Real Estate News
T R I A N G L E
page 2
home design
“There is a huge variety in prices for the Durham area. And you can still buy a nice home in the $200,000s here.”
dedicated to showcasing the triangle’s distinctive homes
– Rremida Shkoza, Franklin Street Realty
Delightful Durham
Competitive real estate prices, top-notch universities and a thriving cultural scene abound in this Triangle city - story on page 4
real estate news What’s new p2
design trends
Choosing a contractor p13
design instyle Blush p16
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
straight talk Who’s paying p18
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SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE-SALE
|real estate news
what’s new?
Swivel, Rockers, Gliders, Plain & Recliners
We have them all. Now 40% to 55% off MSRP. In stock & special orders
compiled by Whitney Berongi
TERRAMOR HOMES AND JORDAN BUILT HOMES NOW SELLING IN EVERLY COMMUNITY Terramor Homes and Jordan Built Homes recently announced that the Wake Forest community of Everly is now selling. Between the two builders, homebuyers have the opportunity to choose from 14 home plans with 54 homesites available in the first phase. Homes in the Everly community range from 1,560 to 2,500 square feet and offer one- and two-car garage options, as well as upstairs and downstairs master bedrooms. Terramor’s model home is anticipated for completion in late spring, and Jordan Built’s model home is due to be completed early summer. Everly is convenient to nearby Joyner Park and many dining, shopping and entertainment options in Wake Forest. Visitors may use 1401 Haltwhistle Street in Wake Forest to locate the entrance to Everly. For more information, visit EverlyNC.com or call Kristy at 919 -217-1000.
Custom Interior Design Services Available North Raleigh 5640 Capital Boulevard 919-954-0025 Monday through Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-5:00 • Closed Sunday
Imagine your home, totally organized! Email real estate news to TriangleHomeDesign@newsobserver.com. T R I A N G L E
40% Off
Plus Free Installation Expires 5-31-19
home design Editor
Christina Darnell
Coordinator/Designer
Melissa Kennelly
Creative Strategy Buck Brice
Real Estate Marketing Consultant
Katina Faulkner, kfaulkner@newsobserver.com 919-836-5999
Advertising Sales Manager Becky Halliday, 925-382-6594
Section published by The News & Observer • 421 Fayetteville St. Suite 104 Raleigh, NC 27601. Editorial material in this section is the responsibility of the Observer Content Studio, 704-358-5185. It did not involve the news staff of The Observer.
Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate.
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Is there a neighborhood you’d like to see featured? Do you know of a new design trend on the rise? Did you use one of our ideas for your own home or home purchase?
We’d love to hear from you.
TriangleHomeDesign@newsobserver.com
facebook.com/TriangleHomeDesign *Copyright 2019 by The News & Observer. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted without written permission.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
Kitchen + Bath Sales Event March 9–24, 2019
The most loved areas in your home deserve to be the most extraordinary. For a limited time, enjoy exceptional savings on your dream kitchen and bath when you visit a participating Toll Brothers community in the Raleigh area. Explore the Possibilities at TollBrothers.com/Raleigh
Luxury condos, single-family homes, and active living homes from the $300s to over $1 million 844-840-5263
Sun. & Mon. 1 pm–6 pm, Tues.–Sat. 10 am–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
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|living in Durham
EAT
M Sushi Known for dishing up delectable seasonal sushi, this Durham favorite is dedicated to serving fresh, high-quality seafood. msushidurham.com
PLAY
Nasher Museum Head over to Duke University’s art museum for a lesson in culture, and check out their free family days for live entertainment, hands-on projects and a gallery hunt. nasher.duke.edu
EXPLORE
Duke Gardens Soak in the beauty of Sarah P. Duke Gardens, considered one of the top 10 public gardens in the country. Explore four distinct gardens, spread throughout the 55-acre property, which also includes walking trails and shaded benches. gardens.duke.edu/visit
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by Emily Gunn
M
ary Hunter of Urban Durham Realty moved from Utah with her husband in 1981, and they immediately fell in love with Durham. “We’ve never left, because we loved it here so much,” she says. The city attracts a wide variety of personalities, many of whom are moving to attend nearby universities. “With the great academic environment around us, we have such a draw of intelligent people here,” Hunter says. “It’s a great city.” Hunter has watched the area evolve as the population continues to grow and development surges. She started working at Urban Durham Realty when it first opened a decade ago. “Even over the last 10 years, the area has changed a lot,” Hunter says. Alongside the city’s growth has come a booming real estate market—especially downtown Durham. Rremida Shkoza of Franklin Street Realty says people were doing a lot of
