Must Haves for your New Custom Built Home

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Are you planning a custom home? Whether you’re just thinking about it or you’re already in the design phase, you may be wondering what you should include. If you want the latest features and state of the art technology in your home, here are some of the most requested items that custom home builders in Greensboro, NC are getting from homebuyers. 

 

Mud Room 

A mud room has always been an important feature in a home, but the pandemic has made it even more necessary. When everyone comes in from outside, it helps to have a place to take off shoes and coats and hang up bags before entering the living area of the home. Having a sink in the mudroom is especially helpful so that everyone can wash their hands. This way all of the outside dirt and germs get left at the door and the rest of the home is cleaner and healthier. 

 

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where everyone gathers for meals every day. And if everyone is working and learning at home, the kitchen is busier than ever. Here are some features to make your kitchen more functional. 

 

  • Under cabinet lighting. It helps to be able to see what you’re doing on your counters, whether it’s preparing food or drinks. LED lights under your cabinets can illuminate your workspace and make food prep more convenient. 
  • Plenty of outlets. You’ll need an outlet for every electrical appliance you use in your kitchen, so there’s no such thing as too many. Toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, food processors, waffle irons, griddles, sandwich presses, and more can make it easier to prepare a variety of foods at home. 
  • Pot filler. When you need to boil water, filling a large pot with water at the sink and carrying it to your stovetop can be easier said than done. A pot filler is a water source right next to your stove for filling pots while they are sitting on the burner. 
  • Island with seating. Kitchen islands are not going away. In fact, they are just getting bigger. Many families find it convenient to have seating directly in the kitchen, and a large island can feature a counter with stools.

 

In the Bathroom

Bathroom features and decor are becoming sleeker and more modern. If you want a luxury master bathroom, a spacious guest bathroom, and functional bathrooms for the kids, here are the features you’ll want to include. 

 

  • Freestanding master bathtub. Built-in tubs are a thing of the past. Your modern master bathroom should have a freestanding soaking tub to relax in after a long day. 
  • Luxury master shower. Include space for a large walk-in shower with multiple shower heads in your master bath. You can even opt for a ceiling mount rain shower head to be fully enveloped in warm water. 
  • Jack and Jill bathroom. For the kids, a jack and jill bathroom provides easier access from the bedrooms and reduces the number of doorways leading out into the hall. Incorporate a separate vanity and sink space from the bath and shower for easier sharing of bathroom time. 
  • Plenty of storage. Storage in the bathroom is an absolute necessity for towels, personal toiletry items, laundry, cleaning supplies, and more. Make storage understated to blend in with the style of the bathroom and to reduce the bulky cabinet look. 
  • Separate water closet. Having a separate closed off area for the toilet offers wonderful privacy in all bathrooms, including the master. 

 

Outside:

Outdoor spaces are receiving more focus than ever in custom home designs. Builders in Greensboro, NC are helping homeowners enjoy the beautiful southern weather with custom designed patios and landscaping. 

 

  • Covered patio. Elaborate stone and concrete patios and becoming more popular than wood decks because they last longer and require much less maintenance. Covered patio space is invaluable for shade and to protect patio furniture from rain and sun damage. 
  • Outdoor fireplace. Include a large stone fireplace in your patio design with built in seating around it. This is a step up from the standard fire pit design. 
  • Entertaining space. Take entertaining into account and place seating in different areas for strategic gathering spaces. Have stone pathways leading guests from one place to another so that there’s a natural flow of movement. 
  • Plants and trees can be planted accordingly to provide privacy and to create the right type of mood. Choose bushes and plants that are native to the area that will thrive without too much maintenance. 
  • Pool and/or hot tub. These days people are staying more private and including pools and hot tubs in their backyards rather than using community pools. 

 

Technology

To have a truly modern home, you need the latest technological features built in, such as: 

 

  • Smart features. Smart homes are becoming the norm as homeowners are looking for convenience and every savings. Your home’s systems can all be networked and controlled by a panel or device, including heating and cooling, lighting, water, door locks, and more. 
  • Energy efficient appliances. If you want to save energy and money, purchase high efficiency appliances for your home from your HVAC system to kitchen appliances. 
  • Built-in sound system. Have a speaker system built into your home that can play music, sound from the TV, and more in each room or throughout your home, even outside. 

 

Don Mills Builders in Greensboro, NC Wants You to Have it All

If you’re interested in building a custom home that will have every detail you want, Don Mills builders in Greensboro, NC designs truly customized luxury homes. A Don Mills original is not a spec home. Your home will be truly unique, designed to meet the needs of your family and include all of the latest features. Don Mills listens to your wants and needs and creates your home to have it all. 

