Essential Decorative Features Homebuyers Really Want in the Great Room

Posted by tbhadmin on December 18, 2024

The Great Room has long been the heart of the modern home—a place where families gather, guests are entertained, and comfort meets style. As trends evolve, certain decorative features stand the test of time, while others rise in popularity as homebuyers seek both functionality and visual appeal. The “What Home Buyers Really Want 2024 Edition” study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) highlights the features that buyers consider essential or desirable in the Great Room.

If you’re building or designing your dream home, here are the top decorative elements that today’s buyers really want to see in the Great Room:

1. Built-In Shelving

Built-in shelving remains a favorite among homeowners who prioritize organization and aesthetics. According to the 2024 study, 72% of respondents said that built-in shelving is essential or desirable—a slight uptick from 71% in 2012. This enduring popularity shows how much buyers appreciate the convenience of customized storage solutions that blend seamlessly with the room’s architecture.

Why Homebuyers Love It:

Provides storage without sacrificing floor space.
Creates a cohesive, finished look.
Perfect for displaying books, photos, and decor items.

2. Wood-Burning Fireplaces

Fireplaces add both warmth and character to the Great Room, and their desirability continues to rise. In 2023, 59% of respondents considered a wood-burning fireplace essential or desirable, compared to just 47% in 2012. This significant increase reflects a renewed interest in cozy, traditional features that bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

Why Homebuyers Love It:

Offers a natural focal point for the room.
Enhances ambiance and coziness.
Can provide functional heat during colder months.

Modern Farmhouse | Chapel Hill Custom Home

3. Exposed Ceiling Beams

Exposed beams in the ceiling are no longer limited to rustic or farmhouse styles. In 2023, 51% of respondents said exposed beams were essential or desirable, a major jump from just 31% in 2012. Whether crafted from wood or engineered materials, beams add architectural interest and a timeless design element to any Great Room.

Why Homebuyers Love It:

Adds visual drama and height to the room.
Complements a variety of home styles, from modern to rustic.
Creates a custom, high-end feel.

Chatham County New Homes | Open Concept Living

4. Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans remain the most requested Great Room feature, though their popularity has slightly declined over the years. In 2023, 81% of respondents considered a ceiling fan essential or desirable, compared to 88% in 2012. Despite this drop, ceiling fans are still a key feature for maintaining comfort and airflow while enhancing the room’s style.

Why Homebuyers Love It:

Increases energy efficiency by improving air circulation.
Provides practical functionality year-round.
Available in stylish designs to complement any decor.

Bringing It All Together

From built-in shelving to exposed ceiling beams, these Great Room features are more than just decorative—they enhance functionality, add timeless charm, and elevate the overall appeal of the space. Homebuyers in 2024 want rooms that feel comfortable, organized, and visually stunning.

When building your custom home, consider these essential features to create a Great Room that resonates with both style and practicality.

Ready to start building your dream home? Contact us today to learn more about creating a Great Room that you and your family will love for years to come.

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

At Travars Built Homes, we work with you to design spaces that meet your needs and align with what today’s homebuyers value most. Explore our floor plans and see how Travars Built Homes can help bring your vision to life.

We offer:

Customized Floor Plans: Modify layouts to include features like a pet center in your laundry room.
Expert Guidance: Work with our design team to choose finishes, materials, and layouts that align with your vision.
Attention to Detail: From hidden litter boxes to built-in dog beds, we ensure every detail is crafted with care.
Energy-Efficient Solutions: Enjoy a home designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.

Source: National Association of Home Builders, “What Home Buyers Really Want 2024 Edition”

Designing an Outdoor Fireplace for Your Screened or Covered Porch

Posted by tbhadmin on December 13, 2024

An outdoor fireplace is the ultimate centerpiece for a screened or covered porch, creating a cozy, inviting space to enjoy year-round in Chatham County, NC. Whether you envision gathering around with friends and family on cool evenings or simply relaxing with a book by the fire, adding a woodburning fireplace to your porch enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your custom home.

