Custom Home Details

Nestled in the Lake Murray community of Pintail Point, this 4384 sq ft Craftsman-style home near Lake Murray boasts 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms on a half-acre lot. Hardwood floors are 3 ¼ site-finished oak, with carpeted areas having 25-year padding. Throughout the home, there’s an abundance of custom cabinetry with soft-close doors and drawers, as well as delightfully useful organizational features.

Many extras adorn this extraordinary home including tall ceilings, saw-cut concrete porches, SEER 18 air conditioning system, custom working shutters with planters, central vacuum system, hi-efficiency Moen plumbing fixtures, GE Profile appliances, a 35-year roof, granite countertops, abundant storage and much more. The 24’ x 24’ 2-car garage has copious storage and ample driveway space.

Back Yard Retreat

The serene back yard retreat has an outdoor entertainment system, stone-accented gas fireplace with heart pine mantle and ceiling fan. The home’s exterior is exquisitely landscaped with Southern Magnolias and Encore Azaleas, highlighting the home’s overall low country charm.

Energy Efficient

This home was built with energy efficiency in mind. The ceiling is constructed with open cell foam insulation with an R-30 rating, and has R-15 insulation in walls and R-19 in floors.

Video Footage of Home

Click on the video below to see footage of all parts of the home –

Click below to watch a video of one of our recently completed homes –

The year was 1994. The Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl, Forrest Gump was the top grossing film, the U.S. housing market was beginning a comeback after a four-year slump, and Pat Dunbar established Chapin, SC-based Dunbar Builders Inc.

A graduate of Indiana University School of Business, Dunbar founded his custom homebuilding business after serving in the U.S. Air Force and working for many years in banking and finance. An eyewitness to the savings and loan crisis of the late 1980’s, Dunbar developed an authentic understanding of the integral role that housing and real estate play in the U.S. economy.

“I had seen up close the risks and the rewards of the housing industry,” Dunbar said. “Weighing all of that, I made the decision to become a custom homebuilder and now 20 years later, we’re experiencing the best sales growth and the some of the highest praise in the history of our company.”

Five years into business, Dunbar’s oldest son, Patrick, joined the company after graduating from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Business. The father-son team today builds in many Columbia area communities including Saluda River Club, Woodcreek Farms and Timberlake, on Lake Murray, and on client-owned lots.

An active member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia where Pat served as president in 2002 and where Patrick currently serves on the board of directors, Dunbar Builders is a perennial participant in HBA’s Parade of Homes. In 2013, Dunbar Builders collected nearly every award offered during the parade’s 16-day run at Sweetbay in Woodcreek Farms. Judges first awarded Dunbar’s ‘The Jasmine’ with Best Kitchen and Best Master Bedroom honors. Then, the majority of more than 8,200 parade visitors crowned Dunbar the People’s Choice Award winner for Best Home and for Best Interior.

“We were so honored to receive the judges awards, and thrilled to be the People’s Choice winner,” said Patrick Dunbar. “To be so highly praised by our peers and by the public is exciting and rewarding.”

In 2014, as Dunbar Builders celebrates its 20th year in business, a marked increase in the number of custom contracts and home starts prompted the company to add a Warranty Department and to hire James Pohorence as Warranty Manager. “We’re experiencing the best growth years in the history of our company, and this is an important step to ensure that our customer satisfaction continues after construction is complete,” the elder Dunbar said.

“Building or buying a home is the largest single investment most people will ever make, and certainly one of the most important buying decisions,” Dunbar said. “We take great pride in our product and our professionalism, and we look forward to working with the next generation of homebuyers.”

Visit Dunbar Builders at the Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show March 14-16 at the SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia, or online at dunbarbuilders.com.

CHAPIN, SC – Dunbar Builders Inc. has been selected for the third year to be part of the Southern Living® Custom Builder Program. Dunbar Builders is one of approximately 100 builders chosen for the annual builder program sponsored by Southern Living magazine, one of the largest monthly consumer magazines in the United States with a circulation of 2.8 million and reaching 16 million readers monthly.

