3212 sq ft | 4 bedrooms | 2.5 baths
Hampton Mill House Plan
Edenville House Plan
3185 sq ft | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | One Story | 2 Car Garage
2022 new homes: Soothing spaces, stock-up places, hide-away, “she sheds”
See the shake up in top priorities for 2022 custom homes: Top 11 “must have” requests from new home buyers.
2022 custom home trend #1: Stock-up space
Convenient places to store paper goods, food, cleaning products and emergency tools are all in huge demand, as people focus on preparedness.
Walk in pantries are designed for a lot more than food storage, with sinks, pull out shelving, countertops, nooks and crannies, and natural light
Walk in closets are designed with custom cubbies, cabinets, furniture, shelves and dressing areas
Walk in attics can be so huge you can ask to have them finished like the rest of the home, like this optional “Craft Room”
2022 custom home trend #2: Secret passages
Secret Passageways are popping up all over the place in new custom homes.
We create creative secret passages from one child’s room to another. Behind hidden panels. Through bookcases. We can’t even tell you everything we build. It’s secret.
2022 custom home trend #3: Flex space
There’s often at least one room in new homes designed to be converted, such as this loft spaced just right for a play room, office, study area, or crafting – flexible with life.
Need something special built-in, such as additional walls, soundproofing or aging-in-place features? Ask your builder what can be added to tap into for future use.
2022 custom home trend #4: Massive Island kitchens
Kitchen islands in today’s new homes are stretching size limits as high as space allows, like the massive island with microwave beneath in this custom designed two story kitchen created for great cuisine gatherings.
2022 custom home trend #5: Main floor owners suite
Homebuyers planning their “forever home” appreciate “aging in place” features and a floor plan where the owner’s suite – and day to day living – is all on one floor.
2022 custom home trend #6: Guest suites
Dual owner’s suites, guest suites, and private apartment quarters within the home are top reasons homebuyers look to custom home builders who can go beyond stock floor plans and build in what’s needed.
2022 custom home trend #7: Work space
Custom built-ins create special spaces for office, homework, quilting, shop, or anything else you need to get the job done.
Often, a small pocket office can be woven into a plan to create a a nook that can also be used for storage, hobbies, or a pet room.
2022 custom home trend #8: Mudroom with drop zone
Drop zones have become the top focus for mudrooms as a way to leave coats and clutter at the door – where it’s easy to find later.
Drop zones are often designed in conjunction with laundry rooms and are typically by the back door – but a custom builder can tuck them in other places, too, like this this all-purpose room that also has a dog house.
2022 custom home trend #9: Indoor/outdoor living
Fresh air has taken on a whole new connotation in today’s lifestyle – with increased requests for indoor/outdoor living, like covered and screen porches
2022 custom home trend #10: She Sheds
She Sheds are taking over the demand for Man Caves, as women seek a calming place in their new homes to relax with no rules.
2022 custom home trend #11: Energy efficiency
Long term advantages of building a new home include lower energy bills. From ultra-e windows to effective HVAC systems and radiant barriers, ask your builder for ways your home can be more comfortable and affordable through energy efficiency.
Build a custom home in North Carolina:
How much does an NC custom home cost per square foot?
“Cost per square foot” is a term that became popular with production builders. Production homes are designed to be cookie cutter boxes and can be built very cheaply with very few choices and nearly everything outside baseline “basics” an “upgrade.”
Would you ask for the price per square foot for a car? That’s how little it can apply to a truly custom home, as a comparison tool, without knowing just what each of those square feet contain. Here’s how to take a test drive:
NC custom home cost per square foot: Home style
The type of home you choose can make a big difference. A one story home has more foundation and roof, so it typically costs more per square foot to build than a two story home.
Architectural styles can impact your cost considerably. Contemporary homes can be more expensive to build than Colonial homes.
NC custom home cost per square foot: Floor plan layout
An “average cost per square foot” may not the best indicator of value. Even plans with similar layouts can have differences that impact the build cost. For example:
Cost per square foot for a custom home depends on the floor plan, selections chosen, and location.
Get started, here:
- How big are the kitchens – how much cabinetry and countertops? What kind of appliances and lighting?
- How many bathrooms? How extensive is the tile work?
- How big is the garage?
- How many and how big are the windows and doors? A wall of windows or sun room can make a big difference.
