MERLE MAGAZINE
four seasons of outdoor fun
SPRING 2019
Contents
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welcome
Selecting the Best Roof Type for Your Home
07 Four Seasons of Fun
10 Price per Square Foot Dilemma
12 Growth in Kittitas County
Kititas County is truly an amazing place to live, work and play. The beauty of four seasons paired with the serenity of the mountain environment makes it the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. As winter comes to an end, we begin looking forward to what’s coming next. A new season, new projects and new outdoor activities are on the horizon. We also have a brand-new website that showcases our work and tells the story of our team! Check it out at merleinc.com This issue is dedicated to discussing detailed topics related to custom home building, including how to select a quality roof and factors to consider when determining the feasibility of a project. We also share insider details about some of our favorite outdoor activities for each season! Whether you’re looking to move here full time or visit on the weekends, Kittitas County truly has something for everyone. We love building homes where families can build a lifetime of memories while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
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METAL VS. COMPOSITE Finding the Right Roof for Your Home There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the perfect roof for your home. Style, cost, maintenance and longevity are all important details. Metal and composite roofs are two of the best quality products available. While each type has advantages and disadvantages, both metal and composite materials produce excellent roofs. The advantages of metal roofs include longevity and durability. When installed correctly, metal roofs can be a green feature of your home by improving insulation and reducing energy needed for heating and cooling. Metal roofs are fire and wind resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Another factor to consider when determining if metal is right for you is snowfall. On average, Cle Elum gets 46 inches of snow per year. Metal roofs are slippery 3
and can result in large chunks of snow falling off the roof. It’s important to consider roof-lines and pitch with proximity to entry points to avoid any chilly accidents. Snow guards can also be installed to help disperse the snow, but add additional cost. Composite roofs are made from a blend of compressed materials to create durable shingles. These types of roofs have been common on houses for many years and provide a more traditional look to the home. One advantage of a composite roof is affordability. The material itself is less expensive than metal.
A well-crafted composite roof is also very durable. When properly installed, it will not crack or peel and can withstand high winds. Most manufacturers offer a 3050 year warranty on the product. Both material types offer high quality roofing solutions. It’s up to you to decide which fits best with your style and priorities. Discuss your options with your homebuilder and architect to ensure you make the right choice! 4
FEATURED
HOME TRADITIONAL SUNCADIA HOME Completed Fall 2018
View the entire house and additional projects at merleinc.com
The family living space inspired all aspects of this heavy timber Suncadia home.
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From the open concept living area to the covered outdoor patio and children’s play area, this home presents a comfortable and functional area to entertain family and friends.
The backside of the home features a breathtaking view of the golf course. With a covered patio, hot tub and outdoor fire-pit, this home was made for a family that loves the outdoors. 6
FOUR SEASONS OF FUN
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Located in the heart of the Cascades and in the middle of Washington State, Kittitas County is a convenient getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is an outdoor enthusiasts dream come true with endless activities to do throughout the year. Our climate is unique to Washington and showcases four distinct seasons. From vibrant fall colors to snowy winter days and beautiful summer sunshine, you can experience it all!
WINTER
Snowshoeing: There are lots of options for expert and novice snowshoers throughout the county. From back country adventures on Sasse Ridge, Mount Margaret and Thorp Mountain to leisure strolls through Suncadia, snowshoeing is a fun way to explore the winter wonderland. Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling offers a fast paced exciting ride for thrill seekers. With 2,300 square miles of terrain and 600 miles of groomed trails, Kittitas County is the ideal spot to try out this motorsport. You can bring your own snowmobile or rent one from one of the many shops. There are also guided snowmobile tours that are excellent for groups!
