Weighing in on Stone Options

Stone has always been a material of choice for exteriors – from old world to contemporary,
SELECTION SAVVY
the options are virtually limitless. Today, new products are making stone more versatile for
a range of applications beyond the front door. Stone is becoming a popular option for accenting
the front of a bar, for example, rather than a wood panel. It can also be used to create a unique
fireplace fascia, highlight an arched doorway or for a focal point in the hearth room. Before
deciding on a particular look, your first step is to determine the “stone” that fits your needs and
budget. There are three primary types: full stone, cut stone veneer and manufactured stone. Full
stone is a beautiful choice with some limitations, primarily weight and cost. Cut or thin stone
is natural stone that is cut to less than two inches thick. Cut stone is just as durable as natural
stone, but is more versatile because it is lighter and can be applied on almost any interior or
exterior space at a lower cost. Cut stone also does not require a special foundation ledge for
exterior use, as does brick or full stone. Manufactured stone is another light-weight option.
Hundreds of precast stone options are available that replicate the texture, size, shape and color
of natural stone. Contact Kris Schmidt of Halquist Stone at (262) 246-3343 or Fred Konova-
lenko with American Fireplace at (262) 548-6050 to learn about the latest stone trends and the
many options available.

1229 West North Avenue

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
(414) 771-5563

The difference is in the details. Participation in the

ENERGY STAR Homes Program is one part of
James Craig’s commitment to building
homes that are designed to perform year after year.

Visit our new Web site at jamescraigbuilders.com

 Life comes Together at Home

Building Connection
Issue 4 Vol. 3

The New Greenbriar Model

French country charm meets rustic retreat in
the newest James Craig model scheduled to
open in January. The Greenbriar at Settler’s
Ridge is a 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath ranch designed
to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor
construction!
Greenbriar during living spaces, both in terms of functionality
nsultant for a private tour to see the
new home co
Ask a James Craig and architectural details. Unique ceiling treat-
ments, arches and thoughtful details abound.
The 2,342 sq. ft. home’s exterior will feature
First Look-Home & Lot Packages Available an abundance of exterior stone with exposed
Recognizing that determining a final price for a finished home can cedar beams at the gables, and the wood
be daunting for many people interested in building, James Craig beams will be carried through into the home’s
is offering guaranteed home and lot package pricing for its Settler’s soaring great room ceiling. Hardwood floors
Ridge subdivision. throughout the main living areas, combined
with painted woodwork in the bedrooms and
Prices start at $599,000 complete, including lot, septic, well, bathrooms create a balance of tones.
driveway/sidewalk and landscaping.* This isn’t a base price – this
is a comprehensive package with many extras included: The Greenbriar’s oversized great room, kitchen
and dinette function as a family living center.
* 9’ foundation with full exposure
A convienient covered grilling deck is acces-
* 6 windows in LL with patio door
* Composite deck
sible from the kitchen and there’s also a larger
* Water softener deck off of the dinette. The kitchen features
* $5,000 in appliances a large counter-height island with a separate
Permits, surveys, grading – everything is included Plus, all of the features snack ledge that creates just enough separa-
that are standard in every James Craig home – Andersen® windows, tion between the kitchen and open great room.
granite counter tops, custom cabinets, spa shower, premium carpeting, A crown moulding treatment with rope light-
an HRV system and more! Special offer is for the Baymont model on ing accent the gorgeous stepped ceiling in the
a choice of several prime ¾ acre lots – other packages are available. entire kitchen/dinette area.

INSIDE EXTENDED FAMILY SELECTION SAAVY IN THE KNOW

Comments from Craig’s The Bonin’s custom Baymont Exterior stone Fall maintenance
COMMENTS FROM CRAIG
Building with confidence. That’s what I hope we’re able
to give each of our customers. It’s peace-of-mind – knowing
you’ve selected a highly regarded builder that not only has
the expertise to build a beautiful home, but also the integrity
to always do what’s in the customer’s best interest.
As the former chairman of the Wisconsin Contractor
Certification Council and past president of the Metropoli-
tan Builder’s Association, I have been a vocal advocate
of professional education in our industry.
As a result of these efforts, today builders and contractors
must meet minimum education standards which includes
having at least one person in a firm who has achieved state-
certification in construction.
I’m pleased to tell you that each member of our sales staff
and both of our builders are Certified Construction Profes-
sionals. Our team is committed to professional excellence,
and we are constantly learning and sharing what we know.
It’s just one more reason that you can build with confi-
dence…we know you’ll love your James Craig home.
Your friend,

EXTENTED FAMILY Dave & Debbie Bonin’s

Custom Baymont
After touring the Parade of
Homes for many years, Dave
and Debbie Bonin decided they
were ready to take the leap and
build their dream home.
Debbie was sold on James
Craig and Dave says he couldn’t
find a reason not to build with
the company.
“We often walked through homes
during construction and saw
shoddy construction, designs
that were not well thought out
and builders using bottom tier
contractors,” says Dave, an en-
gineer and self-described “tough
customer.” We walked through
one of James Craig’s models
still under construction, essen-
tially a spec home, but they were
still doing things right they do
everything right, even when no
one is looking.’
“What’s really impressive is that
Dave &
Debbie B
onin so many subcontractors are also
James Craig customers and that
says a lot,” recalls Dave.
“We loved the subcontractors
and suppliers: Collins Wood-
work, Elektra Lights, Lakeside
Stoneworks” adds Debbie.
While the Bonins admit they
were willing to pay more to get
better quality, Dave carefully
tracked the project overruns. In
the end, they were much less
than he and Debbie expected,
especially for a such a custom
home.
“James Craig was very patient
with us, and any time we brought
up an issue during construction
it was not a big deal and it was
taken care of,” says Debbie.
“I try to follow the principal
of ‘least astonishment’ in my
work,” Dave says.
“There was no astonishment fac-
tor with the construction of our
home; no surprises.”
Visit the “Customer Connection”
section on the Web site for more
photos of the Bonin’s home.
 IN THE KNOW
IN THE KNOW

TIPS FOR WINTERIZING

YOUR JAMES CRAIG HOME
Preparing your home for winter can save you money, and
ultimately, prevent headaches. Here are a few items to add
to your fall “to do” list.
1. CONTROL HUMIDITY Change the setting on your
dehumidifier to the winter setting. A small amount of
moisture in the corner of windows indicates a com-
fortable humidity anything more is a red flag that the
humidity level is too high.
2. MAINTAIN THE HEATING SYSTEM It’s a good
idea to have the furnace professionally cleaned and
inspected annually. Also remember to change the
furnace filter regularly throughout the winter season.
3. PROGRAM THE THERMOSTAT It only takes a few
minutes, and according to Focus on Energy, turning
the temperature down five degrees at night or during
work can reduce heating bills by five percent.
4. REVERSE THE CEILING FAN Changing the direc-
tion of your fan will push warm air downward and
force it to recirculate. You’ll know your fan is in
winter mode if the blades are turning clockwise.
5 CHANGE ALARM BATTERIES Replace batteries
on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – they’re
lifesavers.
6. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS Get rid of leaves and
other debris from gutters to allow winter’s melting
snow to drain. Clogged drains can form ice dams, in
which water backs up, freezes and causes water to
seep into the house.
7. CHECK THE VENTS Remove lint from exterior
dryer vents and check fireplace vents for bird’s nests.
‘CAULK IT UP’
TO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Inspect caulk joints on your home’s exterior such as around
window and door trim, venting and even cable lines – check
for areas where caulk may be cracking and separating.
To properly re-caulk, cut away the old bead of caulk with
a utility knife and apply a fresh bead. The new caulk will
adhere better to a clean surface, so it’s a good idea to wash
the area first. Our pros use Tremco Vulkem® caulk in “Lime-
stone.” Caulk applied in a thin layer is more likely to crack,
so use a generous amount without going overboard. Use a
foam backer rod for larger gaps to avoid wasting caulk and
ensure the best performance.
Allow the new caulk to cure for several days before
repainting.
WELCOME HOME!
We’re pleased to announce that the
following families have recently closed
on their new James Craig home.
7/9 David & Rachel Landis – Sussex
7/16 Debra Kattner – Franklin
8/29 Mike & Kathy Sonnentag – Sussex
9/17 Jim & Kim Gehl – Slinger

8. PREPARE THE LAWN FOR SPRING According to

the Yard Doctor, Trey Rogers, Ph.D., winterizing your
lawn in the fall helps ensure a healthy, great-looking
lawn in spring.
Apply a broad leaf herbicide at a low rate to control
broad leaf weeds such as dandelion.
Cut the lawn a little shorter at the end of the mowing
season. Remove thatch and aerate to allow fertilizer James Craig Builders earned the 2008
to reach grass roots. Pacesetter Award for outstanding customer
service from Custom Home magazine.