Cost & Investment
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Because every Pivot project is fully custom, there’s no single price per square foot we can quote without understanding your vision, site conditions, and level of detail. However, to give you a sense of investment ranges:
Simple barn-style homes typically range from $300–$350 per square foot, depending on finishes, layout, and site conditions.
Most custom legacy homes begin around $400 to $600 per square foot, and often exceed that range for complex architecture, high-end finishes, or challenging sites.
Urban penthouse build-outs typically start in a similar range but can reach $750 to $900 per square foot depending on structural changes, acoustic treatments, and luxury details unique to urban construction.
While these are significant investments, our clients value knowing we handle every aspect of the process, eliminating costly surprises and ensuring the finished home truly reflects their life and legacy.
We’re happy to discuss your vision and provide a preliminary range tailored to your project.
While these are significant investments, our clients value that we handle every aspect of the process, eliminating costly surprises and ensuring the finished home truly reflects their life and legacy. We’re happy to discuss your vision and provide a preliminary range tailored to your project.
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Several key factors drive the cost of a custom home or penthouse up or down. Understanding these variables helps ensure your budget aligns with your vision.
1. Architectural Complexity
Unique rooflines, large spans of open space, or custom structural systems add engineering and construction costs.
2. Material Selections
Choices like imported stone, custom millwork, high-end fixtures, or specialty glass can significantly influence cost.
3. Site Conditions
Steep slopes, rocky soil, or tight urban spaces often require more engineering and labor to build safely and effectively.
4. Level of Detail & Customization
Homes with intricate details, bespoke finishes, or one-of-a-kind design elements typically carry higher costs due to the craftsmanship involved.
5. Mechanical Systems & Technology
Features like geothermal HVAC, advanced home automation, acoustic engineering, or specialty lighting systems can increase both upfront and installation costs.
6. Size & Square Footage
While size impacts cost, it’s often the level of detail and complexity that truly drives the investment.
At Pivot, we help you understand how these factors relate to your specific project so you can make informed decisions about where to invest for the greatest long-term value.
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Yes — we work with clients who have a specific budget in mind. Part of our process is helping you understand how your vision aligns with your investment range.
We’re transparent about costs. If your vision requires more than the initial budget allows, we’ll discuss options openly rather than compromising quality or craftsmanship.
We help prioritize. Often, clients have wish lists longer than any one project can contain. We guide you in making choices that deliver the most value and impact for your investment.
We protect your investment. Our turn-key approach helps avoid costly surprises during construction because every detail is planned and priced as accurately as possible before we begin.
Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that your finished home reflects your vision without sacrificing quality or enduring value.
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Our goal is always to protect your investment and avoid surprises. Here’s how we handle cost overruns or changes during your project:
1. Detailed Planning Upfront
We invest significant time in pre-construction to define your vision, make selections, and anticipate complexities. This helps ensure the initial cost estimate is as accurate as possible.
2. Two Types of Change Orders
Client-Driven Change Orders: These happen when you decide to add, change, or remove features after construction begins — for example, upgrading finishes or adjusting layouts. This is normal in custom building and priced transparently before any work proceeds.
Discovery Change Orders: Sometimes, hidden issues arise that could not reasonably have been known prior to starting work — like termites behind a wall or an underground cistern no one knew existed. When this happens, we inform you immediately, explain the options, and price any required fixes before proceeding. Importantly, if the issue is something that should have been identified earlier, the responsibility and cost fall on us, not on you.
3. Transparent Communication
We believe surprises belong in design, not in costs. Any change is documented, priced, and approved by you before we proceed.
4. Commitment to No Surprises
Our turn-key process and thorough planning are designed to keep your project on budget as much as possible, even when changes happen.
In every case, our priority is protecting your time, investment, and peace of mind.
Timeline & Process
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The timeline for building a custom home or condominium depends on several factors — from the complexity of the design to the level of detail you choose and the conditions of your property or building.
For custom legacy homes: Most of our projects take 7 to 10 months from the time construction begins. Larger or highly complex homes may extend beyond that range.
For urban condominium build-outs: Timelines often range from 10 to 18 months once work starts, depending on factors like high-rise logistics, structural changes, and the building’s rules for construction access and scheduling.
It’s important to know that your timeline also includes design and pre-construction planning before any building begins. At Pivot, we invest significant time upfront to plan every detail, which helps avoid delays once construction starts. While we never rush craftsmanship, our turn-key approach is designed to keep your project moving efficiently and predictably.
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How involved you’d like to be is entirely up to you. Some clients prefer to be hands-on, attending design meetings and choosing every finish. Others prefer minimal involvement and simply want to know their home will be delivered to the highest standard.
Here’s what you can expect with Pivot:
Clear Milestones: We establish clear phases where your input matters most, such as design decisions, material selections, and final approvals.
Turn-Key Management: Beyond those milestones, we handle day-to-day management, permitting, scheduling, and problem-solving so you don’t have to.
Regular Updates: Even if you choose a more hands-off approach, we keep you informed with progress reports, photos, and transparent communication.
Our goal is to protect your time while ensuring your home reflects your vision in every detail.
