Built for the View.
Built for the Weather.
Decks, covered porches, screened rooms, and outdoor kitchens — strengthened by our Design branch to handle mountain weather and maximize mountain life.
Quick answer
What is an outdoor living project?
Outdoor living work builds usable exterior space — covered porches, decks, screened rooms, and outdoor kitchens — engineered for mountain terrain and weather. On sloped lots, footings, drainage, and roof tie-in matter as much as the finished surface. Highlander designs and builds outdoor living spaces across Western North Carolina.
- Covered porches, decks, and screened rooms
- Footings and drainage engineered for sloped lots
- Roof and structure tied into the existing home
Mountain living is meant to be lived outside — on porches, decks, and patios built to enjoy the view in every season.
Highlander designs and builds bright, comfortable outdoor living spaces scaled to your home, crafted for the Western North Carolina climate, and finished with the same care we bring to every project.
Beauty. Function.
Durability.
Great outdoor spaces deliver all three — and compromising on any one undermines the other two.
Design That Belongs
Every outdoor structure should complement your home's layout and style — not compete with it. We use the Highlander Design standard to match proportions and rooflines so outdoor spaces feel like intentional extensions of the home.
Layouts That Fit Your Life
How do you actually want to use the space? Cooking, entertaining, morning coffee, evening drinks? We design layouts around real use — not showroom photos.
Durability for Mountain Life
WNC outdoor structures face UV, rain, freeze-thaw cycles, wind, and occasional ice loads. We specify materials and fasteners rated for these conditions and build with drainage, ventilation, and long-term maintenance in mind.
Outdoor Spaces
Worth Living In.
Covered Porches & Pavilions
Timber-framed, post-and-beam, or conventional covered structures that extend your living space outdoors — with roofing, lighting, electrical, and ceiling fan infrastructure built in.
Screened Porches & Enclosures
Fully screened outdoor rooms that let you enjoy WNC evenings without the insects. Options range from simple screen-in conversions to custom-framed rooms with finished ceilings and fans.
Decks & Elevated Platforms
Composite, hardwood, and pressure-treated deck construction — including multi-level designs, stairs, railings, and integration with existing rooflines and entries.
Patios & Hardscape Transitions
Stone, paver, and stamped-concrete patios built into the terrain — with proper base preparation, drainage, and clean transitions to decks, porches, and existing walkways. Sized for entertaining, dining, or a quiet morning coffee.
Pergolas & Shade Structures
Freestanding or attached pergolas, arbors, and shade structures with optional retractable canopies, lighting, and climbing-plant infrastructure.
Outdoor Kitchens & Living Areas
Full outdoor kitchen builds with countertops, gas/electric hookups, storage, and weather-resistant cabinetry. Designed for WNC's climate and built to handle mountain weather year-round.
Custom Exterior Enhancements
Retaining walls, privacy screens, built-in seating, fire pit surrounds, and custom hardscape-to-structure transitions that tie outdoor spaces together.
Built for This Climate.
Materials that look great in a showroom don't always hold up at 3,500 feet. We specify for WNC conditions.
Composite Decking
Low-maintenance, fade-resistant, and available in wood-grain profiles that hold up to WNC's UV and moisture. Brands like TimberTech and Trex offer manufacturer warranties.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
The workhorse of outdoor framing. Ground-contact rated for structural components, above-ground rated for visible elements. Cost-effective for large-scale builds.
Cedar & Hardwood
Natural beauty, warmth, and character. Cedar resists rot naturally; hardwoods like ipe and mahogany offer exceptional density and longevity. Requires periodic maintenance.
Metal Roofing on Outdoor Structures
Standing seam and exposed-fastener metal roofing for covered porches and pavilions. Excellent drainage, long lifespan, and clean aesthetic that pairs well with timber framing.
From Concept to
First Evening Outside.
Vision & Lifestyle Discussion
We learn how you want to live outdoors — activities, timing, entertaining style, and aesthetic preferences. This shapes every design decision.
Site Evaluation
We assess your property's terrain, orientation, views, drainage, access, and existing structures to identify the best location and approach.
Design & Material Selection
Conceptual layout, material recommendations, structural approach, and detailed proposal with defined scope, timeline, and investment.
Permitting & Scheduling
Permit applications, engineering if required, material ordering, and production calendar confirmation.
Construction
Foundation, framing, roofing, electrical, finishes, and detail work — executed with daily oversight, quality checkpoints, and communication.
Completion & Enjoyment
Final walk-through, cleanup, documentation, and your new outdoor space ready to use.
Imagining your perfect outdoor space?
Let's discuss what's possible for your property, your views, and your lifestyle.
A Roofing Company That
Builds Outdoor Structures.
Every covered porch, pavilion, and screened room needs a roof. We don't subcontract that part — we built the company on it.
Roofing Expertise Built In
Every covered outdoor structure needs a roof. As a roofing company first, we handle porch, pavilion, and enclosure roofing with the same materials, techniques, and warranty as our primary roofing work.
In-House Construction Crews
Framing, decking, and finish work runs under a Highlander project manager, with crews we know and hold to our standards from start to finish.
Documented Scope & Pricing
Written proposals with transparent cost groupings, specified materials, defined timeline, and no vague allowances. You know exactly what you're getting before we mobilize.
WNC Terrain Experience
Steep lots, rock, variable soils, and complex drainage — we've built outdoor structures on the challenging terrain that defines Western North Carolina properties.
Outdoor Spaces We've Built.
Each project was designed for its specific property, climate exposure, and the way the homeowner lives.
Covered Porch
Mountain Estate, Asheville
Screened Porch
Ridge Property, Franklin
Composite Deck
Hillside Build, Sylva
Timber Pavilion
Custom Design, Fairview
Plan Your Outdoor Living Project
Optional guided pathway for porches, decks, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and fire features. Walk through scope, integration, and timing — we use it to prepare a sharper site conversation.
- Project type & scope
- Planning stage
- Plans & inspiration
Not an instant quote. A real scope brief reviewed by a Highlander advisor as soon as possible.
~3 minutes · Optional
Luke Smith
Owner & Founder
Kristy Smith
Owner & Financial Manager
Who shows up at your property.
Highlander Building Services is owned and operated by Luke and Kristy Smith. Every project gets a single named point of contact from inspection through completion — backed by Western NC-based crews and a Franklin office that answers the phone.
One named contact
Same person from quote to final walkthrough.
Western NC crews
Based in Franklin, not a traveling subcontractor network.
Owner-led
Luke and Kristy set the standards the team follows.
Pick the next step that fits
Some people need someone on the roof this week. Others are six months out and still gathering information. Both are welcome — start wherever you actually are.
Get eyes on it and a number in writing
On-site look, photo documentation, and a written scope you can compare line by line.
- 4.8★ Google · 158 reviews
- Licensed and insured
- Crews based in Franklin, serving Western North Carolina
NC GC #87668
Licensed NC General Contractor · fully insured
Family-owned in Franklin since 2017
Showrooms in Franklin & Sylva
4.8★ · 158 Google reviews (as of September 2026)
Google Business Profile reviews
19 WNC towns served
Across 10 mountain counties
Recent: Metal Roofing
Highlands, NC · 3,200 sq ft roof replacement
Common Questions.
Every project is priced from its own scope — structure type, footprint, roof system, finishes, and site access all shape the number. Rather than publish a generic range, we provide a detailed, grouped-cost proposal during the design phase so you know exactly what you're investing in.
Most projects take 4–10 weeks from permit approval to completion, depending on complexity. A simple deck may be faster; a covered structure with electrical, ceiling, and finishes takes longer. We provide a specific timeline during the proposal phase.
Most covered structures, decks above a certain height, and anything with electrical or plumbing requires a permit. We handle the entire permitting process as part of our standard scope.
For most WNC homeowners, composite decking offers the best balance of appearance, durability, and low maintenance. For clients who prefer natural wood, cedar and ipe are excellent choices with the understanding that they require periodic sealing and maintenance.
Yes. Many of our outdoor builds involve slopes, elevation changes, and challenging terrain. We design structures that work with the topography — cantilevered decks, stepped platforms, and retaining wall integration are all standard capabilities.
Absolutely — this is one of our key advantages. As a roofing and construction company, we handle the roofing on covered porches, pavilions, and screened rooms with the same materials, techniques, and warranty standards we use on primary roofing projects.
With the right design, many outdoor spaces can be used 8–10 months per year. Screened porches with ceiling fans extend summer. Covered structures with radiant heaters and wind screens extend into fall and early spring. Four-season rooms with insulation and HVAC can be used year-round.
