Designing an Outdoor Fireplace for Your Screened or Covered Porch

Posted by tbhadmin on December 13, 2024

An outdoor fireplace is the ultimate centerpiece for a screened or covered porch, creating a cozy, inviting space to enjoy year-round in Chatham County, NC. Whether you envision gathering around with friends and family on cool evenings or simply relaxing with a book by the fire, adding a woodburning fireplace to your porch enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your custom home.

At Travars Built Homes, we work with you to plan and execute this stunning feature as part of your custom build. Let’s explore why an outdoor fireplace is a valuable addition and what you need to consider during construction.

Why Add an Outdoor Fireplace?

An outdoor fireplace adds warmth, ambiance, and value to your home. Here are some reasons it’s a favorite feature for custom porches:

Cozy Atmosphere: An outdoor fireplace transforms your porch into a comfortable space for all seasons.
Architectural Focal Point: A brick or stone surround creates an elegant, timeless design.
Outdoor Living Extension: Perfect for entertaining or relaxing, it bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor living.
Increased Home Value: Thoughtfully designed outdoor features are highly desirable for resale.

Planning for Your Outdoor Fireplace

Unlike backyard firepits, built-in woodburning or gas fireplaces require meticulous planning. Here are the key considerations:

1. Foundation and Engineering Requirements

Outdoor fireplaces are substantial structures, especially with full brick or stone surrounds. They require specific foundation work to support the weight. These structural needs must be addressed early in construction to ensure proper integration into your custom porch design.

2. Fireplace Design

Outdoor fireplaces typically feature full brick or stone surrounds, which provide both durability and visual appeal. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of natural stone or the traditional look of brick, the materials you choose should harmonize with the overall design of your home and porch.

3. Hearth Placement

A woodburning fireplace requires a hearth, which should be considered when configuring furnishing layouts or traffic paths.

4. Venting and Chimney Design

Proper venting is essential for woodburning fireplaces. The chimney design must comply with local building codes and ensure safe smoke and heat dispersion.

5. Space Considerations

Think about how the fireplace will fit into the layout of your porch. It should enhance the flow of the space, leaving room for furniture placement and foot traffic.

Customizing Your Outdoor Fireplace

There are many ways to personalize an outdoor fireplace to suit your style and needs:

Stone or Brick Variations: Choose from different types, colors, and textures to create a unique look.
Mantels: Add a wood or stone mantel for extra character and functionality, perfect for decorating or mounting a TV.
Built-In Seating: Consider built-in benches or adjacent walls for additional seating around the fireplace.
Lighting: Incorporate sconces or recessed lighting to enhance the ambiance.

Why Plan Early?

Outdoor fireplaces must be factored into your custom home design early in the process. Here’s why:

Foundation Preparation: Ensures the structure can support the weight of the fireplace.
Structural Engineering: Prevents delays by addressing design and safety requirements upfront.
Material Sourcing: Allows time to select and source high-quality materials that match your vision.
Integration with Porch Design: Ensures the fireplace complements other features, such as ceilings, columns, or flooring.

Let’s Start Planning Your Outdoor Fireplace

Adding a woodburning or gas fireplace to your screened or covered porch is a timeless addition that enhances outdoor living in Chatham County, NC. Ready to incorporate this feature into your custom home?

See our floor plans to find inspiration for your new home, or contact us today to start planning the foundation, design, and details of your custom outdoor fireplace!

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

At Travars Built Homes, we specialize in designing custom homes that reflect your lifestyle and enhance your outdoor living experience. From the initial planning stages to the finishing details, our team ensures your outdoor fireplace is seamlessly integrated into your screened or covered porch.

We offer:

Customized Floor Plans: Modify layouts to include features like a pet center in your laundry room.
Expert Guidance: Work with our design team to choose finishes, materials, and layouts that align with your vision.
Attention to Detail: From hidden litter boxes to built-in dog beds, we ensure every detail is crafted with care.
Energy-Efficient Solutions: Enjoy a home designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.

