At Home | Spring 2014

Spring 2014

WHAT’S INSIDE State of the local housing market p. 6 Test your observation skills p. 8 Home design trends p. 10 Solar energy: pros and cons p. 12 Unusual dwellings p. 14 Gardens: nourishment for the soul p. 18 Test your real estate knowledge p. 22 Before you start building p. 23

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There’s no place like home It’s a beautiful time of year here in northwest Guilford County, and as I walk and drive through the countryside and look over the field outside my office window, I never tire of seeing the green grass, daffodils and beautiful Bradford pear trees coming into full bloom.

brought to you by publisher of the Northwest Observer contact us (336) 644-7035 • info@pscommunications-inc.com location: 1616 NC 68 North • Oak Ridge, NC 27310 mail: PO Box 268 • Oak Ridge, NC 27310

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Spring 2014

For me, no spring season comes without a memory of my father, who lived to be almost 92. No matter how rough the winter season of his life had been, with the first sign of green grass and budding flowers, Dad would inevitably proclaim, “Thank God that I’ve lived to see another spring in North Carolina.”

This is indeed a season to celebrate all the sights and sounds that make northwest Guilford County such a special place to live, from the culture of the community to the beauty of the landscape.

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As we began planning this publication’s content, we obviously knew we wanted articles about houses and outdoor living.

But houses are not just buildings, they’re homes, and we wanted to talk to as many local people as we could who build, sell, decorate and furnish homes for a living – as well as those who live in them.

From floor plans to decorating trends to some unusual dwellings, you’ll find articles in this issue intended to both inform and entertain. And just as with our weekly community newspaper, the Northwest Observer, we ran out of space long before we ran out of content to share, so we’ve already got a head start on our fall 2014 at Home publication.

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by ANNETTE JOYCE NW GUILFORD – When the housing market began its dramatic crash eight years ago, no one dreamed it would go so far down – and for so long.

On an optimistic note, the local market is finally showing signs of turning around. While it’s a slow, painful process plagued with dips and rebounds, real estate professionals in northwest Guilford County say they are beginning to see that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

Phillip Stone, a Realtor with A New Dawn Realty in Stokesdale, got into the business in 2006 – just before the market soured. Since the beginning of this year, he says he’s experienced a huge turnaround.

“I’m getting lots more listings and more buyers as well,” he says. “I think there are a couple of things driving the market. First, people are starting to realize the bottom of the market has come and gone and interest rates are headed up. They know if they’re going to make a move, it better be soon.”

Like Stone, Realtor Nancy Hess of Summerfield’s Keller Williams office has seen her number of home listings increase. Still, Hess says she is concerned with long-term stability.

“I see an uptick, not a significant turnaround,” says Hess, who has been in the real estate industry for 35 years. “The question is ‘will it be sustained?’ It’s very localized to both the area and price point. I get the sense that we are in the bottom right of the horseshoe, just making the turn at the upward curve.”

Robin Bates, another Realtor with A New Dawn Realty, says she senses “a definite positive turnaround in the works.”

“This past winter has been one of the busiest I’ve experienced,” says the eight-year industry veteran. “It wasn’t just me personally, but my entire office was busier.”

Although reports for the first quarter of 2014 reflect an increasingly healthy real estate market, numbers for local home sales in the month of

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January showed a decline – a fact that some experts view as a sign that the recovery is not as stable as many would like to believe.

Some Realtors, including Gil Vaughan of Keller Williams in Summerfield, think, however, that the real estate market fluctuation is at least in part due to the area’s severe winter.

“The (bad) weather has had an effect on the market,” says Vaughan. “With all the ice storms and power outages, people are still in the winter doldrums.

They’re cleaning up the messes created by the storms. The kids have been out of school and people have been missing work. I think we’ll have a real spurt once the weather clears up.”

Bobbie Gardner, with Allen Tate in Oak Ridge, also thinks milder weather will have a positive impact.

“There is a great amount of activity in listing and selling,” says Gardner, who has been a Realtor for 21 years. “With winter finally making its exit, we should see the market continue to improve.

Buyer confidence is up. Sellers are pricing their homes more competitively and the market is self-adjusting.”

New home developments that had come to a standstill when the market took a dive are showing signs of new life and new homes are under construction throughout the area.

Since 2011, two of the three northwest towns report a significant annual increase in development clearance certificates for new homes. These are the documents that builders are required to obtain before they are issued a building permit from the county.

In Oak Ridge, 22 certificates were issued for new homes in 2011. In 2012, 60 certificates were issued and in 2013, there were 52 issued. New construction hit the lowest point in 2010, when there were only 14 development clearance certificates approved.

Summerfield’s numbers follow a similar trend. In 2011, 23 certificates were issued. In 2012, 34 certificates were issued and in 2013, 47 were issued.

Summerfield’s lowest point also came in 2010. During that year, only 19 new certificates were issued.

