What does it take to build in the country?  Patience and planning!

So what would you need to know as a homeowner, before we can just start building on a piece of ground.  Well, quite a few things.  Fortunately, Granite Ridge Builders has become an expert on building in the country, and will guide you throughout the process.  But, proper planning is so important given that no two pieces of ground are alike!

What are some items that will need to be considered?

IMPORTANT! Step One: Is the soil buildable? I know this sounds like a dumb question, but the land needs to be tested to make sure we can even build a house on it.  This is something you may also want to make the offer on the land contingent upon - buildable soil.  Need a contact person who will test the ground you are considering?  Just ask us.

Site Engineering - This can include staking, plot plan, initial and final survey of the property. 

Permits and Fees - Permit and assessment fees may vary depending on local county guidelines. Some of these costs should be investigated before purchasing the property.  To obtain a building permit, most counties require a highway/driveway permit, septic permit, agricultural waiver and a recorded deed.

Electric Service - Does this property have power? If electricity is not readily available at the site, or you want to sit your home way back off the road, there may be an extra cost for this.  Often times new service requires engineering, new poles and transformers.  (Using Geothermal Heating/Cooling can sometimes get you a discount on obtaining initial eletric availability to the house)

Grading - This is important to calculate, especially if you are considering a basement.  More specifically, if you are planning a walk-out basement because there is a certain amount of slope needed to have a walk-out basement.  Additional excavation could be necessary if you are wanting to "force" the grade to fit the house.  Also, additional dirt may be required to fill in if the property is too low, or to rememdy bad dirt.

Well/Septic - Generally, it is necessary to drill a private well for a water source.  Wells can vary from 50'-400' in depth!  Typically, the cost of a well would be around $3,500-5,500 installed.  Septic systems can also vary depending on the county and soil type.  The layout of the parcel is also critical to the layout of the well and septic.  There are certain restrictions as to where the well and septic can be placed, as well as where they can be in relation to each other.

Again, it is our pleasure to help assist you in the process of prepping a parcel of ground in order for you to build your dream home on it.  Although there are multiple steps involved, we help you through the process, from start to finish.  This way both Granite Ridge Builders, and you, the homeowner, are happy.

Did you ever wonder how WD-40 got it's name?

In San Diego in 1953, three guys founded the Rocket Chemical Company and attempted to produce rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for the aerospace industry.  Success came with the secret formula still used today.  They name it WD-40, short for "water displacement perfected on the 40th try."  The aerosol can version for consumers debuted in 1958; the company was renamed for its only product 11 years later.

The first truckload order for WD-40 was shipped to the U.S. Gulf Coast to aid rebuilding efforts after 1961's Hurricane Carla. The product was used to recondition water damaged vehicles and equipment.

Quick Tips for Uses:

• Beside lubricating, it can remove splattered bugs and sap without harming your car's finish.
• Also, it can keep snow from sticking on your shovel and satellite dish.

Calling all animal lovers!  We have an idea for your next home.  Doggy showers!  Here's a picture of a doggy shower out in the garage.  This is an easy way to keep man's best friend well groomed.

That's right!  It's time again for the Home & Garden Show at the Memorial Coliseum.  Stop by and visit the booth by Granite Ridge Builders! 

This is the largest home & garden event in the tri-state area.  Mark your calendar for March 3-6.  Thursday & Friday 11-9, Saturday 10-9 and Sunday 11-5.

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)

Congratulations to Brad Wallace on becoming a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.  Brad completed courses in marketing & communication strategies for aging & accessibility along with design/build solutions for aging & accessibility.  This is an IBA (Indiana Builders Association) and NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) designation for home building & remodeling.

Can you believe the blizzard we just had?  We hope you enjoyed a relaxing day snowbound at home.  We're so thankful for the men and women who worked around the clock to clear the roads!

Now that the snow has stopped and you're done shoveling, we have a few tips to protect your home from the freezing weather damage.

Freezing Pipes - frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure to buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of a pipe, this leads to pipes bursting at their weakest point.  In order to keep water in pipers from freezing here are a few tips.

*Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes

*Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets.

Ice Dams - are an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof (usually at the gutter).  As the snow melts from the roof the water runs down and has the potential to refreeze at the gutter forming an ice dam.  The potential damage can be serious.

*Keep the attic floor well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.

