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Feminine Touch

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

He looks at the mechanics of a home; she wants to know about closet space and tile colors. He is interested in construction methods; she asks about square footage and bedrooms.

Although simplistic stereotypes like these are not as common as they once were, gender delineations still exist when it comes to preferences in 21st-century residential construction. However, for clients of Carolyn Triplett Custom Homes, these preferences are no big deal because the friendly and energetic veteran builder has probably already considered them in her design.

“People tell me that they can tell a lady designed my homes,” Triplett said with a smile. “I guess it is because I put a lot of thought into my homes, and I can adapt plans to meet the needs of the homeowners. For example, for one client, I changed a plan to include a half-bath instead of a closet. Originally, you had to walk through a bedroom to get to a bathroom in this house, so I recommended that we add the bath and use some of the square footage designated for the walk-in closet. Now the homeowners tell me that they are so happy we did it that way.”

Although eloquent in speech and appearance, Triplett is also clearly comfortable on the job site of a custom construction project. She said that her background enabled her to gain firsthand knowledge of the building industry, adding that her client list has continued to grow since her first year in business.

“My dad was always in construction, so I grew up with it,” said Triplett, a native of Alleghany County. “After I was married, I lived in Texas for 10 years and got my real-estate license while I was there. I kept the books for a contractor, and so when we moved back to North Carolina, everyone said ‘Why don’t you build houses?’ That was 20 years ago, and over the years, I have done a lot of work with people moving up. Now I probably do as many custom homes as spec, and I work in a lot of neighborhoods in Kernersville and Guilford County.”

Triplett’s customers have addresses in many of Kernersville’s upscale communities, including Croyden, Kilburn, Wexford and Oakmont. She is planning to start a spec home in Oakmont East for the spring market and said that her business practices are the same regardless of the price or location.

“I am a small builder, so I don’t do as many homes as some,” Triplett said. “Quality is the number one thing for me, and some of the subcontractors I use actually started out with me years ago. We have worked together for a long time, and they know what I expect.

“I am big on detail and trim,” Triplett said. “I tell my clients that the least-expensive option is not always the best, and with my subs, I know what I’m getting before I start.”

An active member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem, Triplett encourages members of her profession to get involved by volunteering on one of HBA’s committees. She said that her affiliation with HBA strengthens her professionally, and she counts many of her associates and clients as friends.

“I have done repetitive building for individuals who relocate and return or just decide to move up or change locations, and I am a hands-on builder,” Triplett said. “I love seeing what we accomplish on a daily basis, and I want to be there for the subcontractors as well as for myself in case any questions or concerns arise.

“During my building career, I have built lasting friendships with many people,” Triplett said. “I enjoy working with people to make their dream home become a reality.”

Carolyn Triplett Custom Homes is a member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem. For more information on HBA, call 336-768-5942. For more information on Carolyn Triplett Custom Homes, call 336-993-4417 or 336-345-2961.