What do you think of when you hear “retirement planning?” Are you thinking about what your home looks like, too? If not, you’ll want to consider designing a retirement home to make your future space every bit as perfect as it is today. As more than 21,000 retirees shift into senior living units each year, we believe in planning for a retirement that allows you to “age in place.”

When designing a retirement home, we begin with those important age-in-place features that allow you to live comfortably in a home throughout your golden years. Think it doesn’t sound exciting or might be overwhelming? That’s why we’re here to help.

Here are 4 tips that will help you get started on designing your perfect forever home.

Understand Universal Design for Retirement

Universal design is defined by the National Association of Home Builders as, “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.”

The great thing about universal design is that it meets the needs of virtually anyone, and it creates flexibility, even as needs and abilities change. That means down the road, you won’t need to make expensive renovations to your house.

Keep in mind universal design benefits many types of people. For example, certain sidewalks, designed with curb cuts for wheelchair accessibility are also great for kids on skateboards, baby strollers, and delivery staff who use rolling cards. Extra-wide hallways can be great for moving furniture, or for wheelchair usage. Start by being aware of what your home can do if you have the goal of aging in place.

Set Your Budget

Whether you’re designing a retirement home now or thinking about it further down the road, make sure to plan and begin budgeting for it now. It’s impossible to know what you’ll need to expect when you’re young, which is why we recommend working directly with your financial advisor. Along with your advisor, set a realistic budget and plan your monthly expenses and retirement income to identify any areas with which you might want to better prepare.

Find A Builder You Trust

Retirement might be a long way away but designing a retirement home can be done today as you think about that future. You’ll want to choose the right builder who knows the ins and outs of building a home suitable for both now and tomorrow. They’ll be able to answer your questions and provide you with the expert advice you need to build the home that lasts you well into retirement.

Talk to Your Builder about Common Universal Design Features

There are several features in universal design that can apply whether you’re designing a retirement home or not. For example, single-story living keeps mobility in mind with a kitchen, full bath, and bedroom on the first floor. Next, keep in mind that a no-step entrance is a great way to accommodate anyone with a wheelchair or walker, or even aging pets and young children.

Consider the following, or talk to your builder as you make your decisions, too:

• An open floor plan can keep your home spacious and easily maneuverable
• Flush thresholds allow for ease of movement
• Non-slip flooring will be safe with kids around, or as you age
• Building reinforced bathroom walls with grab bars right away is more efficient than tearing out and rebuilding an old wall
• Electrical outlets could be raised or lowered with future needs in mind
• Pull-out shelving and accessible storage spaces can keep your clutter at bay and your things easily within reach
• Bright lighting will help you stay clear
• Lever-handled doorknobs and rocker-style electrical switches give you ease of use regardless of where you are in life

In short, you’ll save time, money, and stress if you plan for your future needs. It’s possible to have your dream home of both today and tomorrow.

Let’s Build the Retirement Home of Your Dreams

Are you ready to build your dream home? Then start by designing a retirement home you’ll love both today and tomorrow.

Do you want a high-end gourmet kitchen? A home designed for aging in place will be designed with that in mind. Dreaming of an incredible outdoor living space with a kitchen and pool? You’ll be able to build those things in such a way it perfectly suits you well into retirement.

In other words, if aging in place is important to you, you’ll be able to build a comfortable and beautiful home that suits you well into retirement. The right design will be yours to enjoy for years to come.

Designing a multi-purpose garage – in a modern home, multi-purpose spaces are a must-have for how we work and live. New construction design focuses on creating open concept homes where spaces have a seamless flow. For example, living rooms have become more than just a space to relax; they’re media rooms, entertainment venues, and family hangout spots, too. Likewise, kitchens have evolved into a spot for cooking, eating, and entertaining.

But what about the garage? In the past, the garage wasn’t much more than storage for your car and dusty holiday décor. Yet today’s garages have new, more practical spaces that make them more livable. If you’re ready to expand your space in more functional and enticing ways, consider one of these 7 ideas for designing a multi-purpose garage you’ll love.