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Changing your mind during construction is to be expected and often a sign that the creative process is working. Seeing spaces take shape can inspire new ideas or preferences you didn’t anticipate at the start.
Here’s how Pivot handles it:
Transparent Pricing: We document your requested changes and provide clear pricing and timeline adjustments before any new work begins.
Impact Awareness: We explain how your change might affect the construction schedule, budget, or other parts of the project so you can make informed decisions.
Flexibility: As a custom builder, we’re equipped to adapt, but we’re also honest about when a change could be costly or impractical
Our priority is ensuring your home truly reflects your vision without unexpected surprises.
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Our turn-key approach means we handle every aspect of your project from start to finish so you don’t have to coordinate multiple companies or manage countless decisions alone.
Here’s how it works:
Single Point of Contact: You work directly with Pivot as your single partner for design, engineering, permitting, construction, and final finishes.
Design and Planning: We guide you through design and material selections, working to understand your vision and how you want to live in your home.
Transparent Budgeting: We build a detailed budget before construction begins to minimize surprises and help you make informed choices.
Full Project Management: We manage schedules, subcontractors, inspections, and problem-solving so you can focus on your life, not your construction site.
Accountability: Because we control the entire process, there’s no finger-pointing between different companies. The responsibility stays with us.
Turn-key means your home is delivered complete, precisely as promised, without the headaches of managing it yourself.
Design & Customization
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Yes, we’re happy to work with your architect or designer if you already have one you trust. Many of our clients come to us with relationships they value, and we believe great results come from strong collaboration.
Here’s how it works:
Early Coordination: We connect early with your architect or designer to align on your vision, technical requirements, and budget expectations.
Single Point of Responsibility: Even when working with outside designers, Pivot remains your primary partner. We coordinate the team, manage construction details, and ensure your project stays on track.
Technical Expertise: Our team provides input to ensure your design is buildable, structurally sound, and cost-effective without compromising your vision.
Design Partnerships Available: If you don’t have an architect or designer, we can bring trusted partners into your project who share our standards for creativity and quality.
Whether you bring your own team or start fresh with Pivot, our priority is creating a home that reflects you perfectly.
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Your home can be as custom as you want it to be. We don’t work from stock plans or preset packages. Instead, we start with a blank slate and shape every detail around how you want to live.
Some examples of how far customization can go:
Architecture: Unique layouts, complex rooflines, dramatic open spaces, and custom timber or steel structures.
Materials: Bespoke millwork, imported stone, reclaimed timbers, or specialty finishes chosen for beauty and long-term durability.
Lifestyle Features: Wine rooms, hidden doors, wellness spaces, soundproof music studios, equestrian facilities, or rooftop terraces overlooking the skyline.
Technology: Integrated smart home systems, advanced security, acoustic engineering, and sustainable building systems like geothermal HVAC.
Of course, the more unique and detailed your vision, the more it may influence your project’s timeline and investment. But for clients seeking something truly personal, we’re here to bring even the boldest ideas to life.
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We build modern homes, traditional homes, and everything in between. Our specialty is tailoring the architecture and details to reflect your personal style and the way you want to live.
Here’s what that can mean in practice:
Modern: Clean lines, open spaces, minimalist finishes, and advanced technologies seamlessly integrated into the design.
Traditional: Timber frame structures, stone fireplaces, intricate millwork, and architectural details that honor classic craftsmanship.
Blended Styles: Many of our clients prefer a mix, such as modern layouts with warm natural materials or traditional exteriors paired with sleek, contemporary interiors.
Ultimately, our work is not defined by a single style, but by the commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and creating a home that feels entirely yours.
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Many of our clients want the best of both worlds — the clean sophistication of urban design paired with the warmth and authenticity of rural materials and craftsmanship. Blending these styles is one of Pivot’s specialties and where we bring significant experience and creativity.
Here’s how we make it work:
Material Choices: Combining modern glass and steel with reclaimed timber, natural stone, or custom millwork to add warmth and texture to contemporary spaces.
Architectural Balance: Designing sleek modern layouts while incorporating traditional rooflines, exposed beams, or rustic architectural details that connect the home to Tennessee’s landscape and heritage.
Lifestyle Integration: Creating spaces that feel equally suited for urban entertaining and quiet, private retreat, whether in a penthouse or a countryside estate.
Custom Approach: We never impose a “look.” Instead, we work closely with you to determine how much modern or traditional character you want in your home, ensuring the result feels cohesive and entirely yours.
This blend of styles has become a signature for Pivot, and we take pride in crafting homes where urban elegance and rural authenticity live together beautifully.
Technical & Quality Concerns
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Choosing the right structural system is one of the most important decisions for your custom home. Each building method offers different advantages, aesthetics, and costs.
Post Frame Construction:
Uses large posts set into the ground or mounted on a foundation.
Ideal for open interior spaces because fewer interior load-bearing walls are needed.
Often more cost-effective than other methods, especially for large rural homes or barns.
Can be finished to look modern or traditional, depending on your design choices.
Stick Framing (Conventional Framing):
The most common residential building method in the U.S.
Uses many smaller studs and beams, creating a grid of load-bearing walls and trusses.
Cost-effective for typical home designs but less efficient for large open spaces.
Suitable for both modern and traditional designs.
Timber Frame Construction:
Uses large, exposed timbers joined with traditional mortise and tenon connections.
Creates dramatic open spaces and architectural character.
Often considered a premium choice for clients seeking unique aesthetics and enduring craftsmanship.
Highly durable and capable of lasting for generations when properly engineered.
At Pivot, we guide you through selecting the right structural system based on your vision, budget, and lifestyle. We partner exclusively with our sister company, StoltzCo, for all structural framing. Their expertise in timber and post frame construction ensures your home’s structure is as precise, durable, and beautiful as the design itself. Together, we ensure your home is crafted to endure and reflect exactly how you want to live.
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Flooring choices in a luxury home or penthouse are both a design statement and a practical decision. At Pivot, we help clients choose materials that reflect their style while performing beautifully in Tennessee’s climate and lifestyle.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
Hardwood:
Timeless, warm, and versatile.
Available in a vast range of species, stains, and plank widths.
Sensitive to humidity, so proper installation and climate control are crucial in Tennessee.
Engineered Wood:
Real wood surface with layers underneath for added stability.
Ideal for areas with greater humidity changes or installation over concrete.
Natural Stone:
Luxurious and durable, perfect for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, or dramatic entries.
Cool underfoot, which can be balanced with radiant heating systems.
Concrete Floors:
Sleek and modern aesthetic, especially in urban condominiums.
Highly durable and low maintenance.
Can be tinted, polished, or textured for custom looks.
Tile and Porcelain:
Great for wet areas or spaces where durability is critical.
Available in large formats and endless styles to achieve modern or traditional designs.
Specialty Materials:
Reclaimed wood for a rustic or historical look.
Luxury vinyl or composite flooring where water resistance and durability are key without sacrificing design.
Ultimately, the best flooring choice comes down to your aesthetic goals, how you plan to use each space, and your maintenance preferences. We help you explore options that bring beauty, comfort, and enduring quality to your home.
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We build homes inspired by the barndominium concept, but we approach it at an entirely different level of design, craftsmanship, and long-term durability.
Here’s how Pivot’s take is different:
Architectural Grade: Many barndominiums are designed for affordability or DIY builds. We create custom homes that deliver architectural presence and fine detailing, whether rustic, modern, or a blend of both.
Structural Integrity: Instead of basic pole barns converted into living space, we engineer our homes with high-quality framing systems—often in partnership with our sister company, StoltzCo—to ensure lasting strength and precision.
Luxury Finishes: We incorporate premium materials like custom timber framing, natural stone, luxury millwork, and high-end fixtures so the home feels truly bespoke.
Lifestyle Customization: While the barn aesthetic often suggests large, open spaces, we design floorplans tailored to how you live, including acoustic privacy, smart home integration, and refined entertaining spaces.
So while the term ‘barndominium’ can suggest a certain style, with Pivot, it becomes a custom architectural home built to stand the test of time. Our clients come to us when they want the spacious feel of barn-style living without sacrificing craftsmanship, comfort, or long-term value.
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Timber frame homes are often even more durable than traditional builds when engineered and constructed correctly. The massive timber posts and beams used in this style create a strong, rigid structure capable of supporting large open spaces without interior load-bearing walls.
Here’s why timber frame construction excels:
Structural Integrity: The interlocking mortise and tenon joinery, combined with high-quality wood species, makes timber frames incredibly strong and able to withstand significant loads.
Longevity: Many timber frame buildings in Europe and North America have stood for centuries. When properly designed and maintained, they can last as long or longer than traditional stick-framed homes.
Flexibility in Design: Timber frames can accommodate modern engineering standards and integrate seamlessly with energy-efficient systems, advanced HVAC, and modern architectural features.
Natural Durability: Timbers used in construction are often selected for natural resistance to insects, moisture, and decay, especially when sourced and treated properly.
At Pivot, we ensure every timber frame project is engineered for both beauty and long-term durability, delivering a home that will endure for generations.
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Yes, we specialize in building on complex sites, whether it’s a steep hillside in Middle Tennessee or a tight urban lot in downtown Nashville. Challenging properties often require creative solutions, and it’s an area where Pivot excels.
Here’s how we approach complex sites:
Engineering Expertise: We collaborate with structural engineers and geotechnical specialists to design foundations and structural systems tailored to the specific challenges of your site.
Maximizing Views and Space: For hillside projects, we design floor plans and elevations to capture views while maintaining stability and proper drainage. In urban settings, we optimize layouts to work within limited footprints and strict zoning rules.
Navigating Regulations: Tight urban lots often involve strict city codes, neighborhood associations, and logistical issues like deliveries and crane placement. We handle those complexities so your project stays on schedule.
Turn-Key Execution: Our team manages every phase, ensuring the vision remains intact even when building conditions are less than simple.
At Pivot, we welcome the challenge of complex sites because we believe exceptional properties deserve exceptional solutions.
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Acoustic privacy is one of the most important factors in luxury urban living. We take multiple steps during design and construction to ensure your condominium feels like a private sanctuary, even in the heart of the city.
