Building a custom home is an exciting opportunity to create an individual’s dream living space.

From selecting the perfect homesite to choosing a builder and architect, every decision plays a crucial role in bringing a homeowner’s vision to life.

In this Q&A with Community Impact, Jeff Cheney, owner of The Cheney Group, shares insights on what to consider when purchasing land, how to navigate the building process and how his team helps clients make informed choices—ensuring that building a custom home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

What should individuals look for when choosing a plot of land for a custom build?

Cheney: Just like any house search, it’s about trying to find the right city and the right community for your lifestyle. When most people start thinking about building a custom home, they're doing it with the mindset that this is their forever home, so we want to make sure they find that forever location. This includes careful consideration of lot features, topography and the impact of soil conditions, as these factors can significantly affect foundation requirements and overall costs.

How does The Cheney Group help clients choose a builder?

Cheney: With us having combined experience on our team of over 100 years, at some point we've interacted or worked with every single custom builder in this market. We've got a good sense of each one's strengths. As people share their style preferences and budget with us, we help refine their vision and connect them with a reputable builder.

Do individuals always need to hire an architect?

Cheney: Absolutely. That's where the process starts. Different architects are best suited for different clients and their unique needs. For instance, you have what we call our “star architects” if you want to build a home that's going to be in a magazine one day. If you're trying to deliver within a certain budget, that may mean working with a completely different architect. It can be an overwhelming process for a buyer, so we talk through it with them and help narrow that down to just a couple of architects that they need to interview.

How does The Cheney Group help clients figure out what the final cost of their home will be? What determines the final cost of a custom build?

Cheney: Custom construction can start in the $200s per foot, and it can go to over $800 a foot. It's driven by the architectural design, the builder cost contract and the design selections. We like to sit over their shoulder as clients meet with architects to make sure they’re staying on track. We help find areas where they can save along the way. Sometimes, staying on budget means making strategic design adjustments that don’t compromise functionality. For example, we helped a client save $200,000 in their construction just by redesigning a family room to remove the steel requirements in the framing.

What is the construction process like with a custom build? How long does that typically take?

Cheney: A fully custom build typically takes between 18 to 24 months to complete. They're just more complex projects. They depend on hundreds of skilled trades and vendors to bring the home to life. We always recommend multi-stage inspections to make sure that everything's being put together as it's supposed to be.

Are there any other pieces of advice for people in the community who are considering a custom build?

Cheney: Building a custom home is a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can be an exciting and enjoyable journey. That’s where we come in—to handle the details, reduce stress, and bring clarity so that clients can focus on the fun parts of creating their dream home. In the end, our goal is to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, allowing homeowners to truly savor the process of bringing their vision to life.

Learn more

The Cheney Group has built a reputation for community engagement, trust and a dedication to excellence. To start the custom-home process today, visit The Cheney Group’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.