Building Your Dream Home – May 2025

Building a home from the ground up is a bold endeavor—one that demands vision, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to quality. While the sheer scale of the project can be daunting, the good news is this: you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this exclusive feature, we highlight the professionals who specialize in turning ideas into addresses. The journey begins with a conversation—but what follows is a carefully choreographed process involving site selection, architectural design, material sourcing, construction management, interior styling, and often, complex financial structuring. Each step requires a team that not only understands the technical aspects of building, but also respects the personal significance of the endeavor.

In a competitive real estate landscape, the decision to build rather than buy speaks volumes. It reflects a desire not just for ownership, but for authorship—for a space that aligns precisely with your needs, your taste, and your long-term goals. And with the right team behind you, the process can be just as rewarding as the final result. Everything you need to begin that journey is right here. Because your home should be more than a destination: it should be the most extraordinary chapter of your story yet.

Finding the Right Plot—and the Right Advice

Whether it’s tucked into the edge of the woods or perched on a sunny street corner, every dream home begins with a piece of land. Local real estate agents and land specialists are invaluable at this stage, helping you assess not just price, but potential—access to schools, community character, resale value, and zoning considerations. They know the neighborhoods because they live in them, too.

Working with Homegrown Architects

Local architects bring more than design expertise—they bring an understanding of regional style, climate, and culture. Whether it’s a craftsman bungalow or a farmhouse revival, they help homeowners create spaces that feel rooted in place. Plus, they have strong relationships with local permitting offices, which can mean a smoother process from idea to approval.

Sourcing from Small Businesses

From reclaimed barn wood to hand-thrown pottery sinks, building locally means buying locally. Supporting independent suppliers and craftspeople ensures every material has a story—and every purchase supports your community. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to meet the millworker crafting their custom front door or the mason laying the stone for their fireplace.

Building with Familiar Faces

Local builders bring more than technical skills—they bring reputations they’ve built over decades. These are the people you run into at the grocery store or cheer for at the Friday night football game. Their commitment to quality isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Because every home they build is a reflection of their name in the community.

Designing Interiors with a Local Eye

Interior designers and decorators rooted in the region often draw from local heritage and natural surroundings to guide their work. Expect cozy textiles from nearby makers, art from regional painters, and furniture crafted just a few miles away. The result? A home that feels like it belongs—because it does.

Financing with Familiar Institutions

Local banks and credit unions often offer more flexible and personalized service when it comes to financing a custom build. Unlike national lenders, they understand the nuances of local markets and can offer guidance tailored to your situation. You’re not just a file number—you’re a neighbor.

In a fast-paced world, building a home is an invitation to slow down and do something meaningful. It’s a chance to invest not just in property, but in people—your people. The local experts, the family-owned businesses, the artisans who take pride in every board they cut and every tile they lay. And while the process may take time, it’s worth every second. Because this isn’t just where you’ll live. This is where your story will unfold. And your story deserves to be told—with care, with craft, and with a team who believes in it as much as you do.

 

Find a Contractor Who Cares

Highlander Contracting (buildhighlander.com) believes that the foundation of a successful homebuilding experience is built on transparency, excellence, and lasting relationships. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, they prioritize clear communication and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every step aligns with your vision. Their goal is not just to build your dream home, but to create a lasting connection with clients, ensuring their happiness for years to come.

Building a home presents many challenges, but at Highlander Contracting, they use their core values to overcome them. Transparency is central to their approach—they keep you informed at every stage, from budget discussions to project timelines, so there are no surprises. Their commitment to excellence ensures that every detail, from design to craftsmanship, meets the highest standards, guaranteeing the longevity of clients’ homes. Just as importantly, they focus on building a long-term relationship with clients. Highlander Contracting is here for you beyond the project’s completion, making sure you’re happy and comfortable in your home for many years.

What sets Highlander Contracting apart is their dedication to not only the quality and longevity of the homes they build but also to the enduring relationships they cultivate with their clients. By prioritizing transparency, excellence, and a genuine partnership, Highlander Contracting ensures that clients’ experience is seamless, their home stands the test of time, and their satisfaction continues long after the final nail is driven.

 

Build a House Fit for a Queen with Queenpin Builders

Queenpin Builders (queenpinbuilders.com) loves helping clients achieve their dream home. During what can arguably be one of the biggest decisions and largest investment in one’s life, Queenpin Builders aims to keep the home building experience an enjoyable one. Whether starting from scratch and going completely custom or beginning with one of their existing floor plans, Queenpin Builders has got you covered.

Stephanie Ponce and Christina Melgoza are the dynamic female duo that is Queenpin Builders. With Stephanie’s vast experience in building and Christina’s extensive knowledge in land development and project management, they cover all angles of the home building process. After a decade of friendship and working alongside each other in the real estate industry, they joined forces to create Queenpin Builders.

It’s important to partner with a builder that feels ‘right’. Stephanie and Christina’s down-to-earth personalities make working with them feel light and fun. They work with their clients through the entire process from selecting the perfect lot and floor plan, to actual construction, interior finishes and beyond. Always hands on, and always on the job site. They offer recommendations and advice along the way, always focusing on your bottom line. Queenpin Builders will work with you to create a plan, budget and timeline that best suits you and your family. Everyone’s dream home is different. Let Queenpin Builders help you achieve yours.

 

Make Remodeling Exciting

For those remodeling and ready to turn their current space into a dream space, Willet Construction (willetconstruction.com) provides homeowners with an exciting and exceptional remodeling experience from the initial design concepts to the final completion so that they can live in the home of their dreams! Willet Construction’s process is built on clear communication and collaboration. They begin with a conversation about the clients’ vision for their home. Next, they consult with clients about the functionality, aesthetics, and budget to ensure all of their questions are answered. Collaboration is also emphasized in the design and development process, from visualizing clients’ dream spaces with 3D renderings and detailed plans to finalizing selections at Willet Construction’s design center. Finally, they create a comprehensive project scope and fixed-price proposal tailored to each client’s project.

“At our company, we believe that remodeling your home should be a fun and exciting journey, not a stressful burden. The experience of creating your dream home is a lasting memory, and we’re committed to making it a positive one. A frustrating remodel leaves a bad taste, but a joyful experience brings even greater satisfaction,” said Jason Willet, Owner of Willet Construction. “This approach ensures a smooth and transparent remodeling journey, allowing you to focus on the excitement of creating your dream home.”

 

Finance Your Project

West Gate Bank is a family-owned community bank established in 1968. This community focus is not only evident in all that they do, but how they do it. As a full-service banking institution, West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs, yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a locally-owned community bank can deliver. They are committed to your success and invested in your financial well-being. West Gate Bank can help you navigate the home construction process from beginning to end. Their Construction Road Map details four main steps in the process:

Planning

• Get pre-qualified with a lender that can do both construction and permanent financing.
• Have the plans and designs for the home done.
• Search for builders to obtain bids and specifications.
• Incorporate location or lot costs (this may occur earlier in process).
• Talk with your lender for formal construction loan approval.

Financing & Breaking Ground

• Apply for the construction loan.
• Get approvals for your loan, appraisal, and title.
• Begin construction – dig the hole, pour foundation.
• Discuss Long-Term Rate Lock options with your lender. West Gate Bank’s Construction HELP* Program can lock in the current rates.

*Back orders/rain delays/work stoppage? Talk with the Bank about rate lock period.

Building

• Frame and enclose the home.
• Mechanicals and wiring phase.
• Drywall gets hung and finished.
• Paint.
• Talk with the lender about locking or converting Long-Term Lock.
• Fixtures, cabinets, trim, countertops, faucets, etc.*
• Flooring and touch-up finishes, lay sod, install sprinklers.*

*Back orders/rain delays/work stoppage = Talk with the Bank about rate lock period.

Closing

• Final inspection by the lender.
• Loan closing at West Gate Bank!

Visit westgate.bank to meet our Residential Construction team and get started today!

 

Keep Your Kingdom Safe with King’s Inspections

From the standpoint of a Home Inspection professional, Randy King of King’s Inspections, LLC (kingsinspections.com) adds, “A General Contractor or Builder who is a teacher—who can educate someone on the sequence and steps necessary to make building a home happen—is definitely someone you want to work with. I also encourage anyone looking into building a house to interview different builders and find one that they communicate well with, who is flexible, and who is able to give them an accurate estimate of final cost. Most builders offer at least a one-year warranty, and most have a clean-up crew that does final detail cleaning before the home is occupied as well as a crew that goes through the house and tests all lights, outlets, appliances, fireplaces, sprinklers, and so on to ensure proper operation. A good builder spells out his warranty; exactly what is and is not covered. A booklet or workbook for the first time homebuilder to use as a guide is also a very valuable resource.

As far as new trends in home building, Radon Resistant New Construction (RRNC) is now the standard in single-family new construction. The smart builder includes RRNC during the design and construction process. We all know we have high levels of Radon gas nearly everywhere in Southeast Nebraska. Using passive Radon mitigation reduces the levels in your home to minimize the health risk from this cancer-causing gas. Installing RRNC during the building process is easy and inexpensive; and less costly than to retrofit a house.

RRNC methods include installing a vapor barrier under the floor, and tying the tile drain system into a vent stack that exits the roof of the house, thereby creating a natural chimney effect to vent the soil gasses (including Radon gas) that may accumulate under your floor. In the event that Radon levels still happen to measure high, it is easy to install an electric fan on the vent stack in the attic space and convert the passive system to an active one; far less costly than to retrofit a complete mitigation system. Even with RRNC, it is wise to have your home tested for Radon gas every two years, as soil conditions change, which changes the pathways that Radon can enter your home, and can elevate the levels.”

