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Custom builders in the US can do more than actually build the home of your dreams. They can also help you through the process, which can be rather extensive. Here’s a look at some of the perks that come with hiring a custom home builder in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Financial Help

Custom builders are able to work in conjunction with your bank to keep a log of costs and also aid in collecting payments. A custom builder can even be of assistance in processing lien requests. When hiring a custom builder, ask about the financial options they can provide.

A Liaison through the Process

A custom home specialized contractor can be by your side when dealing with other vendors who are a part of the construction process. When it’s time for the building inspector to pay you a visit, having your general contractor present will make for a much smoother inspection. Your custom builder can also coordinate with the architect to ensure any changes or modifications are to your exact liking.

Overseeing Workmanship

During a custom home build, there are usually a lot of sub-contractors attending to various parts of the job. A custom builder will take on the task of overseeing all the sub-contractors and make sure each of them is doing their specific task correctly. That includes making any adjustments or repairs before closing, so that everything is up to par.

Warranty Assistance

Warranties on the various components in your home are all different. For example, the warranty on your roof will be different from a warranty with your siding. You may also have various warranties on your appliances. A home builder can translate the details of all those warranties so you can understand each one fully and make complete use of them.

The Selection Process

There are an abundance of choices to make when building your own home and a custom builder has the advantage of knowing the ins and outs of this process. That kind of experience can provide valuable insight on the best and most affordable choices to make. In the event that you change your mind about something, a custom home builder can make the necessary changes.

Other Considerations

Custom home building in Charlotte has never been so easy and affordable like it is with CarolinaCI’s open book/cost plus pricing program. Carolina Contracting and Investments is your top choice when looking for a general contractor in Charlotte NC and the surrounding areas. Our custom homes provide homeowners with more than just a new home, but someone they can turn to and trust throughout the process. For the best custom home builder Charlotte has to offer, contact Carolina Contracting and Investments today.

An addition to a home provides a host of benefits that can last for years to come. It is also a decision that adds more than just value to a home. Here is a closer look at some of the top reasons why homeowners should consider an addition to their home.

Make cookie cutters stand out

Many neighborhoods have an abundance of cookie-cutter homes that are very similar to one another. A home addition can differentiate your home from all the other ones in your development. That not only helps from an aesthetic standpoint, but it will also increase the value of your home when compared to the value of the other similar homes on your street.

Alternative to moving

Every family could always use more space, but not every family can afford to buy a new home that provides that additional space. A home addition is a more affordable option that will provide that space without the hefty price tag. This option will also allow families to keep their children in the same school and not have to transition to an entirely new community.

Upgrade in lifestyle

A home addition makes for more comfortable living as homeowners can really utilize their extra space. This makes holidays, dinners and quiet time with the family a little bit better. This might just be a slight lifestyle change, but homeowners can always do more inside the home with that additional space.

Entertaining options

A home addition can enhance the options when it comes to entertaining guests. Your guest list can expand as there will be more room to invite friends and family. Instead of going out, the option of staying in becomes a more appealing option now that there is extra space. Holidays can also be spent entertaining at home instead of traveling around.

Resale Value

It is important to remember that a home addition is an investment. The money you spend on your home addition can be recouped if you decide to eventually sell your home. Homes that have additions demand a higher asking price and could also be more enticing to prospective buyers.

Carolina Contracting & Investments can provide you with the home addition of your choice. With a reputation as a top Charlotte general contractor, Carolina Contracting & Investments will walk you through the entire process. With years of experience as a Charlotte home builder, our team can accommodate the wishes of every homeowner.

Opting for a kitchen remodel is not always a cheap project. That is why it is important to make remodeling choices that will last and to have a quality general contractor to lead the way. Here are some useful tips what will help to ensure that your kitchen remodel will withstand the test of time.

Functional Features

There are certain features that will never go out of style. This does not necessarily apply to the exact style you choose, but more to the functionality of each feature in your kitchen. Whether it be a custom home build or remodel, selecting cabinets with plenty of size, choose lighting that is vibrant and bright, and opt for a seating area that has plenty of room are important. Adding a backsplash will also help maintain the integrity in your kitchen and not require future upgrades.

Colors That Can Change

Using paint on the walls provides the option of changing the color should the mood ever strike you. This would be a relatively inexpensive change and could provide a new look to your kitchen in the future, without having to undergo an entire remodel. What may appeal to you now may change over the course of time. Adding neutral colors to your appliances will also give you the option of altering the colors on your kitchen walls to match whatever color you select in the future.

