Great Rooms: Spacious, Inviting, Connected

These great rooms showcase both comfort and character, designed to bring people together in bright, open spaces. Look for:

Soaring ceilings and expansive windows that fill the room with natural light.
Seamless flow into kitchens, dining, or outdoor areas for everyday living and entertaining.
Thoughtful trim details, built-ins, and fireplaces that add both warmth and distinction.
Flexible layouts that balance openness with a sense of coziness.

Explore each great room and imagine how it can be the heart of your gatherings—large or small.

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

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

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Meet the Builders

Available Homes

What Happens After Your Custom Home Is Completed?

Posted by tbhadmin on September 1, 2025

Phil is the driving force behind day-to-day construction. With a sharp eye for detail and unwavering commitment to quality, he helps ensure everything behind the walls is just as strong and well-crafted as what’s visible on the surface.

Staying power

One of my favorite involvements outside of building incredible custom homes is competing in obstacle race courses. Both activities share similarities — expert evaluation and navigation of challenges, efficient processes and focus on results. But while a competition ends at the finish line, our commitment to your new home continues long after construction is completed.

How We Keep Caring

We pay attention to every piece of the project, which might be why it can feel like we receive more invitations to your backyard BBQs than warranty calls. But if there’s something you’d like us to take a look at even after you’ve settled in, Andrew or I will typically swing by personally to answer your questions.

We’ll also provide contact information for trusted trade partners if additional follow-up is needed.

Staying Connected

An easy way to stay connected after you settle into your home is through your personal online portal – the same one that guided you through build phases. Even after construction is complete, you can access documents, ask questions, or revisit details about your home.

What Homeowners Say

We appreciate the 5-star reviews you share for Travars Built Homes — even years after move-in:

Phil Travars has been 100% responsive to our calls and questions even after the one-year warranty period ended.
— S. Grimm

On top of all the things listed above, they are also a small family business. It feels good to support locals, especially when they put out a much better product than the bigger builders in the area. If you need a custom-built home, look no further than Travars Built Homes!
— R. Green

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 Built Homes doesn’t just build houses—they build trust, stability, and peace of mind.
— W. Wood

We had our home inspected about six months after we moved in by a third-party inspector (not affiliated with Travars) who inspects hundreds of new builds in the Triangle area, and they said it was a very well-constructed home — no corners were cut, with high-grade finishes. Building a home is a serious commitment of time, energy, and money, and Travars Built Homes makes it all worth it.
— N. Lafave

You can see more reviews here: Customer Reviews: What Homeowners Are Saying About TBH – Travars Built Homes

Key Takeaway

After we hand you the keys, the biggest takeaway is that we’re still here for you. Our family works closely with your family to create your home — and we enjoy hearing how everything is going and how much you love your new home.

At Travars Built Homes, we believe the finish line isn’t the day you move in — it’s knowing you’ll be comfortable, confident, and happy in your home for years to come.

-Phil Travars

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Hand-Crafted Kitchens: Inspired, Thoughtful, Yours

These kitchens highlight exceptional craftsmanship and personalized design, with features such as:

Spacious center islands engineered for function and gathering.
Striking cabinetry that blends visual contrast with timeless elegance.
Built-in shelving and hidden pantries—delighting both organizational needs and design surprise.
Artisan lighting and plumbing elements that emphasize warmth, detail, and atmosphere

Explore each kitchen layout and let our gallery spark ideas for the heart of your new home.

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

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Floor Plan Catalog

Meet the Builders

Available Homes

Scandinavian Farmhouse Design Finds a Home in North Carolina

Posted by tbhadmin on August 24, 2025

Scandinavian architectural design is a top custom home request in the Raleigh Triangle area – backed by stunning influence across the globe with clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and bold window effects that promote natural light. What style stands out, among all these striking Scandinavian Farmhouse possibilities?

Scandinavian Appeal: Eaves. Windows. Proportion.

