San Antonio Building Savvy April 2022

April 2022

San Antonio’s Homebuilding Industry Publication

TERRAMARK URBAN HOMES Bringing Life to Neglected Neighborhoods

IBS SHOWHOMES Beverly Smirnis

SAVVY SPOTLIGHT Guido Companies

PRIMARY ELECTION COVERAGE Jim Leonard

PHOTO BY JASON ROBERTS

Customer Review Rating

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Building Savvy

SAVVY’S A-LIST A-LIST SAVVY’S Air Conditioning Architectural Photographer Classic Services AC Jason Roberts And Associates 830.358.1499 210.789.2033 www.classicairconditioningandwww.jasonroberts.biz heating.com Builder Financing

Architectural Photographer AmCap Home Loans Jason Roberts and Associates 210.422.2114 210.789.2033 www.jasonroberts.biz Building Materials Guido Companies

Building Materials 210.344.8321 BMC www.guidoco.com 512.977.7400 www.buildwithbmc.com MG Building Materials 210.623.4770

Guido Companies 210.344.8321 Doors www.guidoconstruction.com

Doors Electrician The Front Door Company Balcones Creek Electric 210.340.3141 210.368.6057 www.thefrontdoorco.com

Flooring Granite Countertops Sunn Carpets and Flooring Venetian Marble & Granite 210.349.7866 210.695.3505 www.sunncarpets.com

Mortgage Pool Builder Company

Garage Doors Hollywood-Crawford Home Warranties 210.494.3434 StrucSure www.hollywoodcrawford.com 830-624-4450

Pest Control Accurate Pest Control Roofer 210.495.0499 Kendall County Roofing www.accuratepest.net

830.331.2650

www.strucsure.com

www.kendallcountyroofing.com

https://venetiancountertops.com

Wilbert’s Power

Electrician 210.392.2517 JPI Electric www.wilbertspower.com 210.233.6638 Elevators www.jpielectric.com Home Elevator of Texas

Elevators 210.340.5702 Home Elevator of Texas www.homeelevator.com 210.340.5702 www.homeelevator.com Flooring

Home Warranties Centricity Insulation 727.385.7599

Sunn Carpets and Flooring

830.228.5040 StrucSure 830-624-4450 www.strucsure.com Insurance

Foam One-One

Fireplace Installations 210.349.7866 Integrity Fireplace Installations www.sunncarpets.com 210.294.1383

The Front Door Company

Garage Doors

210.340.3141

Hollywood-Crawford

www.thefrontdoorco.com

210.494.3434

Hotchkiss Insurance

Insulation 210.581.0420 Klar Insulation www.hiallc.com 210.296.5499

www.hollywoodcrawford.com

Lumber and Millwork Luxury Iron Doors and Interiors Roddis Lumber AMS Group 210.226.1426 210.366.0490 www.roddislumber.com Luxury Iron Doors and Interiors AMS Group 210.366.0490

SunnCarpetsFlooringAmerica.com 210.349.7866 200 W Nakoma • San Antonio

Plumbing Diamond Plumbing 210.967.6100 Smart Home Technology www.dptexas.com JPI Electric

210.233.6638 Roofer

www.jpielectric.com Kendall County Roofing

830.331.2650 www.kendallcountyroofing.com

HomeWerks Specialty Electronics and

Roddis Lumber Hotchkiss Insurance 210.581.0420 210.226.1426 www.hiallc.com www.roddislumber.com

Visit our website to see what’s on sale.

www.infinitypoolstx.com

Specialty Electronics and Appliances

Lumber and Millwork Insurance

210.248.2556

Aligned Mortgage 210.874.1630 210.460.1580 www.alignedmortgage.com Infinity Pools of Texas

Appliances 210.499.5760 HomeWerks www.sanantoniocentralvac.com

210.499.5760 www.sanantoniocentralvac.com

Specialty Glass and Mirror

Specialty B&T Glass Glass and Mirror B&T Glass 210.656.8507

210.656.8507 www.btglassandmirror.com

www.btglassandmirror.com

Title Company First American Title 817.918.2323 www.firstam.com

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily re ect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Building Savvy magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies. NOTE: When community events take place, photographers may be present to take photos for that event and they may be used in this publication.

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SPECIALIZING IN EXCEPTIONAL ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEO PRODUCTION • GRAPHIC DESIGN • web site development

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PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEO PRODUCTION • GRAPHIC DESIGN

In addition to Building Savvy Magazine, photography and graphic design by Jason Roberts has also been published in Texas Monthly, Cowboys and Indians, Luxury Home Magazine, San Antonio Woman Magazine, The Inspiring Woman Book and may other quality periodicals as well as numerous applications for print and electronic media for a wide variety of clients.

Contact me for a no-cost consultation to discuss your next creative project!

210.789.2033 jr@jasonroberts.biz

Featured image photographed for Mabery Contracting (A Boot Ranch Preferred Builder)

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[From The Publisher]

THE THEME FOR 2022 EVOLUTION TO ADDRESS CHANGING NEEDS Inside, this month’s Savvy Special Report recaps our columnist, Beverly Smirnis’ trip to the International Builders Show® (IBS) in Orlando where she visited the New American Remodel® (TNAR) and The New American Home® (TNAH) and conducted interviews with the products featured in the exhibits on the floor.