Material selection, fastener specification, drainage design, and structural engineering are all calibrated for WNC conditions — including wind exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, snow loads at elevation, and UV intensity. We build for the climate, not just the catalog.
Yes. We build stone, paver, and stamped-concrete patios with proper base prep and drainage, and we coordinate the transition between the patio and any adjacent deck, porch, walkway, or entry — so the finished space reads as one project instead of separate add-ons.
Designed for
Mountain Property.
Western North Carolina properties come with unique advantages — and unique challenges. We design outdoor spaces that leverage your views, work with your terrain, and handle your weather.
Wondering what's possible on your lot?
We evaluate terrain, views, drainage, and access as part of every outdoor project consultation.
Talk With Our Construction TeamMountain Views & Orientation
We site and orient outdoor structures to capture your best views — whether that's a long-range mountain vista, a wooded slope, or a garden setting. Solar exposure, prevailing wind, and privacy are all factors in placement.
Elevation & Climate Realities
At WNC elevations, outdoor living seasons are shorter and weather transitions faster. We design with three-season and four-season options, windbreaks, radiant heaters, and enclosure systems that extend usability.
Terrain & Slope Integration
Many WNC properties involve slopes, rock, and uneven terrain. We design structures that work with the land — stepped decks, cantilevered platforms, retaining wall integration, and grade transitions that feel natural.
Drainage & Moisture Management
Mountain rainfall and slope dynamics create drainage challenges that flat-land builders never encounter. Every outdoor structure we build includes engineered drainage that protects both the structure and the landscape.
Related pages you may find useful
- Construction Division
Additions, renovations, and outdoor living
- Design & Planning Services
Design agreements and planning support
- Highlands, NC Service Area
Outdoor living work in Highlands
- Recent Highlander Projects
See recent porches and outdoor rooms
- Request a Project Consultation
Start the conversation
- Get My Questions Answered
Reach a construction advisor
Related reading and local coverage for Outdoor Living
- Decks, Porches, and Outdoor Living Spaces for Mountain Weather
How to plan decks, porches, and outdoor spaces that hold up to Western NC mountain weather — freeze/thaw, rain, and wind
- Covered Porches and Patios in Western NC: What to Consider
Covered porches and patios extend the usable season for Western NC homes — here's what to think through before building.
- Outdoor Living in Cashiers, NC: Planning Spaces for Mountain Homes
How to plan porches, patios, and outdoor living spaces for Cashiers, NC mountain homes — with view, weather, and daily u
- Outdoor Living in Franklin
Franklin, NC · Macon County · 2,119 ft
- Outdoor Living in Highlands
Highlands, NC · Macon County · 4,118 ft
- Outdoor Living in Cashiers
Cashiers, NC · Jackson County · 3,484 ft
- Outdoor Living in Sylva
Sylva, NC · Jackson County · 2,037 ft
- All Service Areas
Every Western North Carolina town we cover.
- Get My Project Scoped
A working session on scope, feasibility, and budget range — 828-524-7773.
Multi-Phase Outdoor Builds Deserve Real Planning.
Slope, drainage, roof tie-ins, and material direction shape every great outdoor space. A paid Design & Consultation Agreement turns the vision into a buildable, permit-ready plan.
- Phase 1Discovery & Scope
Site review, goals, constraints, and a written scope of work. We define what the project really is — before anyone draws or prices it.
- Phase 2Plans, 3D Views & Material Direction
Our in-house design team produces layouts, 3D views, and material direction so you can see, refine, and approve the build before it starts.
- Phase 3Permit Set & Construction Documents
Permit-ready drawings and construction documents your crew can actually build from — and your county will actually approve.
What kind of project are you planning?
Pick the closest fit. We'll start the consultation there — you can change it at any point.
How long this actually takes
Construction runs on a slower clock than a roof repair, and pretending otherwise helps nobody. Here is the realistic pace of a Highlander project in Western North Carolina.
Week 1
Consultation
A working conversation about goals, constraints, and feasibility — on site where it matters. No pressure to commit.
Weeks 2–6
Planning and design
Existing conditions measured, concepts developed, scope written down. Length depends on how much design the project needs.
Varies by county
Permitting and scheduling
Applications submitted, materials ordered, and your project placed on the production calendar with a confirmed start.
