New Homes

Home Safety Tips for the Winter

We are very fortunate that our snow in El Paso only lasted a couple of days and was not too dangerous. However, if you know a bad storm is approaching, there are a few things you can do around your home to prepare for a power outage. House Beautiful gives their tips:

Prepare Your Emergency Kit
No matter where you live, it's good to have an emergency kit prepared in your home. It should have several items, including "a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first aid kit (with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and an instant cold compress), extra batteries, a whistle, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, and a tool kit.

Fill Up Your Car
It's safer to NOT drive during a storm, but in case you do, make sure to fill your car prior to the storm. And, always carry an emergency kit for your vehicle.

Stock Up on Food and Water
House Beautiful suggests "stocking up with enough water for three days — one gallon of water per person per day. You'll also need food for at least three days and a can opener. "

Fill Your Tub
In case you water gets shut off, you can skip the shower, but use water from the tub to keep filling the toilet. 

Keep the Refrigerator and Freezer Closed
To keep your food lasting longer, keep the doors closed. Food can be safe up to four hours without the electricity. However, after the storm, be sure to toss "any perishable foods (like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and leftovers) that have been above 40 degrees for over two hours."

To see the rest of House Beautiful's tips, click here. If you find yourself in a storm, follow these tips and stay safe!

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New Model Homes in El Paso | Pointe Homes

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Buying a new home is an important step in life. Before buying or building your new home, you want to make sure it accommodates everything you need. At Pointe Homes, we're happy to show you our new model homes! We'll tell you all the features our homes have to offer and find the right one for you. 

And if you like our model homes but want a little more, we can customize our floor plans or build you a  new custom home from scratch. Our in-house design team will listen to your great ideas and together we can build your dream home!

 

Stay Warm, Stay Happy! New Homes El Paso

We're lucky we haven't seen any bad winter storms. But we do hear a cold front is coming in! We know heating new homes can get expensive. To help cut heating costs, there are some things you can do around your house to help! Huffington Post gives their tips.

By closing off unused rooms, you can help prevent cold air from moving around the house and help contain the heat you've generated. 

Believe it or not, your ceiling fan can also help! "By setting them clockwise in the winter at a lower speed, you can drive warm air down towards you and your guests."

Add some layers to your floor. "Floors account for as much as 10 percent of heat loss if they're not insulated, according to the National Energy Foundation, and rugs can be that missing insulation. They'll keep cool air from seeping up into the room..."

Grab some foil from your kitchen and put it behind the radiators in your home. It will reflect heat back into the home and not let it escape through the walls. 

Move that furniture around your new home and keep it away from windows. "Sitting by the window can cause radiant heat loss from your body to the glass make you feel cold."

And of course, blankets, sweaters, and hot water bottles still do the trick!

Buying a new home is a big investment, and any penny you can save is important! By following simple tips like these, you can help keep your heating bills low in your new home this cold season. 

 

To read the full article, click here!

 

 

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Christmas Tree Tips | New Homes El Paso

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Christmas is coming up! If you are celebrating Christmas in your new home this year and you want to get a real tree, there are some tips you can follow to keep your tree fresh and last longer in a safe way.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREE
When you are out shopping for a tree, be sure to look for one that is cut straight across the base. The straighter the cut is, the better the tree will absorb water. Also, be sure to look for a tree that is very green with few brown needles.

HYDRATE YOUR TREE WELL
Be sure you have a big enough water stand that will cover your tree trunk and can hold at least a gallon of water. Check the water level everyday and make sure it is always covering the trunk. A humidifier kept nearby can keep the tree from drying out.

KEEP IT SAFE
To avoid any fires, keep the tree away from the fireplace where sparks may fly out and hit the tree. Also, keep it away from stoves or even a window where it will get direct sunlight.  

We hope your tree looks absolutely beautiful in your new home. And we also want it to last you throughout the holiday season and keep you and your loved ones safe. Take care of your family, your tree, and your new home this holiday season!
 

 

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Kitchen Countertop Materials for Your New Home

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There are several options available when you are choosing the material for your kitchen countertops in the kitchen of your new home. You can find the right one depending on your style, needs and budget. HGTV gives their pros and cons for several choices!

