Grandparents may still live in a house that’s too large or too old and in need of repairs. Young parents may need convenient child care and schools without living too far from the kids’ grandparents. Adult children may need a place to land while starting their lives as independent young adults.

The decision-making balancing act may include a cost-benefit analysis of renovating, adding to or otherwise altering an existing home, buying one or more new homes or considering upscale 55+ communities.

Which is best: Purchasing a new home within an active-adult community, purchasing a new, larger home or adding a dwelling unit to an existing home?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And builders in California are ready with new-home solutions that serve families whose household dynamics are changing.

The answer comes down to lifestyle needs and abilities.

A whole family living together

From bedroom and bathroom configurations to indoor-outdoor living with ease, builders offer a variety of choices to make multigenerational living possible and comfortable.

Ask builders about smooth flooring transitions between rooms and between the inside and outside. As the California Room grows in popularity, new-home buyers appreciate having a covered outdoor room that has seamless, hazard-free flooring leading from the family room or kitchen to this outdoor space.

Single-story living features take high priority with households of three generations and they’re available in both one-level and multilevel home plans. Ask builders about main-level en suite bedrooms and bathrooms. Be sure to incorporate a barrier-free, walk-in shower that doesn’t require stepping over a curb.

While planning, see if this main-level en suite can be large enough to have its own sitting area. The people who use this room will then enjoy a private retreat area.

Some builders may be able to incorporate private entryways to main-level en suite bedrooms. Others may be able to accommodate requests for an expanded suite with a private entrance, a bedroom, bathroom, living area and kitchen.

Be sure to learn about zoning of this unit within the home. In some cases, this unit may qualify as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that can be rented separately to a family member or for income purposes.

Accessorize with ADUs

Here’s a new way to think of home accessorizing: Add an ADU.

A backyard home may be the perfect solution for everyone from grandparents and remote workers to young adults. ADU builders offer stand-alone homes ranging from studios to two-bedroom units with a bathroom and a kitchen.

Because an ADU may require that the primary home’s lot is at least 6,000 square feet, express your interest in ADUs to the builder. If an ADU won’t fit in the yard, ask if the community’s CC&Rs can accommodate attaching an ADU.

The lifestyle of active adults

Active-adult communities offer a distinct way of life that may not be available in other developments or subdivisions. A planned, 55+, active-adult community may feature concierge-style living and amenities mirroring upscale resorts or clubs.

Some also include tiered approaches such as fully independent living, partial assisted living, fully assisted living and memory-care options.

But first the basics. Buyers and full-time residents of homes designated for people 55 and older must be at least 55 years of age by the time the sale is complete. Most of the time, this rule is waived if one spouse is younger than 55. Some communities offer exceptions for in-home caregivers or for people with certain disabilities.

Before falling in love with a community, it’s wise to check with the community’s CC&Rs around age requirements.

While many active-adult communities welcome visits from children and grandchildren under the age of 55, there may be limits on the number of days, nights or weeks per year that younger people may visit. These limits help maintain the private aspects that people invest in when purchasing in a 55+ community.

The gated two-parcel, almost 3.3-acre property at 3943 Happy Valley Road sits at the end of a private paver drive. A custom-designed and built two-level home graces 2.3 acres and is filled with fine features and finishes surrounded by outdoor terraces and resort-style amenities.

Almost an acre of adjoining land is impeccably landscaped by the renowned David Thorne. It features enchanting garden paths meandering among shade and fruit trees, berry vines, a greenhouse, multiple raised vegetable beds, and lush foliage.

Retain this expansive gardenscape or consider developing this property into another grand residence, add a guesthouse or an ADU while retaining each home’s exclusive ultra-private setting.

Designed by Gorny and Associates Architects and built in 2012 and remodeled in 2023 by Young and Burton Inc., this home showcases about 8,620 square feet of living space with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms, an open-concept chef’s kitchen and great room, a 20-seat movie theater, a game room, a hair salon, and a massage room.

Outdoor amenities include a tennis/pickleball court, batting cage, putting green, and a pavilion with a fireplace, grill, warming drawer, sink, wine refrigerator, freezer, and towel warmer. The custom Beverly Hills-designed pool, surrounded by tropical landscaping, features a two-level grotto with a fire pit at the top, a rock wall, a fountain, two spas, televisions, a water slide and a surf system. It’s a must-see to appreciate all the bells and whistles of this elaborate “play” area.

