Built for the
Mountains.
Built to Last.
Custom Homes Built by Craftsmen with Character.
Honesty is
Our Foundation
Powell Construction has been building high-end custom homes in the Western North Carolina mountains for over 40 years. We hold an unlimited general contractor's license and are proud members of the NC Home Builders Association.
We often get outbid — because we give you the real number from the start. Our clients appreciate that. They've usually found their way back to us after learning the hard way what mountain building actually costs.
Craftsmanship
in Every Detail
From site preparation through final finish, we manage every phase of your custom home — including cabinetry, excavation, and hardscapes.
Custom Home Construction
Full-service custom home building from foundation to final walkthrough. We specialize in high-end mountain residences designed to complement the terrain and stand for generations.
Cabinet Design & Fabrication
We carry three premium cabinet lines — Bishop Cabinets, Ideal Cabinetry, and DeWils Cabinetry — plus a custom cabinet builder, offering semi-custom options to fully bespoke cabinetry designed around your exact space and vision.
Site Preparation & Excavation
Mountain terrain demands expertise. We handle all aspects of site prep, grading, and excavation — the most complex and most underestimated phase of mountain home building.
Retaining Walls & Hardscapes
Structural retaining walls, stone terraces, walkways, and outdoor living features — built to work with the natural landscape while enhancing your property's value.
Remote Project Management
Most of our clients build from out of state. We manage every subcontractor, every timeline, every decision — with clear communication so you're never left wondering.
Warranty & Post-Build Support
We stand behind every home we build — during warranty and beyond. Our reputation in this community depends on it, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Mountain Building
Costs More.
Here's Why.
If you've been researching builders in the Cashiers-Highlands area, you've probably seen a wide range of numbers and wondered why. Building on steep, rocky, remote mountain terrain costs significantly more than building on flat land — and any builder who tells you otherwise isn't being straight with you.
The biggest variables: site preparation, foundation work, and subcontractor scarcity. We address all of these honestly before you ever sign a contract.
A Process Built
on Transparency
Building a custom home in the mountains is a significant investment. We walk you through every step clearly — no surprises, no hidden costs, no runaround.
Initial Consultation
We learn your vision, timeline, and budget — and give you an honest picture of what it costs to build in Western NC before we go any further.
Site Assessment
We evaluate your land, terrain, access, and site challenges. Mountain building requires this step first — costs vary enormously depending on topography.
Detailed Estimate
We produce a thorough, accurate estimate. No low-ball figure to win the bid. You'll know exactly what you're getting and why the numbers are what they are.
Construction & Delivery
We manage your build from ground-breaking to final walkthrough — keeping you informed every step of the way, whether you're in Sapphire or in Sarasota.
Building Your
Mountain Retreat
You've worked hard. You know the mountains are where you want to be. Most of our clients are building from Florida or another state — and we've refined a process specifically designed around managing a build remotely, so you can enjoy the journey without the stress.
You Want the
Real Number.
You've probably already gotten a few bids. Maybe some of them seemed surprisingly low. We've seen that story play out many times. We don't lowball to win work — we give you an accurate, detailed estimate from day one, and then we build to it.
Ready to Start the
Conversation?
Whether you're still in the land-shopping phase or ready to break ground, the best first step is a straightforward conversation about your vision and what it takes to build it right.