable summer reads – http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/summer-reads-2013/fiction#book/book-1.

#6 – Bring her by our open house this Sunday, 5/12. We will be hosting a special Mother’s Day open house this Sunday, from 2-4pm. The open house will be located at 4109 W. San Miguel Street in South Tampa. Bring Mom by to see how we create one of-a-kind homes through innovative design, efficiency and comfort. Every Mom receives a free gift and we hope to see you there!

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

How To Make The Most Of Your Mudroom

admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:25:24 +0000

By Lana Bingham

Nothing ruins the first impression of a home like a cluttered entranceway. Disarrayed shoes, coats and backpacks can easily create an eyesore for guests and family members. The mudroom combines function and convenience, boosting organization and storage for families with one or more children. So, what does it take to make or break your mudroom?

A Designated Storage Space – One of the main benefits of the mudroom is that it allows each member of the family to remove and stow away their outdoor gear and accessories. Built-in cubbies, hangers and baskets help to maintain organization and make it easy to find needed items as you are heading out the door. The mudroom also acts as a place for car keys, umbrellas and ingoing/outgoing mail, but don’t forget that your four-legged family members will also need to hang up their leashes.

While the traditional mudroom typically leaves everything out in the open so it is more easily accessible, custom home builders Tampa also recommend alternating between closed cabinetry and drawers if you are looking for a more concealed look.

A Spot To Sit – Adding a bench or built-in seating will come in handy for taking off and putting on shoes. It also provides additional storage space, allowing you to place items underneath the seat. Add a few throw pillows or a cushion to create a splash of color the room.

An Easy Clean Area – Since the mudroom is usually a high traffic area, new home builders in Tampa recommend using a resilient material for flooring. Stone or tile is a great option, and can easily be incorporated into the design of the home. To keep things even cleaner, install a small sink for soiled hands or a mini shower to rinse off dirty dogs and muddy boots.

A Sunny Disposition – Brighten up the mudroom with windows and abundant lighting. Adorn the walls by adding a stylish mirror or hanging up artwork. Add character and color with bold paint selections or a decorative throw rug. The mudroom should enhance your home’s style, not hinder it.

A Bit Of Purpose And Personality – Every family has their own schedule of activities to abide by, so design your mudroom to help accommodate this. Adding a small family command center with a calendar and message board will enhance communication and organization. To save on wall space, chalkboard paint is a great alternative and can be applied to cabinet doors.

Don’t think that just because summer break is around the corner that your home’s entryway is safe from clutter and catastrophe. Sports and other outdoor activities can wreak havoc on new homes in Tampa Bay. The mudroom provides a place to transition between the indoors and outside, creating organization for the whole household. No matter the season, the mudroom will always come in handy for maintaining a functional and clutter-free home.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

Work Safety Is No Laughing Matter

admin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:30:39 +0000

By Lana Bingham

When it comes to building new homes in Tampa Bay, there is nothing humorous about practicing proper job site safety. Since April 28th is Work Safety Day, now is a great time for Tampa home builders to remind everyone of the importance of following safety guidelines. Nothing gets through to people like a great example of what NOT to do on a construction site. Javic Homes would never condone such unsafe behavior as this on a job site, but we might have a good laugh at these folks.

Always Use Your Head – Probably the most important rule to follow – A little common sense can go a long way on a job site. Chances are if something seems unsafe, it probably is. Using your head and listening to construction managers can easily avoid any work related accidents.

Always Wear Proper Safety Gear – Gloves, goggles, steel-toed boots, hardhats and safety vests are required for certain job duties. Remember these are not meant to be a fashion statement, but to protect workers from accidents and hazardous materials.

Always Practice Proper Teamwork – Building a new home takes many different types of skilled trade professionals, all working together towards the common goal of a beautiful new home. It is important to respect other workers as well as their equipment and tools. This also includes disposing of trash and unwanted items to maintain a clean job site.

Always Pay Attention To Weather Warnings – Tampa Bay’s hurricane season can put a damper on a job site with tornado warnings, high winds and tropical downpours. A hurricane warning should be a sign to secure the job site (portable bathrooms, equipment, signs, etc.) and stop work until the weather is more cooperating.

