Have you seen our March 2024 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about the recent surge in popularity of luxury living in the Triangle, our Women in Construction Week social, and our cherished Gold prize at the 40th Annual Best in American Living Awards!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Have you seen our February 2024 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about a recent featured project, our local sponsorships and our guide on what to expect when preparing for a luxury home build!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Have you seen our January 2024 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about the wonderful achievements we've been able to accomplish with the support of our community and our subcontractor appreciation event!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Have you seen our December 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about several philanthropic events we hosted this year as well as the achievements we've been able to accomplish with the support of our community!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Have you seen our November 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about our staff's favorite fall and winter home features, fall decor ideas, and more!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Have you seen our October 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about our recent sponsorship events in support of local causes, how our customers' children see the luxury home building process, and more!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Do you feel that chill in the air? Autumn has officially arrived and has us feeling ready to refresh our living spaces with some of the season's newest fall home decor ideas. Are you looking for inspiration of your own? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite 2023 fall features that would be perfect to include in your luxury custom home or luxury remodel.
Do you have big ideas for your current or future home, regardless of the season? Find out how our experts at Rufty Homes can bring them to life by calling 919-460-8550 or contacting us online.
This fall, interior designers are focusing on natural earth tones like rich terracotta, deep browns, olive green, warm beige, etc. This color palette is reminiscent of fall colors without being too on the nose, for a beautiful design that will extend well beyond the season.
Consider using these colors on your walls, for your furniture, or with your decor items for a cohesive look that will complement nearly any home style.
What goes better with natural earth tones than various textures throughout your design? To create a more interesting look in your home this fall, use a variety of different textures like handcrafted clay vessels, handwoven textiles, and reclaimed wood furniture.
To take it a step further, layer different textures in a room, such as a soft rug underneath a rugged wood coffee table. These different surfaces will invite touch, helping to create a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for fall.
By pairing these different textures with earth tones, you can create a unique connection between the indoors and the outdoors in your home.
To instantly create a cozier look in your home, consider matching your ceiling color to your walls. In doing so, it will create the illusion of a lowered ceiling, which can make the room feel snug, especially when you choose a warm fall color.
To add even more warmth to the room, consider hanging long curtains along the walls, to create the perfect fall vibe in your living room.
What’s old is new again! This fall, take a trip to an antique or thrift store to find the perfect vintage decor for your space. Mid-century modern pieces are all the rage right now, and designers predict that 1970s pieces are primed for a comeback next.
As you’re searching for fall home decor, look for darker woods, faded fabrics, distressed finishes, and reclaimed pieces to create a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for autumn.
While we typically think of florals for spring, you can incorporate fall florals in your home for a fresh look this time of year. Look for dried stems, eucalyptus, and muted colors, which will coordinate nicely with your seasonal decor. You can also use dried flowers to add a warm touch to your design.
When displaying these florals, you can’t go wrong with a vintage or rustic vase. Another popular option this year is colored glass. Look for a brown or green glass vase to pull the design together.
This fall, the most popular accent color is green. From moody greens that evoke the idea of a forest to muted sage green linens and jewel-toned green tiles, it’s all about green this year and there’s no sign of it going away any time soon. Get creative with incorporating the perfect shade of green in your home.
The obvious choice is painting your walls, but you can also use it as an accent color in your throw pillows, drapes, or even artwork. Whatever you choose, this nature-hue will look timeless and classic.
After spending all summer out on your porch or by the pool, take some time to update your outdoor areas so you can continue to use them even as the weather changes. The key here is comfort, so add a fire pit or heater to the space, put out comfortable throw pillows, and have easy access to washable wool blankets to encourage your family and friends to kick back and stay a while. Many fall design choices will work with home winter designs as well.
If you haven’t already, consider adding a TV to your outdoor living area to create the perfect spot to watch football or your favorite scary movies. Check out some unique home client design requests we've had!
