Building a custom home is an exciting journey, and at Total Quality Home Builders, we’re here to make that process seamless and enjoyable. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a home tailored to your unique vision, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the custom home building process. From our initial consultation to the final walkthrough, Total Quality Home Builders is committed to delivering a home that meets your expectations at every stage.

1. Initial Consultation

The custom home building process begins with an in-depth conversation about your vision. During this initial consultation, we focus on understanding your lifestyle, preferences, and must-haves. We discuss your budget, desired location, and design preferences, ensuring we align with your goals. This step is crucial in setting the foundation for the entire project.

2. Design and Planning

Once we understand your needs, the next phase is design and planning. We collaborate with architects and designers to translate your ideas into a practical yet beautiful home plan. We consider everything from layout and flow to custom features and finishes during this stage. This is also where we secure any necessary permits and ensure compliance with local building regulations.

3. Budgeting and Pre-Construction

After finalizing the design, we provide a detailed estimate based on the approved plans and material selections. This step ensures transparency so you understand the full scope of costs involved. During the pre-construction phase, we begin site preparation, which may include grading, foundation work, and setting up utilities. Our goal is to start with a solid base for a smooth build.

4. Construction Phase

The construction phase is where your dream starts to take shape. Our skilled builders and contractors work diligently to turn the approved design into reality. Each process is handled with precision and expertise, from framing and roofing to electrical and plumbing installations. Throughout the build, we keep you informed with regular updates, ensuring you’re involved every step of the way.

5. Customization and Finishes

One highlight of building a custom home is selecting the finishes that bring your style to life. You choose everything from flooring and cabinetry to countertops and fixtures at this stage. We guide you through these decisions to ensure your selections fit your vision while maintaining a cohesive design.

6. Final Walkthrough and Completion

As we near the completion of your home, we conduct a thorough inspection to ensure everything meets our high standards. During the final walkthrough, you can review the work, ask questions, and request any final adjustments. Our commitment to quality and your satisfaction means we won’t consider the project complete until you are fully satisfied.

7. Post-Build Support

Our relationship doesn’t end when we hand over the keys. At Total Quality Home Builders, we offer post-build support to address any concerns that may arise after you move in. We’re dedicated to making sure your home continues to meet your needs and expectations for years to come.

Building a custom home is a significant investment, and the process should be as rewarding as the final product. At Total Quality Home Builders, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, open communication, and commitment to quality. Following this proven custom home building process ensures that your experience is smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your vision.

Are you ready to build your dream home? Contact Total Quality Home Builders today to schedule your consultation.

There’s nothing quite like lakefront living, especially when the lake and its surroundings have much to offer. If you’re considering buying waterfront property and are searching for an excellent place for your lake home, it’s time to learn about Lake Keowee communities and why you’ll fall in love with all the area has to offer.

Start by Learning Lake Keowee’s Story

Lake Keowee has a fascinating history, not just as an expansive lake but also because it’s a bit of a workhorse—quite literally. This man-made lake was built to cool Duke Energy’s three nuclear reactors located at the Oconee Nuclear Station. It also generates hydroelectric power as falling water propels a renewable form of energy. In other words, it has an integral role in energy production for the area.

While the lake’s job is massive, so is its size. Measuring 26 miles in length, 3 miles in width, and at an average depth of 54 feet, the lake covers more than 18,000 acres of land and boasts nearly 300 miles of shoreline. This expansive area means plenty for everyone to enjoy, and it ensures Lake Keowee communities along those shorelines are perfect for everyone.

Keowee is a Cherokee word meaning “Place of the mulberries.” Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake extends into two counties in South Carolina—Pickens and Oconee—and features breathtaking mountain views.

On the northern side of the lake, you’ll find peaceful places for exploring thanks to the nearby Keowee/Toxaway State Park, which offers 1,000 acres of hiking, waterfalls, and idyllic views of the lake. Because of its parks and the nearby Eastotoe Park, a natural wildlife preserve, fewer people call that location home or even use the lake for summer fun. It’s great for a serene getaway.

Meanwhile, Lake Keowee’s southern end is closer to residential locations—and just minutes from Clemson University—making it perfect for those looking to be closer to the energy and comforts of larger towns and communities.

