Search Results

Let your home breath while being energy efficient. BUILDING TRUST BLOG BREATHABILITY Let your home breath while being energy efficient. < Back Will Cord 2022-03-31 Professional opinion among contractors can vary when it comes to building a home so it can “breathe.” From the house wrap used, to the type of window sealant, to caulks, siding types and even how a house is painted, there are a number of choices that impact the breathability of your home. The trade off of sealing your home too much. Homes need to breath. How much air flow should be allowed through the exterior envelope of your home? Making your home "airtight" can lead to poor ventilation, unless mechanical systems are installed to force fresh air throughout the structure. On the other end of the spectrum too much natural, or passive, ventilation makes your home energy inefficient . Everyone can agree on one thing, fresh air is essential to a healthy home. Without it you can expect problems. Here are 7 of them: Air Pollutants - ventilation keeps volatile organic compounds and gases such as carbon monoxide and radon, from building up. Plus, good ventilation lessens the impact of 2nd hand smoke. Uncomfortable Interior - A home that doesn’t have fresh air circulating can feel damp and stuffy. That’s great if you’re building a sauna, but not so good if you want a tranquil place to crash after an exhausting day at work. Rot/Pests - Speaking of moisture, keeping it outside has additional benefit. Your home won’t be eaten alive by rot! The building materials in your home last longer when they are able to dry rapidly. (*Note - water entering your home is inevitable. You just need it to dry rapidly, and definitely not build up.) A good circulation of fresh air keeps humidity at an optimal level. Pests aren't attracted to a low moisture environment, which means they won't take up residence in your home. And that’s a good thing! Poor Health - Health issues like dry throat and eyes, concentration disorders, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, poor sleep and dizziness can be triggered by poor ventilation. Yikes! Sounds like the end of a pharmaceutical commercial. Mold & Mildew - In addition to being unsightly, mold can also be a serious threat to your health. Either way mold and mildew are unwelcome guests in your home. Fresh air circulating through your home prohibits mold from getting the moisture it needs to survive. Odor - Yes, odor can be masked, but purchasing an abundance of candles and air fresheners isn’t the solution when it’s a ventilation issue. Removing foul odors is always the better option. Additional Expense - Fixing an overly sealed home can be costly, not to mention fixing the damage caused by moisture. An HVAC system upgrade might be necessary. Air that doesn’t naturally circulate through a home requires a mechanical system to move it through. That might be the best long-term option for your home, but it is an added expense in the short term. Your home is a system made up of multiple parts. Each part impacts the overall health of your home. Making this system more robust is a challenge that Daniel Builders is uniquely suited to perform. Are you considering a major renovation to enhance your home’s durability, functionality, and appeal? 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

Lakefront home on Lake Hartwell features 4 gable roof lines that all meet at a central peak in the center of the living area and paralleled by interior ceiling planes with 3’’ tongue and grove across each ceiling plane, while also accounting for variance of existing structure. TRADITIONAL OPEN CONCEPT Lake Hartwell 2022 Bridge Award Kitchen Multi Room This lakefront home features 4 gable roof lines that all meet at a central peak in the center of the living area. Our goal was to create parallel lines with 3’’ tongue and grove across each ceiling plane, while also accounting for variance of existing structure. Shadow lines in the trim were utilized to create intentional reveals throughout the ceiling, and the ceiling was scribed to the existing fireplace. Miter folds cap the corners of the ceiling to create an intriguing visual at the peak of the ceiling. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Daniel Builders is doing commercial renovation work in Greer South Carolina. GREER RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is doing commercial renovation work throughout the Upstate of SC. We have commercial experience renovating and performing office upfits in Greer, South Carolina. Here are some Greer commercial properties transformed by Daniel Builders through a commercial renovation. SUSHI WITH GUSTO Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery

This home underwent a Guide-Design-Build renovation and was recognized for Best Kitchen and Best Bathroom by the Home Builders Association of Greenville in a Full Home Remodeling category. TRANSITIONAL OPEN CONCEPT McDaniel Avenue Area 2022 Bridge Award Basement Bathroom Kitchen Whole Home This home, built in 1937, was gutted from floor to ceiling. Engineered beams were used to open up a very segmented floor plan and create a better flow from the front to the rear of the home on the main floor. An additional eight hundred square feet was added by enclosing and completing the unfinished basement, transforming it into entertainment space. Throughout the course of this seven month renovation, this home's common areas, kitchen, bathrooms, utility rooms, and bedrooms were completely restored. Additionally, a large six hundred square foot deck with a parking area underneath was built. As expected in a home of this age, when walls were opened we discovered the entire house was completely uninsulated while none of the utilities were up to code. One highly complex element of this remodel requiring extensive engineering insight was removing multiple load bearing walls above a second story. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

