Local Home Builder vs. National Company – Pros and Cons

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As you think about hiring a home builder to take on your upcoming project, you have two options at your disposal – a local home builder or a national company. At first, you might be tempted to default to the national company, perhaps for no other reason than recognizing their name from other projects. But is that the right choice? Or should you favor a local builder instead? This article will take a closer look.

 

Don Mills is among the best Greensboro homebuilders available today. As a local builder that knows the market and has completed many successful projects for previous clients, Don Mills can be trusted to deliver a stunning finished custom home.

 

Don’t Fall Into This Trap

The first point to keep in mind in this debate is that you shouldn’t just assume the size of a national builder will automatically lead to a better finished product. That simply isn’t the case. There are many great local builders – like Don Mills – that will do outstanding work for their clients.

 

Growing a business to the scale of a national builder isn’t really about the quality of that company’s work so much as it is about its ability to market effectively, and spot opportunities for growth. In other words, national builders gain their status more on the basis of business acumen than house-building skills.

 

Local Builders Provide Many Advantages

When you start to look closer at the pros and cons of these two options, you are going to find that the local builder comes out on top again and again. The following points tip the scales in favor of the local option –

 

  • Local knowledge. One of the best reasons to opt for a local builder is the in-depth knowledge of the area where you plan to build your new home. The builder you pick will have built other homes around the area – and maybe even in the same neighborhood – and that experience is invaluable.

 

  • Build a relationship. Large, national builders operate like any other corporation. That means they have systems and processes in place to optimize each project from start to finish. This approach is great for their bottom line but it doesn’t do much for you. Alternatively, when you go with a local builder, you can create a relationship with the people who work in the business, and you can enjoy an open line of communication as a result. Have a question or concern? Your builder will always be a cell phone call away.

 

  • Total investment. In addition to having a better experience and getting exactly what you want, you might even spend less in the end with a local builder. National companies have significant overhead that they need to cover, but local builders operate with a lean staff and minimal other costs. To get the best possible value for your money, go with the local option.

 

Can quality custom homes be constructed by national companies? Of course – but the personal touch that you get with a local builder is just too appealing to pass up. Reach out to Don Mills today to schedule an appointment to discuss your plans for this exciting project.

Why a Luxury Home is a Great Investment

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Living in a custom luxury home is a dream for many people. Being able to come home at the end of each day to a space that is finished beautifully and fits the needs of you and your family is a treat, to say the least. With that said, there is another reason to consider building a luxury home – it can be a great long-term investment that may pay off nicely years down the road.

 

As a luxury home builder in North Carolina, Don Mills has an excellent record of customer satisfaction. Reach out today to learn more about the process of building your dream custom home in Greensboro or the surrounding areas.

 

Defining a “Great Investment”

There are two ways to look at the idea of an investment when buying a house. The first is probably what you are thinking of right now – the equity you can build over the years that can eventually be turned into cash when you sell. That’s a meaningful opportunity and it can be a great way to build wealth – although market conditions are out of your control and will play a role in this math, as well.

 

The other way your purchase of a luxury home can be considered a great investment is by serving your needs for many years to come. That will mean you don’t have to spend the money on another house anytime soon, and you’ll wind up getting great value for your money by staying in place. It’s the combination of these two kinds of return on investment that makes a luxury home particularly appealing.

 

It’s About Location

You won’t be surprised to hear that location is important in real estate – that’s a concept that is understood by anyone who’s ever purchased a home. With regard to luxury homes, these types of higher end properties are usually in exclusive communities, meaning you’ll be in a desirable area of Guilford County that is likely to remain strong in terms of value well into the future. In other words, if you live in a neighborhood that is more desirable to homebuyers, your investment will be solid. Also, you won’t be motivated to move anytime soon, because you’ll be in a great place surrounded by good neighbors.

