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There are many steps to building a house. That’s why we’re devoting this series of articles to each stage along the way. An early one is finding the right builder for your project. Saussy Burbank can help, of course. First, we’ll provide assistance here by sharing tips on how to select your building partner.

With 3.46 million houses built in the United States between 2015 and 2019, it’s not surprising that there are also tens of thousands of home builders in the country. Each area will have its own mid-sized and small home builders as well as specialists in particular niches. Saussy Burbank, for example, is known for its innovative way of combining modern, open floor plans with architectural choices that reflect the history and character of the Carolinas.

Whether you’re looking for a modern, single-family home, a townhome, a condo, or even a tiny home, the number of builders vying for your business can be overwhelming.  The following strategies take some of the challenges out of your steps to building a house.

#1 List Possible Builders

The National Association of Home Builders offers several ways to identify potential local builders:

#2 Interview Potential Partners

Think of it like dating for real estate. You need to find out more about the different builders on your list. Questions you might ask, depending on your priorities, include:

#3 Visit Recently Built Homes

You may be impressed with a builder’s answers in your interview, but you still need to see their work firsthand. A builder may offer to set you up to visit the home of one of their references. Otherwise, go visit an open house for another home or neighborhood being built by that builder.

Don’t just take the salesperson’s word for it. It’s also a great idea to get out in that neighborhood of recently built homes by the builder and talk to people who own those houses. Explain that you’re thinking of having the builder work for you and ask them (just as you’d ask the builder’s provided references):

Record your observations. You’re probably going to be seeing more than one builder’s work. So, make it easier on yourself when making the decision by taking along a notebook to jot down your impressions.

We have some questions for you too! View our Home building 101: What buyers should ask themselves.

#4 Review Relevant Documents

When you’ve narrowed down your options, you’ll want to do some background reading. It’s homework that can pay off down the road as you build your forever home. The builder should be able to provide you:

#5 Check their Reputation

There are many trade associations for home builders and contractors. You can check with these organizations to determine if there are any known issues with your potential partner.

Main organizations include:

#6 Consider Customer Service

This is an important project. Even though you’d like your home done quickly so you can move in, that’s not how it works. Customer service is going to matter.

You want to be sure that you trust the builder you choose to communicate with you along the way. You don’t want to get someone who is all eager in the sales phase, but then won’t return your calls once building is in progress. So, look for a partner who is “responsive, open and glad to discuss things with you from the start to the final phases of the project.”

Finding the Right Builder

These are only some of the things you’ll need to do and consider as steps to building a house. You’ll also need to consider the quality of materials, their flexibility to accommodate your ideas, as well as budget and timeline of course.

Considering these different factors can help you find the right fit for your home build project. Saussy Burbank is here to help too. Contact our experts today about building your home or how to make the process easier

The sun sinks below the horizon and a light blue morphs into a kaleidoscope of pink and purple hues. You catch a glimpse of a heron gliding in your periphery, and the first croak of a tree frog grabs your attention. The heat of the day begins to dissipate, ushering in a warm humid night in the Lowcountry. You’re watching an east coast sunset and somehow, each is better than the last.

It’s a favorite way to end a perfect day in the Charleston region, for both visitors and home owners alike. But where to catch the best views? Pretty much anywhere will do – you can trust there will be no mountains blocking your views around here! But to make it simple, we’ve rounded up 5 of our favorite Charleston-region spots to take it all in. Check them out!

Summerville. Yes, it’s a little broad to select as a “location,” but there’s something about the location of Summerville that invites dramatic sunsets. Gahagan Park is a good bet, but so is Encore Park, tucked into the heart of Nexton. Homeowners are often treated to vibrant evening skies that they can take in from the park’s many undulating hills or from the playground within. Let the littles burn off the last of their energy while you revel in a Summerville sunset.

Brittlebank Park. A sunset over the Ashley River is a must-see if you live or visit the Charleston area. A playground, walking paths, and fishing pier provide plenty of activity while you wait for the sun to sink below the horizon. Just make sure you stop to take it all in.

