Team TQ

Modern Open Concept Kitchen Floor Plans

One of the most exciting parts of building any home is planning for the kitchen. After all, dream homes start with dream kitchens, and the one trend that isn’t going away is open concept kitchen floor plans. These kitchens have long been popular—and for good reason. They create great opportunities for anyone who loves entertaining or spending time with family using airy interiors that eliminate barriers between the kitchen and a home’s social spaces.

Looking for open concept kitchen floor plans is a practical move if you’re building a lake home and want to entertain, or if you are building a smaller home and want it to feel more spacious. Without barriers of a wall, this plan allows for a more fluid design, with simplified structures and a décor style that gives you a functional space.

Open concept floor plan - Total Quality Home Builders

Open concept floor plan – Total Quality Home Builders

Traditionally, this type of floor plan links the kitchen to the dining area with a kitchen island and creates a buffer to the living area. With an open design, you can create “zones” for socializing, dining, relaxing, and even working in comfort. In short, without fixed restrictions, the kitchen can be much more friendly to your needs.

Don’t forget to consider finding ways to create privacy in those spaces, too. For instance, adding a butler’s or scullery pantry can help tuck messes away or create more work or storage space. Or you can use design sensibilities to create clear visual distinctions between the spaces for that extra privacy.

Open concept floor plan - Total Quality Home Builders

Open concept floor plan – Total Quality Home Builders

What else should you be thinking about as you consider open concept kitchen floor plans?

We recommend the following:

  • Design with your home’s light and lake views in mind. Natural light will open up the space and add natural beauty to an already stunning design.
  • Consider placing the kitchen, dining area, and living space parallel to each other. Believe us when we say a glass wall and sliding door that opens the entire space to the lake and outdoor entertainment areas will be a choice you’ll never regret.
  • Plan for the ambiance you want to create. Regardless of whether you’re building a minimalist, contemporary, or traditional home, you can find the right solution to complement your style and home. If you’re a minimalist, look for natural and organic colors and finishes to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Or, using oak wood in your cabinetry, kitchen island, and floor can seamlessly extend the design and make the entire space look modern and comfortable.
  • Use floor-to-ceiling windows in your open kitchen to invite the outdoors in. Imagine the breathtaking views you’ll get to experience every day.
  • Think about using curtains strategically to separate the different functions as needed.
  • Don’t forget to look up! A ceiling’s design can also play an important role in compartmentalizing the space.

Whatever look you’re going for in your new custom home, you can’t go wrong with an open concept kitchen floor plan. Contact us about your dream today!

Open concept floor plan - Total Quality Home Builders

Open concept floor plan – Total Quality Home Builders

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Team TQ

6 Simple Mistakes to Avoid
with Custom Home Construction

When considering new custom home construction, we recommend you look for these six watch-outs to ensure you’ll make the right choices long before you even get started building.

Ready for a new home and thinking about building? Pause for a moment and let us tell you: it’s often the most misunderstood segment of house hunting. Unlike buying an already-standing home, you won’t have to adapt to someone else’s lived-in space. A custom home gives you the opportunity to design the exact space for your needs. You’ll decide everything from the layout of the rooms, the style of finishings, and even the quality of your materials.

Still, for every right way you consider for building a new home, there are just as many wrong ways, too. Who you choose to work with is every bit as important as how well you plan. Following the right advice will help you save time, money, and stress.

#1: Don’t buy a lot without knowing what the site prep and servicing costs will be

We understand it happens—sometimes you just fall in love with a piece of land or you’ve found a deal you just can’t pass up. Picking out a lot before you’ve even thought about building a custom home happens more often than you realize. Maybe you believe it will give you the privacy you want. Maybe it’s in the perfect spot that’s close to all of your favorite area amenities. Or maybe you have that perfect view of the lake and you know the right home can come later.

What you may not realize, however, is how much cost will be involved in preparing the land and connecting services to your new home. That’s where budget inflation begins to set in if you’re not careful.

