20 Tips for 20 Years: Insights from two decades of building dream homes

This year marks our 20th anniversary as a custom home builder in Houston, Texas and what a journey it has been! Over the past two decades, we’ve had the honor of designing and building dream homes, guiding homeowners through remodels, and watching countless families settle into spaces made just for them.

To celebrate, we’re sharing 20 practical tips, lessons we’ve learned along the way, that can help anyone building, remodeling, or simply making the most of their home.

Planning and Design

1. Start with a vision, not just a floor plan.
Think about how you want your home to feel and function before getting into the specifics of square footage and layouts.

2. Prioritize natural light.
Large windows, skylights, and thoughtful placement can transform a home’s atmosphere.

3. Design for your lifestyle.
If you love to entertain, focus on open living areas. If you work from home, invest in a comfortable office space.

4. Think long-term, not just today.
Kids grow, needs change, and trends shift—design with flexibility in mind.

Building and Remodeling Process

9. Choose the right builder.
Look for experience, communication, and a track record you can trust.

10. Communication is everything.
Keep the conversation open with your builder and ask questions—no detail is too small.

11. Expect surprises.
Even the smoothest projects have hiccups. Patience and trust make all the difference.

12. Visit the job site often.
Seeing progress firsthand helps you feel confident and catch small issues early.

Living in Your Home

17. Personal touches matter.
Art, family photos, and heirlooms make a house truly yours.

18. Storage is never wasted.
You’ll never regret adding more closets, cabinets, or garage storage.

19. Maintenance is part of the dream.
Plan time each year for upkeep—it protects your investment.

20. A home is more than walls.
At the end of the day, it’s about the memories you make inside. Build a home that supports the life you want to live.

Budget and Investment

5. Be realistic with your budget.
Include a contingency fund (10–15%) for the unexpected—it’s one of the biggest lessons we’ve learned in 20 years.

6. Invest in quality where it counts.
Flooring, windows, and roofing are worth splurging on for durability and resale value.

7. Don’t chase every trend.
Timeless design choices age better than overly trendy finishes.

8. Energy efficiency saves in the long run.
Investing in insulation, efficient HVAC, and smart appliances pays off.

Style and Finishes

13. Mix materials for character.
Stone, wood, and metal accents can add depth and warmth to your design.

14. Keep kitchens and bathrooms a top priority.
These spaces offer the biggest return on investment and impact daily living.

15. Consider built-ins.
Custom shelving, mudrooms, and nooks maximize space and reduce clutter.

16. Think about indoor-outdoor flow.
A patio, deck, or big sliding doors can make your home feel larger and more connected to nature.

As we celebrate 20 years in business, we’re deeply grateful for the trust families have placed in us. These tips reflect the lessons, wins, and wisdom we’ve gained along the way. Whether you’re building your dream home or remodeling a beloved space, we hope these insights help guide you toward a home you’ll love for decades to come.