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You Asked, We Answered

We've compiled a list of our most commonly-asked questions from previous clients and prospects in order for you to be armed with the most critical information related to your next renovation or new construction project.

What does your process look like?

Phase 1: FREE Consultation

This can be in-home or virtual, whatever is most convenient for you.  We'll chat about your goals, budget, and leverage our Matterport technology to produce a 3D measurement and rendering of your space (if applicable).

 

Phase 2: Preliminary Scope of Work

Here's where we'll use our scan and walk-through combined with your goals to create a detailed proposal and scope of work for the renovation or build.  You will also be given a design survey so we can understand your taste and preferred style, which will be used in the design phase.

 

Phase 3: Design Plan and Revised Scope

Our team will present a proposed layout and selection (may include rendering and storyboard depending on project scope). This is where we will fine tune the budget and scope of work

 

Phase 4: Regulatory Approvals (Land Development, Plat Filing, and Building Permits)

The regulatory approval phase ensures a project complies with zoning, land development, and building codes before construction can begin. It typically includes:

  1. Land Development, Zoning, & Land Use Review – Verification that the proposed use, density, and design meet local zoning and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements.  This can include review and regulatory compliance from Department of Transportaion, Urban Forestry, Stormwater, Public Utilities, Erosion Control, and other departments.  Different juristictions have various approval processes to verify compliance with regulations.  If Re-zoning is requred, this will add significant cost and time to the process.

  2. Lot Platting (if neccessary) – Approval of site plans, subdivisions, and plats to establish legal lots, easements, rights-of-way, adressing, fire escape egress, stormwater systems, and tree/landscape conservation regulations.

  3. Plan Review – Detailed review of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection plans for building code compliance.

  4. Permitting – Now that land ordinances, plat restrictions, and building plans are all approved per regulations, the building permits are issued and construction may start as long as proper documentation is provided on-site and all on-site inspections are approved as code-compliant.

 

Phase 5: Build

This is the fun part where we make your dream become a reality!

Are you licensed?

Yes. We are a licensed general contractor by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors and the South Carolina
Contractor's Licensing Board for residential construction.

Who pulls required permits for the job, you or me?

As the licensed general contractor, if permits are required then we will be responsible for pulling permits and working directly with the county code enforcement and permitting office. 

What factors determine if permits are required on the job?

Not always. In both North Carolina and South Carolina, permits are required for work that involves new construction, structural changes, major system work, or when the contract value exceeds a set amount. Cosmetic-only projects typically do not require a permit.

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North Carolina Permit Requirements

You’ll need a permit if your project involves:

  • New buildings or additions – homes, garages, porches, decks.

  • Structural work – moving or adding load-bearing walls, beams, or foundations.

  • Decks and patios – all decks require permits; raised patios (over 8 ¼" step) also require permits.

  • Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or gas work – any installation, relocation, or major repair.

  • Fire safety systems – sprinklers, fire alarms, egress paths.

  • Tree or site work (Charlotte area) – removal of heritage trees (≥30" DBH) or disturbance of required tree save areas.

  • Project value – Any project with a contract price over $40,000 requires a permit under NC law.

No permit needed for: painting, flooring, trim, or cabinetry (unless tied to structural or system changes).

 

South Carolina Permit Requirements

South Carolina follows nearly the same rules under the International Codes. Permits are required for:

  • New construction and additions – including accessory buildings.

  • Structural repairs/alterations – framing, roofing, foundation work.

  • Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or gas systems.

  • Fire safety systems – sprinklers, alarms, hydrants.

  • Zoning/site approvals – many counties require permits for patios, grading, or accessory structures.

  • Project value – Most SC jurisdictions require a permit if the contract price is over $5,000.

No permit needed for: cosmetic updates like painting, tiling, or flooring.

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Quick Rule of Thumb

  • If the work changes how the building is built or how it functions, a permit is required.

  • If the work is just surface-level cosmetic, a permit is usually not needed.

  • If the contract price exceeds state thresholds ($40,000 in NC, $5,000 in SC), a permit is required regardless of scope.

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