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Has anyone built a modern / contemporary home in the Triangle? I'm curious what the process was like. Smooth sailing, a nightmare or somewhere in-between? I'm specifically interested in hearing about custom builds that involved an architect.
this exact topic has been posted before, your search should yield some great info.
Otherwise ...
most subdivisions have some requirement on the size (and if a big one w/HOA) the style of exterior, or even an Architectural Committee to approve plans. Don't expect to go far outside the box.
We have a large number of qualified modern/contemporary home architects in the Triangle, and a large number of qualified custom builders to execute their plans.
it's near impossible to guesstimate the cost for you, since avant garde homes can include significant custom, expensive, and engineering marvel features.
Generally, it is not too bad. There was a nightmare you will probably read about where someone built one in a historic neighborhood and after the proper permits were recieved, one particular neighbor pushed and tied it up for a while. It was found in favor of the modern house though. Most places you could do a custom build on definitely larger lots would be OK with it, especially if it is custom and quality. Bo had good advice.
There are actually lots of modernist homes in the area going back to the original movement. I think something like the second or third largest number in the US.
Louis Cherry is the architect of the house I mentioned before (it's his own residence) so try him. Frank Harmon is also huge in these types of houses. also check NCModernist Houses and they can get you some info. http://www.ncmodernist.org
Thanks for the replies. I've read about the Louis Cherry house in Oakwood. That one probably falls into the nightmare category.
There's some great mid-century modern stuff in the Triangle. I have kids, so good public schools really limit the search. I've seen some nice older homes in Chapel Hill, but I'm curious about building new.
I think you have plenty of opportunity, and plenty of well-qualified modernist architects to consider.
An experienced architect will also know builders and contractors with whom they have had success.
After that, it is a matter of bringing the money.
Cash is cool. Financing makes it a bit more of a challenge. Doing homework on the lender and loan officer and their experience with construction loans is wise.
Being closer to mainstream simplifies.
I saw a contemporary recently that had only two bedrooms, and the master BR was separated from the common area by a 42" high partition. Don't know if you could get that plan financed easily.
Saw one yesterday that other than the front door, the alternate exits were only accessed through bedrooms. So, lock the bedroom door, and no egress from the rest of that level. It is truly a personal work of art, but odd for living, IMO.
Hmm just lost my post. (so if this double posts, I'm sorry.)
We just (a week ago) relocated here from rural VT. We chose to build in a "neighborhood" because we couldn't find what we needed in the pre-existing homes for a reasonable price, but building new had what we needed. We're in the process of building (and currently crammed into an apartment, it's a tight fit. *sigh*) and I will say that we did our research on our builder. We looked up the builder on BBB and other complaint boards, basically anything we could find. Plus, we were able to see the model and poke around it and check things out as well as another in-process house so my husband could get a look at the "bones" of the houses. Good schools limit the area we could search in, so between that and our needs for the house, it narrowed things down quickly.
A development should be relatively easy for you to research, but if you go with land + builder purchase, you'll probably need to dig a little deeper and visit some examples of their work (and READ everything you sign. EVERYTHING. Find out all their policies, etc.)
Hmm just lost my post. (so if this double posts, I'm sorry.)
We just (a week ago) relocated here from rural VT. We chose to build in a "neighborhood" because we couldn't find what we needed in the pre-existing homes for a reasonable price, but building new had what we needed. We're in the process of building (and currently crammed into an apartment, it's a tight fit. *sigh*) and I will say that we did our research on our builder. We looked up the builder on BBB and other complaint boards, basically anything we could find. Plus, we were able to see the model and poke around it and check things out as well as another in-process house so my husband could get a look at the "bones" of the houses. Good schools limit the area we could search in, so between that and our needs for the house, it narrowed things down quickly.
A development should be relatively easy for you to research, but if you go with land + builder purchase, you'll probably need to dig a little deeper and visit some examples of their work (and READ everything you sign. EVERYTHING. Find out all their policies, etc.)
Hmm just lost my post. (so if this double posts, I'm sorry.)
We just (a week ago) relocated here from rural VT. We chose to build in a "neighborhood" because we couldn't find what we needed in the pre-existing homes for a reasonable price, but building new had what we needed. We're in the process of building (and currently crammed into an apartment, it's a tight fit. *sigh*) and I will say that we did our research on our builder. We looked up the builder on BBB and other complaint boards, basically anything we could find. Plus, we were able to see the model and poke around it and check things out as well as another in-process house so my husband could get a look at the "bones" of the houses. Good schools limit the area we could search in, so between that and our needs for the house, it narrowed things down quickly.
A development should be relatively easy for you to research, but if you go with land + builder purchase, you'll probably need to dig a little deeper and visit some examples of their work (and READ everything you sign. EVERYTHING. Find out all their policies, etc.)
It would be great if you don't mind sharing. I'm curious which town you decided to build in. Schools are a limiting factor for us as well. From what I've seen, Chapel Hill, Apex or maybe NW Raleigh are probably the only areas with highly-rated schools that have unrestricted land to build on. Cary has a fair share of good schools, but everything in those neighborhoods seems to be in an HOA.
I live in a modern house near Wade ave in Raleigh. As others have said, check out Triangle Modernist Houses for info about houses for sale, local modern architects and builders that are experienced in modern design and finishes. I will tell you, having remodeled my modern house twice, that both an architect and a builder that are very experience with modern houses is a good idea. PM me if you have specific questions.
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