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Don't try these renovation projects at home. BUILDING TRUST BLOG DIY OR NOT Don't try these renovation projects at home. < Back Will Cord 2019-04-02 When should you not attempt a DIY projects? Some home remodeling projects are best left to the experts. Big DIY projects require confidence, skill, and a huge reality check. Self-performing has its benefits. For starters you could save large quantities of money while experiencing the joy of personal accomplishment. (Nothing like beholding your own masterpiece!) Some DIY projects should be DDY projects though - projects you don't do yourself. This is especially true if the project requires a specialized skill such as plumbing, electrical, tile setting, etc. Attempting a DDY projects can cost you dearly in terms of money, time, personal health due to stress/injury, marital strain, and... even more money. The key is distinguishing which projects are DIY and which are DDY. So how do you tell the difference? Here are 7 “reality check” questions to consider before self-performing a renovation. What is my skill level? Pros make it look easy, but don’t be fooled. Not everyone is a pro. Some have a natural aptitude for carpentry, and it comes easy. Others not so much. Be honest with yourself when evaluating your skill level. A little self-awareness can prevent you from getting in over your head. How much time (and patience) am I prepared to invest? Beautiful renovations happen quickly on HGTV. They only take a 30-minute episode. Real life renovations take considerably longer and require significantly more patience. You’ll feel an urge to rush, but doing a renovation hastily is a mistake. You’re better off getting it right the first time. How much energy can I give my project? Renovation work is very physical and requires stamina. If you’re typically exhausted after your “day job”, a DIY renovation may require weekends. Just make sure you approach your project with mental and physical energy. Bad things happen when sleep deprived zombies try to renovate. Do I know an expert? If DIY was a game show, this is where you could “phone a friend.” Knowledgeable friends and contacts help you get unstuck as you encounter problems. Better yet let them know before you even start. They’ll likely share a few vital insights as you plan. Will I be safe? No renovation is worth serious injury. Stop immediately if you think you might be running that risk. Can I start with a smaller project? You don’t need to tackle large renovations to learn if you have a knack for DIY. Start small. Small projects are a great gauge for how well you’ll handle larger ones. You only put yourself ahead of the curve as you gain more experience. What’s the worst-case scenario if I do it myself? Resist being optimistic if you’re unwilling to consider the risk. The best advice for a DIY renovation is “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” - Dennis Waitley 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

A historic home near downtown Pendleton South Carolina was completely remodeled by Daniel Builders with materials reused from the original home. TRADITIONAL INTERIOR Pendleton Bathroom Kitchen Whole Home This home was originally constructed over 100 years ago. Daniel Builders performed a full remodel of this beautiful historic home utilizing a Guide-Design-Build process. The house was stripped down to the studs and expanded with a two-story addition, resulting in an increase of total living space from 2,200 square feet to 3,900 square space. The remodel incorporated many reclaimed materials to achieve a finished product that harkens back to the home’s original construction. The beam and mantle in the living room were crafted from old framing materials, while the wainscoting in the dining room was made from reclaimed paneling salvaged from the old addition that was demolished. The ceiling and fireplace in the master bedroom were also constructed using reused materials. Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the original character is immediately evident upon entering the home. The additional square footage (1700 square feet) enhances functionality while bolstering the home’s historic charm. Modern and classic design elements are beautifully blended to endure for decades to come. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Brian Holmes shares his experience as a Daniel Builders client. BUILDING TRUST BLOG A CLIENT TELLS ALL Brian Holmes shares his experience as a Daniel Builders client. < Back Will Cord 2023-02-18 Yes we promote our Guide Design Build process at Daniel Builders, but what do clients say about it? At some point how they feel about Daniel Builders comes out. Maybe in a Google review or on social media or in a personal conversation (yes those still exist), but rest assured our clients talk. On this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! we hear firsthand from one of our clients, Brian Holmes, about his experience with Daniel Builders . Brian's home was completely renovated. He speaks candidly about going through Design and Build with our team. He shares what went right and how things were handled when they went wrong. As a senior partner for Peachtree Planning , Brian oversees the Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson area. Excellent service is something he understands and expects from his team, and he's savvy when referring other businesses. After all, referring others comes with an element of risk. Your own reputation goes on the line at that point. Photos of this renovation are pretty stunning and they can be found by watching this episode on our YouTube Channel, Daniel Builders Inc . The Holmes basement is showcased at the beginning of our conversation and the remainder of professional photos (kitchen, living area, and bathroom) at the end. Are you considering a whole home remodel and would like an opportunity to speak with references? 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

What challenges arise when establishing the design aesthetic of a condo? Chisana Hice-Smith, Lead Residential Designer at In Site Designs, has significant experience in the condo remodeling realm. On this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate, she identifies a few details to consider before embarking on a condo remodel. BUILDING TRUST BLOG CONDO INTERIOR DESIGN Who do you turn to for expert interior design guidance? Chisana Hice-Smith shares tips! < Back Will Cord 2024-04-12 What challenges arise when establishing the design aesthetic of your condo? Who do you turn to for expert interior design guidance? It just so happens we answer both questions on this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! Chisana Hice-Smith, Lead Residential Designer at In Site Designs, has significant experience in the condo remodeling realm. She identifies a few considerations to contemplate before embarking on a condo remodel. You won't want to miss this conversation full of design flair! So, let's get to it! How might your home or condo benefit from a Guide-Design-Build remodel? 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! 0:00 Introduction 0:58 Chisana’s Design Background 1:33 Chisana’s Condo Experience 3:10 Differences Between Interior Designers vs. Interior Decorators 4:18 Condo Design Forensics 5:43 Condo Design Limitations 7:49 Condo Design Trends 8:27 Where to Start with Condo Design? 9:35 Condo Soundproofing Options 11:11 Primary vs. Secondary Residences 12:30 Interior Design Trends & Innovations 15:21 Balancing Form & Function 16:53 Contractor Qualifications 18:28 Space-saving Condo Options 20:05 How to Contact In Site Designs 21:58 How to Contact Daniel Builders 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