 

Custom Touches Make a Big Difference

If you build a luxury home from the ground up with the help of an experienced custom home builder, like Don Mills, you’ll be able to add custom touches throughout the house that allow it to serve your needs perfectly. For example, if you work from home, you might include a particularly large office in the floor plan. Or, if you like to host family dinners, a large dining room and a big patio could be on the priority list. Whatever the case, being able to customize your house will ensure that it suits your requirements and is a great place for you to love over the coming years. And, when the time does come to sell, you should find that plenty of prospective buyers are just as excited about those custom touches as you were.

 

Working with a proven custom home builder can make the process of creating a new luxury home a pleasure from start to finish. For that, turn to Don Mills and you, like hundreds of homeowners that have come before you, certainly won’t be disappointed.

Key Details That Make Your Custom Home YOURS

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Designing a custom home in can be overwhelming given all the options and decisions that need to be made.  That’s just one of the many reasons to work with one of the best and most experienced builders in North Carolina, Don Mills. The team at Don Mills Builders will help plan out every detail that goes into the home to ensure it looks amazing and will be a place you can call your own and love. The Don Mills Builders team will be with you every step of the way as you go through all of the details, that will make your custom home completely unique. Some of the options to consider include:

 

Custom Staircases

 

When you consider a staircase for your custom home, think of unique ways that you can make the staircase stand out. In many homes, the staircase can turn into a centerpiece for the whole home. Consider whether a grand staircase can fit into your plans or even a curved stair to add an element of surprise right in the middle of the home. Think about the materials used on the stairs and any design features that will help inspire awe when people walk in the door.

 

Custom Built-Ins

 

There are a number of different custom built-ins that you can add to your home. For example, how would a unique bookshelf or secret cabinets look within the home. Maybe you would like to add a large desk to one of the rooms for work or a butler’s pantry. The back entry, study, and living room are three places where you can have some fun adding custom built-ins that make the home your own.

 

The Doors

 

Selecting the doors to go into your home can be a unique challenge. You don’t want o spend too much on these, but you also want to go with something that is elegant and will really stick out. Avoid the hallow doors that seem light and flimsy and can take away from the quality you want in your home. You can also choose to customize some of the paneling around the door to give the luxurious design you would like.

 

The Details on Walls and Ceilings

 

As you are designing your custom home, think about the walls and the ceilings. You are not stuck with the builder beige that comes in many homes because you can have full say in how the walls are finished. Maybe you would like some solid or boxed beams, some unique paneling, or a certain paint color that makes a particular room pop.

 

At the same time, think about the lighting. The type of lighting and where you plan to place it can make your home very unique. Maybe choose some adjustable lights so you can have plenty of brightness during the day, while turning it down when it is time to relax at night.

 

When you are ready to create a custom home that is all yours, you will likely  spend some time searching online for  “custom home builders near me.” There are many great home builders in North Carolina but one of the premier builders in the country is right here in Guilford County, Don Mills Builders.  Working with Don Mills will allow you to take all of your visions of a custom home and turn them into reality.

Why a Wine Cellar is a Great Addition to Your Custom Home

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Building custom homes in Greensboro is a labor of love for Don Mills builders.  The team has built hundreds of dream homes in Guilford County and surrounding areas.  If you are interested in having your dream home built you have a lot of options for what to include in your home; customizing it to match your specific needs. As you consider the right additions that will work well for your lifestyle, consider whether a wine cellar could be a nice addition for your custom home.

 

To start, a wine cellar could be a wonderful feature, especially if you love having a glass of wine at night or for a special occasion, With the customized cellar in place, you can purchase wine in bulk when it is available at a good price and have the perfect place to store it. Your wine cellar allows you to keep a larger selection of wines at home, which means you always have options no matter the occasion. And since good wines will taste even better when they are given time to age, you could save money by doing the aging process on your own.

 

Some of the other benefits you can enjoy when you work with custom home builders to add a wine cellar into your custom home include:

 

  • Convenience: The wine that you need will always be on hand, making it easier to enjoy a nice glass, no matter the occasion, without ever having to run to the store.