If you think your style doesn’t pair well with plaid, think again. There are subtle ways to incorporate plaid in your design this fall so that it looks chic and not so obvious. In fact, designers are seeing plaid as one of the up-and-coming patterns of this season.
For starters, try finding a plaid fabric that matches the rest of your color palette. Rugs, throw pillows, and table runners are all great ways to use this popular fall fabric in a way that feels fresh.
This fall, porcelain is becoming a popular material thanks to its durability and beautiful aesthetic. It also has low porosity, which makes it less absorbent compared to other materials, so it’s ideal for heavy-use areas of the home.
Aside from porcelain flooring, consider using this material for your kitchen countertops when you’re planning a luxury custom build or an upcoming luxury renovation. Available in a wide variety of patterns, surface finishes, and colors, the possibilities are nearly endless.
One of the easiest ways to make seasonal updates around your home is to switch out your artwork. This autumn, decorating with abstract patterns is a great option to create an elegant look in your home in a way that catches the eye.
When choosing the right abstract pieces, look for warm or moody colors to complement the rest of your fall design.
With the chillier temperatures outside, we’re all about being as cozy as possible inside. Now that summer is officially over, many of us are spending more time indoors and focusing on quality time with our families, where coziness is key. The easiest way to make your house instantly cozier is by adding plush fabrics to your living room, bedrooms, and anywhere else people might gather this fall.
We love cozy velvets, wools, and cashmere to help you seamlessly transition your home to the new season. Swap these out for your summer throw pillows and light blankets to instantly create a more inviting space.
Beyond just decorating your home with fall flowers, consider adding floral patterns to your home for a more vibrant look. Darker floral prints pair well with neutral designs and the earth tones we mentioned above. Look for floral wallpaper to create an unexpected pop in a powder room or keep it a little more subtle with a floral-printed throw pillow.
You can also look for floral-print artwork when you’re scouring the local thrift stores for a vintage piece.
The right lighting can set the perfect ambiance for your space. During the fall, create a cozier home by using soft lighting in a number of different ways. String lights are ideal for your outdoor areas while flickering candles can set the right mood inside.
This season, designers are seeing a resurgence of lamps, using layered lighting to create an intimate mood. Try adding lamps to your floors, shelves, and side tables so you have sufficient lighting in the room without the need for overhead lights.
While white, neutral sofas have been more popular than ever over the last few years, designers are seeing a shift this fall to more colorful and patterned upholstery. Adding a bold couch to your living can create an extra element of coziness that’s perfect for the fall.
One of the most popular options is adding a cozy velvet couch to the living room for an instant boost that’s perfect for the season. Want to pick a bold color that’s not too much? Opt for a velvet couch in a deep, jewel-toned green that pairs well with an otherwise neutral design.
Along with floral patterns, designers are seeing a resurgence of animal prints this fall. With some homeowners looking for a way to dip their toes into a more “out of the box” design, small splashes of animal prints are a great way to do it.
Consider draping a cheetah-print throw blanket over the couch or a leopard-print lampshade that makes a statement.
After reading about these 2023 fall features, we hope you feel inspired to make some changes in your home. If you want to make big updates through a luxury renovation or start from the ground up with a luxury custom home, our experts are here to help you create the perfect home for your family. We can also help with design & decor in the Raleigh Triangle area. To learn more about what we can do for you, please call 919-460-8550 or contact us online.
Have you seen our September 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about the current luxury home remodeling trends, the upcoming Diamond Awards and how you can vote for Rufty Homes as Best Builder, and more!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Here at Rufty Homes, we pride ourselves on creating beautiful spaces that cater to every member of the family, especially our customers’ children! Some of the most enjoyable projects we work on are when the kids get involved and we get to create special areas just for them, like this Rufty build that includes a room with a rock climbing wall.
We thought it would be fun to have a quick chat with the children of some of our current clients to get their perspectives on what the luxury home building process is like. Below you’ll see their answers as well as a few design ideas for kid-friendly spaces.