Before you pull the trigger on a land purchase, watch for the hidden costs that might add unexpected additions to the budget of your custom home construction. Start by looking into site preparation costs, like environmental remediation and municipal zoning.

Will you need to add municipal services like water, sewer, electricity, and gas? Be sure to talk to your Realtor or builder to determine what those costs might be and to get solid advice along the way. Will you want an underground propane tank for your heating needs? And are there any tree, water, or streamside covenants for which you will be subjected? Your builder will help you make those determinations and whether the land’s limitations could potentially add to those costs.

In other words, before you buy the lot, make sure you’ve conducted a feasibility analysis of the site to both avoid unexpected price shocks and distress. That way you can begin to build with peace of mind—and no surprises. Our top recommendation is to ensure you work with an experienced builder to help find and secure the lot to save both time and money in the long run.

New custom home construction in Lake Keowee, SC

Lot prep by Total Quality Home Builders

#2: Don’t impose a home design on a site; instead, adapt a design to it

We can assure you—every building site has a truly distinct character. And we’re not just saying that because we fall in love with every lot upon which we’re building. (Even though we promise we do.)

Sometimes the features that first attracted a family to a lot end up causing a lot of grief down the road.

We’ve seen it before. That gorgeous waterfront view meant someone had to sacrifice their dream of solar efficiency. The perfect site in a close-knit neighborhood meant the home was subjected to the mercy of the local homeowners association. That charming spot in the most amazing little community put stipulations on the size of a home and the number of outbuildings allowed on the property. All of those examples are why it’s so important to carefully pick the right site.

If you’ve already bought a lot, don’t panic! It’s easy to adapt your home design to the site’s distinct characteristics rather than try to force a design on it. For instance, if you have a lot full of mature trees, talk to your builder about ways to incorporate them into the landscape design rather than clearing them.

If you love the lot, chances are you’ll love the home that’s been designed to harmonize with its environment rather than impose on it.

#3: Don’t create a home design before you’ve created a budget

We’re fairly certain it’s human nature to build a solid wishlist of ideas you’d like to see in your home. We’ve been there, too. The frustration is when you’ve provided your builder with that wishlist, only to be met with the disappointment that comes with failed expectations.

The best way to avoid that is simple: be clear with a budget from day one.

The most frequent hiccup in getting the home of your dreams comes from asking a professional to develop plans for you, and then the home is designed without knowing budget boundaries. It’s important to figure out a realistic budget threshold in advance of the design so you can prevent any miscommunication or to keep costs from escalating out of control during construction.

A good contractor can add great value to these efforts. You should have complete transparency in the process of custom home construction to ensure you understand how the process works. With a clear budget and open communication, your entire project—from exterior landscape to every last interior finishing—should meet your expectations and result in your dream home.

New custom home construction in Lake Keowee, SC

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders

#4: Don’t choose a home designer that doesn’t match your style

This may sound silly, but think about it: would you hire Picasso to do a landscape painting? Then why would you expect an architect who builds modern west coast homes to build a custom lake home? That’s why it’s so important to find the right designer for your needs. After all, home designers often fall back on their strengths when faced with the pressure of time or budgets. You want to ensure your home is exactly the way you’re dreaming of it.

Our recommendation is to make sure you’re consulting with everyone who will be involved in your build, from start to finish. Speaking with a good general contractor who has built a wide range of custom homes will give you an idea of who specializes in the type of home you’re looking to build—as well as those who don’t. And your builder can give you recommendations on designers who match your design sensibilities, too.

Most importantly, do your research! As for portfolios, follow them on social media, and dig into their websites to determine if you trust their eye. Check out our Facebook page for weekly updates on current projects.

#5: Don’t forget to incorporate green building practices in your home design

You may be surprised to learn that “green,” or environmentally responsible, building practices are becoming commonplace. There still tends to be a major misconception about its costs and the way these techniques are incorporated into a modern custom home. The truth is, they are becoming so common, green construction can be factored into custom home construction at the design state at little to no additional costs.