Here’s how we approach soundproofing:
Engineering Consultation: We work with acoustic engineers early in the design process to identify potential noise pathways and plan effective solutions.
High-Performance Assemblies: We design wall, floor, and ceiling systems with specialized insulation, sound-dampening layers, and resilient channels to block and absorb sound vibrations.
Sealing Penetrations: Even small gaps around electrical boxes, plumbing, and HVAC can transfer sound. We meticulously seal these areas to prevent noise intrusion.
Mechanical Isolation: Equipment like HVAC units can transmit vibrations into living spaces. We isolate mechanical systems to keep your home quiet and comfortable.
Material Selection: We choose finishes and surfaces that help absorb sound rather than reflect it, creating a more peaceful environment.
Our goal is for you to enjoy skyline views and city energy without sacrificing the serenity and privacy that define true urban luxury.
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Building in Tennessee means choosing materials that can handle a wide range of weather, from humid summers to freezing winters. At Pivot, we select materials for both beauty and durability so your home remains timeless and low-maintenance for decades to come.
Here are some of the materials we often recommend:
Natural Stone: Holds up well to temperature changes and moisture, offering both beauty and longevity for exteriors, fireplaces, and landscaping.
High-Quality Timber: When properly sourced, treated, and detailed, timber provides warmth and character while resisting rot and insects.
Brick and Masonry: Traditional and proven materials that endure humidity and freeze-thaw cycles with minimal upkeep.
Engineered Wood Products: Ideal for areas exposed to moisture, providing stability and less movement than solid wood.
Metal Roofing: Durable and reflective, it stands up to strong sun, heavy rain, and occasional ice without warping or fading.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Insulated glass helps control temperature swings while maintaining expansive views.
Ultimately, we tailor material choices to your design vision and how you plan to use your home, ensuring beauty, performance, and longevity.
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Yes. We design and build custom homes and condominiums with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. For many of our clients, luxury also means creating a home that’s responsible, comfortable, and built to last.
Here’s how Pivot approaches sustainable building:
Efficient Building Envelope: We design homes with high-performance insulation, advanced window systems, and proper air sealing to reduce energy loss and improve comfort.
HVAC and Systems: We integrate modern systems such as geothermal heating and cooling, high-efficiency heat pumps, and smart ventilation for both energy savings and healthier indoor air.
Material Choices: We source materials known for durability and low environmental impact, including sustainably harvested timber, recycled content products, and finishes with low VOC emissions.
Water Management: From rainwater collection to efficient plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems, we plan for sustainable water use both inside and outside the home.
Smart Home Technology: We integrate systems that help you monitor and manage energy consumption without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Ultimately, sustainability is never an afterthought for Pivot—it’s integrated into the design from the start, so your home feels luxurious, lives efficiently, and remains a wise investment for the future.
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Yes. We regularly design and build homes that are fully integrated with smart home technology. For many of our clients, luxury means not just beautiful spaces, but seamless control over their environment, security, and daily living.
Here’s how Pivot approaches smart home integration:
Custom Solutions: We don’t install generic systems. We tailor technology to your lifestyle, whether you want discreet automated lighting, whole-home audio, or advanced climate and shading control.
Security and Privacy: We design integrated systems that protect your home while maintaining privacy and elegance, including secure remote monitoring and discreet camera placement.
Unified Control: Instead of multiple apps, we centralize systems so you can manage lighting, HVAC, entertainment, security, and even water systems from a single interface.
Future-Proofing: Technology evolves quickly. We design infrastructure to accommodate future upgrades without requiring major reconstruction later.
Aesthetic Integration: We coordinate with interior design and architecture to ensure technology complements your home’s style rather than cluttering it.
Our goal is for your home to feel effortless and intelligent—technology should enhance your living experience without ever getting in the way.
The Pivot Difference
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The difference with Pivot is how deeply we combine craftsmanship, accountability, and true custom design. Many builders can create beautiful homes, but few are prepared to take full responsibility for every detail from vision to final key.
Here’s what sets us apart:
True Turn-Key Service: We manage every piece of the project ourselves—from design, engineering, and permitting to construction and finishes—so there’s no finger-pointing between separate companies. You have one team, fully accountable to you.
Custom Without Limits: We don’t work from templates or stock plans. Whether it’s a timber frame estate or a modern penthouse above Nashville’s skyline, your home is designed entirely around how you want to live.
Craftsmanship That Endures: Our homes are built to last, using materials chosen not just for beauty but for how they’ll age over decades. Our partnership with StoltzCo ensures structural precision and artistry few builders can match.
Problem-Solving Expertise: We excel at complex sites, challenging engineering, and unique architectural visions other builders might avoid. We embrace what others call difficult because that’s where exceptional homes are created.
Client Experience: Our clients consistently tell us the same thing: working with Pivot feels effortless. We protect your time and investment so you can focus on your life, not your construction project.
Choosing Pivot means partnering with a team as committed to your vision as you are—and building a home that truly stands apart.
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Pivot Construction was founded in 2023 by Mark Holliday to bring a more personal, high-touch approach to luxury custom building in Middle Tennessee. While Pivot is a newer company, our roots run deep in the construction industry.
Here’s why experience matters:
35 Years of Expertise: Mark Holliday, Pivot’s President, has over three decades of experience managing high-end residential and commercial projects. Before founding Pivot, he served as President of one of Nashville’s major design-build firms for more than seven years.
Award-Winning Projects: Mark’s projects have been featured in publications like Sophisticated Living Magazine, My Southern Home, Houzz, and Urban Nashville, reflecting both quality and design excellence.
Boutique Focus: After years in a large firm, Mark created Pivot to deliver the same high standards of design, craftsmanship, and management—but with the personal involvement and open communication clients deserve.
Skilled Team and Partners: Pivot combines Mark’s leadership with a team of experienced architects, designers, and craftsmen, along with trusted partners like StoltzCo for structural framing.
Ultimately, while the Pivot name is new, the expertise behind it has been honed over decades. Our clients benefit from the best of both worlds: proven experience and a fresh commitment to personal service and lasting quality.
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We absolutely handle remodels, additions, renovations, and restorations—not just new homes. Many of our clients come to us because they want to expand, modernize, or preserve an existing property without sacrificing craftsmanship or design integrity.
Here’s how we approach these projects:
Seamless Integration: We carefully match new construction to your home’s existing architecture, materials, and craftsmanship so the finished result feels cohesive and intentional.
Legacy Stewardship: For historic or legacy properties, we respect original details while introducing modern systems, energy efficiency, and updated spaces. Our team excels at restoration projects that preserve a home’s character while bringing it up to modern standards.
Complex Challenges: Renovations and restorations often uncover hidden conditions. Our experience means we can solve structural or engineering issues without compromising quality.
Same Standards: Whether we’re restoring a historic timber frame, adding a new wing, renovating a kitchen, or transforming an urban penthouse, our process and standards remain the same as for a new build.
If you love your location or the bones of your existing home but want to elevate how it lives, feels, or endures for future generations, Pivot can help you bring that vision to life.
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We do take on select commercial projects, especially when they align with our focus on craftsmanship, architectural quality, and creating spaces that stand out.
Here’s what that means:
Specialized Spaces: We’re often approached to build boutique commercial spaces such as wineries, recording studios, hospitality venues, or office environments where architectural character and fine details matter.
Custom Approach: Our process for commercial work is the same as for residential—deep planning, high-quality materials, and a commitment to delivering spaces that feel unique and enduring.
Selective Projects: We’re intentional about the commercial projects we accept. We’re a good fit when the project demands exceptional craftsmanship, complex structural solutions, or a high level of customization.
Integrated Team: Through our partnership with StoltzCo, we can bring expertise in timber framing and unique structural systems that elevate commercial architecture beyond the ordinary.
If you have a commercial vision that calls for architectural quality and custom execution, we’d be happy to explore whether Pivot is the right partner for your project.
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We build homes of many sizes, from expansive estates to more intimate custom residences. For us, the true measure of a project isn’t square footage—it’s the level of craftsmanship, detail, and vision behind it.
Here’s how we approach it:
Vision Over Size: We’re a good fit for clients who want a home crafted specifically for how they live, regardless of scale.
Same High Standards: Whether your project is 3,000 square feet or 13,000, we apply the same precision, materials, and artistry.
Value of Turn-Key: Even smaller custom homes benefit from our turn-key process, which protects you from hidden costs, delays, and stress.
Ultimately, we focus on projects where we can bring lasting value and help create something unique—whether it’s a modern penthouse or a cozy legacy home.
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StoltzCo is our exclusive sister company and structural framing partner. Their team has deep Amish roots, bringing a tradition of precision, integrity, and craftsmanship to every structural element they build. They specialize in timber frame and post frame construction, ensuring the structural backbone of each Pivot home is both beautiful and enduring.
Here’s why that matters to you:
Precision and Quality: StoltzCo’s craftsmanship reflects generations of knowledge in timber joinery, post frame structures, and complex engineering solutions for challenging sites. Their meticulous work ensures your home’s structure is strong and flawless.
Seamless Coordination: Because StoltzCo is part of our extended team, communication between design, engineering, and construction flows seamlessly. There’s no finger-pointing or misunderstandings between separate companies.
Accountability: Working with StoltzCo means one integrated team takes responsibility for your home’s structure. This reduces risk, improves timelines, and ensures your vision remains intact throughout the build.
Craftsmanship as Standard: StoltzCo’s Amish heritage and dedication to their craft elevate every project, whether it’s exposed timber beams in a legacy home or structural solutions in a high-rise penthouse.
Ultimately, our partnership with StoltzCo means you benefit from a team deeply rooted in authentic craftsmanship and committed to delivering a home where beauty and engineering go hand in hand.
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Yes. We handle every aspect of your project from start to finish, including design, engineering, permitting, construction, and final finishes. That’s the essence of our turn-key approach.
Here’s what that means for you:
Design and Vision: We work with you to shape a design that reflects how you want to live. Whether you bring your own architect or work with our trusted partners, we ensure the vision is achievable and tailored to your budget and site conditions.
