Who is Gaylord Design Build?
Gaylord Design Build, LLC is a Raleigh custom home builder founded and led by Richard Warren "Trey" Gaylord III, who is also its licensed qualifier. Trey came back to Raleigh after working in Washington and in financial services, and the company describes itself as a third-generation North Carolina builder. It builds customized speculative and presold homes across the Research Triangle.
The design-build model is the point of difference. Instead of an in-house design team, Gaylord matches each client with an independent professional designer chosen for that project (how the company explains it).
Gaylord Design Build license and company record
Gaylord Design Build, LLC holds North Carolina general contractor license 70975, classification Building - Unlimited. As of October 2026 it is active, with an expiration date of December 31, 2026. The qualifier is Richard Warren Gaylord III (NC Contractor Check record).
Where Gaylord Design Build has built
| Community | Town | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Chapel Ridge | Pittsboro | A 2026 listing shows a Gaylord custom home under construction at 453 Golfers View |
| Avalyn | Wake Forest | The Avalyn site plan names Gaylord on the builder team, with the model at 2733 Derby Glen Way |
| Hermitage | Moncure | A Chatham County permit (PRBLDG201806446) for 515 Forest Lake Estates, Hermitage Lot 4 |
The company's service area runs across Wake and Chatham counties, including Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina and Chapel Hill.
What Gaylord Design Build builds
- Customized spec homes and presold custom homes
- Residential design-build with an outside designer matched to each client
- General contracting and remodeling, including additions and basement remodels
Gaylord Design Build awards and reviews
Gaylord Design Build lists two 2008 honors on Houzz: Triangle Building Company of the Year and Parade of Homes Gold. Its Houzz profile shows a 5.0 rating from 2 reviews as of October 2026. Two reviews is a thin sample, so ask for recent client references.
Finding Gaylord Design Build online
We could not reliably identify a Facebook or Instagram page. The company's own website is working:
- gaylorddesignbuild.com
- Houzz profile and reviews
- Triangle Builders Guild member list
- NC Contractor Check license record
Questions to ask before you hire Gaylord Design Build
- Which outside designer would you pair with my project, and who holds the design contract?
- Is this house a spec home or presold, and how much of the plan can I still change?
- How are design fees and builder fees separated in the contract?
- Can we see a finished home in Chapel Ridge or Avalyn?
- What warranty do you give, and in writing? See our builder warranty guide.
Building on a lot you are still buying? Read buying land to build a house, and see why the builder's agent works for the builder.
Comparing design-build firms? Talk with the Tim M. Clarke Team and we will review the design and construction contracts side by side with you.
Sources checked (October 2026): Gaylord Design Build about page; Design-build page; NC Contractor Check; Houzz; 453 Golfers View listing; Avalyn site plan; Chatham County permits