house flipping a few years ago, and now prices are steadily increasing. Even with rising prices, Shkoza says one of the best things about the Durham market is you can still get a home for a decent price. Unlike other hot markets in North Carolina—like Charlotte and Asheville—you can still find starter homes for starter prices. “There is a huge variety in prices for the Durham area,” says Shkoza. “And you can still buy a nice home in the $200,000s here.” Shkoza says the diversity of people in Durham is mirrored by the diversity of Durham architecture. Hosting everything from traditionalstyle homes that reflect the city’s history to properties with a more modern flair, the downtown area attracts young and old alike. Durham’s growth has also meant greater diversity in the area’s culinary scene. Shkoza says her favorite restaurant is M Sushi, and she also loves
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
Cocoa Cinnamon on Geer Street. Durham offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration in the temperate weather, whether that means a jog on Duke Trail or a visit to the beautiful Duke Gardens. For indoor cultural activities, downtown’s Nasher Museum is the art museum of Duke University and a favorite spot for Durham residents. Sports fans enjoy catching a Durham Bulls baseball game and, of course, cheering on the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Living downtown affords residents the ability to walk or hop in a quick Uber to attend these local events. If you’re looking for your dream downtown Durham home, Shkoza recommends working with a local agency. “Franklin Street Realty has been here for 25 years, and many of our agents live in Durham,” she says. “We know the market. We know the community. As with everything, local is the way to go.”
living in Durham| 1121 Anderson Street, Durham, NC 27705 Price: $879,000 MLS: 2216802 Listing agent: Mary Hunter, Urban Durham Realty, maryhunter@urbandurham.com, 919810-7005 Located in Duke Forest and within walking distance to Wrightwood Park, Duke Gardens and the Nasher, this classically remodeled masterpiece is quietly nestled among tall trees but still close to everything downtown Durham has to offer. The home hosts a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and working/entertainment spaces. Spacious rooms flow seamlessly to the private outdoors with room to expand the yard. Relish an unrivaled master suite and superb library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The home features a garage with a first-rate studio apartment.
1409 Pinecrest Rd, Durham, NC 27705 Price: $849,000 MLS: 2217873 Listing agent: Rremida Shkoza, Franklin Street Realty, rremida@gmail.com, 919-4284820 Eclectic, modern and sustainability built, there’s a unique and refreshing zen-like quality to this gorgeous retreat located only a short ride from downtown Durham. Built by local architect Keith T. Brown of Sun Forest Systems, this contemporary home is within walking distance to Cameron Stadium, Duke Gardens and tree-lined running trails. Situated on a half acre of panoramic views, it’s complete with a heated saltwater pool and organic garden. Unwind, swim and relax in this one-of-a-kind retreat.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
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|living in Durham 322 Gray Avenue, Durham 27701 Price: $599,990 MLS: 2230536 Listing agent: Carla Sevilla, carla@cptriangle. com, 919-697-5141 This stunning presale farmhouse-style home will be move-in ready in July. Located a short ride from downtown Durham, this home is in the perfect location for anyone looking to explore all the area has to offer. This home features unique modern farmhouse details, including a wrap-around deck, open floor plan, site-finished flooring, a coffee bar in the master and a guest suite on the main level. This new build also comes with a warranty.
3209 Dixon Road, Durham, NC 27707 Price: $499,990 MLS: 2230662 Listing agent: Carla Sevilla, carla@cptriangle. com, 919-697-514 This home will be built in July in the heart of historic Hope Valley, close to downtown Durham and Duke. This gorgeous home will feature a coffered ceiling in the dining room, a gas range in the kitchen, an open floor plan, site-finished hardwoods, quartz countertops and a luxury spa in the master with a separate tub and shower. Relax around the living room fireplace or on the screened-in porch. With modern amenities and close proximity to downtown Durham, this home has a lot to offer.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
HERE’S A FEW TIPS FROM LOGAN’S GARDEN SHOP (RALEIGH) & GARDEN SUPPLY COMPANY (CARY) FOR NEW HOMEOWNERS THAT ARE CONSIDERING NEW LANDSCAPE OR GARDENING PROJECTS. Check for drainage issues!
Is water pooling around the home’s foundation or anywhere in the yard? Is run-off from neighboring sites causing erosion or other damage to your property? Does water exiting downspouts freely move away from the house?
Are there mature trees on the property?
If so, check them for dead or damaged limbs that may fall on the house or vehicles parked in the driveway.
Are there easements on the property?