*Keep the attic well ventilated.  The colder the attic, the less melting and refreeezing on the roof.

Source:  Institute for Business and Home Safety

Last week we were honored to receive a special award given on behalf of NIPSCO.   The award is from the US Environmental Protection Agency recognizing Granite RIdge Builders with the 2010 Energy Star for Homes Leadership in Housing Award.

Granite Ridge Builders was the only Fort Wayne builder to receive this award.  We remain committed to building high quality, energy efficient  homes at an affordable price.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is odorless and invisible and it can kill.  Appliances such as ovens, space heaters and fireplaces can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to build up in the home.  We want your home to be protected so we're now installing one combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home!  Code only requires that one smoke detector be installed on each floor and in each bedroom so we're going above and beyond with the addition of carbon monoxide detectors.

 Safety tips:

1.  Never run a car engine in the garage,  move your car outside first to warm up the engine.

2.  Never use a stove as a source of heat.

3.  Make sure heating appliances are in good working order and only use them in well-ventilated areas.

Incandescent light bulbs are out and energy efficient lighting is in!

Energy effcient light bulbs will soon be a requirement.  The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates phasing out inefficient incandescent light bulbs starting in 2012.  One hundred watt bulbs will be banned in 2012, 75-watt bulbs in 2013, & 40-watt & 60-watt bulbs in 2014.

By the way, using the wrong type of CFL often leads to quick burnout.

So what does watt mean?  Watt is how much power the light bulb is delivering when it's on.

What is a CFL?  A CFL is a compact fluorescent light.  They use up to 75% less electricity to get the same amount of light compared to incandesescent bulbs.

2 Rentals Available

We often get asked if we have any rentals available and from time to time we do!  We currently have 2 homes available.

524 Green Street in New Haven is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 story on a full basement with no garage.  This home is located in the East Allen County school district.  Rent is $650.00 a month plus $650.00 deposit.  Pets require a $250.00 non-refundable pet deposit.

12504 Sonoma Drive is located in Carroll Creek.  The home is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with an attached 2 car garage.  This home is located NW in Northwest Allen County School district.  Rent is $950.00 a month plus a $950.00 deposit.  Pets require a $250.00 non-refundable pet deposit.

For more information please call Olly at 469-6460.

Granite Ridge is building in Hamilton County (Indianapolis area) and we now have 4 homes up and ready for sale!

These homes start at $129,900 including the lot.  We have 3 bedroom or 4 bedrooms homes available.  The homes are located in Cicero just feet away from the Morse Reservoir and convienent to shopping.   

Call 260-490-1417 for more information!

 Make 2011 the year to build your dream home!

Have you thought about building?  Are you looking for more space or less space?  Do you want land?  Give us a call 490-1417.  We can make your dreams come true!

 We can build on your lot or ours!  Each Granite Ridge home is custom built with the highest quality.

Are you thinking about selling your home?  Remember to look at your home from a buyers perspective.  Most buyers are looking for a home that's move-in ready.  Buyers may want to take on a few do it yourself projects but for most they may just mean adding their own personal touch to the house.  We have a few quick tips to help get your home sold in 2011. 

1.  Complete unfinished projects!  Buyers don't want to finish your projects.  Unfinished projects = unsold house.

Buyers will see that you still need to hang the trim & paint.

2.  Declutter!  Clean out closets and cabinets.  Put your collections and personal items away!  Clear off your countertops and remove things from the front of your refrigerator.  Buyers don't want to look at all of your stuff!  If need be, rent a storage unit.  Also, don't forget abour cleaning up the garage.

3.  Define your rooms.  Make sure those catch all rooms are staged with a purpose. 

What's the purpose of this room?  Computer room? Work-out room?  Storage room?

4.  Let the sun shine in!  Open up your drapes and blinds.  A dark house is depressing!  If you have a dark paint color on the wall repaint in a neutral lighter color.  Remember to clean your windows and screens. 

5.  Use small scale furniture.  Large, oversized furniture will make your room look smaller.  Also,  be sure not to have too much furniture in the room.  Remember, sometimes less is more!

This example shows a small table and gives the illusion that the room is much larger than it really is.

Lead Based Paint

Was your home built before 1978?  Are you thinking about remodeling?  We have some important information for you.  Beginning April 2010 contractors performing work that disturbs lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools must be EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Luke Hoffman is ceritified in lead safety for renovation, repair and painting and Granite Ridge Builders now has the certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Lead is a toxic metal that was used many years in products found in and around homes.  Lead can cause a range of health problems from learning disabilities to seizures.