 

  • Expertise in wine: As you use your wine cellar to build up your wine collection, you will become more of an expert in different types of wine that you enjoy.

 

  • Higher resale value: Adding a wine cellar to your custom home can help improve the resale value. This is a great status symbol that is not found in most homes, which will help make the value go up.

 

  • A bigger wine collection: With a whole cellar at your disposal, you will be able to add a lot of different types of wine to your home, giving you more selection than others can have.

 

  • Organization: A wine cellar is an excellent addition to your home to allow for organization throughout. When you have that extra space, you can put wines together in the way that makes the most sense for you.

 

As you search for the right custom home builders in Greensboro, you should ask whether they are able to help add a wine cellar to your new home. This can be a great way for you to explore more about wines, have a larger wine collection, and add a piece to your customized home that is completely unique.

 

As you work with your custom home builders, there are many unique features you can add into each property. Whether you are looking to pick out a custom wine cellar or add something special to another part of your home, designing your custom home in Greensboro can be a lot of fun. Trust the team at Don Mills Builders to work with you on any customizations you want in your dream home.

Buying a Custom Home vs. An Existing Home

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When you are looking to purchase your first home or ready to move into something new, most home buyers will have two choices they can make. They can purchase an existing home and deal with some of the problems that may arise from that property, or they can work with custom home builders and create their own custom home. But which of these two options makes the most sense for you?

 

The Price of Building vs. Buying

 

The first thing to look at is what the costs will be to purchase a home or build one. You have to consider all of the costs that come with both decisions. While most existing homes will be less for the purchase price, you can’t add any customizations, there will be more repair bills, the home might not be energy efficient, and you won’t have a brand-new home.

 

When calculating some of the costs of your custom built home, there are a few things to consider. These include:

 

  • The cost of the land: The amount you spend on this will depend on where you would like to have the custom home built.

 

  • Basic home costs: These will be items like the materials, the foundation, plumbing, the HVAC system and the interior features that you would like in the home.

 

  • Option costs: These are the extra costs involved with the customizations that will make your new home unique and better suited for you and your family.

 

When you purchase an existing home, the property is not going to include upgrades or anything more than a few minor repairs, which means you will have to pay foot the bill for any renovations or large repairs that the home needs.

 

Energy Savings of a Custom Home

 

Another thing to consider is that many custom homes are made to be energy efficient, which will save you a lot of money over time. By being up to 70% more energy efficient compared to existing homes, you will be able to lower your monthly utility bills, without having to spend extras to upgrade the windows, appliances, and lighting that you might need to upgrade in an existing home.

 

The Location of the Home

 

When it comes to existing homes, you of course are limited on the location of existing neighborhoods. You may have a specific area you would like to live, but you will have to wait until a home becomes available, if ever.

 

Purchasing a custom-built home allows you to have more freedom of choice when picking the right area for your new home. You can choose from many new home communities to find the area that is near good schools or close to certain parts of town and you have the option of building on a lot that is larger.

 

Buying a custom home can be a great option when you want a brand new home with all the customizations that are available today. Choosing new home communities can provide safety and some of the best features in town, no matter your age or interests. If you have decided to build your own custom home rather than purchasing an existing home, make sure to work with one of the best custom home builders, Don Mills Builders who will take your visions and turn them into the perfect home for your family.

7 Great Tips for Success on Working with Your Custom Builder

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When you are tired of looking through all of the homes for sale and not finding something that makes you excited or seems like “the one”, it may be time to explore some of the other options for getting your new home. The right Greensboro Custom Home Builder can provide you with simple solutions to create a home, giving you exactly what you want right from the beginning. 

