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Transform any home despite a low housing inventory. BUILDING TRUST BLOG RENOVATE YOUR PURCHASE Transform any home despite a low housing inventory. < Back Will Cord 2022-05-31 When housing inventory is low you still have an option to transform any home with a Guide Design Build renovation. Housing Inventory in our area (Upstate of South Carolina) is limited and disappears quick. Homes sell almost as soon as they hit the market, sometimes within hours of being listed. People are moving here in droves and they’re coming from all over the country! Finding and buying a home in this area requires quick decision making. Finding that “perfect” home is not likely in these market conditions. Fortunately, you can renovate almost any home into a space you’ll love. Although there are a few basic questions to answer before purchasing a home you’re planning to immediately renovate. Will renovation work price me out of the neighborhood? Just about every home can be renovated (some should be torn down and built from scratch), but just because you can renovate doesn’t mean you always should. Investing too much in a home might be a really bad financial decision. For example, purchasing a $350K home and then spending $300K in renovation work is bad idea when homes in the neighborhood are valued under $400K. Recouping that difference is highly unlikely. Especially if you plan to make another move within 5 years. However, we realize more than financial factors go into a decision to renovate. Will the home’s basic layout stay intact? Moving a kitchen to another part of the home is far more expensive than renovating a kitchen in its current location. Walls can be moved, and rooms enhanced, but completely scraping the general layout (especially as it pertains to plumbing) will drive up cost. Far better to purchase a home where changing the basic layout isn’t necessary. How old is the home? Older homes may be built to stand the test of time, but eventually the 2ndLaw of Thermodynamics and new building codes catch up. Figure out what type of toll time has taken on a home before purchasing it. Home inspectors can help you pinpoint what repair work is need, and sometimes a homeowner may correct before closing. Who was the builder? Every builder has a reputation, and usually with good reason. It’s hard to hide poor quality, at least for long. Knowing who built the home is a good point of reference when trying to anticipate issues that might arise. Are you considering an addition? You may want to add on to a home your purchasing, but to automatically assume you can, would be a mistake. You’ll need a plat to determine setbacks and whether adding on is even possible. Plus, septic system codes impact whether an addition is feasible. Is the electrical system in good condition? It’s a major expense if it isn’t, and wiring is hidden so this expense doesn’t address any aesthetic concerns you have. Qualified electricians are a great resource! Is ceiling height a pain point? Changing a ceiling height isn’t easy or cheap. Transforming an 8 foot ceiling to a 12 foot ceiling is doable (again, almost everything is doable when renovating a home) but not necessarily advisable. Maintaining the current ceiling height will allow you to stretch your renovation budget further. So, you can turn your focus to renovating other aspects of the home. To summarize, buying home is a big decision and even bigger when you plan to renovate as soon as you purchase. Answering the questions above will ensure your vision for renovating is on the right track. Even an unlimited budget requires wise decision making. Your home is an important place, but wastefulness just leads to regret. Our Project Guides will figure out how to fulfill your renovation expectations within your scope, budget, and timeline. Or we’ll acknowledge we can’t. Are you purchasing a home and want to explore renovation ideas with our team? Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Daniel Builders personnel discuss the Guide Design Build process in podcast format. BUILDING TRUST BLOG GUIDE DESIGN BUILD Daniel Jachens, Andy DeLeonardis, and Cindy Jacques discuss the Guide-Design-Build process. < Back Will Cord 2022-08-10 Daniel Builders personnel discuss the Guide Design Build process in podcast format. You've likely heard of a "Design-Build" contractor. Design-Build is a time-tested process for getting architect, designer, and builder on the same page. If done correctly, the process creates a cohesive, cost effective and efficient renovation experience. At Daniel Builders we've enhanced the Design-Build process by adding Project Guides to assist clients from the very beginning. We call our process "Guide-Design-Build". A Project Guide educates and advises each client before they move their project into Design. Recently, we recorded