Parade of Style 2021: Meet the Winners

November 19, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

We’re so excited to share that Homes By Dickerson’s 2021 Parade of Homes entries are officially award winners! From our visionary designers to our talented trade partners, there were so many people who worked together to bring these five masterpieces to this year’s parade, and we’re so thankful to every one.

Here are the homes that stole the show!

GOLD Award Winners

Catalog Pg. 4

Crystal Lake at Croasdaile Farm

2311 Timberview Drive | Durham, NC

Mary Alice’s Wonderland

751 South

807 Watercolor Way | Durham, NC

Dulce de Leche

BLANTON’S CREEK

1400 Blanton’s Creek Drive | Wake Forest, NC

BRONZE Award Winners

Uptown Funk

Briar Chapel

1354 Briar Chapel Parkway | Chapel Hill, NC

Missing Manhattan

Wendell Falls

1921 Stagecoach Trail | Wendell, NC

If you’re ready to create your own show-worthy home in Raleigh/Durham, Pinehurst or Charleston, please contact us. We can’t wait to get started!

Meet the 2021 Parade of Homes Designers

September 24, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

With the 2021 Triangle Parade of Homes quickly approaching, we wanted to introduce you to the amazing designers who made our five gorgeous parade homes possible! Olivia Cerrillos, Susan Falcone, and Kelsey Hennington are experienced Homes By Dickerson designers, and have outdone themselves this year to create some of the most fantastic home designs you’ve ever seen. Let’s learn more about these talented designers and what inspired them to create such distinctive designs this year.

MEET SUSAN FALCONE

Susan has designed several award-winning model homes for Homes By Dickerson, as well as previous Parade homes. She specializes in creative tilework and works hard to make sure her clients’ personal style always shines through. This year, Susan created the whimsical Mary Alice’s Wonderland and the satisfying Dulce de Leche.

Mary Alice’s Wonderland

What inspired the look and feel of this home?

The combination of the unique floor plan and the sitting room connector between the family room and primary suite immediately inspired me. The sitting room was the first room in the house that I designed in my head, immediately knowing this house would have a whimsical, vintage vibe. Our project manager’s daughter is named Mary Alice, so Mary Alice’s Wonderland was the perfect name for this home.

What was your favorite part about designing this home?

Can I say all of it? There are so many elements that I’m excited about, but overall, I am just excited to see it all come together. I’m looking forward to seeing if the mood and inspiration behind the design come across for those who tour it!

What do you love most about the Durham area?

The 751 South community is in a truly ideal location. It’s convenient to great shopping, yet easily accessible for someone working in Raleigh, Wake Forest, or even Chapel Hill! Between the shopping, food, and trails, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Dulce de Leche

What inspired the look and feel of this home?

Your favorite coffee shop or spa — I wanted to create a really crisp and clean home. Inside and out, I wanted there to be a coziness to the home while maintaining a light, bright space. I hope it comes across as a fresh and elegant, yet cozy, home.

What was your favorite part about designing this home?

There are so many spaces in this home that I love, but I think the primary bathroom is my favorite of all! Once we knew this home was going to be entered into the Parade, we were able to make some floor plan adjustments to really amp up the wow factor.

What do you love most about the Wake Forest area?

Wake Forest is in such a great location in the Triangle! You get the best of everything, especially in Blanton’s Creek. This is a small community with large, beautiful lots and easy access to the amenities that Wake Forest has to offer, in addition to all the things that Raleigh and the surrounding areas have — food, entertainment, shopping, trails, sports, etc.

MEET OLIVIA CERRILLOS

Olivia’s vast and beautiful design portfolio has centered around furnishings, tile, cabinetry, and full-service turn-key remodeling. Olivia’s customers feel at ease with the design process largely because of her pleasant and welcoming personality. This year, Olivia created the historically inspired Catalog Pg. 4 and the eclectic Uptown Funk.