At Travars Built Homes, we work with you to plan and execute this stunning feature as part of your custom build. Let’s explore why an outdoor fireplace is a valuable addition and what you need to consider during construction.

Why Add an Outdoor Fireplace?

An outdoor fireplace adds warmth, ambiance, and value to your home. Here are some reasons it’s a favorite feature for custom porches:

Cozy Atmosphere: An outdoor fireplace transforms your porch into a comfortable space for all seasons.
Architectural Focal Point: A brick or stone surround creates an elegant, timeless design.
Outdoor Living Extension: Perfect for entertaining or relaxing, it bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living.
Increased Home Value: Thoughtfully designed outdoor features are highly desirable for resale.

Planning for Your Outdoor Fireplace

Unlike backyard firepits, built-in woodburning or gas fireplaces require meticulous planning. Here are the key considerations:

1. Foundation and Engineering Requirements

Outdoor fireplaces are substantial structures, especially with full brick or stone surrounds. They require specific foundation work to support the weight. These structural needs must be addressed early in construction to ensure proper integration into your custom porch design.

2. Fireplace Design

Outdoor fireplaces typically feature full brick or stone surrounds, which provide both durability and visual appeal. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of natural stone or the traditional look of brick, the materials you choose should harmonize with the overall design of your home and porch.

3. Hearth Placement

A woodburning fireplace requires a hearth, which should be considered when configuring furnishing layouts or traffic paths.

4. Venting and Chimney Design

Proper venting is essential for woodburning fireplaces. The chimney design must comply with local building codes and ensure safe smoke and heat dispersion.

5. Space Considerations

Think about how the fireplace will fit into the layout of your porch. It should enhance the flow of the space, leaving room for furniture placement and foot traffic.

Customizing Your Outdoor Fireplace

There are many ways to personalize an outdoor fireplace to suit your style and needs:

Stone or Brick Variations: Choose from different types, colors, and textures to create a unique look.
Mantels: Add a wood or stone mantel for extra character and functionality, perfect for decorating or mounting a TV.
Built-In Seating: Consider built-in benches or adjacent walls for additional seating around the fireplace.
Lighting: Incorporate sconces or recessed lighting to enhance the ambiance.

Why Plan Early?

Outdoor fireplaces must be factored into your custom home design early in the process. Here’s why:

Foundation Preparation: Ensures the structure can support the weight of the fireplace.
Structural Engineering: Prevents delays by addressing design and safety requirements upfront.
Material Sourcing: Allows time to select and source high-quality materials that match your vision.
Integration with Porch Design: Ensures the fireplace complements other features, such as ceilings, columns, or flooring.

Let’s Start Planning Your Outdoor Fireplace

Adding a woodburning or gas fireplace to your screened or covered porch is a timeless addition that enhances outdoor living in Chatham County, NC. Ready to incorporate this feature into your custom home?

See our floor plans to find inspiration for your new home, or contact us today to start planning the foundation, design, and details of your custom outdoor fireplace!

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

At Travars Built Homes, we specialize in designing custom homes that reflect your lifestyle and enhance your outdoor living experience. From the initial planning stages to the finishing details, our team ensures your outdoor fireplace is seamlessly integrated into your screened or covered porch.

We offer:

Customized Floor Plans: Modify layouts to include features like a pet center in your laundry room.
Expert Guidance: Work with our design team to choose finishes, materials, and layouts that align with your vision.
Attention to Detail: From hidden litter boxes to built-in dog beds, we ensure every detail is crafted with care.
Energy-Efficient Solutions: Enjoy a home designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.

Pet Friendly Laundry Rooms

Posted by tbhadmin on December 6, 2024

Designing a Pet-Friendly Laundry Room for Your Custom Home in Chatham County, NC

For pet lovers in Chatham County, NC, incorporating a dedicated pet area into your laundry room is a practical and stylish way to enhance your custom home. At Travars Built Homes, we understand the importance of creating spaces that cater to every member of your family — including the furry ones! By designing a multifunctional pet friendly laundry room, you can blend functionality with thoughtful architectural detail while providing your pets with their own special space.

