Size does matter in the case of a large family home. A family must match their lifestyle with their living space. After all, a home is a reflection of the family that lives there. That doesn't mean sumptuous and overdone. It simply means trends in tastes; modern, traditional, neo-classic, two story or rancher.

In today's market, the family home has changed roles. Rather than trading up every few years, many homeowners are opting to build one home that can change with their family. This home, designed by architect, Frank Betz Associates, Inc. takes the concerns of the homeowners to a magnificent level. Although grand in size, featuring 6300 square feet of living area including a finished lower level, the house lives comfortably for the family who built it. Homebuilder, Jimmy Walker, from J. Walker Construction says the house will easily accommodate the family and can change and be adapted for the many phases in their lives. Right now, the children are young and the five bedrooms that offer in-suite bathrooms will offer privacy and with a designated guest room or in-law suite, the house can shelter multi-generations. Something unique in this home are the nine foot ceilings on all three levels. A two-story foyer adds a look of grandeur, and is not an expensive option.

The home was built with energy savings in mind. 2 x 6 exterior walls and a high efficiency insulation package coupled with a high efficiency HVAC system with gas furnaces will keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, minding the kilowatt hours. Gas is a good choice for this region as a backup heat. It is a warm heat that is kind to the environment and does not require huge emergency backup heat that drives the electric bill up significantly. The windows are a "Low E" energy star approved window that should be up to government standards well into the decade and beyond.

Maintenance is another concern when building a home for a lifetime. Jimmy Walker recommends to build as low maintenance as you can. Painting a house in your retirement can be avoided with thoughtful consideration to the future. This home offers stylish vinyl siding, brick veneer and faux cedar shakes that will never need painting. Fiberglass columns and trim on the porch is another money saver and guarantee the trim will look as good twenty years from now. A 30 year architectural shingle roof is another option that can save thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

The interior design of the home is classic. Brick arches grace the kitchen over the range to give a feeling of timelessness. The open floor plan with gracious rooms for entertaining and a family area make this home a dream home for a lifetime. A real masonry fireplace is something not found in homes today. This fireplace is custom and can be converted to gas. In consideration for the future, the homeowners also designed a fabulous master retreat complete with huge walk in shower with multiple sprays perfect as their needs change.

The lower level space lends itself to flexible space from a space for kids activities today, may lend itself to an apartment in the future.

"Always look ahead", says Jimmy Walker and design your home for you and your family. "Not to resell any time soon."