Having easements may not allow for a fence to be built or may restrict plant choices in those areas.
Are there lots of large, overgrown shrubs or long lengths of hedges?
This could indicate the level of maintenance needed or be a sign of plants that should be replaced.
FOR ALL YOUR LANDSCAPE & GARDENING NEEDS VISIT:
707 SEMART DRIVE RALEIGH, NC 27604 919-828-5337 INFO@LOGANTRD.COM LOGANTRD.COM
1421 OLD APEX ROAD CARY, NC, 27513 919.460.7747 INFO@GARDENSUPPLYCO.COM GARDENSUPPLYCO.COM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
FIND & FOLLOW US
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ADVERTORIAL
5401 NORTH IMAGINE A PLACE TO LIVE BETTER. 5401 North is located at the intersection of I-540 and Highway 401 in northeast Raleigh. The community is minutes away from everything you need and everything you love. A network of major highways surrounds the community giving you a fast track to work centers, medical facilities, schools, shopping and dining venues. A GREAT EDUCATION IS WITHIN REACH. With three schools are located onsite, including River Bend Elementary, River Bend Middle and Wake Technical
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Community College. THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE. The Club offers spaces to enjoy with your family or to gather with your new best friends. The catering kitchen makes it a great place to host that special an-
niversary or birthday party. We’ve also included a fitness center for health and well-being. Walk out of the clubhouse to an expansive deck with cabanas that surrounds the resort-style pool. Plenty of space to lounge, read a book or catch up with your friends on social media.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
The pool includes spaces for floating and dreaming or for a vigorous workout in the lap area. Additional amenities include Purple Martin Community Farm, River Bend Park, Puptown Park, miles of trails linking to 35-mile Neuse River Greenway, numerous open spaces for playing and relaxing, Fitness Park, tree-lined sidewalks throughout and a planned community Town Center. Homes crafted by the region’s best builders are designed for every generation and tailored to fit your lifestyle and budget.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 GOLD TEAM
M AS TER’S CLUB BRIER CREEK
DURHAM
The Gombatz Group TLC Team Triangle Specialists
Justin Burleson Front Door 54 Team
CHAPEL HILL
John & Sandy English Team
INSIDE THE BELTLINE
Carolina Real Estate Coalition
LOCHMERE
The Kelly Cobb Home Team Hendren TeamSOLD Debbie Van Horn
STONEHENGE
J.T. Atwell Team John Hawkins Team Horowitz/Bouchard Team
MIDTOWN
Pool-Hamilton Team
FOUNDER’S CLUB CHAPEL HILL Amy Guskiewicz The Koonce & Estacio Team Chad Lloyd Viki Pace-Smith Jennifer Patterson The Jennifer Stenner Team DURHAM The Dwelling Place Team
DURHAM cont. Julian Jahoo Team David Jenkins
LOCHMERE cont. Thompson DeRosa Team Zies Realty Group
LOCHMERE Bern Bullard Team Melinda Deigan Dennis/Massong Team Deb Lepper The M&M Team
MIDTOWN Team Gross
STONEHENGE Brenda Holden Team Linda Nuxoll Rob Partin Cara Pierce Team Lori Ransom
PRESTON The RTP Team
VANDORA Capps-Fleming Team
CHAIRMAN’S CLUB BRIER CREEK Emilee Carraway Charles Christiansen Frankie Hagan David Henry Johnson Denise Keane Total Package Team DURHAM Dusty Butler Logan Carter The Darst Success Team The Kim Hanan Group Tonya Snow-Saleeby Michael Sullivan
DURHAM cont. Valerie Troupe INSIDE THE BELTLINE Cynthia Parker Penny Realty Group Leigh Ann Thompson Derrick Thornton LOCHMERE Emily Arras The Gluckin Group Sharon Gupton Scott Korbin Sharon Kowitz
