Great Southern Homes - Article - Summer 2024
Grand Strand New Home Guide - Summer 2024
Builds on Success in the Grand Strand
It is said that good things come in threes. The motto holds true for Great Southern Homes and their three-pillar business model: style, quality and affordability.
Great Southern Style
A myriad of choices wait for homeowners. Unlike builders who offer limited personalization or restrict changes once construction begins, GSH stands out by allowing homeowners to make modifications even after construction starts. Whether building from scratch or working with a partially completed spec home, customers have the opportunity to add their personal touch, within the constraints of the construction phase. "In essence, customers are building their floorplan from the ground up or from sticks in the air," said Sonya Schaffner, Regional Sales Manager for Great Southern Homes. "From home sites to room conversions, upgraded flooring to fixtures, and color options for countless items, we give our customers choices."
"GSH builds homes that are energy efficient and are built above code standards," said Schaffner. "And, part of the GSH package is an energy efficient tankless water heater. Many of our communities offer natural gas, which is a cost saving benefit."
GSH has more than 100 active floorplan options with nearly two-dozen plans ranging from 800-3500 sq. ft. available in the Myrtle Beach/Grand Strand market. Outdoor living spaces are essential to Grand Strand clients. GSH exteriors come with choices that include a variety of porch styles (many are screened in), color options, and diverse façade materials. New in 2024 is the option of black accents (like windows and gutters) for a contemporary look.
"Our homes have architectural detail – like Brick, Stone, and Accent materials – that add to the curb appeal and prevent the look of a cookie cutter community,” said Jason Faulkner – Coastal Division President. “These extra details give a custom look without being custom built."
Great Southern Quality
GSH has a dedicated and efficient team of customer service representatives who follow up in the event of any potential post-closing issue. "Our goal is to not have any warranty issues," said Faulkner.
"We prioritize quality in all our homes," Faulkner emphasized. "Our rigorous quality control process includes assessments by our Project Manager, followed by a Quality Inspection and two homeowner reviews. We refine each home until it meets our standards, aiming for zero defects and zero items owed. Our goal is 100% quality. The checklist is reviewed multiple times by our full-time warranty and quality control team, along with the Project Manager. While our greatest reward is happy customers, industry recognition is also appreciated."
The attention and commitment to quality has been recognized by the homebuilding industry with multiple Guildmaster Quality awards. GSH is also the "2024 Builder of the Year" by Builder magazine.
GSH care for quality also extends to its business practice of operating on a community level with local subcontractors and vendors. "We are a regional company, but at the end of the day we can work as a small entity with an emphasis on local," said Faulkner. "Our commitment to local vendors also acts as a benefit to homeowners."
Great Southern Affordability
Affordability is always important to homeowners and GSH goes the extra mile to keep costs lower. "We have the resources to help keep interest rates down to make our homes more affordable," said Faulkner. "Being a regional builder gives us buying and purchasing power to keep prices lower."
Great Southern Gives Back
"It is important to us to focus on our communities and give back," said Faulkner. "GSH is active in the community with a presence in homebuilder associations, workforce development, and volunteering with local groups" (beach cleanups, Habitat for Humanity, high school Booster clubs and others.)
Great Southern Growth
Homeowners continue to flock to the Grand Strand and surrounding regions. "The Southeast checks all the boxes – lower taxes, low cost of living, and mild climate. Homeowners are migrating from the mid-west as well as northeast," he said. "The Grand Strand is a great place to call home. We have easy access to 60 miles of beach across Horry County, and there is endless entertainment here. It is a haven for golfers and Myrtle Beach will host the PGA this year," Schaffner added.
These migration trends point to success and growth for GSH. The company purchased Creekside Homes in early 2024, doubling its presence in Horry County. More coming soon communities for Horry County include White Oak Estates, Westfield, Briarfield, and Westwood Reserve.
After 20 years in business, GSH shows no signs of slowing down. The future is looking bright in sunny Grand Strand.