Why Add a Pet Center to the Laundry Room?

The laundry room is often an underused area in the home, making it the perfect spot to double as a pet center. With careful planning, this space can become a hub for pet care without disrupting the rest of your home.

Benefits of a pet center in your laundry room include:

A Dedicated Space for Pets: Keeps pet essentials organized and contained.
Enhanced Home Design: Adds charm and functionality to an often-overlooked area.
Simplified Cleanup: Keeps messes in an easy-to-clean zone with durable materials.
Multi-Purpose Use: Can accommodate pet beds, litter boxes, or storage solutions.

Creative Ideas for Your Pet Center

Here are some ways to design a pet-friendly laundry room tailored to your lifestyle and your pet’s needs:

1. Built-In Dog Bed or Crate

Create a cozy nook beneath a countertop or within a custom cabinet where your dog can rest. Adding built-in features keeps the space looking tidy and integrated into the overall design. Consider using durable, pet-safe materials for comfort and longevity.

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Built in Dog House Under the Stairs

2. Hidden Litter Box Area

For cat owners, a concealed litter box is a game-changer. Incorporate a discreet compartment with proper ventilation and easy access for cleaning. This keeps odors contained and the litter box out of sight.

3. Storage Solutions for Pet Essentials

Include custom drawers or cabinets to store pet food, leashes, grooming supplies, and toys. Pull-out bins or cubbies make these items easily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free space.

4. Pet Washing Station

Elevate your laundry room with a small pet washing station. A tiled, low-level shower or tub with a handheld sprayer makes bath time easier and keeps muddy paw prints from tracking through the house.

5. Stylish Design Touches

Incorporate architectural details like shiplap walls, farmhouse trim, or decorative molding to blend the pet area seamlessly into your laundry room. Choose finishes and colors that complement the overall design of your home.

Start Planning Your Pet-Friendly Custom Home Today

Building a custom home in Chatham County gives you the flexibility to include creative features like a pet center in your laundry room. Ready to get started? Explore our floor plans and see how Travars Built Homes can help bring your vision to life.

See our floor plans to find inspiration for your new home, or contact us today to discuss how we can design a home that works for every member of your family — pets included!

Built in Dog House | Chapel Hill New Home Builder

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

Travars Built Homes specializes in creating personalized spaces for every member of your household. Whether it’s a built-in pet center or another unique feature, our team works with you to design a home that reflects your needs and lifestyle.

We offer:

Customized Floor Plans: Modify layouts to include features like a pet center in your laundry room.
Expert Guidance: Work with our design team to choose finishes, materials, and layouts that align with your vision.
Attention to Detail: From hidden litter boxes to built-in dog beds, we ensure every detail is crafted with care.
Energy-Efficient Solutions: Enjoy a home designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.

Fox Oak Custom Home Neighborhood

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 27, 2024

Request information about Fox Oak, with five custom homes to be built on 4+ acre wooded lots in Pittsboro.

Select lots available for purchase for a custom home build with Travars Built Homes
New homes in progress
Coming soon

Experience the peaceful feel of countryside custom home living in an intimate neighborhood just minutes from city amenities – with light covenants and no HOA.

Raleigh and Durham Named Best Places to Live in America

Posted by tbhadmin on May 24, 2023

Central North Carolina’s reputation as a wonderful place to work and live continues to grow, as people and companies move to the region.

Among the accolades and recognition: Raleigh and Durham tied for third place as “Best Places to Live in America” in US World News and World Report’s Best Places to Live rankings for 2023-2024.

Green Bay, Wisconsin came in first, followed by Huntsville, Alabama.

The designation was based on life quality, job market, housing affordability, cost of living, and desire to be here.

Among the categories analyzed, Raleigh and Durham scored highest in quality of life for access to museums, theaters, a thriving restaurant scene, parks, greenways, and college and professional teams.

Besides #3 in the best places to live in the country, U.S. News found Raleigh and Durham:

#29 in best places to retire
#1 in best places to live in NC
#13 in best places to live for quality of life, and
#21 fastest growing places

Contact Travars Built Homes about building your custom home in one of the most desirable locations in the nation.