 

Many homeowners will start to look at custom homes and get excited about creating a living space that is all their own. But they aren’t sure how to get started on finding the right custom homebuilder for their project. Some of the tips you can use to help you work with a custom homebuilder includes:

 

  1. Look at all the options: The first step is to look at all of the options for custom homes. You do not need to make all decisions right away, but having a good idea of the style and size and cost of home can help you limit some of the potential contractors you would work with.

 

  1. Get more than one bid: Once you know what you want in a home, you might want to get several bids for the project. This will help you to compare prices and determine how important quality is to you.

 

  1. Have a budget in place from the start: It is really easy to get caught up in all of the extras and the upgrades if you are not careful. Putting a budget in place from the start will help you to stay on track and the home to not get too expensive.

 

  1. Ask for references ahead of time: As you look through your potential contractors, ask for references for each one. Then take the time to call these references. The things past clients will say, or not say, about a contractor will help aid in your decision on who to hire. You want to work with a builder that is experienced and has a proven track record.  You definitely don’t want a builder that is learning his or her craft on your home.

 

  1. Think about your future: When you create a custom home, you must consider your lifestyle and how it will change. Do you plan to add to your family or to host lots of gatherings? Then extra bedrooms will be nice. Do you plan to start a business? Create a space for your own office. If you plan to downsize soon because the kids will leave, you will want to factor that in as well. They may influence the location and the size of the bedrooms. 

 

  1. Sign a building contract: Before any construction begins, review the contract with your custom home builder. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start. You want to work with a home builder that is transparent about cost and how his or her pricing works.

 

  1. Understand the delays: Construction delays on a custom home are normal. Bad weather, issues with scheduling, and currently delayed materials can push back your home completion day. Plan on the delays from the start and keep communication open with the builder. Keep in mind supply chain issues are giving people problems in a variety of industries.  Unfortunately homebuilding is not immune to this.

 

When you want the best in custom homebuilders in North Carolina, you want to work with the team at Don Mills. They have the right experience creating the best in custom homes for all of their clients in North Carolina. No matter how big your dreams of the perfect home are, contact Don Mills to turn it into a reality.

What Makes a Forever Home?

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Some home buyers eagerly choose the first house that fits their budget and that will work for them, currently. They may not worry about staying in the home forever because recently, it is so hard to get into the market and many people figure they can purchase and sell the home later when they want to move.

 

However, there is a better way. To avoid all of the hassle of buying and selling again and moving again and dealing with loans and a closing…again, you may want to consider finding your forever home. Finding a forever home that is already built can be difficult in a buyers market, and nearly impossible in the current still hot housing market; but custom-built homes can make your forever home a reality much sooner than you might think. Some of the components of a home that can turn it into your forever home includes:

 

A Design to Last

 

Your forever home needs to have staying power. You want a strong design that will not bring in a ton of structural and maintenance issues down the road. Your Greensboro Homebuilder should be able to help you to complete a survey of the land and use only high-quality materials so your home can last for years down the road.  This is especially true if you choose one of North Carolina’s premier Custom Home builders, Don Mills.

 

Good Mixture of Space Available

 

Think about the space that is available in the home and how you could utilize it now and in the future. Having a good mixture of private and social space in the home can be wise. You want room to socialize and have people over, along with some areas where you can be on your own. The space should reflect the needs of each family member and be adaptable to change as time passes.

 

Think about how you will use the space in the home, whether you have enough bedrooms, or if any space has the potential to be used for different purposes. For example, can one room be used as a playroom now and turn into a bedroom or a dining room later?  What about the bedrooms of your children, will they become guest rooms when they leave the nest, or have you always wanted a room dedicated to your hobby?

 

The Location

 

Think about the location of the home and what works for you. Some like to live near the city but not in it. so they do not have to travel a lot, while those with kids want to be in the Northwest of Greensboro where some of the highest rated schools are.  Have you looked at Summerfield and Oakridge, which both have excellent schools and where you can have a larger lot and a very peaceful neighborhood?