SPRING
Golfing: Eighteen holes in breathtaking natural settings, excellent conditions and great affordability is what you’ll find in Central Washington. With numerous courses spread throughout the county, there’s a perfect spot for all skill levels to play a round. Ellensburg Golf and Country Club, Sun Country Golf and Prospector at Suncadia are a few of the great courses. Hiking: Fresh air and breathtaking views are endless in Kittitas County. Expert outdoorsmen and weekend relaxers can enjoy the numerous trails designed for all skill levels. Red Top Lookout, Coal Mine Trail and Iron Peak Trailhead are perfect outdoor escapes. Suncadia Resort also boasts more than 40 miles of hiking trails.
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FOUR SEASONS OF FUN SUMMER
Camping: There’s no better way to connect with nature than sleeping under the stars. Whether you prefer to camp in a tent or an RV, there are lots of options to satisfy your camping style! Wish Poosh, Bonanza Campground and Owhi are a few of the excellent campgrounds. Biking: If bike riding is your “happy place,” then Central Washington’s the place for you! Whether you prefer hitting the asphalt on two wheels or enjoy exploring off road, there are numerous options for all bikers. The Coal Mine Trail, Progress Path and Suncadia offer wellgroomed biking options.
FALL
Hunting and Fishing: Kittitas County is truly an outdoors-person’s paradise. There’s an abundant variety of wildlife including elk, deer, pheasants, turkeys, rainbow trout and salmon. Nothing beats fly fishing in the Teanaway River or traversing the back roads in pursuit of large game and small foul. Leaf Viewing: The fall colors in Kittitas County are worth taking a trip to see. Drive throughout the county and you’ll see numerous vibrant shades of red, yellow and green. It truly looks like a postcard! Fall is the perfect time to take a hike or ride your bike to fully experience the natural beauty. 8
MERLE’S NEW LOOK We’re proud to present our brand new website! The new layout and content are designed to provide users with a preview of our projects and story. The design reflects the modern, clean aesthetic of our homes and demonstrates the beauty of the area. Check it out and let us know what you think! merleinc.com.
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PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT DILEMMA
Why Traditional Estimation Equations Don’t Work for Custom Homes The number one question clients ask
homebuilders is how much will my house cost? As consumers, we are used to buying products with a fixed and expected price. For example, we can browse online sites and know exactly how much a new phone, pair of shoes or car will cost. When it comes to designing a home, determining the price is difficult. In the case of a phone, pair of shoes or car, you know exactly what the product looks like and the features it includes. A custom home is a compilation of items that come together to make your dream a reality. To begin understanding custom home prices, you must look at the project as a package of all items that go into the processes and finishes of your house. A few factors that influence your overall cost are:
So, what does this mean? If you can identify each item that will go into your home (from toilets to doorknobs and everything in between), then we can provide you project cost. Otherwise, your spending plan will be a work in progress. While the task seems daunting, our team of experts are here to help guide you through the process. We will discuss how certain selections will impact your overall cost prior to execution. Additionally, our project coordinators will help guide you through each phase and advise you about economical decisions. Check out our website at merleinc.com to learn more about our process and how we develop Projected Spending Plans.
• Kitchen grade and finishes • Number of windows and materials • Types of flooring • Interior trim • Roofing materials • Scheduling changes due to weather, homeowner changes and sub availability This is just the beginning! There are hundreds of additional line items that will impact your final product.
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Growth in
KITTITAS COUNTY For the second consecutive year, Kittitas County ranked among the top 10 fastest growing micropolitan areas in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Kittitas County ranked as the eighth fastest growing area with a 2.8% population increase. The estimated population is now well over 46,200 compared to 44,928 in the previous year. Additionally, the County was ranked as the 10th fastest growing county by percentage in the United States from 2015 to 2016 with a 4.2 percent growth rate and shows no signs of slowing down in the future. The County issued more than 230 permits for new homes in 2018. As housing costs continue to rise in Western Washington, people are moving east to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and less congested highways.
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WANT MORE MERLE? Curious about our work? Check out our website and social media sites. Or give us a call. We’d love to meet you! merleinc.com | Instagram: @merle.inc | Facebook: @MerleInc1 | 509.852.7695