Your Style

Many kitchen remodeling projects wind up being a sizeable investment, so it is important to make the selections you truly want. This type of job is expected to last, so you want to make sure you will be happy with your choices for years to come. When you find a design feature that will make your life in the kitchen a little easier, don’t hesitate to select that feature. You will be the one using the kitchen, so make sure it is to your liking.

Dark Cabinets

Dark cabinets will not show as much wear as light cabinets. Furthermore, the slightest shred of dirt has a tendency to show up on white cabinetry, but will blend in on a darker wood color. By choosing a darker wood color, your cabinets will retain a fresher, newer look for a whole lot longer.

Carolina Contracting & Investments provides home remodeling service that can give you the kitchen you have always wanted. When it comes time to find the top NC general contractor or Charlotte custom home builder, contact the experienced team of professionals at Carolina Contracting & Investments. We are proud to build affordable dream homes for both South Carolina and North Carolina residents.

Remodeling a bathroom inside of your home does not have to cost a fortune. With the right general contractor it can be a quick, simple job or it can be a more complex project, featuring a buildout into the next room. The bottom line is that there are plenty of bathroom remodeling options available to fit every kind of budget.

The Basics

Basic bathroom remodeling could mean replacing a vanity, sink or countertop. These projects are relatively quick fixes, which is mainly due to the fact that there is no need that to relocate any plumbing. New lighting, shower heads and glass doors are a few more quick fixes that do not involve the plumbing in your home. Adding new tile to your shower or bathroom floor is another easy upgrade. Basic bathroom remodeling projects generally take a couple of days to complete and can give your bathroom a new look at a very affordable price.

Complex Bathroom Remodel

More complex bathroom remodeling takes a little more time to complete because the entire design of the bathroom is changed. That could mean the relocation of every fixture inside the bathroom. You can completely redesign your bathroom by moving around the shower, toilet and sink. There is also the option of expanding your bathroom into the next room, so that you have more square footage. These major types of bathroom remodel take much more time to complete, sometimes up to a few weeks.

The Benefits

The first and most obvious benefit of a bathroom remodel is that it will increase the value of your home. Adding a more modern shower or tub can also create a more luxurious feel. Even a new tile floor can make a wealth of difference in a bathroom. No one knows this better than the custom home builders at Carolina Contracting & Investments.

There are also energy efficiency options to consider. New fixtures and appliances are built with greater energy efficiency, which equates to saving money in energy bills while also contributing to a more environmentally-friendly way of life. The added space will also help reduce clutter and with so many contemporary options, you won’t have to spend a fortune to add a new luxurious look to your bathroom.

Carolina Contracting & Investments offers a variety of bathroom remodeling options for the greater Charlotte area. Our team can provide you with the bathroom of your dreams or make some quick and affordable fixes that will give your bathroom a completely new look. Home construction in the Carolinas has never been better and all it takes to get started is a quick phone call to Carolina Contracting & Investments.

Building a home comes with a lot of decisions, one of which is how big your home should be. Bigger is not always necessarily better as there are advantages and disadvantages that come with a lot of square-footage. Here are some hints that can help you decide on how much square-footage should be in your custom built home.

More square-footage

More square footage means more space for living, but it also means more space that needs to be heated in the winter and cooled in the summer. That can take its toll on your energy bills. Homes with more square-footage also have higher property taxes. If you live in an area where taxes are high, that could play a significant role in how much your monthly mortgage payments will be.

Keep in mind that the more rooms you have, the more furniture and accessories you will need to buy. That also means more cleaning and upkeep over the course of a week. If you don’t have the time to maintain all those rooms, the alternative is to pay for housekeeping or deal with a messy home.

Less square-footage

While the price may be right with less square-footage, there are limitations. If you are planning to have children, that leaves little room to expand. Consider who will be living in the house five years from now and that might deter the notion of less square-footage. Storage space is another factor that might not seem as pronounced when you are planning the layout of your custom built home. However, household items have a tendency to accumulate very quickly, which makes storage space very valuable.

Less square-footage may also limit your capabilities when it comes to entertaining. If it is important to host family and friends for the holidays, then it it’s necessary to consider the square-footage within the living area and kitchen. Less square-footage may also negate the possibility of adding a home office.

The right size for you

Before committing to a specific size in square-footage, consider all of the aforementioned factors. Remember that lifestyle, family and future plans all play a major role in arriving at a square-footage number that is just right for you.

When it comes time to make this important decision, contact the top general contractor Charlotte has to offer. Carolina Contracting & Investments can build your custom home anywhere in NC and SC. The team at Carolina Contracting & Investments is ready to be your Charlotte custom home builder.