Permitting and Approvals: We manage all permitting, zoning, and regulatory requirements on your behalf, whether your home is in a rural area or high above the skyline in an urban setting. We know how to navigate complex city codes, HOA guidelines, and county regulations.
Construction Management: We oversee every trade, schedule, and inspection. You’re not left coordinating contractors or solving problems alone.
Transparency: Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved at key milestones, but we protect your time from the daily demands of construction.
Our clients consistently tell us that working with Pivot feels seamless because they know we’re taking full responsibility for delivering their home exactly as promised.
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We don’t define projects strictly by size or budget, but by the level of craftsmanship, customization, and detail they require. For us, the right fit is a client who values quality, design, and a truly personalized building experience.
Here’s how we look at it:
Vision Over Size: We’re interested in projects where we can bring meaningful value—whether that’s a 3,000 square foot penthouse or a sprawling estate in the hills.
Complexity and Detail: Homes or renovations that involve architectural complexity, unique materials, or high-level craftsmanship are where Pivot excels.
Budget Realities: Because of the level of precision, planning, and materials involved, most Pivot projects begin at an investment level of around $1.5 million and often exceed that depending on scope and finishes.
Dedicated Attention: No matter the size, every Pivot project receives personal oversight, detailed planning, and the same uncompromising standards.
If you’re considering a project where quality, longevity, and custom design matter most, we’d love to explore whether Pivot is the right fit for you.
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Yes. While we’re not real estate agents, we regularly help clients evaluate land and identify properties suitable for their custom home.
Here’s how we support you in finding the right site:
Site Feasibility: We assess topography, soil conditions, access, and utilities to determine whether a property is suitable for your vision and budget.
Design Compatibility: We help you understand how a lot’s shape, slope, and views might influence the home’s design, layout, and potential costs.
Local Knowledge: Our experience in Middle Tennessee means we know zoning regulations, neighborhood dynamics, and regional considerations that could impact your project.
Collaborative Approach: We often work alongside your real estate agent to ensure the property you choose is truly a good fit for the home you want to build.
Choosing land without builder input can lead to costly surprises later. Involving Pivot early helps protect your investment and ensures your property is a canvas worthy of your vision.
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Yes. We regularly work within the requirements of homeowners’ associations, historic districts, and other regulatory bodies. Whether your project is in an urban neighborhood with strict design overlays or a rural community with protective covenants, Pivot manages these details as part of our turn-key service.
Here’s what we handle:
Documentation and Submissions: We prepare the architectural drawings, material samples, and paperwork required for HOA or historic district review boards.
Design Alignment: We work with you to ensure your home’s design meets both your vision and the aesthetic guidelines imposed by governing bodies.
Advocacy: We represent your interests during hearings or meetings, addressing questions and advocating for your project’s approval.
Local Knowledge: Our experience in Middle Tennessee means we know many of the specific rules and personalities involved, helping streamline the process.
Ultimately, our goal is to protect your time and ensure your project moves forward smoothly, without compromising the quality or individuality of your home.
Risk & Challenges
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The biggest risk in building a custom home is misalignment between vision, budget, and execution. Many projects run into trouble because expectations weren’t clearly defined or because builders didn’t plan thoroughly enough to avoid surprises.
Here’s how Pivot protects you:
Detailed Planning: We spend significant time upfront defining your vision, exploring design options, and building a transparent budget so there’s clarity before construction begins.
Full Accountability: As a true turn-key builder, we manage every piece of the project ourselves, from design and permitting to construction and finishing details. There’s no finger-pointing between separate companies.
Transparent Communication: If challenges arise—as they sometimes do in custom construction—we address them immediately, present solutions, and discuss costs or timeline impacts before moving forward.
Craftsmanship and Experience: Our team and our exclusive partner StoltzCo bring decades of expertise to avoid errors, ensure structural integrity, and deliver quality that lasts.
Building a custom home is a significant investment. Our goal is to protect your time, your budget, and your peace of mind, ensuring the journey is as exceptional as the finished result.
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In custom building, there can be unexpected factors that affect budget or timeline. What matters is how your builder plans for those possibilities and communicates with you throughout the process.
Here’s how Pivot manages these challenges:
Thorough Planning: We invest significant time upfront defining your vision, selecting materials, and anticipating potential complexities so your budget and timeline are realistic from the start.
Transparent Communication: If an issue arises—like an unforeseen site condition or a material delay—we inform you immediately, explain the impact, and present solutions so you stay in control of decisions.
Documented Change Orders: We never proceed with changes that affect cost or schedule without your written approval. You’ll always know exactly where things stand.
Accountability: As a true turn-key builder, Pivot takes responsibility for coordinating every part of the project. You’re never left navigating problems between separate contractors or designers.
While no custom project is entirely free from surprises, our commitment is to protect your investment, keep you informed, and deliver the home you’ve envisioned as smoothly and predictably as possible.
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Even with the best planning, custom construction can sometimes reveal unexpected conditions—like hidden structural issues, unforeseen soil conditions, or discoveries inside existing walls.
