Memorial Day is the official kick-off for the summer. Did you head out to the lake to get started on the season’s outdoor activities? Was it just too far to go? McGuinn Hybrid Homes has a few ways for you to think ahead to lakefront living this summer.The lakes around Columbia, SC, are some of the most beautiful in the state. With 48,000 acres of crystal clear water, Lake Murray is known as “The Jewel of South Carolina”. You could spend your time in or on the lake—boating, swimming, fishing, or just about any water sport you can think of—or keep your recreation on solid ground. Lake Murray has 620 miles of shoreline, dotted with beaches, campgrounds, picnic spots, recreation areas, restaurants, and all the other entertainment you’d expect by the big lake.Actually, if you lived close to one of the lakes, all of this fun would be readily available. You wouldn’t have to make a trip or wait for a weekend. Spend a couple of hours canoeing or paddleboarding. Catch your fish and cook it up at home an hour later. Stop and watch the sunset on the way home.Lakefront living doesn’t have to be limited to weekends and vacations. Make it a year-round thing. Take a look at the opportunities in our communities of single-family homes near Columbia’s lakes.Centennial at Lake Carolina is one of about 20 neighborhoods in this master-planned community. The lake covers about 200 acres with about 6 miles of lakefront property. The Lake Carolina amenity association gives homeowners plenty of ways to enjoy living in this particular area. The floor plans for our energy-efficient homes range from about 1,500 to 1,700 square feet. Starting in the low $200,000s, Centennial at Lake Carolina is an affordable way to reap the benefits of lakefront living.Harbour Watch in Leesville is a gated community of single-family homes on Lake Murray. The neighborhood itself is an active one, with a variety of gatherings taking place at the clubhouse. The pool and marina also provide ways to blend recreation with socializing. Our spacious homes—from 1,815 to 3,343 square feet—reflect classic exteriors with contemporary interiors. The open concept combines the kitchen, living room, and dining area. The kitchens are accented with granite countertops, a center island, wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. We have move-in ready homes available so you can make the move to living on the lake right now.A 15-acre lake is at the heart of Summerlake in Lexington, SC. We’re building single-level and two-story homes with 4 bedrooms and a long list of amenities that contribute to comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Like all of our lakeside communities, Summerlake is home to people who love to have fun. The clubhouse, pool, parks, picnic areas, and walking trails contribute to the active, friendly lifestyle that so many people enjoy here. Our homes start in the low $200,000s, for about 2,000 to 2,835 square feet. Take a look at these quick move-in homes.Stop putting off that dream of living by a lake. Talk to us at McGuinn Hybrid Homes to give yourself the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for. If you have your eye on lakefront property, we also welcome the chance to build a home on your land.
How to Navigate Choosing Your Floor Plan Building a new home is a huge decision, and it doesn’t just end when you find a builder or sign the contract. Thankfully, we not only offer plenty of options, but we also help you select the perfect plan for you and your family. Consider Your Family’s Needs Arguably the most important reason you’re buying a new home, the wants and needs of your family play a huge role in the kind of home you build. If you have a large family, multiple bathrooms and a spacious living room will be key! Or, if one of you is a budding chef, a gourmet kitchen with beautiful countertops will likely top your must-have list. Before searching through available home plans, sit down with your family to decide what your ideal home looks like. Not all items will make the cut, but it gives you a better idea of what to look for when scrolling through photos and descriptions! If there are items you absolutely cannot do without, star them and put them and the very top of your list. That way, you can let your sales representative know. They can make sure the home you choose incorporates these high-priority items. Confirm Availability and Locations Many builders limit their plans to certain locations - and of course, prices can vary depending on the city or county you choose to build in. Quite a few factors play into why a home might be more expensive in one area. For example, the lot itself may cost more, or region-specific regulations could affect how the home is built. Before you decide on a plan, be sure to ask your builder where the plan can be built! That way, you won’t fall in love with a plan only to find out it won’t quite work with your lot. At McGuinn, most of our home plans are available on most lots. If you ever have questions, though, just give us a call. We consider the size of the lot and your desired home design in order to get you an amazing price. Know Your Options Here, we offer opportunities to customize and personalize your floor plans as needed - letting you design your home and truly make your home, your way. This isn’t the case with all builders, though. Be sure to ask any builder you’re considering about their options for personalization and customization - as well as how much it costs. With our various level options, you’ll be sure to find the right option for you: Level 1: The Best Value Home, choose a “Your Home, Your Way” plan and choose from a wide selection of available options to personalize. Level 2: One step up, the Value Custom Homes let you personalize any of our stock plans. Explore Available Floor Plans Now comes the fun part! Most builders have an online gallery of their available floor plans, and our site is no different. Be sure to click through our plans to find one that strikes your fancy. Below, we’ve curated a list of our team’s personal favorite plans. Anderson - A two-story design, the Anderson offers three bedrooms and 2 ½ baths with over 1,300 square feet of space with a flexible room layout. The gourmet eat-in kitchen is perfect for prepping meals, while a breakfast bar seamlessly connects the kitchen with the dining room. Part of our Main Street Series, a covered front sitting porch and a back patio make this home perfect for those who enjoy relaxing outside at the end of the day. Stonebridge Extended - One of our most innovative homes, this plan is stunning! An extension of our Stonebridge plan, the Stonebridge Extended adds four feet throughout the home. Perfectly designed for those looking for space and character, the dining greets you immediately upon entering, before you’re guided to the airy great room and kitchen. Upstairs you’ll find three bedrooms and a spacious owner’s suite. Woodland - Not into stairs, or want an owner’s suite on the main floor? Then the Woodland could be the plan for you. The nine foot ceilings complement taller windows, while a gourmet breakfast bar and garden tub in the owner’s suite add luxury. Prescott - If you’re looking for options, the Prescott plan is the perfect place to begin. Offering four or five bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, and a guest suite on the main floor, this home presents itself as the definition of luxury. A loft open to the main floor opens up the plan, while two bedrooms upstairs share a jack-and-jill style bathroom. Of course, these are just a few of the plans offered at McGuinn! Scroll through the other plans we have available to see which one suits you. Even if photos are not currently available on a builder’s website, always ask if they have any examples of the home they can show you! They may have a portfolio or recent photos they took of a completed home that the sales representative can walk through with you. Make Use of the Selections Gallery Often called a Design Studio or Design Center, the Selections Gallery provides you with all the options available to use in your new home. No matter what your budget, McGuinn’s Selections Coordinator walks you through your available choices for both exterior and interior selections. To make the most of your Selections appointment, keep the following in mind: If you have a Pinterest page dedicated to your dream home, keep it handy! Your Selections Coordinator will look at your examples and provide you with advice. If you have fabric samples, paint swatches, pillows, etc., bring them to your appointment. This helps your Coordinator to find the perfect features for your new home. Keep your style and taste in mind - after all, this appointment is about you. Our team provides expert recommendations, but ultimately it’s your home. Need Help? If you still need help navigating the building process, rest easy! Our team is here to help. Just reach out to us and our team will walk you through everything you need to know.