2022 STARS Awards

2022 STARS Awards

[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="4.18.0" 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="{}"]Celebrating Quality Craftsmanship[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129145607/Stars-BABRM-1024x511-1.jpeg" alt="NCHBA 2022 STARS Awards" title_text="Stars-BABRM-1024x511" _builder_version="4.18.0" _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="4.18.0" 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="{}"]Best One of a Kind Living Stone Design + Build took home several awards presented by the NCHBA at the annual STARS Awards Ceremony. Most notably, we won Best One of a Kind Home. and Best Single-Family Custom Home Between 3,501 and 4,500 Sq.Ft. Additionally, at the Asheville Stars Gala, Living Stone won the Parade of Homes Award Best In Show for the Crockett Ridge Craftsman home, and multiple awards for the certified green home Reems Creek Retreat. The NC STARS Awards program honors the achievements of home building industry professionals from across North Carolina.   Our Awards NC STARS awards won:Best Design DetailBest Single-Family Custom Home Between 3,501 and 4,500 Sq.Ft: Hawks NestBest One-of-A-Kind Home: Elk Mountain Zen WNC STARS awards won:Best Digital Marketing CampaignBest Green Single-Family HomeBest Home Under 2,500 square feetBest Home Between 3,501-4,500 square feet Parade of Homes awards won:Best in Show: Crockett Ridge CraftsmanGreen Certification: Reems Creek RetreatGold Craftsmanship Award: Absolom’s Wonderland, Crockett Ridge Craftsman      Western NC Builders At the NC STARS Awards, WNC builders took home 40% of the awards! We're proud to be a part of this excellent group of builders. Marketing Professional of the Year – McKenzi Wallin Shook – Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Brochure, Newsletter, or Marketing Piece for a Builders, Developer, or Realty Company – Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Logo for a Builder or Developer – Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Advertisement for a Builder – Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Digital Marketing Campaign – Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Website for an Associate – Allard & Roberts Interior Design Best Website for a Builder or Developer- Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Interior Merchandising for a Home Under 2,500 Sq. Ft. – Buchanan Construction, LLC Best Interior Merchandising for a Home Between 2,501 to 4,000 Sq. Ft. – ID.ology Interiors & Design Best Interior Merchandising for a Home Over 4,001 Sq. Ft. – Allard & Roberts Interior Design Best Interior Design for a Custom Home Under 2,500 Sq. Ft. – ID.ology Interiors & Design Best Interior Design for a Custom Home Between 2,501 to 4,000 Sq. Ft. – ID.ology Interiors & Design Best Interior Design for a Custom Home Over 4,000 Sq. Ft.- ID.ology Interiors & Design Best Design Detail – Living Stone Design + Build Best Home Landscape Design – Greater Scapes Landscapes Best Outdoor Living Space – Milestone Contracting, LLC Best Green Single-Family Home – Red Tree Builders Best Room Remodel Under $50,000 –Scroggs Construction Services LLC Best Addition Under $100,000 – Semper Fi Custom Remodeling Best Whole House Remodel Under $150,000 – Semper Fi Custom Remodeling Best Historic Preservation or Restoration – Adams and Adams Construction Group, LLC Best Aging or Accessibility Residential Remodel – Semper Fi Custom Remodeling Best Single-Family Custom Home Under 2,500 Sq.Ft. –Red Tree Builders Best Single-Family Custom Home Between 2,501 and 3,500 Sq.Ft. – Milestone Contracting, LLC Best Single-Family Custom Home Between 3,501 and 4,500 Sq.Ft. – Living Stone Design + Build Best Single-Family Custom Home Between 4,501 and 6,000 Sq.Ft. – Sineath Construction Company, Inc. Best One-of-A-Kind Home – Living Stone Design + Build Best HBA Marketing or Communication – Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains Best Government Affairs Initiative – Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains  [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Elijah Klepac