Travars Built Homes builds incredible custom homes in Chatham County and surrounding regions extending into Alamance, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Randolph and Wake Counties.

Search for floor plan?

We work with you to build your home the way you want it in Fox Oak, other available homes and land or on your lot in Pittsboro, Chatham County and surrounding regions extending into Alamance, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, Randolph, and Wake counties.

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Raleigh and Durham Named Best Places to Live in America

House Plans with Outdoor Living Spaces

Posted by Travars Built Homes on April 20, 2023

Looking for house plans with outdoor living spaces? Proximity to outdoor living in the comfort of home is one of the top reasons homebuyers choose to build a custom home in North Carolina.

Big screen porches like these examples from Travars Built Homes provide popular fresh air spaces for everyone to get together.

Add an outdoor wood burning fireplace wrapped in stacked stone for year-round warmth.

Examples of House Plans with Outdoor Living Spaces

When your biggest gatherings will be in your outdoor living area, we go all out to give you the space and amenities you need.

Big windows into covered porches offer a feeling of extra space to gatherings that look out into the extended living areas.

Farmhouse Screen Porch | Mebane NC New Homes

Vaulted rooflines can offer soaring ceilings that add to a feeling of protected spaciousness.

Architectural artistry can bring unique dimensions to indoor/outdoor living.

White Farmhouse Screen Porch | Chatham County Local Home Builders

Add even more flexibility to indoor/outdoor living with a four seasons room, with windows everywhere to optimize natural light.

Premium treated wood decking can give a big covered porch a casual, comfortable feel.

Direct access from the primary suite can bring separate space for relaxation.

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Custom Plans with Home Offices

Posted by Travars Built Homes on March 1, 2023

Home offices are now a top request in custom home floor plans

New house plans with home offices can give you an “office environment” within the comfort of your own space. Now that working from home is more common than ever, it’s no surprise that a first floor office has become a top request.

Plans with Home Offices Located Near the Kitchen

This home office is just inside the breakfast nook, separated by farmhouse style barn doors. This flexible layout lets in lots of natural light.

House Plans with a First Floor Office | Barn Doors for Office

Inside the home office, there’s lots of desk space to spread out and a window for natural light.

Plans with Downstairs Home Office | Blue Cabinets Built In

This office is also located near the kitchen. It is tucked away from most high-traffic zones so you can focus on work.

Home Office | Chapel Hill New Home Builder

Offices Located Near the Foyer

Looking for a more classic, traditional space? This first floor office has glass French doors, white wainscoting trim, and large windows.

First Floor Office | Wainscoting Walls in Office

Trey ceilings aren’t just for the living room anymore. This first floor office opens up into a trey:

Home Office Floor Plans | Chatham County Local Home Builders

Offices Located Near (or in) the Primary Suite

Just want a nook-style-office to work in, off the primary suite? Here’s one way to create your own space:

Plans with Home Offices | Office inside the Master Suite

When you look at floor plans for an office location, it may be clearly marked. If you don’t see a home office listed, consider using the dining room for an office (or second office) if you don’t need a formal dining room. Or ask us how we can modify a floor plan to meet your needs.

Big Kitchen Pantry Storage Ideas

Posted by tbhadmin on February 21, 2023

What’s the difference between a messy kitchen pantry, prepper pantry, and butler’s pantry?

See how built ins and personal touches make a big difference in these photos filled with kitchen pantry storage ideas. When you choose a custom floor plan with a big pantry, Travars Built Homes can create custom spaces inside, like these.

What is a “messy kitchen” pantry?

A “messy kitchen pantry” is a room that is large enough to act as a secondary kitchen space with separate sink, cabinets, built-ins, specialty storage zones, and other amenities. Here, you can store coffee and tea makers, prep party trays, and get as messy as you like. Just shut the door when guests arrive!

Prepping for meals and special occasions inside a messy kitchen pantry like these is fun and easy:

Messy Kitchen Pantry #1:

Messy Kitchen Pantry #2:

What is a “prepper pantry”?