Call (336) 362-1777 today or request a consultation.

The History of Summerfield, NC

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Are you thinking of buying or building a home in Summerfield, North Carolina? A suburb of Greensboro, Summerfield is quickly becoming a well-developed area while still maintaining a small town feel. 

 

Summerfield homebuilders, such as Don Mills Builders are constructing custom homes in the most highly desired neighborhoods in the area. If you’re interested in a truly unique custom home in a great location, check out what this town has to offer.

 

The Foundation of Summerfield

Dating back to 1769, Summerfield began as a 640 acre plot of land purchased by Charles Bruce. This original homestead grew and the community expanded around this location that is now the heart of the historic district of Summerfield. 

 

The area mostly consisted of individually owned farms and homesteads, with corn, tobacco, and cattle being the biggest products. The crops from these farms supplied the cities of Greensboro and Winston Salem throughout the 1800s. 

 

Summerfield’s Part in the American Revolution 

Charles Bruce’s home was the meeting location of a group of patriots known as the “Friends of Liberty” that supported the revolution. Bruce fought against the local Tories and British troops, acting as a recruiting officer to bring in as many people as possible to fight for the cause. 

 

The story of the Bugler Boy is an important part of Summerfield’s Revolutionary War history. James Gillies played the bugle for “Light Horse” Harry Lee, an American General, but was killed in a skirmish by  Banastre Tarleton’s dragoons. and is buried in the Bruce family cemetery. The grave is located across the street from Summerfield Elementary and is the namesake for the school newspaper, The Bugler. 

 

How Summerfield Got its Name

You may wonder why Summerfield is not named after its founder, Charles Bruce. In fact it was called Bruce’s Crossroads until 1812 when a traveling preacher named John Summerfield came to town and held a revival. He decided to settle down in the area and the townspeople decided to rename the town on his behalf. 

 

The Evolution of Summerfield 

In the 1870s Summerfield began to evolve into a business hub as stores were built at the crossroads of highway 150 and highway 220. The railroad also came through the area about this time, increasing the amount of travel and commerce in Summerfield. The tracks have since been removed, but you can still see the evidence of the railroad from the Toscana and Lake Brandt greenways. 

 

In 1996 Summerfield was officially incorporated as a town and it continues to grow and develop through the various housing communities and new businesses that are going up in the area. 

 

Become a Part of Summerfield’s Future with Don Mills Builders 

If you think Summerfield sounds like the right place to build a home, Don Mills Builders can offer you a wide range of ready-to-build homesites in the many up and coming neighborhoods. As one of the premier Summerfield homebuilders, Don Mills can create the home of your dreams in a convenient location with small town charm. 

 

Call (336) 362-1777 or request a quote today on an original Don Mills custom home. 

Home Decor Trends for 2021

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Are you planning to build a custom home in 2021? As with any new year, there are new home decor trends that are must haves for your home. Create a home that’s on the cutting edge of the 2021 decor scene for custom homes in Summerfield. 

 

Major themes in home decor for 2021 include luxury and comfort. After spending so much time at home in 2020, homeowners are realizing the importance of modern conveniences and personalized spaces. Try including some of these design trends in your new home. 

 

Living Greenery and Indoor Herbs

Spending so much time indoors helped us realize we need fresh air more than ever. Expect to see a lot of indoor plants in 2021. Greenery helps to make indoor spaces seem bright and fresh. Indoor herb gardens are another way to bring in the freshness of the outdoors, and since we’re all cooking at home a bit more, make good use of the variety of flavors. 

 

Bidets

Let’s be honest, the toilet paper shortage made everyone a bit uncomfortable last year. As a result, people are requesting bidets more than ever in custom home bathrooms. You may start to see these as a common household fixture in 2021 and into the future. 

 

Smart Lighting Concepts

Working and learning from home made many families reconsider their home lighting concepts. Replacing bulbs with brighter, more efficient LEDs is a start. But smart lighting can be controlled through a remote, a handheld device like your phone, or even voice controlled.  

 

Durable, Bold Fabrics

Another realization we made in 2020 is that when spending more time at home, we need durable fabrics that will hold up to the rigors of daily life. Bold colors and patterns are also more resilient to the wear and tear of kids and pets. Homes in 2021 will be life proof. 

 

Patterned Floors

Bolder patterns on floors are coming back, especially in bathrooms. You can expect to see diamond patterns in tile from black and white to a variety of colors. Patterns are even being painted onto wood floors to give them a bold, 3 dimensional look.  

