Learn what makes design-build new homes unique, with options to modify your floor plan and create a new home that’s right for you and your family.

Open Kitchen Farmhouse | Mebane NC New Homes

2022 new homes: Soothing spaces, stock-up places, hide-away, “she sheds”

Posted by Travars Built Homes on

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

Modern Farmhouse Walk In Pantry | Mebane NC New Homes

Walk in closets are designed with custom cubbies, cabinets, furniture, shelves and dressing areas

Built In Cabinets Walk In Closet | Mebane NC New Homes

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.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Secret Passage in Closet

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.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Two Story Kitchen

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.

Raleigh Custom Homes | Vaulted Ceiling Owners Suite

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.

Built In Bookcase Walls | Mebane NC New Homes

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.

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Laundry Room Drop Zone Storage Center

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.

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

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

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Brick New Homes
Farmhouse Deck | Mebane NC New Homes

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.

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Game Room

 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:

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Mebane NC New Homes | White Farmhouse Exterior

How much does an NC custom home cost per square foot?

Posted by Travars Built Homes on

“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:

Build a Custom Home with TBH

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.

The Grace | Chatham County Multigenerational Plan

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:

The Chandler Floor Plan | Siler City New Homes

Cost per square foot for a custom home depends on the floor plan, selections chosen, and location.

Get started, here:

    Do you own a lot?
    Yes, I own a lotNo, but I have a lot in mindNo, I'd like help finding a lot

    Location:
    PittsboroDurhamChapel HillAnother Location in NCI am not building in NC

    Build Budget:
    400 - 450K450 - 500K500 - 600K600 - 700K700 - 800K800 - 900K900K+

    • 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.

    Chatham County New Home | Travars Built Homes

    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.

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    New home architectural styles in North Carolina

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    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.

    New home architectural styles in North Carolina
    2824 sq ft | 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Two Story Home

    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.

    New home architectural styles in North Carolina
    2758 sq ft | 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | First Floor Master

    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.

    New home architectural styles in North Carolina
    3227 sq ft | 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | Main Floor Master

    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.

    New home architectural styles in North Carolina
    2328 sq ft | 4 Beds | 2.5 Baths | First Floor Master

    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.

    New home architectural styles in North Carolina
    2418 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

    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.

    New home architectural styles in North Carolina
    3470 sq ft | 5 Beds | 4 Baths | First Floor Master

    See the photo tour and request pricing information for the Inara, here.

    Get started:

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    New home trends: Best hardwood flooring for pets

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    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:

    North Carolina New Homes | Hardwood Flooring Trends

    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.

    North Carolina New Homes | Hardwood Flooring Trends

    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.

    North Carolina New Homes | Hardwood Flooring Trends

    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.

    North Carolina New Homes | Hardwood Flooring Trends

    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.

    North Carolina New Homes | Hardwood Flooring Trends

    Contact Travars Built Homes to find out more about building your new construction custom home in North Carolina.

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    5 easy steps to get an NC custom home price quote

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    Building a custom home is very different from purchasing a new or existing home. You often won’t find set pricing online because custom home builders need to know a few details to provide a quote you can count on.

    Here are the 5 easy steps we walk through with you, so you can get a personalized custom home quote with 10 pages of details.

    Step 1: Call Travars Built Homes at 919-740-7536. We can cover a lot about what you’d like to do in a ten minute conversation. And check here for quick answers to common custom home building questions.

    NC Custom Home Photo Tours

    Step 2: Email. Send the names of floor plans you’re interested in knowing more about. Need ideas? Request house plans, here.

    If you own a lot, send the address, plot plan, soil determinations, improvement permits, community covenants and anything else that can help us provide you with the most precise information possible.

    Step 3: Come to your 30 minute no obligation custom home consultation. We’ll go over the details in your 10 page custom home pricing quote. Take it home. Make notes on the things you’d like to consider changing, such as floor plan modifications. Email your questions so we can provide even more information.

    Farmhouse Kitchen Island | Mebane NC New Homes

    Step 4: Meet with Travars Built Homes at your lot for your free onsite lot assessment, where you’ll learn what it takes to build at your homesite. Find out about everything about your location that impacts build costs – before you sign your purchase agreement. Still looking for the right lot? We can help with your search, too.

    Step 5: Read more about what makes Travars Built Homes unique, and meet one more time to go over the details in your final quote for the floor plan you want to build. We can cover any modifications discussed at your initial custom home consultation, and site work specific to your homesite. Your build costs are locked in with your purchase agreement!

    Wendell North Carolina New Homes

    Interested in a custom home quote? Contact Travars Built Homes. We will show you everything that comes included – and the flexibility you have for personalization – when you build your new home on your lot or neighborhood in central NC.

