What to Look for in a Neighborhood When Building a Custom Home in Columbia, MO

What to Look for in a Neighborhood When Building a Custom Home in Columbia, MO

by | Apr 23, 2021 | custom home, new construction

Building a custom home can be such an exciting part of life, but there are so many things to think about. One of the big things is, where do you want your house to be? From the age range of the neighborhood to school districts, there’s no shortage of factors to consider. In this blog, we help you think about all of these important factors before you break ground on your new home.

After you’ve found the perfect neighborhood, give EnRich a call! EnRich Construction offers custom home building, residential construction, and remodeling services in Columbia, Mo, so whether you’re starting from scratch or decide to tackle a ‘fixer-upper’, we can help you out. Have questions? Give us a call, we’d love to talk to you about the services we offer.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A NEIGHBORHOOD FOR YOUR HOME SEARCH

School districts 

Real estate agents will recommend researching education statistics to start your neighborhood search. It’s found that test scores are a good indicator of things like parental involvement in schools. Schools with higher test scores are known to have more parent and community involvement.

 

But test scores aren’t everything. Think about what your child wants as well. Just because a school has slightly lower test scores than the next doesn’t mean it won’t be a great fit for your kids.

 

Home Value

The location of your home itself can impact the value significantly. If it’s on a busy street, in a shabby area, or too close to community gathering places, this could detract from the value of your home. 

 

The commute to and from bigger cities is important as well. If your home is near a highway onramp, it could increase your home value. But, if it’s close enough to hear the cars at night, it can decrease the value.

 

Property taxes 

Property tax is a tax on your real estate, including the land and the value of your home. The funds collected from property taxes are used for libraries, public schools, road construction, and a handful of other things. It’s just a fact of homeownership in the United States. Essentially, the higher the value of your home, the higher your property tax. It’s something to keep in the back of your mind while you hunt for the right neighborhood since that can increase or decrease your home’s value, which affects the taxes you pay. 

 

Proximity to other places 

You will want to look around the neighborhood to see what’s around. You don’t want to break ground on a brand new home, and then find out the nearest grocery store is 20 minutes away and your office will be quite the commute in the mornings. 

 

Also, being a close distance to retail centers is important to increase the value of your home. If your home is no less than a mile away from the closest retail center, it can significantly increase your home’s value. 

 

The age range of neighbors 

If you are looking for a nice, calm, and quiet neighborhood for your family, be sure to look at the age range of the residents in the neighborhood. Ideally, you’d have neighbors that are in a similar life stage as you and your family. Younger neighbors can lead to louder neighborhoods, and that is not ideal if you have a family or have an early bedtime.

 

Why You Should Build a Home with EnRich Construction

Why You Should Build a Home with EnRich Construction

by | Apr 23, 2021 | custom home, new construction, Uncategorized

Columbia, Missouri is often lovingly referred to as the ‘Athens of Missouri’. As a flourishing college town with growing business and art districts, this once agricultural center has become a Midwestern gem with lots to offer. Columbia is also home to some of the best healthcare centers in the region, including the University Hospital, and continues to make strides in research every year. Additionally, the city’s food, art, and music scenes are sophisticated and engaging. There’s always something going on in Columbia, or ‘CoMo’, as locals call it. This quirky city is the perfect place to build a home, further your career, and raise a family. But it’s not just a great place to live, it’s an ideal location to build your dream home. Looking for a home builder in Columbia, Mo? EnRich Construction is the local expert in home construction and renovation. We specialize in custom floor plans and building custom homes in Columbia, Mo. Give us a call to start building your dream home today! 

 

PERKS OF LIVING IN COLUMBIA

Columbia is a growing city, and for good reason. CoMo boasts a competitive cost of living, a low crime rate, great public schools, a sophisticated cultural scene, and some of the best healthcare in the nation. Home to several institutions for higher education and a crossroads between the major midwestern cities of St. Louis and Kansas City, the influences of college life and the two cities have a strong impact on the culture and pace of Columbia. This city has all the best features of a small town but that doesn’t limit it in terms of modernity. Downtown Columbia is the epicenter of art and culture, but a short drive takes you out of the urban thralls and into the suburbs. There are also many historical neighborhoods in Columbia. Whether you desire a home with some charm or want to build your dream home from scratch, there are plenty of options in this city. In fact, Columbia, Missouri boasts one of the lowest costs of living for a mid-size, Midwestern city. Home values average $185,300, and rental properties average $825. This may seem expensive for Missouri, but it’s a steal compared to other major Midwestern cities like Chicago, especially when considering other costs such as transportation, groceries, and healthcare. Columbia has a variety of residential areas, so whether you’re looking for an apartment right amidst the downtown action or want to build a secluded ranch, you’re sure to find an area that suits your lifestyle. 

