Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Custom Home Builder in Western North Carolina
Founded in 1983 by Terry A. Baker, Construction Specialties & Design Builders has established itself as a premier custom home building firm in Western North Carolina. Our approach combines decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to personalized service, ensuring every client's vision is realized with precision and care. With a foundation built on Terry's early career in civil engineering and land surveying, we offer comprehensive residential and commercial construction solutions that prioritize quality, transparency, and community values. Our team of skilled professionals and trusted subcontractors delivers projects ranging from new construction to complex remodels, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining open communication with clients.Recognized for our craftsmanship and client-centric philosophy, we have completed hundreds of projects that reflect both functional excellence and aesthetic innovation. Beyond construction, we actively contribute to local communities through volunteer work and youth mentorship programs. Our leadership team, including Vice President Stephanie Baker Gash and project managers with advanced construction management credentials, ensures every project benefits from multi-generational expertise and modern industry standards. With offices in Horse Shoe, North Carolina, we serve clients across Western North Carolina, transforming architectural concepts into enduring structures that meet evolving needs.
Services
Residential Construction
New Construction
Remodels
Custom Home Building
Commercial Space Construction
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of combined construction and surveying expertise
- Our team includes licensed general contractors and certified construction managers
- We maintain long-term relationships with trusted local subcontractors
- We provide transparent communication and detailed project timelines
- Our leadership team actively participates in community development initiatives
What people say
Attention to detail
Transparent communication
Quality craftsmanship
Met deadlines
Exceptional subcontractor coordination
Services
Custom Home Building
We specialize in creating custom-designed residential properties tailored to individual client needs. Our process includes detailed planning, material selection, and project management from foundation to final finishes. With decades of experience in Western North Carolina's unique terrain, we deliver energy-efficient homes that blend architectural vision with practical functionality while maintaining strict quality control throughout construction.
Residential Remodeling
Our remodeling services transform existing spaces while preserving structural integrity. We handle complete kitchen and bathroom renovations, whole-house updates, and specialty projects like historic home restorations. Our team coordinates all aspects from design modifications to permit acquisition, ensuring minimal disruption to homeowners while delivering modernized, functional living spaces that increase property value.
Commercial Construction
We provide commercial construction solutions for retail spaces, office buildings, and mixed-use developments. Our services include site preparation, code compliance management, and interior build-outs tailored to business operational needs. With expertise in both new commercial construction and adaptive reuse projects, we create functional spaces that meet zoning requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal and long-term durability.
Project Management
Our comprehensive project management covers timeline development, subcontractor coordination, and budget oversight. We implement detailed scheduling systems to ensure timely material delivery and tradesperson availability while maintaining regular client communication. This service includes progress tracking, quality assurance inspections, and risk mitigation strategies to guarantee successful project completion within specified parameters.
Client Consultation
We offer personalized consultation services to translate client visions into actionable construction plans. This includes space planning, material selection guidance, and budget forecasting. Our team works closely with architects and engineers to develop customized solutions that balance aesthetic preferences with structural requirements, ensuring every project meets both functional needs and regulatory standards.
People
Terry A. Baker
Founder & President
With over 40 years in construction, Terry holds NC General Contractor and Professional Land Surveyor licenses. He established the company in 1986 and has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship and client-focused service. Active in community service as a volunteer firefighter and youth sports coach.
Stephanie Baker Gash
Vice President
Licensed NC General Contractor with a Master of Construction Management degree. Stephanie oversees project management and client relations, combining academic expertise with hands-on experience gained since joining the company in 2008.
Jamey Gash
Project Manager
Licensed NC General Contractor managing daily operations since 2023. With construction experience dating to 2006, he coordinates subcontractors and ensures project timelines while maintaining quality standards across all developments.
Dillon Baker
Construction Supervisor
Full-time firefighter and integral construction team member since 2011. He manages job site operations, ensuring daily progress while balancing emergency response commitments and construction oversight responsibilities.
Nicole O'Shields
Client Coordinator
Joined in 2020 as client coach, managing project details and selections. She specializes in guiding clients through decision-making processes while maintaining project timelines and budgetary controls for custom home developments.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Western North Carolina, including Horse Shoe, Lake Lure, and Etowah-Horse Shoe areas.
What construction services do you offer?
We specialize in custom home building, residential remodeling, commercial construction, and comprehensive project management services.
How do you manage long-distance projects?
We use regular communication updates and on-site supervision to successfully manage projects for clients located remotely.
What experience does your team have?
Our leadership team includes licensed general contractors with over 40 combined years of construction experience and advanced construction management credentials.
How are project timelines handled?
We establish clear milestones and maintain 95% on-time completion rates through detailed scheduling and proactive issue resolution.
Can you work with existing designs?
Yes, we collaborate with architects and engineers to execute client-approved designs while offering practical construction recommendations.