Design a workshop in your garage

One of the most classic uses of garage spaces is the workshop. Thanks to the garage’s accessibility and defined separation from the house, a workshop in the garage is a smart location for undertaking DIY projects without letting noise and debris inside. Workshops are a natural addition to what already exists in your garage, and they take minimal effort to create. When designing a multi-purpose garage and workshop, make sure you plan for a top-of-the-line workbench. You’ll also want to upgrade your lighting to ensure you can see clearly when working on detailed projects.

Create a space for your boat or ATV

Love big toys? Then you should have the space for them inside of your garage, especially if you’re building a lake home. If you’re planning on having a boat, ATV, or any other outdoor toy, you may want to build in storage space in your new garage. Be sure to talk to your contractor in advance, because you may need to adjust the design in order to accommodate the height of a boat or trailer. All it takes is a little planning.

Build a garage that entertains

Does your home or potential home have a large multi-car garage, but you don’t have the cars to fill it? No problem! Use a portion of this space to build the kind of garage you’ll never want to leave. By converting some of the garage into a media room, it can be the perfect spot for watching football or racing. Make it a more creative space by searching for vintage car seats you can repurpose as movie theater seating. Don’t forget to add a little carpeting to make it feel homey. Make sure to plan for a fridge, too, so you can grab a frosty mug out of the freezer, tap the keg, and pour a cold one. After all, the addition of a kegerator—complete with two sixth-sized kegs to give you the ultimate combo to satiate the tastebuds—just takes a simple conversation with your contractor.

Make the ultimate teenage hangout

Why not begin designing a multi-purpose garage with your teenager in mind, particularly if that teen is musically inclined? Garage bands have long been part of the teenage experience, and if you’d love to keep the noise out of your home, give your teen a dedicated space for jamming with their friends. With a little planning, a comfortable couch, and space for a drum kit, your kids can be out of the house, but still close enough for adult supervision. Don’t forget to talk to your contractor about soundproofing the space just enough to keep your neighbors happy, too.

Craft the perfect art studio

Are you more of a creative type than a mechanic? Consider converting a part of your garage into an artist’s space. It takes room to practice your craft, especially if you have supplies or finished projects to safely store. Give yourself the square footage to meet the demands of your artistic process, especially if it involves accidentally dropping paint or other chemicals on the floor. There’s no better place to get into the messy middle of your creative work than a garage studio.

Make a haven for the grandkids

Your grandkids already love spending time with you. But when designing a multi-purpose garage with them in mind, they may never want to leave. Create a welcoming fun zone for the little ones with a kid-friendly garage designed especially for them. Install easy-to-clean seating for messy projects and crafting or a comfy spot for playing games. Talk to your contractor about using a vibrant color scheme full of yellows, oranges, or greens to brighten up your garage and make it truly unforgettable for the kids.

Go green in the garage

Who says gardening season must end? Designing a multi-purpose garage for a year-round gardening oasis means you’ll never have to pack away your tools. If your garage plan is lacking sunlight or running water, talk to your contractor about adding in the proper tools to ensure you can take advantage of the space that’s there. You may want to consider brightly painted shelving units with extra lighting for housing trays of plants that can grow without the sun. Or, set up rows of cups or pots on a bench for a little extra beauty. You could even create a raised bed along the wall of the garage with the right plan in place. Do you like collecting seeds and bulbs? Add a large planter pot nearby, and make sure to add a pegboard for hanging tools and supplies. With a little extra lighting or sheeting, a bit of tool storage, and even some simple table coverings, your garage can offer a beautiful—and fruitful—atmosphere all year long.

Life on the lake is unforgettable for pretty much anyone who buys lakefront property. Yet if you have little ones at home, it’s sure to be an experience they’ll never forget. With so many activities to enjoy, living on Lake Keowee with kids—or maybe even grandkids—will give them a life they’ll cherish well into adulthood.

What makes living on Lake Keowee so incredible? Here are just a few of the reasons.

The lake itself is perfect for kids

Lake Keowee is a beautiful man-made lake with so much to offer for kids of all ages. This 18,000-acre, clear blue lake runs 20 miles in length, with 300 miles of shoreline and as much depth as 800 feet in some areas. It provides countless opportunities for kids to play on the water.

Residents love water sports like boating, skiing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking along the many inlets of the lake. For avid fishermen, the lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout; small, large, and white bass; black crappie; bluegill; and threadfin shad.

Making memories happens every day when living on Lake Keowee with kids. Whether it’s taking the kids out on the boat for an active afternoon or spending mornings teaching a little one to reel in a catch, every day on the lake is incredible.

Adventure is everywhere

Lake Keowee, South Carolina is found in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. That means there’s so much to enjoy when living on Lake Keowee with kids.

Oconee County, which is home to much of the lake, is made of picturesque small towns, over 150 waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, and other endless ways to enjoy what nature created.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park allows you to escape into the mountains and discover the stunning Jocassee Gorges. You can spend cool fall weekends camping in the mountains with the whole family. Or, you can explore the Cherokee Interpretive Trail for insights into the Native Americans who lived and hunted in the area. While we can’t promise living at Lake Keowee means they’ll drop their screen time, we can promise the activities found throughout the area means your kids won’t complain about boredom.

There’s endless entertainment

If it’s entertainment or educational activities you love, living on Lake Keowee with kids provides you all with boundless opportunities.

You might want to start down the road at Clemson University, a 20-minute drive that provides you with world-class sports and unparalleled cultural and educational experiences. It might involve taking the kids to a football game or teaching them to have an appreciation for Shakespeare, but whatever draws you to Clemson, you can trust the university has a plethora of activities to choose from.

Surrounding Lake Keowee are several charming communities that offer access to arts, culture, and entertainment. Introduce the kids to Oconee Heritage Center in Walhalla, where you’ll all discover the local history of Native Americans, railroads, agriculture, and more. Head to Seneca for an afternoon for art classes or to visit the Lunney Museum. Drop by the Electric City Playhouse in Anderson to catch a comedian or to discover a new musical. Or bring the kids to the Pickens County Museum of Art to find toys they’ll enjoy while you explore the cultural archives.

Greenville, SC is another popular destination for Lake Keowee residents of all ages thanks to its close proximity and for all it offers as a metropolitan hub. Greenville has a performing arts venue where you can catch ballet, a symphony, and even film festivals as well as music and Broadway shows. The city also hosts free events throughout the year, which are perfect for entertaining little ones. Meanwhile, nearby Spartanburg features art museums and galleries, a regional history museum, a science center, and even a dance center.

With so much to do, living on Lake Keowee with kids promises you’ll enjoy the full breadth of activities the area has to offer.

The schools are outstanding

If you’re considering living on Lake Keowee with kids, rest assured that you’ll have access to an excellent educational system. Lake Keowee families typically enroll their kids in the Oconee County School District, and more specifically, attend school in Seneca. The local school district includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, and they are highly rated in the state.

Throughout the Lake Keowee area, you’ll also find preschools, outstanding private schools, a Montessori school, and just about anything you’d need to ensure your kids are engaging their minds. From preschool through college, your kids will benefit from an educational system that focuses on learning and making them outstanding members of society.

If you’ve been dreaming about building the perfect lake home, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs in upstate South Carolina might just be the first place to start your search. It’s a place you’ll never want to leave. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is a family-friendly neighborhood that will feel as much like an incredible getaway as it will your home.

In total, The Cliffs is comprised of seven private communities across 20,000 acres of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a master-planned community in its truest sense, with a variety of styles of homes, incredible amenities, and a close-knit neighborhood feel. In fact, since The Cliffs was first founded in 1991, it’s been named everything from one of the Happiest Community in America to one of the Best Golf Communities in North America. There’s a distinct reason for that: The Cliffs offers the homes, the neighborhoods, the lifestyle, and the everything-in-between that make it unforgettable.