Designing a Pet-Friendly Laundry Room for Your Custom Home in Chatham County, NC

Posted by tbhadmin on December 6, 2024

For pet lovers in Chatham County, NC, incorporating a dedicated pet area into your laundry room is a practical and stylish way to enhance your custom home. At Travars Built Homes, we understand the importance of creating spaces that cater to every member of your family — including the furry ones! By designing a multifunctional pet friendly laundry room, you can blend functionality with thoughtful architectural detail while providing your pets with their own special space.

Why Add a Pet Center to the Laundry Room?

The laundry room is often an underused area in the home, making it the perfect spot to double as a pet center. With careful planning, this space can become a hub for pet care without disrupting the rest of your home.

Benefits of a pet center in your laundry room include:

A Dedicated Space for Pets: Keeps pet essentials organized and contained.
Enhanced Home Design: Adds charm and functionality to an often-overlooked area.
Simplified Cleanup: Keeps messes in an easy-to-clean zone with durable materials.
Multi-Purpose Use: Can accommodate pet beds, litter boxes, or storage solutions.

Creative Ideas for Your Pet Center

Here are some ways to design a pet-friendly laundry room tailored to your lifestyle and your pet’s needs:

1. Built-In Dog Bed or Crate

Create a cozy nook beneath a countertop or within a custom cabinet where your dog can rest. Adding built-in features keeps the space looking tidy and integrated into the overall design. Consider using durable, pet-safe materials for comfort and longevity.

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Built in Dog House Under the Stairs

2. Hidden Litter Box Area

For cat owners, a concealed litter box is a game-changer. Incorporate a discreet compartment with proper ventilation and easy access for cleaning. This keeps odors contained and the litter box out of sight.

3. Storage Solutions for Pet Essentials

Include custom drawers or cabinets to store pet food, leashes, grooming supplies, and toys. Pull-out bins or cubbies make these items easily accessible while maintaining a clutter-free space.

4. Pet Washing Station

Elevate your laundry room with a small pet washing station. A tiled, low-level shower or tub with a handheld sprayer makes bath time easier and keeps muddy paw prints from tracking through the house.

5. Stylish Design Touches

Incorporate architectural details like shiplap walls, farmhouse trim, or decorative molding to blend the pet area seamlessly into your laundry room. Choose finishes and colors that complement the overall design of your home.

Start Planning Your Pet-Friendly Custom Home Today

Building a custom home in Chatham County gives you the flexibility to include creative features like a pet center in your laundry room. Ready to get started? Explore our floor plans and see how Travars Built Homes can help bring your vision to life.

See our floor plans to find inspiration for your new home, or contact us today to discuss how we can design a home that works for every member of your family — pets included!

Built in Dog House | Chapel Hill New Home Builder

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

Travars Built Homes specializes in creating personalized spaces for every member of your household. Whether it’s a built-in pet center or another unique feature, our team works with you to design a home that reflects your needs and lifestyle.

We offer:

Customized Floor Plans: Modify layouts to include features like a pet center in your laundry room.
Expert Guidance: Work with our design team to choose finishes, materials, and layouts that align with your vision.
Attention to Detail: From hidden litter boxes to built-in dog beds, we ensure every detail is crafted with care.
Energy-Efficient Solutions: Enjoy a home designed with sustainability and comfort in mind.

Open Kitchen Farmhouse | Mebane NC New Homes

2022 new homes: Soothing spaces, stock-up places, hide-away, “she sheds”

Posted by Travars Built Homes on December 6, 2021

See the shake up in top priorities for 2022 custom homes: Top 11 “must have” requests from new home buyers.

2022 custom home trend #1: Stock-up space

Convenient places to store paper goods, food, cleaning products and emergency tools are all in huge demand, as people focus on preparedness.