And, of course, the lake is filled with much to do. The lake is a fisherman’s dream—packed with largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, catfish, and brown and rainbow trout. Adventurers love stopping their boats at Jumping Rock, a 30-foot boulder on the lake where people are frequently seen jumping off the rock into the lake. It also offers the main channel, side channels, and coves to explore, with nine public boat ramps and a waterfall for plenty of summer fun. And that’s just some of what the area has to offer.

Our favorite Lake Keowee Communities are as distinct as Lake Keowee itself. Here are three communities we know you’ll love.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

The Reserve at Lake Keowee

If you’re looking for a home that offers more than lakefront living alone, consider The Reserve at Lake Keowee. Established by Greenwood Communities and Resorts in 2000, it’s a private waterfront golfing community with a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and a community clubhouse.

The Reserve at Lake Keowee was designed to harness the lake’s natural beauty and resources. Its meticulously maintained roadways, stacked stone bridges, and natural surroundings blend through the entire community. With members-only amenities, including lake access, a tennis center, the village center and market, pools, and a fitness and yoga center, it’s the right location for sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

The Reserve offers a historical presence with timeless appeal, with everything from cozy cottages to stunning estate homes to call your own. It’s a natural, stunning community you’ll love calling home.

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is genuinely a lakeside retreat, yet there’s much to entertain your entire family. Whether you’re young or young at heart, you’ll have an enriching lifestyle here.

This family-friendly community offers the famous Keowee Springs Beach Club, wellness centers, tennis courts, and marinas. It also has a Tom Fazio golf course, designed as three sixes, which is the home course of the Cliffs’ ladies’ golf group, the Sassy Sixers, and the place for tournaments and youth programs.

The Cliffs also offer incredible amenities like a summer kids’ camp, wine and culinary programs, hundreds of social programs, and even a surf shop where kids teach parents how to paddle board. You can dock your boat and enjoy a cool drink at the grille while the kids sneak off to the community’s snaking water slides.

Exciting lakefront living is available here, priced from $700,000 to nearly $5 million. Come for the lake, but stay for the entire experience.

Total Quality custom built home at Waterford Pointe, Lake Keowee

Waterford Pointe

Waterfront Pointe is one of Lake Keowee’s largest, most active communities. Designed by Crescent Communities, it’s an expansive, 400-acre community nestled along four miles of Lake Keowee shoreline. It also features many family-friendly amenities, like a lakeside clubhouse and pool, playgrounds, lighted tennis courts, a paved walking trail, and a common area with docks and boat slips.

This community is truly created for waterfront living. Many of its homes are surrounded by water on three sides, and most lots have waterfrontage. Interior lots typically come with leased boat slips upon the sale of the land, ensuring you have easy access to the lake.

Here, you’ll find a mixture of traditional craftsman-style and contemporary homes with stunning views of the mountains. It’s a breathtaking place to call home.

Contact us today!

If you’re considering building a new home, one of the first questions you may be wondering about is whether to choose a local custom home builder. Selecting the right builder is the most important decision you can make in the building process. And making the wrong choice may put you in a position where you’re unhappy with delays, craftsmanship, options, or even communication.

While there are many custom home builder options from which to choose, your final decision should be made based on your specific needs. Before you make your decision, consider a few of the advantages of working with a local builder.

Local Builder Pros

One of the benefits of working with a local builder is the flexibility they offer. When viewing the portfolios of local builders, it’s likely you’ll see differences in styles that are just five years old. That’s because local builders are more likely to modify designs to suit the client’s needs and vision.

In fact, the best local builders typically offer endless upgrades, and their designs tend to include the key features that are popular in your region. With a local custom home builder, you can likely change the façade of the home or add upgrades that allow you to create the ideal space for your family. In addition to common upgrades like kitchen cabinets, flooring, paint colors, and lighting, you’ll be able to create a home perfectly suited for you. Looking for a first-floor bedroom suite? Want to customize your kitchen, home office, or family room? Interested in a three-car garage? Want a sunroom that expands the views outside your window? Nearly anything is possible when working with a local custom home builder.