Scope dependent
Construction
Daily oversight, milestone checkpoints, and proactive communication when weather or conditions change the sequence.
Final week
Walkthrough and closeout
Punch list resolved, site restored, documentation handed over, and a final walkthrough before we call it done.
Where your project likely lands
We don't publish a price per square foot for outdoor living projects — it would be a guess, and guesses cost homeowners money. Instead, here is how we talk about scope and what actually drives the number, so the first consultation starts from a realistic place.
Focused scope
A single room, a detail-level upgrade, or one exterior element. Shortest planning cycle and the fewest trades on site.
Mid scope
A porch, a modest addition, or a significant renovation. Design coordination, permitting, and multiple trades in sequence.
Large scope
Multi-room work, a guest suite, or structural changes. Engineering input, longer lead times, phased scheduling.
Estate level
Whole-home or complex builds. Full design documentation, long procurement windows, and a dedicated project schedule.
What moves the budget
Site and access
Slope, driveway access, and staging room change labor hours more than most homeowners expect in Western North Carolina.
Structural work
Foundations, load changes, and engineering review move a project into a different planning and cost tier.
Finish level
Materials and detailing carry a wide range. The same footprint can land in very different places depending on selections.
Permitting and design
Drawings, county review, and inspection sequencing add real calendar time and belong in the budget conversation early.
What actually drives outdoor living cost here
We do not publish a headline price, because a number pulled off a chart is not an estimate — and in Western North Carolina, two properties on the same street can price very differently. What we can do is show you every variable that moves the number, then put a written scope in your hands.
Size, layout, and structure
Square footage matters less than what the structure has to do. Load-bearing changes, roof tie-ins, and foundation work drive far more cost than added floor area.
Site access
Narrow gravel drives, steep grades, and tight tree lines change how materials get staged and how debris comes off the property — sometimes by hand instead of by truck.
Finish level
The same footprint can double in price between builder-grade and custom millwork, tile, and cabinetry. Selections are where budgets move most.
Site and terrain
Mountain lots bring grade changes, rock, drainage, and septic and well constraints. Sitework is priced from what the lot actually is, not an average.
Permits and existing conditions
County review, engineering when required, and whatever we find behind older walls — wiring, plumbing, framing — are scoped honestly rather than buried in an allowance.
What your written estimate includes
- On-site walkthrough with measurements and photo documentation
- Line-item scope by phase: sitework, structure, envelope, mechanicals, finishes
- Named selections and allowances stated in dollars, not vague placeholders
- What is excluded, spelled out, so bids can be compared honestly
- Projected schedule with the sequencing and inspection points behind it
Want a real number?
Tell us what you are planning and where. We walk the property with you, talk through the variables above, and put a written phase-by-phase scope in your hands before anyone commits.
Common concerns, answered straight
The five questions we hear most often — and exactly what we do about each one.
"I don't know what this will cost."
We measure your roof on site and send a written, grouped-cost scope that names materials, quantities, and labor line by line. You see what drives the number before you decide anything, and nothing is added later without a signed change order.
"I don't want to fight my insurance company."
We document the damage with dated photos and a written condition report you can submit with your claim, and we can meet the adjuster on site so everyone is reading the same roof. We do not decide your claim, but we make sure the evidence is complete and the scope language is clear.
"Contractors always run behind."
Mountain weather moves schedules, so we build the calendar around real weather windows and tell you the plan in writing before materials are ordered. If a date shifts, you hear it from your project contact the same day rather than finding out from an empty driveway.
"Who is actually showing up at my house?"
Our crews are Franklin-based and led by a foreman you meet before work starts, not a rotating pool of day labor. You get one named point of contact for the whole project and daily progress updates while the crew is on your property.
"I'll be cleaning up nails for a year."
We tarp landscaping and staging areas, keep debris moving to the dumpster through the day, and run magnetic sweeps of the drive and lawn before we leave each evening. The final walkthrough is done with you, and anything you spot gets handled before we call it complete.
The Best Room in Your House Doesn't Need Walls.
Whether it's a covered porch for morning coffee, a screened room for summer evenings, or an outdoor kitchen for gathering — let's design the space you've been imagining.
- 4.8★ Google · 158 reviews
- Licensed & insured · family-owned since 2017
- Franklin-based crews across 9 WNC counties