In Stokesdale, the number of building permits issued has remained steady since 2008. There were 16 permits issued in 2012 and 17 in 2013. In 2009 there were only 11 permits issued.

Jason Smith, a Realtor with Builder Services, Inc. in Oak Ridge, has been on the front lines with the builders.

“I am seeing a gradual and steady improvement in the new construction market,” says Smith, who has worked in new construction his entire 12-plus years in real estate. “I am also seeing more builders, both new and past, getting off the sidelines and becoming active. That tells me builder

continued on page 30

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How observant are you? See how many of these northwest area details you can identify. (Hint: They are located on heavily traveled roads and are on or near public, commercial or historical buildings.)

Find answers and more photos on p. 28.

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by ANNETTE JOYCE After a sluggish economy sent new home construction across the nation into a downward spiral, the building industry is slowly regaining its footing.

As new homes under construction are once again becoming a familiar sight, we wanted to know about the latest building and design trends, as well as what homeowners are looking for when updating their existing abodes. Here’s what we found after talking to several local builders and designers...

Wide open spaces One trend that has remained popular is the desire for an open floor plan.

“Buyers are continuing to demand open floor plans with a smart flow. They want the kitchen to seamlessly flow into the family room area,” says Susan Mowery, who co-owns Building Dimensions in Oak Ridge along with her husband Paul.

Without the barrier of walls, these open

plans make a home appear more spacious and promote interaction among family and friends. Plus, they offer more flexibility for the homeowner by giving them the ability to change the arrangement of an area to suit a specific occasion.

Bathrooms are changing For years, homeowners have coveted huge, jetted tubs. Angela Schlentz, owner of Greensboro’s Home Design Center of N.C., says those overpowering tubs are becoming passé.

“More and more people are getting rid of the Jacuzzi tubs and installing smaller soaker tubs or free-standing tubs,” says Schlentz. “They’re keeping the separate showers but are allowing an equal amount of space for the shower and tub. The jetted tubs take up a huge amount of square footage and people are deciding to use the extra space in other ways.”

The shower is also going through a

Photo courtesy of Home Design Center of N.C.

Free-standing tubs are replacing the space-hogging jetted tubs that have been so popular in the past.

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Spring 2014

metamorphosis.

“People are taking out the framed glass shower enclosures and putting in frameless showers,” says Schlentz. “This is far superior and helps reduce mold and mildew.”

At America’s Home Place in Greensboro, Della Golden is seeing more people opting for fiberglass tubs and showers over tile. “People are looking at ways to save time and energy,” she says. “They want more quality of life and don’t want to spend a lot of time on home maintenance.”

Take it outside Homeowners are expanding their livable space by moving outdoors. Lines are blurred when glass doors lead out to screen porches, patios and decks.

“Options for outdoor living are continuing in popularity,” confirms Mowery.

Mowery says screen porches are becoming an important part of the overall plan. These are being made more functional with the addition of grilling decks,

Keeping it practical

Homeowners are expanding their living area by taking advantage of the outdoors.

Photo courtesy of Builders MD

fireplaces and outdoor kitchens.

David Flanders, owner of Builders MD based in Oak Ridge, is also seeing a lot more living going on outside the home.

“We’re wiring porches, adding cable and speaker systems,” says Flanders. “We’re also doing outdoor fireplaces.”

Flanders adds that covered porches have become more popular than screen porches.

“We’ve done a few additions for

screen porches, but a lot of our new home owners don’t want the screen until they see how bad the bug problem will be,” says Flanders. “With a covered porch you actually feel like you’re outside, plus you don’t have the maintenance that comes with a screen porch.”

A few years ago, when people built homes based on the “bigger is better” concept, there was little concern with how space was being used. Now, homes are getting smaller and homeowners want their space to be more functional.

“When building a home, people are thinking more about how they use their space,” says Golden. “That’s one of the things we focus on when we’re talking to our clients. We want to figure out how they live and make their home fit those needs.”

A key to this functionality is giving a family the organizational space it requires. As an example, Golden said that in one of her company’s home plans, they recently added a large sports closet to accommodate a family whose kids are heavily involved in sports.

“They had a ton of sports equipment and needed a convenient space to keep

continued on page 26

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The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) reports that average installed residential and commercial solar system prices in North Carolina fell by 29 percent in 2013 and are expected to continue to drop as technologies improve and demand for solar power increases.

In the last quarter of 2013, according to GreenTech Media Research, solar installation grew by 100 percent across residential, commercial and utility markets compared to the same time in 2012.

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North Carolina currently ranks No. 3 in large-scale solar production in the nation, behind California and Arizona. Across our state, dozens of solar farms dot the landscape, generating 557 megawatts of solar energy that is sold to energy companies – enough to power 52,900 homes. Last year, $787 million was invested in North Carolina for solar installation in homes, businesses and utility use.

So, if the solar industry is booming in North Carolina, and solar panel costs continue to drop, why don’t we see more solar panels shimmering atop our neighbors’ roofs?