Each year, Southern Living carefully selects members based on their reputation among local businesses and consumers; strength of presence in their respective markets; superior quality and attention to detail; innovative style; and other criteria. Members of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program have access to the entire Southern Living House Plans Service collection, which features more than 1,000 plans created by respected architects and designers throughout the nation.

“We’re fortunate to have been chosen by Southern Living to represent the magazine in the greater Columbia market,” said Dunbar President Pat Dunbar. “To be associated with an instantly recognizable and influential icon of Southern culture and style has made a huge difference for our company.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014, Dunbar Builders Inc. was the People’s Choice award winner for Best Home and Best Interior during the most recent Parade of Homes at Sweetbay in Woodcreek Farms. The father-son team of Pat and Patrick Dunbar builds in many fine communities in the Columbia area including the Saluda River Club and Woodcreek Farms, on Lake Murray and on client-owned lots.

Contact Us for more information. .

About Southern Living
The premier lifestyle and entertainment magazine of the South, Southern Living reaches more than 16 million readers each month with a circulation of 2.8 million. Published 12 times a year by a subsidiary of Birmingham, Alabama-based Southern Progress Corporation, Southern Living celebrates the heart of Southern life.

More than 8,200 people attended the 2013 Parade of Homes, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBAGC), during its 16-day run at Sweetbay in Woodcreek Farms.

Every attendee had an opportunity to vote for his or her favorite home design and interior design in the People’s Choice Awards. These awards are highly sought after by the builders and interior designers each year. The People’s Choice Award for Best Home was won by Dunbar Builders for its Parade home, ‘The Jasmine’. Dunbar also won the People’s Choice Award for Best Interior featuring the work of Pam Trussell Interiors.

Presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia and sponsored by SCE&G, The State Media Company and McDaniels Automotive Group, the 2013 Parade of Homes featured five new homes built by Dunbar Builders Inc., Capogrossi Construction Inc., Emerald Homes, Essex Homes SE, and Tuttle Construction, LLC.

Affiliated with the National Association of Homes Builders, the HBAGC is a non-profit professional association, representing firms involved in all facets of the housing industry.

Dunbar Builders Inc. has won Best Kitchen and Best Master Bedroom awards in the 2013 Parade of Homes presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia. The Parade is open until Sept. 29 at Sweetbay in Woodcreek Farms.

The award-winning Dunbar kitchen features silestone quartz countertops, a spacious island, GE Monogram appliances and custom cabinetry from Schrader Kitchens + Furniture, with interior designer Pamela Trussell added the finishing touches to make the gourmet kitchen an award winner. The spacious master bedroom features a sitting area and his-and-hers closets, with Trussell again adding the interior design details including furniture from Marty Rae’s of Lexington to make the space the perfect owner’s retreat.

“The kitchen is the heart of the home,” said Dunbar Builders President Pat Dunbar. “It’s the gathering spot for the family and the focal point for entertaining, so we believe in giving the kitchen a great deal of thought and attention to detail.”

At 4,169 square-feet, Dunbar’s one-level custom Parade home is professionally decorated throughout and landscaped to include an outdoor fireplace and grill for year-round entertaining. The home includes “Z” wave technology that allows the owner to control HVAC, video cameras, the home’s alarm system, front door and garage doors with a smart phone.

The four-bedroom, three-and-one-half bathroom home is situated on a half-acre lot, and includes a finished bonus room and three-car garage. The great room features high ceilings, hardwoods, a fireplace and French doors leading to the outdoor living space.

An award-winning company serving the Greater Columbia area since 1994, Dunbar Builders in 2011 was named a member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program. The father-son team of Pat and Patrick Dunbar builds in many fine communities in the Columbia area including the award-winning Saluda River Club, Woodcreek Farms and Timberlake, and on client-owned lots.

