Homeowners are foregoing builder-grade options for unique custom features that showcase true craftsmanship.
The Lowcountry’s renewed interest in one-of-a-kind, hand-made products has migrated beyond the farmers market and local boutique and into the realm of residential design and construction. Homeowners are interested in showcasing their individual style through the creation of innovative homes. “While our clients have been customizing their homes with specialty spaces for years, the current desire for unique features and finishes is an exciting opportunity to engage our local craftsman in our projects and focus on the craftsmanship of the home,” states custom home builder Ron Boshaw of Boshaw Residential.
Craftsmanship is defined as “the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; artistry.” While often overlooked, building a home is one of the largest man-made consumer products in the domestic market. Thousands of hands are involved in the construction of a home. A combination of tradespeople and artisans are needed to create a unique and appealing home. Lowcountry custom home builders, like Boshaw, are working closely with these specialists to build homes that are structurally sound and aesthetically impactful.
“Prioritizing the craftsmanship of the home means focusing every single trade on the same goal. As a custom home builder my job is to manage the two segments of the project, the “behind the walls” and the “finished surfaces,” both of which affect the overall workmanship,” explains Boshaw. “Homeowners often grade the quality of their home upon what they can see in the finished product, but a well-built home depends heavily upon those parts which are not apparent to the naked eye such as the foundation, the framing, the electrical wiring, and the plumbing.”
“Behind the walls” refers to the structural and mechanical components of a home build. Starting with the foundation, the contractor is responsible not only for a well-built base but provisioning for the design features that will integrate with the foundation like recessed shower pans, in-floor electrical outlets, and first floor plumbing. The framing, sheathing, waterproofing, windows, doors, roofing, and insulation form both the thermal envelope and the interior and exterior appearance of the home. Integrating mechanicals like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical is an art-form as the tradespeople minimize additional shafts and subtly place access points in the home. “The placement of the light switch in a room has taken more thought than most homeowners imagine – considering furniture placement, art, architectural details, and circulation! It’s a balance of mechanics and aesthetics even at this early stage,” notes Boshaw. The “finished surfaces” in the home rely on square, even planes with wellplaced mechanicals so they can be installed properly in the home.
It is vital to engage skilled tradespeople and artisans during the finish stage of the home. This is Boshaw’s favorite stage of the home as it allows his design/build team to work with the homeowner to create special features that make their home uniquely their own. A recent home built by Boshaw Residential in Oldfield includes the craftsmanship of several artisans. A custom designed and built handrail by a seasoned trim carpenter is reminiscent of a traditional split rail fence with a contemporary flare, indicating this home will be both modern and classic. Just beyond the family room is a screened porch which features a tabby stucco and brick fireplace, both installed by a mason that specializes in the field. “This home exemplifies outstanding craftsmanship,” states Boshaw. “The custom crafted kitchen cabinets and range hood transition perfectly with the appliances, countertops, tile backsplash, ceiling trim, and flooring. The clean transitions were accomplished by a team comprised of a kitchen designer, product specialists, tile setter, trim carpenter, and cabinet
installer. It’s a true a testament that proper planning and coordination of an experienced team will result in superior craftsmanship.”
Below, A Savannah artisan recently crafted this one-of-a-kind custom chandelier for a Boshaw Residential homeowner.
This resurgence in building with superior craftsmanship offers Boshaw and his contemporaries the opportunity to showcase the work of experienced tradespeople and artisans, creating a legacy of unique homes for generations to come.