Walk in pantries are designed for a lot more than food storage, with sinks, pull out shelving, countertops, nooks and crannies, and natural light

Modern Farmhouse Walk In Pantry | Mebane NC New Homes

Walk in closets are designed with custom cubbies, cabinets, furniture, shelves and dressing areas

Built In Cabinets Walk In Closet | Mebane NC New Homes

Walk in attics can be so huge you can ask to have them finished like the rest of the home, like this optional “Craft Room”

2022 custom home trend #2: Secret passages

Secret Passageways are popping up all over the place in new custom homes.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Secret Passage in Closet

We create creative secret passages from one child’s room to another. Behind hidden panels. Through bookcases. We can’t even tell you everything we build. It’s secret.

2022 custom home trend #3: Flex space

There’s often at least one room in new homes designed to be converted, such as this loft spaced just right for a play room, office, study area, or crafting – flexible with life.

Need something special built-in, such as additional walls, soundproofing or aging-in-place features? Ask your builder what can be added to tap into for future use.

2022 custom home trend #4: Massive Island kitchens

Kitchen islands in today’s new homes are stretching size limits as high as space allows, like the massive island with microwave beneath in this custom designed two story kitchen created for great cuisine gatherings.

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Two Story Kitchen

2022 custom home trend #5: Main floor owners suite

Homebuyers planning their “forever home” appreciate “aging in place” features and a floor plan where the owner’s suite – and day to day living – is all on one floor.

Raleigh Custom Homes | Vaulted Ceiling Owners Suite

2022 custom home trend #6: Guest suites

Dual owner’s suites, guest suites, and private apartment quarters within the home are top reasons homebuyers look to custom home builders who can go beyond stock floor plans and build in what’s needed.

2022 custom home trend #7: Work space

Custom built-ins create special spaces for office, homework, quilting, shop, or anything else you need to get the job done.

Built In Bookcase Walls | Mebane NC New Homes

Often, a small pocket office can be woven into a plan to create a a nook that can also be used for storage, hobbies, or a pet room.

2022 custom home trend #8: Mudroom with drop zone

Drop zones have become the top focus for mudrooms as a way to leave coats and clutter at the door – where it’s easy to find later.

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Laundry Room Drop Zone Storage Center

Drop zones are often designed in conjunction with laundry rooms and are typically by the back door – but a custom builder can tuck them in other places, too, like this this all-purpose room that also has a dog house.

2022 custom home trend #9: Indoor/outdoor living

Fresh air has taken on a whole new connotation in today’s lifestyle – with increased requests for indoor/outdoor living, like covered and screen porches

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Brick New Homes

2022 custom home trend #10: She Sheds

She Sheds are taking over the demand for Man Caves, as women seek a calming place in their new homes to relax with no rules.

Wendell North Carolina New Homes | Game Room

2022 custom home trend #11: Energy efficiency

Long term advantages of building a new home include lower energy bills. From ultra-e windows to effective HVAC systems and radiant barriers, ask your builder for ways your home can be more comfortable and affordable through energy efficiency.

Build a custom home in North Carolina:

How much does an NC custom home cost per square foot?

Posted by Travars Built Homes on July 21, 2021

How big are the kitchens – how much cabinetry and countertops? What kind of appliances and lighting?
How many bathrooms? How extensive is the tile work?
How big is the garage?
How many and how big are the windows and doors? A wall of windows or sun room can make a big difference.
How much square footage is on the main floor, versus upstairs?
How high/complex is the roof line?
Does the home have a lot of cut outs or is it designed more cost effectively?
How much outdoor living space is included in the footprint? How big are the porches and screen porches? Is there an outdoor kitchen or see-through fireplace?

NC custom home cost per square foot: Building materials and selections

Here’s what else you need to know, as you compare costs:

Look closely at what the builder includes in writing. Are floors “resilient material” or hardwood? What kind of hardwood is it? How many rooms start with carpet? Is there a microwave? Is the owner’s suite shower tile, or plastic? Does it have a fireplace? What kind of lights and faucets are included? Does the home come with a radiant barrier or sealed crawl space (that can save you a lot over the years and make your home more efficient and comfortable). Different materials, features, and finishes can make a huge difference in the price for your home. Everything you want to change will add to the price you pay (either now or later.)

