About Us

Every Travars Built Home Starts with Collaboration

Your new home starts with your story, and how we work together to translate your priorities into the creation of your custom home build, with:

Plans to fit your life (and your budget) from our favorite architects – or yours.
Space that flexes with you and the comfortable/cozy/entertainment/work/play/personal space you need.
Craftsmanship hand-crafted with passion, to your purpose.
Turnkey, taking care of you from plans to site work, choices, construction and beyond.
Selection customization, coordinating a look you love with experts at your side.
Clarity you can count on with in-depth details that keep you involved and informed.
Transparent, tailored pricing that tells you everything that already comes included – and your flexibility for customization.

Ready to Explore Building a Home?

Just tell us:

One story, two story or main floor primary suite?
Desired Budget (not including land)
Where you would like to build
Whether you already own a lot

We’ll suggest floor plans from our favorite architects and set up your free consultation – with processes and pricing.

Your Custom Home Build Experience

With deep roots in Chatham County and surrounding regions, the Travars Builder Brothers teams embrace local insight and hands-on design/build dedication to building your beautiful home with strength and integrity. to every build. Whether you’re in Chatham, Wake, Durham, Hillsborough, or beyond, we’re ready to meet you where you are and guide you forward.

Get In Touch:

Fox Oak: New Pittsboro NC Custom Home Neighborhood

FINAL OPPORTUNITY IN FOX OAK ON 4+ ACRES AT BACK OF CUL DE SAC

All other homes in this intimate, luxury custom neighborhood have been sold and are in progress or completed.

Northwood at Fox Oak – FINAL OPPORTUNITY IN FOX OAK!

97 Fox Oak Trail, Pittsboro, NC | 4.2 Wooded Acres | $1,090,000

3372 Sq Ft | 4-5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths | Two Story Home

Riverstone at Fox Oak – SOLD

3093 sq ft

Aster Park at Fox Oak – SOLD

2709 sq ft

Becton Park at Fox Oak – SOLD

4318 sq ft

Settlers Ridge at Fox Oak – SOLD

4674 sq ft

Fox Oak is within easy reach of:

Start the conversation today to get a flyer and more information about available homes and opportunities:

How to Finance Your New Home

Travars Built Homes offers choices for your custom home financing.

Custom homes built on your lot require construction to perm financing. Our Preferred Lenders offer competitive rates and a variety of programs for you to choose from, including:

One or two time close options
Low down payments
And interest only payments during the construction phase

If you already own a lot, your lender will talk with you about how that can impact your construction loan.

If you are purchasing a lot for your home, the lender will talk with you about options, including wrapping the lot purchase into the construction to perm loan, with one transaction going forward.

And our three-step pre-build process enables you to know important information about land you are considering purchasing, and how site specific requirements can impact your bottom line.

Start the conversation today for more details about your down payment, the lending process, custom home financing, and building on your lot:

Based in Chatham County, North Carolina Travars Built Homes builders bring decades of award winning experience to custom home building. learn what TBH has to offer, including direct communication with your builder team, pricing reliability, and third party certified energy efficiency.

Start the Conversation

Every home has a story.
This conversation is where yours begins.

At Travars Built Homes, our initial home planning conversation is designed to be a guided, informative discussion. We help you understand what’s possible, what’s practical, and what it takes to build a home that fits your life.

Start With a Home That Fits Your Story

In your initial planning conversation, we’ll walk through a complete set of build specifications for:

a home you’ve already identified on our site, or
a home that aligns with your broad requirements, such as budget range, number of bedrooms, layout preferences, and overall style

Rather than starting from a blank page, we begin with a thoughtfully developed home as a reference point, so conversations are grounded, clear, and productive.

Beginning with the Right Questions

Building a custom home involves hundreds of decisions.
The consultation gives us the opportunity to walk through those decisions together—simply and intentionally.

During this time, we:

review a full turnkey specification package
explain why specific features are included
discuss how your land, location, and requirements influence the build
learn more about your priorities and lifestyle

This shared understanding helps set the foundation for a smoother build experience.

Understanding Cost Without Guesswork

Custom home pricing isn’t just about square footage, it’s about structure, finishes, site conditions, and expectations.

The consultation helps:

establish realistic cost ranges
show where flexibility exists and where it doesn’t
connect design choices to budget impact

Instead of offering a generic estimate, we provide context—so you understand not just what something costs, but why.

