How Open Floor Plans Affect Energy Efficiency

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Open floor plans are the most popular type of new home floorplan when people buy custom homes in Greensboro and the demand for them isn’t letting up. Modern families like open concept floor plans because it makes it easier to enjoy family time together. Open floor plans are also great for parents who have things to do but also want to keep an eye on their kids. They’re also fantastic for entertaining. But did you know that open floor plans are also energy efficient and can help homeowners save money on heating and cooling costs?

Open floor plans reduce the energy needed to cool and heat a room because there are no walls or barriers breaking up the flow of the air through the room. That means it costs less to heat and cool your home when you have an open concept floor plan. As long as the outside walls are sealed and insulated properly, an open concept floorplan is the best way to heat and cool your home efficiently. There are a few other things that you can do to increase your energy savings as well like:

Place Large, Custom Windows Carefully

Large windows and skylights can brighten up your home and flood your open concept first floor with natural sunlight. New windows and skylights that are installed properly will be energy efficient and all that extra sunlight can help keep your home warm in the winter. Shades can help keep the sun from making it too warm during the hot North Carolina summers. The extra lighting and warmth can cut your energy costs over the course of the year.

Find Light Fixtures That Do Double Duty

Energy-efficient light fixtures are a must in a custom home. Installing light fixtures that have fans built into them will help circulate the air throughout the space and increase the energy efficiency of your home. Some people dislike the look of ceiling fans but light fixtures with modern designs, unique materials, and designer finishes will look great in your open concept kitchen and family room. Your home can have the style and look that you want while maintaining energy efficiency. Keeping the air circulating throughout the open-concept space will help regulate the temperature when there are a lot of people in the space as well.

Make Your Home A Smart Home

Another way to you can maximize the energy efficiency of a custom-built home is to make your home a smart home. Using smart home devices like the Amazon Echo and installing smart plugs throughout the house means that you can easily turn off lights and appliances from anywhere in the home or even when you’re away from home using a smartphone app. Smart appliances are energy efficient and easy to manage, so consider choosing smart appliances when you are putting the finishing touches on your custom home.

Make Good Use of Your Fireplace

Many people who build custom homes opt to have a gas insert or electric fireplace put into the family area. This makes the family area of the open concept home a very inviting place to gather and it also will help to heat the entire first floor of the home. With no walls or barricades to keep the heat from moving throughout the space, the heat from the fireplace can be circulated through the room with ease. That will make your home a relaxing and energy-efficient space where you can enjoy quality time with friends and family.

Custom homes in Greensboro that are built around the needs of today’s families are energy efficient and have a flexible space that will make your home function the way you want. Start planning your custom home in Greensboro today with the experts at Don Mills.

7 Flooring Materials to Consider for your Living Room

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Many new homebuyers are going with custom homes in Greensboro. And why not? When you work with a custom home builder you have complete and total freedom to choose every detail in your home from floor to ceiling. One of the biggest decisions is flooring material, and one of the biggest rooms in your home is the living room. Consider these 7 flooring materials for your living room to achieve the look and feel you want.  

  1. Hardwood. Still one of the most popular choices, hardwood stands the test of time from a style and beauty standpoint. Now available in more hues/stains than ever before, you can find a hardwood that will be unique and expertly match the rest of your décor.  
  2. Carpet. Another popular choice for comfort and availability of colors, carpet is still being chosen for living rooms on a regular basis. For those who prefer to go barefoot inside and for families with babies and young children, carpet provides a soft floor for the main living area. Available in nearly every color you could imagine, you’ll easily find one that matches your interior color scheme.  
  3. Laminate. A version of hardwood, laminate flooring is more durable than hardwood and more affordable, but it is not solid wood. Laminate flooring comes in panels that snap together to cover the surface. They offer a hardwood look at a lower price but may not look as polished as hardwood. 
  4. Vinyl. Another affordable option that looks similar to hardwood, vinyl has some great benefits. Softer than hardwood, it’s easier on the feet, though not as soft as carpet. It is durable, water resistant, and cleans up easily. 
  5. Bamboo. Lately it seems that bamboo is quickly gaining popularity. A green choice, bamboo is a highly renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly material. The key here is to make sure you get good quality bamboo that won’t scratch easily.  
  6. Marble. If you’re going for luxury, marble will certainly achieve a luxurious look. Shiny when polished and available in a variety of colors, marble floors are beautiful in formal living rooms and foyers. Marble does require maintenance and its porous surface is prone to staining, just another reason marble is best for formal areas of your home. But it will make your home stand out among custom homes in Greensboro.  
  7. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile. Tile is another luxurious flooring material, available in ceramic or porcelain. Both are durable and clean up easily. The subtle difference between the two is that porcelain is manufactured in a way that makes it more durable. 

