Palmer Custom Builders

Palmer Custom Builders is a design-build residential construction company serving the greater Charlotte, North Carolina region. With more than 40 years of experience, the company provides home remodeling, additions, custom homes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Its design-build approach allows the team to work with homeowners from initial planning and design through construction and completion, with particular attention to local zoning, permitting, and building requirements.

An accessory dwelling unit — also referred to as a granny flat, in-law suite, backyard cottage, or secondary dwelling unit — is an independent living space located on the same property as a primary residence. Palmer Custom Builders offers several ADU configurations:

1. Detached ADU: A standalone dwelling located separately from the main house, typically in a backyard or other suitable portion of the property. Palmer’s team can help homeowners evaluate available space, develop plans, and manage the construction process.
2. Attached ADU: An ADU connected to the primary residence. Palmer Custom Builders designs these additions so the new living space integrates with the existing home’s utilities, structure, layout, and architectural style.
3. Above-Garage ADU: Living space constructed above an existing or new garage, providing an opportunity to add a separate dwelling while making efficient use of the property’s footprint.
4. Converted Garage ADU: An existing garage can be converted into an independent living unit, subject to applicable zoning, permitting, structural, and building requirements.
5. Basement ADU: Existing basement space can be adapted into an independent dwelling where the property and applicable regulations allow it.
6. Upper-Floor ADU: Palmer also identifies upper-floor ADUs as an option for creating additional living space within or as part of an existing structure.

What Palmer Custom Builders Offers Beyond Construction

Palmer Custom Builders takes a design-build approach, allowing homeowners to work with one team from project conception through completion. For ADU projects, the company can help homeowners evaluate whether their property is suitable, consider different locations and configurations, develop custom plans, and estimate construction costs.

The company specifically highlights the importance of HOA requirements, zoning, permitting, utility expansion, structural considerations, and local building codes when planning an ADU. Its team has experience working with Charlotte-area zoning and planning departments and aims to ensure that new ADUs integrate appropriately with existing homes.

Palmer Custom Builders also provides custom ADU design services. Homeowners can bring existing ADU plans or work with the company’s design-build team to create a custom design. The company focuses on making the new space comfortable and functional while ensuring that its appearance and construction details complement the existing home.

The company has also completed ADU projects for multigenerational living. One documented project involved creating an ADU for a homeowner’s father, with the design and construction addressing site drainage, a tight setback, an existing septic system, and other site-specific constraints.

Palmer Custom Builders is led by Gary Palmer, who founded the company’s parent corporation in 1986. Gary is a North Carolina Licensed General Contractor and holds a South Carolina Residential Builder’s license. The company describes its project management approach as hands-on, with the same team involved throughout the design and construction process.