Get answers to questions about how to build a new custom home in North Carolina – with information for first time home buyers as well as experienced buyers.

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 December 6, 2021

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

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:

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

Posted by Travars Built Homes on July 21, 2021

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.

Owner’s suite bathroom design: How to create the space you need for your new home in NC

Posted by Travars Built Homes on May 26, 2021

How to arrange the bath in your NC new home.

Our Standards

Home Building FAQs

Reasons to Build with TBH

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.

White and Black Tile Bathroom | Mebane NC New 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?

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Large Tile Shower — Freestanding white tub and large tile shower in the 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?

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | White Dual Vanity

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.

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | Wood Sliding Barn Doors

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.

Accessible Shower Floor | On Your Lot Builder Chapel Hill NC

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.

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | White and Gray Master Bathroom

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.

En Suite Bathroom | New Homes Chapel Hill NC

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.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Farmhouse White Bathroom

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7 questions to ask as you choose interior lighting for your design/build new home

Posted by Travars Built Homes on April 30, 2021

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.

Our Standards

Home Building FAQs

Reasons to Build with TBH

#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!

Kitchen Open to Living Room | On Your Lot Builder Chapel Hill NC

#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?

Chapel Hill New Home Builder | New Homes Chapel Hill NC

#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?

Chatham County On Your Lot Builder | Chatham New Homes

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New home trends: Best hardwood flooring for pets

Posted by Travars Built Homes on March 3, 2021

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.

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

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 28, 2021

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.

Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

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.

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Where to use tile, wood, carpet – and other types of flooring in your new home

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 26, 2021

What kind of flooring will your new home come with, when you build an NC custom home?

It can depend on what your builder offers, and the floor plan that you choose. Here’s what to expect in a Travars Built Home.

Kitchens

New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

Most kitchens in North Carolina new homes have hardwood floors. With Travars Built Homes, site finished, real oak hardwood is our standard. Ask us what some homeowners want for flooring when they have dogs. We’ll also tell you why tile isn’t as common in NC kitchens as in some parts of the country.

Living rooms / great rooms

Hardwood in the living room gives a clean, fresh look to gathering areas, with easy cleanup. Decide which stain color you’d like to go with on site, when you go there during the build to see what looks best with the cabinetry, in the sunlight.

Breakfast rooms

The hardwoods keep on flowing throughout all the main living areas in your Travars Built Home, with sweeping open space that’s beautiful from one room to the next, like this breakfast room.

Laundry rooms

Laundry rooms have tile floors in Travars Built Homes. Have fun choosing the personality you want in spaces like this, that get a lot of use! Ask us how to make your laundry room even better, with folding tables, cubbies, shelves, and more space.

Mud rooms

Mud rooms have tile floors too. They’re designed for easy cleanup of everything that tracks into the home from outdoors. It’s also great for furry friends. Ask how to tuck a dog house, pet shower, or other accommodation into your custom home, like the one you see in this mud room.

Bathrooms

Every full bathroom in a Travars Built Home comes with a tile floor, too. There’s a big trend right now for tile that looks like wood, which can give it a rustic, contemporary look that can be really beautiful, like this floor.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms typically come with carpet, which Travars Built Homes makes more comfortable and long lasting with 8 pound pad beneath and a variety of choices. We can install hardwood instead – it’s one of the many things you can decide what to do with, when you build a custom home the way you want it.

Library / home offices

Most offices and libraries in Travars Built Homes have beautiful oak hardwood flooring like this home. It can depend on the location of these rooms – all main living areas on the first floor typically have hardwood as a standard. Ask us about other flooring you’d like in your home – cork, bamboo, concrete, laminate – we can create whatever effect you would like.

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14 ways to create welcoming indoor/outdoor living spaces for your NC new home

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 20, 2021

Building indoor/outdoor living into your NC new home can make it feel more open and spacious – with easy flow through to extra space where you can stretch out and enjoy natural light, fresh air, scenery and activities.

Get ideas from these 14 photos of indoor/outdoor porches, decks, windows and doors. See what comes standard (or can be easily customized) when you build a new custom home with Travars Built Homes.

Sliding glass doors

Double sliding glass doors are one of the most exciting new trends in NC custom homes. Framed by matching windows on either side, they promote natural light as well as access to a covered porch, screen porch, deck or patio through multiple entrances that extend gathering areas into everything your outdoor living area offers.

Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

Open space

Note how much more open space is felt in this NC custom home by adding outdoor living space separated by a wall of glass. The more you can view, the more your indoor open space can create a connection with back yard nature. Ask NC custom home builder Travars Built Homes about ways to add more – and bigger – windows, all over your new home, with modifications in its design phase.