QUARTZ
Quartz tops are practically maintenance free since they are engineered stain, acid, scratch, heat and impact resistant and, because they have a non-porous surface, don't need to be sealed like natural stone countertops. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

POLISHED GRANITE
"Still the top choice of most homeowners, traditional granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds to your kitchen's value while providing a durable prep surface." Granite is a natural material, which allows for variation in the stone's pattern. The cost of granite and quartz are comparable "but natural granite requires a bit more care than manufactured quartz to keep its good looks — wipe up all stains quickly, especially oils, wine, acids and soda, and follow a regular sealing routine — typically once a year."

LAMINATE
For the most budget-friendly option, laminate countertops is the best option. They now come in new patterns that resemble natural stone, wood or even quartz so they are still popular.

WOOD
Butcher-block-style wood countertops will give the kitchen in your new home a cozy, cottage feel. "Both decorative and functional, this hardworking surface is ideal for food prep — properly sealed, wood countertops are sanitary even for chopping meat." Wood is highly heat-resistant so you don't have to worry about putting hot pots and pans on the surface. It is budget friendly, so you can even think about mixing wood countertops with other surfaces like natural or engineered stone to provide a variety of prep surfaces.

MARBLE
Marble is both aesthetically pleasing and helps to disguise wear and hide light stains. "With timeless appeal, this stone gives any kitchen a decidedly high-end look and, although the cost is comparable to some granites, marble is porous so staining can be a problem." 

STAINLESS STEEL
Metal will coordinate with any color and is one of the easiest countertop materials to clean — just wipe off stains with a cloth and mild soap. And because it inhibits bacterial buildup,  it the most hygienic countertop available.

You have a unique style and preference. By customizing your new house with features that accommodate your needs and budget, you can have your dream home! And at Pointe Homes, we will listen to everything that is important to you and build you a new home that you can enjoy for years to come. 

 

Read the full HGTV article here.

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Fireplace Safety in Your New Home

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Yes, we still have warm days in El Paso, but the nights are getting chilly and we'll soon feel the temperatures drop! And when it gets colder, it'll be time to turn on the fireplace in your new home. While it is still warm outside, here are some tips you can follow to care for the fireplace to keep it safe and working well throughout the winter. 

CLEANING THE FIREPLACE
Before using your fireplace, be sure to get it inspected and have your chimney cleaned, whether your fireplace is wood or gas burning, to prevent buildup of hazardous soot and debris. It's important to call a certified chimney inspector instead of trying to clean it yourself because they can also check for gas leaks (gas chimneys), and structural and lining damage, which can lead to house fires and poor-quality air buildup.

USING QUALITY WOOD 
Only use dense firewood, like maple and oak. These types of wood an produce more heat and burn longer. Using firewood that is green or comes from resinous tree species, like pine can be very dangerous because it is prone to combustion.

PROPER BUILDING
Only use kindling like dry twigs or sticks as igniters instead of flammable liquids or paper. Always make sure the wood is placed on a grate toward the back of the fireplace and never build the fire too large. This can cause too much smoke and heat, which crack your chimney.

ALWAYS USE A FIRE SCREEN
Fire screens or metal curtains in front of the fire to keep sparks and fallen wood pieces from flying into the room. Make sure the screen covers the entire opening of your fireplace or debris could find its way through and be dangerous to your family and your home.

HOME FIRE SAEFTY
Lighting a fire in your fireplace can be very cozy. But you are near fire, which can be dangerous. So be sure to take all the necessary precautions. Make sure your smoke detectors have working batteries and have your fire extinguisher inspected by a professional. Once you are finished with the fire, make sure it’s fully extinguished before leaving your home or going to bed. Never leave a fire unattended.

We want you to enjoy your new home, but we also want you and your family to stay safe. Before lighting the first fire in your fireplace of your new home, follow these tips so you and your family can have many happy years in your home. 

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Cypress Model Home | New Homes El Paso

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Cypress is just one of the many floor plans that we offer for our new homes in El Paso. Cypress features 4 Bedrooms,3 Bathrooms, Covered Patio & Porch, and an area of 2673 - 2958 Sq Ft. We are currently building new homes in several new and popular communities in El Paso. 

In addition to Cypress, we offer over 30 floor plans that we are consistently refining to feature the most current home features. Both our floor plans and features list can be modified to suit your needs and budget, and we can also build you a custom home from scratch! Share your ideas with our in-house design team, and together we can build you your dream home.

