Robot Lamps?!

Flipping through a recent issue of Interior Design magazine last night, I came across these unique little robot lamps and just had to share them with all of our readers. Displayed at London's 100% Design Fair and designed by Matias Liimatainen of Finland, these cast ceramic lamps are a great conversation piece, AND they can be rewired for use in the U.S. How cool are they?!



For more info: 
http://www.19greekstreet.com/limited-edition-2/robots/

CCH News: 2014 Nominee for Orchid Award

We are very honored to be nominated for the 2014 Waunakee Chamber of Commerce Orchid Award.  This award is presented to a Chamber Member business who completed a substantial redevelopment facade building project within the last year, contributing to the promotion of commerce, economic development, and the overall beautification of the Waunakee/Westport area.  We'd like to thank our customers and our anonymous nominator for the opportunity to showcase our new building!

Classic Custom Homes vs. Other Builders: Energy Heel Trusses

The subzero temps we've been having lately reminded me of all the extra things we do to build our houses to outperform our competitors. There are many different ways to build a house and not all the details are in the finishes you see every day. Hardwood flooring, granite counter tops, and paint colors do a lot for the appearance of the house but at Classic Custom Homes our vision of building beautiful homes does not stop at the paint color. We want our homes to function beautifully too.  One example is the fact that we use an energy heel truss in all our homes. This allows for more insulation in your attic, thus improving the heating and cooling performance saving you money. The image below will give you an idea of what I am talking about. 

To add the energy heel to you truss system does cost a little more but the saving you see in heating and cooling will pay for this tenfold. 

Life Hack: 101

Use paperclips to organize your cables at work or in your home office!

Houseplants - not just a decoration

People in Wisconsin are spending a lot of time indoors these days, because of the beautiful homes CCH is building for them. This cold weather might also have a little to do with that, but we’re going to go with the first reason. Studies have shown that indoor air has more pollutants in it than outdoor air, especially in tightly sealed buildings. Here’s an easy solution: get an indoor plant! Plants serve as a natural air purifier. One of my favorites is the Spider Plant, which will remove carbon monoxide from the air. Keep this guy close to your gas fireplace or cook top for best results. 

Sneak Peek - 2014 Parade of Homes

Is anyone else as excited as I am for the 2014 MABA Parade of homes? The Parade of Homes give us an opportunity to push the envelope a bit more than we usually do. One example is the screen shot below; a small taste of some creative engineering we are putting to use in one of our homes. Almost too pretty to get covered up. Maybe it’s a good thing Rebekah handles the interior design.

What You Should Know About: Selling a Home

5 Tips to Sell a Home Fast

1. Focus on curb appeal - admit it, first impressions matter.
2. Make all the necessary repairs - even minor things can suggest to the buyers that you might not be maintaining the house well in other ways too.
3. Stage the house - deeply clean, declutter, depersonalize.  Try to appeal to the masses.
4. Set the price right - know your market value and set your home slightly above the appraisal value.
5. Spread the word - try using Facebook, grocery bulletin boards, newspaper, anything to get the word out in your area.

Did You know?

So far this year, used homeowners have spent about $95,891,300 more on repairs and maintenance than owners of newly built homes.

What's New: Tornado Body Dryer

There are always new and different things coming out that we wonder, "How have we lived without this?".  Well, add this one to the pile.  The Tornado Body Dryer was originally made for those who are physically challenged and would prefer to be more independent.  I propose that you don't have to need this to want it!  Over 200 little air puffs dry you quickly, efficiently, and all without a smelly old damp towel.  This retails at $1997, but has flexible payment options.  Best of all, we can install it for you after the fact!

Like this idea?  Look for the rest of Nicole's posts!

Decorating Trends: Warm Grays

Put away the notion that all grays are cold and will give off a chill.  Warm grays (those with yellow or reddish undertones) are the neutral of the moment, and are as versatile as they are trendy.  If you have beige or tan walls, switching to warm gray walls is easy, yet full of impact.  The shades are distant cousins and finding a hue that works with your existing furnishings is a cinch.

Like this idea?  Look for the rest of Jennie's posts!

