New home building standards and processes by Travars Built Homes.

Split perspective highlighting a white freestanding slipper tub with vintage chrome fixtures on the left, and a straight-on look at a white shaker double vanity base under industrial black sconces on the right, designed by Travars Built Homes.

How to Build a Modern Farmhouse in North Carolina

“Modern Farmhouse” conjures a feeling of peaceful countryside living. But in a traditional sense, this popular architectural style adapts the term “farmhouse” loosely.

Looking for modern farmhouse builders? Travars Built Homes can build a custom farmhouse on your lot in North Carolina. Here’s how:


A Modern Farmhouse is actually one of the most adaptable architectural styles, with the flexibility to invoke touches of urban, contemporary, traditional and industrial effects, on a palate that can be easily personalized with your own whimsey – like this:

Split perspective highlighting a white freestanding slipper tub with vintage chrome fixtures on the left, and a straight-on look at a white shaker double vanity base under industrial black sconces on the right, designed by Travars Built Homes.

Add a touch of Shiplap walls. Hint of cedar. Traditional brick fireplace surround. (Or a wide variety of other outdoorsy touches.)

Split focal view of the great room fireplace layout, showcasing a brick surround, a rustic wood timber mantel shelf, and a floor-to-ceiling white shiplap accent chimney breast flanked by white custom built-ins, built by Travars Built Homes.

Nothing says “Modern Farmhouse” better than white board and batt. Metal roof accents. Black framed windows.

Striking front elevation of a premium modern farmhouse highlighting white vertical board-and-batten siding, contrasting black window frames, an architectural metal porch roof accent, and a stacked stone foundation, built by Travars Built Homes.

Carry that theme inside, with back to back to basics simplicity in white and black kitchens designed for home cooking.

Kitchen range wall with white cabinetry, gray subway tile backsplash, stainless steel range hood, professional-style gas range, granite countertops, corner cabinets, wood flooring, and a bright window beside the counter.

Modern Farmhouse kitchens get a lot of attention, as a great place to combine contemporary and urban appeal, with ample space to create.

Custom open-concept kitchen highlighting a granite-topped island illuminated by three orbital black iron cage pendants, a stainless steel chimney hood, grey subway backsplash tile, and a glass patio door, built by Travars Built Homes.

Be clever with black hanging lights when you design your Modern Farmhouse feel. Consider creating a sense of support structure, with cedar wood beams in the ceiling.

Dual-perspective view of an elegant open great room showcasing premium hardwood floors, a stone fireplace accent wall, rustic ceiling beams, and clean craftsman trim work.

Another mix of architectural styles in Modern Farmhouses is the industrial look of metal to add functionality and style, like sliding barn door accents with black light fixture tie-ins.

Luxurious primary bedroom suite highlighting a dramatic vaulted ceiling with exposed natural wood beams, plush carpet, a designer chandelier, and double white sliding barn doors opening to the master bathroom.

Like the look of black framed windows that’s a signature look on many Modern Farmhouse exteriors? Carry that through to the glass in your bathrooms, for a bold, contemporary feel.

Split view of a primary en-suite detailing a dark wood vanity and a black-framed corner glass shower with tile accents on the left, alongside a deep drop-in soaking tub built into a custom tile surround on the right, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Versus a black and white tile floor pattern like this. (Note the open storage spaces, too, that are also a big trend in Modern Farmhouse new homes in NC.

Split view of a modern laundry room showcasing crisp white upper shaker cabinets over washer/dryer hookups on the left, and an integrated white drop-zone bench with a top shelf on the right, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Ask your NC custom home builder how many places you can add built-in storage centers, cabinets and closets. You might be surprised at the flexibility you have when you design build your new home with a builder like Travars Built Homes.

Extensive primary walk-in closet wardrobe system detailing double-level wooden hanging rods, open cubby shoe shelves, a white integrated chest of drawers, and oak hardwood floors, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Drop zones are a huge draw for every architectural style of new homes – and a must for a Modern Farmhouse feel. How big do you want it to be? What kind of tuck away access do you want it to have?

Custom built-in mudroom drop zone bench featuring white cabinetry, modern silver coat hooks, upper and lower storage cubbies, and a classic beadboard backing.