The show, its showcase homes and the latest building products underscore what has changed to address the pressing needs for a growing and changing population of homeowners. Building product introductions aimed to make construction less complex yet more precise and requiring fewer skilled laborers to install them were the ones that garnered the attention of the professional judges who decided on the IBS Best Of awards.

Our theme of evolution to address changing needs continues with our recap of how far the fenestration industry has come in terms of thermal insulation, solar heat control, reduced energy costs, advanced structural strength, improved safety, better sound insulation and reduced maintenance. No longer can windows and doors be called the weak link in a building envelope!

Is it time to make some needed changes in your business or diversify your offerings? Perhaps you need to go back to the drawing board to design some plans that better address the specific niche in the market that you target. Maybe your goal is to make your homes more appealing to a broader range of buyers, or you want to diversify into a more profitable sector of the market or into one that poses to be longer-standing.

While we know that many of you enjoy our Savvy Trucks & Toys columns just because you are car buffs, another reason for including this column in a home building industry publication lies in the fact that it is often telling to compare two industries that tend to mirror one another as far as trends are concerned. This month’s story on the Hyundai brand may indeed inspire some of you to take a look at their vehicles, but I believe the brand story may also be a good example to those of us making transitions to keep our businesses relevant and satisfying for the long term.

Happy reading!

Terry Kemmy Publisher 210.844.1542

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[industry news]

March 2022 Primary Elections Bexar county and Texas citizens headed to the polls on March 1 in the state primary elections to decide who would be representing their parties in the November elections.

By Jim Leonard President, Greenboro Homes

N

ational Democrat rising star Alexandra Ocasio- Cortez was in San Antonio to lend her support to a couple of local candidates running for U.S. House seats. AOC proved her worth as both candidates appear to be headed to huge wins. In House District 28, 18year veteran Henry Cuellar appears to be losing his seat in congress to Jessica Cisneros.

Cisneros, an immigration attorney, lost to Cuellar in 2020 in a very close election. Cuellar is currently under FBI investigation and has had some well publicized words with AOC.

8

Apparently, AOC came to San Antonio with the intent of sending

Rick Perry stepped down to run for US President. Abbott has been

Cuellar packing. Cuellar has been accused by his more liberal party

recently criticized for his handling of the state freeze last year but

members of being too conservative. After trailing by a huge margin

has been strong on border security and standing up to the President

as the polls closed and early voting was counted, Cuellar began

regarding the handling of Covid-19.

gaining ground as the night moved along. It now appears that this

Dan Patrick easily won the Republican primary race for Lieutenant

primary will head to a runoff as Cuellar has moved slightly ahead but

Governor with 78% of the vote. In a surprise, it looks as though Ken

is shy of the 50% of votes needed to win outright. Less than 1,000

Paxton will be heading to a runoff against challenger and former Land

votes separate the two.

Commissioner George Bush in the race for Attorney General. Paxton

On the republican side, that race appears to be headed to a runoff.

faces several lawsuits and may be able to be replaced by Bush.

In House District 35, former Austin City Councilman Greg Casar held

Locally, the race for Bexar County Judge will see a change in that

a substantial lead. Casar was also endorsed by Ocasio- Cortez.

seat for the first time in 20 years as Nelson Wolff has decided to

District 35 has been represented by Lloyd Doggett from Austin for

retire. On the Republican side, Trish DeBerry is leading with 65% of

the past ten years. Due to redistricting and a new seat becoming

the vote. DeBerry has owned a local PR firm in town for years. She

open in Austin, Doggett decided to concentrate in Austin where he

was elected to Commissioners Court last year. After barely a year in

has lived his entire life.

the position, she resigned to be able to run for County Judge. That decision may be working well as she will head into the November

In the race for Governor, Greg Abbott will face challenger Beto O’Rourke who each handily won their primary races.

election as the Republican nominee. In the Democratic primary,

O’Rourke

former Judge Peter Sakai leads State Representative Ina Minjarez

gained national fame a few years back when he narrowly lost to US

43% to 30%. Those two will head to a runoff election in May.

Senator Ted Cruz. Abbott has led the state for several years since StrucSure_BuildingSavvy_March2022.pdf

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2/14/22

2:18 PM

SCOTT WHISENANT

Vice President of Sales, Central & Southwest Texas (830) 624-4450 swhisenant@strucsure.com www.strucsure.com

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HOW THE NATION’S BEST BUILDERS PROTECT THEIR BUYERS 9

[Focus Section]

LET THERE BE LIGHT! THE EVOLUTION OF RESIDENTIAL FENESTRATION

By Beverly Smirnis

M

odern windows and doors have come a long way in thermal insulation, solar heat Weighing the positive and negative aspects of each type of

control, reduced energy costs, advanced

structural strength, improved safety, better sound

window frame material and balancing that with the style of

insulation and reduced maintenance.

the home and its budget is important, but what’s even more important is what’s inside the frame. Double-paned windows with Low-E glass and a vacuum-sealed argon fill are often

Savings on HVAC equipment sizing and reduced monthly

necessary to meet the minimum requirements of modern

utility bills can offset the extra cost of buying a superior, high

energy codes which limit the U-factor and solar-heat-gain

efficiency window that blocks exterior heat to reduce reliance

coefficient according to climate zone. Safety glazing, fall

on cooling systems in the warm season, while trapping more

protection, and emergency escape and rescue are other

heat inside a house and keeping window surfaces warm and

aspects of code compliance contractors need to understand

dry in the cold season.

when specifying windows and doors.

