Building on Your Lot in the Raleigh NC Area

It's The Same House - So Why Does the Price Vary So Much?

Raleigh Custom Home Top Building Questions

"I've gotten bids from a couple of different builders for my new home that I'm planning to build in Chatham County. However, the quotes I've gotten back vary quite a bit. Why is there such a big variance when each builder is working with the same floor plan?"

This is a very good question - and one that will probably come up with anyone looking to build a new home.

Basic Standards are Different with Each Builder

The exact same floor plan can be built with a wide variety of finishes and features, and each builder bids out the plan according to their set of basic standards, which may or may not match what you have in mind.

Just in the kitchen, the differences can be extensive:

• Is the floor vinyl, laminate wood, site-finished wood, or tile?  What is the allowance per sq ft?
• Are the standard upper cabinets 36" or 42" in height?
• Is crown moulding included on the walls?
• Is crown moulding included on the upper part of the cabinets?
• What cabinets are standard?
• Are roll-out shelves included in the cabinets?
• Are the countertops laminate, solid surface, or granite?
• Is there a backsplash?  If so, what kind?
• Are the ceilings smooth or textured?
• What kind of lighting is included?

A comprehensive bid should include all these details.  Ask to walk through a home with that specific set of standards, so that you can see the details - and make sure anything you see is noted in the bid as well. Just because the home you walk through has tile in the kitchen, doesn't mean it's included in your bid unless it is specifically noted.

Compare New Home Bids, Line by Line

Each builder uses a different set of suppliers and subcontractors, always considering a balance between cost and quality.

Builder resources and management costs can vary widely. Take some time to look at each bid, line by line. Compare allowances for items like flooring, lighting, and plumbing.

Be wary of projects with very small allowance amounts, or allowances that are only able to be used at one specific location. An allowance means that you will pay for any overruns, usually before work continues.

Make Sure Your Builder is Familiar with the Area

Also, if the builder is bidding a plan in an area he is not familiar with, they may not be aware of common septic costs, typical well depths, and other costs. Impact fees and building permit costs vary considerably by jurisdiction. If costs for sewer, water, permits, and fees are set up as allowances, and are insufficient, you may have some surprise costs later in the project.

A valid bid should be detailed enough that you know exactly what is going in to your new home at each stage of construction, so that there are no surprises during or after the project.

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Energy Wise - Find Out How to Save 50 to 70% on Heating and Cooling Costs!

5 Steps to Buying a Lot

EnergyWise Homes - Save 50% to 70% on Heating and Cooling! 

Would you like a guarantee that your heating and cooling bills won't exceed a set amount?   How about a guarantee that you'll save 50% to 70% on heating and cooling, versus a conventional home?

That's what a home built with EnergyWise building technology will do for you.  Not only will your bills be lower every month, but your new Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill NC home will feature:

•-          Consistent humidity levels that eliminate mold and dust mites

•-          Healthy indoor air with less pollen and dust

•-          Relief from excess outdoor noises

•-          Eliminate hot and cold spots throughout the home

EnergyWise has engineered more than 40,000 homes and commercial buildings over the past twenty years.    

Heating and Cooling for $38 a month!

2,542 square foot Texas home engineered by EnergyWise guaranteed at just $38 per month for the heating, cooling and hot water bills!

Notice the snow on the roof of this newer home in the historic district of McKinney, Texas. Even when it's freezing outside, EnergyWise building techniques guarantee that energy bill will stay at $38 a month, based on an engineering analysis of the home and installation of recommended systems. 

We don't know any other company that offers this kind of guarantee.

How can they do that?

Four Keys To Achieving Ultra Energy Efficient Performance Every Time

As much as 40% of heating or air conditioning is lost through cracks around windows, doors, wall outlets, sill plates and joints in exterior walls.

The EnergyWise "total systems" approach mitigates undesirable air flow and optimizes the thermal envelope of each engineered structure. It starts like this:

Key 1: Choose an energy efficient wall configuration with foam insulation (ICFs, SIPs, or Spray Polyurethane Foam).