Elijah Klepac

[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="4.17.4" module_alignment="left" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]ABOUT LIVING STONE | MEET OUR TEAM | ELIJAH KLEPAC[/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="Elijah Klepac" module_class="chronospro-heading" _builder_version="4.17.4" module_alignment="left" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Elijah Klepac Construction Sales[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150641/elijah-klepac-scaled.jpg" alt="Molly Sullivan Reeves" title_text="elijah-klepac" 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="4.17.4" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Eli facilitates in establishing client relations and connecting with leads, as well as assisting in guiding clients through the initial building process. Graduating from Liberty University, Eli received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He met his wife sophomore year of college and they married in August of 2021. Eli and Lily welcomed a new baby, Jay Daniel Klepac into the family as of July 2022.   What has been your favorite Living Stone project? The Watkins Residence What are your 3 favorite activities to do outside of work Family time with my new baby Resistance training Golfing What values would you defend to the death? Love, Faith, Knowledge, Trustworthiness What is your secret talent? Can quote every season of The Office verbatim What is your favorite Asheville area restaurant? East Village Grille If you could have one superpower what would it be? Definitely flying [/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|on" admin_label="Houzz Logos" _builder_version="3.19.10" module_alignment="left" disabled="on" global_module="19206" saved_tabs="all" 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/20231129150641/elijah-klepac-scaled.jpg" alt="Molly Sullivan Reeves" title_text="elijah-klepac" 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="4.17.4" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Contact Info" _builder_version="4.20.1" background_color="#ede8e5" module_alignment="left" custom_padding="27px|27px|27px|27px" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]Contact Information Office: 855.720.2435 Cell: 828.273.2315 eli@livingstoneconstruction.com 121 Sweeten Creek Rd. Ste. 70 Asheville Design District Asheville, NC 28803 Download V Card[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|on" admin_label="Quote" module_class="member-quote" _builder_version="4.16" module_alignment="left" border_style="solid" disabled="on" global_colors_info="{}"]“Sean Sullivan’s skills and experience exemplify superlative leadership in business and construction. His commitment to doing the right thing and being focused on the best interests of his customers is always clear. The consummate professional, Sean’s strong relationships with the many disciplines within the trade establish him as one the best go-to contractors in the business!” – Travis Childs, Senior VP First Citizens Bank[/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" button_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_module="20044" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}" button_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_text_color__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_border_radius__hover_enabled="on" button_border_radius__hover="0" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="on" button_letter_spacing__hover="0" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_bg_color__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
85 Emerald Necklace Drive

85 Emerald Necklace Drive

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _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 disabled_on="off|off|off" 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/20231129150935/The-Ramble-Lot-412-front-4k-2-1.jpeg" alt="the windsford render" title_text="The Ramble Lot 412-front -4k 2 (1)" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.17.4" always_center_on_mobile="on" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|on" admin_label="Design + Build" module_class="chronospro-heading design-build" _builder_version="4.16" text_font_size="24" module_alignment="left" border_style="solid" disabled="on" global_colors_info="{}"]DESIGN + BUILD | SEMI-CUSTOM HOMES[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="2 Samuel Ashe Drive #40 in Asheville" module_class="listing-heading" _builder_version="4.17.4" header_text_color="#589a43" header_font_size="52px" border_style_all="solid" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]85 Emerald Necklace Dr lot #412 in Asheville[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.17.4" border_style_all="solid" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Listing Price: $2,200,000 Community: Asheville Proposed new contemporary home by Living Stone Design + Build. In a central section of The Ramble Biltmore Forest, a gated community on pristine property that was formerly part of the Biltmore Estate®, this homesite is conveniently located in the middle of the community - making it a short walk to the Living Well Center or a quick ride to Biltmore Park whether to shop, grab a bite, or catch a movie. The Ramble offers homesites in a community that focuses on high levels of architectural detail to those who appreciate not only fine homes, but a lovely home setting in a natural wooded environment. Community amenities include miles of hiking trails, parks, Living Well Center complete with outdoor heated saline swimming pool, tennis, bocci and pickleball courts, fitness center and more. Taxes TBD. Mail to be delivered to a centrally located cluster box. Contact a listing agent about this property[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_3,1_3,1_3" disabled_on="on|on|on" module_class="home-portfolio" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" disabled="on" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_blurb title="Download Main Level Plan" url="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150934/Main-Level-at-1-8-inch-scale-on-11x17-1.pdf" url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="||divi||400" icon_color="#0c71c3" image_icon_background_color="#ffffff" image_icon_width="15px" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Download Main Level Floor Plan" module_class="portfolio-item new-tab" _builder_version="4.17.4" header_font="|on|||" background_image="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129173707/plan-button-background.jpg" image_icon_custom_padding="25px|25px|25px|25px|false|false" text_orientation="center" background_layout="dark" animation="off" custom_css_main_element="height: 250px;||width: 310px;" border_style_all="solid" border_radii_image="on|100%|100%|100%|100%" border_style_top_image="solid" border_style_right_image="solid" border_style_bottom_image="solid" border_style_left_image="solid" border_style="solid" icon_font_size="15px" use_circle="on" global_colors_info="{}" image_icon_background_color__sticky_enabled="#ffffff" image_icon_background_color__sticky="#ffffff"][/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" background_position="top_left" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150933/Screen-Shot-2022-08-05-at-12.32.52-PM.png" title_text="Screen Shot 2022-08-05 at 12.32.52 PM" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150934/Main-Level-at-1-8-inch-scale-on-11x17-1.pdf" button_text="Download Main Level Floor Plan" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150931/Screen-Shot-2022-08-05-at-12.33.20-PM.png" title_text="Screen Shot 2022-08-05 at 12.33.20 PM" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150934/Upper-Level-at-1-8-inch-scale-on-11x17-1.pdf" button_text="Download Upper Level Floor Plan" _builder_version="4.20.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150930/Screen-Shot-2022-08-05-at-12.33.04-PM.png" title_text="Screen Shot 2022-08-05 at 12.33.04 PM" _builder_version="4.20.1" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150934/Ramble-Lot-412-_site-w-footprint.pdf" button_text="Download Lot Site with Footprint" _builder_version="4.20.1" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/img/Screen-Shot-2022-08-05-at-12.58.28-PM.png" title_text="Screen Shot 2022-08-05 at 12.58.28 PM" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url="https://www.livingstoneconstruction.com/project/the-vogamatta" button_text="View Plan Specifications" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_3,1_3,1_3" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" 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button_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_border_radius__hover_enabled="on" button_border_radius__hover="0" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" 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Is it Better to Buy a Plan or Design Custom?