Shem Creek. Prefer to dine while you unwind as the sun sets? Shem Creek has a variety of great food and beverage options to take in while you let the day come to an end. And if you’re lucky enough to catch dolphins fishing the creek while the sky lights up in purple and pink….well, that’s one evening you’ll never forget.

Kiawah River. The lesser known cousin to Kiawah Island, Kiawah River is a quiet enclave in John’s Island upon its namesake river. Homeowners get a front row seat to breathtaking sunsets from their sweeping porches every evening, but you can see it even if you aren’t calling the community home. Access the river via boat and enjoy the show from the water. You’ll get the vibrance in the sky and the reflection on the water. Perfection.

Folly Beach. Maybe a bit cliche but we can’t leave out the eastern-most point in the USA! They get to see the show first, after all. Painted skies delight beach goers well into the evening. Wade along the shore, stroll ankle-deep, or sit on the pier. There’s no better way to wrap up a beach day in Charleston.

Wish Lowcountry sunsets were part of your every day life? We can make it happen. Reach out to an agent today to find your perfect Lowcountry home.

Working from home became much more common in 2020. Even when businesses reopened in 2021, many people continued to work from home or, at least, to work more days from home in a hybrid version of office work and working remotely. There are many reasons people enjoy work from home, but there is added appeal if you’re living in one of these best neighborhoods in Charlotte.

Many employees want to continue working from home as it helps minimize workplace distractions, eliminates their commute, and offers more flexibility. Businesses have seen the great experiment of working from home, well, work, and are staying the course. In a Hubstaff survey, only 15.5% of 400 companies planned to return fully to the office in 2021. They expected remote work to:

The happiest of employees working remotely are those living in these best neighborhoods in Charlotte for work from home.

NoDa

The North Davidson (NoDa) neighborhood is best known foremost as an arts and entertainment district. It’s home to hipsters, artists, environmentalists, craft brewers, and other creatives.

What makes it so great for work from home? You can easily walk to North Davidson, the main street in this Charlotte neighborhood, and find a cool place to hang out and enjoy a change of scenery. Looking to set up your laptop while enjoying a cup of coffee? Try Smelly Cat Coffeehouse & Coffee Roasters or get a feline fix at the “half cats, half coffee” Mac Tabby Cat Cafe. Or take your pooch to The Dog Bar where you can enjoy a pint and your pup can play.

South End

This best Charlotte neighborhood is booming right now as a vibrant area for dining, drinks, shopping, and more. Bordering Dilworth, South End is just south of Uptown and has a long history as an industrial area. In the late 1990s, the city began to convert it into a walkable entertainment district.

What makes it so great for work from home? You’re right in the heart of things. It’s an easy trip to Uptown if you need to get into an office there. At the same time, you’re well placed to get on the Light Rail. And, when work’s done for the day, you can walk over to one of the many breweries or restaurants along the Rail Trail, which itself makes a great place to run or walk your furry colleagues during the day.

Myers Park

One of the more affluent neighborhoods in Charlotte, this was one of the city’s first suburbs. Still, you can find your forever home among the grand homes that sit back on the lush lawns of Queens Road.

What makes it so great for work from home? This is a great neighborhood to get outside and take a break to boost your creativity. You can walk under the beautiful tree canopy and enjoy the garden landscapes on the sprawling lawns of some of the bigger homes. Plus, you’re right near Freedom Park and can connect easily to the Greenway if you want to run, ride or rollerblade to get some fitness in between those endless Zoom calls. Otherwise, you can take your bike out on the “Booty Loop” to get your fitness fix.

Commonwealth Park

This largely single-family home community, also known as Briar Creek, is one of the top 10 best neighborhoods to live in Charlotte, per Niche. The neighborhood scores an A+ overall with A’s also for its housing, public schools, nightlife, and family friendliness.

What makes it so great for work from home? You can start off your workday with a coffee from The Hobbyist or Julia’s Coffee & Books. Or take a lunch break with your laptop at Common Market. Otherwise, you can stretch your legs and enjoy the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

Elizabeth

Even some Charlotte residents are confused about the boundaries of this neighborhood. Elizabeth’s “blurry borders are shared with Uptown, Plaza Midwood, and more.” Yet, once found, this neighborhood is known for balancing the quaint with hustle and bustle.

