Custom Buildings & Homes
A custom home/building is a one-of-a-kind project that designed and built to the exact specifications of
our clients. We work with you to choose every detail, from the floor plan to the paint colors.
Superior Craftsmanship
Superior old-world craftsmanship it at the heart of our building company. While staying on budget we believe in offering our clients the very best in construction techniques and materials. With our decades of experience as a builder/inspector we know sometimes it’s only a small adjustment/design or materials change that can make your building project better/stronger and longer lasting.
Premium Materials
We incorporate the best materials in our projects. We do not buy online plumbing/fixtures and parts to save a few dollars. We buy from experienced trusted local sources with top warranties. There are areas of the build where standard materials are fine but we know that what’s hidden behind the walls/attic and under the foundation deserves the best materials/parts and systems so ensure a worry-free long-lasting structure.
Energy Efficiency
We build all our projects with energy efficiency and green building in mind. This is the extreme Sonoran Desert and as an Arizona native we know the vital importance of energy efficiency. As a builder/inspector having done thousands of energy inspections using thermal imaging we have the real-life practical experience to make your project cooler in the summer. From the types and location of windows/doors, building design, HVAC types and system designs to the knowledge of heat transfer from foundation and garage. We want you comfortable with low energy bills.
Multi-Generational Living Made Easy in a Custom Home/Building
Whether it's aging parents moving in with their adult children or young adults living back with mom and dad, multi-generational households have specific needs. Custom builders are seeing an increasing need to tailor homes to this lifestyle. A recent Pew Research Center study shows that 39% of adults ages 18 to 34 have had to move in with their parents. In the same year, the U.S. Census reported that 4.3 out of 76 million households were made up of at least three
generations. Multi-generational families often build homes that include the traditional mother-in-law suite or even feature a locked-off living space within the home. These apartment-style spaces can have their own kitchenette, full bathroom and living areas to provide a sense of privacy and independence.
Why Choose a Custom Built Multi-generational Home/Building?
There are several compelling reasons to consider a luxury multi-generational home:
Flexible Living Spaces: These homes feature adaptable layouts that can be reconfigured over time to meet changing needs. For example, a bedroom can be easily converted into a home office or a gym.
Increased Privacy: While still promoting a sense of community, multi-generational homes offer designated living spaces for different family members, ensuring everyone has their own private retreat.
Shared Amenities: Luxury multi-generational homes often include high-end features like gourmet kitchens, home theaters, fitness centers, and resort-style outdoor living areas. These shared spaces promote togetherness and enjoyment.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that loved ones have a place to live comfortably and age in place provides immense emotional security. It allows families to support each other in a way that fosters independence and dignity for all members.
The Square Footage Factor in Custom Built Homes
The size of a luxury home can significantly impact its livability and appeal. According to recent NAHB data, the average size of a single-family home in North America was 3,247 square feet in November 2022.
However, the square footage of a luxury home can vary widely based on the specific features, finishes and layout. Luxury home buyers often expect a high level of customization and quality in their homes. As a result, the construction cost per square foot for a luxury residence can range from $200 to $500 or even higher. This means that a 3,000-square-foot luxury home could potentially cost between $600,000 and $1.5 million to build, depending on the specific features and location.
How to Enhance Livability in a Custom Home
As the country grows older and more baby boomers look to retire, Universal Design (UD) features are becoming an increasingly important consideration for custom home builders and buyers. This inclusive design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that are accessible and functional for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or stature. By incorporating UD principles into a custom home, homeowners can create a living space that reflects their unique needs while ensuring it remains welcoming and usable for all.
What is Universal Design?
At its core, Universal Design is about designing products, places, and services in a way that benefits the widest possible range of people. It aims to make environments more inclusive by taking into account the diverse needs of all users. For custom home builders, this means creating floor plans and selecting finishes that accommodate the varying needs of different populations, from children and older adults to individuals with disabilities or temporary injuries.
