A: Turnstone Custom Homes is a full-service design/build firm specializing in high-quality custom homes and large-scale renovations in coastal southern Delaware. We handle every aspect of your project – from initial site evaluation and design through permitting, construction, and final finishing touches. Our in-house design team means you don’t need a separate architect for most projects, as we can create your home’s plans internally and have them “stamped” by a licensed professional engineer for final permitting. This integrated approach ensures your project’s design, budget, and construction are all aligned under one roof. We are also experienced in the unique challenges of coastal construction (for example, designing flood-resistant foundations and using hurricane-rated materials) and can incorporate modern energy-efficient features like solar panels or geothermal HVAC according to your preferences. In short, Turnstone offers a one-stop solution to design and build your dream home or renovation in Delaware’s beach communities.

A: We proudly serve Coastal Delaware – primarily Sussex County’s beach towns and nearby communities. Our projects span from Broadkill Beach and Lewes down through Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and the inland bay areas. Turnstone is locally owned and operated, and many of our team members have lived and worked here for decades. We are very familiar with local permitting processes and HOA

regulations. Our long history in the region means we understand the unique coastal requirements, such as flood-zone building codes, high-wind structural design standards, and using materials that withstand salt air. Wherever your lot is in Southern Delaware, chances are we’ve built a home nearby and are well-equipped to handle the permitting and site conditions there.

A: Turnstone’s philosophy is to offer the personal service of a boutique builder with the resources of a larger firm. Here are some key aspects that set us apart:

• Owner-Level Supervision: A company principal is involved in every project from start to finish. We never sacrifice direct, high-level oversight of your build, which ensures top-quality execution and attention to detail.
• Honesty & Transparency: We conduct business with an unyielding commitment to ethics and transparency. Our team will always tell you the truth – even if it’s uncomfortable – because we’ve learned that openness builds trust and loyalty. You’ll find us upfront about budgets, costs, and timelines, with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons.
•  Quality Craftsmanship: We relentlessly seek out the best materials, craftsmen, and construction techniques that fit your budget. Our standards are high; for example, we often use superior building methods (like engineered framing or insulated concrete forms) to ensure your home’s durability and energy efficiency.
• Flexibility & Customization: We pride ourselves on our flexibility to make each home uniquely yours. Unusual design requests or custom features are welcomed as opportunities to create your dream home, rather than obstacles. We work hard to accommodate client wishes instead of forcing a cookie-cutter approach.
• Proven Track Record: With over two decades in business, Turnstone has built numerous award-winning homes and earned consistent 5-star client reviews. We were named Delaware Custom Home Builder of the Year in 2022 and have won multiple “Best of Houzz” service awards. Our past clients frequently praise our team’s communication, integrity, and the beautiful homes we delivered.

A: In most cases, you do not need to hire a separate architect – Turnstone provides complete in-house design services. We have professional residential designers on staff who will work with you to create a custom home plan that meets your needs and budget. Our design/build model is highly efficient: the same team designing your home is also estimating and planning its construction, which keeps the design grounded in realistic costs and buildability. (Throughout the design phase we continually discuss budget implications to avoid designing something beyond your price range. The result is a well-coordinated plan ready for permitting and building.

Of course, if you already have an architect’s plans or prefer to involve an outside architect, we are happy to build from existing plans as well. We have constructed many homes designed by third-party architects and can integrate smoothly with them. However, our clients often find that keeping design and construction under one roof simplifies communication and accountability – there’s a single point of responsibility from concept through completion. This helps make the entire process more streamlined and less stressful for you.

A: We follow a structured 7-Step Design/Build Process that guides you from the first meeting all the way to breaking ground on your new home. 

Throughout this process, Turnstone manages all permitting and inspections on your behalf. We also maintain frequent communication – you’ll receive updates at each milestone and will have access to our project management portal to track progress. By following our disciplined 7-step process, we aim to make building your custom home as predictable and low-stress as possible.

