Tips for Building a Mountain Home in North Carolina

To build the home of your dreams, it’s important to consider numerous factors. A comfortable budget, the topography of the land, and the builder you want to work with are all pieces of this complex puzzle. The puzzle becomes even more complicated when you factor in land situated on a mountain, though the views alone are worth the added hassle. If your dream is to build a home in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, be sure to have an effective plan in place before you take your first steps toward this goal. Going into the project with a clear path ensures you create the house of your dreams without sacrificing your bank account in the process.

Location is everything.

Before you can start construction, you need to find the ideal location for your mountain home. First, determine what part of North Carolina you want to live in, as this dictates every other part of the construction procedure. Research different towns to see what is most appealing to you before you delve into listings for land. Once you narrow down your options, all you need to do is conduct a basic search online for land in that chosen area.

Type in “land for sale in Blowing Rock” and see what results show up. If you want to be close to specific amenities in Blowing Rock, this narrows your field even further. Rule out any properties that are outside of the Blowing Rock target zone and then go through the remaining options with a fine-toothed comb. If you’re still on the fence about how to conduct your search or vet your results, contact a real estate company to assist in the process. Work with a real estate agent who is not only familiar with your chosen town but also understands how to best select land in a mountainous region. Bear in mind the proximity to basic necessities as you continue to search for the perfect location. Where is the local post office? Are deliveries made to these specific lots? Are you within a reasonable driving distance to a nearby hospital? You may not be bothered by the prospect of driving over an hour to buy groceries, but other daily services must be considered accordingly. If you have a health condition requiring frequent doctor visits, select a location in your preferred town that is a commutable distance from the doctor’s office. Sure, you might find a great location for your North Carolina mountain home, but it won’t be a great thing forever if you’re constantly going out of your way to complete basic, necessary tasks.

Set your budget.

Before you proceed to purchase land, set your budget. Include the cost of the land itself, construction costs, and the amount of money needed to furnish the home once it has been built. For a starting point, see what the average price of land is for the Blowing Rock area or in the selected town of your preference. This gives you a good idea of what to expect when you start looking at available locations. Factor the average price into the estimated cost for construction, how much you’ll need to pay a contractor, and the estimated price of furnishings. You may have existing furniture you plan on moving into the new home which saves you money, but you may be interested in adding new elements as well. If you’re planning on keeping your belongings in a storage unit while you finish construction, put the rental fee for the storage facility in your budget as well.  

One reason to move to a mountain home is to have the peace of mind to do creative work. For example, if you want to create an art studio in your mountain home and you need supplies, check the prices available through an online retailer like PaintLoose to see what you can expect. Do you want a new piece paint brush set and acrylic paint kits to complete art projects? Roll that into your projected costs. Even the smallest expense must be factored into your overall budget to ensure you aren’t breaking the bank at any point. Additional home features such as a driveway, a deck, or a pool should all be included in the initial budget for the cost of construction.

Find the right builder.

Once you figure out if you want a wooded lot or something with fewer obstructions and you’ve set your budget, it’s time to find the right builder for the job. This is easier to accomplish when you have a clear idea of what you want in terms of size and features for your dream home. When you design a mountain home, certain features must be considered. Excavation, foundation, and direction are three of the main considerations when establishing your design and finding a builder to execute your vision. Where do you want the windows placed to get the best view? What materials do you want to be used in the construction? How are you going to access utilities? What is the topography like in the region? Be mindful of each contributing factor when you head into meetings with potential builders. This keeps you focused and helps you determine which builder can best handle the job.

As you vet potential builders, request examples of their previous work to get an idea of what they do and how everything looks when it has been completed. Having a visual of their previous projects helps you better envision what your home is going to look like after construction is completed. Ensure that they have insurance for their workers and then compare the pros and cons of each builder to decide who is the right person to handle your specific needs.

Start working on the construction.

Now you are ready to take the final steps which are to organize, plan, and start the construction. If you want to remain nearby during the building process, pack up your belongings from your existing residence and move them into a storage unit for safekeeping. Search for “self storage near me” to find an available unit at a storage facility somewhere between your old home and where your new mountain home is being constructed. This allows you to commute back and forth as needed if you forgot something valuable, or if you’re simply missing your favorite black sweater and want to grab it for chilly North Carolina evenings. With your belongings safely packed away in your storage space, you can focus entirely on the task at hand which is getting your home built safely and cost-effectively. Work directly with your chosen builder to narrow down your choices for durable materials that are locally sourced. This is cost-effective and ensures you’re choosing materials that fit the mountainous terrain. Be direct with your builder about your budget as this helps them execute your vision in an affordable manner. Things are always going to crop up along the way, whether it’s added materials or something that needs to be ordered twice, so allow for some wiggle room both in the budget and with the builder. At the end of the day, they are the professionals and they’ll be able to assess any hiccups that may occur. Remember that your home is an investment of time, money, and materials. Bear this in mind throughout the construction process as you want to stay on budget and stay within the projected time to completion. If you need the home constructed within a set timeline, communicate this to the builder prior to the first day on the job. Open communication is essential.