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

Posted by Travars Built Homes on May 26, 2021

How to arrange the bath in your NC new home.

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Bathroom Layout #1: Little Treatments – Big Statement

Pineterest and Houzz worthy results like this come from creative custom choices: Mirrors. Lighting. Sinks. Drawers. Little touches transform, with design build Travars Built Homes.

White and Black Tile Bathroom | Mebane NC New Homes

Bathroom Layout #2: Comfort and Closet

Spacious tile shower with glass. Stand alone tub with window view. Wood look tile. Nearby closet with custom shelving and natural light. What would you like to surround yourself with, in your owner’s suite bath?

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Large Tile Shower — Freestanding white tub and large tile shower in the Owner’s Suite bath.

Bathroom Layout #3: Shared Space That Feels Private

Separate sinks, cabinets and drawers. Lantern lights. Personal sized mirrors. How much space does your floor plan have for your vanity? What look would you like?

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | White Dual Vanity

Bathroom Layout #4: Mixing Textures and Styles with Unexpected Barn Doors

Opaque glass framed with antique white can give a barn door a light, airy feel, like this. What a great way to make a doorway feel more important – and add contrast to the bold tile and contemporary choices.

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | Wood Sliding Barn Doors

Bathroom Layout #5: Barely There Glass Shower Glass Across from Boldly Framed Mirror

Frameless glass (and doorless entry) on the shower provides a contemporary open feel. Spacious, elegant and ready for relaxation.

Accessible Shower Floor | On Your Lot Builder Chapel Hill NC

Bathroom Layout #6: Large Shower. Deep tub

This owner’s suite bathroom takes advantage of the ability to customize with emphasis on the importance of water. Note the blend of tiles in every part of the room. This design is all about the view – inside and out.

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | White and Gray Master Bathroom

Bathroom Layout #7: Separate Vanities. Vaulted Ceilings

Creating an extension of space upward can provide a feeling of spaciousness to a smaller bathroom. Adding softer tones to the tile shower, floor and tub surround adds comfort.

Bathroom Layout #8: Tight Fit Tricks

When space is at a premium, focus on smaller areas to bring the eye. Lighting. Countertops. Floor. All with a modern farmhouse feel.

En Suite Bathroom | New Homes Chapel Hill NC

Bathroom Layout #9: Modern Old Fashioned Freestanding Tub

Freestanding tubs are one of the most popular requests for new custom homes. Ask your builder how much space you need around the tub, and where you want the faucets.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Farmhouse White Bathroom

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New home trends: Best hardwood flooring for pets

Posted by Travars Built Homes on March 3, 2021

You have a lot of choices for flooring in North Carolina new homes, from hardwood to tile and carpet, as well as custom options.

Travars Built Homes offer the highest quality features, finishes, materials and craftsmanship, including real oak hardwood flooring in every home. See what else comes, standard, here.

All types of flooring will see some wear and tear over time. But which types of hardwood flooring stand up best to daily traffic from people and pets? Here are 10 tips for choosing hardwood flooring in NC new homes:

North Carolina New Homes | Hardwood Flooring Trends

Hardwood flooring tip #1: Soft woods cost more — and provide less protection

If you want to avoid flooring that dents easiest, avoid American Cherry, American Walnut, and Pine. Better versions of these hardwoods for a harder surface? Brazilian Cherry and Walnut.

Hardwood flooring tip #2: Consider a Harder Hardwood

Hickory, Brazilian Cherry and other hardwoods rank high on the Janka scale. They come with a premium price, but are much harder than the 3/8 “hardwood” flooring most builders use. Travars Built Homes uses ¾ solid oak hardwood – a much higher quality wood with more resistance to wear and tear than most new homes start with.

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

Red oak has a stronger grain than white oak. Red oak, 1290 on the hardness scale, hides scratches better than Brazilian Cherry, which is 2350 on the Janka scale.

Hardwood flooring tip #4: Hand Scraped and Distressed Hardwoods provide modern rustic character that makes wear look appealing

The more wear you put on these hardwoods, the more realistic they look. Knots and other character traits also give “real hardwoods” a natural look that feels comfortable and welcoming.

Contact Travars Built Homes to get a price for your NC new home build.

Hardwood flooring tip #5: Mask imperfections with a Matte Finish

Ask your builder to use a matte finish on your site finished hardwood floors. Glossy finishes will be more reflective – and imperfections more glaring.

Hardwood flooring tip #6: Light stains hide scratches best

Another great characteristic of oak hardwood flooring is that it’s already a naturally light wood. The stain shade you choose can make a difference in how much scratches show, with lighter hues hiding more scarring than dark colors. lighter hue on the stain you choose And if you’ve chosen oak, a naturally light wood, even if the finish is scratched off the scratch is more likely to blend with the rest of the floor.

Hardwood flooring tip #7: Solid Hardwoods have long lasting qualities

Site finished solid hardwood flooring can be refinished. So if you feel like freshening up your woods in a few years, either because you’d like it to look new or want to change the color, you can simply sand it and restain it, at a much lower cost than replacing the entire floor like you’d need to do with an inexpensive laminate.

Hardwood flooring tip #8: The bamboo effect

Bamboo can be beautiful, but it’s not always the best choice for a floor that will have a lot of people and pet traffic. Stained bamboo can scratch very easily. Although it is technically stronger than oak, dents show up more easily. Strand bamboo costs more than carmelized bamboo, but can hold up better.

