The questions worth asking a builder.
Cost, timeline, who does the work and what you actually get. Straight answers, including the ones most builders make you call to hear.
What does it cost to build an Emerald home?
Emerald homes start at $1M. Where a project lands above that depends on the homesite, the square footage and the level of finish — but the specification does not move with the price. The smart-home system, the air and water systems, the wireless and the envelope are in every home we build, at every budget. See exactly what that includes.
Where does Emerald build?
Elkhorn, West Omaha, Gretna and Bennington are where most of our work lives, and we also build in Papillion, Waterloo and Valley. We know these places by subdivision, by developer and by what the covenants will and will not allow. See the work in each one.
Can you build on a lot I already own?
Yes. Bring us the ground and we will walk it with you before anything is drawn — the walkout, the view, the orientation, where the sun lands in the afternoon. If you do not have a lot yet, we keep homesites we can build on now, and we usually know which subdivisions still have premium ground before it is listed.
Can I bring my own architect or plans?
Yes. Plenty of our clients arrive with an architect, a designer or a plan they have been holding on to for years, and we build to it. Others start with a conversation and a sketch — Arched Avenue was a collaboration with Anne Layne Designs. Either way the Emerald standard comes with the house, because it is the specification rather than a list of upgrades.
How long does it take to build?
Twelve to eighteen months on average, from breaking ground to handing over the keys. Where yours lands depends on the size of the home, what the homesite asks for and how quickly selections get made. You will have a real schedule before you sign anything, and the same team keeping it.
What comes standard that other builders charge for?
A smart-home hub and installed iPad running lighting, locks, climate, audio and cameras. Enterprise-grade wireless designed into the plan so there are no dead spots. ERV fresh-air exchange with live air-quality monitoring. Reverse-osmosis drinking water. A sealed, energy-efficient envelope. EV charging and conduit for the technology that has not been invented yet. None of it is an upgrade. The full specification is here.
How many homes do you build a year?
Three to four, never more. That is a decision, not a limit — it is the only way the same five people can be on every project from first sketch to final walkthrough.
Who will I actually be working with?
Us. The people you meet on day one are the people on your site every day after: no handoff to a production team, no project manager you have never met running your build. Meet the team.
Do you take on additions and remodels?
Selectively, and to the same standard. The Rally Room is a Gretna addition built for a family who wanted winter to be shorter — proof that the standard translates at any scale. Tell us what you have in mind and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right builder for it.
Do you have any homes available right now?
Yes — two. 212 Modern, a finished home in Vistancia, and Arched Avenue in Elkhorn, which is under construction now. Both are built to the full Emerald standard. Call 402-498-2777 and we will walk you through either one.
We only take on a handful of projects each year.
If you're thinking about building, we'd love to hear about it. Call 402-498-2777 or tell us a little about the home you have in mind.