2023 is slowing to a halt and that’s an opportunity to reflect on what just happened over the last 12 months. And a lot happened! Here are seven highlights from an action packed 2023 at Daniel Builders.  BUILDING TRUST BLOG A TIME FOR REFLECTION Highlights from an action packed 2023. < Back Will Cord 2023-12-30 2023 is slowing to a halt and that’s an opportunity to reflect on what just happened over the last 12 months. And a lot happened! Here are seven highlights from an action packed 2023 at Daniel Builders. 1. Built to Last - April marked the completion of multi month remodel of a historic home within walking distance of downtown Pendleton, SC. Every square inch of the home was included in the scope of work as a century old home was refurbished to last another century. Only studs were showing once demo was complete, and some of those were even replaced. The big reveal took place during a summer celebration as numerous friends and family gathered to see the transformed home. A delightful time enjoyed by all! The two photos below provide only a glimpse of how massive the transformation was, but you can get the full scoop, including videos, on our website or hear the client's perspective in this video testimonial . 2. Go Small, Go Viral - For the first time Daniel Builders had a social media post go viral . A detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) was at the center of all the attention. Only 350 square feet, and constructed in the backyard of a Greenville residence, this tiny home had a sizable impact. And as these photos show, its hard not to love this small dwelling! 3. Super-Sized Addition - From small and detached to large and attached we wrapped up an ADU of another type this year. This one in the heart of downtown Greenville, a place where many are search for suitable living space. Finding it was easy for these clients. Instead of moving out they added on. The outcome was stunning! Below is the before shot and here is what it turned into. The drone shot with Greenville's downtown in the skyline is must see, probably our best photo of the year! 4. Photogenic Kitchen - Our current Build Director, Sean Harvey, Project Managed this kitchen remodel. He also has the unique distinction of being the photographer. Sean isn't a professional photographer (though he may aspire to be), but this kitchen didn't need professional photography. As you can see the beauty and design shine through regardless of who is snapping the photo. 5. Attic Living - When was the last time you discovered something valuable about your home? In 2023 we helped clients discover a beautiful room above their heads. Once an unappealing storage area, this attic space turned into something truly inviting. And to think it was always there the whole time, just under the roof. 6. Artistic Flair - We learn so much about our clients during the Design phase of our process. For example some have a real artistic flair when it comes to create a design for their home. Such was the case for these clients. In 2023 their design input resulted in a decorative custom rail and an inspiring doorway. Listen as they tell their remodeling story on the Ready, Set, Renovate podcast! 7. Building a Bridge Collection - One memorable evening of 2023 was the night we took home eight Bridge Awards. That was a first! See the complete list and read about those projects here . Are you ready to make your own great remodeling memories in 2024? 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

In 2019 Daniel Builders took an abandoned building with graffiti filled walls and converted it into multiple offices, two conference rooms and a large storage area making it the perfect location for the Daniel Builders corporate offices. DANIEL BUILDERS OFFICE Anderson, SC Exterior Upgrade Interior Renovation Offices In 2019 Daniel Builders transformed this abandoned building into fully functional office space. Graffiti was on interior walls prior to the renovation. Multiple offices, two conference rooms and a large storage area make this the perfect location for the Daniel Builders corporate offices. A beautiful bonus feature is the large deck added to the rear of the building. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery

Here are the characteristics of an amazing kitchen renovation. BUILDING TRUST BLOG KITCHEN ASPIRATIONS Here are the characteristics of an amazing kitchen renovation. < Back Will Cord 2019-10-31 Here are the characteristics of an amazing kitchen renovation. How well does your kitchen work for you? Soon the heavy cooking/entertaining holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here. And they will reveal much (good, bad, and ugly) about your kitchen. It's the perfect time to evaluate and move toward a more functional and inspirational kitchen space. Here are 5 areas where your kitchen can work better for you. Island - Workstation - From a functional standpoint, the island is your kitchen’s greatest asset. Why? An island has all the functional elements - countertop space, storage, and appliance options. Plus, you have 360-degree access to all of it. You’re basically adding a whole new dimension of functionality. As for inspiration, the island is a perfect area for displaying what inspires you to cook, like your favorite cookbooks. Cabinetry - Work Clutter Free - Kitchen space is prime real estate and good cabinetry ensures you don’t waste any of it. Focus your spending here. And if you insist on cutting corners with cabinetry, then do so with an appliance garage. One of the most effective ways to utilize corner space! As for inspiration, beautiful kitchens all have one common element - beautiful cabinetry. Lighting - Work with Clarity - The realm of kitchen lighting is full of many new cutting-edge developments. Whether it’s pendants, recess, flush mounts, track lighting or a beautiful chandelier, really good lighting options are available. As for getting power to the light source, plug mold multi outlet strips to under counter electrical box fit nicely in almost any design. As for inspiration, you want your kitchen radiant. Appliances - Work toward Reliability - Literally countless gimmicks will temp you to make an impulse buy. Don’t take the bait. Your design (#5) should be guiding you through appliance selection long before you hit the showroom floor. Remember reliability is your highest priority and having a strong warranty a close second. As for the endless features? You can educate yourself first online. As for inspiration, appliances make a great supporting cast for beautiful kitchens. Layout - Make it Work - What is your cooking style? Gourmet chef or microwave warrior? Do you entertain? Do you want others “hanging out” in your kitchen? Or is it your exclusive domain? Questions like this should shape your kitchen's design and layout. As for inspiration, a great design process helps you visualize your kitchen (and make all the right selections) before it becomes a WOW reality. Your functional and inspirational kitchen is one Daniel Builders design-renovation away. 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