We know how important building or buying your first home can be. Pointe Homes is here to see you throughout the entire process. If you would like to start looking at our new model homes, ready to design your new custom home, or if you just have any questions, please give us a call at 915-790-1515 or send us a message today.

To take a look at our current floor plans, click here.

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Starview Model Homes | New Homes in El Paso

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Starview is just one of the many floor plans that we offer for our new homes in El Paso. Starview features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Covered Patio & Porch, and an area of 2074 Sq Ft. We are currently building new homes in several new and popular communities in El Paso. 

In addition to Starview, we offer over 30 floor plans that we are consistently refining to feature the most current home features. Both our floor plans and features list can be modified to suit your needs and budget, and we can also build you a custom home from scratch!

We know how important building or buying your first home can be. Pointe Homes is here to see you throughout the entire process. If you would like to start looking at our new model homes or have any questions, please give us a call at 915-790-1515 or send us a message today.

To take a look at our current floor plans, click here.

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Your New Home | El Paso Home Builders

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One of the exciting things about buying a new home is that is it brand new! And when Pointe Home builds your new home, you know that you are moving into a house with the newest, best quality features and design. Owning a new home means you can decorate, adjust, and customize it as you want, whether it is painting the walls a new color or installing permanent fixtures.

Buying a new home is a very important and large step in life. It's important to you choose the right home that suits your needs. Pointe Homes can show you over 30 floor plans with the most up-to-date home design features as well as show you several model homes in El Paso. Plus our floor plans and features list can be customized to suit your needs and budget. And if you are looking for a full custom home, built from scratch, Pointe Homes can help you design and build it to your liking. 

Give us a call today. We're ready to build your dream home!

Cleaning Your New Home | El Paso Home Builders

Sometimes our lives get so busy, our homes can get dirty very quickly! But giving your new home a good cleaning can be done by following six steps. Better Homes and Gardens gives their tips that can be done in every room of the house!

1. Declutter Just a Bit. You don't need to worry about cleaning anything behind a closed door, but anything that does not belong in the room and is visible, Better Homes and Gardens recommends finding a new place for it or even getting rid of it. 

2. Start High Then Low. Hard-to-reach surfaces are a pain, but cleaning them is easy by taking care of them in this order: ceiling, ceiling trim, ceiling light fixtures (including bulbs), walls, the rest of the trim, and baseboards. "The best tool is a clean microfiber mop or duster with a telescoping handle. (They're so thin you can get behind the sofa without moving it.)" To tackle anything above eye level, you just need to spray some water on your mop. For lower levels with dirt and dust, "use warm water mixed with a drop of dish soap. (In bathrooms, add a splash of white vinegarto stop mold.)"

3. Always Clean Windows. Yes, cleaning the windows in your new home is not fun, but it'll pay off.  To start, vacuum the sills and tracks. Then spray the entire window with cleaner. Let it sit  for a minute, then squeegee it off.

4. Spruce Up Those Window Treatments. You don't need to take down blinds or shades in your home to clean them. Simply vacuum them using the brush attachment. "And instead of laundering and ironing curtains, just fluff them in the dryer for a few minutes (while you wipe off the rod and rings). Then hang them right back up."  

5. Get Rid of Dust. Use a petroleum distillate-free, beeswax-based wood cleaner to clean all remaining hard surfaces (wood furniture, shelves, built-ins, etc.), and take a lint roller to the lampshades.

6. Refresh The Floors. You'll need to move around the furniture. To make this task easier,  put furniture gliders under the big pieces. Use your vacuum's crevice tool "to get at dirt in corners and along baseboards." Clean hard floors with a microfiber mop and the prescribed cleaner. "If you have carpet, now is a good time to rent a professional-grade cleaner." 

Buying a new home is a big and exciting time in your life. But now that you've bought your new home, be sure to take good care of it so it can last you a lifetime! As one of the top home builders in El Paso, we know how important buying a home is. We're here to help you every step of the way. Give us a call today to find out how we can build for you!

Dining Areas in New Homes | El Paso Home Builders

Your new home is unique to you! It should accommodate all your needs for your daily life. When it comes to the dining room, you can arrange the perfect eating area, whether you prefer a more formal dining room or a casual breakfast nook. 

DINING ROOM
If your home style is more traditional, a separate dining area can be a better experience for you and your family. And if you still want a more casual eating area, you can include your dining area as a party of your family room. This way, it can be both a formal and casual space.

EAT-IN KITCHEN
An eat-in kitchen is a great option for a more casual dining area in your new home. It's also great for families because it provides a space to keep an eye on the kids while cooking or just a place to socialize with each other. 

BAR TOPS AND ISLANDS
Stools surrounding a kitchen island or against a bar counter provide another casual experience in your new home. Plus, by integrating a table on one end of the island provides more room.

BANQUETTE
If you have limited space in your home, a banquette long a wall is a great option that can be placed in the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

BREAKFAST NOOK
For a separate space away from the kitchen, but still keeping it casual, opt for a breakfast nook. It provides a cozy space to spend time with the family but more traditional than a bar top.

Whether you are ready to move in to a new home or you want to build a custom house from scratch, Pointe Homes can help you every step of the way. Your needs and budget are important to us, and we are dedicated to accommodating you and your family by building you your dream home.

Send us a message or give us a call today at 915-790-1515 to see some of our model homes, to start building your custom home, or if you just want more information. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and Custom Home Builders in El Paso

Whether you are ready to move in to a new home or you want to build a custom house from scratch, Pointe Homes can help you every step of the way. Your needs and budget are important to us, and we are dedicated to accommodating you and your family by building you your dream home.

Our new homes are equipped with high quality features to ensure their durability and innovation. We are currently building in several communities in El Paso and offer over 30 floor plans that can be modified and customized to personalize your home to your unique style, needs, and budget.

Looking for the perfect dream house? Share your great ideas with us and our in-house design studio can help you build a new custom home that is unique to you.

Send us a message or give us a call today at 915-790-1515 to see some of our model homes, to start building your custom home, or if you just want more information. 

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Relaxing Bathroom Design in New Homes | El Paso Home Builders

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Your new home should always accommodate everything that is important to you. While your living room can be a lively place for hanging with the family, the bathroom can be a relaxing environment for a long soak in the tub.

If you are building a new custom home, there are several design tips you can follow to make sure you build the perfect relaxing setting. Choosing a neutral palette for the bathroom is a big step for creating a soothing atmosphere. Consider such palettes when choosing your paint color and bathroom tile. 

Natural materials, such as stone tile, pebbled walls and floors, and wooden vanities give the bathroom a very organic and spa-like touch to your bathroom. Also, the more natural light you have in the bathroom of your new home, the better. But if there is little light in the bathroom, consider painting your walls white. Paired with light colored floors, like bamboo flooring, creates a natural light effect. And if you love taking long soaks in the evening, install a dimmer for a low-light, tranquil environment.

Buying or building a new home is an important step in your life. Pointe Homes is to see you throughout the entire progress. We are one of the top home builders in El Paso. Whatever your style may be, we can custom build your dream home. Give us a call today and let us build for you!

Ceramic Tile Care in New Homes

Ceramic tile in new homes adds a a beautiful touch. Plus, it is easy to maintain and keep it looking new with the right steps!

Care and Maintenance
Ceramic tile is generally easy to maintain. Follow these care and maintenance suggestions to help keep it looking new.

General Maintenance
Before giving the tile a good cleaning, be sure to sweep or vacuum the floor. However, never use a vacuum with a beater bar or power rotary brush head as these can damage the surface. Protective mats at all exterior-to-interior entrances to tile floors helps prevent dirt from getting in the home. Finally, putting protective pads on your furniture bottoms to help prevent scratching the tile.

Grout Care
Grout between ceramic tiles can be cleaned with a brush and a mild cleanser. Also, a grout sealer can be used to make the grout more resistant to stains. But be aware that some can discolor the grout.

To Care for the Tile
After sweeping or vacuuming, wipe the tile with a moist cloth and wet mop it occasionally. Be sure to use a non-oil-based household cleaner that’s compatible with cement grouts. And be sure to never use cleaners contain acids or ammonia. Cleaners with acid will damage the grout and tile glazing, and ammonia cleaners might discolor the grout.

At Pointe Homes, we make sure to use the top quality materials in your new home and we strive to provide you with the best workmanship. But after we have built your home, it's important to take good care of it and maintain it so it will last you a long time!

