We specialize in custom luxury home building using our comprehensive design-build program. This includes everything from land analysis and 3D design to budgeting, construction, and project management. We’re known for modern designs like west coast warm modern and mid-century styles, with features such as open layouts, high-end finishes, and innovative structural elements. Although we excel at modern architecture, we also build traditional or any type of home to suit your preferences.

Our design-build process is a streamlined four-part approach for new builds:

1. Land Analysis: We evaluate your lot for size, topography, drainage, utilities, and optimal home placement. We also review surveys to identify setbacks and see buffer or encroachment issues.
2. Design: We collaborate on ideas using 3D software and virtual reality walkthroughs, tailoring the home to your lifestyle and budget.
3. Budget: We finalize materials, finishes, and structural plans for precise pricing, with recommendations to stay on track.
4. Construction and Project Management: We handle permitting and inspections and manage specialized subcontractors, all while providing real-time updates via our proprietary software.

Founded by Daron Gaon, who earned his NC Building Contractor’s license in 2006, we’ve been building luxury homes since then. With over 70 years of combined team experience in residential construction as of 2025, we’ve completed numerous custom builds ranging from entry-level to multi-million-dollar projects, including multi-family developments like LUX NoDa townhomes featured in the Charlotte Business Journal.

Our key team includes Co-Owner and Business Manager Andrew Parker, who joined in 2017 and handles operations, finance, and client relations with over a decade in residential construction; and Project Manager Tim Price, with 40+ years in construction overseeing sites daily for quality control. We’re a Parade of Homes Winner and have been featured in Charlotte Magazine and Houzz, as well as in Charlotte Five (Charlotte Observer) for our luxury condo renovation—Charlotte’s most expensive at $4.5M, built for an athlete and QC Exclusive magazine. Our projects have also attracted TikTok influencers, with a video tour by @viewsfromcyn garnering over 232K views.

Yes, we’re a fully licensed general contractor in North Carolina (License #70053) and South Carolina (License #117024). We also carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, with every single home protected by its own dedicated builder’s risk policy. Our team includes experienced professionals, ensuring all projects meet or exceed local codes. We prioritize over-engineering for structural soundness beyond code requirements.

We primarily serve Charlotte, NC, and surrounding counties within an hour’s drive, including popular areas such as Uptown Charlotte, Foxcroft, Eastover, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, Cotswold, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, Lake Tillery, Cornelius, Mooresville, Davidson, Union County, Weddington, Indian Land, and Fort Mill, SC. Our licensing extends to South Carolina, allowing us to handle new build projects across state lines when needed.

Costs for building a new luxury custom home vary widely based on factors like project size, materials, site specifics, and customization level, but we deliver precise estimates after the design and budget phases using advanced software to ensure transparency.

Excluding land acquisition and architectural design fees, construction costs (including site work) typically range from $300 to $600 per square foot, depending on the home’s complexity and features—explore examples across this spectrum in our portfolio.

Architectural plans for unique custom designs can range from $45,000 to $150,000, varying by the architect selected or if we handle the design in-house for a more integrated approach. Land acquisition often accounts for 20% to 30% of the total budget; for instance, a $1.5 million home (including site work) might allocate around $300,000 for land and $50,000 for design, resulting in a total turnkey price of approximately $1.85M, though these figures are illustrative and can fluctuate based on location, market conditions, and other variables.

We calibrate flexible allowances for finishes and materials based on your specific wants, with no price increases post-contract unless client-initiated changes or allowance exceedances occur. For a tailored quote aligned with your vision, contact us today.

Timelines for a design-build project vary based on complexity, home size, level of detail, material sourcing, and design elements—such as the intricate connections in our modern homes with extensive floor-to-ceiling windows and wider spans, which require precise tolerances and can extend durations.

Assuming you already own the land, the full process from initial design to move-in typically spans 16 to 24 months. This breaks down as follows: plan design takes 4 to 8 months, permitting 1 to 2 months, and construction 10 to 12 months for homes under 6,000 square feet or around 14 months for those 6,000 square feet and larger.

We recommend involving us early through a pre-construction agreement, even during land acquisition, to provide expert guidance and help avoid costly mistakes. We leverage advanced technology for real-time updates on all aspects of the project and secure your project slot once plans are approved.

As a design-build firm, we create fully custom plans tailored to your vision, lifestyle, and budget through our in-house design process, rather than offering pre-made stock plans. This begins in our Design phase, where we collaborate closely with you using 3D software and VR walkthroughs, and involves heavy input from engineers to ensure structural integrity and efficiency.

