Tips for Designing a Kitchen Layout

When it comes to kitchen designs for new homes in NJ, the possibilities are endless. From cabinets, to flooring to fixtures, you can easily begin to feel overwhelmed as you consider the options. However, before you can even begin to select the colors and finishes, you first need to plan and design a layout for the kitchen. As an overlooked step, a good kitchen design is the foundation you need to efficiently and effortlessly utilize this central home space.

As you work with a professional to formally design a new kitchen space, below are a few tips and ideas to help you create your ideal kitchen layout.

1. Think about your routines and needs. Are you a super chef, or a take-out connoisseur? Do you have dishware for every occasion or do you just prefer the basics? Think about what you will need to store in your kitchen. Also, will you have a dining room buffet or cabinet -meaning, what will be kept there versus in the kitchen? If you have your grandmother’s china, plus other dishes and glassware, then you might want to create enough storage space. How large of a pantry area do you think you will need? Will there be expeditions to warehouse club stores where you buy in bulk? So, consider the amount of items you will need to access and store in your kitchen, and then be sure to plan for enough cabinet and pantry space.

Pro-Tip: If possible, build in an appliance center into your pantry – where you can leave things like your stand mixer and/or food processor set up, plugged in, and ready to use. This way small appliances are not cluttering up counter space and you are not having to haul them in and out of cabinets when you need to use them.

2. Plan room for an island and large appliances. How large of a kitchen island do you need? How much seating should be around it? Do you want to have a sink and dishwasher built into that island or just leave it as extra counter space?  Picture the flow of working inside your kitchen. How easily do you want to access your refrigerator, oven and microwave? Also know the ovens and cook tops you want to purchase ahead of time so that you plan to leave enough space for all of them. Remember to leave the aisle and walkways roomy enough to accommodate more than one cook in the kitchen.

Pro-Tip: Some appliances, like refrigerators, come in counter depth and standard depth. Consider the appliance you have now and what you might purchase in the future. In your design, you will want to accommodate the correct depth of those appliances as well as room leave room to open and close the doors.

3. Be smart with space. As far as kitchen layouts for new homes in NJ go, there’s always room for personalization. Get creative with the elements in your kitchen. Think of… opportunities to build in paper towel dispensers, locations to add outlets for appliances, and an area where a charging station for phones and mobile devices might be handy.

Pro–Tip: Don’t let empty spaces go to waste. Some ideas include adding cabinets to the outside of the kitchen island, placing a vertical spice cabinet near the cooking or prep area, and utilizing pull out drawers and pull down shelves to hold everything from pots and pans to cereal boxes and coffee pods.

Act now by September 30^th to activate a Luxury Kitchen Coupon with Schaeffer Family Homes.

Whether you Build on your Own Lot (BOYL), or choose a beautiful homesite at either Menantico Estates in Vineland, or Kresswood in Voorhees, this Luxury Kitchen Coupon gives you granite countertops, 42” cabinets with crown molding, undermount stainless steel sink, and $250 toward any luxury kitchen faucet. Contact Schaeffer for all details and more information.

New construction homes in Vineland, NJ at Menantico Estates include ranch style, multi-level and traditional 2-story layouts, with floorplans that range from 1,880-3,100 square feet in both 3 or 4 bedrooms floorplans, starting in the $420s.

Or discover Kresswood, a small community of new homes in Voorhees, NJ, and lies just outside the city of Philadelphia. The four homesites featured in Kresswood have 3-4 bedrooms and range from 1900- 3600 square feet of living space, starting in the low-$700s.

Visit the Schaeffer Family Homes website to explore interactive floor plans and begin to personalize and design your new home online, by exploring all of the available plan options.

Contact us today at 856-208-5118 or email general.info@schaefferhomes.com to reserve your new home in NJ today!

Tips on Choosing the Right Upgrades in the Kitchen Design Process

Schaeffer Family Homes, a home builder in NJ building quality, affordable new homes for over three generations wants to personalize your next home. Part of your home buyer journey includes this personalization by designing the home you want. Whether you are building a new home in May Landing, NJ or on your own lot, you will be able to visit our design center and select the colors and finishes you want for your new home. Our design center offers a selection of the best materials, colors, and more that will fit the home you are designing.