 

Dark Earth Tones

It may seem counterintuitive to decorate our homes with dark colors when we’re cooped up inside, but deep earth tones are very soothing and rich, making indoor spaces feel more comfortable and inviting. Bright colors are not as easy on the eyes when you’re looking at them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t be afraid to use a darker color palate. 

 

Transitional Rooms

This may be the biggest trend for 2021. We had to transform the rooms in our homes to incorporate all of the things we suddenly needed to do at home. Bedrooms double as offices, dining rooms became classrooms, kitchens became science labs, and living rooms became home gyms. In the future, home design will involve reinventing spaces so that they are multi-functional. 

 

Don Mills Builders Keeps Up With the Latest Design Trends

If you’re looking into custom homes in Summerfield, Don Mills Builders is watching home decor trends to ensure we can offer you the most popular new ideas. 

Call (336) 362-1777 or request a consultation.

Things to Include in Your Custom Home to Make Life Easier

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The dream of building a custom home is so appealing because you get to add exactly the right features to make sure the house serves your family and friends for years to come. Unlike a mass-produced design, a custom home is tailored to your desires. So, what kinds of features should you consider? This point will highlight some intriguing ideas for your upcoming project.

 

Among the many homebuilders in NC, Don Mills stands out as a great choice for buyers seeking a custom, upscale experience. Contact Don Mills Builders today to learn more about making your dream home a reality.

 

Consider a Home Gym

If you are building a home from scratch and can include all of the design elements you desire, think about going with a home gym as one of your key elements. How does this make your life easier? It’s simple – instead of getting into your car to head to a local gym every time you want some exercise, you can just walk to your workout room and get started.

 

This is an added convenience that can save you time and also make it more likely that you’ll keep up with an exercise routine. By thinking about this feature from the start, you can design the home gym intentionally, rather than trying to turn another room into a gym at a later date. Features like tougher flooring and soundproofed walls will make your gym a great place to spend time.

 

Smart Home Features

The popularity of smart home technology has been exploding in recent years, and building a custom home is the perfect time to integrate many of these technologies into a central system. Your HVAC system is a great place to start, as it’s relatively simple to set up smart technology to control heating and cooling.

 

Another helpful smart home feature is smart locks for all of your doors. Instead of always having to keep a key on hand and having to make sure everyone you want to give access to the home has a key, you can control your doors remotely with smart locks.

 

Open-Concept Living Space

The trend of designing homes with large open spaces is not going anywhere anytime soon, and for good reason. By opening up the floor plan and limiting the number of walls in the living area of the home, it will be easier to move around even when a large group has gathered.

 

Many people like an open design because of how it feels, and that’s a great part of the appeal, but it’s also nice to have flexibility in how you design your space with furniture. When more walls are used to divide up the space, you only have one or two options in a room for how the furniture can be laid out. By opening everything up, the sky is the limit, and you might find that your home will evolve over time based on the changing needs of your family.

What’s the Difference Between a Kitchen and a “Gourmet Kitchen?”

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For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. This is a room that gets used nearly every day, and it is often a gathering point for everyone in the family. If you love to cook, you might not be satisfied with a standard kitchen – you may have your sights set on a “gourmet kitchen”. But what does that mean? This article will highlight some of the features commonly seen in a kitchen that rises to gourmet standards.

 

To work with a builder who has created many of the best custom homes Greensboro has to offer, contact Don Mills today to get started.

 

Start with Space

The experience of cooking is greatly improved when ample space is available to do your work. Trying to prepare complex meals in a cramped kitchen is hard to enjoy. So, one of the first points that you’ll look for when designing a gourmet kitchen is plenty of counter space on which to work. That could come in the form of counters up against the walls of the kitchen, and it will also likely include a kitchen island.

 

In addition to counter space, having plenty of room to move around in the kitchen from place to place is an important element. Do you like to cook with family or friends? Doing so in a spacious kitchen where everyone can flow around without any trouble is a great way to spend your time.

 

Look to the Appliances

With the layout of the kitchen established, the next step toward a gourmet kitchen of your dreams is picking out the perfect appliances. You’ll want to feature high-end, quality appliances in this kind of kitchen, which will elevate not only the performance of the space, but the look, as well.

 

It’s important to remember that you are not restricted to the standard set of appliances that you find in most kitchens. An oven, microwave, and dishwasher are a great starting point, but other components can be added, as well. For instance, many gourmet-style kitchens include a second oven without a range, so making large meals for events like holidays is significantly easier. 

