One of the few custom builders in Tennessee founded and ran by a woman, Magnolia Homes is proud to be different. President and Founder Karen Garner explains, “Success doesn’t come from the design or even the construction. It’s the owner’s commitment to uncompromising standards, and respecting the importance of your role in the lives of your homeowners.”

Garner’s right, and you can see the difference in the homes built by Magnolia. They’re solid, smartly designed, and offer a lifestyle like none other thanks to their construction and layout. Since 2008 they’ve been voted as the #1 Builder by Magnolia Homeowners. They’ve been a member of the Memphis Area Home Builders Association since 1987 and the Better Business Bureau since 1988.

These homes are built according to energy efficient standards and guidelines, reducing homeowner utility and replacement costs. Residents are satisfied with the utility costs. One happy client said, “Now that I have gotten through the summer months in my new home, to let you know my latest MLGW bill (for October), $64.09 was the damage. I can’t thank you enough. I think the highest MLGW bill for the summer was around $160-$170, which is remarkable for a home the size of mine.”

Each Magnolia Home comes with a 10 year warranty. Karen personally walks through each home before closing to ensure everything is up to code and up to her standards of satisfaction; the end result is that homebuyers have few warranty requests thanks to the diligence of both the contractors and Ms. Garner. The first year covers construction, year two includes systems (behind your walls), and years 3-10 cover structural aspects.

This Tennessee builder is proud to offer a military discount of up to 2% on their homes. They build in the Winstead Farms of Lakeland neighborhood, located just 30 minutes from the military base at Millington.

In addition to being near to the Millington military base, Magnolia builds near the exciting city of Memphis, named one of the Top 100 Most Fun Cities in the United States by Portfolio.com in 2010. With a low cost of living, good employment prospects, many young professionals, and plenty of cultural entertainment, Memphis is a perfect city for anyone looking to relocate.

For Magnolia homeowners, prospective buyers, or those interested in Memphis real estate, their blog is a easy way to stay updated. Once a week, you can check out a new post on their blog. Topics range from home staging tips, news on the housing market, reasons to buy/sell, and more. Their social media guru Jenna keeps their Facebook page, Twitter account, and Youtube videos up-to-date.

Whether you’re looking to relocate or looking for a new home in the Memphis area, Magnolia Homes has the right charm, price, and quality for just about any homeowner. Contact them today to get started on your dream home.

As years go by things change, and the custom home building business is no exception to that rule. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has recently published an article on the subject, laying out what new trends they’ve noticed with custom builders.

The nation has become increasingly concerned with the environment and the utility costs that come with not going green. To keep up with client preferences, builders are using green building techniques, including renewable or recycled materials. Homebuilders are also installing energy efficient appliances, water-saving plumbing, solar panels, double pane windows, insulation to cut heating costs, and more. Since these houses are, by nature, custom, clients are satisfied thanks to the multitude of eco-friendly options they can select to make their home one-of-a-kind.

Another trend in the custom housing market is the multitude of unique amenities we’re seeing in custom designs. Customers seeking a custom-built home want something that sets their home apart from the rest. Today’s homeowners are especially fond of health-conscious features, like yoga studios, weight-lifting rooms, saunas, resistance pools, and more. Besides healthy home features, clients are also looking for ways to entertain guests and relax. Bowling alleys, in-home theaters, game rooms, billiards, etc. are all on the top of the list for many buyers. Lastly, homebuyers are seeking comfy retreats in their custom home, like screened-in porches, greenhouses, or even warm hearths and outdoor living spaces.

It’s important to note that new additions are increasingly “techy,” in the age of cell phones and specialized apps. Customers love the idea of being able to control their lights, fireplace, garage door, home temperature, security system, and music all at the touch of a cell phone screen, so custom builders are tending to their needs by building houses that can integrate these apps.

Builders have also found themselves tailoring their projects to the needs of multigenerational households. Many families have a parent, relative, cousin, or even a friend live with them permanently, and they want their home to be compatible with their lifestyle. A 2011 study by the Pew Research Center reports that 39% of 18 to 34 year olds have had to move in with their parents in recent years.

Multigenerational families are often looking for a house including a traditional mother-in-law suite, a separate apartment, or a separate living space within the house. These apartments often include their own kitchenette, living area, and bathroom to help the family member retain their sense of independence.

