You have probably heard it a time or two before but it really is true… “There’s an app for that!” In the process of building your custom home it is so important that everyone involved is up to date and knows what is going on in the process. If even one person is out of the loop you may end up with a purple bathtub, yellow floors and green polka dot walls. Which would be cool if that’s what you're into… 

When building the custom home of your dreams, you know what you want, and what you don't. Again, maybe you want a purple bathtub, yellow floors and green polka dot walls, but then again maybe you don’t. One miscommunication can not only cause crazy colored walls but it can also lead to a very expensive delay, so it is important for your home builder to be using the best technology available to stay on task and on budget. 

Here at CF. Vatterott we use one of the most popular and highest rated project management tools called Buildertrend. This award-winning, web based software solution is designed specifically for building and remodeling homes. Instead of managing different apps for different parts and stages of the project, Buildertrend combines them all into one place so that every step of the process is clear, organized and transparent. Check out some of our favorite Buildertrend benefits. 

We believe that building a home should be exciting, not exhausting. We know that you want to see updates on your home, review documents and checklists, timelines, see the schedule,  review your plans and watch the progression of your dream home come to life. Buildertrend gives you a transparent view and gives you full access to schedules, progress photos, daily logs, which selections need to be made and so much more. Buildertrend is also a great way of communication, with real-time commenting and a private message feature. This makes coordinating and communicating with our trade partners, clients and within the CF. Vatterott team very easy, effective and efficient. 

As a homebuilder, we spend a majority of our time working in the field so communication and quality control are our some of our highest priorities. Using Buildertrend as our preferred software means easy, trustworthy access to the critical details and documents no matter where we are. It is important to us that everyone involved - our team and your family - is easily connected and on the same page during the entire process of building your home. 

Let us focus on building while you focus on watching your dream home come to life.

Building a custom home has so many different moving parts and it is extremely important to stay organized so that nothing goes wrong in the process. This amazing technology allows us to keep track and organize many of the tasks and details that, if ignored, can gum up the process and mean costly delays. Construction project management is one of Buildertrend’s most powerful and popular functionalities. It allows deadlines and obligation reminders to easily be set, but it's much more than task-management. With Buildertrend, clients get:

• Cost-clarity of add ons and selections so that you can prioritize what is going into your home to fit within your budget

• Ease of selection finished and decor elements

• Digital sign off on each selection so that there is no confusion about what is or is not happening in your home

• Live daily updates including photo and description of what happened within your home each day, you are always in the know about the progress of your home without having to stop by the jobsite. 

• Buildertrend provides notifications automatically where everyone involved in the project will get an update about what the need to deliver and when

The Buildertrend purchase management tool contains budgeting functionality, so together we can plan and closely monitor your project, notice any red flags in the budget and keep everything under control. Everything will be clear, and you will not have any surprises. 

Here at CF. Vatterott, we have seen Buildertrend prove its worth project after project by helping maximize customer experience and satisfaction. It is a seamless, transparent communication and management system tailored to building you the most perfect dream home. Although we know that not every little thing can be predicted in the process of building a home, using tools such as Buildertrend alleviates many preventable and fixable issues. Using Buildertrend allows us to focus on what matters most: your peace of mind. 

Buying a home is typically the biggest purchase/investment that someone will ever make, which is why it is so important to make the right decisions during the process. You must ask yourself the question: Should I buy a move-in-ready home or should I build a new construction home? Most people have already made their decision by the time they are ready to move, but sometimes the decision is not a very easy one to make. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons to each scenario. 

First, you must ask yourself what is most important to you and your family in the moving process and your new home. Timing? Money/Costs? Location? Customization? There are many advantages and disadvantages to all options. To make your decision you must consider each of these basic factors based upon your family’s short term and long term wants and needs. 

TIME: Construction & Move-in

There is no doubt that time is the biggest determinant in the buy or build question. Did you just get a new job that requires you to move and start working right away? Do you have a new baby on the way? Are you wanting to move before your kids start a new school year? The components of our individual lives guide the process of buying or building a new home for your family

 Purchasing a new home takes about 30-60 days at most. While it typically takes about 4-6 months to build a new home, depending on the size, materials, and overall complexity. It’s simple: If you can not wait or need to quickly move, then building a new home is out of the question.

BUDGET: Custom vs. Cost Effective

Most people dream of being able to build a big, fancy custom home with all the bells and whistles but there is no doubt that getting everything you want in a home is going to be more expensive than buying a prebuilt one. You will typically pay less when you purchase a home that is already built and finished.  This is proven when you compare the final cost per square foot between custom and spec homes. 