Care for tools like a true craftsman. BUILDING TRUST BLOG TOOLED UP Care for tools like a true craftsman. < Back Will Cord 2022-04-29 Craftsmen who care for their tools are likely take care of your home during a custom remodel. Albert Einstein once asked: “ If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign of ?” That’s witty and humorous, but let’s face it, when it comes to your work you want more clarity and less clutter. That’s precisely what our team at Daniel Builders strives for in our quest to be a World Class organization. Field staff (carpenters and project managers) aren’t working from a desk, but they do have mobile offices. Their trucks and vans serve this purpose. Keeping tools safe, secure and easily accessible is essential to our Build processes. Here’s why we emphasize an organized and clean work vehicle: Saves Time - Time is limited, and few things are more frustrating than searching for a missing tool. Looking for lost items is time consuming. A carpenter who’s able to access the right tool precisely when needed is utilizing time wisely. Afterall, carpenters are paid for their carpentry skills, not their ability to locate missing tools. Reduces Frustration - Complex Design-Build renovation projects are challenging enough. Adding additional aggravation is the last thing that's needed. Lost tools and an inefficient workspace will intensify frustration, not reduce it. Keeps Everyone Safe - Driving a vehicle full of tools is hazardous. Think about it, you have a vehicle full of potentially dangerous projectiles. Slamming the breaks will launch those projectiles if they’re not secured in their appropriate place. Keep those tools buckled up! Communicates Excellence - Being World Class is not just about what you produce, it’s also how you produce it. World Class workspaces are organized and focused. Your appearance and presentation are always communicating something, for better or worse. A disorganized vehicle reflects poorly on the brand you represent. Maximizes Tool Longevity - Keeping tools organized, easily accessible and safely secured translates to fewer damaged tools. In return they’ll serve you well for years to come. Allowing them to bounce in a truck bed or the back of a van reduces their usefulness over the long haul. Maintaining a clean and organized vehicle requires extra effort and focus, at least initially. In the long run it saves time and energy. Plus being World Class requires it. Do you want a World Class team working on your next Design-Build renovation? We’d love to explore your big renovation ideas and tell you more about our Design-Build renovation processes. 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

Project Manager Daniel Bailey narrates video of his renovation. BUILDING TRUST BLOG PM PERSPECTIVE Project Manager Daniel Bailey narrates video of his renovation. < Back Will Cord 2023-03-04 Here are two things everyone should know before hiring a contractor to transform their home. First, custom renovations can't be replicated. No 2 are alike. As a wise sage at Daniel Builders frequently says, "We're not building widgets." Not only does the scope of work vary from project to project, every home is completely different. So, producing the same thing never happens, hence the word " custom ". Second, no 2 General Contractors are alike. Each GC has a different approach, different standards and yes different outcomes. That's why it's a terrible idea to bid a project exclusively on price. Pardon the cliché', but you're not comparing "apples to apples". All that to say, a custom renovation usually comes down to one person being tasked to produce the right outcome. That's the Project Manager. A highly competent project manager has the best perspective on all that a custom renovation entails. In this video one of our project managers narrates the scope and challenges of his project. He's good at narrating, but as you'll see he's even better at his day job, being a project manager. Are you looking for the right team and project manager for your custom 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

Welcome to Daniel Builders. Start your custom renovation or custom remodel. Wondering about bathroom remodel cost or kitchen remodel cost. Contact us today. START A GUIDE-DESIGN-BUILD RENOVATION TODAY REQUEST MORE INFO SEE OUR WORK

In addition to the kitchen renovation the scope of work included a 4 season addition that garnered a Chrysalis award. FOUR SEASONS ADDITION Keowee Key, Lake Keowee 2020 Bridge Award 2021 Chrysalis Award 2021 Pinnacle Award Bathroom Kitchen Whole Home Beyond upgrading the dated interior, our clients' vision for this beautiful, lakefront home was capturing lake views from multiple vantage points throughout the main level. This required demolishing the center of the home and reconstructing it as an open concept living space. Interior walls were removed, and additional support added above the ceiling so guests experience the view immediately upon coming through the front door. No detail was overlooked as the original set of disjointed spaces were reimagined into a synergistic flow that now features an expanded custom kitchen, new walk- in pantry, mudroom, laundry space, gracious living area, new outdoor four seasons living space, and an elegant master suite. The main living space boasts a custom dry bar and a tiered peninsula that offers additional seating and frames the view from the kitchen. A custom fireplace surround and built-in bookcases beautifully anchor the open great room, while exquisite stone tile and Fantasy Brown marble accentuate focal points throughout the home, providing it with a seamlessly unified aesthetic inviting you to relax and enjoy. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

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