Sometimes a design process can feel both exciting and overwhelming, with the kitchen being one area where a home buyer will focus a lot of their attention. So to help guide you in the right direction during the selection process for your new kitchen, here are a few quick tips.

Countertops

Countertops are one of the most impactful selections that you can make in the kitchen. But before you jump one way or another, consider a few things first to help guide you toward the right material.

• How much will your kitchen get used? Will there be a lot of cooking and prep work, or do you have a small family and tend to eat simple?
• Will care and cleaning be a problem? If you are looking at either granite and engineered quartz, cleaning each surface is easy by using a mild cleaner. However, when it comes to marble countertops, you need to avoid using harsh chemicals and watch out for acidic food and beverages that might remain on the surface for too long because they can stain the surface.
• Are you willing to seal your countertop once a year? Marble, limestone, and granite countertops are all porous and need to be sealed at least once a year since. While this effort is actually not a big deal to do, it still is another item to add to your homeowner “To Do” List.

Cabinets

Every home, even a home in Mays Landing, NJ, can never have enough storage- especially when it comes to the kitchen. If you have the option to expand the size or amount of cabinets, then make the investment.

If you have several nice items to display, then be sure to add a glass front door to 1 or 2 of the cabinets. You can even add some lighting to help those pieces shine inside the cabinet. Consider upgrading to the next level of cabinet because it isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about durability. Upgraded cabinets can withstand wear and tear better, and include solid drawers that are designed to endure heavy usage over time.

Flooring

Consider again the amount of wear and tear that your kitchen will receive. There will be things that will fall or be accidentally dropped on the floor – from food to utensils. You also might be standing a lot in one area. Chairs and tables might be moved around a lot. So, select a floor that takes those things into consideration, flows well into the rest of your home and can endure how you foresee that space getting used the most in your new home in Mays Landing, NJ.

All homes built through Schaeffer Family Homes are built under a reputation backed up in writing. Come experience the different with Schaeffer.

For homes in May Landing, NJ, now is one of the best times to buy!  Schaeffer Family Homes is offering a Luxury Cabinet Coupon. This coupon is valid for a Cabinet Upgrade in a home that is purchased on Halbert Avenue by August 13!

Learn more about our design process, the options available and this great Luxury Cabinet Coupon on our website. Contact Schaeffer today by calling (856) 208-5118 to explore what is possible and begin your new home journey!

Floor Plan Profile: Phoenix

As a preferred home builder in NJ, Schaeffer Family Homes takes pride in offering some of the best home designs on the market today. Our designs are attractive, energy-efficient and flexible for a range of household sizes and lifestyles.

A great example is our Phoenix floor plan. This modern split-level home has numerous options for customizing the look and layout, as well as a wide selection of interior finishes and details. Its most unique feature is the placement of the owner’s suite on its own level. This ensures the feeling of retreat and privacy that homeowners want in a main bedroom.

The Phoenix is 1,948 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Choose from several exterior designs with combinations of siding, brick or stone Craftsman details.

Inside, the main level contains the kitchen, dining nook and family room with vaulted ceiling. The lower level is ideal for a game room, man cave or workout room. It has sliding glass doors to the outside. The owner’s suite is on the second level and has a bath with dual sink vanity and spacious tiled shower. Upstairs on the top level, you’ll find two bedrooms, a full bath and a balcony overlooking the family room.

We can build the Phoenix for you in the south Jersey counties of Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and parts of Burlington. We can build on a lot you already own or we can help you find a lot in those areas or in one of our new home communities. We can even build your dream house at the shore!

No matter where you build, you’re guaranteed to get the high quality and dedication that we offer all our customers. The Schaeffer family has been living and building new homes in the South Jersey area for three generations. We work with you to customize your home and choose your favorite finishes and details in our Design Center. When you build with us, you’ll end up with a home that you and your family will love for years to come.

Call Schaeffer Family Homes today at 856-208-5118 to get started planning your new Phoenix home with your preferred home builder in NJ.

Last Opportunity at 101 Reena’s Way!

Our available home at 101 Reena’s Way in Berlin Borough should be at the top of your list if you’re searching for new homes in NJ.

Newly built on our Phoenix Elevation B floor plan, this available home in our Carriage Mews community is 2,505 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. It showcases a unique split level design with the owner’s suite on the second level.

Gorgeous Laguna Blue Alside board and batten siding is accented with crisp white trim and complementary masonry. A wide front porch adds to the welcoming modern-farmhouse vibe.

