THANK YOU, Chatham County!

Posted by tbhadmin on September 7, 2025

Travars Built Homes has been named Best of Chatham 2025 Readers’ Favorite by Chatham Magazine!

This recognition means so much, coming from our home base in Chatham County – one of the nation’s fastest growing regions for all the reasons we love living here and building wonderful homes here. We are honored by this reflection of our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, care and the homeowners we work closely with to create custom homes the way they want them.

*Travars Builder Brothers Phil and Andrew check out details in prep for a final walkthrough before move-in.*

Our hands on approach helps ensure everything is good to go — from initial conversation to turning on the taps.

Thank you for your trust and recognition of the incredible homes we create together across Chatham and beyond throughout the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area.

Learn more about what makes Travars Built Homes Best in Chatham.

Get in touch today!

Personalized Charm – Comparing Three Modern Farmhouses

Posted by tbhadmin on January 5, 2025

Modern farmhouse designs artfully combine contemporary convenience with rustic charm, resulting in homes that are both functional and inviting. Let’s explore three distinctive modern farmhouse models by Travars Built Homes: the Longview, the Southern Farmhouse, and the Westbrook, each offering unique features and layouts.

The Longview Modern Farmhouse

The Longview spans 2,587 square feet, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with the master suite conveniently located on the main floor.

Key Features:

Great Room: The great room features a 12-foot raised ceiling, enhancing spaciousness and creating an open, airy, and inviting atmosphere.
Flexibility: Two first-floor offices offer versatile spaces, adaptable for remote work, study, or other lifestyle needs and requirements.
Energy Efficiency: The Longview’s ecoSelect energy certification ensures a low HERS score, reflecting its thoughtfully designed energy-efficient construction.
Kitchen: Equipped with granite countertops, a custom tile backsplash, and two walk-in pantries with built-in wood shelving, the gourmet kitchen is designed for both functionality and style.

Interested in the Longview? Travars Built Homes offers the option to easily customize this home further. Request a floor plan flyer for more details.

The Southern Farmhouse

The Southern Farmhouse is a completely customized home built by Travars Built, encompassing 4,158 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This design showcases the flexibility Travars Built Homes offers, tailoring every detail to meet the homeowner’s specific preferences.

Key Features:

Interior Layout: The foyer opens to a formal dining room with built-in shelves and barn doors, and a home office opposite.
Great Room: Large windows brighten the great room with natural light, showcasing a built-in entertainment center for modern media needs.
Kitchen: The kitchen features quartz countertops, a large island with seating, and double ovens and microwaves, perfect for entertaining.
Specialized Spaces: A dedicated dog room includes a walk-in shower and outdoor access, providing convenience and care for pet owners.
Outdoor Living: Veranda-style porches, painted traditional haint blue, include an outdoor kitchen and spacious areas for hosting large gatherings.

Explore the Southern Farmhouse Photo Tour to see how Travars Built Homes brought this unique, custom vision to life.

The Westbrook Modern Farmhouse

The Westbrook offers 3,159 square feet of living space, comprising 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with the master suite situated on the first floor.

Key Features:

Exterior Design: The home showcases classic white and black farmhouse finishes. Black-framed windows and a brick fireplace surround add to the timeless aesthetic.
Kitchen: The open-concept kitchen features two-tone cabinetry with a white perimeter and a brown island, plus a white farmhouse sink.
Natural Light: Abundant windows, transoms above the great room, and sliding doors leading to a four-seasons room ensure that the interior is bathed in natural light.
Additional Spaces: Built-in bookcases and a bonus room provide additional functional spaces, ideal for a home office, library, or playroom.
Master Suite: The suite includes a luxurious bathroom with a freestanding tub, tiled shower, and a spacious walk-in closet for a private retreat within the home.

Modern Farmhouse | Chapel Hill Custom Home

The Westbrook sound like your perfect home? Request a floor plan flyer to learn more about customization options available.

