Buying a Brand New Home vs. an Older Home

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Some homeowners know exactly where they stand when it comes to this choice. But if you’ve ever found it difficult to decide between buying a brand new home vs. an older home, here are some things to consider that will help you make an informed decision. When looking for homes for sale in Summerfield, NC you’ll find many different homes built in various decades, newly built homes, and even ready home sites for custom building. Let’s explore the differences.

Brand New Homes are Fresh and Current

There’s something exciting about being the first people to live in a home. Everything is so clean and shiny. You have a fresh canvas to decorate as you please. New homes are equipped with the latest technology when it comes to everything from smart home systems to energy efficient design and appliances. Plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation, foundation, structure—all are up to current codes. Newer homes also tend to be bigger, as size is a big factor for today’s homebuyers.

At the same time, new homes tend to have smaller, less mature lots; though this is not always true, depending on the neighborhood and builder you choose. New homes may have a few kinks that need to be worked out since no one has lived in the home yet. However, most new homes come with a one-year warranty that covers anything that isn’t performing up to standard. A new home may also settle in the first few years after it’s built, requiring repairs of cracks in walls and doorways or worse, foundation repair. New homes are sometimes priced higher than older homes.

Older Homes Have Charm and Maturity

An older home has stood the test of time. You can tell that its structure and foundation are good quality, which can be proven through a home inspection that is a necessary part of any home purchase. Classic homes have the architecture and style of the time period in which they were built, which gives them character. Bigger lots with mature trees and landscaping offer beauty and privacy. Older homes in established neighborhoods are less likely to experience changes. You may also save some money by purchasing an older home.

The old home charm can sometimes be overshadowed by problems that can accompany older homes. Plumbing and electrical wiring may be old, meaning problems like water pressure, leaky old pipes, and lack of electrical outlets and voltage to support today’s technological needs. Avoid these issues by looking for an older home that boasts “recently updated” features. You’ll likely find less storage and smaller closets in an older home. And they also tend to have less overall square footage and smaller rooms.

Hunting Homes for Sale in Summerfield, NC

In highly desired areas like Summerfield and northern Guilford County, new homes and home sites are currently available. Take advantage of the benefits of brand new homes for sale in Summerfield, NC. Recently completed Don Mills homes and new home sites are available now in up and coming neighborhoods. Call (336)362-1777.

Must Haves for 2018 Custom Kitchens

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Is this the year you’re finally going to build your dream home? A truly exciting experience awaits you, full of planning and choosing your favorite features. When it comes to the kitchen, the heart of your home, do you want to include the most current trends for Greensboro custom homes in 2018? Consider these options to create a state-of-the-art kitchen that will bring you years of cooking, eating, and entertaining enjoyment.

When Functionality and Convenience are High Priorities

Your kitchen is likely used at least 3 times a day, whether it’s for meal preparation, snacking, baking, or any other activity. You will get much more enjoyment from your kitchen when functionality and convenience are taken into consideration.

  • Strategic design. Think about the flow of movement when designing the kitchen layout. When you’re cooking a meal, you will move from the refrigerator to the counter to the stove and around the room, typically in a certain pattern. Position appliances, sinks, islands, and other fixtures in a logical layout that works for you.
  • Reinvented Storage. Cabinets are being designed with hydraulic doors that swing up or fold away, drawers that slide out, even carousel shelving that brings the shelf you need down to your reach. Drawers with multiple levels inside can save space. Walk-in pantries are convenient for food storage, freeing up cabinet space for kitchen supplies.
  • Automation. Automatic features are no longer just for public restrooms. Hands-free faucets and dispensers in home kitchens help avoid messes and promote good hygiene.

Modern kitchens focus on practicality and aesthetics simultaneously. You don’t have to trade beauty for functionality.

Focus on the Latest in Color and Décor

Some old-fashioned elements of style are coming back into kitchens lately, helping to breach the gap between modern convenience and classic beauty.

