The True Worth of a Home
[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 greenRead More
Where Should I Spend My Money?
[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]
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
[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]