Comparative Overview

Size and Layout: The Southern Farmhouse is the largest, featuring single-story living. The Longview and Westbrook are slightly smaller options. Both include master suites on the main floor, appealing to those who prefer or require main-level living.
Customization: The Southern Farmhouse exemplifies a completely customized home, showcasing Travars Built Homes’ ability to tailor every design element. Meanwhile, the Longview and Westbrook are available plans that offer opportunities for further personalization to suit homeowner preferences.
Outdoor Amenities: The Southern Farmhouse highlights outdoor living with expansive porches and an outdoor kitchen, perfect for those who enjoy entertaining al fresco.
Interior Features: Each home offers distinct interior features, such as the Longview’s dual offices, the Southern Farmhouse’s specialized dog room, and the Westbrook’s built-in bookcases. These options provide flexibility for homeowners to select designs that align with their lifestyles.

Whether you prefer a ready-made plan or a fully customized design, Travars Built Homes offers unparalleled flexibility to help you create your modern farmhouse. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you find your perfect modern farmhouse!

Get in touch today!

Designing for Multi-Generational Living: Mother-in-Law Suite Options in the Chatham County, NC Area

Posted by tbhadmin on January 1, 2025

As families grow and evolve, homes designed with flexibility and multi-generational living in mind are more important than ever. Mother-in-law suites (MIL suites) offer a practical and comfortable solution for accommodating extended family members while maintaining privacy within a shared home.

In the beautiful Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and Chatham County NC areas, homeowners are drawn to the customization options of these integrated designs. Whether you prefer a spacious first-floor bedroom with an ensuite bath or a private suite with a sitting area and kitchenette, there are endless ways to tailor your home to meet your family’s needs.

Let’s explore three distinct approaches, using customizable floor plans from Travars Built Homes.

Option 1: Convert a Floor Plan to Include a MIL Suite

In the Astoria Mill floor plan, you’ll find a perfect starting point for customization. By modifying a portion of the layout, you can create a fully functional MIL suite that fits seamlessly into the home’s design.

For example:

Add a private bathroom to a first-floor bedroom.
Expand the space to include a cozy sitting area.
Ensure an intuitive flow between the suite and shared spaces.

This approach is ideal for homeowners in who want a practical, integrated design that meets multi-generational living needs.

Explore the Astoria Mill Floor Plan

Option 2: Oversized Guest Bedroom with Private Bath

For those who prefer a more straightforward solution, the Amberway floor plan offers an oversized guest bedroom with a private bath on the first floor.

Key benefits:

Easy accessibility for aging family members or guests.
Enhanced privacy with a dedicated bathroom.
A simple yet elegant solution for multi-generational families.

This layout is a fantastic choice for homeowners who believe that functionality and comfort are key.

See the Amberway Floor Plan

Chatham County New Home | Ensuite Master Bath

Option 3: Private Living Area with Enhanced Features

For families seeking more privacy and functionality, the Nesbit Ferry floor plan includes the option for a private living area within the suite. This could include a separated living room, and for those who need additional amenities, a small kitchenette is a potential add-on.

Highlights of this approach:

A true “suite” feel, perfect for multi-generational living.
Separation from main living areas while staying connected to the household.
Room for customization to meet unique family needs.

This design is especially appealing to homeowners in the Pittsboro area, where modern design and family-focused living are top priorities.

Discover the Nesbit Ferry Floor Plan

Why Choose a Mother-in-Law Suite in the Pittsboro and Chatham County NC Area?

Living in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Chatham County area offers the perfect blend of community charm and modern convenience. Mother-in-law suites make it easier to:

Provide a safe, comfortable environment for aging parents or extended family.
Create welcoming spaces for guests or adult children.
Adapt to changing family dynamics while preserving privacy and independence.

Travars Built Homes specializes in creating customizable floor plans tailored to your family’s needs. Whether you’re modifying an existing design or creating something completely new, we’re here to help make your vision a reality.

Ready to create a home that works for every generation? Contact us to explore your options and start building your dream home in Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, or anywhere in the Chatham County area!

Get in touch today!

Disclaimer: Floor plans are the property of the architect and are protected by copyright laws. Any modifications are subject to approval by the builder and engineer.

House Plan Search

Our house plan search tool makes it easy to narrow down your favorite custom floor plans. Search by home size, beds, baths, types, and special features. We work with designs from many custom home architects, so let us know what you like about the homes you see here, and we will send even more from our database of favorites. Contact TBH to learn more about building one of these plans on your lot.

Need help with your house plan search? Tell us what you’re looking for:

Things To Do With Kids in Pittsboro NC

Posted by Travars Built Homes on June 30, 2021

An amazing local play, walk, sports and splash park is now open in Pittsboro! Knights Farm Community Park has 10 acres of fun opportunities.

Creative playgrounds!

Huge splash pad filled with water fountains to cool down summer.

Imaginative “house” and “shop” with play spaces inside and out.

Cool slides!

Wide, concrete walking paths for a casual stroll.

Picnic tables – some under a roof.

Some with grills and water sources.

There’s even a dog park and sports field.

We like Knights Farm Community Park – another great Pittsboro gathering place.

Where to use Tile, Wood, Carpet – and Other Types of Flooring in Your New Home

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 26, 2021

What kind of flooring will your new home come with, when you build an NC custom home?

It can depend on what your builder offers, and the floor plan that you choose. Here’s what to expect in a Travars Built Home.

Kitchens

New Home Flooring Types | NC Custom Homes

Most kitchens in North Carolina new homes have hardwood floors. With Travars Built Homes, site finished, real oak hardwood is our standard. Ask us what some homeowners want for flooring when they have dogs. We’ll also tell you why tile isn’t as common in NC kitchens as in some parts of the country.

Living rooms / great rooms

Hardwood in the living room gives a clean, fresh look to gathering areas, with easy cleanup. Decide which stain color you’d like to go with on site, when you go there during the build to see what looks best with the cabinetry, in the sunlight.

Breakfast rooms

The hardwoods keep on flowing throughout all the main living areas in your Travars Built Home, with sweeping open space that’s beautiful from one room to the next, like this breakfast room.

Laundry rooms

Laundry rooms have tile floors in Travars Built Homes. Have fun choosing the personality you want in spaces like this, that get a lot of use! Ask us how to make your laundry room even better, with folding tables, cubbies, shelves, and more space.

Mud rooms

Mud rooms have tile floors too. They’re designed for easy cleanup of everything that tracks into the home from outdoors. It’s also great for furry friends. Ask how to tuck a dog house, pet shower, or other accommodation into your custom home, like the one you see in this mud room.

Bathrooms

Every full bathroom in a Travars Built Home comes with a tile floor, too. There’s a big trend right now for tile that looks like wood, which can give it a rustic, contemporary look that can be really beautiful, like this floor.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms typically come with carpet, which Travars Built Homes makes more comfortable and long lasting with 8 pound pad beneath and a variety of choices. We can install hardwood instead – it’s one of the many things you can decide what to do with, when you build a custom home the way you want it.

Library / home offices

Most offices and libraries in Travars Built Homes have beautiful oak hardwood flooring like this home. It can depend on the location of these rooms – all main living areas on the first floor typically have hardwood as a standard. Ask us about other flooring you’d like in your home – cork, bamboo, concrete, laminate – we can create whatever effect you would like.

Get started:

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:

3 Ways to Get a Better Bathroom for Your Guests

Posted by Travars Built Homes on January 24, 2019

Here are 3 different floor plan layout approaches for your guest suite bathroom from design build custom home builder Travars Built Homes:

Approach #1 The bathroom is attached to the guest bedroom and hallway.

Approach #2 The bathroom is between two bedrooms (also know as a “Jack and Jill” bath)

Approach #3 The bathroom is only accessible through the bedroom – this allows for complete privacy.

Design Build Custom Home Process

Build On Your Lot North Carolina

Guest Suite Bathroom Idea #1: Bath Shared with Common Areas

One of the most common layouts for a guest suite maximizes usability while minimizing cost by including a full bath with access from both the guest bedroom and main areas.

The layout has a second door from the guest bedroom directly into the bath so guests have full privacy but homeowners are spared the expense of an additional private bath.

See more of this modern farmhouse, the Norwich here:

Modern Farmhouse Floor Plan | Pittsboro New Home Builder

Guest Suite Bathroom Idea #2: Jack and Jill Bath

This floor plan illustrates a “Jack and Jill” bathroom, where two bedrooms share a bathroom. With this layout, a guest would share a bathroom with someone in another bedroom, but would have the ability to close off that bathroom.

Jack and Jill Floor Plan | Pittsboro New Home Builder

This floor plan, the Blackstone also has a powder room on the main floor, so the designation of this layout would be that the Jack and Jill bathroom would typically be limited to use by people in those two bedrooms, with semi-private usage.

Guest Suite Bathroom Idea #3: Full, Private Bath

In this floor plan, there is already a full bath beside the mudroom and guest bedroom. With a small expansion to the exterior wall of the bathroom, we can change the functionality of the space.

Take a look at the redline modifications. By expanding the bathroom slightly, it can be accessed en-suite, providing total privacy for the guest suite:

The redline modification at the foyer illustrates how to add a separate powder room on the main floor.

Get in touch with the team at Travars Built Homes for more floor plans and details about building a new home in Chapel Hill, Durham, Pittsboro, or another area in central North Carolina.

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Tag: Pittsboro NC Custom Homes

Comparative Overview

Option 1: Convert a Floor Plan to Include a MIL Suite

Option 2: Oversized Guest Bedroom with Private Bath

Option 3: Private Living Area with Enhanced Features

Why Choose a Mother-in-Law Suite in the Pittsboro and Chatham County NC Area?

Square Feet

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

House Plan Type

Special Features

Need help with your house plan search? Tell us what you’re looking for:

An amazing local play, walk, sports and splash park is now open in Pittsboro! Knights Farm Community Park has 10 acres of fun opportunities.

Creative playgrounds!

Huge splash pad filled with water fountains to cool down summer.

Imaginative “house” and “shop” with play spaces inside and out.

Cool slides!

Wide, concrete walking paths for a casual stroll.

Picnic tables – some under a roof.

Some with grills and water sources.

There’s even a dog park and sports field.

We like Knights Farm Community Park – another great Pittsboro gathering place.

What kind of flooring will your new home come with, when you build an NC custom home?

It can depend on what your builder offers, and the floor plan that you choose. Here’s what to expect in a Travars Built Home.

Kitchens

Living rooms / great rooms

Hardwood in the living room gives a clean, fresh look to gathering areas, with easy cleanup. Decide which stain color you’d like to go with on site, when you go there during the build to see what looks best with the cabinetry, in the sunlight.

Breakfast rooms

The hardwoods keep on flowing throughout all the main living areas in your Travars Built Home, with sweeping open space that’s beautiful from one room to the next, like this breakfast room.

Laundry rooms

Laundry rooms have tile floors in Travars Built Homes. Have fun choosing the personality you want in spaces like this, that get a lot of use! Ask us how to make your laundry room even better, with folding tables, cubbies, shelves, and more space.

Mud rooms

Mud rooms have tile floors too. They’re designed for easy cleanup of everything that tracks into the home from outdoors. It’s also great for furry friends. Ask how to tuck a dog house, pet shower, or other accommodation into your custom home, like the one you see in this mud room.

Bathrooms

Every full bathroom in a Travars Built Home comes with a tile floor, too. There’s a big trend right now for tile that looks like wood, which can give it a rustic, contemporary look that can be really beautiful, like this floor.

Bedrooms

Library / home offices

Get started:

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.