What makes it so great for work from home? You can easily treat yourself after you’ve met that deadline with a sweet from Villani’s Bakery or a cone from Elizabeth Creamery. Just want to get outside for some fresh air? You can explore Independence Park’s trails and 19 acres of green space. There’s also a reflecting pond and rose garden.

SouthPark

SouthPark is one of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte because you’re so close to upscale shopping and dining. There are many young people and families living here whether in massive homes with manicured lawns, luxury apartments, or chic townhomes.

What makes it so great for work from home? With the SouthPark mall and so many boutique shops in this neighborhood, it’s easy to pop out on a break and get some shopping done. If anything goes wrong with your work computer, you’re also nearby both an Apple Genius Bar and a Microsoft store!

There are also many nearby restaurants around for meeting up with clients or colleagues for a business lunch. You might try Italian at Toscana or southern fare at the new Southern Pecan, which boasts Gulf Coast cuisine.

Oakhurst

Home to young professionals and good for families, per Niche, the Oakhurst neighborhood has a suburban feel with large, old trees lining the streets but boasts many good bars and restaurants.

What makes it so great for work from home? Your neighbor could be your next collaborator. As Axios Charlotte puts it, “Oakhurst is a melting pot of artists, entrepreneurs, free spirits, and dedicated Charlotteans.” That means you could run into a graphic designer, an app developer, a bookkeeper, or a wood worker while you’re walking around the ‘hood. Plus, when working from home, parents can enjoy the confidence that their kids are at some of Mecklenburg County’s better public schools.

Saussy Burbank has a long history of building custom homes in the Carolinas. We know what’s needed in your home to make it comfortable for work from home. That could mean putting your owner’s suite on the first floor, away from your home office, for more of a sanctuary retreat. Or creating an inviting home for your furry coworkers too. Contact us today to learn more about designing a house for work from home

There are many instances in life when we have to acknowledge it’s all about the timing. When it comes to buying a new home at the same time as you sell your old one, that is definitely an “all in the timing” situation. Still, to help make the balancing act a little easier, we asked Saussy Burbank agent Kim Claxton “how to sell and buy a house at the same time.” An edited transcript of the discussion follows.

Buying a house can already be challenging; selling one is often stressful too. So, what would be the advantage of selling a house and buying a new one at the same time?

By selling and buying at the same time, you don’t have to find short-term housing, move twice, or carry two mortgages.

Selling a house and buying a new one simultaneously isn’t easy. What are some of the biggest challenges the homeowner could run into?

The top ones are timing and financing! As an agent, part of my job is helping people find the right Saussy Burbank house available to buy at the same time as they sell and close on their existing house. That can mean showing them recently built properties and having candid conversations about how long it takes to buy and build a house.

Funding the new house when you still have a mortgage on the old house can be a stumbling block. What have you seen buyers do to smooth out this wrinkle in the process?

A lot of people choose to do a back-to-back closing. Also known as a simultaneous closing, this is when you buy the new home on the same day you sell your old one. This means you can transfer the money from the sale to purchase the new home almost immediately.

Another option could be getting a bridge loan. This is a short-term bank loan to cover your down payment, just until your sales close. However, not all banks offer this, and getting qualified can be difficult. 

There are also some companies that will buy your house for cash, although you may not get full market value going that route.

The logistics of selling and buying at the same time can be tough. What can a buyer do working with Saussy Burbank to at least make the buying of the new home process go more smoothly?

Apply for a loan immediately after contract even if the house won’t be complete for a while to make sure the loan process goes smoothly. It also helps to make your design selections on time so the house can stay on schedule.

How would the fact that someone is buying and selling a home at once change the process of buying a home with Saussy Burbank?

The buyer would disclose on the Saussy Burbank contract that they had to sell to buy and have a contingency addendum. A sale and settlement contingency says you’ll buy the home only if you can successfully sell your existing home. However, that means we’re still able to hear other offers (so, it’s safer to take this route in a buyer’s market).

