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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

Ezra Greene and Sam Parkinson take demolition serious. BUILDING TRUST BLOG THE ART OF DEMO Ezra Greene & Sam Parkinson take demolition seriously. < Back Will Cord 2022-08-25 You can't mess-up demo, right? Demo is an important element in the Guide Design Build process. Ezra Greene and Sam Parkinson are guests on the Ready, Set, Renovate podcast. Wrong! The reality is you can mess-up demo, and yes, it can lead to substantial collateral damage. Contrary to HGTV’s portrayal (i.e. young couple gleefully wielding a sledgehammer), demo actually requires serious forethought. Recently, we recorded a podcast with two people who know demo, Sam Parkinson of Daniel Builders and Ezra Green of Ezra Construction. Listen as they discuss “construction in reverse” on “Ready, Set, Renovate!” or watch (& Subscribe) on our YouTube channel . You’ll hear 3 recurring themes from Ezra & Sam regarding demo - Safety, Strategy and Salvaging. Safety - It comes first with good reason. Safety is the highest priority during demo. Life & limb go on the line during demo, and no renovation is worth that cost! The right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) goes a long way to ensuring that happen. You'll also want to know some basic safety guidelines , much of which can be found online. Strategy - Doing anything haphazardly is ill-advised, especially residential demolition. Outlining a sequence of events for dismantling your old kitchen or bathroom is the right approach. In addition to lowering frustration, a clear strategy for demo also enhances job site cleanliness/organization. Salvaging - Not everything has to be destroyed. Some of it is salvageable . Maybe you see those old cabinets as worthless, but they're valuable to someone. Stores like the Haven of Rest Thrift Store and Habitat for Humanity’s Restore are often happy to receive these donations. Plus, they have personnel to haul it away for you. Contemplating a major 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

Is it crazy to uproot your family and travel thousands of miles in search of a new state? Some might think so, but not Ricardo Rodriquez and his wife Amber. They thought it was a great idea. And after a year of living in South Carolina, they still do. BUILDING TRUST BLOG COMING FROM FAR People from all over the country want to live in South Carolina. < Back Will Cord 2023-10-12 Is it crazy to uproot your family and travel thousands of miles in search of a new state? Some might think so, but not Ricardo Rodriquez and his wife Amber. They thought it was a great idea. And after a year of living in South Carolina, they still do. Two years ago they were living in Bakersfield, CA. Amber convinced Ricardo that farm livin' is the life for them. So they loaded up the fifth wheel and embarked on some massive road trips. Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and South Carolina were explored in search of acreage to live out their agrarian vision. They eventually landed on plot of land in Pendleton, South Carolina. It's an intriguing and increasingly common story. People from all over the country want to live in South Carolina. Ricardo explains the appeal , and what they learned since arriving. Turns out this major move wasn't crazy at all. Is someone you know moving to the upstate of South Carolina? Maybe they found a house but want to transform it into a place they love. 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

After collaborating on a recent remodel, we sat down with Krystal Lord from Gallery of Lighting for an illuminating conversation. BUILDING TRUST BLOG LOVE AT FIRST LIGHT Thanks to the Gallery of Lighting, this project really shines! < Back Will Cord 2025-02-28 Not long ago Daniel Builders wrapped up a $1.7M home remodel of a Simpsonville, SC residence. As you might expect, the lighting fixtures were quite impressive! The Gallery of Lighting in Greenville, SC was one of the lighting suppliers for this project. We recently spoke with Krystal Lord from the Gallery of Lighting about her role in the renovation process. From selection to installation, Lighting Specialists like Krystal help “illuminate” the path forward. Check out our interview with Krystal in the video above! When asked to comment on the remodel, here’s what Gallery of Lighting had to say: “It’s clear this homeowner had a vision for their home, and a sense of the importance that quality finishes and construction would play in making that vision come to life.” This project’s interior designer, Carol D’Cruz of D’Cruz Design, explained the “why” behind the lighting selections: “The light fixtures were all chosen for a modern aesthetic that incorporates natural materials. I combined iron, alabaster, nickel, marble, frosted glass, and silk to achieve a timeless yet current feel.” Collin Amos from the Gallery of Lighting explained the role and priority of lighting during a remodel: “Lighting is just as important as any other detail in a home, so putting the same amount of effort into light fixtures as countertops, floors, etc. is paramount.” It all starts with “getting a plan on paper" (something her team is adept at doing). Here’s a glimpse at a few lighting fixtures that went into this massive remodel: Dining Room Nine Light Chandelier Height: 39.00" Width: 23.50" Master Bathroom This photo showcases four fixtures: a backlit mirror, two vanity lights, and a pendant light. The brass Cannes pendant by Ralph Lauren is visible in the mirror’s reflection. The shade is comprised of white glass. Here’s a few more specs: Height: 30.50" Width: 22.00" Depth: 22.00” A brass Calliope LED vanity light by Thomas O’Brien is located on each side of the mirror. This dimmable fixture can be installed vertically or horizontally. Height: 32.75" Width: 3.75" Depth: 3.50” In terms of new technology and trends, the future is bright. According to Collin, “We’re seeing more and more in the way of LED mirrors in bathrooms. They contribute to a high-end, spa-like feel in a space, and more lighting manufacturers are jumping on this trend and releasing their own designs. Key features to look for in a LED mirror are dimmability, color changing capability (warm to cool based on task at hand), and defogging features.” Are you contemplating a major home remodel? Speak with a Daniel Builders Project Guide by calling 864.506.5546 or get your renovation started here ! If you’re interested in more information about lighting fixtures from the Gallery of Lighting, you can visit their website or reach out to them at 864.370.4451. 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