Click here to view photos of this home.

Dunbar Builders Inc. has named Todd R. Lewis its Director of Purchasing and Construction Management. Lewis brings 28 years of industry experience to the custom homebuilding firm, having worked for many years in sales for building materials companies.

A native of Lexington, SC, Lewis is a graduate of Lexington High School and the University of South Carolina. He has been a licensed residential builder for 12 years.

“Todd’s knowledge of construction materials and management is tremendous,” said Pat Dunbar, president of Dunbar Builders Inc. “His addition to Dunbar Builders is an important step as consumer interest in custom building improves and as we continue to grow our company.”

An award-winning company serving the Greater Columbia area since 1994, Dunbar Builders in 2012 was named a member of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program. The father-son team of Pat and Patrick Dunbar builds in many fine communities in the Columbia area including the award-winning Saluda River Club, Woodcreek Farms and Timberlake, and on client-owned lots.

Dunbar Builders will participate in the 2013 Parade of Homes to be held in September in Woodcreek Farms. Contact Us for more information.

COLUMBIA, SC – Dunbar Builders Inc. has been selected for the second year to be part of the Southern Living® Custom Builder Program. Dunbar Builders is one of approximately 100 builders chosen for the 20^th annual builder program sponsored by Southern Living magazine, one of the largest monthly consumer magazines in the United States with a circulation of 2.8 million and reaching 16 million readers monthly.

Each year, Southern Living carefully selects members based on their reputation among local businesses and consumers; strength of presence in their respective markets; superior quality and attention to detail; innovative style; and other criteria. Members of the Southern Living Custom Builder Program have access to the entire Southern Living House Plans Service collection, which features more than 1000 plans created by respected architects and designers throughout the nation.

“The builder program is a natural extension of our overall homes effort, which aims at offering quality designs and new ideas to consumers across the Southeast,” said Kristen Payne, Executive Director of theSouthern Living Builder Program.  “We believe we have chosen outstanding builders across the region to help us do this.”

Dunbar Builders Inc. is an award-winning custom home building company serving the Greater Columbia, SC area since 1994. The father-son team of Pat and Patrick Dunbar builds in many fine communities in the Columbia area including the award-winning Saluda River Club, Woodcreek Farms and Timberlake, and on client-owned lots.

Dunbar Builders will participate in the 2013 Parade of Homes to be held in September in Woodcreek Farms and the Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show March 8-10 at the SC State Fairgrounds in Columbia. Contact Us for more information.

About Southern Living
Southern Living, the premier lifestyle and entertainment magazine of the South, reaches more than 16 million readers each month with a circulation of 2.8 million. Published 12 times a year by a subsidiary of Birmingham, Alabama-based Southern Progress Corporation, Southern Living celebrates the heart of Southern life.

Q&A with some of Columbia’s experts in the home and garden industries.

Q: Why is maintenance so important with my air conditioning system?
A: Most maintenance visits, when professionally performed, reduce the operating cost of the equipment substantially and extend the longevity of the equipment. Often the cost of the maintenance agreement is recovered by savings on your utility bill. A maintenance agreement keeps the homeowner advised of the condition of the equipment, cleans and improves overall operation of the system by keeping your unit running efficiently. It is also important to know the condition of your ductwork since it is the main transport of airflow in your heating and air system. Many professional service providers offer discounted repair rates and priority response time when failures do occur. It’s a good idea to have a maintenance agreement covering your system when living in Famously Hot Columbia, S.C.
Jeff Lawler, 2nd Wind

Q: What will aeration do for my lawn?

A:As lawns age or sustain heavy use from play, sports activities, pets, vehicle traffic and parking, soil compaction can result. Soil compacting forces are most severe in poorly drained or wet sites. Roots require oxygen to grow and absorb nutrients and water. Compaction greatly reduces the pore space within the soil that would normally hold air. It has a negative impact on nutrient uptake and water infiltration, in addition to being a physical barrier to root growth. This results in poor top growth and lawn deterioration. Core aeration can benefit your lawn by increasing the activity of soil microorganisms that decompose thatch, increasing water, nutrient and oxygen movement into the soil, improving rooting, enhancing infiltration of rainfall or irrigation and helping prevent fertilizer and pesticide run-off.