Here’s how Pivot handles surprises:
Immediate Assessment: We investigate the issue quickly and determine how serious it is, working with engineers or specialists as needed.
Transparent Options: We explain what was discovered, outline possible solutions, and provide clear costs and timeline impacts for each option.
Client Control: We never move forward with changes affecting budget or schedule without your approval. You stay in control of how your project proceeds.
Accountability: If an issue should reasonably have been known earlier, Pivot takes responsibility for resolving it at our cost. Our clients are never left absorbing mistakes that should have been prevented.
Our goal is to protect your investment and keep your project on track, even when surprises arise. That’s part of why clients choose Pivot—to have a partner who stands beside them and solves problems professionally and transparently.
Lifestyle Fit
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Absolutely. Timber frame construction can be stunningly modern when designed thoughtfully. Many people associate timber frames with rustic or traditional styles, but the truth is, exposed timbers can bring warmth and character to even the most contemporary spaces.
Here’s how Pivot integrates timber into modern design:
Sleek Architectural Lines: We design timber frames with clean, minimal profiles that blend seamlessly with modern architecture.
Modern Finishes: Timbers can be paired with materials like glass, steel, or polished concrete to create a contemporary look.
Open Spaces: Timber frame construction allows for large, open floor plans without load-bearing interior walls, perfect for modern layouts.
Custom Joinery: Mortise and tenon connections can be crafted for a refined aesthetic that feels architectural rather than rustic.
At Pivot, we specialize in combining the timeless strength and beauty of timber with modern design principles. Whether your vision is sleek and urban or warm and transitional, timber can be an incredible part of your home’s story.
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Yes. Many of our clients travel frequently or split time between multiple homes, so we design and build with that lifestyle in mind. A luxury home should be as effortless to maintain as it is beautiful to live in.
Here’s how we help:
Smart Home Integration: We incorporate technology that lets you monitor security, climate, lighting, and even water systems remotely from anywhere in the world.
Durable Materials: We select finishes and systems that require minimal upkeep and stand up well over time, reducing the need for constant maintenance.
Security and Privacy: We work with security specialists to design discreet systems that protect your home without feeling intrusive or overly visible.
Trusted Partnerships: If desired, we can connect you with property managers or service providers to keep your home running smoothly when you’re away.
Our goal is for you to enjoy the freedom of your lifestyle without worrying about your home. With Pivot, your residence remains secure, protected, and ready to welcome you back at a moment’s notice.
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Absolutely. We design and build outdoor living spaces that reflect the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail as the interiors of your home. For many of our clients, outdoor areas are essential to how they live, entertain, and relax.
Here’s what we often create:
Pools and Spas: From sleek modern pools with infinity edges to resort-style spa features, all integrated seamlessly with your landscape and architecture.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining: Custom cooking areas, bars, fireplaces, and dining spaces designed for gatherings large and small.
Equestrian Facilities: Barns, riding arenas, and specialized structures that blend functionality with architectural beauty, tailored to your equestrian lifestyle.
Rooftop Terraces: Urban outdoor sanctuaries with skyline views, outdoor fireplaces, and sophisticated lighting and landscaping.
Recreational Spaces: Tennis courts, pickleball courts, putting greens, outdoor theaters, and specialized garden spaces.
Covered Porches and Sunrooms: Spaces that bridge indoors and outdoors, perfect for enjoying Tennessee’s seasons while remaining protected from the elements.
At Pivot, outdoor spaces are never an afterthought—they’re an integral part of creating a home that feels complete and tailored to your way of living.
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Most luxury developers build condominiums designed for broad appeal. At Pivot, we create urban homes designed entirely around the individual. Our goal isn’t just to build high-end spaces—it’s to craft sanctuaries above the skyline that reflect who you are and how you want to live.
Here’s how we’re different:
True Custom Design: We don’t offer preset floor plans or finish packages. Every Pivot condominium is tailored to your vision, from layout and materials to acoustics and lighting.
Warmth and Character: We specialize in blending modern urban design with natural materials like timber, stone, and custom millwork, creating homes that feel both sophisticated and personal.
Privacy and Discretion: We incorporate advanced acoustic treatments, secure entry systems, and thoughtful design choices to ensure your home remains a private retreat, even in the city’s heart.
Complex Problem-Solving: High-rise construction brings unique challenges, from structural modifications to working within strict building rules. We thrive on solving those complexities to make your vision possible.
Turn-Key Execution: Unlike many developers who sell shell spaces, we manage your entire project, ensuring every detail meets our standards and yours.
Choosing Pivot means your urban home won’t look or feel like anyone else’s. It becomes an extension of your identity, crafted with precision, artistry, and respect for the life you lead.
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Yes. We offer full interior design services and also regularly collaborate with clients’ outside designers. Our priority is creating a cohesive, beautiful home that reflects your vision inside and out.
Here’s how we handle interior design:
In-House Expertise: Pivot’s team can provide complete interior design services, including material selections, cabinetry details, custom millwork, lighting design, and furniture layouts.
Collaborative Approach: If you already have a trusted designer, we’re happy to integrate them into the team, working together to align architecture, interiors, and finishes seamlessly.