Benefits of Universal Design in Custom Built Homes
The advantages of incorporating UD into a custom home are numerous. First and foremost, it ensures the home is accessible and safe for all occupants, regardless of their age or ability. This not only promotes independence but also allows everyone to move through the spaces with ease and comfort. Beyond accessibility, UD also promotes flexibility and adaptability. Features like wider doorways, adjustable-height counters, and open floor plans can be easily modified or reconfigured over time to meet changing needs. This makes the home future-proof, allowing it to evolve with the inhabitants as their circumstances change due to aging, growth, or shifts in lifestyle. Perhaps most importantly, Universal Design creates an environment of inclusion. By catering to differing preferences, abilities, and learning styles, UD promotes social interaction and belonging. In a custom home, this can lead to a stronger sense of community and connection among family and friends who visit.
How to Incorporate Universal Design into a Custom Home
So, how can you incorporate Universal Design into your custom home? The key is to start thinking about accessibility and inclusion from the very beginning of the design process. We work with you to create floor plans that maximize the flow of the home, with wide hallways, openspaces, and clear pathways to all areas. When it comes to finishes and fixtures, choose materials and products that are durable, low-maintenance, and easy to use. This might include non-slip flooring, lever handles on doors and cabinets, and adjustable-height appliances and counters. Don’t forget about outdoor spaces, either. Create a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors by using materials and designs that flow naturally from one to the other. This will make it easy for all occupants to move freely between the living spaces and outdoor areas. As the demand for inclusive and accessible housing grows, Universal Design is poised to become a defining feature of custom home design in the coming years. By embracing this philosophy we can help you create living spaces that not only reflect the unique needs of their clients but also promote safety, comfort, and a sense of belonging for all who inhabit them.
Balancing Luxury and Function in Custom Built Homes
When designing a custom, luxury home with multi-generational appeal, it's crucial to strike a balance between opulence and practicality. Here are some key considerations:
Open Floor Plans: Maximize the sense of space by incorporating open-concept living areas that flow seamlessly from one room to the next. This promotes easy interaction and sightlines between different zones.
Luxury Finishes: Incorporate high-end materials and finishes throughout, such as marble countertops, custom cabinetry, and top-of-the-line appliances. These details elevate the overall aesthetic and create a sense of indulgence.
Technological Integration: Smart home automation, advanced security systems, and whole-house audio/video are essential features in a luxury home. They provide conveniences and enhance the living experience.
Outdoor Living Spaces: Design expansive outdoor areas with covered patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and landscaped gardens. These spaces extend the living area and provide opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.
Building Trends:
Black/white and color is everywhere—kitchens, living rooms, you name it, Homes are utilizing that high contrast, and using soft accents to make it feel more welcoming.”
Warm Wood Accents. The warmth of wood is everywhere as well, especially in cabinetry. Wood beams can be incorporated into ceilings to refine the home, and even exteriors are incorporating wood or low-maintenance wood-mimicking materials to create a welcoming façade.
Green is the New Blue. Whether it’s incorporating plants for a sense of wellness or dramatic biophilic effect, or accenting spaces with green hues through walls, homes are “leaning into soft greens that feel warm, inviting, tranquil,” Hart noted.
Back in Brass. Although not a brand-new trend, brass is being featured more heavily, from light fixtures to other standout items around the home.
Bold Features. From patterns and textures to compelling stairwells to elegant entries, homes across the country are making design statements. Even in simple designs, such as casitas or guest homes, if you put a really compelling stairway in, it adds a pop to it,” Hart observed.
Specialty Rooms and Spaces. Winning home designs incorporated a number of creative ideas, such as a juice bar, a sauna in the shower or even a strategically placed media/feature wall to help break up space and create a cozy niche.
Bourbon is the New Wine. Homes have expanded beyond the traditional wine storage spaces to include a home bar experience that encapsulates a wider range of interests.
Celebrating the Garage Door. The “unapologetic garage door,” is making a statement on many front- facing facades to establish a focal point and elevate the look of the home.
Outdoor Living. A long-standing trend, blurred lines between indoors and outdoors continue to create inviting spaces for home owners, with added elements such as fire pits and water features. Production housing is leaning into this trend as well with fencing or other barrier features to help create more private spaces.
Vacation at Home. Multifamily housing is increasingly featuring amenities to create a resort-like experience, from pool features to putting greens.