 

The Little Touches

As the design and equipment for your kitchen round into shape, you’ll want to consider the small finishing touches that can really make this a great place to cook. These kinds of touches can come in all shapes and sizes, and they will largely depend on how you like to prepare food. Maybe you want to add an additional sink – perhaps in the island – to have more options. Or, you could add a tap behind the range with a spout specifically for filling large pots easily on the stove.

 

Keep in mind storage at this last phase of the process, as well. It’s possible to incorporate a hanging rack for pots and pans, or some specialized cabinet spaces for various kitchen tools and small appliances. By working with a builder who specializes in custom homes in Greensboro, it’s possible to bring even the grandest kitchen vision to life.

What Questions Should You Ask a Custom Home Builder Before Hiring Them?

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Building a custom home is a big undertaking, but a very rewarding one if you hire the right builder. A new-custom-homecustom home is truly unique and won’t be exactly like any other home. You can prioritize the features you want, choose a style that suits your preferences, and build it on a plot of land that fits your lifestyle.

How do you find the right one out of all the Greensboro homebuilders who can give you the home of your dreams? Be sure to ask these questions before hiring a custom home builder.

What style are the homes you’ve built in the past?

Ask the builder for pictures of the homes they have recently built. Do all of their homes share a similar style? Or do they seem to build a wide variety of architectural styles? If you have a certain vision for what you want your home to look like, you need a builder who has the flexibility to create it.

What neighborhoods do you build in?

Most Greensboro homebuilders have a list of communities they most often build in because a lot of neighborhoods are designed with a similar style of homes throughout. If you have a certain neighborhood in mind, you should ask the builder if they can build there or not. Most builders are willing to build on any lot, but it’s important to ask upfront.

What is the usual price range of the homes you build?

Builders tend to build homes in a similar price range. If you have a certain price range in mind, find a builder whose previous homes fall within that range. You want someone with experience building the size and quality of the home that you desire. Look at the other homes and the neighborhoods where the builder has constructed homes to get a feel for their usual range.

How long will it take to build my home?

Ask any potential builders for an average time frame for building. A builder may only be able to build a certain number of homes each year, so be sure to ask for an accurate estimate for the timeline of the process from the beginning to the end. If you’re under a time crunch, you need a builder who can meet your deadline. However, it’s important to note that building a custom home takes time, and if you’re in a hurry, this may not be the best choice for you.

Do you build energy-efficient homes?

Green homes and smart homes are in high demand as home buyers wish to lessen their home’s impact on the environment as well as lower their energy costs. Homes with high square footage require a lot of energy for heating and cooling, lighting, electronics, appliances, and daily living needs. If you’re interested in a high-efficiency home, ask any potential builder what features they include to reduce overall energy consumption in a home.

What does your new home warranty entail?

Any builder you consider should have a home warranty of some kind for at least the first year after the home is built. Be sure to ask about a warranty and don’t hire any Greensboro homebuilder who doesn’t offer one.

What is your process for building a custom home?

Ask how the process works for building a home from start to finish. Find out what the protocol is for making changes and for keeping you updated on the progress. Your builder should keep you very well informed throughout the process.

Can I tour some of your homes, both finished and in progress? 

Ask to take tours of homes the builder has completed and others that are in progress to get a feel for the style, process, and craftsmanship. If anything seems amiss, ask about it before deciding to hire a builder.

Create the Home of Your Dreams with Don Mills Builders

What does your dream home look like? You surely have a vision in your mind when you think about it. That vision can become a reality with Don Mills Builders. Don Mills builds luxury custom homes in the most highly desired neighborhoods in Greensboro, Summerfield, Oak Ridge and the surrounding areas.

If you’re interested in a Don Mills original home, call (336) 362-1777 or request a quote. We look forward to working with you to create the home you’ve always wanted.

5 Qualities to Seek in Your Perfect Home Builder

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Are‌ ‌you‌ ‌interested‌ ‌in‌ ‌building‌ ‌a‌ ‌custom‌ ‌home?‌ ‌More‌ ‌and‌ ‌more‌ ‌homebuyers‌ ‌are‌ ‌choosing‌ ‌to‌ build‌ ‌custom‌ ‌homes‌ ‌in‌ ‌order‌ ‌to‌ ‌get‌ ‌exactly‌ ‌what‌ ‌they‌ ‌want‌ ‌without‌ ‌having‌ ‌to‌ ‌compromise‌ ‌or‌ ‌make‌ ‌any‌ ‌improvements‌ ‌after‌ ‌moving‌ ‌in.‌ ‌If‌ ‌you’re‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌home‌ ‌builder,‌ ‌choosing‌ ‌one‌ ‌is‌ ‌a‌ ‌big‌ ‌decision.‌ ‌Finding‌ ‌the‌ ‌right‌ ‌builder‌ ‌is‌ ‌crucial‌ ‌if‌ ‌you‌ ‌want‌ ‌to‌ ‌have‌ ‌a‌ ‌good‌ ‌experience‌ ‌and‌ ‌end‌ ‌up‌ ‌completely‌ ‌satisfied‌ ‌with‌ ‌your‌ ‌house.‌ ‌ ‌ new home construction greensboro