10

Ultra high-efficiency products are usually twice as

While the window and door industry has come a long way already, technology

efficient as double-pane units and some narrow the

poses to soon introduce a new class of windows in the form of “smart” windows,

performance gap between the opening and the wall

including windows that capture or create solar energy posing to turn practically any

on which they’re installed. Besides better energy

everyday glass surface into a solar cell. Glass with switchable glazing is another

efficiency and comfort, upgrading your windows

fast-progressing technology. Electrochromic technology allows windows to change

beyond the minimum requirements can provide a list

from clear to opaque with the touch of a button help reduce cooling costs during

of benefits which are even more highly prized since

summer months and increase privacy year-round. Other types of glass technology

the Covid-19 pandemic:

work without electricity to intuitively transitions from clear to dark. Photochromic

•

allowing more natural light into a home.

Technological advances in glass and glazing allowing windows to block cold or heat without

glass can respond to changes in light, working like eyeglasses that tint themselves on sunny days. Thermochromic technology can automatically change from clear to diffused to white and reflective in response to heat.

also blocking natural light from entering a house.

With thoughtful window placement and exterior landscaping most of a home’s daytime lighting needs can be met.

•

better soundproofing. The benefits of dampening excessive noise on the quality of life are wide-ranging, affecting our health and behavior.

•

improved indoor air quality (IAQ). Reducing the amount of dust and air pollutants that can enter the home and mitigating moisture build-up that can lead to mold and mildew makes healthier IAQ easier to attain

•

better quality of life overall. Less dust means less housekeeping. Better windows can also mean less maintenance is required.

Of course, even choosing the very best window assures no benefits if it’s not installed properly. While the International Residential Code (IRC) establishes minimum flashing requirements, it does not provide detailed installation guidance. It’s quite often the window and door manufacturers who stipulate a caulk/sealant at the top and side flanges, but not at the bottom flange (to allow drainage). A savvy contractor will make certain that pre-installation

The Bottom Line: Better windows with high tech features and which are designed with ease of installation in mind, lead to new design possibilities. “Glass houses” that are healthy and light-filled yet private, strong and secure, low maintenance and zero energy are on the drawing boards of savvy builders. No longer must windows be the weakest energy efficiency link in a building envelope!

waterproofing, and proper flashing and caulking are done with an eye to detail, otherwise ensuing water leaks will cause a barrage of problems that could have been easily prevented.

In a hot market challenged with persistent supply and labor challenges products that are easy to install for contractors and provide better ease of use for the end user are the stand-outs among recent window

Beverly Smirnis is the co-founder of Building Savvy magazine and publishes its flagship Dallas/Fort Worth edition. She and her business partner and husband, Steve Smirnis, have served as judges for the International Builders’ Show Best of IBS Awards and judged numerous homes for builders association parade events across the country.

and door introductions.

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[Home Warranty Report]

SINGLE FAMILY BUILD-FOR-RENT IS THIS A TREND OR A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

B

uild-for-Rent is a term we’re hearing more and more these

Structural Defect warranty is a good

days in the context of single family residential construction.

business decision that gives builders a

The term commonly refers to a business model where single

competitive edge in a growing market.

family detached homes are built to either hold by the builder or sell

StrucSure Home Warranty provides builders

to investors for the purpose of long-term rental income properties.

By Scott Whisenant

and investors with the financially strongest

The nationwide trend addresses market conditions created by

protection for investment properties by transferring risk to a third-

circumstances ranging from the lingering effects of the global

party backed by A-rated Lloyd’s of London, the oldest and largest

financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the shifting

reinsurance market in the world.

priorities and desires of consumers.

Tips for Strengthening Your Build-for-Rent Progam: Factors driving the trend: •

•

Steadily growing percentage of renters (according to the Pew

Make your offering to investors or future buyers more attractive by including a 10-year, fully transferable warranty against Major

Research Center, more U.S. households are renting than at any

Structural Defects

point in 50 years) •

Assign your risk to a third-party, insurance-backed, warranty

•

Ease of geographic relocation

•

Housing supply shortages

•

Avoid costly investigation fees for suspected structural issue

•

Affordability and attainability

•

Avoid costly repairs on covered major structural defect from the

•

Meets demand for larger, more flexible spaces for live, work, and

company

roof to the foundation

play

•

Avoid costly litigation with an “all inclusive” mandatory arbitration clause

In addition to addressing the factors described above, builders can provide features normally out of reach for renters such as luxury amenities, state-of-the-art technologies, healthy, low-maintance

To learn more about our investor-specific warranty coverage

homes in neighborhoods that offer a sense of place and community.

programs, contact Scott Whisenant, Vice President of Sales,

It’s easy to see why this investment model could very well become

Central & Southwest Texas at 830-624-4450 or

the new norm.

swhisenant@strucsure.com.