Bathrooms are one of the best places to mix architectural styles to achieve today’s Modern Farmhouse appeal – like this blend of quaint and classic, with a barn style framed mirror, trough sink and chrome faucets.

Vintage-inspired guest bathroom featuring a unique double-faucet white porcelain trough sink, a large black-framed mirror, and classic black-and-white mosaic tile floors, designed by Travars Built Homes.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Premium custom kitchen design by a North Carolina home builder, showcasing a massive dark wood island with white granite countertops, white perimeter shaker cabinets, high-end stainless steel appliances, and matte black dome pendant lights.

9 Big Kitchen Island Styles

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.


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.

Premium custom kitchen design by a North Carolina home builder, showcasing a massive dark wood island with white granite countertops, white perimeter shaker cabinets, high-end stainless steel appliances, and matte black dome pendant lights.

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.

Elegant kitchen profile emphasizing a long dark graphite kitchen island topped with thick white quartz countertops, illuminated by three hanging black iron lantern frame fixtures over oak plank flooring, built by Travars Built 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.

Custom kitchen layout showcasing white perimeter cabinets, a light gray subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and a large wood-paneled kitchen island with a speckled stone countertop.

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.

Modern kitchen island design featuring a dark navy blue base, a light granite countertop with an apron-front farmhouse sink, a black gooseneck faucet, and three industrial-style pendant light fixtures.

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.

Two-pane view of a modern farmhouse kitchen featuring a large olive-green center island with an apron-front farmhouse sink, ornate stone countertops, and industrial black cage pendant light fixtures.

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.

Custom open-concept kitchen highlighting a granite-topped island illuminated by three orbital black iron cage pendants, a stainless steel chimney hood, grey subway backsplash tile, and a glass patio door, built by Travars Built Homes.

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.

Custom kitchen with large quartz island, black lower cabinets, natural wood uppers, herringbone tile backsplash, gas cooktop, and pendant lights by Travars Built Homes.

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.

Wide open-concept floor plan displaying a high-end custom kitchen with white shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, premium granite countertops, and rich oak hardwood floors running throughout the expansive space.

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.

Wide open-concept floor plan showing a seamless transition from a high-end kitchen with a large island and dark countertops into the dining area and living room with dark hardwood floors running throughout.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Split perspective highlighting a white freestanding slipper tub with vintage chrome fixtures on the left, and a straight-on look at a white shaker double vanity base under industrial black sconces on the right, designed by Travars Built Homes.

9 Modern Farmhouse Features in New Homes

Modern Farmhouse architectural styles are a top request for 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.

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.

Custom modern farmhouse exterior showcasing bright white vertical siding, contrasting black window frames, a natural stone foundation skirt, and a two-car garage, designed by Travars Built Homes.

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.

Living room wall with white built-in media cabinetry, open shelves, lower cabinets, sliding barn doors, hardwood floors, gray walls, crown molding, and a large black chandelier overhead.
See Tour

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.

Full front elevation of a light gray custom ranch home featuring board and batten siding, a multi-gable roofline, stone accent column bases, and a white two-car garage door.

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.

Front exterior view with blue siding, stone accents, black trim, garage bays, concrete driveway, landscaped beds, walkway, multiple gables, and a wooded setting around the home.

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.

Spacious family great room featuring a soaring vaulted ceiling with exposed natural wood beams, a floor-to-ceiling stone veneer fireplace with a wood mantel, and arched doorways over oak hardwood flooring.

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.

Expansive custom kitchen showcasing white perimeter cabinets with a matching subway tile backsplash, a dark wood island base with a polished granite top, and contemporary black dome pendant lights, designed by Travars Built Homes.

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.

Custom kitchen design showcasing a dark navy blue island with a granite countertop, white perimeter shaker cabinetry, a dark glossy tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances, by Travars Built Homes.

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.

Custom kitchen workspace showcasing an apron-front farmhouse sink with a gooseneck faucet, white subway tile backsplash, black granite countertops, and white shaker cabinets.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Rear exterior elevation highlighting crisp white vertical siding, black window trim, a brick foundation skirt, and multi-tier wooden deck steps leading down to a grass lawn, built by Travars Built Homes.

