What's made these people this happy?

Lightyear Construction, a custom local builder to the Wasatch Front, now offers full services for the following items:

• Home Additions

• Home Remodels

• Basement Finishes

Lightyear Construction will continue to offer it's full service design-builds and custom new homes along with these other great services!

SO GET HAPPY!!!

CALL AND GET YOUR FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

CALL OR TEXT 

801-810-8833

OR VISIT US ONLINE AT HTTP://LIGHTYEARCUSTOMHOMES.COM

ICONIC MOVIE HOMES

A LIST OF REAL HOMES USED IN SOME OF OUR FAVORITE MOVIES

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS

The house with its famous detached garage was last listed for $2.3 million.

Groundhog Day

WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS

Bought in 2008 for $435,000 and turned into a Bed & Breakfast.

Home Alone

WINNETKA, INNINOIS

5 bed, 3.5 bath, 4,243 sqft.  Last went on the market for $2.4 million.

A Christmas Story

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Bought on eBay by a fan of the movie for $150,000 and after another $500k was turned into a tourist attraction.

Father of the Bride

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA

Another house in Alhambra, CA was used for the backyard scenes.

Mrs. Doubtfire

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Built in 1906, 2,578 sqft.  Sold in 1997 for $1,395 million.

E.T. The Extraterrestrial

TUJUNGA, CALIFORNIA

Interior and exteriors both shot on location.

Honorable Mentions:

The Truman Show

The planned community of Seaside, Florida was used as the main setting ofr the film.  Almost everyting from Truman’s house to the local market was shot here.

Edward Scissorhands

Director Tim Burton had all the houses on this cul-de-sac in Lutz, Florida temporarily painted in pastel.

The house for the movies Psycho and Beetle Juice were not really houses, only hollow facades.  Most of the filming was done on a studio set.

Best Homes of 2014

GET INSPIRED with these gorgeous home exteriors from 2014.

TRADITIONAL

A traditional home is inspired by period styles such as Tudor and Georgian.  You will see ornate detail with carvings and curvatures.  Windows will be highly decorative Colors are muted and subdued to creat a calm ambiance. (Nashville, Atlanta, New York, North Carolina)

BEACH/TROPICAL

Tropical style homes stay true to their beachy environment by taking on earthy, light colors.  Always decked out in palm trees, their surroundings do most of the work for them.  Many times, beach homes will be on stilts. (Charleston, Orange County, Miami, Chicago)

RUSTIC

Rustic homes are inspired by the simplicity and beauty of nature.  Walls are covered in warm brick, stone or distressed wood.  Large windows fill the space with natural light and help the home feel as close to the outdoors as possible. (Idaho, Montana, Georgetown, Baltimore)

CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary style borrows from various time periods.  It is eclectic in that it combines sleek and simple with high detail.  While keeping in line with minimal home design and color schemes.  Contemporary homes boast natural materials like glass or ceramic.  (Southeast-US, San Diego, Cleveland, Santa Barbara)

MODERN

The focus of modern homes is simplicity, cleanliness and absence of décor or detailing.  Modern color palettes are typically made up of neutral shades.  However, modern homes contain splashes of bright colors like oranges, pinks and turquoise. (Minneapolis, Sydney, Perth, Washington DC)

CRAFTSMAN

Arts & Crafts home design borrows interior elements from a number of different styles, including art nouveau and artisan.  Colors are typically earth-inspired and include dusty oranges, browns and taupes and sage greens. (Vancouver, Houston, Delaware)

MIDCENTURY

Mid-century modern homes have a seamless flow from the inside to the outside thanks to sliding doors, picture windows, skylights and patios.  Windows are often left bare to emphasize outdoor views. (Austin, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara)

ECLECTIC

Eclectic home design embraces numerous styles such as modern, vintage and bohemian.  Materials and textures are also mixed and matched – it’s all about creating a home with a unique environment filled with personality.  (Metro, Melbourne, Ireland, United Kingdom)

MEDITERRANEAN

Touches of Spain, Greece and Italy can be found in Mediterranean homes.  The outdoors is always embraced, and many homes blur the line between inside and outside using picture windows and glass sliding doors.  (Charlotte, San Fransisco, Los Angeles)

INDUSTRIAL

Industrial interiors give off a cool, modern vide.  The style blends new and repurposed items for a unique combination of modern and vintage.  You’ll often see a mix of grays, blacks and whites complemented by pops of blues or greens.  (London, Melbourne, Montana, Wyoming)

FARMHOUSE

Farmhouse homes share similar characteristics to cottage homes.  A combinations of whites is used on everything and the ambiance is warmed up using weathered woods and rustic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and copper.  (Burlington, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia)

Conquering Clutter Home Organization Tips for the New Year

1. Canisters / Jars

Organize your kitchen by placing lose or bagged items into canisters or jars.  Though matching sets are not required, you may feel more organized if your storage system has a consistent look.

2. Storage Bench

Your living room is one of the rooms where your family spends the most time.  Keep favorite toys, magazines, and blankets close by hiding them in upholstered storage benches.

3. Hall Trees

If your entryway lacks a closet, you can get more storage space by adding a hall tree.  Hall tree are combination hat rack, coat hanger, shoe storage and bench.

4. Closet by Color

In addition to having drawers and shelves in your closet, hanging your clothes by color can help spend less time looking for a certain item.

5. Shelf Organizers

Bathrooms and cabinets often have limited space for storage, and therefore limited ways to organize.  Maximize your space by investing in these space saving tiered organizers.

6. Metal Magnets

Magnetic parts holders are the perfect size for your loose metallic objects – bobby pins, sewing needles, etc. Magnetic themselves, they are able to adhere to any metal surface in your house.

7. Cord Holders

Binder Clips are good for keeping cords organized and within reach at any given moment.  Simply clip onto the side of a desk and thread the cord through.

8. Cord Labels

Matching cords can get confusing when you are looking for one thing to unplug.  Organize your cords by putting marked bread ties on to them and never have to guess again which cord belongs to what item.

9. Car Fluid Carrier

A plastic shower caddy is the perfect idea for organizing and neatly storing your car maintenance tools.

10. Toy Buckets

Toy organization sometimes gets left behind in the hustle and bustle of life.  Its easy this bucket system – labeling each bucket by theme makes pick-up a breeze.

11. Battery Storage

Never have loose batteries rolling around in your junk drawer again! A plastic tackle box has perfectly sized dividers for all of your batteries.

12. Roll Dispenser

Paper towels, aluminum foil, parchment paper, etc.  Instead of keeping multiple cardboard boxes in a drawer, try this roll dispenser to add some chic to your kitchen pantry.

13. Cabinet Shelves

Adding more shelves to your cabinets is a great way to organize your kitchen bakeware that typically lies flat and stacked.

14. Spice Racks

Spice Racks can do more than just organize your spices.  They are a cheap, attractive, and easy way to give your bathroom a “Spa-Like” feel while storing your hair / make-up products.

15. Ball Organizer

Using some extra wood and a few bungee cords, you can create a ball storage area that can easily fit in that awkward space between the garage door and the adjacent wall.

Just Remember, everything has its place.  With that in mind, you should be organized in not time!

10 Reasons a Realtor Will Save You Money

You might think buying or selling your own home will save money, but it could be more costly in the long run.  Here’s why…

Experience

There are 237 possible actions that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction.  You need somebody who has been there before; to be sure you get what you’re after.

Professional Networking

They have connections and experience with reputable lenders, inspectors, and even tradesman for renovations.

Market Data

Data such as the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median and average sales prices, the average days on market and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.

They do the Footwork

You spend your time feeling out your potential home, finding one you will be happy in; your realtor spends time searching, organizing, and scheduling.

Emotionally Removed

They are emotionally removed from the home-buying and selling situation, and can remain objective to find the best deal for you.

Commission Cost

Having a lawyer on retainer any time you want to talk about potentially buying or selling a house could cost far more than a realtor’s commission.

Negotiation Skills

They have experience negotiating, and can guide you in your negotiations for a new home to get you the best possible price.

Foreclosures and Short Sales

They are experienced with these tricky types of sales, and can help you successfully navigate them.

Process Familiarization

Most real estate files average in thickness from 1 to 3 inches of paper when stacked. One tiny mistake or omission could mean time in court, thousands of dollars, or a lost sale or purchase. Realtors are well versed in this process.

Issue Resolution

A realtor can offer expert advice, based on experience, when an issue arises from inspection to financing.

10 Holiday Decor Tips

1. For every one foot of tree height, you need:

100 Lights

9 Feet of Garland

20 Ornaments

2. For a whimsical take on traditional christmas colors, try pink and teal with silver metallic accents instead, or come up with your own unique color combo.