a podcast about the Guide-Design portion of our process. We invite you listen here or watch (& Subscribe) here on our YouTube channel . You'll learn how we take beautiful renovation ideas and translate them into a buildable Design. You’ll also hear our Project Guide Director, Daniel Jachens, share his passion for providing sound renovation guidance and eliminating manipulative sales tactics, our Design Director, Andy DeLeonardis, discuss the value of a well-crafted Design package and the gifted Interior Designer, Cindy Jacques, discussing how her business Buttercup Designs can make the whole process even more delightful. We invite you to listen and subscribe to our podcast “Ready, Set, Renovate!” but if reading is more your thing, here are 7 reasons why Project Guides make the renovation process better. Guidance > Hard Selling - There may be someone out there who loves being coerced by an aggressive salesperson, but don't. People benefit more from useful information so they can make an informed decision. This is what our Project Guides provide. Trust > Distrust - Yes, that’s obvious but can’t be overstated. It’s easy to forget the importance of Trust until you find yourself working with someone who has little concern for your best interest. Then suddenly you recall how important it is. Planning > Rash Decisions - A home-altering custom renovation is a big deal. Making rapid, uniformed decisions about this process would be a massive mistake. Project Guides provide good counsel to help you as you plan. Experience > Novelty - So many lessons are learned the “hard way” or after making a mistake because you just didn’t know better. Imagine how much grief could be avoided if people who knew better were informing those who didn’t. Our Project Guides use a wealth of knowledge gleaned from years of Daniel Builders experience so clients can avoid the hard way. Confidence > Hopium - People who have done it before are confident they can do it again. People who are confident with no prior experience are just wishful. A major custom renovation is nerve racking enough. A proven renovation contractor provides added confidence as you move forward with your renovation. Warning > Regret - Not every renovation idea is a good idea. There are times when a Project Guide will advise against moving forward with a renovation. For example, a major custom renovation is a bad idea for the client who plans to move in a few years. A well placed warning can ensure you reach your renovation destination without regret. Relationship > Isolation - We’re in this for the long haul. We encourage clients to share questions and concerns, as opposed to letting them speculate in isolation. From the outset our team is dedicated to being approachable and relational far beyond the completion of their project. Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

How much does a major custom renovation cost? Large purchases require large sums of money. Obviously. The paying doesn't stop there though. Ensuring your satisfaction with a large purchase requires paying attention to accurate information. What are sources of accurate information? BUILDING TRUST BLOG SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCE Hear from clients who renovated a significant portion of their home. < Back Will Cord 2023-04-21 How much does a major custom renovation cost? Large purchases require large sums of money. Obviously. The paying doesn't stop there though. Ensuring your satisfaction with a large purchase requires paying attention to accurate information. What are sources of accurate information? Reputable businesses, people in the industry, and even publications all are great source, but once source provides the best idea of what to expect. That's a past client. Past clients speak from personal experience and hold the answer to an important question. Would you do it again, knowing what you know? In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate we hear from clients who renovated a significant portion of their home. Their scope included adding a laundry room, screen porch, deck, workshop, and a new driveway with an electric gate. Several aspects of their experience come up through the course of this conversation, ranging from how neighbors felt about the construction work happening in the neighborhood to finding inspiration for design features. Their experience is valuable and perspective worth hearing. So, let's get to it! Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Daniel Jachens, co-founder of Daniel Builders, shares about a recent mission trip where the team partnered with Prince of Peace Church to assist Camp Mahanaim in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala. BUILDING TRUST BLOG GIVING TUESDAY SPOTLIGHT Daniel Jachens, Daniel Builders Co-founder, shares about a team mission trip to Guatemala. < Back Will Cord 2024-12-02 Daniel Jachens, Co-founder of Daniel Builders, shares about a recent mission trip where the team partnered with Prince of Peace Church to assist Camp Mahanaim in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala. How is Daniel Builders ministering in Guatemala? Daniel Builders has made one to two trips a year to foster a relationship with Prince of Peace Church and has headed up the construction portion of their Guatemala ministry for 8 years. How did Daniel Builders choose Guatemala as the destination for generous giving and initially connect with Prince of Peace Church? We traveled to Guatemala about 8 years ago to explore several different ministry opportunities. We felt a strong need to serve Puerto San Jose and partner with Prince of Peace Church. The church had a vision to build Camp Mahanaim and owned the property for about 15 years before our arrival. At the time, they did not have the funds or resources to make it happen. God worked to fulfill both their vision and our desire to help! How does Prince of Peace Church use Camp Mahanaim to serve the community? They have hosted several camps and use the facility to reach the young people for Christ. They would also like to rent the facility to other church groups. Can you tell us more about the specific project or projects your team worked on during the trip? Over the years, we have learned how to do many different things that we are not accustomed to in the States. Being in another country where things are done much differently, we always tend to learn a lot! We have dug foundations, hand-mixed concrete for large areas, cut down trees with machetes, coated walls with stucco, and laid a lot of block! We've also performed plumbing and electrical work. On our last trip, our main focus was painting. What were the primary goals you aimed to achieve during this trip? Our goal on this last trip was to get the camp ready for the first real camp session. This included painting, cleaning, and setting up beds for the campers. What was the reaction of the local community to your team's efforts? The church and community are so welcoming and loving to us each time we visit. It is a true pleasure to be able to go and serve. They have become family to several who go regularly. How do you measure the success of this trip? Did it meet your expectations? It is hard to measure, but we did what we came to do. Whenever you go on a trip like this, it is important to be flexible as far as schedule and daily tasks. As participants in what the community is already doing, we do not want to act like the boss or take control. Can you share a story or moment from the trip that has stuck with you and why it’s meaningful? There are many, but one of the most memorable things from this last trip happened as we were getting ready for the camp to start. I drove the 12-passenger van to pick up the kids to bring them to the camp. We packed in way too many, and there was luggage everywhere! To see the excitement on their faces and learn that this was the first time that many of these 15 and 16-year-olds had been away from home. .. it was an amazing opportunity to impact these young people! During that weekend, about a dozen of them gave their lives to Christ, and it was neat to see God work! How can others in the construction industry contribute to similar charitable efforts? There are many opportunities to get involved in a ministry and so many places that need help. I would encourage anyone to pick a spot or ministry and devote your resources to that cause! How has this experience shaped your view of the construction industry's potential to make a difference globally? There have been so many benefits to employees and seeing relationships grow. It is hard but worth it! God has blessed our lives significantly through this ministry. Though it's our desire to go and give, most often, it's actually us who receive the blessing. I think that God can use all our gifts and talents. If we were to really use the potential that God has given us, wow, it would be amazing to see the difference that could occur in our world! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Daniel Builders takes a decades old home full of history in downtown Greenville and updates the space so it becomes an oasis of artistic flair and functionality. TRADITIONAL EXTERIOR SPACE Augusta Road Area Exterior Upgrade Kitchen Multi Room This project began with a vision to turn a historic home into a downtown oasis where our clients could enjoy their retirement. Creating a place to make our clients feel like they were on vacation was our goal. The scope included transforming a laundry room and office, by utilizing shiplap, custom cabinets and reclaimed wood countertops. A rear entry area with pantry storage adjacent to the kitchen was added. Construction of a screened-in porch and rear deck which included custom balusters with a Swiss flair our clients helped design after returning from Switzerland. The screened-in porch included a heater to maintain comfort in the outdoors during cold weather. Rounding out the scope of work was carport/workshop area. From the detailed carpentry, to the brick perimeter walls around the driveway, to a motorized entry gate for rear access road to their new addition, this project is truly a masterpiece of collaboration between client vision and contractor execution. As the project manager stated, "We not only walked away with happy customers, we have gained wonderful new friends!" Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Modify your home to accommodate you as you age. BUILDING TRUST BLOG UNIVERSAL HOME DESIGN Modify your home to accommodate you as you age. < Back Will Cord 2017-01-20 Have you found the home you want to grow old in? Modify it to accommodate you as you age. How much thought have you given to your future living arrangements? For one of our customers the future had a sudden and unexpected twist which left him with a big decision to make. After a life altering injury his living arrangements needed to change. Where would he live? Fortunately, moving wasn't necessary, but modifying his house was. Daniel Builders designed and renovated a living environment to fit his level of physical ability. Renovations included widening doorways, replacing flooring with hard surface types, designing, and installing a curbless shower with grab bars, installing a wheelchair lift, and creating step-less entrances. At some point all of us need to evaluate our living arrangements due to age or injury. Assisted living facilities offer to meet long term physical needs when change becomes necessary. Problem is 1 in 5 Americans don't like the assisted living option, and prefer to age in their own homes. Universal Design (or UD) takes many forms , and ultimately addresses the desire to age in place . Universal Design creates accessible and accommodating living environments for those who otherwise would experience significant limitations living in their home. Elements of UD include maneuverability, ease of operation (specifically in the kitchen and bathroom), range of reach (ex. lowering countertops), and support (ex. grab bars). Due to our aging population, UD is rapidly becoming relevant for a growing number of people. New construction spec homes are even being designed based on UD principles. Are physical limitations due to age and/or injury causing your home to become a danger zone? Universal Design can clarify your options regarding future living arrangements, and help you plan effectively. More important it might just keep you where most Americans wish to stay - at home. Are you contemplating a major home renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Apply if you're a skilled carpenter with good character. BUILDING TRUST BLOG LEAD CARPENTER Apply if you're a skilled carpenter with good character. < Back Will Cord 2020-06-20 Daniel Builders seeks to hire a skilled Lead Carpenter with extensive knowledge of residential construction. The Lead Carpenter will interact with clients, Project Managers, Carpenters, Trades, and Helpers to deliver amazing customer service and well-crafted custom renovations. A successful applicant should be hardworking, reliable, and have good communication and organizational skills. 6+ years of experience is required. A Lead Carpenter is responsible to manage their worksite under the supervision of a Project Manager. Under that supervision, perform residential remodeling (occasionally light commercial) tasks and repair, while maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. The Lead Carpenter is also responsible for organizing material orders, managing, and overseeing trades and employees, and keeping project timelines. Requirements: Must possess the following: Examples of your work. Power tools and equipment that make the applicant autonomous on a job site. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to job sites in Greenville, Anderson, Keowee, etc. Follow both verbal and written directions in English, professional and productive interaction with customers and co-workers The ability to understand and perform in multiple areas of residential construction. Framing, trim, flooring, windows and doors, drywall, light plumbing, light electrical, roofing as required. The ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and other equipment. Knowledge of local building codes, and health/safety regulations. Highly motivated toward excellent customer service. The ability to stand for prolonged periods, climb, pull, and lift heavy objects. Physically fit with good hand-eye coordination. Minimum of six years of carpentry experience. Good communication skills. Team player who can direct trades, carpenters, and