by Sean | Apr 8, 2022 | News, Recognition
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" header_2_font_size="30px" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]And an Anniversary Party To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we've chosen 25 charities, and will be donating to one per day for 25 days leading up to our Anniversary Party. Our Anniversary Party will be an opportunity for us to honor our past and current clients, and our trade partners. Each of our 23 Living Stone employees have chosen a charity or non-profit. The two other organizations are the Black Mountain Fire Department, and the Black Mountain Police department because they have served us while the Living Stone Office has been in their jurisdiction over the past 25 years.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" header_3_font="||||on||||" header_3_text_color="#58a618" header_3_font_size="27px" header_3_line_height="1.7em" header_4_text_color="#675c53" header_4_font_size="27px" global_colors_info="{}"]1: Oceana, May 2nd Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale. Aundrea Hutchinson, Administrative Assistant "I chose this charity because of my passion for marine life and the restoration of the world's oceans. In restoring the world's fish populations and protecting their habitat, sustainable meals can be provided to one billion people each day." 2: The Children's Center of Transylvania County, May 3rd We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and healthy home environment. Austin Fox, Superintendent "Nothing upsets me more than an innocent child being raised by an abusive parent. A child’s home and their parents are the world to that child. It should be a safe haven of life not a prison of torture and hate. That is one of the most evil things that exists in our communities." 3: St. Jude's Research Hospital, May 4th The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay. Chris Hamlin, Field Operator "I like that children get the help they need and families don’t have to worry about the cost." 4: Organization for Autism Research, May 5th OAR's mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. Corey Tyree, Carpenter "I like that children get the help they need and families don’t have to worry about the cost." 5: Micah Cornerstone Ministries, May 6th The mission is to be a Christ-centered, gospel-oriented ministry, acting on the commandments of God in accordance with the core of Micah 6:8; "…do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God." Coy Davis, Superintendent "This ministry has a heart for breaking the chains of generational poverty, by raising up and equipping men with a talent to serve their communities and provide for their families. They share our core values in many aspects in the way they humbly serve. I partnered with them for many years in Honduras." 6: Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth and Families, May 9th In 2008, Black Mountain Home began offering youth who have earned a high school diploma or GED the option of remaining in care while furthering their education or working toward a career goal. Youth in the program are expected to pursue some form of continuing education such as college, vocational training, an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or other approved educational program. Housing is provided in the Ray Campbell Independent Living Village on the main campus. Jim Crust, Superintendent "I believe that people that work in the trades are a dying breed and we need to start encouraging kids to get back into the trades and learn a skill." 7: Trout Unlimited, May 10th Trout Unlimited's mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. Johnny Rummel, Carpenter "Riparian ecosystems are very important. It's for the trout man" 8: The Mountaineers, May 11th The Mountaineers' mission is to enrich lives and communities by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and Beyond John Rijhoff "They give back to the local community. They get people outdoors and I volunteered with them for 10 years." 9: 106.9 WMIT the Light (Radio Station), May 12th Blue Ridge Broadcasting exists to lead as many people as possible into a personal and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ and encourages our listeners in spiritual maturity and active service for Christ. Judy Berkley, Controller "I listen every work morning, and it helps to keep my mind in the right place spiritually throughout the day. Occasionally I am traveling between business locations and get to hear some preaching in the morning. It seems, without fail, that the message is something relevant to my life." 10: Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe Co, May 13th
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by Sean | Apr 7, 2022 | Construction & Design, News, Recognition
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="3.22" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" header_text_align="left" header_font_size="33px" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" hover_enabled="0" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]And 25 Years in Business By Sean Sullivan | April 8, 2022 I started this company as an owner-operator in ’97, hoping to eventually build custom homes. It took a while to grow my team and portfolio, but eventually I got there. In 2004, I had a big breakthrough with our first custom home to be featured in a magazine - the Miller Residence.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151750/Miller_Magazine_Feature_LS.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse" title_text="Miller_Magazine_Feature_LS" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]The Lot Matters This home was really challenging for me because the lot was at such a steep angle. Tim Miller is an architect in Florida, and actually contacted me with plans already drawn out for his home, but we had to adapt the plans to the grade of the hill with architects and engineers that I partner with. This lot was so steep. The back deck had to be specially engineered because it’s so high off the ground. Setting the foundation for the deck, we poured concrete pillars, I’m sure you’ve seen that before; cylinders that are maybe 5 feet high, and a couple feet in diameter. These were 27 feet high, several feet around, and there were lots of them. I was nervous watching those get installed, but that curved back deck is one of my favorite features. "We could not have found a more trustworthy person than Sean, nor a better group of individuals at Living Stone to build our house! Our Family lived 500 miles away when Sean and Living Stone built our house in 2004. He had our complete trust, and he never disappointed us! He built us a beautiful home that we still enjoy and love to this day! He and his family have remained friends with our family after all these years, and we greatly value their friendship!" -Tim Miller [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Gratitude Attitude I get to wake up and be excited about my day. There are people who trust me to create things for them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build happier healthier lives. I know for a fact that everyone on my team will tell you the same thing. To show our gratitude, and to celebrate our 25th anniversary, we will be donating $100 to a charity every day for the 25 days leading up to our anniversary party on June 4th. Each of our 23 Living Stone employees have chosen a charity, listed here. The two other organizations are the Black Mountain Fire Department, and the Black Mountain Police department because they have served us while the Living Stone Office has been in their jurisdiction over the past 25 years. The Anniversary Party will be an opportunity for us to show gratitude towards our past and current clients, and our trade partners. There will be music, food, and beverages. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="27195,27229,27228,27227,27226,27225,27224,27223,27221,27220,27219,27218,27217,27216,27215,27214,27212,27211,27210,27209,27208,27207,27206,27205,27204,27203,27202,27201,27200,27199,27198" fullwidth="on" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Sean | Mar 3, 2022 | Construction, Construction & Design
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on" da_disable_devices="off|off|off"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding="42px|||||"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]When should I decide on a lot? Why you should talk to a builder first Buying a lot for a new build can be every bit as emotional and exciting as buying a house. You can fall in love with the view, the location, the natural setting, and that perfect oak tree you envision hanging a tire swing on. You might not think about consulting a builder before signing on the dotted line. But according to Molly Sullivan, sales manager for Living Stone Design + Build, there are some very good reasons that you should.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152301/53-18-Wolfe-Cove-Rd-Asheville-53.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse" title_text="asheville modern farmhouse mountain view" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Topography “It’s very important to choose a lot that can accommodate the type of house you plan to build,” says Molly. “You want to design and build with the topography, and not against it. An experienced builder who’s familiar with the area can tell you whether a lot you’re interested in will work for your home’s specific needs.” Budget Consulting a builder before buying a lot can definitely help you stay on budget. “Prospective homeowners don’t always realize that the topography of their lot can dramatically affect the price of a build,” explains Molly. “The steeper the slope of a lot, the higher the cost of the build. A foundation higher than 12 feet will require engineering, as well as more concrete, more steel, more site prep, and more erosion control. It’s exponentially more expensive” Style The topography of a lot affects everything from the footprint, to the angle, to the way your home is structured. “If you have a flat lot, your best bet is a slab foundation and a main floor and upper floor,” says Molly. “With a sloping lot, the best value is a home with a main and lower floor, because you’re utilizing the slope that you already have.” The Takeaway Obviously, you can’t bring a builder to every prospective lot with you. But many builders will be happy to consult with you before you go lot shopping, and/or visit a lot you’ve fallen in love with to make sure it will work for you. “At Living Stone, we place a priority on educating clients prior to the process,” says Molly. “ I teach my prospects about topography and how it affects the budget, and I explain pros and cons of a particular lot. It helps ensure that they are able to make the best possible decision.” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152122/groundbreaking_fun.jpg" title_text="groundbreaking_fun" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]One of our clients taking an excavator for a spin on goundbreaking day at their lot. Just kidding - it was off. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Sean | Feb 7, 2022 | Construction