    Get started:

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    How to add stock up space and big pantries to your new home (without adding sq ft)

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    Customizing stock up space and big pantries starts with analyzing what you want to store – and the places you have to work with – in new custom homes in Chatham County, North Carolina.

    Kitchens with big walk in pantries are high in “must haves.” Get clever when you go custom, with just-right spaces for everything you store, like these creative cubbies, shelves and racks in Travars Built Homes.

    Custom built-ins

    Chatham County Custom Homes | Kitchen Pantry

    Every inch here was designed for a specific purpose. From pull out racks to built ins sized for each item to be placed there, this is what “totally custom” can look like, when you expand your kitchen into the walk in pantry.

    Custom shelf height

    Your NC custom home builder can use the measurements you give him to build custom shelving at the height you need, to accommodate everything from stock up Costco size packaging to cans and spices in your walk in pantry.

    Custom shelf width and depth

    Chatham County New Homes | Kitchen Pantry

    Shelf width is another important consideration to talk through with your NC custom home builder. How many cans do you want to stack in a row? How big are the bags of rice or flour? How long are the cereal boxes?

    Pantries with other built in storage nearby

    Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Built In Storage

    Avoid overstuffing your pantry or closets, by adding additional cubbies and storage spaces nearby. A drop zone only needs 12-18 inches of depth, and can be designed for whatever you want to put there.

    Windows and lighting

    Consider inset or spot lighting in addition to the usual ceiling fixture, to light up your closet or pantry. Choose between more shelves or a window to add natural light. Talk with your Chatham County new home builder about the impact on your home’s exterior.

    Pantry location

    Chatham County Custom Homes | Kitchen Pantry

    How much pantry space do you need? A design build custom home builder in NC can create space for a bigger pantry (or second pantry) in a kitchen corner, hallway, mud room, breakfast room or under the stairway.

    Secret pantries

    Want special storage that’s even more tucked away? A custom design builder can add secret pantries and passageways to your floor plan during the early planning stages.

    Butler’s pantry

    A butlers pantry typically reflects the cabinetry and countertops of the kitchen, with a dedicated space all its own for items you want to easily access from eating and gathering areas, like this custom designed butlers pantry and wine bar.

    Chatham County New Homes | Kitchen Wine Bar

    Your design build custom home builder can work with you to create storage space for everything you want to have on hand in your new home.

    Get started here:

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    9 big kitchen island styles

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    Large kitchen islands are a great place for gatherings: Food. Hobbies. Homeschool. Projects. Here are 9 photos of popular NC 2021 home design trends to help choose your next kitchen island.

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    Kitchen Island Design Tip #1: Placement

    This Chef’s Kitchen designed by Chatham County new home builder Travars Built Homes is designed to provide as much working space as possible, with a massive kitchen island, cabinetry and countertops.

    Questions To Ask NC Home Builders

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #2: Size

    Island kitchen floor plans separate countertop space from the rest of the kitchen, to increase its potential to be used for a variety of purposes.

    Modern Farmhouse Kitchen | Mebane NC New Homes

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #3: Design

    This kitchen island was designed to be noticed, with a look all its own as the focal point of the room. The ability to create the look you’d like is a great benefit of working with a creative team in design build custom homes.

    Wendell North Carolina New Homes

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #4: Style

    Your sink choice can make a big difference in the appeal of your kitchen island. Apron sinks (also known as Farmhouse sinks) are especially popular in 2021 new home design trends.

    Wendell North Carolina New Homes

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #5: Lighting

    The pendants you choose for your lighting are especially important over the island. They serve as a punctuation of your architectural style and highlight everything in your design build new home.

    2021 home design trends

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #6: Seating

    Tuck under seating is the choice made most often for big kitchen islands in 2021 home design trends. The ability to place bar stools out of the way when not in use provides a feeling of functionality and great use of space.

    2021 home design trends

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #7: Purpose

    This formal kitchen island exudes elegance in design build custom homes, with a furniture look that draws the living area further into the kitchen – an inviting look of luxury that increases importance.

    Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | White Kitchen

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #8: Color

    This kitchen island blends beautifully into extended gathering areas with its muted tones that create a sense of comfortable informality. It’s one of the most requested styles in island kitchen floor plans.

    Chatham County New Homes | Kitchen Open to Living Room

    Kitchen Island Design Tip #9: Surface

    The surface material you choose for your kitchen island can be just about anything in a design build custom home. Granite. Quartz. Marble. Tile. Wood. Recycled glass. Cement. There are a lot of possibilities to explore in 2021 home design trends.

    2021 home design trends

    Get started here:

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    White and Black Modern Farmhouse Bath | Mebane NC New Homes

    9 Modern Farmhouse Features in 2021 New Homes

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    Modern Farmhouse architectural styles are a top request for 2021 new homes in NC.

    Farmhouse style homes feel familiar and flexible – designed with simple lines, covered porches, gable roofs, dormers, and big kitchens with islands open to living spaces. See some of the most popular modern farmhouse features in the photos, below. Contact Travars Built Homes for farmhouse floor plans and pricing.

    Farmhouse Photo Tours
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    Modern farmhouse feature #1: White exteriors (with black window frames)

    This countryside modern farmhouse illustrates the simplistic allure of classic black and white – with a pop of color for the front door that adds interest.

    NC Custom Home Photo Tours

    Modern farmhouse feature #2: Built in bookcases and custom storage spaces

    When you create your new home with one of the best custom home builders in Chatham County, you can ask for built-ins like this wherever you want them. Built in bookcases, cubbies and storage spaces are another practical feature in modern farmhouses.

    Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | Living Room Built Ins

    Modern farmhouse feature #3: Board and Batten front exteriors with dormers

    Board and batten is the top choice for exteriors on modern farmhouses. The classic lines you see here are framed by roof pitches and a dormer indicative of this popular architectural style.

    Modern  farmhouse feature #4: Metal roof accents

    Metal accents on modern farmhouse roofs like this add just a touch of texture, in a nod to historical structures. Popular locations for metal accents include the roof over the front porch, bump outs, and the roof over a back porch to give importance to outdoor living.

    Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse

    Modern farmhouse feature #5: Porches

    Big covered porches and big screen porches are indicative of the emphasis on outdoor living inherent to modern farmhouse lifestyles. Custom builders like Travars Built Homes include extra details that make these spaces even more enjoyable.

    Modern farmhouse feature #6: Open kitchen and great room

    Wide open spaces reminiscent of prairies and heartlands compel the main areas of modern farmhouses to feel spacious. Beams, lighting, hardwoods and multiple entrances inspire free-flow traffic and conversation.

    Chatham County New Homes | Vaulted Living Room

    Modern farmhouse feature #7: Big island

    Large kitchen islands have become the mainstay of modern farmhouses. Ask your builder how to customize yours to include everything from a sink, tuck under seating, wine cooler, microwave, cabinetry or other special features. Most of all – endless uses for the huge surface from gatherings to cooking, crafts and projects.

    Modern farmhouse feature #8: White cabinets

    A white exterior is often replicated inside new modern farmhouses, with white cabinets throughout the home – contrasted by pairings with dark gray, espresso, or even blue islands.

    Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | Hidden Pantry Cabinet

    Modern farmhouse feature #9: Apron sink

    Ceramic or stainless steel apron front sinks (also called farmhouse sinks) are considered to be a staple in modern farmhouse style homes. They typically are wide and deep, without a barrier in the middle. Like the picture below, they offer a seamless, smooth surface at the front, for easy cleanup.

    Find more information about building a new modern farmhouse in North Carolina:

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    White Farmhouse | Mebane NC New Homes

    Build On Your Lot: Frequently Asked Questions

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    How to Build a House on Your Lot in North Carolina

    Own land? Still searching? These questions help answer what to look for when you choose your lot, purchase your land with a licensed real estate agent, decide where to place your home, and select a custom home builder to construct your North Carolina new home.

    Knowing what to ask can help ensure you know what it takes to build your new home. Here are some of the most important questions about land, lots, parcels, and homesites that enable you to be informed and prepared.

    Contact Travars Built Homes to learn more about how to build a new custom home on your land.

    What’s the best size lot for a new custom home build?

    The best size lot for a new custom home build is determined by your floor plan, community covenants if applicable, local build requirements, what kind of septic/sewer system is required, whether you need a well, and other mandates. We will go over all of that with you, when we know what and where you’d like to build.

    Here are more questions to ask about lot sizes:

    1. How can I find out how big my lot has to be, for a specific floor plan?
    2. Why do I need a bigger lot to have a side load garage?
    3. I own several acres – can I put my home wherever I want on my land?

    Will the builder look at the lot I am considering purchasing prior to me buying it, and give me his perspective about what it will cost to build there?

    When you build with Travars Built Homes, an on site assessment is part of our standard process. We will talk about the fit of your floor plan to your lot, your driveway, and other site specific build imperatives.

    Here are some common questions we can answer, after we take a look at your lot together:

    1. How much does it cost to clear trees and shrubs off my lot?
    2. What is the difference between a soil scientist and the county doing a soil evaluation?
    3. What is an improvement permit and why do you need to get that for me that before the build permit?
    4. If a septic permit only allows 3 bedrooms, is it possible to have 4 bedrooms?
    5. How many bathrooms can I have in my home?

    What kind of slope does my lot need to have for a walk-out basement?

