Kitchens have always been the center of a house. It's where everyone congregates at a party, regardless of the host's intentions. It's where the mail, the keys and the family news are dropped on the way in. The kitchen is so important to most people that it is the feature most likely to make or break the purchase of a home.

Not surprisingly, the kitchen is a lightning rod for design and lifestyle trends. In addition to such products as cabinets, appliances, and plumbing fixtures (to name only a few), the layout, function, and look of the kitchen continually evolves to meet contemporary lifestyle and needs. Here are a few current trends to consider:

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Q: What is "solid surface" material for countertops?

A: Solid surface refers to a breed of countertop and surfacing finish that offers a denser, thicker, and color-through material alternative to ceramic tile, laminate, and stone (such as granite). Made from a combination of real and synthetic minerals and high-strength polymers, these surfaces appear and act like genuine stone, but can also be formulated and installed in a wider range of styles and colors — including combinations — to suit any decor. Their formulations are also impact, scratch, and burn-resistant, and protect against microbial growth to maintain a clean and healthy surface.

You've finally decided to build that dream house and have invited us into your living room or have stopped into our office to discuss your plans. Now what?

As a professional homebuilder, we are prepared to answer any questions you have as you make a purchasing decision, arguably one of the most important financial choices in your life.

But while we encourage and welcome this dialogue, we often find that homebuyers aren't typically prepared for that opportunity. In many cases, the questions we get are limited to how much does a new house cost (or cost per square foot), what are the carpet or cabinet choices, and whether we can cut a deal.

While those are valid questions, we think they only scratch the surface of what homebuyers need to know to help ensure a satisfying experience with our company or any professional builder.

So here are the top five questions we think homebuyers should ask when they are on the cusp of building a new home with us…and why they matter:

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