A Relationship, Not Just a Project

Building a custom home is not a short-term transaction—it’s a partnership.

From the initial consultation through construction, we’ll work closely with you for the better part of a year as your home takes shape. Even after move-in, our relationship continues through a long-term warranty period, providing support and peace of mind well beyond completion.

The consultation is your opportunity to get to know how we communicate, collaborate, and guide our clients—because choosing a builder is as much about trust as it is about design.

Purchasing our home from Travars Built Homes has been one of the best decisions we’ve made…From day one, the team was transparent, responsive, and genuinely committed to making our retirement home everything we hoped it would be. Now that we’re settled, we’re grateful not just for the quality of the home itself, but for the integrity of the people who built it. Travars Home Builders doesn’t just build houses—they build trust, stability, and peace of mind.

– William Wood, Chatham County

Let’s Begin Your Home’s Story

This meeting is not about pressure or commitment, it’s about clarity.

You’ll leave with a stronger understanding of the process, a clearer sense of direction, and confidence in the path ahead. Most importantly, you’ll better understand the kind of guidance and collaboration your home deserves.

We look forward to starting the conversation and walking alongside you as your home’s story takes shape.

Start the Conversation Today:

House Plan Search

Available Homes

Photo Tours

Versatile Bonus Rooms, Lofts, and Media Rooms

These flexible, livable spaces are designed to adapt to how your household uses them over time, featuring:

Open lofts that create room to gather, play, or relax
Comfortable bonus rooms suited for hobbies, guests, or home offices
Thoughtfully designed media rooms that balance entertainment and everyday use
Multifunctional layouts that evolve with changing needs

Explore these bonus room, loft, and media room ideas to find inspiration for versatile, well-designed spaces that support both daily life and downtime.

Click a photo to enlarge, or click “See Tour” to see the rest of the home.

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Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Floor Plan Catalog

Meet the Builders

Available Homes

Useful Bookcases and Built-Ins

These custom bookshelves and built-in features combine thoughtful architecture with smart organization, featuring:

Floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases that showcase collections and elevate living spaces
Window seats with storage drawers for cozy reading nooks
Integrated media walls that balance display space with concealed storage
Custom shelving tailored to your lifestyle and daily flow

Explore these bookshelf and built-in ideas to find inspiration for functional, beautifully crafted spaces that support how you live, work, and relax.

Click a photo to enlarge, or click “See Tour” to see the rest of the home.

Return to Design Gallery

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Floor Plan Catalog

Meet the Builders

Available Homes

Front Porch Ideas That Make a Lasting First Impression

Posted by tbhadmin on December 16, 2025

A front porch does more than frame the entrance of your home. It sets the tone for every first impression. Across Chatham, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Alamance, Orange, Wake, and surrounding NC counties, we see how much a well-designed porch contributes to curb appeal, comfort, and the overall character of a custom home. Whether you prefer a classic Southern welcome, a clean modern entry, or something in between, thoughtful porch design makes your home feel intentional from the moment someone steps onto the walkway.

Since porch proportions and details are determined early in the design process, we often encourage homeowners to begin by looking at floor plans, our house plan search makes it easy to explore homes with large front porches in a range of architectural styles. Below are practical, builder-backed ideas for creating a front porch that stands out while staying true to your style and your home’s architecture.

What Makes a Front Porch Feel Inviting?

Front porches work best when they balance function, design, and usability. National datasets consistently show that enhancing the entry — including porches and front doors — is one of the highest-ROI curb appeal improvements for home value and buyer perception. But ROI aside, this space shapes first impressions instantly. Here’s what matters most.

Which Design Elements Have the Biggest Impact?

1. Columns & Architectural Details

The right columns anchor the entire façade. Whether you’re building in Pittsboro’s wooded acreage communities or closer to Hillsborough’s rolling meadow neighborhoods, proportion and style matter. Details like tapered craftsman columns, clean-lined square posts, or simple modern brackets create the design language your porch communicates.

Industry guidelines from the American Institute of Architects emphasize architectural cohesion — meaning porch elements should work with the roofline, scale, and style of the home.

2. Lighting That Sets the Tone

Front porch lighting affects both safety and style. Warm, properly scaled fixtures improve curb appeal and nighttime visibility. The International Dark-Sky Association also notes that thoughtful outdoor lighting improves ambiance while reducing glare and light pollution.