One Unified Vision: Whether working with our team or yours, we ensure that the design story flows through every space, avoiding disjointed results that can occur when different parties work in silos.
Luxury Standards: We maintain the same level of craftsmanship, detail, and personalized service in interior design as we do in our architectural work.
Ultimately, we’re here to bring your entire vision to life, ensuring every detail feels intentional, elegant, and uniquely yours.
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Absolutely. It’s completely normal not to be certain about architectural style at the beginning of your project. Many of our clients come to us with a general sense of what they love but need help refining it into a cohesive vision.
Here’s how Pivot helps you find the right style:
Discovery Process: We start by learning about your lifestyle, tastes, and how you plan to use your home. The goal is to identify the qualities you value most—whether that’s clean modern lines, traditional warmth, or a blend of both.
Visual References: We share examples, renderings, and past projects to help you visualize how different styles might look and feel in your space.
Site Considerations: We help you understand how your property, views, and local architectural context might influence or inspire certain styles.
Guided Decisions: Throughout the process, we offer recommendations while ensuring the final design feels authentic to you, never forced or generic.
Our role isn’t just to build what you ask for—it’s to help you discover and refine a style that feels like home and stands the test of time.
Aftercare & Ownership
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A Pivot project doesn’t end the day we hand you the keys. We believe true craftsmanship includes standing behind our work long after construction is complete.
Here’s what you can expect from us after your home is finished:
Final Walkthrough: We complete a thorough walkthrough with you to celebrate your new home and ensure every detail meets your expectations.
One-Year Warranty: We provide a one-year warranty covering all labor and materials, ensuring that any issues that arise during the first year are promptly addressed. Manufacturer warranties on specific products may extend longer.
Proactive Check-Ins: At eleven months, we’ll reach out to remind you to look over your home and note any concerns so we can resolve them before your warranty period concludes.
Structural Warranty: We also include a longer-term structural warranty—typically ten years—to protect your investment against major structural defects.
Ongoing Relationship: Even beyond formal warranty periods, many of our clients stay connected with us for advice, future projects, or maintenance recommendations. We value lasting relationships built on trust and craftsmanship.
With Pivot, you gain peace of mind knowing your home is not just built to endure, but backed by a team committed to its long-term beauty and performance.
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In a custom build, payments are typically structured in phases that correspond to specific milestones in your project. This approach ensures transparency and protects both you and the builder as work progresses.
Here’s how Pivot’s payment schedule generally works:
Initial Deposit or Retainer: Once we agree to move forward, we collect an initial deposit or retainer that secures your place in our schedule and covers pre-construction planning and design work.
Progress Payments: The remaining payments are divided into draws tied to milestones such as completion of permitting, foundation work, framing, mechanical rough-ins, and other major stages. Each draw is documented and invoiced with details about the work completed.
Final Payment: A final payment is made upon substantial completion of your home, after a thorough walkthrough and confirmation that all agreed-upon work meets your expectations.
Change Orders: Any changes you request during construction that affect cost are documented, priced, and billed separately so you always know exactly where your investment stands.
Our goal is to keep the payment process transparent and fair, ensuring you always feel in control of your investment and confident in the work being delivered.
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It’s natural to consider resale value when investing in a custom home. The key to protecting that value is balancing personal expression with timeless design and quality craftsmanship that appeals to future buyers.
Here’s how building custom can affect resale value:
Quality Adds Value: Well-built custom homes with thoughtful architecture and premium materials often hold or increase their value better than mass-produced homes because they stand out in the market.
Timeless Design Matters: Extreme personalization—like very niche layouts or bold design choices—can limit your future buyer pool. We help guide you toward choices that feel personal yet timeless.
Market-Specific Advice: We understand what high-end buyers in Middle Tennessee look for and can advise you on features, materials, and styles that maintain strong resale potential.
Documentation and Details: Custom homes built with proper documentation, warranties, and clear records of materials and systems tend to be more attractive to buyers and appraisers.
At Pivot, our goal is to help you create a home that feels uniquely yours while also being a wise long-term investment. We balance individuality with enduring value so your home remains desirable for years to come.
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While Pivot does not directly offer financing, we frequently assist clients in navigating the financing process for custom homes and condominiums. Many of our clients choose to finance part of their project, even when they have the resources to pay in full, for reasons of liquidity, investment strategy, or tax planning.
Here’s how we can help:
Introductions to Lenders: We can connect you with local and regional lenders experienced in high-value custom construction loans.
Understanding Construction Loans: We help you understand how construction draws work, what documentation banks require, and how to align your financing timeline with your build schedule.
Collaboration with Financial Advisors: For clients with wealth managers or financial planners, we’re accustomed to collaborating discreetly to ensure the project fits your broader financial strategy.
Transparency in Costs: Our detailed estimating and invoicing process provides the clear documentation lenders typically require to approve draws and manage disbursements.
Ultimately, while we’re not a lender, Pivot acts as your partner and advocate throughout the financing process, ensuring your project moves forward smoothly and confidently.
Ready to Build Your Legacy?
We’d be honored to help bring your vision to life.
Let’s start the conversation.
