Testimonials
We call many of our past clients, friends. We’re honored to work with you on your homes and create a beautiful, functional spaces. Thank you for entrusting us with your dreams.
After buying a wooded lot in the then undeveloped Sovereign Oaks, my wife and I undertook the search for a builder who could bring our Mid-Century Modern home vision to life. We met Smith at his contemporary farmhouse in the neighborhood, and although this was not our style of home, we were both impressed by his workmanship, especially the cabinetry. As we spoke with Smith, we realized he has a keen insight into not only the high level of craftsmanship we required, but an understanding of the practical day to day issues of home design as well. Considerations like shelf heights, laundry room layout, and doorway sizes were also a priority.
Our own home became a collaboration between my wife’s singular vision, our architects plans, and Smith’s steady guidance to assure a trouble free building process. No cookie cutter elements were employed simply for expediency, no quality corners cut, and the end product is everything we hoped for. Smith continues to stay in touch, and both my wife and I consider him a friend.
We started our search for a retirement home in WNC by concentrating on older, historical houses but eventually ended up buying a newly constructed house from WSM Craft. The house that Smith had built afforded us with the look and feel of an older house but with the functionality, spaciousness, and efficiency of a modern house.
Although this was a spec house, most of the fixtures and finishes that Smith incorporated were what we would have selected had we pursued a custom-built house. Other details were surprises that we have grown to appreciate even more with time. The creative use of reclaimed lumber on all the window sills and custom iron work hardware provide a cohesive theme that runs throughout the house. Smith’s own custom shop-built cabinetry is featured in the kitchen and all the bathrooms. A salvaged six-panel door was repurposed into a showpiece sliding barn style door for the pantry. The most distinctive exterior feature is the foundation stonework that seamlessly blends into the landscape stone as if a new house had been built on the ruins of an old foundation.
During the first year of ownership we were able to experience the craftsmanship and congeniality of the members of Smith’s staff in person as they worked post-sale punch list items. We were impressed that they all were motivated to follow through and complete a quality job. We have also met many of Smith’s subcontractors who talk of their respect for Smith and how they enjoy working with him. We take this to be a good sign.
We bought our North Asheville home for the forested lot, not the house, which was an early-90s, purple-pile-carpet time machine. From the beginning we knew we would renovate the home to open and brighten it up and bring in the spectacular outdoors. My wife and I came up with a preliminary plan and we went on a search for a contractor. We interviewed several, but at soon as we met Smith McAulay we knew we’d found a match. Smith was engaged and interested from the moment he walked onto the property, and the first things out of his mouth were exciting design ideas that we hadn’t even considered. Starting from the very first meeting, Smith was personally involved in every step of every phase of requirements gathering, design, planning and construction. He and his crew exhibited an attention to the tiniest design details and craftsmanship, creating a finished product that is as much a work of art as it is a place of refuge. Our guests never fail to comment on the incredible artisan woodwork on our porches and decks, or the unique and artistic touches of the interior renovation, such as the floor-to-ceiling tile-and-steel surround that Smith designed and installed for our wood stove. We’ve enjoyed Smith’s finished work for over a year, and are more pleased with every day that passes. Where problems arose, Smith was quick with options for a resolution; when we couldn’t make up our minds on the hundreds of detailed decisions, Smith always guided us in the right direction. His post-construction support has been wonderful, too; in the few instances where we’ve had a minor issue, such as a sticking door or cracking finish, Smith was quick to have one of his artisans out to resolve the problem. We are planning another phase of our ongoing renovation, and are looking forward to working with Smith again. I cannot recommend WSM Craft highly enough. Smith and his crew have the perfect mixture of out-of-the-box design creativity, savvy business acumen, and construction talent.
We purchased a very dated but spacious condo in Asheville, NC last year. We knew we wanted to totally update the very 1980’s space. Rustic contemporary was the style we were after but knew we needed someone to share our vision. We got very lucky! Into our lives entered Smith McAulay. He knew immediately what we wanted. He had us out picking through repurposed barnwood for floor and ceiling trim. Soon we had a bedroom enclosure with a shelf for books and art display. Built in storage in the bedroom and master bath soon followed. And so the process has evolved. Lots of other wonderful touches were added including a sliding barnwood door and a simple but perfect mantel. Couldn’t have asked for more! Our experience was very enjoyable and would do it all again. Pretty lucky, huh!!
I have done many home renovations and working with WSM has been one of the best. Their professionalism and attention to detail gave me comfort that I would get the best possible outcome. I liked the collaborative process which included my wish list, Smith’s design expertise, and the outstanding quality of workmanship exhibited by the WSM crew and staff. I would not hesitate to recommend WSM for any project that requires architectural vision and expert craftsmanship.
We have had several projects in our home done by Smith and his team at WSM Craft, and they have done wonderful and professional work. Smith worked closely with us for design and implementation of our remodeling projects which included custom cabinets and built-ins. We received personalized interaction at all steps of the process. The work was highly customized and featured excellent craftsmanship from Smith and his associates. With their help we have been able to transform several of our rooms into spaces that fit our desires very well. We could not be more pleased in the work that was done, and we look forward working with WSM Craft again when it comes time for our next home project.
WSM designed beautiful built-in shelves for the areas on each side of our fireplace, built exactly what they designed, and installed them when they said they would. Their design was creative and the work was outstanding. We are extremely happy with the finished product and highly recommend the company.
We purchased a second home in the mountains in Asheville, NC. This was a significant renovation of a house built in the early 90’s. It included taking down two walls and total updates of 3 bathrooms. Since we don’t live in Asheville and still both work full time, we did most of the work remotely, visiting from time to time and exchanging lots of images and messages via email and phone. WSM Craft and specifically Smith McAulay were fabulous to work with. Great listening and consulting skills and highly trustworthy. The coordination and quality of the work has been excellent. The house is beautiful. We will continue to use their services.
We have an ongoing interior and exterior remodeling project on an older cottage-style home. The work performed by Smith and his crew at WSM Craft has been excellent. We are very pleased with the results so far. Smith has been great to work with and has made the experience fun. He was able to take our ideas and add to them contributing to an overall more pleasing product. Communication is key to the success of these types of projects and WSM Craft has been very good thereby keeping things moving in the right direction with very minimal corrections required. There is no doubt in our minds that WSM shares our vision for our home and has the skills to get us there. If you are looking for someone who brings creative ideas to the table, has the unique ability to listen, takes pride in a finished work product, and does quality work on a timely basis, we strongly suggest you consider Smith and WSM Craft for the job.
WSM Craft built a 25 x 11 expansion of our home to expand the master bedroom and master bath. The addition included an expanded storage area in the garage below the MBR as a result of foundation build. We now enjoy a true master suite that includes a large dressing room and closet. We pinch ourselves often. Smith and Company did a fantastic job communicating deadlines and upcoming choices to keep well ahead of design schedule. WSM is dependable and honest without question, as are all his sub-contractors that we’d hire again. We look forward to a planned kitchen renovation we’ve already priced with WSM.
Probably the best contractor we’ve ever worked with. Excellent craftsman, innovative ideas, unbelievable worth ethic, pleasant manner – almost wish we had more projects ahead. Definitely wish we had found him before we did previous remodeling projects.
