Build with a New Home Builder in Summerfield, and Design a Stylish Entryway

The fundamental purpose of a foyer or entryway is to transition from outside in. However, this space also gives your guests a glimpse of your personal style and welcomes them into your home. Creating a welcoming and beautiful entryway is one of the exciting tasks you will have when building your custom home in Summerfield. There are many options to create this space to be not only functional but also provide a stunning first impression for the rest of your home. When working with a new home builder in Summerfield, be sure to discuss the design features and foyer styles available so you can achieve the distinctive entryway you want to create a positive first impression. Do you prefer wide foyers with wainscoting? How about two-story ceilings with large windows? Whatever your style preference is, Don Mills Builders understands the importance that every detail makes when designing a custom home that is a personal and welcoming place for you and your family.

Decorate with a Focal Point for Entryways

A welcoming entryway is a great way to really feel “at home” in your new custom home. Here are few design ideas for decorating your new entryway after you move in, as mentioned in www.homesandland.com:

“Use a handsome mirror to create the illusion of more space in a foyer. Not only does a mirror make the foyer look more spacious, but it is functional, leaving the option for a final check of your appearance before leaving the house. Just remember, the more ornate the mirror, the more it serves as a piece of art, reducing the need for other decorative accessories.”

The use of a mirror near the entryway not only invites friends and family members to catch a glimpse of other parts of your home but also creates a focal point as well. Putting an attractive mirror at the entryway is a gracious way to welcome friends and family into your home. If the foyer is small, it can add a cozy feeling to your area.

Use Furniture that is Stylish and Functional for the Foyer

The foyer is a popular area of transition for family members coming and going. It is the first “stopping” place when coming in or leaving the house. The average household might want to drop coats, hats, shoes, sports equipment, umbrellas, backpacks and totes in the foyer, so keeping it organized can be a challenge. The entryway to a home can be a very active place even if you don’t have many family members, so a functional piece of furniture that can double as storage is a great option. When deciding on the items for your foyer that adhere to your family’s needs and personality, be sure that the furniture also coincides with your overall decor. How do you decide which type of furniture to add to your foyer? At www.homesandland.com, a piece of art or a side table may be the answer:

“Start with one primary piece of furniture carefully chosen to work with the theme and traffic patterns of your house. For instance, a more upscale, less-trafficked home would do well with a foyer that incorporates a beautiful coffee table or side table with a vase of fresh flowers. A large piece of art on a wall completes this classic and stylish approach. In this scenario, the foyer is not used often and is not meant for storage. It is a display area that ushers in guests, rather than a catch-all spot for a busy family.”

Whatever your family’s lifestyle, Don Mills Builders can integrate your preferences and needs to create a stunning and functional entryway that will welcome your family and friends into your new custom home. As you plan your new home with the home builder in Summerfield, every detail will be taken into account so you will get the home and style you have always wanted. Don Mills Builders builds distinguished and personalized homes that will give you and your family many years of comfortable living and wonderful memories. Contact us today to learn more about our custom home design and discover why we are one of the top building contractors in Summerfield: 336-362-1777.

(Source: Foyer Decorating Ideas to Bring an Entryway to Life, www.homesandland.com, 2015)

Custom Homes in Greensboro


The adjective of custom is defined by Google as- “made or done to order for a particular customer.” The definition does not indicate any kind of limitations upon what the customer wants. That is exactly the kind of custom homes in Greensboro that Don Mills Builders construct.

Who Builds a Custom Home?

A person who builds a custom home wants to have the choice of all the details. This does not mean choosing between just two or three options. These are not cookie cutter houses where all you get to choose is the color of the walls, or where there is another house just like it three doors down. Each detail is a reflection of your family, and how you live.

If all you want is a run of the mill, then custom building is not for you. If you have the vision to see the space that will encapsulate your family, then building your custom home is the right choice. It can be overwhelming with everything that must be done, but that is why you choose a builder that can help you along the way. Due to the uniqueness of each custom home build, it is important to Don and his team to keep good communication between the buyer and the team.