New‌ ‌Homes‌ ‌in‌ ‌Oak‌ ‌Ridge‌ ‌and‌ ‌other‌ ‌highly‌ ‌desired‌ ‌neighborhoods‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌Greensboro‌ ‌area‌ ‌are‌ ‌designed‌ ‌by‌ ‌multiple‌ ‌builders,‌ ‌so‌ ‌you‌ ‌have‌ ‌your‌ ‌choice‌ ‌of‌ ‌who‌ ‌to‌ ‌work‌ ‌with.‌ ‌To‌ ‌help‌ ‌you‌ ‌decide,‌ ‌look‌ ‌for‌ ‌these‌ ‌5‌ ‌qualities.‌ ‌ ‌

1.Syle‌ ‌that‌ ‌Matches‌ ‌Your‌ ‌Preferences.‌ ‌‌

Look‌ ‌at‌ ‌a‌ ‌portfolio‌ ‌or‌ ‌an‌ ‌online‌ ‌gallery‌ ‌of‌ ‌homes‌ ‌the‌ ‌builder‌ ‌has‌ ‌recently‌ ‌constructed‌ ‌and‌ ‌even‌ ‌drive‌ ‌around‌ ‌to‌ ‌view‌ ‌some‌ ‌of‌ ‌them‌ ‌in‌ ‌person.‌ ‌Does‌ ‌their‌ ‌building‌ ‌style‌ ‌match‌ ‌what‌ ‌you’re‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌home?‌ ‌If‌ ‌not,‌ ‌they‌ might not ‌be ‌the‌ ‌builder‌ ‌for‌ ‌you, but keep in mind a great homebuilder can adapt to the style of the homeowner. ‌Talented‌ builders‌ ‌can‌ ‌design‌ ‌and‌ ‌construct‌ ‌homes‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌variety‌ ‌of‌ ‌different‌ ‌styles. If‌ ‌what‌ ‌you’re‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌is‌ ‌drastically‌ ‌different‌ ‌or‌ ‌particularly‌ ‌unique,‌ ‌it‌ ‌may‌ ‌be‌ ‌difficult‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌builder‌ that is “set in their ways” ‌to‌ ‌deviate‌ ‌that‌ ‌far‌ ‌from‌ ‌their‌ ‌usual‌ ‌building‌ ‌habits.‌ ‌ ‌

2.Builds‌ ‌Within‌ ‌your‌ ‌Price‌ ‌Range.‌ ‌‌

Most‌ ‌builders‌ ‌have‌ ‌a‌ ‌price‌ ‌range‌ ‌they‌ ‌typically‌ ‌work‌ ‌within,‌ ‌and‌ ‌if‌ ‌your‌ ‌budget‌ ‌is‌ ‌significantly‌ ‌lower‌ ‌or‌ ‌higher‌ ‌it‌ ‌may‌ ‌make‌ ‌things‌ ‌more‌ ‌difficult.‌ ‌And‌ ‌if‌ ‌you‌ ‌have‌ ‌a‌ ‌certain‌ ‌neighborhood‌ ‌or‌ ‌housing‌ ‌community‌ ‌in‌ ‌mind,‌ ‌there‌ ‌is‌ ‌usually‌ ‌a‌ ‌minimum‌ ‌or‌ ‌maximum‌ ‌housing‌ ‌budget‌ ‌requirement‌ ‌to‌ ‌build‌ ‌there.‌ ‌So‌ ‌find‌ ‌a‌ ‌builder‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌neighborhood‌ ‌that‌ ‌meets‌ ‌your‌ ‌needs‌ ‌financially.‌ ‌ ‌

3.Communicates‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌Way‌ ‌that‌ ‌Works‌ ‌for‌ ‌You.‌ 