- How much square footage is on the main floor, versus upstairs?
- How high/complex is the roof line?
- Does the home have a lot of cut outs or is it designed more cost effectively?
- How much outdoor living space is included in the footprint? How big are the porches and screen porches? Is there an outdoor kitchen or see-through fireplace?
NC custom home cost per square foot: Building materials and selections
Here’s what else you need to know, as you compare costs:
Look closely at what the builder includes in writing. Are floors “resilient material” or hardwood? What kind of hardwood is it? How many rooms start with carpet? Is there a microwave? Is the owner’s suite shower tile, or plastic? Does it have a fireplace? What kind of lights and faucets are included? Does the home come with a radiant barrier or sealed crawl space (that can save you a lot over the years and make your home more efficient and comfortable). Different materials, features, and finishes can make a huge difference in the price for your home. Everything you want to change will add to the price you pay (either now or later.)
Look for what the builder has in writing as to what comes “standard.” What builders offer can differ extensively as to what is “basic”. We can help you find a cost-effective floor plan. And we will help you compare advantages.
NC custom home cost per square foot: Location and building lot site work
The site work required for your lot can also make a big difference. Ask the builder what it costs to build a home on your lot. Find out if the builder requires you to sign upb efore they will do an assessment of site costs.
- Is a sewer available or do you need a septic system? Is it conventional or engineered?
- Do you have over 2 or 3 acres? If so, a well may be required.
- How long is the driveway? What will it be made with?
- What is the topography? Do you need a tall crawl or basement?
- What are the setbacks?
- Is it in a neighborhood with an HOA? What are the community covenants?
TBH builds homes from cottages to estates, with a cost per square foot that is appropriate for custom homes that come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and architectural styles.
Things to do with Kids in Pittsboro NC
An amazing local play, walk, sports and splash park is now open in Pittsboro! Knights Farm Community Park has 10 acres of fun opportunities.
Creative playgrounds!
Huge splash pad filled with water fountains to cool down summer.
Imaginative “house” and “shop” with play spaces inside and out.
Cool slides!
Wide, concrete walking paths for a casual stroll.
Picnic tables – some under a roof.
Some with grills and water sources.
There’s even a dog park and sports field.
We like Knights Farm Community Park – another great Pittsboro gathering place.
Owner’s suite bathroom design: How to create the space you need for your new home in NC
How to arrange the bath in your NC new home.
Bathroom Layout #1: Little Treatments – Big Statement
Pineterest and Houzz worthy results like this come from creative custom choices: Mirrors. Lighting. Sinks. Drawers. Little touches transform, with design build Travars Built Homes.
Bathroom Layout #2: Comfort and Closet
Spacious tile shower with glass. Stand alone tub with window view. Wood look tile. Nearby closet with custom shelving and natural light. What would you like to surround yourself with, in your owner’s suite bath?
Bathroom Layout #3: Shared Space That Feels Private
Separate sinks, cabinets and drawers. Lantern lights. Personal sized mirrors. How much space does your floor plan have for your vanity? What look would you like?
Bathroom Layout #4: Mixing Textures and Styles with Unexpected Barn Doors
Opaque glass framed with antique white can give a barn door a light, airy feel, like this. What a great way to make a doorway feel more important – and add contrast to the bold tile and contemporary choices.
Bathroom Layout #5: Barely There Glass Shower Glass Across from Boldly Framed Mirror
Frameless glass (and doorless entry) on the shower provides a contemporary open feel. Spacious, elegant and ready for relaxation.
Bathroom Layout #6: Large Shower. Deep tub
This owner’s suite bathroom takes advantage of the ability to customize with emphasis on the importance of water. Note the blend of tiles in every part of the room. This design is all about the view – inside and out.
Bathroom Layout #7: Separate Vanities. Vaulted Ceilings
Creating an extension of space upward can provide a feeling of spaciousness to a smaller bathroom. Adding softer tones to the tile shower, floor and tub surround adds comfort.
Bathroom Layout #8: Tight Fit Tricks
When space is at a premium, focus on smaller areas to bring the eye. Lighting. Countertops. Floor. All with a modern farmhouse feel.
Bathroom Layout #9: Modern Old Fashioned Freestanding Tub
Freestanding tubs are one of the most popular requests for new custom homes. Ask your builder how much space you need around the tub, and where you want the faucets.