“Most people still consider solar to be pricey,” says Summerfield’s Tony Corman, owner of A.L. Corman Roofing, an authorized Dow Corning solar panel installer. “A lot depends on the size of your home and how much power you need.” Corman notes that solar power system installation on a small house can cost around $10,000.

Stewart Miller, president of Yes! Solar Solutions in Raleigh, has installed solar power systems on several houses in the Greensboro area. He claims business is “at an all-time high,” even though upfront costs can average about $20,000 for a larger home, and his customer base is “increasing significantly.”

“North Carolina has been a fantastic state for solar,” says Miller.

Government incentives including a federal tax break of 30 percent and a state tax break of 35 percent, together with net metering, will allow solar power installation to pay for itself in about 9 to 11 years.

But tax incentives are expiring in 2015 and current net metering laws in North Carolina may be fading into the sunset.

Most states offer net metering to encourage homeowners to use renewable energy sources and offset on-site electric load. The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) requires investor-owned utility companies to allow residential and commercial customers who use solar and other forms of renewable energy to run their electricity meter backward if they generate more power than they use,

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thereby receiving a credit from their power company. However, this past January, Duke Energy officials indicated they will try and reduce how much North Carolina households are credited for generating electricity from renewable energy sources.

With the net metering law up in the air and a state tax incentive expiring next year, many solar power system installers are scrambling to finish scheduled solar projects while would-be solar customers are wondering whether they should move ahead with their solar projects.

Jon DeLine of Oak Ridge built his newly constructed home with every intention to use solar power; however, he is realizing solar power may end up being cost prohibitive.

“Our electrical system is set up to install solar panels when we are ready,” says DeLine. “The big unknown for us is how long we would be able to sell our electricity back (to the power company).”

“Many of our customers are in a holding pattern,” confirms Robert Kingery, president of Southern Energy Management. “They are deciding to wait until the dust settles before making a solar investment.”

Bottom line: solar power is still a bit cost prohibitive, especially with so many unknowns regarding incentives. However, for those who care more about a “green lifestyle” than “greenbacks,” taking advantage of the tax incentives before they expire in 2015 may be the way to go.

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It’s not your average home

e c n e l l e c Ex asm i s u h t n E e c n e i r e p Ex

Residents share an inside perspective on living in unique homes, settings

by JEANNETTE CLAY

Ramilya Siegel

CRS, GRI, ABR, CDPE, Realtor®

With all of the relatively new homes to choose from in northwest Guilford County, there are still those who prefer to live in an existing house that has a unique history, setting or features that distinguish it from others in the neighborhood.

In the past, merchants often lived in the same building as their business, a trend still seen in cities and communities with mixed-use developments. For example, a shop or restaurant owner may operate their business on the street level and live in the back of the building or on the floors above the business.

Todd Harmon is one of the few local residents who take advantage of this type of living arrangement. Harmon is the funeral director at Forbis and Dick Funeral Service’s Brooke Chapel in Stokesdale – and his home is in the same building in which he works. He has hung his hat there for the last 12 years, except for several months when he lived in an apartment complex because the building’s roof had a severe leak.

Located on U.S. 158 in downtown Stokesdale, the funeral home rests among other structures built around the turn of the 20th century, across the street from what was the Atlantic & Yadkin Railroad depot. The merchants at that time catered to town residents and those passing through on trains. For some travelers, their journey necessitated an overnight hotel stay, which led to the two-story brick structure being built in 1911.

Joe Vaughn bought the property around 1941, and it was there that he established a funeral home and an

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Todd Harmon of Stokesdale lives in a former hotel that is now the Forbis and Dick Brooke Chapel funeral home in Stokesdale.

other members of his family had reservations. At the time his children were ages 9 and 14. His daughter originally thought the living arrangement was “cool,” but began to rethink the situation after realizing the students at her new school might think she was odd when they found out where she lived. But for Harmon, who deals with death every day due to his profession, living above where he worked was not a drawback, but a plus.

The most frequent question Harmon gets when people learn where he lives?

“People always ask me, ‘Do you ever hear anything at night?’” he says with a smile.

“And the answer is always, ‘No’.”

Today Harmon lives alone in the tastefully furnished apartment. His background in home furnishings taught him much about furniture and decorating, and he proudly admits that nearly every item in his home was purchased secondhand at antique malls, consignment stores and on Internet sites such as craigslist.

The convenience of living above his workplace, and the money and time he saves on commuting, add up to big pluses for Harmon. In particular, though, he says he most enjoys living in a small town and being of service to his neighbors when they are mourning the loss of a loved one.

ambulance service.

After purchasing the property in 1967, Ed Brooke, for whom Brooke Chapel is named, operated the local funeral home for many years. Brooke lived in the upstairs apartment until about 1989, when he built a house nearby.

Over the years, Harmon says, other people, including other Forbis and Dick employees, lived on the upper level of the funeral home.