Situated along a piece of the 300 miles of Lake Keowee shoreline, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is just one of The Cliffs’ lake-front living neighborhoods, and you’ll quickly see why it’s the perfect place to call your own.

 

Building a New Home at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

There are a million reasons you’ll wake up joyful every day when you call The Cliffs at Keowee Springs home. Still, one of the first questions to ask yourself before you choose to move to the neighborhood is one of the most important: should you build or buy? There are beautiful luxury homes to choose from—starting from the $700,000s—if that’s the route you’d prefer to go. However, building your own custom home is typically recommended to get exactly what you want. After all, once you understand what’s possible, you’ll likely be inspired to create your storybook home.

One of the benefits of building new begins with the land itself. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs boasts homesites from the $100,000s to over $1 million, and once you discover the coveted views from these properties, it’s nearly impossible to stop yourself from imagining life on this land. Acres of aged hardwoods lead to panoramic lakeside vistas, while views of the Blue Ridge Mountains linger in the distance. It’s a breathtaking setting that will have you daydreaming of slow mornings spent on your porch sipping coffee and taking in your surroundings.

What is a spectacular setting without the perfect home to match? A stunning custom home begins with the fun task of brainstorming what you want. You may want a quiet den on your main living floor. Maybe you’ll want an inspiring office space with a view of those mountains. Will you want a wraparound porch to match that panoramic view? What about a wine cellar or in-home movie theater? You might even be thinking about the architectural details that will make your home stand out in this stunning community. With a custom-built home, you’ll be able to bring all of these details together in one place: your home.

To get the most out of your life at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, be sure to get a club membership when you buy your home. One membership gives you access to the lifestyle opportunities found throughout all seven communities, including distinct golf courses, several dining venues, access to outdoor adventure specialists, social clubs, organic gardens with a working farm, an equestrian center, wellness centers, and more. Your home at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs puts you close to many of these incredible amenities.

The Beach Club at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

Ready to venture off your land and explore all The Cliffs at Keowee Springs has to offer? You’ll want to start at The Beach Club. This hub of family-friendly fun and adventure is found within this community, making it one of the best communities within The Cliffs for kids. From spring to fall, The Beach Club is a hot spot for kids and adults alike thanks to its waterfront location and activities. The Beach Club is almost like having a waterpark in your backyard, with two pools and snaking water slides that provide endless summer fun. You can even pull your boat up to enjoy a cool drink and snacks at the grille while the kids play.

At the water’s edge, the Surf Shop has provisions for all members, including kayaks and paddleboards. Your entire family will enjoy relaxing on The Beach Club’s sandy beach before kayaking across the lake for a bit more adventure. Parents, you may even want to snag a paddleboard lesson from the kiddos before you venture out for the first time. The Outdoor Pursuits team and its Watersports Program will keep you busy as you soak up your own slice of heaven.

Golf at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

The Cliffs offers an unparalleled golf experience, with seven award-winning courses to enjoy—all with their own unique benefits. Your home course at the Cliffs at Keowee Springs is a Tom Fazio course, designed as three loops of six holes for either a full round of golf, or something quicker, depending upon where you’re headed for the afternoon. It’s also designed with family tees for family-friendly play.

Pause for a break at The Bistro, a casual restaurant situated on a hill in the middle of the course. Grab a snack during your first round, and lunch on your second. Then celebrate or drown your sorrows—depending upon how your game went—on the third round. There’s really nothing to lose when you’re at home. The Bistro also offers a wellness boutique and a retail shop for true convenience.

The Fazio course at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs has been called, “One of the most versatile designs in Fazio’s award-winning repertoire,” by WorldGolf.com and was named “Best of the Best” by Robb Report Magazine. See for yourself if those accolades are on-par.

If you’re the social type, you’ll want to consider joining the Sassy Sixers. This ladies’ golf group, which plays at the Keowee Springs course, is one part hardcore golfers and one part ladies-who-lunch. Grab a round with them and stick around for some serious fun.

