Licensed to Build

Big News from The Castle & Co. – Alex Lowder Passes His GC Builder Exam with a 92!

We’re thrilled to announce that Alex Lowder, co-founder of The Castle & Co., has officially passed the North Carolina General Contractor (GC) Builder Exam—with an impressive score of 92!

To give some perspective: the state’s required passing score is 70%, and most first-time test-takers spend weeks in prep courses just to meet the minimum. Scoring in the 90s is rare and speaks volumes about Alex’s deep understanding of the craft.

Alex’s expertise hasn’t come through textbooks or boardrooms—it’s been built through years of hands-on DIY projects and learning directly from some of the best builders in the business. His commitment to quality, problem-solving, and doing things the right way has been at the heart of every project we take on.

With this exam behind him, we’re excited to share that Castle & Co. will soon be a fully licensed general contractor in North Carolina. That means we can now officially offer a wider range of construction services—from custom builds and large-scale remodels to additions and full renovations—with the same care, craftsmanship, and character we’re known for.

We couldn’t be more proud of Alex or more excited about what’s ahead.

Let’s create refuge!