At the heart of green building is an effort to create efficiencies throughout a home, which could also ultimately lead to cost savings down the road. In addition, some choices like roof overhangs, window orientation, and even heating systems create savings through engineering chances—not architectural ones—which means you can protect your health, enhance your comfort, and save money without sacrificing the style of your home. That distinction is the essence of green building done right.

New custom home construction in Lake Keowee, SC

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders

#6: Don’t forget to talk to relevant references

This hiring practice is one we cannot stress enough. Ask for relevant references.

Here’s what the common process tends to look like: You get a recommendation from a friend. Then you meet the person face-to-face. You ask for references who give glowing reviews. You tour past projects. And by then, you’ve long known you’re going to hire them. We believe that’s a problem.

When we say “relevant” references, we mean to ask for anyone who can attest to the type of home you’re looking to build. Don’t put yourself in a position to be a guinea pig with your custom home construction. Make sure the builder you choose is accomplished at the style you want to build. It will save you stress, heartache, and most importantly, money, further down the road.

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Team TQ

The Best Time to Find
Houses for Sale on Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee, SC lake home

If you’re anything like us, dreaming of lakefront living could practically be a full-time job. Maybe you’ve been wishing for a great summer getaway for your family. Or you’ve always wanted a home right on the water—all year long. What happens when you’ve finally given in to those dreams and you’re ready to get your taste of the lake life? The next step is simple: start hunting for houses for sale on Lake Keowee.

However, we suggest you fully understand when it’s the right time to start looking, too. We have the insider’s knowledge that will help you determine the best time to house hunt as you give in to your dream of purchasing waterfront property.

Houses for Sale on Lake KeoweeChange your perception of spring

Real estate experts all agree that spring is the ideal time to start looking for a residential home, but is that the case with lakefront living, too? Spring is usually recommended by Realtors as the time to put homes on the market, which is when you’ll see the highest number of newly listed homes. And that typically means it’s the ideal time of year to start house hunting.

However, that same logic may not be true for the waterfront property market. In fact, buying a lake home is very different compared to a more traditional purchase, and that’s absolutely the case when looking for houses for sale on Lake Keowee.

Research shows that nearly 40% of sales happen after the peak summer season is over, making the most optimal time to buy lakefront property between October and the end of December. Why? Usually, homeowners try to get the most out of one last summer, waiting until after Labor Day to put it on the market.

Plus, you’ll want to know what the property looks like during the non-peak months to get an accurate picture. If you are happy with it in the winter, you’re pretty much guaranteed to love it all year long—especially during the summer months. When the lake shimmers into your kitchen window on a hot summer day, you’ll know you made the right choice.

Also, if there seem to be several waterfront properties on the market at prices that seem too good to be true, that may be a sign of a weak market. Make sure you’re getting your money’s worth out of your purchase!

Get a great deal on a lake houseHouses for Sale on Lake Keowee

We suggest following these four steps to get your optimal lakefront home.

1: Find a real estate agent with waterfront property experience
If you have a Realtor that knows the market, you’re already on the right path. Partnering with a trusted buyer’s agent who knows the area and the ins and outs of a lake house will provide you with unparalleled value for finding the perfect home. They fully understand waterfront properties and can negotiate a great deal on your desired home. Don’t tackle it on your own, either. A buyer’s agent has the expertise you can rely on.

2: Assess your wants and desires
Start with a well thought-through wish list. Make sure it’s in-hand when you sit down with your agent to determine what you want and need in a property. Don’t forget to consider your budget, too. Be as transparent as possible with your agent and make sure you know what you’re willing to give up in order to find the right home—if that’s necessary—so you don’t get frustrated in the process. From there, you can begin the search for the perfect home.

3. Find a lender
Your agent can help you evaluate and determine the right financing option for your situation. You will likely have specific goals and a distinct financial situation to discuss. The right lender will help you feel confident with your final decision. Keep in mind that it can take around 30 days to close, so don’t forget to take that into consideration if you’re locked into a specific timeline in which you’d like to move.