Our integrated approach allows ongoing adjustments to align precisely with your allocated budget and preferences. If you prefer, we can work with an external architect of your choice (with costs ranging from $45,000 to $150,000). Another option is finding a plan that meets your needs online. This option will cost much less (typically less than $10,000); however, you may not get everything you want and we will need to ensure the plan is suitable for the lot.

For inspiration, browse our portfolio of past custom designs, or contact us to start developing your unique plan.

We encourage high client involvement! You’ll share ideas and inspiration photos, review 3D VR walkthroughs, select finishes, and make changes during design. Our team provides expert guidance to align with your vision and budget. Communication is responsive—email, text, or call us anytime.

For sourcing materials, we rely on a curated list of preferred vendors vetted for price, quality, and reliability. However, since our homes are fully custom, if you discover out-of-network vendors for materials, we’re happy to procure them for you—we believe it’s your home, and you should get exactly what you want in it.

A 10-year structural warranty can be added for a fee at the beginning of the process, though most customers don’t opt for this. We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranties: one-year “bumper to bumper” on cosmetics and infrastructure (HVAC, plumbing, electrical). We handle all warranty items in a timely manner, backed by our happy customer reviews. All other new equipment is warranted through the manufacturer.

At Artistic Contractors, we elevate construction standards through superior materials, rigorous engineering, and thoughtful detailing that prioritize durability, efficiency, and longevity. Our homes are intentionally over-engineered with reinforced structures, advanced waterproofing systems, and precision installation methods that go far beyond code requirements. The result is a home that not only looks exceptional but is built to last for generations.

---

Some of our Proprietary Build Science Practices

• Poured-in-place reinforced foundations provide unmatched stability compared to block walls, resisting settling and cracking over time.
• We apply 7/8” true hard-coat stucco with metal lath, scratch coat, brown coat, and acrylic finish for durability and waterproofing.
• All stone veneer and stucco assemblies are built over multi-layer waterproofing systems.
• All exterior walls are framed with 2×6 lumber for added strength and insulation cavity depth.
• Modify framing around windows and doors to ensure consistent reveals around windows and doors
• Add blocking during framing for future loads like TVs, mirrors, vanities, and bath hardware.
• Tighter spacing and reinforced I-joists minimize floor deflection.
• Decking and siding are installed with hidden clip systems that provide secure fastening, consistent reveals, and rain-screen ventilation.
• Use heavy-gauge metal outside corners and defined material transitions keep exterior lines sharp and long-lasting.
• Crawlspaces are fully encapsulated and equipped with dehumidifiers, improving air quality, protecting structural systems, and boosting HVAC efficiency.
• Through-wall flashing and drip edge protection are installed to keep water out.
• All windows and doors are meticulously flashed and caulked, with redundant waterproofing layers at material transitions.
• Big doors are countersunk so thresholds sit flush with floors, eliminating obstructions.
• Showers and wet areas are waterproofed with Schluter products.
• All tile and natural stone surfaces are professionally sealed for stain and moisture resistance.
• We use tearaway bead against window frames for crisp drywall returns
• Glue all joints in baseboard and casing to prevent seasonal separation.
• Cabinets are installed without face nails for a seamless look. Blocking and precision carpentry ensure consistent, durable finishes throughout.
• Hardwood floors are both glued and nailed for stability, while subfloors are floated so hardwood and tile align at the same height for seamless transitions.
• Advantech subflooring is glued and nailed to eliminate squeaks and create a premium underfoot feel.
• We install custom-sized Trane HVAC systems optimized for foam-insulated homes.
• Open-cell spray foam insulation creates an airtight envelope, reducing energy costs and improving comfort.
• Tankless water heaters with recirculation provide instant hot water, saving time and minimizing waste.
• All homes are equipped with all-LED lighting for maximum energy savings, bulb longevity, and reduced environmental impact.

Absolutely! Check our portfolio for showcases of new custom homes featuring innovative designs like open great rooms, custom features, and modern aesthetics. We have 45 five-star reviews on Houzz highlighting our creativity and professionalism, along with seven Houzz awards and three badges for outstanding customer service. We also have nine five-star reviews on Google emphasizing our reliability and quality.

Visit our portfolio page for more. Upon request, we can arrange an appointment to tour a project in progress, and depending on homeowner consent, it may be possible to visit completed customer homes. For added peace of mind, we’re happy to provide references from past clients.

Artistic Contractors stands out in Charlotte’s luxury home market by combining modern design expertise with a holistic design-build approach where the same team that designs your home also builds it, eliminating communication gaps between architect and contractor.

Using advanced 3D design and virtual reality walkthroughs, we help clients visualize their homes before construction begins, aligning design and budget from the start. Our longstanding relationships with the best subcontractors in Charlotte ensure unmatched craftsmanship and scheduling priority, while our lean structure—without layers of staff—keeps costs lower than many high-end competitors.

We don’t play games with cost-plus contracts; instead, we offer fixed-price agreements with clear allowances that motivate us to build efficiently and protect clients from runaway budgets. Just as important, clients work directly with the owners, Daron and Andrew, who provide weekly updates and hands-on communication throughout the process.

Backed by proprietary quality control procedures and a proven reputation for delivering innovative, tailored homes, we provide a seamless, transparent, and cost-effective building experience from concept to completion.

We use experienced and specialized subcontractors for each trade, over-engineer structures, and provide exact measurements via estimating software. Our team personally oversees every step, with real-time client access to progress.

We dive deeply into the technical minutiae, designing and procuring many custom products in-house, such as stairs and glass rail, while sourcing custom-sized materials to our specifications from overseas suppliers—including large doors, windows, and curtain wall systems. For complex elements, we utilize proprietary assembly methods and provide hands-on guidance during installation to ensure flawless execution.

This means we actively engage with all aspects of every trade, rather than simply handing off plans for autopilot construction, which isn’t feasible for the unique and intricate homes we build. We take immense pride in tackling challenging, one-of-a-kind projects, delivering superior craftsmanship that exceeds expectations.

We’re flexible and welcome changes during construction to make sure your home feels just right! To keep things straightforward, our contracts include a single, comprehensive allowance pool for customer selections, carefully calibrated during the design phase to align with your target budget.

If your final selections exceed this pool, we’ll apply a small fee to the overage. For plan modifications or added scope, we’ll prepare a formal change order with detailed estimates for cost and timeline impact, then seek your approval and payment before proceeding. This approach helps avoid surprises and keeps your project moving smoothly.

Here are examples of how Artistic Contractors applies our services, process, and expertise across Charlotte and surrounding areas:

• Davidson Waterfront Homes – If you’re building on the water in Davidson, we integrate energy-efficient systems and durable materials while navigating shoreline buffer restrictions, dock permits, and floodplain regulations.
• SouthPark Mid-Century Modern – If you’re in SouthPark and want a mid-century modern home, we can deliver contemporary open layouts and minimalist finishes while balancing them with neighborhood expectations and HOA design guidelines.
• Relocating Professionals & Athletes – If you’re a professional athlete or executive relocating to Charlotte, we have experience building for high-profile clients, including planning around privacy, entertainment spaces, and strict move-in deadlines.
• Mooresville Lakefront Properties – If you’re building in Mooresville, our team guides you through lake buffer restrictions, shoreline stabilization, and height limits that affect how your home sits on the site.
• Cornelius Smart Homes – If your focus is on smart technology, we structure budgets and allowances to prioritize automation systems, high-speed networking, and integrated lighting, without exceeding overall project goals.
• Cotswold Farmhouse Style – If you’re in Cotswold and prefer a farmhouse or transitional style, we adapt modern inspirations while still meeting zoning, setback, and character requirements unique to the neighborhood.
• Plaza Midwood Specialty Features – If you’re in Plaza Midwood and want something highly custom, such as an imported sink from Australia, we can source it internationally and integrate it seamlessly into your selections.
• Uptown Charlotte Condo Projects – If you’re considering an urban project, our condo work in Uptown Charlotte means we already know how to coordinate around road closures, limited staging areas, and complex deliveries in tight downtown environments.
• Davidson Traditional Homes – Davidson leans toward traditional styles, so instead of glass curtain walls, our projects there often emphasize brick or stone exteriors, steep gables, and classically proportioned facades tailored to the historic setting.
• South End Rooftop Living – For urban buyers in South End, we’ve engineered tight-lot townhomes with rooftop terraces, reinforced structures for outdoor kitchens, and waterproofing systems to protect living areas below.
• 3D Virtual Site Modeling – Before construction begins, we can place your 3D home model onto a 3D topographic survey of your site. This allows you to see how foundation walls and retaining walls will appear relative to grade before we break ground.
• Myers Park Outdoor Living – In Myers Park, we’ve designed covered patios with brick arches and integrated fireplaces that match the neighborhood’s traditional architecture, blending outdoor entertaining spaces with historic curb appeal.
• Lake Tillery Dock Integration – If you decide during construction to add a dock, we can quickly price, permit, and integrate it into the project while maintaining the overall build schedule.