Once you have a new home built, it is important to maintain it through all kinds of weather. In this article we will be taking a look at a host of helpful tips that will enable your home stand up to the toughest tests from Mother Nature.

Monitor the Attic

This area is important for ventilation and its temperature should remain close to the outside temperature. Most new homes are already properly ventilated, although that does not mean inclement weather cannot bring about a problem. Remember to check your attic from time to time for temperature and leaks.

Mind your Pipes

Frigid winter temperatures can damage new pipes throughout the home. In the event that you go away on vacation during the winter months, leave a small drip of water flowing. This will keep your water running ever so slightly and keep it from freezing up, especially if your heat goes out while you are away.

Maintain Drainage

New storm drains are not exempt from becoming clogged with debris. When that happens, it could lead to a variety of other problems, such as roof damage and leaks. When a drain is clogged and snow begins to melt, there is a danger of taking on water damage in various parts of your home.

Keep a Generator

Should you lose power during the winter months, a generator will allow you to stay warm and also prevent further damage to your home. When purchasing a generator, it is not recommended to keep it inside the home for risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Take safety precautions and store it in an outside shed.

Prep the Yard

Through any season of the year, check your yard for branches that may be in close proximity to your home. A winter Nor’easter or summer thunderstorm could break off tree branches and send them crashing into your home. Try to trim any trees or bushes that might pose a hazard amidst high winds.

Update your Insurance

Some acts of nature are unavoidable and that’s why there is homeowners insurance. Make sure your insurance is updated and will cover any upgrades or modifications you make after the home is built. This also extends to any expensive purchases, which are kept inside the home.

When it comes down to it a home is a shelter. It should be built strong and with quality care. Carolina Contracting & Investments is ready to build you the home you have always wanted. Our experienced team of professionals will focus on every small detail in order to provide you with the best home builder Charlotte NC has to offer.

CarolinaCI provides quality service throughout NC and SC including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Matthews, Mooresville, Gastonia, Belmont, Hickory, Rockingham, Jefferson and more. Visit CarolinaCI.com for more details.

Creating the bathroom of your dreams can be done during a custom home build or remodeling project and range from a major project to some small scale changes. In both of those instances, there is a long line of options available to choose from. This article will touch on a few options that homeowners tend to overlook when planning their dream bathroom project.

Tile

The choice of tile depends a lot on preference and usage. For example, glazed porcelain tile is easy to maintain while some natural stone tiles will absorb stains more easily. And if you are looking for a non-slip floor, the best option would be to choose a tile with a matted finish or textured surface. An experienced general contractor or home builder can help you choose a tile that works best for the space, plus matches your style and budget.

Shower Storage

Organizing your shower supplies can be done without any clumpy add-on pieces that hang from your showerhead. A recessed cubby can be built right into your shower. This is not a complex task for a home contractor. Not only does it have a clean look, but this built-in type of shelf also provides tremendous convenience.

Vent Fans

A vent fan is a must in every bathroom throughout the house. However, different bathrooms require different types of fans. For example, a half-bathroom on the main floor should be equipped with a louder vent fan because it is located in a more public area. A master bathroom should require a vent fan with more power so that it is able to operate through consecutive showers. These models are also available with timer switches to make for better efficiency.

Vintage Can Save

Many older bathrooms have tiles on the walls, which contain multiple layers of concrete behind them. The removal of all that concrete could add up to a lot in labor costs, which could exceed your renovation budget. The alternative is to keep that wall tile and try to achieve a vintage or retro look that is still to your liking. If you are constructing a new bathroom addition this style can apply to other areas of the room. Things like reclaimed wood, antique light fixtures, and a clawfoot tub are not necessarily the best money saving options but these items can easily be incorporated to add a vintage twist to a chic modern bathroom.

Sink Options

There is no reason you have to choose a traditional sink during your bathroom remodel. If you are looking to create more room, a corner sink unit will free up a good amount of space. A pedestal sink will also create more space in smaller bathroom remodels that have limited square footage. Also consider the amount of storage a vanity would add to the room.

Shower

Bathtub, shower, or both? What fits and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. First, consider the chances of selling the house in the future. This is because homes that have at least one tub in a bathroom have a consistent history of being preferred by buyers.

Over the years, there has been one company that Carolina residents could continue trusting for their construction and renovations, Carolina Contracting & Investments. Carolina CI can provide you with the bathroom that fits your lifestyle and budget. For the top general contractor in Charlotte, NC, contact the team at Carolina Contracting & Investments. Servicing the Carolinas from Gaston, NC to Gaston, SC!

