Frequently Asked Questions

How much "per square foot" should I budget to build in Asheville?

I absolutely abhor this question, since it is extremely vague and in no way represents a specific home, designed for a specific client, to be built on a specific site. More often than not this route will lead the client down a path of disappointment and unfulfilled expectations. Having offered that "disclaimer"; it is fair to say that custom homes in this area, of the quality one would expect in a Frellick Brothers home, will range from approximately $200/sq. ft to $315/sq. ft. (We have built for less than $200/sq. ft, while also having done homes for greater than $400/sq. ft.) These costs vary greatly due to the myriad of design options, site conditions, selection of finishes, and intricacy of any specific home project.

A better approach is to deal with real costs associated with one's wants, needs & specific expectations.

Are there any special considerations to building in the mountains?

Building in the mountains is unique, especially to those moving here from other areas and terrain. This does not mean that building on a mountain site is difficult- it's simply different. Most homes will take advantage of the sloped sites and have finished walk-out lower levels. These are not "basements' in the true sense of the word, but rather a functional, useable part of the home. Landscaping and driveway access are often creative and site dependant. Frellick Brothers, the architect, and grading contractor will all walk your site and work together to develop the best site plan to fit your chosen home-site.

Do you build "Green"?

As our website & open commitment to building the best homes for our clients can attest, we only build "green". We take our stewardship to the environment very seriously, and do everything we can to build the highest quality homes, using the best materials, and do so in a manner that both respects nature and works to minimize the building impact.

It is more about doing things the right way than anything else, and delivering energy efficiency and quality, rather than waste and inefficiency.

What exactly is "building green"?

Please see our Building Green area of the website for a much more detailed explanation, but essentially "Green Building" is simply synonymous with "quality". Essentially it recognizes that we need to live in harmony with nature, and as we enter it through development, that we do so while respecting it and lessoning the impact that construction brings. We build smart. We use all the latest "green" products, and build Healthy Built Homes that are Energy Star certified, and in some cases LEED certified. The bonus for the homeowner is that our homes are far more energy efficient, consequently saving homeowners a lot of money, and the quality far exceeds regular stick built homes. Most of what we do does not cost any more money. While some aspects we offer, like solar power, do have an initial up-front cost, the return on the investment generally brings lower energy costs and long-term savings. Items like solar, geo-thermal and others will pay for themselves over time and then continue to save the homeowner a great deal of money, while lessoning greatly the impact on the environment.

Building "green" is simply building "better".

Do you build log or timber frame homes?

Yes, both. We also build conventionally framed homes via Sip technologies, Superior Wall concrete homes, and other alternative methods of construction.

Can I build a combination of timber frame and "conventional" construction?

Yes, this is an area of specialty for us. We have built quite a large number of "hybrid" homes, and they work wonderfully to marry the beauty of timber framing with conventional construction. Hybrid construction offers a great deal of flexibility for the homeowner who would like some timber framing, but not throughout the entire home.

Is a block foundation adequate?

No. While accepted by code, Frellick Brothers Custom Home Builders never just "builds to code", and we do not recommend or use block foundations. We use either Superior Walls, or a poured concrete foundation where Superior Walls are not possible.

Do you do design/build?

Frellick Brothers has partnered with StreamLine Architects to offer a very specialized and unique design/build program to our clients. Additionally, we have anticipated the need to offer design/build services outside of our relationship with StreamLine, and have developed a team of architects to refer residents to locally. From day 1, Frellick Brothers Custom Home Builders and your architect of choice will work together, as a tightly knit design/build team, to develop a house plan that works specifically for you and your needs.

Can you work with local architects?

Absolutely. We have expended great effort to bring some of the best local architects on-board as a part of our portfolio. And, if you have a particular architect you know or wish to work with, then Frellick Brothers will also work very closely with them to bring your project to fruition. Please remember that we are available as early on in the process as you wish. In fact, we prefer being involved from inception, our experience has shown that if we are included from the beginning, the "cost effectiveness" of the project is greatly improved and "surprises" are minimized.

Can we use our own plans?

Yes. The plans may need to be supplemented or brought up to local codes by a local architect, but this is certainly a workable situation. Please be advised that "stock plans" are often not suitable for the terrain found in the mountains due to slopes and driveway access.

Do you hire the lowest bidder when selecting subcontractors?

Absolutely not. Like most everything we do, we do this a little differently than the rest of the industry, and if you ask us, BETTER than the rest of the industry. We do not put our projects "out to bid". Rather, we have spent years building a team of trusted subcontractors in each of their respective fields, and we use them exclusively. We have developed bonds of trust, quality and dependability with our team of subcontractors, allowing us to stay ultra competitive in pricing, while being able to guarantee and stand totally behind all of their work.

What do you recommend for an exterior surface?

There is a wide variety of exterior finishes that blend and work well in the mountains. Cedar siding, cedar shakes, stucco, brick, stone and other materials all will work and fit into the lifestyle of living in the mountains.

Can I properly insulate my home even if I want a wall of glass for the views?

Absolutely. The details of insulating a home and using glass are too detailed to delve into in a short answer, but windows are built exceedingly well today. Homes can be designed to capture beautiful views with large amounts of glass, while still being well insulated and "green".

Will you visit a home-site with me before I purchase it?

The answer is a resounding yes, and we actually STRONGLY encourage all clients to take this course of action. Frellick Brothers can offer valuable insight and feedback about your potential lot, and any "red-flags" that may present themselves around the use and "build ability' of the proposed lot or lots. This is one of many steps in the Frellick Brothers unique design/build concept for clients, and a site visit up-front simply sets the tone for a successful project from the start.

Do you work within a fixed budget or is "cost-plus" a better option?

For custom homes we work almost exclusively with a "cost-plus" formula for our contracts, but this is almost always driven by and requested by our clients. We are certainly willing to work with a "fixed price" contract, but that rarely happens since it requires so much up-front work by the clients in selecting finishes, fixtures, and other important decisions. Essentially, we will work with either contract template, but our experience has shown that a "cost-plus" scenario works out far better for all parties.

Whatever formula or combination, we are ALWAYS willing to "fix" our Builder Fees up front for all projects. We have always believed that we should make a fair wage for our services, but do not need to "make money" off of every extra you decide to add. It's all about fairness.

Can you build to a specific budget?

Yes. Through client input, and careful design work by the architect; we can build a home that fits your specific budget. Honest and concise input to the architect and builder up front will insure that the dream home you build will be one that fits both your lifestyle and budget.

If we haven't answered your question, please submit it below and we will promptly respond. Or better yet pick up the phone and call us at 828-552-1984.