 

Think about your ideal place to live and whether that will suit you both now and in the future before you talk to any homebuilders in North Carolina.

 

A Sense of Community

 

Take a look at the community around the home you plan to build. Custom built homes are wonderful, but if you do not like the local area around the home, you are not going to be satisfied no matter how wonderful the home is. Take a look around the neighborhood and make sure that you are like it and feel comfortable being there long-term.

 

When you are ready to find your forever home, it is time to consider custom built homes to get it done. With the right Greensboro custom home builders, Don Mills, you will be able to customize and choose each component of your new home and make it exactly the way you want. Don Mills, has decades of experience helping homeowners create a custom home of their dreams so they can move in and enjoy it for years to come. Contact them today to create your ideal forever home.

Is Wallpaper Back in Style?

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One “oldie but goodie” trend that is showing up in more luxury homes today is wallpaper. While this one almost disappeared for a while, homeowners are flocking back to it for the “look” of it, the ease of cleaning, the many styles, the durability and perhaps for some, the nostalgia.

 

The New and Improved Wallpaper

 

Just because wallpaper is making a comeback does not mean you are stuck with the ugly designs and nauseating florals that your grandparents favored. Modern wallpaper comes in a variety of stylish and sleek designs, with fresh colors and unique patterns and textures, but there are also plenty of “vintage” options if you wanted to recreate a look from an earlier era.

 

Choosing wallpaper for your custom home can be fun and also a way to include other family members.  You can keep it simple and understated as a way to liven up the walls and protect them against chipping and scuffs through the years. Or you can choose something that is bold and fits your style. The modern wallpaper that you can choose is also lighter, easier to put up, and easier to remove compared to the wallpaper of the past. This makes it an excellent option for a new custom home.

 

The Cost and Installation of Wallpaper

 

While wallpaper does take a little more time to install on your own, it can make sense in almost any room of the home. You can also choose professional installation to make sure the paper goes up correctly, without any creases or unsightly bubbles or tears. Just make sure to factor in the additional costs that go along with having it installed.

 

The costs for choosing a roll of paper will depend on the type of wallpaper that you would like to use. The nice wallpaper that will protect the walls and can last for decades in your home can be between $15 to $30 a roll.

 

Why is Wallpaper a Good Choice?

 

Many homeowners are wary about adding wallpaper to their custom home because they have visions of the monstrosities that used to be on the walls of homes from the 1800s. Luckily, things have changed, and modern wallpaper is more stylish and beautiful. There are many benefits to choosing wallpaper for your home including:

 

  • It is durable and can last for 15 years or more. This makes it a cost-effective way to make any home look luxurious.

 

  • Wallpaper allows you to choose different types of textures for the wall and can even add designs that are not possible with paint.

 

  • Wallpaper is easy to clean, while looking like new, something that is nearly impossible with paint after a few years; especially, if you have pets and kids.

 

Designing custom homes can be a process that takes some time. You want to make sure that the finished product looks the exact way that you want before you move in. As you are looking into homebuilders in Oak Ridge to create your new home, consider the team at Don Mills. With years of experience creating custom homes for their clients, Don Mills are the homebuilders in Oak Ridge you can trust. Contact them today to discuss bringing your dream home to life.

Five Things Homeowners Regret Not Knowing Before Building a Custom Home

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Working with a Greensboro homebuilder to create a custom home can be an exciting experience. You get to choose exactly what goes into your home, without having to wait out the market and hope something shows up without a lot of competition. Before you jump into the process of building your own custom home, it is a good idea to be prepared and have some understanding of all the work that goes into it.

 

To help you prepare, take a look at these five things homeowners have said that they regret not knowing before building a custom home.

 

  1. There will be decision fatigue: In some cases, you have to make decisions about every single item in your custom home. From the type of windows to the flooring, doorknobs and everything in between, you are in control. This can be nice, but it can also lead to fatigue. When you are done, you may never want to make another decision again. Of course if you are working with an experienced team like at Don Mi.  Builders, they will help with a lot of these decisions and once they know your preferences, can alleviate your “decision burn-out.”