Catalog Pg. 4

What inspired the look and feel of this home?

We were inspired by the historic homes of Durham and traditional foursquare architecture — the wood moldings, stained wood, brick floors, large windows, and symmetry. We wanted this home to feel like a 1910 historic building that has been remodeled and modernized.

What was your favorite part about designing this home?

The interior brick floors were one of my most exciting parts of the build. It takes a lot of time and details to get brick floors just right, but along with the brick porch, that room is definitely going to be a wow factor.

What do you love most about the Durham area?

Durham has grown so much that there is really something for everyone here! Not only is Durham home to some of the top hospitals and medical research facilities, but it also boasts a thriving artistic scene, the world-renowned Duke University, and a celebrated food scene. Many of our Crystal Lake homeowners chose this area since it is so conveniently located, and it has been great building in a community that makes their commutes to these activities easier!

Uptown Funk

What inspired the look and feel of this home?

The lot that was chosen for this home drove the design and architecture styles.

Because it’s right on Briar Chapel Parkway, we really wanted it to feel like a downtown or brownstone-type of space, but we also needed to incorporate the fact that it is a single family, freestanding home. We went with an Italianate theme for the exterior, which is rich and detailed, and gave the interior an updated, modern twist.

What was your favorite part about designing this home?

Combining so many different design styles. The funkiness comes from these multiple design styles coming together to make an eclectic but upscale house that a family can grow into.

What do you love most about the Chapel Hill area?

Chapel Hill is a really unique area, and it is known to be an environmentally conscious town. There is always something fun happening in Chapel Hill since there are so many fantastic restaurants, local coffee shops, live music shows, and outdoor activities. Locals in the area love how many natural parks, gardens, and trails there are around town- perfect for walking and biking. The homeowners I have worked with are typically drawn to the area because of the incredible school systems, UNC Hospitals, and quick access to Raleigh/Durham.

MEET KELSEY HENNINGTON

Kelsey is passionate about bringing fresh ideas to her clients. With a background in interior design renovations and custom home building, she has an eye for quality and craftsmanship and always incorporates both into her design choices. This year, Kelsey created the industrially chic Missing Manhattan.

Missing Manhattan

What inspired the look and feel of this home?

New York City is one of my favorite places to visit and the meatpacking district/Chelsea neighborhood is one of my favorite areas because of the old, industrial feel. Due to the pandemic, I haven’t been able to travel there for almost two years now, and I was “Missing Manhattan!”

What was your favorite part about designing this home?

I loved getting creative in finding ways to make a new house have an older, industrial feel. From the obvious brick and reclaimed lumber to the less apparent finishes like tile and cabinet colors, this project challenged me in all the best ways.

What do you love most about the Wendell area?

You can feel like you’re in a completely different place by driving 20-30 minutes in any direction! I love the downtown vibe, but you can get to more quaint neighborhoods like North Hills, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wendell Falls in a matter of minutes. Wendell is great because you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city but still have everything you need in a super cool urban setting.

We cannot wait to see these five beautiful homes when they are unveiled at the 2021 Parade of Homes this October, and we hope you’ll join us! For more information on the Parade and how you can see these Homes By Dickerson designer homes, visit Our Parade of Style webpage.

what is the cost of living in raleigh nc

How Much Does It Cost To Live in Raleigh, NC?

September 16, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

If you’re considering a move to Raleigh, NC, especially from major coastal cities like Los Angeles or New York, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the cost of living compared to the awesome quality of life here in the City of Oaks. From a cup of gourmet coffee to a beautiful new home, you’ll love the variety, quality, and most of all, price!

Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC

Housing

How much you pay for a home will vary according to size, age and location. The median cost of a home in Raleigh is $360,891 (Zillow),Typically, homes in the suburban areas will be less expensive than those intown, but this depends on whether or not it is new construction, the amenities in the community, and finish level of the home. Any way you look at it, the cost of housing in Raleigh is considerably less than on either coast. The Raleigh housing market is nearly 152% less expensive than the Los Angeles market, and about 148% less expensive than in New York City.

