Questions To Ask Your Custom Home Builder

Modern living room with exposed brick wall, large windows, a beige sectional sofa, two armchairs, glass coffee table, floor lamp, and neutral decor. Light wood flooring and white walls create a bright, airy space.

Building a new home is the largest investment most people will make in their lifetime, so it goes without saying that it’s important to get it right the first time. Choosing the best custom builder for you and your project is crucial to its success. You will want to meet with each custom builder to […]

Should I Hire an Architect or Builder First?

A spacious, modern living room with light-colored sofas, armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and a neutral rug. Large windows and open doorways provide natural light and views into adjoining rooms.

If you’re considering a custom home build or a historic renovation, you’re probably wondering which comes first — the builder or the architect? This isn’t a question with a straightforward answer. It may seem logical to hire an architect first since he or she will design plans for a builder to execute. But here at […]

Should I Have An Open Floor Plan?

Modern kitchen with wooden floors, exposed wooden ceiling beams, blue-gray cabinets, glass cabinet doors, a built-in wine fridge, a large island, and white walls with recessed and pendant lighting.

Modernizing and updating your home’s floor plan can be a great option for a home renovation. Perhaps you’ve thought about removing a few walls to open up the space. An open floor plan may be the talk of every home improvement show on television, but is it really the right choice for your space? There […]

Should I Build A Dedicated Media Room?

Modern living room with a large, wall-mounted flat screen TV framed by wood paneling, two patterned floor vases on the left, and ceiling spotlights illuminating the space.

A home renovation or construction project requires careful planning for every family need you may experience. For example, you may be interested in a dedicated media room that provides a unique viewing experience. Is this option right for you? Let’s take a look at this process to give you an idea of what to expect. […]

Renew Urban Wins The Prestigious Carolopolis Award

Two people shake hands, one wearing a green dress and the other a dark green shirt. The focus is on their handshake, symbolizing agreement or partnership, with a blurred background.

Renew Urban has won an award from the Preservation Society of Charleston for their work on historic renovations in the city. The company was recognized for their work at 63 Anson Street, which was originally built in 1839. The renovation project preserved many original features of the house while also adding new elements that reflect […]

Should You Remodel Or Tear Down And Rebuild?

A lush garden with large leafy plants, stone pathways, and a grand white-columned porch. Sunlight filters through tall trees, creating a peaceful, shaded outdoor space.

Whether you’re considering buying a fixer upper or already own a house that could use a little TLC, you may have wondered if it’s worth renovating or if you should just tear down and rebuild. At first glance the pros and cons probably seem obvious. Remodeling might seem more affordable and less extreme while tearing […]

Hardieplank vs. Hardiepanel

Close-up view of beige horizontal vinyl siding on the exterior of a building, with a vertical dark trim piece on the right side. The siding features a wood grain texture.

At Renew Urban Custom Home Builders, we affirm that both HardiePlank and HardiePanel, produced by James Hardie, are exceptional siding options. HardiePlank, with its horizontal installation, lends a traditional look to your home. However, if you’re seeking a modern touch, HardiePanel’s vertical siding offers unique design possibilities. Both options are engineered for superior durability and […]

Most Expensive Things to Renovate in Your Home

A modern kitchen with a marble island, black cabinets, exposed brick walls, fruit bowls with bananas, apples, and oranges, and a round pendant light hanging above. Orchids and a potted plant add greenery to the space.

The most expensive projects in home renovations primarily involve upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, along with exterior improvements such as roof replacement and intricate landscaping. The extent of costs can greatly fluctuate based on the materials chosen, the complexity of the project, and professional installation. Upgrading to premium appliances, choosing high-end countertops or flooring, […]

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Charleston SC

Three colorful historic row houses with black shutters and balconies stand side by side under a partly cloudy sky, framed by leafy tree branches in the foreground.

At Renew Urban, we’ve analyzed Charleston’s cost of living to give you the full picture. Overall, it’s about 11% above the national average, with housing, transportation, and utilities being key factors. Charleston ranks 161st in U.S. home prices, and rental costs are among the highest nationwide. However, there are financial perks, especially for retirees. South […]

What To Consider When Designing Your Custom Kitchen

A person’s hands draw a detailed architectural sketch of a kitchen, featuring cabinets, an island, and a stove, with measurement notes and lines visible throughout the black-and-white illustration.

When you opt for a custom home, you have the chance to build a kitchen that works for you, your family, and your lifestyle. On the practical side, this means ensuring there’s plenty of counter space for your culinary masterpieces (or to set your takeout containers on), that you have sufficient seating for family and […]