Get started:
7 questions to ask as you choose interior lighting for your design/build new home
There are many lighting choices for your Travars Built custom home in NC. Here’s what to keep in mind to help ensure the lights you choose can be a good fit.
#1 What lighting styles are your favorite? Matte black modern farmhouse? Contemporary chrome?
It’s common to mix and match lighting styles in design/build new homes. You don’t have to pick just one!
#2 How much light do you need?
How much natural light is available through windows, skylights, glass doors? How much foliage is around the home? How often will shades be closed?
#3 Where will the light source be placed?
Make sure the wattage and light bulb size are sufficient for the area you need to light up. Some lighting fixtures are really pretty. But they use tiny little lights. Will the lighting source be sufficient?
#4 What are you lighting up?
Rooms with high ceilings may need more light distribution. Screen porches may block some natural light from entering the rooms behind them.
#5 What do you need the light for?
Craft rooms, homework areas, informal dining areas or other specific designations may require extra lighting. Do you need a spotlight or more subtle lighting?
#6 What materials?
Chrome? Wood? Black metal? Copper? Crystal? It’s no longer an imperative for everything in the room to match. Faucets and doorknobs can be a very different material than lighting. The focus is more on personality and functionality than adhering to a single material.
#7 What is the purpose of the lighting?
Does the entire room need to be lit up, with multiple can lights to boost lighting or would sconces (for reading), under cabinet lights (for food prep) or theater lights (along the floor or steps) be something to think about?
Get Started:
New home architectural styles in North Carolina
Today’s most sought after new home styles in NC reflect a blend of Modern Farmhouse, Craftsman, Colonial, Traditional and Contemporary – and even reflections of several design approaches in a single dwelling.
Mixed architectural exterior
Note the difference in style between the front porch, columns, siding, railings, window frames, trim around the windows, front door design, detail work and roof line of this home. It’s a great example of how today’s new homes aren’t held back by old fashioned norms.
Get a flyer and pricing information for the Joanna and similar NC home plans, here.
Traditional and turret home exterior
The turret on this home adds a touch of whimsey to a cost effective custom home plan. Stately brick and touches of metal complete its modern medley of styles.
Get a flyer and pricing information for the Cooper and similar NC home plans, here.
Craftsman home exterior
This home has all the makings of a Modern Craftsman style – with splashes of bold color to add dimension.
Get a flyer and pricing information for the Leigh and similar NC home plans, here.
Modern Farmhouse home exterior
Board and batten siding and a crisp facade says Modern Farmhouse. Look closely and you’ll see Arts and Crafts windows and a colorful front door, with personality.
See the photo tour and request pricing information for the Rodanthe, here.
Contemporary Modern Farmhouse exterior
Lots of windows provide Contemporary appeal. Simplicity says Modern Farmhouse. Metal roof accents add artistic appeal.
Get a flyer and pricing information for the Bluffton Way and similar NC home plans, here.
Colonial home exterior
This Colonial exterior belies the Contemporary features and finishes inside – a no-holds-barred approach to capturing your own sense of adventure, without everything having to follow the same flow, when you design/build your new home.
See the photo tour and request pricing information for the Inara, here.
Get started:
New home trends: Best hardwood flooring for pets
You have a lot of choices for flooring in North Carolina new homes, from hardwood to tile and carpet, as well as custom options.
Travars Built Homes offer the highest quality features, finishes, materials and craftsmanship, including real oak hardwood flooring in every home. See what else comes, standard, here.
All types of flooring will see some wear and tear over time. But which types of hardwood flooring stand up best to daily traffic from people and pets? Here are 10 tips for choosing hardwood flooring in NC new homes:
Hardwood flooring tip #1: Soft woods cost more — and provide less protection
If you want to avoid flooring that dents easiest, avoid American Cherry, American Walnut, and Pine. Better versions of these hardwoods for a harder surface? Brazilian Cherry and Walnut.
Hardwood flooring tip #2: Consider a Harder Hardwood
Hickory, Brazilian Cherry and other hardwoods rank high on the Janka scale. They come with a premium price, but are much harder than the 3/8 “hardwood” flooring most builders use. Travars Built Homes uses ¾ solid oak hardwood – a much higher quality wood with more resistance to wear and tear than most new homes start with.