3. Flooring, Stairs & Railings

Materials set a mood. Stained wood, composite decking, brick, flagstone, and concrete are all popular across central NC. Your choice affects maintenance and longevity — something emphasized by NAHB durability guidelines for exterior materials.

How Do Landscaping and Approach Paths Shape First Impressions?

A porch doesn’t stand alone: the walkway, steps, and surrounding landscaping complete the entrance.

Gentle curves in walkways increase visual interest.
Foundation plantings soften the porch structure.
Layered lighting enhances pathways at night.

Landscape design guidance from NC State Extension highlights the importance of proportion, native plant suitability, and clear entry definition for curb appeal.

How Can Color Choices Elevate Your Porch?

Color consistency matters. A well-chosen front door color, coordinated trim, and simple accents create a polished, intentional look. Sherwin-Williams’ exterior color studies show how contrast and undertone matching improve curb appeal perception.

When we help homeowners in Pittsboro or Alamance County select colors, we’re always balancing trends with long-term visual harmony.

FAQs

> Q: How big should a front porch be for homes in Chatham or Alamance County?

A: Most front porches work best at 6–8 feet deep so you can add seating without crowding the entry. Lot setbacks and home style matter, especially on rural or wooded sites common around Pittsboro and Hillsborough. At Travars Built Homes, we size porches early so they feel comfortable and proportional from day one.

> Q: Does a front porch really increase curb appeal in Chapel Hill or Durham neighborhoods?

A: Yes, a well-designed front porch immediately improves first impressions and perceived home value. Buyers consistently respond to homes that feel welcoming before they even step inside. We see this play out regularly in Chapel Hill and Durham builds where the porch anchors the entire façade.

> Q: What type of front porch lighting works best in Wake or Orange County?

A: Warm, properly scaled fixtures provide the best balance of safety and style for front porches in central North Carolina. Lighting that’s too small or too bright can feel harsh, while well-placed fixtures create a calm, inviting glow. We help homeowners choose lighting that fits the architecture and how the porch will actually be used.

What to Expect When Building a Custom Home on Rural Land in NC

Posted by tbhadmin on December 12, 2025

Building a custom home on rural land in North Carolina — especially throughout Chatham, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Alamance, Orange, and Wake counties — is very different from building in a traditional neighborhood. The rewards are huge: privacy, room to breathe, and the ability to shape your home to the land instead of squeezing into a pre-platted lot. But rural builds come with extra steps, from evaluating soils and topography to navigating septic, wells, and county permitting.

As custom builders, we’ve walked this road with homeowners across the Triangle for years. We know where the surprises usually happen — and how to help you avoid them. When you build with TBH, we handle much of this coordination for you, from site evaluations to permit scheduling.

Where to Start: Choosing the Right Parcel

Before breaking ground, the first question is: “Is this land buildable?”

Some lots are unrestricted, meaning no HOA or architectural overlays, but you must verify everything, such as utilities, access, zoning, and feasibility, yourself.
Others are zoned for specific uses; zoning determines what you can build.
Always check setbacks, easements, and county rules — even near Chapel Hill or Durham.

Pro tip: Order a survey and soil test before purchasing land. Many rural buyers regret skipping this when septic or well placement isn’t feasible. Always check setback rules, easements, and any local restrictions — even in small towns near Durham or Chapel Hill.

Permitting: The Paperwork That Gets You Building

In North Carolina, you can’t build without permits, and rural areas are not exempt. State law requires permits for any new building, alteration, or addition, and counties enforce these rules strictly.

Building Permit: Required even for small structures.
Zoning Permit: Confirms what’s being built and where.
Septic & Well Permits:
- Septic requires an Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization.
- Wells require separate permitting, inspection, and water testing.
- Setbacks determine where systems can be located.

Without these, building permits won’t be approved — which can delay construction for months. At TBH, we take the lead on scheduling, submitting, and tracking many of these permits during the build process — so homeowners can focus on design and decisions rather than paperwork.

Utilities, Access, and Infrastructure

In rural areas, utilities aren’t always ready at the road:

Road access might require a private driveway or easement negotiations.
Electricity and high-speed internet may require coordination with utility providers — budget for this.

Water and sewer are almost always off-grid in rural NC — meaning well driller and septic installer costs are part of your build budget.

