Duncan’s Creek vs. Elyse Meadows: Why New Home Inc is Doing it Better

When “Included” Really Means Value

Buying a new home is about more than price — it’s about value. What’s included? What will you have to add later? And how much will those upgrades really cost?

That’s where New Home Inc’s Duncan’s Creek in Lillington, NC stands worlds apart from KB Home’s Elyse Meadows.

According to the official “Dare to Compare” analysis, a buyer at Elyse Meadows would need to spend an astonishing $121,925 in upgrades just to match what comes included with every home at Duncan’s Creek.

New Home Inc doesn’t just build homes — it builds smarter, healthier, better-designed homes that already include what today’s buyers expect.

Smart Home Features - Built for Modern Living

In today’s world, smart features aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities. At Duncan’s Creek, they’re also standard, not upgrades.

New Home Inc includes a full suite of smart home features in every plan:

• Ecobee Smart Thermostat
  
  
• Ring Video Doorbell
  
  
• Smart Switch system for whole-home automation
  
  
• Wi-Fi–enabled Garage Door Opener
  
  
• Smart Front Door Lock & Handle Set
  
  
• 220V EV Charging Outlet
  
  
• CAT6 network panel for future-proof connectivity
  
  

At Elyse Meadows, KB Home charges $300 to $1,850 for each of these individual features. Add them up and the total climbs fast.

Example:
To add a smart thermostat at Elyse Meadows: +$950
To match Duncan’s Creek’s full smart home system: +$5,700+

At Duncan’s Creek, technology that enhances comfort, security, and convenience is already part of the package.

Healthy Home Design — Comfort You Can Feel

A healthier home should come standard — and at Duncan’s Creek, it does.

New Home Inc includes advanced air quality and energy-efficient features such as:

• Specialized HVAC system with fresh air intake and MERV 11 filters
  
  
• Integrated return ventilation for balanced temperatures
  
  
• EcoSelect™ Certification and HERS scoring
  
  
• Sealed and conditioned crawl spaces for cleaner air and better efficiency
  
  

These upgrades alone cost more than $4,000 at Elyse Meadows — including $1,850 for the upgraded HVAC system and $1,200 for proper ventilation.

You’ll feel the difference in cleaner air, consistent comfort, and lower monthly utility bills.

Exterior Excellence — Curb Appeal That Comes Standard

KB Home charges premium prices for exterior features that New Home Inc includes automatically.

At Duncan’s Creek, every home includes:

• 5-inch double clapboard vinyl siding
  
  
• Stone or brick accents
  
  
• Large private wooded homesites (a $30,000 upgrade at Elyse Meadows!)
  
  
• Sealed and conditioned crawl space (on qualifying homesites)
  
  
• Integrated Taexx™ pest control system
  
  
• Front and side yard Bermuda grass
  
  
• Screened porch upgrades with wood rails and paneling
  
  

To match these exterior features, a buyer at Elyse Meadows would spend over $55,000 in upgrades — including $10,000 for a sealed crawl space and $2,500 for Bermuda grass.

These aren’t cosmetic perks. They’re meaningful enhancements that improve durability, reduce maintenance, and elevate curb appeal for the long term.

Interior Design — Luxury Comes Standard

Walk into a Duncan’s Creek home, and the difference is immediate.

New Home Inc includes the kinds of finishes other builders reserve for premium packages — but without the premium price:

• 9' first-floor ceiling heights
  
  
• Craftsman trim package
  
  
• Board & batten wainscoting
  
  
• Soft-close 42” kitchen cabinets
  
  
• Granite countertops
  
  
• Ceramic tile backsplash
  
  
• Multi-sided kitchen island (per plan)
  
  

At Elyse Meadows, these upgrades add up to tens of thousands — including $2,850 for cabinets and $1,850 for tile backsplash.

At Duncan’s Creek, elevated design is simply the standard.

Bonus Spaces — Lifestyle-Focused Design You Won’t Find Elsewhere

New Home Inc builds homes for the way people live today.

That’s why Duncan’s Creek offers innovative lifestyle spaces that KB Home does not include — and in many cases, doesn't even offer:

• Messy Kitchen (per plan) — ideal for prepping, storing, or entertaining
  
  
• Pocket Office (per plan) — perfect for remote work, schoolwork, or hobby space
  
  

At Elyse Meadows, these features are not only optional — they’re unavailable. To achieve similar function, you’d need to redesign your floor plan and spend $20,000+ in structural upgrades.

New Home Inc’s forward-thinking design gives homeowners flexibility and functionality from day one.

A True Sense of Place — The Duncan’s Creek Community Difference

Beyond the homes, Duncan’s Creek offers an environment designed for connection, recreation, and natural beauty.

Community features include:

• Paved walking trails winding through wooded areas
  
  
• Playground and open green spaces for families
  
  
• Community ponds that create peaceful views
  
  
• Abundant wooded homesites offering privacy and nature
  
  
• A serene, master-planned layout designed for livability
  
  

Elyse Meadows simply doesn’t offer the same level of outdoor amenities or natural setting.

(Infographic 7: “Community Comparison — Duncan’s Creek Advantage”)

Duncan’s Creek isn’t just a collection of homes — it’s a lifestyle.

The Real Cost Comparison

When you compare Duncan’s Creek and Elyse Meadows side by side, the numbers tell the story clearly: