As time goes on, it’s no surprise that our priorities and focus change as life changes. Angela and Mike both had already had successful careers and raised their children, so it made sense to take a step back and begin to focus on themselves. This shift made them realize they were ready to have a bit more space and find their oasis and create their slice of paradise right at home. While they loved their neighbors, both agreed they wanted to be in a quieter area without a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) and less traffic.
After living in three other houses throughout the course of their marriage, they knew exactly what they wanted in their new home to start their next chapter. “There are certain things we wanted, the way we wanted them,” Angela remarked. “Custom seemed to be the answer to make our dream a reality.”
Not only did the pair know exactly what they wanted in a home, but they also wanted to be closer to their daughter and her husband. Serendipitously, they found affordable land near her, and to them that was the sign they needed. Everything pointed them in the right direction and building a custom home was meant to be!
With their minds made up, Angela and Mike began their search for the right builder to help bring their dream home to life. The pair knew that they wanted a one-story plan that offered plenty of open space as well as a back porch so Mike could enjoy his evenings watching deer. Having a rough sketch and budget in mind helped the couple narrow down their options as they began researching builders in the Charlotte suburbs.
Angela and Mike stopped by Schumacher to learn more and after meeting with their New Home Consultant, Bud, they were hooked. Mike recalled, “he was knowledgeable, interested in our needs and helped up find a plan within budget from the plethora of available house plans.” For the pair, working with Schumacher meant that it was a one-stop shop and they wouldn’t have to look at working with external parties at various steps during their home build. “Another thing that attracted us was the Schumacher mortgage piece,” Angela said. For them, it was easier working with one company rather than jumping from bank to bank looking for a good lender.
Having that variety of house plans and having the ability to customize meant that the couple didn’t have to cut items off their previously made must-have list. Once they carefully went through all the house plans and listened to Bud’s suggestions, the Bluffton Craftsman felt like the perfect fit for the next chapter of their life. Not only did the plan have a rear porch and kitchen island but it had the owner’s retreat tucked away on one side of the home with guest rooms on the other side; just like the pair dreamed of.
At the time Angela and Mike built there was a $25,000 incentive in place. Angela said, “That allowed us to get into $25,000 ‘more trouble’ with custom features.” Their consultant gave them suggestions on materials and colors and before leaving their selection meeting they knew exactly how much of their budget they had left!
Leaving their pre-construction meeting left them even more sure of their decision to build a custom home. During their meeting, every small detail was reviewed and confirmed, and new ideas were even suggested to help improve the flow of the home. Once they left their final meeting with their Project Manager, they had a crystal-clear vision of how their Bluffton would look.
By being nearby, the couple took advantage and stopped at their build site often. Angela and Mike could see their hard work and vision come to life in real-time. Being able to stop by also allowed the them to make small tweaks to the home as they saw the floor plan in real life. “During framing it dawned on us that we could have an additional back porch door coming from the owner’s suite,” Mike remembered. “We called our builder on the spot and the change was immediately made.” Looking back that change has made the house flow even better since they can let their dogs out without having to walk through the great room late at night or early in the morning. It was a simple change, but it made perfect sense in the long run.
After taking the time to focus on themselves, Angela and Mike could not be any happier with the outcome. Having their dream home has left the couple with a combination of pride and awe. For them saying how much they love their new home can’t even convey their true feelings. Every time they walk into their new home, they get to feel the mix of emotions again.
Looking back, they both agree that they wouldn’t have changed a thing about their build process. “We loved the inclusive nature of the whole timeline and communication was top-notch.” Every room is special in its own way for Angela and Mike give Schumacher an A+ in their book!
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 25 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.