Communication‌ ‌is‌ ‌one‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌most‌ ‌important‌ ‌aspects‌ ‌of‌ ‌building‌ ‌a‌ ‌home.‌ ‌From‌ ‌the‌ ‌design‌ ‌process‌ ‌to‌ ‌the‌ ‌finished‌ ‌product‌ ‌there‌ ‌are‌ ‌many‌ ‌decisions‌ ‌that‌ ‌have‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌made‌ ‌and‌ ‌questions‌ ‌that‌ ‌need‌ ‌to‌ ‌be‌ ‌answered.‌ ‌If‌ ‌you‌ ‌prefer‌ ‌email‌ ‌or‌ ‌text,‌ ‌find‌ ‌a‌ ‌builder‌ ‌who‌ ‌can‌ ‌easily‌ ‌communicate‌ ‌that‌ ‌way‌ ‌and‌ ‌responds‌ ‌quickly.‌ ‌If‌ ‌you‌ ‌need‌ ‌someone‌ ‌who‌ ‌can‌ ‌speak‌ ‌with‌ ‌you‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌phone‌ ‌on‌ ‌a‌ ‌regular‌ ‌basis,‌ ‌find‌ ‌a‌ ‌builder‌ ‌who‌ ‌can‌ ‌do‌ ‌that.‌ ‌Pay‌ ‌attention‌ ‌to‌ ‌how‌ ‌the‌ ‌builder‌ ‌communicates‌ ‌early‌ ‌on‌ ‌before‌ ‌you‌ ‌commit.‌ ‌ ‌

4.Good‌ ‌Listener.‌ ‌‌

Your‌ ‌builder‌ ‌should‌ ‌have‌ ‌excellent‌ ‌listening‌ ‌skills.‌ ‌When‌ ‌it‌ ‌comes‌ ‌to‌ ‌designing‌ ‌and‌ ‌building‌ ‌a‌ ‌custom‌ ‌home,‌ ‌you‌ ‌want‌ ‌it‌ ‌to‌ ‌turn‌ ‌out‌ ‌just‌ ‌the‌ ‌way‌ ‌you‌ ‌pictured‌ it,‌ ‌and‌ ‌the‌ ‌only‌ ‌way‌ ‌to‌ ‌achieve‌ ‌that‌ ‌is‌ ‌to‌ ‌effectively‌ ‌communicate‌ ‌your‌ ‌preferences‌ ‌and‌ ‌ for‌ ‌your‌ ‌builder‌ ‌to‌ ‌effectively‌ ‌listen.‌ ‌But‌ ‌listening‌ ‌also‌ ‌goes‌ ‌both‌ ‌ways.‌ ‌The‌ ‌builder‌ ‌is‌ ‌the‌ ‌framing‌ ‌expert,‌ ‌so‌ ‌even‌ ‌though‌ ‌you‌ ‌think‌ ‌you‌ ‌know‌ ‌what‌ ‌you‌ ‌want,‌ ‌it‌ ‌may‌ ‌not‌ ‌be‌ ‌practical‌ ‌or‌ ‌feasible‌ ‌according‌ ‌to‌ ‌structural‌ ‌requirements.‌ ‌ ‌

5.Home‌ ‌Warranty‌ ‌Coverage.‌ ‌‌


Never‌ ‌sign‌ ‌on‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌builder‌ ‌who‌ ‌doesn’t‌ ‌offer‌ ‌you‌ ‌some‌ ‌type‌ ‌of‌ ‌home‌ ‌warranty‌ ‌coverage‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌certain‌ ‌period‌ ‌of‌ ‌time.‌ ‌Even‌ ‌with‌ ‌the‌ ‌best‌ ‌of‌ ‌builders,‌ ‌things‌ ‌can‌ ‌go‌ ‌wrong‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌first‌ ‌few‌ ‌months‌ ‌or‌ ‌the‌ ‌first‌ ‌year‌ ‌in‌ ‌a‌ ‌newly‌ constructed‌ ‌home.‌ ‌Your‌ ‌builder‌ ‌should‌ ‌be‌ ‌willing‌ ‌to‌ ‌come‌ ‌back‌ ‌and‌ ‌fix‌ ‌things‌ ‌that‌ ‌are‌ ‌no‌ ‌the fault‌ ‌of‌ ‌yours.‌ ‌ ‌