Some of the most common sources of lead poisoning are:

Deteriorating lead-based paint

Lead contamination dust

Lead contaminated residential dust

If your looking to remodel, call 490-1417 for a certified professional!

Merry Christmas!

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  Remember the reason for the season!

Our office will be closed for Christmas but we'll be back Monday  at 8 am!

How much do you know about windows?  Good windows can dramatically reduce your heating and cooling costs.  Granite Ridge is proud to use Andersen 400 Series high performance Low-E4 windows with argon gas in our homes.  This is another reason to choose Granite Ridge Builders to build your home!

Why Andersen?

1.  Andersen is an ENERGY STAR partner.  This saves you $.  New ENERGY STAR qualified windows can help reduce your energy bill up to 15 percent .  They also offer more comfort and create less condensation.

2.  UV Protection - ordinary dual-pane glass lets 62% of UV light pass through.  Andersen HIgh Performance Low-E glass cuts that down to 17%.

3.  Low Maintenance - All Andersen windows feature a Perma-Shield system which protects the window's exterior for decades.  This also eliminates the need to paint and repaint.

4.  Low-E4 Glass - exterior glass stays cleaner, dry faster for easy cleaning and has less water spots.  This also minimizes dirt build-up on the window when activated by sunlight.

5.  Warranties - Andersen windows are covered by an exclusive Owner-to-Owner limited warranty.  This warranty includes 20 years on glass, ten on non-glass parts and is completely transferable from each owner to the next.  This warranty is NOT prorated!

For more information on windows visit www.andersenwindows.com.

Property Tax Deductions & Credits can save you $

We suggest you double check your deductions on your property taxes just to be sure the correct items have been filed.  A deduction on your property taxes provides relief by reducing the taxable assessed value of a property by a fixed dollar amount.  Time is running out for 2010 taxes payable 2011 deductions and credits. 

Applications must be completed and dated before December 31, 2010 and filed on or before January 5, 2011.  Deduction applications may be filed with the auditor in the county where the property is located.  Mortgage deduction applications may also be filed with the Recorder in the county where the property is located. 

If you purchased a home this year or refinanced we suggest you double check your property taxes to be sure the correct deductions have been filed.

For more information visit. IN.gov

We were so excited last night when a group of Christmas carolers stopped by Granite Ridge.  Thank you to the Girl Scout troop who sang beautiful Christmas carols to us!  Have a Merry Christmas!

Did you know that Granite Ridge remodels?  Whether your renovating, adding on, or your home just needs updating give us a call at 490-1417.

This home was recently updated by Granite Ridge Remodeling.  This beautiful home was a blast from the past.  Below are a few before and after pictures.

So....  Don't you love this house?  Well, now that everything's updated it's FOR SALE!  This one of a kind home is PIne Valley is listed for $179,900!  This beautiful home is over 2600 SF, full basement, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths located on the driving range.  This home is listed by Century 21 Bradley  MLS #201014284.  Call today 490-1417.   Below we have a few more pictures of this remarkable home! 

Does your home look like the Griswolds?  The Christmas season can bring along potential hazards.  The holiday season will record 130,000 fires that are attributed to electrical decorations.  Consumer research indicates that 76% of homeowners decorate their homes and 70% will use electrical decorations.  20% of homes will leave decorations on throughout the night or when no one is home. The National Christmas Tree Association says overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are the most common cause of fires. 

Tips courtesy of Northeastern REMC to keep you safe:

* Carefully inspect decorations for cracked or frayed sockets, loose or bare wires, and loose connections.

* Do not connect more than three light strings together.

* Turn off ALL electrical decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

* Plug outdoor electrical lights and decorations into cicuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Granite Ridge employees had a little fun yesterday with a carry-in luncheon followed by a white elephant party.  We enjoyed a lot of food and dessert!  Lots of dessert!!!  I think a lot of people around here will be making New Year's resolutions.

Then we enjoyed some Christmas carols lead by some of our talented co-workers.

And finally, the white elephant gift exchange!  The term white elephant refers to a gift whose maintenance cost exceeds its usefulness or the gift is a burden.  We had some people take the term very seriously! 