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[Savvy Finance]

WHEN DID YOUR EMPLOYEES LAST UPDATE WITHHOLDING?

By Steven Bankler, CPA

Did you or your employees receive a surprising tax bill last year?

The result? In the last three years, nearly three in 10 tax-filing

The new W-4 that was released in December 2019 could be the

Americans received an unusually large tax bill or tax refund. The

cause. Additional factors this year could exacerbate the problem.

pre-2020 W-4s and the TCJA changes are a volatile combination— exemptions and deductions between the two don’t match up.

O

nly about one in four American taxpayers updated their withholding when the IRS released the new W-4 in 2019. Going back another year, reports

Then came the pandemic. Millions of returns from last tax season still

the American Institute of Certified Professional

await review (which means the taxpayers don’t know if they overpaid

Accountants (AICPA), only 16% made changes to their form

or underpaid). According to the IRS, many of these returns were

after withholding tables changed due to the Tax Cuts & Jobs

suspended during processing due to discrepancies between amounts

Act (TCJA). In fact, nearly half of taxpayers have no idea when

claimed on the returns and amounts reflected on IRS records, most

they last updated their withholding.

commonly involving Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) claims.

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A similar problem is expected this tax season due to two advance

You’re required to remind employees to update their W-4s every year,

tax credits, a third round of Economic Impact Payments, and

but that doesn’t mean everyone’s getting the hint—and the avoidable

monthly payments of the Advance Child Tax Credit for the second

surprises that ensue can be overwhelming to them. And what about

half of 2021. As a result, millions of discrepancies—and math error

you? When was the last time you updated your own W-4? If you’re

notices—remain likely, says the IRS.

the business owner, your tax obligations are likely more complex than your employees’. Talk to your tax advisor about any changes

We’ve all been told that life changes including marriage, divorce,

you may want to make so that your tax payments better line up with

births, and grown children leaving the nest are vital reasons to

what’s actually due.

update withholding amounts. The form changes and credits above provide more reasons. But that doesn’t mean we remember to update W-4s as a result.

What’s the problem with overpaying or underpaying taxes in this

Steven Bankler has more than 45 years of experience in the

context? Those who love their refunds overlook a basic right that

accounting industry. Steven’s expertise lies in consulting, planning,

even the IRS asserts: The right to pay no more than the correct

tax, and asset protection as well as exit strategy services for

amount of taxes. In short, overpaying the IRS comes with a

closely-held businesses. He also provides litigation support (both

price. You’re essentially “loaning” money to the IRS to hold onto

as a testifying expert witness and a consulting expert), business

temporarily—money that could be used or invested in other ways.

negotiations, and estate planning. Visit www.bankler.com for

Employees who overpay may also have an unfair perception of

additional tax strategy tips and to learn more about Steven Bankler,

their take-home pay and, therefore, it can affect your retention and

CPA, Ltd.

employee satisfaction. And let’s not forget the delays: Those who count on their refund every year are finding themselves waiting longer than expected. Underpaying, on the other hand, holds more obvious consequences: A surprising and sometimes devastating tax bill that may include interest and penalties.

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12402 West Ave San Antonio, TX 78216 210.340.3141

[Savvy Builder]

TERRAMARK

Terramark communities are located in

URBAN HOMES

Points, Westfort, Government Hill and Alamo

sought-after downtown neighborhoods like Dignowity Hill, Southtown, Tobin Hill, Five Heights. These are some of the fastest growing and most popular areas in the city. As with revitalization in many downtowns, San Antonio’s has become increasingly walkingfriendly with outdoor spaces, music venues,

ith over 20 years of design and construction experience,

high-end restaurants and bars.

Terramark Urban Homes is one of the leading builders of urban dwellings in San Antonio. They are “infill developers” who

Since 2000, Terramark has built hundreds of

design modern, low maintenance, energy-efficient homes in

homes in Houston and San Antonio. Starting

urban and historic neighborhoods. Infill development is the use

in 2013, they began their first project in the

of land in established neighborhoods for new development or

downtown San Antonio area. Since then,

redevelopment, often as part of a municipality’s redevelopment

the company has completed 17 different

or economic growth strategy. In urban areas, waves of industrial and residential

communities totaling over 200 homes,

development, redevelopment and evolution may leave some land, lots or buildings

including the Southlake development at City

either unused or underused.

Base (Brooks Air Force Base).

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Southlake is the first for-sale housing development in Brooks history, allowing home buyers to purchase property belonging to the former Air Force Base. The single-family development aims to allow current Brooks residents and first-time home buyers the opportunity to remain on the Southside and realize their dreams of homeownership, while also attracting new residents to the area from throughout the region.

“Brooks has all the key elements needed to deliver on the live-workplay model today’s buyers demand,” said Charlie Turner, CEO of Terramark Urban Homes. “We are excited to be part of their vision and pioneer for-sale housing at Brooks.

‘‘

“We rarely build the same project twice,” Turner continues. “We want to create communities that are vibrant and modern yet blend seamlessly into the downtown landscape. Our projects are carefully designed to

‘‘

maximize efficiency, value and aesthetic appeal. We are dedicated to offering a variety of styles, locations and price levels of homes in the city’s fastest growing urban areas.”

