Founded five years ago by Derek and Jodi Scmeelk, the Oakmont Group Inc. prides itself in completing new builds and remodels in the Old Village neighborhoods of Mt. Pleasant, SC that are all planned around families and maximizing functionality. Their first remodel quickly turned into building spec homes all around the Old Village neighborhoods in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina. We recently sat down with Jodi to discuss all things design and some small tips and tricks to elevate your ever-evolving home!
Derek and Jodi like to create designs that help renovate the neighborhood they love.
One of Mount Pleasant’s oldest and most desired neighborhoods, the Old Village has always been a prime place for purchasing a home. This quaint community, tucked off of Coleman Boulevard in the area known as “Old Mount Pleasant,” draws families looking for a picturesque way of life. Filled with Live Oaks, lazy streets and water front views, the Old Village truly has something for everyone.
The Old Village has a lot of history, so it's common for builders and homeowners to simply "refresh" or add-on to an existing property. "I love renovating ranches that have been well-lived in, built 50+ years ago. Giving them a facelift if it's possible and making them family-friendly. The goal is always to bring kids back to playing outside in the streets or backyards."
In 2020, the Schmeelk's started taking on clients in addition to spec projects. "Our new builds and remodels are all planned around families and maximizing functionality. We are very fortunate because our client projects are just by word of mouth. The best compliment is when someone loves the work you have done and had a good experience doing something that can be so stressful."
Jodi loves to mix it up when it comes to style and design. "I think our style varies. I personally love light and bright with pops of color - natural elements with fun surprises pulled in. That could be lights or tile. I like to try and mix it up from house to house."
Client involvement is a must for Jodi and Derek. Oakmont Group, Inc. started by developing/renovating their own houses which gave them flexibility with style and finishes, but when they started taking on clients, they quickly learned everyone has their own opinions and needs. "It has allowed us to branch out and even learn things from our clients!"
When designing, Jodi tries to keep one thing in mind: Have fun! "I try to keep the palettes neutral so owners can come in and make it their own." Taking risks with lighting and fans is one way Oakmont and Meadow Blu have come together to put the finishing touches on some of their projects. Light is more than just a way to illuminate a dark room. You can brighten and enhance any space with a few well-placed lights.
Meadow Blu has a wide range of lighting and fans, from intricate pieces that can create a focal point in your home to accent lights for a bathroom or kitchen. You can create an entire room around a well-chosen light and achieve a space that sparks conversation and adds a little extra something to your home.
Jodi believes 2021 is going to be all about space! "Last year was crazy and I think now everyone wishes they had a flexible space for a home office, homeschool area, playroom to contain toys, etc." Open floor plans and room to grow have long been a top priority but living through quarantine has brought out needs that most people didn't even know they had.
When it comes to selecting a builder or designer, Jodi has one big piece of advice, "Do your research! The best compliment is a referral from a former client that's pleased with your work. Building a house can be stressful but we try and walk you through the process step by step."
If you are looking for a licensed builder and real estate brokerage firm local to Charleston, SC the Oakmont Group might be right up your alley. Focused on providing customers with the highest level of satisfaction in residential new construction and remodeling projects, their mission is to deliver a quality product in a timely manner. Find them online Here or give them a call at (843) 696-5035.