Recreational Activities Near The Cliffs at Lake Springs

One of the benefits of living on Lake Keowee is all of the recreation the area has to offer. Considering temperatures range from 86° in the summer to highs of 50° in the coldest winter months, you’ll find yourself outdoors most of the year.

Lake lovers will have an array of activities readily available, especially if you have your own personal boat dock at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. Accessibility to the water means boating, water skiing, kayaking, and swimming are all just outside your door.

The natural areas surrounding Lake Keowee are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, too. Trails and walking paths snake around the lake and through the woods within the community. Because it’s in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, weekend getaways or long hikes at one of the area’s State Parks parks—like Keowee-Toxaway, Devil’s Fork, Table Rock, or Paris Mountain—will always give you something to do.

If you’re a fisherman, you can trust you’ll find world-class opportunities on Lake Keowee—and maybe even set a state record. Lake Keowee offers the most scenic setting you can imagine for your passion.

Cyclists will fall in love with The Cliffs cycling program, which is led by renowned cyclists, one of which is 17-time Tour de France finisher, George Hincapie. The program challenges fellow biking enthusiasts to explore mountain biking and trails throughout the area, all of which are beautifully manicured—and thrilling.

Whether you’re a horse lover or a novice, you can find The Equestrian Center at Keowee Vineyards has much to offer. Riding trails through Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area begin here, and whether you’re using the Equestrian Center to board your personal horse or simply trying your luck at a new skill, the center is a unique and memorable piece of the community.

Tennis is also a must at The Cliffs, where 22 tennis courts—including 16 Har-Tru clay courts—will challenge you, regardless of your skill level. Of those courts, 18 are also lit for nighttime play and unforgettable summer evenings.

Of course, The Cliffs didn’t forget the kiddos within this incredible community. Week-long kids’ camps, custom-designed for all ages of youth, feature amazing themes and provide learning and adventures alike. Everything from golf and tennis lessons to beach getaways are here for younger children, and day trips, whitewater rafting, rappelling, and more are available for teens. Every summer is extraordinary at The Cliffs.

You’re Close to it all at The Cliffs

When you’re ready to explore life outside of The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, you’ll be amazed at everything that’s nearby. The other lake-front neighborhoods, and all of the amenities included in your membership, aren’t far away. By boat, you’re a quick 10-minute cruise to The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, which features 2,500 acres of forests and waterfalls within its gates, as well as an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course with the most magnificent views. A mere 15-minute boat ride away is The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, where you’ll find the Equestrian Center, the lighted tennis courts, and the second Tom Fazio golf course: an 18-hole course designed along the Lake Keowee shoreline.

If you’re not already bleeding the color orange, you may be soon with a home at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. Clemson University, which is just a 20-minute drive away, is a top-ranked public research university. Proximity to Clemson gives you access to all of the benefits of living near a college town. For example, the Clemson Tigers are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), which means you’ve got top-ranked soccer and football teams, exciting basketball and baseball, and so much more to enjoy as a fan. Clemson connects with its community through kids’ summer camps, collegiate events, academic and cultural programs, and continuing education, too. Plus, the city of Clemson itself has a rich college atmosphere that helps residents feel youthful while staying connected to world-class research and education.

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs is also close to some of the biggest cities of the south. Greenville, SC, a historic southern city with a huge personality, is just 45 minutes away. Head 90 minutes north to Asheville, where you’ll fall in love with the culture and artsy vibe of this North Carolina mountain town and find another Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course at another Cliffs community. Or, to hit up the big city scene, Atlanta is a 2-hour drive and Charlotte is just 2.5 hours away. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs gives you the chance to get away from it all without sacrificing the conveniences you love. It truly is your own piece of paradise.

Ready to build at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs?

When you’re ready to build your own custom home, Total Quality Home Builders & Waterfront Properties is here to help you get started. From start to finish—beginning with our licensed Realtors who can help you find the perfect piece of land all the way to the final walk-through on your new home—Total Quality is with you every step of the way.

