Custom Home Design & Finishes Selection
After your home plans are finalized, the next step is where your vision truly comes to life — the custom design and finish selection process. This is when you’ll work directly with Kenny Schmidt, owner and General Contractor of Walnut Ridge Construction, to choose every material and finish that will define your home’s style, comfort, and quality. Once the plans are approved, Kenny will prepare a Fixed Price Estimate plus Allowances for your chosen selections. Each allowance covers specific finish categories — like cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and more — giving you complete control over the look and feel of your new home while staying within budget.
The Design Consultation
Once your home plans are ready, Kenny will meet with you to review:
The full construction estimate and included allowances
Your preferred design style and color palette
The schedule for your finish selection appointments
You’ll receive an itemized breakdown so you know exactly what’s included in your budget. The only way your final price will change is if you select finishes above your original allowances.
Design Options for your New Home
Cabinets
Your cabinetry sets the tone for your entire home — both in style and functionality. You’ll meet directly with our cabinetry subcontractor to choose your layout, wood species, door style, and finish.
Options Include:
Custom-built or semi-custom cabinets
Stained, painted, or glazed finishes
Decorative hardware and soft-close hinges
Specialty inserts like spice racks and pull-out drawers
Your cabinet allowance ensures you get the quality and features you expect, with the freedom to upgrade as you wish.
Countertops
Countertops add beauty and durability to your kitchen and bathrooms. During your countertop selection appointment, you’ll choose from materials like granite, quartz, or solid surface based on your style and budget.
Popular Choices Include:
Quartz for modern elegance and durability
Granite for natural variation and timeless appeal
Butcher block or marble upgrades for statement spaces
Appliances
Your kitchen’s performance depends on quality appliances. Kenny will guide you through options that fit your cooking style, budget, and desired level of luxury.
Common Appliance Selections:
Built-in ovens and cooktops
Professional gas ranges
Energy-efficient refrigerators
Dishwashers and microwaves
Optional beverage coolers and vent hoods
Your lighting allowance includes both standard and decorative fixtures — giving you flexibility without surprises.
Door Hardware
Small details make a big difference. Door hardware adds the final touch to your home’s interior and exterior design.
Available Options:
Knobs, levers, and handles in various finishes
Coordinating hinges and deadbolts
Keyless entry and smart lock upgrades
Custom finishes like black matte, brass, or bronze
Your allowance includes high-quality hardware from trusted brands to ensure both style and security.
Front Door
Your front door sets the tone for your entire home. You’ll meet with our supplier to select a door that complements your home’s architecture while providing durability and energy efficiency.
Design Options Include:
Solid wood, fiberglass, or steel doors
Decorative glass or wrought-iron inserts
Custom stain or paint finishes
Modern or traditional architectural styles
Garage Doors
Garage doors blend function and curb appeal. You’ll work with our garage door specialist to select materials, insulation level, and design options that match your home’s exterior.
Popular Styles:
Carriage house or traditional paneled doors
Insulated steel or composite materials
Custom paint and hardware finishes
Smart opener and Wi-Fi integration options
Flooring
Flooring defines your home’s look and comfort. During your flooring appointment, you’ll select materials that balance durability, maintenance, and aesthetic.
Available Selections Include:
Hardwood or engineered wood
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Ceramic or porcelain tile
Carpet for bedrooms or bonus areas
Your flooring allowance includes a variety of options for each room, with upgrades available.
Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures combine beauty and function in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry spaces. You’ll meet with our plumbing supplier to choose fixtures that align with your style and performance preferences.
Fixtures You’ll Select:
Faucets and sinks (kitchen, bath, laundry)
Showers, tubs, and body sprays
Toilets and bidet options
Finishes like chrome, nickel, black, or brass
Fireplace
A custom fireplace creates a focal point and adds warmth to your home. You’ll review design options with our fireplace contractor, selecting from wood-burning, gas, or electric units.
Design Options:
Stone or brick surrounds
Mantel design and hearth materials
Built-in cabinetry or shelving
Outdoor fireplace upgrades
Flooring
If your home includes a screened patio or outdoor room, Kenny will coordinate with our subcontractors to help you select screens if desired.
Options Include:
Screened porches or sunrooms
Ceiling fans and lighting
Ceramic or porcelain tile
Flooring and railing materials
Plumbing Fixtures
If your home includes an outdoor room, Kenny will coordinate with our outdoor living specialists to help you select features that fit your lifestyle.
Fixtures You’ll Select:
Outdoor fireplaces and kitchens
Ceiling fans and lighting
Flooring and Tile
Pools, Grills, and More.
How the Final Price Is Determined
Once all selections are complete, Kenny will finalize your Fixed Price Contract based on your actual allowances and chosen materials. Your final cost only changes if you choose upgrades that exceed your allowances — giving you full control over both design and budget. You’ll review and approve the final selections before construction begins, ensuring every detail is clear and documented.
Ready to Start Designing Your New Home?
The Custom Home Design phase is one of the most exciting parts of the building process. It’s where your ideas become tangible and your home starts taking shape. With Walnut Ridge Construction, you’ll have expert guidance, trusted suppliers, and a transparent process — from your first meeting to your move-in day.