Sooooo we had a bird

A fish

Oh, another fish

And.......A gerbil (he even came in a ball)!

Don't worry, all of the animals ended up in loving homes.  We had a wonderful afternoon full of fun and laughs.  Everyone had a great sense of humor and was a good sport.  Hmmmm, I wonder what will have next year?

With the recent snow and ice, salt is everywhere!  Be careful, this could have damaging consequences for your concrete.

We have a few suggestions:

1.  Never put any de-icing chemicals on your exterior concrete.  Studies have proven the use of these chemicals can cause substantial damage to concrete surfaces.

2.  Do not park your car on your new driveway after city streets have been salted.  The salt will fall on your new driveway.  If you do park on your driveway and salt drips off your car on the driveway, wash it off immediately.  This also applies to your garage floor.

3.  Salt alone does not cause concrete damage - it is the freezing and thawing that adds to the potential scaling and pitting of your driveway.

4.  A good tip is to kick off the accumulated snow from the bottom of your car in the street before you pull in the garage. 

5.  A tip for next year - Seal your driveway immediately and at least for the next 2 years, preferably September through October before cold weather.  This will help protect your concrete surfaces.

Granite Ridge was recently featured in the Huntington County Chamber Notes by the Huntington Chamber of Commerce.  This is the article from the publication.

Community Connections selects Granite Ridge Builders

Pathfinder Community Connections, the Community Development division of Pathfinder Services recognized Granite Ridge Builders in Fort Wayne for their outstanding partnership in 2010. Jeff Teusch, Rural Development Sales Manager for Pathfinder Community Connections presented Lonnie Norris from Granite Ridge Builders with the award at Pathfinder Services Annual Dinner in November.

Pathfinder Community Connections began working with Granite Ridge in 2001 with the first home closing taking place in March of 2002. Since July 1, 2009 Pathfinder Community Connections partnered with Granite Ridge to help over 150 families purchase a new home.

“Granite Ridge Builders has been an outstanding builder partner, has compassion and energy in working with low to moderate income families and assisting home buyers with disabilities,” stated Teusch. “It is because of great partnerships like we have with Granite Ridge Builders that Pathfinder Community Connections is able to help families achieve the dream of home ownership. The Business Partner of the Year award is a way of our organization saying thank you to Granite Ridge,” Teusch concluded.

Are you one of the millions of people planning to venture out on Black Friday for some hot deals?  Don't forget Choice Designs!  Starting Monday, November 29 visit us Monday-Friday from 9-5.  Choice Designs is a retail store full of unique items for that special someone or just for you.  Choice Designs is located in the Granite Ridge office.  All of the Granite Ridge model homes are professionally decorated by the designers from Choice.

People come here seeking the interior design expertise and consultation of our extraordinary professional and experienced design team. They work together coordinating their highly individual talents and resources to help you achieve your distinctive home style, whether through a simple design upgrade or a complete room or home remodel.

Choice Designs has a lot to offer:

Window Treatments

Flooring

Home Accessories

Artwork

Lighting

Gifts

Furniture

Kitchenware

Jewelry

Purses

For more information call Choice Designs at 490-6393 or visit their website choicedesignsbycarma.com.  Choice is located at 1020 Woodland Plaza Run in Fort Wayne.

Granite Ridge welcomes Jake Wiederkehr to our team!  Jake is a New Home Specialist on the sales team.  Jake holds open house most Sundays in New Haven at 9591 Falcon Way in the subdivision Pinestone. 

Jake is a 2007 graduate of New Haven High School and studied Business for 2 years at IPFW.  He attends Harvester Avenue Missionary Church and enjoys working out plus a little boxing!  His guilty pleasure is building bankers boxes in the basement at Granite Ridge:)

Did you know that we can also sell your existing home?  Several of us are also REALTORS® and Century 21 Bradley holds our license. 

This charming all brick ranch at 516 Curdes Avenue in Fort Wayne is available for $81,900!  This home features over 1200 SF, attached one car garage, seperate utility room and fenced yard.  Call us today to take a look at this home.

Granite Ridge Builders is proud to welcome Angie Chaney to our team!  Angie can be found doing a multitude of things around the office.  Angie is always willing to help anyone out with their work load. 

Angie graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School and Saint Francis with a social work degree.  She is very passionate about the community of Fort Wayne and its people.  Angie is also a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. Boo!!!  Just kidding.  Go Vikings!!!