helpers. Knowledge of basic mathematics. Daniel Builder Culture: Business guided by 3 core values (Jesus Christ, Trust, and Generous Giving) Consistent work schedule; regular 40-hour work week Competitive pay High employee retention Paid Vacation Verizon Phone Plan Team Building Events Company Provided Gear & Apparel Tool Reimbursement Commitment to professional development of all employees APPLY HERE Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Construction attorney Stokley Holder shares insights about custom renovation contracts. BUILDING TRUST BLOG UNDER CONTRACT Stokley Holder & Andy DeLeonardis share insights about custom renovation contracts. < Back Will Cord 2022-12-05 Know any good attorney jokes? Construction attorney Stokley Holder shares insights about custom renovation contracts. Funny as they may be legal problems during a renovation aren't funny at all. Going into a major custom renovation requires a robust legal contract, which can get quite lengthy and full of confusing legalese. Discussing details of a contract isn't the most delightful part of renovating your home, but absolutely necessary. The alternative of having no contract or one that's poorly written can cause your renovation experience to be truly regrettable. Attorney Stokley Holder, of the law offices of Holder, Padgett, Littlejohn and Prickett is our guest in this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Andy DeLeonardis, contract specialist at Daniel Builders, also joins conversation. Attorney jokes aside, this is a helpful conversation when you're prepping for custom renovation. Let's get to it! Want to begin a custom renovation process (Guide-Design-Build) with full confidence? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

This series outlines the main choices you'll make in a cabinet design meeting. BUILDING TRUST BLOG CABINET ACADEMY This post outlines the main choices you'll make in a cabinet design meeting. < Back Will Cord 2025-12-19 This series outlines the main choices you'll make in a cabinet design meeting. Cabinetry is one of the most involved aspects of the design process. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, office, library, laundry room, mudroom, or bar area, the possibilities are endless...and can often be overwhelming! Solution: our Cabinet Academy! Special thanks to Trusted Tradesmen & Co. for their collaboration on this series! Decision #1 : Cabinet Style Cabinet style describes the relationship of the doors and drawer fronts to the face frame. Full Access ($) - (AKA Frameless) - the doors and drawer fronts cover the entire cabinet face with narrow gaps between each; the face frame is not visible. The aesthetic can be traditional, contemporary, or modern, depending on the door style. Face Frame ($$) - (AKA Overlay) - there are larger gaps between each set of doors and drawer fronts where the face frame is visible; the doors and drawer fronts rest on top of the face frame; the face frame is not flush with the doors and drawer fronts. Inset ($$$) - there are larger gaps between each set of doors and drawer fronts where the face frame is visible; the doors and drawer fronts close inside the face frame; the face frame is flush with the doors and drawer fronts. Decision #2 : Door Design A cabinet door is comprised of rails at top and bottom, stiles on left and right, and a panel in the center. During door design, you'll choose a material and style. Material Options: Wood Pros: Can be finished with lacquer or stain; less susceptible to water damage if the finish is dented; available in a variety of species and grain patterns: plain-sawn, quartersawn, and rift-sawn Wood Cons: Expands and contracts, especially in humid regions, which causes micro-cracks in the finish MDF Pros: Versatile; often used for custom designs & finished with lacquer; does not expand or contract MDF Cons: More susceptible to water damage if the finish is dented Style Options: Flat panel - for the contemporary aesthetic - Shaker cabinets fall into this category. The term "shaker" generally indicates a rail/stile width of 2.25". Microshaker cabinets have a rail/stile width of 3/4" - 1.5". The main distinction of shaker cabinets is the square profile of the inner edge, where the rails/stiles meet the panel. A traditional flat panel door has a curved or beveled profile at the inner edge. Raised panel - for the traditional aesthetic - The rails/stiles are often mitred at each corner; you'll choose a profile for the rails/stiles and the raised panel Slab - for the modern aesthetic - slab doors are comprised of a panel without rails or stiles. Decision #3 : Wood Species Pine ($) provides a rustic feel; less durable and will dent Alder ($) subtle grain; pink undertone Sapele ($$) straight grain pattern; cabernet color; modern replacement for mahogany Hickory ($$) highly figured grain pattern; takes stain