Steep eaves and bold rooflines, paired with expansive windows invoking welcoming natural light, set Scandinavian inspired plans apart with a distinctive modern appeal. These features create striking silhouettes from the street with uncluttered layouts inside.

Steep eaves promote bold presence, with a Nordic edge.
Compelling window groupings reflect a deep connection to nature – a signature Scandinavian architectural element at home with beckoning Carolina landscapes and wooded vistas.
Balanced proportions express simplicity and artistry, with an interesting meld of modern canvas aligning with farmhouse tradition.

Plans That Highlight Scandinavian Farmhouse Influence

Edgewater – Clean rooflines, front porch framed entry, and window-forward design engage with this bold Scandinavian farmhouse. Inside, an appealing, open layout with vaulted gathering spaces amplifies uncluttered comfort designed for functionality.

Rendering copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com and Associates

Nordic Ridge – True to its name, this intriguing plan reflects Scandinavian tradition of understated elegance.. Its single-level layout is designed with relaxed luxury living in mind, emboldened with natural light.

Forsyth Knoll – Defined by stunning stacked window groupings and a vaulted porch, Forsyth Knoll spotlights bold Scandinavian structure woven with welcoming farmhouse appeal. Brick and wood accents add North Carolina tradition for an artistic modern look.

Rendering copyright Frank Betz and Associates

Crossville Manor – The curb appeal of steep gables and inspiring window placements contribute to the welcome feel of this Scandinavian farmhouse with a blend of symmetry and flexibility The interior is just as compelling.

Brookfield Walk – Modern contemporary farmhouse paired with Scandinavian simplicity gives this incredible custom home a timeless, classic feel. Clean exterior lines and efficient, open flow promote minimalism wrapped in awe-inspiring artistry.

White Contemporary Modern Farmhouse — Rendering copyright Frank Betz and Associates

Why Scandinavian Farmhouses Resonate in North Carolina

Scandinavian farmhouse homes blend beautifully into the rolling hills and wooded acreage of Chatham, Alamance, Orange, Wake, and surrounding counties. Striking rooflines and compelling window groupings stand out in custom home neighborhoods and countryside locations with a natural connection to landscape and luxury, with:

Light-filled living – Floor-to-ceiling window arrangements light up your life.
Modern simplicity – Full of presence – with quiet elegance.
Farmhouse tradition – Welcoming porches, natural connections, and thoughtful modern appeal.

Scandinavian Farmhouse, Built Locally

Some of our favorite architects designed these Scandinavian farmhouses and a lot of other plans we love to build in central North Carolina. From homesite planning to customizations, we work with you to adapt and enhance the design/build of your Scandinavian farmhouse style to the way you want to live—on your land or ours, together with the Travars Builder Brothers.

Explore Our Floor Plans

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What Should I Ask a Builder About Customizing My Home?

Posted by tbhadmin on August 21, 2025

Let’s look at what “custom” really means — and how to bring your ideas to life.

Custom isn’t just a word we use in homebuilding — it’s the heart of what makes your home different from anyone else’s. I’m Andrew, and I’ll be working alongside you at Travars Built Homes to shape the spaces that matter most to your family. While I’ll guide you through this in person during your build, I wanted to share a few thoughts ahead of time. Here’s what I see when we talk about what “custom” can really mean in your home.

“Custom” can mean different things to different people. What does custom mean to you, as you consider what you want your new home to have?

We work with you to design/build special spaces, when everything else you’re looking at doesn’t capture what you envision.

Because the way you see the flow in your home and how you plan to live and grow there is something only you will know.

Maybe you need an extra en-suite for your family as time passes. Or maybe it’s just for your princess.

You might be looking that perfect kitchen with a secret pantry ( or secret second kitchen) Time out in a man cave. A home gym with room to stretch – areas of importance to you that aren’t always offered on floor plans.

We work with you to customize your plan and help you compare it to other plans.

Phil and I are true Builder Brothers. We work closely with you throughout the build process to help ensure your home is truly yours.

Whether you’re considering something classic, colonial, clever, contemporary or just about any architectural style, inside and out, I always enjoy the opportunity to be creative together, being a part of ideas, transforming them to paper and to reality.

No matter what “custom” means to you, Travars Built Homes will look at the possibilities. Because, to me, “custom” doesn’t just mean minor changes, like renaming a “dining room” to say “office” on a set of plans – it is so much more.

Looking forward to re-imagining your plan together.

– Andrew, Travars Built Homes

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Build On Your Lot NC | How to Build a New Home

Understanding Septic and Well Requirements When Building on Your Own Land in Orange County, NC

Posted by tbhadmin on August 11, 2025

If you’re planning to build a home on your own land in Orange County, North Carolina—whether it’s in Efland, Cedar Grove, Hillsborough, or one of the other rural areas—you’ll want to be familiar with the county’s septic and well requirements before breaking ground.

The process for getting septic and well approvals can be different from county to county, so it’s important to know what to expect where your land is located. At Travars Built Homes, we work across Chatham, Alamance, Durham, Orange, Wake, and other surrounding counties, so we understand how to help you navigate the requirements specific to your property.

Septic System Requirements in Orange County

If your property is not served by public sewer, you will need a septic system to handle wastewater from your home.

In Orange County, the Environmental Health Division manages septic system approvals. The process typically includes:

Application – Submit an application for a new septic system or improvement permit.
Site Evaluation – A soil scientist or county environmental health specialist will evaluate your land for factors like soil type, slope, drainage, and space for a repair area.
System Design – The type and size of the septic system will be determined based on the soil conditions, number of bedrooms, and household water use.
Permit Issuance – Once the site plan is approved, you’ll receive a permit that allows installation.
Final Inspection – After installation, the county will inspect the system before it can be put into use.

Tip: Soil conditions can vary greatly across Orange County—especially in rural areas like Cedar Grove and Efland. Testing early in the planning process can save you time and help with house placement on the lot.

Well Installation Requirements in Orange County

If your land does not have access to public water, you will need a private well for your home’s water supply.

In Orange County, well construction is also managed by the Environmental Health Division, and typically includes:

Well Permit Application – Apply for a permit before any drilling begins.
Setback Requirements – Wells must be located a minimum distance from septic systems, property lines, and potential sources of contamination.
Water Testing – Once drilled, the water must be tested to ensure it meets safety standards for drinking water.
Final Approval – The county must approve the well before it can be used.

Note: Setback and depth requirements can vary depending on your property’s location and soil type. Properties in rural Orange County often have plenty of space for both a well and septic, but site-specific conditions still determine placement.

Building Across Multiple Counties

Travars Built Homes is based in central North Carolina and builds in Orange County as well as Chatham, Alamance, Durham, Wake, and other surrounding areas. Each county has its own permitting process, so working with a builder who is familiar with multiple jurisdictions can streamline your experience and help avoid delays.

How Travars Built Homes Can Help

When you work with us to build on your land:

We stay involved at every step—from permitting to inspections—to make sure your project stays on track.
We coordinate with county officials, soil scientists, and well drillers.
We help arrange site evaluations early, so there are no surprises later in the build.
We factor septic and well locations into your home design and placement.

Important Disclaimer

Regulations can change over time. Always confirm current septic and well requirements with Orange County Environmental Health before making land purchases or finalizing your home plans.

Have any questions about building your custom home on your own lot? Feel free to contact us!

Get in touch today!

What Should I Look for During a Pre-Drywall Walkthrough?

Posted by tbhadmin on August 5, 2025

What’s hiding inside the walls? Everything! Let’s meet on site to take a look, when your build is underway.

There’s a reason I get excited about the pre-drywall stage—this is where the bones of your home start telling their story. I’m Phil, and I’ll be guiding your custom home build with Travars Built Homes. While I’ll be walking you through this in person during your build, I wanted to share a few things ahead of time. Here’s what I look for (and what you can, too).

There’s something powerful about watching your custom home coming together as we walk through each phase of the project.

