We at Dunbar Builders are loving the look of painted brick exteriors, and have recently finished several homes with painted brick. Let’s talk about these exteriors that you’ve probably noticed more of in your neighborhood recently…

As design trends continue to move toward a more calm, clean aesthetic, more of our clients want the fresh look of painted brick for their home’s exterior. Painted brick is also a great way to update a home that looks dated, needs curb appeal, or is just plain blah.

Dunbar Builders often uses brick for the exterior because 1) it is a material with inherent strength and 2) it provides texture. While it is a very traditional look to leave the brick exposed on the exterior, these days more homeowners are choosing to paint the brick. Brick has texture, but painted brick has texture, a clean finish, and character!

You’ve probably noticed that the paint colors white, greige (gray + beige), and gray are here to stay. The beauty of painting brick is that the homeowner keeps the texture and character of brick AND has the ability to choose their favorite hue for the paint. It’s a win-win! You can take old, “orangey” brick and give it a dramatic look by painting it a dark color, or you can take dated brick and give it a classic, clean look by painting it a bright, crisp color with white paint. Dunbar Builders loves dark, moody paint colors on brick because they command attention and provide major curb appeal. We also love brick exteriors painted white or light gray because these homes read as modern, timeless, and sophisticated. Painting brick is simply an excellent way to refresh an older home’s exterior, or to make a new home look like it’s been there for years.

If you want a painted brick exterior, make sure you are committed for the long haul! Once brick has been painted, it is major work to remove, and worse, it is often impossible. Once the brick has been painted, there is also some upkeep to consider. Painted brick shows dirt and mildew more visibly than exposed brick, especially if it is painted white or light color. Homeowners also must take care in choosing the right kind of paint because bricks are porous, and the wrong paint can trap moisture inside the brick and begin to break it down. We recommend repainting the brick every 20 years in order to properly maintain it. Sometimes homeowners can go longer, but they should be prepared that repainting could be needed this often.

Though painting brick requires more maintenance than leaving it alone, we can’t take our eyes off these beautiful, painted brick homes we are building; they are simply beautiful. These exteriors command attention because they possess both texture and sophistication. Not loving your home’s dated, boring, brick exterior? Paint the brick, and take your home from uninspiring to one you will love!

Have you been looking for a new home but can’t seem to find one that you can truly call “your home?”

You know – that house has the perfect kitchen, but that has living room floors that aren’t your style…or that has windows that just aren’t what exactly you’re looking for?

Why settle for a place that is just halfway perfect when you can have a house that’s one hundred percent perfect? A house that is personalized to your every need…

At Selwood Trace, your dream home can become a reality with the help of Dunbar Builders.

Selwood Trace is a historically inspired community that Dunbar is revitalizing. It’s nested intimately near the Lake Murray Dam and only twenty minutes from downtown Columbia. Selwood Trace offers a short commute to Irmo, Lexington, and downtown Columbia. It’s close enough to the hustle of the busy city but far enough away to be immersed in a quiet, intimate historical community. And the location is just a bonus compared to what Selwood Trace really has to offer: completely customizable mid-sized homes.

Dunbar Builders is building new mid-size homes in Selwood Trace.

Dunbar Builders will be personalizing 2800 square foot houses for young professionals, retired couples, or anyone else who wants a custom home that is in an affordable price range. Some of the features of these houses include durable Hardiplank clapboard, metal roof accents, antique brick, porches, and charming gardenscapes.

Each house will be built around the owners’ preferences. Options include customizable floor plans, finishes, kitchen appliances, landscape designs, exteriors, windows, cabinets, closets, plumbing fixtures, and more.

So…Start putting together ideas for your dream house, and let Dunbar help you build it.

Selwood Trace is located here:

Choosing the right builder is one of the most critical decisions you will make in the home building process. You want the construction process to be a good experience. Read on for guiding principles of what to look for in a professional builder. Ultimately, you and your builder will build the home together!

