When you’re in the market to build a new home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the company you hire to build it. With every home build comes at least a few unforeseen issues such as unexpected price increases, discontinued flooring, or extreme weather. Finding a builder that you get along with is just as important as finding one that’s knowledgeable, professional, creative and adaptable. 

The builder-homebuilder relationship starts with trust. We could tell you all about our team’s professionalism and trustworthiness, but we thought it best that you hear it from one of our former customers. So, we interviewed Janel R., the owner of the Modern Country House we designed and built in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. We talked about her experience building with Custom Homes by Modern Structure, how we responded to unexpected issues, and her favorite parts of her new, custom home.

Interview With a Real Custom Homeowner

Below is an overview of the sit-down we had with a former customer of ours. We were honored to work with her and give her the home of her dreams!

Thinking back to when we first started discussing your vision, do you feel Custom Homes by Modern Structure fully understood your goals and translated them effectively into the design of your home?

-Yes, very much so. I knew I wanted a homebuilder that was dedicated to energy efficiency, and had some knowledge of structural insulated panels (SIP)s. 

I was having a hard time finding a builder that met that criteria, until I met Mark Mayfield with Custom Homes by Modern Structure. When Mark and I met to discuss my vision and my desire to build a super energy-efficient house; he always came up with creative ideas. He was willing to do the research required to meet my needs, willing to do something different.  

In the end, I got exactly what I wanted, thanks to Mark’s willingness to learn about new techniques and products. 

Note: SIPs are a high-performance building system. The panels themselves are made of an insulating foam core placed between two structural facings. SIPs can be fabricated to fit nearly any home design. The result is a building system that is extremely strong, energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Were there any specific aspects of Custom Homes by Modern Structure’s communication that you found particularly effective or, conversely, that could be improved upon?

-I felt really good about communication between myself, Mark, and his subcontractors. Mark is very driven and committed to sticking to a schedule. He also kept his team and subcontractors on schedule.  

In the end, my home was finished almost ahead of schedule, which is almost unheard of in the homebuilding industry!

How would you describe the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail provided by the Modern Structure team and our subcontractors?

-My situation was unique in that I actually already lived on the property that my custom home was being built on. So, as contractors and suppliers were moving in and out, I saw it all. 

Each of them were on time, professional, respectful, and kind to me when I chatted with them on site. I truly liked them all.  

Even though I lived on site, I didn’t have to do anything. Mark made sure his people were always on site on time, and kept the process moving super smoothly. 

Did you feel the project stayed within the agreed-upon timeline and budget, and if not, how could Modern Structure have managed those expectations better?

-Modern Structure really worked hard to make my dreams come true within the budget I could afford. The original vision for my home included a second story. After pricing everything out, Mark and I decided that a second floor just wasn’t going to fit into my budget; so we adapted. 

Since the second floor was a huge part of the unique-look of my home, I was pretty devastated that it wasn’t going to work. To make up for it, Mark and I decided to add a shed roof, which greatly contributed to the sleek look of my home. 

After we pivoted, and removed the second story, we easily stayed within budget.

Note: A shed roof is a single sloped surface designed to drain water efficiently. It is a simple and cost-effective design, often used for sheds, modern architecture, and home additions.

Was there a particular member of the Modern Structure team who stood out to you for their exceptional service or expertise?

-Mark is very particular about who he hires, so everyone working on my home was exceptional. No one in particular stood out because everyone did their job so well….which is SO RARE!

Before I even started the process of looking for a builder, I already understood that when building a home; there’s always something that needs to be redone. But…Mark didn’t let that happen. He didn’t allow mistakes, and expects nothing but the absolute best from his team and subcontractors.

How well did Modern Structure handle any unexpected issues or changes that arose during the construction process?

– The most major unexpected change was removing the second floor from the original design. Mark and his team handled it really well and adapted flawlessly to the change. They knew how important the second story was to my dream, and they handled the situation with care. Mark even made sure he was with me in person before he told me the total cost of adding the second floor so he could thoroughly explain the costs to me. Together we decided the best thing to do was remove the second story and move forward. 

The only other unexpected issue occurred was the master closet door. My home was designed to be suited for Aging-in-Place. This means, all doors are wide enough for wheelchairs and hallways are wider than typical throughout the home. The door to my walk-in closet was wrongly sized on the drawings and during framing, but the Modern Structure team handled the issue during their framing walk through and had it corrected without issues. I didn’t have to do anything.

Note: An Aging-In-Place home is one that is better suited for senior living. It typically has more safety features, wider doorways, non-slip surfaces, grab bars, etc.  Many homeowners choose to build an Aging-In-Place home so they can stay in their own home (a familiar environment) much longer. Custom Homes by Modern Structure – Is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, by the National Association of Home Builders. We can Design & Build Your Custom Home to fit the needs for increased mobility and handicapped situations. 

If a friend were considering Custom Homes by Modern Structure for their custom home, would you recommend them?

-I would definitely encourage a friend or family member to hire Custom Homes by Modern Structure. I had a wonderful experience. Mark was very professional, great to work with, and made me comfortable. In the end, I got the home I wanted and I absolutely love living here!

Now that you’ve been living in your home for a while, are there any design choices or features suggested by Modern Structure that you’ve come to appreciate even more?

-I prefer to hang my clothes to dry, so we decided to make my mudroom extra wide. I love this feature of my home because it’s completely custom to me and my lifestyle. 

In hindsight, I am so glad we designed the home to be aging-in-place appropriate. As we age, the home is designed to help us move around more easily. 

And, I love that every single time I drive up to my home and look at it, I am filled with pride. I absolutely love it. The home is actually my first home, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! 

What is your favorite room or feature or your new custom home?

-Although I am in love with the entire home, my favorite spot is the living room, where I spend most of my time. The living room and kitchen is open-concept, leaving plenty of space for me to get around, and for my grandkids to run and play. 

About the Modern Country House – Designed and Built by Custom Homes by Modern Structure

The Modern Country House was built in Mt.Vernon, Indiana. The home features 1,896 square feet of living space, and a total of 2,822 square feet under roof. 

It’s a completely custom home built with a keen focus on modern design, sustainability, energy efficiency, and aging-in-place.

Speaking of energy efficiency, this home has a HERS score rating of 19! That is amazingly low and super energy efficient. 

For a full video tour of the home, visit our website. 

Build Your Dream Home – Contact Custom Homes by Modern Structure Today!

We are a custom home builder located in Evansville, Indiana. We pride ourselves on exceeding our customer’s expectations and keeping them informed and comfortable throughout the entire building process. 

If you’re ready to start the process of building your dream home, give us a call to schedule a consultation. Our building consultations are designed to walk you through the entire building process, and answer any questions you have. 

To schedule your free building consultation, fill out this simple form or call us at 812-306-8438.