Q A

What is the average square foot price of a new home these days?

This is really a budgetary question on your part. Most people have a firm idea of what they would like to spend before they build, it is then our job to keep within your budget guidelines, or when possible beat them. The biggest factors in home costs are site (water table, slope, rock etc.); design (size, roof pitch, number of windows, siding material etc.) and appointments (custom cabinets, granite counter tops, number of baths, stone, tile or marble flooring, specialty rooms etc.). Our past history indicates that our average home prices start at $300 per square foot.

Q A

What can we do to save money in the home building process?

A significant savings can occur when you hire your Builder at the same time you hire your architect (see Negotiated Contract). We can obtain cost estimates on various phases of the project as they are developed in order to determine the financial viability of the design. Also, by contracting with us using a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) we can get involved even earlier in the process. During which, we will explore the feasibility of the lot or home site with you, help you choose your architect and continue to work on cost issues during the design process. Please view our “Negotiated Contract” page for more details.

Q A

How long does it typically take to build a home?

When building a truly custom home we build exclusively to your needs and wishes. At the start of construction a timeline is developed and up-dated regularly. We promote efficient time use and adhere conscientiously to your schedule. During the process we guide you through choosing your material and design selections with our exclusive Client Workbook. In our experience you can plan on twelve to fourteen  months from start of construction until move-in for a home of 5,000 - 6,500 square feet, depending on site conditions.

Q A

Do you build green homes?

Yes, and red, yellow and blue homes too. But seriously, environmental responsibility is a matter each of us must take to heart. Brightleaf Development is proud to be an Energy Star (www.EnergyStar.gov) and a Healthy Built Home (www.HealthyBuiltHomes.org) Builder. Please check on their websites to see the benefits you can enjoy in your new home. We also take an active part in recycling our discarded and unused construction materials.

Q A

We currently live across the country, is that a problem while you are building?

Not at all, in fact most of our clients reside in another state or even in another country. While you will want to schedule some visits: phone and video conferencing, e-mail, internet and digital technologies ensure that we will deliver the same quality and exacting specifications from across the street or across the planet.

Q A

Where Do You Build?

We build in Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh, Cary and the Triangle area of North Carolina.  We will also entertain building in other areas.

Q A

My Architect is designing my perfect house. But what happens if there becomes a problem because of site conditions?

Every home we build is unique. While most design decisions are developed in advance, others must be made in the moment, driven by construction demands that arise in the field. We reach the best solution to each new challenge by relying on our Partners’ over thirty years of field experience and also by keeping up to date on new building technologies and materials.

Q A

Why should we choose Brightleaf Development as our Builder?

Let our clients answer that for you:

  • “ We were under a tight time schedule in view of the sale of our home in Virginia and anxious that the construction proceed according to schedule. You not only met the schedule, but beat it by a week.” Norman Vander Clute
  •  “ When we ultimately chose to build, we turned to you, and your advice and counsel throughout the process of choosing an architect, the landscape architect and the construction itself were invaluable. Indeed the final product has exceeded both our expectations.” Luther and Cheray Hodges
  • “We applaud you on the well deserved recognition you received from the Custom Home Program for Outstanding Building Quality. That comes from the hard work you do after the ‘job’ is done, taking care of your customers until they are truly satisfied. “ Al and Rufina Marold
  • “Even though we were living in Connecticut, we felt very comfortable with the progress of our construction. You kept us sufficiently informed, but did not concern us with the minutiae of day to day details. We were sent digital photos and received regular (and e-mail) updates so that we knew exactly what to expect on our visits. The Malloy family is a great team and we heartily recommend them!” Geoff and Caroline Scott
  • “ You didn’t ‘over promise or under deliver’ – you lived up to every commitment you made…in terms of quality, construction, schedule and cost.” John Wichtrich
Q A

Do you belong to any trade associations?

Yes, we are affiliated with two local Home Builder’s Associations: Raleigh / Wake County and Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties and also with the National Home Builder’s Association. We also are members of the Raleigh and Cary Chamber of Commerce. In 2006 we were invited to join the NHBA sponsored Builder 20 Club; a prestigious group of prominent Custom Home Builders across the country.

Q A

Any tips on building a home?

Whether you decide to build with us or another builder, make sure that the entire process is laid out for you: from contract to certificate of occupancy in a user friendly manner. Comprehensive planning and forethought will ensure that your expectations are properly met. Please view our “Steps to Building” page for our detailed process.

Q A

Who has had the biggest influence on your business?

Our clients. We have met and worked with many talented people who have helped us shape our business.

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What is the highest compliment you’ve received professionally?

"Building with Brightleaf is worry free."

Q A

What is the average square foot price of a new home these days?

This is really a budgetary question on your part. Most people have a firm idea of what they would like to spend before they build, it is then our job to keep within your budget guidelines, or when possible beat them. The biggest factors in home costs are site (water table, slope, rock etc.); design (size, roof pitch, number of windows, siding material etc.) and appointments (custom cabinets, granite counter tops, number of baths, stone, tile or marble flooring, specialty rooms etc.). Our past history indicates that our average home prices start at $175 per square foot.

Q A

What is the average square foot price of a new home these days?

This is really a budgetary question on your part. Most people have a firm idea of what they would like to spend before they build, it is then our job to keep within your budget guidelines, or when possible beat them. The biggest factors in home costs are site (water table, slope, rock etc.); design (size, roof pitch, number of windows, siding material etc.) and appointments (custom cabinets, granite counter tops, number of baths, stone, tile or marble flooring, specialty rooms etc.). Our past history indicates that our average home prices start at $175 per square foot.

Q A

What is the average square foot price of a new home these days?

This is really a budgetary question on your part. Most people have a firm idea of what they would like to spend before they build, it is then our job to keep within your budget guidelines, or when possible beat them. The biggest factors in home costs are site (water table, slope, rock etc.); design (size, roof pitch, number of windows, siding material etc.) and appointments (custom cabinets, granite counter tops, number of baths, stone, tile or marble flooring, specialty rooms etc.). Our past history indicates that our average home prices start at $300 per square foot.

Q A

What is the average square foot price of a new home these days?

This is really a budgetary question on your part. Most people have a firm idea of what they would like to spend before they build, it is then our job to keep within your budget guidelines, or when possible beat them. The biggest factors in home costs are site (water table, slope, rock etc.); design (size, roof pitch, number of windows, siding material etc.) and appointments (custom cabinets, granite counter tops, number of baths, stone, tile or marble flooring, specialty rooms etc.). Our past history indicates that our average home prices start at $300 per square foot.

Q A

What is the average square foot price of a new home these days?

This is really a budgetary question on your part. Most people have a firm idea of what they would like to spend before they build, it is then our job to keep within your budget guidelines, or when possible beat them. The biggest factors in home costs are site (water table, slope, rock etc.); design (size, roof pitch, number of windows, siding material etc.) and appointments (custom cabinets, granite counter tops, number of baths, stone, tile or marble flooring, specialty rooms etc.). Our past history indicates that our average home prices start at $300 per square foot.