Beware of evaluating the cost of a custom renovation solely on the price you're quoted. BUILDING TRUST BLOG CONSIDER THE COST Beware of evaluating the cost of a custom renovation solely on the price you're quoted. < Back Will Cord 2017-01-06 Renovation problems can be avoided if identified soon enough. Ever avoid a big problem by heeding a simple warning or applying a small bit of knowledge? Sometimes that’s all it takes. Renovation problems are no different. They can be avoided if identified soon enough. Here's one big renovation pitfall to avoid. Renovation Pitfall #1 : Confusing Cost with Price Getting multiple quotes for a renovation project is wise. But why? Many would say to compare cost. To illustrate consider the following multiple-choice question. Suzanne is planning a master bathroom renovation. She articulates a clear scope to three different contractors. Her scope includes installing a new tub, countertops, toilet, tile flooring/shower surround, lights, sink and lighting fixtures. She has made all her selections. Each contractor agrees to quote her project. Which contractor will cost Sally the least? A) Contractor Buck’s quote: $9.5K B) Contractor Joe’s quote: $8K C) Contractor Mike’s quote: $12K D) The lowest cost cannot be determined. (Note: A, B & C are all quotes. No estimates. A quote won’t tell you everything but is much more reliable than an estimate. The problem with estimates is they fluctuate in price, and usually in an upward direction.) Correct answer is D! Contractor Joe appears to cost the least. Does he? Here's one possible scenario where he doesn't. Say Suzanne chooses Joe at $8K. Three weeks into the project Joe doesn’t seem really focused on details, or cleanliness, or showing up when scheduled (or at all). Suzanne still feels progress is being made and justifies choosing Joe based on how much she’s “saving”. Joe finally completes the projects, taking 38 days longer than he originally said. Suzanne is just happy to have her bathroom project finished.Unfortunately, the real problems are about to start. Three months later a tile falls from Suzanne’s shower wall and shatters at her feet while she’s taking a shower. Suzanne immediately notices other wall tile are loose. For 2 weeks she attempts to contact Joe, calling him 6 times before he finally calls back. Joe doesn’t sound really positive and finally concedes, “Laying tile really isn’t my specialty. I just did it myself on your project to keep cost down. Really don’t know what to tell you.” Suzanne wants to waste no more time. She hires the most reputable tile installer she can find. He tears out and lays all new tile, both floor and shower surround. His charge: $5.3K. Suzanne’s bathroom renovation cost has risen to $13.3K, and she’s paying significantly more in terms of lost time and intense frustration. Here’s the point. Delays, subpar craftsmanship, poor communication, and no warranty all contribute to your bottom-line cost. Yes, compare multiple quotes, but don’t stop there. Also compare the contractors who give them by requesting references. Look for a track record of prompt & clear communication, excellence in design & craftsmanship, clean & safe job sites, detailed scopes & guaranteed costs, satisfaction guarantee, and warrantied work. This is the best way to ensure you’re receiving an “apples to apples” cost comparison. 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

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

Meet 3 of Greenville's finest with a front row seat in the building industry. BUILDING TRUST BLOG UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS Meet 3 of Greenville's finest with a front row seat in the building industry. < Back Will Cord 2022-07-20 3 Guests involved in the building industry discuss characteristics of Greenville SC home building and remodeling. So, the rumors are true. We did indeed start a podcast. Now it’s available for your listening enjoyment. Daniel Builders was honored to have 3 well respected guests on this first episode. These local industry leaders include Taylor Lyles, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greenville; Greg Gambrell, VP-Sales GBS Building Supply; Dustin Hughes, Corporate Sales Director for Jeff Lynch Appliance. In this episode you’ll get a 30,000 ft view of the housing market in Upstate of South Carolina. Recommended for anyone seeking insight into this local housing market, and especially good for those considering a custom home or Guide-Design-Build renovation. Click here to listen on Apple Podcast. 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 Builders is doing commercial renovation work in Easley South Carolina. EASLEY RENOVATIONS Daniel Builders is doing commercial renovation work throughout the Upstate of SC. We have commercial experience renovating and performing office upfits in the Easley, South Carolina. Here are some Easley commercial properties transformed by Daniel Builders through a commercial renovation. COMMUNITY BIBLE CHURCH Previous Next Back to Communities Gallery

Walls were moved to accommodate a new bathroom layout and the kitchen was updated with painted cabinetry, new countertops and hardware, and backsplash. CONTEMPORARY INTERIOR The Cliffs Bathroom Kitchen Multi Room The scope of work for this idyllic mountain retreat included renovating the kitchen and remodeling the primary bedroom suite. Painted cabinetry, new countertops and hardware, and a new backsplash dramatically improved the kitchen area. As for the primary bedroom suite, bathroom walls were removed and a new layout created to achieve our client’s vision for optimizing rest and function. Previous Next Back to Projects Gallery