Custom interior finishes include Venetian plaster walls, gorgeous barrel, and exposed wood ceilings that soar to 20 feet, travertine floors, custom ironwork, Eldorado stone accents, Marvin windows and doors with retractable door screens, Truitt and White wood detailing, millwork, Hammerton Lighting chandeliers, and recessed lighting. Walls of windows, transoms and multiple French doors create a light-filled interior.

Enter the custom glass and wood front door and into a grand entry.

A wall of window completely opens, blurring the definition of indoor-outdoor space from the great room to the loggia, poolside patios and outdoor kitchen. The more than 1,300-square-foot great room features custom cabinetry, Hammerton lighting and a dining area with a herringbone wood floor and views of the front gardens and pool. The chef’s kitchen is beautifully appointed with granite counters, a carved stone mosaic tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, an oversize almost 5-by-10-foot island/breakfast bar and two Shaws original sinks. Appliances include a 48-inch dual oven Wolf range, Dacor oven, microwave and warming drawer, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Bosch dishwasher, KitchenAid ice maker, and a Uline wine refrigerator.

Invite everyone to movie night in the 20-seat theater built by Pro Home Systems with soundproof walls, a 6-by-10-foot screen, and a Barco RLM W6 projector. Enjoy the comfort of custom reclining leather chairs and couches, handcrafted lighting, automated curtains, and a wet bar with a custom faucet, mosaic sink, microwave, and wine refrigerator.

Six pocket doors in the game room open to the outdoor entertainment venues and provide views of the tennis court and pool. This almost 800-square-foot room has six built-in flat-screen televisions, custom woodwork, room for gaming, a pool table and more.

Also on the main level is a hair salon with Belvedere fixtures, a cast iron shampoo bowl, custom cabinetry, a salon chair and a mirror with a built-in television.

Two bedrooms on the main level have automated window shades, private access to the backyard and en suites with Victoria Albert free-standing tubs, glass-enclosed showers and floating vanities.

The primary retreat is located on the upper level and was recently completed. This almost 400-square-foot room has a balcony overlooking the pool, new carpet, a high ceiling and a substantial walk-in closet room. The en suite is the epitome of luxury with a Crosswater free-standing tub, a large walk-in shower with dual shower heads and tile surround, dual sinks, custom vanities, and washer and dryer hookups. The fourth bedroom, also on this level, was also renovated in 2023 and has access to a deck and pergola with backyard views and a balcony overlooking the tennis court.

Additional features include a massage room with a custom stone floor and built-in cabinetry, a three-car garage, attic storage above the garage, Minka Aire George Kovacs ceiling fans, and a well for irrigation. There is a built-in security system with cameras, four Tempstar furnaces and air-conditioner split systems, and 38 solar panels with solar backup.

The deep setback off Happy Valley Road creates an ultra-private and serene setting just a five-minute drive from downtown Lafayette, BART, and freeway access. Top-rated schools in the Lafayette and Acalanes school districts are also nearby, including a five-minute walk to Happy Valley Elementary.

Price: $10,995,000
Where: 3943 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette
Shown by appointment only.
Website: 3041HappyValleyRd.com
Listing agent: Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. Ann Newton Cane. DRE# 02084093. (415) 995-0253. a.newtoncane@ggsir.com

Soaring vaulted ceilings, luxury grade wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring, plantation shutters and a light-filled interior create a warm and welcoming first impression at 7174 Wooded Lake Drive, located in the Almaden Country Club neighborhood. Walls of windows frame the beauty of the natural terrain from just about every room.

Multiple French doors and sliders, including in the living room, kitchen, family room, and primary bedroom, also open to the multiple levels of Trex deck and inviting outdoor space.

About 3,179 square feet of living space features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, including three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the main level, with an expansive living/dining room and a spacious eat-in chef’s kitchen. A guest room, an updated bathroom, a family room and a wine cellar are on the lower level.

A gas fireplace anchors the expansive living and dining that also features a vaulted exposed-beam tongue and groove ceiling and walls of windows welcoming the natural light.