Furthermore, if you’re working locally, you’re more likely to work directly with one to two people who are closely involved with your build process. In fact, as a member of your local community, your builder has a vested interest in creating beautiful homes built with quality craftsmanship. Finally, if you ever have a problem with your home, a local custom home builder can address the issue quickly, either first-hand or using one of their trusted contractors.

Local custom home builders go above and beyond

If you’re looking for automation technology from a local custom home builder, your design team will work with you to find the solutions that you desire in your home. You’ll also see samples of things like fixtures, cabinet materials, and flooring, with options that will help you visually explore what you’d like in your design.

Customer reviews are important when making your choice, and most local custom home builders are happy to provide you with contact information if you’d like to hear from homeowners first-hand. Don’t be afraid to ask for people who used their services so you can get insights from real customers. Be sure to read reviews from current owners and look for praise and complaints alike to decide if a builder is right for you.

A local custom home builder offers many benefits

There’s one thing that you’re sure to get when working with a local custom home builder: customization. You can choose a home plan similar to your vision and tweak it until it looks just how you want it.

Communicating exclusively with your builder throughout the entire process, from buying land to designing your home to moving in, will minimize your hassle. If you have a question, you will know exactly who to call. Without one point of contact, things can get frustrating without clear communication. Down the road, warranties may cause some headaches if you need to use yours and don’t know who to call.

Is a local custom home builder right for you?

We’d love to talk! Total Quality Home Builders has years of home building experience and building custom homes on Lake Keowee. We are well-versed in the unique needs of Lake Keowee and lakefront living. If you’re interested in building a home near Lake Keowee, you’ll want to consider designing a home that offers all the space and options you’re looking for.

Contact us today, and let’s start making your dream home a reality.

Investing in real estate and owning a piece of waterfront property has a unique charm attached to it. And when that waterfront is Lake Keowee in South Carolina, the allure grows rapidly.
Lakefront properties provide a unique lifestyle, free from the hustle and bustle of the city. They also offer an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. Here, we’ll explore why building a house on Lake Keowee is not just a dream but also a prudent financial decision.

An Oasis of Tranquility and Beauty

Lake Keowee, with its pristine waters and scenic vistas, is a gem in South Carolina’s crown. The lake lies in the Blue Ridge Mountains and spans 18,500 acres. This provides plenty of space and beautiful views for any property in this area. Lake Keowee is perfect for people who want peace and quiet away from busy city life because it’s calm and beautiful.

Blue Ridge Mountains

The Resilient Value of Lakefront Properties

Lakefront properties are a niche in the real estate market that has consistently demonstrated resilience against economic downturns. A few reasons for this resilience include:

• Limited Supply: Unlike other types of real estate, the number of lakefront properties is inherently limited. This rarity ensures that the demand often outstrips supply, keeping the property values buoyant.
• Diverse Utility: A lakefront property can serve as a primary residence, a vacation home, or a rental property. Its versatility enhances its attractiveness and value.
• Lifestyle Appeal: The therapeutic ambiance, recreational opportunities, and general allure of living by the water make lakefront properties in high demand.

Lake Keowee’s beauty and these factors make it clear that properties here are both emotionally fulfilling and financially wise investments.

Recreational Opportunities Galore

Lake Keowee isn’t just a sight for sore eyes; it’s an adventure playground. Owning property here provides endless recreational possibilities:

• Water Sports: From kayaking to jet-skiing, the lake offers a plethora of water-based activities.
• Fishing: Teeming with various fish species, it’s a paradise for anglers.
• Hiking: Enthusiasts can explore the surrounding areas, which feature trails that offer breathtaking views and moments of introspection.

Recreational activities improve residents’ lives and make properties appealing for vacation rentals, providing an additional source of income.

A Growing Community and Infrastructure

Over the years, Lake Keowee has seen significant development in infrastructure and community amenities. The area boasts:

• Well-maintained Roads: Ensuring easy accessibility to and from major cities.
• Healthcare Facilities: Offering peace of mind to residents, especially the older demographic.
• Educational Institutions: Making it a viable option for families with children.