Is it Better to Buy a Plan or Design Custom?

[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="4.17.4" 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="{}"]Is it Better to Buy a Plan or Design Custom? Read this Before You Decide Should you buy a ready-made plan for constructing your new home? It depends. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129150952/Sean_Blueprint.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse" title_text="Sean_Blueprint" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||11px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Sean Sullivan reviews a client's custom home blueprint[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.17.4" 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="{}"]Cut and Paste If you have a large lot that doesn’t have restrictive setbacks, then finding and buying a ready-made plan may work well for you. It’s important to know that most plans you find in a plan book are designed for specific lot sizes and regular shaped lots. If your lot is long and narrow and the plan is designed for a lot that’s narrow and long (just the opposite), you could have a problem. Sometimes people will use the “cut-and-paste” method. A couple will take a plan from a plan book and “cut-and-paste” it to make it fit their lot. Be careful with this method.   When the Plan Works If you can find a plan that fits on your lot with little or no changes, it may be a good option for you. However, very few people are completely happy with a design they find in a plan book without making minor to major modifications. If you are thinking of buying a ready-made plan and just shrinking it, it almost certainly will not work. Most good, custom-home builders have successfully built homes from ready-made plans. Typically they purchase the rights for the plan, make any needed modifications, and proceed to build the house. Be aware that ready-made plans are copyrighted. Your builder can purchase the rights for the plan, but be sure this step is not overlooked. You can get in real trouble down the road if you shortcut this step.   Design/Build Package For people who don’t choose a standard plan, some builders offer a complete design/build package. Usually this process starts by the builder getting you a complete survey in order to properly evaluate the lot; it’s important to take into account its positive and negative features. The builder then takes the homeowner’s completed list of their prioritized needs and wants and begins the design process. At your initial meeting with the builder, it’s an important step to review the design and to ensure the architect and homeowner have a complete and thorough understanding of your program (needs and wants) and budget. Once the builder has clearly identified your objectives, he can work with the architect to create a unique, quality, custom home—the home of your dreams. As a builder, I’ve found that it doesn’t necessarily cost any more (and often we’ve discovered cost savings) by first focusing on and designing what our homeowners most need while also taking into account what they want. In doing so, we’ve found great success because the process allows us to optimize the conditions of the specific and unique lot instead of having to work from an existing design by enlarging or shrinking areas in the home.With clear objectives and a good plan, you can focus your energy and resources on your unique needs for your new home. -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="4.17.4" _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="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" custom_padding="3px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]
How Important is Indoor Air Quality?

How Important is Indoor Air Quality?

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" 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="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" width_tablet="" width_phone="90%" width_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_blurb title="How Important is Indoor Air Quality?" alt="Indoor Air Quality" _builder_version="4.17.4" _module_preset="default" header_level="h1" header_font="||on||||||" header_text_align="center" header_text_color="#58a618" header_font_size="36px" background_image="https://media-upload-livingstone.s3.amazonaws.com/img/20231129151435/Indoor_Air_Quality.jpg" custom_padding="315px||||false|false" custom_padding_tablet="200px||||false|false" custom_padding_phone="||||false|false" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" box_shadow_style="preset4" box_shadow_horizontal="0px" box_shadow_vertical="-3.5em" box_shadow_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.76)" box_shadow_position="inner" box_shadow_vertical_tablet="-3em" box_shadow_vertical_phone="-5em" box_shadow_vertical_last_edited="on|phone" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.23.1" _module_preset="default" header_2_line_height="1.4em" header_2_font_size_tablet="" header_2_font_size_phone="24px" header_2_font_size_last_edited="on|phone" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Green Certifications Part 2 (Read part 1 here) Homebuyers today are increasingly concerned about the indoor air quality of their homes. Issues like mold, radon, carbon monoxide and toxic chemicals have received greater attention than ever as poor indoor air quality has been linked to a host of health problems. A Wellness-Within-Your-Walls (WWYW) certification is a good way to ensure healthy indoor air. WWYW is an informational resource group created to provide education and guidance on chemicals commonly found in living environments. Check out the Ready Residence, which is soon to be the first WWYW certified home in N.C. Many years ago we built a home for Steve and Betty. Like all of our homes, it was certified and very energy efficient. Steve and Betty told us that they wanted to provide their own cabinets from a company that is known for “do it yourself” because it was less expensive. We tried talking them out of this decision but they had their hearts set on it. On the day that the cabinet parts were delivered to the site, we asked Steve who was going to put together the cabinets? (The cabinets came unassembled in flat boxes and reeked of formaldehyde). Steve was shocked, he hadn’t thought about who would put them together (or install) his cabinets. Once he realized how heavy they were, he decided to have our trim carpenters do it for him. After the cabinets were assembled and installed, it cost more than if they had gone with a decent quality wood/plywood cabinet. Not only that, but the home was now filled with off-gassing particle board. It was only a few years later that I remember Betty was diagnosed with cancer. Obviously we cannot prove the causation, but the correlation is certainly reason for alarm. If you're building a custom home, you are likely not planning to sell it any time soon. Aging-In-Place certifications are also important if you're building your forever home. New homes are much tighter than homes built before the first energy efficient legislation in 1978. However, even if your home is built and certified Energy Star, there is no documentation for the quality of the contents pertaining to air. Homes built to earn the Indoor airPLUS label include features to reduce contaminants that can lead to poor indoor air quality, including mold, moisture, radon, carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals and more. Unfortunately, homeowners are not taught of the dangers that home furnishings can present when brought into the home after completion.   A few things to consider regarding indoor air quality when building your new custom home: Up to 90% of our time is spent indoors 750,000 new asthma cases per year in the U.S. alone Childhood asthma has increased 600% in the last 30 years Homes built today are much tighter than just a few years before and fresh air is hard to get into the home Danger Level 1 Contaminants (in a home) include toxic compounds such as: Building materials Furniture Carpets Paints Cleaning chemicals Flame retardants and other chemicals have been used for decades in the production of commercial and residential upholstered furniture as a method for achieving fire protection. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has classified formaldehyde as a Toxic Air Contaminant, based on its potential to cause cancer and other adverse health effects. What is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a colorless gas. At elevated concentrations it has a strong, pungent odor and can be irritating to the eyes, nose, and lungs. Formaldehyde is released into the home from a variety of indoor sources. Some resins, or glues, used to bind wood chips or fibers into plywood, particleboard, and other pressed wood products, contain formaldehyde. Cabinetry and some floor and wall materials are often made from such products. Formaldehyde is also used in fabrics to impart wrinkle resistance or to fix color, and in some consumer products it is used as a hardening agent or preservative. Also, formaldehyde is a by-product of cabinetry, and gas appliances are common sources of two combustion processes, such as wood burning, gas appliance use, and cigarette smoking. Formaldehyde is usually present at lower (but not necessarily healthful) levels in outdoor air; it is emitted in some industrial sources, and is also created from chemical reactions in the air among combustion pollutants, such as those in automobile exhaust. Some common sources of formaldehyde indoors: Pressed wood products: particleboard, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF); often used
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