An Elegant Solution
Custom Home Build in Hume, Virginia
The Story
Transforming a Challenging Situation into a Lakeside Dream Home
When the Piper family encountered persistent issues with their existing home in Hume, what began as a simple roof leak evolved into an opportunity for complete transformation. With Golden Rule Builders’ 37 years of excellence in northern Virginia construction, the Pipers found their ideal partner to turn vision into reality—rebuilding a stunning lakefront property that perfectly captures both the beauty of its 19-acre lake setting and the family’s unique lifestyle needs.
John and Tracy Piper came to Golden Rule Builders facing a critical decision: renovate their existing home with its multiple issues or start fresh with a complete rebuild. After thorough evaluation of the property’s condition—from roof leaks and termite damage to inadequate heating—the decision became clear. The Pipers appreciated Golden Rule Builders’ comprehensive approach, describing it as a “One-Stop shop” where they could make all their selections in one showroom without “fighting over finishes” or coordinating multiple subcontractors.
Their presence on-site during construction (living in a small camper on the property) allowed for real-time input and decision-making, creating what both parties describe as “a fun and enjoyable experience” despite the complexity of the project.
Client
John and Tracy Piper
Date
Early 2024
Project type
Custom Home Build
Project Highlights
5,500 Square Feet
Project Journey
Step 1: The Vision
The Pipers’ journey began not with grand ambitions, but with a pragmatic problem: a leaking kitchen roof. As they evaluated their options, they continuously noticed Golden Rule Builders signs in the area and began researching the company’s reputation. What drew them specifically was Golden Rule’s comprehensive approach—the ability to handle everything from architectural planning to final finishing touches, all while maintaining clear communication.
Consultation
During initial meetings, the Golden Rule team thoroughly evaluated the existing home’s condition, discovering not just roof issues but also termite damage and inadequate heating. This comprehensive assessment helped the Pipers make the informed decision to rebuild rather than remodel. As Tracy noted, they valued finding a team with “an excellent reputation” and the “flexibility to do what we wanted to do.”
Goals
- Create a spacious, well-built lakefront home to replace the problematic existing structure
- Incorporate custom features including multiple fireplaces and covered porches overlooking the lake
- Design a home where the kitchen would serve as “the heart” of the living space
- Establish clear, consistent communication throughout the building process
Planning
The Pipers invested significant time in the planning phase, working closely with Golden Rule’s staff for 4-6 months to make selections and customize their new home. John described this process as “drinking from a fire hose,” but credited Golden Rule with providing samples and guidance that “made the choosing process a lot simpler.” The team utilized 3D renderings that allowed the Pipers to virtually walk through their future home, visualizing how spaces would flow together.
Spacious Lakefront Living
This expansive home features 3,000 square feet on the first floor and 2,500 finished square feet in the basement, providing ample space for both everyday living and entertaining.
3 Fireplaces
Warmth and Character
Multiple fireplaces throughout the home create natural gathering spaces and add both charm and practical warmth to the lakeside setting.
Covered Porches
Outdoor Living Perfection
Specially designed porches, including a covered deck extension, take full advantage of the stunning views of the 19-acre lake behind the property.
Project Journey
Step 2: The Craftsmanship
The construction process began with demolition of the existing structure, which John humorously noted wasn’t emotional despite what others expected—he knew the issues were severe and “it had to be done.” Throughout the building process, the Pipers were impressed by the craftspeople working on their home, noting they “take a lot of Pride” in their work and treat the construction as “artwork” and “craftsmanship.”
The Golden Rule team’s collaborative approach meant that the Pipers could provide input on selections and questions as they arose on-site. This day-to-day partnership created what the Golden Rule team describes as a “fun and enjoyable experience,” where challenges could be addressed immediately and decisions made efficiently.
Thoughtful Architecture with Meaning
Among the many carefully designed elements of the Piper home, one special feature emerged organically during construction. When a support beam became necessary in the home’s structure, David from Golden Rule approached the Pipers about placement options. Together, they decided to incorporate the beam in a cross design, which took on special significance for the family. As Tracy explained, she had been saying prayers throughout the building process, seeing the home as “the manifestation of a miracle,” and the cross design beautifully symbolized that faith journey.
The home’s kitchen, described by Tracy as “the heart” of the home, received special attention in the design process. Additionally, John’s vision for extending the covered deck created perfect outdoor living spaces overlooking the lake, blending indoor comfort with the property’s natural beauty.
Celebrating a Dream Home by the Lake
The completed Piper residence stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative partnership between homeowners and builders. The 5,500 square foot home, with its multiple fireplaces, thoughtful layout, and custom features, provides the family with the perfect setting to enjoy lakefront living. Throughout the process, the Pipers maintained their commitment to being “the best clients,” which fostered clear communication, efficient decision-making, and a genuinely enjoyable building experience.
In keeping with Golden Rule’s tradition, the completion of the home was marked with a celebration with Golden Rule Builders leadership team and the homeowners. This gathering symbolizes what sets Golden Rule apart: the understanding that we’re building more than houses—we’re creating homes and lasting relationships.
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