LOCHMERE cont. Patty McLaughlin Lisa McQuillen Giselle Morgan Thomas Murel D’Lynn Nettles Denise Peoples Anne Wayne Prosser Liz Radman Suzan Smith Pam Summers Emina Wayne
MIDTOWN cont. Capital City Realty Group Chad Doggett The Holoman Group Laurie Parker Brooks Warren Team
STONEHENGE cont. Julia Cowlbeck Isabel Moss Brian Peters Scott Thomas Team Terry Thrower Team
PRESTON Linda Britt Guemple Realty Team Tracy Santrock Shelley Watson
VANDORA Amie Simmons Stancil/Raynor Team Jean Stevens
MIDTOWN Brown-Bowers Team
STONEHENGE Amy Brown
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
WAKE FOREST Donna Thompson
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ASSOCIATES & TEAMS OF THE YEAR
C OM PA N Y- WI D E AWAR D S
Justin Burleson Selling Associate of the Year
Debbie Van Horn Listing, Listings Sold & Associate of the Year
John & Sandy Horowitz/Bouchard Stancil/Raynor English Team Team Team Listing Team 2-4 Selling Team 2-4 Listings Sold & of the Year of the Year New Homes Listing Team 2-4 of the Year
TLC Team Team 2-4 of the Year
John Hawkins Triangle Team Specialists New Homes Listing, Listings Sold, Listing Team 5+ Selling & Team 5+ of the Year of the Year
OFFI CE -WI D E AWA R D S Emilee Carraway
Listing, Listings Sold & Selling Associate of the Year BRIER CREEK
David Henry Johnson Associate of the Year BRIER CREEK
Triangle
TLC Team
Listing, Listings Sold, Specialists Selling & Team 2-4 Listing, Listings Sold, Selling & Team 5+ of the Year BRIER CREEK of the Year BRIER CREEK
Julian Jahoo Team
Front Door 54 Team
Cynthia Parker Listing & Listings Sold Associate of the Year ITB
Selling Associate of the Year ITB
Laurie Parker
Brooks Warren Team
Capital City Realty Group
Team Gross
Selling & Team 2-4 Listing, Listings Sold, of the Year Selling & Team 5+ DURHAM of the Year DURHAM
Listing, Selling & Associate of the Year MIDTOWN
Listings Sold Listing & Selling Team 2-4 of the Year Team 2-4 of the Year MIDTOWN MIDTOWN
Horowitz/ J.T. Atwell Team Bouchard Team Listing, Listings Sold Selling Team 2-4 of the Year STONEHENGE
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& Team 2-4 of the Year STONEHENGE
Leigh Ann Thompson
Team 2-4 of the Year MIDTOWN
John Hawkins Team
Listing, Listings Sold, Selling, New Homes Listing & Team 5+ of the Year STONEHENGE
Jennifer Patterson
Selling Associate of the Year CHAPEL HILL
Derrick Thornton
Chad Lloyd
Listing, Listings Sold & Associate of the Year CHAPEL HILL
The Koonce & Estacio Team Selling Team 2-4 of the Year CHAPEL HILL
Pool-Hamilton Team
Amie Simmons Listings Sold Associate of the Year VANDORA
Listing, Listings Sold & Team 2-4 of the Year CHAPEL HILL
John & Sandy Debbie Van Horn The M&M Team English Team Listing, Listings Sold, Listing, Listings Sold,
Associate of the Year Listing, Listings Selling & Associate ITB Sold, Selling & Team of the Year 2-4 of the Year LOCHMERE ITB
Listing, Listings Sold, Selling & Team 5+ of the Year MIDTOWN
The Jennifer Stenner Team
Tracy Santrock Listing & Listings Sold Associate of the Year PRESTON
Jean Stevens
Listing, Selling & Associate of the Year VANDORA
Linda Britt
Selling & Associate of the Year PRESTON
Stancil/Raynor Team
Selling & Team 2-4 of the Year LOCHMERE
Guemple Realty Team
Listing & Listings Sold Team 2-4 of the Year PRESTON
Carolina Real Justin Burleson The Kim Hanan Estate Coalition Listing, Listings Sold, Group
Listing, Listings Sold, Selling & Associate Selling & Team 5+ of the Year of the Year DURHAM CHAPEL HILL
Listing & Listings Sold Team 2-4 of the Year DURHAM
Hendren TeamSOLD
The Kelly Cobb Home Team
Dawn Gupton
The RTP Team
Rob Partin
Linda Nuxoll
