Why Custom Homes are Better for Your Family

If you’re on the fence (no pun intended) about whether or not a custom home is right for your family, consider the features and benefits. An R.E.A. Home’s High Performance Luxury Home℠ uses smart technology and best building practices to ensure a safer, healthier, and more comfortable home that will last your family for a lifetime.

Building a custom luxury home goes beyond fancy cabinetry, granite countertops, and elaborate millwork. There are other equally important factors, some literally behind the walls, that impact a home’s performance and enjoyment including:

• The shell—properly sealed foundations and drain tile systems protect the home to outside elements such as water and moisture, properly sealed exterior above-grade walls to minimize the chance of water and moisture going where it’s not supposed to go
• Insulation—the right insulation installed correctly in the right locations minimizes temperature and air movement from inner walls to the outer wall year-round providing a more comfortable and energy-efficient home
• HVAC system—bigger isn’t always better; the right HVAC and duct system maintains a consistent temperature and comfort throughout the house and superior indoor air quality

Quality is Key

Scrimping on materials, settling for the lowest bid, and other cost-saving measures can quickly backfire. Modern house science has shown that custom homes built the R.E.A. Home’s way are more efficient, sustainable, and healthier—often with little additional cost or having to sacrifice luxury features you desire such as a wine cellar, theater room, or indoor/outdoor pools.

Using nationally recognized best building practices, high-quality products, and a team of home building experts, a High Performance Luxury Home℠ offers homeowners better potential resale value and returns on their investment as well as increased enjoyment of their home.

Best Building Practices

Like many industries, home building has seen its share of technological advancements—pre-manufactured wall panels, custom HVAC systems, solar panels, and indoor/outdoor living spaces. R.E.A. Homes embraces these advancements and takes them one step further by building homes that are ENERGY STAR® certified. ENERGY STAR® homes must pass a rigorous set of energy-efficient standards related to heating and cooling systems, thermal enclosure systems, lighting and appliances, and water protection. Such homes deliver energy savings of up to 30 percent. Families who build ENERGY STAR® homes experience fewer post-build headaches such as hot or cold spots in rooms, weather and/or climate-related issues, and higher utility bills.

Building Beyond the Code

R.E.A. Homes is committed to building homes at a higher standard. This Building Beyond the Code philosophy is at the forefront of everything they do—from designing the home to selecting materials to paying attention to details such as trade partners and home amenities. Our homes are not only amazing to look at, but they are also some of the most energy-efficient, comfortable, and innovative homes in St. Louis. Building Beyond the Code isn’t merely a catchphrase—it’s a construction philosophy that provides huge benefits to our clients.