4. Negotiate
Have you chosen your dream waterfront property? Then it’s time to make an offer! Your agent will do the heavy lifting there, and once the home inspection is done, he or she will pull out those negotiating skills to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Houses for sale on Lake KeoweeAre you ready to buy your dream lake home?

We can help you get started. Begin by browsing available homes.

When you find what you’re looking for, call us (864) 868-5253 or fill out our contact form.

We’ll be in touch shortly to answer any questions you may have and to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

And most importantly, we wish you good luck with your search. We promise you’ll love it here.

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Team TQ

Lake House Ideas
to Share with Your Builder

lake house ideas

We’ve all been there: pinning and clipping beautiful images of what we’d someday like to put in our dream home. The good news is builders love taking a person’s concepts and seeing how they can integrate it into the perfect home. And it’s no different if you’re wanting to build a home on a lake. If you’ve been pinning away with a plethora of lake house ideas, we don’t blame you! And your builder will want to know exactly what those ideas are.

Lake houses have a special something nostalgic about them. They conjure up daydreams about hot, lazy summers spent lounging in the water. They create images of autumn getaways filled with rich fall foliage and the smells of campfires. They set the stage for big, family getaways for holidays like the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. We believe a lake house should be a place that draws people in and invites them to stay awhile. That’s why we’re also big believers in dreaming up the best getaway possible.

During our years building lake homes, we’ve seen a wide variety of designs. Some have been stunning, sophisticated, and awe-inspiring. Some are designed to be a serene or rustic getaway. Some are simply functional and understated. No matter what it is you’re hoping your lake home could be, we have a few tips and lake house ideas for you to consider as you dream up the perfect home.

lake house ideasGet Your Eyes on the Lake

One of our top recommendations for lake houses starts with thinking about the lake itself. We promise, you’ll want to focus on those waterfront views, which is likely why you want to build a home at the lake in the first place. Start by understanding the property you’d like to purchase to see where the sun rises and sets. That way, you can plan according to where you’d like to spend your days.

Some of our favorite designs have incorporated patio dining rooms—screened in to keep the mosquitoes out and the sunshine and lake breezes in. We also love wraparound porches and second-story balconies that create cozy spaces for relaxation and give you incredible views.

You might want to design your floor plan to pull your visitors toward the daylight, too. Make the entry awe-inspiring every time with an elevated foyer and entryway to draw your guests directly to a view of the lake as they enter the door.

We’d also suggest designing a bay of windows to create a stunning sitting room with 180-degree views of your land. Even when the weather isn’t cooperating, it’s something you’ll absolutely love.

And don’t forget the mudroom! You can build a mudroom that is both attractive and functional. It’s a must-have when you have guests stopping by to make the most of the lake.

Lake House IdeasMake Delicious Memories

We’re certain you’re already thinking of the perfect kitchen, but there are even things beyond the kitchen you may want to consider.

If you’re the type who loves hosting large holiday gatherings, we’d suggest planning for a big, open kitchen with all the amenities. Pantries for extra storage or to tuck away dishes can help you entertain with ease and comfort.

Don’t forget the outdoor kitchen space, either. Outdoor patios with built-in ranges and ovens will give you new ways to entertain. And if you’re a gardener, the addition of an atrium or greenhouse can create fun memories of foraging for dinner throughout the year.

Give Yourself all the Creature Comforts

Don’t be afraid to spoil yourself and your guests with smartly planned sleeping spaces that make your home an unforgettable getaway. As the homeowner, you deserve a breathtaking master bedroom with all of the amenities. You might want to give yourself a well-lit master bath with skylights, and if you can, add a clawfoot tub for some extra wow factor. You’d love soaking in that tub under a clear summer sky.

If you know you’ll be entertaining, we’re fans of building bunk beds into the wall. We’ve created spaces where three bunk beds stack up to 20-foot ceilings to ensure everyone has a comfortable place to sleep without bulky furniture taking away space. Check out our gallery of custom homes for even more lake house ideas.