An obvious “people person” with an easy smile, Harmon says he knew as a teenager what profession he wanted to pursue. He admired the way the funeral director in his family’s hometown of Kings Mountain knew all the families and treated them “like royalty” in their time of sorrow. But his family moved to High Point when he was a teenager, and he decided instead to attend High Point University, where he earned a degree in home furnishings. He worked in the insurance industry and in pre-arrangement sales of funeral planning before he ultimately returned to his first vocational choice and went to mortuary school.

Harmon was employed at a Forbis and Dick Greensboro location before being offered the Stokesdale position in 2002. He learned he and his family could also live rent-free in the three-bedroom, 1½-bath upstairs apartment, but admits  “Were you born in a barn?” is a question many a parent has asked when their child neglects to close the door. For Walt and Victoria Morgan, the answer is no, they weren’t born in a barn – but they do live in one.

The Oak Ridge couple comfortably resides in a structure originally designed for four-legged inhabitants on the approximately 140-acre Beeson farm. In 1976, the Beeson heirs sold the land to the Dockery Corporation, which created the Dapple Gray Run subdivision. The 21 mini farms are 3.5 to 9 acres in size.

Bridle paths crisscross the neighborhood, making it ideal for horse lovers.

A former owner converted the farm’s large barn into a home. Several years after

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 the Morgans moved to Kernersville from Pittsburgh in 1984, they decided to look for property large enough to keep their horses, which were being boarded. They also wanted a good school system for their two children. The 3,500-square-foot barnstyle home on 5 acres in Oak Ridge with a pool and a pond was perfect for their needs, and they purchased it in 1990.

For the most part, the interior of the home gives no clues about its former use as a barn. Some of the walls in the secondfloor bedrooms are slanted, however, and the Morgans’ daughter recalls friends running into the walls because they were unaccustomed to the odd slope. An unfinished attic runs the length of the house,

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Keeping everyone in the loop – that’s the difference between a successful real estate transaction and a stressful one. That’s why I work extra hard to keep the communication lines open.

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Real estate has always been a big part of my life, and my family is deeply rooted in the Triad’s housing industry. I am very aware of how stressful buying or selling can be, and my clients have nicknamed me the ‘fireman’ for my ability to ‘put out fires.’ They even had a silver fire hat charm made for me! My goal is simply to exceed my client’s expectations, communicate, and always have their best interest at heart. Recently, I was told I delivered “genuine results,” which might be my new tagline.

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Look no further! I’m originally from small-town PA but have lived in the Triad for over 24 years. I live, work & volunteer in the NW area, and proudly give back to the community that has given me so much. With technical expertise to know a home ‘from the ground up,’ I can advise my clients in making savvy decisions in buying and selling. A Consistent Achiever and Top Performer for 2013, my priority is simple –YOU!

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My mother, Johnnye Greer Hunter, was a successful Realtor in Greensboro. A recipient of numerous awards and a top producing agent, I make sure my clients have a rewarding and most profitable experience. I have deep roots in the northwest area – my family, Jacob & Claudia Letterman, and I are active and committed to our community and schools.

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If you are looking for a real estate agent, simply ask yourself: ‘Do I want someone who... 1) is a “full-time” real estate broker; 2) will work hard for me and put my interests first; 3) is thorough and will walk me through the entire process step by step; 4) is on time, honest and accountable; and 5) will provide me with professional, positive and satisfying results?’ If so, then feel free to contact me whether you are buying or selling. Then sit back and relax!

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A garden

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everyone

Inside, outside, large or small, gardens can provide nourishment for the soul

by ANNETTE JOYCE Gardens provide endless possibilities for enjoyment. While there are the basic flower and vegetable gardens, there are also those designed specifically for herbs, roses, shade-loving plants, shrubbery and wildflowers. These can be intended to attract wildlife, make use of small spaces or provide a personal sanctuary.

Here are just a few suggestions on how you can incorporate these do-it-yourself gardens into your own environment.

Butterfly gardens There’s nothing quite so peaceful as watching butterflies flitter through the air.

To attract these beautiful creatures, you can create a butterfly garden of any size – a window box, a section of your landscaped yard, or even a wild, untended area.

After selecting the spot for your butterfly garden, determine which butterflies are native to our area, which ones you’d like to attract, and the type of plants they prefer. The NC Cooperative Extension in Guilford County offers a wealth of information on butterfly gardens (as well as gardening in general).

In an article written by Colette Corr, a

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Spring 2014

Photo by Annette Joyce/PS Communications

Although the plants are just starting to come out for the season, this butterfly garden at Oak Ridge Town Hall provides the perfect oasis for these flighty creatures.

Guilford County Extension master volunteer, Corr identifies four essential components needed to create a butterfly garden: 1) nectar plants for the nourishment of the adult butterfly, 2) host plants for the caterpillar and where the female lays her eggs,

3) shelter and 4) a water source.