Design Selection Timeline
| Phase | Selections / Decisions | When (Typical) | Notes & Dependencies | Who’s Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Kickoff | Style direction, color palette, allowance review, appointment calendar | Plan approval to Permit Filing | Sets budget guardrails; confirms lead times for long-lead items | Homeowner, Kenny (GC) |
| Cabinets & Layouts | Kitchen, baths, laundry, mudroom cabinetry; door style & finish; insert options | Weeks −8 to −6 (before groundbreaking) | Drives appliance sizes, electrical, plumbing rough-ins; long-lead—order early | Homeowner, Cabinet Shop, Kenny |
| Appliances | Range/cooktop, wall ovens, fridge, DW, hood, microwave, beverage center | Weeks −8 to −6 | Confirm model numbers & cut sheets for cabinet and MEP rough-ins | Homeowner, Appliance Vendor, Kenny |
| Plumbing Fixtures | Sinks, faucets, tubs, showers, trim kits, finishes | Weeks −6 to −4 | Rough-in heights/locations depend on selections (esp. freestanding tubs) | Homeowner, Plumbing Supplier, Kenny |
| Lighting & Electrical Plan | Fixture schedule, recessed layout, chandeliers, exterior lights, switches | Weeks −6 to −3 | Submit cut sheets; finalize before electrical rough-in | Homeowner, Lighting Showroom, Electrician, Kenny |
| Front Door & Garage Doors | Door style, material, glass/iron options; garage door style, insulation, openers | Weeks −6 to −3 | Affects framing RO sizes and exterior elevations | Door Supplier, Garage Door Vendor, Kenny |
| Flooring | Hardwood/LVP, tile, carpet selections; patterns & transitions | Weeks −4 to −2 | Tile layout impacts shower pan heights & niches; order ahead for lead times | Flooring Showroom, Tiler, Kenny |
| Countertops | Material (quartz/granite/etc.), edges, splash, slab selections | Reserve Weeks −3; Template after cabinets set | Final field template happens post-cabinet install; sinks/faucets needed | Countertop Fabricator, Cabinet Shop, Kenny |
| Door Hardware | Interior/Exterior sets, finishes, smart locks | Weeks −3 to −1 | Coordinate hinge finish & backset; confirm keying plan | Hardware Supplier, Kenny |
| Fireplace | Gas/wood/electric unit, surround (stone/brick), mantel, built-ins | Weeks −4 to −1 | Rough-in venting & gas line required; finalize mantel dimensions early | Fireplace Contractor, Framer, Kenny |
| Screened Patio / Outdoor | Screen system, ceiling, fans/lights, flooring, railings, outdoor FP/kitchen | Weeks −4 to 0 | Electrical & gas stubs needed; decking choice affects framing details | Outdoor Subs, Electrician, Kenny |
| MEP Rough-Ins | Electrical & plumbing locations set per selections | Framing Complete → Rough-In Week | Last chance to tweak outlet/sconce/switch placements | Kenny, Electrician, Plumber, HVAC |
| Drywall & Paint | Wall textures, interior paint colors & sheens | Post Rough-In, Pre-Trim | Confirm accent walls & ceilings before paint order | Painter, Kenny, Homeowner |
| Trim & Tile Install | Cabinets set, tile install, slab template/fab, hardware prep | Interior Finish Stage | Countertops install after template (typically 7–14 days) | Cabinet, Tile, Countertop Crews |
| Final Walk & Punch | Mirror, shower glass, hardware, fixtures, appliances install | Pre-Close Week | Confirm all selections delivered & installed to spec | Kenny, Homeowner |
| Allowance Reminder: Your final price only changes if selections exceed category allowances or if scope changes are requested. Kenny schedules all vendor visits and tracks approvals to keep the build on schedule. | ||||
Ready to Tour a Spec Home?
Our available inventory changes frequently. Contact Walnut Ridge Construction to see current listings, schedule a showing, or learn about upcoming builds nearing completion.
Testimonials
Tellico Village
“We interviewed several builders before choosing Walnut Ridge, but what sold us was their open-book pricing and constant communication. We saw every invoice and cost, and there were zero surprises. The process was honest and smooth from start to finish.”
Sarah & Mark L.
Rarity Bay
“From our very first meeting, we knew we were in good hands. Kenny and his team took the time to understand our needs, our land, and our budget. Our home fits our lot perfectly and turned out even better than we imagined.”
Tom & Rachel B.
Loudon County
“The craftsmanship is outstanding. Every trim line, cabinet, and stone detail feels intentional. It’s clear Walnut Ridge Construction takes pride in every home they build.”
Greg & Melissa K.
WindRiver Community
“We were building from Florida, and Kenny kept us updated with progress photos, budget reports, and quick responses. We never felt out of the loop, even from hundreds of miles away.”
David & Karen T.
Monroe County
“We’ve built before, and this was by far the best experience. The cost-plus contract gave us peace of mind, and the workmanship exceeded expectations. We would recommend Walnut Ridge to anyone building in Tennessee.”
Mark & Sheila R.
Blount County
“I've had the pleasure of knowing the general contractor of Walnut Ridge Construction, Kenny Schmidt, for over 20 years. So, when it came time to build a house, there's only one person I trusted to take care of me. You'll never meet a more honest person in your life.”
David M. & Melanie W.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the custom home design process work?
After your plans are approved, you'll meet with Kenny Schmidt to choose finishes and fixtures under a fixed price with specific allowances.
What are allowances in my home estimate?
Allowances are pre-set budgets for items like cabinets, flooring, lighting, and appliances. The price only changes if you go over your allowance.
Who helps me choose my finishes?
Kenny schedules appointments with each subcontractor so you can select all finishes, including cabinets, countertops, lighting, and more.
Do you assist with construction financing?
Yes. You can choose any upgrade you like, and the final price will adjust only if you exceed the original allowance amount.
East Tennessee’s trusted builder for custom homes, additions, and renovations crafted with care and a foundation of honesty, transparency, and integrity. Trust your home with Walnut Ridge Construction.
Contact Us
Walnut Ridge Construction
General Contractor
TN General Contractor Lic. #80735
1916 Highway 411
Vonore, TN 37885
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