An experienced home builder can typically build a home for the same price as you could buy it for already constructed- with a few exceptions. Home builders usually have the ability to keep prices lower when they are building in their own neighborhoods. In some cases there would be no difference in cost between buying an existing home and building the same floor plan from scratch. However, when you change the environment and want to build on your own land or property, prices will fluctuate. 

The home builder will have to travel more or your lot may require some kind of prep work before it can be built on such as removing trees and rocks or boulders. Other examples that would drive your final cost up when building on your own property is things like your driveway/concrete or if they run into any complications while building on land they are not familiar with. 

So, if you have your heart set on customizing a home with everything exactly how you want it then plan to build a new construction home. You will not have to make as many compromises when building if you are starting from scratch. If cost is your biggest concern then buying a prebuilt home will help you to not exceed your budget and may be the best option for your family. 

LOCATION: Neighborhood vs. Individual Lots

Location is another one of the biggest factors that goes into the decision of buying or building a home.  So, ask yourself: What am I/my family looking for in the location of our new home? Where do we want to live?

Many people find the idea of being in a newer neighborhood with families like their own the most attractive. Generally, new construction homes are a bit easier for young couples, new families and retirees because there is little-to-no prep work to build on the individual lots. Homes in these neighborhoods are typically cheaper to build and resell your home in. 

Maybe you have children or plan to have children in the near future, location may be your biggest determining factor in moving. You will want to do your research on the schools and districts in the areas you are interested in to make sure it is the right decision for your family. 

It is rare that someone gets a chance to purchase undeveloped property in heavily populated areas. So, if you prefer to live closer to an urban center or urban/developed area, then you will most likely have to purchase an older, already built home. 

Complexity: Making Decisions

Building a home is a very complex process because as the homeowner you are responsible for making each in-home selection, colors and finishes - both interior and exterior. Some people want to have control over every little thing in their new home, others may not have the time to be that complex in the decision making process. Therefore, if you do not have the time, maybe you're raising a family or focusing on your career, buying a prebuilt home can still allow all or most of the benefits you're looking for without the extra stress piled on your already busy life. 

What is important to you?

Everybody’s personal situations and preferences are different and sometimes change very quickly or unexpectedly. One of the first decisions you must make in your home buying process is to build new construction or to buy prebuilt. Do you have time to wait for a new home to be built or do you have a limited amount of time to get moved into a new home? What is your budget for a new home? Do you care about the location of your new home? All of these factors are important to figure out in order to help you decide if you have the time and money to build a custom home or if it is more realistic for you to buy an already existing home.

Happy Fall Y’all! It’s time to get your beautiful home ready for all of the fun festivities to come this season! Sometimes the smallest touches can make the biggest differences when it comes to decorating your home.  Here are some of the best home decor trends for fall 2019...

1. Small Fall Details: Set the mood with some little glowing lights or candles.  Adding different size candles, some small and some tall, to a centerpiece or a mantel can really set the mood when cuddling up on a cool Fall day watching the big football game on TV with your friends and family. Or some little glowing lights inside a mason jar with some Fall color leaves can add a relaxing element to really any setting. 

2. Fall Statement Colors: The best way to add Fall statement colors is in the details. Choose rustic colors like burnt orange, olive green or deep red and repeat them throughout your space. Add rustic colored pillows, candles, pictures or small pumpkins throughout a room to keep the theme consistent and tie together your space. 

3. Add a Throw: Let’s set the scene. It’s a cool Fall Saturday afternoon, you’re sitting on the couch all cuddled up, the TV is playing a big football game, you’ve got a Pumpkin Spice candle lit and you start dozing off to take a little cat nap. What do you need to really cozy up and sink in? A super comfy, soft throw.  Nothing cozies up a room quite like a super soft throw blanket. The addition of a throw blanket is a great way to add texture and unify a color story!

4. Texture with Pillows & Plants: Pillows and plants are a great way to add some texture to the room. Weather it is a wreath hanging on the wall or some small flowers on a side table adding some green plants add a perfect Fall feeling to any room in your home. Woven pillows are making a statement in 2019 Fall decor trends as well to add some cozy texture to your living room or bedrooms.

5. Plaid and old school decor: A trend that is also associated with Fall is plaid flannel shirts.  Not only is plaid great to wear but it is also great to add to your Fall home decor. Plaid is great to use when decorating because it is typically a mix of many different colors which allows you to be able to match other decor pretty easily.  Another 2019 plaid decor trend is to use a palin blanket or scarf as a table runner on your dining room table. Pair it with some plants and small colored pumpkins and it is guaranteed to catch the eye of your guests! 

