Custom Building Awards

This is the second year of the Building Industry Association of Central SC’s (BIA) Custom Building Awards (CBA) program. Custom Builder members are invited each year to enter their best work and to showcase what they have to offer.

Winning for Best Custom Home in the $350,000 to $400,000 category is Gage Construction’s Lakeside Retreat. The design was used from combining two iterations of an Allison Ramsey plan. The plan needed to be modified further to accommodate the intended use the family would have, yet keep the low-country/farmhouse architectural style.

Gage Construction's Lakeside Retreat

It was important to maintain an open concept on the first floor that naturally transitioned to the outside through a large quad-slider. This would accommodate large gatherings and help the space not feel confined, as well as keep the area naturally lit and maintain the view of the lake and woods.

Interior - Lakeside Retreat by Gage Construction

The upstairs was designed specifically for the kids. Each child was to have his and her own room and bathroom, with a common space for games, friends, and hanging out.

Additionally, the home is built to meet the Energy Star standards. The home is rated at 53 on the HERS index – a rating it received when brand new and during re-testing 10 months later. That HERS rating means this home is 47% more energy efficient than a similar home built to code. Spending time and effort to increase efficiency during construction helps reduce energy bills over the life of the home.

Rear view of Gage Construction's Lakeside Retreat

In the $500 to $600,000 category is the Burwell Reborn by Blythe Building Company. This adorable one and a half story home pops with personality, style, and color, starting with the exterior. The spacious living area features built-in bookshelves and a fireplace with marble surround. The shiplap accent wall evokes the sense of one being in a cottage by the sea.

Kitchen view in the Burwell Reborn

The kitchen has marble countertops, a tile backsplash and brushed nickel hardware. Blythe Building Company turned the cute-meter up to 10 with a playhouse built in under the stairs complete with porch light and flower box.

Burwell Reborn swimming pool

In the $600 to $750,000 category, the winner is Gallup & LaFitte, Design-Build with their Killian Craftsman lake home. Dick Gallup included an angled garaged design to maximize curb appeal and fit the lot on this walkout basement home. The lake-facing rear of the home provides ample views to the lake and makes for a great entertaining space.

The great room features a coffered ceiling and stacked stone fireplace while the adjoining dining room is angled to look out towards the big water views. The kitchen is also open to the great room and the large island is the focal point.

Adding to the entertainment abilities at the lake level is the poolside bar in the basement. Other features include a large finished room over garage suite and a lake-level wine cellar.

Fine City Living by Blythe Building Company

And lastly, in the $750 to One Million Dollar category, the winner is Blythe Building Company with Fine City Living. This home has a timeless sense of Southern elegance with its broad circular driveway, hand-made brick sidewalk, mahogany double front door and hanging gas lantern. The entrance is welcoming with heart pine flooring in the foyer and dining room.

Fine City Living kitchen view

Continue to the spacious kitchen and take in the brick accents and high, wooden beam ceiling.

Fine City Living formal living room

The formal living room has rich, dark blue walls and an elegant chandelier, coffered ceilings and crown molding. Bathrooms are spacious and feature walk in showers and soaking tubs.

Fine City Living back porch view

Head out to the back porch to take in a game on the mantle-mounted television or have a meal at the large table in the outdoor dining room.

Congratulations to all of the winners! See the floorplans and more photos of all six entries in the Custom Building Awards at BIAofCentralSC.com.