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Easy Electrical Troubleshooting | El Paso Home Builders

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Sometimes electrical problems in our homes can be taken care of quickly with a little troubleshooting. Follow these tips to save yourself some money and frustration in your new home.

An Outlet Isn't Working
Sometimes outlets are controlled by a wall switch. Make sure the switch isn’t in the OFF position. If the wall switch is in the ON position, check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. If it has been tripped, reset it.

A Ceiling Light or Lamp Won’t Turn On
Check the lightbulb by screwing it into another light source/lamp. If the bulb is good, check the circuit breaker. Also, check for wall switches in the OFF position.

Garbage Disposals Won’t Operate
Disposals have reset buttons, so be sure to locate that first. If the disposal and dishwasher are designed to plug into an outlet, as opposed to being directly wired, make sure that the disposal and dishwasher are plugged into the right outlets. Finally, check the circuit breaker.

Electric Water Heater Won’t Function
Check your circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. If it hasn't, turn the power off, and then push the reset button located under the water heater access cover.

Oven Isn't Heating
Refer to the owner’s manual first and make sure you’re operating the time controls properly. Then check the circuit breaker.

If you are still experiencing electrical problems after doing some quick troubleshooting, contact an electrician. Your new home should always accommodate you, but it's always a good idea to know all about your home and the steps to take to take care of it.

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Peek Inside a New Home | El Paso Home Builders

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Take a peek inside one of our new homes in El Paso! Our floor plans are consistently refined so we can build you top quality innovative homes. Plus, both are floor plans and features list can be modified to suit your needs and budget.

If you are interested in building a new home from scratch, our Pointe Homes design team can help you plan the perfect dream house. Send us a message today to take a look at some of our model homes or to start planning your custom home!

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Sleep Well in Your Bedroom | New Homes El Paso

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Because we sleep about a third of our day and spend so much time in our bedrooms, it's important that you take the right steps to make ensure a good night's sleep. Follow these tips in the bedroom of your new home.

  • Rotate you mattress every three months to even it out and to properly support your back. And though we may be greta at cleaning our sheets and pillowcases, don't forget about your bed. Clean it every two months by sprinkling baking soda over it, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum it.
     
  • Room temperatures of 65 degree ensure a good night's sleep and even have calorie-burning health benefits. So be sure to turn down the thermostat in your new home or install a ceiling fan. 
     
  • Soothing colors like blues, greens, and grays help you sleep better as opposed to brighter colors like red or orange. Choose paint that has low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These can cause headaches and dizziness. 
     
  • Don't snooze your alarm. You mind gets confused and can make you feel worse throughout the day. Try setting your alarm somewhere where you need to get up to turn it off. Be sure to get up the first time it rings, and you'll have more energy throughout the day.
     
  • Light that sneaks in through the windows at night in your home can disturb our sleep. Choose blackout curtains to help you sleep through the night. When your alarm wakes, open the windows to let sunlight in or step outside. 
     
  • Avoid using computers, phones, and tablets one hour before bedtime. All these devices release blue light which can interfere with our circadian rhythm and our sleep.
     
  • Use room sprays or candles that have soothing scents like lavender or vanilla to relax your before bedtime. 

You want to feel comfortable in your new home. So follow these steps to make sure your are sleeping well and taking care of yourself!

Come See Our Model Homes | New Homes in El Paso

Buying a new home is an important step in life. Before buying or building your new home, you want to make sure it accommodates everything you need. At Pointe Homes, we're happy to show you our new model homes! We'll tell you all the features our homes have to offer and find the right one for you. 

And if you like our model homes but want a little more, we can customize our floor plans or build you a  new custom home from scratch. Our in-house design team will listen to your great ideas and together we can build your dream home!

Customize Your New Home | El Paso Home Builders

Do you prefer a cozy casual breakfast table? Or do you prefer an elongated formal dining room table? Whatever your tastes may be, your new home is yours to decorate it as you please.

Come see some of our model homes. If you like our floor plans but want to add that extra something, tell us what your needs are. We have over 30 floor plans that we are consistently refining to build you the top quality most innovative homes. Plus, we can modify our floor plans and features list to accommodate what is most important to you. 

Give us a call at 915-790-1515 so we can start building your dream home!