Meet Our Team: Classic Custom Homes

In honor of our newly formed blog, we are going to feature a member of the Classic Custom Homes team each week until you've met us all!

Everyone here at Classic Custom Homes plays an very broad, unique role, and there is usually a team effort behind most projects.  In that respect, we've decided the first team member you should meet is...all of us!

Through the years we've adapted and grown, and we know that if you built with us years ago, there might be some new faces you haven't seen yet.  Always feel free to stop by and introduce yourself to our new team members.  In the meantime, here's a quick overview:

Bryan Sipple:  Our Chief Operating Office and Vice President, Bryan has always been a builder.  He is a 4th generation carpenter, and has worked with his grandfather and father since age 12.  Bryan's strong work ethic and commitment to quality is what built Classic Custom Homes.  He is expediter, foreman, salesman, and quality control.  While he's not working (which is rare) you can usually find him up north at his cabin, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, or boating....always with his trusty canine pal, Scooter.

Jennie Sipple:  Jennie formed this company with Bryan since the beginning, and wears many different hats.  She has done everything from interior design and customer selections, to contracts and customer management, to marketing and real estate as a licensed Realtor.  Jennie holds a degree from Travel Careers School in Milwaukee, WI and earned her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate for Six Sigma Academy.  In her spare time, Jennie enjoys spending time with her daughter, Bailee, her dog Daisy, and Bryan and their family.

Nicole Hartmann:  Nicole came to us late 2011 with strong property and retail management experience.  She went to UW Eau Claire and Madison College and holds a degree in Paralegal Science.  Originally intended to manage our rental properties, Nicole adapted very quickly into Bryan's "right arm".  She also schedules all of our construction projects and is responsible for estimating all of our projects, as well as most of our marketing and social reach-out through newsletters and blogs.  In her free time she enjoys taking her very little dog Marley to the dog park, watching fake reality shows, snowmobiling, snowboarding, and being with friends.

Brandon Ripp:  Since August of 2012, Brandon has been a huge part of the team here at Classic Custom Homes as our draftsman.  He helps our customers to design and build their dream house, while keeping an eye on budget and feasibility.  Brandon has been working int he construction field since he was 12 years old with his father.  He attended UW Stout and has a broad knowledge of both drafting and the building process.  After work, he spends time with his daughter, twins, and brand new baby girl, and his wife and partner in crime, Pernille.  

Rebekah Spidle:  Rebekah has been part of the Classic Custom Homes team since June of 2013.  She handles the selection process with our customers from start to finish as an in-house interior designer.  She will help our customers and detail out everything from siding colors and exterior stone, to cabinet and countertop selections.  She will also help keep you on budget, with suggestions and innovative ideas.  Rebekah graduated from UW Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in interior design.  In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, and cuddling up with her toothless cat, Ernie.

Amy Jorgenson:  Amy is our newest member of the Classic Custom Homes group.  She is our all-important AP/AR and point of contact for all financial matters.  She has a firm grip on managing the job accounts, including draws, payments, and invoicing.  She comes to us with experience in both the construction industry and accounting.  We look forward to using her knowledge and understanding of the demanding construction to better our business.

Paula Simons:  Paula has been with us for over 5 years, and works for us part-time as an architectural designer.  She usually works with customers that are only available after "normal" working hours of 8-5.  She works with Brandon and the team here at Classic Custom Homes to make sure each project is carried out from conception to completion.

Jon Dietzman:  Jon has been with the team for as long as most of us can remember!  He has evolved from carpenter, to lead, to construction manager.  Jon is part of the integral on-site team of Classic Custom Homes.  He is responsible for maintaining the job-site quality of work, as well as directing our subcontractors and installers to make sure everything is up to our (very high) standard.  When not at work, Jon enjoys fixing and then destroying demolition cars, playing basketball, and most outdoor activities.

Tim Frye:  Since 2012, Tim has worked with Classic Custom Homes full-time, but has worked for or with us for more than a decade.  Raised around the construction industry (and Bryan), he has developed a keen eye for workmanship and quality.  He is our other construction manager, and runs the jobs on-site.  In his spare time, Tim loves to spend time with his kids and family, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, camping, and traveling.