  • Black and White. It doesn’t mean you need a checkerboard floor (although it never goes out of style). But the stark contrast of black to white between surfaces, backsplash, appliances, and accessories creates an old-world look in a modern kitchen.
  • Bright Colored Farm Sinks. Stainless steel, white porcelain, and double-sided sinks are slowly going away. In their place, you’ll find wide, deep farm sinks in a variety of colors from subtle pastels to bold hues.
  • Prominent Light Fixtures. Lighting makes a major style statement in your kitchen. It also needs to provide sufficient light for the task at hand. Consider bold light fixtures for ceiling lights, especially above an island or another seating area. Then place simple, bright lighting (LED lighting is ideal) under cabinets and over stovetops and sinks.

Don Mills Builds Greensboro Custom Homes with the Latest Kitchen Features

Luxury custom homes by Don Mills Builders are designed with the most up-to-date styles and options. Planning out your dream kitchen is easier with an experienced builder who can offer the latest features and modern conveniences. Greensboro custom homes are going up in highly desired neighborhoods in the northern Guilford County area, and Don Mills original homes are some of the best in the area. If you want a home built with quality materials and expert craftsmanship, call (336)362-1777.

What are the Best Neighborhoods for Custom Home in Greensboro?

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Are you looking for a new home but having trouble finding something suitable? The market is incredibly low and there aren’t many houses coming available. Don’t settle for a home that isn’t quite what you’re looking for. Find a builder and have a custom home designed just for you. There are custom home lots in Greensboro in some of the best neighborhoods that are ready to build on now. Wondering which neighborhoods are the most popular and why? This is your guide.

Linville Ridge. If you’re looking for a peaceful, small community, Linville Ridge will feel like home. It consists of around 30 home sites with common areas in about 4 or 5 locations throughout the neighborhood. Surrounded by nature, yet just minutes from Greensboro, Kernersville, High Point, and Winston Salem, you can have both convenience and wide open space.

Knight’s Landing. Live the luxurious life here at Knight’s Landing. Spacious home sites in a natural setting give this neighborhood a country feel in a location that is still convenient to Greensboro and the rest of the Triad. Situated within the town of Oak Ridge, which is a popular area with great schools, this community is ideal for families in all stages of life. Neighborhood amenities include a pool, a pond, and plenty of well-manicured common lawns for kids and dogs to play.

Jessup Ridge. This beautiful tree-lined neighborhood exists in an ideal location in the Northern Guilford County school district and just 15 minutes from Greensboro. Families love the pool, clubhouse, and picnic area. Additional phases of the community are being developed and ready-to-build home sites are available now. Reserve your spot in this highly desired community soon.

Dawn Acres. Adjacent to the Dawn Acres Golf Course, this neighborhood is the picture of beauty. Trees, ponds, and green grass as far as the eye can see, you can enjoy the countryside and still be close to the city. Located in Stokesdale, just north of Greensboro in the Oak Ridge/Northwest school district, lots in this neighborhood are highly coveted, and currently available while they last.

Birkhaven. Naturally beautiful and very secluded, Birkhaven was designed for those who want a peaceful home with city convenience. If you’re looking for a tree-lined yard, plenty of privacy and space, with the added perk of no city taxes, you’ve found your home. Ready-to-build home sites are available now.

Finding Available Custom Home Lots in Greensboro

If you’re ready to start planning your dream home and stop touring houses that don’t meet your criteria, call Don Mills Builders at (336) 362-1777. Ready-to-build home sites are available now in these popular neighborhoods just north of Greensboro. Don Mills can help you select the lot that best suits the type of home you wish to build or design your home to suit the lot you like best. Set up a free consultation today and see why so many home buyers are choosing to build on custom home lots in Greensboro neighborhoods.

Entertainment Spaces: What’s Trending for 2018?

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Have you been keeping up with the new home trends popping up for 2018? One of the easiest ways to keep up with this is scrolling through trends on Pinterest, which, if you have been doing this, you may have noticed some home trends for entertainment spaces this year. To add one of these trends to your custom home in Greensboro, get custom home builder Don Mill Builders to design and build your entertainment space.

Create a custom and open space with plenty of seating.

This year has brought large entertainment spaces to the home, with a lot of available seating for during parties, sports games, and gatherings. Many of these custom entertainment areas consist of seating around the television and a dining section behind that to allow guests to enjoy their food but still have access to the event and conversation.

The open spaces have plenty of lighting and typically have access to the kitchen or a small bar.