 

downtown columbia mo

 

A ONE-OF-A-KIND, VIBRANT TOWN: EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

Columbia, Missouri may be small, but there is no shortage of entertainment and excitement in this town. Home of the Missouri Tigers, this town never fails to gather on football Saturdays in the fall. Another event that gets the town buzzing is the True/False film festival. The documentary film festival is held annually in March, and people from all over the world flock to mid-Missouri to see films and exclusive director commentaries. Many call it the ‘Second Homecoming’, as it draws just as much excitement and attendance as Mizzou’s Homecoming Weekend in the fall. While these two events are definitely highlights during the year, Columbia always has something going on. The Columbia Farmer’s Market is held every weekend, year-round, and always draws a crowd. Columbia Farmer’s Market not only provides a fun Saturday hangout but has also made strides in providing fresh, local food to more Columbia residents. First Friday is a monthly art crawl held in the North Village Arts District on the first Friday of every month. Local galleries display art from all over while musicians play and conversations are shared. 

 

A TWO-WHEEL KIND OF TOWN: COLUMBIA, MISSOURI IS A NATURE-LOVER’S DREAM

If you love a good weekend bike ride, hike, or nature walk, Columbia is the town for you. Just minutes from downtown are a multitude of trails, including the famous MKT. Columbia is home to several state parks as well, including Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Finger Lakes State Park. The University of Missouri campus is also home to two small parks: Peace Park and Francis Quadrangle. So, whether you’re a student on campus or a young family looking for a weekend trail destination, Columbia has plenty to offer. 

 

SHOP LOCAL: THE SUPPORTIVE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, MO

Columbia, Missouri is home to a vibrant and supportive small business community. From clothing boutiques to vintage shops and coffee shops, there is a multitude of locally owned businesses. Downtown Columbia is the hub for small businesses, but they extend to the rest of the town as well. The Downtown Community Improvement District, or ‘The District’, refers to the organization that keeps Columbia’s downtown district alive and well. The District is comprised of 50 square blocks and 600 businesses and is the heartbeat of downtown Columbia. 

 

columbia mo downtown businesses

 

DISCOVER COLUMBIA, MISSOURI: A TOWN IN TOUCH WITH ITS ROOTS

From the Museum of Art and Archaeology to the J.W. Blind Boone Home and more, Columbia is a town that celebrates its history and remembers the legacy of its earliest residents. There are a variety of historical sites in Columbia, including the J.W. Blind Boone Home. This building houses the legacy of John W. “Blind” Boone, who overcame blindness, poverty, and discrimination to become a nationally famous concert pianist and composer. There’s also the Museum of Art and Archaeology is part of the UM system, and provides a learning space for students and the public through its collection of art. You can find more art history at the state capitol in Jefferson City, only a half-hour drive from Columbia. Thomas Hart Benton’s Pioneer Days and Early Settlers is a mural that adorns the walls inside the Capitol. 

 

LOW CRIME, TOP SCHOOLS, AND A VIBRANT COLLEGE TOWN: COLUMBIA IS THE IDEAL PLACE TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME IN MISSOURI

Finding the perfect location to build a custom home can be difficult. You want to find an area that is safe, has great schools, and unique culture. Columbia, Missouri has all of this and more, and for new and growing families, there couldn’t be a better place to call home. With top schools like Rock Bridge Senior High School, Mill Creek Elementary School, and Ulysses S. Grant Elementary School (not to mention the University of Missouri and other top colleges), Columbia has some of the best educational opportunities in Missouri. The Columbia Public Schools system has some of the best ratings for schools in Columbia, Mo. 

Additionally, Columbia has low crime rates. According to KOMU, ‘for the year of 2017, there were 610 incidents of violent crime according to the Columbia Police Department’s uniform crime reporting (UCR) statistics.’ This may seem like a lot, but it pales in comparison to St. Louis’ violent crime rate, which is in the thousands. 

The city itself has a distinct flavor. Because Columbia is home to the University of Missouri, Stephen’s College, and Columbia College, there is always the buzz of student life to keep things exciting and interesting. Because of the higher education institutions, there are people from all over the world that call Columbia home! The diverse population influences Columbia’s art and culture, meaning there is always something interesting to see and do. Who wouldn’t want to call this vibrant townhome? 

 

BUILD A CUSTOM HOME IN COLUMBIA, MISSOURI WITH ENRICH CONSTRUCTION

Building a custom home in Columbia, Missouri is simple with EnRich Construction. The custom home builders at EnRich Construction have the ability to see your vision and build something special that accommodates your timeline and budget. We’ve been building custom homes in Columbia for over a decade, and are one of the most trusted builders in the area. If you are a new or growing family, it’s a great time to build in Columbia! The low cost of living, great schools, and vibrant culture of this midwestern town are perfect for young families. Additionally, building a custom home allows you to choose the details and updates that are most important to you. From energy efficiency to the materials used in your kitchen and bathrooms, you’ll be able to customize it all. If sustainability is important to you, building a custom home allows you to choose more energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and more. Interested in building a custom home in Columbia, Mo with EnRich Construction? Give us a call today.