Many Custom Homes in Greensboro Have Beautiful Flooring in the Living Room 

Choosing to work with a custom home builder opens up an array of options for interior décor. You can have the living room floor that will achieve the look you want for the main room of your home. Don Mills Builders designs and constructs custom homes in Greensboro that meet the needs of the family buying the home. Whether you need the ultra-soft comfort of carpet, the luxurious sheen of marble, or anything in between, the choice is yours. Call Don Mills today about building your dream home: (336) 362-1777.  

Countertop Trends in Custom Homes

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When you build a custom home, you want it to be on the cutting edge of style. Kitchens and bathrooms are always a main focus when it comes to décor, and countertops can make a big statement in those rooms. Counters make up a large portion of the surface area in a room. The color and material you choose can be the starting point for the rest of the décor. Countertop trends can be categorized by material, finish, pattern, and color. Discuss these countertop trends with your custom homebuilder in Greensboro, NC to determine which would be best in your new home. 

Material: Quartz. Move over granite; quartz is the new countertop material in town. Quartz offers a similar look to granite but eliminates the drawbacks of granite. Unlike granite, quartz is non-porous so it doesn’t require sealing and periodic resealing. It won’t stain because it is liquid-resistant. And it is more sanitary, because there are no microscopic pores for bacteria to grow. This lower maintenance material is quickly replacing granite and other previously more popular countertops.  

Finish: Matte. Shiny countertops do look beautiful, but only when kept in pristine condition. In a high traffic kitchen or bathroom, pristine condition is difficult to achieve and maintain. A matte finish, sometimes referred to as “honed” or “leathered” offers a unique look and texture that helps to disguise messes like water and fingerprints as well as scratches or marks. Honed is less glossy than a polished finish, but still feels smooth. Leathered is also less glossy than polished stone, but the texture feels similar to leather and shows off more of the stone’s natural color.  

Pattern: Veined. Manufactured stone countertops may not naturally include patterns, but they can be added to the design. Granite countertops tend to have particulates of varying color and size naturally occurring throughout. However Quartz, a manufactured countertop material, can be patterned with veins like those that occur in marble for a natural, upscale look.  

Color: Neutral. In recent years countertop trends were leaning toward bold and dark colors. Current trends are now heading back to the neutral zone with light grays and beiges. Softer tones are easier to design your kitchen or bathroom around, opening up many other options for cabinets, backsplashes, sinks, floors, and wall colors. Neutral colors are also best for resale. 

Find a Custom Homebuilder in Greensboro, NC who can Include the Latest Trends in your Home 

If you want your kitchen and bathrooms to be in tune with current trends, you need a builder who stays informed about latest styles and is willing to listen to your ideas. Don Mills Builders does both of these things, listening to customers about what they want and recommending the most up-to-the-minute style trends available. Countertop materials, finishes, patterns and colors are constantly evolving, so choose something that will stand the test of time and create the beautiful kitchen or bathroom you’ve always wanted. Work with an experienced custom homebuilder in Greensboro, NC with decades of experience designing and building luxurious homes. Call Don Mills Builders: (336) 362-1777.  

7 Reasons to Build a Custom Home

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Are you in the market for a new home? You have two choices: buy an existing home or choose one of the many Greensboro homebuilders to build you a custom home. Going with a custom home definitely has its perks. Searching for existing homes can be frustrating when none of them meet your needs. A custom home may take longer, but the time is well worth it. Consider these 7 reasons to build a custom home.  

