J. Forrest Development — Charlotte’s Trusted General Contractor
Building trust since 2014
At J. Forrest Development, we turn ideas into reality. Based in Charlotte, NC, our team brings decades of combined experience in residential and commercial construction, blending craftsmanship, modern building science, and proactive project management. Whether you’re planning a whole-home remodel in Myers Park, building an addition in Dilworth, or refreshing a retail space in South End, we deliver on time, on budget, and with clear communication from day one.
Residential Remodeling & Additions
Residential Remodeling & Additions
From kitchen and bath renovations to full-scale home transformations, we manage every detail—design collaboration, permits, structural work, finishes, and final punch. Need more space? We design and build seamless additions, second stories, and in-law suites that look like they’ve always belonged.
Outdoor Living & Exteriors
Decks, porches, covered patios, and hardscapes that extend your home’s footprint and stand up to Carolina weather. We also handle roofing, siding, windows, and moisture management to protect your investment for years to come.
Custom Home Building
Ground-up construction with a focus on livability, energy performance, and timeless materials. We coordinate architecture, engineering, and interior design to create a home that fits your lifestyle and Charlotte’s climate—right down to HVAC sizing, insulation strategy, and durable exterior assemblies.
Kitchen & Baths
High-function, high-style, and built to last. Expect thoughtful layouts, durable cabinetry, stone surfaces, tile work with razor-sharp lines, and fixtures that balance beauty with reliability. We guide selections to help you maximize value without sacrificing the details.
Commercial & Tenant Improvements
Build-outs for offices, studios, medical suites, and retail environments. We respect schedules, brand standards, and code compliance so you can open doors quickly and confidently.
Why Homeowners and Businesses in Charlotte Choose Us
Experience That Shows: Skilled carpenters and vetted trade partners who respect craft and schedule.
Clear Communication: One PM, weekly updates, and transparent budgeting—no surprises.
Local Knowledge: Familiar with Charlotte’s neighborhoods, HOA standards, and Mecklenburg County inspections.
Durability & Design: Practical, beautiful solutions built to last in the Carolina climate.
Licensed & Insured: Work you can trust, backed by documentation and warranty support.
1) Discovery & Consultation
We start with a conversation—your goals, budget range, timeline, and must-haves. If you have drawings, great. If not, we can introduce trusted designers and architects in the Charlotte area and align your scope with realistic costs.
2) Site Visit & Feasibility
A project manager walks the space to evaluate structure, utilities, access, and potential constraints. We identify permitting requirements for Mecklenburg County, flag opportunities to save time or money, and confirm a plan for phasing if you’ll remain in the home or business during construction.
3) Scope, Budget, and Schedule
You’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining line-item costs, allowances for finishes, and a preliminary schedule. No vague ranges—just clear numbers. We finalize selections with you to lock scope and reduce change orders later.
4) Permitting & Pre-Construction
Our team handles permits and inspections. Before we swing a hammer, we hold a pre-construction meeting to review site protection, daily start/stop times, parking, neighbor courtesy, and communication channels.
5) Build Phase
Your project manager is your one point of contact. Expect updates, milestone walkthroughs, and real-time schedule tracking. We maintain a clean, safe site and coordinate trades to keep the project moving without gaps.
6) Quality Control & Closeout
We conduct a multi-point quality audit, complete final inspections, and walk the project with you to address any punch-list items. You’ll receive warranty documentation and a care guide for materials and finishes.
Our Process: Simple, Transparent, Predictable
Smart Building Choices for the Carolina Climate
Charlotte’s humidity, heat, and storm cycles demand smarter systems. We recommend:
Efficient HVAC & Ventilation: Right-sized systems and balanced ventilation to improve comfort and indoor air quality.
Moisture Management: Proper flashing, rain-screen details, and high-performance membranes to protect framing and finishes.
Energy-Wise Upgrades: Insulation and window packages that reduce utility bills without breaking the budget.
Durable Exteriors: Siding, roofing, and decking materials chosen for longevity and low maintenance.
Budgeting With Confidence
We respect your budget like it’s our own. Our proposals include:
Detailed Line Items: Labor, materials, allowances, and contingencies spelled out clearly.
Value Engineering Options: Where it makes sense, we’ll show cost-saving alternatives that preserve function and style.
Change Order Discipline: Any changes are documented with pricing and schedule impact before work proceeds.
Client Experience, Elevated
Construction can feel disruptive. Our job is to minimize stress and maximize results:
Respect for Your Home or Business: Floor protection, dust control, and daily cleanup are non-negotiables.
Professional Crews: Courteous teams who arrive on time and maintain a safe site.
Schedule Visibility: Milestones and next steps shared in writing so you always know what’s coming.
Post-Project Support: We stand behind our work and remain available long after the final walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Start dates depend on project complexity, permitting, and current workload. After our site visit and proposal, we’ll provide a realistic start window and a target completion date.
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Absolutely. We collaborate with your design team or can refer trusted local partners to create a cohesive, constructible plan.
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Yes. We guide cabinet, countertop, tile, flooring, plumbing, lighting, and paint selections with an eye for durability, availability, and lead times.
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Most structural changes, additions, and major remodels require permits in Mecklenburg County. We manage the process and coordinate inspections.
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We can phase work, set up temporary kitchens or baths, and create safe pathways. For large projects, short-term relocation may be more comfortable—we’ll discuss options.
Service Areas
Proudly serving neighborhoods across Charlotte and nearby communities: Myers Park, Dilworth, South End, Plaza Midwood, Elizabeth, NoDa, Ballantyne, Steele Creek, SouthPark, Wesley Heights, University City, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Huntersville, Cornelius, and Davidson.
Ready to Build Something Great?
Whether you’re modernizing a condo in South End, expanding a family home in Ballantyne, or preparing a retail space in NoDa, J. Forrest Development is the Charlotte general contractor you can count on for clarity, craftsmanship, and follow-through.
Let’s talk about your project.
Call today or send a message to schedule your consultation. We’ll review your goals, share ideas, and provide a detailed proposal so you can move forward with confidence.
J. Forrest Development
Your vision. Built right—here in Charlotte, NC.
