Energy Efficient

When a home appraisal comes back lower than expected, it can put an otherwise solid deal at risk. But a low appraisal does not automatically mean the home is overpriced. In my experience, low appraisals usually come down to one of three issues: inaccurate information...

People often use remodeling and renovation to mean the same thing. In everyday conversation, that usually isn’t a problem. But when you’re planning a project, setting a budget, and trying to understand how much work is actually involved, the difference matters. A...

Short answer, no, not automatically, and that single gap is responsible for more confused homeowners and misleading bids than almost anything else in this industry. If a builder hasn't told you specifically whether their price per square foot includes your covered...

People ask me this question expecting a simple answer, usually something like "don't start in January" or "avoid winter." The honest answer is more interesting than that, and it's not what most people expect. In Western North Carolina, cold usually isn't the biggest...

I get asked this question in nearly every first meeting, and I understand why most builders dodge it. On a flat lot, we're currently seeing $500 to $750 per heated square foot, while a sloping lot can range from $700 to $1,100 per heated square foot. Nobody wants to...

If you're planning a custom home or a whole-home remodel, you are about to interview several builders, and every single one of them will tell you they're reliable, experienced, and easy to work with. That's not useful information — every contractor says that. What's...

Earlier this spring, some of the most respected custom home builders in the country gathered on Long Beach Island for the NAHB 20 Club #24 meeting—an exclusive, invitation-only network focused on advancing the craft of home building. Among them was Living Stone Design...

Building Distinctive Homes in Johnson City & Northeast Tennessee From the historic charm of Jonesborough to the scenic foothills of Johnson City, Northeast Tennessee offers a diverse landscape, communities, and lifestyles. It’s a region where natural beauty meets...