If you’re interested in creating a luxury home your whole family will love, Rufty Homes can help. Please give us a call at 919-460-8550 or contact us online.
Ben (10) and Rosie (8): “A lot of construction. We have no idea what’s going on in the kitchen.”
Ethan (17) and Brady (15): “We’re getting a new living space, batting cages, and tons of other magical things.”
Ben and Rosie: “We visit often, but we’re not there right now.”
Ethan and Brady: “Yes. We check in on the progress and take drone photos.”
Ben and Rosie: “Our new rooms and sleeping in our own beds again.”
Ethan and Brady: “The gym, batting cages, and spending weekends hanging out in the loft.”
Ethan and Brady: “Our home is taking from December to February to finish. The process started off fast, but now it’s taking longer.”
Ben and Rosie: “Food, water, a refrigerator, an oven, separate beds, and a roof. Some cool things to have are furniture, a TV, and a cozy space to be together and play.”
Ethan and Brady: “A big garage and a good vibe. It should be a place you feel attached to.”
Ben and Rosie: “The Drive Shack party is a selling point.”
Ethan and Brady: “The Drive Shack event.”
We love this feedback from Ben, Rosie, Ethan, and Brady! And, of course, we’re glad to hear that clients of all ages had fun at our recent customer appreciation event at Drive Shack.
If you’re planning a luxury build or remodel soon, here are a few kid-friendly ideas to consider adding to your space.
To help prevent dirt and clutter from making its way throughout your home, consider adding a mudroom to your building plans. This gives your children a functional space to put sports equipment, shoes, backpacks, and more.
Get your littles ones involved and ask them about what kind of space they’d like in your new home. Maybe they want a soccer field in the backyard or a cozy library that’s tucked behind a hidden doorway. The key is to create these fun spaces that are flexible enough for them to enjoy now, but not too specific that they’ll outgrow them in a few years.
Of course, no child really looks forward to doing their homework, but if you create a dedicated space for it, they might get a little more enjoyment out of finishing their schoolwork. Consider including storage for pens, notebooks, etc., to help keep the space tidy. And, don’t forget to include plenty of built-in outlets so they can charge their devices as needed. If you have younger children, you can also create a display area for them to hang their latest pieces of artwork.
We hope you enjoyed hearing from some of our youngest clients about their Rufty build experience. If you are planning a custom build or luxury renovation in the near future, we’d love to chat with you about ideas and how we can bring them to life. Call 919-460-8550 or contact us online to get started.
*Some answers have been edited for clarity.
Have you seen our August 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about Rufty Homes becoming a builder in the historic area of Caswell Heights, whether you should hire an architect or a custom home builder for your project, our upcoming Open House BBQ, and more!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
Building a custom home is one of the most exciting projects you can do in your lifetime. Before getting started, however, there are several important decisions you’ll need to make. If you find yourself wondering if you should choose an architect or custom home builder for your project, you’ve come to the right place for guidance.
We hope that reading this guide will help you start planning for your project so you’re one step closer to building the home of your dreams. If you’re interested in learning more about the luxury home-building process, we’d be happy to talk with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 919-460-8550 or contacting us online.
Architects play an important role in the home-building process, as they understand the mechanics behind how to design a structurally sound home. When you hire an architect for your luxury build, there are several important things they’ll do for you.
For starters, an architect will sit down with you to listen to your wants and needs. From there, they’ll create a complete design concept that not only fits your ideas but also complies with local building regulations.
If you already have a lot for your future home, they might also visit the building site to consider the landscape in their design plans.
After they complete the design sketches, they’ll prepare official construction documents and plans. This includes the specifications for the following:
Architects will not only make sure that any design plans comply with local building codes, but they will also give you guidance about how to move forward with your design without running into violations.
There are a few aspects of your home design that are non-negotiable, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how many stories you need it to be, etc. An architect will ensure that all of your requirements are accommodated in the design.
Finally, an architect can give you insight into whether the land you’re looking at is appropriate for your design needs. If they notice any concerns that could lead to issues down the line, they’ll raise them now so you can re-evaluate.
