by Sarah Thorn | Jan 31, 2023 | Construction, Construction & Design, Green Building
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" background_enable_color="off" background_enable_image="off" background_position="bottom_right" custom_padding="83px||59px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" 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"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_font="||on||||||" header_text_align="left" header_text_color="#4d5357" header_font_size="63px" custom_margin="11px||13px|||" custom_padding="||||true|true" header_font_size_tablet="63px" header_font_size_phone="50px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Choosing the Right Builder Choosing the right builder is the single most important decision you will make for your custom home. It is well worth your time to learn what questions to ask builders, and what red flags to look out for.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" text_font="||||||||" text_letter_spacing_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Written by: Sean Sullivan[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb image="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145018/Untitled-design-14.png" alt="Questions to ask your builder" icon_placement="left" image_icon_width="75px" image_icon_width_last_edited="off|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" background_color="#FFFFFF" custom_margin="20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true" custom_padding="20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true" box_shadow_style="preset4" global_colors_info="{}"]Top Questions to Ask a Potential Builder Get the list to save yourself time and money.[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145012/Untitled-design-3-1.jpg" alt="Sean Sullivan - choosing the right builder" title_text="choosing the right builder" _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" module_class="no-back" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" background_color="#FFFFFF" custom_padding="||0px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" 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"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" width_tablet="" width_phone="90%" width_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" background_color="#f2f2f2" custom_padding="29px|36px|29px|36px|true|true" custom_padding_tablet="29px|36px|29px|36px|true|true" custom_padding_phone="29px|28px|29px|28px|true|true" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" box_shadow_style="preset4" global_colors_info="{}"]What to Do Before You Hire a Builder Here are the key takeaways for this article if you're short on time: 1: Look at some of the builder’s homes currently under construction.2: Look at some of the builder’s completed homes.3: Interview the builder (see Top Questions to Ask a Potential Builder)4: Have the builder provide a list of previous homeowners.5: Call two or three previous homeowners this builder has worked for and ask them key questions (see Top Questions to Ask Your Builder’s Previous Homeowners).6: Become comfortable with the contract documents before signing.7: Decide on your homebuilding budget.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" width_tablet="" width_phone="90%" width_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_2_font="||on||||||" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_font_size="44px" custom_margin="||17px||false|false" header_2_font_size_tablet="31px" header_2_font_size_phone="31px" header_2_font_size_last_edited="on|tablet" border_width_bottom="2px" border_color_bottom="#919191" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Table of Contents[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="#right" button_text="Why Picking the Right Builder Is Half the Battle" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover" button_text_color__hover="#58a618"][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url="#like" button_text="Do I Have to Like my Builder?" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover="#58a618" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover"][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url="#bids" button_text="How Many Bids Should I get for My New Home?" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover="#58a618" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover"][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url="#three" button_text="Pick Three Out of Four : Quality, Speed, Service, Price " _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover="#58a618" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover"][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url="#scam" button_text="How Do You Avoid a Builder Scam? " _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover="#58a618" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover"][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url="#builders" button_text="Top Questions to Ask a Potential Builder" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover="#58a618" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover"][/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url="#clients" button_text="Top Questions to Ask Your Builder’s Previous Homeowners" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" custom_button="on" button_text_color="#4d5357" button_border_width="0px" button_icon="7||divi||400" button_icon_placement="left" button_on_hover="off" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_color__hover="#58a618" button_text_color__hover_enabled="on|hover"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="right" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" width_tablet="" width_phone="90%" width_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_2_font="||on||||||" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_font_size="44px" custom_margin="||17px||false|false" header_2_font_size_tablet="31px" header_2_font_size_phone="31px" header_2_font_size_last_edited="on|tablet" border_width_bottom="2px" border_color_bottom="#919191" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Why Picking the Right Builder Is Half the Battle[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="||0px|||" global_colors_info="{}"]How important is it to choose a good builder? It’s #1 on the list! You will have a lot of decisions to make as you build your custom home— selecting colors and finishes, determining size and layout, and more. But no decision will impact your homebuilding experience more than the all-important decision you’ll make right at the start. You need