 

Flooring Solutions that Stand Tall

Underfoot Flooring Solutions (underfootlincoln.com) plays a crucial role in helping homeowners build their dream homes in Lincoln, NE, by ensuring that every flooring installation is done with precision and care. Even in brand new homes, it’s common for subfloors to be uneven or not perfectly level—a detail often overlooked until it becomes a costly issue. Underfoot understands that achieving a flawless finish with rigid core luxury vinyl and hard tile products depends heavily on proper subfloor preparation. Their expert team is skilled in evaluating and addressing these imperfections to create a surface that not only looks beautiful but also performs exceptionally over time.

What sets Underfoot apart is their commitment to working hand-in-hand with manufacturer representatives and technical specialists throughout the installation process. This collaborative approach ensures that all manufacturer specifications are strictly followed, which is essential for preserving product warranties. By aligning closely with industry standards and leveraging manufacturer expertise, Underfoot is able to provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their flooring investment is fully protected.

Building a dream home means making long-term decisions, and flooring is one of the most significant. Underfoot Flooring Solutions takes this seriously by focusing on longevity, durability, and aesthetics. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality help homeowners in Lincoln get the most out of their flooring, both in performance and appearance. With Underfoot, you’re not just getting a floor—you’re getting a foundation for years of comfort, style, and satisfaction.

 

Impeccable Insurance

It is important to understand closing costs and insurance costs and how they complement each other. Many homebuyers make the mistake of overextending on a home, and to compensate, they try to cut costs on the insurance and upkeep of the home. This is illogical and not sustainable, hurting homeowners in the long run!

“I sell insurance not homes. I would never want anyone to purchase insurance without a good agent and feel the same way about buying a home,” says Agent of Shelter Insurance (shelterinsurance.com) Matt Moorhead. “Lincoln has many good real estate agents that work very hard to get homebuyers into the right home. Finding a trusted agent is the best option, so Shelter Insurance is there for you!” From an insurance perspective, there are a few things of which Matt asks his clients to be aware: Flood plains. There are several areas in Lincoln that fall within a flood plain. Homes that are within these flood plains require flood insurance, which can add additional insurance cost.

Prior water damage. Even if a home is not in a flood plain, several perils still exist when it comes to water and water damage. Schedule an inspection of the home to look for prior issues with sewer back up, outside rainwater and mold. Roof and exteriors. Many homes have been impacted by severe weather in the past five years, and not everyone gets their home repaired properly.
Again, schedule an inspection of the roof and attic of the new home before buying! If the home has previous damage that was not repaired, it may not be eligible for replacement-cost insurance or any kind of insurance before repairs are completed.

Shelter Insurance understands that buying a home with proper inspection can be financially daunting and a hassle, but Shelter Insurance makes it their mission to make the insurance process as stress-free as possible, all the while informing the homebuyer of the must-knows along the way.

For many, the idea of a dream home remains just that—a dream. It often feels like a distant, unattainable vision, tucked away in mood boards and wish lists. But what if that perfect home wasn’t so far out of reach? What if the design you’ve always imagined, the details you’ve envisioned, and the comfort you crave were actually within your budget—and your grasp?

Across the region, a growing number of trusted local businesses are making that possibility a reality. These companies understand that a dream home is more than just square footage and floor plans. It’s about creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, personality, and aspirations. It’s about making a house truly feel like home. From the first sketch to the final coat of paint, the journey to building a dream home can—and should—be one of excitement and inspiration. That’s why it’s so important to work with professionals who don’t just bring skills to the table, but passion, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence. These are companies that prioritize your vision, communicate clearly at every stage, and combine innovation with time-honored craftsmanship to deliver results that exceed expectations.

Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions offered by national chains, local builders, designers, and contractors bring something different to the table: perspective. They live in the same towns, drive the same roads, and raise their families in the same communities as their clients. They know the region’s building codes, climate challenges, and architectural heritage—not because they studied them in a guidebook, but because they’ve built their reputations within them.

This local expertise translates to smarter decisions, fewer delays, and homes that feel organically connected to their surroundings. Whether it’s understanding how to position a house for optimal sunlight, or how to choose materials that age gracefully with the seasons, local professionals offer more than technical know-how—they offer lived experience.

Whether you’re laying the foundation of a brand-new build, remodeling a well-loved space, or adding custom touches that make a house uniquely yours, local builders, designers, contractors, and service providers are ready to walk with you every step of the way. From design consultations and financing support to the hands-on trades that bring it all to life, every detail matters—and so does the team you choose. Partnering with reputable local businesses not only streamlines the process but also ensures peace of mind. These are professionals who live and work in your community, who understand local building codes, climate considerations, and neighborhood aesthetics. They’re invested not just in your home, but in the community they help shape with every project. Your dream home doesn’t have to stay a dream. With the right plan, the right mindset, and the right local partners, it can be a practical, achievable goal. It can be a house that’s tailored to your lifestyle, built with care, and designed to last.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already collecting paint swatches and floor samples, now is the time to take that first step. Not alone—but alongside a team that shares your vision, honors your budget, and brings your dream to life with purpose and pride.