Trent Hutchinson, Blue Moon Landscaping

Q: What are the advantages of using a builder who offers design and construction services?
A: When using a design/build contractor, the homeowner works directly with a home designer and builder, participating in the entire custom building process. With the designer and builder working together to secure the best products and services, the build typically is faster and more economical with a firm construction schedule.
As a design/build contractor, Dunbar Builders assists with space planning and home design in addition to normal contractor services, including estimating costs, setting schedules and supervising construction to ensure a project that is on time and on budget. Dunbar Builders works with several leading Columbia area designers and architects to identify the right fit for creating a custom home to match individual lifestyles and budgets.
Patrick Dunbar and Pat Dunbar,Dunbar Builders, Inc.

Q: How do I choose the right wedding photographer?

A:Photography will be the cornerstone of your wedding. Without the right pictures, memories might be lost forever. Here are a few things you can do to help make sure you are hiring the right photographer for you.
• Start searching early. Most good photographers will book a year in advance.
• Look at samples. By looking at the photographer’s work, you can see the quality and get a better idea of whether this photographer is for you.
• Visit their website. Most professional photographers will have websites displaying their work, contract, pricing and information.
• Meet with the photographer. Chemistry is important, and having a photographer that you click with will help in stressful times.
• Make sure there is a contract. This is protection for you as well as the photographer. Read the contract. Ask questions. Make sure if something happens, you aren’t left with nothing.
• Ask how the photographer works and how they price the wedding charges. Most will ask for a deposit upfront. That’s fine. Just make sure the deposit is credited to the full price of the wedding.
• Verify what’s in the wedding package. Make sure you ask enough questions to know exactly what you are buying.
Jerry Bilton, Eagle Photography

Q: What is the best way to make sure my grass is green and healthy?

A:For green and healthy grass, the best approach is a blended organic base bridge fertilizer product that takes advantage of the soil’s natural ability to help maintain a beautiful lawn. Soil, a complex living system, requires organic matter to carry out its plant support functions. Conventional lawn care programs have neglected the soil’s environment, so choose an organic-based program that will work to give you a dynamic soil system.
A healthy soil provides an increased supply of water, oxygen and soil-borne nutrients. It can even help foster natural resistance to heat and drought and create an environment that is less favorable to pest and disease. Be sure to seek a service that knows how to bridge products that fuel soil organisms. These organisms, from ants and earthworms to microscopic bacteria and fungi, establish an active and nutrient rich base for healthy lawns. A good lawn service will also focus on careful monitoring and judicious use of the latest lawn care products.
Louis Carta, Grass Root Technology

Q: How do I prepare for the initial consultation with my interior designer?
A:Do your homework ahead of time and your first design consultation will pay off. The most important thing you can do is to photograph all the pieces you wish to keep, print them out for your designer and be sure to add the measurements. Do the same for any rugs or artwork. When photographing rugs and artwork, be sure to take a close up shot for a good color reference. A crucial step to a perfect design is to prepare a scaled floor plan of the space. If you are good with a tape measure, measuring your space ahead of time and doing a quick sketch of the room, including the window and door openings, will be a time saver for your designer. For inspiration ideas check out Houzz.com and create an idea book of all of your favorites. Your designer will thank you!
Linda Burnside, LGB Interiors

Q: We have a disaster plan at work. Is there anything I can do to prepare for a disaster at my home?

