Low Maintenance
Building a low-maintenance home takes a lot of thought, experience, and a dedication to doing things right. Just because a builder says he uses “hardie siding”, doesn’t mean that he will build you a low-maintenance home. We have worked for years to put together the right recipe with a combination of products, vendors, and specific application practices that create the perfect solution for our clients. Enjoy the posts below to see our promises turn into action.

The Village at Longcliff
Longcliff is a private gated community nestled just five minutes from downtown Highlands, NC. This exclusive enclave features luxury estate homesites, sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views, and convenient access to all the culture, dining, and natural beauty Highlands has to offer.
As a trusted builder in Longcliff, Living Stone Design + Build brings over 30 years of experience in crafting award-winning custom homes that support healthier, happier living. Our team collaborates closely with you to design and build a high-performance, Energy Star and Green Certified home that fits your vision and lifestyle.
From concept to completion, our 8 Levels of Service ensure your custom home journey is seamless, personalized, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship and care.

Cashiers Lake
Located in the heart of Cashiers, NC, Cashiers Lake is a gated community offering residents a serene mountain lifestyle in one of the area’s most coveted destinations. With 30 acres of preserved greenspace, a private lake, walking trails, and easy access to town, this community is ideal for homeowners who want nature and convenience in one stunning package.
At Living Stone Design + Build, we’re proud to be a builder in Cashiers Lake. We bring over 30 years of award-winning experience to the mountains of Western North Carolina and craft high-performance, energy-efficient homes that promote healthier living.
From trees to keys, we manage every aspect of the build, guiding you through our 8 Levels of Service and creating a home designed around your lifestyle. Our proven process and deep roots in the region ensure you’ll enjoy a home—and a homebuilding experience—with no regrets.

Building Better Homes in Western North Carolina
Building Distinctive Homes in Western North Carolina From the artistic streets of Asheville to the tranquil ridgelines of Burnsville, Western North Carolina offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, communities, and lifestyles. It’s a region where natural beauty meets...

Building Better Homes in Cashiers, NC and Highlands, NC
Elevating Mountain Living in Cashiers, NC & Highlands, NC Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers and Highlands offer a serene blend of luxury and nature. This elevated plateau region is known for its cool summers, scenic waterfalls, and timeless charm —...

Building Better Homes in Upstate South Carolina, NC
Custom Homes Designed for Upstate South Carolina Living The Upstate region of South Carolina is where southern hospitality meets modern living. From Greenville’s vibrant downtown to the scenic landscapes of Travelers Rest and the shores of Lake Keowee, this area has...

Sarah Thorn
ABOUT LIVING STONE | MEET OUR TEAM | SARAH THORNSarah Thorn Brand Marketing Manager, Living Stone Design + Build What are your 3 favorite activities to do outside of work? Traveling What values would you defend to the death? Truth What is your secret talent? I'll...

Building Better Homes in Charlotte, NC
Why Charlotte Homeowners Are Choosing Living Stone Design + Build Charlotte is booming — and with it, the demand for thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes is rising. At Living Stone Design + Build, we’re proud to bring our award-winning design-build process to...

Mack Owens
ABOUT LIVING STONE | MEET OUR TEAM | MACK OWENSMack Owens Carpenter, Living Stone Restorations What are your 3 favorite activities to do outside of work? Any church related activities Reading Being in, on or near the water What values would you defend to the death?...

Brent Johnson
ABOUT LIVING STONE | MEET OUR TEAM | BRENT JOHNSONBrent Johnson Project Manager, Charlotte, NC What has been your favorite Living Stone project? The Collaborative What are your 3 favorite activities to do outside of work? Spend time in the North Carolina mountains or...

Living Stone Design + Build Recognized as a Leading Homebuilding Expert in 2025
Living Stone Design + Build Recognized as a Leading Homebuilding Expert in 2025 May 20, 2025 Fixr.com recently revealed its annual selection of 100 Top Homebuilding Experts 2025, spotlighting the key players in today's construction industry. This exclusive list...

Choosing the Right Builder
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.Written by: Sean SullivanTop...

How Important is Indoor Air Quality?
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...

Should I Go Green?
Green Certifications Part 1 (Read part 2 here) Today many builders and home buyers are concerned about preserving the environment. With increased attention on the condition of our planet, “green building” has become a sought after choice for homeowners, especially in...

Resources for Radon-Resistant Construction
How to Ensure Your Home is Radon-ResistantRadon is a naturally occurring odorless, colorless gas and is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall. Nearly 1 out of 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have...

Radon Infographics
All About RadonDid 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...

Sean’s Why
My Why by Sean SullivanSean Sullivan shares insight into the driving force that's kept our company on track through the years of growth from the ground up.My Why by Sean SullivanSean Sullivan shares insight into the driving force that's kept our company on track...

Eight Principles of a Healthy Home
Keep it DRY Damp homes provide an environment for dust mites, roaches, rodents and molds. All of these can cause or worsen asthma. In addition, moisture can damage the building materials in your home. Keep it CLEAN Clean homes reduce pest infestation and exposures to...

This House Smells -The Dangers and Opportunities that IAQ Present in Homebuilding
“This house smells…different than the rest. Actually, it doesn’t really have a smell?!” said Mrs. Lee as she walked into the Parade of Homes entry I was manning last year. Mrs. Lee, like many other visitors in years past, noticed what most builders are missing across the country, the fact that IAQ is important.
I had the privilege, two years ago, of sitting in a research lab think tank with seven other top builders from across the nation. The question was posed to us “What is the greatest concern that you have about the homes that you are building today”? Each builder at the table said that they were concerned about building homes so tight that they might be poisoning the people that move into them. When they got to me, I was dumbfounded by their answers and had to ask my own question, “Are you using a rater”?

Local Asheville Builder Named by NAHB as Certified Green Professional of the Year
January 10, 2017
The National Association of Home Builders last night honored 12 individuals who have excelled in teaching NAHB education courses and for their professionalism as NAHB educational designation holders as the Educators and Designees of the Year. The awards were given during the 2017 International Builders‘ Show® held this week in Orlando, Fla.
“These home building industry professionals definitely ‘walk the walk,’” said 2016 NAHB Education Chair William L. Shaw, Jr., GMR, CGR, GMB, CAPS and CGP, a Houston remodeler and NAHB instructor. “These leaders don’t just talk about the importance of education. They also work to stay current and even ahead of industry trends so they can set an example for the home builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who make up our great Federation.”

Project Wins National Green Building Award
Black Mountain, NC, Living Stone Design + Build project, “Rhodo Reno”, is the overall winner for the Best Renovation in the 2017 National Green Building Awards by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
“The NAHB Green Awards represent the best of the best in green building practices and advocacy efforts, and this year’s group of winners is particularly impressive,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, N.C. “The demand for green building is growing exponentially, and these honorees are a great example of what can be accomplished in terms of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.”