Saussy Burbank typically only accepts contingency offers if the existing house is under contract. That way it’s just contingent upon the sale closing.

What should the buyer do to avoid getting “bumped” by a non-contingency offer?

The buyers can provide the contract on the home they are selling to Saussy Burbank along with their purchase contract and speak with one of our preferred lenders. It can help also to provide comparable sales for the home you are selling as well.

What is the advantage of working with Saussy Burbank and buying a new-built home when trying to buy while selling an existing home?

When you’re looking at a resale house, the sellers typically want to close quickly, within 30-45 days. You can request an extended closing, but in a seller’s market, they’ll likely just go for another offer.

When you’re working with Saussy Burbank and the construction of one of our high-quality homes, you have a clear timeline to work with as you work to sell your home.

What other advice might you offer to those looking to buy and sell at once?

Make sure your house is ready to list before purchasing. Don’t wait to start decluttering!

Also, apply for your mortgage right after signing the purchase contract to make sure there are no hiccups getting the loan.

The process of buying and selling is emotional and stressful, but we will help guide you throughout; being in a beautiful new Saussy Burbank home will be well worth it.

 

When it comes to building your home, you likely plan on leaving the many steps involved to the experts. That makes sense of course. They know more about plumbing, framing, drywall, insulation, electricity, and the like. Yet among the steps to building a house, you can be involved in the first stage: picking your location. This article outlines the main factors to consider.

Finding your location is a fundamental step in building a house. After all, you need somewhere to put your modern house plan or customized variation. While so much is moving online these days, this is one thing that simply can’t. So, what do you need to keep in mind when picking the most desirable place to live? Several things, and we’ll examine them in more detail here.

#1 Climate

It is perhaps more difficult today to anticipate what climate is going to be like in the future. Still, you can at least do research now to determine what you might expect at the location you’re considering as far as:

This isn’t just about anticipating how comfortable you might be in this new location. It can also mean special considerations for building the house. For instance, if you’re in an area prone to hurricanes or earthquakes it could change structural requirements. If the home needs to handle intense heat or frigid cold, that could factor into design too.

#2 View

Imagining yourself sitting on the patio sipping a cocktail, or in the backyard barbecuing, or reading a book in a nook with a picture window is one of the important steps to building a house. The fantasy of what your life will look like in your new, customized home is part of the fun! And much of the enjoyment you get from your favorite new spot in this planned home will come from the view.

If you have the opportunity, it’s best to check out the view from your proposed homesite in different seasons. A beautiful view in the Fall, when the trees are brightly colored, could become a clear line of sight to the neighboring utility plant in winter wheat the leaves are off the trees. Even if you don’t have a full year to make your decision at least try to envision what the view will be at different times of the year.

#3 Topography

You might think you want a big flat square of land to make building the house easy. But, actually, flat ground can make a difference to water drainage. On the other hand, a steep slope or exposed rock can make the build more challenging. Maybe your home builder can take advantage of a slope. Just be sure to take topography into consideration.

While you’re onsite, also take note of sun, water, wind, and ground stability. Understanding where the sunlight will stream through the house can help you make a plan for the interior design. Too much direct sun can also impact your utility use, so you may want to add exterior features to provide shade. Or site the house in relation to trees or rock outcrops to help moderate indoor temperatures.

The sound of flowing water can be soothing nearby. But you don’t want to hear it running across the floor of your laundry or great room. Work with a home builder who will look for signs of flooding, consider the paths of runoff, and determine drainage patterns to help your home location suit the environment.

Strong winds and ground stability are also important to learn about in advance. For instance, building on the top of an exposed hilltop could leave your home buffeted by harsh winds. Or building on shifting sand or otherwise unstable ground could mean your home will fall over in extreme conditions.

#4 Utilities & Services

Wherever you live now, the most you may have had to think about electricity and water is to get your account started with the local provider. However, when you’re picking a new location, unless you plan to live off the grid, you’ll want to confirm that you’ll have convenient access to electric power and potable water. It’s also worth looking into the cable and broadband networks reaching your proposed new home. Since you’re reading this article online, we can only assume you have some computers you want to connect.

Learn more also about emergency response services and how mail will reach your home site. You might look into public transportation that is available now as well as proposed changes that could bring a rapid bus line or light rail train to your new neighborhood.

#5 Community

Of course, you’re going to want to spend a lot of time inside your lovely new home. But, you’ll want to get out and explore at times too. It’s easy today to search online for neighborhood reviews that share information about schools, crime rates, medical professionals available, and other community infrastructure.

You’ll also want to find out about property tax rates and what you can expect in terms of garbage and recycling pickup. Look into the city or town’s financials too. Also, it’s worth investigating how recently the city water mains and local roads have been maintained. Everything could appear great right now, but in five years you could be facing some serious construction frustrations.

Building a house requires you to look into the future. This starts with looking at a location and seeing the potential. Working with a professional can help you keep track of the important considerations and make the best choice for locating your forever home. Or find out the locations we’ve already sited. Saussy Burbank is here to help.

 

Home building 101: What buyers should ask themselves 

Buying a home is a major project on its own, but building one takes an even higher level of commitment. But it also opens a world of opportunities for you to create a house that uniquely fits your family. We sat down with the talented, experienced Saussy Burbank sales team to find out what questions a family should ask themselves before they sit down with an agent to write a contract on a new home. Buying or building soon? Read on! 

Ask your family about…your lifestyle 

By far, the most important thing to consider is your family’s lifestyle. Know ahead of time what the house will be for you. Are you building a place for the next few years, or are you building a forever home? This will likely make a difference in how much you need to customize and how much you’re willing to spend.  In other words: what is most important to your family in a home?

Do you plan to travel often? Consider what materials and builds will be low maintenance. A townhome requires less exterior maintenance on the part of the homeowners, so unmowed grass or dead landscaping is less of a concern. If you plan to spend an extended time away, consider what materials are easiest to maintain.

Finally, keep in mind if and when you’ll sell your home down the road. While it’s important to make design options that best suit you, be wary of what others might find odd when it’s time for you to move on to your next home. 

Consider location, location, location

Are you building in an area that supplies everything you need – and want? How long are you willing to commute, and what places are worth making a longer trip? If schools are important to you, always check with the district you plan to move into. School zones often change unexpectedly, so be sure you aren’t building in a place that isn’t where you want to be. 

How many square feet is enough…or too much?

How much space do you need? It seems as easy to answer as counting the number of people in the house, but let’s dive deeper. Everybody needs a bedroom, but who can share a bathroom comfortably? If you do a lot of your work from home, consider whether you need an office space to keep you focused or whether you can make a room multitask (aka: playroom on the weekends and office on weekdays). If you plan to host lots of gatherings, more kitchen and living room space might be more beneficial than larger bedrooms. 

Do you plan to start a family or already have young children? If so, buy larger now so your family can grow into the space over time, instead of outgrowing the home in a few short years. On the other end, if you have children preparing to  move out in the coming years, you could be left with spare bedrooms that aren’t used. How can you maximize square footage now so you aren’t left heating, cooling, and maintaining unused space?

Let’s talk money

Another simple but crucial question is… what is your budget? Quick tip: Don’t start the project at your budget limit. More often than not, you’ll run into must-have upgrades or adjustments that push that number a little higher. Choose a starting-from price that allows some wiggle room. 

Also consider how much money you can realistically spend and not just what the bank is offering to lend. Talk budget in depth with your sales agent, and be sure to ask about any additional pricing or fees that naturally occur when building a new home in the Charleston region. 

Timing is key

Is there a baby on the way? If you’re moving for a job, when do you need to start making an appearance in the office? When are you selling your current place? How long can you afford the double payments, or where will you stay in between houses? 

Before you commit to building a home, set a basic timeline. This way, you can clearly communicate with the builder, and if the estimated timeline is feasible. Keep in mind that building a house will rarely go perfectly, despite our best efforts. How much time do you have to spare when the unexpected strikes? 

Stressed out?