Site Considerations: Weather, Topography, and Soil

Here in the Triangle and beyond, rural land can be wonderfully scenic — but that scenery comes with challenges:

Hills, trees, and rock can affect site preparation costs
Soil types can affect septic feasibility
Flood zones and wetlands add regulatory layers

Planning for these early saves time (and money) when the builder breaks ground.

Design Decisions That Matter Sooner Than You Think

Unlike tract homes, custom builds give you freedom — but that also means decisions come early and fast:

Home orientation (sun, views, topography)
Foundation type (crawlspace, slab, full basement)
Material access (delivery logistics on rural roads)

We always recommend discussing these with your architect and builder in tandem — not sequentially. At Travars Built Homes, we guide you through these early decisions step-by-step, helping you evaluate orientation, foundations, and materials based on your specific land. You can explore examples of how we support these choices in our Design Galley.

FAQs

> Q: How long does permitting for a new custom home take in rural areas of Chatham County, Durham County, or Hillsborough, NC?

A: In these rural parts of the Triangle, permitting typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the property. The longest step is usually the well and septic approvals from each county’s health department, especially on larger or undeveloped parcels. Travars Built Homes guides you through what your specific homesite requires so you can move forward with clear expectations and fewer surprises.

> Q: Do I need a survey before buying land for a custom home in rural Chatham, Durham, or Orange County, NC?

A: Yes — a survey is one of the most important early steps when you’re buying rural land for a custom home. A boundary survey confirms exactly what you own, and a topographic and soil survey shows slopes, utilities, setbacks, easements, and soil conditions that affect septic, well, driveway placement, and build feasibility. These insights help prevent costly surprises after purchase and guide where your home can actually be built.

> Q: Can I build whatever I want on rural land in Chatham County, Durham County, or Hillsborough, NC?

A: Not always. Even on rural parcels, zoning rules, setbacks, easements, restrictions, and environmental regulations determine what you can build and where on the land. Counties enforce minimum distances from property lines, protect wetlands and flood zones, and regulate septic and well locations. Working with a builder like Travars Built Homes helps you understand these requirements early so that your home design and site plan fit what’s allowed before you invest in plans or land.

Practical Drop Zones and Closets

These transitional and storage-rich spaces combine thoughtful architecture with smart organization, featuring:

Built-in benches, cubbies, and hooks for bags and gear
Drop-zone cabinetry that keeps essentials easy to grab
Walk-in and reach-in closets with customized shelving
Smart storage solutions that help keep spaces tidy

Explore these drop zone and closet ideas to find inspiration for functional, well-designed spaces that support your daily routines.

Click a photo to enlarge, or click “See Tour” to see the rest of the home.

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Build on Your Land Builders in Chatham County, NC | Walk in Closet — See Tour

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Floor Plan Catalog

Meet the Builders

Available Homes

Why More Families Want Dual Owner’s Suites

Posted by tbhadmin on November 4, 2025

At Travars Built Homes, we build custom homes for how families actually live—not just how floor plans look on paper. And lately, what families tell us they need most is flexibility: space for aging parents, grown children, long-term guests, and more. Dual owner’s suites can make that possible—without sacrificing comfort or style.

What is a dual owner’s suite — and how is it different from a traditional master suite?

A dual owner’s suite floor plan provides two fully-equipped primary suites—each with its own private bath and spacious closet. Instead of a single primary suite and several lesser bedrooms, you have two primary suites of comparable scale and amenities. This means two high-quality retreats, not one quality suite and one or more lesser rooms.

Why are we seeing more demand for dual owner’s suites?

Multigenerational living & changing family dynamics: In our region of Chatham County, Alamance, Orange, Durham, Wake, and more, we frequently encounter families where adult children move back in, aging parents join the household, or siblings decide to build together. A dual owner’s-suite layout gives everyone their own high-quality private space without sacrificing shared living.

Privacy, independence & adaptability: Having two equally comfortable owner-level suites means no one feels relegated to a lesser bedroom. It is a layout that supports togetherness and independence—whether you’re balancing work-from-home lifestyles, caring for extended family, or simply building a home that adapts as life changes.

Resale value & broad appeal: From a builder’s and buyer’s perspective, homes with dual owner’s suites tend to appeal to a wider market: empty-nesters, multigenerational households, investors, couples who want separate retreats, etc. This flexibility can enhance resale value.

Dual Primary Suite Floor Plans

Here at Travars Built Homes we have several floor plans that offer dual owner’s suite options. Here are just a few:

Twin Oaks – This farmhouse-style plan places both owner’s suites on the main level, each with its own bath and walk-in closet. It’s ideal for multigenerational families or homeowners who want main-floor living with plenty of privacy.

Rendering and floor plans copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com and Associates

Sinise– With one owner’s suite on the first floor and another upstairs, this plan provides both separation and flexibility. It’s a great fit for homeowners who host extended family, work from home, or simply like having two equally comfortable retreats.

Modern Craftsman House Plan — Rendering and floor plans copyright Alan Mascord & Associates

Vidabelo – Designed from the start for multi-gen living, the Vidabelo offers a spacious main-level owner’s suite plus a second full suite tucked privately on the opposite side of the home. Families across Chatham and Alamance counties love how this layout balances togetherness and independence.

Rendering and floor plans copyright Alan Mascord and Associates

Key Takeaways

A dual owner’s suite layout is about flexibility, equality, privacy and future-proofing.
The feature is not just luxury for luxury’s sake—it appeals to real-life needs: multigenerational living, work/life mismatch, guest accommodations, resale.
If you’re building with us at Travars Built Homes—across Chatham, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, Durham, Alamance, Orange, Wake and surrounding counties—we can help you decide whether this feature is right for you.
Ultimately: build for today’s lifestyle and tomorrow’s.

FAQs

> Q: Who really benefits from a dual owner’s suite layout?

A: Many different household types: families where parents and aging grandparents are living under one roof, couples with different schedules who need separate retreats, adult children returning home, buyers who want strong resale appeal and flexibility built into their home.

> Q: Does adding a dual owner’s suite cost significantly more than a traditional layout?

A: Generally some cost is added versus a traditional plan. Allocating more square footage to two high-end suites instead of one premium and several modest rooms means higher upfront investment. But when designed smartly—especially by a builder familiar with the lot (like us)—that investment often pays off in livability and resale value.

> Q: How do I determine where each suite should go (main floor vs upstairs vs opposite wings)?

A: Ask: Who will use each suite and how often? What is the lot layout, orientation, view, daylight access? What future mobility or accessibility considerations might there be? At Travars Built Homes, we guide you through these questions so you choose a placement that fits your lifestyle and lot.

Category: TBH

Every Travars Built Home Starts with Collaboration

Ready to Explore Building a Home?

Your Custom Home Build Experience

Get In Touch:

FINAL OPPORTUNITY IN FOX OAK ON 4+ ACRES AT BACK OF CUL DE SAC

Northwood at Fox Oak – FINAL OPPORTUNITY IN FOX OAK!

97 Fox Oak Trail, Pittsboro, NC | 4.2 Wooded Acres | $1,090,000

3372 Sq Ft | 4-5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths | Two Story Home

Riverstone at Fox Oak – SOLD

Aster Park at Fox Oak – SOLD

Becton Park at Fox Oak – SOLD

Settlers Ridge at Fox Oak – SOLD

Fox Oak is within easy reach of:

Start the conversation today to get a flyer and more information about available homes and opportunities:

Travars Built Homes offers choices for your custom home financing.

Start the conversation today for more details about your down payment, the lending process, custom home financing, and building on your lot:

Start With a Home That Fits Your Story

Beginning with the Right Questions

Understanding Cost Without Guesswork

A Relationship, Not Just a Project

Let’s Begin Your Home’s Story

Start the Conversation Today:

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

What Makes a Front Porch Feel Inviting?

Which Design Elements Have the Biggest Impact?

1. Columns & Architectural Details

2. Lighting That Sets the Tone

3. Flooring, Stairs & Railings

How Do Landscaping and Approach Paths Shape First Impressions?

How Can Color Choices Elevate Your Porch?

FAQs

See Also:

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Where to Start: Choosing the Right Parcel

Permitting: The Paperwork That Gets You Building

Utilities, Access, and Infrastructure

Site Considerations: Weather, Topography, and Soil

Design Decisions That Matter Sooner Than You Think

FAQs

See Also:

Have any Questions? Start the Conversation Today!

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

What is a dual owner’s suite — and how is it different from a traditional master suite?

Why are we seeing more demand for dual owner’s suites?

Dual Primary Suite Floor Plans

Key Takeaways

FAQs

See Also:

Have any Questions? Get in Touch Today!