The concept of flipping houses has become immensely popular over the last few years with the ease of being able to learn the right steps at our fingertips and on HGTV. But Clarkesville local, Barbara Copeland, started flipping houses before it ever had a name. Barbara and her husband, Larry, have been in the building business for more than 40 years completing about three to four houses a year. She has also had her hand in designing and building some commercial and multi-family spaces.
After years of creating new spaces for their clients, the couple knew it was time for their own fresh space. When all their children moved back locally, they felt the need to downsize. Being just under 2300 sq ft., it has a spacious, open floor plan and a basement. Barbara really wanted each room to have multiple purposes, with a study that could easily convert to a bedroom and an office that could become a bedroom or sitting room. There are three full baths on the main level as well as the space for one in the basement.
The Copeland’s really wanted the details of their house to exemplify an inviting feel that provided a clean, sleek look. Hardie board and batten siding can be seen on the front entrance around the front door and the fireplace in the living room is detailed with primed nickel gap wall paneling, both provided by Harbin Lumber. The sizable porches on the front and back sides of the house were created with entertaining in mind using products also from Harbin Lumber like Trex decking, Fortress Railing that gives off a polished shine in the sunlight, and tall Ply Gem windows to bring in the natural light. Each of these providing a low maintenance exterior.
The interior details resemble the same feel as the exterior, coinciding well together. Pocket doors were used in several rooms to utilize the space effectively. Broad trim and molding lined the windows tying in with the polished exterior elements.
Barbara has loved the overall project of creating a forever home for her and her husband but there were some challenges they faced during the process. “This home took 7 months of the rainiest weather ever to build. We have been in for 3 months, with many projects remaining, but we are steadily chipping away at them.” Though weather did cause a small set-back, she thoroughly enjoyed seeing it come together and working with different people. “My favorite part of any build is working with the subs. We have some that we have used for more than 30 years. They have become family.” She continued on that aspect by commenting, “as a woman some would expect that I would have had bad experiences. However, it has been just the opposite! I have been respected, tutored and treated kindly by some fantastic builders and subcontractors.”
Barbara credited Harbin Lumber salesman, Leon Brock, for making their building process run as smoothly as possible. “We are so grateful for the fine service we received from Leon Brock and Harbin Lumber. Leon helped us find things from all around while also suggesting reliable vendors for other projects within the house”.
Building a home that you would like to be in for many years to come can be daunting, but Harbin Lumber can make choosing the right building supplies a stress-free process. Joanna Gaines believes that “home is the most important place” and we are so glad to have had a hand in creating that for great customers like the Copeland’s!
For the full house tour, check out our youtube channel or the video below