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.

Essential Decorative Features Homebuyers Really Want in the Great Room

Posted by tbhadmin on

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.
Modern Farmhouse | Chapel Hill Custom Home

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.

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.

Ready to start building your dream home? 

Contact us to learn more about creating a Great Room that you and your family will love for years to come.

Get in touch today!

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

    Stone Fireplace in Screen Porch | Chapel Hill New Home Builder

    Designing an Outdoor Fireplace for Your Screened or Covered Porch

    Posted by tbhadmin on

    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.

    Stone Fireplace in Screen Porch | Chapel Hill New Home Builder

    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.

    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.

    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!

    Get in touch today!

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

      Posted by tbhadmin on

      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.

      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.

      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!

      Get in touch today!

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

        Posted by Travars Built Homes on

        How to arrange the bath in your NC new home.

        Our Standards
        Home Building FAQs
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        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.

        Raleigh Custom Homes | Walk in Shower

        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

        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.

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        #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.

        Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Two Story Kitchen

        #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

        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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        7 barn door design ideas

        Posted by Travars Built Homes on

        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.

        Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

        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:

        Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

        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:

        Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

        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!

        Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

        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.

        Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

        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.

        Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

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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

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

        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

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | 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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new 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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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.

        Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

        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

        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:

        Search Floor Plans
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