Indoors, light neutral colors give the open concept family room and kitchen a fresh and relaxed feel. The kitchen features white kitchen cabinets with crown molding, stainless steel appliances, a large island and built-in desk. White quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash complete the look. The two-story family room has a fireplace that will make a great focal point for cozy evenings at home. Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining area is perfect for entertaining or family dinners.

Quality features on the first floor include 9’ ceilings and luxury vinyl plank floors for durability and ease of care. Elegant paneled wainscoting in selected areas adds a touch of formality.

Entering the house through the 2-car side-entry garage, family members can take advantage of the drop zone in the mud room, which has a built-in bench and cubbies. The tastefully finished basement rec room can be a play room, media room, game room or whatever your family needs. This home also has a sunroom with steps to the spacious backyard. The .38 acre lot is professionally landscaped and includes an installed sprinkler system.

Numerous upgrades and luxury options make this Energy Star certified home a great deal at $479,900.

Carriage Mews is an intimate cul-de-sac community located at the corner of Wyndam Road and Watsontown-New Freedom Road in Berlin Borough. Students living in Carriage Mews can attend Berlin Community Schools and Eastern High School.

Live chat with our New Home Specialist Krista, call 856-208-5118 or email general.info@schaefferhomes to schedule a tour of 101 Reena’s Way in the Carriage Mews community of new homes in NJ.

Tips for Relocating From Philadelphia

Are you looking for a new home builder in NJ to help you relocate from Philadelphia? If so, Schaeffer Family Homes can make your transition to the suburbs a great experience.

Life in the South Jersey suburbs offers many benefits:

• The region is home to some of the top-rated public schools in the country. US News ranked New Jersey #2 on their list of best states for education.
• The suburbs have lower crime rates than the city. With increased safety comes better quality of life for you and your family.
• Less traffic means shorter and more pleasant drives to your destination, whether you’re going to work or heading out for a day of shopping.
• Our communities offer an easy commute into Philadelphia. Carriage Mews in Berlin Borough is a 10 minute drive to the PATCO train station and a 30-minute train ride in. If you drive the full way, it only takes 30 minutes during normal hours and 40-45 minutes during rush hour.
• You’ll have more space inside your home. Our open-concept designs provide generous living space plus additional rooms for privacy.
• Bigger back yards mean more room to relax, play or garden in the fresh air. The suburbs offer a higher quality of life for your four-legged family members, too!

Schaeffer Family Homes can build your dream home in one of our communities or anywhere in South Jersey. Our newest community, Carriage Mews, is located in Berlin Borough. We offer seven spacious floor plans to choose from in Carriage Mews. These one or two story homes are customizable inside and out. Carriage Mews offers true suburban living in a brand new home designed and built just for you!

Our Ellis floor plan is 2,161 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Choose from two front elevations with numerous color schemes to customize the exterior of your home. Inside, you can add a sunroom off the kitchen, add a fireplace to the family room or a bay window in the living room, plus many more available options. Base price for Ellis floor plan homes is $368,900.

Get started now to purchase your new home in Carriage Mews while interest rates are low! Call Schaeffer Family Homes today at 856-208-5118 to start planning your new home with a leading new home builder in NJ.

 

Floor Plan Profile: The Winston

If you’re looking for new homes in Berlin Borough NJ, consider a customized home built on our Winston floor plan. At a spacious 3,100 square feet, the Winston is a traditional style two-story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

The elegant two story foyer is flanked by a private study and a formal living room. The living room opens to the formal dining room, allowing for a smooth flow when entertaining. More casual space is located at the back of the house with an open-concept kitchen, dining area and family room. The option to add a sliding glass door provides easy access to the back yard. Two staircases make getting around the house a breeze.

On the second floor, a spacious carpeted master bedroom features a sitting area and a large private master bathroom. Three additional bedrooms and a second full bath complete the layout.

Using the My Home app on our website, you can customize the Winston floor plan home. Add options to create your ideal home. First floor options include an expanded dining room, additional windows in the family room and living room, a fireplace in the family room, a sunroom off the kitchen and more. On the second floor, upgrade your home with a Jack and Jill bath or a double sink in the hall bath or master bath.

Once you’ve customized the floor plan, the app will move on to exterior choices. Select from three elevations and pick a palette of coordinating colors to bring the home to life.