The Choices Are All Yours When Building Your Dream Home

Custom Homes are a one-of-a-kind house built with an unlimited range of design choices. A buyer who wants to choose most of the details of their new home should work with a custom builder. By no means, are you alone in the process at Don Mills Builders, you can rely on their experience to help you make good design choices.

If you want a deck, you can have it. If you want a music room, you can have it. If you want a gourmet kitchen, you can have it. Your only limitations are your budget, local zoning, and building codes. This is why a person chooses to have their house custom built to get all the features that matters to them. No compromising has to be made to build your dream home.

The Home Plans Are All Yours

You are not usually limited to “select” plans, but allowed to takes a blank slate and make all the choices to design the perfect home for your family’s needs. There is no such thing as an upgrade at a Don Mills Builders home, it is already a part of the plan. They are not tract home builders, but custom dream home builders.

Your imagination is the starting point of your dream home, and if they do not have a design like yours then they will apply all their resources to find or create what you want. You can even bring your own pre-drawn plans to the table to have Don Mills Builders construct it.

Building a completely custom home is not for everyone. Every little decision needs to be made by you. This can be daunting to many but if unique is what you want in a home, then custom homes are the route for you. In Greensboro that means Don Mills Builders. You will have a quality built home that is all designed around the stuff of dreams.

Home Builders in Greensboro, NC: What to Look for

So you’ve decided to have a new custom home built. Good for you! You will have the home of your dreams to enjoy for years to come. But first you must find a trustworthy custom home builder in the area to bring your dreams to life. There are so many general contractors and home builders in Greensboro, NC. How do you choose one? One option is to look for a builder who is a member of the Greensboro Builders Association. To become a member and maintain membership, a builder has to have an NC General Contractor’s License, adhere to a specific code of ethics, uphold the mission statement, and participate in community service. This requires a certain level of commitment that distinguishes a builder from all others. When you choose a member of the Greensboro Builders Association, you can expect quality.

Custom homes are truly original

When you decide to have a custom home built, you are allowing yourself the freedom to choose every aspect, every detail, and every feature of your new home. There are builders out there that build spec homes, where customers have a choice of a few different floor plans and features. But most of the homes are the same, just different colors. When you custom design a home, you need a builder with the knowledge and experience to create your dream home within the boundaries of sound structure and integrity. You need a builder you can trust to design and build a home that will last, while incorporating your ideas. A member of the Greensboro Builders Association will build your home with quality craftsmanship, while still incorporating your wishes.

Greensboro Builders Associate Code of Ethics (from the GBA Web site):

“The membership of the Greensboro Builders Association shall be limited to persons and firms who shall subscribe to and pledge allegiance to the following Code of Ethics:

  • Our paramount responsibility is to our customers, our community and our country.
  • Honesty is our guiding business policy.
  • High standards of health, safety and sanitation shall be built into every home.
  • Members shall deal fairly with their respective employees, trade contractors, suppliers and customers.
  • As members of a progressive industry, we encourage research to develop new materials, new building techniques, new building equipment and improved methods of home financing, to the end that every home purchaser may get the greatest value possible for every dollar.
  • All sound legislative proposals effecting our industry and the people we serve shall have our informed and vigorous support.
  • We hold inviolate the free enterprise system and the American Way of Life. We pledge our support to our associates, our local, state and national associations and all related industries concerned with the preservation of legitimate rights and freedoms.

We assume these responsibilities freely and solemnly, mindful that they are part of our obligation as members of the Greensboro Builders Association, the North Carolina Home Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders.”

(Greensboro Homebuilders Association: http://greensborobuilders.org/about/code-of-ethics/)

Don Mills Builders Inc. is a custom home builder you can trust

Don Mills is not only a member of the Greensboro Builders Association, he is the second vice president. He believes that a builder should be honest and up front when it comes to working with customers. His Greensboro new homes are built with high quality and top safety and health standards. He will listen to you and design your home to fulfill your dreams. To get started contact us here or call (336) 662-9299.