Before moving into San Antonio, Turner spent 20 years in the

John Cooley (l-r), Charlie Turner and Reid Curry

Houston market developing a wide variety of commercial projects.

After the real estate fall out in 2008, he started concentrating more on distressed properties, shopping centers and new medical offices

Around 2010, after a company reorganization, Turner set his sights on

and retail. Turner was also one of the early developers of master

San Antonio. “I felt that San Antonio was an untapped market for infill

planned communities like Sugar Land, TX. When he was on that

development and the type of projects we specialize in, which is two-

project there were about 8,000 residents. Today there are over

and three-story townhomes. I noticed a great deal of vacant land here

150,000.

and not near as much competition as there was in Houston.”

So Charlie began commuting from Houston to San Antonio several times a month to stake out a new territory. One of his first projects was a 2,500-acre master-planned community near Mission Espada. Charlie worked closely with then mayor Ed Garza and started developing key relationships in the building circles.

In 2015 Turner hired his son-in-law John Cooley away from the world of option trading and commodities. Cooley opened up a small office space in San Antonio, while Charlie continued his IH-10 weekly commutes. Terramark was a very lean outfit then with less than a handful of employees. Initially the company’s biggest challenge was assembling a crew that understood how to tackle a three-story townhouse.

“Finding a project manager in San Antonio that understood how to build a three-story townhome wasn’t easy,” says Cooley. “In Houston these guys are everywhere. But we were introducing something fairly new to the area…a hybrid of sorts. It’s not a traditional custom home,

Tawnie Arevalos

and not an apartment building.”

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Turner and his team worked hard to quickly establish solid relationships with excellent tradesmen and suppliers. Here’s what some of them had to say : “They do great projects! They communicate well and make things easy for us to get in and out.”

Greg Woodard – Foam-It “I appreciate their willingness to explore new ideas, new ways of doing things… thinking outside the box. They trust us as partners in delivering solutions to their requests Brandon Rickett – IES Electrical “I enjoy Terramark because of the

Today Terramark, a family-oriented

relationship we have with them. It’s

company, has 23 employees and is

awesome to see how involved they get

headquartered on the near East Side of San

with their projects. They really care about

Antonio. They restored the former Childress

the communities and neighborhoods

Memorial Church Of God In Christ’s

where they build. They are great people to

Fellowship Hall, a structure that remains

work with!

standing despite a massive fire in 2013

Rick Rivera – McCoys

that burned the rest of the property to the ground.

“The Terramark team is very easy to work

Cooley is now the Chief Operations Officer.

with. I really appreciate their patience

Another Turner son-in-law, Reid Curry, is

with me and the multiple lines of cabinets

the Vice President of Construction. And Tawnie Arevalos is the design and marketing

I distribute. Great company.”

coordinator.

Eddie Michalik – M.B. Cabinetry

“We focus on housing in and around downtown and we currently have about 50 homes under construction,” adds Cooley. “We really enjoy the challenges building higher density

“I’ve become great friends with Reid.

projects present and see that as an area we can add value. Our buyers tend to skew

Terramark is my favorite builder client.

younger which means our homes have to balance fresh finishes with great value. It is

They are very patient and understanding

really exciting when we strike that perfect balance and can hit a project out of the park.”

of what everyone is going through during

Like everyone else these days Terramark’s biggest challenges are cost volatility and

a great job with bringing growth to the

affordability. “This current building environment is crazy, and it requires our team to look farther out on their schedule and work harder on pricing than ever before,” Cooley adds. “I have no doubt it is making us better builders, but it sure isn’t very enjoyable in the interim.”

Terramark is a member of the Texas Custom Builder’s Guild, a group of 20 local builders.

The group works closely with subs and suppliers to resolve issues, negotiate bulk pricing and discuss best-practices. They’ve also been acclaimed “Best Developer” and “Best Affordable Housing Project” by the San Antonio Business Journal.

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these crazy times. Terramark is doing city through their revitalization efforts.

They work hard at creating lasting relationships, and people see that and appreciate them even more.”

Jacob Criado – Ferguson

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« Guido HQ »

n 2011, when Chris Guido, a fourth-generation family member, joined Guido Companies to run the lumber division, he could not have envisioned the tremendous amount of growth that was to come. When Chris took over, Guido Lumber Company had just gone through an ownership change and had managed to endure the housing crisis of the previous few years.

‘‘

“That was really a pivotal moment for our business,” says Chris. “Guido Lumber Company has been selling lumber in San Antonio since 1947. We have been a reliable fixture

With the lesser-known sister company to the 95-year-old, well-respected

in the residential construction scene, but adding Marvin

Guido Construction Company, Chris saw an opportunity to grow the stagnated

Windows and Doors really helped take our business to the

lumber business by expanding the window and door segment. Guido

next level, and began our venture into the luxury window

Materials’ first big break came in 2016 when, after years of persistence,

and door market. We have not looked back since.”

Antonio. This made Guido Materials one of only two new dealers in the state of Texas, and the first to open in Texas in more than 30 years.