• Define your needs in the new home so the builder can evaluate them. Be clear with your expectations for the build. Buyers who provide organized lists, images, and details not only find the experience to run more smoothly, they set the builder up for more success as well.
• Verify (where required) that the builder is licensed and carries insurance. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at the number of people who have hired a builder only to be completely taken advantage of and worse, who have experienced great financial loss.
• Experience counts. You want a builder with experience – a builder who has built homes before yours.
• Tour homes completed by the builder. This is a must and one of the most crucial steps! Look for signs of workmanship and quality of materials when you tour the builder’s homes. Call a past home buyer and set up an appointment to tour the home, and ask the homeowner if you may take photos while you’re there. Pay attention to the style of the home and the quality while you are in it. There is no substitute for this step!  Get out there and tour the builder’s homes – it’s fun!
• Does this builder fit your design needs? Does the builder have experience in your design preferences? Ask the builder for a design portfolio so you can see if the majority of homes are traditional or modern. Usually builders have expertise in various types of architecture and styles, but if you want a traditional home, yet only see modern homes presented in the portfolio, ask the builder if he feels confident and capable of building a traditional home, and vice-versa.
• Industry involvement. Is the builder a member of the local Home Builder’s Association (if there is one)? Is the builder current on industry trends?
• Ask for references from past home buyers. Talk to them. Are they satisfied? Would they would recommend the builder to friends and family? Ask if they would build or buy another home from the builder.
• A good builder has control over the project and good working relationship with the subcontractors and tradesmen. A successful builder employs the right people and right number of people. Look for a builder who maintains control and a strong relationship with his subcontractors and tradesmen. This way there is no confusion or blurred lines at the job site. When a builder has control over the project and workers who respect him, you can leave the day-to-day details of the project to him!
• Good subcontractors. The quality of people who work for the builder is important. Do the subcontractors show interest in you and your needs?  Do they listen to you?  Do they provide appropriate answers to your questions? When they are uncertain of the answer do they offer to call the builder?  Can they reach the builder easily?  Do they have use and access to necessary materials to complete the project?
• Clear and specific information during the bidding process. The building contract matters. You need to know what’s included and what’s not. A good contract sets out all the “what ifs”- like what if the work takes longer than agreed, what if there are changes along the way? The builder should demonstrate an ability to communicate clearly on expected timetables, and be very organized.

If you choose to work with Dunbar Builders, we think that you’ll be pleased with the choice you made. Contact us if you’d like to get the process started!

Let’s face it – anyone who has invested in window coverings for their homes knows that it can be quite an investment. On top of that, there are so many options and varieties in material on the market that making a decision on what to install in your home can be overwhelming. The options go beyond real and faux wood blinds, and this article will help get you up to speed on all of the choices available.

Dunbar Builders uses blinds in many of the homes we build, so let’s start there. “Blinds” refers to a hard treatment constructed from slats which are most often adjusted by a manual pull cord, wand, or remote control. Yes, that’s right, blinds can now come with a remote control! What we love about blinds is that they are easily adjustable. If you desire light control or privacy, blinds stay tightly closed. If you want a clear, unobstructed view, blinds pull up and stack nicely at the top of the window. Even if you know blinds are the window coverings you want in your home, there are still several decisions to be made: the width of the slat, the color, and the material.

The size

Generally blinds come in one of three standard sizes: ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches. Currently ½ inch slats are very popular because of the contemporary look they provide in a home, 2 inch slats are a timeless choice because of their old-world feel, and 1 inch is the middle compromise: not too narrow, not too wide. Does Dunbar Builders have a favorite size? Why yes we do, and it just so happens to be the classic option – 2 inch slats.

The color

Because window coverings are a hefty investment, we advise our homeowners to play it safe by selecting a neutral color. You can never go wrong by selecting a color which is close to the color of the window trim. Choosing a soft, neutral color maximizes the longevity of blinds, and is also very attractive to potential buyers.

The material

Wood blinds are a popular option; note that there are real wood blinds, and faux wood blinds. Whether real or faux, wood blinds bring texture and warmth to a room. So you’ve decided you want wood blinds in your home, but you can’t decide between real or faux? We can help!

Faux wood blinds actually have a couple advantages over real wood. First, faux wood can cost significantly less than real wood…so saving money is always a plus. Second, faux wood blinds stand up to moisture and humidity better than the real ones. This makes them an excellent choice for coastal homes, bathrooms, kitchens, and humid climates like the homes we build in the South. Do you have children constantly running through your home? If so, faux wood remains the better choice since they will not warp and are easy to clean! If you want white or painted wood blinds for your home, choose the faux ones. Trust us, no one will be notice the difference!

So why do some homeowners choose real wood? Real wood provides a natural, organic feel in rooms. Many homeowners prefer real wood because of its warmth, sophistication, and quality. Real wood blinds have texture and unique grain details because most are made from North American hardwoods. Yes, real wood costs more, and is more difficult to maintain (do not clean with any harsh chemicals), but there is no denying the patina that real wood develops over time, much like furniture. Another reason homeowners choose real wood blinds is because they provide strong construction, excellent insulation, and superior privacy. If you have wood trim or stained wood trim around your windows, real wood is a great choice because there are so many stains and colors available. We’ve had clients at Dunbar Builders who have even wanted to coordinate the blinds to the finish on some of their furniture pieces – real wood blinds make this the easier choice because of the colors and stains available on the market.

Whether real wood or faux, blinds remain the classic choice for window coverings. Take into consideration the information above, the room in your home where the blinds will go, and you will be very pleased with this timeless choice!

Contact Dunbar Builders to get started on your dream home.

How to choose the best white paint color for your home

White walls have never been in more demand. Because there are so many shades of white, best white paint color for your home’s interior can be overwhelming because the variations in white aren’t as obvious to the eye as other colors. White is a calm, delicate, classic, peaceful color on walls, which is why we see it all over design magazines and Pinterest.

The following tips will help you make the right selection:

• Bring home lots of swatches: Make sure to bring home at least several swatches of white from the paint store. At some paint stores, like Sherwin Williams, larger swatches can be requested, which makes it easier to visualize the color once home. Tape these larger swatches to the wall in the room you are painting!
• Know your undertone: Whites either have warm undertones or cool undertones. Knowing which undertone you are drawn to for your home will help you edit the swatches you select. Warmer whites have a creamier, more yellow base. Cooler whites have a blue-green base.
• Paint a sample on the wall: Once you have narrowed your paint colors down (we suggest at least three), paint a 3X3 foot square on the walls in the room you are painting. It is very important to observe the color at different times of day and night since paint colors change depending on the light and the direction the room is facing.

Some of the best and most popular white paint colors

Warmer whites (creamier base, yellow undertones)

White Dove, Benjamin Moore

This white reads as soft, welcoming, and warm without looking beige. It is one of the most recommended and used white paint colors out there! There is nothing cold about this white.

Dover White, Sherwin Williams

This is one of the most popular whites right now! This also reads as a creamy white and has a yellow undertone. Its popularity is largely due to the fact that though white, it is not cold. This is a good white for a family room!

Snowbound, Sherwin Williams

Another top choice in the warm whites category. This is a creamy white paint which allows darker colors to pop. It looks beautiful on walls when juxtaposed with dark stained hardwood floors!

Simply White, Benjamin Moore

This is a top seller because it is clean and bright without being too harsh. It can be used everywhere from kitchen cabinetry, to kitchen walls, to family rooms. This white is a great choice for homes with open concept plan (especially homes with great rooms) because it is warm and soft, yet clean. Simply White is a very versatile white that looks great in any space.

Cooler whites (green and blue undertones)

Decorator’s White, Benjamin Moore

When you need a very bright white, this is it! It is probably the paint color closest to a true white. Most people use Decorator’s White on doors, trim, and moulding because of its brightness. It also makes the wall color pop.

Pure White, Sherwin Williams

This will be one of the top white paint colors this year! Pure White is a cooler white with blue undertones. It is a clean and bright white and is a stunning hue on kitchen cabinetry and trim! It provides a clean looking backdrop for cooking, and a room where we spend much time.

Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore

We love Chantillly Lace! It’s hard to achieve a beautiful, crisp white that’s not too bright, but this paint does just that. Another white that is beautiful on cabinetry and perfect for kitchens!

