Mark Johnson Custom Homes Blog

MJCH’s “The Angelique” Featured on Houzz.com

Mark Johnson — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:17:37 +0000

“The Angelique” built by Wilmington, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes was featured in the following article on Houzz.com!

Exterior Panel Shutters Cover All the Bases

If you’re looking to up the curb appeal of your home, consider dressing your windows with traditional exterior panel shutters. Originally designed hundreds of years ago as a functional window dressing for privacy and security, the paneled shutter still protects homes from weather, though in many cases these days the primary purpose may be for ornamentation.

Designed in all shapes, sizes and panel configurations, shutters can be mounted on operable shutter hinges or directly alongside the window. Choosing the design and color of panel shutters is much like choosing a door style. Select a panel layout and color that excite you, fit your home’s architecture and offer pizzazz and curb appeal.

Walnut-colored operable composite raised-panel shutters look beautiful with this home’s dark brown windows and washed and aged tumbled-brick exterior.

Click the link below to visit the Mark Johnson Custom Homes Houzz page!

MJCH Houzz Page

Kitchen Remodel in Wilmington

Mark Johnson — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:07:17 +0000

Wilmington, NC custom home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share a testimonial from clients whom we recently completed a kitchen remodel. As the holiday season approaches, we all know how important a functional kitchen is for preparing those wonderful sweet treats as well as cooking the perfect holiday meal.

“Our kitchen remodel by Mark Johnson Custom Homes was a truly positive experience. From the very beginning until the end of the project, Mark performed his duties in a very professional manner. When we ran in to issues that needed to be resolved, the MJCH team proved to be fantastic problem solvers. We appreciated the clear lines of communication that we had throughout the project. We would certainly recommend this company as they were professional and very respectful to us as our lives continued in the home during our remodel. Thanks so much to Mark and all. We love our new kitchen!”

Bob and Nancy Philips

10 Questions: Decorating Secrets

Mark Johnson — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:17:39 +0000

Landfall home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes is excited to share an article published in Raleigh’s News and Observer about a recent interview with our designer, Eddie Rider with Eddie Rider Designs. The interview focused on decorating secrets and features a bathroom in a home we built in the Landfall community.

The master bath has mosaic floor tile with black and white marble under a freestanding tub. A little retro feel with some modern sprinkled in for flavor.

10 Questions:

Five words that best describe your approach to design: Warm, coordinated, balanced, realistic, inviting.

Best decor bargain you’ve ever scored: Some very old leather books I found at a London flea market.

Best use of black and white: In a recent bathroom and kitchen new construction project. The kitchen has sharp white cabinets with polished nickel hardware, absolute black honed countertops with a polished, beveled carrara tile backsplash. Ebony floors complete the look. The master bath has a mosaic floor tile with black-and-white marble under a freestanding tub. A little retro feel with some modern sprinkled in for flavor.

Recliner: yes or no? No. No. No. If it looks like a recliner, then no. If you’re going for style and form, then no.

What’s your hardware store must-have? Furniture marker for those little accidents.

Favorite shelter magazine: Architectural Digest.

Every dining room should have: Wood floors and area rug.

Low-cost way to dress a transitional mantel: Candles with holders.

Biggest design no-no: Too many prints/patterns/textures, with too many colors.

My best tip for do-it-yourself designers: Take one primary print fabric and use it for your color palette throughout the room; then, carry one of the colors to the next space.

Wrightsville Beach Home Remodel

Mark Johnson — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:47:36 +0000

Mark Johnson Custom Homes was contracted to remodel this Wrightsville Beach home by adding footage to the upper floor and converting it to a giant master suite with a large bathroom, two large walk-in closets and a study. In addition, we added a fully waterproofed floating deck and completely renovated the kitchen and living room area. A wall was removed, which exposed the kitchen to the living room. This open contemporary space is perfect for entertaining and the kitchen is complete with a Teppenyaki grill for cooking. To view the construction of this home, click the link below to view the Mark Johnson Custom Homes Flickr page.

MJCH Flickr Page

Bring the Outdoors In with TRU-VUE FOLD Doors

Mark Johnson — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:21:41 +0000

Wilmington, NC new home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes has recently installed TRU-VUE FOLD doors in a home we are constructing in the Landfall community. This is a versatile folding door system with an inspired concept for bringing the outside in and extending the inside out, instantly creating an enjoyable space for living or entertaining.

The door set comprises three, four or five doors, which all simultaneously fold open together. Simply unlock the set, open the internal drop bolts and the entire unit glides open with a gentle push. Additionally, the door on the end hinges open and closed for easy access and everyday use.

To see the progress of the home we are constructing in the Landfall community, click the link below to view the Mark Johnson Custom Homes Flickr page.

MJCH Flickr Page

541 Moss Tree Home Available in Landfall

Mark Johnson — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:51:52 +0000

The Belwood, MLS #477451

Open floor plan with 2820 sf, one-story living with bonus room over the garage, spacious rear porches for outdoor entertaining…these are just a few of the features you will find in the Belwood plan designed by Sullivan Design Company.

Plan Highlights:

Glass doors and windows in rear to take advantage of the views
Bosch stainless steel appliances including counter depth refrigerator
Screened and uncovered porches in back
Stamped concrete porches (front and back)
Bonus room with full bath
8/0 solid doors downstairs (10′ ceilings)
Rounded drywall corners
Hardwoods included in the master bedroom and closet
In-ceiling speakers with volume control
Full use of interior designer for selections
Iron pickets on staircase
Garage sink
Shower doors in all baths
Bench seat with cubbies

Energy Features:

2×6 exterior wall construction
R24 blown-in fiberglass insulation (Bibs)
Radiant barrier roof decking to keep attic cooler and reduce demand on HVAC system
Attic framed knee walls to include air barrier
Recirculating hot water system with a tankless hot water heater
Zoned HVAC for master bedroom and bonus room (3 thermostats in house)

Some of the benefits of working with Mark Johnson Custom Homes include:

Full use of a designer for interior/exterior selections
Weekly production schedules
Home walk-throughs with clients at rough-in stage
Independent home inspector reports upon completion of construction

Construction of The Belwood will be completed in October 2012. There is still time to make selections to customize this dream home.

QuietFiber Noise Absorption Material

Mark Johnson — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 21:02:01 +0000

Wilmington, NC new home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes understands the importance of soundproofing certain areas of a home during construction. We would like to introduce our readers to a product that has only been used in commercial building in the past, but is now being used in homes.

Engineered specifically for maximum noise absorbency and used extensively in the industrial and commercial field, QuietFiber is now being successfully introduced into non-industrial environments where reverberant sound and echo is a problem, including:

Restaurants, clubs, bars
Hotel lobbies, pool areas, dining areas
Single family homes, condos, apartments
Kennels, etc., veterinary offices, pet stores
Churches, hospitals, schools

Non-fiberglass QuietFiber is rated at the highest noise reduction level of “NRC 1.00″ (noise reduction coefficient, higher the number the better).

Areas of high noise levels including sound reverberation can be resolved easily and economically by introducing QuietFiber into as much of the area as possible. The amount of noise reduction in highly reflective rooms will be directly relative to how much of the QuietFiber material can be installed into the room. QuietFiber is available in 4 ft. x 6 ft. sheets x 2 in. thick. Ceiling tiles may also be replaced with QuietFiber.

Unlike other fibrous materials or fiberglass which does not have the high NRC ratings that QuietFiber has, QuietFiber is “hydrophobic,” meaning it will not absorb nor combine with water. This is an obvious attribute should the material become wet, humid or need steam cleaning. Marine noise reduction applications are endless.

Check out how QuietFiber has been used successfully to solve many types of noise problems.

Additional benefits:

Highest noise absorption rating of NRC 1.00 (exceeds fiberglass sound attenuation).

Black or white faced version can be used to replace ceiling ties to significantly reduce internal room noise and flanking from adjoining rooms.

Highest quality acoustical insulation in the building industry.

Hydrophobic, will not combine with water.

Will not support mold.

Easy installation.

Full outdoor weather and U.V. tolerant.

Easily used in conjunction with a high STC barrier material such as Acoustiblok.

Shows significant STC benefit when used in wall or floor assemblies vs. fiberglass.

High temperature capable for high temperature sound abatement, i.e. generator enclosures.

Comprised of up to 90% recycled material. 100% recyclable. Non-fiberglass.

QuietFiber_® material is virtually fireproof. Having a U.L. rating of “0 smoke” and “0 flame,” it more than meets any fire code (faced version has flame spread of 25). Both versions tested to ASTM E84.

**Entirely made in USA**

Article courtesy of: Acoustiblok.com

2012 Parade of Homes Silver Award Winner

Mark Johnson — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:33:04 +0000

Wilmington custom home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes is excited to announce that The Angelique was a Silver Award winner during this year’s Parade of Homes that took place April 28 – 29 & May 5 – 6. To view a video of the award winning home built in the Landfall community, simply click “The Angelique” below.