For more information about the Greensboro Homebuilders Association: http://greensborobuilders.org/about

7615 Braelands Drive, Summerfield, NC – SOLD

Address 7615 Braelands Drive, Summerfield, NC
Price $629,900
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 3.5
Square Feet 4,467
Year Built 2015
Elementary School Oak Ridge Elementary
Middle School Northwest Middle
High School Northwest High

    Front of custom home in Greensboro, NC.

    Greensboro Custom Homes: Design options to make your home more energy efficient


    The best part about custom home building is the custom part. Being the decision-maker in the largest investment of your life also gives you control to make choices that impact your life and the environment. Choosing design options that are energy efficient not only saves you money, but can help lessen your home’s impact on the environment. It can be as small a decision as choosing a faucet type to as large as choosing your home’s roofing system. But the best home builders in Greensboro, will offer lots of choices and help you choose the right energy efficient option for your new home.

    Home builders in Greensboro can install roofing systems that reduce energy use, utility bills

    Home builders in Greensboro can install roofing systems that reduce energy use, utility bills

    Energy-efficient roofing materials can significantly lower your home’s energy use which in turn shrinks greenhouse gas emissions while trimming your utility bills. A cool roof reflects a large percentage of the sun. If you are seeking an alternative to existing or less expensive shingle options, cool coatings can be applied to your roof to increase reflection and reduce absorption. The best home builders in Greensboro can also provide tiles and painted metals, that are also options to increase sun reflection and reduce greenhouse emissions. Although one of the largest choices to lowering environmental impact, roofs are not the only choices you can make to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

    Inefficient windows cause heat and money to leak right out of your Greensboro custom home

    Single paned, poorly insulated, and ill-fitting windows can increase your energy usage and utility bills dramatically. Choosing energy efficient windows that are double-paned, insulated, tight fitting and come with a heat-resistant coating can reduce your energy consumption and costs. These windows are typically energy rated, so make sure you ask questions and understand the ratings so you can choose the most efficient option for your budget. While you’re asking questions about windows, be sure you ask about energy efficient insulation.

    Insulation prevents cool air and heat from seeping through the walls of your custom-built home

    Choosing the right insulation before your home is built can reduce future costs of adding to it. While new homes have energy efficient guidelines, there are also different types of special insulation that can save energy usage by preventing air from seeping through your wall cavities. The Department of energy has a useful tool to determine type and placement of insulation should be placed in your new home. Although roofs, windows, and insulation are larger items that can save energy, don’t forget the small stuff.

    Efficient appliances and bathroom fixtures can reduce your Greensboro custom home’s energy usage

    It’s easy to choose style over efficiency if you aren’t aware of energy efficient options for appliances and water heads. Choosing appliances with energy ratings that are environmentally friendly also reduces utility bills through reduced energy consumption. Additionally, you can choose a slower flow rate faucet for your kitchen and bathrooms, and slower flow rate showerheads and toilets to utilize less water. The best home builders in Greensboro will offer a full-range of Energy Star appliances to choose from.

    When designing a new home, you can integrate your style with design options to join your desires with energy efficient choices. Not only will you save money, you will save energy; what a great way to start your future. If you want more information on how you can improve energy efficiency, visit the government’s tool here to input specific information and compare energy rates and usage in your area.

    Once you have the information you need, the next step is finding one of the best homebuilders in Greensboro who understands energy efficient home design.

    Choose Don Mills, One of the best home builders in Greensboro

    When choosing Don Mills to build Greensboro custom homes, you’re choosing one of the best home builders in Greensboro. Since 1988 Don Mills has had a reputation of being one of the finest in the industry. Let Don Mills answer your questions and walk you through how you can easily become an energy-efficient custom home owner.