Step into the chef’s kitchen and be delighted in all the prep space on the granite slab counters, butcher block island, custom cabinetry, and room for casual dining. This room also features recessed lighting and a walk-in pantry. Appliances include a Kitchen Aid refrigerator, a Thermador five-burner cooktop, a GE Profile oven and microwave, a dishwasher and a wine refrigerator.

Built-in cabinetry in the dining area offers lots of storage options. Walk out to the deck and a convenient side access to unload groceries and parcels from the driveway.

The primary suite is a luxurious retreat with picturesque views of the woods and a wood-burning fireplace. This room also has a vaulted ceiling and a band of transoms that welcome more natural light. Slide open the glass door and walk out to the decks. A spacious walk-in closet features built-ins.

A marble tile floor, a dual-sink vanity and a jetted tub are featured in the en suite. A stall shower has a frameless glass enclosure and a rain showerhead. The en suite also has a skylight, a door that opens to the decks and easy access to the hot tub.

The staircase to the lower level leads to a fabulous family room, a large area ideal for movie nights, games, sleepovers and entertaining. This room also has a gas fireplace and a recessed niche that would make an excellent location for a walk-around wet bar, office or library. A wine cellar/tasting room behind a frosted glass door is outfitted with wine storage cubes and room for hundreds of bottles of your favorite vintage. Its naturally cooled climate is also perfect for storage.

Additional features include a three-car garage with overhead storage, built-in cabinets and a workbench. This home also has central air conditioning, a central vacuum, a multi-zone furnace and dual-pane windows. A spacious laundry room on the main level features a skylight, drying rack, folding counters, cabinetry and front-loading Samsung washer and dryer.

The location near the popular Almaden Country Club is also conveniently close to K-12 schools, including Simonds Elementary, Castillero Middle and Leland High School, all within 2 miles, and the Almaden Quicksilver County Park trailheads and open space.

Price: $3,150,000
Where: 7174 Wooded Lake Drive
Website: More photos at www.tswan.com
Buyers may schedule appointments directly by contacting the listing agent.
Listing agent: VFlight Real Estate. Therese Swan, (408) 656-8240. DRE# 01355719. tswan@tswan.com. Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F. Bay Area and has also been nationally ranked in The Wall Street Journal.

If you have no way to reap the benefits of a home charger, fueling an EV imposes significant burdens that homeowners are able to avoid. Roughly 80% of EV charging is currently carried out at home. A standard240-volt, Level 2 home charger delivers fuel to the EV at a slow, steady pace while the EV is sitting idle, and is fast enough to replenish a depleted battery between dusk and dawn. For normal day-to-day driving, the home charger provides plenty of fuel and there is rarely a need to visit a public charging station. There are many complex variables that impact charging speed, but public Level 2 chargers are no faster than home chargers, delivering 30 miles of driving range in about an hour. The electricity dispensed by a home charger is typically less expensive than the electricity purchased from a Level 2 public charger. Most EV owners with no access to home charging have difficulty acquiring an adequate fuel supply from poky, Level 2 public chargers and are forced to refuel at Level 3 fast chargers, which are even more expensive. Level 3 chargers are the fastest fueling option, but they are still considerably slower than fueling with gasoline.

The inequities associated with home charging access are aggravated by other closely related factors. Public charging infrastructure has become heavily concentrated in affluent communities where EVs are more common, further restricting the availability of electric fuel to low-income motorists. The selection of EV models available for purchase has also been shaped by the wealth of early adopters. Luxury EVs are heavily represented, while smaller, more affordable EVs are the exception. To make matters worse, the convenient, inexpensive fuel delivered by home chargers has reduced the need to optimize fuel economy, and a fleet of powerful EVs has emerged that is far less efficient than it could be. Low-income motorists need affordable EVs with outstanding fuel economy, but most EVs are being designed to match the priorities of the upper class.

The intractable nature of the equity dilemma is underappreciated. Government policies have been enacted that steer more charging infrastructure into low-income communities, but EVs will continue to be impractical for anybody who cannot refuel at home. Tax credits designed to offset the high cost of EVs have also been adjusted to make the incentives more accessible to low-income motorists, but these egalitarian efforts could easily be thwarted for the same reason. Efficient hybrids deliver significant emission reductions and match the needs of low-income motorists, but government resources are mostly being used to accelerate EV adoption, not hybrid adoption. Vociferous EV proponents insist that, with enough charging infrastructure, fully electric vehicles can work for everybody. Most of them are homeowners.

