When the homeowners of this beautiful residence decided to build a new home in an area closer to their community of friends, their goal was to create a warm and inviting home that was perfect for entertaining guests. Caitlyn Noble sits down with the couple to learn more about the building process from their perspective.
The homeowners explain, “The most important thing to us was to have an open layout with plenty of natural light streaming in throughout the day.” A painter in his free time, the husband also wanted to incorporate warm color tones inspired by the couple’s travels over the years.
They knew that bringing their ideas to life would require putting together a talented team that could help realize their vision.
The couple had recently purchased a lot and proudly selected Rufty Homes to build their new home. It was Rufty Homes “who had built several of our friends’ homes and came highly recommended to us. Jon Rufty recommended that we work with Frazier Home Design and we chose Heather Holcombe Designs to help us achieve a cohesive look that matched our style,” says the couple. “And then we worked closely with our Rufty Project Manager, Allen Moore, who helped figure out creative solutions in almost every area of the home.”
When it came to incorporating color in the design, it all came down to balance. Heather explains, “Our goal was to find ways to use distinct colors throughout the home but in a cohesive way. To do this, we used similar palettes in different areas of the house. For example, there is a rust-colored stone in the foyer that is mirrored with the paint we chose for the back of the bookshelves in the family room. We also carried the granite countertops from the kitchen into the master closet and used the same shade of blue featured in the kitchen in the master bathroom tile.”
One of the home's most prominent features is the smoky blue kitchen cabinets, which are perfectly complemented by the custom-designed textured blue tile backsplash, which features a fig tree. “It took several iterations to get the design of that tile exactly right, but it was more than worth it to get the end result,” says Heather.
It was that attention to detail from every member of the team that made the building process a smooth one for the couple. The wife goes on to say, “Allen and Heather were extraordinarily helpful and awesome to work with. They both helped guide us to make the right decisions and we felt we could rely on them completely. A project of this size, with so much complexity and customization, comes with challenges, especially since we were specific about what we wanted. But, we all worked together to get everything right down to the last detail. ”
For Allen Moore, the challenges are part of what he loves about his work. “I enjoyed the process of helping the couple figure out exactly what they wanted, even if that meant making changes on the fly. The staircase, for example, started on paper as a completely different design, but it was very satisfying to listen to the homeowners and figure out a solution that better fit their needs and wants. The finished staircase couldn’t be more perfect for the space.”
This idea of helping homeowners find creative solutions during the build process is set from the top down, starting with Jon Rufty, which was immediately apparent to our client. He explains, “Jon was always solution-focused any time we had questions or concerns. It was obvious that he has a passion for what he does and his top priority is making sure his customers are happy.”
Now, as they prepare to move into their new home, the homeowners most look forward to the time they’ll spend together with their friends and loved ones. Whether it’s hanging out on their screened porch, surrounded by nature, or having a drink in their downstairs bar that was inspired by a trip to Dubai, their place will feel like home to all who visit.
For more photos of this beautiful new home, click 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.
When James and Melissa Burke set out to build their home with the Rufty team, they had two main requirements: the home needed to reflect their modern farmhouse aesthetic and be functional and accommodating for their four young sons. They decided not to rush the process, buying the Rufty Homes' lot in 2017 and waiting to break ground on it until 2020, when the timing worked best for their family. Carter Skinner, the original home designer, played a critical role in the initial plans, as well as, helped James and Melissa realize their overall vision.
“From the very start, the Rufty Homes team made us feel very comfortable. They took the time to listen to our vision, helped us review lots based on the ideas we had for our home, and were flexible, waiting to start on the build until we were ready,” explains James.
When talking through their ideas for a modern farmhouse style, they leaned on the Rufty team to help them find the right designer for their project. “They recommended that we work with Jenn Frost of JSF Designs, and immediately we knew it was the perfect fit,” says Melissa. “Jenn has a clean and tailored style with pops of fun and that’s exactly what we wanted to reflect in our home. The connection we formed was instant and it was great knowing we could completely trust her to bring our ideas to life.”
For Jenn, the feeling was mutual. “Melissa was very organized and knew exactly what she wanted. The goal was to create a fun, welcoming, and functional space for their boys, while still incorporating a cohesive modern farmhouse style with pops of blue throughout. We worked so well together and by the end of the project, Melissa and I had formed a genuine friendship,” she says.
Once the build process was in motion, the Burkes relied on their Rufty Project Manager, Garth Stevens, to help find the best possible vendors. “Garth was always so responsive and kept things organized for us. He took the time to shop around for different vendors and provide us with pricing options, which we really appreciated, especially as this was our first time going through the home building process.”
One challenge during the build was that many materials were back-ordered, due to ongoing supply chain issues. What could have been a headache for everyone involved was instead handled seamlessly. Jenn explains, “Though I’ve worked with Rufty Homes many times over the years, this was my first time working with Garth. He made the process easy. Even when dealing with product delays, he kept open lines of communication so everyone was on the same page and knew what to expect.”
While unforeseen issues always arise during a project, there were a lot of fun moments as well, particularly in creating unique spaces for the Burke’s sons to enjoy around the home. “We created an amazing loft space for the boys, which includes a ladder entry and net play area. We also added an indoor climbing wall so they can stay active. But, even outside their rooms, we made sure there were spaces created with the boys in mind. One of my favorite elements was a hidden door in the butler’s pantry that leads to a small hideaway space. The Burkes wanted a beautiful home, but more importantly, it needed to reflect their family and I’m so proud we were able to do that,” Jenn says.
The end result is a welcoming and cohesive home that is designed to meet the Burkes’ needs now and in the future, as their children grow. Melissa explains, “We love how open the space is and that it’s great for entertaining. We have no doubt that it will be a great place for our kids’ friends to come to hang out as they get older. We can’t thank Rufty Homes and Jenn Frost enough for helping us to navigate the build with ease and deliver the home of our dreams.”
See the full project gallery here.
The only thing more important to our team than building beautiful, high-quality homes is the connections we make with our customers along the way. In fact, many times the homeowners we work with start out as strangers only to end up as friends. And, in one special case, the work and dedication of Rufty Project Manager, Don Pegram, even inspired a song…
Back in 1994, when Mitch and Thuy moved to Raleigh, they had no idea that purchasing a house built by Rufty Homes would lead to a connection that would last for decades, but that’s exactly what happened. Mitch explains, “My wife and I had never owned a home before, and, being new to the area, we didn’t know anything about the reputation of local builders. Our real estate agent showed us a few homes and we fell in love with a former Parade of Homes house that had been built by Rufty Homes.”
Mitch and Thuy moved in and didn’t think much else about the builder behind their home until Mitch received a phone call from Jon Rufty about a year later. “Jon checked in to see why we never called in a punch list for the home. I wasn’t sure what that meant, so Jon explained that it was our opportunity to come up with a list of things that were ‘wrong’ with the house and that the team would fix them for us within the first year of moving in. That was my first indication that Rufty Homes was a special team with exceptional integrity,” says Mitch.
Fast forward 15 years later, and Rufty once again made an impression. While Mitch was out of town, Thuy noticed the basement was starting to flood. Unsure about what to do, she called Jon Rufty, who showed up at their doorstep just 15 minutes later. “He immediately got to work, calling subcontractors and coming up with a plan to help take care of everything. It’s a testament to who Jon is, but it blew us away,” remembers Mitch.
After the flood, Mitch and Thuy decided to do some remodeling on the home and had no hesitation to hire Rufty Homes for the job. It was then that they met Don Pegram, and another instant connection formed. Over the years, they’ve worked with Don on four remodeling projects, and he never ceases to step up to the plate when they need him. When Mitch decided to finally bring his dream of having an in-home music studio to life, there was no question that they wanted Don to do the job.
Mitch worked with a renowned music studio architect on the designs for the space, and there was no room for error. The walls, floors, and ceiling of the studio have to be built to near-perfect dimensions in order for the complex mathematics of neutral frequency response to work correctly. While the architect doubted that a residential builder could be up for the task, Mitch stood firm that the only person he’d be comfortable doing the build was Don.
“After working with Rufty Homes so many times over the years, why would I ever want anyone else to touch my house? It was never a question that Don would be the right person for the job and the studio turned out perfectly, just as I knew it would,” says Mitch.