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Title Mobile" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" z_index="0" custom_padding="34px|16px|10px|16px|false|true" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" header_text_align="center" background_layout="dark" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="18px||15px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Design-Build VS. General Contractors[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Subtitle" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]For Custom Homes[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.9.0" _module_preset="default" background_enable_color="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.8.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" header_font="QuestaGrande Reg|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]When it comes to building a custom home, one of the first decisions that has to be made is whether to go with a traditional builder or a design-build firm. At this early stage, home owners are often unaware of many details that factor into their home's budget. Consequently, many people make major financial commitments before they really understand their priorities. For some homeowners, hiring a traditional builder ends up being the right choice. However, design-build firms offer some very real benefits that are worth taking into consideration. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152545/03-18-Wolfe-Cove-Rd-Asheville-3.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse Front Walkway" title_text="asheville modern farmhouse front walkway" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152125/design_build_Collab_BG.jpg" title_text="design_build_Collab_BG" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Sean Sullivan, owner of Living Stone Design + Build, realized these benefits when he first started out in the construction business. “Clients would come to him with architectural plans that were overdesigned,” explains Living Stone’s sales manager, Molly Sullivan. “Essentially, the design gave the homeowners everything they wanted without considering what they needed. They had too much square footage, too much unusable space, and didn’t take the slope of the lot into account.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Overdesigning affected the homeowners’ bottom line, as well. “When it came time to start the building process, they had spent so much of their budget on the lot and the architect that they didn’t have what they needed to build the house,” Molly notes. Sean’s solution? Collaboration. “He realized the best way to keep the budget under control and ensure that the house had the right design was to collaborate with a team of professionals who all wanted to work together on the clients’ behalf.”[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152412/13-18-Wolfe-Cove-Rd-Asheville-13.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse Pocket Door" title_text="asheville modern farmhouse pocket doors" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152713/rosenburg_67-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build Rosenberg Deck" title_text="weaverville modern barn house deck" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]In Molly’s experience, having a team of professionals in place with the same goals and the same vision helps to maintain quality, ensure a smooth, cohesive process and protect the homeowners’ interests. “We partner with people who we know are experts in their field, and have our same integrity and commitment to quality,” she says. “We stay integral to the entire process. We’re present at every design meeting, and we hold the budget to make sure they can afford the home.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]One of the most significant benefits to a team approach is intentionality. “With a design-build firm, you get a house that has been thoughtfully and intentionally crafted. It has the right footprint. The budget invested in beautiful finishes rather than extra square footage that won’t get used.” Molly has a special term for homes like these. “I call them jewel box homes,” she says. “Every room is the right size. Every room has a clear purpose. And every finish is absolutely beautiful. I really believe this kind of result is achieved more easily and more affordable with a design-build firm.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152602/nchba_stars_aawards-3-copy.jpg" title_text="nchba_stars_aawards-3 copy" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152124/Screen-Shot-2022-02-07-at-12.51.14-PM.png" alt="Living Stone Design+Build Rosenberg Deck" title_text="Screen Shot 2022-02-07 at 12.51.14 PM" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Molly is the Sales Manager for Living Stone Design + Build and oversees leads, presentations, and client relations. With nearly 20 years of inside sales experience, Molly is the first point-of-contact for Living Stone’s prospective clients. She guides them through the initial process and is there to answer all questions regarding custom building in the mountains. Contact Molly for a quote on your custom home: 855.720.2435 x20 molly@livingstoneconstruction.com [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Sean | Jan 10, 2022 | Building Green, Green Building
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Post" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" z_index="0" custom_padding="34px|16px|10px|16px|false|true" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.9.0" _module_preset="default" background_enable_color="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.8.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" background_layout="dark" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="18px||15px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]All About Radon[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" header_font="QuestaGrande Reg|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Did you know radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among non-smokers? It's odorless and colorless too, so testing is the only way to find out if your home has radon. Below you will find some information that can help ensure your home has good indoor air quality.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129152158/lung-cancer-radon-v2.jpeg" alt="Custom_Home" title_text="lung-cancer-radon-v2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" disabled_on="on|off|off" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="26870,26869,26868,26867,26866,26865,26864,26862,26856" fullwidth="on" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