Building a new home is a stressful experience, no matter how you slice it. Choosing a reliable, communicative, and experienced builder goes a long way in alleviating stress along your build out. Connecting with and trusting your sales agent is key, too. 

Saussy Burbank has been awarded the Guildmaster Award, the industry’s highest honor for customer satisfaction, 10 times since 2011. In fact, you can read feedback from recent buyers here. 

“Saussy exceeded our expectations! We have heard horror stories of problems with other builders not communicating or taking much longer to finish their home than expected,” one Summerville homebuyer recently shared. “Saussy is not like any other builder! They stay on top of their vendors, continuously update you on the progress of your home and are willing to work with you to make sure your home is everything you want. We were told 6-8 months from initial signing of our contract to closing, we closed in 6 months!”**

Ready to embark on a big, exciting homebuilding adventure? We’re ready when you are. Reach out to schedule an appointment to get started on your Summerville dream home today!

 

** Talk to your builder about current construction delays that might challenge an expedited build.

Modern. Cape Cod. Colonial. Farmhouse. Victorian. Greek Revival. The list goes on. You’ve heard the names, but you may not be entirely clear on what they each mean when it comes to home design. When you’re in the market for a new place to live, it can help to understand the lingo. This article outlines the things that set modern house plans apart.

When it comes to modern home plans things can get confusing right from the outset. After all, someone could be using modern to refer to contemporary while another person might mean the midcentury modern style. The midcentury modern design aesthetic draws from the post-war boom years from1945 to 1969 in the U.S. Contemporary modern house plans are the current style. Though, just to complicate things further, they will often draw on midcentury modern styles too.

So, what do we mean when we’re talking about modern house plans? Here are the key features we’d expect to see.

Clean, simple lines.

You might even be tempted to call the architecture sleek when it comes to a modern home. These contemporary homes are built to make a strong first impression even when you’re pulling up to the drive. You might see flat rooflines for added curb appeal impact.

Inside, you can expect the focus on simple lines to continue. Gone are the arches, columns, and excessive ornamentation. These designs aim for minimal clutter. You’re more likely to see geometric patterns used to add flourishes. The homes are intended to encourage a sense of calm. It’s the Marie Kondo “sparks joy” perspective on serene spaces played out on the larger architectural scale.

Open spaces.

You’re saved the effort of determining if that’s a load-bearing wall and having a contractor come in to demolish walls to “open up the space.” The modern house floor plan is an open one with attention paid to uninterrupted flow between spaces. You’re also likely to see high (perhaps vaulted) ceilings. The kitchen often becomes a focal point as these homes are designed with ease of entertaining in mind.

The modern floor plan also utilizes all your square footage more efficiently. Those open spaces are more functional. That can help your real estate value too. Finally, the open floor plan lets you benefit more fully from the natural light element discussed next.

Natural light.

You’re likely to see plenty of windows in a modern house plan. Even a compact floor plan can feel more spacious with an abundance of natural light. These windows add to the exterior appeal while promoting a happier, healthier family life indoors too.

Plus, since you’re getting the advantage of contemporary construction standards, you can expect those windows to be energy efficient too. At the same time, modern house plans offer more energy-efficient doors and appliances. There’s also a greater emphasis on recycled building materials, water conservation, and utilizing renewable energy.

Neutral colors & natural textures.

If you want a purple house, you’re more likely interested in one of the Victorian “painted ladies.” Modern house plans are much more neutral on the exterior, though you may see a pop of color in the interior. That focal kitchen is a great place for that color (e.g. in the tiles or cabinetry). Overall though, you’d expect neutral palettes throughout the house (again with soothing serenity in mind). Coupling the neutral palette with all the natural light and open space creates an opportunity for stunning choices.

If you’ve ever seen Joanna Gaines at work, you have a good idea of what we mean by natural textures. The Magnolia Homes magnate, best known from HGTV’s Fixer Upper, is a big fan of shiplap (exposed or not). Or she might use a white oak wall treatment or wooden doors to add natural texture. If you’ve got an empty corner in a modern house, she recommends a fiddle leaf fig for height and, yes, natural texture.

Connection to outdoor space.

