Business Details
18 Years
experience
Luxury Custom Home Construction Experts
Founded in 2008, Simply Southern Homebuilder has dedicated over 16 years to exceeding expectations in luxury home construction across the Low Country. Our boutique approach focuses exclusively on personalized, custom homebuilding that prioritizes clients' lifestyles and budgets. With founder Lisa Cornelius' 50+ homebuilding projects expertise and Larry Muething's 40+ years of construction leadership, we combine unmatched craftsmanship with strategic vendor relationships to deliver homes that maintain excellent resale value.Our commitment extends beyond contracts through daily site visits and transparent communication, particularly for out-of-town clients who benefit from our comprehensive virtual engagement process. We maintain strong community ties through active involvement in prestigious developments like Colleton River Club and Belfair.
Services
Custom Homebuilding
Signature Homes
Design-Build Services
Project Management
Community Expertise
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Personalized approach prioritizing client needs throughout the process
- Founders with combined 90+ years of homebuilding expertise
- Maintain #1 builder status in Colleton River Club community
- Extensive local vendor network secures best pricing for clients
- Proven track record delivering homes on time and on budget
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Completed on time and budget
Daily site visits
Transparent communication
Personalized approach
Services
Custom Homebuilding
Create one-of-a-kind luxury residences designed specifically for your lifestyle and property. Our expert team works closely with clients to transform visions into reality through personalized floor plans and material selections. Combining over 40 years of industry experience, we deliver homes that perfectly balance aesthetic appeal with functional excellence while maintaining strict budget controls.
Signature Homes
Premium pre-designed homes showcasing our highest craftsmanship standards in prime locations. These ready-to-build designs incorporate current luxury trends while maintaining timeless appeal. Each signature home receives the same meticulous attention as custom builds, with unique architectural details and premium finishes included as standard features.
Design-Build Services
Integrated design and construction process that simplifies homebuilding through unified project management. This method eliminates traditional communication gaps between architects and contractors, resulting in cost savings and faster timelines. Our collaborative approach ensures design intent remains intact from concept to completion while maintaining strict quality controls.
Project Management
Comprehensive oversight of the entire building process from initial planning to final delivery. Our system includes daily site monitoring, vendor coordination, and budget tracking. We handle all logistical challenges including architectural review board approvals and permit acquisition to ensure smooth project progression.
Community Expertise
Specialized understanding of Low Country community regulations and preferred supplier networks. We maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers in prime developments to streamline approval processes. This local expertise ensures compliance with architectural guidelines while securing priority access to premium lots and resources.
People
Lisa Cornelius
Founder and President
With 50+ homebuilding projects experience, Lisa founded SSHB in 2008 after successful careers in real estate and retail. Holds general contractor and realtor licenses while maintaining strong vendor relationships for client benefits.
Dave Cornelius
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Global business executive with Fortune 500 experience, providing strategic direction and financial stability to the company. Oversees investment partnerships and spec home ventures while supporting operational growth initiatives.
Larry Muething
Construction Manager
40+ year construction veteran with GC license and former framing company owner. Ensures quality control through daily site oversight while maintaining 98% first-pass inspection approval rates with Beaufort County building department.
Paul Cornelius
Administrator
Handles financial operations including accounts management and vendor contracts. Coordinates permitting with Beaufort Building Department while maintaining site cleanliness standards through subcontractor oversight.
Questions
What home types do you specialize in?
We focus on luxury custom homes and signature designer homes across five prestigious Low Country communities.
Can out-of-town clients build with you?
Yes, we specialize in remote client management with weekly updates, virtual walkthroughs, and dedicated communication.
How long does the building process take?
Typical timeline is 2-3 months from design to completion, with daily site oversight ensuring timely delivery.
Do you offer design assistance?
Yes, our design-build program integrates professional architectural services and interior design expertise throughout construction.
What communities do you build in?
We maintain preferred builder status in Colleton River Club, Belfair, Old Town Bluffton, and other premier developments.
How do you ensure quality control?
Our experienced construction manager conducts 16 inspections per home with a 98% first-pass approval rate.
Reviews (3)
Kenneth Clark
Jun 17, 2021
Report
In 2014, my wife and I decided to build our dream house in Bluffton, SC on a lot that we had purchased in Colleton River. We had never built our own house before, so selecting and working with the right builder was of high concern. Friends who had been through the process before us described it in less than glowing terms, and so we were anxious about finding someone trustworthy to work with. We chose three builders to evaluate based on recommendations from friends and contacts we had made in the area. All three were highly regarded. Being an entrepreneur myself and in an executive services
Becky Powers
Jun 15, 2021
Report
We had an excellent building experience with Simply Southern. Our home was built 10 years ago, and we have always appreciated the quality craftsmanship that we noticed from the start. This builder is meticulous about details. Her background in interior design provides a true complement to her home building knowledge. We felt our ideas were important, and we appreciated the guidance we received to enhance the final design. We continue to receive compliments 10 years later.
Becky and Mike Powers
Becky and Mike Powers
Edward Lynch
Jan 01, 2021
Report
We have built 6 homes in the last 20 years in various parts of the country with many different builders. This was by far the worst experience we have ever had. Our home was constructed in Colleton River in Bluffton SC. We priced the home with many custom builders and SS was the most Competitive but dont let that fool you. Money is made up along the way with cheaper construction techniques and things left out to save money. Nothing is competitively bid as was promised during interviews. When things were questioned, left out or errors were made it was always our fault, never the builders fault