well; doesn't dent easily White Oak ($$$) most prominent grain pattern and texture; doesn't dent easily; most popular species Walnut ($$$$) medium figured grain pattern; dark brown color The wood samples shown below are finished with clear lacquer, but the color of any species can be altered with stain, as shown in the alder, hickory, and white oak kitchen photos at the end of this section. We recommend lacquer over paint because it is waterproof, scratch-resistant, fast-drying, non-yellowing, and breathable. It comes in a variety of sheens, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, or high gloss. High gloss lacquer is often used for contemporary designs. Matte lacquer is more difficult to clean but best at camouflaging imperfections. Decision #4 : Glass & Mesh In addition to the flat panel, raised panel, and slab door styles, glass and wire mesh can be combined with wood or MDF to create a custom aesthetic. Glass with Traditional Frame - Available in many different varieties including clear, acid etched, fluted, flemish, and more! Glass with Mullion - Divided into sections by wood or MDF partitions. Glass with Custom Trim - Often made of MDF due to the wide range of design options. Mesh - Available as a flat or round wire in many different patterns and widths. Nickel and brass are common colorways. Types of Glass: Decision #5 : Shelving After cabinet style and door style have been established, you'll choose storage options, including shelving. Wood vs. Glass - Wood shelves can have a standard or live edge. Exposed vs. Hidden - Do you want to conceal your shelves behind a door? Fixed vs. Adjustable - Do you want the flexibility to adjust the spacing between shelves? Pull-out Trays - Common in kitchen islands and pantry units. Appliance Garage - Hides countertop appliances behind a door that opens vertically. Decision #6 : Inserts In addition to shelving, you'll choose additional storage options, including inserts. Appliance Lift - Keeps your countertops clear; great for mixers or blenders Rotating Shelf - Can't read the label? Easy reach for canned goods Utensil/Knife - Knife storage with plastic bristles; slot for cutting board; utensil bin Cookie Sheet - Multi-rack storage Trash Pull-Out - A cubby for trash + recycling or trash bin + trash bags Decision #7 : Drawers In addition to inserts, you'll choose drawer storage options: Knife Block - custom fit to drawer dimensions Utensil / Silverware - single or double layer Charging - built-in outlet for electronics Spice - single or double layer Cutting Board - dividers are adjustable Dish - pegs secure plates and bowls Appliance Panel - appliances, like this mini fridge, can be camouflaged with a drawer front You'll also choose hardware for drawers and cabinet doors: No Hardware/Push to open No Hardware/Notches Pulls Knobs Pull or Knob with Backplate Decision #8 : Adjustable Pantry The drawers in this pantry unit are adjustable so you can customize the space between each drawer for your needs. Decision #9 : Base/Feet In addition to drawers, you'll choose the base/feet design. The base of your cabinets can be simple or customized to mimic a piece of furniture. Straight Curved S-Curve Custom No Feet Decision #10 : Island Aesthetically, you can choose between several options for the ends of your island. Corbels and posts can achieve a traditional aesthetic. An overhang or panels may be used in transitional or contemporary designs. Waterfall edges can be seen in transitional, contemporary, or modern designs. Or, your island can be a combination of several of the options above! Decision #11 : Vent Hood Aesthetically, you can choose between several options for your vent hood. Straight Curved Angled Cut Corner Custom Decision #12 : Lighting Lighting options for your kitchen can be both functional and beautiful. In-cabinet lighting - displays heirloom pieces via an overhead fixture or strip of light near the front of the cabinet frame. Under cabinet lighting - illuminates your countertop workspace. Under counter lighting - provides visibility to storage spaces under your island. Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Concrete floors are an intriguing option when it comes for a custom renovation. BUILDING TRUST BLOG CONCRETE THINKING Concrete floors are an intriguing option when it comes for a custom renovation. < Back Will Cord 2021-08-25 Concrete floors are an intriguing option when it comes for a custom renovation. Despite being known as industrial flooring, concrete is gaining traction (yes that's a pun, couldn’t resist) in the residential realm. Here are 3 intriguing concrete flooring options for your home. Polished Concrete - First, let’s clarify what constitutes polished concrete. The starting point, as you would imagine, is a concrete slab. Through systematic grinding and polishing the slab is transformed into a lovely surface. That’s an oversimplified explanation, but polished concrete is distinct from a sealed slab. Sealed slabs require much less prep before applying an acrylic sealer. Unfortunately, sealed slabs don’t reach the same level of beauty and uniqueness as polished concrete. Getting there requires a combination of planetary grinders, diamond abrasives and chemicals such as densifiers and stain protector, which are used to progressively refine and polish the surface. That process continues until the right level of smoothness and gloss is reached. This form of flooring is surprisingly slip resistant - even when wet. For those wanting additional color options, polished concrete can be dyed or inlayed with an artistic design. As you can see, residential polished concrete options are customizable and limitless. Broadcast Resins Floors - Broadcast resin floors are a great combination of function, protection and aesthetics. After preparing the concrete substrate with diamond grinding or shot blasting (no acid etching here!), a resinous primer is applied, and the selected media is broadcasted into the wet primer. Wood chips are the selected media in this photo. Once the resin has cured, which only takes 4-8 hours, the excess media is removed, and a resinous grout coat is installed to cover the broadcasted material. Because these flooring systems have additional, non-resinous materials integrated into them, they are much thicker than a traditional “neat” resinous flooring system. This makes the floor more durable and impact resistant while also being slip and chemical resistant. Makes a really nice garage floor! Metallic Resinous Floors - Metallic resinous floors start with clear resins, then colored metallic powdered pigments are added to create an iridescent effect. This surface appears to have a unique depth and texture even though it's completely smooth and level. Depending on the desired effect, single or multiple colors can be added. The gloss level of the protective topcoat can be selected - matte, semigloss or gloss. Because of the artistic nature of the application, no two metallic floors are alike. Each is an original masterpiece. Special thanks to Derek Zearley of Zefco for providing insights and info for this blog. Are you ready to incorporate concrete surfaces into your Design-Build renovation? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Bring down load bearing and non load bearing walls. BUILDING TRUST BLOG WALLS COME DOWN Considerations for open concept floor plans. < Back Will Cord 2020-11-24 Creating an open floor plan in your renovation requires walls to come down. Daniel Builders discusses this process of bringing down load bearing and non load bearing walls. BEFORE: Example of interior walls throughout: AFTER: Walls in the above example removed. Kitchen, dining area and living area no longer separated by walls: In one of the more established neighborhoods of Greenville, Daniel Builders is performing a major renovation. The scope of work encompasses just about every aspect of the home, including removal of a few interior walls. You can see what we’re talking about via video on Instagram Live this Wednesday November 25th at 1:15PM. (Follow us on Instagram if you haven’t already. In fact, why not now ?) We hope you join us! Speaking of wall removal, that’s what frequently happens during major renovations. Here are 7 questions to answer before bidding farewell to an interior wall. Once a wall is gone, what separates one area of your home from another? A permanent feature like a kitchen island or furniture pieces are two options. A good designer will create a fluid transition from room to room and prevent your home from feeling like one, giant box. What is inside the wall? Electrical wiring, plumbing and duct work must be considered. A wall containing these items is likely still removable, but to reroute wiring/plumbing/duct requires creativity. And should be figured out before wall meets sledgehammer. Plus, for your own safety, never destroy a wall without knowing what’s inside. Is the wall load bearing? Load bearing walls are removable, but other structural elements need to be installed. Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) beams are good options for carrying the load. Consulting a Structural Engineer is always wise and can prevent significant damage to your home. What finished flooring will be installed? A patchwork of missing flooring (as shown in the photo below) can be problematic, although you do have some options. Although some types of flooring can be patched, in many cases replacing a “patch” is not recommended. Especially when you have different types of floors (like carpet and hardwood) on either side of the wall. If possible, plan to put down all new flooring. This is the best way to ensure a seamless look. Will you be able to ward clutter? There is an advantage to keeping your home compartmentalized, particularly if you tend to be messy. Unfortunately, clutter is much more visible when walls no longer block the view. Are you willing to banish your current wall decor? Fewer walls mean less space to hang decorative displays and artwork. Sacrificing wall decor is a big deal and should definitely be considered, especially when your favorite artwork can no longer be displayed. Do you need the entire wall removed, or will a modified opening suffice? Yes, you can have it both ways and sometimes that is your best option. This design avoids a suffocating compartmentalization of your home, yet still achieves a clear delineation from room to room. Here’s an example from one of our renovations. We hope you plan to join us Wednesday, November 25 at 1:15 on Instagram Live as we showcase a major renovation in process. We’ll discuss wall removal and other intriguing aspects of this project. Want to explore wall removal further? We routinely remove walls in many major renovations we perform and we’re ready to help you answer “wall removal” questions for your home. Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED

Call it a Guest House, Granny Flat or Tiny Home. BUILDING TRUST BLOG ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT Call it a Guest House, Granny Flat or Tiny Home. < Back Will Cord 2021-01-26 They are known by many names. Guest House, Granny Flat, In-Law Suite, and Garage Apartment are a few. Officially, they are designated Accessary Dwelling Units or ADUs. ADUs can be inside, attached or completely detached from a single-family home. Many find this living arrangement beneficial, including multigenerational households , individuals needing care, live-in aides, remote workers seeking a designated workspace , those who host long term guests, or even empty nesters renting their home. Here are 5 types of ADUs. Detached New Construction - Think cottage or pool house. Zoning and permitting are often the biggest challenge for this ADU. Many governing municipalities don’t want them on your property. Once you get past that red tape, there’s another hurdle - Price. Designing and building a normal size house (1500 - 2000sq ft) is a far better value (more bang for your buck) than a small custom house (900sq ft or less). Less expensive alternatives, such as shipping containers , are fun to explore but present other challenges. Privacy is the biggest benefit of this ADU. Garage Apartment - Permitting isn’t as much of an issue if the garage is attached. If detached, then the same zoning and permitting issues apply as discussed in #1 . Expense for this type of project go way down if you already own a garage. Finishing off the room over your existing garage is a great way to utilize space you already have, without adding to your home’s footprint. Storage is the biggest advantage of a garage apartment. No other ADU comes with a full-size garage. Addition or Bump Out - Our Design-Build team recently completed one of these, and the process was extremely straightforward and smooth. Additions don’t have the same permitting hurdles as detached dwellings. Plus, they can bring a higher ROI should you decide to move. Just remember, recouping 100% or more on any renovation investment is never likely. Basement Conversion - This ADU has multiple advantages. Obviously, you need to start with a basement, not everyone has one. If you have one, supplying water and power won’t be a problem because it’s already available in the home. Also, expect lower energy bills because the space is regulated by the earth’s temperature. A basement ADU can easily be reverted or reintegrated into the primary dwelling should you or the next homeowner no longer want it. Ceiling height is a potential downside. Basement ceilings are typically under 7’. And for privacy’s sake, you’ll want to create your own exterior door, which can easily be a $10K expense. Internal (non-basement) ADU - Examples include converting an attic or entire floor in a multi-story house to an ADU. External doors may or may not be necessary. The potential for overcrowding is high with this option, which would lead to a major loss of privacy. A good Design-Build team won't let that happen. They will ensure maximum privacy during Design and only move the project forward when the client is comfortable. Does an ADU make sense for you and your family? Speak with a Daniel Builders project guide by calling 864.506.5546 and discuss the best path forward for your custom renovation or get your renovation started here! Read more about Accessory Dwelling Units on our blog: Home Sweet ADU . Previous Post Next Post Back to Blog SEE OUR WORK LET'S TALK We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start a major remodel, or simply learn more about our process, we’re ready to assist. How can Daniel Builders renovate for you? GET STARTED