top of page
Search

The Complete Process of Building a Custom Home in Western North Carolina


ree


Building a Home That’s Truly Yours


There’s something sacred about building a home from the ground up. It’s more than construction — it’s vision taking shape, family dreams framed in lumber, and the culmination of years of saving, planning, and praying for a place that’s truly your own.


At PB & J’s Contracting, we’ve guided countless homeowners across Western North Carolina through the entire journey — from raw mountain land to move-in ready homes. But the process can be complex, especially when you’re dealing with steep terrain, rural zoning laws, or unique architectural goals.


This guide walks you through each phase — from evaluating land and financing your project to the final Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Whether you’re dreaming of a modern mountain retreat or a craftsman-style family home, this roadmap will help you understand what to expect at every stage.


Step 1: Finding & Evaluating the Right Land


Before you pour a foundation, you need solid ground — literally and figuratively.


1. Zoning & Restrictions

Every county in Western North Carolina has its own zoning and building codes. Check for restrictions on minimum lot size, slope grading, and even architectural style if you’re within an HOA. PB & J’s helps clients review these details early to ensure your land supports your vision.


2. Topography & Access

Mountain terrain can be breathtaking — but it can also be brutal if improperly planned. A beautiful view lot might require expensive grading, long driveways, or retaining walls. We help evaluate slope percentages, access routes, and drainage patterns before you close on the property.


3. Utilities & Infrastructure

Does the lot have access to municipal water, or will you need a well? Can you tie into a sewer line, or will a septic system be required? And what about power, internet, and propane? These details can affect both your budget and your timeline.


4. Soil & Surveying

Always conduct a perc test for septic approval and a boundary survey to confirm property lines and easements. In rural WNC, it’s not uncommon for property boundaries to be decades old or undocumented.


PB & J’s Tip: Involve your contractor before purchasing land. We’ll walk the site with you and provide a realistic cost analysis based on access, slope, and infrastructure needs.

Step 2: Designing Your Dream Home


Once you’ve secured the land, it’s time to turn ideas into plans.


1. Architectural Vision

Whether you work with an architect or a design-build firm, your home’s blueprint begins here. The goal is to merge your aesthetic vision — open-concept living, vaulted ceilings, outdoor decks — with practical construction realities like slope, foundation type, and budget.


2. Budget Alignment

Designers dream big, but smart contractors ground those dreams in numbers. At PB & J’s, we ensure that your design choices align with your financial expectations. It’s easy to fall in love with luxury finishes or expanded square footage — but clarity here prevents painful redesigns later.


3. Structural Considerations

Mountain building adds complexity: steep lots often require retaining walls, engineered foundations, or walk-out basements. These can be strengths when designed correctly — allowing multi-level outdoor living or panoramic views — but they must be planned from the start.


4. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Today’s homeowners value eco-conscious building: spray-foam insulation, Low-E windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and solar-ready roofs. We help you choose materials that reduce long-term costs while increasing comfort.


PB & J’s Insight: Designing for how you live is more important than designing for resale. A home that fits your lifestyle — your work, family, and routines — is always the best investment.

Step 3: Budgeting, Financing, and Permits


1. Construction Financing

Most custom homes are financed through a construction-to-permanent loan. This type of loan releases funds in stages (“draws”) as your home is built. PB & J’s provides detailed draw schedules and coordinates with your lender for seamless disbursements.


2. Budget Breakdown

A realistic budget should include:

  • Site Preparation & Foundation: 10–15%

  • Framing & Roofing: 15–20%

  • Mechanical Systems (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC): 10–15%

  • Interior & Exterior Finishes: 25–35%

  • Permits, Engineering, Design Fees: 5–10%

  • Contingency Fund: 5–10% for unexpected changes.


3. Permitting Process

Building in Buncombe, Henderson, or Madison County each involves separate inspection departments. Common permits include:

  • Building Permit

  • Driveway or Access Permit

  • Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Permits

  • Septic or Well Permits

  • Zoning Approval


PB & J’s manages these submissions and maintains open communication with inspectors to prevent costly delays.


Timeline Expectation: The permitting process can take 4–8 weeks depending on county workload and design complexity.

Step 4: Site Preparation & Foundation


Once the paperwork is complete, the transformation begins.


1. Land Clearing & Grading

We clear vegetation, shape the site for proper drainage, and stabilize slopes. Erosion control measures — silt fencing, straw matting, and sediment traps — are critical to comply with county stormwater rules.


2. Excavation & Footings

After the surveyor marks the home’s footprint, we dig for the foundation. Depending on soil composition, we’ll pour concrete footings or set block walls. Every step is inspected before backfilling.


3. Waterproofing & Drainage

Proper waterproofing and french drains prevent costly water intrusion in basements or crawlspaces.


4. Utilities & Groundwork

Trenching for water, power, and sewer (or septic) happens before concrete is poured. PB & J’s coordinates all subs to ensure the site is ready for vertical framing.


VI. Step 5: Framing & Structural Shell


This is when your home finally starts to look like a home.


1. Framing

Walls, floors, and roof trusses go up. It’s the skeleton of your home — and precision here determines everything from door alignment to drywall smoothness later.


2. Roofing & Sheathing

We install roof decking, exterior sheathing, and weather wrap to create a watertight shell. Proper ventilation and roof pitch are key in mountain climates with heavy rainfall.


3. Windows, Doors & Exterior Openings

Energy-efficient windows and exterior doors are installed, sealed, and inspected. This locks the structure from weather exposure.


PB & J’s Commitment: Every structure is laser-leveled and double-checked for plumb before inspection — because millimeter precision today saves thousands in future repairs.

Step 6: Rough-Ins — The Hidden Systems


Behind every beautiful wall is a network of critical systems.


1. Electrical

Electricians run wires for outlets, switches, and lighting. Planning this stage early ensures outlets are placed exactly where you’ll need them — for furniture layouts, workspaces, or entertainment systems.


2. Plumbing

Plumbers install supply and drain lines for kitchens, baths, laundry, and exterior hose bibs. Each connection is pressure-tested before the walls are closed.


3. HVAC

Ductwork, vent placement, and air returns are strategically designed for efficiency. Systems are sized to your home’s cubic footage, insulation value, and climate zone.


4. Inspections

County inspectors verify rough-ins meet code before insulation begins. PB & J’s coordinates all scheduling to keep progress smooth.


VIII. Step 7: Insulation, Drywall & Interior Finishes


This phase transitions from structural to aesthetic.


1. Insulation

In the mountains, insulation is non-negotiable. We often recommend spray foam for superior air sealing and moisture resistance.


2. Drywall

Once insulation passes inspection, drywall is hung, taped, and sanded smooth. This marks the moment your home’s interior begins to feel real.


3. Interior Trim & Doors

Custom trim, crown molding, and solid-core doors are installed. This is where PB & J’s craftsmanship shines — the small details that elevate the whole.


4. Cabinetry, Flooring & Paint

Every selection made months ago — paint colors, flooring materials, and cabinets — finally comes to life. We coordinate timing so all trades flow efficiently without overlap.


Pro Insight: Interior finishing is where most delays occur due to back-ordered materials. PB & J’s uses a pre-build scheduling system to order items early, avoiding common slowdowns.

Step 8: Exterior Finishes & Curb Appeal


The exterior is the first impression — and in Western NC, it must stand up to mountain weather.


1. Siding & Stonework

Choose from Hardie board, cedar, or natural stone veneers. We install all cladding systems to manufacturer specs for warranty compliance.


2. Roofing

Metal roofs and architectural shingles are popular for their durability and aesthetics. Proper flashing and ridge venting ensure longevity.


3. Windows, Trim & Fascia

Exterior trim details define your home’s architectural character. Paint and caulking seal the envelope against moisture.


4. Decks, Porches & Outdoor Living

Western North Carolina’s views deserve to be enjoyed. We design and build decks, screened porches, and outdoor kitchens that seamlessly blend with the terrain.


5. Landscaping & Drainage

Final grading ensures water flows away from the foundation. Driveways, walkways, and sod installation complete the transformation.


Step 9: Final Touches & Quality Control


This is where experience truly matters.


1. Punch List Walkthrough

PB & J’s creates a detailed checklist of every finish item — paint touch-ups, fixture adjustments, and final hardware installations.


2. Final Inspections

County officials verify that electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems meet safety codes. Our project manager accompanies every inspector to address any questions on-site.


3. Appliance Installation & Fixture Setup

Once all inspections pass, appliances are installed, and final cleanup begins. Every surface is polished for presentation.


PB & J’s Promise: You’ll walk into your completed home knowing that every screw, trim piece, and finish has been personally verified by our leadership team.

Step 10: Certificate of Occupancy (CO) & Move-In

The Certificate of Occupancy is your golden ticket — official confirmation that your home meets all safety, structural, and building code standards.


1. What Inspectors Check

  • Working smoke and CO detectors

  • Handrail and guardrail compliance

  • Proper GFCI/AFCI outlets

  • Egress window sizing and door hardware

  • Septic or well functionality

  • Final energy inspection if applicable


2. Receiving the CO

Once the county signs off, you’ll receive a digital and paper copy of your Certificate of Occupancy. PB & J’s provides this along with warranty documents and maintenance recommendations.


3. Welcome Home

We schedule a final client walkthrough — explaining systems, warranty coverage, and long-term maintenance tips. This isn’t just turnover — it’s the beginning of a relationship.


“When you work with PB & J’s Contracting, you don’t just get a house. You get a home built with conviction, integrity, and care — one designed to last for generations.”

Building More Than a Home — Building Legacy


At PB & J’s Contracting, we see every home as a testimony of craftsmanship and trust.From the first soil test to the final inspection, our mission is to serve Western North Carolina families with excellence, honesty, and clear communication.


Your home isn’t just where you live — it’s where your story unfolds.Let’s build it right.


📞 Contact PB & J’s Contracting

Phone: (828) 989-5175


Service Areas: Asheville, Weaverville, Mars Hill, Burnsville, Hendersonville, and surrounding Western NC communities.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page