Place nectar plants in large groups with various colored flowers that butterflies are drawn to, including pink, purple, red, yellow or orange. Look for different shapes, heights, growth rates

and scents as well. Extend the life of your garden with plants that bloom at different times throughout the season.

The host plants are where the butterfly lays her eggs, providing a food source for the caterpillars that eventually emerge. These little fellows can do some serious damage to the host plant, though, so if you don’t enjoy looking at damaged plants, Corr advises planting the hosts in a different bed.

To attract the greatest variety of butterflies, plant in both shade and full sun. Provide shelter from strong winds by planting near a row of trees, hedge, wall or building.

Corr says butterflies will roost on the underside of a leaf for 14 hours a day, from sunset to mid-morning.

By incorporating rocks into the garden, you’ll add visual interest and give the butterflies a place to warm themselves before they take flight each morning.

You’ll need to supply your new “pets” with shallow water sources. Corr suggests

Creating a memory

Photo courtesy of Michelle Mendoza

An empty corner behind a house becomes the perfect spot for this peaceful memory garden.

putting moist sand or mulch in a plant pot saucer or carving out shallow mud puddles. You can add 1/2 cup of salt per gallon of sand, mixing well, then moistening.

Do not apply insecticides or herbicides in your garden, as these will kill the butterflies and the caterpillars.

Beautiful and functional accessories can be used to dress up your garden.

More than just attractive, a butterfly house with slots is ideal for keeping birds out while giving butterflies shelter from the wind and weather. Depending on the size of your garden, two or three butterfly houses at varying heights add a nice touch. A small bird bath could also serve as a water source while providing a little extra beauty.

glow

When you’ve lost a loved one – whether a person or a pet – creating a garden to honor their memory can provide healing and give you a private sanctuary to grieve, pray and reflect.

Like the butterfly garden, a memory garden can take any form you wish, so just factor in the space and time you have to devote to tending it. It could be a single tree or rose bush, a container garden on your deck, or a more elaborate natural area in a back corner of your yard.

Look for a space that provides a sense of solitude so you can sit quietly and think about the wonderful memories you shared with your loved one. Maybe you have a space with a spectacular view, or one with some massive mosscovered rocks embedded deeply into the ground.

Your special place could even be the corner of a deck – the most important thing is that you’re creating something

continued on page 20

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We Help

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that comes from your heart and has meaning to you.

In choosing the plants for your garden, select the ones best suited for the soil and light conditions, as well as those that have meaning to you. You might consider planting a single ornamental tree and adding clusters of flowers and grasses.

Use mulch or stone for ground covering. Add a swing or chair that provides a comfortable place for meditation.

Focus on the things your loved one enjoyed. Maybe it was birds or wildlife.

If so, add a birdfeeder and birdbath. If your memory garden honors a pet, an animal statuary that resembles your pet would be a sweet addition. Wind chimes are also soothing.

Bring your garden inside If you want a garden but have limited space, a terrarium may be the answer.

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Once you have everything, thoroughThese mini indoor gardens are ideal for ly wash your container with hot, soapy small spaces, and for people who don’t want or have time to care for water. After it’s dry, add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the an outdoor garden. As a container and cover it with the bonus, they’re fun and charcoal pieces. You should easy to create. have a combined layer The first step is to about an inch thick. On top choose a glass containof that, add a layer of moss. er. You can use almost anything as long as Next, add the soil. it’s deep enough Depending on the size for your plants to of the container and take root. Large, length of the plants’ wide-mouth jars, roots, you should fishbowls and have about two to uniquely shaped three inches of soil. bottles make Tap down the soil to interesting garden remove air pockets and containers. level the surface. Dig small holes for your Next, select plants and carefully your plants. place and plant them.

You’ll want lowmaintenance Once your plants that stay plants are situated, small and won’t you might want to outgrow your add some decoracontainer. Look tions such as small Photo by Annette Joyce/PS Communications for plants that rocks, shells, or tiny prefer shade figurines.

Terrariums offer a low-maintenance option for and tolerate Finally, mist those who enjoy gardens on a smaller scale. high humidity, your plants, and such as ferns, you’re done with succulents, your terrarium. mosses and cacti.

Now all you need to do is find the Gather the supplies you’ll need, which perfect location and enjoy your creation. will include a light potting soil with lots These are only samples of some speof drainage, small pebbles or gravel, cial garden variations, and the possibiliactivated charcoal pieces and sheet moss ties are endless. There’s really only one (it’s a good idea to wear gloves when rule to follow – create what you love and you’re handling the moss and charcoal). enjoy the results.

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Before you start building Summerfield and Oak Ridge require a Development Clearance Certificate before applying for a building permit, but Stokesdale does not

by PATTI STOKES NW GUILFORD – So now that spring is here, you want to build a deck or add square feet to your home. All that’s left between you and your addition is to apply for a building permit, right?

The answer depends greatly on where you call home.