Get an Added Boost on Your Purchase

If your dreaming is done, you’ve got your list of lake house ideas, and you’re ready to buy a lot and start building your home, our Broker Builder Advantage Program is the way to go. Simply purchase a lot with us as your Real Estate Agent and we’ll apply half of our commission on the land purchase toward the price of your new home. We call that a win-win situation!

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Team TQ

6 Reasons to Call Lake Keowee Home

Fishing on Lake Keowee

Lake Keowee is known for its relaxing lakeside living. Yet beyond the extraordinary lifestyle found right on the lake is an entire world to explore. A Lake Keowee real estate purchase promises to make life truly unforgettable.

From dining to the arts to a world to explore outdoors, there’s something for everyone throughout Lake Keowee and its surrounding communities. If you’re thinking about investing in Lake Keowee real estate, we’ve got six more reasons that will convince you to call it home.

Keowee-Toxaway State ParkPlay to Your Heart’s Content

Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a breathtaking escape into the Blue Ridge Mountains and Jocassee Gorges. This stunning natural area is filled with waterfalls, streams, and trails that are perfect for budding photographers, sportsmen, and anyone with a love of the outdoors. You’ll love taking in the sights and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Grab a backpack or your fishing poles, where bass, bream, crappie, and catfish abound.

The park also features a quarter-mile loop, the Cherokee Interpretive Trail, which provides historical and cultural insights into the Native Americans who lived and hunted in the area generations ago.

Dine at the Lighthouse RestaurantThe Lighthouse at Lake Keowee

The Lighthouse at Lake Keowee is an upscale restaurant and venue with a true southern flair. Guests to your home will be impressed when you take them to dinner by boat for this distinct dining experience. The Lighthouse Restaurant offers casual fireside dining and entertainment at its cabana. Or, for something more upscale, the upper level has a mouthwatering cuisine that’s perfectly accented by panoramic lake views from the venue’s elegant decks and porches.

Imagine finishing up dinner, hopping into your own boat, and taking a slow coast across the lake back to the comfort of your home. If that’s not living, what is?

ram cat alley paintingGet Hooked on Jazz

Warmer months are a treat for music lovers in the charming former boomtown of Seneca. Every Thursday from April through October, Seneca’s historic Ram Cat Alley is home to free concerts from renowned jazz performers. Grab a lawn chair and stay awhile to experience the coolest vibes in town.

Seneca’s historic district is also home to eclectic shops, eateries, and galleries that are every bit as memorable as those Thursday evenings under the stars. You may come for the jazz, but you’ll want to stay for the entire Seneca experience.

Explore Issaqueena Falls

The history of Stumphouse Mountain goes back for generations—beyond the Civil War to the days of the Cherokee who inhabited the area. Today, Stumphouse Mountain is a protected wildlife preserve that’s open to the public. Grab a flashlight and take the kids on an exploration through Stumphouse Tunnel—the only remnant of an attempt to link the Port of Charleston to the Midwest. The tunnel is what’s left of the 1850s railroad project, which remained unfinished because of the Civil War.

Once through the tunnel, you’ll find the gorgeous Issaqueena Falls, which is a 200-foot waterfall. Named after a Cherokee maiden, the legend says the girl leaped from the mountain on her way to warn settlers of an impending attack but instead hid safely under its waters. You’re sure to fall in love with both the legend and the falls.

Fishing on Lake KeoweeGo Fish!

Whether you’re a serious angler obsessed with sports fishing or a beginner who wants to try your hand at a relaxing day of fishing, Lake Keowee is the perfect place for it. Grab the kids and spend the morning teaching them the ropes. Don’t forget to drop by the Keowee Marina to buy all of the bait and tackle you may need for a productive day on the lake.

Interested in a deeper dive into your fishing experience? Some Lake Keowee resorts also offer fishing guide packages with equipment and professional experts ready to give you an unforgettable expedition.

Paddleboard on Lake KeoweeGive Stand Up Paddleboarding a Try

If you’re new to Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), it might just be your new favorite pastime. Paddleboards are a relaxing way for the whole family to get carried away for an afternoon. SUP is similar to surfing, but a paddle keeps you up on the board and steering. It’s a great full-body workout or the perfect way to forget about the stress of the every day.