When it comes to building a home, it’s important to think about the future. The reality is that you could wind up selling and living somewhere else in the future. That is why it is important to consider the following upgrades that will help the resale value of your custom-built home.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors have proven to sell homes at a quicker pace and that holds particularly true on the main floor of the home. There are a variety of hardwood flooring options to choose from and when it is time to sell, a simple recoat or screen could be enough to return your floors to a newer look.

Windows

Sometimes overlooked by buyers in the home building process, windows remain an integral component in every room. Investing in quality windows has a multitude of benefits, which include enhancing the lighting in each room and also blocking out UV rays and excessive noise. High quality windows installed correctly will also save money on monthly energy bills, another plus when it’s time to sell.

Finished Basements

A finished basement adds more actual living space to a home and is also a highly sought-after component among many prospective buyers. Finished basements actually make homes more marketable. While a similar home for sale might have the same amount of square-footage, a finished basement adds more appeal to the home, thus increasing its marketability.

Islands

The kitchen is a primary area of focus for every home for sale and could sway the buyer in either direction. Adding an island is a way of creating more counter space and adding a whole new dimension to your kitchen. Another way to upgrade an island is to go with a top quality countertop material, such as granite.

Bath Tub

Upgrading your tub in the master bathroom can make a big difference when it’s time to put your home on the market. Adding a whirlpool or Jacuzzi tub will provide a feeling of luxury. The master bathroom is an area of the home that prospective buyers take into serious consideration when making a final decision.

Carolina Contracting & Investments provides its clients with more than just top-quality construction. Our team will offer expert advice on all the available upgrades to include in your custom built home. For the best custom home builder Charlotte, NC has to offer, contact Carolina Contracting and Investments today. We are proud to serve all citizens of North Carolina and South Carolina with offices at Lake Wylie, SC and Charlotte, NC.

When it comes time to buy a home, there are several options for prospective buyers to choose from. The top choices being new construction and hiring custom home builders. Buying a new home may initially seem like a more costly expense, although there are a tremendous amount of benefits when choosing that option. Here are some ways that buying a new home will benefit you.

Warranties

With new construction, warranties are offered in many different parts of the home. In most cases, the warranty begins on the closing date. These warranties not only cover the actual home, but the appliances as well. Warranty times and specifics differ among construction companies.

Less Maintenance

Pre-owned homes often have decades of wear and tear, which means your next repair could be just days away. New homes are now being designed to keep maintenance to a minimum. One of the perks of buying a new home is that there is no fixing to do.

Greater Appreciation

When compared to buying a pre-owned home, you will see a greater appreciation in the value of your new home through the first few years. The difference in appreciation between the two is usually pretty significant.

Safer Places to Live

When it comes to safety, new homes feature fire safety components that were not always available when older home were built. Hard-wired smoke alarms have also made fire detection much easier. Advances in technology have been able to implement all kinds of safety features in new homes.

More Energy Efficient

New homes are equipped with heating and cooling systems that are more energy efficient than older models. That means you will wind up paying less in your monthly energy bills. Energy efficient products are improved each year and new homeowners can benefit from that kind of innovation.

More Options

When you are the one buying a new home, you have a say in how it is constructed. That means your home can look exactly the way you want it to look. There are also a lot of upgrades offered by custom home builders, which allows buyers to get more for their money.

Tax Breaks

Some new construction comes with a tax abatement, which means the owner does not have to pay taxes on the home for a certain amount of time. Property taxes of new homes can also remain lower because those amounts are assessed during the preceding year.

Carolina Contracting & Investments is ready to build you a new home as the top general contractor Charlotte, NC has to offer. When it is time to find a custom home builder or general contractor in the Carolinas, contact the team of professionals at Carolina Contracting & Investments.

The price of a new home is not something everyone can afford. However, there are other options when it comes to expanding your living space. Home additions and room expansions can bring the following benefits to homeowners.

Up The Resale Value

One of the first things that any prospective home buyer looks for is the amount of square footage in a home. After that, they often ask how many bathrooms and bedrooms are in the home. Adding just one more room will bring about an immediate increase in the value of your home. If you decide to sell your home in the future, your asking price will be higher and can easily outweigh the cost of a general contractor remodeling job.

More Room for Energy Efficiency

When people think of more space, they do not always consider the value when it comes to energy efficiency. However, more space could mean more room for new appliances that have higher energy ratings. That equates to less money you will have to spend on your monthly energy bills.

More Storage Space

Many people pay monthly fees for extra space at a storage facility. Over the course of time, that could add up to more money than what you might spend on a home addition. There is also a convenience factor involved with having more space to store all of your stuff.

