“We do not believe in large houses with many rooms elaborately decorated and furnished, for the reason that these seem so essentially an outcome of the artificial conditions that lay such harassing burdens upon modern life…

That is why we have from the first planned houses that are based on the fundamental principles of honesty, simplicity and usefulness…”

Gustav Stickley

An American furniture maker, Gustav Stickley began his work in upstate New York, studied in England and returned to America prior to 1900.  His trademark was craftsman furniture, which followed with the publication of “The Craftsman”, a magazine that boasted the styles of the bungalow movement in America.  He also produced house plans and offered his design services.  He truly was an icon in the Arts & Crafts industry and Stickley’s passion for the Craftsman Architecture and style was felt throughout America.

Operating a custom home building business today, I have followed some of Stickley’s design ideas while attempting to create homes that offer the innovation and technology of 2010, but are complimented by the simplistic and practical ideals of English Arts & Crafts homes.

During the last two weekends of the Parade of Homes, offering 358 new homes to tour throughout the Twin Cities; be sure to tour them with a keen eye on space.

• Get a strong feeling for how your family would use ALL space and prioritize what rooms and features are the most important to how you live as individuals.
• Be sure to study the outdoor space as well.  What is available to you now?  How can you add to the landscaping and outdoor living areas over time?
• Ask the builder for ideas and request a landscape plan so you can start your research before spring officially hits.
• Buying a model home in the Twin Cities is a financially sound decision right now.  Prices for new homes are extremely competitive and they offer warranties, innovative products and custom designs and should truly be turn key.
• As a move-up buyer, you will gain equity quickly, especially if you plan on living in the home for several years.

Follow the link below for more details about our Parade Model Home #273 in Nature’s Crossing, at the crossroads of Maple Grove and Dayton.

Edgewood Parade Home

by Meg Dehn

Windows tend to be a frontrunner when homebuyers are looking at options in their new home.  However, considering the importance of energy savings, climatic changes in Minnesota and simply the desire for beautiful windows with classic design, it is amazing  that many are willing to “settle” for a lesser window.

Whether you are looking in the new or used market, be sure to educate yourself on windows prior to your first home tour.  Know what you are looking for on the interior & exterior of the windows.

• Take a look at the window jambs, and the casing to see if there has been moisture damage.
• Open and close the windows to test the ease of operation.  Ask about cleaning options…  Andersen has a “Tilt Wash” window that allows you to swing double hung windows in with ease for quick cleaning.
• On the outside, check to see if the windows are clad or wood.  Will they need to be maintained in the future and are you willing to sacrifice time and quality for a lesser window?
• Ask about the window glass; is it Low E glass and how does it perform in extreme cold and extreme heat conditions?

Mega Homes has used Andersen Windows exclusively for over 10 years, based on our belief that they are the best quality built window, with an exceptional warranty, at an affordable price.  Below are some facts about Andersen Windows and a link to their website for more information….  go ahead, educate yourself!

Andersen Advantage
Our wood interiors feature superb styling — with no visible finger joint seams. Natural wood provides structural stability and is one of the most effective insulators available. For added reliability we treat the frame and sash parts with wood preservative.

Andersen Advantage
All Andersen® windows and doors feature the Perma-Shield® system, which protects the window’s exterior beautifully for decades.* It also eliminates the need to paint—and repaint.

Andersen Advantage
Ordinary dual-pane glass lets 62% of UV light pass through. Our High-Performance™ Low-E glass cuts that down to 17% with virtually no effect on the clarity and color of the light.
With Low-E glass, if your thermostat is set at 70°, the temperature of the innermost glass pane won’t drop below 57° even if it’s 0° outside. In warm climates, Low-E glass works just as hard to keep your home cool. For extreme climates, we also offer High-Performance Sun™ glass for maximum UV protection and temperature control.

Andersen Windows