1) Finding Land on Which to Build a Home

The challenge is not necessarily finding available land, but finding a lot on which you can build your dream home. In Asheville, constructing a home with an incredible view requires land that is both high above the trees and not impossibly steep.

The process can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, so the key to finding the perfect homestead is working with your realtor and general contractor to answer these questions satisfactorily:

• Is this land accessible to basic utilities: water, electricity, natural gas, etc.?
• Is this land accessible to other services: high-speed internet, cable, satellite, etc.?
• Does this land have a history of landslides?
• How difficult will it be to maintain the lot: mowing the lawn, trimming trees, etc.?
• Will I be cut off from civilization during major snow storms?
• Can I build the home of my dreams here?

A good general contractor in Asheville will be familiar with this challenge and able to advise you on the wisest course of action. Your land is available, and though it can be difficult to find, we know it is worth it.

2) Fluctuating Weather: Difficult for General Contractors and Homeowners

Western North Carolina experiences all four seasons in stunning splendor. The lush greenery of summer fades to the famous fall colors of the Blue Ridge. Winter’s snow covered evergreens melt by May to reveal the flowers of spring. However, with the good comes the challenging, i.e. heavy snow and ice, flooding rainfall and large hail, extreme cold and hot temperatures, and heavy winds from storms in each season.

Weather can slow the building process, make home maintenance more difficult for homeowners, and challenge a home’s energy efficiency. It is vital for general contractors and home builders to use the highest quality materials and techniques to ensure homes withstand mountain extremes. Homeowners must pay special attention to weather conditions and home maintenance. Nevertheless, the challenge is worth the reward year after year.

3) Choosing a Trusted General Contractor in Asheville, NC

This is not necessarily a challenge unique to Asheville; however, choosing a general contractor who is experienced with the difficulties builders and homeowners face in the mountains is key to building or renovating your dream home. We recommend finding a general contractor who exhibits these qualities:

• A general contractor who can handle permitting and design.
• A general contractor who has experience building in the mountains
• A general contractor who has experience with grading
• A general contractor who exhibits a history of fiscal responsibility

The next article in this series will highlight three more challenges: choosing whether to build your home on a basement or crawlspace, maintaining your landscaping, and the difficulty and decisions related to clearing trees . For more information about construction of residential or commercial structures in Asheville, NC, contact us.