6. Velvet: Velvet pumpkins, velvet pillows, velvet blankets, velvet table runner, velvet everything! Velvet is huge in the 2019 Fall home decorating trends, heavier fabrics like velvet (and flannel/plaid) help add a cozier feel to your home. Many stores are offering velvet pillow covers to make it simple for you to implement this trend into your Fall home decor.  

7. Pumpkins: Of course, you can’t forget the pumpkins when decorating for the Fall season. Add pumpkins to your centerpieces, shelves, porch, and mantels to get into the Fall spirit. You can add different color pumpkins (white, light orange, burnt orange, green) to your mix to add pops of color throughout your home.

8. Wood decorations: Adding natural colored wood signs here and there throughout your home can really be the establishing touch to decorating your home this Fall season. Adding signs can really tie together your whole Fall theme. Cute signs with calligraphy writing have become so popular in 2019. A cute little wooden sign in the kitchen or living room that says, “Give Thanks” or “Thankful & Blessed” will be a great reminder to you and your guests about what is to be celebrated this season. 

CF. Vatterott is one of the oldest home building companies in St. Louis. Its founder, Charles F. Vatterott began building homes in 1919 at age 17. In 1932, Charles F. Vatterott bought Ball Lumber and moved the company. Shortly after the nearby areas started growing tremendously. From a market, a grocery store, a pharmacy, a funeral home and much more the area was officially named St. Ann in 1948. The city continued to grow and adding to the community through the fifties. In 1950, a $3 million shopping center was built and opened at St. Charles Rock Road and Ashby. Restaurants, gas stations and more shopping centers kept popping up all over the city of St. Ann. In 1958, an article in the “St. Louis Globe-Democrat” began by saying: ''No man has done more to keep St. Louis county growing than Charles F. Vatterott Jr.”

In 1963, Charles F. Vatterott Jr. participated in the Freedom March in Washington DC and another march in 1965 in Selma, Alabama. Charles F. Vatterott was very involved in the civil rights movement. For many years he sponsored housing and a free food service for the needy. He was the recipient of many awards for his work in civil rights including a brotherhood citation from the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1970.

In 1973, Greg Vatterott, the current president and son of the founder, committed to maintaining the company’s solid reputation for quality, trust and customer dedication. In 2006, Greg Vatterott Jr., joined the management team, adding a third generation to the company’s strong family tradition. Since starting in 1919, CF. Vatterott has built over 26,000 new homes for families in the Greater St. Louis area.

Carondelet Park is known as the third largest park in St. Louis, it occupies 179.71 acres of land in South St. Louis City. The park has many amenities for visitors to enjoy weather is it for a sports game or just a nice walk in the park with some friends.

The park has a beautiful boat house and two large lakes. For those who enjoy fishing the boathouse lake is a great place to catch trout fish. Or maybe you want to challenge your friends to a game on one of the tennis courts, baseball or softball fields or horseshoe pits. During the summer months the park hosts concerts for local bands to play.

There are many pavilions that are perfect for your next birthday party or family reunion. The park has multiple playgrounds and walking paths, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

Don’t forget about the Carondelet Park Rec Complex! This complex is more than just a gym for the people in the community. They offer programs for all ages such as swimming lessons, summer camps, and group exercise classes.

Boulevard Heights is a neighborhood that gets the pleasure of sharing a community with this beautiful Carondelet Park. CF. Vatterott is one of the oldest local home builders in the St. Louis area. Over 26,000 families have chosen a CF. Vatterott home in St. Louis. One of the communities that CF. Vatterott has specifically chosen to build in is Boulevard Heights because of its great location and opportunity.

Boulevard Heights is less than one mile away from the Carondelet Rec Complex, making it easy and convenient for the whole family. It is also less than one mile from the Carondelet boat house, so after a long day at work you may want to go relax and catch some fish in the lake or enjoy some live music. 

Who wouldn’t want to live in the middle of all of the exciting new development coming to St. Louis near Midtown? St. Louis University has been planning a new development which will add a ton of value to the areas around its campus. SLU has been recently announced that a developer has been chosen which means it is getting closer to breaking ground on the 850,000 square foot project. This dense, mixed-use development will include retail shopping, entertainment, restaurants, office space, hotel accommodations and residential housing.

The site itself is 14-acres and measures less than two miles away from the Cortex Innovation Community, a highly successful business hub. It sits adjacent to the new $550 million SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital and outpatient care center which is on track to open sometime in September 2020.

Over a billion dollars is being invested all of these major development efforts around the University’s campus and throughout Midtown near downtown St. Louis. A few other notable projects underway in the area include:

· The Armory District: Renovation of the historic armory building that will include creative office spaces, a micro-brewery and a coffee roaster.