A final trend the NAHB mentioned in their article was customers’ desire to build a house that is easily accessible to any visitor.  This means lower countertops, wider doorways, and fewer stairs for an aging baby-boomer generation. Building a custom place to suit the needs of a wide variety of people helps increase resale value and can make you, the builder, feel good to know that you’ve helped a person retain their independence longer than someone in a standard house with multiple flights of stairs or narrow doorways.

What trends have you noticed in the custom home building business? Leave a comment below!

With the improvements in technology in recent years, it’s no surprise that 90% of homebuyers begin their search online (and 52% of them end up buying a home they found online!). You’ve probably heard of apps like Zillow and Trulia, which allow buyers to search for homes in a specific geographic area, number of bedrooms, price range, and a number of other qualifiers. Besides applications that help buyers find you, there are many apps out there that can help you develop your business internally.

TurboViewer allows you to upload CAD files directly to your device and access them at any time. Switch bulky paper plans for this easy to use and lightning fast app. You can pan, zoom, and rotate through 3D and 2D CAD plans on your device, as well as email copies of a custom home to your clients and co-workers.

Home Builder Pro Calcs includes calculator functions for pricing and construction processes like electrical engineering, framing, flooring, walls, ceilings, roofing, and heating and cooling. There’s even a map estimator tool that will help you determine yard size, fence length, and more. Along with custom building and pricing estimates, you can use this app to help estimate the number of hours it will take to complete portions of a building project. This app is incredibly useful for builders looking for a tool to help them construct homes more efficiently and with exactness. Over 230 customers have rated this app and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Keep your business organized with the Toodledo to-do list application. This user friendly app allows you to create, prioritize, and rearrange organized lists of items to accomplish. Due dates, pop-up alarms, timers, a security passcode, and additional details set this app apart from the rest. A simple user interface makes Toodledo a must-have for custom homebuilders looking to get organized and keep track of multiple projects and tasks in one place.

In addition to Toodledo, Pronto Forms can help you organize tasks that have forms associated with them. Identify sites where you’ll need to use a form by address, GPS location, and type of inspection. This app is perfect for helping you track work order forms and keeping track of much of the paperwork associated with building a home.

It’s easy to keep track of changes customers want with My Measures & Dimensions PRO. This app is perfect for those smaller tweaks and projects customers may want after each walk-through. Simply take a snapshot and add text, arrows, and other reminders to the photo for easy-to-remember fixes. Save paper and messy sketchbooks for another time, this app will help you look professional and organized.

There are many apps out there that can help you grow your business, but we think these ones are some of the most important. Leave us a comment with your favorite building-related apps!

Manuel Builders builds custom homes in Lafayette while providing clients with open communication, trust, collaboration, and continuous innovation. With an emphasis on human connection, Manuel Builders are proud to take care of their clients by providing excellent customer service throughout the building process.

Manuel Builders offers a Design Build process to their clients, which they smartly call “one stop shopping.” The only “stop,” or agreement, you’ll have to make is one with the builder. Other homebuilders will have you sign contracts with architects, interior designers, and more, but Manuel believes it’s in their clients’ best interest to limit the contracts to one.

In addition, you’re signing up for a truly custom home, not just a floor plan with slight modifications. Their in-house architect will help you create a layout that works for your lifestyle and their interior design consultant will help you add final decorative touches once your home is completed. If you are ready to get started on the home of your dreams, why not start a folder on Manuel’s site? Click here!

If you’re interested in a move-in ready home, they have plenty of floor plans to choose from in several communities throughout Lafayette Parish.

Located in Carencro, Louisiana, Brock Pointe is an affordable community with some impressive conveniences. This fast-growing neighborhood is home to many modern niceties, including: shopping, dining, schools, employment, and hospitals. Homes here are situated on quarter-acre lots and the entire community is securely fenced and gated. Children living here will attend Lafayette Parish School System, including Ossun Elementary, Carencro Middle, and Carencro High schools, with the option to attend Lafayette Christian Academy.

Summerfield in New Iberia is located close to Main Street and offers its residents plenty of cozy charm. These homes are generously spaced and have lots of curb appeal. Children living here will attend The New Iberia Parish School District, including Daspit Elementary, Belle Place Middle, Westgate High, or Catholic High schools. Homes here range from 1,250 to 1,900 square feet and start at $150,000.

The Gardens in Abbeville features thoughtfully constructed homes with many distinct construction details. These homes qualify for 100% financing and include a Home Owner’s Association, landscaped yard, wood and brick accented front facade, fenced private yard with a gate, and are built away from the flood zone. Available homes start at $134,900 and can be viewed here.

Clients are happy with the homes that Manuel Builders in Lafayette Parish offer. One happy customer commended the company on their professionalism, saying, “We love our home! Your staff was very professional and patient during stressful situations. We would like to thank you for making our Dream come true.”

To get started on your new home, contact Manuel Builders today!

Since 2002, Summit Custom Homes has built nearly 700 homes in the Kansas City area. Their top-ranked status allows them to continue to bring the best craftsmen and personnel in to keep bringing you homes of high quality with elegant design. In addition to beautiful architecture and impressive fixtures and features, every Summit home is constructed to Green Build Advantage standards. These standards bring you an average of 30% more energy efficiency than a home built to 2006 energy efficiency standards. This translates into a healthier, cleaner, greener home for you–the difference is absolutely tangible!

Summit Custom Homes’ site provides plenty of information about their business and the process for getting your residence built. For a list of the steps in their building process, check out their link here. They list all of their brand partners so you can take a look at their fixture, flooring, and insulation selections.

In addition to business information, they’ve accumulated a number of glowing testimonials from present and past clients. One satisfied customer explained, “We heard horror stories relating to building a custom home, and this experience was anything but. My husband & I enjoyed every aspect of the building process […] We look forward to getting home nightly and enjoying our new, beautiful home.”

Summit Homes takes care of you not only before and during your home’s construction but also as a new homeowner. Whether you have questions about your warranty or simply need to log in to the Homeowner’s Portal to keep in touch, they’ve got you covered.

This Kansas City custom homebuilding company is invested in giving back to their community. Their St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Dream Home participation has helped raise over $2.9 million for the hospital. For 2013, Summit hopes to raise over $1,000,000 for this event. They sell raffle tickets for $100, with 17 prizes awarded in total. The grand prize for this raffle is a custom built home; other prizes include dry cleaning for one year, $1,000 gift certificates to various home accessory and fixture companies, a Chevrolet Sonic, and more. Learn more about this wonderful Kansas City philanthropy partnership on their page here.

Summit Custom Homes has won more than 60 awards, including the American Dream Award, Pick of the Parade, and the Distinctive Plan and Design Award from the Greater KC Home Builders Association. They’ve build homes in many of the leading communities in Kansas City, Missouri; Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Lenexa, Kansas; and Olathe, Kansas, among other areas.

Their floor plans start in the $184,950  price range, not including the homesite, and come standard with 2 to 5 bedrooms and 2 or 3 garage stalls. With over 45 floor plans to choose from, you’re sure to find and design your dream place with Summit Custom Homes in Kansas City. To get in touch with this homebuilder, contact them here.

For more than 40 years, Shaddock Homes has been building quality new homes in the Dallas area. Their commitment to building impressive homes is a shared responsibility, divided among their designers, contractors, suppliers, and everyone else at Shaddock. They take as much pride in creating your home as you will owning it. Each home they build is backed by the Bonded Builders Warranty Group, so you will be protected. Shaddock Homes builds around Dallas in Allen, Celina, Frisco, Murphy, and Parker. Check out a few of their beautiful communities below.

Located in Murphy, Rolling Ridge IV showcases elegant architecture, smart style, and expert construction in a rural-type location make this a desirable community for homebuyers. Murphy is close to recreational facilities, lakes and golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and major highways. Homes here range from $430,000 to $618,000 and include 5 bedrooms. Children living at Rolling Ridge IV will attend Martha Hunt Elementary, McMillen High, and Plano East Senior High schools.

Available homes at The Village of Stonelake Estates start in the high $400,000’s, with 5 bedrooms and 4 or 4.5 bathrooms. This community is located off 121 North and McKinney. Children living here will attend Ashley Elementary, Sam & Ann Roach Middle, and Heritage High schools. Standard features in this neighborhood’s homes include a master suite, Energy Star appliances, and gourmet kitchens. The Village of Stonelake Estates is located in Frisco.

