Conversations with Becky Abplanalp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Abplanalp. 

Hi Becky, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the owner of Oak & Stone Custom Homes.  We are a custom home builder in the Raleigh area. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years. We first started remodeling our personal homes and flipping them. That eventually lead us into new construction. I was building new homes while we were in Colorado when the great housing market crash occurred, which resulted in our company closing its doors. We have six children and honestly, when we lost so much with that housing crash, it helped me to realize how quickly our children were growing up. I made a commitment to myself and to my family, to spend as much time with them while I had the opportunity. My husband’s job brought us to North Carolina. This beautiful state is such an incredible place to raise a family. 

Our youngest graduated high school and I began Oak & Stone Custom Homes and started building homes again. I’d forgotten how much I loved it and I have missed it. Our company has really taken off and we are so busy. My husband has since left his corporate job and is now working full-time alongside me. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel with each new endeavor, there will always be struggles. How you handle those struggles, makes all the difference and the greatest tool that you have is your attitude. Finding land to build on was our greatest obstacle. Because we were a new company, no one wanted to give me the opportunity, when they realized it had been a few years since I’d built a home. I was blessed to find a great agent after speaking with several agents. He was able to find us land to build our first ‘Custom Spec’ home on. I feel I was blessed with all of the great contacts I’ve made from a lender, Sub-contractors, Suppliers, etc. From that first home, our company has exploded with growth. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in Custom Homebuilding. What sets me apart from others, is that in any price range, a home can be a ‘Custom’ home. I get lost in all of the details of building a home, which starts with the architect. I love to take a set of plans and push out walls, to obtain a huge Master Suite, huge Pantry and make a home much more functional. I will make changes on the ‘spot’ during the framing stages when I realize a space can become better. I love designing all of the finished work, especially the kitchen. A kitchen is the heart of the home and so important. Oak & Stone Custom Homes is known for its quality and the level of detail that we provide our clients. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My first great love is my husband, Mike. I’m so blessed that he’s chosen to leave his corporate career behind and join me on this crazy journey of building homes. We have way too much fun and I’m grateful for the time we get to spend together. We truly complement one another with our skill sets, especially when it comes to building custom homes. We hear from so many people, that we need our own HGTV show. I laugh and tell them, “I’m afraid we wouldn’t offer enough drama.” 

My second great ‘loves’ are my children and grandchildren, I’m so blessed. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.oakandstonecustomhomes.com/
• Instagram: oakandstonecustomhomes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakandstonecustomhomes