Custom Home Builder in Corolla, NC
Corolla is where the Outer Banks feels a little wilder. The red brick Currituck Beach Lighthouse and long, quiet stretches of sand make it one of the most loved places on the coast to own a home. It’s also where Croatan Custom Homes has won five Parade of Homes awards: two Judges’ Awards of Excellence and People’s Choice in 2021, 2024 and 2025.
Our Parade home was in The Currituck Club, and people loved its wide-open, airy feel, grand entrance, and upscale finishes.
Why build in Corolla
Corolla gives you choices. Whalehead and Pine Island put you close to the ocean, Corolla Light and Monteray Shores bring community pools and soundside amenities, and The Currituck Club wraps homes around a golf course. Whether you want a family gathering place, a strong rental, or a home you’ll retire to one day, there’s a Corolla neighborhood that fits.
If you plan to rent part of the year, we design for both lives: big shared spaces for the weeks you’re there, and durable, easy-care finishes for the weeks your guests are.
What building in Corolla involves
Corolla falls under Currituck County’s rules rather than a town’s, and much of it sits in a FEMA flood zone, where the county requires new homes to sit 2 feet above base flood elevation. Oceanfront lots also face state CAMA setbacks, and many neighborhoods have their own covenants.
Those rules play out differently on every lot. How high will your house sit? How far back from the ocean? What do your neighborhood’s covenants allow? We’ll answer those for your lot before you commit to a design, and we handle the permits, engineering and flood paperwork from there.
How we build in Corolla
Croatan Custom Homes is a family-owned builder based in Kitty Hawk, led by Austin Kelly, the son and grandson of architects and engineers. We build new custom homes on a lot you already own or one you’re considering. Our Corolla Crab model, a step up from the classic Outer Banks beach box with a tower on top, is one place to start.
Wherever you live, you’ll get weekly updates during construction, so you always know what’s happening on site and what decisions are coming up.
Common questions about building in Corolla
Who handles permits in Corolla?
Currituck County, since Corolla isn’t an incorporated town. We handle the permits for you, so you don’t have to.
How high does a new Corolla home have to sit?
In a flood zone, at least 2 feet above base flood elevation. The exact height depends on your lot, and we’ll tell you what yours needs.
Can I build a rental home in Corolla?
Yes. Neighborhood covenants vary, so let’s look at your lot and your plans together.
Own a lot in Corolla or eyeing one? Let’s set up a free lot walk before you buy or design. Call 252-715-2731 or reach out on our Contact page.