Set the expectations for a positive renovation experience. BUILDING TRUST BLOG VALUE BUILDS TRUST Set the expectations for a positive renovation experience. < Back Will Cord 2016-11-30 It’s official. Daniel Builders now has a blog, and you're reading the first post! Welcome! Glad you’re here. What to Expect How many beloved salespeople do you know? I mean people you really enjoy being around. I know what you're thinking. If you don't have to endure a salesperson, then try to get as far away from them as fast as you can. Well, Daniel Builders wants you to benefit from our approach to sales. We see every interaction as an opportunity to build trust, whether you’re ready to spend $250K on a home renovation or simply calling to inquire about a leak in your ceiling. Obviously, not every conversation leads to project agreement, but every interaction is an opportunity to impart value. Which is also our approach to this blog. Post real value content. In other words, we’re blogging to provide you something useful, relevant, and inspirational. (And maybe sometimes hilarious!) Your home holds significant value. For many it's their greatest financial investment. That's just the tip of the iceberg though. What about the emotional value? Your home is a sanctuary, a place to "live", not to mention the location of countless memorable moments with friends and family. All of which contributes significant emotional worth. So how are you enhancing the value of something worth so much? After all, don't you want to love where you live? Daniel Builders wants to help! The Back Story We recognize General Contractors are up against some unfavorable stereotypes. Consider this. When was the last time someone raved about their General Contractor, or told you how well their renovation was managed? Instead, homeowner horror stories are much more common. Like the renovation that becomes a colossal money pit. Or, the General Contractor who mysteriously disappears in the middle of a project, never to be seen or heard from again. Here’s good news. Those experiences are completely avoidable. Starting a major renovation shouldn't lead you to seek treatment for anxiety. It shouldn't feel like leaping out of a plane unsure if you're wearing a parachute or a backpack full of bed sheets. So why aren't people sharing positive experiences? Is anyone having a positive experience with their general contractor? They are, but something big is missing. Trust. Unfortunately, our industry is characterized by high levels of customer distrust. Which is why Daniel Builders takes “Building Trust”, your trust, so serious. Which is also why we started a blog. This blog, along with the value you receive, is simply another way Daniel Builders builds trust. Enjoy. 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 mudroom feature that will save space. BUILDING TRUST BLOG SPACE MAKER A mudroom feature that will save space. < Back Will Cord 2020-09-01 In our last blog "Mudroom Masterpiece" we told you Houzz was featuring a mudroom we renovated. Last week the story was published. Our renovation in coordination with Buttercup Design was featured alongside 2 other projects, which Houzz refers to as “laundry rooms”. Technically, there's a difference between mudrooms and laundry rooms. More important "Mudroom" sounds so much cooler. And despite their differences all three projects offer a unique insight for creating your own Mudroom Masterpiece. The Houzz video can be seen here and the article here . After Houzz published the story, someone emailed asking if we would share our secret. How did we create extra space behind the washer/dryer? While we’re unwilling to share all secrets, this one we’ll entrust to you. You’ll likely find it interesting. Here it is: It’s called the Dryerbox . And this video shows how Dryerbox maximizes space by allowing the vent exhaust to recess into a wall cavity. As you see there are a variety of sizes and orientations that guide that hot, damp air through the floor or ceiling. Dryerbox is perfect for almost any washer/dryer scenario. Not only does it create a roomier mudroom, the Dryerbox keeps the area cleaner, safer, and more energy efficient than traditional dryer vent methods like these. As shown below Dryerbox keeps your dryer’s vent duct from being compressed and/or restricted. Lint build up is minimized, reducing the threat of a fire hazard. And when venting is improved clothes dry faster and more efficiently. We have plenty more insights to share regarding your custom mudroom 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

