Source: Rhino Times Greensboro

Don Mills Knows Building

by Zoe Murphy

June 28, 2012

For over 26 years, Don Mills, owner of Don Mills Builders Inc., has been framing and constructing homes all over the triad, from Stokesdale to Randleman. “Structure is what sets us apart from other builders,” he said. “I can actually put on a tool belt and build a house.” Mills’ knowledge of the framing and construction process enables him to walk on a job site and know if something is not being done right. “I don’t call myself a contractor; I call myself a builder,” he said.

“What we want to do is give the customer the most we can give them for their money,” explained Mills. In his eyes, as the contractor, he is part of a team that includes the subcontractors and the home buyer. “We all have to work with each other and for each other.”

Don Mills Builders also includes Mills’ wife, Annette. “My wife does all the design work,” he said. “She picks out the paint, tile – all the interiors.”

Because of his awareness of the building process, Mills said he likes to focus on ensuring that his work is sound and lasting, whether it is building a custom home he has designed, or remodeling an existing residence. “I tend to over-build because what you don’t see makes a home last.”

After several slow years due to the economic downturn, Mills is happy to report that the pace of custom home building activity is picking up. Another positive sign to Mills is his part in the new, exclusive, Beacon Hill neighborhood, between NC 150 and North Church Street, about 15 minutes from downtown Greensboro. The homes in that community will be in the $350,000 to $420,000 price range.

Only four builders are being asked to build in the Beacon Hill community, Mills explained. “Nobody’s been exclusive anywhere because of the economy,” he said. The development has not broken ground yet, but currently has already sold the model home, and Mills has two custom homes slated to begin construction there as well.

The northern part of Guilford County, where Beacon Hill will be, is familiar territory for Don Mills Builders. “The schools have kept us in the northern area quite awhile,” Mills said. In addition to Beacon Hill, Mills has homes in Stonebridge and Jessup Ridge. “Those areas are ready to go now after the economic downturn,” he said.

Both Jessup Ridge and Stonebridge are marketed through Realtor Ann Powell with Allen Tate Realtors. According to Powell, Jessup Ridge offers more of a woodland feel, with lots of rolling hills and trees. That community, which contains all custom-built homes, offers a price range from the mid $400,000s to $600,000 for homes, while lot prices begin at $84,000. Jessup Ridge is being built in six phases, and currently the community is completing the fourth phase. The next phase is expected to open in late 2012 or early 2013.

Stonebridge, another custom community, offers homes starting at $500,000 and going up to over $700,000. Powell said that many of the lots are between one and two acres in size and many include hardwoods. “The lot Don built on is very deep with lots of hardwoods,” Powell said. “It has an open, covered porch all the way across the back of the home, more than 60 feet long. It’s a wonderful view – you feel like you’re at the beginning of a forest.” The home, which was featured in the Spring Parade of Homes, is available and is listed at $675,000.

Powell added, “Don spends a large amount of time making sure he has the right lot selected for the right home. He wants the lot and the home to mesh.” She added that he won’t encourage a potential home owner to build a home on just any piece of land. “He wants to make sure when everything is finished that the home looks like it really suits the lot.”

Mills understands that many consumers were hesitant to make any decisions about homes when the economy was uncertain. “They wanted to make sure they were going to be able to keep their jobs, and building a house and/or relocating are major decisions,” he said.

Mills sings the praises of Bank of Oak Ridge for the part they have played in keeping building activity going in Greensboro. “Everyone should realize what the Bank of Oak Ridge has been doing,” he said. “They’ve stepped up and are offering some incredible rates – really trying to help spur the economy. And from what we see it’s working.” Don Mills Builders recently has had four houses financed with Bank of Oak Ridge, all of which are now sold.

Don Mills Builders does a lot of their custom home work with people who are moving to the Greensboro area from out of town, and Mills said he has found that his customers enjoy the experience. “They don’t have to come down a lot, and we make it easy for them to build their custom homes.” Many of these out-of-town clients are the reason why Mills has built so many homes in northern Guilford County. “The northern schools are top notch and that is what people with kids look at first,” he said.

Mills has been a member of the Greensboro Builders Association for more than 20 years and is currently serving on the board of directors for the 2010-2012 term. For more information about Don Mills Builders, call (336) 362-1777 or visit the website at www.donmillsbuilders.com. Contact Ann Powell at (336) 327-3473 or ann.powell@allentate.com.