Real Estate // 10 min Read

The Custom vs. Semi-Custom Home Building Process with An Inside Look at The Grove

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Jul 31, 2023

custom homes

Your Guide to Custom & Semi-Custom Homes at Palmetto Bluff 

Building a home that perfectly captures your vision and lifestyle requires careful planning, design expertise, and a reliable building team. Palmetto Bluff, an idyllic community known for its natural beauty and luxurious living, offers numerous opportunities for buyers to build their dream Lowcountry home. To achieve their vision, potential property owners may select the homesite of their choice to build a custom, or semi-custom home with the guidance of Palmetto Bluff’s designers and builders. Delve into the process of building custom and semi-custom homes here at the Bluff, with a particular example of the new, highly sought-after semi-custom homes at The Grove.

Custom Home Building

Palmetto Bluff’s custom home building option provides homeowners with the opportunity to create a truly one-of-a-kind residence. The custom home building process is designed for individuals or families seeking complete control over design elements and the desire to fulfill their unique vision.

1. Choosing a Homesite

Any home building process begins with selecting a homesite that resonates with your preferences. At Palmetto Bluff there are various types of homesites to choose from whether it be a waterfront location, a serene woodland setting, or a picturesque view of the community’s natural surroundings.

2. Selecting a Builder

Once you’ve chosen your ideal homesite, you may select a trusted builder from Palmetto Bluff’s roster of experienced professionals. These builders, including esteemed partners like Clarke Design Group, bring a wealth of expertise and craftsmanship to ensure your home meets the highest standards of quality.

3. Interior Design Process

With your chosen builder, you will embark on the interior design process, which involves selecting finishes, materials, fixtures, and other personalized elements that align with your vision. Working closely with an interior designer, You can bring your unique style and preferences to every room in your home when working closely with an interior designer.

4. Collaboration with the Builder

Throughout the construction phase, you will collaborate closely with your chosen builder. With regular updates and consultations, you can rest assured knowing your vision is being realized and any necessary adjustments will be made, resulting in a home that exceeds your expectations.

Semi-Custom Home Building

For those who desire a beautifully designed home but may not have the time or inclination to oversee every design decision, Palmetto Bluff offers the option of semi-custom home building. The Grove, a remarkable enclave within the community, epitomizes this approach, providing homeowners with curated design elements based on the parameters of the neighborhood.

Targeted towards residents who value convenience and a time-saving process, The Grove offers a selection of pre-designed homes with thoughtful design elements. These homes are crafted by Palmetto Bluff Builders in collaboration with acclaimed architects, designers, and an in-house design-build team. The goal is to offer custom build qual gity while simplifying the construction process.

1. The Selection Process

When choosing a semi-custom home at The Grove, you are presented with a curated collection of pre-designed plans that have been carefully crafted to maximize outdoor living and foster a connection with nature. Each homesite within The Grove is meticulously planned to provide privacy and a sense of tranquility.

Related: Behind the Bluff with the Director of Palmetto Bluff Design: Stephanie Gentemann

2. Streamlined Construction Process

The Grove’s semi-custom homes benefit from a streamlined construction process, which significantly reduces the time between selecting a plan and stepping through your front door. This expedited timeline ensures that you can enjoy your dream home at Palmetto Bluff in a more efficient manner.

Introducing The Grove

Palmetto Bluff’s latest addition, The Grove, is an exceptional built-for-sale enclave nestled in the heart of Moreland Forest. This idyllic community celebrates curated style and courtyard living, seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty. Offering a tranquil escape, The Grove effortlessly connects residents with nature through its thoughtfully planned homesites.

custom homes

Each homesite within The Grove has been meticulously designed to maximize outdoor living, centered around captivating courtyards that provide a sense of pause, privacy, and a profound connection with the environment. The emphasis on outdoor spaces allows homeowners to open their doors and embark on quiet walks along moss-laden Lowcountry trails, effortlessly immersing themselves in the serene surroundings.

Created by Palmetto Bluff Builders, The Grove is a collaboration between the in-house design-build team and acclaimed architects and designers such as Clarke Design Group and Leighann Markalunas Design. This partnership seamlessly combines the exceptional quality associated with custom-built homes with the simplicity and convenience of homes built-for-sale. 

Three Homeplans

The Grove offers three distinct home plans, each thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of modern living while embracing the essence of the Lowcountry:

The Dogwood

This convenient one-story home plan features a detached carriage house with a two-car garage and finished flex space above. With vaulted ceilings and ample natural light, it offers expansive outdoor living spaces, including spacious porches, a private courtyard, and a screened porch with an optional outdoor kitchen. The Dogwood spans 3,248 square feet and boasts 4 bedrooms and 4 ½ bathrooms.

custom homes

The Tupelo

This two-story home plan boasts an attached two-car garage with finished flex space and a bathroom above. Its stunning all-glass front entrance opens to a private courtyard, while the first-floor primary suite includes a private screened porch. With 3,704 square feet, The Tupelo comprises 5 bedrooms and 5 ½ bathrooms.

custom homes

The Loblolly

Spanning 3,786 square feet, this two-story home plan features an attached two-car garage with finished flex space and a bathroom. The first-floor primary ensuite and expansive outdoor living spaces, including a private courtyard and a screened porch with an optional outdoor kitchen, make The Loblolly a delightful choice. It offers 4 bedrooms and 4 ½ bathrooms, catering to the needs of a modern family.

custom homes

Interior Elements

At the heart of The Grove homes lies the outdoor living room, embodying the essence of comfortable Lowcountry living. The three inspired home plans foster a distinct connection with nature, featuring central courtyards, inviting porches, and charming terraces. These homes incorporate many exterior elements unique to Moreland Forest, such as color blocking, purposeful blends of materials, and nature-inspired color palettes. The result is a relaxed and comfortable aesthetic, enhanced by classic Lowcountry detailing like gabled roofs, shed roofs, dormers, and standing seam metal roofs.

Interior design selections at The Grove are diverse, catering to various styles and preferences. Three distinct choices — Traditional, Transitional, and Modern — have been professionally curated by Leighann Markalunas Design. These turnkey selections showcase timeless elements such as warm-toned wood floors, natural brick, textured tiles, and neutral palettes. These neutral backdrops provide the perfect canvas for homeowners to add their personal signature style. 

Related: Behind the Design: Using Natural Elements 

Palmetto Bluff Builders understands the importance of an exceptional kitchen experience. To exceed expectations, they have partnered with the legendary French cookware brand, Le Creuset, to provide an additional element of personalization to your home. With the Le Creuset kitchen, you can select from an unmatched selection of bold, rich colors in various finishes, materials, shapes, and sizes. This ensures that your kitchen truly reflects your unique style, promising a lifetime of memorable meals and cherished moments.

Make Your Home at The Grove

Intrigued by the allure of Palmetto Bluff’s newest enclave, The Grove? We invite you to explore the available properties and discover the exceptional homes that await you in this meticulously designed community. The Grove offers a unique opportunity to reside in a semi-custom home where nature and curated style intertwine harmoniously. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this remarkable community — visit The Grove today and experience the epitome of luxury, Lowcountry living at Palmetto Bluff.

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