Using the finest materials, Shodeen Homes has been building premiere custom homes in Geneva and surrounding Kane County, Illinois for over thirty years.

The Sjodin Tradition

As a department of Shodeen, the Sjodin Custom Homes team prides themselves on building quality homes in the best communities. The Sjodin tradition is built around Old World Craftsmanship – they use the finest materials and follow the highest standards of construction and energy efficiency.

Mill Creek

The best example of Sjodin Custom Homes’ values is displayed in their Mill Creek community. Sprawling over 1,400 acres near Geneva, Mill Creek was named “Best Overall Community in the Midwest” by Professional Builder Magazine in 1999.

Close to top rated schools, excellent restaurants, and superb shops, Mill Creek is the ideal Illinois community for you and your family. Over 17 miles of nature and biking trails weave through and around the community, while the swimming pool and Community Center give you a place to exercise and socialize.

Choose from homes with 3 – 5 bedrooms, and options like a first or second floor laundry room, full basements, and fully sodded yards with landscaping packages.

Mill Creek is also near the popular 18-hole public Mill Creek golf course, as well as the Tanna Farms course. Two on-site community churches provide options for worship, while two on-site elementary schools ensure your children won’t have to go too far for their education.

Get More Information

Interested in building your new custom home with Shodeen’s custom division? Contact them today and see how they can make your dream come true in the Fox Valley area!

It’s a given in any industry where you provide a service, particularly a custom one: at some point, you’ll have to deal with a difficult client.

Whether it’s a disagreement over a timeline, or a perceived miscommunication regarding a design choice, taking small precautions along the way can prevent a huge problem later.

According to Custom Builder, there are a few ways you can prevent problem clients from becoming nightmares – and we’ve summarized our top three for you below.

Tip #1: Set Expectations Early

If you don’t lay it all out from the get-go, you’re sure to have it come back to haunt you. Be sure to sit down with the client and go over all the details and what they can expect from each stage of the project.

Keeping thorough documentation throughout can also be a blessing if a client comes back later with questions and concerns. Saving communication, notes from phone calls, and copies of the contract and any addendums can save you from a painful conversation in the long run.

Tip #2: Don’t Let the Client Drown in Paperwork

Not all clients will understand the blueprints laid out before them. In fact, your average customer probably isn’t going to know what to do with them at all. That’s why it’s extremely important to do what Custom Builder refers to as a “paper walkthrough.”

Similar to walking through the home, you sit down with the client and go through each page of the blueprints and details so they understand exactly what is going into their home. This cuts down on clients who come back and say, “I didn’t know you were going to lay out the room like that.”

Tip #3: Be Transparent on Costs

Often, clients will request changes in the middle of the process that ends up adding more to the budget. In these cases, keeping a detailed cost-tracking system will make it easier when a client demands to see a line-by-line of why their price is so high.

“Invite them to look at the books often during construction, so you don’t have the mother of all closings where the client is scrutinizing every single invoice,” Michael Lenahen advised Custom Builder. As president of Aurora Custom Homes in Jacksonville Beach, Fl, his company has built credibility with clients by showing complete transparency.

As the Saying Goes…

…even the best laid plans of mice & men are bound to fail at some point. If you follow these tips, though, you’ll be able to avoid the biggest catastrophes, nip problems in the bud, and have the tools you need to manage an anxious client.

To read the full Custom Builder Online article, click here. 

A division of SeaGate Homes, Bellagio Custom Homes is based in Flagler County, Florida. Bellagio specializes in crafting unique luxury residences in premiere Florida communities.

The Bellagio Process

Clients of Bellagio Custom Homes receive regular updates on their project from start to finish. Bellagio values clear communication and delivers it with personal phone calls, visits, and photographs of your home under construction.

Bellagio keeps their process simple and streamlined so you can follow along every step of the way. Here’s an overview of what it’s like to build a custom home with Bellagio:

1. Choose your lot. Once the Bellagio team knows your perfect location, they’ll be able to craft the home of your dreams.
2. Illustration. Using their vast plan library, Bellagio’s preferred architects and designers will create a design just for you.
3. Materials. Now’s the time to choose exactly what will go in your home: paint colors, landscaping, and more.
4. Approvals. Now that the designs are done, Bellagio seeks your official approval. They also will obtain any needing permitting elements.
5. Time to build! Bellagio crafts each home using proven tradesmen so that you will receive the highest quality luxury home.

The Bellagio Difference

Bellagio Custom Homes are built using high quality materials with a supreme attention to detail that leads to unmatched value. They’re confident you’ll see the Bellagio Difference for yourself.

With an industry-leading 10-year structural warranty and outstanding customer service, Bellagio Custom Homes is ready to build your luxury dream home.

Get More Information

Are you ready to start your custom building process in Florida with Bellagio? Contact their team today to learn more!

About the Builder

Camellia Homes is the premier On Your Lot builder in Beaumont, Texas. With a top-notch team and a proven history of excellence, Camellia Homes dedicates themselves to bringing you the absolute best in new custom homes.

On Your Lot with Camellia Homes

Camellia’s unique advantage as a custom builder is not only building on your lot, but also their ability to take a plan you already have in mind and turn it into reality. Since you are not limited to the base plans they have in store, the possibilities are truly endless.

Each Camellia home also includes a variety of standard included features, ensuring you always receive the best in your newly constructed home. Check out some of the features you can expect when building a home with Camellia in Beaumont:

• All wood cabinets
• “Tech-Shield” roof decking for added energy efficiency
• Textured walls
• Pull down attic stairway
• High efficiency central heat & air
• Ten year warranty on structure
• Completely insulated exterior walls & ceilings

What About Financing?

If you’re a bit lost on where to start with financing your new Camellia home, you can rest easy! Camellia is here to help with financing advice. Having established great relationships with expert lenders, Camellia is proud to recommend a variety of lenders suited to helping you with your new home financial needs.

Camellia will help you figure out what lender is best and get you connected so you will know exactly what kind of loan you may need. In many cases, if you still owe money on a property, they can even arrange financing to pay the lot off as well.

Let’s Get Started

If you’re ready to get started on your new custom home, be sure to contact Camellia Homes today.

About the Builder

Building in four different states, Southwest Homes is dedicated to bringing you the best in custom homes. Based out of Texas, Southwest Homes proudly serves locations in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Location Spotlight: Arkansas

Southwest Homes of Springdale, Arkansas has been serving customers for over 15 years. An on your lot builder, Southwest Homes happily builds your home on your land. Whether it is a one-story or two-story, a vacation home or an executive home, you can rest easy knowing Southwest offers unparalleled craftsmanship.

Southwest offers a variety of customizable plans to choose from in the Arkansas area. Already have a dream home design in mind? No worries! Southwest Homes has you covered. They will work with you to lift it off of paper and into reality. Check out their Bring Your Own Plan page to learn more about this unique opportunity.

Southwest Homes customizes everything from the home, to the land, to the customer experience. Their team works hard to stay on top of the latest building trends and best practices to make sure your new custom home is nothing less than the best. A third-party inspector reviews each home built at various stages of its construction to ensure everything is up to standards. Once the home is built, Southwest gives you an extensive warranty so you can settle in to your new home knowing you made the right choice in builders.

Get More Information

To discover how you can build your new custom home with Southwest Homes, contact them today! They are willing to travel to you, and are currently serving the Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma areas.

Countdown to Zero

If there were a catchphrase for the new millennium, it would be “going green.” But what about using almost no energy at all?

Everywhere you look, the environment has become the hot topic of discussion. Whether it’s debating the existence of global warming (spoiler: it exists), electric cars, or solar panels, the green trend is here to stay.

The Stats

Today, custom builders are putting in more and more effort to ensure their homes use less and less energy, saving you money on bills while also protecting the environment.

A leader in this effort is the state of California. According to Custom Home Online, California’s goal for 2020 is to require builders to construct homes using zero net energy by 2020.

Confused what that means? Let’s break that bad boy down.

Zero net energy (ZNE) requirements mean a building can only use as much energy as it is able to produce from clean, renewable resources. If California meets their goal, per Custom Home Online’s article that could mean Californian homes would not only be zero energy ready – they could even produce their own renewable energy.

The opportunity for success in California (and other states who join the charge) is high: ZNE building is a growing market, and many builders are already tapping into the “going green” trend.

The Solutions

Here are just a few ways builders can work ZNE tactics into their homes:

• If the location is right, solar or wind power could be a good source for you
• The use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) to make sure hot (or cold) air doesn’t seep in from the outdoors unless desired
• High efficiency windows that not only help with heating and cooling, but also bring in natural light
• Using Energy Star appliances
• …and more!

Moving Forward

If you’re building a custom home or thinking about one, be sure to ask your builder how they incorporate green building into their homes. Each builder has their own process, but we should all work towards the goal of zero energy ready homes.

About the Builder

If you’re looking for a home that is low in maintenance but bursting with style, Cothran Homes is the builder for you! Cothran builds new homes in the South Carolina area with plenty of customization options to make sure the home is a perfect fit for your lifestyle.

High Quality Homes

In Greenville, SC, the Cothran name is associated with some of the area’s most well-known landmarks, like The Shops at Azalea, River Walk, and more. Cothran takes pride in building with the highest quality construction partners in the most prized Greenville locations.

Cothran crafts each of their neighborhoods to be perfect for your unique lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a custom single family home or a maintenance-free town or patio home, Cothran is sure to have the house for you.