Granite Ridge loves to get creative!  Here are a few pictures with some creative ideas for railing & spindles.  We also have something unique for your railing, just add leather!  Yes, leather!  This will definately create a talking point in your new home.

Every homeowner has their own decorating tastes and preferences.  This particular homeowner likes modern, so we went modern! 

Have you ever driven by a house and wondered why is their brick discolored?  The name of that white discoloration is Efflorescence.  Efflorescence is caused by water evaporation which leaves crystallized salt deposits behind.  A quick cleaning will take care of the problem.  Call Nob Brick at 483-2126 for recommendations on what acid wash to use.

Are you tired of mowing your yard or shoveling snow?  We have the answer!  Granite Ridge has 5 villa lots located northwest off of Union Chapel Road between Auburn and Tonkel Roads.  Each lot is priced at $34,900. 

So what is villa living?  Well, you can basically forget about exterior chores around the house!  Each home pays association dues plus quarterly dues.  The quarterly dues cover mowing, maintenance of landscaping, vegetation, plants, trees, snow removal from streets, driveways and sidewalks, some exterior repainting and maintenance as necessary to the in-ground sprinkler system.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a fan for your new home!

Size:

• Measured by diameter, usually 30" to 72" blade tip to blade tip
• 10' x 10' room - 30" to 36"
• 15' x 15' room - 42" to 44"
• 20' x 20' room - 52" to 54"
• Large room plus a high ceiling - 56" to 72"

Pitch (twist) - Angle of Blades

• Normal 6 to 16 degrees
• Higher pitch = more air moved

Blades

• Typical number 2 to 6
• 2 Blades - More vintage
• 3 Blades - More contemporary
• 5 Blades - Most popular

FYI

• Fans cool people not air
• 2 blades move more air than 5
• Reverse the fan direction to reduce winter energy cost
• Good fans have several miles of copper wiring

Granite Ridge Builders just completed a 35 unit senior living community.  The Overlook Villas is located in Columbia City just off of SR 9.  This community is already 100% occupied. 

Granite Ridge received the Energy Star Home Leadership Housing Award!

So what does this mean to energy efficient construction and environmental protection?

The environmental impact Granite RIdge has made is equivalent to:

$296,808 savings to our homeowners on their utility bills

Or

325 Vehicles taken off the road

Or

538 Acres of trees planted

Or

1,968,096 Pounds (984 Tons) of coal saved

We've got land!

Are you looking for acreage?  Granite Ridge has parcels starting at 2.0 acres.  Water's Edge is located in the Leo-Grabill area by the St. Joseph River.  Water's Edge is off of Halter Road between St Rd 1 (from St Rd 1 turn on Clay Street) and St Joe Rd. 

Lots start in the $50's.  Well and septic are required.  Water's Edge is also approved for outbuildings!  Our model home in Water's Edge is coming soon!  This home is a 4 bedroom/2.5 bath on a full basement with a seperate 40'x24' auxillary garage for $324,900. 

Call Granite Ridge at 490-1417 to reserve your lot today! 

Granite Ridge Builders would like to welcome JT King to our team!  JT joined Granite Ridge in August as a Construction Assistant.  He is a native of Auburn and a graduate of Lakewood Christian.  In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking and kayaking.  JT previously built off-road firetrucks!

Granite Ridge wants to let you know about an exciting new tax credit for home owners who install geothermal heating and cooling.  The tax credit is through the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.  This is a one time tax credit of 30% of the total investment for homeowners who install residential geothermal units.  Units installed from 2009-2016 must meet or exceed the EnergyStar requirements and can take advantage of the full credit!  Call Granite Ridge at 490-1417 for more information.  Consult your tax professional for more information on taking advantage of this tax credit.

Diagram courtesy of waterfurnace.com

Granite Ridge invites you to the New Haven New Construction Home Tour this weekend.  Visit us October 9 & 10 from 1-4 pm!

This home is a split bedroom ranch with 1392 square feet.

This home is located in Greenwood Lakes at the corner of Seiler Road and Green Road.

10217 Chesterhills Court is listed for $139,900

This custom ranch home is 1376 square feet is situated on a beautiful pond.

This home is located in Pinestone off of Seiler Road between Hartzell Road and Green Road.

