As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: ADU Turned Home Workout Studio

Andy Fekade West + Main Agent

Busy schedules and covid gym closures were the motivation of West + Main agent Andy Fekade's home workout studio ADU build. Finding time to make it to the gym between work, meetings, and family time became difficult. After the gyms had closed during covid, Andy’s family accumulated a lot of workout equipment. It just made sense to build an at-home gym in their beloved backyard. “If you can separate where you work or workout from your main living area, I highly recommend it.” 

Andy’s family has seen a drastic change with the ability to get an early morning workout in, or a late-night yoga session, just steps away from their home. Being able to also enjoy the naturally shaded patio in the summer has been great for them. They used to be looking at their yard from the deck, whereas now, they are actually in the yard. Andy’s family is able to utilize the space in all sorts of ways - working out at the gym, to then enjoying a drink and sitting by the fire.

When it came to the project, Andy and the teams he worked with took their time. Andy took a lot of advice and opinions on how they could build their structure and interior in the best possible way. They used Studio-Shed - a company that delivers the entire shed structure in sections to DIY. Don’t worry though, Studio-Shed provides a wonderful online design studio and tutorial to walk you through the entire process. It’s really quite a unique and fun process! A good tip from Andy: “If you know what you will use your space for, try to accumulate furnishings or equipment over time so you can spread out spending, especially if something goes on sale!” Their completed project wasn’t exactly their initial vision, but they wouldn’t change a thing about the process or final outcome!  

Corey's favorite moment was watching Rick and Craig transform her backyard into a sandbox playground, gleefully playing with the Bobcats like children. After a much anticipated journey to completion, Corey + Rick have a fully functioning and beautiful koi water garden pond.  

All About ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units)

Accessory Dwelling Units are usually smaller separate homes located on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs are often also backyard homes or multi-gen housing and have become very popular recently for a handful of reasons: housing aging parents or adult children, renting it out to generate cash flow, or creating a gym, office space, or studio!

Related Links

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: From Inspiration to Renovation

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: Paving the Way for Outdoor Bliss

• As Featured in West + Main Home Magazine: From Dream to Reality

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Just Listed: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Luxury in Historic Heritage Hills!

Timeless Elegance in Historic Heritage Hills!

Welcome to 518 NW 14th, where history meets modern luxury in the heart of OKC's coveted historic neighborhood. Nestled within the enchanting streets of Historic Heritage Hills, this timeless residence offers a unique blend of classic charm and contemporary comfort.

Step inside and be greeted by the warm embrace of rich hardwood floors, intricate crown molding, and multiple living spaces. The spacious living area boasts large windows that flood the room with natural light, creating an inviting space for gatherings or relaxation.

The chef's kitchen is a masterpiece, featuring top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry, and a center island perfect for culinary creations. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing an evening meal, this kitchen will inspire your inner chef.

The expansive primary suite is a sanctuary of serenity, complete with a luxurious en-suite bathroom and ample closet space. Three additional well-appointed bedrooms offer flexibility for guests, a home office, or whatever else you may desire.

Outside, the meticulously landscaped yard, custom-designed pool, and charming garage apartment offer a peaceful retreat for outdoor entertaining or relaxing.

Located in one of OKC's most historic and prestigious neighborhoods, 518 NW 14th is just moments away from cultural attractions, dining, and shopping. Experience the best of both worlds – the allure of the past and the comforts of today in this Heritage Hills gem.

Listed by Mary Hatch for West + Main Homes. Please contact Mary for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Mary Hatch
405-573-9100
mary@westandmainok.com

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Just Listed: A Contemporary Farmhouse Oasis in North Norman's Red Canyon Ranch Neighborhood!

Welcome to this pristine gem of a home nestled in North Norman’s Red Canyon Ranch Neighborhood.

Built in 2021, this practically brand new property commands a large corner lot and aims to charm from the start with its contemporary farmhouse design. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the elegant wood grain tile that graces the main living spaces, setting a warm and inviting tone. The open floor plan seamlessly connects the living area, dining space, and kitchen, creating an ideal environment for both gatherings and entertaining guests. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home includes a dedicated study, providing the perfect space for remote work or a quiet retreat. The generous sized utility room, complete with a convenient mud bench, flows effortlessly into the two-car garage, which houses an in-ground storm shelter, ensuring peace of mind during Oklahoma's storm season. The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, abundant counter space and storage options to the delight of any home chef. Enjoy the large and private backyard complete with a covered patio and outdoor fireplace setting the scene to comfortably dine al fresco or unwind by a cozy fire after a long day. The neighborhood includes walking trails, a fun playground, and refreshing splash pad to beat the Oklahoma summer heat. Located just off Tecumseh Rd, this home provides a short and convenient commute to OU, Tinker Air Force Base, and I-35. Do not miss your chance to make this exceptional property your new home. Schedule a showing today!