If you’re not sure whether you need to hire an architect for your luxury build, consider the following benefits of doing so.
The reality is that not every architect will be the right fit for your needs. In order to find the right architect, we recommend following these tips:
Start with location: Designing a custom home is a personal experience. You should expect to meet with your architect multiple times throughout the design process, and it might be easier to meet in person. Even if you’re fine doing virtual design meetings, it can help to hire a local architect so they can visit your land in person as they plan your home design.
Find a style that matches yours: Next, search for an architect that has a portfolio of designs that are similar to what you want in your own home design. If you love the outcome of their previous work, there’s a better chance that you’ll be happy with your own design plans as well.
Make sure they have plenty of experience: Everyone has to start somewhere, but working with an experienced architect can help you have a better overall design process. In terms of experience, look for an architect who has designed homes that are similar in style, size, and budget to what you need.
Here at Rufty Homes, we’d be happy to give you recommendations for architects, interior designers, etc. We’ve worked with many local professionals over the years and are here to give you our vetted recommendations as needed.
Now that you know more about what architects do, let’s take a closer look at the role custom home builders play in your project.
That’s right! Your luxury custom home builder will work closely with your architect during the design phase to ensure that it’s possible to bring the design to life on the lot you’ve chosen. In doing so, they’ll coordinate with your architect on how to build the design in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.
Once your design plans are finalized, your custom home builder will work to make sure that your build stays on schedule by coordinating workers and materials to make sure they arrive on time. If a delay does come up, they’ll work to get the project back on track and communicate with you so you never feel out of the loop.
Your custom home builder is also responsible for bringing in the right subcontractors for the job and overseeing the work that’s done to ensure it meets your standards. The right custom home builder will also have the necessary knowledge to make sure that there aren’t any corners cut during your luxury build.
When you hire an experienced custom home builder, you can have peace of mind that they know about the most common problems that come up during a build. But, more importantly than that, they know how to prevent some of these issues from ever happening. When a problem does arrive, they’ll also know how to solve it in the most efficient way possible.
Finally, your custom home builder will evaluate your home at the end of the project, making a punch list of the finishing touches that need to happen before you move in. This helps to take the stress off your shoulders knowing that every little detail will be attended to.
When you want to truly build the home of your dreams, there’s no better choice than hiring a custom home builder like Rufty Homes. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of doing so.
Choosing the right custom home builder is just as, if not more important, than choosing the right architect for your home. Here are some tips to help you feel confident in your decision:
Look at their portfolio of work: If you don’t like the completed work of a custom home builder, you probably won’t be happy with the final outcome of your home either. We recommend looking through a builder’s portfolio so you can find a good fit.
Ask questions: Building a custom home is a big decision. Before committing to a builder, take the time to ask any questions you have. The right builder will be happy to sit down with you and answer them before starting on your project.
Read reviews and ask for referrals: Finally, we recommend reading through testimonials from past customers or asking a builder for referrals to get a better idea of what it’s like to work with them from the people who know best.
If you’re wondering, “Should you choose an architect or a custom home builder for your project?” we recommend hiring both. An architect and custom home builder can work together to ensure you get the home you’ve always wanted. If you’d like to learn more, please call 919-460-8550 or contact us online.
Have you seen our July 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about how Rufty Homes was named one of the top Residential Remodelers by Triangle Business Journal, learn about ongoing supply chain issues, and more!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
As a top luxury home remodeling in the Triangle, part of our job is staying on top of popular luxury home remodeling trends. We’ve been seeing some fun and innovative ideas in the industry and we are here to help give you inspiration as you plan your custom build or luxury renovation. Below, we’ve outlined some of these trends that you might want to consider for your upcoming project.
As you plan your luxury build or renovation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions you have by calling us at 919-460-8550 or contacting us online.
Most of us enjoy watching our favorite shows and movies from time to time, but we don’t always want a TV to be the centerpiece of a room. If you fall into that category, consider incorporating a hidden TV in your design.