Look for what the builder has in writing as to what comes “standard.” What builders offer can differ extensively as to what is “basic”. We can help you find a cost-effective floor plan. And we will help you compare advantages.

Chatham County New Home | Travars Built Homes

NC custom home cost per square foot: Location and building lot site work

The site work required for your lot can also make a big difference. Ask the builder what it costs to build a home on your lot. Find out if the builder requires you to sign upb efore they will do an assessment of site costs.

Is a sewer available or do you need a septic system? Is it conventional or engineered?
Do you have over 2 or 3 acres? If so, a well may be required.
How long is the driveway? What will it be made with?
What is the topography? Do you need a tall crawl or basement?
What are the setbacks?
Is it in a neighborhood with an HOA? What are the community covenants?

TBH builds homes from cottages to estates, with a cost per square foot that is appropriate for custom homes that come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and architectural styles.

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.

7 barn door design ideas

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 28, 2021

Barn doors are big in North Carolina new homes. See the best places to add a barn door – with the flexibility to fit every architectural style, from modern farmhouse to contemporary.

Love a floor plan, and want to add a barn door? Ask the team at Travars Built Homes what it takes to build your new home with a barn door for your kitchen, office, owner’s suite, sitting room, keeping room, pantry, bathroom, laundry, or closet during our custom home build process.

Stained wood sliding barn door

This barn door has a rural feel to it, with the 2×4 “X” across the door taking it one step further to a branded look.

Barn door design ideas | North Carolina New Homes

Antique white wood barn doors

Don’t take the term “barn door” literally. It’s a free ranging door style that can take on a different feel depending on the materials it’s crafted with – like the glass barn doors you see here, framed in white – with contemporary appeal.

Opaque glass barn doors

Barn doors take twice the amount of wall space as swinging doors. However, they can add functionality to an area where a swinging door is not feasible. That’s why they have become so popular in bathrooms, like this:

Double sliding barn doors

Barn doors are typically attached to the wall on metal girders like this, which are purposely big and dramatic to call further attention to them as a focal point:

Double barn doors are a great fit for larger spaces. They can be held open most of the time, like a frame around an entry place that can be closed off when desired.

Glass panel sliding barn doors

Sliding barn doors can lend importance to libraries like this, off the great room. The glass panels reflect the wall of windows in the room. White trim denotes elegance. Subtle metal rods and hinges meld into the home décor with classic appeal. Nothing rural about these barn doors!

French door style barn doors

Barn doors serve a decorative purpose in rooms like this. On the outside, they slide across the doorway. On the inside, they look like traditional French doors with an open view from an office, dining room, keeping room, sitting room or any other room that can be set apart by sliding doors.

Brushed nickel hardware for barn doors

Barn doors are often preferable to pocket doors in NC new homes – talk with the builder team at Travars Built Homes about why. Here, they add charm as well as functionality to the mud room.

Get started:

5 Myths About Multi-Generational New Homes NC

Posted by Travars Built Homes on September 10, 2020

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. Ask us for house plan options that fit your needs – click 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:

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

Laundry Mudroom Door to Master Closet | Mebane NC New 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.

We will help you with that! Contact Travars Built Homes to get started.

5 Home offices that work for you

Posted by Travars Built Homes on May 1, 2020

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.

#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.

North Carolina New Homes | Custom Home 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.

#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.

#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.

What are the benefits of a side load garage?

Posted by Travars Built Homes on October 4, 2019

Side Load Garage Benefit #1

A side load garage can give your home a lot of benefits, including great curbside appeal. Placing the garage on the side will make way for windows on the front face of your home. A side load garage can also increase the perceived size of the home (instead of a big garage door that emphasizes vehicles).

White and Black Modern Farmhouse Exterior | Mebane NC New Homes

Side Load Garage Benefit #2

A side load garage can have a sweeping driveway into the side of the home instead of going straight in, which can give it a look of grandeur.

Benefit #3

A side load garage can be used in conjunction with a front facing carriage garage. A dual garage layout will separate vehicles from storage or shop space, and keep the rest of your home looking proportional.

