We are an ecologically friendly, sustainable land developer specializing in energy efficient "green" building. Sustainability ensures that land is minimally developed, buildings and land can produce some of their own resources and the property is preserved for future generations. All this while creating a more comfortable and healthier place to live for the residents.
In addition to our properties in Chatham and Randolph Counties, we also offer consulting services for your land and buildings. Walk Softly, LLC will oversee the entire project from permit approvals to complete construction. We can also work on part of the project that you need specific help with, or we offer consulting services as needed based on our availability.
Areas of Special Expertise in Land Development
- Conservation based communities and land development;
- Low-impact land development (LID)
- Mixed-use land development (especially combining farmland/forestland in combination with development)
- Development options for problematic sites (e.g. unusual shapes, properties with a lot of natural water, large variations of topography, etc.)
- Cost saving development through good design
- Land development that preserves natural resources on site and minimizes waste
- Increasing profitability through creative and thoughtful development that works with the site rather than against it
- Land development that builds community cohesiveness
- Development that blends well into the exisiting landscape
- Land development that preserves green spaces and natural buffers
- Land development that encourages physical activity and connection to nature (e.g. walking trails)
- Land development that orients houses to make best use of natural resources for part or all of their daily needs (e.g. solar/geothermal/energy conscious design)
- Land development using ecologically friendly materials - organic compost, natural fertilizers (no pesticides or chemical fertilizers)
- Neighborhoods designed with Active Living and Walkability as a priority,
- Neighborhoods designed for food production and energy production,
Specific Goals and Priorities
Increased profitability, decreased environmental impacts of doing development, minimum impacts on neighbors, work with nature and natural patterns instead of agaisnt them, quicker sales through improved esthetics of the project, less moneey needed upfront through reduced infrastructure costs, happier and more satisfied residents through good community-oriented design, healthier and more enjoyable places to live.
Areas of Special Expertise in Housing
- Passive solar and energy efficient, Energy Star® construction
- Green building using recycled materials, renewable resources, low environmental impact materials and low offgassing materials for better indoor air quality (IAQ) and health
- Minimizing square footage of houses through good design
- Renovations and additions to existing structures
- Quality craftsmanship done within budget and in a timely manner
- Local materials and craftspeople used whenever possible
- Efficient use of materials to decrease cost
- Good house design for livability, comfort and satisfaction
- Low-maintenance landscaping
- On-site water retention/water catchment, pond design and alternative septic options
- Assisting owner-builders
- Planting gardens and edible crops in your yard
Consulting charges
$100/hour - with initial hour free (e.g. phone consultation or visit to one of our properties). $200 retainer. Balance due upon completion of work, or payments due monthly if ongoing project. For extended projects hourly rate can be reduced.
Custom building charges
Cost of materials, permits and labor of Walk Softly, LLC workers and other subcontractors plus 20%. Labor charges by Walk Softly, LLC workers:
Lead carpenter/plumber/project manager $35/hour;
Journeyman carpenter/plumber $25/hour;
General construction worker/laborer $15/hour.
Services by Walk Softly, LLC include securing permits and inspections, working with homeowner on detailed materials list, providing cost estimation and timeline for project, (changes in mid-construction incur extra costs), overseeing subcontractors and inspecting materials for quality workmanship, warranting all labor and materials for one year.
Licensed Contractor
State of North Carolina General Contractor's License #64104
State of North Carolina Plumbing Contractor's License #10428