You can opt to have your TV lift up from a piece of furniture or drop down from your ceiling all at the touch of a button. Then, when you’re done using it, it’ll be hidden so it doesn’t detract from the rest of your interior design.
If you want to make sustainability a priority in your luxury home, consider a green roof, which is a touch of greenery on a section of your roof. Not only does this give your exterior an eye-catching look, but it’s also good for the environment, as it helps to absorb rain, filtering out pollutants so they don’t end up in local streams.
Green roofs can also help you save money on heating and cooling costs and reduce outside noise.
When you’re planning your luxury custom build or renovation, think beyond your home to include accessory buildings on your property. These added buildings can give you space to explore your hobbies, outside the main footprint of your home. Some of the most popular accessory buildings include:
If you currently have an electric vehicle or you plan to purchase one in the near future, consider installing a fast-charging station on your property so you can always get where you need to go.
When you’re building a home on a beautiful piece of property, bring the view inside with floor-to-ceiling windows, particularly in your living room. Whether you have a view of a golf course outside your window, nothing but trees, or a resort-style pool, you’ll love being able to enjoy the view from inside your home.
If you plan to add solar panels to your home, consider adding a Tesla Powerwall battery to your system as well. This solar battery system stores the excess energy your panels generate so you can use it during a grid outage, instead of relying on a home generator.
Pickleball mania is sweeping the nation and homeowners are getting in on the action in the comfort of their own backyards. If you love playing pickleball or want to teach yourself how to play, consider adding a court to your luxury home remodeling plans.
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from growing your own food. If you have a green thumb, consider planning a garden space in your backyard so you can grow your favorite fruits, vegetable, and herbs that you can use for your first dinner party in your new home.
Many of the homeowners we work with opt to include a pool in their design plans, but have you thought about adding a saltwater pool? These are soothing to the skin, gentle on the eyes, and non-irritating to the lungs, making them a more enjoyable option for many swimmers.
As you start planning your luxury custom build or renovation, we hope these design ideas leave you feeling inspired. When you’re ready to move from the planning phase to the execution phase, trust the Rufty Homes team for your project. And don't forget about custom home builds for kids! As a top luxury home remodeling company in the area, we’re here to help guide you through every step of your project with ease, resulting in the home of your dreams.
To tell us more about your project ideas and to learn more about what our team can do for you, please call us at 919-460-8550 or contact us online.
Have you seen our June 2023 Newsletter? Check it out for updates on what's been happening at Rufty Homes.
In this month's newsletter, you'll read about our client appreciation event, hear the dads of Rufty Homes weigh in on custom home ideas, and more!
Read the email newsletter here. >>
We’ve written about supply chain issues in the past and, unfortunately, we’re still feeling the impact of them now in the home building industry. Currently, a shortage of transformers has made it so that contractors are building homes without electricity, leaving them to come up with creative ways to manage the delays.
If you have any questions about these supply chain delays, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 919-460-8550 or contacting us online.
Ongoing supply chain issues following the COVID-19 pandemic have led to high global demand for specialized steel and wiring, which has resulted in an ongoing, national shortage of electrical transformers.
As of February this year, it took an average of more than 16 months to produce and deploy new transformers, causing significant homebuilding delays. As a result, contractors are struggling to build homes without electricity, in some cases resorting to bringing generators to job sites in an effort to continue making progress amid the delays.
If a lot or land has never had power on it (no existing or previous home), we will need a transformer. If the home is smaller and it is demolished, the new home may need a larger service and there could be an issue getting a replacement transformer. We are working with Duke Progress to address each new home that has this issue so it can be resolved prior to the completion of the home. Duke has been diligently working on solutions.
A recent proposal from the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase energy conservation standards for the production of electrical transformers has many builders worried that the current supply shortage will get worse before it gets better.
The concern is that the new proposal would only marginally increase efficiency while leading to more significant delays in the home-building process.