Travars Built Homes can also add a third garage bay to nearly any floor plan, including carriage garages.

Benefit #4

A side load garage can be positioned so that there is a courtyard in front of the home, providing more space for play or parking.

Hands-on process to building a custom home

When you work with TBH, we create your home together – the way you want it:

Modifying your floor plan to expand, turn, tweak, or change things you’d like to do differently
Creating secret passageways, secret pantries or other hideaways
Including aging in place, accessible, or special needs features
Creating special spaces – bigger pantries, more storage, more outdoor living areas… let’s talk about how to create the elements that matter most

Contact TBH to learn more:

Chatham County NC Custom Homes | Second Story Overlook Railing

What are the most important questions to ask a home builder?

Posted by Travars Built Homes on April 5, 2019

Are you asking the right questions when you talk with custom builders about costs for your North Carolina new home?

Here are 7 smart questions to ask custom home builders about their services, processes, and prices – before you sign a contract.

Chapel Hill Modern Farmhouse | Built In Bookcases

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: What’s included in your services?

Travars Built Homes is a design/build custom home builder. We cover everything from permits to site assessment, plan modification, construction and completion of your home. We offer the highest quality standard features, finishes, materials and craftsmanship in the local market for affordable custom homes. Read more about our services and standards, here.

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: Can you help me find a floor plan that can fit my budget?

Yes, we will make suggestions for floor plans based on the budget you give us. When we go over plans together, we’ll offer suggestions for layouts and livability of the home, and tell you why certain types of architectural designs take more to build than others, even when layouts may appear to be similar. (Having the same number of square feet does not equate to the same build costs – specialty treatments and detail work in an architectural design that you might not even notice can make a huge impact on your build costs, even when layouts appear to be similar.) We can suggest modifications or alternate plans that can be more cost effective.

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: Can you modify my floor plan?

Do I need to pay an architect or is the price of modifications included with your home price? Travars Built Homes can make a wide variety of changes to your plan, at no extra charge. We can re-arrange the kitchen, include an in-law or multigenerational suite, add a basement, or convert a two story room into a bonus room upstairs. Ask us about your floor plan – we’ll show you all the possibilities.

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: What kind of details can I expect to see in a custom home quote?

Your Travars Built spec package will include about 15 pages of details about the materials, processes, services, and energy efficiencies in your home. Keep in mind that you can only compare what is given to you in writing – that’s what will be in your contract.

Questions to Ask a Home Builder | NC New Homes

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: How much interaction will you have with me when my new home is being built?

Our build process at Travars Built Homes is outlined in your personal online portal, where you can stay in-touch and informed about what’s happening with the build of your new home. You will also have the opportunity to meet with your builder on site at all key points during the build.

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: Is my site work (such as grading, clearing, driveway, septic, well) included in your pricing?

When you choose Travars Built Homes, your site work is allowance based. We allocate dollar amounts for your clearing, grading, footings, etc. The allowances are based on footprint size, topography of the lot, how much vegetation and trees there are, and other factors we consider based on years of experience building new custom homes in North Carolina. And we go over everything with you – just ask us for pricing.

Questions to Ask a Home Builder: How long does it take to you to build a home?

A typical timeline to build a custom home by Travars Built Homes is about 6-9 months, once the project is underway. Get more details about our timelines to build, here.

White Modern Farmhouse Bathrooms | Mebane NC New Homes

Remember to ask each builder the same set of questions, and request pricing on the same (or very similar) floor plans so there’s no confusion about what’s offered. Want to learn more about the process to build a new custom home in North Carolina? Contact us!

Tag: North Carolina new homes

Why Add an Outdoor Fireplace?

Planning for Your Outdoor Fireplace

1. Foundation and Engineering Requirements

2. Fireplace Design

3. Hearth Placement

4. Venting and Chimney Design

5. Space Considerations

Customizing Your Outdoor Fireplace

Why Plan Early?

Let’s Start Planning Your Outdoor Fireplace

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

Why Add a Pet Center to the Laundry Room?

Creative Ideas for Your Pet Center

1. Built-In Dog Bed or Crate

2. Hidden Litter Box Area

3. Storage Solutions for Pet Essentials

4. Pet Washing Station

5. Stylish Design Touches

Start Planning Your Pet-Friendly Custom Home Today

Why Build a Custom Home with Travars Built Homes?

See the shake up in top priorities for 2022 custom homes: Top 11 “must have” requests from new home buyers.

2022 custom home trend #1: Stock-up space

Convenient places to store paper goods, food, cleaning products and emergency tools are all in huge demand, as people focus on preparedness.

Walk in pantries are designed for a lot more than food storage, with sinks, pull out shelving, countertops, nooks and crannies, and natural light

Walk in closets are designed with custom cubbies, cabinets, furniture, shelves and dressing areas

Walk in attics can be so huge you can ask to have them finished like the rest of the home, like this optional “Craft Room”

2022 custom home trend #2: Secret passages

Secret Passageways are popping up all over the place in new custom homes.

We create creative secret passages from one child’s room to another. Behind hidden panels. Through bookcases. We can’t even tell you everything we build. It’s secret.

2022 custom home trend #3: Flex space

There’s often at least one room in new homes designed to be converted, such as this loft spaced just right for a play room, office, study area, or crafting – flexible with life.

Need something special built-in, such as additional walls, soundproofing or aging-in-place features? Ask your builder what can be added to tap into for future use.

2022 custom home trend #4: Massive Island kitchens

Kitchen islands in today’s new homes are stretching size limits as high as space allows, like the massive island with microwave beneath in this custom designed two story kitchen created for great cuisine gatherings.

2022 custom home trend #5: Main floor owners suite

Homebuyers planning their “forever home” appreciate “aging in place” features and a floor plan where the owner’s suite – and day to day living – is all on one floor.

2022 custom home trend #6: Guest suites

Dual owner’s suites, guest suites, and private apartment quarters within the home are top reasons homebuyers look to custom home builders who can go beyond stock floor plans and build in what’s needed.

2022 custom home trend #7: Work space

Custom built-ins create special spaces for office, homework, quilting, shop, or anything else you need to get the job done.

Often, a small pocket office can be woven into a plan to create a a nook that can also be used for storage, hobbies, or a pet room.

2022 custom home trend #8: Mudroom with drop zone

Drop zones have become the top focus for mudrooms as a way to leave coats and clutter at the door – where it’s easy to find later.

Drop zones are often designed in conjunction with laundry rooms and are typically by the back door – but a custom builder can tuck them in other places, too, like this this all-purpose room that also has a dog house.

2022 custom home trend #9: Indoor/outdoor living

Fresh air has taken on a whole new connotation in today’s lifestyle – with increased requests for indoor/outdoor living, like covered and screen porches

2022 custom home trend #10: She Sheds

She Sheds are taking over the demand for Man Caves, as women seek a calming place in their new homes to relax with no rules.

2022 custom home trend #11: Energy efficiency

Long term advantages of building a new home include lower energy bills. From ultra-e windows to effective HVAC systems and radiant barriers, ask your builder for ways your home can be more comfortable and affordable through energy efficiency.

Build a custom home in North Carolina:

NC custom home cost per square foot: Home style

NC custom home cost per square foot: Floor plan layout

Get started, here:

NC custom home cost per square foot: Building materials and selections

NC custom home cost per square foot: Location and building lot site work

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.

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.

Barn doors are big in North Carolina new homes. See the best places to add a barn door – with the flexibility to fit every architectural style, from modern farmhouse to contemporary.

Love a floor plan, and want to add a barn door? Ask the team at Travars Built Homes what it takes to build your new home with a barn door for your kitchen, office, owner’s suite, sitting room, keeping room, pantry, bathroom, laundry, or closet during our custom home build process.

Stained wood sliding barn door

This barn door has a rural feel to it, with the 2×4 “X” across the door taking it one step further to a branded look.