--- title: "Bellwether Design-Build — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/bellwether-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1326183948 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1326183948.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Bellwether Design-Build" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/c5a38bc10535cd02_9254-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Asheville, North Carolina 28806, United States" latitude: 35.5808 longitude: -82.6078 phone: "(828) 275-8765" website: http://www.bellwetherbuilders.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 42 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Bellwether Design-Build Original Houzz profile: [Bellwether Design-Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/bellwether-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1326183948) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Asheville, NC - **Serves:** Asheville, Hendersonville, Arden, Fletcher, Woodfin, Royal Pines, Weaverville, Avery Creek, Biltmore Forest, Hoopers Creek, Bent Creek, Alexander, Candler, Enka, Leicester, Skyland - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves Bellwether Design-Build is a builder of fine homes, located in Asheville, North Carolina. We are fluent in all aspects of residential home construction, including custom homes, new construction, remodeling and design-build. We are best known for our extraordinary attention to design, detail, and sustainable building practices. We bring more than 20 years of experience to the table. We encourage you to explore our gallery of recent projects to see just what makes us stand out. Owner Brad Rice began his journey as a carpenter in Boone, North Carolina, and later studied under a Master Finish Carpenter in Portland, Oregon. Brad’s hands-on experience and his strong relationship with his subcontractors have given him a thorough understanding of the construction industry. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Garage Building - Green Building ### Areas Served - Asheville - Hendersonville - Arden - Fletcher - Woodfin - Royal Pines - Weaverville - Avery Creek - Biltmore Forest - Hoopers Creek - Bent Creek - Alexander - Candler - Enka - Leicester - Skyland ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 2,000,000 Bellwether Builders has two divisions. One works with folks that are looking for starter homes. The other works with individuals who are looking for custom and/or luxury construction. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Bellwether Design-Build | | Address | Asheville, North Carolina 28806, United States | | Phone | (828) 275-8765 | | Website | http://www.bellwetherbuilders.com/ | | License Number | 50241 | | Followers on Houzz | 42 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — www.facebook.com/BellwetherDesignBuild - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/bellwether-design-build/20/97a/b61 - Blog — http://www.bellwetherbuilders.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Bellwether Design-Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/bellwether-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1326183948) - **Website:** http://www.bellwetherbuilders.com/ - **Phone:** (828) 275-8765 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2009 Asheville Home Builders Parade of Homes: \* Gold Craftsmanship Award (in category of $440,000-$525,000 price category) \* Innovative Home Award \* Trend Award, 2004 Asheville HBA Parade of Homes Gold Craftsmanship Award (in category of $729,900.00-$799,900), Asheville HBAs Builder of the Year - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2019), for Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Green Built Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/green-built-alliance-pfvwus-pf~881622133) - [Asheville Home Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/asheville-home-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~1796080638) - [North Carolina Home Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/north-carolina-home-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~93544693) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Christy Vonderlack, Jan. 2019** > GREAT BUILDING EXPERIENCE! We were referred by one of their previous clients. Brad helped us narrow down our site selection based on sun exposure views, and topography. Brad was also able refer us to a great home designer to draw up plans for our new home and he also referred us to an interior designer to help with interior selections. Building a house long distance can be challenging but Brad made the process very easy. Weekly conference calls, photos to keep us updated and being able to personally meet everyone who worked on our house was priceless. > > Brad has such a great reputation as a builder and we heard this over and over from his employees, sub contractors, vendors and even the county building department. > > In the end, our house was delivered on time and the attention to detail was evident. Brad had great ideas to enhance our home design and even mocked up other elements so we could visualize the scale and differences between materials prior to committing to an idea. > > We never imagined that building a house long distance would go so smoothly, and all the credit must go to