For a multitude of reasons, Beaufort, and the rest of the Lowcountry is consistently an ideal location for people looking to build a new home.  Whether it be due to the proximity to the water, the breathtaking views, the unbeaten sense of community, or the various other reasons that make the Lowcountry and idyllic home, people from all over the country are hoping to build their dream house from Beaufort to Port Royal.  While building a home might seem fairly straightforward, there are some contributing factors, when building throughout the Lowcountry specifically, that you should consider when thinking about the details of your new home. 

 

1.      Don’t overlook using the right materials for the climate.

While many consider the yearly climate of the Lowcountry ideal, it can, at times, be harsh on your home if not constructed with the right materials.  So, before you make the final arrangements to break ground on your future home, make sure you entrust the project to a builder who knows the ins and outs of what materials best suite the climate. 

·        Tabby concrete – This is quite a popular material for homes in the Lowcountry, especially for homeowners looking to go with a more modern style.  Not only does the concrete look impressive, but the materials it’s comprised of, sand, water, lime, and oyster shells, have proven to withstand the storms and humidity of the area. 

·        Metal roofing – Another impressive option that looks to impress and adds a subtle touch to any coastal home.  And on top of that, homeowners can rest assured that it will hold up throughout the high winds that come during hurricane season.  An added bonus?  The metal allows for the roof to be energy-efficient!

·        High-end and sturdy siding – A good siding can last a homeowner decades!  Finding the right siding is crucial considering both the high humidity and extreme winds that can occur throughout the Lowcountry, especially in the summer months.  Make sure to work with your builder to find a company that is trusted and has ample experience and specializes in working on homes in the Lowcountry. 

2.      Keep the true, timeless, Lowcountry feel in the design.

One thing that has always set a Lowcountry home apart from the rest is the overall design and aesthetic of the façade.  The classic, understated style of a Lowcountry home has evolved over the years but a few aspects have stood the test of time.  Features such as using local materials, wrap-around porches, classic shutters, a porch with the ceiling painted in Haint blue are all “musts” when building a classic home in the area. 

3.      Include ways to keep out the heat.

While many aspects of a Lowcountry home look like they’re built to impress, they also serve another purpose: function.  It’s no secret that keeping your home cool in the south throughout the summer months is a priority and there are many functional ways to do this while still staying true to the Lowcountry style.  For starters, include high ceilings in your living areas.  It’s not uncommon for a home built in the Lowcountry to have 9–10-foot ceilings, as this helps to keep the air circulating.  Another aspect that’s important for air circulation is trying to have as open a floorplan as possible.  As far as keeping your porch as functional as possible, there are many things you can do for this space.  For starters, the deeper the porch, the more likely you’re keeping the hot air away from your actual home.  To maximize these changes, you’ll want your porch to be at least 8 feet deep.  Also, the Haint blue color isn’t just for show!  It also helps with the heat and tends to keep mosquitos away.  Adding oversized ceiling fans throughout both the inside and outside living spaces will also significantly help with airflow.  When talking with your builder, make sure they are aware that you want a home as functional as possible concerning keeping the heat out. 

4.      Make the porch a priority!

The importance of porches, when it comes to a traditional Lowcountry home, can’t be stressed enough.  It’s a staple that has defined what it means to live in the Lowcountry for as long as anyone can remember.  In addition to the previously mentioned, there are a couple of things you’ll want to consider when designing your dream porch.  For starters, you’ll want to think about comfort as much as design, as you’ll most likely be spending quite a bit of time enjoying your oversized porch.  So, make sure you have a seating area that is equal parts appealing and comfortable.  Patio couches and large porch swings are a popular place to start with seating.  If this will be your main outdoor entertaining destination, feel free to follow the trend of having a fireplace on the porch, or invest in screening it in.  And don’t forget the rug to tie everything together!  At the end of the day, comfort is the most important thing when thinking about your Lowcountry porch. 

 

Of all of the factors that go into building the perfect Lowcountry home, one thing is for certain: once you find yourself living in this southern paradise, you’ll never want to leave!  The charm, friendly, classic, feel of any neighborhood throughout the area is ideal for just about anyone looking for a place to call home. 

 

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