Utilities

Utilities in Raleigh cost about 50% less than they do in New York City. Though that’s due in some part to the newer construction and more energy efficient systems and appliances in many homes, weather is also a factor. It costs less to warm a home in the winter in North Carolina. Winter lows in New York are consistently below freezing, while in Raleigh, even if the temperatures dip at night, the days warm up considerably with plenty of sunshine.

Transportation

Raleigh is primarily a driving city, though it does offer public bus and light rail service. Whether you travel by car or bus, the cost of transportation is significantly less than in New York or Los Angeles. A one-way trip on public transit in Raleigh costs just $1.25 compared to a $2.75 ticket in New York. And if you’ve got a car, you’ll do a lot less driving in Raleigh than in Los Angeles. Raleigh is a mere 147 square miles compared to L.A.’s 503!

Healthcare

Healthcare in Raleigh is quite reasonable, in part because of the university medical centers that provide access to quality, low-cost care. Healthcare costs about 35% less than it does in NYC, though it is more comparable to costs in L.A. A self-pay doctor’s visit in Raleigh costs about $100 and a regular trip to the dentist costs about the same amount.

A Cup of Coffee

Here’s the information that you really came to this blog post for! A tall Caff Americano at Starbucks in Raleigh costs about $3.55, while the same cup of Joe in New York costs about $3.68.

Overall, it makes great financial sense to live in Raleigh, especially if you are moving from either coast. While these cost of living indexes alone might help you in your decision, remember that you’ll also save a ton of money on recreation and activities. There are countless ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in North Carolina, many of which don’t cost a dime.

If you’re interested in relocating and need information on new homes in the Raleigh area, contact us at 919-205-3404. We’d love to help you discover The Home of Your Life in Raleigh!

See Style Reimagined at the 2021 Parade of Homes in Raleigh

August 10, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Homes By Dickerson to Showcase Five Homes at the 2021 Triangle Parade of Homes

Whether you are searching for a new home in the Triangle, or just seeking design inspiration, you won’t want to miss the 2021 Triangle Parade of Homes. This year, our extraordinary designers have outdone themselves, highlighting five gorgeous Homes By Dickerson plans with such sublime design that it will be hard to walk away.

Whether you’re in the market for a new home today or in the future, these homes will set the bar for what to expect from an expertly-crafted, high-performance, healthy living space. And when you buy or build a home with us, you get to personalize everything from the floor plan to the finishes. The same talented designers who created these inspired themes will work with you personally to make your new home just as singular and stunning.

New Home Features

Each of the five homes on the Parade of Homes will be available to purchase, along with every design detail you find inside. These are just examples of what Homes By Dickerson can build and personalize for you. All of our homes are spacious and light-filled, with open-concept living areas and thoughtful details like built-in shelving, retreat-like owners’ suites, and creative lighting. Each home is Built for Life, which underscores our commitment to our customers’ comfort, health, money, and impact on the environment.

2021 Parade of Homes in Raleigh

Come visit these stunning homes for yourself and let us know which is your favorite. (Warning: it will be hard to choose just one!) The Parade of Homes is October 2-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2021, and you can tour these homes from 12-5 p.m.

For more information about the 2021 Parade of Homes, you can visit the website or call us at 919-205-3404 to learn more about the Homes By Dickerson show homes. We can’t wait to see if one of these spectacular plans is The Home of Your Life!

Mary Alice’s Wonderland | The Cheshire

Dulce de Leche | The Riverwalk

Missing Manhattan | The Jackson

Uptown Funk | The Brooklyn

Catalog Pg. 4 | The Roebuck

Global Companies are Moving to Raleigh: Here’s Why

July 30, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Raleigh and the surrounding areas of the Triangle have been steadily and consistently attracting top talent and big names in tech for the last few decades. While it’s no surprise that some of the world’s biggest corporations – Apple and Google, among others — have announced plans to develop campuses in Research Triangle Park, the news is still incredibly exciting and indicative of the area’s future economic success. So what’s the attraction for these huge corporations with such deep pockets? Why the Triangle over other tech-driven markets? More and more, here are the factors that are proving irresistible to Big Tech.

