What Should I Ask a Builder About Customizing My Home?

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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

Read More About Andrew and Phil Travars

Have a Question for the Builder?

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

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    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

    Read More About the Builder Brothers

    Have a question for the builder?

      Walk In Pantry with Built Ins | Mebane NC New Homes

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

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      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.

      Walk In Pantry with Built Ins | Mebane NC New Homes

      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.

      Rendering Copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com & Associates
      Floorplan Copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com & Associates

      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
      Floorplan 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.

      Rendering Copyright Frank Betz & Associates
      Floorplan Copyright Frank Betz & Associates

      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.

      Rendering Copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com & Associates
      Floorplan Copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com & Associates

      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:

        Stunning New Floor Plans for Your Custom Build

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        Just Released:  Three New Luxury Floor Plans Now Available in Our Online Catalog

        At Travars Built Homes, we believe your home should reflect your lifestyle, values, and vision. That’s why we’re excited to introduce three new luxury floor plans to our online catalog—each thoughtfully designed with the flexibility and craftsmanship that define our custom builds. Whether you’re seeking expansive indoor-outdoor living, timeless farmhouse charm, or multi-generational comfort, these plans offer a glimpse into what’s possible when you build with us.

        Ruskin Place: Estate Living with Elegant Details

        At 4,328 square feet, Ruskin Place is a showcase of refined design and functionality. This estate-style home offers 4–5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with both the primary suite and a guest room conveniently located on the first floor.

        Highlights:

        • Four-car parking, including a detached carriage garage and Porte Cochere
        • Two-story family room with a statement fireplace
        • Scullery/prep pantry and a dedicated “pool bath” for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining
        • Private baths for every bedroom
        • Bonus room with separate staircase—ideal for a home studio, office, or media space

        Ruskin Place is designed for homeowners who value both grandeur and practicality, with spaces that flow effortlessly from one to the next.

        new luxury floor plans for nc custom homes
        Rendering copyright Frank Betz and Associates

        Windsor Park: A Modern Farmhouse with Classic Appeal

        Windsor Park brings the warmth of farmhouse living into a modern, open-concept layout. This plan is ideal for those who appreciate timeless design elements paired with contemporary comforts.

        Highlights:

        • Spacious kitchen with a large island, perfect for gatherings
        • First-floor primary suite offering privacy and convenience
        • Optional flex spaces to suit your lifestyle needs
        • Inviting front porch and rear outdoor living areas

        Windsor Park captures the essence of farmhouse charm while providing the flexibility and modern amenities today’s homeowners desire.

        new luxury floor plans for nc custom homes
        Rendering copyright Frank Betz and Associates

        Twin Gables Farmhouse: Rustic Charm Meets Modern Comfort

        Twin Gables Farmhouse is a 3,159-square-foot home that beautifully blends rustic elements with modern design. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this plan is perfect for families seeking both style and functionality.

        Highlights:

        • First-floor master suite with luxurious bathroom and walk-in closet
        • Open-concept kitchen with two-tone cabinetry and a farmhouse sink
        • Abundant natural light through large windows and transoms
        • Bonus room and built-in bookcases for added versatility
        • Classic white and black exterior finishes with brick fireplace surround

        Twin Gables Farmhouse offers a harmonious blend of traditional aesthetics and modern living spaces, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate both form and function.

        new luxury floor plans for nc custom homes
        Rendering copyright ArchitecturalDesigns.com & Associates

        Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

        Each of these new plans is fully customizable to fit your unique needs and preferences. At Travars Built Homes, we work closely with you to tailor every detail, ensuring your home is a true reflection of your vision.

        Explore these plans and more in our online catalog, and let’s start the conversation about building your dream home today.

        Explore Our Floor Plans

        Get in Touch Today!