If you’ve spent any time in North Texas, you know just how hot and stifling a summer day in the Metroplex can be.
And if you’re looking to build a custom home within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you’ll need a plan to keep your home nice and cool when the Real Feel breaks 110 outside. The team at Maykus Homes is experienced in building custom homes that can do just that – read on to learn more!
1. Design Choice
Certain styles of homes are just well-suited to specific types of weather. The log cabin, for instance, was popularized in the US by Swedish immigrants familiar with this style of home and its ability to withstand the elements of Scandinavia. In that same vein, there are some great design options from around the world if you’re trying to stay cool during Texas summers.
- Villa: The white stucco and open-courtyard approach of a classic Villa or Mediterranean-style home is a great option that offers some outdoor enjoyment.
- Ranch: The single-story ranch, a Texas classic, is incredibly resistant to heat due to the lack of second levels and minimized window space from classic window eaves. For extra coverage, consider using some native Texas trees or shade awnings to minimize sunlight entry.
- Adobe: Cost-effective materials make an adobe-style home an appealing option for many homeowners, and utilizing earth sheltering can help keep interiors cool while the exterior endures a heatwave!
2. Window Options
If you’ve ever spent a long day outside in the Texas summer, you know just how brutal the sun can be. This is a great fact to keep in mind when determining where your windows should go in your custom home and what style you should use. Big bay windows will offer you great views, but they will also let in much more sunlight into your home. Tread carefully with your window design if keeping your home cool is of the utmost importance.
Now, with a little planning, you can include windows AND keep your home nice and cool. Consider the following:
- Invest in Shades & Blinds
- Opt for Skinnier Windows
- Position Prominent Windows North or South When Possible
3. Material Choices
Just like how certain styles of homes will provide better insulation, certain types of materials will also insulate your custom home better than others. Investing in higher-quality materials will do a lot for your home when the sun is scorching, and you don’t want to spend a minute outside. Look to the warmest locales around the world for inspiration if you want to keep your home cool in the summer. Cork, bamboo, concrete, and stone are all great options.
4. Appliances & Automated Systems
Investing in energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce your utility bills, giving you more leeway to run your air conditioning when the sun is beating down. Look for the Energy Star logo if you’re trying to find the creme de la creme when reviewing appliances.
Some well-placed controls can also do a lot for your home’s ability to self-regulate. Home regulation technology has come a long way in recent years, giving you many options for keeping your custom home comfortable. Investing in high-quality, energy-efficient appliances, used in tandem with an automated system that lets you know when you’re using too much energy, is a great way to keep your home cool in the summer months. What’s more, app integrations now allow you to remotely control many of the elements of your home’s utility use for maximum insight and efficient energy use.
Build a Summerproof Home With Maykus Homes
You can do a lot on your own to build a well-insulated custom home, but a great custom home builder is a must-have. The right custom home builder will help you through the process and ensure that your custom home is completed on time and within budget. Plus, their dedication to quality and years of experience will leave you completely satisfied with your home.
If that describes the type of custom home builder you’re looking for, look no further than Maykus Homes. We have decades of experience in the Metroplex and know Dallas-Fort Worth’s neighborhoods better than anyone. If you’re looking to build a custom home in North Texas, call Maykus Homes today!