Copper Builders is a custom and semi-custom home builder serving Charlotte and the surrounding areas, which means that your new home will be a one of one. That takes impeccable planning, expert understanding of land and grading, immediate knowledge of materials and systems, and a willingness to work closely with our customers to achieve exactly what they want. We live and breathe building custom homes in Charlotte, and we work hard to make the process easy and enjoyable for you. Copper Builders was named Charlotte’s 2025 Builder of the Year. Before hiring any builder, verify their license with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Quick answer
- The project: a 6,500-sq-ft custom home on a sloped lakefront lot in Cornelius
- The challenges: replacing a 1970s house, filling a basement to build on slab and setting a raised pool
- The approach: a detailed homesite evaluation before design begins
- Good to know: lake lots add steps such as grading plans and shoreline permits
Have a lot of your own? Build on your lot with Copper or browse floor plans.
Building a Custom Home in Cornelius, NC
For a glimpse into the custom home building experience with Copper Builders, we wanted to share the story of the Stokas family. Scott and Molly were moving from California to Cornelius, NC, just outside of Charlotte, to an established lakefront community. The plot of land they selected came with an existing house, built in the ‘70s, that would need to be demolished to make room for their new, custom, 6,500-sq-ft home.
The steep slope of their land presented a few unique challenges:
- They wanted to fill in the existing basement and build their new home on a slab
- They wanted to incorporate a pool at the rear of the property with as few steps as possible between the house and the decking, which meant the pool would have to be raised and set on a support structure
Watch above as Scott and Molly meet with David Webb, Wade Miller, and the Copper Builders team for a detailed homesite evaluation. They discuss the overall placement of the new home on this beautiful piece of property, and also a few specific preferences that need to be incorporated to make this gorgeous new home truly theirs.
What to Know About Building a Custom Home in Cornelius
Cornelius sits on the eastern shore of Lake Norman, so many custom homes here are on lakefront or lake-view lots. Plan for:
- Slopes and grading: sloped lots may need retaining walls, special foundations or drainage plans.
- Shoreline rules: Lake Norman’s shoreline is managed by Duke Energy, so docks and work along the water need their own approvals.
- Teardowns: replacing an older home adds demolition, utility disconnects and permits to the schedule.
- Neighborhood rules: established lake communities may have HOA or architectural review requirements.
A custom home typically takes about 9–10 months after you sign a contract. See how long new home construction takes for the full timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Can Copper Builders build on my lot in Cornelius?
Yes. Copper builds custom and semi-custom homes on your lot in Charlotte and surrounding areas, starting with a homesite evaluation. Learn more about building on your lot.
How long does it take to build a custom home?
Plan on about 9–10 months after signing a contract, including design, permitting and construction, though lake lots and teardowns can add time.
Is Cornelius, NC a good place to live?
Cornelius is a popular Lake Norman town with lake access, parks and an easy commute to Charlotte. See it in our guide to the best cities near Charlotte.
Keep reading: How long does new home construction take? · What style of home should I build? · 15 features to consider for your new home · 12 best cities near Charlotte · Wade Miller in the Charlotte Business Journal