Technology is now consistent across all Silverado trim levels. The entry-level base Work Truck gets OnStar and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as does the reviewed top-line High Country.

Lakeshore Blue and Slate Gray, both metallic, are new exterior color options. The Midnight Edition is now also available in the High Country trim. It’s nearly an all-black option, interior to wheels to chrome accents in the grille and grille bar.

Negotiating off-road terrain, hauling cargo and towing trailers, boats and recreational vehicles is what pickup trucks do best. The Chevy Silverado HD High Country features a 6.6-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine that produces 470 horsepower and 975 pound-feet of torque. It’s matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission and can tow as much as 22,500 pounds, depending upon bed size and engine configurations.

Versatility reigns. Besides the entry-level and top trims, the 2024 Chevy Silverado HD is available in Custom, LT and LTZ offerings. The debuting ZR2 will join the HD lineup later in the model year. The trims are also offered in as many configurations as conceivable. Is there any potential work-associated need the Silverado lineup can’t handle?

With its focus on hauling stuff, the HD (Heavy Duty) offers a lot of assistance that should make everything involved easier. The camera has 14 views, including a New View and HD Surround Vision. The trim also features a vehicle-specific Trailering Information Label. It lists metrics including trailering ratings and maximum payload.

The truck also offers standard: blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistant.

New to the exterior presentation is a grille that includes a giant Chevrolet “bowtie” logo. There’s also another Chevrolet badging element of the hood air scoop. The headlights are no longer divided by the grille.

Occupants ride in more modern surroundings and with easy-to-view and easy-to-use technology. Included are a 12.3-inch instrument panel and tilted-13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system tilted toward the driver.

The High Country trims also feature leather-wrapped surfaces, open-pore wood trim and contrasting stitching. It’s a work truck with style and spaciousness. Storage compartments are huge, cup holders vast and secure, and shelf space plentiful. It’s a truck disguised as a residence, with entrance and exit assisted by retractable side steps. Giant square logos are projected at night as “puddle lights” outside the driver and front passenger doors.

With its emphasis on heat duty tasks, the Silverado, like other large pickup trucks, isn’t practical as a daily driver. It’s confident on the highway and announces its presence with a throaty note. Trips to the store require situating the truck on the outer limits of parking lots. The Chevy has retractable side mirrors but the massive hauler doesn’t fit well in a standard parking space. Tight cornering on smaller city streets isn’t fun and nor is making a U-turn unless it’s on an empty airstrip.

Pickup trucks’ power, usefulness and off-road leanings mean fuel efficiency isn’t a priority. The High Country’s combined gas mileage is about 14 miles per gallon, according to various buyers’ reports. Good thing there’s a 36-gallon fuel tank pushing the range to more than 500 miles.

With its various option packages and stand-alone additions, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD High Country is priced at just over $87,000. Buy it and tackle any task with confidence while sticking to the back roads and conquering the terrain.

James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, is the founder and senior editor of theweeklydriver.com, online since 2004. It offers a free weekly e-newsletter and podcast. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com .

The Atlas lineup is priced right in the middle of the pack of the entire 3 row SUV’s for sale in the midsize SUV class; priced from $38,000 to $52,000 and everything in between. With 5 different models to choose from, there is a VW Atlas priced right in your budget.

For the 2024 models, Volkswagen is giving the Atlas yet another refresh. It already had one for 2021 and now this latest update is clearly focused on upping the Atlas’s interior, with an improved power train, while adding in more standard features and usable space.

This week Volkswagen sent me a 2024 Atlas SEL AWD SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this SEL edition is $48,445. The only option on the test SUV is the 2nd row dual captain’s chairs for $695. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,350 destination and delivery charge is: $50,490.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $56,801. At just shy of $57 Grand you’re getting a lot of SUV for a very fair price when you consider all the options of the SEL AWD Edition. First up, this model has 4Motion AWD as standard equipment and it comes with active drive control and active driving mode select.

