The Art of Custom Home Construction
As a builder focused exclusively on custom, ground up home construction, we have seen it all. And today we're talking about getting those steel-toed boots to the ground and start the building process.
In this episode of The Art of Custom, Kim Hibbs sits down with Hibbs Homes team members Chris Pedigo and Melody Meiners to walk listeners through what to expect once construction begins.
Together, they explain what “Better Built Custom Homes” really means from the perspective of communication and quality control to daily site management and teamwork. They also unpack how to vet potential builders, the difference between production, semi-custom, and true custom homes, and how collaboration and transparency lead to better results.
Whether you’re preparing for your first build or you're just curious about how the process works, this episode will help you understand the questions to ask, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to find a builder you can trust.
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Season Three, Episode Five | Transcript
One of the most important steps in the building process is choosing the right builder to bring your dream home to life. This episode of The Art of Custom focuses on what homeowners should know when selecting a builder, what defines a “better-built” home, and how to ensure a smooth, enjoyable building process from start to finish.
Building Better from the Ground Up
The phrase “Better Built Custom Homes” reflects Hibbs Homes’ belief that true quality goes beyond what’s visible. The process matters as much as the finished product. A well-built custom home relies on precision at every stage, from the foundation and framing to insulation and window installation.
Better-built homes, also known as high-performance homes, are stronger, healthier, quieter, and more efficient. They are constructed with materials and techniques designed to reduce maintenance, improve air quality, and perform for decades to come.
High Performance Building: What It Really Means
Building codes have improved over time, but a home built with high-performance techniques goes far beyond the minimum requirements. These homes are energy-efficient, comfortable, and durable thanks to upgraded insulation, proper air sealing, and precisely chosen mechanical systems.
A true high-performance builder focuses not just on energy savings, but also on healthier indoor air, quieter living spaces, and long-term durability. And this focus requires attention to detail and quality control that can’t be enforced by code alone.
The Importance of Communication
One of the biggest differentiators in a positive building experience is communication. Clients today want to understand how their home works and why certain decisions are made. Builders should educate homeowners on materials, performance options, and the trade-offs of each choice.
Clear communication builds confidence, ensures smoother progress, and helps clients feel empowered throughout the construction process.
Understanding Builder Types
Before choosing a builder, it’s important to understand the three main types of home construction:
- Production Homes: Built from a small set of floor plans in larger developments with limited customization.
- Semi-Custom Homes: Allow some flexibility in layouts and finishes while still based on predesigned plans.
- True Custom Homes: Designed and built from scratch to suit the homeowner’s specific vision, site, and lifestyle.
A custom builder offers the most flexibility, design control, and personalized service. Custom building is ideal for homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind home completely tailored to their life and tastes.
What to Expect During Your Home's Construction
Once the design and budgeting are complete, construction begins as does the hands-on phase of the process.
Homeowners should expect regular communication, detailed schedules, and multiple onsite walkthroughs during key stages such as plumbing, electrical, and finishing. These walkthroughs ensure that everything from outlet placement to bathroom layouts matches the homeowner’s expectations and vision.
At Hibbs Homes, each project has a dedicated superintendent who oversees the site daily. Online project management tools like JobTread help keep everyone connected by tracking selections, financials, and schedules.
Setting Expectations Early
Before construction starts, homeowners and builders should discuss:
- Site access and communication boundaries
- Weather and scheduling policies
- How change orders and selections are handled
- Who to contact for questions or updates
Setting these expectations in advance prevents frustration and ensures a respectful, transparent working relationship.
Handling Surprises on the Job Site
Even the best-planned projects encounter surprises. Hidden site conditions and design adjustments almost invariably come up in the field when you're building a custom home. What matters most is how the builder responds. A good builder brings solutions, not excuses, communicating options and next steps clearly and calmly.
Unexpected delays due to weather, supply issues, or design revisions are part of the process. Experienced teams plan contingencies and communicate any schedule impacts upfront.
The Homeowner’s Role
In custom home design and building, the client is an active part of the construction team. Homeowners collaborate with the builder, superintendent, estimator, and designer to make decisions and ensure the home reflects their vision.
Each party has a defined role:
- The superintendent manages day-to-day construction.
- The designer curates selections and aesthetics.
- The estimator keeps the project aligned with the budget.
- The homeowner provides feedback, approvals, and input along the way.
This team approach creates a seamless process and a better-built home.
Choosing the Right Fit
Selecting the right builder is as much about trust and communication as it is about pricing. Homeowners should look for builders who are transparent, organized, and willing to educate them throughout the process. References are helpful, but a strong personal connection and aligned values are equally important.
Trust your instincts when you're talking to builders. If the relationship feels collaborative and respectful from the start, the construction experience will likely follow suit.
Building a custom home is a major investment and a deeply personal journey. The right builder will communicate clearly, guide you through decisions, and treat you as part of the team.
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