    Get started on your energy efficient home construction project today by calling Don Mills Builders for a free consultation at (336) 362-1777.

    To learn more about energy efficient homes and home construction, check out these resources:

    http://energy.gov/energysaver/insulation-new-home-construction

    http://hes.lbl.gov/consumer/

    How to Choose the Right Home Builders in Greensboro

    Once you make the decision to have a custom home built, it is then time to decide who you want to build it. This is the most important decision you will make in the home building process. Choosing the right home builder in Greensboro will set the tone for the entire project. You want to build your dream home and you want to make sure it is done right.Not sure what to look for in a builder? Consider the following list of criteria to help you narrow it down.

    1. Experience. You want to hire a builder who has plenty of experience building homes in the area that fit the style, size, and price range you are considering. The more experience the better, but don’t necessarily discount newer contractors as long as they have previous experience working for an established building company.
    2. Licensed. Be sure to choose a licensed contractor that has completed the necessary education to be fully skilled in home building. When you hire a licensed builder you can count on quality craftsmanship and a structurally sound home.
    3. Warranty. Make sure the builder offers warranties on the structure itself as well as on appliances inside the home. A reputable builder should always guarantee their work, and warranties are a way to be sure that if anything does go wrong, it will be fixed at no cost to you.
    4. Price range. Decide what your budget is for a new home and find a builder who mostly builds homes in that price range. That way you are more likely to be able to stay within your budget
    5. Design. Consider the design you are interested in. Make sure the builder has experience building homes in that style and design. Browse the builder’s photo gallery on their website to get a feel for the look of typical homes built by the contractor.

    Once you have narrowed your search to just a few home builders in Greensboro, here are the next steps to help you make the final decision:

    1. Tour some Greensboro, NC homes that exhibit the work this builder has done both recently and in the past. Look for quality craftsmanship as you tour these homes. Pay attention to detail and ask questions.
    2. Ask for references. Talk to previous customers about their experience using this builder. There’s no better way to get a feel for the customer service you are likely to experience.

    By this time you should have a pretty good idea which home builders in Greensboro are right for you.

    Don Mills Builders in Greensboro custom-builds luxury homes

    When it comes to Greensboro, NC homes, Don Mills Builders custom-designs luxurious homes that are of the highest quality craftsmanship. When you are ready to build your dream home, Don Mills Builders will make your dreams a reality. Don Mills is a licensed contractor with the experience necessary to build long-lasting homes with great resale value. Browse our portfolio photo gallery of homes we have built in the triad and call us today (336) 662-9299.

    Greensboro Custom Homes: Where to Splurge


    Before you even choose a house plan, you are going to want to put aside up to ten percent of your budget for upgrades. For one thing, when those funds are allocated correctly, they add to the resale value of your home. Even if you plan to stay in your new house forever, these added touches will bring you joy every day. So either way, these are excellent investments to make. But they have to be chosen carefully and executed correctly. Here’s what you need to know.

    The Almighty Kitchen Adds Value to Greensboro Custom Homes

    It has long been known that nowhere will upgrades add value to your new house more than in the kitchen. Just a slightly more upscale range or countertop can make a huge difference in impact. And whether it is for making an impression on potential buyers or enjoying every time you prepare a meal, this is the first place you want to look at options from your custom home builder in Greensboro. The house plan you choose will come with an allowance for all your kitchen furnishings, most of which will probably be quite nice. So it will just be a matter of choosing where to spend a little more.

    Ask your Custom Home Builder about Flooring Options

    Wood and ceramic tile floors may be slightly more expensive than carpet, but they may end up being more economical in the long run, particularly if you have children and/or pets. Because, as any custom home builder in Greensboro will tell you, it’s a lot easier to stain a carpet than it is to damage hard flooring. Given all the advantages, this upgrade may entail no more than installing slightly larger ceramic tile in the kitchen or something unique and lovely in a small area at the front door. If you aren’t a particular fan of hardwood flooring everywhere, and would like a little more variety, don’t forget that parquet tiles can also offer quite an attractive look. Ask your custom home builder in Greensboro to show you all the flooring samples they offer.