9591 Falcon Way is listed for $139,900

Granite Ridge wants to be sure your home is ready for the new season.  Here are a few tips to help you get your home in shape this fall.

1.        Remove your hose from the spigot.  Drain the hose prior to placing it in storage.

2.       Clean debris out all gutters and downspouts.

3.       Have your HVAC serviced and the filter changed.

4.       Trim tree branches that have grown close to the house.

5.       Seal you driveway and sidewalks.

6.       Keep leaves and mulch away from your foundation.

7.       Do an over seeding on sparse areas of your yard.

8.       Pull up annuals and prune perennials.

9.       Clean your windows and screens.

10.   Clean out your garage.  This may be your last chance before the cold temperatures hit!

11.   Spruce up your front porch by adding a few mums and pumpkins!

Don't miss Homes on Parade!  If you didn't have a chance to tour the homes today, there's still time.  Hours are Saturday, September 25 1-8 & Sunday, September 26 1-5. 

Homes on Parade is located in Warsaw.  If you need directions please look at our previous post titled Homes on Parade Sneak Peek.

Many times when a homeowner is deciding on what brick they want on their new home they drive by other homes and pick a color they like.  What most people don’t realize it that mortar color will drastically change what their brick will look like.  Did you know that when you look at brick 20% of what you see is actually mortar!  So remember, if you choose a brick and it looks like a different color it’s probably the mortar.

Granite Ridge Builders offers a large variety of bricks to choose from on your new home.  Most Fort Wayne homes have some brick on the exterior.

This is a brick wall in the showroom at Granite Ridge.  This shows one brick color will several different mortar selections.

Visit us September 25-26 & October 2-3 from Noon-5.  Admission is free!  Granite Ridge Builders invites you to 9591 Falcon Way in New Haven.  This 3 BR/2BA home is available for $139,900.  This home in located in the Pinestone subdivision.  Pinestone is located on the south side of Seiler Road between Green and Hartzell Roads.

If you’re looking for a home in the country visit 11103 Kress Road.  This home offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage and a 40’x24’ detached auxiliary garage for $299,900.  Take I-69 to Lower Huntington Road (exit 99), west on Lower Huntington approximately 2 miles.  Turn left on Kress Road (just past the little white chapel).  House is on the right.  Call 490-1417 is you have any questions.

Here’s a sneak peek at our home in the Warsaw Homes on Parade!  Granite Ridge Builders is proud to introduce “The Mondero”.   To see this finished home visit us in Barrington Hills during the parade.    

This is a scattered site parade.  Parade hours are September 24 & 25 1-8 and September 26 1-5.  The ticket book is $5.00 and allows you one visit to each home.  Tickets can be purchased at the home, Kosciousko-Fulton Homebuilders Association, Zale Drugs, Penguin Point (Warsaw & Syracuse) and Times-Union.

Directions:  From Fort Wayne take I-69 to US-30 W via exit 109B toward Columbia City.  Continue to Warsaw and turn RIGHT onto IN-15.  Follow IN-15 and turn RIGHT onto E350 N and the entrance to Barrington Hills will be on the LEFT.  There is also another entrance off of N 100 E.

New Home Construction and Homeownership just got easier with below 4% interest rates.  A $125,00 Loan at 4 ½% for 30 years is now only $633.36 per month.  The same $125,000 Mortgage Loan at 10% Would be $1,096.96 per Month.  What a Difference!  Historically, this is the time to buy a new home in Fort Wayne. 
Summer Trends:  Villa Homes with Less Maintenance, 1 Acre Lots With 40’ x 30’ Storage Barns, Energy Efficiency with Better Insulation, Health are Interior Building Envelop, One Room Kitchen/Nook/Great Room Living Area and Green Building. 
Financing News:  FHA is raising it’s monthly insurance charge, Granite Ridge continues it’s Successful Government Backed Financing Program which let’s a Potential New Homeowners Buy a Newly Constructed Home for $141,700 with Payments from $535 PITI – Check Out More Information at 535permonth.com! 
Fall Events for Granite Ridge:  Fall Home show in Goshen, Indiana – September 16; Fort Wayne Home Builders Town and Country – September 25 -26 and October 2-3; Warsaw Home Show September 23-26; Kiosk in Mall – Everyday!  Please come and see us! 
Granite Philosophy:  Expect Success – You will Become What you Believe!