This developing infrastructure juxtaposed with the natural allure of the lake creates a harmonious blend of convenience and serenity.

Sustainable Living

With a growing emphasis on sustainable living, Lake Keowee’s lakefront properties offer a unique advantage. The natural surroundings promote eco-friendly practices, from solar energy use to organic farming. The community is working to protect Lake Keowee’s ecosystem so that it stays beautiful and healthy for future generations.

Lakefront properties on Lake Keowee are more than just real estate ventures. They represent an immersive experience, a communion with nature, and a sound financial investment. Lake Keowee offers a peaceful retirement, vacation home, or real estate opportunity with great rewards.

Interested in exploring lakefront properties on Lake Keowee? Explore this unique investment opportunity and secure your dream waterfront home today. Contact us to learn more about lakefront properties.

Why a Real Estate Agent is Essential When Buying Land for New Construction

Land acquisition is the first step when you plan to build your dream home. But the process of buying land can be complex and challenging, especially for the uninitiated. A real estate agent can be your trusted guide, helping you navigate the process smoothly. In this blog post, we delve into the advantages of working with a real estate agent when buying land for new construction, and the additional benefits of partnering with an agent tied to a custom home builder.

Why Should You Use a Real Estate Agent When Buying Land?

When buying land, it’s easy to underestimate the sheer number of variables involved. A knowledgeable real estate agent can save you from costly errors and ensure a smooth process. Here’s why:

1. Expert Knowledge and Insights

A good real estate agent has a comprehensive understanding of the local market, zoning laws, and other vital factors. They can steer you away from areas with potential issues, such as flood zones, and guide you towards land that suits your specific needs.

2. Valuable Connections

Established agents have vast networks that include land sellers, local government officials, and professionals such as surveyors and attorneys. These connections can be invaluable in expediting your land purchase.

3. Negotiation Skills

Real estate agents are expert negotiators. They can help you get the best deal possible, potentially saving you thousands of dollars when buying land.

4. Assisting with Paperwork

The process of buying land involves a lot of documentation and legal paperwork. A real estate agent can assist you in handling these documents, reducing stress and ensuring all the paperwork is correctly completed.

The Added Advantage of a Real Estate Agent Affiliated with a Custom Home Builder

While any good real estate agent can assist you in buying land, an agent working for a custom home builder offers additional advantages:

1. Comprehensive Understanding of Construction Requirements

These agents have a deep understanding of the requirements for home construction. They can offer insights on the suitability of a land parcel for building your dream home, based on factors such as soil condition, topography, and accessibility to utilities.

2. Seamless Transition from Land Purchase to Home Construction

Working with an agent connected to a home builder means you can transition smoothly from land purchase to home construction. They can coordinate directly with the builder, ensuring your construction begins without delay once the land is purchased.

3. Potential Cost Savings

Sometimes, home builders offer incentives to clients who use their affiliated real estate agents. This could mean lower prices on land or construction, or other valuable benefits.

4. Customization Opportunities

An agent who works closely with a custom home builder is well-versed in the design and customization possibilities available to you. They can help you envision your future home on the land you’re considering and suggest modifications to suit the land’s unique characteristics.

Take the Stress out of Buying Land by Using a Real Estate Agent

Investing in land on Lake Keowee for new construction is a significant undertaking. But with a reliable real estate agent—especially one linked with a custom home builder—you can simplify the process of buying land. An agent brings expert knowledge, negotiation skills, a professional network, and a deep understanding of construction needs, turning the complex process of land purchase into a smooth and exciting journey to your new home.

Experience the Total Quality Home Builders Advantage

Working with an experienced real estate agent from Total Quality Home Builders offers you unparalleled advantages when buying land for new construction. Our agents don’t just facilitate the transaction—they provide an end-to-end solution. With a comprehensive understanding of the local market and zoning laws around Lake Keowee, expert negotiation skills, an extensive professional network, and in-depth knowledge of construction requirements, our agents ensure a seamless transition from land acquisition to home building. We’re here to simplify the complex process of buying land and make your journey to your dream home a delightful experience. Choose Total Quality Home Builders as your partner for an efficient, streamlined, and successful land-buying journey. Contact us today.