JKD Builder Welcomes Leadership Lake Travis to Lakeway Airpark

Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce member and Lakeway resident Keith Durio with JKD Builder helped welcome a group of approximately 35 local business leaders to the Lakeway Airpark on March 6. Keith coordinated with local pilots to provide complimentary aerial tours of the Lake Travis and Austin area to the participants, serving as air boss for the eight planes participating. Pilots included Jesse Beckett, Robert White, Phil Grgurich, Jeff Brinkman, John Reinschmidt, Rich Judd, Steve Zbranek and Burke Edwards. Other ground crew included Lakeway residents Mike Collier and Jean Thompson.

“Many thanks to all the pilots and ground crew who answered JKD Builder‘s call to help with the Leadership Lake Travis aerial tour last week,” said Keith Durio, president of JKD Builder. “The great turnout of pilots and assistants on the ground exemplifies the comaradarie and give-back atmosphere of Lakeway’s aviation community, which is one of the things that makes the Lakeway Airpark community so unique and special.”

Leadership Lake Travis is sponsored by the Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce and provides a hands-on, interactive experience through which participants have the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional skills, gain a deeper understanding of community dynamics, and build a network of colleagues and associates in the south Lake Travis area.

By |2017-12-20T17:19:30+00:00March 20th, 2014|blog|Comments Off on JKD Builder Welcomes Leadership Lake Travis to Lakeway Airpark

The Prescription for Pool Project Procrastination – Part III

Investing in a Pool – What you should know.

If you want to be swimming in your own pool this summer, now is the time to start planning. In this third in our Prescription for Pool Procrastination posts, we offer guidance on managing the cost of your pool.

Just as with a home construction project, many factors impact a pool project’s costs. Understanding these can help guide you in making informed design decisions for a dream pool that meets your budget parameters.

  1. Size and depth. Excavation can account for as much as 10 percent of the total pool project – so the bigger and deeper the hole, the more the dollars add up. The rocky soils in Austin often necessitate hoe-ramming, and typically the deeper the backhoe digs, the more likely it is to encounter rock. Most pool contracts in this area include a rock clause for unanticipated rock encountered in the excavation process. That’s why a well-conceived design is so important at the outset – if you aren’t planning a diving board or ledge that requires deeper water, save money by keeping your excavation more shallow.

    In addition, the larger the size, the more it will require in gunite, tile, steel, lights, and so on. Not to mention the water that will be required to fill it. Build a design that is appropriate for your goals – overbuilding just adds costs you could put to use on outdoor furnishings or landscaping.

  2. excavation

     

  3. Special features. The options for cool water features are seemingly endless and you’ve probably pinned or saved some ideas in your planning process (see blog post: Choosing a Pool Design). Popular […]
By |2017-12-20T17:19:30+00:00March 17th, 2014|blog, pools|Comments Off on The Prescription for Pool Project Procrastination – Part III

The Prescription for Pool Project Procrastination, pt.II

Choosing a Pool Builder – What you should know.

If you want to be swimming in your own pool this summer, now is the time to start planning. In this second in our Prescription for Pool Procrastination posts, we share some tips on choosing the right builder.

We know how scary it can be to choose a pool builder. When we decided to add a pool to our home many years ago, we had heard horror stories about unethical contractors, rip offs, and fly by night installers who took their customers’ money and never completed the work. We were young, and first-time pool owners – and we learned a lot about what to do and not to do through that experience. In fact, that is what led us to expand our JKD Builder services to pools – and we built our first pool in 2006.

Here are some tips as you begin your pool journey:

  1. Big isn’t necessarily better. A large regional or national pool company has deep pockets to advertise, and invest in beautiful (and expensive) marketing materials. But once the project is underway, the real test is service and quality. A smaller company with a good, solid track record and local references should not be discounted.
  2. Local experience is critical. Look for a pool builder who has demonstrated experience in central Texas. You want a pool builder who knows the local soil composition, weather considerations, regulations and permitting issues.
  3. Expect face time. A good pool builder will be on site from start to finish. While most of the work is subcontracted (excavation, gunite, plumbing, for instance), a good pool builder will keep close oversight with frequent job site visits – daily, in the key construction phases. Over […]
By |2017-12-20T17:19:30+00:00February 3rd, 2014|blog, pools|Comments Off on The Prescription for Pool Project Procrastination, pt.II

The Prescription for Pool Project Procrastination

Choosing a Pool Design – Tips to get started on your dream pool in Austin

It may still be winter cedar season in Austin, but the warm temps of spring and summer aren’t far behind. If you’re looking to beat the summer heat with a new pool and outdoor living space, now is the time to start planning.

Many people make the mistake of waiting until the temperatures heat up to start thinking about adding a pool. But with pool design, permit approvals and construction taking from eight weeks to a few months, waiting until summer is here to start that process will mean missing out on enjoying your pool through a big part of the season.

Pool project procrastination is common and for many reasons—difficulty envisioning the project and identifying what you want, fear of making a mistake both in design and in choice of contractor, and of course, committing to the investment. In the next three blogs, we’ll address each of these.

Creating a pool design.

Before meeting with a contractor, think about how you plan to use you pool and outdoor space? Do you want something that can accommodate large pool parties, or do you just want to swim laps? Are you working in limited space, in which only a small pool or large spa may be the ticket? Do you want to play pool volleyball or basketball? Thinking ahead to the end uses of your pool is critical in making smart decisions on the size, design and depth of your pool.