3.Go natural by decorating seasonally rather than holiday specific.  For example, use accents like cinnamon sticks, oranges, pine cones, etc.

4. Bring the wreath inside! A wreath on your front door is nice, but it means you don't get to enjoy it 24/7. Hang one in a window so everybody will see it.

5. Go floral with unconventional christmas flower like with amaryllis tinged with green.

6. Upgrade store-bought throw pillows with holiday appliques. Bunch a few together to spell a work, like J-O-Y.

7. Don't love the tree skirt you have? Opt for a natural wicker basket - it's the new black!

8. Greet your holiday guest with festive decor in your guest room.  A simple garland or holiday pillow will add a great touch.

9. Turn your everyday decor into holiday decor by stringing twinkle lights or sprinkling faux snow on them.

10. No Mantle? Incorporate the holiday spirit into any bedroom by shanging your stockings at the foot of a bed.

Rent vs Buy

Are you weighing the options of renting vs buying a home? This infographic will explain some of the pros and cons of each option and will help you make you decision.

PAYMENTS

Home for Rent:

Payments are approximately $1,500.00 per month.

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

Payments are approximately $1,286.00 per month (estimated), a portion of which could be tax deductible (Please verify that with your accountant)

INITIAL INVESTMENT OUT OF POCKET

Home for Rent:

A small initial payment of $3,500.00 down (the first and last months’ rent plus a $500.00 cleaning deposit, which is usually a refundable amount.)

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

Down payment of 20 percent or $50,000, if the purchase price is $250,000.00.  But perhaps you should think of it this way, that’s $50,000.00 closer to paying off your loan. In many cases, less than a 20 percent down payment is required.  Sometimes it can be as little as zero down, but don’t count on qualifying for that program.  You should check with a qualified lender to make sure what you qualify for as far as a new home goes.

VARIABLE VS FIXED

Home for Rent:

Rent can be increased at the end of a lease.  You have the option to move if the rent is increased.

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

A homeowners monthly payments stay the same through-out the loan (should a fixed rate mortgage have been selected).  Home values can go up or down, but the payments should stay fixed.

CUSTOMIZATION

Home for Rent:

Renters are typically not allowed to do any major renovations, and ultimately if you did decide to complete a renovation, you would just be improving someone else’s property.

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

Home-owners can improve and remodel their properties to increase value and make it their own.

U.S. home owners on average spent $28,030 to remodel their kitchens over the last five years. Upgrading the front and garage doors, adding a wood deck or installing siding are all improvements which provide the greatest return on investment.

MAINTENANCE

Home for Rent:

Renters typically are not responsible for maintenance, however, they have to notify the landlord when something is broken.  Sometimes renters may have to wait a long time before something gets taken care of.

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

Home-owners have to cover the cost of any repairs or replacements.

A $250,000.00 home should have around $2,500.00 set aside for annual maintenance.  Simply put, a homeowner will typically need to invest around 1% of a home’s value in annual maintenance for a home to keep its value.

A few examples of the average cost for home repairs and maintenance:

• Exterior Paint                                     $300.00
• Air Conditioner Repairs                     $400.00
• Water Heater Repairs                        $600.00
• Lawn Replacement                             $700.00
• Sewer / Water Main Repair               $2,500.00
• Foundation Repair                            $5,000.00
• Roof Replacement                             $12,000.00

FLEXIBILITY VS STABILITY

Home for Rent:

A landlord can decide on short notice to stop renting to a tenant at the end of a lease. Renters are at the mercy of the landlord.

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

Home-owners know they have a place they can come home to.  If a home-owner needs to move it can be hard to sell a home quickly without getting less than the asking price.

FOR RENT OR FOR SALE – THE BOTTOM LINE

Home for Rent:

                                Every time you pay your rent you get to live in someone else’s property for another month.

Home for Sale (considering a purchase price of $250,000.00):

Every time you make a mortgage payment, you own a little bit more of your home and are building your own equity as opposed to your landlords.

CONCLUSION

Many people are often intimidated when it comes to buying a home.  The reality is that with interest rates where they are currently at, there is a very high likelihood that it will be LESS EXPENSIVE on a monthly basis, and you will end up building LONG TERM EQUITY.  Most home-owners agree that their investment in their home is one of the BEST INVESTMENTS that they have ever made.