Listed by Melissa Chamberlain for West + Main Homes. Please contact Melissa for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Melissa Chamberlain
405-760-6496
melissa@westandmainok.com

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This Weekend: Oklahoma Open Houses for September 15th to 17th

Our agents are hosting Open Houses this weekend all over the Oklahoma City Area.

You can find all of these listings on our website. Please reach out to the listing agent for information on times and more information on the listing!

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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The Most Common “Shortcut” You’ll Find in New-Build Homes

Nothing says “move-in ready” like a brand-new home, right?

Well, not exactly. Although you’ll have bragging rights as the first to reside there, not everything is as perfect or pristine as the model home might have led you to believe.

“There’s no such thing as a maintenance-free home or a 100 percent new build,” says Lisa Culp Taylor, a Realtor and leader of the LCT Team in Franklin, Tennessee.

Home building is an expensive, time-consuming process, and builders can (and will) take shortcuts. Some are downright shady choices that can affect internal systems like your HVAC and electrical wiring — which is why it’s a bad idea to waive a home inspection, even on a new build. But even if you’re working with a reputable home builder, unless you’ve got an unlimited budget to customize every square foot of that home, there will be some design and finish choices made for the sake of the builder’s schedule and budget. 

Don’t be alarmed — just be smart. If you’re making the open-house rounds of brand-new homes in your area, here’s what to look for to avoid spending a ton for a cheaply-made home.

Don’t Be Fooled by the Finishes

Be on the lookout for low-cost finishes — often called “builder grade” in the biz — that might look great simply because they’re brand new, but are not as high-end as you might think. Here are some spots to consider:

Flooring
“Not all flooring is equal, so you really have to look carefully to make sure it is a quality product,” says Kristen Carbine, a third-generation home building professional at Carbine & Associates and a Realtor with PARKS Realty – Downtown Franklin. “Beware of cheaper laminate or vinyl flooring.” 

There are higher-quality laminate and vinyl flooring options on the market that look great and are made to last. But even if the flooring materials are indeed high quality, Carbine says, “Check to see if the carpet has been properly stretched with no wrinkles, and make sure the hardwoods are smooth with tight seams [and] no visible gaps or warping.”

Windows and Doors
New homes are often touted for their security and energy efficiency, which is why you should be on the lookout for subpar windows and doors.

With windows, Carbine says to look out for cheap, single-hung options that are less energy-efficient because they don’t offer enough insulation. If you live in a region that sees extreme cold or heat (or maybe both) you’ll just be wasting money on utility costs each month.

If you’re able to choose doors, whether they are exterior or interior doors, steer clear of hollow core models. They might come in a style that you like, says Carbine, but they’re cheaply made.

Walls and Paint
Check to see if the walls are smooth and even — a sign that they’ve been prepared and finished properly, says Carbine. All paint and trim should be “flawless with a clean, crisp edge,” she says. 

Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
Homeowners are known to pour tons of money into kitchen renovations, but unless you’re purchasing a high-end luxury home, your builder has likely chosen more economical finishes.

“Cars are not created equally and it’s the same for countertops,” Taylor says. There are different levels of quartz, for example, and a “granite” countertop in a laundry room could turn out to be Formica, she explains. 

As for cabinets, Carbine says don’t assume your new ones are made from solid wood — they could be constructed from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or even particle board that won’t hold up over time. Also, make sure each door and drawer opens and closes smoothly. The hardware should be strong and sturdy, too, she says.

Carbine cautions not to be dazzled by those smooth stone countertops without first checking where the seams of those slabs connect. The industry standard for seam width is 1/16th of an inch or less, but aside from tight joinery — which ensures proper installation — you’re also looking for placement. Countertop seams should connect in a less visible spot.

Don’t Ignore These 2 Things in a New Build

If you’re considering going to the next open house with a magnifying glass in one hand and a list of building material prices in the other, know that there are a couple of bigger-picture aspects to consider as well.

When looking for a quality-built home, you can start with the job site,” says Carbine — most notably, how clean the builder and crew are keeping it. “This can be a big indicator of how materials are being handled as well,” she says. Sawdust will be on the floor, of course, but you don’t want those brand-new appliances covered in it.

You’ll also want to ensure that you’re not confusing your home with what you’ve seen in the model home, says Taylor. “You have to look at the nitty gritty of what you’re buying,” she says. “Reading the specification sheet, no matter how boring it may seem, is critically important.” Doing so will help you avoid “surprises” at the final walk-through.

Get more advice like this on Apartment Therapy.

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• Get Ready for Fall Weather With These Expert Roofing Preparation Tips

• Signed Contracts for U.S. Homes Rise for the Second Month in a Row

• Mortgage Pre-Approval vs. Prequalification: What’s the Difference?

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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