The Well-Dressed Home
Stone Detailing Adds Enhanced Value
by Brad Sonnenburg
The trend toward efficient homes with less square footage is sweeping the nation, and buyers no longer want to waste money on elements of little value. These smaller homes at lower price points are making it possible for buyers to beef up their budgets for exterior design elements. One way to add considerable wow factor to your elevations-as well as value-is incorporating simple, cost-effective stone accents. When designed and integrated correctly, even the smallest touch of stone detailing can make a huge impact in street appeal and buyer interest.
Once reserved for custom homes of the rich and famous, stone applications have come a long way in the past 50 years, starting with the invention of manufactured stone products in the mid-1960s. Even with less expensive materials more readily available, home buyers recognize the value of stone whether manufactured or natural. Architectural detailing is becoming more popular than ever, and when you reallocate some construction savings to enhance the exteriors of your homes, you'll be tapping into an emotional factor that influences a plethora of prospective homeowners: pride.
Stemming from its days as a wish list item, stone is still one of the best ways to increase the perceived value of your homes. Buyers equate stone with quality and sophistication. Simple adjustments, initiated from conceptual design at the outset, can help you utilize this key emotional connection and increase sales.
Winning Designs
Your best bet is to begin the design process with the architectural details at the forefront of your program. If you're worried about overshooting your price point, you may consider developing alternate elevations for each plan that incorporate architectural detailing with stone. Built product will have the noticeable advantage of fully integrated, effectively executed architectural stone applications.
Key elements of the elevation will benefit most from the addition of accent details. However, this doesn't mean that it's an all or nothing endeavor. For example, columns are an easy place to begin incorporating stone in any elevation but that doesn't mean the entire column must be fully clad. Partial height applications introduce the look and feel of stone without becoming overly expensive, especially in labor costs. In fact, the juxtaposition of materials can add more visual interest than a full stone column.
For frontal applications, ground to gable stone can be quite effective. When elevations have a pronounced projected entry, a solid stone surface helps draw the eye to the front door and create a welcoming, upscale entry point. If your elevation has less bounce, full-height stone may feel oppressive. Instead, create a stone-covered low band extending from the ground to window height or higher. Work with your landscape architect to incorporate a front courtyard element, and wrap it with a low landscape wall. Even two simple sidewalk columns can set the tone.
Stone on columns, walls or landscape walls helps to anchor the home to the surrounding landscape, especially here in the Southwest where xeriscape landscaping and desert or mountain scenery abound. A home that feels connected to its environment will feel more established, more stable and more comfortable to those who visit.
Lastly, don't forget that architecture doesn't end at the street view. Bring your stone details inside, and try to think beyond the traditional. We can all appreciate a stone fireplace, but truly inventive uses of stone on the interior will capture buyers' attention. Great room floor plans often provide a bar-height half wall to separate the kitchen from the family room. This is a great place to incorporate a stone treatment. And drywall art niches or accent walls take on a whole new look with a stone backdrop. Push the envelope and you can add an upscale feel to even the most modest interior.
Bringing Stone to Life
A few simple design principles will ensure that your stone accents effectively enhance your elevation and its look, and feel well proportioned in a way that makes sense to passersby. Primarily, all stone applications must have a clearly defined termination point. Avoid the "tacked on" look by planning endpoints for stone cladding. A few areas work particularly well, including perpendicular walls, pop-outs or columns.
In higher price points, consider four-sided stone applications. Including stone elements on the rear of the home is a great way to connect the house to outdoor living-one of the top interests of today's buyers according to recent NAHB surveys. Its natural look and feel invites homeowners outdoors. Pair this four-sided detailing with a terrific outdoor living space including stone edging around beds, stacked stone planters, tumbled paver patios, slab benches or rock gardens. No other exterior cladding material has the potential to provide such a connection, and homeowners seeking a unique outdoor living experience will appreciate the detail.
Materials selections are limitless when it comes to stone. Manufactured products are lighter, less expensive and easier to install, and most buyers can't tell the difference. To the discerning few who can, real stone is available in nearly every shade and shape imaginable. For the growing interest in contemporary design, square-cut slate or bluestone products in black and charcoal grays can add a linear element for visual interest. Traditional stacked limestone or wide-mortared, split river rock selections will tap into the nostalgia factor. Whatever your choice, you'll be adding considerable value for the homeowner-and giving yourself the opportunity to increase sales.
Brad Sonnenburg, Associate AIA, is a Partner in the Phoenix office of BSB Design. With over 20 years of residential design experience as well as an extensive background in project management, construction documents and field coordination, he manages and schedules projects of diverse product types for clients throughout the Southwest. BSB Design operates 15 offices coast to coast, including Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.
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Tacking a few stone details onto your plans retroactively will likely result in poor execution that even the least discriminating buyer will notice. Avoid these common errors of post-design stone additions:
Columns tend to be too thin and appear out of balance.
No pre-determined termination points can make stone seem haphazard and unfinished.
Stone selection often conflicts with existing cladding materials or style.
Trim lines, especially around windows and doors, are challenging for subcontractors to smoothly integrate.
