Frequently Asked Questions

With 50 years of experience in the Charleston market, Cook Bonner Ebeling has become synonymous with craftsmanship, integrity, and enduring design. Our firm has helped shape some of the Lowcountry’s most distinctive custom homes, blending a deep understanding of Charleston’s coastal landscape with proven expertise in high-end residential construction.

Our leadership combines two complementary strengths. David Ebeling, a Charleston native who grew up on Isle of Palms, adds more than 20 years of hands-on experience and an intimate knowledge of the region’s communities, architecture, and building conditions. Known for his attention to detail and clear communication, David ensures each home reflects the client’s vision down to the smallest element.

Tray Cook, with more than 26 years and over 400 projects to his name, brings a strong background in business and finance. His process-driven approach ensures every project runs smoothly, efficiently, and with complete financial transparency.

What makes Cook Bonner Ebeling unique is our dual-ownership model. Rather than outsourcing business management or construction oversight, Tray and David remain personally involved in every project, one focusing on the business and financial stewardship, the other on the construction process and craftsmanship. This balanced leadership allows us to deliver exceptional quality and value without added cost, providing our clients with a truly seamless, high-touch building experience.

We proudly build and renovate homes throughout the Charleston and greater Lowcountry region, including:

• Charleston
• Mt. Pleasant
• Isle of Palms
• Sullivan’s Island
• Daniel Island
• Johns Island
• James Island
• Kiawah and Seabrook Islands
• Wadmalaw and the surrounding coastal areas

If your property is just outside these zones, we’d still love to hear from you. We occasionally take on projects beyond our core service area when the fit and vision align.

Every custom home is unique, and the timeline can vary based on factors like size, design complexity, permitting, and site conditions. In most cases, you can expect the process, from initial design to move-in, to take between 12 and 24 months. During preconstruction, we’ll establish a detailed project schedule and keep it updated throughout your build so you always know what’s next.

Even with thorough planning, adjustments can arise along the way, whether due to unforeseen conditions or new design preferences. When this happens, we issue a formal change order outlining the revised scope, cost, and potential schedule impacts. Every change is documented, priced, and approved by both parties to ensure full transparency.

To keep your project moving efficiently, we work with you to establish a change order threshold at the start. Minor adjustments below that amount are approved internally, while larger changes are discussed and confirmed with you before proceeding. This approach helps maintain momentum while ensuring you stay informed and in control of every decision.

Our payment structure is designed to keep the process transparent and predictable. Payments are tied to key project milestones, beginning with an initial deposit (or mobilization fee), followed by progress payments as major phases are completed, such as the foundation, framing, and finishes.

We bill monthly based on the work completed during the previous month, with invoices typically sent the first week of each month. The final payment is held until all punch list items are complete and final inspections or walk-throughs are finished. If a bank is involved, we’ll coordinate directly to establish a smooth transfer process.

At Cook Bonner Ebeling, we manage all permitting, submissions, and inspections with local authorities, so you don’t have to. This includes scheduling required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final, and more) and ensuring your home meets all local codes and standards.

When your project is in a community with an Architectural Review Board (ARB) or Architectural Review Committee (ARC), we work closely with your architect to secure approvals and navigate any design requirements. Our goal is to make the permitting and inspection process seamless, keeping your project on track from start to finish.

At Cook Bonner Ebeling, our relationship with clients doesn’t end when the keys are handed over. Nearly 50 years in the Charleston market have taught us that lasting success comes from trust, care, and craftsmanship that stands the test of time. We’re proud that so many of our clients return for future projects or recommend us to friends and family.

From addressing any questions or issues to offering guidance long after move-in, we’re here whenever you need us. Every home we build reflects our commitment to quality, but more importantly, it reflects the relationships we nurture before, during, and well beyond construction.

We pair traditional craftsmanship with modern systems to deliver homes that are both beautiful and enduring. Throughout the build, open communication is a priority: you’ll receive regular updates, progress photos, budget overviews, and opportunities for site reviews. Every decision, from materials to design details, is shared so you can feel confident in the process.

Whether you’re just down the road or across the country, we ensure you always know what’s happening on your project. Since 1976, our commitment to integrity, excellence, and clear communication has been the foundation of every home we build.

If you don’t have an architect, we can help you find one who’s the perfect fit for your project and vision. We’ll guide the selection process to ensure your architect complements your goals and style.

If you already have an architect, we work closely with them throughout every stage, before, during, and after construction, to ensure your home is designed and built seamlessly. Our priority is creating a collaborative team that brings your vision to life.

You don’t need to own land to get started. While we don’t directly sell property, we can guide you in the right direction and connect you with trusted professionals, brokers, and resources in the Charleston area to help you find the perfect site for your custom home.

Building a custom home involves many choices, but you won’t be overwhelmed. If you don’t already have an interior designer, we can help facilitate the selection of one who aligns with your style and project needs. Our process spaces out selections and decisions across the timeline, allowing you to make thoughtful choices without feeling rushed. This steady approach keeps your project on schedule and within budget—making the entire experience enjoyable and manageable every step of the way.

Yes! While each of our homes is custom, we can often arrange private tours during the build process so you can see the quality of our craftsmanship firsthand. Tours are scheduled on a case-by-case basis to ensure privacy and safety. You can also explore our work anytime through our Portfolio or our Lookbook for inspiration.

Over nearly 50 years in the Charleston area, we’ve built homes in most of the region’s premier communities. Our experience and local knowledge allow us to navigate community guidelines, design standards, and approvals, making it easier to bring your custom home vision to life wherever you choose to build.

Ideally, as early as possible. Involving your builder during land selection or conceptual design can help you avoid costly challenges later. Early collaboration between your builder, architect, and designer allows the team to align your vision, budget, and site requirements from day one.

Before breaking ground, we’ll guide you through design development, budgeting, permitting, and scheduling. This phase ensures every decision, big or small, is made with clarity and precision. You’ll have a clear understanding of the project scope, timeline, and next steps before construction begins.

Absolutely. Many of our clients build second homes or move to Charleston from other parts of the country. We’ve refined our process to make remote collaboration seamless, with virtual walk-throughs, digital updates, and clear communication from our team at every stage.

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our portfolio includes everything from traditional Lowcountry and coastal contemporary to modern and transitional designs. Every home is tailored to reflect your vision, lifestyle, and site conditions.

Reach out to us to schedule an initial conversation. We’ll discuss your goals, timeline, and vision for your home. From there, we can connect you with architects or designers, walk potential lots, and outline what your path forward looks like, step by step.