Forward Thinking
Builder Taps Renovation Roots
Article courtesy of Today's Custom Home Magazine - Download PDF version 
Before: The goal of this design-build project was to give a family much needed square footage and function in an historic, 100-year-old home.
There is perhaps no better way to master the building techniques needed to create homes of lasting quality and enduring style than by tearing into a home to learn how it functions. After all, to renovate or repair a home, you first have to break through the sheetrock, plaster or siding that covers its walls and conceals its workmanship to gain a thorough understanding of how every aspect of its construction - from the framing to the wiring - comes together.
It's that expertise that Palmer Custom Builders brings to the new custom homes created by the design/build firm, which also handles custom renovations and repairs. "There isn't much we haven't seen or dealt with," says firm founder Gary Palmer, who holds a Residential Unlimited General Contractors license in both North and South Carolina.
After: Completely enlarging and remodeling an upstairs bathroom was the first phase of this project. Next, construction began on an 1,100-square-foot addition, which included a large master bedroom suite, spacious gourmet kitchen, gathering room, laundry room, powder room and covered porch. The front porch was expanded to wrap around the covered porch area, and a carport, workshop and driveway were built behind the home.
An Unlimited license allows the company to build residential projects of unlimited cost. "Remodeling is more challenging than new construction, because once you start tearing into the walls, you are often surprised by what you find. Those surprises may be positive or negative, and you have to learn to adapt to each." A graduate of NC State with a degree in Natural Resource Management with emphasis on Site and Facility Planning, Gary has had lots of hands-on experience in building and construction techniques. Prior to founding the company, Gary was a project coordinator involved with renovations and building new homes for another custom builder. He knows what to expect from tradesmen, because he has experienced and mastered most of the tasks personally over the years.
The original kitchen was replaced with an extended version fit for a gourmet. While it boasts features like a functional island, plentiful counter space and professional appliances, it still maintains the charm and character appropriate for an historic home.
The firm has learned to adapt well since Gary and Pam Palmer founded the parent corporation in 1986, specializing in flooring, repairs and renovations. Eventually the company expanded into more complex remodeling projects and new construction, including custom homes. "We take our talents and expertise from being experienced in the more complicated renovation market and apply those skills, along with present-day trends, to the custom home market," explains Pam. The company, with its diversity of skills, offers an added value to clients who report having difficulty finding someone who can handle a variety of needed home repairs, such as wood rot, window or roof repairs, and even structural issues. "While we're working on a larger project, our diversified crews can also handle necessary repairs for clients," Gary explains.
Palmer Custom Builders created a dramatic rear porch addition (above) that was in keeping with the architecture of this home. The new space allows natural light to flow in through multiple windows, while it also provides the homeowners with additional living space suitable for year-round use.
The homes Palmer has built, renovated or repaired range from Historic residences to the couple's own home, a striking Modern Mediterranean. In fact, their residence in Weddington was highly customized to meet their needs. Since they love open and airy floor plans, they opted for 12' and 15' ceilings. They then adapted everything from kitchen counters to bathroom vanities to place them at comfortable heights and included a master bedroom suite with a spacious master bathroom. Since they designed and use the home for entertaining, Gary enlisted the assistance of a chef to help plan the proper placement and type of appliances throughout their open kitchen floor plan. To take advantage of their 1.25-acre lot, the couple designed the house to bring the outdoors in. That's apparent as soon as you step inside the front door and see through the living room to the covered lanai and water feature beyond. "The whole back of the house is glass, which gives us the feeling of peace and serenity we were seeking," Gary explains.
This home evolved from Palmer Custom Builders’ desire to design-build a home with lots of natural lighting, beautiful large windows, major living areas on the ground floor and striking custom amenities. Conceived, designed and built by Palmer Custom Builders, this modern Mediterranean home of 4,928 heated square feet brings the outdoors inside while incorporating features such as 12’ and 15’ ceilings, elaborate crown molding, precast stone columns, and network wiring.
While you would expect a builder's own residence to reflect his needs, Gary and Pam were careful to structure the firm so they could be equally responsive to clients. "Building Dreams into Real Life Homes" is the company's tagline, and that's exactly what they strive to achieve.
The company starts with a lesson learned from their renovation roots - thinking through the entire process from start to finish before any construction begins. They go so far as to list 21 steps to each project on their website, so clients know exactly what to expect at each juncture.
Items like product selections are addressed early to prevent construction delays. "We also like to make most selections ahead of time so we won't go over budget," he explains.
The covered rear porch overlooks a cascading fountain surrounded by lush landscaping that has a decidedly tropical feel in keeping with the architectural style of the home.
Another strength of the company is the team approach they take with every project. It starts with Gary's personal attention to detail. "Since Gary is the General Contractor, he works closely with clients at every step of the process," Pam says. That single point of communication enables him to stay informed of each aspect of every project, delivering the personalized service custom clients require.
That one-on-one attention is then backed by an experienced team of professionals. Administrative Project Coordinator Denyse Lafferty manages the office and coordinates the myriad details and scheduling necessary to complete each project. Interior and exterior design and space planning services are provided by The Design Group - a multifaceted company with over 25 years experience- that specializes in residential and commercial client services. Palmer Custom Builders has relied on this talented group to help bring their clients' dreams to life for over 20 years. The company also works with clients who have their own interior designers. Palmer Custom Builders has accomplished lead carpenters who have excellent craftsmanship skills and can draw upon the resources of a vast network of experienced and proven tradesman they have developed over the years. Pam has more than 18 years prior experience in the corporate world. Having been a licensed Real Estate Broker since 1991, she now manages the company's business operations and finances. The result of that shared expertise is a company dedicated to meeting or exceeding expectations.
While strict systems and processes are firmly in place to manage construction, Palmer Custom Builders refuses to be restricted in style.
"We have a proven ability to think outside of the box," Gary explains. That's evident in a custom home the firm is now building for a longtime client - a stunning Tuscan Country Manor in Union County. Situated on a waterfront lot that overlooks ponds, fountains and waterfalls, it features a two-story, brick and stone veneer, and roughsawn post and beamed covered porch area with stone accents. Inside, touches like a professional kitchen, curved corners, custom designed crown moulding and trim, custom cabinetry, hard surfaces such as wood, granite and tile, and a state-of-the-art media room provide the amenities today's buyers crave. Palmer Custom Builders is attentive to every detail to create a home that implements each homeowner's personal taste and style.
Palmer Custom Builders is currently building in the Weddington area and preparing to begin construction on spec homes in the gated Chatelaine community. The company will also build on an individual's own lot in North or South Carolina. The firm is a member of NARI, National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Greater Charlotte, Inc., and is a past recipient of that organization's prestigious COTY award as well as a People's Choice Award. For more information, visit www.palmercustombuilders.com or call (704) 841-4106.