Think too about what additional features you’ll want with your pool. It’s much easier to include things like spas, outdoor kitchens and bars, outdoor fireplaces and decks now, as part of your pool project. Not only […]

By |2017-12-20T17:19:30+00:00January 27th, 2014|blog, pools|Comments Off on The Prescription for Pool Project Procrastination

JKD Builder Home Featured in Texas Home & Living

Just off the presses, the February 2014 Texas Home & Living magazine features JKD Builder and design partners in a 10-page feature spread. The magazine chose JKD Builder’s home in the 2012 Parade of Homes for its Hill Country Modern design and award-winning outdoor living areas. The open concept floor plan, exposed ductwork and exterior’s “modern farmhouse aesthetic” are highlighted in the photo spread.

“This project was an incredible collaboration of talented designers – both architectural and interior – and exceptional craftsmen who turned our vision into a high-quality, very livable end product,” said Keith Durio, with JKD Builder. “We love the Hill Country Modern look, and actually began focusing our home designs in that genre well ahead of many other builders. We’ve found that the combination of urban sleek, clean lines with natural, local finishes produces a very livable, comfortable home that really appeals to Austin home buyers.”

Read the full article here.
View the full magazine here.

For more information on JKD Builder, contact us.

By |2017-12-20T17:19:31+00:00January 22nd, 2014|blog|Comments Off on JKD Builder Home Featured in Texas Home & Living

Live on the Golf Course and the Runway!

JKD Builder also offers the only available custom home on the east side of the ramp, with direct access to the runway AND a backyard overlooking the Live Oak Golf Course. Sit in your private pool and spa overlooking the tee box, or enjoy entertaining fellow aviators in your 1,600-sq.ft. hangar overlooking the 3R9 runway. Inside this gorgeous 4,427-sq.ft. custom home, you’ll find every possible amenity – wet bar, media/game room with bar and cork floors, separate office/apartment with full bath and kitchen, plus five bedrooms and four baths in the main house. Take the tour online, then take the tour in person! This is a one of a kind opportunity.
Read about Hangar Home living

By |2017-12-20T17:19:31+00:00July 31st, 2013|blog|Comments Off on Live on the Golf Course and the Runway!

Park Your Boat, and Stay Awhile

If you are a lake lover and haven’t heard of The Woods of Lake Travis, listen up. This hidden gem of a community is tucked away on the easily accessible Hudson Bend peninsula, which makes it both an easy commute into Austin – and a central launching off spot to meet friends on the water. Properties in this neighborhood are hard to come by, for good reason.

Twice featured on HGTV, this friendly, laid-back neighborhood features custom homes on large, one-acre-plus home sites. Best of all, homeowners gain exclusive gated access (virtually unheard of on the South side of Lake Travis) to their own private 17-acre waterfront park complete with pavilion, grills, boat launch, boat slips and play scape. The kiddos attend the acclaimed Lake Travis schools, without city taxes. No builder knows this development better than award-winning JKD Builder, who has built four unique custom homes in the Woods – including one featured home on HGTV’s House Hunters.

17038 Trail of the Woods is a Hill Country Modern design, by award-winning architect Elliot Johnson, featuring interior finishes normally found in $1 million-plus homes. The floor plan is perfectly situated for privacy, and maximizes the surrounding natural beauty of this tree-covered property. Priced at $675,00, this home is a bargain. Move in today – and start enjoying the lake lifestyle! Check out the virtual tour.

By |2016-02-01T01:26:15+00:00July 31st, 2013|blog|Comments Off on Park Your Boat, and Stay Awhile

JKD Builder Offers Rare Opportunity for Direct Access to Lakeway Airpark

The Lakeway Airpark (3R9) has long been a favorite home community for commercial and hobby aviators alike. JKD Builder is pleased to offer the last remaining home site with direct access to the runway for a custom to-be-built home and hangar. The property, at 403 Dasher on the west side of the ramp, has views of both Lake Travis and the Live Oak Golf Course. Buyers may choose to use JKD Builder’s custom-designed plan for this property, or work with us to design your own custom dream.

Here is your opportunity to build your own your dream home and fly your plane out of your private, 2,000-sq.ft. hanger. Amazing outdoor living space with custom finish out and too many upgrades to list. Enjoy the Lakeway Airpark lifestyle, in this must-see custom build by award-winning JKD Builder. Read more.

Check out the JKD feature on Austin’s Cable network!

By |2017-12-20T17:19:31+00:00July 29th, 2013|blog|Comments Off on JKD Builder Offers Rare Opportunity for Direct Access to Lakeway Airpark

Check out our award-winning Parade home!

Voted Best Floor Plan, Best Outdoor Living, Best Study, Best Green Feature.

JKD Builder’s home in the 2012 Homebuilders Association of Austin Parade of Homes! One-story Hill Country Modern design. 4 bedroom, 3.5 baths plus study and gameroom. 20-mile view, pool and huge outdoor kitchen with fireplace overlooking private canyon and greenbelt. Energy efficient and green features throughout. Solar, rainwater collection, home automation system, native and regional products throughout. Private master suite with private pool access. A masterful combination of casual Hill Country living with the clean lines of contemporary design. This open floor plan with huge private, covered outdoor spaces is perfect for entertaining and active families. Gated community.

By |2013-08-09T21:12:57+00:00June 20th, 2013|blog|Comments Off on Check out our award-winning Parade home!
Go to Top