Selling Team 5+ of the Year LOCHMERE
Listing, Listings Sold & Team 5+ of the Year LOCHMERE
Selling & Team 2-4 Listing, Listings Sold of the Year & Selling Associate PRESTON of the Year STONEHENGE
Capps-Fleming Team
Donna Thompson
Two Sisters Realty
Listing, Listings Sold, Listing, Listings Sold, Listing, Listings Sold, Listing, Listings Selling, New Homes Selling & Team 5+ Selling & Associate Sold, Selling & Listing & Team 2-4 of the Year of the Year Team 2-4 of the Year of the Year VANDORA WAKE FOREST WAKE FOREST VANDORA
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
Listings Sold Associate of the Year MIDTOWN
Associate of the Year STONEHENGE
TE A M SP I RI T AWARD S Lisa Kaylor
John Delgado
BRIER CREEK
CHAPEL HILL
Tiwana Adams DURHAM
Derrick Thornton
Giselle Morgan
ITB
LOCHMERE
MaryBurr Fonville Edwards MIDTOWN
Raj Pillai PRESTON
Elisabeth Nixon
STONEHENGE
Julie Lamb Lewis VANDORA
Anthony Laurie
WAKE FOREST
Anthony Pellegrino
FM LENDING
OU TGOI N G R EFER RA L AWAR D S Talvia Peterson John Delgado
Company-wide Outgoing Referral Associate of the Year BRIER CREEK
CHAPEL HILL
Justin Burleson
Allan Rodgers ITB
DURHAM
Suzan Smith LOCHMERE
Geoff Gross MIDTOWN
Louise Guemple PRESTON
Rob Partin
STONEHENGE
Shirley Hunsberger VANDORA
Krista Beattie
WAKE FOREST
Preston Office
Outgoing Referral Office of the Year
FM L E N D I N G AWAR D S Dan Shedrick
Master’s Club CHAPEL HILL
Mike Gee
Master’s Club ITB
Mary Brawley & Anthony Pellegrino
Mortgage Consultants of the Year, Master’s Club, Service Award (Anthony) LOCHMERE
Donna Watkins
John Thomas Brown Van Campen Most Improved
Master’s Club MIDTOWN
Master’s Club, Service Award STONEHENGE
Capture Rate, Master’s Club WAKE FOREST
Steve Fitzpatrick
Founder’s Club, Service Award BRIER CREEK
Dawn Seabolt
Founder’s Club DURHAM
Midtown & Wake Forest Offices Capture Rate Branches of the Year
Wake Forest Office
One Stop & You’re Home Branch of the Year
FAST TRACK E R AWAR D S Yuchen Mo BRIER CREEK
Patricia Keener
CHAPEL HILL
Odalis Sanchez DURHAM
Shelagh Doyle ITB
Cindy Chapman LOCHMERE
Anu Singh LOCHMERE
Inga Kaidel
STONEHENGE
Sylvia Pinson STONEHENGE
Jennifer Watts STONEHENGE
HA LL OF FA M E AWA R D S Peggy Dixon LOCHMERE
Peggy Duke Vicki Ferneyhough BRIER CREEK
LOCHMERE
Phil Ficks DURHAM
Pat Wray
STONEHENGE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
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P R ES ID E N T ’S CLU B
BRIER CREEK Linda Ellison Greg Karl Kate Mazza
DURHAM cont. Ganna Fisher Palladian Group Jan Pulley June Yates
CHAPEL HILL Russ Cole
INSIDE THE BELTLINE Jill Donley
DURHAM Bill Barefoot Lisa Borer
CHAPEL HILL The Angela Bordbar Team John Delgado John Nunez Mitzi Powell
BRIER CREEK Judy Childress Yuchen Mo Christopher Murphy Talvia Peterson Cynthia Reynolds Sue Roper Lois Saxby Cynthia Thomas Timothy Triggs CHAPEL HILL Brent Chambers Elizabeth Hankla Patricia Keener
MIDTOWN STONEHENGE MaryBurr Fonville Edwards Susan Honeycutt Dawn Gupton Pat Wray PRESTON Wesley Carter Kate Helmedag Amanda Miller Debbie Turuc
DI RE CTO R’S C LU B
BRIER CREEK Peggy Duke
DURHAM Tiwana Adams Robbie Davis Laleh Rostami
LOCHMERE Jennifer Daube Peggy Dixon Linda Garner Team Gary Jeffries Team Gary Penny Marino Pirozzolo Marie Santino Anu Singh Chris Tanas
DURHAM cont. Odalis Sanchez Michael Strayhorn Cathy Thacker Elaine Westbrook
INSIDE THE BELTLINE Shelagh Doyle Michelle Graham Woodard Realty Team LOCHMERE Mike Caleen
DURHAM Toni Davis Nancy Johnson Thomas Shaffer
LOCHMERE cont. Cindy Chapman Beth Creaghan Amanda Davis Barry K. Hester Lauren Klein Gary Sicherman Jessica Sulzen Lowell Thornton
MIDTOWN Mary Greenoe Team Molly Propst
PRESTON Vicki Barefoot Melissa Cetola Christina Norman Aurea Oliveira Carol Risucci STONEHENGE Marti Avant Catherine Baldwin Alicia Bisognano Linda Diemer Diane Ellison
E XE CUTI VE ’S C LU B
INSIDE THE BELTLINE Jason Brooks LOCHMERE Charity Blackmon Kay Earp Josh Garner Terry Grube Paula Hellem Sue Lanier
LOCHMERE cont. Amber Lemon Fred Lockhart Maria Manno John Mason IV Claire McCullough Vanessa Neff McKenzie Pica Brooke Smolka Sheryl Ward MIDTOWN Jon Crowder Ruth Ann Dyer Troy Grimes Kendra Kohut
MIDTOWN cont. Mary Krabacher Sandy Leppart Nan McBean Daniel Morgan Judy Ann Ramsey Ward Ricke Letitia Siderio PRESTON Cristina Davis Christina Morris Andrea Norris Fara Pourshariati Marzy Tritch Sarah Varughese
STONEHENGE Mitra Ahdieh David Aumiller Mary Lou Hanna Tim Holmes Inga Kaidel Adam Parker Nancy Peplin Sylvia Pinson Nelly Tanas Sudie Wagner Jennifer Watts Carolyn Wolf
VANDORA Kathy Hill Lois Kurtz Kelly Mathews WAKE FOREST Janet Conway Rose
STONEHENGE cont. Vicki Robinson VANDORA Tammy McGee Shane Ryals Becky VanderVelde WAKE FOREST Melda Dunn Darrick Light Two Sisters Realty
VANDORA Hamilton Greene Carolyn Hare Karon Joseph WAKE FOREST Krista Beattie Ryann Buff Kelly Cox Dick Franchi Anthony Laurie Kaye Odum Laura Pedersen Courtney Runyon Clay Thomas
B R I E R C R E E K 9 19 - 7 81 - 44 52 | C H A P E L H I L L 9 1 9 - 9 4 2 - 4 8 2 2 | D U R H A M 919 - 493 - 4 4 34 | I N S I D E T H E B E LT L I N E 9 19 - 744 - 2 840 | LO C H M E R E 9 19 - 859 - 0 800 M I DTO W N 919 - 87 2 - 445 0 | P R E S TO N 9 19 - 469 - 630 0 | S TO N E H E N G E 919 - 84 7 - 2 5 1 1 | VA N D O R A 919 - 7 7 2 - 7 240 | WA K E F O R E S T 9 19 - 2 29 - 2 01 0 | W W W. F M R E A LT Y. CO M
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
design trends|
Custom bathroom with square bathtub and separate stand-up shower with frosted glass doors / Photo by Lynn Wells / Courtesy of Benham Builders
Choosing a contractor Important things to consider when hiring a contractor for remodeling projects by Moment Palmer
Y
ou’re ready to tackle a big remodeling project—maybe you want to gut the kitchen or do a total bathroom overhaul. What’s your first step? If you’re hiring out for a complicated, multi-trade job, you’ll want to choose a quality contractor. To ensure you get the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams, don’t skip the research step. Find a person or company you can trust to get the job done—and done right. GETTING STARTED Ask around and get referrals from people you trust. Were they satisfied with the contractor’s work? What challenges did they face?
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
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Exterior remodeled patio area with stone patio and custom columns / Photo by David Ramsey Photography / Courtesy of Andrew Roby
“Talk to neighbors and friends regarding who they have used in a similar scope of work,” says Jim Benham, president of Benham Builders. “My electrician, plumber, mechanical contractor, etc. can give a good account of how our company performs,” says Brooks Henderson, owner of Henderson Building Group. “Make sure a general contractor has a license to perform the work with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors, and that the license is valid to cover the cost of the renovations,” Henderson says. Contractors should always be licensed, bonded and insured. Trustworthy contractors should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. Check any complaints filed against them. They should also have reputable references from customers and trade organizations.
