Custom-built means homes are unique, personal and a better value

By Paul Harris, Otey Construction Architect

Paul Harris, architect, MBA, Otey Construction

Clemson University has a strong architecture curriculum, so I’m proud to call myself a Tiger. Upon graduating, I worked in a few commercial firms and decided that I preferred residential design.  Residential design is so much more personal, and I enjoy working closely with clients and interpreting their dreams and desires.

The two most fun parts of building your own custom home—based on what our clients tell us—are picking out the cabinets, fixtures and floor coverings and designing the floor plan.

Floor plans are exciting because you get to play architect, with my help! But also you can pretty much design exactly what you want in mudrooms, closets, room configurations, etc.

This includes many spec built homes, as well as new construction.

In today’s housing market a custom built home is a good value, because your money goes farther and there’s no reason you can’t get exactly what you want.

I am passionate about design and I truly share in the client’s excitement.  There is something so rewarding about seeing a client’s dream turn into a reality. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling profession.

The floor plan was the biggest consideration. We had been looking at The Parade of Homes for the right floor plan. We found one we liked and worked with Kevin Otey to make several changes, including increasing the laundry room size, adding a detached garage and a niche for a china cabinet.—Pamela, Summerfield

Chuck and Pamela, Summerfield

Most of the time, clients come to me with pictures, magazine articles, scrapbooks, etc. all containing items that they wish to incorporate into a new home.  From these items, and after carefully listening to their ideas, I create an initial floor plan.  After garnering floor plan approval, I move on to creating exterior elevations.  And, usually with just a little tweaking, construction drawings are created.  The process really is not the arduous, daunting task that some envision.

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Paul also holds a contractor’s license, a real estate broker’s license and an MBA.  Reach him at 643.1020.

Bear Lodge sold!

We’ve finished and sold our concept home benefiting MDA. I’m an outdoorsman and it’s reflected not only in our name and black bear logo, but in the homes we create. There’s an emphasis on establishing not just square footage but a “sense of space” and an appreciation for construction that’s as resilient as nature itself.

So I’m especially stoked about Bear Lodge because it lets us match the rustic appeal of popular resort lodges with the kind of design you see in the best home and architecture magazines.

Bear Lodge let us specify 150-year-old wood beams inside and out, so you’re always in touch with nature. It’s 6,600 square feet with vaulted ceilings, but the floorplan is as cozy as it is roomy. The great room feels like a mountain retreat.

All Otey homes emphasize the kitchen, as possibly the most popular room in anyone’s home. Bear Lodge has lots of rustic appeal, but its kitchen is designed for maximum convenience and appointed to the standards of the most demanding chef. Counter space, bars and a cupola topped keeping room are designed for entertaining.

It’s easy to step outside anytime in any season with four patios protected by the same timber-framed ceilings you see inside. One has a large Tennessee fieldstone fireplace with the look of a ski lodge. The meandering terrace wraps the exterior and leads you to an outdoor kitchen.

Each of four spacious bedrooms includes a private bath and walk-in closet.

There’s some pretty dramatic millwork on display everywhere, that’s another feature of Otey homes that stands out in Bear Lodge.

We connected two uniquely spacious garages with four-car capacity. And there’s even an elevator for convenience or lifestyle necessity.

Bear Lodge is a home for people who love nature, beauty and comfort.

See images below OR, take a complete photo tour here.