Dunbar Builders will work with you to select the best white paint color for your home

At Dunbar Builders, we work with our customers to allow them to customize their homes just how they want them. When it comes to choosing paint, we will work with you to get just the color you need. Contact us to learn more and get started with building your dream home!

Joggling boards are unique pieces of furniture that date back to the 19th century. While no one is completely certain how the joggling board was invented, one legend has it that the first board was built in the Midlands of South Carolina at Acton Plantation.¹ If you are from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, you’ve probably seen a joggling board, or maybe even sat on one. These outdoor living furniture pieces are most known to sit on the porches of southern homes and restaurants. Having one on your porch will add flavor and character to your outdoor living space.

Dunbar Builders owner, Pat Dunbar, enjoys woodworking as a hobby. He’s built many joggling boards for family and friends over the years.

What exactly is a joggling board?

A joggling board, also known as a jostling board, is a long pliable board that is supported on both ends with wooden stands and is traditionally made using southern yellow pine. The board itself is springy, allowing for those sitting on the board to easily bounce up and down as well as rock back and forth. The board is typically between 10 and 16 feet long and is wide enough for sitting.

How can you use a joggling board?

Joggling boards are nothing short of unique with several uses, including:

Exercise

The first joggling board ever creating was created for exercise purposes, providing movement options to someone who couldn’t manage much due to a certain illness.

Courting

The joggling board was thought of as a favorite place for sweethearts. The man would sit on one end and the woman on the other, as the joggling board was gently bounced, the two would gradually be brought together, eventually meeting in the middle.

Rocking Babies

Joggling boards were known to be used to rock babies. The movement of the board would gently bounce and sooth babies to sleep.

Entertainment

Today, joggling boards provide smaller porches and patios seating for multiple visitors. They take up less space and are great alternatives for porch swings or rocking chairs.

Joggling boards are a symbol of southern lifestyle

While joggling boards were known to have several different uses during their main popularity many, many years ago, they are still seen as a symbol of southern lifestyle today. Joggling boards, while rare, can still be found on southern porches and patios, especially in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

1 – http://www.jogglingboard.com/index.html

Choose Foam Insulation for the Numerous Long-Term Benefits

When it comes time for you to make a decision on your home’s insulation, there are several options available. Choosing foam insulation will provide many long-term benefits.

Your heating and cooling is more than half the energy you use in your home, making it the largest energy expense you have as a homeowner (see http://energy.gov/public-services/homes/heating-cooling). So…it’s important to make the cost-effective decision when it comes to your home’s insulation.

The majority of your home’s energy can be lost due to air infiltration from gaps, holes, and air leaks that can all be prevented. Foam insulation can serve as an air sealant, sealing the holes and gaps, ultimately saving you money by preventing your heating and cooling from escaping your home.

A better sealed home has a great impact on your utility bills and energy consumption.

What is Foam Insulation?

Foam insulation is plastic foam that provides continuous insulation and air sealing barriers on your walls, around your roof, around corners, and even on curved surfaces. The foam can be sprayed or poured and is created by mixing and reacting liquid components. The foam provides moisture and vapor barriers while sealing gaps that cannot be sealed by other traditional insulations. Foam insulation can differ in how it is applied and in the type that is used.

Primary Types of Foam Insulation

Different types of foam insulation can be used for different purposes, each offering its own benefits that are appropriate for different types of buildings, projects and climates. The types of foam insulation include:

• High Density – exterior and roofing
• Medium Density – continuous insulation of interior and unvented attics
• Low Density – interior and unvented attics

Benefits of Foam Insulation

• Significant heating and cooling savings
• Improved energy efficiency
• Added resale value to your home
• A healthier home
• Reduced amount of allergens, pollutants and moisture entering your home
• Reduced chance of mold growth
• Improved indoor air quality
• Added structural integrity to your home

There are both immediate and long-term benefits provided when deciding to use foam insulation in your home. The benefits truly are endless, and your initial investment will quickly offer payback as you will significantly save every month on your energy bills.

Dunbar Builders strongly recommends using foam insulation.