Wall of windows

Indoor/outdoor living space that is connected through a glass door as well as a wall of windows adds extra dimension. This Modern Farmhouse screen porch extends living space with massive windows across the entire area. Note the dark framed windows – a huge trend for NC new homes.

Deck extension

Extending outdoor living area with a deck that stretches beyond a screen porch offers even more opportunities to leverage all the activities conducive to including nature in your new home.

Big screen porch with detail work

Think through the size of your screen porch when you’re looking at blueprints with the builder. Some floor plans already dedicate space that’s integral to the home. Others can have a porch added on. Note the detail work that makes this indoor/outdoor living especially inviting.

Patios

Consider stepping down from your screen porch to a patio below suitable for a hot tub spa, barbeque, or other fun outdoor gathering space. Check with the general contractor about impervious space and other regulations, to see what’s possible where you’re building.

Railings

Whether rails are required due to height or you simply prefer to have deck space walled in, there are various approaches you can take with a custom home. Wood railings and wrought iron railings are the most popular treatments in NC. See how creative you can be, when you create a special look with Travars Built Homes.

Maximize (outdoor) open space

Open space isn’t just for the interior of your home. When the world awaits outside, relax on a wide open deck where you can sit and ponder. This deck was designed to encompass two entrances into the home (the breakfast room and the laundry/mud room). Want more? The possibilities are nearly endless, when you build a custom home in NC.

Fans and lighting

Screen porch ceiling fans come standard in Travars Built Homes, to add further enjoyment to outdoor living space. Lighting extends enjoyment of gathering areas like this no matter what time of day you feel like relaxing or getting together on your screen porch.

Personality

See the personality you can build in, through the design decisions you make – and the craftsmanship of a Travars Built Home. See the difference in choice with this wrought iron railing as compared to wood railings. The deck that stretches from the screen porch you see here was designed for maximum space. Note the detailed trim and ceiling treatments. Everything adds up, as you create your home the way you want it.

French doors

The classic tradition of French doors can add an inviting touch to your outdoor living area. Tag on additional windows, for even more access to everything you want to see and do from the inside, out.

Open or enclosed

Travars Built Homes enclose your screen porch in comfort so your outdoor living enjoyment can be at its fullest. Screen walls. Screen door. Screen under the decking. Beadboard ceiling. Fan. Check out the details and relax. You’re going to love this.

Extending the view

Got views on all sides of your new home? Ask us about floor plans that give you a glimpse around the corner from your screen porch, like this NC custom home. Soak in all the reasons you chose your homesite, as you maximize your indoor/outdoor living with a view.

All brick

Wrap your indoor/outdoor living space with the solid feeling of strength, on your all brick home. This screen porch is an integral part of the home, with a doorway tucked into the brick corner that adds dimension.

In North Carolina, new home exteriors are typically sided in fiber cement, brick or vinyl. The material and colors you choose are dependent on your community covenants as well as personal taste. Talk with your custom home designer at Travars Built Homes about more indoor/outdoor living ideas.

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5 easy steps to get an NC custom home price quote

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 13, 2021

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.

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!

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.

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What you can learn at a custom home consultation (cost, quality, and scope)

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 9, 2021

A price quote and design meeting from a custom home builder is very different from semi-custom and production builders.

You’ll know which builder is best for your new home within minutes of sitting with Travars Built Homes at your custom home consultation. Quickly see how you can be more informed, involved, and creative, in just 5 easy steps.

During your custom home consultation, we’ll show you:

– What your floor plan costs – and ways to save money

– Features, finishes and the flexibility for choices

– What you can customize, modify and change

– How long it will take to build

– Who takes care of permits, blueprints and site work

Our homebuyers often tell us they are amazed and excited about the depth of detail we provide – including build aspects nobody else has told them about.

The quote we provide is extremely precise – and our pricing has never been beat, apples to apples, by any comparable home builder.

The accuracy of our award winning proprietary estimating system will help ensure you know everything possible that it takes to build your new home, including next steps – your on site lot assessment with the builder – even before you purchase land or sign a purchase agreement with Travars Built Homes.

Your personal pricing package provides peace of mind, with the strength and comfort of our high quality materials and craftsmanship in writing. No hidden costs. No unnecessary surprises.

Request a custom home consultation:

Name (required)

Email (required)

Phone

Floor Plan Name

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+

What else would you like to know about building a new home in North Carolina?

Category: How to Build a New Home

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:

NC custom home cost per square foot: Home style

NC custom home cost per square foot: Floor plan layout

Get started, here:

NC custom home cost per square foot: Building materials and selections

NC custom home cost per square foot: Location and building lot site work

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.

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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?

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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

Hardwood flooring tip #3: Strong grains can hide more scratches