Laurilyn Hall and Billy Zion discuss the Design Phase. BUILDING TRUST BLOG WHY DESIGN Laurilyn Hall and Billy Zion discuss the Design Phase. < Back Will Cord 2022-11-22 Can you start a custom renovation without doing any Design work? Laurilyn Hall and Billy Zion discuss how vital the Design Phase is in a custom renovation. Of course you can. Some say Design is unnecessary and suggest one skilled craftsman (or what we affectionately call Chuck & his Truck) can get the job done. Which, for the record, might actually be true, but it's a gamble... like jumping from an airplane without any certainty your backpack has a parachute. Best to verify before making the jump. Starting a custom renovation is a major decision requiring forethought and preparation. Design = Preparation. So, what does a well-crafted Design include? Renovating your whole home will require more Design time than a bathroom reno, but both have similar Design deliverables - a rendering, a detailed scope of work, and a completed list of selections (colors & fixtures). Of course, having a Builder involved makes the transition from Design to Build even smoother. In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate! we have two guests well-acquainted with custom renovation Design. Billy Zion of Zion architects and Laurilyn Hall of Thrive Architectural Interiors sat down to discuss the benefits of a good Design. So, without further ado… Let’s get to it! Are you ready to Design your next 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 receives 2017 Guildmaster Award from Guild Quality. BUILDING TRUST BLOG AWARD PRESS RELEASE Daniel Builders receives 2017 Guildmaster Award from Guild Quality. < Back Will Cord 2017-02-27 GuildQuality’s 2017 Guildmaster Award Honors Daniel Builders. Daniel Builders of Anderson, SC recognized among the top customer service leaders in the residential construction industry. Anderson, SC, February 27, 2017 - received a 2017 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. Since 2005, GuildQuality , an Atlanta-based third-party customer satisfaction software surveying company, has powered the Guildmaster Award to recognize and celebrate home building, remodeling, and contracting professionals demonstrating the highest level of customer service within the U.S. and Canada. Out of 600+ eligible applicants, Daniel Builders is one of 300+ businesses within the residential construction industry recognized by GuildQuality for consistently delivering superior customer care. In determining which businesses received the 2017 Guildmaster Award, GuildQuality reviewed thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates and considered two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers stating they would recommend the business to a friend and the percentage of customers who responded. Daniel Builders achieved a recommendation rate of 90% or above from their customers surveyed by GuildQuality. “Receiving this award is a big honor! We have so much heartfelt gratitude toward our customers who entrust us with their homes, and give us an opportunity to exceed their expectations!” –Will Cord, Marketing Manager For more on the 2017 Guildmaster Award and qualifications, visit www.guildquality.com/guildmaster/ . About Daniel Builders: Full-service home remodeling company specializing in whole house renovations and additions. Visit www.danielbuilders.com . 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

Some remodels require extensive Design work. Producing architectural drawings, a detailed scope of work, a complete list of selections and a fixed cost to build is time consuming. Which is precisely why Daniel Builders created the Guide-Design-Build process, to handle the bigger, more complex remodels. BUILDING TRUST BLOG GO DIRECTLY TO BUILD Many Figueroa discusses Direct Projects. < Back Will Cord 2023-12-14 How much Design time should you spend prior to remodeling your home? Some remodels require extensive Design work. Producing architectural drawings, a detailed scope of work, a complete list of selections and a fixed cost to build is time consuming. Which is precisely why Daniel Builders created the Guide-Design-Build process, to handle the bigger, more complex remodels. Not all remodels require this level of upfront legwork though. Some have a super straight forward Scope of Work, which means the remodeling process is different. At Daniel Builders these remodels are known as Direct Projects, as they largely bypass the Design phase and go directly to the Build phase. Sometimes a client brings Design work from a third party architect and/or designer, which also could be considered a Direct Project in our business model. In this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate Many Figueroa discusses Direct Projects and identifies the type of remodel that makes a "good fit” for this division of Daniel Builders. As you’ll hear, Manny thrives on being a problem solver, as well as someone who facilitates a wonderful remodeling experience for his clients. So let’s get to it! Do you have a question about Design time or our Guide-Design-Build process? 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

On this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate, we “dig into” a recent collaboration with Arbor Land Design. We cover “a lot of ground” as Alex Williams shares about this award-winning Simpsonville, SC property. BUILDING TRUST BLOG MAY FLOWERS Alex Williams "digs into" the landscape of this award-winning Simpsonville, SC property. < Back Will Cord 2025-05-30 How is your home’s curb appeal? Maybe it’s in a good place, or perhaps it’s unsightly. Wherever you are on that spectrum, know this: a landscape architect can dramatically enhance your property. We know a great landscape architect! On this episode of Ready, Set, Renovate, we “dig into” a recent collaboration with Arbor Land Design. We cover “a lot of ground” as Alex Williams shares about this award-winning Simpsonville, SC property and the fundamentals of landscape architecture. If you’re in the market for a property upgrade, here are five characteristics of a good landscape architect: They work to create a cohesive flow between land and home, considering the form and function of the space. They craft an experience, not simply an end product. They actively collaborate with the design decision makers of a home, whether it’s the architect, general contractor, or some other influencer. They take the time to understand a client’s expectations and personality. They know not only what is best to plant, but when is best to plant it. They provide construction management services, overseeing other trade contractors from grading contractors to masons. Are you contemplating a major home remodel? Speak with a Daniel Builders Project Guide by contacting us at 864.506.5546 or https://www.danielbuilders.com/get-started ! If you’re interested in more information about landscape architecture, contact Arbor Land Design at 864.235.3589 or https://arborlanddesign.com/ . 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