    Landscape Your Custom-Built House in Greensboro for Less

    Landscaping is probably the least expensive way to add great impact to your new house. Not only is it critical for curb appeal when resale is a consideration, but it makes your residence a joy to return to for the entire time you live there. A custom home builder in Greensboro will include a landscaping allowance that should provide a pleasant backdrop for your house. So it shouldn’t cost much more to add maybe just one spectacular item to the front. But don’t neglect the back if you have a patio or yard. Whether you will be spending any time back there or are trying to impress buyers who will want to, one more extra special touch, such as a custom deck or patio, will be well worth a relatively small added expense.

    Don Mills Builders is one of the premier custom home builders in Greensboro. Quality, honesty, and satisfaction are standard in every house they build. They have a wide variety of floor plans and upgrade features to choose from. Call (336) 362-1777 for a free consultation about building your dream home.

    What to Do BEFORE Building a Custom Home in Greensboro


    As any custom home builder in Greensboro will tell you right up front, after a certain point in the process, changes become very expensive. You have a much better chance of making your dream home a reality if you do some research beforehand and have a very good idea of what you want before choosing a company to deliver a residence that will bring you joy. Here are some of the most important areas on which to focus.

    Choosing the Floor Plan for Your Custom Home in Greensboro

    Floor plans are readily available to view online, or in printed books, and this is where you should begin. But even if you think you already have some idea about how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, or prefer a style or number of floors, start by looking at everything. Because houses that don’t suit your requirements may still have features you hadn’t thought of. Make a list of all the features you like, you can narrow them down later. The best way to fine a floor plan that will suit you, is to picture going through your daily routines in each house. Imagine both workdays and weekends, looking at the flow.

    Collect Photos for Your Dream Custom Home in Greensboro

    There are so many decisions to be made when building a house from scratch. Everything from kitchen cabinets and countertops to bathroom and lighting fixtures, and down to the face plates on your light switches. It will save a great deal of time, and increase your chances of getting a house you love, if you already have some idea of the styles you like most, before having to choose amongst the options offered by a custom home builder in Greensboro. So, look online and at décor magazines and start a collection of photos. The exterior style of a house, plus kitchens and bathrooms are of the utmost importance, so pay close attention to those. But you should also have references for flooring and colors, as well as a great many tiny details.

    Picking a Neighborhood for Your Custom Home in Greensboro

    Before you start driving around, get out a map and plot the places you go most often. A work commute may be of primary importance to most people, but you want to consider extra-curricular activities, as well. If you go to a favorite gym regularly or go to school, these are also considerations. So look at both routes and alternatives. You may find that a different gym near the location you want most for your custom home in Greensboro is a trade-off you’re willing to make. Distance might not be the most important factor if there is a good highway and you’re schedule does not include normal rush hours.

    Don Mills Builders is a premier custom home builder in Greensboro. They offer a wide variety of floorplans, as well as standard and upgrade features to choose from. Call (336) 362-1777 for a free consultation.

    Nine Ways Your NC Custom Home Builder Can Create a Modern House with a Vintage Feel

    Love all the contemporary upgrades you get with a custom-built new home, but still yearn for the vintage charm of an older house? The right North Carolina custom builder can bring together the best of both worlds by creating a traditional, well-designed space that incorporates the latest advancements in home comfort.

    A city with as much history and character as Greensboro makes a perfect setting to fashion a classic household. Whether you like Craftsman, Victorian or mid-century modern, your builder should channel your creative ideas into the perfect blend of form and function. See where your imagination takes you by considering these different ways you can personalize your new space:

    1. The custom home lot

      The ideal home lot in Greensboro will provide the perfect setting for your one-of-a-kind vintage-style house. For instance, consider a lot with older trees for instant traditional landscaping. Your custom builder will help you explore all such possibilities for securing the perfect plot of land that accommodates your space and building needs.