Hardwood flooring tip #3: Strong grains can hide more scratches
Red oak has a stronger grain than white oak. Red oak, 1290 on the hardness scale, hides scratches better than Brazilian Cherry, which is 2350 on the Janka scale.
Hardwood flooring tip #4: Hand Scraped and Distressed Hardwoods provide modern rustic character that makes wear look appealing
The more wear you put on these hardwoods, the more realistic they look. Knots and other character traits also give “real hardwoods” a natural look that feels comfortable and welcoming.
Contact Travars Built Homes to get a price for your NC new home build.
Hardwood flooring tip #5: Mask imperfections with a Matte Finish
Ask your builder to use a matte finish on your site finished hardwood floors. Glossy finishes will be more reflective – and imperfections more glaring.
Hardwood flooring tip #6: Light stains hide scratches best
Another great characteristic of oak hardwood flooring is that it’s already a naturally light wood. The stain shade you choose can make a difference in how much scratches show, with lighter hues hiding more scarring than dark colors. lighter hue on the stain you choose And if you’ve chosen oak, a naturally light wood, even if the finish is scratched off the scratch is more likely to blend with the rest of the floor.
Hardwood flooring tip #7: Solid Hardwoods have long lasting qualities
Site finished solid hardwood flooring can be refinished. So if you feel like freshening up your woods in a few years, either because you’d like it to look new or want to change the color, you can simply sand it and restain it, at a much lower cost than replacing the entire floor like you’d need to do with an inexpensive laminate.
Hardwood flooring tip #8: The bamboo effect
Bamboo can be beautiful, but it’s not always the best choice for a floor that will have a lot of people and pet traffic. Stained bamboo can scratch very easily. Although it is technically stronger than oak, dents show up more easily. Strand bamboo costs more than carmelized bamboo, but can hold up better.
Hardwood flooring tip #9: Furniture Felt Pads can prevent heavy scraping
Using felt pads under furniture (even with wheels) can protect your floors. Scattered rugs can also protect areas with heavy traffic, such as doorways, hallways, kitchen aisles and gathering places.
Hardwood flooring tip #10: Leave your shoes at the door
Still love soft woods best? Create a space where shoes go as people enter your home, to avoid scarring caused by pebbles, dirt and high heels. Custom built-in shelving, drop zones or even just a corner on the floor reserved for shoes can help your floors stay cleaner and less worn.
Contact Travars Built Homes to find out more about building your new construction custom home in North Carolina.
7 barn door design ideas
Barn doors are big in North Carolina new homes. See the best places to add a barn door – with the flexibility to fit every architectural style, from modern farmhouse to contemporary.
Love a floor plan, and want to add a barn door? Ask the team at Travars Built Homes what it takes to build your new home with a barn door for your kitchen, office, owner’s suite, sitting room, keeping room, pantry, bathroom, laundry, or closet during our custom home build process.
Stained wood sliding barn door
This barn door has a rural feel to it, with the 2×4 “X” across the door taking it one step further to a branded look.
Antique white wood barn doors
Don’t take the term “barn door” literally. It’s a free ranging door style that can take on a different feel depending on the materials it’s crafted with – like the glass barn doors you see here, framed in white – with contemporary appeal.
Opaque glass barn doors
Barn doors take twice the amount of wall space as swinging doors. However, they can add functionality to an area where a swinging door is not feasible. That’s why they have become so popular in bathrooms, like this:
Double sliding barn doors
Barn doors are typically attached to the wall on metal girders like this, which are purposely big and dramatic to call further attention to them as a focal point:
Double barn doors are a great fit for larger spaces. They can be held open most of the time, like a frame around an entry place that can be closed off when desired.
Glass panel sliding barn doors
Sliding barn doors can lend importance to libraries like this, off the great room. The glass panels reflect the wall of windows in the room. White trim denotes elegance. Subtle metal rods and hinges meld into the home décor with classic appeal. Nothing rural about these barn doors!
French door style barn doors
Barn doors serve a decorative purpose in rooms like this. On the outside, they slide across the doorway. On the inside, they look like traditional French doors with an open view from an office, dining room, keeping room, sitting room or any other room that can be set apart by sliding doors.
Brushed nickel hardware for barn doors
Barn doors are often preferable to pocket doors in NC new homes – talk with the builder team at Travars Built Homes about why. Here, they add charm as well as functionality to the mud room.