 

Call EnRich Construction to Start Planning Your Dream Custom Home in Columbia, Mo Today!

Ready to build the home of your dreams? At EnRich, we offer attentive customer service every step of the way to make sure your home is everything you’ve dreamed of. We are transparent when it comes to pricing and project length, and your satisfaction is our top priority. Your home is a special place, and we want to make sure it exceeds your expectations. Give the experts at EnRich Construction a call today to start planning your custom home in Columbia, Mo. 

Benefits of Building a New Custom Home in Columbia, Mo with EnRich Construction

Benefits of Building a New Custom Home in Columbia, Mo with EnRich Construction

by | Apr 23, 2021 | custom home

The process of buying a home is an exciting part of life, but it comes with a lot of big decisions. One choice you’ll have to make is whether to buy a previously owned home or build a new home. This is not only a financial decision but an aesthetics and functionality one. In this blog, we’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages of a custom home builder so you can make the best choice for yourself and your family. EnRich Construction offers custom home building, residential construction, and remodeling services in Columbia, Mo, so whether you’re starting from scratch or tackling a ‘fixer-upper’, we can help you out. Have questions? Give us a call, we’d love to talk to you about the services we offer.

GET COMPLETE CUSTOMIZATION WHEN YOU BUILD A NEW CUSTOM HOME IN COLUMBIA, MO

One of the main advantages of a custom home build is the ability to customize every single detail, from flooring to layout to appliances. When you buy a previously owned home, there are some aspects you can alter, but a custom home builder allows complete customization. From the bathroom to the kitchen, you’ll have a say in every detail in a custom home. Aspects to think about when it comes to customization include layout, paint colors, flooring, cabinetry, and light fixtures just to name a few. Additionally, building a custom home can be incredibly helpful for families with members who need specific accommodations. When you custom build, you have a say in the layout of the home, which can be adapted to be more accessible. The home should be a place of comfort and ease for everyone, regardless of ability.

RUN AN ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME WITH ENRICH CONSTRUCTION’S RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION IN COLUMBIA, MO

In general, custom homes are more energy-efficient than older homes. When you build a new home, you have the ability to use contemporary electrical methods and install energy-efficient appliances. When you buy a preowned home, you only have so much control over the energy efficiency of the home. You can change some things to be more sustainable, but those updates are also generally more expensive than starting from scratch. Some may argue that it is more sustainable to update an existing home, but renovating an older home can create just as much waste, if not more, than a custom home.

new building lighting

SPEND LESS MONEY AND STREAMLINE FINANCING WITH A CUSTOM HOME IN COLUMBIA, MO

Building a custom home may seem more expensive up front, but with careful planning, you’ll actually save money in the long run. Pre-owned and older homes can be just as, if not more expensive than a custom-built home. With a custom home, you can choose any of your expenses. You can choose whether you want to keep the builder’s carpeting or install something more luxurious. The same principle applies to appliances, countertops, lighting fixtures, security systems, and more. With pre-owned homes, you’re never sure what you’ll get when it comes to electrical, HVAC, and other systems. Additionally, if you don’t like the layout or cabinets, it’s up to you to get them removed and reinstalled and depending on what you choose, this can be incredibly pricey.

DOWNSIDES OF BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME VERSUS PURCHASING A PREOWNED HOME

There are some downsides to building a custom home. If you’re looking for a home with character and charm, a custom home builder may not be for you. Custom homes are brand new, which is nice, but if you want one-of-a-kind vintage details, you won’t get that in a brand new home. However, charm comes with a price. Not all preowned homes are up to modern standards when it comes to electricity or energy efficiency. Yes, a preowned home may be cheaper upfront, but depending on your vision for space, you may be paying just as much for repairs and updates. Additionally, custom home builds can take longer than home renovations on an existing home. Naturally, there’s more paperwork involved in a custom home build, which can sometimes prolong the process. When it comes down to it, renovating a preowned home and building a new home is relatively similar in terms of price, amount of waste, and sustainability. It just depends on your preferences, and either way, EnRich Construction is here to help you create the home of your dreams! See our servicespage to learn more about the building and remodeling services we offer.

Call EnRich Construction Today and Begin Your Custom Home Building in Columbia, Mo

Interested in a custom home build? With EnRich Construction, the options are endless in-home customization. If you already own an older home but want to give it some updates, we also provide remodeling services. Give EnRich Constructiona call today to learn more.