Take your entertaining outside.

Probably one of the largest trends this year is custom, outdoor entertainment spaces. Many of these spaces seem to be themed and they are not just patio spaces anymore, they are developing into their own rooms with individual designs and concepts. These outdoor entertainment spaces typically are showing walls and coverings, whether completely enclosed or partially enclosed with cutout windows to allow for an exotic feel. Ample lighting, fire pits, and plenty of furniture that resembles a more interior design are complimenting these areas.

Put a cozy, intimate home theatre in your homes’ basement.

Another entertainment space that is trending is the home theatre in your homes’ basement. This is not what it used to be, however, with a room and theatre seating resembling that of an actual movie theatre. This trendy space has taken a cozy, intimate feel, with plush sofas, low lighting, and surround sound or sound bars. A fun addition to custom add to your home would be a snack bar or small kitchenette in the back of the room.

If you are steel feeling that old-school version with the movie theatre feeling, try modernizing it by adding a sofa to the room and ditch the over-sized television for a curved one instead.

Build your custom home in Greensboro with Don Mills Builders.

Do you want to add custom additions to your home or are you looking to build a home in Greensboro? With over 27 years of experience, Don Mills Builders can help you design and build your home. Call them today (336) 362-1777.

Must Haves for 2018 Custom Kitchens

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Custom kitchen design in Greensboro, NC homeIs this the year you’re finally going to build your dream home? A truly exciting experience awaits you, full of planning and choosing your favorite features. When it comes to the kitchen, the heart of your home, do you want to include the most current trends for Greensboro custom homes in 2018? Consider these options to create a state-of-the-art kitchen that will bring you years of cooking, eating, and entertaining enjoyment.

When Functionality and Convenience are High Priorities

Your kitchen is likely used at least 3 times a day, whether it’s for meal preparation, snacking, baking, or any other activity. You will get much more enjoyment from your kitchen when functionality and convenience are taken into consideration.

  • Strategic design. Think about the flow of movement when designing the kitchen layout. When you’re cooking a meal, you will move from the refrigerator to the counter to the stove and around the room, typically in a certain pattern. Position appliances, sinks, islands, and other fixtures in a logical layout that works for you.
  • Reinvented Storage. Cabinets are being designed with hydraulic doors that swing up or fold away, drawers that slide out, even carousel shelving that brings the shelf you need down to your reach. Drawers with multiple levels inside can save space. Walk-in pantries are convenient for food storage, freeing up cabinet space for kitchen supplies.
  • Automation. Automatic features are no longer just for public restrooms. Hands-free faucets and dispensers in home kitchens help avoid messes and promote good hygiene.

Modern kitchens focus on practicality and aesthetics simultaneously. You don’t have to trade beauty for functionality.

Focus on the Latest in Color and Décor

Some old-fashioned elements of style are coming back into kitchens lately, helping to breach the gap between modern convenience and classic beauty.

  • Black and White. It doesn’t mean you need a checkerboard floor (although it never goes out of style). But the stark contrast of black to white between surfaces, backsplash, appliances, and accessories creates an old-world look in a modern kitchen.
  • Bright Colored Farm Sinks. Stainless steel, white porcelain, and double-sided sinks are slowly going away. In their place, you’ll find wide, deep farm sinks in a variety of colors from subtle pastels to bold hues.
  • Prominent Light Fixtures. Lighting makes a major style statement in your kitchen. It also needs to provide sufficient light for the task at hand. Consider bold light fixtures for ceiling lights, especially above an island or other seating areas. Then place simple, bright lighting (LED lighting is ideal) under cabinets and over stovetops and sinks.

Don Mills Builds Greensboro Custom Homes with the Latest Kitchen Features

Luxury custom homes by Don Mills Builders are designed with the most up-to-date styles and options. Planning out your dream kitchen is easier with an experienced builder who can offer the latest features and modern conveniences. Greensboro custom homes are going up in highly desired neighborhoods in the northern Guilford County area, and Don Mills original homes are some of the best in the area. If you want a home built with quality materials and expert craftsmanship, call (336)362-1777.

