If your Marvida home is the first you’ve ever owned, congratulations! Owning your own home is the American Dream — a dream that comes with a few responsibilities, including caring for those shiny new appliances. Not sure what to do? Here are some tips for keeping your appliances in shape.
Read the Manual
We know, appliance manuals are not light reading. It’s worth your pocketbook to plough through them, however. User manuals detail the use, care and maintenance of your appliances. They tell you how to clean, when to clean and which parts should get an annual lookover. Most manuals also include a troubleshooting section that can help you fix something before you need to call a repair person.
Keep Them Clean
We can’t stress enough how much regular cleaning can keep your appliances working longer. For refrigerators and ovens, that means cleaning the gaskets around the doors. Gaskets seal in the heat in ovens and the cold in refrigerators. Letting either escape can affect the performance of your appliances. Clean out your refrigerator regularly and don’t forget to vacuum the coils. Dust can cause overheating which in turn means opening your wallet wide.
Change Filters Regularly
You know that you must change the filters on your HVAC unit. You may even know you have to clean the filter on your dryer. Did you know that refrigerators, washers and dishwashers also have filters? Dishwashers, for example, have filters that trap food particles. If you don’t clean them, they can get clogged, and your dishes won’t get clean.
Don’t Overload Them
Appliances work better if they don’t have to work harder. Avoid overloading dishwashers, washers and dryers. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum load capacity to keep them working longer.
Use Them Properly
Make sure you are using the proper tools for the job. If you have an energy-efficient washer, you should be using HE laundry detergent. Failing to do so may leave soap residue in your machine. Make sure you are using the right cookware for the heat source on your stove. Your user manual will tell you what you should and should not be doing.
Check for Wear and Tear
Inspect your appliances regularly for frayed wires, loose connections and signs of damage. If you notice any issues, address them immediately. Small problems can turn into significant issues if left unattended.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
HVAC systems and hot water heaters are also appliances. Schedule annual checkups to ensure they are in good working order. If you don’t feel confident about caring for your other appliances, there are companies that will come out once a year to look at them.
Marvida homebuilders fully sod the front and backyards of their homes. That means first-time homeowners like you will start out with a beautiful green lawn. How do you keep it that way? Here’s our quick guide to lawn care:
Do You Have a Rake?
When it comes to lawn care, a rake is as important as a lawnmower. In the early spring, you will want to rake your lawn before you do anything else. Raking loosens clumps of soil and alleviates the layers of leaves, roots and dead grass that builds up between live grass and the soil. That build-up, called thatch, can keep moisture and air from reaching the grass. Use a spring tine rake and don’t rake when the soil is soft or muddy. Doing so can tear up your lawn.
Buy A Core Aerator
Another way to deal with thatch is to use a core aerator. These devices really dig into the soil to help air, water and nutrients reach the roots. Plan to aerate your lawn every two or three years in the spring or summer. If your backyard sees a lot of action, you might want to aerate more often.
Bring Out the Fertilizer
Yes, lawns need to be fertilized, too. In the spring, fertilizer should be applied about three weeks after the grass starts turning green. You can also wait until after the first two or three times you mow. Talk to the people at your local gardening center to find out what fertilizer will work best for your lawn. Crabgrass can be a problem in the spring, so choose a fertilizer with a crabgrass preventer. Make sure you spread the fertilizer evenly across the lawn.
Plant Grass Seeds
In the spring, check your lawn for bare spots. If there are any, you should buy grass seed. Remember that grass planted in the spring may need extra care in the summer, including more water and time spent weeding.
Check Your Yard’s pH
Most grasses grow best when the soil pH is between 5.8 and 7.2. If there is too much acid, there will be more weeds, insect pests and diseases. You don’t need a degree in chemistry to check if the soil is acidic. You can purchase pH soil test kits at your local gardening center.
How Much Water?