Community Spotlight: The Reserve at Asheton Lakes

Located in Simpsonville, the Reserve at Asheton Lakes is mere minutes from the Shops at Greenridge and downtown Simpsonville. A gated and maintenance-free townhome community, Asheton Lakes offers a variety of included features, amenities, and the peace of mind knowing you won’t have to maintain your home.

Residents of Asheton Lakes enjoy a private community pool and cabana, walking trails, as well as an amazing amount of green space. Yard work and cleaning your gutters will be the farthest from your mind since Asheton Lakes takes care of it all.

In Asheton Lake, all three available plans feature the owners suite on the main floor. Garages, granite kitchen countertops, hardwood floors in the main living area, and more are all features you can expect from a home in Asheton Lakes.

Get More Information

To learn more about Asheton Lakes, or to learn about other homes and communities by Cothran Homes, contact them today! Cothran Homes is ready and waiting to help you find the home of your dreams in Greenville, South Carolina.

Builder Spotlight

O’Neal Builders is a Central Illinois custom builder that focuses on building one detail at a time. With O’Neal Builders, you can trust you’re getting the best that Central Illinois has to offer.

Focused on the Details

O’Neal Builders dedicates themselves to bringing you the best in custom home building. Jim O’Neal, the President/Owner, has a keen eye for detail. Partnered with Amy O’Neal’s degree in design and experience in customer service, together they are able to follow through on their promises of quality, service, and satisfaction.

O’Neal Builders is service-oriented and dedicated to making sure the biggest financial decision of your life is as painless as possible. With O’Neal, you can expect constant contact throughout the building process as well as prompt attention to follow-ups and warranty service. However high your standards might be, O’Neal always seeks to exceed them.

Community Spotlight: Trails on Sunset Lake

The premiere subdivision in Normal, IL, Trails on Sunset Lake shows that life truly is better by the water. Expansive lots and walk-out basements right on the lake let you bring the weekend-at-the-lake feeling into your own backyard.

Fishing, tree-lined boulevards, and private walking trails are the icing on the cake for this dream community. The private community is the perfect escape after a long day at the office.

Elegant, yet still casually redefined, Trails on Sunset Lake could be the location of your dream home.

Get More Information

Ready to learn more about Trails at Sunset Lake or other communities by O’Neal Builders? Visit their website to contact them today!

About the Builder

Cole Builders is a custom new home builder that serves Jacksonville, Florida. Dale Cole and his team have designed and built beautiful custom homes in the area for over a decade, but also offer services in whole-house remodeling, additions, and more.

Quality Custom New Homes in Florida

When you build with Cole Builders, you know you’re getting the best that money can buy. Expect unsurpassed quality and receive nothing less when you sign on with the Cole Builders team.

Gone are the days of not being able to get a hold of your manager – Dale Cole himself personally oversees quality control. His team might refer to him as “overly fussy,” but that’s something you’ll be sure to appreciate.

Cole Builders manages every aspect of construction from start to finish, meaning you’ll never be tossed around and will always have one point of contact. Your home should be a joy, not a burden, so come see what Cole Builders can do for you!

Remodeling and More

Could the home of your dreams use a little bit of tweaking to fulfill its potential? Cole Builders can help with that!

With experience in nearly every type of remodeling job imaginable, Cole Builders treats the remodel process just like its custom build process. Their team will gain a solid understanding of your desires and present you with a design concept before starting the job.

Check out the types of remodeling jobs Cole Builders could do for you:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Adding a full second floor
• Driveways
• Landscaping
• Whole house interior
• Whole house exterior
• …and more!

Get More Information

To learn more about building your new custom home in Jacksonville or to inquire about a remodel, contact Cole Builders on today.

Camellia Homes builds new custom homes on your lot in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Dedicated to building the best new homes for their customers, Camellia Homes brings a top-notch team to the table.

An Easy Process

Camellia Homes make building your home on your lot easy with their simple process. Their New Home Consultants will help you pick out the perfect plan for you and customize it to fit your taste.

Already have your dream plan picked out? No worries! Camellia Homes can help you out. Just contact the closest office to you to find out more.

Breaking Ground

Once you’ve settled on a plan, it’s time to build! Camellia Homes helps you determine the best placement for your home on your land, and you’ll meet with the Camellia Home Construction Manager to hammer out the final details and learn more on the specifics of the construction process.

Are you a detail-oriented buyer? Then you’re in luck! Camellia provides their buyers with a copy of the complete specifications and blueprints before the home is even built. Your Construction Manager will also update you regularly as your dream home is brought to life.

Moving In

Now comes the truly hard part – deciding what new furniture and decorations should go into your perfect new home! Camellia Homes will hand over your keys as you prepare to settle in to the new home of your dreams.

Get More Information

If Camellia Homes sounds like the custom builder for you, don’t hesitate to contact them today! With offices in Beaumont, TX and Lake Charles, LA, Camellia Homes could be your on your lot builder in Southeast Texas or Southwest Louisiana.