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

weekend getaways from raleigh to the beach

Top 5 Weekend Getaways from Raleigh, NC

July 30, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Raleigh, NC is such a special place to live. In addition to the city’s amazing economic, social, and recreational opportunities, its central location makes it the perfect base to travel to some of North Carolina’s most amazing locations. Whether you want to get away for a few days or a couple of weeks, there are incredible mountain and beach destinations just a few hours away. There’s no other state with such a perfect mix of city life and natural wonder, and you can experience it all from Raleigh!

Best Weekend Getaways From Raleigh, NC

Explore the Mountains Near Raleigh, NC

1) Asheville: 3 hours and 45 minutes away

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains with spectacular views from the region’s winding highways, this vibrant city and the surrounding areas are the perfect weekend getaway whether you want to relax or recharge. Start with Downtown Asheville by strolling through this colorful neighborhood and taking in the arts, music, independent stores, farm-to-table eateries, and laid-back vibe. There’s no shortage of places to explore.

Next, stop at the Biltmore for an afternoon of dazzling architecture, artistically landscaped gardens, memorable wine tours, and casual entertainment in the Village. Stay overnight at one of the estate’s many properties and experience the opulence that the Vanderbilt family intended when they built this family home a century ago.

If you’re in the mood for pampering (and who isn’t?), pay a visit to the subterranean spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn, and you won’t be disappointed. There are twenty water features, including mineral pools, therapeutic waterfall pools, and a lap pool complete with underwater music. You will emerge (literally) feeling completely rejuvenated.

After you’ve rested, time to head to Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest for some outdoor action! This small waterfall is a natural slide where visitors can slide from the top and plunge into the shallow pool at the bottom. Thousands visit this unique mountain waterfall every summer and it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

2) Banner Elk: 3 hours and 30 minutes away

With one traffic light but a million ways to have fun, Banner Elk is an exciting weekend getaway from Raleigh. For a thrill unlike any other, try the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, a 2,390-foot track where you can safely speed down the mountain and through the forest in a 2-person cart at 27 miles per hour. Just prepare yourself for the three 360-degree loops!

For a slightly slower activity — but one that can be just as thrilling — try mining for authentic North Carolina gemstones at Sugar Creek Gem Mine. Sort, sift, wash, and repeat and you’re guaranteed to find real precious and semi-precious gemstones. Kids and adults of all ages will have a blast looking for rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, and citrines, and many other gems that North Carolina is known for.

3) Boone: 3 hours away

Take a trip back in time and enjoy a simpler outdoor life in Boone, NC. Named for the explorer Daniel Boone, this small town still relishes his pioneering spirit and has a distinct high country culture that’s hard to match. On your weekend trip here from Raleigh, visit Grandfather Mountain — a 300 million-year-old mountain with some rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years. It is a place to come and be one with the area’s incredible biodiversity and natural beauty.

If scenic drives are your thing, then pack the car for a multi-day adventure and head out to explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. This 469-mile stretch of road is operated by the U.S. National Park Service and runs from North Carolina to Virginia. Opt for one of the Pisgah Region itineraries, and plan to drive at a leisurely pace to enjoy the stunning views and many attractions along the way.

If your kids are itching for adventure, round them up and take them to a Wild West extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad. Here they can let their imaginations run free while they take a 3-mile train adventure, pan for gold, enjoy amusement rides, watch live entertainment, and interact with deer, goats, emus, llamas, and all sorts of other animals in Deer Park Zoo.

Visit the Best Beaches Near Raleigh, NC

4) Wilmington / Wrightsville Beach: 2 hours away

North Carolina really does have it all. When the weather warms up and the kids have a break from school, head in the other direction and enjoy some of the best coastal towns in the U.S.! Wilmington and the island beaches are some of our favorites, where you can splash, surf, stroll, dine, play, and so much more.

Eagle Point Golf Club is an 18-hole PGA championship course, with 7,259 yards of play through a beautiful and natural coastal North Carolina landscape. Designed by local Tom Fazio, it has ranked in America’s Greatest 100 golf courses consistently since 2009. Members and guests alike enjoy an impressive clubhouse with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the views, high vaulted ceilings, and a large stone fireplace for optimum comfort.

Don your sailor’s cap and step aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, an authentically restored World World II battleship, museum, and memorial. Visitors can experience first-hand what it was like to live and be at war on board what was once the finest sea weapon in the world.

For the quintessential waterfront experience, take a stroll along the 2-mile, scenic Wilmington Riverwalk. Browse the many markets, eclectic boutiques, and art galleries, then take your pick from a plethora of outdoor cafes. Enjoy the views, sunshine, and fresh breeze on the Riverwalk any time of year.

5) Outer Banks: 3 hours and 30 minutes away

The Outer Banks of North Carolina consist of 100+ miles of barrier island shoreline, seaside villages, and eclectic towns that never feel too crowded or touristy. They are easily accessible by car and offer a host of outdoor activities on the water, on land, or by air. Whether you want to take it easy or keep busy, there’s something here for everyone.

Come see where the Wright Brothers flew the very first airplane in 1903 on the island of Kitty Hawk, NC! At the Wright Brothers National Memorial, visitors can learn about all things aviation, from the first flights to the latest NASA breakthroughs. There’s a replica of the first flying machine, a series of museums, markers that indicate the launch and landing spots of the brothers’ test flights, and of course, the enormous granite monument to their achievements.

The Outer Banks has seven fishing piers that offer terrific Atlantic Ocean fishing year round, and all are welcome to cast their lines! Bring your tackle box (or rent one at some piers), a little bit of patience, and be rewarded with pompano, seal mullet, croaker, flounder, trout striped bass, red drum, or mackerel. When you’ve got your catch of the day, ice it down, then stop in for a cold drink and a snack at any one of the bars and restaurants near the piers.

A climb to the top of the tallest brick lighthouse in North America is quite the experience! See incredible views of the Atlantic from the Lighthouse on Cape Hatteras, the original of which was constructed in 1799 to protect ships from one of the most hazardous selections of the Atlantic Coast.

There’s no shortage of ways to experience the fantastic Outer Banks! A few additional experiences we recommend include deep sea fishing at Capt. Stacy Fishing Center on Atlantic Beach, seeing wild horses on Shackleford Banks Island, or catching a ferry to Sand Dollar Island to hunt for some of the most beautiful sand dollars around.

Living in Raleigh is pretty incredible, and when you have options for quick and convenient getaways to some of the country’s (and world’s) most amazing mountain and beach destinations, that makes living here almost as sweet as the tea we serve.

Luxury Townhomes Coming Soon to Wendell Falls

July 21, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Welcome to Sublime Sophistication

Wendell Falls is a master-planned, new townhome community in Raleigh, NC that’s based on different ways of thinking about living and working. Here, everything you need and want is included. Gorgeous new homes that meet ecoSelect standards for energy and water efficiency, big-city amenities like cafés, parks, and community workspaces, and quaint neighborhood charms like a garden, nature trails, and saltwater pool are all in the neighborhood.

And now, Homes by Dickerson is excited to announce that luxury townhomes are coming soon to this innovative development! These sleek, modern, 3-level townhomes are beautifully appointed and exude sophistication. They are light-filled, spacious, and highly livable with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 1 or 2-car garages. They are exceptionally priced from the low $400s.

Conveniently Located Raleigh Townhomes

Located just 15 minutes from Raleigh off of I-87, Wendell Falls is a community that embraces connected living. Residents enjoy get-togethers, both spontaneous and planned. Stroll to Farmhouse Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or “mood food” to round out the evening. Hike or mountain bike on the 10+ miles of nature trails, just minutes from your doorstep. In Town Center, run the dog or the kids to daycare (doggie and child, respectively), visit the dentist, and get your grocery shopping done. And when it’s time for the little ones to head to school, the world is at their fingertips with Wake County Public Schools System, one of the fastest-growing and best-performing school systems in the nation. It’s all here – right in the neighborhood

Wendell Falls Townhomes are as unique as the people who call them home. You can add your personal style by choosing one of three curated design packages that have been assembled by our award-winning, professional design team. Select your favorite granite countertops, hardwood flooring, carpet for bedrooms, interior paint colors, and light fixtures.

Townhome living at Wendell Falls is wonderfully maintenance-free. We take care of all the exterior work so that all you have to do is lock and leave. Whether your career calls you to travel the region or the beaches in another country are calling you to relax, you can rest assured that your home is well taken care of. And when you return, the only thing you have to do is kick your shoes off and relax.

If you are ready to experience living, working, and playing in a completely new way, contact Whitney at 919-495-4977 to join the VIP list and be the first to be alerted when these distinctive new townhomes at Wendell Falls become available.

Introducing: New Townhomes at Nexton in Summerville

June 25, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

It’s all sweet tea and sunshine from here! Homes By Dickerson is excited to introduce our newest offering in the Charleston area, The Townhomes at Nexton in Summerville, SC. On any given day in this vibrant neighborhood, you might soak up the sun by the pool and splash pad, venture out to one of the many tree-filled parks with your pup, or spend an evening dining at your choice of local eateries. There is so much to do here in Nexton and with a brand new, low maintenance townhome you have even more time to explore it all!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy the charming and exciting lifestyle that this luxurious master planned community has to offer. Centered at the key crossroads of I-26 and 17A, Nexton is in the heart of metro Charleston’s economic growth, convenient to Volvo, Mercedes Benz Vans, and Boeing.

Modern Townhomes in Summerville, SC

Your home is where your family lives and grows together. You deserve quality features and modern spaces, an expertly designed townhome featuring thoughtful pricing and design packages curated by our award-winning design team.

These unique, main floor owner suite designs offer open concept living, along with the amenities and conveniences of Nexton. The Sea Holly plan is 2,210 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an upstairs loft space, and two-car garage. The Bellflower plan ranges from 1,946-1,977 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and one-car garage. Enjoy park views from the front porch or al fresco dining on your side patio. Customizable selections are available. Pricing starts in the upper $300s. The townhome model is scheduled to open in Fall 2021.

Nearby Attractions and Conveniences

One of the best parts of life at Nexton is that you don’t have to sacrifice anything to enjoy one of metro Charleston’s favorite places. In fact, the joy of living here is everything that comes with it.

Almost half of the community is devoted to parks, open spaces, and nature. Each park has its own vibe, and a network of trails and waterways winds through the whole community. Nexton is already home to some great amenity centers (they were named 2021 Master Planned Community of the Year for a reason!), and soon, Midtown will have its very own amenity center! The Midtown Club goes above and beyond what our homeowners ever thought they needed! Of course, it has a pool, a nice one. But it offers so much more. More ways to stay fit. More space for outdoor gathering and out-of-the-house working. And from pickleball courts to a climbing structure, more ways to play. All just steps from our townhomes!

The Home Of Your Life™

At Homes By Dickerson, we believe your home should be full of life – your life. Focusing on service, design, quality, and craftsmanship, each home we build features intelligent construction methods, energy efficiency, and unique personalizations. We believe the sky’s the limit when you are living in the middle of the best community in the U.S. For information about our new townhomes in Summerville, SC, please contact us at 843-466-4875.

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!

Top 10 Things To Do in Wake Forest, NC

May 5, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

With a small-town feel, but close to all the big-city conveniences, Wake Forest is a popular and fast-growing suburb in the metro Raleigh area. It’s a town rich in history and culture, and there’s always something new to explore and learn.

Best Things to Do in Wake Forest, NC

1) Wake Forest Historical Museum

Focused on local history, the Wake Forest Historical Museum is housed in a 19th century mansion, and includes the preserved home of the town’s founder and beautifully-landscaped gardens. Visitors can learn about the founding of Wake Forest College and the town’s rich history through rare photos, exhibits, and artifacts.

2) Wake Forest Renaissance Center for the Arts

The Wake Forest Renaissance Center is a cultural arts and event venue that hosts a variety of exhibits, concerts, plays, recitals, and conferences. From renowned jazz singers and local artists to junior robotics camps and painting classes, the lineup is full, exciting, and ever expanding.

3) Friday Night on White

This free, outdoor music series is held every second Friday of the month from April through September in downtown Wake Forest. In addition to live music of multiple genres, there’s food and beer trucks and fun activities for everyone in the family at Friday Night on White.

4) Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Falls Lake is a serene, undeveloped, 12,000-acre reservoir where visitors can camp, swim, fish, boat, and paddleboard. A series of trails surrounding the lake offer great hiking and biking opportunities to take in the gorgeous North Carolina landscape.

5) Downtown Shopping

Also known as the Renaissance Area, downtown Wake Forest is quaint, walkable, and has a wide variety of specialty shops to explore. From home furnishings and collectibles at The Cotton Company, to locally produced art and jewelry (and a spot of tea!) at the Sugar Magnolia Cafe and Emporium, downtown is an ideal destination to enjoy a beautiful afternoon.

6) E. Carroll Joyner Park

Spend a relaxing day at 117-acre Joyner Park touring restored buildings from the original working farm, walking or cycling the 3 miles of paved trails, strolling through formal gardens, fishing in the pond, or enjoying live, outdoor concerts and events. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this recently redeveloped green space.

7) White Street Brewing Company

North Carolina has become a destination for beer aficionados from around the world, and Wake Forest holds its own. White Street Brewing Company offers three collections of craft beer, all brewed onsite and ready to be sampled in their spacious taproom.

8) Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs

This 100-year-old family business has made just about every “best of Wake Forest” list, and locals and visitors alike can’t get enough. The iconic Shorty’s offers perfectly-grilled, traditional Jesse Jones Hot Dogs with fresh toppings, along with sandwiches, burgers, and a secret recipe homemade chili that goes great on everything.

9) Wake Forest Farmers Market

The 20-year-running Wake Forest Farmers Market sells fresh, locally grown and made food and products like vegetables, microgreens, meats, mushrooms, honey, cut flowers, plants, and more. It operates every Saturday in downtown Wake Forest from 8 a.m. to noon.

10) Heritage Golf Course

This classically-designed Heritage Golf Course offers natural elevations, creeks, and lakes and is challenging but fun for players of all ages and skill levels. There’s a clubhouse with a full-service bar and restaurant, along with a driving range and putting green to warm-up before tee time.

If you love the charm, beauty, and endless entertainment and recreation options of Wake Forest, there’s no reason to leave. Blanton’s Creek, an exclusive new community just minutes from Falls Lake, offers 25 estate-style homes, and all the peace, quiet, and privacy you could ask for. Homesites are 1 to 4 acres of unique topography including rolling hills, woods and ponds. No two homes – or homesites – are alike.

For more information on The Home of Your Life at Blanton’s Creek in Wake Forest, please contact us at 919-500-7766.

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.

Breathe Easy in The Home of Your Life

February 15, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

If home is where you feel safe and loved, then building homes with healthier indoor air quality is the best match we could imagine! Our high-performance, certified-green homes are constructed with better ventilation, low VOC paint, and higher-quality materials that guarantee healthier indoor air — so no matter what’s going on outside, you can be sure that you’re always safe and secure inside your home.

From relaxing in your family room to cooking in your kitchen, everything you do at home is accompanied by fresh, clean indoor air that effectively reduces pollutants, increases comfort, and of course, gives you and your family peace of mind. The need for comfort and security is greater than ever… and we’re excited to say that you and your family can finally take a deep breath and relax!

Built For Health

Our homes are unmatched when it comes to craftsmanship and design — but what truly sets us apart are the products and materials we use behind the walls to make sure your home operates at peak efficiency.

Exterior Air Barrier: ZIP System® reduces the risk of water vapor moving into the wall system. Air barrier also assists with maintaining conditioned air. Maintaining conditioned air means less energy is needed to recondition the air. Less energy means lower utility bills. And since all building systems must perform well together to optimize the energy efficiency of a home, the savings can add up.

Low VOC Paint and Carpet: Some paints may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can serve as an irritant to people with certain allergies. Our homes feature low-VOC paints that help improve indoor air quality. Low-VOC carpets help reduce airborne irritants that can cause problems for allergy sufferers and help improve indoor air quality.

MERV 11 Filter: The MERV rating is a measurement scale designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to rate the effectiveness of air filters. MERV ratings go from 1 to 16, with higher ratings corresponding to a greater percentage of particles captured. MERV 11 filters capture more than 95% of airborne particles including pet dander, dust, and smoke. Every HBD home features a MERV 11 air filter for your HVAC System that is designed to help remove dust and allergens from your home.

Electronic Air Dampers: The HBD building process includes full home ventilating which brings in fresh air from the outside.

Sustainable Materials: Our host of vendors choose materials that are not only good for the environment but also for the health and comfort of your family.

Comfort and Peace of Mind

Now more than ever, you deserve a home that prioritizes your health and well-being just as much as you do. Whereas older homes may lack the features that provide fresh, clean indoor air, our brand new, efficient homes are specifically designed to let you breathe easier than ever before. Every moment you experience at home is enhanced by healthy air — which means comfort and peace of mind, 24/7.

Since 2009, our team has embraced high-performance green building, and we are honored to have built the most single-family homes certified to the NGBS in the country. This year, we look forward to showing you how one of our healthy homes will make your life extraordinary. For more information about our healthy new homes in the Triangle, NC, please contact us at 919-205-3404.

Move-in-Ready Homes in the Raleigh-Durham Area

October 28, 2020 Homes By Dickerson

Look around at your current home — does it still fit your wants and needs? Right now, you may realize you prefer open, airy space to cramped space, brand new appliances to old ones, higher quality, safer systems to old, outdated features, and modern finishes that reflect your personal style.

If this sounds a little bit like your current home wish list, we have exciting news! We currently have gorgeous homes that check off all the boxes — and are ready to be moved into shortly. If you’re eager to settle into a brand new home in a community and neighborhood you love, Homes By Dickerson has just the place for you in the Raleigh-Durham area. You’ll call it The Home of Your Life.

Available New Homes in Raleigh-Durham

WENDELL, NC

Wendell Falls

2020 Parade of Homes GOLD Winner!

724 Daniel Ridge Road

3 BR | 3 BA | 2-Car Garage | 2,425 Sq. Ft.

Screened porch with double-sided fireplace

Backs to 2 acres of green space

$545,000

CHAPEL HILL, NC

Briar Chapel

349 Boone Street

4 BR | 3 BA | 2-Car Garage | 3,201 Sq. Ft.

Home office/study

Resort-style amenities

Price: $565,000

DURHAM, NC

751 South

2020 Parade of Homes GOLD Winner!

905 Celia Saxon Drive

4 BR | 4 BA | 2-Car Rear-Entry Garage | 3,054 Sq. Ft.

First-floor guest suite

Study/home office

Price: $655,000

RALEIGH, NC

MacTavish

6917 Ray Family Farm Court

4 BR | 4.5 BA | 3-Car Garage | 3,642 Sq. Ft.

Study/home office

.5+ acre homesite

Price: $770,000

PITTSBORO, NC

Henderson Place at Fearrington

4251 Henderson Place

4 BR | 3 BA | 2-Car Garage | 3,461 Sq. Ft.

Screened porch and deck

Wooded acreage

Price: $800,000

WAKE FOREST, NC

Traditions at Wake Forest

2020 Parade of Homes GOLD Winner!

1416 Reservoir View

5 BR | 4.5 BA | 3-Car Garage | 4,412 Sq. Ft.

First floor owner’s suite

Wooded homesite

Price: $885,000

Traditions at Wake Forest

1129 Reservoir View

3 BR | 3 BA | 2-Car Garage | 3,255 Sq. Ft.

First floor owner’s suite

Resort-style amenities

Price: $615,000

FUQUAY-VARINA, NC

Sunset Bluffs

2401 Plowridge Road

3 BR | 3 BA | 2-Car Garage | 3,255 Sq. Ft.

Spacious finished basement

Large screened porch

Price: $616,000

At Homes By Dickerson, we don’t believe that your home should just be beautifully designed with high-end features and finishes, all-new appliances, and wide open space — we believe that it should also take care of you. That’s why our high-performance, certified-green homes are built with healthy and safe features that keep you comfortable, and provide the level of security and peace of mind you want and deserve.

Now more than ever, you shouldn’t have to settle for a home that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. That’s why we can’t wait for you to experience the difference of a Homes By Dickerson living space — one that’s built to your standards of comfort, functionality, and efficiency. This fall, put 2020 behind you and consider making a fresh start in a clean, untouched home that’s all yours from top to bottom!

For more information about our homes and new home communities in Raleigh-Durham, please contact us at 919-205-3404.