While these photos might provide some good mid-workday entertainment, work safety is a very serious matter. Home builders in Tampa should always install safety guideline signs on each job site, to ensure that workers know what is expected of them. Rest assured that Javic Homes ensures safety and security from the time your home is being built up until long after you and your family have moved in.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

Why Your New Home Should Have Landscape Lighting

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:20:19 +0000

By Jon Solomon

It used to be that landscape lighting was viewed as an extravagance. An increased availability of options and costs for landscape lighting now allow us to get the most out of our new home’s yard. In fact, as busy as most of us are during the day, dusk and nighttime may be the only chance we get to enjoy our landscape investments other than on the weekends.

By using subtle lighting, Tampa custom home builders can transform dark yards into fantasylands of light, shadows and colors. Today there are just so many options, ranging from walkway lighting for safety to underwater effects in pools or fountains to up-lighting and spots on tall plants and trees.

Landscape lighting can definitely be added after a new Tampa home is completed, but new home builders Tampa FL find that it’s best to plan this lighting along with the landscape itself. Most systems are low voltage and require a transform that is plugged into a regular receptacle, so you’ll need a power source. More importantly, the low voltage wiring can be run under the sod or planting beds so that it’s well hidden.

An alternative to low voltage wired systems is solar lighting. So easy a child can install them, but the biggest drawback of these lights is that they typically only give off a faint glow that illuminates a relatively small area.

Landscape lighting increases safety and security; enhances your home’s curb appeal; and allows you to enjoy your outdoor entertaining areas long after the sun has set, making it an important attribute of your home. If you’d like to learn more about landscape lighting and how we design them into our new homes and landscape plans, contact us.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

Is Two Better Than One?

admin — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:36:35 +0000

By Lana Bingham

Seeing double isn’t always a bad thing – especially when doubling up on certain functional features in the home can make life a whole lot easier. From washing the dishes to getting the children ready for school, these features can make all the difference in your custom home.

Dual Dish Washers – Doubling up on dishwashers can make kitchen clean-up a breeze after a full course family meal or large get-together. One dishwasher is often not enough for the loads of dirty dishes, silverware and glasses that are needed to throw a successful dinner party. Two dishwashers will cut down on clean-up time and free up room in the sink for larger pots and pans to be washed.

A Second Staircase – Depending on the home’s layout, a Tampa new home builder may recommend two separate staircases to make movement flow smoother throughout the home. This idea originated in older homes, while one grand staircase made a statement in the home’s front entryway, the other, less grand staircase signified a servant stair (usually connecting from the kitchen to the upstairs bedrooms). This same concept can be incorporated into new homes in Tampa Bay, offering the homeowner more than one option for moving up and down floors as they go about their daily routine.

Separate Sinks – As one of the most commonly used features in the home, one sink never seems to be enough. In the kitchen, two separate sinks help to better define prepping and cleaning spaces, creating a more functional and efficient cooking experience. In the bathroom, a double sink vanity dictates separate space for husband and wife to store bath supplies and go about their hygiene routines. A Jack and Jill bath (typically shared between two child’s bedrooms) will also minimize children fighting over sink space for brushing teeth and washing hands. This makes their morning school schedule, and nightly bedtime routine much simpler.

A Pair Of Pantries – While some kitchens may actually need two full pantries to store dry foods and produce, others may be just fine with a second butler pantry. One full pantry can be used for food related items, while the butler pantry holds a small mini fridge, beverages and supplies. The butler pantry also serves as a refreshment station, keeping guests from causing too much traffic in the kitchen.

Identical Islands – Having an extra island in the kitchen divides work and entertainment areas while also offering additional counter space for serving food and refreshments. The extra counter space greatly comes in handy for dinner parties and holiday get-togethers. It is your Tampa builders job to make sure that these two islands do not interrupt your kitchen work triangle, maintaining a smooth flow of traffic between the sink, stove and refrigerator.

