Our Process as Custom Home Builders in Rochester, MN
Every detail is built around your vision, blending luxury, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Built on Trust, Designed for You
At R Fleming, we have spent decades working within the local community to perfect our process so you can get the perfect home without the headache. Beyond the dialled-in logistics, our process is built on three core values that guarantee results: Trust, Transparency, and Communication.
Trust
- Local Rochester Builder since 1988
- Family-owned business
- Fully in-house team you can meet with in-person
Transparency
- No vague allowances—clear, upfront pricing
- Full transparency on every cost before construction starts
- You know exactly where every dollar goes
- No surprises, no guesswork, no hidden costs
Communication
- Honest, helpful updates and reminders
- Know the big picture before committing
- Access construction updates 24/7
Our Proven Process
Custom Home Builds - a Detailed Breakdown
Want to learn more about the logistics? Here’s the full process on how to build a custom home.
– Jason Halvorson, Designer
Discovery, Vision & Budget
We start by getting to know you—your lifestyle, your ideas, and your goals. Together, we’ll explore inspiration, define your vision, and align everything with a clear, realistic budget. From day one, you’ll understand what’s possible and what it takes to get there.
Lot & Foundation Planning
Design & Pre-Construction
This is where your home begins to take shape. Once we move forward with a design agreement, our in-house team develops detailed plans tailored to your vision. Every selection, layout, and detail is thoughtfully designed before construction begins—eliminating surprises later.
Bidding & Finalizing Details
We partner with trusted, long-standing contractors to gather competitive bids and finalize every detail. You’ll review and approve the full scope, timeline, and pricing—so you know exactly what to expect before we break ground.
Build & Ongoing Collaboration
Construction begins—and you stay fully connected throughout the process. With real-time updates and clear communication, you’ll make confident decisions along the way. We walk through your completed home together, ensuring every detail meets our standards—and yours.
Move-In & Continued Support
Welcome home. Once you’ve settled in, our relationship doesn’t end—we follow up to ensure everything is performing exactly as it should. If anything needs attention, we take care of it. It’s that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to build a custom home?
A custom home can often be built in about a year or less. Once you have the discovery meeting with us, we’ll usually be able to estimate roughly how long the whole build will take. Once we get to the Design Agreement, Design, and bidding phases, everything will become even more specific as the details are all finalized.
How does it take to design a custom home?
The design phase can take anywhere from 2 months to 12 months, depending on the project. Client preferences, preference changes, and the complexity of the build all play a part. However, while the design time varies from house to house, we are almost always one of the most efficient builders because of our fully in-house team.
Do I have to manage the subcontractors?
No, we’ll manage all the construction work in the “Construction Collaboration” phase. We’ll get all the bids, manage the agreements, schedule and manage the work, and ensure everything is done according to plan, on time, and to the highest standards possible.
Does R. Fleming outsource the drafting of architectural designs or building plans?
R Fleming is the only custom home builder in Rochester that has an exclusive, in-house draftsman and designer. Most other homebuilders contract out to one of only a few other draftsman in town, resulting in a lot of reused design styles across other home builders, additional financial risk and design confusion, and less transparency in pricing.
When you work with R Fleming, your house will be designed, quoted, and managed all in one spot. You’ll manage the whole picture all at once, without coming up with design ideas and then going back to the drawing board after realizing the price wouldn’t match your budget.
What differentiates R Fleming from other custom home builders in Rochester, MN?
There are many things that differentiate R Fleming from other builders in the area. First, R Fleming is the oldest custom home builder in the area, founded in 1988. This showcases exceptional reputation in the local community, enduring quality and expertise, and the ability to stay current and competitive in today’s markets.
Second, we manage the entire custom building process in-house with our exclusive designer, Jason. This means you get your design changes done faster, you always make decisions based on both dreams and budget, and you don’t have to worry about communication errors or misalignment between your builder and the draftsman.
Third, we manage your budget better than any other builder in Rochester, meaning the price you agree to upfront is the price you’ll pay for the house. We hold all contractors to agreed upon terms, with tight controls on allowances to protect your money.
Does R Fleming carry the construction loan or do I need to secure my own?
Can R Fleming help me sell my old house?
Yes, our expert in-house real estate team can help you sell your old house.
Does R Fleming have lots to sell? Can you help me buy a piece of land for my new home?
Yes, we have exclusive lots available in several prime subdivisions, and we can also help you select and purchase a new lot as well, almost anywhere in Rochester.
This isn’t just a convenience option; some people purchase a plot of land and then start to build on it a year or two down the road, only to realize the style of home they want doesn’t work with the lot they already purchased.
R Fleming can help you select the perfect lot to fit your home so you don’t get stuck with a beautiful piece of land that restricts the custom home you want to build.
Ready to Build Your Dream Home?
For decades, we’ve been proud to serve Rochester and the surrounding area with custom homes that combine artistry, quality, and functionality. When you’re ready to build your forever home, we’re here to bring your vision to life.