The pre-drywall walk-through is one of my favorite tech talk opportunities, before we give the go-ahead to the drywall crew to close off the view of the components tucked inside your framing that make everything work.

As a build phase, what’s behind the walls is just as important as deciding on that perfect shade of paint, or counter top color.

The time we spend together at your pre-drywall walkthrough provides the opportunity to see and ask about the systems intertwined to work together within your walls (and an opportunity to know where not to drill when you hang your TV, artwork and photos.)

I’ll be at your side to answer questions about “rough-ins” that will give your home life, such as:

HVAC (central forced air with a heat pump and zoning) – the lungs of your home that pump hot and cold air to keep everything comfortable.
Plumbing – Warm showers on a cold day. Or that cold shower after a run(maybe that’s just me). And, of course, the sanitation system. You’ll be choosing faucets soon!
Electrical – the wiring that will light up your home and provide the “go” for whatever is plugged into sockets.

Pre-drywall activity is a transformative phase of the build – the feeling of a structure truly starting to feel like Home.

It’s like watching a plot point in a movie, where you start to see things come together. I’m a visual person, so this really sets the stage of everything to come.

We’ll get this on calendar in your online portal right after the county inspector’s approval for this phase of the build.

See you there!

– Phil, Travars Built Homes

Have a question for the builder?

Why the Scullery Pantry is a Must-Have Kitchen Feature in Today’s Custom Homes

Posted by tbhadmin on July 23, 2025

See why scullery pantries are in high demand—and how four custom home plans bring this must-have feature to life

Home design trends are evolving to meet the needs of modern living—and one of the most talked-about features in custom homes today is the scullery pantry.

Often hidden just out of sight, a scullery pantry (also called a scullery kitchen, prep kitchen, or prep pantry) is a walk-in pantry located adjacent to the main kitchen designed to house additional storage, countertop space, and appliances for a clean, clutter-free kitchen. At Travars Built Homes, we’re seeing growing demand for sculleries in custom builds, especially for homeowners who love to entertain or want to keep daily tasks behind closed doors.

What is a Scullery Pantry?

Historically, a scullery was a space used for washing dishes and preparing food, separate from the main kitchen. Today, it is essentially a walk-in pantry that does more. While a traditional pantry typically offers shelving for dry goods and kitchen supplies, a scullery pantry takes it a step further by including features like:

Closed doors or pocket entries to keep messes hidden
A second sink and/or dishwasher
Small appliances like mixers or coffee stations
Pantry storage with cabinetry and shelving
Additional countertop space for meal prep

In many custom homes, the scullery is positioned directly off the kitchen with a door or pocket entry to hide the mess while cooking or entertaining. Think of it as a miniature second kitchen that allows your main kitchen to shine.

Why Homeowners Love Scullery Pantries

Scullery kitchens offer practical benefits and luxurious convenience:

Perfect for Entertaining and Hosting: Keep dishes, prep, and clean-up out of sight while hosting guests in your open-concept space.
Streamlined Living: Store small appliances, bulk groceries, and supplies without cluttering your main kitchen.
Everyday Organization: Assign zones for meal prep, storage, and cleanup so your primary kitchen stays calm and collected.

Plans Featuring Scullery Kitchens

At Travars Built Homes, scullery pantries can be custom-designed into most layouts—just ask! Here are four popular floor plans where a scullery is already included or easily customizable into the design:

Nordic Ridge

This modern Scandinavian-style plan blends sleek design with thoughtful function. The scullery pantry—tucked discreetly behind the kitchen—keeps everyday tasks out of the open-concept living areas, while adding serious storage and prep space. Clean lines meet quiet convenience in this high-functioning layout.

Wembley Place

The Wembley Place plan offers charm and sophistication with classic farmhouse appeal. Its generous scullery pantry is ideally located between the kitchen and mudroom, providing a seamless transition for grocery drop-off, prep, and storage. It’s a workhorse behind the scenes that keeps the spotlight on your beautiful kitchen.