    2. The exterior

      There is no replacement for curb appeal – your show-stopper of a residence should impress the minute anyone lays eyes on it. Exterior accents like paint, brick, wood, shutters and other features provide ample opportunities to make a statement and showcase your personality upfront. You may want to peruse your local historic neighborhoods in Greensboro for ideas.

    3. Wood

      Moving indoors, where can you start to create vintage character? Think about wood! Wooden ceiling beams, walls and floors are classic features.

    4. Crown molding

      Few things in a house evoke a bygone era more immediately than crown molding. Talk to your builder about options for classic molding styles.

    5. Color

      Consider subtle hues on the walls and the ceilings to establish a timeless North Carolina feel.

    6. Appliances

      There are many state-of-the-art new appliances that are created to look quaint, such as stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers, and even microwave ovens.

    7. Plumbing

      Your modern bathroom can still take you back in time with finishes like a claw foot bathtub and an antique-style sink and faucet.

    8. Built-ins

      Hallmarks of classic buildings include built-ins. Custom-built shelving and cabinets are great for storage and for showing off your retro collections.

    9. Details

      What really sets apart a vintage house are the little things, such as sconces and hardware with antique finishes, glass doorknobs and wrought-iron bannisters. This is where the fun really begins, and your builder should be right there with you helping you pick the right finishing touches for your forever home.

    Ready to get started now on your modern vintage home in Greensboro? Call Don Mills Builders, where you’ll find that classic kind of quality and craftsmanship that can make your vintage dreams come true from the lot up.

    The Dos and Don’ts of Custom Home Building


    Custom home building is an exciting and rewarding process. But for most, it is also a journey that begins in uncharted territory. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and many don’t know where to start. When beginning your search for the best home builders in Greensboro, equip yourself with tips from people who have done it before you to make your task simpler and more enjoyable. Outlining the to-do’s will create focal points while naturally highlighting the don’ts.

    The Dos

    You’ll notice a common theme of your to-do list; and that is research. Just as you’re doing now; researching provides you with the education and expectations to prepare you for a successful project.

    • Do your own planning first: Devising a plan of the type of home, its materials, style, and layout you want are important precursors that may impact your choice of home builder. Take your time and create a journal of your desires until a solid plan is carved out. Once you have a solid plan, then you can start researching home builders who can deliver it.
    • Do research builders: There are many builders to choose from. Distinguishing the best home builders in Greensboro from average ones will help you find the right builder with the skills and experience you need to guide you through the complex process of building a custom home. Visiting their websites, jobsites, model homes, and searching for any complaints online about them will help narrow down your selection.
    • Do ask experts: After researching and narrowing down a selection of contractors, also ask industry affiliates for their opinions on your contractors. Real estate agents, sub-contractors, and even inspectors can help you reduce your list to the top selections.
    • Do research numerous layouts for your home: Researching layouts is important. These are the plans for how functional and aesthetically pleasing your home will be. Play around with several layouts. If you change the kitchen, see how that will impact your dining area or other adjacent area. This is your custom home, so make it yours.

    Now that you know the dos, guessing the don’ts is easy:

    • Don’t start without a plan
    • Don’t rush the planning stage
    • Don’t go with the first home builder.
    • Don’t settle for layouts

    Now that you have a plan for beginning the process of finding the best home builders in Greensboro, keep the momentum going; there’s a lot more to learn about the process of building Greensboro custom homes.

    Choose one of the best home builders in Greensboro

    When choosing Don Mills to build Greensboro custom homes, you’re choosing one of the best home builders in Greensboro. Since 1988 Don Mills has had a reputation of being one of the finest in the industry. Let Don Mills Builders answer your questions and walk you through how you can easily become a custom home owner.

    Discover one of Greensboro’s best home builders today by completing the contact form here, or calling (336) 362-1777.