West Asheville Modern Green Home | Stepless Entry, Flat Yard, Privacy Fence | Sure Foot Builders

Crafting Comfort: A Thoughtful Urban Home in West Asheville

Urban living for today’s homebuyer is complex and full of small considerations. Without careful attention to design and function, it’s easy to lose the efficiency, comfort, and control that make home life enjoyable. This home is a reflection of more than 20 years of building experience in Western North Carolina.

Raymond’s background as a carpenter, draftsman, bookkeeper, business owner, and father of three brings a rare blend of creativity and practicality to every project. And as you read, remember — all grading and carpentry on this home were completed by the Sure Foot Builders crew.

Site & Grading Details

The lot, long by West Asheville standards, slopes left to right and front to back and sits along a fairly busy corridor. The goal for this site was to provide ample parking while maintaining a large, flat backyard and a stepless entry into the home.

To achieve this, our crew graded the entire site and built a native-stone plated embankment on the uphill side for low-maintenance retaining. This approach allowed us to manage both water flow and foot traffic efficiently, while also keeping enough clearance on the right side for future equipment access. The result is not only a functional layout, but also a seamless, step-free entry into the home’s open main level — enhancing accessibility and day-to-day ease.

Standard Green Features

Since the company’s founding, Sure Foot Builders has consistently built to Green Built and ENERGY STAR® certification standards. For us, that means 2x6 exterior walls, HVAC system loads designed by our certified HERS Rater, and the inclusion of an ERV (energy recovery ventilator) — going beyond typical local green-building practices to protect your home’s air quality and energy efficiency.

Windows were carefully selected not only for their Low-E, argon-filled glass, but also for how they illuminate every space and complement the home’s design from every angle. The foundation slab is insulated below and around the perimeter, protected from damage by pests, sunlight, and landscaping tools. Wall and attic insulation were installed with precision and verified by a third-party inspection for quality assurance.

Modern Design Details

Upon entry, you’re greeted by two custom cherry slab shelves — a welcoming spot for packages, keys, or your favorite drink as you settle into your urban haven.

Warm, dark trim, flooring, and cabinetry create a grounded, cozy atmosphere, while bright tilework and sleek modern fixtures bring contrast and vibrancy. A pull-out closet next to the stairs supports up to 1,500 lbs of storage, offering space for daily essentials or seasonal items.

The passage behind the stairs connects the kitchen to the back door, creating a natural circulation that keeps movement through the home fluid and engaging — and even allows for a potential main-level master suite addition in the future.

Up front, the scalloped shadowbox bump-out and streamlined porch roof over cedar post and beam showcase the artistry that defines every Sure Foot project. Raymond designed the scalloped siding himself, inspired by koi fish patterns he printed and scaled for the build. The front porch was also engineered to accommodate a living roof addition down the road.

Outdoor Oasis

Privacy and tranquility define the outdoor experience. Pressure-treated privacy fences enclose both sides and the back of the property, creating a peaceful retreat for kids, pets, or evening gatherings with friends and wine.

A covered back patio, mature trees, and intentional plantings make the outdoors feel as inviting as the interior. From the kitchen window, views of a weeping atlas and hand-placed stonework create a sense of calm — the feeling of being anywhere you want to be.

This Is What We Do

We build because we can’t imagine doing anything else. Building runs through our thoughts and shapes the way we see the world — day and night.

Raymond and the Sure Foot team are here to think through the process with you — creatively, practically, and passionately. Give us a call at (828) 242-0925 or fill out our online contact form today. Let’s build something that reflects your values, your lifestyle, and your love for thoughtful, sustainable design.