Park Place Estates in Frisco features gorgeous homes in a sought after location. Children living here will attend the highly recommended William and Nichols Elementary, Pioneer Heritage Middle, and Frisco High schools. Park Place features a 2 acre park with a gazebo, impressive landscaping, and a community-wide “tree scape” to give the neighborhood a more established look. Homes here range from $495,000 to $588,800. Sales demands here are high, thanks to the neighborhood’s proximity to area shopping and dining, protected value of the properties over time, and large lots with a diverse floor plan selection.

There’s more than just their communities that makes Shaddock Homes stand out above the rest. Inside their homes are plenty of important features. Each house is Energy Star compliant, includes dow sheathing for the right level of insulation, a tankless hot water system, energy seal on all insulation areas, and so much more. Their homes aren’t just built to completion, they’re built to perfection; with plenty of special details unique to you, you’ll understand why Shaddock is the right choice for your custom home near Dallas.

Shaddock Homes is proud to have been voted as one of D Magazine’s Top Custom Builders from 2008-2013. A builder throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, they are renowned for their customer service and superior quality construction. Their pride in designing and building your home and hope you enjoy living there as much as they enjoyed creating it for you. Contact them today to get started on your dream home in Dallas.

Sun Custom Homes has worked hard to earn their reputation as a top custom homebuilder in the Oklahoma City area. Known for their French Country, Classical American, and Old World European building styles, Sun Custom has found their design niche. However, they are happy to branch out into other styles, and have enjoyed working on projects that utilized Tuscan, Mediterranean, and Southwest design elements as well. Many of their customers are referrals from past clients, creating a network of satisfied homeowners in Oklahoma City. Get to know Sun Custom better by learning about some of the communities where they build.

Lake Woods is set on 106 gorgeous acres with a landscaped entry to the 15 acres of common space, making it clear why this Moore neighborhood is incredibly popular. Features like a waterfall, private 10 acre natural lake, walking trails, and quick, convenient access to Moore schools, entertainment, shopping, dining, Oklahoma City, and Norman. If you’re looking for a place to call home without sacrificing nearby conveniences, make Lake Woods your community.

Located in Oklahoma City, Canterbury presents the old world charm Sun Custom Homes is known for. Their drive to provide people with the best value for their budget has helped set the new standard for homes in the price range available at Canterbury. A short drive via I-40 to downtown, this neighborhood’s desirable location is near to restaurants, banks, OKC metro, entertainment, shopping, and more. Those fond of the outdoors will enjoy the community’s walking and biking trails, recreation fields, and playscape. Low taxes, a great school system, and many wonderful amenities make Canterbury the place to make your own.

Vizcaya includes 71 home sites on 1/2 to full acre lots in Oklahoma City. One mile north of the Kilpatrick Turnpike and west of the Quail Springs Mall, this neighborhood is near to OKC’s best dining and entertainment. Homes here start at 2,400 square feet and common areas are maintained and landscaped. Waterfront and creekside lots are available and children will attend Edmond public schools.

Situated on one of the highest elevations in the Oklahoma City area, Pikes Pointe homes by Sun Custom is a one-of-a-kind community. Streets leisurely wind around the 93 oversized lots in this rugged neighborhood. Residents come home to an entrance located between two bubbling streams with a welcoming log sign in the median of the street. Located at NW 87th and County Line Road, this community is sure to fit the needs of those who are looking for quiet in a natural area.

With over 50 years of combined experience, you can count on Sun Custom Homes to deliver only the best. Whether you’re wanting a home with 1,500 or 10,000 square feet with a budget at $150,000 or above $2.5 million, they can build you a gorgeous home that is guaranteed to fit your budget and lifestyle.

WhiteStone Custom Homes is an A+ rated Better Business Bureau home building company based out of San Antonio. Since 1998, they have been bringing homebuyers their signature “Practical Luxury” style in both custom and inventory homes. Their floor plans are a mile above the rest thanks to their architectural detail and unique design.

The building process begins with your choice of community lot or your own purchased lot. In order to ensure a job well done and easily supervised, WhiteStone typically limits “build on your own lot” projects to a 5 mile radius of any of the eight communities where they build. They’ll have you lock in your homesite by way of a simple earnest money contract and then you’ll begin the design process.

As a home buyer, you will work with their design studio, a 15,000 square foot area where you will make an appointment to work on your floor plans. A sales counselor or community sales manager will help you navigate through the more than 40,000 choices on display in their studio and will help you decide how many bathrooms and bedrooms you want, what you want your home’s general aesthetic to feel like, and other general details. If you already have floor plans, their proprietary software program helps enter your information–at no extra cost–to give you an exact estimate of your dream home. WhiteStone has four model homes to help jog inspiration for those who want additional visual references.