A: The timeline can vary based on the project specifics, but here’s a general breakdown:

• Design & Pre-Construction: Approximately 3–6 months. This includes the initial meetings, design iterations, permitting, and finalizing the budget (the pre-construction steps described above). Simpler projects might move faster, while larger or more complex homes (or projects requiring special approvals like variances) could take closer to six months or more. During this phase we also reserve your start slot in our construction supervision schedule, so that as soon as plans and permits are ready, we can begin building without delay, with a qualified and experienced project manager available to devote the required attention to your project..
• Construction: Approximately 8–12 months for an average custom home. Once we break ground, our goal is to complete your home in about a year or less. Many of our projects wrap up around the 8–10 month mark; very large or intricate homes can take longer (occasionally exceeding 12 months). Smaller-scale projects, like extensive renovations or additions, might be done in 4–6 months of construction. Weather and unforeseen conditions can also affect timeline, but we account for typical contingencies in our schedule.

In our pre-construction meeting (Step 7 in our 7-Step Design/Build Process), we will present a detailed construction schedule with key milestones for your specific project. We work diligently to meet our promised completion date. Rest assured, Turnstone has decades of experience accurately projecting build times, and we keep you informed of progress every step of the way. Our aim is for you to move in right on time to enjoy your new home.

A: Proven Process from Pre-Construction Through Completion

• Turnstone follows a structured, time-tested process that begins well before construction starts. We invest heavily in pre-construction planning—finalizing selections, permitting, and scheduling—so that when we break ground, your project moves forward without delays caused by last-minute decisions.

Clear Timelines and Milestones

• Every project has a customized production schedule with hundreds of discreet steps and several key milestones. Many of these steps were created specifically to prevent recurrence of things that didn’t go as planned in the past. So, your project benefits from 20+ years of documented and shared experience with the unpredictable nature of custom home building!  We use project management software to track progress in real-time, coordinate subcontractors, and ensure that every trade knows when and where they’re needed.

Dedicated Project Manager and Weekly Check-Ins

• You’ll be assigned a dedicated Project Manager who keeps everything on track. They conduct weekly reviews of schedule adherence, coordinate with vendors and crews, and proactively address any potential delays before they affect the timeline.

Fast Response to Field Changes

• If unexpected site conditions or changes arise, we respond quickly, consult with you, and update the schedule and budget transparently. We prioritize communication so you’re never in the dark.

Pre-Vetted Trade Partners

• We only work with reliable, high-quality subcontractors who have a proven track record with us. This minimizes no-shows and rework—two of the most common causes of delays in custom homebuilding.

Ongoing Client Communication

• Using our construction management system, you’ll have consistent communication throughout your build, including updates on progress, scheduling, and any upcoming decisions we’ll need from you to keep things moving smoothly.

A: Budget control and transparency are top priorities for us. Here’s how we keep your finances on track:

