Any custom home builder suggestions? (Mercedes, Howe: condo, home builders, buying)

[XLadylawX]

DH and I are considering building a custom home rather than buying an existing home or new construction in a development tract?

We are both professionals and don't have any children and homes just don't seem to be designed for people like us (we need two offices and big reception rooms).

[gdu]

My fiance and I used Baker Custom Homes and were very pleased. Great quality and very willing to work with us. We love everything about the house. They usually do big, expensive houses on the lake, but have been doing smaller (3,000+ sqft) houses since last spring bc of the economy. Got all the best subs bc of the market and their finish-out is much nicer than the other homes I have seen in this price point.

[phil938]

I would also check out Mezger Homes (::: Mezger Homes LLC :::) - Luke Mezger is a custom home builder that has done remodeling work at my house, and has also built several new homes as well as a substantial number of complete renovations. I highly recommend him as he has high integrity and unique commitment to clear communication and quality work. I find that to be rare in the homebuilding industry. Feel free to tell him that Phil sent you.

[ROTM2010]

Another option may be to go with a builder like Tilson. They start at a lower price point (mid 100's) but are good quality and VERY customizeable. You're describing the floor plan that my wife and I are working towards. We are going to customize the master bedroom also into something much bigger and this is an affordable way to have our dreamhome the way we envision it.

[ROY DUBOSE]

we did a renovation/addition in 2007 - our guy treated our money like it was his own and, including a $10k unbudgeted deck,, brought the project in @ 7% over budget -- dm me for contact if you'd like

[Shes_LuLu]

Mercedes homes, Ryland homes, but it depends on what your price range is. Good luck!

[intmd8r]

Originally Posted by Shes_LuLu

Mercedes homes, Ryland homes, but it depends on what your price range is. Good luck!

While Mercedes Homes are pretty nice (Ryland not really in that same league), those are cookie cutter/subdivision/tract home builders, not custom home builders.

[imamathgeek]

We used Nalle Custom Homes. They were fantastic. Not only did they complete our house on schedule and budget, they were a pleasure to deal with. They even had some improvements to our design. With them, it was truly a custom home. You have to pick out every detail of your house, from shingles to hinges on the doors. They build in all price ranges. Good luck.

[JayBrown80]

Originally Posted by XLadylawX

DH and I are considering building a custom home rather than buying an existing home or new construction in a development tract?

We are both professionals and don't have any children and homes just don't seem to be designed for people like us (we need two offices and big reception rooms).

It's interesting you say that because I have found that to be frustratingly true. As one half of a childless couple myself, it's really frustrating to look at new homes and have only 2 choices, 1) A really nice house without about 3 too many bedrooms, or 2) a not so nice crackerjack box.

Sure, I can convert a bedroom to an office, but it's still just a bedroom with a computer in it. It's just weird that with all the customization options and myriad of choices out there in the home field, that there are NO floor plans aimed at the childless couple. Even plans for retirees are set up with extra bedrooms so the grandkids can visit.

I guess families drive the home building buisness, which is why it is so difficult to find a 1800-2400 sq ft house that is not just a 3 bedroom with no offices or entertaining spaces. It just is a little frustrating that DINKS (double income, no kids) have to choose the really more expensive option of custom home building in order to get a house that fits their lifestyle. I know MANY couples in my age group that don't have children and never plan on having them. It seems to be a growing trend too....I guess we should all just shut up and move to a downtown condo. LOL. No suburban dream for us.

Of course, with everything that's going on in the world, I guess it's a very small thing to complain about. It is just one of those things I have noticed.

[TheyCallMeDerek]

However I would say that it's not a great idea to custom build a home that's too out-of-the-ordinary because of resale value. If you ever have to sell it can be really tough trying to sell a home that is a two bedroom and two study, for example...