For Stand Up Paddleboarding, you’ll only need a board, a paddle, and a life jacket. Don’t forget to bring your balance—and a little sense of humor if you’re a beginner, too.

Ready to explore Lake Keowee real estate options? Contact us and schedule a time to meet with an expert.

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Team TQ

10 Outdoor Living Spaces for New House Construction

Read more
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Team TQ

Lakeside Living Requires a Lake Keowee Custom Home Builder

lake keowee custom home builder

As summer begins and we’re all looking for ways to slow down and be more present, there’s never been a better time to consider making your home a true oasis. Lakefront living offers serenity and an unmatched destination for anyone wanting to bask in the beauty of nature year-round. As a Lake Keowee custom home builder, we’re here to design and build your perfect retreat.

We know the term “lake home” conjures up countless daydreams—and it should! Daydreams are exactly where you should begin. You might want a designer chef’s kitchen with a full butler’s pantry. Perhaps you’re ready for a luxurious master bathroom with dual walk-in showers and a soaking tub with a skylight. It might be a private master bedroom deck with panoramic sunset views. You truly can have it all.

However, here are some things to consider if you’re ready to build a lake house.

Lakefront Building is not Your Average Home Construction

The construction process is different when you’re building a home on a lake. You need to consult with a reputable builder of waterfront homes before your planning begins. A great home requires great communication from both us and you. But that’s not all. Total Quality Home Builders also has the proven experience to know what goes into building lakefront construction. That means we’ll provide you with the education you need to understand the process.

Location is Key

We’re not just talking about that perfect lakeview spot. There are numerous questions your builder will need to know. For example, can the property accommodate your design and house orientation? If not, you’ll need to make adjustments. You’ll also want a builder who knows how to build on constraints that come along with lakeside design. Are there any zoning restrictions? Those restrictions can vary greatly and without a professional on your side, they may be very confusing. Or maybe you’re still looking for the perfect lot. As an experienced Lake Keowee custom home builder, we can help you find the right spot.

The Lake will Influence Construction

There are a few unique situations lakes create for homebuilding that you may not be aware of on your own, which is why you should consult with the proper builder. For example, your builder will have the knowledge you need to work with water levels, protect your basement or crawlspace from moisture, or install the right foundations or a septic system for proper drainage.

As lake home builders, we have proven experience with erosion as well. Certain types of landscaping can help manage these issues, and your builder can help you determine whether you’ll need erosion control options for your beach and docks, too.

Other Design Considerations

There are a number of additional design considerations to discuss with your builder, such as privacy and noise control. If you’re close to a popular summer hotspot, you’ll want to protect yourself with the right windows and window treatments, insulation, landscaping, and other design features less-experienced builders may not fully understand. And your roofing and siding should be right for lakefront weather, too.

Keep in mind that well-planned design and construction can reduce your long-term costs of ownership and maintenance costs. And it’s why you should start this journey by planning alongside us. As your Lake Keowee custom home builder, we’re here for you and ready to make your home your place of refuge. We take great pride in our work and strive to offer a great homebuilding experience.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward building your dream lake house, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to build a home just for you.

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Team TQ

Luxury Design Ideas for your Master Bath

When designing a custom home, you can create your master bath to be the epitome of luxury, a place you can come home to and unwind after a long day. It should be both beautiful and functional so that you can take care of your needs and enjoy it. If you’re looking for lakefront property for sale in South Carolina to build a custom home, consider these ideas for a luxurious master bathroom. 

custom bath design lakefront property in South Carolina

 

