The Home Building Process

The most important part of our home building process is trust. We build trust with you, the client, through open communication, honest estimates, and the highest standards of customer service. Building trust as a responsible and reliable home builder informs all the other steps in our process.

01

Lot Selection

Your home needs to rest on a solid foundation, and we make that happen with assistance in lot selection. Careful consideration of lot size, shape, and terrain is always necessary, but particularly important when building a waterfront home.

02

Estimate

Our estimates are completely detailed and fully transparent. To bring your project to life on time and in budget, we have to be strictly honest and comprehensive in our estimate. There are never unexpected charges or surprises; we always discuss any estimate changes with you directly.

03

Construction

We commit to a high standard of construction with the best material possible for the parameters of your project. We specialize in eco-friendly green construction as well, providing you with expert guidance and knowledge during the process.

04

Follow Up

We recommend that after you move in, you spend a month evaluating your new home. Should you find any issues, we return and make things right. Our commitment continues until you’re perfectly satisfied with your new home.

Call us today to talk about your project and learn more about the home building process. We’re ready to bring your project to life on time and within budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a luxury home?
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The definition of a luxury home varies by area, but it usually indicates a home priced within the top 10% of the real estate market. Luxury homes can list at anywhere upward of a million dollars and have unique features and high-quality materials that distinguish them from their neighbors.

What are the most popular luxury home features?
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Each of our luxury homes is custom built to fit the lifestyle and wants of the owner. Some of the commonly requested features include walk-in closets, smart home integration, temperature-controlled wine storage, indoor and outdoor pools, and home gyms.

What is “aging in place”?
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Aging in place means staying in your home as you grow older, even through health-related issues or loss of mobility. It means designing or renovating your home to suit your needs through retirement and as you and your loved ones grow older.

What renovations are best for retirement homes?
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It depends entirely on your concerns and current health, but the most common upgrades we provide have to do with lighting, mobility, and balance. A home renovation that allows you to age in place should have abundant natural and installed lighting, wide doorways and flat surfaces that allow mobility aids, and grab bars, large knobs and door handles, and anti-slip flooring.

Can I rent out my vacation home?
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In many cases, you can rent out your vacation home for an extra income stream. You’ll want to check local bylaws and your mortgage agreement for details. It can also be helpful to consult a tax professional for information on how to collect rental income.

What are the most popular vacation home features?
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We can custom build your vacation home to suit your taste and desires! Some of the most common requests for vacation homes are swimming pools, beach cabanas or outdoor showers, large windows for enjoying the view, covered decks, and outdoor kitchens.

What is design build construction?
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Design build construction is a project delivery method in which one entity, typically a design-build firm or builder, manages both the design and construction phases of a building project. This approach streamlines the process by combining design, construction and project management into a single team, which can result in a faster and more efficient construction process.

What are the advantages of design build?
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The design build process has several advantages, including the ability to save time and money by working with a single entity for the entire project. This approach can eliminate communication gaps and reduce project delays. Additionally, a design build firm can provide a more streamlined and cohesive project experience, ensuring that the design and construction are aligned with the client’s goals and budget.

What sort of renovations do you handle?
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We specialize in major renovation projects, including full home remodels, luxury renovations, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, outdoor renovations, and additions. Contact us to discuss your project needs.

How long will my renovation take?
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The timeline for your luxury renovation or remodeling depends on a number of factors, including complexity and budget. In our estimate process, we give you the most accurate information we can on how long we expect your renovation to take.

What are the most popular home renovations?
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Renovations are a personal project, and every homeowner has different priorities. That said, the most common major home renovations we’ve seen over the years are full home remodels, kitchen and bathroom renos, and aging in place renovations.

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?
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The final cost depends on whether your remodel includes structural changes, new fixtures, and/or plumbing upgrades. We always provide a line estimate that includes complete information on all expected costs.

Where should I spend my money on a kitchen renovation?
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The most important thing is to ask yourself what you use most in your kitchen and where your current kitchen falls short. Many of our clients request environmentally efficient appliances, custom counters and backsplash, and smart appliance integration.

How long will a kitchen remodel take?
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We plan your luxury kitchen remodel carefully to minimize the time you’ll be without a kitchen. Create a mini-kitchen with a microwave, toaster oven, electric kettle, and hotplate to tide you over while your kitchen is under construction.

Should I buy a lot before I talk to a home builder?
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In general, you should always talk to a home builder or architect before you purchase land. The terrain, elevation, and size of your lot will dictate what kind of home works best on the property. Buying a lot first could limit the type of home you can ultimately build.

Do you build “green” or energy efficient homes?
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Yes! We are a green-certified custom builder, and we incorporate environmentally friendly building principles into our projects without increasing cost. Our knowledge of the coastal weather conditions and experience building on the coast allow us to construct new homes that can withstand the environmental conditions of living in the area.

What is your process? How do I get started?
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Our home building process starts with a consultation to discuss your goals, budget and vision for your custom home. We then work with you to come up with accurate estimates and develop a design plan that meets your needs and preferences. Once the design is finalized, we’ll obtain all necessary permits and begin construction.

Our team manages the construction process from start to finish, providing regular updates and ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget. We’ll even follow up with you a month after the build is complete and you’ve had time to live in your new custom home. To get started, simply contact us to schedule a consultation.

How much does it cost to build a custom home in North Carolina?
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As a custom home builder in North Carolina, the cost to build a custom home varies depending on several factors such as the size of the home, the location, the materials used, and the level of customization required. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and requirements and provide a detailed and accurate estimate based on their needs. We believe in transparency and will work with you to ensure that you understand the costs involved in building your dream home.

If you’re interested in building a custom home in North Carolina, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced builders. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a customized estimate for your project.

What should I ask my home builder before getting started?
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Before getting started with a home builder, it’s important to ask several key questions, such as:

  • What is your experience building custom homes?
  • Can you provide references or examples of your previous work?
  • How do you manage the construction process and communicate with clients?
  • What is your payment schedule and what does it cover?
  • What warranties or guarantees do you offer for your work?
What is the difference between a spec home and a custom home?
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A spec home is a house that a builder constructs with a pre-determined floor plan, design and finishes. These homes are typically built without a specific buyer in mind and are offered for sale upon completion. In contrast, a custom home is designed and built to meet the unique needs and preferences of a specific client.

Are custom builds cheaper?
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Custom homes can seem like they cost more up front, but they are typically less expensive than buying something and then remodeling it to meet your needs. Custom builds also offer greater flexibility and the opportunity to create a unique home that reflects your personal style and preferences.

Why should I choose to build a custom home in North Carolina?
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Building a custom home in North Carolina allows you to create a home that meets your specific needs, style and preferences. You have control over every aspect of the design, from the floor plan to the finishes, and can ensure that your home is built to your exact specifications. Additionally, North Carolina offers a range of beautiful locations, mild weather and a lower cost of living.

When’s the best time to build a custom home?
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The best time to build a custom home will depend on your schedule and the availability of construction materials and labor. At Crystal Coast Construction we build homes year-round in Emerald Isle of North Carolina – reach out to us today to learn more and get started on your custom home build or major home renovation!

How long does it take to build a custom home?
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The timeline for building a custom home will be unique to your home needs, such as the size, complexity and location of the property. On average, the design phase can take 2-3 months, obtaining permits may take up to 2 months and the construction process generally takes around 15 months. However, it’s important to note that these timelines are just estimates and can vary based on the unique circumstances of each project.

Does Crystal Coast Construction do the designs and floor plans?
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Yes, Crystal Coast Construction provides design and floor plan services for our clients. We work closely with our clients to create a custom home design that meets their specific needs, preferences and budget. Our team has extensive experience in designing and building custom homes and we can handle all aspects of the design and construction process.

Can I bring my own design plans to a project?
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Absolutely! Crystal Coast Construction welcomes clients who bring their own design plans to their projects. By doing so, you can actually reduce the build timeline, eliminating the 2-3 month design phase. In our initial meeting, we’ll review your plans to ensure compliance with building codes.

Our experienced team will carefully go over your plans with you to guarantee feasibility. Bring your design plans, and we’ll do our best to bring your vision to life while adhering to regulations and providing a personalized experience. Contact Crystal Coast Construction today to discuss your project.