  1. Lot choice. Before you even decide what kind of house you want, you can choose a lot that you like first. Choose a piece of land that is the size you want and has the kind of natural landscape you’re looking for.  
  2. Home designed your way. Custom means every detail, feature, and option is chosen by you from the layout of the floor plan to the building materials. Having choices may be the very best part of the custom home process.  
  3. Better quality. When you take the time to find a reputable builder, you know you’re getting quality craftsmanship. You can look at pictures of homes the builder has previously built, read reviews from former customers, and even tour homes built by the builder in many cases. With an existing home it’s hard to be sure it’s not shoddily built under a fresh coat of paint.  
  4. Latest technology. Your new custom home can include the latest technology from smart home systems to state of the art appliances, without having to pay for additional upgrades on top of the price you’re already paying for an existing home.  
  5. Unique style. If you have a particular vision for your ideal home, a custom home builder can design it to look the way you want from the outside in. Only consider Greensboro homebuilders whose building styles are already similar to your taste or who can easily create any style you may want.  
  6. Lower energy bills. A new custom home will naturally be more energy efficient, and your builder can even put an extra focus on efficiency if that’s a priority for you. From the home design to the insulation to the appliances, energy efficiency can be incorporated throughout your home.  
  7. Plan for the future. Consider the fact that you may want to stay in this home for the rest of your life. If aging in place is your ultimate goal, be sure to convey that to your builder who can design your home to be fully accessible during all stages of life and health. 

Choose Don Mills, one of the Best Greensboro Homebuilders, to Create your Dream Home 

Get the home you’ve always dreamed of, not something that’s just close to it. You’re investing in property for the future, whether you spend the rest of your life there or end up selling it sometime down the road. Don Mills, one of the top Greensboro homebuilders, has created and brought to life the dreams of many satisfied homeowners for decades. An original Don Mills home is built with the finest quality materials and craftsmanship. To get started creating your custom home, call (336) 362-1777.  

The Hottest Custom Home Amenities and Trends For 2019

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living room of luxury homeOne of the best parts of having a custom home built is being able to choose details that will create the function and look that you’ve always dreamed of in your home. If you’re planning on having a custom home built this year, consider some exciting trending amenities. Home buyers that are looking for custom homes in Greensboro can choose from current amenities like:

Colorful Kitchens That Express Personality

A hot trend for custom homes in 2019 is colorful kitchens. The sterile white subway tile look is definitely out according to the kitchen and home designers and popular design blogs. The popular new trend in kitchens is to customize your kitchen to your own personal taste with colorful cabinetry, unusual color countertops, or mosaic tile backsplashes in the kitchen. If you want to add color to the kitchen and don’t want to choose painted cabinets you should consider quartz countertops. Quartz countertops come in more than 80 colors and have unusual color patterns that will make your kitchen colorful but still elegant.

Multipurpose Spaces That Provide Better Function

Another hot trend for modern living in custom homes is the creation of multipurpose spaces in a home. Using an extra bedroom for an office, gym, or media room just doesn’t cut it for today’s homeowner. Talk to your builder about creating unique multipurpose spaces in your custom home that can do double duty as office space, play space for the kids or grandkids, a home theater space and more. Increasing the functionality of your home without sacrificing style is very much on trend.

Smart Technology To Save Money And Make Life Easier

Have you embraced smart home technology? It’s one of the hottest trends in custom homes this year. Smart technology can save you time and money by increasing the efficiency of your home. If you are planning on staying in your home after retirement, installing smart appliances and technology now can also help you stay safe and healthy in your home for years to come. Talk to your custom home builder about smart appliances and other smart technology to see how making your custom home a smart home can make your life easier and save you money in the long run.

Environmentally Friendly Materials In Custom Homes In Greensboro

Using environmentally friendly materials in custom built homes is something that has been popular for several years now and is still one of the most popular design trends for custom homes. Environmentally friendly flooring, such as engineered hardwoods, can give you the beautiful look you in your want home while lowering your carbon footprint. If you’re interested in learning more about environmentally friendly materials and reclaimed materials for your custom built home talk to the experts at Don Mills, one of the top custom home builders in Greensboro, today.

 

Tips For Choosing The Right Custom Homebuilder in Greensboro

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brick luxury homeWhen you’re ready to build your dream home, the biggest decision you’ll face is choosing the right custom homebuilder for your Greensboro home. The many custom home builders in Greensboro offer a huge range of home styles and specialty options so it will take some research to find the homebuilder that will be able to create the custom home that’s just right for you. These tips from homeowners and from home experts will help you find the right homebuilder:

Talk To Other Homeowners To Find The Best Custom Homebuilder In Greensboro

The best source for finding reliable and talented custom homebuilders is other homeowners. Ask your family and friends for recommendations and ask them to ask their friends who have had custom homes built if they are happy with their homes. You can also look online in Facebook groups and on design blogs to find recommendations. Consider joining home improvement and service groups like Angie’s List or Home Advisor because they are trusted and reliable sources of recommendations for all types of home improvement services and custom home builders.

Schedule An Appointment With A Homebuilder So You Can Find Out More

Once you have built a list of several home builders that have been highly recommended, the best thing for you to do is to make an appointment to sit down with a customer service representative from each one of those building companies. A team member should be willing to spend time answering your questions, showing you a home model, and talking about all the available options for your home. But most of all, that representative should listen to you when you describe your dream home. If you feel that the service rep isn’t listening to you or isn’t communicating effectively, then that builder is not the one for you.

Communication is critically important throughout the process of building a custom home, so only work with a home builder that will listen to you and work with you to create your dream home.

Ask The Right Questions So You’ll Get The Information That You Need

When you’re meeting with a builder it can be overwhelming and you might not remember to get all the information that you need when you’re surrounded by different options for your home and you’re trying to think about the design and style of your dream home. But there are some questions that you should ask of any homebuilder that you’re considering working with. Remember to ask things like:

  • What are the financing options?
  • Are there previous customers that you can speak with about their home and the building experience? If the builder is unable to give you references, cross that builder off your list immediately.
  • How much of the home will be custom designed?
  • What are the restrictions and fees set by the HOA in the community?
  • What is covered by a warranty?

You can add other questions to the list too. Bring a notebook with you when you meet with the builder and write down the answers to these questions so you will remember the answers later.

If you’re in the process of choosing a custom homebuilder in Greensboro, be sure to include Don Mills Builders, a team with years of experience, a solid reputation in the community, and an eye for the finest details in custom homes.

 

Things to Look for when Choosing the Right Luxury Home Builder

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luxury homeAre you ready to build your luxury home in Greensboro? While you have several options of home builders in the Greensboro area, you deserve the best. But getting thatwill take a little bit of research. When looking for the best luxury home builder for you, consider this process:

  • Identify Your Needs
  • Research the Home Builder’s Reputation
  • Look at Experience and Credentials
  • Ask the Experts

To be certain you get the best home builder in Greensboro, look at each of these in more detail.

Identify Your Needs for a New Luxury Home

The first thing to do is to identify what your needs will be for your luxury home. Be clear and precise on what you would like, from hardwood floors throughout the home, to the size of the master bathroom and what you would like it to be able to accommodate. Determining your family’s idea of comfort, design, and tastes and being able to relay that to the home builder will allow the builder to suggest ideas and see if their ideas coincide with what you desire, determining their fit with you.

Research the Reputation of the Home Builder

A trustworthy home builder in Greensboro will have a strong reputation, therefore, this should not be hard to find. Word of mouth can make or break any home builder professionally, so research how well their reputation upholds. You can do this by asking previous clients of that particular home builder, reading reviews, and asking any friends or family who may have hired them in the past.

If you are at a loss for finding their true reputation, look online or even search for news articles. The homebuilder could have a past publication. Be sure to hire a home builder who has a great reputation.

Look at Experience and the Builders Credentials

Did you know that any residential project in North Carolina that exceeds $30,000 requires a General Contractor license? Therefore, you will need to ask for the home builders’ credentials or look them up online at the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors License Search.

Also, try to get a feel for the experience the home builder has by viewing their past projects and reading through their “About” page on their website. Most experienced home builders will proudly display their projects and openly discuss their years of experience, making this information simple to find.

Ask the Experts in Greensboro for Help

When all else fails or you just want a bit more information on your prospective home builder, ask the experts for suggestions such as real estate agents, lenders, building material suppliers, and code inspectors. Ask them if they could suggest their best three homebuilder recommendations and why.

Build Your Luxury Home with a Top Home Builder in Greensboro: Don Mills Builders

When you are ready to begin building your luxury home, Don Mills Builders can bring your ideas to life. Call (336)362-1777 to get started today.

6 Trending Luxury Custom Home Features You Don’t Want To Miss Out On

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Big Luxury HomeThe top Greensboro custom homebuilders can create a luxury home that has the high-end features that today’s buyers want. Modern luxury homes have beautifully designed custom spaces that make life easier and a lot more enjoyable for you and your family. These days luxurious living means having separate dedicated spaces for all the different things that you love to do at home like entertain, work, workout, and spend quality time pursuing hobbies. Check out these six trending luxury custom home features and imagine having these upgrades in your next home:

Luxurious Suites For Every Member Of The Family

It’s not just the homeowner that gets a suite anymore in a luxury home. Luxury suites containing large bedrooms with sitting rooms or sitting nooks, walk-in closets, and spa-like luxury bathrooms for every member of the household are the hottest trend in new luxury homes. When everyone in the home has their own suite, everyone has the space they need for today’s modern lifestyle. Giving kids their own suites also gives them rooms that they can grow into instead of outgrowing.

Indoor Courtyards For True Indoor Outdoor Combination Living

The frenetic pace of modern life has made having a peaceful home that incorporates natural elements very important. There’s no better way to do that than to design a custom luxury home that features indoor courtyards and spaces with trees and plants. These courtyards are protected from the elements, but let in sun and fresh air. They can be customized with water features, koi ponds, and lush landscaping as well as fire pits and other design features that will make them great spaces to entertain guests or to do some yoga or meditation.

A Home Gym Customized For Your Preferences

Is a luxury home really complete without a customized home gym? A few weight machines tucked into a spare bedroom or the basement just won’t cut it for homeowners who want to maximize their workout time. Custom home gyms with high-end exercise equipment, mirrored walls, dance barres, and other specialized equipment are very much on trend and will give luxury homes the kind of dedicated space that homeowners want to workout in or have a personal trainer come to train them.

A True Mud Room For Dropping Shoes And Coats

Having a mudroom is pretty common these days, but in luxury homes, a mudroom isn’t just a hallway or a glorified closet. Luxury homes these days are incorporating actual spacious rooms just off the side door or back door where the nanny can drop strollers and other equipment, the kids can put their shoes, coats, and toys, and where everyone coming in the home can have a place to put their things. Luxury mudrooms have extensive custom storage, closets, countertops for placing bags and parcels, and other features that keep the family organized.

Creativity Inspiring Home Office Suites

Now that working from home is common, people who work at home need more than a spare bedroom to use as an office. The best Greensboro custom homebuilders are getting more and more requests to build creativity-inspiring custom office suites into luxury homes. These office suites feature a meeting or conference space in an office with large windows and custom cabinetry, countertops, and shelving.

Separate Guest Or In-Law Apartments

Another very popular item that home buyers want in luxury custom homes is a separate guest or in-law apartment. A simple extra bedroom just won’t do.  Now homeowners want to give long term guests or in-laws who come to stay privacy and autonomy with a suite that has a kitchen or a kitchenette, a beautiful bathroom, a sitting room, a bedroom, and even a deck or patio of their own.

If you’re interested in exploring more luxury options for your custom home talk with a design expert at Don Mills Builders today.

Custom Kitchens: Tips for Designing the Heart of your Home

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kitchen with dark woodAs the old saying goes, the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach. The same is true of homes. The kitchen is the heart of every home, where family and friends gather and break bread together, enjoying food and fellowship. If you plan to build a custom home in Greensboro, it’s wise to spend some extra time designing your kitchen. Here are some tips to help you design the custom kitchen of your dreams.

Form and Function Should Live in Harmony

The ultimate goal is a beautiful kitchen that is also functional. Think about how you will use your kitchen. Do you enjoy cooking and take your time creating culinary masterpieces? Or do you cook meals as quickly as possible to get everyone fed in the midst of their busy schedules? The ambitious chef should incorporate food preparation surfaces and cooking appliances that make it convenient and fun to cook and bake, such as a built-in butcher block counter and convection oven. The reluctant chef should focus on making cooking easy and fast, incorporating a built-in microwave and plenty of counter space for small specialty appliances, such as crock pots, instant pots, and egg boilers.