For Stokesdale residents, a visit to the Guilford County permitting office at 400 W. Market St. in Greensboro with a completed application and plan is usually all you’ll need to do. However, you may need to submit other materials with the building permit application as well, so it’s a good idea to check with the planning department before you trek downtown.

To reach the Guilford County Planning Department, call (336) 641-3707.

You can download a building permit application from the county’s website at www.co.guilford.nc.us/planning_cms/permitting.html; click on “Residential Building Permit” or “Change in Occupancy Upfit” under the Applications heading on the right-hand side of the page.

In Oak Ridge and Summerfield, before applying for a building permit you must take one extra step, which is to submit an application for a Development Clearance Certificate.

A survey or a plot plan is required for the DCC, which indicates that the town is OK with the construction you want to do.

The application must include the property owner’s name, address and phone number, and the contractor’s name, address and phone number. The plan must be drawn to scale with the current and proposed building locations, property lines, floodway and floodway fringe, water courses, ponds, and parking areas. This is done to ensure that the planned construction doesn’t exceed the maximum building coverage per zoning requirements.

In Summerfield, planning staff issues Development Clearance Certificates for new home construction, home additions, outbuildings, businesses operated from homes, commercial signage, and other building related activities. Staff also issues permits for temporary events and commercial changes of occupancy.

Visit www.summerfieldgov.com and click on “Planning Department” for more

details about what is required for a DCC, examples of acceptable to-scale sketches, a fee schedule and an application. For more info, call the Summerfield Town Hall at (336) 643-8655.

The process of acquiring a Development Clearance Certificate in Oak Ridge is similar to Summerfield’s, confirms Bill Bruce, Oak Ridge’s town planner.

“The property owner takes the plot plan to Town Hall to receive a Development Clearance Certificate, and then takes that document to the county planning office (in Greensboro) for permit issuance,” says Bruce.

Visit www.oakridgenc.com and click on “Permits/Fees” for more information about what the town requires before issuing a DCC, a fee schedule, and to download an application.

Oak Ridge also has a historic district, and property owners within this district who wish to build a new structure, change or repair the exterior of an existing structure, or demolish or relocate an existing structure, must provide details to the town and apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Oak Ridge Historic Preservation Commission.

Information specific to construction or exterior alterations to structures within Oak Ridge’s historic district can be obtained online at www.oakridgenc.com; click on “Permits/Fees” on the homepage, then select “Historic District Certificate of Appropriateness application.” For more info, call the Oak Ridge Town Hall at (336) 644-7009.

Plus, find the Northwest Observer on Twitter and Instagram

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Connected

facebook.com / NorthwestObserver @mynwobserver

@northwestobserver Spring 2014

23

continued from page 15

painted it red. In 2007, they had green vinyl siding installed and also had the roof replaced. Due to the extreme pitch, they say finding someone willing to work on the roof was somewhat difficult.

The former barn is a bit of a novelty to the Oak Ridge couple’s friends, many of whom live in comparably sized homes but which lack the unique character. It’s also somewhat of a local landmark, Victoria Morgan says. When she tells people she lives on Beeson Road, they often ask how close she is to the “barn house.”

No doubt one of the most interesting comments about the house came from a friend, who happened to stop by on the evening of the interview for this article.

“When I first saw the house, I wanted to know how the cows got upstairs,” she said, laughing.

providing an abundance of storage space.

The walls of the two-story den with an upstairs landing overlook are covered with rough, wooden paneling that pays homage to the structure’s former function.

Some of the paneling’s boards are a full 16 feet tall, Victoria Morgan says. Above the mantel hangs a pair of old hay forks used to lift bales from the ground level into the loft. Old bridles adorn the walls, as do photos of the home as it appears now and in the past – including a photo given to them by a neighbor of the barn when the structure sheltered livestock.

Other than updating the home and adding an office and game room, the Morgans say they’ve made no major structural changes. The house was gray when they bought it, and they later

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Spring 2014

Victoria and Walt Morgan live in a home that was a former barn in Oak Ridge.  Regardless of how unique the features or setting of a home are, nearly all of them have one common characteristic. They’re rectangular in shape.

That is, unless you live in what is essentially a round house, as Mike Burggraf does.



 Burggraf actually lives in one of two such homes in Summerfield’s Hillsdale Lake neighborhood, both of which were built in the early 1970s. According to Burggraf, the homes were built to be energy efficient. Because there were many government grants, subsidies and

rebates at the time which were aimed at energy efficiency, he understands his house cost almost nothing to build.

Two primary companies – Deltec and Topsider, both located in North Carolina – have sold the prefabricated home kits for nearly 50 years. The other round home in the neighborhood is a Deltec, but Burggraf says he’s heard his house is a “counterfeit Topsider.” It was made by a company whose owner was a former Topsider employee, then later left the company and began selling his own version of the unique structures. Topsider sued the former employee, who was forced out of business while Burggraf’s house was being constructed, causing many headaches for the builder.