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‘‘

Marvin Windows and Doors opened Guido Materials as their lead dealer in San

With Growth Comes Change In 2018, Guido Lumber Company changed its name to Guido Materials to better reflect its diverse business focus. “We are still experts in the lumber business, but now we are also experts in Windows, Doors, Decking, and Siding. Changing our name, which was a big step for us, helped to reflect that. In addition, the new name gives us the flexibility to add new product categories when it makes sense for our business and for our customers,” adds Guido. “In the last five years, we have expanded our window and door product lines to include more luxury brands like La Cantina, Western and Arcadia Steel. In 2020, we opened our Window and Door Replacement Division, which focuses solely on window and door replacements in existing homes. We have grown so

« Chris Guido »

quickly in such a short time, it’s been quite a ride.”

So, What’s Next for Guido Materials?

According to Chris, Guido Materials doesn’t have any plans to slow down. Their team is busy working on plans to open up a Window and Door showroom in southwest Austin later in the year.

Additionally Guido Materials has also been named a Coastline Dealer for Marvin Windows and Doors, a line of windows and doors that are engineered to provide the best coastal views but withstand the worst coastal weather. “We are excited about all of the growth and change. It’s hard to believe Guido Materials will be celebrating 75 years in business. I am so proud of our team and all of the success we have had and we are looking forward to what the next 75 years bring.”

« Fredericksburg Office »

Visit guidoco.com for more information.

New Window and Door Showrooms in Fredericksburg and Austin The growth hasn’t stopped there. Guido Materials broke ground in 2021 on their new showroom in Fredericksburg, TX (during the height of Covid-19), which will support the ever-growing market in the Texas Hill Country. “We are really excited about our new showroom in Fredericksburg. It’s in a great location, at the corner of Hwy 16 and Friendship Lane, which it makes it easily accessible to many of the Hill Country communities.”

Guido Materials has already been operating out of Fredericksburg for several years and is excited to be putting down permanent roots. “It is a wonderful community that we are looking forward to being a part of. Fredericksburg has such rich history and it felt like a natural next step in the long history of Guido Materials. We will continue to run our lumber distribution out of San Antonio. With our central San Antonio location and easy access to all major roads, we are able to easily deliver to within the city, the Hill Country and beyond,” Chris added.

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[Savvy Special Report]

IBS SHOWHOMES ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF A CHANGING POPULATION Our first stop on media preview night of the two homes built to

By Beverly Smirnis

showcase the latest and greatest in design and products was TNAR 2022. Located in a beautiful neighborhood on the banks of Lake

Both the New American Remodel® (TNAR) and The New

Sue, the original home was a 2,543 square foot two-bedroom, two-

American Home® (TNAH) as well as the products featured in

bath home with a den built in 1963. “But when you want to have an

the exhibits on the floor of the International Builders Show®

office, maybe a gym and a pool, you need more square footage,” noted remodeler Eric Gray of Designer Trade Services, who had

(IBS) underscore the pressing needs for a growing and changing

previously remodeled the same home some years before.

population of homeowners.

A

With Architecture by Phil Kean and Designer Trade Services overseeing the home’s transformation, TNAR 2022 remains a

s people became more accustomed to spending both

one-story home, now with 6,993 square-feet. Much of the original

more working time and more leisure time at home, the

structure, roof and walls of the home were retained including the

resulting home design trends continue post-pandemic.

great room and its original fireplace and the front porch that faces

Whether they’re buying a new home or remodeling

the lake and a bedroom/bathroom. While the home is now five

their existing home, people are looking for more functionality

bedrooms and four and one-half baths with a three-car garage,

and sustainability with plenty of living and entertaining space.

exercise room, exquisite indoor-outdoor living features and a

“Detached ADU” (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is the latest buzzword;

detached guest house and summer kitchen, the home still retains its

these valued structures are flex spaces that can serve as a

original Mid Century Modern charm.

guest house, home office or studio. Upgraded systems and high performance mechanical systems with smart controls reduce

The expanded area under roof is built around one side of the pool

maintenance costs and risks, while increasing comfort and air

deck and includes a master suite and exercise room. While private,

quality.

the detached guest house and summer kitchen structure feels like an extension of the master wing, and also affords full access and views to the remarkable outdoor area.

TNAR also does a stellar job at representing the emerging trend of “Performance Remodeling.” Even with all its mass expanses of glass, Two Trails, Inc., a leading energy efficiency consulting firm worked with the design team to earn the remodel home National Green Building Standard “Emerald” certification, ENERGY STAR Certification, DOE’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program Certification and netzero status plus Indoor airPLUS Certification. TNAR 2022 achieves a HERS Index of -22 and integrates 400-watt solar panels projected to provide 100 percent of the home’s electrical power needs.

From the front, TNAR looks virtually the same as the original 1963 built home.

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Building Savvy National Features editor Beverly Smirnis with remodeler Eric

A prep space behind the main kitchen offers a nice workspace while keeping

Gray stand in the original part of TNAR interior.

the kitchen to scale.

Completely opened up and updated, the home still retains its Mid Century

The home lives around its outdoor living area.

Modern charm.

Flex spaces are the name of the game!

Kitchen in the detached ADU

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The third-floor rooftop area is accessed via a stairway or elevator.

TNAH strives to deliver a home with more mass appeal.

Natural lighting and flex space are high priorities.