Rendering Copyright Frank Betz & Associates

Trowbridge

Trowbridge is a beautifully balanced plan that blends traditional style with modern needs. The scullery pantry just off the main kitchen helps reduce countertop traffic and creates a natural place to organize meals, supplies, or even serve as a coffee or baking nook.

Eldermere House

A luxurious European-inspired farmhouse, the Eldermere House offers 3825 square feet of refined living. This plan has a butlers pantry, easily converted to a scullery pantry, just beyond the main kitchen, providing a perfect space for prepping meals or tucking away countertop clutter. Its placement enhances flow from the kitchen to the dining and outdoor entertaining areas.

Make Your Kitchen Work Smarter—Not Harder

When you build a custom home with Travars Built Homes, you can tailor every space—including your kitchen—to fit your lifestyle. A scullery kitchen is just one of the many features we can help you integrate to bring more ease, beauty, and function to your daily life.

Ready to explore more possibilities? See these plans and more in our online catalog, and let’s start the conversation about building your dream home today.

Explore Floor Plans with Scullery Pantries

Get in Touch Today!

Sources:

Logans Bluff

2375 sq ft | 3-4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | One Story Home

Start Here: Get the Logans Bluff Plan Flyer

The flyer includes the layout and plan information.
From there, we’ll prepare a detailed 10-page construction package that outlines your build — ready to review when you are.
You’ll be amazed at what’s already included in every Travars Built Home.

Built with care and customization in mind, every Travars Built Home—like the Logans Bluff—is designed around your lifestyle and available to build on your lot or ours.

*Plans are illustrative and may reflect optional features. Floor plans and renderings are copyright Frank Betz and Associates

House Plan Search

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Bethel Farm

2426 sq ft | 3-4 Beds | 2-3 Baths | One Story with Upstairs Bonus

Love The Bethel Farm? Let’s Talk About Building It:

We’ll send you the floor plan flyer so you can view the layout and key details.
As a next step, we’ll prepare a personalized 10-page construction package that outlines everything included in your custom home — ready to review together at your convenience.
You’ll be surprised by how much comes standard with Travars Built Homes.

Like every Travars Built Home, the Bethel Farm is available to build on your lot or ours—with thoughtful customization, enduring craftsmanship, and a commitment to your vision.

*Plans are illustrative and may reflect optional features. Floor plans and renderings are copyright ArchitecturalPlans.com & Associates

House Plan Search

Available Homes

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Tag: Design Build Custom Homes

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Staying power

How We Keep Caring

Staying Connected

What Homeowners Say

Key Takeaway

Have a question for the builder?

These kitchens highlight exceptional craftsmanship and personalized design, with features such as:

Have Any Questions? Get in Touch Today!

Scandinavian Appeal: Eaves. Windows. Proportion.

Plans That Highlight Scandinavian Farmhouse Influence

Why Scandinavian Farmhouses Resonate in North Carolina

Scandinavian Farmhouse, Built Locally

Get in Touch Today!

Let’s look at what “custom” really means — and how to bring your ideas to life.

Have a Question for the Builder?

Septic System Requirements in Orange County

Well Installation Requirements in Orange County

Building Across Multiple Counties

How Travars Built Homes Can Help

Important Disclaimer

Have any questions about building your custom home on your own lot? Feel free to contact us!

What’s hiding inside the walls? Everything! Let’s meet on site to take a look, when your build is underway.

Have a question for the builder?

See why scullery pantries are in high demand—and how four custom home plans bring this must-have feature to life

What is a Scullery Pantry?

Why Homeowners Love Scullery Pantries

Plans Featuring Scullery Kitchens

Make Your Kitchen Work Smarter—Not Harder

Get in Touch Today!

2375 sq ft | 3-4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | One Story Home

Start Here: Get the Logans Bluff Plan Flyer

2426 sq ft | 3-4 Beds | 2-3 Baths | One Story with Upstairs Bonus

Love The Bethel Farm? Let’s Talk About Building It: