Jim and Valerie Hofstetter

403 Links Crossing South
Grand Harbor

Year built: 2006

Valerie grew up in a neighborhood in Pasadena, California, well-known for its vintage arts and crafts style homes. When she was ready to build her new home in South Carolina, that same style felt right to her once again. When she and her husband, Jim, started to develop plans, they knew exactly what they wanted. The "non-fussy" style with clean lines and colors that blend into nature appealed to them both.

They searched through multiple plan books for ideas, cut out photos of their favorite features from magazines and combined them into an ideal home collage. This helped explain their wish list to their chosen architect. Their selection of windows, pillars, exterior lighting fixtures and garage doors were truly arts and crafts inspired.

Throughout the process, Lee made suggestions that enhanced the look and proportions of the interior space--especially the arches separating the dining room and kitchen. Even after final plans were drawn, Jim, Lee, Valerie and Jim re-designed the master bathroom to include a huge walk-in shower.

"With Jim Beard overseeing the construction, we knew we were getting a well-built home. Lee's ability to see the whole picture, his attention to detail and calming influence regarding decisions and cost-conscious efforts to stay within our budget were icing on the cake. He works hard to get the look you desire within your budget. He searched for granite on sale and a supplier to purchase and install wide plank heart pine floors--two big ticket items that could have easily taken us over our budget."

Jim and Valerie Hofstetter

So, we're ready for the "Rough-In" or "Internal Organs/Guts of the House" stage. Read on as we take a look at what makes a healthy, energy-efficient home.