Every 2024 Atlas model is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder gas engine with 269 HP and 273 pound-feet of torque. This driveline is enhanced with anti-slip regulation, engine brake assist, electronic brake pressure distribution, hydraulic braking assist, electronic stability control, electronic differential lock, intelligent crash response, automatic post collision braking and a direct tire pressure monitoring system to provide constant driver assistance for ultimate safety and stability control at all times.

The new interior has been upgraded to include a 3 zone automatic climate control, a heated and leatherette wrapped steering wheel with multi functions and shift paddles, a drivers heated and ventilated seat with position memory, a heated and ventilated front power passenger seat, heated 2nd row seats, Vienna leather seating, USB charging ports in all 3 rows, a 115 volt power outlet, illuminated door pockets, vanity mirrors and reading lights, multi colored ambient lighting and manual roll up 2nd row sunshades.

Not to be outdone by the competition, the 2024 Atlas’s SEL exterior has been upgraded too. Now it has 20″ alloy wheels with all season tires, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, adaptive front lights, poor weather lamps, a front light bar, a rear red light bar, heated foldable power side view mirrors with position memory, rain sensing windshield washers with heated washer nozzles, a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, a set of silver roof rails and a 5,000 lb trailer towing hitch.

Volkswagen has always prided itself with being able to offer the best in technology on all their cars and SUV’s, and in keeping with that tradition, the new Atlas comes with: a digital 10.25″ center stack display screen, HUD head up display, keyless entry with approach unlock, push button start, remote engine start, anti theft alarm with engine immobilizer, a power rear lift gate with foot activation, a 12″ digital dash display, SiriusXM satellite radio with a 6 speaker sound system, app connected smart phone access, wireless charging, and an exit warning system for safe door opening in traffic.

For the best bang for the buck experience, the SEL model provides the level of luxury and innovative technology features to enhance your drive. You will enjoy some of the nicest creature comforts, up to date technology, and driver assistance features in the new 2024 Atlas SUV class by choosing the SEL edition as your everyday daily driver.

Call, click or visit your local Volkswagen dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review on the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SEL AWD SUV and remember that the base price for a new Atlas SUV starts at only $37,725. Volkswagen – Drivers Wanted.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, take care, drive safely, and enjoy the ride – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

Recently, we requested the water bill. The seller’s agent did not respond. We found this odd. Later, we drove by the house. A neighbor was watering an equally large lot. We stopped and introduced ourselves. We learned that the neighborhood has city water pipes. That made sense. But the neighbor told us there is well water. Nearby homes have a well-water pipe to an underground spring dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. Then he added, “We are not supposed to use it.”

You often write about presale inspection disclosure packages, especially on the San Francisco Peninsula. The disclosures are sparse. My father-in-law noted no mention of a well — or well water. We are wondering what else the seller and seller’s agent neglected to show in their so-called disclosures.

We bought without contingencies. Interestingly, our buyer’s agent said we would “not order buyer inspections.” It is an “as-is sale”  Plus, “We do not need inspections.”

Answer: Real estate attorneys remind us that homebuyers can inspect a property regardless of price, terms or conditions. Full stop. In California, Realtors and their clients use preprinted forms. Form committees — making up real estate brokers, managers, agents and attorneys — often update these forms. They meet bimonthly. The goal is to share expertise to help agents and clients navigate disclosure challenges. The PRDS Form Committee produces the superb forms primarily used by agents on the San Francisco Peninsula. But it is not a rule. A seller’s agent from the East Bay or San Francisco might use forms from their region.

Your buyer’s agent could email the seller’s agent and their supervising sales manager with questions and requests. You have a right to full disclosure, regardless of the form brand. Include two outstanding PRDS forms:

First, send the stellar PRDS Seller Advisory Regarding Completing the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement and Other Seller Disclosures Forms (Form PRDS SARC Rev. 12/22)

Attach a note referencing page three of the last section, titled “Final Suggestions” in the third bullet: “If any disclosure that you have made becomes inadequate, incomplete, inaccurate or changes over time, you should update and correct your Disclosures Forms in a timely fashion.”

Second, include the 15-page preeminent PRDS Supplemental Seller Checklist (Form PRDS SSC Rev. 11/22). Reference Part 1. Definition of Terms: “Disclosure,” “Reports,” “Documents” “Work,” and “Maintenance” or “Maintain” is defined in a stand-alone manner of clarity.