    Most basement homes in NC are walk-out, set into a slope of about 6 feet over the course of the home. We can add a basement to nearly any floor plan, but the the look of the home can change depending on the direction of the slope. Before selecting a home with a basement in the floor plan, talk with your builder about placement of your home.

    Here are more common questions we’ll help answer related to site conditions:

    1. What is the difference between a sewer and a septic system, and how does that impact costs?
    2. What is the difference in maintenance and build cost for a conventional septic system versus an engineered system?
    3. What is the build cost for a well? How deep it will be?
    4. What is a community septic system, and how does that work? What is a grinder pump and how much does that cost?

    Will the lender combine the lot purchase and home build cost into one loan, or do I need to buy my land and home separately?

    Your lot purchase and the construction of your home are typically bundled into one transaction with a construction to perm loan, so you do not need to buy the lot before you build. Read more about NC new home financing and construction loans here.

    Where can I learn more about how to buy land in North Carolina?

    Work directly with a real estate agent with expertise and experience in lot and land purchasing. Kelly McNabb, NC REALTOR® at Costello Real Estate and Investments, can help get you started.

    Kelly McNabb
    REALTOR®/Broker (919) 391-0315 Costello Real Estate & Investments
    kellym@costellorei.com kellymcnabb.costellorei.com

    Here are the kinds of questions Kelly can help answer for you, in tandem with Travars Built Homes:

    1. Has the perc test been done on this lot? Is it possible to build a home on land that does not perc? How does that work?
    2. What does it mean when a listing says “water nearby”? How can I find out what it will cost to hook up to that city/county water source?
    3. What can I do if the lot I want to purchase is land locked?
    4. What do I need to know about flood plains?
    5. If I want to have a future pool, what does the builder and the county need to know about that?
    6. What is an impervious surface and how does that impact my build?
    7. What do I need to know about setbacks and easements?
    8. What is the difference between a lot survey and a plot plan and who handles that?
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    Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Built In Storage Benches

    Chatham County new home checklist – Built in storage ideas for every room

    Posted by Travars Built Homes on

    Built in bookcases, open shelving, cubbies, kitchen pantries

    Get ideas for custom home built in bookcases, open shelving, cubbies, kitchen pantries, and storage spaces for every room from Chatham County new home builder Travars Built Homes:

    Chatham County New Home Storage Idea #1: Built in Bookcases Alongside a Fireplace

    Built in bookshelves next to the fireplace are a popular choice in new homes by custom builders in Chatham County and across central NC. [Get floor plan ideas here.]

    Bookcases can be set into the wall with open shelving, cabinets, specialty trim, and other features. Nearly all fireplace surround bookcases are built with a standard height between shelves (similar to when you buy a furniture bookcase). Just give us a picture – we can build it! Travars Built Homes can space shelves at custom heights that you ask for at one of your meetings with the builder on site. It’s part of our standard design/build process!

    Chatham County New Home Storage Idea #2: Open Shelves Above a Kitchen Serving Bar

    Looking for something more unique in your built-ins? Ask your new home builder how much flexibility you can have for touches like this throughout your home – and what materials they offer for open shelving, such as the Cedar above this kitchen bar and master bedroom beam ceiling.

    Chatham County New Home Storage Idea #3: Built In Drop Zone by the Garage

    Drop zones with shelves, cubbies, cabinets, and drawers are a very popular addition to new Chatham County homes. We can build them anywhere in your home, with the most common choices between the garage and laundry room or kitchen. This drop zone has a built in bench, shoe cubbies, and bead board trim. Send us a link to a look you like – we can build that, too.

    Chatham County New Home Storage Idea #4: Large Pantry with Custom Shelving

    A U-shaped pantry is great for “at a glance” storage. A U-shaped pantry requires more depth (and less width) than an L-shaped pantry – so ask your builder what can fit into your floor plan. Adding more pantry shelving at different widths and heights is a popular request.

    In this example, one wall of shelving is designed with thin shelves for spices and specialty items, while the other two walls are deeper for cans, boxes, and paper goods:

    Chatham County New Home Storage Idea #5: Built in Benches

    Add hidden storage to your breakfast room, mudroom, hallway, or nook with built in benches.

    Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Built In Storage Benches

    Chatham County New Home Builders

    At Travars Built Homes, our design build capabilities offer you the opportunity to modify your floor plan to fit your lifestyle. Let us know if you want to plan for extra storage spaces after building your home.

    We can modify your floor plan with things like a prepared alcove with the dimensions you’ll need later on.

    In this Chatham County custom home, the upstairs loft includes a stretch of half wall (instead of more open railing) designed to accommodate future storage built-ins:

    Contact Travars Build Homes for new home pricing in Chatham County, NC – and the surrounding areas within about an hour of Chapel Hill, NC.

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