Custom Homes in Minnesota

Every custom home is different, and cost depends on the size of the home, architecture, site conditions, materials and level of finish. At City Homes, we believe in talking about budget early and designing to it from the beginning. Our goal is to help you understand where your money is going, where it makes sense to invest and where there may be opportunities to simplify without compromising the overall quality of the home.

Most custom homes take approximately 12–18 months to construct, depending on the size and complexity of the home, permitting, site conditions, selections and changes made during construction. There is also time needed before construction for architecture, design, estimating and permitting. We develop a detailed schedule for every project and communicate regularly so homeowners understand where their home is in the process.

Earlier than most people think. Ideally, we like to be involved before or during the architectural design process so the builder, architect and interior designer can work together while important decisions are still being made. Early collaboration allows us to provide real-time cost information and help keep the design aligned with the overall budget.

No. We frequently work with clients who are still looking for the right property. We can help evaluate a lot before you purchase it and look at issues such as setbacks, zoning, soils, grading, utilities, trees, drainage and other conditions that could affect what you can build and what it may cost.

Yes. Due diligence is an important part of our process, particularly with infill properties where every site is different. Depending on the property, we may coordinate surveys, soil testing, zoning research, civil engineering or conversations with the municipality and watershed district before you make major design or construction decisions.

City Homes works collaboratively with a number of talented architects and interior designers throughout the Twin Cities. Some clients come to us with their design team already selected, while others ask us to help assemble the right team for their project and style. We don't believe every City Homes project should look the same—the team should be built around the homeowner and the home we're creating together.

City Homes is based in Edina and builds throughout the Twin Cities, including Edina, Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka and surrounding communities. We specialize in custom homes and significant renovations where craftsmanship, architecture and a highly involved building process are important to the homeowner.

Yes. In addition to new custom homes, we complete significant renovations and additions. Sometimes the right answer isn't tearing down a home—it's rethinking the one you already have to improve its layout, function and connection to the way your family lives today.

Transparency is an important part of our process. We provide detailed cost information so our clients can understand the budget and make informed decisions throughout the project. Building a custom home involves hundreds of choices, and we believe homeowners should understand how those choices affect their overall investment.

Absolutely. Value engineering shouldn't simply mean making everything cheaper. We look at the home as a whole and help identify changes that can meaningfully reduce cost while protecting the architecture, function and features that matter most to you.

Yes, but changes during construction can affect both cost and schedule. We encourage clients to make as many decisions as possible before they're needed in the field. When a change does come up, we communicate the cost and schedule implications so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.

Building a custom home is a collaborative process, and homeowners should expect to be involved. There will be design decisions, selections, meetings and budget conversations along the way. Our job is to provide structure around those decisions, keep you informed and make the process manageable rather than overwhelming.

Communication is one of the most important parts of a successful project. Our clients have regular communication with their project team and access to project information, schedules, selections and other important details throughout construction. We want you to know what's happening with your home and what decisions are coming next.

Our relationship doesn't end at move-in. City Homes has a dedicated Client Care & Project Completion Manager who helps oversee project completion, homeowner orientation, warranty items and ongoing communication after you've moved in. We want our clients to feel taken care of not only while we're building their home, but while they're living in it.

Yes. Energy efficiency, building science and long-term performance are an important part of how we build. City Homes has experience with high-performance construction, advanced insulation, high-efficiency mechanical systems, solar, geothermal and other technologies, and we work with each homeowner to determine which solutions make sense for their home and goals.

Yes. City Homes has experience building highly energy-efficient homes, including all-electric and net-positive projects. These homes require thoughtful coordination between architecture, building envelope, mechanical systems and renewable energy, which is why those conversations should begin early in design.

We're intentionally a smaller builder because we want to remain closely involved in every home we build. Our approach combines detailed processes and cost transparency with strong relationships among our homeowners, project managers, field team, designers and trade partners. We want to build an exceptional home, but we also want our clients to feel that they had an exceptional experience getting there.

It starts with a conversation. We'll talk about where you are in the process, your property or lot search, what you'd like to build, your timing and your overall investment goals. From there, we can help determine the right next steps and whether City Homes is the right fit for your project.