Indicate you want the sellers to refresh their memories using dozens of questions in the following section:

Part 2: Disclosures and Reports (please refer to Definitions/Reports in Part 1)

Part 3: Alterations, Improvements, Modifications, Additions, Corrections and/or Repairs (“Work”) (please refer to Definition of Work in Part 1)

Part 4: Maintenance (please refer to Definitions of Maintenance/Maintain in Part 1)

Home sellers and their agents should welcome another opportunity to disclose fully. But that is rare. They might feel implementing unsurpassed home-seller disclosures as their foe. Unbeknownst to them, it is their best friend.

Questions? Or are you or someone you know navigating life’s transitions? Let lauded negotiator Pat Kapowich make your next move easy. Visit Kapowich’s website for free area housing data, insights and trends. Or put his artful blend of specialized credentials, decades of experience and endorsed skill set to work for you. Kapowich instills confidence when buying, selling, relocating or resizing homes. Do not just make a move — make the best move. Contact him today, Realtor Pat Kapowich, a career-long consumer-protection advocate.

Office: 408-245-7700; SiliconValleyBroker.com
Pat@SiliconValleyBroker.com Broker# 00979413

The main house boasts six bedrooms and four bathrooms; several of which could double as work-from-home offices, a gym or space for visiting guests. The basement has a guest en suite with separate entrance and large rec room, which is perfect for multigenerational living or boomerang kids.

The long driveway leads to a spacious detached garage and a verdant flat yard.

This is a fantastic neighborhood near Grand Lake /Lake Merritt shopping and Park Boulevard as well as good freeway access.

Location: 1118 Clarendon Crescent, Oakland 94610  http://www.crockerhighlandsbeauty.com
Contact: Herman Chan at (415) 787-3450, Lic. 01395481
Price: $2,000,000

Using natural light as a form of decoration doesn’t require time at a retail store or scrolling through online-shopping and home-styling websites. Nor do many other room-brightening ideas for your new construction home.

All that’s required is a few conversations with the builder and then letting them do their magic on windows, ceiling enhancements and custom lighting options. And with some new homes, the builder’s standard lighting options may be just the solution for balanced light throughout each living space.

When it comes to lightness and brightness, people who are considering new construction homes are in great luck. Let’s start with the construction and installation of doors and windows.

Depending on style preferences, consider adding windows to the doorways themselves. Discuss options for decorative inlaid glass on any part of the front door. The standard front door position may even offer the option for one or more panels of side lights, which are narrow windows positioned vertically along the door.

Not wild about windows on the door? Those who prefer more privacy can ask the builder if space allows for a window under the roofline directly above the front door. Another alternative is to request a skylight positioned on the ceiling inside the door or above a staircase.

Also look closely at the floor plan’s orientation relative to sun exposure. Now choose rooms where you might want custom windows or doors. These might include French doors to the outside from a main-level bedroom or a set of frameless, stacking glass doors as an alternative to standard sliding glass doors off the great room.

It may be that the sitting area of the primary suite or the home office might warrant some extra light from the outside. Ask about options for bay windows in certain areas of the home.

Tip: With any window changes or additions aside from the standard plan, be sure to make requests before vertical construction and framing of doorways. Doing so will help everyone avoid change orders.

The same is true of any custom electrical work. Some custom lighting fixtures may require different installation techniques or a different type of electrical box.

Fortunately, every new construction home in California is built for solar power, given the state’s goal of achieving net-zero energy consumption in residences. Builders in California now use well-sealed, low-emissivity windows.

Combined, those two building techniques mean that new-home owners can have light and comfort without compromising energy costs or contentment.

Larger windows than those in older homes will let in more natural light while maintaining interior air quality and temperature. Meanwhile, some costs of custom lighting will be covered by the home’s collection of solar energy.

Other ways to brighten up a home include adding mirrors as art or adding texture to ceilings in certain rooms. Rather than mirrors that are used for vanity purposes, consider ways that mirrors can best reflect light.

For best results, plan to hang mirrors on walls that are at angles to windows, not on the same wall as windows. Then measure the wall space relative to the window that’s at a 90-degree angle from it and choose a mirror that provides a good balance in size.

