What’s NEW for 2016

Ashton Woods

One of the biggest advantages and draws to a new home is that it is, in fact, NEW! Not only is it built from the ground up to meet your needs and lifestyle; it typically comes with a warranty for your security and peace of mind. Plus, newly built homes offer buyers many more choices in customization and personalization, which is an important consideration for one of the largest investments you will make during your lifetime.


Front Door Communities

The year 2016 promises to deliver an outstanding selection of NEW communities, NEW model homes, NEW floor plans and NEW features throughout the Charleston tri-county area. Complementing these new communities are innovatively designed floor plans, elevations, home features and upgrade offerings that have been thoroughly researched, selected and displayed in a shopper-friendly way via the builders’ showcase model homes.

Sabal Homes

What Purpose Does a Model Home Serve?

A model home is, simply put, a “sample home” that displays a builder’s creativity and craftsmanship. Models are built with the sole purpose of demonstrating to potential home buyers how a builder’s houses will look, feel, flow and function, while using the latest homebuilding techniques, products and features. Builders have access to an extensive list of options and upgrades, which are frequently included in models so that buyers have the ability to see the many possibilities.

Mungo Homes

Why is a Model Home Helpful?

Just like you test-drive a car before you buy it, a model home is important to the buying process, because it allows you to physically see, demonstrate and “test-drive” the home before committing to purchasing it. Touring model homes is extremely educational and can also be a lot of fun. Because these models showcase a builder’s originality and workmanship, you are able to see how homes are constructed, why particular features are included and how a floor plan can be tailored to fit your needs. A model is also an ideal way for a builder to present or introduce the company’s newest features and product options, as well as the most recently developed building techniques.

Sabal Homes

How Can You Make the Most of Your Model Visit?

When you arrive at a model home, be sure to have a notepad, so you can note the features commonly seen in most models, as well as what is unique. What do you like? What don’t you like? What features do you absolutely need in a home? How is the curb appeal? Be sure to walk completely around the house, both inside and out, including closets, utility areas, and the backyard.


Mungo Homes

Ask the builder’s agent to take you on a guided tour. As you go from room to room, study each individual space, and never hesitate to ask questions, especially about the builder’s résumé. Have the agent point out the features unique to the home, and be sure you understand which are standard and which are upgrades/options—especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. Ask about energy efficiency and each of the features that contribute to it. It would also be helpful to ask what options and upgrade combinations other buyers have chosen and/or what works well together. Be sure to let the agent know if you have any special needs that must be met, because model options don’t always demonstrate all that a builder can do to accommodate home buyers.


Galloway Family Homes

Floor Plan Trends in 2016

Model homes provide an excellent opportunity to explore various floor plans. And if you think you’ve seen every plan possible during your new home search, think again! Many NEW floor plans even offer multiple elevation and layout options that give home buyers the ability to expand from three to six bedrooms, add flex space, have an upstairs laundry room, create multiple family living areas, and more.


Eastwood Homes

This year, first-floor owner’s suites are becoming increasingly popular. Not only is it convenient, but having a lower-level suite is a great way to create a retreat that is separate from the secondary bedrooms. First-floor owner’s suites are also ideal for empty-nesters or retirees.


Pulte Homes


Lennar

Other additions you will see in 2016 are builders introducing one-story plans, homes with bonus lofts that could be converted into additional guest suites, and unique and optional entry points. Some homes even have doggie doors!


Sabal Homes

John Wieland Homes

Kolter Homes

The Ponds’ Model Row - Kolter Homes

Feature Trends in 2016

Models are typically loaded with options and upgrades, especially in the kitchen, where builders include large multi-functional islands, stunning stovetop hoods, custom or recessed panel cabinets, granite and quartz in a multitude of colors, and other thoughtful design elements. Flooring now has more wood or “like wood” options in addition to tile, carpet and vinyl. In the family room and owner’s suite you may find interesting overhead work, such as wood-plank, exposed-beam, or vaulted and trey ceilings, along with exquisite showers and tile work in the owner’s bath. Builders also express creativity with details, such as neat nooks or bookcases under stairways or near the fireplace, extra storage and shelving in the living or laundry rooms, or work areas that serve as flex spaces for future growth.

Nexton - Brighton Park's Model Row

Sabal Homes

Maybe you’re most concerned with energy-efficient options. Does the home come with standard Green Guard House Wrap, which provides superior resistance against moisture and helps keep your electric bill lower? Are there dual-pane, insulated low-E energy-efficient windows, which reduce the effect of UV rays on your furniture and contribute to a more consistent indoor temperature? Is the home certified energy-efficient and does it come with a special HERS (Home Energy Rating System) designation rating its efficiency?

David Weekley Homes

Ashton Woods

Another issue that may be important to you is whether the home has a front porch. Is it functional, wraparound, or screened-in? You should also note whether or not the home lends itself to an outdoor living space. If yes, ask what packages or options are offered, such as a brick patio and fireplace or fire pit. All of these features are created with you in mind, to improve or complement your day-to-day lifestyle.


Beazer Homes

Lowcountry Model Homes on Display

Most communities offer model homes, and with more than 30 NEW area models ready now, or soon to be available to tour in 2016, home buyers have an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of homes. Some communities exhibit “model rows” where you have multiple homes by multiple builders, all side-by-side for touring ease, while other communities may display several models by the same builder, demonstrating a variety of floor plans. Take time to check them out as you’re looking for your new home … or just for fun when you’re out for a drive.


John Wieland Homes

A model home is a very important tool for area builders and for new home buyers. While scrolling through photos on the Internet can give you an idea of what is available, it does not compare to being able to tangibly see, feel and walk through a brand-new home in its entirety. A model home also allows you to see up close the intricate details of a builder’s craftsmanship, as well as an array of the company’s latest and greatest features. Models are designed to let you, the home buyer, experience the reality of a potential living space, spur creativity as to how to decorate it, and most importantly, evoke the excitement and anticipation of how it would feel to step through the front door and call this home your home!


Ashton Woods

New Model Area Locations

With all the NEW communities popping up in the tri-county you will not want to miss these:

BERKELEY COUNTY

Daniel Island

•  Planned for later 2016, CalAtlantic Homes will be building townhomes at Governors Cay off Clements Ferry Rd.

Hanahan

• Timbercrest Village features The Brooklands model by David Weekley Homes.

Moncks Corner

• Foxbank Plantation features several new models: The Hartwell by Centex, The Phelps by David Weekley Homes, and The Duke by Sabal Homes.

Summerville

• Carnes Crossroads offers a Model Row, showcasing its designated builders with the recently added John Wieland Homes’ model, The Randall.
• Magnolia at Cane Bay will feature The Malbec, Waccamaw, and Cooper by Dan Ryan Builders.
• Nexton – Brighton Park features a Model Row, showcasing its designated builders: with John Wieland Home’s Clearwing Model; Pulte Homes’ Laurel and Primrose Models; and Saussy Burbank’s Bayberry & Cypress Models.

CHARLESTON COUNTY

Charleston – West Ashley area      

• Planned for later 2016, CalAtlantic Homeswill be building townhomes at Grand Bees Terrace in West Ashley.
• The Lucas is featured at Sabal Homes’ The Landing at Grand Oaks Plantation.
• The Edenton, a new model at Magnolia Bluff  by Mungo Homes, is scheduled to open this spring.

Hollywood

• The new Model Row at The Landing at Poplar Grove features CalAtlantic Homes (The Coosaw, Dan Ryan Builders (The Preakness), and Southeastern Family Homes (The Rousseau Creek Cottage).

James Island

• Fleming Park by Ashton Woods will feature The Killdeer.

Johns Island

• Ashton Woods’ Sea Island Farms will feature The Monroe.
• Along Brownswood Rd., CalAtlantic Homes will open The Landrum at Lakeside Park, as well Mungo Homes’  The Julian at Brownswood Village.
• Brock Built features The Sumter model at Stonoview.

Mt. Pleasant

• CalAtlantic Homes’ Bowman Park Townhomes in Old Mt. Pleasant will feature The Fenwick.
• Ashton Woods’ model will be built this year at Darrell Creek.
• David Weekley Homes will also open The Whitham at Carolina Park.
• Tidal Walk by DR Horton will feature The Harbor Oak and The Eaton models.

DORCHESTER COUNTY

Ladson

• Hunter Quinn Homes is building energy-efficient townhomes at Oakbrook Park in Ladson.

Summerville

• Limehouse Village by Ashton Woods features The Chestnut.
• Lowcountry Residential Builders’  Hidden Hills  offers up to 4-acre homesites with spec homes to tour.
• Kolter Homes’  Model Row includes five decorator-designed homes from its Battery Series at The Ponds.
• Summers Corner’ Model Row, showcasing its designated builders with Eastwood Homes’ The Rutherford, FrontDoor Homes The Azalea & The Magnolia and Sabal Homes The Camellia & The Firethorn models.