New‌ ‌Homes‌ ‌in‌ ‌Oak‌ ‌Ridge‌ ‌by‌ ‌Don‌ ‌Mills‌ ‌Builders‌ ‌

Oak‌ ‌Ridge‌ ‌is‌ ‌an‌ ‌up‌ ‌and‌ ‌coming‌ ‌area‌ ‌with‌ ‌new‌ ‌home‌ ‌communities‌ ‌springing‌ ‌up‌ ‌all‌ ‌over.‌ ‌Many‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌most‌ ‌highly‌ ‌desired‌ ‌neighborhoods‌ ‌are‌ ‌featuring‌ ‌homes‌ ‌built‌ ‌by‌ ‌Don‌ ‌Mills‌ ‌Builders.‌ ‌If‌ ‌you’re‌ ‌looking‌ ‌for‌ ‌a‌ ‌custom‌ ‌builder‌ ‌of‌ ‌new‌ ‌homes‌ ‌in‌ ‌Oak‌ ‌Ridge,‌ ‌Summerfield,‌ ‌or‌ ‌northern‌ ‌Guilford‌ ‌county,‌ ‌call‌ ‌Don‌ ‌Mills‌ ‌Builders‌ ‌at‌ ‌(336)‌ ‌362-1777‌ ‌today‌ ‌or‌ ‌‌request‌ ‌a‌ ‌consultation‌.‌ ‌ ‌

‌

 

What’s it Worth to You? How to Add Value to Your Home

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Building a custom home is a highly satisfying endeavor. Rather than looking at existing homes and trying to find one you like, you can have one custom-built to have everything you want. When it comes to what you want, it is best to prioritize the features you want to include in your home design. There are also some tried andhome-value true home features that add resale value to your home. When homebuyers search for Oak Ridge homes for sale, there are certain things they will be looking for above others. Here are some of those things that are worth including or at least spending some extra time and money on when you build.

Kitchen

You may have heard this before, that when you sell your home, you’re really selling your kitchen. It’s that important. Take the time to design a grand kitchen with plenty of space and top-quality materials and appliances. Space is probably the biggest consideration because other features are easier to renovate if a future buyer wants to incorporate their own style.

Windows

Spend some extra time designing the windows. Natural light is a big priority for homebuyers as well as well-insulated windows. Include bay windows, picture windows, floor to ceiling windows, and/or other types that let in plenty of light and showcase the surrounding views.

Floors

Don’t skimp on the flooring material. One of the best ways to add value to your home design is to include hardwood floors, stone floors, and other quality materials. Vinyl is a durable option that offers a hardwood look with lower maintenance. You could even consider some unique alternative floor materials such as bamboo or cork.

Bathrooms

Luxurious bathrooms are another attractive quality in a home. Incorporate high-quality materials and posh features that make bathrooms feel like spas. Be sure to include plenty of bathrooms as well as en suite bathrooms (a bathroom that is only accessible by one bedroom).

Open Concept Floor Plan

The open concept floor plan is still a highly desired home layout. Many families prefer the spacious feel that it offers as well as the feeling of family togetherness that it fosters. It is also very accessible to make aging in place easier.

Energy Efficiency

Many homebuyers are looking for an efficient or “green” home when they look for Oak Ridge homes for sale. They want appliances and lighting to use minimal energy and for materials to be made from sustainable sources. Whether you’re earth-conscious or you’re interested in saving money on your monthly energy bill, this is a worthwhile consideration.

Smart Features

Smart homes are becoming increasingly common. Consider making the entire home controllable through your smartphone or other devices. Smart home controls can incorporate heating and cooling, plumbing, appliances, and technology.

Outdoor Spaces 

With all the indoor design planning, don’t forget the outside. Outdoor enjoyment and entertainment is another priority for homebuyers. Take the time to design an elaborate backyard space for family and friends to gather.

Get More Value in Your Home with Don Mills Builders 

If you’re looking for a builder who can help you get the most value in a custom home, build with Don Mills Builders. Don Mills has decades of experience working with customers and knows what they’re looking for in a home. A Don Mills original will be highly sought after by future buyers looking for Oak Ridge homes for sale in years to come.

Call (336) 362-1777 today to schedule a consultation or request a quote.

Your Forever Home: Aging in Your Custom Home

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A couple of generations ago, people built homes to last a family for generations. Eventually, things changed, and the ideas of ‘starter homes,’ ‘retirement homes,’ and all the variations therein took precedence. However, with constant economic, demographic, and real estate shifts occurring in the country-what is old is once again becoming new. Now forever homes, homes built to accommodate families through the generations, are gaining in popularity once more.

Forever homes are designed to allow occupants to live comfortably at any age, whether a newborn or well into the golden years. Accommodating the diverse needs for a family of multiple generations may seem like an impossible task, but with a tailor-made custom home, it is well within reach.

 

3 Essential Tips From a Custom Home Builder in NC

The goal of a forever home is to serve as a place of comfort to everyone in the family, at any age.