Key 2: Choose decent quality, low-e, thermally-broken windows and doors.

Key 3: Caulk, caulk, caulk around windows, doors and baseboards, to create a tight thermal envelope

Key 4: Expert engineering and HVAC sizing take full advantage of the thermal envelope.

EnergyWise has solutions that work.

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Veterans History Project

Remembering the Events That Changed the World

"I don't have much to talk about. All I did was forecast the weather," said Frederick Adams of Cary, NC when asked if he wanted to talk about his time in the military.

But as he began to talk about his experience, it quickly became evident that what he had done was far more important than let people know whether or not they should carry an umbrella.

The weather Adams was forecasting was for the atomic bomb testing.

Those two years - 1946 to 1948 - that he'd been stationed at the Kwajalein Islands were an important part of history, and the Navy veteran didn't even realize how crucial his part had been until he began to retell the story.

That's what the Veterans History Institute is all about.

Gathering history.

The day-to-day existence and experiences of veterans - however seemingly small their individual parts - has had a tremendous impact on our nation's success.

"There's a tremendous amount of interest in WWII in today's society," said Dave Milidonis, founder of the Veterans History Institute (NVHAI).   "There's even a course on remembering WWII at NC State, for students aged 50 and older. And what we're gathering is an incredibly valuable part of all that history and more - one story at a time - the real-life experiences of our veterans, no matter where they served."

A network of volunteers across the country conduct interviews designed to help veterans tell their stories, as keepsakes for their families, as well as documented war-time entries for the National Archives in Washington D.C.

Stories From Men and Women Fighting for Freedom - Today and 60 Years Ago

This year, 564 interviews have resulted in stories from every major conflict, and the times in between.

Thirty-four percent of interviews were from WWII, 22% from Vietnam, 14% were stories from those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, 13% from the Cold War, 9% from the Korean War, and 2% of interviewees served in the Persian Gulf War.  The balance served in Grenada, Panama, or "other", which may mean they served during a period without a major conflict. 

"We're really pleased to be a part of the volunteer network offering a comfortable place to talk about experiences," said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. "We're proud of what our veterans have accomplished, and we look forward to hearing their stories."

Putting Together Missing Pieces of History - And Recognizing Forgotten Soldiers

In addition to gathering interviews, the NVHAI has gathered thousands of documents to replace those lost in a devastating government warehouse fire in the 1970s - which particularly affects WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans.

The names of thousands of veterans have been submitted to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, MS, returning these Americans to their rightful place in history. Without this service, these veterans would not have proof of their service, be able to receive medical care, or have burials with the military honors they deserve.

"The veterans always have something meaningful to impart," said Lara Travars, an area communications executive who volunteered at a recent event. "And it's really enlightening to hear the viewpoint of their families, who had to 'hold down the fort back home' while the military member served their country."

Hundreds of Stories That Touch The Heart

Marine Colonel James Wagner served in the first Pacific WWII battle, and talked about how he was shipped to Australia to recuperate. He met his future wife on a blind date. They got married just before he was shipped out, didn't see each other again until the end of the war, and today they've been married for 60 years.  They were interviewed together at Pine Knoll Shores.

"There's a lot of history, there," said Williams. "It's heartwarming to hear how people get through those kinds of times, stay strong in their relationships, and believe so much in what they're doing." 

"There are hundreds of stories like this," said Milidonis. "Each one is unique, and they're all awe inspiring."

For many sons, daughters and spouses, it's the first time they've heard these stories. Others have heard the same topic a hundred times. But when they come to have the interviews conducted, they all have one thing in common - they want to make sure the stories are told.

Opportunity to Tell Your Story

Stanton Homes is hosting an interview opportunity Saturday January 17th, from noon to 4 pm, where veterans and their families are encouraged to come and talk. 

Interviews will be held in the model home at Cattail Creek, just northwest of Pittsboro.  For driving directions, use 1199 White Smith Rd, Pittsboro, NC.  Travel 1.5 miles further north on White Smith Rd.  Cattail Creek is on the right, enter through the second entrance.  Model home is third home on the left, look for signs. 

"That's what the Veterans History Institute and these volunteers are here for," said Williams. "Come on down to Pittsboro this weekend and sit a while. We'd love to hear your story."

Veterans History Institute Open House

Saturday January 17th 12-4pm

For more information, call Dave Milidonis of the NVHAI at 919-449-5440 or Penny Hull of Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 to reserve an interview time, or get directions to this drop-in event. 

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Green Building Certification - Resource Efficiency

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintanence

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited.  Today we'll talk about Section 2.

Section 2 - Resource Efficiency

Green design principles for resource efficiency might include using fewer materials, using more durable materials, reducing waste, resusing materials, using recycled or renewable materials, or recycling waste materials.

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:

More Efficient Framing

- Non traditional framing methods include ladder blocking, eliminating headers in non-load bearing walls, and two-stud corner framing.

Detailed Materials Take Off

- Materials are very carefully ordered to eliminate waste, and an onsite list of cut lengths is used to "cut down" on incorrect lengths.

Non-Painted Windows

- Windows are vinyl or other material that does not require paint or stain on site.

Truss Systems

- Floor or roof framing packages are truss systems, ie premanufactured at another site and brought to jobsite for completion.

Covered Entry

- Providing a covered entry keeps sunlight and water from touching the door, reducing requirements for repainting and resealing around doors.

Install Perimeter Drain

- A perimeter drain around the crawlspace or basement can reduce water leakage.

Recycle Waste

- Space will be dedicated to sorting waste materials for recycling.  Cardboard and many other waste materials can be recycled.

At this and other levels of Green Building you may also see:

Recycled Content Materials

Clay brick, fiberglass insulation, carpeting, and other materials can have recycled content.

Use Renewable Materials

Carefully check manufacturer claims.  Bamboo is renewable, but shouldn't have glues or finishes that don't meet environmental requirements.

Use Locally Available, Indigenous Materials

In the Raleigh area, varieties of hardwood and softwood are harvested within 300 miles.  This can be a great local material. 

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for this new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories.  Bronze level certification requires 12 points in the Lot Design, Preparation, and Development category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 40 ways to earn points in this category alone. 

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

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"It wasn't all that exciting."

That's what a lot of veterans say when their families ask them to tell their stories.

"I couldn't possibly talk for more than ten minutes."

Time and again, the veterans insist there isn't much to tell.

But it never takes ten minutes.

It often goes on for hours.

Because once veterans start talking, they remember so many interesting things. The people they met. The places they went. What they saw. What they thought. What they did. What it felt like.

That's what the National Veterans History Archival Institute (NVHAI) is all about.

Providing a venue where veterans tell their stories, so that their families - and the rest of the world - can understand what it was like, what it meant, and what it stands for.

Like an army finance officer who served in Tehran in WWII.  He had never talked about it to his two daughters.

"They were spell-bound," said Dave Milidonis, founder of the Cary, NC based Veterans History Institute. "Every veteran has a fascinating story to tell. Oftentimes, the less they think, at first, they have to talk about, the more interesting their story turns out to be."

What is the Veterans History Institute?

The Veterans History Institute is dedicated to preserving the historical heritage U.S. veterans, hailing from all branches of the service; the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force AND the nation's oldest branch, the U.S. Merchant Marines.  For over 230 years, these brave souls have taught generation after generation of a free people that Freedom is not Free and we have a responsibility never to forget that lesson.

The NVHAI is a dedicated group of volunteers, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to collect, preserve and present the history of our veterans, from both war and peace.

Has the Veterans History Institute Conducted Many Interviews?

The organization conducted an amazing 564 interviews in the first 10 months of 2008, all using a network of local and not-so-local volunteers.

From a nurse who went from ship to ship, never landing anywhere and never actually helping anyone who was hurt, to a navy officer who served in every major theatre between WWII and Korea, every story adds depth to the history of America.

Some veterans come to the NVHAI on their own. They want their story to go down in history, as an important part of American culture. But many times, it's the families who bring in their veterans. Families recognize the value of a story that needs to be told. They may have heard it a hundred times. It may be totally new. But they want it to be heard.

