Most custom builds take between 10 and 14 months from groundbreaking to move in. That timeline includes design, permitting, and construction. Thankfully, our Minnesota winters do not stop the process — we build year round! Permitting timelines in the east metro are generally straightforward but we account for that in your schedule from day one so there are no surprises.

No! We understand there are a lot of moving pieces when you're looking to build your own home, the good news is we're here to help! You can always reach out to us before you have a lot locked down. In some cases we can help point you in the right direction or connect you with the right people. If you already have land we will evaluate the site and let you know what to expect before we start designing.

Look for a builder who is licensed and insured in Minnesota, has completed projects in your target area, uses fixed price or clearly structured contracts, and keeps you involved throughout the process. The most common regret we hear from people who have worked with other builders is that they felt handed off or left in the dark. Ask any builder you talk to who your point of contact will be from design through move in. At Lucas Builders the answer is always the same people you met on day one.

Since a custom home is built exactly the way you want to live in it — no compromises, no renovations — buying an existing home is typically less expensive. For many families in the east metro the long term value of a home designed specifically for their life outweighs the initial cost difference. We are always happy to have an honest conversation about whether building makes sense for your situation.

A fixed price contract means the price we quote is the price you pay. No surprise invoices mid build, no awkward change order conversations you did not plan for. It puts the risk on us to manage costs efficiently rather than passing overruns onto you. We believe you should know exactly what you are getting into before a single nail is driven.