• Upfront Budget Alignment: In the initial phase, we use cost modeling to make sure your desired home can be built within your target budget before moving into full design. If there’s a mismatch, we discuss adjustments openly. We would rather have honest budget conversations early on than surprise anyone later.
• Transparent Estimates: Turnstone operates in a very transparent manner. This means we will help you understand the budgetary implications of your choices, and provide you with alternatives and how those alternatives would affect your budget.
• Realistic Allowances: For any items not finalized by the time of contract (such as if you want to pick a specific appliance model later), we include allowance amounts in the budget that are deliberately realistic. We set these allowances based on your intent (e.g. if you desire high-end appliances, the allowance will reflect that). By planning allowances carefully, we avoid budget shortfalls. If your actual selection comes in under the allowance, the savings can be reallocated or credited to you; if it’s over, we inform you and get your approval for the increase. There are no “lowball” allowances to trap you into later upgrades – our goal is no surprises on cost.
• Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract: As noted, once the design, specs, and trade bids are finalized, we commit to a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). This means the contract price is a firm cap – you will not pay more than that amount unless you decide to add to the scope of your project or overspend on your allowances. If we underestimated something, that’s on us. The GMP gives you a high degree of cost certainty. We make sure to review the entire pricing package with you when presenting the GMP, so you understand every line item and how we arrived at the total.
• Controlled Changes: After construction starts, any changes you request are managed through formal change orders. Each change order includes a documented cost (or credit) that you approve in writing. No surprise work is performed, and no surprise bills are issued. If unforeseen conditions arise during construction (for example, an unexpected soil issue) that affects cost, those would also be discussed with you and documented as change orders per the contract. However, thanks to thorough planning and even optional exploratory work beforehand, surprises are rare.
• Continuous Monitoring: Internally, our project management and accounting teams track expenses vs. budget in real time throughout the build. You can review the current state of your budget and change orders 24/7 through our construction management portal. Our project management software helps everyone stay on the same page financially. The bottom line is that the price we quote is extremely likely to be the price you pay unless you change the scope of the project. By the time we reach a construction agreement, we’ve accounted for virtually everything.  We achieve this through rigorous upfront work and honest communication. Unlike some builders who lure clients with an unrealistically low bid only to pile on costs later, Turnstone refuses to play that game – our view is that an honest, transparent budget is the foundation of a successful project.

(Fun fact: We even wrote a blog post titled <a value="/building-is-not-a-game-of-poker" label="" type="blog_post" href="/building-is-not-a-game-of-poker" blog_post_id="16874398" sitescopedid="57b63b17" data-runtime-url="/building-is-not-a-game-of-poker">“Building is Not a Game of Poker – Why You Should Share Your REAL Budget,” urging homeowners to be open about how much they are willing to spend. Our experience shows that trust and collaboration on budgeting yield the best outcomes)

A: Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of working with a custom builder is that we tailor the project to your priorities. We have experience integrating a wide range of special features and can certainly accommodate green building and technology requests. For example:

• We have built homes with advanced energy-efficient systems – geothermal heating and cooling, spray-foam insulation, high-performance windows, etc. – and we stay up-to-date on sustainable building practices. If you want solar panels, we can design the home to be solar-ready and coordinate the installation. We’re also knowledgeable about green building certification requirements if those are your goal.
• If aging-in-place or universal design is important, we incorporate that from the start. Our design team can include features like wider doorways, curb-free showers, elevator shafts (or fully installed elevators), reinforced blocking for future grab bars, first-floor primary suites – whatever you may need for long-term living comfort. (We have even done retrofits for accessibility in past projects, so we understand how to plan ahead in new construction.) Notably, “Handicap-Accessible Design” is one of our service offerings, so we have you covered there.
• For smart home enthusiasts, we can work with your preferred home automation systems. Whether it’s pre-wiring for whole-house audio, security systems, smart lighting, or other IoT devices, we’ll ensure your home is technologically future-proof.
• On the luxury side, we welcome unique amenities. Want a home theater or a climate-controlled wine cellar? Interested in a custom outdoor living area with a pool and kitchen? Looking to use reclaimed wood beams or special imported tile? We love a challenge and will strive to include whatever features will make the home uniquely yours. Flexibility is a core value at Turnstone – rather than forcing a standard template, we adapt to your vision. As we like to say, the more custom, the better!

In summary, we are very open to customization. During the planning phase, we’ll encourage you to think about your “must haves” and your “wish list” and integrate them into the design and budget from the outset. Our team’s breadth of expertise means if you can dream it, we can likely do it. Your finished home won’t just reflect generic standards – it will reflect you.