How much water does your lawn need? That depends on where you live, what the weather has been like and what type of grass you have. In general, you should provide an inch of water per week. Water early in the day in the spring and summer to avoid having it evaporate before it can get to the roots. If you aren’t sure if your lawn is moist enough, step on and off the grass to see how quickly the blades bounce back. If it’s pretty slow, it may be time to get out the garden hose.
Mow, Mow, Mow Your Lawn
You don’t need to set a mowing schedule. Mow your lawn when it looks like it needs it. You will probably be mowing more often in the spring. Check your lawnmower’s settings to see if there is one recommended for your specific type of grass. If you can, mow in the early evening when temperatures are cooler to prevent the newly cut lawn from drying out. Never mow if it is wet. Remember that longer grass blades encourage deeper roots so don’t cut the grass too short. Use your rake to gather lawn clippings into a bag or your compost bin.
Single-story, two-story, three bedrooms or four — not everyone’s dream home looks the same. Long Lake understands which is why they offer numerous floor plans in a range of prices. That way, you get the home you want at a price you can afford.
The largest, privately owned builder in Houston has a reputation for quality, customer service and value. New home construction is their only focus. Over the years, they have developed partnerships with leading industry players. Those partnerships mean Long Lake can access volume discounts on quality home-building materials, as well as leverage affordable upgrade features for their customers.
The sheer number of floor plans they offer allows homebuyers to choose an option that best suits their family’s needs. Things like whether or not the primary suite is upstairs or downstairs and whether the flex room should be a dining room or a study.
The choices don’t stop with floor plans. Numerous options and upgrades are available to help tailor your home to meet your aesthetic. Financing is another area you have choices in. Many builders have their own lending companies. Some have a single preferred lender. Long Lake gives you a choice of four preferred lenders who can help you purchase the home of your dreams.
Long Lake offers 21 plans in Marvida, priced from the $320s. Standard features include gourmet kitchens, game rooms, formal dining rooms and primary suites with large bedrooms and well-appointed baths. Homebuyers can choose to add covered patios, fireplaces, studies and extra bedrooms.
Visit the Long Lake model home in Marvida today to see just how many choices you can make.
When it comes to home décor, homeowners are stepping away from all-white kitchens, neutral gray walls and pastel-colored rugs to embrace bold, vibrant colors. Read on to discover what’s trending, then speak to your builder representative to see how you can get the look for your new Marvida home.
Yes, It’s Pink
Pink isn’t just for nurseries anymore. Pantone’s Color of the Year 2023 was the surprising Viva Magenta. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2023 turned out to be Raspberry Blush. Why pink? It’s unexpected and unconventional. It’s also an exuberant color guaranteed to lift your mood. Use it on accent walls, couch cushions and any other place you want a pop of color.
It’s Still Easy Being Green
This year, soft, pastel greens are giving way to bolder shades like jade, emerald and forest. Paint a large room with jewel tones to make it seem cozier. Pair it with wood wainscoting for a natural look. Balance bold greens with white or cream accents for a softer look.
Yellow is a Bold Choice
Reminiscent of sunshine, summer and happy days, yellow shades can uplift the mood in any room. Traditionally confined to kitchens and breakfast nooks, yellow has been migrating to bedrooms and dining areas. Vintage yellow creates an upscale atmosphere while a pastel shade works wonders in a child’s room.
What Goes with Orange?
Orange is trending as an accent color. Paired with soft pinks it adds a shabby chic vibe to any room. If you are a risk taker, try pairing it with soft greens. Remember that orange includes softer colors such as melon that work great on sun porches and in game rooms.
Beautiful Browns
When it comes to brown, we aren’t talking taupe. Warm brown shades are popping up everywhere — walls, carpets and even cabinets. Brown often works well as an undertone. Mix it with purple for a soft, sophisticated look. If you must have taupe use a bolder shade of brown to accent it.
