How to decide on a lot
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" da_is_popup="off" da_exit_intent="off" da_has_close="on" da_alt_close="off" da_dark_close="off" da_not_modal="on" da_is_singular="off" da_with_loader="off" da_has_shadow="on" da_disable_devices="off|off|off"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding="42px|||||"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]When should I decide on a lot? Why you should talk to a builder first Buying a lot for a new build can be every bit as emotional and exciting as buying a house. You can fall in love with the view, the location, the natural setting, and that perfect oak tree you envision hanging a tire swing on. You might not think about consulting a builder before signing on the dotted line. But according to Molly Sullivan, sales manager for Living Stone Design + Build, there are some very good reasons that you should.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/53-18-Wolfe-Cove-Rd-Asheville-53.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse" title_text="asheville modern farmhouse mountain view" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Topography “It’s very important to choose a lot that can accommodate the type of house you plan to build,” says Molly. “You want to design and build with the topography, and not against it. An experienced builder who’s familiar with the area can tell you whether a lot you’re interested in will work for your home’s specific needs.” Budget Consulting a builder before buying a lot can definitely help you stay on budget. “Prospective homeowners don’t always realize that the topography of their lot can dramatically affect the price of a build,” explains Molly. “The steeper the slope of a lot, the higher the cost of the build. A foundation higher than 12 feet will require engineering, as well as more concrete, more steel, more site prep, and more erosion control. It’s exponentially more expensive” Style The topography of a lot affects everything from the footprint, to the angle, to the way your home is structured. “If you have a flat lot, your best bet is a slab foundation and a main floor and upper floor,” says Molly. “With a sloping lot, the best value is a home with a main and lower floor, because you’re utilizing the slope that you already have.” The Takeaway Obviously, you can’t bring a builder to every prospective lot with you. But many builders will be happy to consult with you before you go lot shopping, and/or visit a lot you’ve fallen in love with to make sure it will work for you. “At Living Stone, we place a priority on educating clients prior to the process,” says Molly. “ I teach my prospects about topography and how it affects the budget, and I explain pros and cons of a particular lot. It helps ensure that they are able to make the best possible decision.” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/groundbreaking_fun.jpg" title_text="groundbreaking_fun" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="left" header_2_text_align="left" header_2_text_color="#727272" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="||||false|false" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]One of our clients taking an excavator for a spin on goundbreaking day at their lot. Just kidding - it was off. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Design-Build vs General Contractors for Custom Homes
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Title Mobile" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" z_index="0" custom_padding="34px|16px|10px|16px|false|true" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" header_text_align="center" background_layout="dark" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="18px||15px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]Design-Build VS. General Contractors[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Subtitle" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]For Custom Homes[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.9.0" _module_preset="default" background_enable_color="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.8.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" header_font="QuestaGrande Reg|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]When it comes to building a custom home, one of the first decisions that has to be made is whether to go with a traditional builder or a design-build firm. At this early stage, home owners are often unaware of many details that factor into their home's budget. Consequently, many people make major financial commitments before they really understand their priorities. For some homeowners, hiring a traditional builder ends up being the right choice. However, design-build firms offer some very real benefits that are worth taking into consideration. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/03-18-Wolfe-Cove-Rd-Asheville-3.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse Front Walkway" title_text="asheville modern farmhouse front walkway" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/design_build_Collab_BG.jpg" title_text="design_build_Collab_BG" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Sean Sullivan, owner of Living Stone Design + Build, realized these benefits when he first started out in the construction business. “Clients would come to him with architectural plans that were overdesigned,” explains Living Stone’s sales manager, Molly Sullivan. “Essentially, the design gave the homeowners everything they wanted without considering what they needed. They had too much square footage, too much unusable space, and didn’t take the slope of the lot into account.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Overdesigning affected the homeowners’ bottom line, as well. “When it came time to start the building process, they had spent so much of their budget on the lot and the architect that they didn’t have what they needed to build the house,” Molly notes. Sean’s solution? Collaboration. “He realized the best way to keep the budget under control and ensure that the house had the right design was to collaborate with a team of professionals who all wanted to work together on the clients’ behalf.”[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/13-18-Wolfe-Cove-Rd-Asheville-13.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build The Modern Farmhouse Pocket Door" title_text="asheville modern farmhouse pocket doors" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/rosenburg_67-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Living Stone Design+Build Rosenberg Deck" title_text="weaverville modern barn house deck" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]In Molly’s experience, having a team of professionals in place with the same goals and the same vision helps to maintain quality, ensure a smooth, cohesive process and protect the homeowners’ interests. “We partner with people who we know are experts in their field, and have our same integrity and commitment to quality,” she says. “We stay integral to the entire process. We’re present at every design meeting, and we hold the budget to make sure they can afford the home.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]One of the most significant benefits to a team approach is intentionality. “With a design-build firm, you get a house that has been thoughtfully and intentionally crafted. It has the right footprint. The budget invested in beautiful finishes rather than extra square footage that won’t get used.” Molly has a special term for homes like these. “I call them jewel box homes,” she says. “Every room is the right size. Every room has a clear purpose. And every finish is absolutely beautiful. I really believe this kind of result is achieved more easily and more affordable with a design-build firm.” [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/nchba_stars_aawards-3-copy.jpg" title_text="nchba_stars_aawards-3 copy" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/Screen-Shot-2022-02-07-at-12.51.14-PM.png" alt="Living Stone Design+Build Rosenberg Deck" title_text="Screen Shot 2022-02-07 at 12.51.14 PM" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]Molly is the Sales Manager for Living Stone Design + Build and oversees leads, presentations, and client relations. With nearly 20 years of inside sales experience, Molly is the first point-of-contact for Living Stone’s prospective clients. She guides them through the initial process and is there to answer all questions regarding custom building in the mountains. Contact Molly for a quote on your custom home: 855.720.2435 x20 molly@livingstoneconstruction.com [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Radon Infographics
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Post" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" z_index="0" custom_padding="34px|16px|10px|16px|false|true" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.9.0" _module_preset="default" background_enable_color="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.8.2" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.10.7" background_layout="dark" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="18px||15px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]All About Radon[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" header_font="QuestaGrande Reg|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Did you know radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among non-smokers? It's odorless and colorless too, so testing is the only way to find out if your home has radon. Below you will find some information that can help ensure your home has good indoor air quality.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/lung-cancer-radon-v2.jpeg" alt="Custom_Home" title_text="lung-cancer-radon-v2" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" disabled_on="on|off|off" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids="26870,26869,26868,26867,26866,26865,26864,26862,26856" fullwidth="on" _builder_version="4.10.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Sean’s Why
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Title Desktop" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_image="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/Untitled-design-1.jpg" parallax="on" width="100%" custom_margin="0px||||false|false" custom_padding="0px||0px||true|false" 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" background_color="rgba(255,255,255,0.94)" width="50%" module_alignment="center" custom_margin="||||false|false" custom_padding="30px|30px|55px|30px|false|true" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="center" header_2_text_align="center" header_2_text_color="#727272" text_orientation="center" background_layout="dark" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="18px||15px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]My Why by Sean Sullivan[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_2_font="|||on|||||" header_2_text_color="#727272" header_2_font_size="42px" header_3_font="||on||||||" header_3_text_color="#58a618" header_3_font_size="27px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Sean Sullivan shares insight into the driving force that's kept our company on track through the years of growth from the ground up.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="off|off|on" _builder_version="4.16" _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="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" module_class="chronospro-heading green-heading" _builder_version="4.16" header_text_align="center" header_2_text_align="center" header_2_text_color="#727272" text_orientation="center" background_layout="dark" module_alignment="left" custom_margin="18px||15px|||" border_style="solid" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"]My Why by Sean Sullivan[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_2_font="|||on|||||" header_2_text_color="#727272" header_2_font_size="42px" header_3_font="||on||||||" header_3_text_color="#58a618" header_3_font_size="27px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Sean Sullivan shares insight into the driving force that's kept our company on track through the years of growth from the ground up.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Post" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" z_index="0" custom_padding="34px|16px|10px|16px|false|true" 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 column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_enable_color="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_font="|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_2_font_size="33px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Building Happier, Healthier Lives Two lessons stick out to me of all the things that my father taught me when I was growing up. The first is patience, patience, patience. He had so much patience and grace with me while I was growing up, especially as a teenager and a young man. The second is the idea of Kaizen. These two lessons have led me my whole life, influenced me, and been foundational concepts for how I’ve built my companies.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_code _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" background_image="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/Sean_and_dad.jpeg" min_height="320px" height="100%" custom_margin="||6px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_code][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]My dad & I on the left, and my dad next to his F-4 jet.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_image src="https://livingstoneconstruction.com/img/Untitled-design-23.jpeg" title_text="Untitled design (23)" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" custom_margin="||5px|||" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" text_orientation="center" custom_margin="2px|||||" global_colors_info="{}"]That's me, a long time ago![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_font="|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_2_font_size="33px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]One Step at a Time I have tried to tie everything that we do at Living Stone into this idea of Kaizen. Not just with our business but also mentally, spiritually, and physically. How can we always be better? How can we take better care of ourselves and our community? That question has been behind every decision I’ve made and helped me forge this organization into what it is today. When I first started, I partnered with two other guys, and we did sub-contracting work. That was in 1995 but I quickly realized that partnerships were difficult and I really wanted to get into renovations, additions, and eventually become a general contractor. That’s when I started what is now Living Stone Design + Build.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_font="|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_2_font_size="33px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Adapt and Grow We’ve gone through many changes since that time. Many iterations and transitions, both big and small, have taken us from the start to what we are today. One of the first transitions we made was changing from renovating to building new homes. When the Energy Star program started in NC we quickly began certifying all of our homes. While we were happy with what we had done around energy efficiency, we kept asking ourselves what else we could do so that the end product is better for our clients? That's when we learned the importance of building with healthy products for indoor air quality and began certifying all of our homes green through the NC Green Built Alliance.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_font="|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_2_font_size="33px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]The Great Recession During the Great Recession, we looked around the building industry and saw a broken system. People would buy a lot to build, but there was no collaboration between the architects, builders, and designers. It was an inefficient, unenjoyable system, and clients were not happy. In 2010, we decided to partner with other building professionals as a collaborative design and build firm so that our clients wouldn’t have to deal with the stress of a disjointed process and the repeating problems. It was risky to change a proven formula in the middle of an economic crisis. Still, we embraced that challenge by remembering that we must have constant process improvement.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" _module_preset="default" header_font="|300|||||||" header_text_color="#7BADB6" header_font_size="42px" header_2_font_size="33px" header_3_font="QuestaGrande Reg||||||||" header_3_text_color="#7BADB6" header_3_font_size="48px" text_orientation="center" global_colors_info="{}"]Design Green, Build Green, Live Green Our sister firm, (owned by my wife, Laura Sullivan) IDology Interiors & Design, is one of our partners and works with our clients to choose the many design selections for their home. They have alsoRead More