Why are Tech Companies Moving to Raleigh, NC?

Top talent is here. Since the 1960s, Research Triangle Park’s growth and success has been primarily driven by a cluster of top tier research universities that produce 9,000 graduates a year: Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC State are nationally ranked for research programs in medicine, new technologies, biomedical sciences, the environment, data science, and engineering, among others. Raleigh and the surrounding cities have focused heavily on creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to entice and retain these recent college graduates.

Low cost of living: Compared to the “other” tech mecca of San Francisco, Raleigh is about 163% less expensive. From food and transportation to housing and healthcare, the dollar stretches much further in the Triangle, meaning residents have a higher disposable income, which in turn helps fuel the local economy. In 2020, Raleigh saw the most out-of-state relocations from New York, Washington DC, and Miami, which are all more expensive metros.

Attractive housing market: Even with housing costs increasing in Raleigh, it’s still a great time to buy a home. Home prices have increased by about 17% from June 2020 to June 2021 (Zillow), and have increased over 40% from five years ago. The market shows no sign of slowing, presenting a great investment opportunity for homebuyers to build equity quickly. With so many prospects moving to the area, and with home builders and developers buying land to help meet demand, new home starts are predicted to grow 7% or more in 2021 (Builder Online). Additionally, salaries in Raleigh continue to climb while interest rates remain at historic lows, which translates to greater buying power.

Work hard, play harder: Central North Carolina has some of the best weather and most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. Residents enjoy a myriad of outdoor activities throughout all four seasons, including hiking, mountain biking, rafting, paddling, horseback riding, and more. The Triangle offers world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, while many of the smaller commuter towns have charming historic districts and plenty of local personality.

These are just a few of the reasons why Apple is investing $1 billion over 10 years to establish a campus at Research Triangle Park, bringing with it an estimated 3,000 jobs with an average salary of $187,000, and Google is coming to Durham to create a new engineering hub and 1,000 new jobs. These are just the more recognizable names. Companies like IPM Chirana — a ventilator maker, and Grail, Inc. — a research company focused on multi-cancer early detection, are investing in the Triangle, bringing thousands of jobs and continuing to stimulate an already booming economy. They say Raleigh is an emerging market, but we say it has already broken through.

These Included Features Give Your Home Timeless Style

June 2, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

The design process of building a new home is where all your ideas and dreams come together. There’s so much to choose from and so much possibility! While we absolutely love helping our customers create the perfect home style, we find that new home buyers are either really excited about the process, or they’re just a little nervous. It’s understandable. With hundreds of options for cabinets, tile, hardwoods, fixtures, and more — it can seem overwhelming for some. One concern we hear from buyers who have visited other builders is that it’s so easy to go over budget during the design process. For our entire company, the spend is an average of 2% in the design center.

Well… we’ll let you in on a little secret. Many Homes by Dickerson homeowners end up spending less on design options than they would at other builders, because so many “upgrades” are included in our homes! Items that you’d normally spend more on elsewhere are already included in many of our new home design packages. So you never have to sacrifice style, no matter your budget.

New Home Features

Kitchens

All of our kitchens feature spacious 42″ upper cabinets, which means you have more room to store everything you need for cooking, baking, and everything else that happens in the kitchen. And our cabinets all have soft close doors and drawers. You’ll also have your choice of timeless granite, marble, or quartz countertops at no additional cost. And such beautiful countertops aren’t complete without an undermount stainless steel sink, perfectly installed to enhance the sleek, modern look of your kitchen. Your kitchen faucet will be an elegant one-handle, high-arc, pull down model. To complete the look, every kitchen features a sparkling tile backsplash.