  • Free-standing tub. Whether you go with an old-fashioned claw foot tub or a more modern style, a stand-alone tub (not built into the wall or tilework) offers a sleek, minimalist look. A deep soaking tub is a luxury for an aching body in need of rejuvenation.  
  • Art. Inspirational artwork can adorn the walls of your bathroom just as much as in the other rooms of your home. Choose pieces that promote serenity, such as water scenes or Zen-inspired artwork.  
  • Patterns. Patterned wallpaper works well in bathrooms because a smaller space can afford a bolder print. It can even make a bathroom seem more spacious.  
  • Texture. Basketweave marble floors are a great way to add texture to an otherwise neutral space. Available in tiles that are fitted together to look seamless, they also work well for shower floors. 
  • All-natural elements. Build a “green” bathroom out of sustainable, allergen-free materials. Use natural stone counters, floors, and tub framing. Hang seagrass shades on the windows and use grass mats. Bamboo is another natural element to incorporate for floors or other décor. Equip your bathroom with water-conserving faucets, toilets, and shower/tubs.  
  • Bathtub niche. Create a nook or alcove for your tub with high walls on all sides, a wide window, shelving all around, and soft lighting for ambiance. 
  • Center tub. Consider placing a large round tub in the center of your master bath and building the rest of the room around it. Curved walls and a domed ceiling above could complete the circular shape of the room.  
  • Open shower. There are many reasons to incorporate an open, door-less, curtain-less shower from the luxurious look to the practicality of curb-free entry. Make your home bathroom feel like a resort (and plan for future aging in place).  
  • Copper tub. Hammered copper makes a stunning bathtub. The shiny, yet subdued tone is a bold fixture around which you can design the whole room. Compliment the tub with copper fixtures for sinks and lighting. 
  • French-style. Does anything suggest luxury more than the word “French”? A French-inspired bathroom can include all sorts of elements from bold floral wallpaper to curtains and draperies, to chandeliers and marble floors. Find one French element and build your bathroom around it.  

custom bathroom design

Total Quality Homebuilders Can Make Your Dreams Come True 

Building your dream master bathroom is just one part of the fun of the custom home design process. Total Quality, together with you, can create a beautiful lake house on the shores of Lake Keowee, known for its clear waters and picturesque scenery. There is lakefront property in South Carolina right now and Total Quality Home Builders can help you find your ideal home site before it’s gone. Call today: (864) 868-5253.  

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Team TQ

The Best Flowers for your Lake Keowee Home

Expert Home Builder in SC: Total Quality Home Builders

Part of having a beautiful lake home includes having a beautiful yard. Landscaping is a key part of the planning process, and if you work with Total Quality, an expert home builder in SC, the team will help you create an ideal yard to match your ideal home. But not all flowers and plants flourish near the water. Here is a guide to some of the most beautiful flowers that grow well near the fresh waters of Lake Keowee.  

hydrangea is one of best lake house flowers often planted by home builder in SC

Cardinal Flower. Aptly named for its red blossoms, the cardinal flower is easy to care for and also blooms white or pink. An added benefit is that it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while deer and rabbits won’t eat it.

Japanese Iris. This flower grows best in shallow water with blue, violet, lavender, pink, or white blossoms that open up to 6 inches wide.

Pickerel Weed. Pale blue or lavender-colored spiked petals surround the top of its stem, peeking out from large green leaves in the shape of arrowheads. Grows best in shallow water.

Pickerel Weed growing near a lake, often planted by home builder in SC

Marsh Marigold. Plant at the water’s edge and little yellow blossoms will pop up all over the plant like buttercups.

Corkscrew Rush. Not exactly a flower, but more of a bush, corkscrew rush grows well in moist soil. Its unique corkscrew-shaped leaves make it an attractive option for ground cover, as it spreads gradually over the ground.

Obedient Plant. While it is a wildflower, the obedient plant is easy to care for and blooms all summer with purple, pink, or white snapdragon-type blossoms.

obedient plant

Swamp Milkweed. Growing best in wet soil with plenty of sun, the swamp milkweed blooms in clusters of small pinkish-purple blooms, also in white or mauve.

Creeping Jenny. When you need ground cover, the creeping jenny expands quickly over wet soil, staying low to the ground with light green leaves similar to the shape of clover. Small yellow flowers appear in early summer.