Brad and his great team. **★★★★★ — Ms. Brandon Ford, Aug. 2018** > Brad served as the general contractor for the renovation of the kitchen in our downtown Asheville loft. He suggested local vendors to complete each job in the kitchen and they were all excellent. The work was completed on time and on budget. Brad is fabulous at communication and follow up. This was very important to my husband and me since we do not live permanently in Asheville. Even our HOA representative was thrilled when he learned we were working with Bellwether Design-Build. We would love to work with Brad again and would highly recommend his company. **★★★★★ — Divine Living, April 2017** > It was such a pleasure working with Brad and the Bellwether team! They were such a wonderful group of professionals who delivered a beautiful space to me within the cost and the time frame they estimated. I would not hesitate to work with them again. **★★★★★ — Holden Design Shop, Dec. 2016** > It is a pleasure to work with Brad and his team at Bellwether Design Build! They are straight forward about pricing and hold themselves to a high standard of craft. Thoughtful and very experienced firm. **★★★★★ — Chelsea Benay, LLC, Sept. 2016** > I'm an interior designer in the Asheville area who has worked with Brad on multiple contemporary new construction projects. Brad is enthusiastic, professional, conscientious, and a creative problem solver. He is at the forefront of implementing contemporary design. The Bellwether team delivers quality construction with excellent style. I look forward to more successful collaborations with Brad! **★★★★★ — caramel0, July 2016** > Bellwether Design Build was the perfect builder for our contemporary Downtown Asheville Chicken Hill home! Brad and his crew, Lars and John, paid such exceptional attention to detail that it truly brought out the architectural craftsmanship of our home. Our build was efficient and on time and Brad was available at any time to answer questions, and always with enthusiasm and a smile! Thank you Bellwether for helping us to craft our beautiful home!!! **★★★★★ — Jody Whitehurst, June 2016** > I've served as the Realtor on Brad's construction. It was a pleasure to represent his high standard and tasteful craftsmanship. Brad has a strong sense and confidence with design, yet he has enough humility to consult with architectural, engineering or interior design experts when he is looking to take it to the next level. I'm very impressed with Bellwether's find he's product. **Comment from Bellwether Design-Build:** > Jody, thank you so very much for the 5 star review and the appreciation of our level of standards! We try our very best to uphold this for each construction project! We also do surround ourselves with other experts that can help us best serve our clients, such as working with a real estate professional like yourself and the designers, engineers, and architects we work with on a regular basis. Thank you again! **★★★★★ — Mobilia, Nov. 2015** > We were extremely pleased with the Bellwether Team. They were professional, friendly and tidy. They built us a wonderful contemporary home. They completed the project on time and on budget. Would highly recommend. **Comment from Bellwether Design-Build:** > Thank you for such a great review! We enjoyed working with you on the project and completing such a beautiful home. The final touches from Mobilia made the project stunning, along with those great views. **★★★★★ — mlenas, Nov. 2015** > Bellwether's craftsmanship and attention to detail is unparalleled. We picked them because they possess a modern sensibility and an artisan touch. Brad and his team did a phenomenal job: brainstorming creative solutions for our master bathroom renovation, communicating effectively throughout every stage of the work in a thorough and friendly manner, acting with integrity and utmost professionalism, and executing the design plan flawlessly. It was so reassuring to know we were in very capable hands every step of the way. We highly recommend Bellwether, and we are hoping to work with them again on future projects. **Comment from Bellwether Design-Build:** > Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! We were thrilled with how your project turned out and we are so glad you were too. We look forward to working with you on any future projects you may have! **★★★★★ — jaredcrown1, Nov. 2015** > Bellwether Design-Build produces some of the most beautiful and best constructed homes in the greater Asheville area. I have worked with Brad, the owner of Bellwether, for the past 6 years on numerous projects as his electrician. When I needed a roof on my rental property, I called him and he and his crew took care of it quickly and professionally. Bellwether has created many one of a kind higher end homes on Town Mountain that embrace the landscape with modern design sensibilities. The interiors are uncluttered and the homes are full of light. Our projects have been on track, kept to schedule and to job cost. Aesthetics are of the utmost importance with Bellwether and the homes that Brad has built are both real works of art and solidly constructed. > > Jared Crown > Crown Electric Services > 828 545-9329 **Comment from Bellwether Design-Build:** > Jared, thanks so much for the praise! We have appreciated your partnership over the years. Looking forward to collaborating on future projects. **★★★★★ — johnrsterling, Nov. 2015** > Brad’s crew of highly experienced, conscientious carpenters did a wonderful job remodeling our house. It was a major project with some unusual configurations and challenges. Brad and his crew dealt with them skillfully and effectively, knowing when to bring in outside engineering support. Brad coordinated all the subs to achieve a successful outcome. We are delighted with our house. It is truly a showpiece. **Comment from Bellwether Design-Build:** > We enjoy a good challenge! It's so great to hear that you're delighted with the home. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! **★★★★★ — yourendeavors, Nov. 2015** > Bellwether Design-Build does everything the right way! Timely and meticulous about everything from the concept to the finish product, Brad's professionalism, knowledge and concern for your endeavors is unparallel to any other builders, with results exceeding expectations. **Comment from Bellwether Design-Build:** > Wow thanks so much for the really kind words! We are glad that our hard works shows how much we truly care and what we put into our projects. ## Selected projects - [North Asheville Mountain Modern Home - CIEL Lot 10](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-asheville-mountain-modern-home-ciel-lot-10-pj-vj~1465864) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 24 - Description: Modern mountain home located in Asheville, NC and designed by Jason Weil at Retro-Fit Design. Interiors by Allard & Roberts Interior Design, Inc. Builder is Bellwether Design Build and Furniture Staging provided by Four Corners Home & Mobilia. Area Rugs provided by Togar Rugs and original artwork by Genie Maples. - [Airplane Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/airplane-bungalow-pj-vj~1055908) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: The Airplane Bungalow, so named for its low-pitched roof and exposed rafters, was designed and built on spec in 2005. This Energy Star home was used as the Reynold’s Mountain sales office and served as a model home for the upscale neighborhood near Asheville, NC. Details and features include: cedar shingle siding, natural stone chimney, Ipe porches, extensive woodwork throughout with coffered ceilings and built-ins, concrete countertops with Arts and Crafts detail copper inlay, custom kitchen an… - [West Asheville Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-asheville-home-pj-vj~2128603) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 28 - Description: A contemporary new home in Asheville, North Carolina - [Chicken Hill Asheville, NC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicken-hill-asheville-nc-pj-vj~1624054) - Location: Asheville, NC - Photos: 17 - Description: Contemporary custom home in Asheville, NC's River Arts District near downtown. Home designed by Joshua Pettler of C3 Studio. This home is inspired by the historical mill cottages of Chicken Hill. The home combines typical lap siding and contemporary metal accents with a classic roof line and traditional details. It is also a passive solar design. The kitchen features a large Eastern White Pine island counteract and a red tile backsplash. - [The Cool Ranch Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-cool-ranch-home-pj-vj~1056283) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: This total rehab of this ranch presented an amazing opportunity to showcase the innovative vision behind Bellwether’s creative design team. This sustainably remodeled home has foam insulation, low-voc paint, a new three-zoned high-efficiency heat pump, new locally-made windows, wool carpet…and it took home 3 awards at the annual Asheville Home Builders Association's Parade of Homes awards in 2009. It won the Gold Craftsmanship Award in its price category ($440,000-$525,000), the Innovative Home… - [Strang Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/strang-residence-pj-vj~1056345) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: Residential remodel of a home in Pisgah Forest near Brevard, North Carolina - [Richard Sharp Smith Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/richard-sharp-smith-makeover-pj-vj~1056379) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This beautiful historic home was due for a little TLC. Bellwether totally gutted the kitchen, taking the room back to its bones. The space is a pleasurable blend of old world charm and fresh, new materials. An antique cabinet was left in place and refinished. Extensive trim work, including gothic arches, were built to match the pine trim decorating the original 1916 interior. Details like leaving a partial brick wall and placing handmade period style tiles in the backsplash make for a beautiful… - [The Kuhlman Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-kuhlman-residence-pj-vj~1056370) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This Mediterranean home was designed and built in 2001 for a world travelling couple ready to settle down in the Western North Carolina mountains. The home takes advantage of amazing south-facing views with it's passive solar design. Radiant floor heat, a high velocity air system, and super insulation are key to the home's green features. Arches, cast stone balustrades and abundant natural light compliment the beautiful pastoral landscape. - [The Copper Rose](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-copper-rose-pj-vj~1056330) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This modern home is an example of creativity at its best. The Healthy Built project was an opportunity for Bellwether to “think outside the lot.” The home was sited on a narrow infill parcel in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood. The front of the home includes a home office with separate entrance. Special touches such as the master bedroom balcony, the intimate back deck, and the tall glass windows permit a view of the wooded lot in all seasons. - [Griffin-Forde Ranch Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/griffin-forde-ranch-home-pj-vj~1056249) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: This project is a perfect example of what can be done to a ranch home. The dated ranch was gutted and we added a story on part of the house to capture the amazing views of downtown Asheville, NC. This home has simple and elegant modern lines with tons of light and comfort. The eight panel 24 foot folding door says it all! “Now this is living!” This beautiful home combines materials like Hardi panels, cedar, Jarrah wood, steel and metal roofing. We really enjoyed collaborating with designer, Jaso… - [Rodgers Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rodgers-craftsman-pj-vj~1056221) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: This amazing Energy Star home exemplifies the Arts and Craft style home—taking beauty and details to the next level. This spec home was completed in 2006 and boasts countless luxuries. The exterior is all natural stucco, stone, cedar and a unique custom slate roof. Specially designed brackets were fabricated by local metalsmiths and woodworkers. The interior of this gem is dressed with woodwork, customer-designed trim, a massive two-sided fireplace, and tons of windows that frame a beautiful vie… - [Cherokee Road Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherokee-road-renovation-pj-vj~1055854) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This 1980s ranch-style home in Asheville, NC was a perfect candidate for a contemporary remodel. We worked with our client’s vision to make sure that we brought in some natural light, modernized features, and allowed the beautiful wooded land that surrounded the home to be highlighted from the inside. By adding windows, skylights, and a solarium off of the living room and kitchen, we were able to embrace the gorgeous surroundings of the home. - [Lenas/Allred Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lenas-allred-remodel-pj-vj~1055781) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: The owner of this Mid Century Post and Beam home is very connected in the design and fashion industry, and this bathroom makeover had to emulate and reflect that artistic spirit. When asked for maximum collaboration and high-end style features, we knew we were up for the challenge. Decorative Plumbing fixtures are Watermark Designs, the Brooklyn based manufacturer of luxury faucets and bathes, and a true manufacturer of made-in-the-USA products. Bathroom design additions include a Duravit Vanity… - [Evelyn: Grove Park Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evelyn-grove-park-ranch-pj-vj~1056403) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: In 1959, this run-of-the-mill ranch house was plopped down in one of Asheville’s most elegant neighborhoods. Grove Park is filled with gracious, custom-designed homes, many of which were constructed by tradesmen who brought the nearby Grove Park Inn into being. Over the years, the little ranch had seen its share of renovations, but had never grown beyond its two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath configuration. But when a young couple with three boys moved in, they craved more space and an update that… - [Duke Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/duke-street-pj-vj~1056417) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This custom home, designed and built for a family in the Kenilworth community in Asheville, NC is a great example of thoughtful design and sustainable building. The home received a Silver Healthy-Built certification and was rated as the “tightest home tested in the area” at the time of completion. [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/bellwether-design-build-pfvwus-pf~1326183948) ## Community Q&A **Q: Scones lights** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, can you please share where I can buy these light fixtures? They look lovely. Thanks Jona A: Hello Jona, The lights are Hubbardton Forge, "Ondrian 2 Light Sconce". Hope this helps. Brad **Q: What is the bath tile used in this** *(in Photo Questions)* Is it a Ferroker Aluminio or Platino or Ruggine Platino from Porcelanosa? A: Porcelanosa's ferroker alumino 26x17 **Q: Colors!** *(in Photo Questions)* What paint and colors of you use for the Rock and trim?! A: Let me look back at that and I'll let you know. Thank you for your inquiry! **Q: What is the exterior wood-looking siding?** *(in Photo Questions)* It's a contemporary design with wood looking siding. A: It is a clear cypress tongue and groove, coated with coated with LifeTime wood treatment. Isn't it gorgeous? --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*