After designs are submitted, you’ll work on a mortgage application and WhiteStone will help you fill out any building permits for your San Antonio home. Once the closing process is completed, construction on your home will begin!

Homes are usually completed around 7 months after the  Agreement of Sale contract is signed by both you and WhiteStone. San Antonio’s fantastic weather means you won’t have to wait for it to stop snowing or raining to keep your project on track. They are careful to schedule specific walk through appointments throughout the process to make sure each stage is up to your standards. You’ll visit the site at the home placement stage, when framing and planning is completed, before the last details are installed, and for a final walk through. Any changes or fixes at this point will be included in your closing costs.

WhiteStone Custom Homes has an extensive photo gallery online to give you an idea of the impressive standard of design and construction they hold themselves to. If their photos don’t convince you, make a point to check out these video testimonials from satisfied customers and realtors before moving on to the next builder.

If you’re ready to build your custom home in San Antonio, you won’t regret making WhiteStone your builder!

Woodbridge Custom Homes has a history of excellence and experience building quality new homes in the Kansas City area. Owners Jim Stark and John Geer have partnered up to bring clients unsurpassed customer service and the personal attention you deserve. As former production builders, Jim and John have chosen to focus on a smaller number of construction projects each year to ensure high quality and attention to every detail in the homes they build. Read on to learn about a few of the communities where they build custom homes.

Coffee Creek Crossing, developed by award-winning Saul Ellis and Mark Simpson, includes homes priced from the mid $400s to the low $500s. Floor plans and available homes in this community include 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3.5 or 4 bathrooms, though custom plans are available through Woodbridge Homes.Children living here will attend the highly desirable Blue Valley School District. To get to this neighborhood, take 69 Highway South and exit at 167th Street. Head west (right) and drive 1.2 miles to Switzer.

Located next to Olathe in Overland Park, Wilshire Farms encompasses 174 acres of stunning rolling land. Set near the intersection of 156th and Antioch, this community features homes ranging from the $400s to the $800s. Available homes are filling up fast, and include 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3.5 or 4 baths, and approximately 3,300 square feet of space. Many handy amenities are available to Wilshire Farms homeowners, like walking trails, a pool, community playground, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, and parks. Children living here also have the opportunity to attend Blue Valley schools.

Homeowners living in a Woodbridge home at the Estates of Forest View enjoy a community cabana and pool, swing area, walking trails, pergolas with picnic tables and grills, a sand volleyball court, and more. Located just west of Highway 7 and 119th Street in southern Johnson County, homes here range from $400,000 to $650,000. If you’re looking for privacy, fantastic views, and a peaceful, nature-friendly setting, the Estates of Forest View are sure to be a good fit for you.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a history, The Polo Fields in Overland Park can fit that bill. Formerly actual polo fields cut out of the woods, surrounding homes by tall trees, a winding creek, and plenty of privacy. Residents can send their children to Blue Valley schools and families and individuals alike will appreciate all that the surrounding community has to offer–entertainment, dining, and shopping. Check out The Polo Fields at 164th and Quivira. Homes here range from the $400s to the $800s.

Woodbridge Custom Homes brings you over 30 years of experience in home building and home insulation, along with amazing customer service that lets you talk to the owners directly throughout the building process. Contact them today to get started on your dream home.

Are you looking for the right new home in Edmond, Oklahoma? Look no further than Iron Horse Ranch, a community designed and constructed by Huelskamp Homes.

This master planned community is set in scenic northeast Edmond and includes a pool and clubhouse for residential use. Available built homes range from 3,600 to 4,500 square feet, but home buyers can select from a variety of floor plans and build on an available lot to fit their needs.

Iron Horse Ranch is a beautifully landscaped neighborhood just off Highway 77. Children living in Iron Horse Ranch will attend Centennial Elementary, Sequoyah Middle, and Edmond North High School.

Homes in this neighborhood begin in the $500,000′s.

Builder Tommy Huelskamp strives to create the perfect blend of quality and style for customers. Huelskamp Homes has a strong focus on constructing rustic homes that blend perfectly with their surroundings. If you’re searching for a new home, make Iron Horse Ranch your neighborhood in Edmond.