Bathrooms

We think that your primary bath should be a place of respite and luxury, so we include marble countertops in every space, along with a separate tub (per plan) and shower for convenience, and elongated toilets for comfort. EPA WaterSense chrome plumbing features are included in all bathrooms in the home to eliminate unnecessary water waste.

Interiors

Homes by Dickerson is known for inspired design that complements your unique personality. So we make sure we start with a foundation of great interior style in all our homes. Every home boasts gracious 9’ or 10′ ceiling on the first level, graceful oak stair treads with either wrought iron or painted wood balusters, engineered or site-finished hardwoods in living spaces (per plan), and 7 1/4″ baseboards and crown molding throughout the first level. All closets have wood shelving and rods instead of wiring like most builders. With a blueprint like this, your home will look elegant and tasteful before you even start designing.

We can’t wait to begin the design process with you in The Home of Your Life! No matter which floor plan you choose, you can rest assured that it will be a modern home of timeless design as well as high-performance green features that you will enjoy for a lifetime. For more information about the Homes By Dickerson design process, please contact Whitney at (919) 205-3404 to request an appointment. We can’t wait to meet with you!

8 Tips to Prepare For Your Home Design Appointment

April 23, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Close your eyes and envision your perfect home — now open them and let’s make it happen! When you build a new Homes By Dickerson home, you’ll be able to choose from rows of carpet and hardwood samples, kitchen and bath tiles, lighting choices, granite and quartz countertops, kitchen and bath cabinets, and more! Ready to feel like a kid in a candy store again?

For all of your seasonal gatherings, themed happy hours, book clubs and movie nights, visits from family and friends, and of course, quiet time to yourself, you deserve a space that reflects your personality and style, inside and out. At Homes By Dickerson, we allow you to choose the features and finishes that suit you best, so that your home looks and feels just like you.

Choosing the details of your home while staying within your budget may seem overwhelming, but you can rest assured that our talented design specialists will be with you every step of the way. They’ll get to know you and what you’re looking for, making this personalized process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Take a look at the eight things you should do to make your design appointment a breeze!

1) Go Ahead and Dream. The first thing to do before your design appointment is to simply ask yourself a few questions so that you can start imagining what your new home will look like. For example:

When you think about the exterior of your home, is there a certain color tone you prefer? (Ex. light, mid-tone, dark)

Is there a certain color family you prefer? (Ex. gray, beige, green, etc.)

If your elevation has shutters, do you prefer light, mid-tone, or dark colors?

If your elevation has brick, do you prefer traditional red, white-washed, painted, or another?

If your elevation has stone, do you prefer a stone with many color variations, or a tone-on-tone look?

Do you wish to carry the exterior style of your home into the interior? (Ex: farmhouse, traditional, modern, etc.)

Do you like cool tones or warm tones?

Do you have a favorite accent color that you would like used in your design selections? If so, what is that color or color family?

What is your flooring color preference? (Ex: light, mid-tone, dark)

Have you been dreaming of a light and airy house, a neutral home with pops of color, or a moody and modern house?

Write down your answers and allow your ideal home to take shape in your mind. It will serve as a great blueprint for choosing real-life selections as we put your home together, detail by beautiful detail.

2) Start a Lookbook: Think of this task as the most fun homework assignment you’ve ever had. A lookbook is a collection of photos that you put together to draw inspiration from. Browse sites like Pinterest, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Country Living, Better Homes and Gardens, and whichever publication catches your eye! Create a folder of photos on your desktop or print them out to start visualizing materials and color schemes.

3) Write Out Your Must-Haves: When it comes to your dream home, you most likely have a few “must-haves” that are non-negotiable. Whether it’s light kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, brushed nickel finishes, dark hardwood floors, beige tile, and more, make sure to keep a list of things that you’re absolutely set on. Since you’ve already selected your home’s style (farmhouse, traditional, coastal cottage, contemporary), start with selections that follow that theme, and our designers will help you narrow it down. Having a list of “must-haves” in your design appointment will save you time by allowing you to really focus on the details that you’re not entirely sure about yet.