Vacation Themed Outdoor Spaces

Vacation Themed Outdoor Spaces

Your backyard or deck is where you get to live a little. It’s also where you get to let loose and unwind after a long day at work, or a place where you finally get to soak up a little bit of sun.  Remember that book you’ve been dying to “get into”, your home’s outdoor space is the perfect place to get into that, or maybe you’ve got some good friends that you’ve been dying to catch up with. Having the perfect outdoor space at your personal home is the IDEAL space to make that happen in.

You’re outdoor space is also a GREAT place to have fun with a great theme!  Embrace your creative side and see what you can create in terms of a backyard that transports both you and your family to both another time, and another place; that, and perhaps even another culture!

Here are five exotic ideas to get you inspired!  CHECK THEM OUT!                                                                      

1. ARABIAN NIGHTS OUTDOOR THEME

   • Overlapping old Persian-style rugs.
   • Large pillows for lying upon.
   • Low-profile tables with candles.
   • Lanterns to break up the space.
   • Bright colored fabrics for that “lush” feel.

2. ISLANDER STYLE OUTDOOR THEME

   • Fun Caribbean colors like pinks, purples, bright blue and yellows.
   • Large rug that brings all your elements together.
   • Rustic vivid folk style.
   • Mixed-and-match pieces.
   • Wood chairs and table.
   • Playful lighting.

3. JUNGLE SAFARI OUTDOOR THEME

   • Aboriginal souvenir pieces like masks, candle holders, fans, art and stately wood antiques.
   • Potted palm trees and big leafy plants.
   • Animal print furniture and/or rug.

4. COUNTRY CHIC OUTDOOR THEME

   • Scatter some simple American throwbacks like collectible tins, old cooking utensils, a straw hat, etc.
   • Vintage Linens on side table for that cozy last-century look.
   • Use “experienced” wooden furniture.
   • Hillbilly Chic is easy because it’s all about a rustic “mish-mash”.
   • A great rocking chair with a nice plaid blanket or a quilt for chilly late nights.

5. POLYNESIAN SURF SHACK OUTDOOR THEME

   • You can’t have a surf shack without a Tiki bar.
   • Tiki torches & chili pepper lights or paper patio lanterns.
   • Surround the area with funky Polynesian masks.
   • Use old surfboards for décor.

Thanks so much for enjoying our blog.  Please comment your thoughts!  Thanks!

Vacation Themed Outdoor Spaces

Vacation Themed Outdoor Spaces

Your backyard or deck is where you get to live a little. It’s also where you get to let loose and unwind after a long day at work, or a place where you finally get to soak up a little bit of sun.  Remember that book you’ve been dying to “get into”, your home’s outdoor space is the perfect place to get into that, or maybe you’ve got some good friends that you’ve been dying to catch up with. Having the perfect outdoor space at your personal home is the IDEAL space to make that happen in.

You’re outdoor space is also a GREAT place to have fun with a great theme!  Embrace your creative side and see what you can create in terms of a backyard that transports both you and your family to both another time, and another place; that, and perhaps even another culture!

Here are five exotic ideas to get you inspired!  CHECK THEM OUT!                                                                      

1. ARABIAN NIGHTS OUTDOOR THEME
   • Overlapping old Persian-style rugs.
   • Large pillows for lying upon.
   • Low-profile tables with candles.
   • Lanterns to break up the space.
   • Bright colored fabrics for that “lush” feel.
2. ISLANDER STYLE
   • Fun Caribbean colors like pinks, purples, bright blue and yellows.
   • Large rug that brings all your elements together.
   • Rustic vivid folk style.
   • Mixed-and-match pieces.
   • Wood chairs and table.
   • Playful lighting.
3. JUNGLE SAFARI
   • Aboriginal souvenir pieces like masks, candle holders, fans, art and stately wood antiques.
   • Potted palm trees and big leafy plants.
   • Animal print furniture and/or rug.
4. COUNTRY CHIC
   • Scatter some simple American throwbacks like collectible tins, old cooking utensils, a straw hat, etc.
   • Vintage Linens on side table for that cozy last-century look.
   • Use “experienced” wooden furniture.
   • Hillbilly Chic is easy because it’s all about a rustic “mish-mash”.
   • A great rocking chair with a nice plaid blanket or a quilt for chilly late nights.
5. POLYNESIAN SURF SHACK
   • You can’t have a surf shack without a Tiki bar.
   • Tiki torches & chili pepper lights or paper patio lanterns.
   • Surround the area with funky Polynesian masks.
   • Use old surfboards for décor.

Thanks so much for enjoying our blog.  Please comment your thoughts!  Thanks!