Of course, the best place to find natural texture is outside. There’s also the natural light and a continued area for entertaining too. So, it only makes sense that modern house plans embrace multi-functional outdoor spaces. Sliding doors extend the living space out to the patio. The downstairs owner’s suite might also have its own direct indoor/outdoor connection. The modern architectural idea is to blend the house more seamlessly with the natural environment. Open air covered porches, expansive patios, fireplaces, and landscaped gardens also get attention in the contemporary home design.

If you’re looking for a modern floor plan, Saussy Burbank can help. We’ve been developing new homes in the Carolinas since 1989. Our innovative approach to design combines the modern, open style with architectural choices that reflect the history and character of the region.

Picture your dream home. 

Now picture your budget. 

Do the two align? For a lucky few, the answer is yes! For others, getting your new home to be just right might happen in a few phases. 

Besides, there are a lot – we’re talking hundreds – of decisions to make as you embark on the journey of homebuilding.  And timing, budget, product availability, and changing family needs can force a decision or two that might have you itching for a change sooner or later. 

We talked to the home building pros at Saussy Burbank to find what investments in your new home to make upfront, and what you can tweak over time. 

Get this right while building:

Your Kitchen 

A full kitchen reno isn’t a project that can be tackled by the average joe. You will have to work with electricity, gas, and water lines. Don’t forget about regulations and permits that are required, and the upheaval to your family’s life during renovation.

From a price perspective, choosing the right countertops and cabinets is important, as they’re both hard and costly to change. These two things are the bulk of the kitchen, and take the most time to order and replace. 

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and remodeling it is a huge project. It’s one of the largest renovation expenses one can take on, and it’s rarely a quick job. Pay special attention to creating a kitchen of your dreams from the get-go to save yourself time, money, and frustration later on. 

Not sure what your perfect kitchen looks like? Don’t worry – our team is here to help you every step of the way. 

The Bathrooms

Similar to the kitchen, remodeling the bathroom can be a major inconvenience. Bathrooms require an advanced level of planning and cannot be reorganized easily. Plus, making upgrades to the bathroom can also be pricey and reliant on plumbing infrastructure. 

Lighting and accessibility to outlets are very important, too, and changing the placement can affect the entire room. While some parts of the bathroom can be swapped with relative ease, it is difficult to change the actual layout of the space. 

Work with your Saussy Burbank builder to get the bathrooms in your new Charleston home 100% right for your family.

Flooring

Swapping a room or two from carpet to hardwoods isn’t difficult… in theory. In fact, the work can be completed fairly quickly. But it means removing EVERYTHING from the rooms while the process happens.  

Save your family time and stress by upgrading high-traffic rooms to more durable flooring during build out. Many of our homes come standard with vinyl in the kitchens and bathrooms, carpet in the bedrooms and living space, and LVP in the foyer. 

If you know these options won’t work long term, talk to your Saussy Burbank sales agent about an upgrade.

Sweat these details later: 

Paint

While Saussy Burbank is happy to paint all interior rooms to your liking, we know styles change. Maybe you want to add an accent wall after living in your new home for a few months. Or that bright blue you chose for your bedroom? Not working with your favorite bedding. 

Luckily, paint can be changed as often as your opinion does. So, don’t stress yourself out by thinking you have to stick with the original color you built with. 

Hardware and Accessories 

What makes your home unique comes down to the details. If you’re looking to add your own flare to a room or want to make some minor adjustments, a full renovation may not be necessary. Hardware like locks, latches, and handles can be swapped at any time and are a quick way to enhance your home, add character, and freshen a space in an instant.

Lighting  

Feeling disappointed in the way that chandelier hangs in your dining room? Sometimes, details look great on paper but just don’t work in a space. Luckily, lighting is one of the easiest ways to upgrade a home over time.

Especially if your budget is growing tight. Stick with simple, classic lines for build out and upgrade to statement lighting over time. Important note: If you’re considering adding ceiling fans later on, let your Saussy Burbank agent know. We’ll add bracing so that the switch is a breeze.

Perplexed? Our talented Charleston builder and sales teams are here to help. Let’s get started.