4) Be Flexible: Keep in mind that your exterior selections will need to be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Board. This is to ensure that the neighborhood aesthetic you fell in love with is preserved. Exterior selections subject to ARB approval include, but are not limited to, paint color, landscaping, patios, and decks. It’s a good idea to have some backup options just in case your first-picks aren’t possible.

5) Stick To Your Timeline: The building process is truly an incredible combination of moving parts. When it comes to your design appointment, one of the ways you can help yourself (and your team) is to stick to schedule — which means prioritizing your appointment over other commitments that can be moved, and working with your designers to make your decisions on time. This will allow the rest of your process to be smooth sailing!

6) Know Your Budget: If you go into your design appointment with a clear idea of what you’re hoping to spend (and how flexible you can be), you can make the best use of your time and feel confident with all of your choices. Remember that your selected elevation or home model may have some included finishes, so make a note of those so that you can focus on all the other fun selections. Your design specialists will make sure to take you through all of the options that complement your floor plan and fit within your budget, so you can be sure that you’re not missing out on anything.

7) Get a Head Start: “Preparation is the key to success,” goes the saying. By browsing our Inspiration Gallery, you’ll be prepared with ideas and preferences before even starting the design process. This tool will help you get acclimated to all of our options as well as help you visualize the choices that you’re not sure of just yet. After all, there’s nothing more fun than a “sneak peek” to get a head start on your selections. Bonus tip: tour a model home again!

8) Have Fun: Go into your design appointment with one word in mind — fun. This part of the process is all about creating the heart and soul of your home, and we want it to be enjoyable from beginning to end. Dress comfortably, feel confident in your choices, keep an open mind, and start bringing your dream home to life!

All of our designers here at Homes By Dickerson have a degree in interior design so not only will our designers assist you, but they’ll be a valuable resource of information about trends, materials, products, and prices for your personal needs and budget. And with a little bit of preparation, you can rest assured that this experience will be one to never forget. From all of us at Homes By Dickerson, happy designing!

What’s Happening in the Housing Market?

April 16, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Unprecedented demand for new homes means product scarcity, higher costs, and longer build times

Over the last 14 months, the housing industry has been dramatically impacted by pandemic-related events. While housing has been a bright spot in the nation’s economy, we are now facing unique challenges that are driving up materials costs and extending building timelines. Because these changes ultimately impact homebuyers, we wanted to share exactly what is happening in housing and related markets, what that means for building a new home today, and when there may be some relief.

Supply and Demand

The dynamic at the base of all the current challenges is a textbook case of supply and demand. There is an incredible demand for new homes right now, and not enough supply of materials to build them. This has led to increased costs and extended build times.

The rising cost of lumber has been the most news-worthy event in the housing industry. About 80% of the lumber used in U.S. home construction is imported from Canada. Many lumber mills, both in Canada and the U.S., were forced to shut down in 2020 due to health concerns.

At the same time, an unprecedented combination of factors – including record low interest rates, newly remote employees and homeschooled children needing more space, and the general desire for people to change their living situations during the pandemic – led to a surge in demand for new housing and home renovations, all of which require lumber and building materials.

High demand and low supply drove costs up exponentially. Lumber prices have risen 240% from a year ago and continue to climb. Today, there simply isn’t enough lumber to meet demand, or the cost is prohibitive for builders, and timelines for new homes are being pushed out indefinitely.

The latest critical building component to face severe shortage is resin. This plastic is used in materials throughout the home construction process – including as a bond to strengthen wood and flooring materials, and in paints, coatings, primers, and sealers. Much of the U.S. production of resin comes from Dallas, which was severely impacted by the 2020 winter storm. As a result, production slowed or stalled while demand continued to rise, resulting in price increases and building delays.