Increases Community Property Value

When the homes in your neighborhood receive additions and improvements, it bumps up the property value within the whole community. So, by improving your home, you are actually helping the entire neighborhood experience a rise in property value.

Better for Entertaining

More space in your kitchen will make for more opportunities when it comes to entertaining. Adding an extra bedroom will also open up the opportunity to welcome house guests for a night stay. That means family members could be more comfortable during holiday visits.

Potential Rent

Adding an extra bedroom provides you with the option of renting it out. This is not always the most popular reason for home additions, but there is no denying the ability to add extra monthly income by renting out your extra space.

Whether you are looking to add a new room to your home or expanding an existing one, Carolina Contracting & Investments has a solution for you. With a team of experienced contractors, we can show you why we have become the top home builders in Charlotte NC. Servicing all of North Carolina and South Carolina with over 35 years of experience.

One of the benefits of having a custom home built just for you is in the long line of upgrades you have to choose from. These upgrades can add to the value of your home while also adding a more luxurious feel. Here’s a look at some of the upgrades homeowners can take advantage of when they choose to go with a custom home builder.

Custom Cabinets

Kitchens are always one of the busiest rooms in the house, so many people enjoy showing off that space. The best part about adding custom kitchen cabinets is that it can match the style or theme within your home. There are options that provide more cabinet space and different lighting options as well. Custom cabinets are also a great way to accentuate the theme in your bathroom.

Flooring

Some people prefer hardwood flooring while others like to go with carpeting. Building a custom home gives you the option of choosing between those two and more, such as marble or ceramic tile flooring. Homeowners can choose the flooring that fits their lifestyle. Much of that could depend on things like whether they have children or if planning to do a lot of entertaining. Your Charlotte general contractor can help you decide the best options for you.

Energy Efficient Options

Monthly energy bills are always affected by the amount of energy efficiency within the home. There are energy efficient options to choose from when selecting your HVAC system, windows, hot water heater and you could even opt for the use of solar panels.

The Little Things

All custom upgrades do not have to be major ones. Adding a couple of ceiling fans or some lighting inside your cabinets are not major upgrades, but they still provided an extra special touch to your home. Adding a few more electrical outlets is another minor upgrade to consider in certain rooms.

The Master Bathroom

This room can truly be a homeowner’s getaway. Upgrades are available in abundance and they include Jacuzzi tubs, walk-in showers, double sinks and your choice of fixtures. There are even ways to make bathrooms more accommodating to elderly people, with safety and handicap features.

If you are looking for the top custom home builder North Carolina and South Carolina have to offer their residents, contact the team at Carolina Contracting & Investments. We can build you a home that is exactly to your liking. A long list of custom upgrades are always available as it is our goal to give you the home you have always wanted.

Learn more about our Custom Homes, Additions, and Remodeling Services at CarolinaCI.com

Many people discuss the possibility of building a custom home in the Carolinas, but not all of them are ready to embark on this endeavor. There are ways to know if you are indeed ready. Here’s a glimpse of the tell-tale signs that indicate you are ready to build a custom home.

The financing is there

Building a home starts with dollars and cents, so the first step is getting approved for financing. This process is not necessarily the same as getting approved for a mortgage. And while some people may believe building a custom home is more expensive than buying a home, that is not always the case. So once that financing is approved, you are ready to enjoy the fun of building a home.

The ideas have been mounting

You have not only pictured your new home in your mind, but you have also driven around looking at your share of homes. You have also been online, collecting images from Pinterest, Zillow and other websites. All of those ideas have been swirling and the urge to bring them to reality is growing more by the day.

You have approved a neighborhood

Selecting a neighborhood is an important part of building a custom house near Charlotte. Once you have checked out the school system, examined the resale value and talked with some people who live in that community, you are ready to start building. Finding a neighborhood that meets your standards is a clear sign that you are ready to go.

New has become a theme

If you are used to buying new cars and prefer to be the first owner of all your possessions, then the idea of a brand new home has been appealing to you for a while. The theme of new takes on even greater meaning in a custom-built home as you will have final say on the actual design and layout.

A builder has appealed to you

When you develop a good rapport with a custom home builder, it makes it easier to move forward with the process. When you find a reputable builder you trust, then it’s time to work together to build that custom home you have always wanted.

Carolina Contracting & Investments prides itself on being a Charlotte custom home builder that clients can trust. We will work with you through every step of the process to ensure that your custom home is exactly the way you want it to be. When it comes time to find a top Charlotte general contractor, look no further than Carolina Contracting & Investments.