Build On Your Lot: Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Aerial drone view of a scenic open land plot and rolling wooded acreage, illustrating premium build-on-your-lot custom home site selections and rural building lots available in Central North Carolina.

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.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Cozy breakfast nook and casual kitchen dining area highlighting natural wood flooring, a custom L-shaped corner bench with integrated storage seating, and a geometric stained-glass chandelier.

Chatham County New Home Checklist – Built in Storage Ideas For Every Room

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

Spacious custom living room with rich hardwood flooring highlighting a central stone-surround fireplace flanked by symmetrical, built-in white bookshelves and lower storage cabinets.

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.

Custom kitchen beverage station and dry bar area showcasing white shaker cabinets, a speckled stone countertop, an integrated stainless steel wine cooler, clean white subway tile, and a floating natural wood shelf with hanging wine glass storage.

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.

Entryway mudroom or hallway drop zone showcasing a white custom built-in storage bench with lower shoe cubbies, a decorative white beadboard back panel, and upper open display shelving over rich hardwood floors.

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:

Walk-in kitchen pantry featuring custom L-shaped white open wooden shelving for maximized food storage, pantry organization, and utility built by a Central NC custom home builder.

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.

Cozy breakfast nook and casual kitchen dining area highlighting natural wood flooring, a custom L-shaped corner bench with integrated storage seating, and a geometric stained-glass chandelier.

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:

Bright upstairs loft hallway and open landing area featuring neutral carpeting, a custom staircase railing with dark wood and wrought iron spindles, and a massive wall of windows filling the space with natural light.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Chatham County Homes

5 Myths About Multi-Generational New Homes NC

Give everyone the space they need. Combine living arrangements where it makes the most sense for your new multi-gen home (with a dual master, mother in law, or extended family layout). What do you need to know, when you look at plans and look for a multi-gen new home builder?

Travars Built Homes builds new, custom multi-gen homes in NC. Find house plan options that fit your needs here.

As you consider space for long-stay extended family members, caretakers or guests, here are the top myths about building a multi-generational new home in North Carolina:

Chatham County Homes

North Carolina multi-gen new home myth #1

I can attach a separate apartment to my home that is private, as long as it is part of the initial home structure. FALSE.

TRUTH:

Any portion of your home that is separated by a wall, as opposed to having an access from one part of the home to the other, can be considered a duplex and would likely not be approved as a single family home in NC.

Be careful to choose a floor plan that includes any multi gen, mother in law, or dual master elements as an integral portion of the home. Although there can be privacy, there must be access into the home. Although it can have a private entrance from the exterior, it must also have an entrance on the interior. Additional regulations may apply.

Even floor plans that have a little apartment attached will need to have approval from all applicable entities before it can be built. This is especially true when you want to add a little apartment on the other side of the garage, for example, as it will have it’s own systems and is self-contained, which means it can be considered a separate residence.

Chatham County Homes

North Carolina multi-gen new home myth #2

I can build a guest cottage on my lot if I have a big yard. FALSE.

TRUTH:

Your ability to build a structure on your lot – whether it is a cottage, outbuilding or gazebo, needs to have approval from the building department, architectural review board (if you live in a community with an HOA) and other factors such as water and septic or sewer systems.

Even if your lot is in a countryside location, you will need to familiarize yourself with county or town regulations applicable to your land. You’ll need a building permit before you get started.

Most custom home community covenants do NOT allow a guest house on the same lot.

If the lot has a septic system, it will typically be rated for 3-4 bedrooms. So even if a separate structure is allowed, you will need to divide the amount of bedrooms per dwelling to use that system – and you may be required to have a separate system, which will need to be approved.

Some custom home communities allow a second structure such as a garage or an art studio. It may be possible to have a small cottage, which may require attachment with a breezeway. See the community covenants for their rules. All structures will need to be approved the the archiectural committee as specified in the covenants.

It may be possible for a guest house to be considered a separate home, as opposed to a single dwelling on the lot, depending on the regulations for that location. This would also need to be approved by the building department as well as the architectural review board in the community.