Framed mirrors come in a variety of shapes and styles, from simplistic to ornate, from farmhouse to traditional. Choose styles that complement the design and furniture styles of the rooms in which they will hang and that give the desired impression, whether bold or subdued.

Next, look up. Ask the builder about options for coffered or box-beam ceilings. These may add new dimension to larger rooms, especially when accented with recessed lighting.

This custom-built home at 7253 Gold Creek Way in the Almaden Valley offers 6,686 square feet of living space with soaring ceilings, arched doorways, three-quarter-inch hardwood floors, dual-pane windows, recessed lighting and spacious light-filled rooms. There are six bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, formal living and dining rooms, a great room with a chef’s eat-in kitchen and family room, a bonus/game room, and an office.

Enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding hills from the ultra-private backyard that features multiple vignettes to gather. A loggia has an electric fireplace, room for a mounted flat-screen, recessed lighting and an outdoor kitchen with a new Weber Genesis grill, pizza oven, and refrigerator. Dine on the patio, relax in the hot tub or work out in the swim spa with three jets. Stroll down a paver path to built-in seating around the gas fire pit. Nearby is a basketball half-court, a putting green and lots of room to further customize.

A fully fenced area with a private driveway access is already plumbed for the addition of an ADU.

An automated front gate, paver driveway, walkways and artificial turf create a welcoming curb appeal to this home.

An electric fireplace with a porcelain tile surround anchors the formal living room and is flanked by built-in cabinetry. The formal dining room on the opposite side of the entry has a front-facing window and is designed to accommodate large gatherings.

Taj Mahal quartzite slab counters with a basketweave tile backsplash create a striking chef’s kitchen. Custom white soft-close cabinetry with pullout shelving provides loads of storage. The oversize island/breakfast bar has additional storage. Large walk-in pantry also has quartzite counters. Stainless appliances include a 60-inch Thermador refrigerator, six-burner, dual oven range with a griddle and pot filler, microwave, dishwasher, and wine refrigerator. The adjacent casual dining area also has built-in cabinetry and a bay window.

A fireplace, also flanked by built-ins, anchors the adjacent family room. A spacious bonus/game room has two skylights, a walk-around wet bar with wine bottle and glassware storage, and a beverage refrigerator. A full bathroom adjoins this room.

The luxurious primary suite is a large retreat with a custom platform bed designed for two adjoining queen-size mattresses with drawer storage and built-in bedside tables. This room also features an electric fireplace with a porcelain tile surround, built-in window storage benches, built-in cabinetry with a beverage refrigerator, and ideal space for a coffee bar. The walk-in closet room is outfitted with custom built-ins, plus an island with drawers. Also included in the primary suite is an office which could also be used as a nursery.

The en suite is behind a double-door entry and features travertine flooring, two separate vanities with quartzite slab counters and a decorative tile backsplash. A two-person jetted tub with chromotherapy light, adjustable massage jets and an ultra-quiet pump is near the frameless glass-enclosed shower featuring a tile surround, rain and hand-held showerheads.

Five additional bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms with travertine flooring, custom cabinetry and quartzite slab counters.

Additional features include an oversize three-car garage with epoxy flooring. The garage has a Tesla EV charger and is wired for a second EV home charging system. Amenities include a security alarm system, Ortis wireless in-wall light switches, dual HVAC and two tankless water heaters with three Nest controls for multiple zones. A mudroom/laundry room has quartzite slab counters and lots of cabinetry.

Less than a quarter mile from the Mockingbird Hill Picnic Area and trails that traverse the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, this ideal location is also close to shopping, restaurants, and freeway access. It is within a mile and a half of top-rated schools, including Graystone Elementary, Bret Harte Middle, and Leland High School.

Price: $5,950,000
Where: 7253 Gold Creek Way, San Jose
Website: More photos at www.AlmadenValleyRealEstate.com. Buyers may also schedule appointments directly by contacting the listing agent.
Listing agent: VFlight Real Estate. Therese Swan, (408) 656-8240. DRE# 01355719. tswan@tswan.com. Therese is consistently among the Top 100 agents in the S.F. Bay Area and has also been nationally ranked in The Wall Street Journal.