Garage, Laundry, & Room Over Addition

This fall we are taking our custom home building experience and applying it to a custom addition project. Our first step was to draw the homeowner's plan of a garage, laundry room, finished room over garage, and bathroom.
Then, with the proper building permits, insurance, and licensing, we were ready to begin the actual construction effort. Footings first...

Next up, masonry and slab work.

Then framing...

To be continued...

Special Project

I have heard from a few of you about the "picture clue" in my last blog post. Thanks to the Facebook readers as well. Matt Lucas of 31-W Insulation knew what was going on because he was a contributor on this project. Again, here was the picture clue:

What was going on here? One guess was that we were finishing a basement. Actually, this special project consisted of a framed first level on a raised slab and a 2,000+ square foot finished modular home placed on top of that. The picture shows where we cut into the floor of the home to create space for a staircase down to the newly framed first level!

We had the first level precisely framed with extra support on the perimeter and other loading bearing areas so that the modular home could be set on top in three adjoining sections by a crane. The project is almost complete and here are several pictures that show the sequence of events.

The brick columns and arches really dress up the front of this home. The upper porch columns, railing, and steps to the ground level will again change the look from the road. I'll post more pictures when the project is complete!

This is one of those special projects that reminds me of how unique a custom home can be. I don't think there is another one like it. And most importantly, its just the way the homeowners want it!

Summer 2009 Update

It has been quite a while since I have posted. 2009 is proving to be a very interesting year in the custom home building business. We are currently working on two custom home projects with a few others on the radar.

The biggest hurdle I am seeing for many people wanting to build a custom home is in the area of lending. If you're paying with cash as some are (and they are getting some good deals) then lending is not an issue. For those that are looking for a construction-to-permanent loan, we are seeing banks that used to require 5% down now requiring 25% down. And some are requiring that a person's existing home be sold before a construction loan can be opened - and for good reason as we've learned in the past several months.

So, this post is primarily to let anyone that is reading know that Master Plan Homes is still building custom homes and we're looking forward to what the rest of 2009 holds.

Here is a picture clue of one of the projects we're working on right now. Its a first for us...


Any guesses?

Interior Trim Work - Part 2

Some additional pictures of an elaborate trim package being installed in one of our custom homes...

Interior Trim Work

Interior trim work is often one of the areas in custom home building where the custom attributes really come to life. From baseboards to crown molding to door/window casings to mantles to built-in bookcases to cubbies to coffered ceilings etc. The possibilities, combinations, and material choices are countless.

Pictures of trim work in a magazine or a friend's house can be used as a starting point of what you're looking for. The trim carpenter can then draw ideas right on the wall for a custom design that suits your preferences.



Wainscotting can be used in rooms that you want dressed up.


It truly is amazing how trim work can transform a room - and even a ceiling!

Custom interior trim work is also a great way to maximize the space you have to work with.

We have worked with several trim carpenters in the Columbia and Lexington areas. Some of them truly can be artists... That is one of the great things about a custom home: you get to choose what makes it unique and yours. And this is certainly true in the area of interior trim work.

Home Plans and the Home Planning Process

While the spring and summer are usually the busiest time of year for new homes to get started, the fall and winter are a great time to start the home planning process. Many people are overwhelmed with the number of choices that go into a new home and the array of possibilities for their custom home plans. The more preparation you do on the front end, the easier the process can be.


Your lot may provide multiple layout options. Perhaps you can make the most of a sloped lot by planning for a basement home. This works very well on sloped lake lots to increase views to the water. Then there are various styles to consider: craftsman, ranch, traditional, colonial, cottage, courtyard, etc. I am drawing house plans and would be glad to work with you to create your own custom home plan. My plans include elevations, floor plans, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and even 3-dimensional views and renderings. We can also save time by sending revisions out as PDF files for your review. This allows me to not only work with locals of the Columbia and Lexington SC areas, but also with individuals in other cities and states. Drop me a line if you want additional information.

For a smooth construction process, we encourage homeowners to make as many building selections as they can before construction even begins. This includes everything from brick & mortar choices all the way to towel bars in the bathrooms and everything in between. You might be surprised at just how many selections are available and some of them take time to make a decision on. Do these early and the actual construction process will feel more stress free.

Also, if you're considering going green, the best time to make that decision is before you ever break ground or get home plans. As a Certified Green Professional, I can help educate you on what makes a home and the home construction process green.

So if 2009 is going to be the year of your new home, consider beginning the planning process before 2008 ends. Of course I would prefer that you also consider Master Plan Homes for your house plans and/or as your builder of choice. But whichever route you choose, I'd still be happy to talk with you about it.

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Green Day at the Parade

October 29th was Green Day at the Greater Columbia Parade of Homes at Saluda River Club. There were two presentations with Green Council Chairman Mark Bostic and program verifier Joseph Gilmore. I attended the first presentation before volunteering at the parade's ticket gate.

Mark shared how the NAHB's green program is comprised of seven areas based on a points system. Then Joe spent a good bit of time on the areas of energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Topics included radiant barrier roof sheathing, foam insulation, insulating the roof on an attic instead of the attic's floor, using low-VOC paints & carpets, Energy Star lighting & appliances, tankless hot water heaters, blower-door testing, etc.

Five of the six homes in the parade are seeking green certification under the locally adopted green program. If you are considering building a new home and would like to know more about what it takes to be "green", let me know and I'll be glad to share what I've learned about it this year.

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