Community Spotlight: CS Custom Homes LLC
Photo courtesy of Chassie Sharpmack
In a field dominated by men, Chassie Sharpmack, the owner of CS Custom Homes LLC, is making waves with her distinct approach to homebuilding. As a female business owner in the construction industry, Sharpmack has not only overcome initial skepticism but has also leveraged her perspective to bring a unique touch to every home she builds. Her combination of hands-on involvement, personal understanding of client needs, and dedication to quality has set her apart in the local homebuilding market.
Being a woman in the industry was her biggest challenge at first, she said. “I’ve been working with all the same subs for years now, and they know me. It wasn’t always easy, but over time, we’ve built a solid working relationship.” It’s clear that her early experiences have shaped her resilience and commitment to her craft.
The challenges of being a woman in construction weren’t just about learning the trade; Sharpmack had to prove that her vision and approach to homebuilding could deliver high-quality results. And she has done just that, earning the respect of both her clients and colleagues through her attention to detail and her ability to balance personal connection with the technical demands of building homes. Today, her reputation as a builder who cares deeply about her projects precedes her, and her gender is less of a hurdle and more of a strength.
When it comes to the homebuilding process, Sharpmack is deeply involved in every aspect of the project. “I’m very hands-on,” she explained. “I go to each spot, even if there’s nothing going on, and walk it because when you walk around it, you realize, ‘Oh, I need to call them, I need to call them, where is this thing I ordered?’ That kind of thing.” This commitment means she’s always one step ahead, anticipating potential issues and ensuring that every detail is perfect.
Her hands-on approach has proven invaluable when working on custom homes, where details matter. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Sharpmack takes the time to work closely with homeowners to ensure every aspect of their vision comes to life. She offers clients the opportunity to collaborate with a designer. “They meet with her probably three or four times to pick out everything—from paint colors to flooring. She orders it, and it’s delivered. It’s easier but more expensive,” Sharpmack explained. However, for clients looking for more budget-conscious solutions, Sharpmack isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and find cost-effective alternatives. “We can just go to Lowe’s together and pick out what you want. A lot of the stuff I use is from Lowe’s, and it’s the same thing for a better price.”
This flexibility is one of the key factors that makes Sharpmack a standout builder in the area. Whether her clients are looking for high-end design features or more affordable, practical options, she’s able to offer a range of possibilities to fit their budget without compromising on quality. “If you’re trying to build a really nice house but still save money in places, then that’s what we do,” she said. “Like this backsplash tile is from Lowe’s, and all these cabinet pulls I got from Amazon.”
Photo courtesy of Chassie Sharpmack
Sharpmack’s deep understanding of her clients’ needs also stems from her unique perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field. “A lot of times, the wives are the ones meeting with the home builder,” she said. “When women say ‘This is what I want,’ I’m like, ‘I can see it. I can see exactly what you’re saying.’” This personal connection makes her clients feel heard and understood, which is a key part of the custom homebuilding experience.
One of Sharpmack’s proudest achievements is the first house she built completely on her own, without any input from a homeowner. “This one was the first one out on my own where I got to pick everything out,” she recalled. “It was really fun, and I enjoyed every single bit of it.” Her enthusiasm for the craft is evident in every home she builds, from the layout to the design touches that reflect her understanding of what families need.
Photos courtesy of Chassie Sharpmack
While Sharpmack enjoys building custom homes, she also tackles remodels, a segment of the industry that many builders shy away from due to the level of work and often lower return on investment. “A lot of builders don’t like doing remodels,” she noted. “It’s a lot of work, and the return on money isn’t huge, but I enjoy every single bit of it.” Her enthusiasm for the craft is contagious, and she brings the same level of passion to small projects like kitchen remodels as she does to large custom builds.
Despite the challenges of being a builder, Sharpmack balances her time between her projects, her family, and even side work as a dietitian. “It’s a crazy job,” she laughed. “I still do dietitian work on the side, and I have five kids and a farm. And a husband.” Her ability to juggle so many responsibilities is a testament to her work ethic and dedication.
Though she faces the same daily challenges that any builder does—delays with suppliers, coordination with subcontractors, and managing multiple trades at once—Sharpmack is quick to solve problems and ensure her clients are satisfied. “You really have to know enough about what each specialty is doing to know if it’s not right,” she explained. “You’re putting a lot more into it than the subs who just come in and do the job. If you don’t notice something is wrong, they’re going to bill you and move on.”
Looking to the future, Sharpmack has big dreams. “I would really like to build a whole neighborhood—just buy all the big pieces of land and develop it,” she shared. This goal demonstrates her ambition and dedication to growing her business and shaping the future of homebuilding in the region. For now, however, Sharpmack remains focused on building quality homes for the families in Cabot and surrounding areas.
As a proud member of the Cabot Chamber of Commerce, Sharpmack is committed to her community. “When I first started building in Cabot, I didn’t know anyone here,” she said. “So I joined the Chamber to get more involved, and it’s been great. I’ve met so many people and built great relationships with other local builders.”
Sharpmack has called Cabot home for 18 years, and it’s clear she’s invested in the area and its future. Her work with local suppliers, her dedication to delivering homes that are both beautiful and functional, and her willingness to work closely with her clients ensure that CS Custom Homes LLC will continue to thrive in the local market for years to come.
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Jul. 12th, 2022