Families Hear Stories for the First Time

"We love it when families come in with the veterans," said Milidonis. "We want to hear their stories, too. It's a part of history that's often overlooked - what the folks back home were going through, when their loved one was serving their country."

As the veterans and their families tell their stories, they often remember things long since forgotten. Some of it sounds dangerous. Some seems miraculous. Some is romantic. And there are even things they laugh about.

"It's so fascinating to see hear these stories coming back," said Milidonis.  "A veteran may think what he or she did isn't all that important. He may see himself as only one of thousands. But in fact, what he sees as a small experience can give new meaning to huge events." 

Storytelling like this provides insight into military activities all over the world.

It's Not Just World War II

Of the 564 stories collected so far, 34% were from WWII, 22% from Vietnam, 14% were stories from those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, 13% from the Cold War, 9% from the Korean War, and 2% of interviewees served in the Persian Gulf War.  The balance served in Grenada, Panama, or "other", which may mean they served during a period without a major conflict. 

Volunteers across the country, including local businesses, help the NVHAI collect these important stories.

"These personal accounts are fascinating," said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes, a custom home builder in Raleigh, NC that opens its model home to veterans and the NVHAI, for Veterans History Interview events. "We are very pleased to be able to offer a comfortable place to relax and bring out these historical perspectives. It's a real eye-opener about the kind of history textbooks don't usually bring out. Being able to help real people relate real events like this is awe inspiring."

Be a Part of History!

If you or someone you know has a story to tell, Stanton Homes is hosting a Veterans History Interview Open House on Saturday, January 17th, in the Pittsboro, NC area.  Call Dave Milidonis of the NVHAI at 919-449-5440 or Penny Hull of Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 to reserve an interview time, or get directions to this drop-in event. 

Volunteers will be on hand to videotape stories and make digital copies of any records.  Veterans are encouraged to bring letters, service records, commendations, or any other historical documents with them.

Saturday January 17th 12pm - 4pm

Free Event

Families Welcome!

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Green Building Certification - Lot Design, Preparation, and Development

Why Should I Buy a Green Home?

There are many different reasons to purchase a green home. 

- Lower energy bills

- Less carbon footprint

- Healthier indoor air

- Reduced warranty claims

- Improved durability and less maintanence

- Better resale

A Certified Green Home is "graded" across 7 categories, to ensure standards are met and environmental impact is limited.  Today we'll talk about Section 1.

Section 1 - Lot Design, Preparation, and Development

Resource-efficient site design and development practices help reduce environmental impacts.   Green design principles might include saving trees, constructing onsite storm water retention/infiltration features, and orienting the home for maximum passive solar heating and cooling.

Remember, there are three different levels of Green Home Certification using the third party certification programs in the Raleigh/Triangle area:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

For Bronze Level green home certification, you may see features like these:

Certified Green Training

- the builder team has been carefully trained to uphold green principles throughout the building process.

Protected Home Sites

- Limits of clearing and grading carefully marked on site plan

- Areas to be cleared and graded in preparation for building home are clearly marked on site with flags, etc.

Natural Vegetation

- Turf grass and other vegetation are selected that are native or regionally appropriate (such as drought-resistant species in the Raleigh area)

Hydrozoning

- Plants with similar watering needs are grouped together

Control Erosion

- Install and maintain sediment and erosion controls

Limit Impact on Land

- Stabilize disturbed areas within 14 day period

Share Driveways or Parking

- A shared driveway for two homes can minimize impact on both homeowner's land.

Optimize Solar Resources

- Site the home and other built features to optimize solar resources by placing the long side of the home within 30 degrees of due South. 

How does Green Home Certification work?

In order for this new home to be "certified green" through the Green Home Builders of the Triangle third party certification program, a total of 257 points must be earned across 7 categories.  Bronze level certification requires 12 points in the Lot Design, Preparation, and Development category.

The points earned may vary, depending on the site conditions, location, and desires of the homeowner.  There are over 40 ways to earn points in this category alone. 

Silver and Gold certification requires additional points. 

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