Travis and Michelle didn’t know they’d build a custom home when they began shopping for houses online. As they scrolled through realtor sites, they couldn’t find an existing home that felt right for them and their two kids. So they thought through their options. Should they buy something and then remodel it? What about building a custom home?
Updating an older home is an exciting idea, but the more Travis and Michelle looked at the time and cost, the less it seemed worth it. That became more true as they explored Schumacher Homes’ house plans online. Not only did they love the designs, but they also saw more flexibility — and affordability — to make the customizations they wanted.
Then Michelle saw that a friend on Facebook had built with Schumacher Homes about five years before. She reached out and was pleased to hear how easy it was to customize. Not to mention, her friend said, the quality of construction could withstand the test of time.
The Ashley Home: Perfect for Growing Families
Travis and Michelle visited the design studio at Schumacher Homes’ Pittsburgh location. They met Nick, their New Home Consultant, who walked them through the process of building their first home. Looking at designs, Travis and Michelle fell in love with the Ashley house plan. Its combination of traditional design and open, flowing living spaces made it perfect for a growing family.
But it needed a few changes before it was just right. Michelle had something specific in mind: a standalone soaking tub for their owner's bath (one of the most popular trends today). Nick didn’t miss a beat. On the spot, he showed them how the Ashley plan’s flex space could add more square footage to the master bath. Delighted with the change, Travis and Michelle also explored what customizations would best capture the views of their 12-acre property. The result: a wraparound porch and walkout basement.
“Everything has gone so smoothly since our first meeting with our New Home Consultant, Nick,” said Michelle. Now it was time for the next step, Selections.
COVID-19: How Travis and Michelle Designed a New Home While Sheltering in Place
But now it was April 2020. Pennsylvania issued a statewide shelter-in-place order to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Selections process is exciting as homeowners see their vision come to life, but it can also be very detailed, requiring decisions on everything from flooring to fixtures. Travis and Michelle understandably didn’t want to delay, but they also didn’t want to feel rushed.
Then their Sales Coordinator, Jacki, suggested an idea. She called it “HGTV day.” They’d do all of their Selections via FaceTime in one day, just like they would at the design studio. That included Jacki staying within the couple’s budget, never making them feel pressured.
“This was really the bright spot of the week! Jacki didn’t miss a beat,” said Michelle. To make Travis and Michelle feel even more at ease, their Construction Coordinator, Deneen, promptly sent visuals so they could see the changes. That even included flipping the basement layout from left to right.
Speeding Up the Timeline Thanks to a Preferred Lender
When it came to financing, Travis and Michelle chose to go with one of the Schumacher Homes’ preferred lenders. For them, the advantage was clear. By working with a lender who understands the Schumacher Homes process, Travis and Michelle have had such a smooth experience that they can begin construction earlier than expected.
Even their two children can’t contain their excitement. Both have already colored their bedrooms on the printed floor plans.
Once Travis and Michelle made the decision to build a new custom home, they moved forward confidently toward their dream. By working with a Schumacher Preferred Lender, making Selections via FaceTime, and working closely with the Schumacher Homes team, they set themselves up for success. We look forward to building them a home that will be a source of pride for years to come.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 32 markets in 14 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 19,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.