 

  1. The timeline will change: It is very unlikely that the original finish date will be the actual date that you move in. The weather, lack of materials, and other situations can make construction take longer than planned. Do not hold too fast to that original closing date.

 

  1. Watch for the shortcuts: The best builders in Greensboro will not try to cut corners, but some companies may try when they want to cut costs. Know what to look for in these shortcuts so you don’t get left with more work when it is done. And make sure you are working with a solid homebuilder with an excellent reputation for quality.  Having a chance to see some of the builder’s previous work is one key way to avoid this pitfall.

 

  1. Get ready to spend more: The original price you see for a custom home assumes that you do not want any major changes or upgrades. It is better to get the exact countertops you want now rather than replacing them in a few years, but keep in mind that some upgrades cost more. The best way to avoid this is to work with a builder, like Don Mills that goes over the contract and explains exactly what you will be getting and explains what constitutes a “change order.”  If you work with a builder that doesn’t have experience or integrity, you may find that too many things that you think should have been included are considered, “change orders.”

 

 

  1. You may need alternate living plans: Be prepared to have alternate living arrangements for a short time in between leaving your home to move into the custom home. Month to month leases are an option in many areas, but you should budget for these and not be surprised if you have to wait longer to move into the home. Again, working with an experienced Custom Home Builder, e.g. Don Mills can help resolve this issue as well.

 

Don Mills is considered by many to be one of the best builders in Greensboro. Their team has the right experience to help you create a home that is comfortable, unique, and perfect for all your needs, now and in the future. Contact the team at Don Mills to discuss your own custom home and to avoid you have any “builder’s remorse.” 

Can You Design Your Own Custom Home and Have it Built?

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The real estate market has been tough over the past few years. Many factors have come together to bring a ton of buyers into the market and with limited inventory; it is harder to find the home of your dreams in this kind of market.  But rather than fighting with all of the other interested buyers in the market, it may be time to build a custom home in Greensboro. 

 

A custom home can provide you with exactly what you want, without fighting to outbid other interested buyers or spending too much on the existing home real estate market. With the right North Carolina custom home builders helping you from start to finish, you can get the ideal home built for you and your family without having to “settle.” 

 

Know What You Want

 

Before you begin building your custom home, take the time to plan out exactly what you want in your dream home. You can choose the size and style of the home, your preferred building materials, and the extra features that are important to you and will help to make this home uniquely yours. Take a look at other custom homes in Greensboro to give you an idea of what is possible and which features you like and dislike about each one.

 

Spend Time Planning with Your Builder

 

When you choose one of the premier North Carolina custom home builders such as Don Mills to help you create a masterpiece to call home, you will learn that you can rely on them to work out so many of the details and take a lot of decisions off your plate.

 

Your home contractor will get an accurate picture of how you want the final home to look.  Once the framing of the home goes up, your costs for any changes will increase, so you will want to make sure that you are clear on everything ahead of time. If you are working with the right custom home builder, he/she will discuss all of your options with you to make this process easier.

 

Check References and Licensing

 

Many companies promise to build the home of your dreams, but always check into their licensing and references before you decide to work with them. Give those references a call as well. Learn what the client liked about that builder or if they would recommend that builder for your project. Visit the custom homes the builder has worked on so you can get a good feel for the type of homes that they build.  For example, if you are building a home in the $800,000 to $1 million price range, you want to make sure your homebuilder has experience in building homes at this price point. 

 

Get It in Writing

 

Do not get any work started on your new home without a contract in place. The more details that are in the contract, the better.

 

When you are ready to create your own custom home, make sure to contact Don Mills, one of the top North Carolina custom home builders. The Don Mills team has experience working to create custom homes in Greensboro and surrounding areas that are second to none.  Contact them for your home consultation today.