Next, it was on to TNAH, showcasing how to maximize the functionality of a large home within a long, narrow 50’ x 120’ lot with an alley load, while preserving privacy from neighboring properties.

Located in Laureate Park at Lake Nona, TNAH 2022 was the 38th annual idea home built for the National Association of Home Builders’ annual major home show.

The stated vision for the home, said its builder Steve Earl of Envy Homes, was “simplicity” with a focus on spaces that connect with each other, while providing sanctuary spaces for every member of the family. While it eschews opulence as much as any previously The home lives large around a courtyard with modest sized pool.

built TNAH model, the home design strives to deliver a home with more mass appeal. Steve and his wife, Serena Hahn, worked with BSB Design to create TNAH 2022 with a price tag closer to $2 million.

(Previous iterations of TNAH were priced upwards of $5 million.). The size of TNAH 2022 is also about one-third smaller than the average TNAH’s built within the last 10 years.

Working within a strict master plan design program with tight lot setbacks and long street frontage, the creative solution is a three-story, 4,674 square foot home with three bedrooms, three and a half baths built around a central courtyard and modest sized pool. The home still lives large, thanks to the design team’s remarkable job at blurring the indoor-outdoor living areas and capturing available natural light via its extensive windows and telescoping patio doors. The third story features a rooftop terrace with a smart louvered pergola which pivots to direct or shield from the sun using either voice command or a smart

A waterfall wall and landscaping make the space private from the side street.

phone, providing yet another dining and entertaining space.

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Multiple flex spaces in the home could be used for a variety of activities—home offices, gym, or additional entertaining spaces.

Almost every room enjoys a view to the home’s central interior courtyeard, including a oversized alley-entrance two-car garage,

Building Savvy national product

outfitted with a second overhead door that opens to the inside of

editor, Beverly Smirnis, and

the courtyard to extend its entertainment area.

Construction Projects Manager

Two Trails, Inc. also served as TNAH’s Energy and Green Building

Steve Smirnis share the

Consultant, helping assure the home featured unparalleled

highlights of the home tours

connectivity and enhanced convenience while using innovative

and talk with vendors of the

home appliances and HVAC solutions along with solar panels to

show who were finalists for IBS

achieve “Net Zero” energy efficiency.

Best of Show on their blog and podcast, where you can find links to interviews and videos with the home design teams and product manufacturers and links to their sites for additional information.

Outside of the Orlando convention center, the highlight of the IBS Outdoor Pavilion was the NEXCON™ 3D printer actively working to print the Black Buffalo 3D tiny home using structural concrete ink. The NEXCON™ 1G printer is made for single to three-story residential and commercial applications. Benefits of using the 3D technology to build homes include a 70 percent reduction in materials costs with almost zero waste, and up to an 80 percent reduction in labor costs and build time. The full frame of a 1,000 square foot home can be printed in under 20 hours.

Black Buffalo 3D says it has successfully run its printer for 16 hours straight and it is so quiet that neighborhoods could literally be printed overnight.

Inside, the theme on the exhibit floor this year continued to highlight high tech solutions and labor-saving, quick install products designed to reduce install time and skilled labor needs. The exhibit floor featured a New Product Zone, Home Tech Zone and Start-Up Zone.

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[Builder’s Perspective]

THE HIDDEN COST OF “DOWNSIZING”

By Steve Zbranek

As the average age of the home buying population continues to grow, builders often hear that their need for larger homes with many rooms no longer exists.

The kids have moved on and what was once a home to raise a family in is now empty rooms, higher taxes, more maintenance and generally more than empty nesters want to keep up with.

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ore often now than in previous years we are hearing that it’s time to downsize and live in less square footage. Interestingly, most of the families we have this discussion with emphasize that they still want “quality” and many of the nice things that they are leaving behind, just in a smaller home.

After listening to this now familiar design request, we begin the

features listed above, to the cost to build a 2800 downsized square

discussion with a simple math lesson. Specifically, smaller homes

foot home This will help demonstrate to the custom home buyers the

cost more per square foot to build. This concept requires a detailed

builder’s budgeting reality.

discussion concerning what is going to be left out of the smaller

After our downsized home includes a nice outdoor living area, clients

home design, and what is going to be included. For example, both

typically add an oversized garage such as three cars or an additional

homes will have a garage, kitchen, bathrooms, porches, driveways,

golf cart area. Golf cart overhead doors are smaller, so they cost less

mechanical systems, landscaping and so on. Builders will still buy

than typical doors, right? Again, not true. When you add the size of

permits, insurance, portable toilets, dumpsters, surveys and other

the garage to the building size, then throw in cabinets, epoxy floor

soft cost items that do not go away, or in many cases cost no

covering, insulated and wood covered doors the cost of this non-living

less with smaller homes. When all of these costs are divided into

area has another major impact on the price (and cost) of our smaller

4000 square feet, they are less per square foot than when divided

retirement custom home. The point is that builders know all of this.

into 2500 or 3000 square feet. Undoubtedly the smaller home will

Architects are aware that these additional “features’ will cost the

cost less overall. However, when the “how much per square foot”

clients extra, but their job is to get the clients ideas on paper and help

question is asked it’s necessary to spend some time on how the size

them fall in love with their new home.

of the home affects that number.

If a client wanting a downsized home arrives with a completed set of

Once the discussion about less living area has been acknowledged

plans, they are most likely in for a price shock. Builders who work with

it is often followed by “we want a large outdoor living area.” The

clients starting at the stage of finished plans get to be the bad guys/

owners see this as a place to sit outside, entertain, enjoy the sunset

girls. The reality check above is a Day One priority.

or a favorite sporting event on tv, by the fireplace while the steaks

If the client expectations are not correctly aligned the end result will

are on the grill. Builders see stained wood soffits, outdoor ceiling

be frustration for the client, and the builder who presumably has

fans and appliances, extra lighting, more floor covering, often a flat

done a lot of work for a job that they will not get. When discussed

screen TV and complimentary sound system, a fireplace and an

upfront the clients have choices. One, pay more than they expected

outdoor kitchen with counters, plumbing, electrical and a facing of

to get what they want. Two, redraw the plans to design a home that

stone or stucco.

fits their budget. And three, shop builders until someone gives them

Some add motorized screens or shades to this area. We know

the number that they want without changes. Choosing step one or

that these outdoor entertainment centers will cost more to build

two should create a successful project for the client and the builders.

than family rooms, game rooms and bedrooms. The buyers don’t

Choosing number three will not have the same result for either. We all

know this and probably have no idea until it’s explained to them.

are contacted routinely now by clients wanting less home than they

Paradoxically, while this is not considered in the ‘living area” of

currently have. Remembering that they are only referring to the heated

the home it contributes significantly to the final price and cost

and cooled area of the building helps start the discussion on the

per square foot. Using our example above, add the cost of a 600

Hidden Cost of Downsizing.

square-foot outdoor living area (12 x 50 for example), with the

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[Savvy Trucks & Toys]

« Hyundai’s most luxurious SUV, Palisade illustrates how much the brand has evolved from its early days, and even since its U.S. introduction.. »

FROM “CARS FOR THE PEOPLE” TO LUXURY SUVS AND SMALL TRUCKS HYUNDAI LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

By Beverly & Steve Smirnis

Hyundai entered the 21st century seeking to bring higher value products to the U.S. market, launching the Santa Fe as its first SUV in 2000, followed by the Tucson in 2004. Increasingly putting its focus

Builders: Does your brand reflect “modern times?”

Are you trying to change your brand to adapt to a changing population? Hyundai’s brand story may inspire you!

on environmentally friendly vehicles and technology, Hyundai launched the hybrid electric Sonata, featuring a lithium polymer battery. In 2013, its ix35 Fuel Cell became the first commercially mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in the world. Hyundai next expanded into motor racing, launching its N sub-brand in 2015 which led to subsequent development of the award-winning i30 N and i3- Fastback N. Hyundai’s Genesis also spun off into its own luxury brand in 2015.

The name Hyundai means “modern times.” Formed in 1967, the

The Palisade was introduced at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show as

Hyundai Motor Company indeed helped modernize and mobilize

Hyundai’s most luxurious SUV, sharing a platform with Kia Telluride.

South Korea by mass producing “cars for the people.” In the 1990s,

Our recent test drive of the midsize three row 2022 Palisade was

Hyundai made considerable investments in low-emission gasoline

a pleasant experience offering plenty of room for passengers and

engines as well as hydrogen-powered fuel cell and electrified

luggage, along with value and comfort. Easy to drive and very well-

vehicles and began to expand across Europe. It purchased Kia in

appointed for the price, our tester was the loaded-up top-of-the line

1998 to keep it afloat and though the two South Korean brands

AWD Calligraphy trim level. Every option you could think of was

operate independently, Hyundai remains Kia’s parent company and

included in the $48,390 MSRP; its only added option was $215 for

the two share some common platforms.

carpeted floor mats.

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Just this year, Hyundai entered the compact truck market with its first generation Santa Cruz. The four-door unibody truck shares the same basic platform as the Tucson, providing a more comfortable ride and more maneuverability. Though being more car-like makes it less capable for towing, hauling and off-roading than traditional trucks, max towing between, 3,500 and 5,000 still allows you to tow a small boat or two-wheel trailer and enjoy the benefits of a cargo bed. The tailgate can be adjusted to match the height of the wheelwells allowing 4-by-8 sheets of plywood to fit. The bed also has a drain that makes it easy to store wet or muddy gear or load it up with ice for tailgating. Our Limited AWD tester had the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (281 hp, 311 lb-ft of torque). A bevy of options were included for its MSRP of $39,720, and it comes with one of the best warranties in the segment.

Beverly & Steve Smirnis are members of the Texas Auto Writers Association and the Texas Motor Press Association, reviewing vehicles and casting their votes at driving events where the Truck of Texas, Car of Texas and Off-Road Truck of Texas are some of the titles awarded. Follow their automotive blog on TheSavvyList.com/

« The first generation Santa Cruz marks Hyundai’s entry into the

TheSavvyDriver

compact truck market. »

I N C R E ASE D

CO M F O R T

|

I M P R OV E D

E N E R GY

E F F I C I E N CY

|

U P DAT E D

C U R B

A P P E A L

V I S I T G U I D O C O . C O M T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R F R E E R E P L A C E M E N T E VA L U AT I O N

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