These are only two examples. Product delays and suspensions are affecting everything from concrete, cabinets, and appliances to paint, sheetrock, and lumber. Nearly every line item in a home’s budget is under some type of delay or substitution.

The Impact on New Homes and Homebuyers

The biggest impact has been cost. The cost to build a new home has increased substantially because materials are scarce and more expensive. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has estimated that, based on a $350,000 home, the cost has increased by $24,000 based on lumber alone. That number is subjective to the size of the home.

Builders must substitute products and finishes. In order to keep a new construction home on schedule, on-the-spot decisions must be made when builders are notified that a product is no longer available. Builders are doing their best to inform buyers of changes in specs as soon as possible, but due to the increasing unpredictability in supply chains, they may not be able to guarantee products by name or provide specific colors of product. In some cases, they will not be able to provide the product at all.

Build timelines are longer. Builders are doing everything they can to stay on schedule for builds that have already started. However, product substitutions with little or no notice can cause significant changes to the building process for future homes and lead times can become unpredictable.

Some green building certifications may not be available. As some program-mandated products become unavailable, it may be difficult to obtain ecoSelect, Energy Star or National Green Building Standard certifications. This is not due to the quality or performance of the home – builders may just need to use different products than those specified by these particular programs.

Builders are making hard decisions and finding solutions. Rather than face the uncertainty of supply costs and product availability, some builders are pausing sales until they can provide buyers with a definite cost and/or build time. Many builders have turned to wait lists or lotteries to manage interest. At Homes by Dickerson, for our quick move-in homes, we are curating unique custom home packages that don’t allow changes once the contract is written. The custom design process for our to-be-built homes is remaining the same but might take longer due to the above demands. The goal is to avoid any further delays by including only products and materials that are immediately available, in order to build homes faster and help meet consumer demand.

Looking Forward

NAHB is urging Congress to work with domestic lumber producers to increase production, and they propose ending tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. These measures would help mitigate the threat of lumber scarcity. Building – along with its positive economic impacts like job creation and tax generation – could resume again.

As interest rates rise and demand for suburban housing cools a bit, both the production and cost of lumber should stabilize, along with the entire housing industry.

Community Coming Soon: The Overlook

April 5, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Close enough to the city to boast a Raleigh address, but far enough away to enjoy scenic, country-style living, The Overlook – the latest new home community from Homes By Dickerson – is the ideal location to enjoy the best of North Carolina. Just minutes from I-540, Hwy 98, and Hwy50/Creedmoor Road, everywhere you need to go is just minutes away, but coming home will always be the best part of your day.

This boutique community near Falls Lake State Recreation Area is nestled in a lush green landscape and will offer a limited number of distinctive, tree-lined lots. Each home will feature stunning wooded views, perfect for enjoying sunrise or sunset in total privacy and peace.

Customizable New Home Plans

You’ll have the opportunity to build your new home exactly the way you want when you choose one of your unique, fully-customizable floor plans. The Home of Your Life is much more than just spacious rooms and modern finishes (though you’ll get plenty of those, too).

Each Homes By Dickerson home is built for performance using the best products and materials, to make sure your home is operating at peak efficiency. Our homes are built for health, and we make thoughtful decisions when choosing products that help improve the air you breathe indoors. Most importantly, our homes are built for you. You have the flexibility, custom design options, and access to world-class architecture and design teams to build a home that perfectly reflects your unique style and personality.

The Overlook will be an enclave of homes with inspired design, thoughtful architecture, and outstanding craftsmanship, starting in the $800s. To be one of first to secure your home choice in this spectacular location, please con

10 Best Outdoor Activities Near Raleigh, NC

March 23, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

There’s no denying the unparalleled beauty of North Carolina’s great outdoors. With its majestic mountainscapes, shimmering waterways, dazzling fall colors, and comfortable year-round temperatures, this state is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Whether you prefer leisurely family activities or challenging adventures that require skill, outdoor enjoyment abounds. And it’s all accessible from the lively city of Raleigh.