Granite Ridge Builders is celebrating more than 450 of its sub-contractors, suppliers, and their families with an appreciation cookout on Wednesday, July 14, from 4:30-6:00pm. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, Granite Ridge completed an astounding 100+ homes by June 30, 2010.

Ratios!!! Did you know – Life and home building especially Fort Wayne New Home construction is all about ratios and proportion.  Ancient Greek architects lived by ratios.  Example – Plato’s theory of rectangles using proportions of 2:3, 3:5 and 5:8 are still considered very pleasing.  Granite Ridge uses these theories.  For more detail watch Between the Studs show #31.  Another Granite Ridge Ratio is over rule of 5.  To prevent our clients from over materializing their front exterior – we never go over 5 different materials on our homes.  (See Between the Studs show #28)  A few other pleasing ratios in homeownership or homebuilding is always use odd numbers in landscaping 3 – 5 – 7 (See Between the Studs show #34); decorating with accessories or pictures group in 3 (See Between the Studs show #20-3)  Dormers should always have 75% glass; column spacing on your front porch should always be an even number of columns to create an odd number of spaces, and painting rooms should be a ratio of 60-30-10 – 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color and 10% accent color.  FYI – Thomas Jefferson’s famous home, which was a mastery of proportion and scale, was called “Monticello” meaning “little mountain” in Italian.  Granite Philosophy – Always create a design that is aesthetically pleasing!

We are blessed to have good clean quality water and lots of it in the Midwest!  20% of the world lacks clean water.  DID YOU KNOW – the average person in the United States uses almost 70 gallons of pure water every day!  WOW!  Granite News – 2009 was a great year – 258 families trusted Granite Ridge to build their new dream home.  We promise we will work hard to fulfill that dream!  Granite Philosophy – Dream!!!!

This Fort Wayne Home might meet your dreams.  New construction in the country! Custom home by Granite Ridge Builders with a seperate 40'x 24' auxiliary garage on 1.1 acres. Master bedroom is located on the main level with a box ceiling, and spacious master bathroom with a double sink vanity, garden tub and seperate shower. 12' ceiling in the great room plus a woodburning fireplace. U-shaped kitchen with custom Grabill cabinets, corner pantry and breakfast bar. 2 spacious bedrooms on the second level and a main bath with a double sink vanity. Full basement partially finished with 9' formed wall height. The basement has an additional full bath and bedroom. This home has geothermal, Andersen high performance windows, finished 3-car garage.

Question – Does the world revolve around us or do we revolve around the world?  DID YOU KNOW – The United States of America has only 4.5% of the world population (300 Million out of 5.5  Billion), China has 1.3 Billion people, India has 1.1 Billion people, Russia has 180 Million people and Japan has 170 Million people.  Granite Philosophy – Get M.A.D. and Make a Difference with your family, church, friends and at work!

Granite Ridge - Fort Wayne Home Builder

The weather is cold buying housing is getting warm.  Rates are low – 5.04%, but Not for long!  DID YOU KNOW – one quarter percentage point change in mortgage interest rate equals $6,000 change on a mortgage.  Also housing affordability is HIGH!  The national price to income ratio in 1991 – 2001 was 3.2, mid 2000’s was 4.7 and today it is 3.1 – That’s very low and it might be a time to consider buying a new home.  News Flash – Obama urges banks to get lending (Sci. USA Today Article 12/29.  Credit Scores of 600 can still get a loan!  Prediction – rates will be 6% by summer – YICK!  Granite Ridge Philosophy – Accent the Challenge!

Introducing Granite Ridge Builders’ attempt at a new educational and informative social networking, blog, facebook  and twitter.  Most of you that know me, know that I am a man of many words.  So for me to twitter and be a man of few words – This could be interesting. 
Here goes – Noteworthy News:

Geothermal heat, new windows and doors, and now new appliances may give you a tax credit.  Tony’s 2010 Top Trends – Colors will be purple, yellow, gray and aqua; Screen dividers, medicine cabinets, shelves, technology, and storage.  By the Numbers; Home Mortgage rates 5% - WOW!; 27% of Americans live in homes worth less than what they owe; 4.5 million existing homes sold in 2009; Approximately 430,000 New homes were built in US in 2009.  Granite Ridge Builders sold 258 Fort Wayne Homes in 2009.  Granite Ridge Builders philosophy – Happiness is a decision!  Decide to by Happy!