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Also, how long has the contractor been in business? Do they warranty their work? You may want to consider if the contractor is a member of reputable industry associations such as the Home Builders Association, National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the American Institute of Architects. THE ESTIMATE When it comes to home renovations, some contracting companies will give a free estimate. Joshua Mendoza, general manager for Thayer Contracting, says contractors should tour the site in person and take detailed notes. “We handsketch the project onsite and use it, along with site photos, to create a unique estimate,” he says. Look for a detailed rundown of the estimated cost, scope of the project and construction schedule. You as the home-
owner should be in the loop on how everything will progress and when. RED FLAGS Professional contractors highly recommend homeowners pay attention to certain “red flags.” One of the biggest involves finances—how much you have to pay and when. “Homeowners may expect to pay a deposit to the contractor—typically, 10 to 25 percent of the total—because contractors have to secure building permits and pay deposits on materials and initial labor,” says David McGuire, COO of Construction for Andrew Roby General Contractor. “However, a homeowner should never pay a contractor in full for work before it is performed.” • Estimates — A quote should specify which items are fixed costs and which
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION . THE NEWS & OBSERVER . SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2019
are variable. If one company bids significantly lower than other contractors you’re looking at, consider that a warning sign. Homeowners should never pay a contractor in full or up front before work is started. “A red flag is a short estimate that does not note all the items,” says Henderson. ”Never let a contractor verbally promise items not in writing.” • Scheduling — Most time frames for completion are included in the estimate or documented in a separate construction schedule, and spell out a payment schedule complete with milestone markers (for example, 10 percent due upon signing of contract, 20 percent due upon installation of roofing, 20 percent due upon installation of drywall, etc.). • Communication — While this depends on the type and length of your
Customized kitchen with hardwoods and stainless steel appliances / Photo courtesy of Thayer Contracting
project, a good rule of thumb is to have an agreement in place to keep communication open and updates frequent— this could be on a weekly or daily basis. “At a minimum, the contractor should be returning phone calls in a timely manner and responding to emails within 24 hours,” McGuire says. Some other red flags include not responding to phone calls, texts or emails; repeatedly not showing up when they say they will; promising to fix mistakes but they don’t; and unwillingness to share relevant insurance certificates for the business. BUILDING PERMITS Contractors, not homeowners, are responsible for procuring any and all permits required before work can begin. The homeowner’s responsibility is to pay the contractor for the cost of the permits. The only exception is if homeowners are acting as their own builder for their own residence. Some of the required certifications are for building, structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing or environmen-
tal health permits, which should be included under the contractor’s building permit. Any work over $15,000 will require a permit by the 2018 NC State Building Code. “Once obtained, make sure the contractor posts the permit in a high visibility location on the site prior to beginning the work,” says Benham. “Don’t ever let the contractor talk you into not acquiring a permit. If you go without, it may come back to haunt you when/if you ever sell your house, especially since realtors are now asking for permits for work claimed to have been done.” Building an open and honest rapport with your contractor is essential before you build. Mendoza notes that when there is a personal connection between the homeowner and general contractor, it’s easier to build trust, which helps projects run more efficiently. “Ultimately, a new or existing home is a major investment for the homeowner or buyer,” he says. “Our goal is to either create the best initial investment opportunity or improve the investment and create new equity for them.”
Custom deck and hardscape with fire pit / Photo courtesy of Henderson Building Group
March Maus Madness Sale Choose from NEW or USED Grand Pianos from $1995 Player Pianos from $9995 New Piano from $2695
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Financing, Lessons, Delivery, Tuning, and Warranty Available.
Oak Park Shopping Ctr • 6015 Glenwood Ave./ Hwy 70W • Raleigh 1-888-782-8391 • 782-8391
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|design instyle
Sloane sofa in Vivid/Blush/ Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Blush
Brighten a neutral space with pink’s soft flushes and vibrant hues by Vicki Payne
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ooking for ways to knock your living room out of the past and into the present? Start by adding touches of color— not just any color, but soft shades of pink. And, if you’re thinking pink is only for little girls’ bedrooms, think again. Pink is a stylish flush of color that brightens a tired farmhouse gray or the muddy green and teal of mid-century decors. From vibrant shades of rose to a barely-there blush,
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pink’s versatility is key to this up-to-the-minute decorating gem. Still, pink isn’t for the faint of heart. It will perform miracles, but it demands top billing. Today’s pinks don’t like to share the spotlight. Don’t upstage this rosy shade by mixing it with other show-stopping colors. If you’re looking to replace that old sofa, go pink. Offered by
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Jenna chairs / Jonathan Charles
Blair chair / Hancock & Moore
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, the Sloane sofa in Vivid-Blush velvet takes its inspiration from mid-century Danish styles. The talented team is often referred to as the masters of modern home furnishings. I always trust their designs and color choices to be right on trend. A new vogue color can inspire you to breathe life into unused spaces. It could be an unexploited sunroom or living room. Let pink transform these rooms into inviting spaces that implore you to curl up with a cup of chai and stimulating conversation. Start by clearing out the space. It is always easier to create magic when you start with a blank slate. Position in the middle
Moorish sofa table / Jonathan Charles
Hexagon lamp table / Jonathan Charles
of the room a generous round coffee table, allowing space for refreshments and floral arrangements or a stack of books. Then, add four matching chairs. I love the openness of the Jenna chair by Jonathan Charles. Select a soft pink and ivory print. The white painted wood is right on point. You might not associate pastels with Morocco, the land of vivid mosaics and Berber rugs. But when Jonathan Charles painted small accent tables featuring the iconic Moorish arches pink, it was an instant winner. I love to use small accent tables to punch up a stale decor. They are easy on the budget and fun to play with. Another big trend to watch for is
florals. Expect big bold floral designs on chairs, pillows and sofas. You can embrace both trends at one time by incorporating a fun accent chair upholstered in various shades of pink blooms. The Cruze chair is from Hancock & Moore. I’ll elaborate on trends in floral patterns in my column next week. Updating your dining room can be as easy as introducing one new chair. Consider the Brandi Chair also from Hancock & Moore. The whimsy, watercolor rose accenting this silo chair will start your design motor humming. Incorporate a pretty floral bouquet of matching roses, a silver tray adorned with blush-colored wine glasses and a
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Fortuna chair / Taylor King
bottle of rosé. You might even start to use your dining room again. Renewing your decor doesn’t require a huge monetary investment. It all starts with keeping your eye on what’s trending, getting inspired by what you see and then deciding where it best fits within your home.
