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Custom Quality

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

When used to describe Rick Tozier's elegant and rustic transitional home in Meadows Edge, "bucolic" takes on a new meaning. From the front, Tozier's home is a mix of stone, brick and cedar that blends beautifully with the surrounding countryside. In the back, a screened porch overlooks rolling, fenced pastures. Yet despite the obvious charms of the pastoral views, Tozier's home is just as delightful inside and includes the type of upscale features commonly found in higher-priced custom homes.

"My father built homes for investment, so I spent my summers in the trade," said Tozier, describing the background that prompted him to start Sonoma Building Co. "I've roofed, framed and done most of the jobs associated with building a home, and I love the creative process that is involved. I focus on providing a good quality product, and my goal is always to help my customers achieve what they want in a home."

Tozier is a native New Englander who moved to North Carolina three years ago. He has a degree in business and economics and worked in operations management before moving to North Carolina. He started Sonoma after realizing that he missed the "small company, entrepreneurial spirit" he had enjoyed early in his career, and even though he was entering a market where quality builders are well-represented, Tozier knew that he could make his mark as well.

"There is always opportunity in any business for good quality," he said. "I tell the guys who are established and known for their quality that my goal is to be where they are. I want to be here in five or 10 years, so whatever the project is, I focus on running my business with integrity and developing close relationships with my customers."

Tozier's home in Meadows Edge offers a lot of visual appeal and a family-friendly floor plan that makes the most of every room. The great room features a stone fireplace flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows facing the rear of the property. The kitchen has granite countertops and custom cabinetry, and Tozier has included built-in cubbies that will help home-organization efforts. A wine bar or butler's pantry between the kitchen and dining room is a convenient accompaniment to entertaining.

Wide-plank maple floors in a "whiskey" stain lend understated and distinctive style to the main level, and Tozier added an unusual window design that is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright style to complete the "bones" of the first floor. The master bedroom has floor-to-ceiling bay windows and an award-winning master bath with beautiful tile.

Along with the visual "eye candy," Tozier has included important unseen features. The home is Energy Star-rated and has a sealed crawlspace, a tankless water heater and Low-E windows.

"I am very much a proponent of Energy Star," he said. "We need to educate the consumer about what Energy Star means to them, and I believe it's important to do what's right for the environment."

When not building homes, Tozier spends his time assisting mission efforts in Honduras through River Oaks Church and coaching youth lacrosse teams. The father of four boys, he is accustomed to an active household and understands firsthand how important it is for a home to fit the lifestyle of its occupants.

"One of the things I really enjoy about this business is that it allows you to develop close relationships with both your customers and others in the business," Tozier said. "I love the creative process with my customers, and I enjoy seeing their thoughts become reality."

Sonoma Building Co. is a member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem. For more information on HBA, call 336-768-5942. For more information on Sonoma Building Co., call 336-480-5337 or go to www.sonomabuilding.com.

To see the home in Meadows Edge today from 2 to 4 p.m., take I-40 West to Highway 801; turn left at the top of the ramp and continue to right on Highway 158; continue on Highway 158 to a left turn on Gun Club Road; take Gun Club Road to a left turn on Beauchamp Road and continue about two miles to a right turn into Meadows Edge; Tozier's home is at 123 Meadow Creek Court in the cul-de-sac.