A: Behind the death of a loved one, a fire or water damage can be the most stressful event of a person’s life. Preplanning now can go a long way to reducing headaches and expenses in the future. First, consult a local insurance agent to review your coverages. Most basic policies don’t cover many of the most expensive losses: groundwater floods, sewage backups or mold contamination, so you may need additional coverage. Second, if something unexpected occurs, understand that you can and should hire the most professional people you can find. A certified industry professional like PuroClean has the technology and training to save carpet, pad, drywall and even hardwood floors. Ask your friends, neighbors and your local insurance agent about prior experiences and who they would trust in these situations. We can save you a tremendous amount of time and aggravation.
Walker Williams, Puroclean

Q: Can I really save money by using a natural gas tankless water heater?

A: Yes! In fact, you can save up to $6,400 in energy costs over the expected 20-year life of a natural gas tankless water heater. That’s over $300 annually and a seemingly endless supply of hot water, too. No more running out of hot water during a shower or scheduling the dishwasher against bath times. Plus, natural gas tankless water heaters are up to 25 percent more energy efficient site to source than standard electric water heaters, and they last longer requiring little maintenance. That means fewer large tank water heaters going to a landfill. Their compact design allows for flexible installation locations without giving up valuable floor space in your home or garage. Check with SCE&G on rebates and incentives of up to $450 for customers who convert from electric or propane models to a natural gas water heater. You’ll be glad you did.
Joel Reese, SCANA

Q: Why should I buy hardware from a local vendor versus an online vendor?

A: An online store does not offer you the opportunity to see or touch the hardware in person. Many customers have come to our showroom certain of the finish color and/or design style they are ready to purchase only to find something they like better and end up make a completely different purchasing decision.
Further, online vendors do not offer you the sales expertise or service that you get with local vendors. Our years of expertise in building doors gives us the ability to assist customers in selecting the right hardware design and functionality that will serve them well over the years to come. We will also be your liaison with the manufacturer should any hardware issues arise throughout the warranty of the hardware. A local vendor knows the right questions to ask homeowners to guide them in making the right hardware choice without breaking their budget.
Bill Barrett, Southern Custom Doors

Q: We recently bought an older home, and of our first projects is a new master bathroom. How can we make sure we are hiring the right plumbing company for the job?

A: First and foremost, when choosing a plumber or any contractor, make sure they are licensed for their field of expertise and adequately insured. Experience is also extremely important because with knowledge from personal experiences comes a better understanding and ability to handle a variety of situations. Find out which plumbing company your friends and neighbors have used and ask if they are happy with their choice. Superior Plumbing & Gas has been a licensed plumbing company for more than 10 years in the Midlands area, which has helped build recognition and customer satisfaction, earning the honor of being the Midlands best rated plumbing company. Superior guarantees quality, professional work and is very familiar with Shandon, Heathwood and other downtown neighborhoods.
Jeff Godby, Superior Plumbing and Gas

Q: Do I need to have my chimney inspected if I have gas logs or don’t use it?

A: Your chimney and fireplace are probably worth between $10,000 and $20,000, more if you have multiple fireplaces or a two- or three-story home. Protecting this investment is very worthwhile and can be easily accomplished by having an inspection performed by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (www.CSIA.org). A level one inspection will report the condition of the firebox, smoke chamber and flue areas and let you know the condition of the exterior of your chimney and/or chase. These areas are exposed to weathering and, if not properly protected, can allow severe deterioration to your flue, smoke chamber and firebox, as well as areas around the chimney. Your certified chimney sweep should be able to give you recommendations on how to best protect your investment.
Brick and mortar deteriorate from rain and weathering. A masonry chimney is best protected by a large chimney top covering the complete top of the chimney, with the lid having overhang similar to your roof. Prefabricated fireplaces have metal chimney pipes with a metal chase cover. Generally, within 10 to 15 years the chase will begin to rust, sag and eventually leak. This can lead to even more costly repairs.
Even if you have gas logs or don’t use your fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected by a CSIA certified chimney sweep. Besides, according to old European superstition, chimney sweeps bring good luck, so call one today.
Ron Rust, Top Hat Sweepers