Vicki Payne Donatelli is an interior designer, project coordinator and popular speaker for renovation and new construction projects. She is the host of the national PBS series “For Your Home.” Visit her blog at ForYourHome.com.
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|straight talk
Who’s paying? If you live in a condo or townhouse, have this question sorted out before damage occurs by Allen Norwood
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s parts of the Southeast struggle in the wake of powerful storms, consider: Who would be responsible for repairing damage if a tree fell on your condo or townhouse? Who would pay? The answers can be complicated. But they’re important, and you don’t want to wait for that hypothetical tree to come crashing down before you understand them. “There are always two questions when it comes to maintenance and repair in associations,” says HOA attorney Jim Slaughter. “We answer them over and over every week. Who’s going to fix it? And who’s going to pay for it?” The answer, he says, is that it depends. It depends on the type of property (single family, townhome, condo), state statute, the association’s governing documents and whether there is insurance coverage. “When insurance is involved, normal rules can get flipped on their head.” The topic is far too complex for a single column. The important message,
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though, is that if you live in a condo or townhouse, you need to understand the complexities of your own situation. For instance, it’s common for condo and townhouse managers to send letters to owners explaining the association’s insurance coverage. If you get such a letter, you need to read it and run it by your own insurance agent to make sure you have appropriate personal coverage. (Before that tree tumbles.) Slaughter, whose firm Black, Slaughter & Black has offices in Charlotte, Greensboro, Garner and Wilmington, will be among the presenters at an upcoming Law Day in Charlotte hosted by the state chapter of the Community Associations Institute. Slaughter is past president of the chapter. The sessions—there was one in Raleigh last fall—are primarily for association board members, he says, but they’re open to anybody. The first topic on the agenda caught my eye: “Who’s going to fix my property?” Law Day will cover topics for all associations, including single-family neigh-
borhoods, but condos and townhouses present all sorts of potentially befuddling twists and turns. For instance: Basically, if you live in a condo, you own your own unit. If you live in a townhouse, you own the land the unit is sitting on and the entire unit above the ground. You own the roof. But—and this is a big but—the governing papers probably say the townhouse association is responsible for maintaining that roof to some degree. “Documents in townhouse communities almost always say the association is responsible for repairing and maintaining exterior surfaces, including the roof.” But a casualty loss can change the normal rules. “If a tree falls on a townhouse,” Slaughter says, “we’re first going to ask, ‘Who’s got the insurance?’ It might be the association. It might be the owner.” Condos in North Carolina built since October 1986 are covered by state condominium insurance statutes. Newer multi-story “stacked” condos have to
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maintain insurance on the entire building, inside and out. Owners should also have their own insurance, commonly called “unit insurance” or an “HO-6” policy. The association will almost certainly have a deductible, Slaughter says, and it might be huge. In an area prone to expensive claims from storm damage where coverage rates are high, the deductible might hit $100,000. “Most often the documents will say that unit owners who are getting their condos repaired are responsible for the deductible,” he says. “The right unit insurance should help cover that.” Usually. Charlotte Law Day will be at CPCC’s Harris Campus on March 22. Cost is $80 for CAI-NC members, $105 for others. The fee includes free parking, light breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration is required; go to cai-nc.org. Allen Norwood: homeinfo@charter.net
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