Swamp Sunflower. The biggest benefit of the swamp sunflower is its resilience. Bright yellow flowers similar to daisies and sunflowers bloom every year in the later summer or early fall.

swamp sunflower

Horsetail. Grows in wet areas where nothing else will, with unique bamboo-like stems and blossoms that look like a horse’s tail.

Joe Pye Weed. Another butterfly favorite, this mauve-colored blossom flowers in big umbrella-shaped clusters of small petals. It’s a low-maintenance flower you can plant and forget about.

Hardy Hibiscus. If you want bold, bright color in your yard, the hardy hibiscus is up to the task. Blossoms are huge with flat disc-like petals that come in a wide range of colors. Growing best in rich, moist soil, they can reach 4 to 6 feet in height.

Hibiscus often planted by home builder in SC

Create Your Ideal Landscape with Total Quality Home Builders

A home builder in SC who has experience in the area will already know which plants tend to thrive when planted near the water. Lake Keowee has a unique climate with plenty of moist soil and sunlight and moderate temperatures with less humidity in summer. Plants that require tropical climates may not grow as well on Lake Keowee as in other places with extremely hot summers. Let the experts handle your landscaping. Call Total Quality Home Builders: (864) 868-5253.  

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Team TQ

Ideas for Keeping your Lake Home Entryway Clean and Fresh

Lake home entryway

Your lake home entryway and the back door or garage entrance probably serve very different purposes in your home. The front is likely where guests enter, whereas the garage entry is the one your family likely uses most often. As the front door is less used, it’s likely easier to keep the front foyer clean and tidy. But the main entryway from the garage or back door is where life gets in the way. This is where organization is crucial to keep things in a reasonable sense of order. Rather than purchasing organizational materials after your home is built, consider building in some features that can help keep your most-used entryway clean and fresh. Whether you’re looking for homes for sale on Lake Keowee or you’re working on a custom home, these ideas can work in any home.  

Built-in Lockers or Cubbies. Give each person who lives in your home their own space to hang coats and bags and store shoes. Consider building in open or closeable locker spaces with hooks and a cubby space above for hats and a cubby space below for shoes. Everyone’s belongings go in their own space and everything stays neat and tidy.

Benches with Storage. Another idea for a cleaner entryway is built-in benches with storage underneath. Benches provide a place to sit while putting on shoes and the space underneath or inside can be used for shoes, bags, hats, gloves, umbrellas, etc. The stuff is out of sight, making the entryway look crisp and tidy while still being highly functional.

Durable Flooring. The backdoor entryway is not the place for beautiful hardwood floors. With wet, dirty shoes coming in regularly, even with a rug, your hardwoods will start to look shabby. Consider more durable flooring, such as ceramic or porcelain tile. Tile is moisture resistant and cleans up easily. Go with a dark color tile and grout that won’t show dirt.

Hand Washing Sink. If you don’t have a bathroom right inside your entryway, you may want to consider a small area for cleaning up. Include a small sink for washing hands, perhaps with a mirror and vanity space. Include shelving for hand soap and lotion for when you’re on your way in, and sunscreen and bug spray for when you’re on the way out.

Washer and Dryer. An entryway that doubles as your laundry room can be very convenient. When everyone comes in with wet clothes from playing in the snow or muddy clothes from sports, they can remove wet things and put them straight into the washer or dryer. And the fresh smell of laundry detergent and dryer sheets will overpower the smell of stinky shoes. Be sure to include the necessary hookups for a washer and dryer when designing your home.

Even if you’re not custom building a home, but looking at existing homes for sale on Lake Keowee, these are easy adaptations to make in any home.   

Design your Ideal Lake Home Entryway with Total Quality Home Builders 

When you’re designing your custom home on Lake Keowee, Total Quality Home Builders wants to create the home of your dreams. Every detail matters, including your entryway. Even if you intend to look at existing homes for sale on Lake Keowee, Total Quality can help you find a home with an entryway that meets your needs or can be adapted to include the features you want. Call Total Quality Home Builders and Waterfront Properties today: (864) 868-5253.  

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