Centrally located, Raleigh is a short drive away from just about any outdoor activity you can imagine. But the magic of the “City of the Oaks” is that there are so many fun ways to spend time outdoors within the metro area. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best things to do outdoors in Raleigh, NC.

On Land

1) Outdoor Trails

There are 180 miles of greenway trails that are perfect for walking, hiking, and biking in the metro area. In fact, this is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Raleigh. Twenty-eight individual trails make up the Capital Area Greenway Trail System, ranging anywhere from 0.3 to 25 miles long. They are all distinct in their landscape and features, but all offer quality time outdoors either solo or with family and friends.

2) Birding

Yes, birding! This relaxing pastime offers a glimpse at the more than 400 species of birds native to North Carolina. From the red-tailed hawk to the downy woodpecker, it’s exhilarating to see these creatures soar unbothered through the air or flit about the woods. Popular birding destinations near Raleigh include Jordan Lake and Falls Lake.

3) Mountain Climbing

Fun fact: there are 2,670 mountain peaks in North Carolina. And you can climb a few dozen of them near Raleigh! If you live in the city, Umstead State Park offers trails with up to 600 feet of elevation. For serious climbers, peaks such as Mount Mitchell, Mount Craig, and Clingman’s Dome are just a few hours away.

4) Waterfall Rappelling

Rappelling is the sport of lowering oneself, in a harness, down a waterfall. If that appeals to you (or if a simple hike would suffice), there are several jaw-dropping waterfalls near Raleigh to satisfy your urge. Hanging Rock State Park, for example, is a short two-hour drive away and features a handful of mesmerizing falls. Be sure to check with park rangers before your adventure – some seasons are off-limits for rappelling and a permit is required.

5) Mountain Biking

If you like to check adventures off the thrill list, then give mountain biking in Raleigh a go. There are several recommended routes in the area ranging from intermediate to difficult. No matter which you choose, mountain biking is an excellent way to see the landscape and get a full-body workout.

6) Horseback Riding

Sure to please little ones and kids at heart alike, riding a horse through the great outdoors is an unmatched way to see and experience nature. There are several farms in the Raleigh area that offer rides through a diverse range of scenic trails on well-trained horses.

Through the Air

7) Paragliding

While you must be a qualified pilot to paraglide solo, you can experience the breathtaking freedom of flight by flying tandem! You know those amazing views you see from a plane when it’s taking off or landing? With tandem paragliding, that moment lasts for an entire 10-15 minutes, rather than just a few seconds. Several companies in the area offer tandem flying and, if you have the time, courses to become a certified pilot.

8) Ziplining

Another outdoor activity that will get your heart pumping, ziplining is one way to get a breath (or gulp) of fresh mountain air. Depending on the rider’s weight and slope of the line, some can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour!

9) Ballooning

Hot air ballooning, that is. Raleigh gets, on average, 213 days of sunshine per year, so it’s no surprise that this extraordinary outdoor activity is so popular. From the weightless feeling of being suspended in air to watching the pilot masterfully control the balloon, it’s an experience unlike any other.

On the Water

10) Boating

While Raleigh is not a city on the sea, you can indulge your inner captain on one of several tranquil lakes in the region. Rent a vessel by the hour or day and you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and even jet skiing on calm, glassy waters. The fishing is pretty spectacular, too. Of course, North Carolina’s renowned coastline – and all the seaworthy activities that come with it – are just 130 miles due east of Raleigh.

Without a doubt, the Raleigh area is home to some of the country’s best outdoor activities. It could be your home, too. Want to learn more about the high-performance, custom new homes we’re building in Raleigh, NC? We’d love to welcome you – and all your outdoor gear – to The Home of Your Life in Raleigh.