Although they are unusual in appearance, the round structures are ultra strong. They use a unique post-and-beam construction that makes them extremely wind- and even hurricane-resistant, so they are ideally suited for both the mountains and the coast.

“My house has a center pole and beams that come down from that to anchor points, sort of like an umbrella,” Burggraf explains. “Because the weight

of the roof is supported by beams, there are no load-bearing walls and everything is supported by the roof and ceiling.

Because of this, it’s possible to use lots of floor-to-ceiling exterior windows since the walls don’t need to hold anything up, like in a normal house.”

Both Deltec and Topsider initially began selling the home kits commercially, and most were constructed at resorts until guests began requesting them for residences.

While there are many advantages, including strength, energy efficiency and panoramic views, Burggraf admits there are also some drawbacks to living in the 2,100-square-foot, round house he’s called home since 2006.

“It is difficult to decorate, so I don’t decorate much. You would be surprised at how much furniture and stuff is designed for 90-degree angles, and my house doesn’t have many 90-degree angles,” he says.

Also, in traditional homes, closets are usually designed to be tucked into corners. “Since I lack corners, I also have very limited closet space,” Burggraf says.

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continued from page 11 it all organized,” she says.

The mudroom, a place where everyone can drop off shoes, coats, backpacks and bags, is another center of organization.

“Everyone wants a mudroom,” says Flanders. “They’re pretty much a necessity with all our homes.”

Mowery agrees that these “drop zones” are an important feature in today’s homes and more people are looking to transform “tucked away” areas into creative storage space. Overall, she’s seeing a completely different attitude toward the entire floor plan.

“Buyers seem to be more conscious of efficient, practical space,” says Mowery. “Formal areas such as living rooms are no longer in demand, and master baths are losing the open, wasted floor space. Two-story family rooms and foyers are not nearly as popular due to their lack of energy efficiency and difficulty in cleaning the high areas.”

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Tim Frazier of Tim Frazier Builders says he’s seeing a return to white kitchens.

“We’re doing a lot of white cabinets with stainless steel appliances and chrome fixtures,” says the Oak Ridge-based builder.

At America’s Home Place, Golden says the homes they’re building definitely have lighter and brighter kitchens.

“We’re doing lots of lighter color cabinetry,” Golden says. She also notes that more people are opting for hardwoods in the kitchen and breakfast areas as opposed to tile, which has been popular for awhile.

Schlentz says quartz is the hot new surface in countertops. “We’ve been installing a lot of quartz countertops as opposed to granite,” she says. “It’s a little more expensive but it’s completely scratch resistant and heat resistant.”

Greater organizational capability and function are overall trends in the housing industry.

Closets are especially reaping the benefits.

Making the old new Recycling and repurposing have definitely made a comeback. Builders MD is taking advantage of this trend as they move to a more rustic look and reuse existing materials.

In one of Builders MD’s current homes, Flanders is relying on old barn beams and wood to give the home unique character. He’s also using brick in place of tile to enhance the rustic theme.

“There’s a brick backsplash in the kitchen and brick floors,” says Flanders.

“We’ve seen a lot of the rustic look outside and we’re bringing it inside.”

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Spring 2014

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Thinking about remodeling your bathroom?

White cabinets paired with a dark accent color are making a comeback in kitchens.

Photo courtesy of Shelton’s Inc. Kitchen & Bath Works

Extra touches Homeowners are focusing more on details that add convenience as well as a bit of luxury to their everyday lives.

Mowery mentions such things as built-in charging stations for electronic devices, gun vaults, generator panels and generators.

In this same category, the humble closet is receiving a facelift.

“A lot of people are replacing their old wire closets,” confirms Schlentz. “We’re

designing more custom closets with solid shelving and double hung rods.”

Designed for maximum storage and organization, these closets have designated spaces for shoes, drawers for jewelry and accessories and shelves for stacking sweaters. The larger ones even have dressing areas.

Frazier has found another reason for the extra touches in the closets. “(Our homeowners) are dressing up their closets to keep from having so much furniture in their bedrooms,” he says. “It gives the bedroom a more spacious feel without adding square footage.”

Varied and visible throughout the home, these trends all point to the most important one in the housing industry.

Today’s homeowners desire homes that are not only attractive, but designed with functionality and convenience in mind.

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ANN POWELL | (336) 327-3473

(336) 993-8900

TriadDogFence.com Spring 2014

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Answers:

This feature is continued from page 28

1...... Front gable detail, Ai Church, 1306 N.C. 68 North,

10

Oak Ridge (currently under renovation)

2...... Brick walkway detail, Stokesdale Town Hall, 8325 Angel-Pardue Road, Stokesdale

3...... Gate light detail, Old Green Door building, 3818 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield

4...... Cannon wheel, Oak Ridge Military Academy

Alumni Hall, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge

5...... Brick detail, Summerfield Town Hall,

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11

4117 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield

6...... Horse, Purgason’s,

4901 Auburn Road, Summerfield

7.......Top of column, Oak Ridge Military Academy

Alumni Hall, 2317 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge

8...... Detail, Stokesdale Veterans Monument, 6826 U.S. 158, Stokesdale

9...... Handprints on exterior wall, Stokesdale Elementary School, 8025 U.S. 158 Stokesdale

10... Gable detail, Forestry Systems/Gardens at Gray Gables, 4105 Oak Ridge Road, Summerfield

11... Front entrance detail, Flat Rock United Methodist Church, 6720 U.S. 158, Stokesdale

Susanna Nunn Insurance Agency Susanna Nunn CPCU, CLU, LTCP

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OAK RIDGE Tim Frazier, owner

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Spring 2014

Custom-built homes for over 25 years

(336) 362-0969 | tfrazier19@triad.rr.com | timfrazierbuilders.com

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Building Dimensions ............................................32

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Disney Construction .............................................. 4 Don Mills Builders, Inc. ...................................... 13 Greensboro Builders Association..................... 15 KC’s Improvement & Construction Co., Inc. ...25 On-Target Construction Services ....................26 Re-Bath of the Triad ............................................27 Shelton’s Inc. Kitchen & Bath Works ............... 6 Tim Frazier Builders .............................................28 HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES Aqua Systems Irrigation ..................................... 10 BEK Paint Co. ........................................................30 Boone Decorative Fabrics.................................... 7 Colfax Lawn Care................................................. 19 Crystal Clear Window Cleaning ....................... 12

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30

Spring 2014

continued from page 7 confidence is up and the banks seem to be selectively doing more lending.”

The downturn in the housing market brought unprecedented opportunity for buyers – both prices and interest rates were low and many sellers were willing to do whatever was necessary to unload their homes. As these factors change, the buyer’s position will as well. It’s just a matter of how much time is left before the market shifts.

Local Realtors differ in predicting the duration of that timeframe.

“I think it will continue to be a buyer’s market,” says Bates. “There’s a good supply of all types of properties at all price points in the area. Interest rates continue to stay under 5 percent. Plus, lenders are introducing new programs all the time.”

Hess believes the tide has already turned to favor the seller in some segments of the market.

“In the upper price points, we’re still seeing a buyer’s market,” says Hess.

“In some price ranges, such as the $250,000 to $350,000 range, it’s a different story. A lower inventory has helped a lot by creating a sense of urgency for some and multiple offers for others.”

As far as new construction is concerned, the buyer has already lost much of his advantage.

“Builders for the most part are no longer entertaining low offers on their homes,” confirms Smith. “Because of the lack of supply and higher demand, builders are now able to maintain reasonable sale prices for their homes.”

Eric Strimple of Home Team Builders in Oak Ridge concurs.

“A lot of people still think builders are willing to take losses because of being in a hardship situation,” says Strimple. This is not the case with the company he and his wife own, however, which is building houses and sticking to what he refers to as a “fair, honest price.”

The buyer who has been king of the mountain for the last several years is still

in a good position, however.

“When have prices been low and interest rates low at the same time?” asks Hess, who has lived through periods of interest rates hitting 17 percent and more.

“You need to buy all the house you will ever need right now. Buyers are still in the sweet spot. If interest rates go up a quarter of a percent, they back off. Think about it. It’s the price of lunch! If interest rates go up to 7.5 percent in several years, you will only be able to buy half the house you can qualify for now.”

While the market may be balancing out, sellers need to realize that the rebound won’t be immediate and home sale prices are not going to suddenly skyrocket.

“I don’t foresee a significant change for a while yet,” says Bates. “I think it will happen, but not as quickly as sellers hope.”

Prices of homes that have recently sold in a neighborhood determine the worth of a home currently on the market. If the home won’t appraise for what the seller and buyer have agreed upon, a lender won’t give the buyer a loan for that amount.

Gardner believes prices have leveled out, but says sellers need to be aware of what’s happening in their neighborhood.

“Foreclosures and short sales will continue for some time and will skew appraisals,” she predicts.

So what’s a seller to do? First, be realistic about the home’s worth and market value.

“Pricing is everything,” says Stone.

“If you have a fantastic price, people will find you.”

“Be the best house for the best price in your market segment,” says Hess. “Be the bride, not the bridesmaid! Not the lowest price, but the best all-around you can be.”

“Price your home to sell right from the start,” stresses Bates. “If you start off overpriced, you could lose potential buyers who may no longer be in the market if you reduce down the road.”

The bottom line for the local housing market – though it may not be recovering as quickly as many would like, it looks like it is finally headed in a positive direction.

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336-643-6301

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It’s that feeling you get every time you step into

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(336) 644-0028

www.BuildingDimensionsNC.com /buildingdimensionsinc

National Assn. of Home Builders

Owners Paul & Susan Mowery are both general contractors and residents of Oak Ridge. They believe in taking care of the environment and the people in their community.