Buying a Brand New Home vs. an Older Home

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Summerfield, NC custom home built by Don MillsSome homeowners know exactly where they stand when it comes to this choice. But if you’ve ever found it difficult to decide between buying a brand new home vs. an older home, here are some things to consider that will help you make an informed decision. When looking for homes for sale in Summerfield, NC you’ll find many different homes built in various decades, newly built homes, and even ready home sites for custom building. Let’s explore the differences.

Brand New Homes are Fresh, Current, and Customizable to Your Liking

There’s something exciting about being the first people to live in a home. Everything is so clean and shiny. You have a fresh canvas to decorate as you please. New homes are equipped with the latest technology when it comes to everything from smart home systems to energy efficient design and appliances. Plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation, foundation, structure—all are up to current codes. Newer homes also tend to be bigger, as size is a big factor for today’s homebuyers.

At the same time, new homes tend to have smaller, less mature lots; though this is not always true, depending on the neighborhood and builder you choose. New homes may have a few kinks that need to be worked out since no one has lived in the home yet. However, most new homes come with a one-year warranty that covers anything that isn’t performing up to standard. A new home may also settle in the first few years after it’s built, requiring repairs of cracks in walls and doorways or worse, foundation repair. New homes are sometimes priced higher than older homes.

Older Homes Have Charm and Maturity

An older home has stood the test of time. You can tell that its structure and foundation are good quality, which can be proven through a home inspection that is a necessary part of any home purchase. Classic homes have the architecture and style of the time period in which they were built, which gives them character. Bigger lots with mature trees and landscaping offer beauty and privacy. Older homes in established neighborhoods are less likely to experience changes. You may also save some money by purchasing an older home.

The old home charm can sometimes be overshadowed by problems that can accompany older homes. Plumbing and electrical wiring may be old, meaning problems like water pressure, leaky old pipes, and lack of electrical outlets and voltage to support today’s technological needs. Avoid these issues by looking for an older home that boasts “recently updated” features. You’ll likely find less storage and smaller closets in an older home. And they also tend to have less overall square footage and smaller rooms.

Hunting Homes for Sale in Summerfield, NC

In highly desired areas like Summerfield and northern Guilford County, new homes and home sites are currently available. Take advantage of the benefits of brand new homes for sale in Summerfield, NC. Recently completed Don Mills homes and new home sites are available now in up and coming neighborhoods. Call (336)362-1777.

Current Home Styles-What’s “In” in 2018?

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Bathroom viewThinking this is the year to build a custom home in Greensboro? Don’t miss out on the hottest home styles of 2018. Check out these ideas before you talk to your builder so that you can be sure your new home incorporates the latest trends.

Wood. You don’t have to build a log cabin in the mountains to enjoy the beauty of natural wood in your home. Hardwood floors have been a staple in custom homes for years. Now wood ceiling beams are making a comeback, as well as wood paneled accent walls and ceilings. Forget the faux wood paneling of the 70s and 80s that darkened rooms with shag carpeting. This year’s quality wood accents are framing large windows to let in natural light.

Earth Tones. Color pallets are moving toward warm, earthy tones. Dessert tan, rust, clay, sienna, and more are being used in not just living rooms, but bedrooms as well. Bathrooms trend toward cool tones like dusty blue, charcoal, plum, and evergreen. Natural colors last longer, requiring less repainting and touching up over time. They also create a warm and relaxed feel.

Retro/Vintage Accents. Brass and other metallic tones on fixtures, décor, and even furniture are coming back into style this year. Glass tables with brass legs, aged copper wall art, and other metal accent pieces can be placed throughout the home. Vintage light fixtures, old fashioned trough sinks, and claw foot bathtubs are also gaining popularity.

Geometric Shapes. You’ll find wallpaper, backsplash, art, light fixtures, fabric, and more in large geometric patterns this year. Yet another nod toward retro style making a comeback.

Big, Bright Kitchens. There seems to be no limit to size and sprawl of kitchens these days. The bigger the better, sometimes rivaling the size of living rooms. Exaggerated kitchen islands with room for seating, prepping, washing, and even cooking with built in stovetops and sinks are becoming a staple in modern kitchens. Go bold with color schemes as well, not just on the walls but on cabinets, backsplash, counters, and even appliances.

Green Homes. You’ve seen this trend in recent years, and it continues into 2018. Homebuyers and builders are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and it shows, even in custom home building. Building a green home can include anything from recycled building materials to establishing minimal energy usage with efficient appliances. Even the structural design of the home itself can diminish energy usage with plenty of natural light and conscientious airflow planning.

Smart Home Technology. It’s time to get smart with a whole-home control system that encompasses security, electricity, plumbing, climate, media, and any other system, all controlled centrally in the home or remotely from a handheld device. Having complete control over your home whether you are there or not offers you incredible peace of mind as well as energy savings.

Build a Custom Home in Greensboro This Year with Don Mills

If you’re ready to put these new design trends into practice in 2018, Don Mills Builders can make it happen. Bring your ideas, your hopes, and your dreams and let Don Mills design and build your custom home in Greensboro on a site in one of the most desirable new neighborhoods. Don’t wait, get started today. Call (336)362-1777.

Up and Coming Home Building Trends for 2018

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Planning to build a new home in 2018? Custom home building in Summerville, NC, is at an all-time high. More homebuyers are throwing in the towel on house hunting and opting for custom homes. What’s not to love about a brand new home that is designed and built to your very own specifications? No need to compromise on a home. You can have whatever your heart desires. Before you start planning with your builder, gain some inspiration with these up and coming home building trends for 2018.

Structural Features

  • Aging-in-place accommodations. More seniors are choosing to stay in their homes as they age. Taking this into consideration when designing your home allows you to be prepared for the future and avoid having to make changes later. Wider doorways, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, and even elevators are being installed in new homes proactively.
  • Multi-generational planning. In many cases multiple generations are living under one roof from aging parents to grandchildren. It’s wise to plan ahead for the fact that family members of all ages may one day be under your roof.
  • Roof decks. This urban feature is suddenly popping up in residential areas as homeowners search for new ways to enjoy the outdoors in style (and with a view).

Decorating Trends

  • Light toned floors. Style is turning away from dark wood floors and moving toward lighter tones, even white in some homes.
  • Bold walls. To offset the pale floors you’ll see an increase in dark paint colors on walls, including black for those who aren’t afraid to be a little edgy. Large patterns are also making a comeback on walls and accessories.
  • Simplistic kitchen features. Cabinetry used to be the focal point of every kitchen. In 2018 you can expect to see more open shelving that allows you to showcase your collectibles and store bulkier items.
  • Metallic decor. Shiny brass accents are coming back into style for their attention-drawing properties.

Green Décor

  • Natural bathrooms. A turn toward green and rustic features will be seen in bathrooms this year from natural wood accents to claw-foot tubs.
  • Reused/Recycled furniture. Common items, old pallets, and more can be turned into furniture, and this concept is as trendy as it is environmentally friendly.
  • Live plants. Actual greenery is being used in décor much more as of late and will be seen even more in the upcoming year.

Energy-Saving Technology

  • On-demand water heaters. These heat water as it comes into your home so that you never run out of hot water. They also save a significant amount of energy because they don’t heat (and keep heating) a tank full of water you may never use.
  • Programmable lighting. Also known as smart lighting, this energy-saving convenience allows you to easily control all of the lights in your home from one place and to program your lights to turn on and off at certain times of the day whether you are at home or away.

Keep an eye out for these trends in custom home building in Summerfield, NC, in the upcoming year. If you’re planning to build or even thinking about it, keep these ideas in mind and contact Don Mills Builders to set up a consultation: (336)362-1777.

Why Oak Ridge, NC, is Becoming a Great Place to Raise a Family

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front yard view of completed homeAre you looking for a place to settle down, a community that’s great for kids and families? Oak Ridge, NC, is gaining popularity as families are looking for a small town with great opportunity. Convenient to Greensboro and High Point with Winston Salem close by, there is always something to do and see. A quieter place with a countryside feel that’s just a few minutes’ drive from multiple cities, you’ll soon see why people are choosing to move to the area. And there are homes for sale in Oak Ridge, NC, now.

Oak Ridge Ranks High on the Livability Scale According to Areavibes.com

Areavibes.com evaluates towns and cities based on a variety of criteria from crime rate to cost of living. Oak Ridge received an 84, which means it is “exceptionally livable” when compared to other places in North Carolina. That score ranks Oak Ridge third in the entire state of NC and 124th in the US. Low crime rate, high graduation rate, and high income per capita are just a few of the positive qualities that contributed to the score. People living in Oak Ridge are educated and successful. Even the weather is nice compared to many other areas in the state and the nation.

Amenities also contribute to the rank a town receives, and Oak Ridge has plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centers, schools, parks, and fitness centers in the vicinity. These are the everyday conveniences that make life easier and more fulfilling. Beyond the town itself, there are more opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the nearby cities of Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem.

Oak Ridge is Home to some of the Best Schools in NC

When it comes to raising a family, schools are important. There is one public school and one private school in Oak Ridge, boasting higher than average test scores for the state. Public schools students would attend Oak Ridge Elementary, Northwest Middle, and Northwest High School. The Oak Ridge Military Academy is a private school that’s been in operation since 1852, preparing youth for success in military and civilian endeavors. Other private and charter school options can be found in Greensboro, Winston Salem, High Point, and Kernersville.

Don Mills Builds Homes in Oak Ridge, NC, in Highly Desired Neighborhoods

Visit Oak Ridge to see firsthand just why it is becoming one of the best places to raise a family. If you’re looking for a new home for sale in Oak Ridge, NC, consider a Don Mills signature home. Don Mills builds luxurious custom homes in the most popular neighborhoods in Oak Ridge, including Birkhaven, Linville Ridge, and Knight’s Landing. If you want a unique home that is designed just for you with all the features you can’t seem to find anywhere else, Don Mills Builders can make it happen. Search ready to build home sites now or contact Don to get started designing and building your dream home in a dream location. Call (336) 362-1777.

Top Decorating Tips of 2018

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Family room with fireplace.When it comes to decorating your home, whether it’s a brand new custom home or your current home that’s in need of a fresh look, there are some unique trends that have arisen in 2018. If you want cutting-edge design that will give your home a modern look, consider incorporating these decorating tips. And if you want a completely clean slate, building a custom home gives you limitless options. Custom building allows you to design a home to meet your needs and wants, including your decorating ideas. Build your dream home with one of the best home builders in Greensboro, NC, Don Mills.

Decorating Trends of 2018 fit into these 4 Categories:

  1. Color. Bold accents that bring out pastel colors in the background offer a calm, serene feel that still hums with excitement. Watercolor pattern on walls and other surfaces give a textured look that is the ideal mix of subtlety and boldness. The lighter watercolors can be reflected in smaller pieces with brighter colors like throw pillows, rugs, and window treatments.
  2. Material. As we grow more earth-conscious, the focus is on environmentally friendly materials. Natural wood, stone, marble, clay, cork, and live plants give a variety of textures that allow us to experience décor with multiple senses. Reclaimed wood and recycled materials are replacing man-made, mass produced items. Bringing natural materials inside softens the divide between man and nature.
  3. Fabric/Pattern. Soft textures like velvet are returning to current decorating trends, as well as patterns on walls and floors. Trends from each decade from the ‘30s through the ‘90s are being represented, with bold geometric patterns of the ‘70s, jewel-tone velvets of the ‘80s and ‘90s, and even artistic hand-painted fabrics in rich colors from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. Touch and texture are as important as aesthetics in this year’s hottest designs.
  4. Room Design. Individual rooms are becoming more focused on their overall purpose than ever before. Beauty and functionality meld in designs and layouts that revolve around use of the room. In 2018 homeowners are looking for convenience, comfort, and style in one low-maintenance package. Busy lifestyles leave less time for perfect room arrangement and create the need for décor that looks stylish and put together even when in use.

The Best Home Builders in Greensboro, NC Expertly Combine Décor and Home Design

The architecture and floor plan of your home will influence the overall décor. You can decorate the interior to suit the home, or you can custom build and let the interior décor go hand-in-hand with the design of the home. The best home builders in Greensboro, NC, have the expertise to take both aspects of home design into consideration, the structure and the décor. The end result is a home that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. A custom home is completely unique, reflecting the homeowner’s personality in both the design and décor. If you’re ready to have the custom building experience, contact Don Mills Builders for a consultation at (336) 362-1777.