Hardwood flooring tip #9: Furniture Felt Pads can prevent heavy scraping

Using felt pads under furniture (even with wheels) can protect your floors. Scattered rugs can also protect areas with heavy traffic, such as doorways, hallways, kitchen aisles and gathering places.

Hardwood flooring tip #10: Leave your shoes at the door

Still love soft woods best? Create a space where shoes go as people enter your home, to avoid scarring caused by pebbles, dirt and high heels. Custom built-in shelving, drop zones or even just a corner on the floor reserved for shoes can help your floors stay cleaner and less worn.

Contact Travars Built Homes to find out more about building your new construction custom home in North Carolina.

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

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 20, 2021

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

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

Sliding glass doors

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

Indoor outdoor living spaces | NC new homes

Open space

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

Wall of windows

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

Deck extension

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

Big screen porch with detail work

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

Patios

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

Railings

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

Maximize (outdoor) open space

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

Fans and lighting

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

Personality

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

French doors

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

Open or enclosed

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

Extending the view

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

All brick

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

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

Get started:

Tag: NC new homes

How to arrange the bath in your NC new home.

Bathroom Layout #1: Little Treatments – Big Statement

Pineterest and Houzz worthy results like this come from creative custom choices: Mirrors. Lighting. Sinks. Drawers. Little touches transform, with design build Travars Built Homes.

Bathroom Layout #2: Comfort and Closet

Spacious tile shower with glass. Stand alone tub with window view. Wood look tile. Nearby closet with custom shelving and natural light. What would you like to surround yourself with, in your owner’s suite bath?

Bathroom Layout #3: Shared Space That Feels Private

Separate sinks, cabinets and drawers. Lantern lights. Personal sized mirrors. How much space does your floor plan have for your vanity? What look would you like?

Bathroom Layout #4: Mixing Textures and Styles with Unexpected Barn Doors

Opaque glass framed with antique white can give a barn door a light, airy feel, like this. What a great way to make a doorway feel more important – and add contrast to the bold tile and contemporary choices.

Bathroom Layout #5: Barely There Glass Shower Glass Across from Boldly Framed Mirror

Frameless glass (and doorless entry) on the shower provides a contemporary open feel. Spacious, elegant and ready for relaxation.

Bathroom Layout #6: Large Shower. Deep tub

This owner’s suite bathroom takes advantage of the ability to customize with emphasis on the importance of water. Note the blend of tiles in every part of the room. This design is all about the view – inside and out.

Bathroom Layout #7: Separate Vanities. Vaulted Ceilings

Creating an extension of space upward can provide a feeling of spaciousness to a smaller bathroom. Adding softer tones to the tile shower, floor and tub surround adds comfort.

Bathroom Layout #8: Tight Fit Tricks

When space is at a premium, focus on smaller areas to bring the eye. Lighting. Countertops. Floor. All with a modern farmhouse feel.

Bathroom Layout #9: Modern Old Fashioned Freestanding Tub

Freestanding tubs are one of the most popular requests for new custom homes. Ask your builder how much space you need around the tub, and where you want the faucets.

Get started:

You have a lot of choices for flooring in North Carolina new homes, from hardwood to tile and carpet, as well as custom options.

Travars Built Homes offer the highest quality features, finishes, materials and craftsmanship, including real oak hardwood flooring in every home. See what else comes, standard, here.

All types of flooring will see some wear and tear over time. But which types of hardwood flooring stand up best to daily traffic from people and pets? Here are 10 tips for choosing hardwood flooring in NC new homes:

Hardwood flooring tip #1: Soft woods cost more — and provide less protection

If you want to avoid flooring that dents easiest, avoid American Cherry, American Walnut, and Pine. Better versions of these hardwoods for a harder surface? Brazilian Cherry and Walnut.

Hardwood flooring tip #2: Consider a Harder Hardwood

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

Red oak has a stronger grain than white oak. Red oak, 1290 on the hardness scale, hides scratches better than Brazilian Cherry, which is 2350 on the Janka scale.

Hardwood flooring tip #4: Hand Scraped and Distressed Hardwoods provide modern rustic character that makes wear look appealing

The more wear you put on these hardwoods, the more realistic they look. Knots and other character traits also give “real hardwoods” a natural look that feels comfortable and welcoming.

Contact Travars Built Homes to get a price for your NC new home build.

Hardwood flooring tip #5: Mask imperfections with a Matte Finish

Ask your builder to use a matte finish on your site finished hardwood floors. Glossy finishes will be more reflective – and imperfections more glaring.

Hardwood flooring tip #6: Light stains hide scratches best

Hardwood flooring tip #7: Solid Hardwoods have long lasting qualities

Hardwood flooring tip #8: The bamboo effect

Hardwood flooring tip #9: Furniture Felt Pads can prevent heavy scraping

Using felt pads under furniture (even with wheels) can protect your floors. Scattered rugs can also protect areas with heavy traffic, such as doorways, hallways, kitchen aisles and gathering places.

Hardwood flooring tip #10: Leave your shoes at the door

Still love soft woods best? Create a space where shoes go as people enter your home, to avoid scarring caused by pebbles, dirt and high heels. Custom built-in shelving, drop zones or even just a corner on the floor reserved for shoes can help your floors stay cleaner and less worn.

Contact Travars Built Homes to find out more about building your new construction custom home in North Carolina.

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

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

Sliding glass doors

Open space

Wall of windows

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

Deck extension

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

Big screen porch with detail work

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

Patios

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

Railings

Maximize (outdoor) open space

Fans and lighting

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

Personality

French doors

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

Open or enclosed

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

Extending the view

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

All brick

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

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

Get started: