"For Len and JoAnne Boone, building homes is easy.  it's what they do.  Except when it comes to their own new home in a new place:  North Carolina's Linville Ridge.  Now with the experience behind them, the two long-time pros tell how they made it work in strange waters."  *Reprinted with permission from Mountain Homes Magazine, article by Norma Lugar, Fall 2008 issue.  Article below adapted from same.

Beginning with their Summer 2007 issue, Mountain Homes Magazine undertook a four issue Case Study of the process one couple undertook to build their mountain dream home.

The study chronicled how the couple, Len and JoAnne Boone of Roanoke, Virginia, searched until they found the perfect lot for their mountain home.  It then follows their journey, over a 2 year span, of designing, building, and moving into their new Linville Ridge home.

The local builder they chose to make their dreams come true was Mike Smith.  This is especially relevant because the Boone's are themselves builders. 

Started in 1976, their company, Boone & Company has grown into Southwest Virginia's largest real estate and building firm, creating luxury communities in Roanoke and metropolitan Richmond.

In Part One, JoAnne tells how they came to choose Mike.

"We found (and interviewed) a wonderful builder, Mike Smith, through many recommendations.  We checked his references and looked at some of the quality homes he'd built."

In Part Four, she adds, "Outstanding is an understatement," she says of builder Mike Smith and his men.  She also notes the Mike's team of employees and subs were scrupulous in following the 100-page spec book she and Len put together, explaining every point from grouting to tile treatment.

Len agrees that long-distance building can be a joy.  If one chooses well.

"I couldn't be happier with the whole process," he says, noting that he visited the site during construction only four or five times.  "Of all of the residences we've build--outside of the area where we ourselves build--this has been by far the most efficient and pleasant experience we've had using a general contractor (Mike Smith) to build an out-of-town residence.

 How to find a Good Builder
by Norma Lugar

• Ask everyone in the neighborhood for his/her recommendation.  Try getting names from your realtor, future neighbors, local homebuilders associations and suppliers.  Listen especially to people you'll see often after you've moved in.  They won't want to suggest anyone who is anything less than the best.
• Interview your list of prospects.  Ask for referrals and property locations of past jobs.
• Check out all referrals, as well as the BBB and homebuilders associations.
• Request a credit report.  If your man or woman has a history of liens placed on his projects, tread gently and ask questions.
• Ride by past projects.  Just to be on the safe side, ask for permission to see the inside of homes as well.