Designers today are more focused on homes that can both accommodate their needs in midlife (family rearing, living space) as well as their needs at an advanced age. Designing for all ages means that ease of mobility and accommodation of safety features is paramount. There are also several less apparent tweaks that a good forever home builder can add.

Some things to consider in building your  forever home:

 

1.    You Want to the Perfect Location

As you grow old and watch your family grow, you want to do it in a location that feels safe, comfortable, and homey. In real estate, the value of a home is highly dependent on its site for a reason. Nearby recreational and commercial offerings like beaches, malls, and schools will influence the desirability of a home and what people are willing to pay for it. The desire shown by others should also say something for the importance of location for a home you plan on living in forever.

Make sure your forever home is in a location that makes life easier and more enjoyable for you and your family.

Keep in mind that your priorities will change as your life progresses. You must think on a multi-decade timescale.  Ensuring you are near to whatever is important to you, and whatever will eventually be important to you, is essential.

Finding a “Lively community with like-minded families who enjoy similar interests.” is typically the first step for finding a well-rounded location.

2.    Go With Smartly Designed and Adaptable

Multi-generational homes require forethought and some clever solutions. Being able to have rooms and passageways accommodate handicap accessible needs, for example, while remaining both efficient and aesthetically pleasing in form is a skill set you will want your custom home builder to possess. There are even designers able to accommodate the left-handers in your life if need be. The point is, designs should be built around you and your family.

The best part of a custom home, is you are in control through the whole process, down to the smallest detail.

Another suggestion is to focus on designs that both look great and can be easily converted if need be into efficient handicap accessible formats. Remember, this is a full-life span design.

3.    Don’t Wait to Build Your Forever Home

People are living longer and pushing back retirement, and the costs and prices for homes are not nearly as predictable as they once were. Planning and setting the groundwork for your forever home now will allow you to be prepared to best take advantage of market changes as they occur. You can’t rush the planning of a home you will live in for decades.

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For a forever home of your dreams, you need to begin the planning with a custom home builder in NC with proven results. Homes built by Don Mills. are perhaps the best examples of what this article is talking about. If you are looking for one of the best  custom home builders in NC, then don’t hesitate to give them a call at 336 362-1777.

What to Do with the Bedrooms When the Kids Move Out

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Do you have an empty nest? The kids have all gone off to college or got married and have homes of their own and now you have a bunch of empty bedrooms. You have this big, beautiful house that one of the premier home builders in Greensboro built when your family was younger that now feels a little hollow. Don’t let it get you down. Instead, think about all the amazing possibilities. These rooms are full of untapped potential. Now is your chance to do all of the things you’ve always wanted to do with your home.

High-Tech Home Office   

If you don’t already have a home office or if you need to expand your current office space, make one of those empty bedrooms into a high-tech work haven. Furnish it with stylish, functional pieces that inspire you and help you keep your office organized. Include high-speed Wi-Fi connection so you’ll never drop an important conference call.

Home Gym/Yoga Studio

Need a place that inspires you to sweat it out? Or maybe a Zen space for yoga and meditation? Turn one of those empty rooms into a fitness studio with machines, weights, and exercise equipment. Include media to keep you entertained and motivated while you work out.

Arts and Crafts Room

Do you have so many craft supplies they need their own room, or maybe a second room? One of those empty bedrooms can be your craft room. Add plenty of storage for craft supplies, tables for work space, and even a sink for clean-up. Durable flooring is wise for messy projects.

Man Cave

Are you tired of being relegated to the garage or basement for your man time? Make an empty bedroom your man cave. Get the big screen smart TV, surround sound, leather recliners, and gaming system you’ve always wanted. Display your sports paraphernalia and deer head with pride. Your wife can just close the door. 

Lady Lair

And speaking of the wife, shouldn’t you have a room of your own to relax and unwind after a long day? The lady lair is becoming just as popular as the she-shed, but why go outside? Use one of the empty bedrooms to create a space just for you. It could be similar to a craft room or a yoga studio. Maybe you need a luxurious spa room with a jacuzzi tub, sauna, and steam shower. Mom, you’ve spent years giving all of your time and energy to the kids. Now that they’re grown, this is your time.

Have it All with a Luxury Custom Home

Ready for something new now that the kids have grown up and moved out? One of the finest Home builders in Greensboro, Don Mills,  is currently designing and building custom homes on available lots in some of the most desired communities. Without the kids it can seem as if your family has gotten smaller. But then they get married and have your grandchildren and suddenly you need all the space you can get when they come for a visit. Build a new custom home that’s big enough to accommodate the whole family as it grows.

Call Don Mills Home Builders in Greensboro at (336) 362-1777 today or request a consultation.