Category: development

Finishing off our list of the top three questions every person will need to answer when building their new home: Who will build it? This could be one of the most important questions.

If you’ve already answered the first two, “What will you build?” and “where will you build it?”, this may certainly become a factor for who you choose to build your new home. If you are building a simple single family home, almost any contractor worth his salt can handle that. But if your home has special features or amenities it may take a more seasoned pro to navigate all the possible complications those things can bring.

Also, if you need direction or help in answering the first two questions, an experienced, qualified builder can help guide you through all the options that are available in the area. They are familiar with common home plans and local architects. In addition, they have many connections to developers and real estate agents offering home sites.

Of course one of the most experienced builders in the Pee Dee is Louie Hopkins. Just browse the feature homes on this site to see the craftsmanship that he brings to all his projects, large or small. So if you are ready to start the process, get in touch with Louie today. 843.992.4697

<--- Where to Build

As we discussed in the previous article, you have to answer three very important questions when you embark on building a new home, with the first being “What to build.”

Next up, “Where to build.”

This article will barely scratch the surface of all the things to consider when choosing a building lot for your new home, but hopefully it will get you thinking about those overlooked things before you have any regrets after the fact.

Most importantly, you should consider not only lot size, but the overall subdivision, distance to work, schools and stores. These items also factor into the cost of the lot as well. School district zoning is one of the most important considerations if you have children.

Remember, “to whom much is given, much is required.” If you opt for a large lot, think about the ongoing upkeep for a larger yard, such as landscaping, plants, and grass mowing. Those maintenance costs can really add up, whether you do it yourself or hire it out.

A subdivisions location will also affect things like water, sewage, taxes and trash pickup. Other questions will crop up such as: Is the lot in the city limits or in the county? Is there a busy highway nearby that may need widening or construction? Does the neighborhood have covenants or restrictions? And if it does, how are they enforced. Many areas have covenant agreements, but if no Home Owners Association (HOA) exists, they are very hard to enforce when infringements arise. Which brings up another item, HOAs will also have regime fees associated with them that must be paid on an annual or monthly basis.

One good bit of advice, is to visit the area you are considering at different times of the day and night. This will give you a better idea of what goes on in the neighborhood at all hours such as what kind of traffic levels to expect.

Take a look at some of the featured subdivisions on this site and give Louie a call. With his knowledge of the area and years of experience, he can help you find the right lot for your house plan, desires and budget.

Next up, Who will build it (I think you know the answer).

<-- What to Build

Congratulations! You’ve finally made the decision to build your new home! Let’s not beat around the bush, get ready for a deluge of items you’ll have to make a decision on. Here are the top three things you’ll need to decide at the very beginning of this process. Aside from financing, the top three things you’ll need to nail down (pun intended) will be What, Where and Who. You’ll need to decide WHAT kind of house to build, WHERE the house will be built and WHO will build it.

In this first installment we’ll discuss the What. This one may be the easiest, since you probably have some ideas about what you are looking for in a new home. You’ll need to determine how many bedrooms and baths, one floor or two, garage or carport. Your list will probably contain those “must haves” and then the optional “nice to haves.”

Typically, here in the flat lands of the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, your home design will not necessarily need to conform to a certain geography, so that opens up a wide range of options.

You have stock home plans, which are widely available for sale at bookstores and on the internet. These are usually good starting points to help get the project moving in the direction of your wants and needs. You’ll soon be an expert at examining those layout drawings and symbols, to find the best triangulation of bedroom to bathroom to kitchen. Your budget will also impact what type and size of home you can afford.

If you decide to employ an architect to design your home, be prepared for that extra cost. Many times you can take your stock plan that’s close and the architect can make the necessary changes for less than a complete design. The benefit of this will be the surety that the changes will be structurally sound and up to code.

Look around and take note of the homes in your area that you admire. Consult friends and family for advice on what they like and don’t like about their current homes. Also, check out home shows and tours in your area, where you can experience several homes in a short period.

Just remember, there is no perfect home! If you wait to get that perfect plan and layout, you may never break ground! With enough pre-planning and advice, you’re sure to find that your new home is pretty close to perfect!

Next up… Where to build.

Dr. Douglas Snowden and his wife, Deryl, have a long professional and personal relationship with Louie Hopkins. As they began the process of planning and building their home in 2004, they discovered rental properties that Louie had constructed on speculation.
The Snowdens started purchasing some of those properties, and also had Louie build others for them. They now own 26 residential rental properties, including duplex apartments, two-story townhouses and a commercial building, all of which were built by Hopkins Builders.
Deryl says, “Even now, if I need anything done for our personal residence, I call him. He’s a good guy, and he really is a good builder. He’s loyal to his customers, and he works really hard to please them.”
She adds, “We have been very pleased. I think it speaks to his character that we’ve all remained friends and we can all go out to dinner together.”