We take on a select few custom home builds each year. Not because we
can’t handle more — because doing it right means being fully
present on every project from foundation to final walkthrough.
Selective — a few builds per yearSo every project gets the attention it deserves
Owner-operated start to finishMatt and Craig on your build personally
Full scope managementFrom permits to final inspection
1-year workmanship warrantyWe stand behind everything we build
01 — What’s involved
A full build, managed from the ground up.
A custom home build isn’t a single service — it’s a sequence of
coordinated phases, each dependent on the last. Here’s what we manage.
Phase 01
Site Prep & Foundation
Lot clearing, grading, excavation, and foundation work. We coordinate
soil tests, utility locates, and pour a foundation built to spec and
properly waterproofed.
Phase 02
Structural Framing
Floor systems, wall framing, and roof structure — all to engineered
plans. This is where the bones of the house take shape, and where
quality of execution matters most for everything that follows.
Phase 03
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
Rough-in work by licensed trade contractors coordinated under our
management. HVAC ductwork, electrical rough-in, and plumbing run
before insulation or drywall goes up.
Phase 04
Building Envelope
Insulation, windows, exterior doors, siding, and roofing. The building
envelope determines long-term energy performance and weather
resistance — we don’t cut corners on materials here.
Phase 05
Interior Finishes
Drywall, flooring, cabinetry, tile work, trim, and paint — all the
finish work that determines what your home actually looks and feels
like to live in. This is where our craftsmanship shows most visibly.
Phase 06
Final Systems & Handoff
HVAC commissioning, fixture installation, final inspections, punch
list completion, and a thorough walkthrough. We don’t hand over
keys until everything is right.
02 — Why selective
We build fewer homes so each one is done right.
Custom home building done well is consuming work. It demands attention
at every phase — from the foundation pour to the final trim nail.
We take on a select few builds per year because that’s
how many we can do properly. If that means we’re not the fastest
option, we’re fine with that.
Matt & Craig on every buildYou know who’s managing your project
Written scope, no surprisesEvery change order documented before work proceeds
Licensed trades, properly managedWe coordinate and oversee every sub on your build
1-year workmanship warrantyWe stand behind the whole build
03 — The process
From first call to handing over the keys.
Custom home builds are long. A realistic timeline from first conversation
to move-in day runs 12–18 months for most projects.
Here’s how the journey looks with us.
01
Initial consultation
We sit down and talk through your vision, your site, your timeline,
and your budget. We ask hard questions upfront so everyone’s aligned before work starts.
02
Design & written proposal
Working from your plans (or in coordination with your architect), we
develop a detailed written proposal with full scope, materials list,
phased timeline, and pricing.
03
Permits & site prep
We manage permit applications and coordinate utility work, lot clearing,
and grading before the foundation goes in.
04
Foundation through framing
The structural phases of the build. Regular progress updates and
access to the site throughout so you always know where things stand.
05
Mechanical, envelope & finishes
MEP rough-in, building envelope, then all interior finish work —
the phases where the house goes from structure to home.
06
Final inspection & handoff
We complete the punch list together, pass all required inspections,
and hand over the keys when everything is right. Not before.
04 — Recent builds
Built from the ground up.
Custom HomeStillwater, MNCustom Home InteriorCottage Grove, MNCustom HomeWoodbury, MNCustom Home KitchenHastings, MN
05 — Honest expectations
Is this a fit?
We don’t take on every project we’re offered —
and we’d rather find that out in the first conversation than three months in.
Here’s what makes for a good working relationship with us.
You have a clear vision — not necessarily blueprints yet, but a real
sense of what you want to build and why.
Your timeline is realistic — a quality custom home build in
Minnesota takes 12–18 months from start to move-in.
Your budget reflects quality construction costs — we build to last,
not to a number that requires cutting corners.
You want a partner, not just a contractor — we communicate
consistently and expect the same in return.
You’re ready to have the honest conversation — if your scope
and budget don’t align, we’ll tell you directly.
A select few — intentionally. We’re not trying to scale a volume building
operation. We take on the projects we can give proper personal attention to,
where Matt and Craig are genuinely involved in the build from start to finish.
If you’re interested, reach out early — availability is limited.
We work from architectural plans. If you already have plans, great — bring them
and we’ll build from them. If you don’t, we can refer you to architects
we’ve worked with in the area. We don’t provide architectural design
services ourselves, but we’re happy to be involved in conversations with
your architect to make sure the plans are buildable within your budget.
Realistically, 12–18 months from permit approval to move-in for most
projects. That includes permit processing time (which we don’t control),
site prep, foundation curing time, framing, rough-in inspections, and finish
work. We’ll give you a specific phased timeline in the proposal based on
your actual scope and the time of year we’re starting.
Reach out and tell us about your project — where you are in the process
(do you have land? plans?), what you’re trying to build, your rough
timeline, and your budget range. We’ll schedule a conversation and be
honest with you about whether it’s a fit. No pressure either way.
Send us a message or call
(651) 371-1730.
Dreaming bigger? Let’s find out if we’re the right fit.
Tell us about your project — we’ll give you a straight answer.