A: Turnstone stands behind our work. We want you to be just as happy with your home years after move-in as you are on day one. Here’s how we support our homeowners after construction:

• 1-Year Workmanship Warranty: We offer a comprehensive one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. This means for the first 12 months in your new home, if anything isn’t functioning properly or was not up to spec, we will fix it. We typically schedule at least two check-ins during that first year (for example, at ~60 days and ~11 months after completion) to address any issues that have arisen. This proactive approach ensures we catch and correct items while the warranty is in full force. But the contractual warranty is only part of the story – we routinely fix problems that are “out of warranty” if we believe the components haven’t performed as they should have.  That is how we create lifetime friendships with our clients. 
• Manufacturer Warranties: Many of the products in your home (appliances, roofing, windows, etc.) come with their own manufacturer warranties that often extend well beyond one year. We will provide you with all the warranty documents for your home’s components. If something fails within its warranty period, even long after our 1-year builder warranty, we’ll assist you in contacting the manufacturer or installer as needed.
• Service After the Sale: Perhaps what distinguishes Turnstone most is our commitment to service after you’ve moved in. Our relationship doesn’t end at closing. We often say that’s “only the beginning” – many of our customers stay in touch with us for years, and we’re always here to help. Whether it’s a minor adjustment, a question about maintenance, or even planning a future addition or renovation, we hope you’ll feel comfortable reaching out. Our team takes pride in being responsive and helpful long after the build is done. This dedication is something our past clients really appreciate – as evidenced by the number of them who still keep in contact and refer friends to us, even many years later. Turnstone Custom Homes is truly built on trust, and that extends into the after-care of your home.

In summary, we provide robust warranty coverage and a high level of post-construction support. We don’t disappear after handing over the keys. Our goal is a happy homeowner for life, and we’ll be there to ensure your Turnstone home provides you with many years of enjoyment.

A: Getting started is easy – just reach out to us! We offer a Free Project Feasibility Assessment to prospective clients. This no-obligation consultation is a great way to kick off your project. Here’s what it typically includes:

• On-Site Evaluation: We’ll arrange a meeting at your build site or existing home. Harvey Ryan, our founder, often personally conducts these initial visits. We will assess the property’s unique characteristics – such as topography, soil conditions, lot size, and any existing structures – to identify opportunities or challenges for construction. If you haven’t purchased land yet, we can even consult on a lot you’re considering.
• Review of Local Restrictions: Our team will research and discuss any relevant local regulations with you. This includes county or municipal zoning rules, setback requirements, flood zone considerations, and any community or HOA guidelines that might affect your project. Understanding these “rules of the game” early helps avoid surprises later. For example, if your lot is in a floodplain or has height limitations, we’ll address what that means for design.
• Preliminary Budget and Feasibility Discussion: We’ll talk through your general vision and budget range to gauge overall feasibility. This isn’t a detailed quote (that comes later after design) but based on our experience we can often provide ballpark cost guidance or at least determine if your budget and goals are in the same realm. We might reference similar projects we’ve done to help set expectations. The aim is to ensure that your financial parameters are aligned with the scope before moving forward.
• Lot & Infrastructure Analysis: As part of the feasibility check, we consider factors like utility access (water, sewer, or septic requirements, electrical supply), site access for construction, and any obvious site prep needs (for instance, if there are trees or an old structure to remove). We’ll talk about any critical site factors we observe]. For renovation, this includes inspecting the existing structure to the extent possible to identify potential challenges (like structural walls that might need engineering, or older systems that may require upgrades).
• Q&A and Next Steps: Of course, we’ll answer any questions you have about our process, team, or similar projects we’ve done. We’ll also explain the next steps if you choose to proceed – typically, that would be signing a design agreement (as described in Step 2 of our process) and getting into detailed design and budgeting. There’s absolutely no pressure – this Feasibility Assessment is meant to give you knowledgeable input and a comfort level with Turnstone. We want you to feel confident in taking the next step, and we’re happy to provide whatever information or references you need to make an informed decision.

After the feasibility consultation, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s involved to build your custom home or complete your renovation, and you’ll have met some of our team. Many clients find this meeting extremely helpful. To schedule your free feasibility study, you can call us or fill out the contact form on our website. We will coordinate a convenient time to meet. We look forward to learning about your project and showing you how Turnstone can turn your dream into reality. Let’s Build Together!