· City Foundry STL: Adaptive reuse of the Century Electric Foundry complex featuring a 30,000 square foot food hall, retail space and entertainment venues.

· Element by Westin: New hotel that hosts 153 rooms and 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

· Steelcote Lofts: $8 million rehab of the Steelcote Manufacturing Co. building into a 33-unit loft apartment complex.

This St. Louis University project will also be a hub within the Chouteau Greenway, which is a series of trails for walking, bike riding or roller-skating that will run east to west from the Gateway Arch to Forest Park and north to south from Fairground Park to Tower Grove Park. There are also plans to eventually expand The Chouteau too.

This plan, along with all of the other development going on in the area seeks to encourage investment and growth in the city and surrounding neighborhoods. “It will be a great urban mixed-use project that will help connect the north and south (St. Louis University) campuses and help reinvigorate an area that has been a little bit underutilized for many years,” said Rob Lochner, vice president of development for the developer who is working on the project.

The development is said to begin when the SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital is finished. As of right now that is predicted for some time in September 2020. What does this mean for surrounding neighborhoods? In upcoming years, residents can expect their property values to increase as this project brings more and more innovation to the area.



CF. Vatterott is one of the oldest local home builders in the Greater St. Louis Area. Over 26,000 families have chosen CF. Vatterott to build their homes because of the immaculate reputation in the area. If you are wanting to live near the exciting development to come in St. Louis contact CF. Vatterott for information about one of our Fast Track homes or building a home.

Terry Park, Lot 11 is one of our Fast Track homes in St. Louis City and it is in a great location for someone who wants to be in the middle of all of the excitement. This home is located at 3301 St. Vincent Ave. which is just a few streets over from where this new SLU development will be located. It is only 2 minutes away from SLU Medical Center and Carinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. It is only 6 minutes away from The Grove, 7 Minutes away from the SLU main campus and 8 minutes away from Ikea. You will always have something fun and exciting to do weather it is walking through the Greenway or enjoying some great food and entertainment with friends.

When it comes to storm damage, basic keep up goes a long way.

1. Replace missing or damaged shingles- if a shingle is damaged then it is more likely to break free during a storm or harsh winds. If a shingle is missing, then you have a gap for wind to get under and do even more damage to your roof. So, make sure you are being proactive and your roofing is nailed down properly from the start.

2. Secure loose objects around your home- Often times a storm will bring harsh winds. Make sure that loose objects such as grills, patio furniture, playgrounds and trampolines are secure and will not break free in harsh winds.

3. Regularly check and trim your trees- Make sure you are aware of any dead trees or branches that could fall if a storm brings harsh rain and wind. Trimming dead trees and branches before a storm will help to avoid them from falling onto your home or vehicles outside.

4. Ensure proper sealing of doors and windows- If your doors and windows are not sealed correct then it is possible for water to leak into your home. Harsh winds may also cause doors and windows to break open allowing debris to enter causing damage to the inside of your home as well.

5. Keep gutters clear- Make sure that your gutters are free-flowing and that your downspouts flow away from the foundation of your home. One of the quickest ways to devalue your home is water damage. The first line of defense for avoiding water damage is to ensure that your gutters are clear and that water is flowing away from your home.

6. Repair loose siding- if siding is loose or damaged then it is more likely to break free during a storm or harsh winds. If siding is missing, Check then you have a gap for wind to get under and do even more damage to your siding.

7. Check & fix caulking- if the caulking in your home is old or wearing down then it is likely that water can flow in through the cracks causing water damage to your home.

CF. Vatterott cares about your air quality, that is why our homes are protected with the Pro-Vent debris prevention system.

The HVAC duct-work is among the first systems to be installed after the roof is on your home. It is often left open and exposed to the mess during the construction process. CF. Vatterott installs a Pro-Vent Debris Prevention System immediately after the HVAC installers complete their work.

Debris in your duct-work is not only messy, it is a health hazard to you and your family. Sawdust, Drywall Plaster and other debris is a prime breeding ground for mold, mildew and pests to collect. Gross!

The Pro-Vent Debris Prevention System was designed to eliminate any harmful material from entering the vents during the construction of your new home. It is protecting you and your family from any left-over hazardous debris and the annoyance of dust in your HVAC system.

CF. Vatterott is committed to looking out for our customers, now and in their future. The Pro-Vent Debris Prevention Systems that we install into every home is just one of the ways we show that CF. Vatterott cares.

While every person has different needs, there are many reasons why someone may want to live in a villa. Some may prefer living in an apartment because of the benefits that come with it, while others may prefer the niche living experience that a villa provides. Here are just a few other the advantages of living in a villa that you may consider zeroing in on the kind of home that you would like to invest in.

A comfortable lifestyle

A villa with a private garden or deck speaks volumes about a person’s lifestyle. Every home is a homeowner’s reflection of a life they lead. Villas, to some extent are a symbol of luxury, sophistication and an exclusive lifestyle.

Privacy

If you are weary of prying eyes and nosy neighbors- then opting for a villa is a great alternative to a typical neighborhood. You can enjoy the perks and amenities of community housing while maintaining a private lifestyle.

A well-suited neighborhood

If you opt for a villa in an exclusive housing community, you can be assured that you will be accompanied by people who share a common want and need in lifestyle as you. It could be a mix of likeminded people and people from similar walks of life, making it easier to socialize and enjoy a good, cordial relationship with fellow residents.

Amenities

Most villa communities are lush with high end amenities and facilities. They come with security and around the clock maintenance, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the perks of community living.

Landscape and nature

Most villa communities come with beautiful and serene landscaped areas, dedicated play areas and other natural recreational spaces that give you the opportunity to thrive amidst the goodness of nature.

Freedom to design

Each villa community typically comes with a set of guidelines when it comes to design. Some prefer to keep a uniform exterior, while giving you full flexibility to design your interiors. Other communities may provide you with complete liberty to design your home as you wish- both the interior and the exterior. Overall, villas give you a lot more freedom to design your own space as compared to Apartment living.

Pet friendly

Villas are more spacious and typically provides you with your own yard, making it more suitable for your pets. Your pets will have easy access to the outdoors and have more freedom compared to apartments, where there may be strict guidelines in regard to pet policies.

A sense of belonging

You can enjoy a cup of coffee on your very own porch or just laze around. You can truly belong in your space and use it in a carefree manner.

An investment

Villas make for a great investment. These spacious abodes often come with a great appreciation value over a period of time.

Private open space

More often than not, villas come with their own open space that you can convert into your very own private garden. If you are a gardening enthusiast, a villa is a great opportunity to build your own.

Convenience to redecorate

If you need to renovate or redecorate your home, you can do so with ease compared to an apartment. It causes less inconvenience to your fellow residents and since you own your villa you can make it fit your style and taste anyway you want.

Go eco-friendly

More and more people are realizing the importance of making their homes eco-friendlier. Having your own villa will allow you to harvest rainwater, opt for solar energy, etc. It is a great opportunity to not only make your home more economic but also set an example of how you can use natural resources to their maximum.

1) Experience: Established in 1919, CF. Vatterott has built over 26,000 new homes of excellent craftsmanship, excellence in design and homeowner appeal in the Greater St. Louis area.

2) Longevity: CF. Vatterott, the pillar of stability in home building in St. Louis, is celebrating 100 years of building fine homes in 2019. They are the oldest family-owned home builder in the St. Louis area market and are moving forward with the 2nd and 3rd generation Vatterotts leading the company into the 21st century.

3) Green Building: CF Vatterott is a full participant in the National Association of Home-builders Green Building Initiative. They have built more Laclede Gas Verified Green homes in our local market than any other builder!

4) Award Winning: CF Vatterott has won both local and national awards, including “Best in Class”, “Homer” and “People’s Choice”. Independent experts in the industry have judged their homes to be the best in their fields!

5) Better Business Bureau Ethics: CF Vatterott has held great standing membership with local BBB for over 50 years, which is the longest membership by any other homebuilder. CF. Vatterott has earned an A+ rating from the BBB!

6) Fast Track Homes: CF Vatterott offers a great selection of Fast Track Inventory Homes in each of their communities to allow those who need a home in a hurry to realize that their dreams may not be as far away as they may seem.

7) Ready, Set, Move: Their Ready, Set, Move program allows you to get professional advice from a leading decorating firm to condition your current house to look its best to help you get the most out of your plan to move.

8) Customer Loyalty: Their team of highly experienced Community Sales Managers, Superintendents, Warranty Service and Closing professionals have perfected the art and science of delivering on good expectations, to make YOUR CF Vatterott home ownership experience a satisfying and rewarding one.

9) Value: We carefully select areas that offer opportunity for growth- whether organic, new infrastructure or revitalized- and create communities with beautiful streetscapes, using a high level of finish components and design to fulfill their mission to be the best niche builder.

10) Long Term Focus: They offer homes and designs that will deliver a timeless elegance with a distinctive appearance for the decades to come. They care about preserving the value of your neighborhood and they will lead through strength in design rather than following with a deep discount strategy.