Finally, you’ll select a homesite from our sitemap. We currently have homesites available in Carriage Mews in Berlin Borough NJ, or we can build a Winston for you through our “Build On Your Lot” program in South Jersey. With all steps completed, you can print or e-mail yourself a brochure of your home to save your selections.

You can also build your dream Winston on a 1+ acre homesite we have available in Southampton NJ. The Winston at 6 Angels Court in Southampton starts at $499,900. It includes the Schaeffer Family Homes Signature Package with a side-entry garage and unfinished basement. Personalize your floor plan and choose your design finishes in this spacious two-story home. Buy now while interest rates are at a historic low!

Live chat with our New Home Specialist Krista or call 856-208-5118 or email general.info@schaefferhomes to find out more about our brand new homes in Berlin Borough NJ.

Find Your Dream Home with a Virtual Appointment

Even when you can’t get out to view a home in person, you can still plan your new home and shop for available homes in Berlin Borough NJ with virtual appointments.

We’re hard at work to make sure you can build or buy a new home with us. We welcome you to arrange virtual meetings with us via FaceTime, GoToMeeting, or any method you choose. Virtual meetings are a great way to discuss our building process, learn what you’re looking for in a new home or answer any questions you may have.

Meanwhile, take advantage of downtime by browsing our website. Our website is full of interactive tools to help you choose and customize the floor plan and lot that are right for you.

Use our Design Your Home app to select a building site, then look through our floor plans and create the home of your dreams right there on your device. We offer 22 home plans in South Jersey. Plans have 2-4 bedrooms and 2-3.5 baths. Square footage varies from 1,380 to 4,308, so you’re sure to find a plan that fits your needs. In our Carriage Mews community, we offer 7 home plans ranging from 1,856-3,100 square feet. Using our online app, you can select exterior details and colors, take virtual tours, customize floor plans and even create a brochure of your finished design.

Today’s low interest rates make this a perfect time to buy your new home. Chat online with our New Home Specialist Krista, email general.info@schaefferhomes.com or call 856-208-5118 to schedule a virtual appointment to learn more about our brand new homes in Berlin Borough NJ.

New Vs. Used Homes: The New Home Advantage

You know it’s time to move, but you have a dilemma. Should you choose to build a new home with an award-winning NJ new home builder or should you purchase a used home? If you ask us, the answer is obvious: a new home wins every time. Here’s why:

• When you buy a new home from Schaeffer Family Homes, you’re getting exactly the home that you want. It’s not someone else’s idea of the perfect home, it’s your idea and your dreams coming to life. You can design your home around your lifestyle and your family’s tastes.
• You can move right in and start enjoying your new home on Day One. No messy remodeling required!
• New homes help you save money on utilities. Our homes are NJ ENERGY STAR certified. We use energy-efficient building materials and mechanical systems to keep your home cozy and comfortable year-round while reducing utility costs.
• Your new Schaeffer home is protected by numerous warranties lasting from 1-10 years. We even have an in-house warranty manager! You won’t find that in a used home.
• All the technical systems in your new home are brand new, up-to-date and professionally installed. You’ll enjoy peace of mind with super-efficient and well-designed plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.
• New homes are built with the latest advanced building materials. They have poured concrete foundations with damp/waterproofing, as well as engineered subfloors and joists that are designed to be squeak-resistant.

At Schaeffer Family Homes, we can build your new home to your specifications on your lot or in our Carriage Mews community in Berlin Borough NJ. We also build at the Jersey Shore. If you’re seeking land within our building area, we can connect you with landowners or real estate agents who can help you find the perfect piece of property for the home of your dreams.

If you’re seeking land within our building area, we can connect you with our Land Acquisition Specialist who can help you find the perfect piece of property for the home of your dreams.

Once you have your homesite picked out, we’ll help you choose and customize one of our floor plans to fit your needs and tastes. You’ll visit our brand-new Design Center in Cherry Hill to choose the finishes and details that put your personal stamp on the home

Ready to get started planning your new home? Call Schaeffer Family Homes today at 856-208-5118 to set up an appointment with an award-winning NJ new home builder.

         

We are proud to offer new homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy-efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are independently verified by a third-party Home Energy Rater to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR energy efficiency guidelines. These homes are better for the environment and better for you. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes at http://www.energystar.gov/

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