Earlier this year, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) along with six other organizations sent a joint letter to Energy Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, with concerns about the proposed bill. Then, in recent weeks, 47 bipartisan senators sent another letter to Granholm, urging the DOE not to move forward on the bill.
The hope is that the DOE will take these concerns to heart and elect not to move forward with the proposed bill. In the meantime, NAHB will continue to work with lawmakers to seek congressional funding to help boost the production of distribution transformers to ease home construction delays.
Our team will continue to stay updated on the proposed bill and efforts to lessen the impact of these supply chain issues. If we’re currently working on your home, we’ll stay in communication with you about delays or changes in the timeline of your project. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 919-460-8550 or contacting us online
Last month, we talked to the moms on our team about the top luxury custom home ideas that mothers love. Now, with Father’s Day coming up, we chatted with some of the dads on our team to get more insight into what fathers really want when building or renovating a luxury home.
We also included some additional project ideas that are perfect for fathers. If you want to surprise the most important dad in your life, consider giving them the gift of a home update they’ll really love. And when you’re ready to start a custom build or luxury renovation project, reach out to our team by calling 919-460-8550 or contacting us online.
Chad Joyce, Accounting: My screen porch.
Mike Koppen, Project Management: The kitchen.
Parker Shanahan, Business Development: The crawl space.
Don Pegram, Project Management: The rear covered porch and outdoor kitchen.
Garth Stevens, Project Management: The rear covered porch!
Chad: I love being able to enjoy time as a family, gathered around the table for meals, games, etc., and not having to worry about mosquitos or flies.
Mike: It’s all brand new from a recent remodel, and as of this week, we are finally cooking in it! Going from electric to gas is such a great upgrade. I love preparing meals for my family. It’s very rewarding and being creative is my favorite part of being in the kitchen.
Parker: I like all the ductwork, pipes, and wires. I also like the musty smell.
Don: I can sit, relax, and cook without the hustle and bustle of the outside world.
Garth: I can totally disconnect there! I love my outdoor fireplace, speakers, rocking chairs, and swings.
Chad: I would highly recommend a screen porch. We added it to our house 8 years ago and we find ourselves spending time outside just about every day. Before adding it, we had a back deck area, but we hardly spent any time out there. Adding the screen porch was a game changer.
Mike: A gym and/or outdoor cooking area are a must. I also recommend adding auto screens, a hot tub, and heaters to a porch area.
Parker: I recommend a small outbuilding as far away from the house as possible for a place that’s all your own.
Don: You can’t go wrong with a rear covered porch and an outdoor kitchen.
Garth: A room or place to disconnect when needed, but that also feels inviting to others!
We love all of these suggestions from the dads on our team! Here are a few more ideas that the dad or grandpa in your life might enjoy.
If the dad in your life is a gear head, they’ll love turning a regular garage into their own little sanctuary. A polished concrete floor can give the area a nice element of design that’s designed to hold up to high pressure. Complete the space with built-in storage for all of Dad’s favorite tools.
Whether your favorite dad is a fan of craft beer, a glass of vino, or even a good mocktail, building a bar in your home can give him a place to perfect his pour. All of his buddies will be clamoring to come over for the next poker night where they can sip on a drink while hoping for a lucky hand.
Think about your dad or grandpa’s favorite hobby. Does he spend his free time cheering on his college teams? Maybe he’s a movie buff who loves even the most obscure films? Or perhaps woodworking is his passion. Whatever it is, building a man cave dedicated to that hobby is the best way to show him you care.
Now that you have a better idea of the luxury custom home ideas that dads really want, trust the Rufty Homes team to help bring them to life. When you’re ready to get started, contact us online or give us a call at 919-460-8550. We’re here to help you create a home that Dad (and every other member of the family) will love.
Phone: (919) 460-8550 | 5121 Kingdom Way Ste 208, Raleigh, NC 27607 | M-F 8 AM - 4:30PM | BuilderTrend Login