Choose surfaces that are beautiful and durable, such as granite, quartz, or stainless steel. Large farm sinks are convenient and stylish. Backsplash patterns give you a chance to incorporate your own unique style and color preferences while protecting the drywall from splatter. Designing a home that reflects your own personality is one of the biggest reasons to build a custom home in Greensboro in the first place.

Cabinetry and Storage Make the Biggest Impact on Kitchen Style

Storage is important in a kitchen, and cabinetry is the most common type. The color and style of the cabinets in your kitchen set the tone for the room. Consider carefully whether you want a light or dark wood stain, painted cabinets, or glass doors. The hardware you choose can make cabinets look more ornate and antique, or more sleek and modern. Your appliance finish should complement the cabinet color as well, whether you choose stainless steel, white, black, copper, or any of the bright retro-colored appliances that are gaining popularity. A complementary color pallet, as well as color contrast, is important in any room.

Flooring: The Heart of your Home Needs a Firm Foundation

Kitchens are exposed to a lot of foot traffic, as well as food spills and moisture. Beautiful floors can also be durable, and the latest floor materials achieve this concept. Wood floors are the least resistant to moisture, and are being replaced with other materials, such as vinyl and tile. Tile is even losing popularity as the grout can be difficult to keep clean. Luxury vinyl that mimics wood is resistant to moisture and scratching and is in general much tougher than wood or even laminate. It is also a popular choice for bathroom floors for the same positive qualities.

Build a Custom Home in Greensboro with Don Mills Builders

Designing your custom kitchen is easy with the help of expert home designers and builders on the Don Mills team. Convey your wants and needs for your dream home and Don Mills will make it come to life. Schedule a consultation to build a custom home in Greensboro: (336) 362-1777.

Tips for Finding an Ideal Lot for your Custom Home

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Large house on lotHaving a custom home designed and built just for you is an experience like no other. You have the opportunity to create your dream home the way you want it to be. But in order to have the home you truly want, you need to find the right lot. There are many custom home lots in Greensboro available now in the most up and coming neighborhoods. How will you know which one is the right one? Follow these tips for finding an ideal lot for your custom home.

 

  • Choose a Desirable Neighborhood.

    The first step in choosing one of the many desirable custom home lots in Greensboro is finding a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Drive through neighborhoods at different times of the day. Do you get a good feeling about the neighborhood? Are there sidewalks or any amenities like a pool or park? Think beyond the neighborhood to the community. Are the schools in the area good quality? Are there highways, commercial zones, train tracks, or any other potential for noise and traffic? Some prefer a quiet community and want to avoid these things, but others prefer the convenience of having these things close by.

  • Consider Lot Location and Orientation.

    Once you have a neighborhood in mind, look at the different lots available. A corner lot may be larger but will experience more traffic. A lot close to the entrance of the neighborhood will be in a higher traffic area but will be more convenient. A lot on a cul-de-sac will be more private but may be wedge-shaped with a smaller front yard. These things may affect the design of your custom home.

  • Survey the Lay of the Land.

    Is the lot flat or sloping? The lay of the land affects the structure of the home that can be built on it. Land can be regraded to an extent but starting with land that suits the home design you have in mind is certainly easier and more cost effective.

  • Observe How the Sun Will Shine on the Property.

    Would you prefer that certain rooms get morning light, such as the kitchen or breakfast nook? Do you want a sunny or shady back deck or patio for afternoon/evening barbecues? Do you want bedrooms to be shaded in the morning for maximum potential for sleeping in? Consider which way your home will face in relation to the sun.

 

Locate Ideal Custom Home Lots in Greensboro with Don Mills Builders

When it comes to building custom homes, Don Mills Builders has years of experience in home design and lot selection. Whichever you decide on first, the lot or the design of your home, Don Mills can make both work together in harmony. Get the true custom home experience when you create your dream home with Don Mills Builders. No other home will be quite like yours. Call Don today to inquire about custom home lots in Greensboro: (336) 362-1777.