A prepper pantry is designed to store stockpiles of food staples such as canned foods, dried foods, and other essentials. The purpose of a prepper’s pantry is to store these types of goods for weeks, months, or even years without the need to go to a store.

If you’d like to build your pantry with long-term prep in mind, talk to your custom builder, who can custom-build shelving at different heights for soup cans, pasta boxes, and Costco-sized containers, like this:

What is a “butler’s pantry”?

Typically tucked into a floor plan between the kitchen and dining room, a butler’s pantry is a great place to prep food and drinks. Often, a butler’s pantry will include a wine rack and drink refrigerator, like this:

More Kitchen Pantry Storage Ideas:

How to get a larger pantry without adding sq ft to your house plan
See more photos of a “messy kitchen pantry” inside the Saddlebrook, a Chatham County NC custom home built by TBH
See more photos of a butler’s pantry inside the Victoria, Pittsboro NC custom home built by TBH

Kitchen Pantry Floor Plan Ideas:

Look for floor plans with big pantry spaces, like this – and ask your custom home builder what you can build inside – and around – this kind of space designed to make everything easy to find.

One story modern farmhouse floor plans

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 22, 2023

Looking for modern farmhouse designs with everything on one floor? Here’s what you need to know about floor plans, costs, and custom home building in NC.

Where can I find the best modern farmhouse floor plans?

Travars Built Homes helps you choose a floor plan from dozens of architects for your design/build custom home. Just tell us what you’re looking for – we’ll get you started with ideas right away that can fit your goals. Here’s one of our favorite one story modern farmhouses:

One story modern farmhouse floor plans | Chatham County NC custom home builders — One story modern farmhouse floor plans

This one story Modern Farmhouse by Architectural Designs offers two huge covered porches, on the front and rear of this spacious home. It can be built with up to four bedrooms including a private master suite with spa style bath. Get more information – and request pricing – here.

What does a plan like this cost to build in North Carolina?

Travars Built Homes can build one story plans with costs from the $400,000s to $1 mil.

Building your home the way you want it means it won’t be a generic production home with an off the shelf price on a pre-determined lot. Travars Built Homes takes the time to make sure the build quote we give you takes everything you tell us into consideration. Here’s how easy it is to get a quote for the home you’d like to build.

Here’s another farmhouse floor plan that’s getting a lot of attention:

Where can I build a modern farmhouse in North Carolina?

Travars Built Homes builds Modern Farmhouses (and every architectural style) on your lot and in neighborhoods where you can “bring your own builder.” Just tell us where you want to live – we’ll tell you what it takes to build your new home within our reach.

Here’s another classic Modern Farmhouse to think about. Tell us what you like – and what you’d like to do differently:

See the floor plan, and request pricing for the Carolina Farmhouse and similar plans.

What makes a farmhouse “modern”?

Modern Farmhouses are the most popular architectural design for custom homes in NC. Homebuyers enjoy the comfortable feel and classic traditions.

What other home styles are popular in North Carolina?

Other architectural designs that are seeing a surge in popularity include craftsman, contemporary, bungalow styles – as well as transitional blends. Click here to get more custom home floor plans.

See the floor plan, and request pricing for the Samantha and similar plans.

You’re going to love the flexibility you have to create personality in your modern farmhouse, when you build your one story new home with Travars Built Homes.

See what customization can look like in your new NC home – and take a tour to get inspired by a project in progress:

Posted by Travars Built Homes on May 13, 2022

This kitchen is nearly completed – you can already feel what it would be like to gather around the island… use that apron sink… put pottery and glassware on those wood shelves…

The custom made glass wrap around for this shower will be in place shortly. Those are tile walls and floor… with a wood look… just to show how custom you can be with REAL upgrades. (You’re going to like what comes standard, too – but it’s always nice to have even more choices in all the special spaces that make you feel even more pampered.)

Travars Built Homes can build on your lot or in neighborhoods throughout the greater Triangle area, across Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Johnson, Orange, Wake and surrounding counties.

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