to choose a great builder! The fact is you can’t do a good deal with a bad person. No matter how hard you work, you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. The same is true with your builder.Here are the three most important qualities to look for in a builder for your custom home: 1. Trust: Building a new home is probably one of the largest investments a person will ever make. If you don’t believe your builder has your best interests in mind, you’re talking to the wrong builder. You want a builder who works on your behalf, not someone who is only looking out for his own interests. When you call your builder, will you get a straight answer? If something goes wrong on your job, do you trust your builder to make it right? Believe me, when you build a custom home, there will always be bumps in the road no matter which builder you select. There isn’t a contract written yet that will cover every possible condition that you may encounter while building your new custom home. Ask yourself: What is your builder’s intent? If his internal compass is pointing north (with intentions to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult), you’re halfway there. 2. Competence: Does your builder have the ability to see and execute your home from start to finish? How long has he been in business? Is he able to walk you through the concept and design stage to produce a home that will reflect
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by Sarah Thorn | Jan 27, 2023 | Construction
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="0px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" 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"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="0px||0px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text module_class="chronospro-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" z_index_tablet="500" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" 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header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}"]ABOUT LIVING STONE | MEET OUR TEAM | JENNIFER BATES[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" module_class="custom-columns" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="JENNIFER BATES" module_class="chronospro-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" z_index_tablet="500" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}"]Jennifer Bates Executive Assistant[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145043/Livingstone-J.-Bates-2-1-1.jpg" alt="Jennifer Bates" title_text="Jennifer-Bates-tall" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|on" admin_label="Mobile Image" module_class="mobile-team-image" _builder_version="4.19.1" z_index_tablet="500" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="4.19.1" z_index_tablet="500" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}"]Jenn is the Executive Assistant for LSDB, she is also part of the Client Experience team, she's had years of experience working in customer service. She is familiar with the building industry-she is married to Mike Bates, VP of construction for LSDB, who has been in construction since LSDB was started. What has been your favorite Living Stone project? Absolem's Wonderland What are your 3 favorite activities to do outside of work? Sitting on my porch Connecting with friends Shopping What values would you defend to the death? Loyalty Integrity What is your secret talent? Shopping What is your favorite Asheville area restaurant? Nine Mile If you could have one superpower what would it be? Super human [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|on" admin_label="Houzz Logos" _builder_version="4.16" disabled="on" global_colors_info="{}"] [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145043/Livingstone-J.-Bates-2-1-1.jpg" alt="Jennifer Bates" title_text="Jennifer-Bates-tall" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Desktop Image" module_class="desktop-team-image" _builder_version="4.19.1" z_index_tablet="500" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Contact Info" _builder_version="4.19.1" background_color="#ede8e5" custom_padding="27px|27px|27px|27px" z_index_tablet="500" text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet="1px" box_shadow_horizontal_tablet="0px" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="0px" box_shadow_blur_tablet="40px" box_shadow_spread_tablet="0px" global_colors_info="{}"]Contact Information Office: 855.720.2435 jennifer@livingstoneconstruction.com 706 NC Highway 9 Black Mountain, NC 28711[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_3,1_3,1_3" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_button button_url="/meet-the-team" button_text="MEET OUR TEAM" button_alignment="center" admin_label="MEET OUR TEAM" _builder_version="4.13.0" custom_button="on" button_text_size="17px" button_text_color="#ffffff" button_bg_color="#62a844" button_border_width="1px" button_border_color="#589a43" button_border_radius="0px" button_icon="9||divi||400" button_icon_color="#ffffff" button_on_hover="off" background_layout="dark" z_index_tablet="500" button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet="0px" button_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet="0px" 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by Sarah Thorn | Jan 17, 2023 | Construction & Design, Pricing Updates
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" 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"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145054/home-building-practices.jpg" alt="Home Building Practices" title_text="home building practices" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" 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"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][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="4.19.1" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" custom_padding="||1px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Construction Pricing Update January 2023[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" 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="{}"]Quarterly Pricing We always seek to provide transparency and to educate potential and existing clients about the best building practices. We know that cost is top of mind when it comes to building a home, so we are now providing a quarterly cost per square foot report in our newsletter to help homeowners understand current costs and the reasons behind them. Overall Pricing Toby Jernigan, Living Stone’s Operations Manager, notes that, overall, price per square footage has stayed the same. “We’re still seeing prices between $550 and $700 per heated square foot. It’s important to note that when it comes to building, price per square foot only tells part of the story. There are other important factors to consider, some of which include material quality, energy efficiency, and labor costs. Read our in-depth article explaining construction pricing here.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145058/home.jpg" alt="home" title_text="home" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" 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="{}"]Material Pricing Material prices have seen a notable shift recently. “They have dropped significantly in the past few months, and seem to have steadied off for now, but they are still above pre-Covid levels,” Toby explains. “This pricing is expected to hold for the next few months, at least until early/mid spring. Beyond that, the future is unclear.”[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" 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="{}"]Labor Pricing Labor trends are not looking as positive as materials, but it’s not all bad news. “Labor pricing has not moved,” concedes Toby. “In fact, in some cases we still continue to see incremental increases. The expectation, according to my sources, is that this trend will remain as-is for the foreseeable future. On a positive note, we are seeing labor shortages lessen, meaning the availability of trades on projects is increasing, and turnaround times are lessening.”[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" 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="{}"]Supply Chain Update There is mixed news on the supply chain front, as well. “Supply chain issues continue to ease, making many building material products easier to come by. This isn’t the case for all building products. Many appliance manufacturers are still dealing with such a backlog from Covid, and some brands are still greater than 6+ months out. Some window manufacturers and interior door companies are still seeing 15 to 20-week turnaround times.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145056/supplies.jpg" alt="Supplies" title_text="supplies" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_team_member name="About Toby Jernigan" image_url="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145051/toby-jernigan-Cropped.jpg" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" header_level="h2" header_font="||||||||" header_font_size="31px" background_color="RGBA(255,255,255,0)" height_tablet="" height_phone="" height_last_edited="on|desktop" border_radii_image="on|74px|74px|74px|74px" global_colors_info="{}"]As the Operations Manager for Living Stone Design + Build, Toby Jernigan oversees the estimating, scheduling, and production flow of Living Stone projects. With over 20 years of industry experience, he provides the invaluable expertise required to keep highly customized, complex builds running smoothly. Toby lives in Canton, NC, with his wife, and spends his free time fly fishing and trail running in the great outdoors of western North Carolina.[/et_pb_team_member][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
by Sarah Thorn | Jan 10, 2023 | Building Green, Postings, Pricing Updates
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" 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"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_margin="|95px||auto||" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][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="4.19.1" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" custom_padding="||1px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]The True Worth of a Home Price per square foot isn't as important as you might think [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.22.1" header_text_align="left" 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="{}" custom_padding="7px|||||" sticky_enabled="0"]Building a custom home is a bit like buying a new car, right? Not exactly. If you asked a car dealer how much he charges per pound, you’d get some very strange looks. Of course, there is some correlation between the cost of the car and its weight, but not significant enough to prompt that question. We all know car dealers don’t sell by the pound.In the same way, I feel perplexed when someone asks me how much I charge per square foot to build a home. It’s not the right question. –Sean Sullivan, from Building a Custom Home: What you Need to Know On the surface, cost per square foot seems like an efficient way to assess the price of building a home. But if you dig a little deeper, you realize that this figure only tells you what someone wants to charge you. It doesn’t tell you anything about how much bang you’re getting for your buck. It’s far more important to know the value of a product or service than its cost, and homes are no exception. The value of a home is determined by a number of independent factors that come together to paint a larger picture. On the surface, cost per square foot seems like an efficient way to assess the price of building a home. But if you dig a little deeper, you realize that this figure only tells you what someone wants to charge you. It doesn’t tell you anything about how much bang you’re getting for your buck. It’s far more important to know the value of a product or service than its cost, and homes are no exception. The value of a home is determined by a number of independent factors that come together to paint a larger picture. Location and Lot Location is a huge factor when it comes to building costs. The Asheville area boasts pleasant weather, exquisite scenery, mountain views, and proximity to a vibrant dining, art, and music, making it a highly desirable spot to build a dream home. The more desirable the location, the higher the demand, and the higher the demand the higher the cost. There are also limited numbers of available lots in the most desirable areas, which causes prices to rise further. The specific lot you choose can also factor into the price. In the mountains, the topography of your lot can make a great deal of difference in terms of cost. The slope of a lot can affect everything from pouring the foundation, to landscaping, to installing utilities. In general, the higher the slope a lot has, the harder the builder will have to work to develop the land and build the house. Mountain lots can also contain unexpected obstacles like rock, water, or colluvial soils, which take more work, and consequently more expense to correct.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145109/Untitled-design-2-1.jpg" title_text="Untitled design (2)" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" 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="{}"]Size and Complexity A six-thousand-square-foot home is going to require more labor, more materials, more planning, and more time than a 2,000-square-foot-home, and that naturally translates to more expense. Similarly, a home with more features and greater complexity will require more time, more labor, and more expertise than a simpler home, especially if there are custom elements that require extra time to procure or added labor to produce. Labor Simply stated, highly-experienced trade partners with proven track records are going to cost more. Of course, the investment you make in hiring the right people the first time around will pay off in the end, as quality workmanship stands the test of time and ensures a low-maintenance home. This is why Living Stone only works with trusted trade partners with our same commitment to quality and the same uncompromising standards. They also know the area, and can guide you to the best possible partners for your project, at the best possible price. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.19.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.19.1" 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="{}"]Green Building Green building in its truest sense requires ethically sourced, sustainable materials, low-VOC paints and finishes, and handmade furniture crafted with hardwood and natural fibers. All of these items cost more than standard items, not to mention the added labor and planning that goes into crafting a green
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by Sarah Thorn | Jan 3, 2023 | Building Green, Homes for Sale, Pricing Updates
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="||21px|||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" 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"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||13px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][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="4.23.1" 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="{}"]Where Should I Spend My Money? If You’re Going to Err, Do It Here Building a home is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so you’ll want to know where to put your money to get the most value for your investment. Here are seven areas to consider:[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145304/Spend-My-Money.jpg" alt="Luxury Custom Home Builders in Asheville, Spend My Money" title_text="Luxury Custom Home Builders in Asheville" _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.23.1" 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="{}"]1. Location You’ve heard the adage “location, location, location.” This is where to spend your money. You could build a home with a great design with great features and finishes, but if you build it in the wrong location or on the wrong lot, you could be in real trouble. Consider purchasing the most expensive lot you can afford. Historically, mountain or creek view properties experience stronger growth in value than non-mountain or creek view properties. Your long-term investment is more likely to be sound. 2. Design Services You can add enormous value to your home by investing in the services of a competent architect and an interior design team. Not only will you enjoy the splendor of a fabulous home, you will find a greater return on the money you spend for these services at the time of resale. 3. Kitchen Most buyers don’t complain about a kitchen being too large, too much counter space, or too many cabinets. Spend money on the kitchen. We’ll talk more about this topic later. 4. Great Room Oversize, don’t undersize, your great room. Families tend to gather and spend most of their time in the great room. If you were to oversize any room, make this room a little larger (rather than smaller) than you think you need. 5. Master Bath This room is the owner’s retreat, a place to relax and unwind. Upgrade your master bath’s size and finishes. When you sell your home, this will be an important feature and provide a good investment return. 6. Room Size Make sure your rooms are large enough to meet your needs. It’s very expensive to come back after your home is finished and add twelve or eighteen inches to a room because you’ve just realized it’s too small. If you’re on a limited budget, it’s better to hold off on some of the finishes than cut down the size of your rooms. You can add finishes later, and the cost may only be slightly higher than if you installed them during the initial construction process. Very often in mountain design, homes end up being more square footage than the homeowner’s need because proper emphasis was not put into space planning. Most mountain homes tend to double the square footage due to the need for a lower level to make up the topographical transition. If this becomes the situation in your design, “right-sizing” your home is a good exercise that your architect, designer, or builder should do for you. Closets: Never underestimate the value of roomy walk-in closets, linen closets, and laundry rooms. -Sean Sullivan[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" specialty="on" admin_label="Building a Quality Custom Home" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="39px|||||" da_disable_devices="off|off|off" locked="off" 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"][et_pb_column type="2_3" specialty_columns="2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type="2_3" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_font="|||||on|||" header_text_color="rgba(17,32,73,0.79)" header_font_size="54px" header_2_font="||||||||" header_2_font_size="34px" custom_margin="||||false|false" header_font_size_tablet="39px" header_font_size_phone="38px" header_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" header_2_font_tablet="||||||||" header_2_font_phone="||||||||" header_2_font_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]Building A Quality Custom Home Want to know more? This book by Sean Sullivan is full of helpful information in easy-to-read chapters like this blog post. It is a step-by-step guide to the “must-know” issues of building your dream home. Discover the custom-home construction secrets that could save you headaches, heartaches, and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/building-a-quality-custom-home" button_text="Learn More" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151432/Untitled-design-8.png" alt="Building A Custom Home" title_text="Custom Home Book" _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]