Luxury secondary bedroom suite highlighting an elegant custom tray ceiling, distinct teal accent walls with white trim, plush neutral carpeting, a ceiling fan, and large windows filling the space with natural light.

North Carolina multi-gen new home myth #3

As long as I have an entrance from one part of the home to the other, I can have two full kitchens, great rooms, and pretty much duplicate my home as though it is a duplex as long as it is accessible from both sides via a doorway. FALSE. GET APPROVALS AND PERMITS – THIS IS NOT THE INTENT OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME.

TRUTH:

Be careful about trying to combine two families into one structure, with what amounts to two separate homes if zoning is for single family homes. This can be rejected by building department regulations, zoning, and community covenants.

Multi gen plans can be customized and there are many possibilities. However, a single family home is not the same thing as a duplex, which requires different zoning and other requirements.

The best approach to having a multigen home accepted by regulators is to choose a layout that is designed for a single family with a long term guest or caretaker. For example, a kitchenette could be more appropriate for a mother in law, care taker, or guest suite than a home with two full kitchens and living areas. As with all homes, your floor plan must adhere to the approval process, and follow all the rules.

Avonlea | Durham Home Builder

North Carolina multi-gen new home myth #4

A full apartment in the basement is always acceptable in single family zoning. FALSE.

TRUTH:

Nothing is “always acceptable” – your custom home builder will help guide your choices in adherence to rules and regulations. As with any addition to the home that is designed to accommodate multi-gen situations, a full apartment in the basement must be approved as applicable by the county, town and any other entities that have say in the process, including the community HOA (where applicable).

Although multi gen accommodations within the home are accepted more widely than a stand alone cottage or a separate apartment on the other side of the garage with it’s own systems, acceptability depends on local regulations and requirements.

More often, you will find new multi-gen homes with two master bedrooms or a master suite and guest suite on the first floor:

Avonlea | Durham Home Builder

North Carolina multi-gen new home myth #5

A multi gen home must share the same laundry room FALSE.

TRUTH:

You can typically have as many laundry rooms as you would like in your home. You can also have as many bathrooms as you like. The only rooms limited by septic system regulations are the amount of bedrooms – as the indicator of how many people live there full time.

In fact, it’s becoming common to have two or even three laundry rooms, for added convenience inside non multi-gen new homes. Some custom homes have a laundry room on each floor. Some have laundry setups in the master suite closet or extended guest suite.

Split view of a modern laundry room showcasing crisp white upper shaker cabinets over washer/dryer hookups on the left, and an integrated white drop-zone bench with a top shelf on the right, crafted by Travars Built Homes.

Whether you are seeking to create a mother in law suite, multi-gen, dual master, or small apartment in the new home you want to build, the most important thing to keep in mind is how to divide gathering areas and personal space.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Wide-angle view from behind a white kitchen island showing the fluid open floor plan layout between the kitchen, casual dining nook, and a living room with a gas fireplace.

19 Questions to Ask NC home builders – before you buy

What questions should I ask builders about building a new home in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill region of North Carolina?

“Price per square foot” is NOT the most important thing to know.

Use this checklist of new home construction cost questions – and learn why to avoid asking “what’s your cost per square foot”? Contact Travars Built Homes for answers to these questions.

Questions to ask NC home builders: (Not) cost per square foot

  1. Why does price per square foot come out much higher for some homes than others, even though the size and layout look very similar?
  2. What comes included in this home, as a starting, “basic” build?
  3. Can you give me a detailed package that has everything in writing, so I can see just what’s already in there and what I need to add?
  4. How long will it take to build my new home?

Questions to ask NC home builders: Location and site work

  1. Where can you build my new home in NC?
  2. Is site work included in your price? Do you give that to me prior to contract?
  3. What does it cost to build this home on my lot, as opposed to on a lot in your community?
Panoramic aerial drone view of rolling green pasture land and acreage in Central North Carolina, showcasing country building lots and ideal properties for build-on-your-lot custom homes.

Questions to ask NC home builders: Floor plan layout and style

  1. How do I find a cost-effective floor plan?
  2. Why does a home with a large kitchen cost more to build than a home with a large great room?
  3. Why does an owners suite on the main floor cost more than an owners suite upstairs?
  4. Why does it cost more to have a sprawling footprint than one that has more square feet upstairs?
  5. Why does a home shaped like a “box” cost less to build than a home with “cutouts?”
  6. How much less does it cost to build a bonus room over a great room than to add a keeping room on the main floor?
  7. Why do contemporary home architectural styles cost more to build than traditional architectural styles?
Expansive open-concept floor plan designed by a Central NC custom home builder, featuring rich oak hardwood floors, a central structural brick fireplace divider, a crystal chandelier, and an open second-floor catwalk balcony.

Questions to ask NC home builders: Selections and features

  1. How much does a typical homebuyer pay in addition to the “base” price for your homes once they start including things like microwaves and other features that are in typical custom homes?
  2. How many choices do I have for selections in your “base” pricing?
  3. What kind of energy efficiency (features and processes) does this home have?
  4. How much do windows and doors matter when adding up costs?
  5. Does it cost more to have a carriage than a third bay in the garage?
  6. Is a sealed crawl space included?
  7. Are there built-ins? Trey ceilings? Trim around windows and doors? Crown moulding?
Premium custom kitchen design by a North Carolina home builder, showcasing a massive dark wood island with white granite countertops, white perimeter shaker cabinets, high-end stainless steel appliances, and matte black dome pendant lights.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Beautiful custom-built craftsman home exterior in Siler City, North Carolina, featuring light gray vertical siding, a stone veneer foundation accent, an attached garage, and stone front porch steps.

What kind of loan do I need to build my new home?

How is a custom home financed in North Carolina?

When you build a new custom home in North Carolina, it’s typical to need a construction to perm loan, as opposed to a mortgage loan, which is more common when purchasing an existing home.

Construction loans are short term loans, most often with interest-only payments that are intended to last the length of your new home construction – up to one year.

Beautiful custom-built craftsman home exterior in Siler City, North Carolina, featuring light gray vertical siding, a stone veneer foundation accent, an attached garage, and stone front porch steps.

Your lot purchase and the construction of your home are typically bundled into one transaction with a construction loan, so you do not need to buy the lot before you build. Travars Built Homes can be built on your lot, in custom home neighborhoods or countryside locations within about an hour of Chapel Hill.

Contact us to learn more about how to build a new custom home on your land.

Interest payments in a construction loan are only due in segments, with the construction loan accessed gradually by the builder through draws as specific portions of your home are completed. 

The North Carolina county or city inspector will approve each portion of the home as it is completed, and your construction lender will review the progress before dispersing the draw to the builder.

What About when the Home is Complete? 

What happens with your construction loan upon completion of your home depends on the program you have entered with your lender. It’s most common to subsequently take on a mortgage for permanent financing, with terms up to thirty years. However, some construction loans have a one time close, which has different terms than a two time close. Your lender will advise you of the differences.

Where can I learn more about North Carolina Construction Financing?

Daniel McCoy of the McCoy Team at MVB Mortgage #485895 offers a variety of programs to choose from for your new home construction loan. 

Professional corporate headshot of local mortgage lender and financing expert Daniel McCoy, assisting clients with custom construction home loans.
MVB Mortgage

336 255-0445

Daniel.mccoy@mvbmortgage.com

This Portfolio Lender has programs with:

  • As low as
    95% LTV, conventional up to $453,000 on primary residence
  • As low as
    90% LTV, conventional up to $453,100 on second home
  • 100% financing
    for eligible VA borrowers
  • Jumbo
    financing to $2mil
  • Cross-collateralization
    and Bridge options
  • Interest
    only payments during the construction period
  • 660 Minimum
    Credit Score
  • All loans
    subject to credit approval

North Carolina new home loan products and interest rates are subject to change at any time due to changing market conditions. Actual rates available may be based on a number of factors including your credit rating, size of down payment and amount of documentation provided. This information is provided as an overview of the loan process and not a guarantee of lending. Contact your tax advisor about the deductibility of interest. Contact MVB Mortgage for more information about mortgage products and eligibility.

MVB Mortgage NMLS#181319

Official clean vector logo for MVB Mortgage, a residential mortgage company offering competitive home loan options and construction financing.

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Regional map graphic pinpointing public electric vehicle (EV) charging station locations across Pittsboro, North Carolina, demonstrating modern infrastructural convenience for local homeowners.

Where can you find an EV charging station in Pittsboro, North Carolina?

You can plug your electric car into an EV Charging Station at dozens of locations in the Pittsboro and Chapel Hill area – including your new home.

This active map from PlugShare shows where you can find public stations, designated as high power or ‘ in use’ and where they are located. ChargeHub is another great resource for EV Charge Station information, where users can also edit, add comments, and post pictures.

Regional map graphic pinpointing public electric vehicle (EV) charging station locations across Pittsboro, North Carolina, demonstrating modern infrastructural convenience for local homeowners.

You can find a place to plug in while you sit outside welcoming places like this: Penguin Place – One of the Top Places to Eat in Pittsboro NC.

Modern industrial exterior and outdoor dining patio of The Root Cellar café in Pittsboro, NC, showcasing glass roll-up garage doors, brick accents, and bright orange tables.

Nearly all of the dozens of EV Car Charging stations in the Chapel Hill/Pittsboro area are free. A typical electric car can be fully energized in about 3-6 hours, depending on the vehicle.

Close-up of an AeroVironment electric vehicle (EV) charging station located at Penguin Place on Suttles Road, highlighting sustainable neighborhood amenities in Pittsboro, NC.

Talk to your builder about adding a charging station to your new home. It’s a great way to make reducing greenhouse gas emissions simple and easy, with your home as the center for your ability to have a clean alternative to conventional fossil-fuel powered vehicles.

It’s one more way that high quality custom home builders like Travars Built Homes customize your home to fit your lifestyle – along with the ability for your home to perform efficiently with lower utility bills, with your Eco-Select certificate from Southern Energy Management.

Public Schneider Electric EVlink electric vehicle charging station in a community parking lot, showcasing eco-friendly infrastructure near residential developments in Central NC.

Car charging stations can be added to your new custom home during the design phase – one of the most interesting and fun parts of your home build.

Travars Built Homes can build just about anything into your new home. Just let us know what you’d like built in – and where you want your Charging Station! We also help you find a lot in Chatham County or anywhere else within about an hour of RTP.

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Sophisticated home office space featuring rich oak floors, deep navy blue walls with white wainscoting, and custom built-in white bookshelves framing a wide double window, built by Travars Built Homes.

5 Home offices that work for you

What you build into your home office can be a game changer. Here are 5 home office designs from North Carolina custom homes built by Travars Built Homes.

#1 Home Office Design: Professional Office with everything built in

Take care of business with a home office designed for everything that needs to get done: Built ins. Interactive spaces. Windows and lighting. Oak hardwood flooring.

Sophisticated home office space featuring rich oak floors, deep navy blue walls with white wainscoting, and custom built-in white bookshelves framing a wide double window, built by Travars Built Homes.

#2 Home Office Design: Sunny side out

Don’t want to feel locked down while you work? Add walls of windows to your home office, to let the sunshine in and allow you to see everything happening outside! Building a custom home means you can add as many windows as you want, depending on the plan and the builder.

#3 Home Office Design: Private bathroom

Build an en-suite home office with your own private bathroom attached, for the ultimate personal space as you work. This office also has a massive walk in closet for storing business supplies and files.

Modern bedroom interior design displaying rich chocolate brown walls accented by white crown molding, oak hardwood flooring, and contemporary abstract blue and silver canvas artwork.

#4 Home Office Design: Library

Wall to wall built in bookcases with furniture cabinetry like this can enable your home office to organize books, manuals, and other necessities so you can find everything at a glance. A ceiling fan enables you to further control your environment.

Home study or custom library layout showcasing extensive white built-in bookshelves and storage cabinetry, contrasted by soft gray walls and dark-stained oak hardwood floors.

#5 Home Office Design: Window Treatments

There are a huge variety of window treatments that can be applied to your home office, like what you see here. This can provide an open feeling that makes your office space feel more spacious and inviting.

Sunlit morning room or casual dining area highlighting beautiful oak wood floors, transitional light blue-gray paint, and double glass French doors with a transom window opening onto a covered back porch.

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!