However, while building the studio to perfection was impressive, it was what Don did beyond that that really spoke to Mitch and Thuy.
“During the studio build, we learned that our son, who was in the process of defeating cancer, would be able to come home. However, for his health and safety, it was vital that there was no dust in the home. As we were in the middle of a remodel, this seemed like a problem. We explained our concerns to Don, and he immediately told us that he’d take care of it so we could focus on our son. When we got home just 24 hours later, Don had built a wall that totally sealed the studio off from the rest of the house and had made sure that every single speck of dust was removed. It was just another example of how the Rufty team constantly goes above and beyond,” Mitch remembers.
At the end of the project, when Don jokingly mentioned that Mitch should write a song about him called “Hanging With the Don,” Mitch was quick to agree! It took a month to write it, then four years to record it, and another three years to get the perfect sax solo from Mike Nordin, but it was well worth the wait. Mitch has released a nearly nine-minute ode to Don, the ultimate swashbuckling superhero of the building trade that we’re excited to share with you today.
Truly, making connections with our customers is what it’s all about.
You can listen to “Hanging With the Don” below and check out “Just Water,” Mitch’s band since the 1970s, on Spotify.
The latest newsletter is out and features Jon talking custom homes, a re-cap of our 30th celebration and open house, as well as a pictorial tour of our new workplace. Read the latest here.>>
Please join us for our Open House on Thursday, June 28. We're welcoming friends and family to our new workplace. Join us and celebrate 30 years of custom home building. See the details and RSVP here.
Rufty Homes is excited to showcase our new modern home with family and friends. We recently completed our new office build out in cooperation with our commercial building family, Rufty-Peedin Design Builders. Together, we’re celebrating with an open house on June 28. See details here.
Get an insider's look at the region's housing market by attending the Triangle Business Journal's Power Breakfast on May 1. Learn "What's hot & What's not" in home and land prices, active communities and luxury living. Jon Rufty will serve on a panel with fellow custom homebuilder Rex Bost and Tim Smith of Preston Development Co., the developer behind Chatham Park. You can register online.
Rufty Homes is educating our next generation of top interior designers from Meredith College. We recently hosted students from Jane Crowley's Construction Technology course at our Sweetwater Apex jobsite. Project Manager Ken Johnson helped them learn about residential building materials, sustainable construction methods, and custom millwork.
Lifetime’s “Designing Spaces” paid a recent visit to the Triangle to talk natural stone and interview our friends at ROCKin'teriors. They toured a fabulous custom home by the Rufty Homes team. The episode also showcased many custom homes we've recently built to share how natural stone is used for more than kitchen counters, including fireplace surrounds, outdoor living areas, pools, and much more. The episode premiered Oct. 19, 2017, and will air again on Oct. 26, as well as in syndication.
We're excited to partner with our sister company Rufty-Peedin Commercial Design Builders to pay tribute to our customers, friends and families. Many of us love living in Cary and our commitment to the community grows with every passing year -- 30 to be exact! As a tribute, we ran an advertisement showcasing two recent building projects you may have come across.
The Triangle Business Journal recently published its list of "top residential remodelers." Our team is honored to be recognized among the top 20 remodeling companies in the region, and everyone at Rufty Homes takes tremendous pride in the awards and recognition we receive.
Over nearly 30 years, we've built a reputation as the top luxury custom home builder in our region and humbly recognize that is the result of the wonderful families we've had the pleasure of serving.
With that reputation for custom home building, the fact can sometimes get lost on homeowners that we're also a trusted resource for remodeling projects.
As your family's needs change, remember that the team here at Rufty is available to meet with you to discuss innovative remodeling ideas that transform your residence into more enjoyable living space.
When it comes to renewing the comfort and style of your home, we're committed to helping you create lasting value in your home with the latest trends in technology, sustainability and comfort.
Stay tuned for more tips about the remodeling process in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you might enjoy this striking Before/After, which shows the dramatic transformation possibilities in residential remodeling.
Phone: (919) 460-8550 | 5121 Kingdom Way Ste 208, Raleigh, NC 27607 | M-F 8 AM - 4:30PM | BuilderTrend Login