A Fireplace Fix – Having a warm and inviting fireplace in both your indoor and outdoor seating areas offers a relaxing atmosphere for family and guests to enjoy. Separate fireplaces also give you the opportunity to incorporate two different styles into your home. A home builder Tampa Florida can incorporate an intricate, built-in fireplace inside, and a casual, stone hearth outdoors. This offers two very different options for entertaining guests, whatever the occasion may be.

When it comes to these custom home features, two IS better than one! With today’s standard of living, one dishwasher or sink just might not be able to cut it anymore. To learn more about how we create one-of-a-kind homes, designed to fit each individual homeowner’s lifestyle, visit our design library or contact us.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune

Win Your Guests Over With The Perfect Powder Bath

admin — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:57:05 +0000

By Lana Bingham

Despite it being one of the smallest rooms in the house, the powder bath is often the most frequently used. Guests heavily depend on it for freshening up, making every inch of space extremely valuable. Follow these 4 main design principals to create an efficient bathroom that provides guests with a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

Location and Layout – Located on the first floor, near the eating and living areas, the half-bath flows smoothly into the rest of the house and is easily accessible for guests and family members. Layout is often square or rectangular, and includes room for a toilet, sink, and some type of storage space for additional bath supplies. The room should be just large enough so that guests don’t feel cramped, and they can move freely from the toilet to the sink. For homes with limited floor space, new home builders Tampa Florida can save square footage by utilizing the space beneath the staircase for a small powder bath. The slanted ceiling will add character and provide the perfect spot to place the toilet.

Storage and Organization – Extra hand towels, soap and other bath necessities can be easily stowed away beneath a sink vanity. However, if you have selected a wall-mounted or pedestal sink, be sure to provide additional storage space through built-in shelving or a separate cabinet (if the room can accommodate it). If counter space is severely limited, it’s important to include an area for women to leave their handbags – such a small table or wall hook.

Where to store the T.P – I can think of no bigger party foul than having a guest run out of toilet paper. To avoid this, include a small freestanding holder next to the toilet or place a basket on the toilet bowl or floor.
High End Hospitality – For those who frequently entertain guests, going above and beyond powder bath organization norms may be required. Use decorative glass jars (filled with Q-tips, cotton balls, toothpicks, breath mints, etc) to offer guests the same hospitality as higher end restaurants and clubs.

Lighting – While some floor plan layouts allow a small window in the powder bath, many are built in the center of the home – so ample lighting is required. Wall scones are a popular option and cast a pretty, luminous glow in the room. Home builders Tampa can also install a dimmer switch, allowing you to set the room to a soft glow, but giving guests the option to control lighting as needed.

Style – Although the powder bath’s main purpose is to offer a functional and easily accessible bathroom for guests, it is also bursting with design potential. From vessel sinks to wall-mounted faucets, fixtures can greatly boost a home’s style. A tiled sink can be very flattering in an ornately decorated Mediterranean home, leaving guests to admire every inch of your home.

From Boring To Bold – Don’t ignore the design potential of this small room. Bold and bright colors will make the room feel more spacious, and provide a refreshing atmosphere for guests. Wallpaper works really well in powder baths also. The powder bath is also a great opportunity to display a favorite work of art that doesn’t quite go with the rest of your home’s décor.
Mirror Mirror On The Wall – The evil queen from “Snow White” and Tampa new home builders both know the importance of the right mirror. Guests need a well-lit reflection to re-apply their lipstick and check for unwanted food in their teeth, so it’s important to pay attention to size and height. The mirror should be large enough and well centered (Snow White’s dwarves need to be able to check themselves out too). A beautiful or dramatic mirror is an important element of the powder bath, boosting design potential for this small space.

These 4 design principals come together to create a warm and inviting powder bath for any style home. While the master bath is typically more awe-worthy, the powder bath can still inspire and marvel guests. To learn more about the elements of bathroom design, read our past blog or contact us.

Tampa Bay’s Only Southern Living Custom Builder

Voted South Tampa’s #1 Home Builder by The Tampa Tribune