The Angelique

Study Reveals Do-It-YourSelf Home Improvements Increase Home’s Value

Mark Johnson — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:26:17 +0000

St. James, NC custom home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share with our readers an article courtesy of RealtyTimes.com that gives tips on do-it-yourself projects that can instantly increase the value of your home.

It seems when it comes to home values, a little elbow grease can go a long way, according to a recent nationwide study by HomeGain.

The study surveyed 500 real estate agents throughout the nation to learn the top 10 low-cost, do-it-yourself improvements that help increase the likelihood a home would sell.

Ranking in the top five are: clean & de-clutter, lighten & brighten, repair electrical & plumbing, landscaping, and home staging. But how much benefit can you really expect to get from each of these home improvement categories?

According to the study, the top home improvement (since 2003) continues to be to clean and de-clutter your home. It may cost you about $400 to make the most of this home improvement but sellers who make the financial commitment can benefit by seeing a “returning value of just over $2,000 to the home’s sale price”. That’s a 403 percent return on investment (ROI).

Coming in at the number two spot is lightening and brightening your home. This makes perfect sense. If a home is dark and difficult to view, many buyers won’t spend even minutes in it. Buyers want to be able to explore the home, seeing every detail. Also, homes that are dark often convey a dreary tone and may give buyers the suspicion that there may be hidden damages in the home.

Interestingly, home staging fell to the number five spot. In the 2011, study it ranked third. However, for this year, do-it-yourself tasks such as repairing electrical and plumbing issues, and maintaining landscape, ranked higher, respectively.

“In a buyer’s market, sellers need to dress their homes for success before putting them on the market,” said Louis Cammarosano, General Manager at HomeGain.

It could be a sign of the times, that do-it-yourself home improvement projects are creating greater ROI. With many homes falling into foreclosure or being put on the market as a short sale, there is lots of inventory that is lacking a little tender loving care.

Sellers who are listing their home on the market should take a close look at the competition and then, as I’ve written in previous columns, see their home through the eyes of a potential buyer. In other words, check out its flaws and fix those issues.

Remember, buyers don’t have a history with your home. They’re not necessarily attached and willing to overlook the downside of your property.

Create a do-it-yourself task list and target those areas that need some work. Then bring in the experts to do the maintenance and repairs that need professional care. Investing a little more into increasing the potential sale of your home can mean not only more money but also a faster sale.

Rounding out the top 10 on the HomeGain.com National Home Improvements study are, shampoo or replace carpets, repair floors, paint interior walls, update kitchen & bathroom, and paint the exterior of the home.

Article courtesy of: Phoebe Chongchua, RealtyTimes.com

Home Sweet Home

Mark Johnson — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:07:39 +0000

Wilmington, NC home builder Mark Johnson Custom Homes would like to share with our readers testimonials from two recent clients whose homes we built in the Landfall community.

“We had a totally positive building experience with Mark Johnson Custom Homes during all phases of building our new home. Working with a builder when you are living out of state requires frequent and clear communication and a high level of trust, and MJCH more than met our expectations in those areas. There were no surprises at any time from start to finish, and if any problem came up, Mark was on top of the situation and taking steps to solve the problem at the same time he was notifying us of the matter. We really never worried about anything because we knew our home was in good hands at all times. After we moved in, MJCH proactively checked on any items he or we felt needed improvement and made sure we were completely satisfied. We love our new home and are very happy with the quality of its construction, the appearance inside and out, and details of the finishes. We highly recommend Mark Johnson Custom Homes. He and his team are incredibly pleasant to work with as well as very professional.”

Mark and Cindy Humphreville

“All our expectations were met. We really enjoyed working with Mark and his team. When we were there on site, the subs that we met were very nice and accommodating. The construction schedule was very helpful, we were able to plan our visits based on this schedule. This is a helpful tool for out of town customers such as us. We also enjoyed and appreciated the pictures. Since we could not be there often, the pictures were a means of watching the progress. If we were to build another home in the Wilmington area we would use MJCH. We would not hesitate recommending MJCH to anyone interested in building a new home. It was a long road from our initial discussions years ago to finishing our new home. We never considered another builder because we felt very comfortable and trusted Mark. We also appreciated his prompt follow up on issues after completion. Thanks for a job well done.”

Dan and Stephanie Verdelli