We Didn’t Forget Blue
Blue remains one of the most popular colors for everything, from exterior paint to primary suites. Light shades of blue can be calming, while bolder blues invigorate the soul. Pair it with white for a coastal feel. Use cobalt blue to accent terracotta walls.
If the kitchen is the heart of the home, your primary bath is the soul. Your bath has the potential to help you relax, unwind and rejuvenate. How to go about creating the perfect spa-worthy bath? Follow these steps:
Take Stock
Before doing anything, take stock of your bathroom and budget. While you don’t need to remodel to create a spa bath, you might be able to add small items such as towel warmers, new fixtures or a comfy chair. If you purchase a new home in Marvida, your builder may offer options such as oversized showers, jetted tubs, rainfall showerheads and more.
Streamline Your Space
Cluttered counters are not conducive to relaxation. They just remind you of all the chores you have yet to do. Clean out drawers and cabinets. If you haven’t used a product in at least a year, dump it. Invest in an organization system. If you don’t use it daily, tuck it away.
Create Calm
Let nature inspire your paint choice. Pair calming light blues and greens with warm neutrals. Avoid reds and oranges. Natural elements such as stone tile, as well as teak or bamboo accessories and plants are found in every spa. Add what you can afford to bring the outdoors indoors.
Choose Your Lighting
A dimmer switch allows you to lower bathroom lighting to create the perfect ambiance. Many can be activated via an app or voice command. GE LED+ Color bulbs are remote-control operated. They have 10 color settings including daylight and eight RGB vivid color settings.
Don’t Forget Music
Music is as much a part of the spa experience as scented candles. Create a spa playlist that includes soothing instrumental music and natural sounds. Install shower speakers, so you can play music without worrying about your phone getting wet.
Steam Up the Shower
High-end spas don’t do tubs. They do steam showers. Steam showers work by using a steam generator to create a tropical, humid environment that is great for relaxing tense muscles. Many allow you to stream music and can be programmed to release your favorite relaxing scent. As a bonus, they use less water, so you’ll save money.
Up Your Fixture Game
Replace your showerhead with something more luxurious. A rainfall shower mimics being out in a gentle rain. You won’t get hit full in the face with hot water. Instead, the water flows gently over your head and down your shoulders. Other options include handheld, ceiling and dual showerheads.
Fluffy Towels and Robes
Fluffy towels are a spa mainstay. Choose middleweight towels for the best combination of comfort and absorbency. Choose cotton over other materials for softness. Your robe should be made from similar material. Bath sheets are the best size for when you step out of the tub or shower.
Aromatherapy
Surround yourself with soothing scents. You can light candles or invest in a diffuser. Lavender, citrus and eucalyptus are all great scents that improve your mood. If you don’t like essential oils, hang a bundle of lavender in your shower for a burst of fragrance when the hot water hits it.
Bring Out the Bath Products
A spa day isn’t a spa day without signature bath products. In addition to soaps, lotions and bath bombs in your favorite scent, invest in at-home spa treatments. Many companies now sell full body masks in addition to those you put on your face. Hair masks provide deep conditioning. Be sure to have manicure or pedicure products ready to go for after your soak.
Building a new home is a partnership between you and your builder. You choose your floor plan and design elements. Your builder crafts a high-quality, beautiful home. When it comes to partners, M/I Homes is a smart decision.
M/I Homes has been building homes for more than 40 years. Each home is built based on three core pillars: Smart Process, Smart Design and Smart Decision.
The process begins when you tour an M/I model home. There you meet with a New Home Consultant ready to help you find the best floor plan and homesite for your family. They’ll discuss financing, options and upgrades available for your floor plan and a construction timeline.
Once you’ve decided, it’s time to choose your design finishes. That can be an overwhelming task but not with M/I Homes. The builder’s Smart Series homes allows you to choose from pre-selected design packages that have a set cost. Your design consultant will meet with you to discuss your budget, then show you the packages available in your price range.
There are three different levels. Each level includes three color schemes to choose from and specific design elements. For example, the Platinum Package offers granite countertops, vinyl or ceramic tile flooring, your choice of cabinet color and a kitchen backsplash. Go up a level to the Diamond Package and get everything in the Platinum Package plus wood-grain tile flooring, a third cabinet color option and pendant lights above the kitchen island (per plan).
All décor choices are designed to work together so your home is beautiful. Every floor plan offered in Marvida comes with the same design package options. If you want to tailor your home further, you’ll discover a wealth of structural options and upgrades you can add.
Once your decisions are made it’s time to watch your home being constructed. You will meet with your personal Construction Manager who can answer any questions you have. Better yet, you can follow your home’s progress via the MyMIHome app. The builder ensures quality through its own Whole Homes building standards which go above and beyond current building practices.
Currently, M/I Homes offers more than two dozen floor plans ranging from 1,295 to 3,674 square feet. Floor plans are priced from the $270,000s. Features include open-concept family rooms, spacious kitchens, game rooms, sloped ceilings in the primary suite and family room, and convenient utility rooms.
Visit the M/I model home today and see why building with them is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make.
What upgrades should you add to your new Marvida home? That depends on your family’s lifestyle. What’s best for you might not be worthwhile to someone else. However, there are a few upgrades everyone agrees are worth spending a little extra cash on. These will improve your life and add value to your home for years to come.
The Heart of Your Home
The most used common area of your home is the kitchen. It is the heart of the home and deserving of your upgrade dollars. Opt for alternate kitchens with islands and built-in appliances. Upgrading your cabinets ensures they last longer. Taller cabinets that reach to the ceiling give you more storage space and a finished look. Under cabinet lighting is always useful. If your home doesn’t have a walk-in pantry, see if you can add one. If possible, skylights will add more natural light.
What’s Beneath Your Feet
When it comes to what’s beneath your feet, the standard answer is tile in kitchens and baths, and carpet in bedrooms and family rooms. If you have it in the budget, hardwood floors are worth the investment. Wood floors are prized for their look. Laminate floors that look like wood are less expensive. They also reduce allergens and are easy to clean. If you are planning to sell, wood floors will increase the value of your home.
Upgrade the Primary Bath
If you plan to turn your bath into an oasis for relaxation, standard options won’t do. Many builders are making tubs optional, so if you love a good soak, make sure you have one. Tubs are difficult to tear out so if you want a jacuzzi tub, invest in one from the start. If you don’t need a tub, see if you can extend your shower for spa-like luxury. Radiant floor heating is a must-have for chilly mornings.
Home Automation is a Plus
For comfort and convenience, nothing beats a smart home. Many Marvida builders offer home automation packages that include smart thermostats, door locks, lights and garage door openers. These packages can usually be upgraded. You can and should add more smart lights and outlets, smart shades, sprinkler systems and home security.
Electricity Now
It’s easier to add outlets or do any other electrical work while your home is being built. Add outlets to the patio for your television or to plug in speakers. Outlets that exist directly behind your wall-mounted television hide unsightly cords. USB outlets cut out the need for charging stations. If you have an electric vehicle, see about adding a charger to the garage.
Patio Upgrades You’ll Love
Go beyond the extended patio. Add an outdoor kitchen if you plan to host a lot of al fresco gatherings. An outdoor fireplace can make outdoor living a little cozier. Some builders can add fire pits, pergolas, second patios and decking if you prefer. Check to see if you can have a brick floor instead of concrete or tile everything over.
Build It In
Built-in cabinets and shelves solve storage solutions and look great. Add cabinets to your media room to hide game consoles and speakers. Cabinets are also great for game rooms and garages. Built-in shelves give your study a professional look.
Don’t Forget the Garage
Take advantage of opportunities to extend the garage. Some builders will let you add a garage bay so when junior gets his license, he has a place to park the car. Others offer extensions that can be used for additional storage, workshops and hobby areas.