Total Quality Home Builders understands the unique steps it takes to build a custom lake home and we have the proven experience to make your dream a reality. Our design-build process ensures you get the home—including the views and the amenities—you want. We believe in up-front and constant communication for a process that is fully transparent and seamless throughout the entire process.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk and start building a home worth living life in.

For custom home builders in South Carolina, planning your landscape design starts with native plants. Native plants, which are found naturally within a region or environment without human introduction, are great options for your landscape because they’ve formed a symbiotic relationship with the wildlife to create a sustainable habitat.

In fact, native plants can help your local environment in a number of ways. Because they thrive in the soils and atmosphere of your region, you’ll be able to control wasteful supplemental watering and you can even prevent pest problems. Native plants also help manage rainwater runoff and can maintain healthy soil through a root system that’s right for your land.

If you’re considering building a home, the following is a list of 7 native plants recommended by custom home builders in South Carolina. These plants can help your landscape thrive while preserving the natural history and protecting the ecosystem found in the region. Learn more about South Carolina’s native plants by visiting the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Southern Magnolia, Magnolia Grandiflora

A Magnolia is a magnificent tree that’s synonymous with southern living. Its large, creamy white flowers emit a lemony scent for a summery treat. If you’re a bird lover, it’s a great nesting tree. Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers and the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker feed on its seeds while squirrels, rabbits, and birds—including wild turkey—like to eat its fruit. While the flowers don’t last year-round, this tree is evergreen, so it keeps most of its leaves throughout the year. It’s a perfect tree for shoreline buffer.

Wild Rhododendron, Rhododendron Maximum

Wild Rhododendron is a beautiful addition to any custom home thanks to their easy upkeep and variety of colors. The spectacular blossoms of a Rhododendron, which bloom between early spring to midsummer, attract hummingbirds and butterflies, creating a magical backyard oasis. Grow these plants alongside oaks and pines or use them as shade for ferns and wildflowers.

Sweet Pepperbush, Clethra Alnifolia

A Sweet Pepperbush plant is a magnet for the types of wildlife you’ll love to watch. The flowers are environmentally beneficial as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds stop by for nectar from its fragrant white flowers, which appear mid-summer. The fruit of the Sweet Pepperbush is typically eaten by shorebirds, game birds, and waterfowl. This plant is frequently used as a shoreline buffer and its roots help prevent erosion from occurring.

Carolina Jessamine, Gelsemium Sempervirens

Custom home builders in South Carolina will tell you the fragrant yellow, trumpet-like flowers of the Carolina Jessamine are a beautiful addition to any yard. That’s because, in part, it’s the state flower of South Carolina. However, this vine, which looks beautiful climbing a trellis, fence, or wall also attracts hummingbirds, game birds, and butterflies. Keep in mind that this vine is not only hardy, it’s also poisonous. Talk to your builder about the best way to ensure it stays away from pets and children.

Goldenrod, Solidago

Some people believe Goldenrod is a weed, but don’t let those opinions fool you. The reality is this plant is incredibly versatile in its uses. The official South Carolina State Wildflower, Goldenrod’s yellow, daisy-like flowers are favorites of butterflies and bees and its seeds nourish Goldfinch and other birds. In fact, its leaves may be used in herbal teas if you’re feeling adventurous. Like other plants listed above, Goldenrod is a great shoreline buffer.

Royal Fern, Osmunda Regalis

Custom home builders in South Carolina can’t get enough of the Royal Fern, and for good reason. This deciduous fern provides a beautiful, low-maintenance form of ground cover and is crowned with a rusty-brown flower in the spring. This fern is deer resistant and grows well in wet, acidic soil along swamps, bogs, and stream banks.

Florida Azalea, Rhododendron Austrinum

The Florida Azalea, like the Wild Rhododendron, is easy to maintain. Its beautiful yellow and orange flowers bloom in masses in the spring and emit a honeysuckle scent. The Florida Azaelea is a draw for Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries, Monarchs, hummingbirds, bees, and songbirds, making it a lovely addition to any landscape.