Your home should be an expression of your individual style. Gehan Homes offers hundreds of design options to help you do just that.
The 13th largest private homebuilder in the nation has won multiple awards for design. In 2022, the builder took home Best Product Design awards from the Texas Association of Builders and the Greater Houston Builders Association. Over the years, both associations have honored them with awards for their kitchens, family rooms, bathrooms and primary suites.
What makes Gehan’s designs special? They are crafted with modern families in mind. Their floor plans are innovative, offering multiple ways for families to gather, relax and entertain. The builder employs the latest technologies to ensure your comfort and security. Personalizing your home is easy. Before your design center visit, you can use their online personalization tool to compare colors and styles. You can even save your design and bring it with you to the design center.
Once you have chosen your floor plan and interior design, you can be sure your home will be built to the highest standard. Gehan stands by its craftsmanship with a comprehensive warranty. Your home is built to be energy efficient to save you money on utility bills.
Customer service is another cornerstone of the Gehan Homes’ experience. Houzz awarded Gehan Homes a best customer service award in 2020.
Gehan Homes offers eight floor plans in Marvida. Homes are priced from the high $280s and range from 1,400 to 2,310 square feet. The one- and two-story homes expansive great rooms, chef’s kitchens and spa-inspired primary baths. Options include additional bedrooms, alternate kitchen and bath designs and covered patios.
With access to the exceptional amenities available at sister communities Miramesa, Bridge Creek and Canyon Lakes West, Marvida residents always have something to do — including attending some spectacular holiday events.
In December, Marvida residents will be enjoying Cookies with Santa at the Bridge Creek clubhouse. Everyone will be rocking around the Christmas tree to tunes spun by a DJ, nibbling on snacks and snapping photos from inside the giant snow globe. There will be a face painter, balloon artist, games and prizes, crafts for the kids, moon jump, obstacle course and more. A professional photographer will be onsite taking and printing photos with Santa. Each family will go home with a free photo.
Then we will be lighting up the walking trail around the Bridge Creek clubhouse. During the Holiday Lights event, residents can stroll through stations featuring lighted ornaments and photo opportunities. There will be hot chocolate, too!
When the holidays are over, our residents still have access to all the amenities available in the three communities. That includes four pools, four clubhouses, three fitness centers, two splash pads, two dog parks, sports courts and numerous parks and playgrounds.
Marvida’s own amenity village — The Island — is currently under construction. When finished, residents will enjoy a resort-style pool surrounded by a lazy river, splash pad, water playground, clubhouse, event lawn, shaded pavilion, fire pit, fitness center, dog park, sports courts and playgrounds.
You’ll have so many choices and never, ever be bored. Visit Marvida today to choose your home and all the ways you want to play.
A family-owned company knows what families value. K. Hovnanian Homes builds on those values to offer homes that families will enjoy for years to come.
The builder believes every family should have a beautiful home and that home should be designed and constructed as if it was being built for a member of their own family. At the heart of this philosophy is a commitment to integrity and dependability.
One of the ways K. Hovnanian does this is by making the home buying and building process simple. That’s why they created their own mortgage company. K. Hovnanian® American Mortgage, L.L.C. works exclusively with K. Hovnanian buyers to streamline the buying process.
Another way is by offering their designer-curated Looks Collection. Choose from four different design packages to easily get the look you want for your home.
K. Hovnanian Homes will soon begin sales in Marvida. Homes will be priced from the mid $300,000s. Designs range from 1,902 to 3,190 square feet. Floor plans feature home offices with barn doors, spacious kitchens, covered patios, sophisticated primary suites, entertainment lofts and two- or three-car garages. The HovHall and Stuff of Life Rooms keep clutter at bay with strategically placed benches, cubbies and mail slots as well as access to the laundry room. Some homes can be equipped with a multigenerational suite.
Join their interest list to receive updates, then visit Marvida today.
