Thoughtfully Built, Made to Last
When Mike and Taryn set out to build their dream home, they wanted a custom home builder who would understand their vision, respect the unique character of their land, and be deeply rooted in the local community. After careful research and conversations with friends and neighbors, one name kept rising to the top: John Askew Custom Homes.
“John Askew Custom Homes talked about working with the land you have and making your home fit you, which was important to us. We bought a unique property and wanted our builder to help us with a unique home, and it was clear from the start that they were up to the challenge,” shares Mike.
The philosophy of designing with both the family and the land in mind became the foundation for everything that followed.
Designing for Generations
From the beginning, Mike and Taryn envisioned more than just a beautiful house. They wanted a home that would serve their family for decades, a place where their children could grow up and where holidays and gatherings would become treasured traditions.
“We knew we wanted to do a one-story ranch-style home with a nice big backyard,” Taryn explains. “We considered the kids a lot when we were building. We really wanted a space that would grow with them, and somewhere we could host family and friends for years to come.”
With that goal in mind, they prioritized the spaces that would bring people together.
“We put a lot of emphasis and effort into the living room, kitchen, and backyard, as we wanted those to be as large and functional as possible,” says Mike.
Hosting has always been part of their lifestyle, so it was important that the home support that seamlessly. At the same time, they were committed to preserving the natural beauty of their property.
“We’ve hosted holidays in the past, so it was important that we could have a nice place to host people while enjoying the land that we built on,” Taryn adds. “We wanted to keep the trees that were initially on the land and be able to really enjoy the scenery around us.”
A Collaborative and Transparent Start
The process for building their never felt rushed. Clear communication and a strong team dynamic made the early stages both productive and reassuring.
“Jane and Jared from the sales team were truly amazing and an absolute pleasure to work with,” Mike and Taryn share. “Communication was clear from the very beginning, and they really cared about getting us the home that we wanted while being true to our vision.”
Budget conversations were handled with the same transparency. Rather than limiting possibilities, the team offered creative solutions that allowed the couple to protect their must-haves while staying within their budget.
“They were really helpful in offering ideas on how we could stay on budget without sacrificing what mattered most to us,” Taryn says.
Mike especially appreciated the complementary strengths within the sales team. “Jared has the experience and foundation of being a project manager, so he’s intimately aware of the construction process, while Jane was great with logistics and all the behind-the-scenes work. They worked seamlessly together.”
From Inspiration to Reality
With the vision clarified and the team in place, design began. Mike and Taryn partnered closely with Dale Grandmaison of Grand Home Design, bringing photos and ideas to weekly meetings as the plans evolved.
“We showed him inspiration photos and met with the design team every week as the iterations got closer to our vision,” Mike explains. “We had a whole team helping our dream home come to life.”
After finalizing the design, the team reviewed costs in detail to ensure alignment between vision and budget. From the initial groundbreaking to move-in day, the entire process took approximately 13 months, a timeline the couple felt was efficient and well-managed.
A Refreshingly Smooth Building Process
For homeowners who have worked with contractors before, the building process can sometimes feel stressful or unpredictable. Mike and Taryn braced themselves for potential challenges but were pleasantly surprised.
“After dealing with so many different contractors in the past, you become very acquainted with the lack of communication, dirty work sites, and a stressful process from start to finish,” Mike says. “But the team was never like that. Communication was spot on, they left their work sites clean, and they did what they said they would. They always kept their word.”
That consistency extended into the design and selection phase. John Askew Custom Homes provides access to an interior designer, ensuring that every finish and fixture aligns with the homeowner’s style.
“Kristie Branch was an absolute joy to work with,” Taryn shares. “Sometimes it was hard for me to know what would go together, and she was great about offering her opinion without pushing me in certain directions. She attended every appointment with us to help us find our perfect fit. Between her and our project manager, Matt Tanner, they were so helpful.”
Thoughtful Details That Make It Home
One of the greatest advantages of building a custom home is the freedom to personalize every detail. Mike and Taryn eagerly embraced that opportunity with the guidance of their design-build team.
“I have so many favorite spots in our home,” Taryn says. “We turned an oversized closet into a craft room for our daughter, which she absolutely loves. We have a large living room where the fireplace sits on its own with its own design and focus, and two tall windows providing beautiful natural light to our main spaces.”
The backyard, however, may be the true heart of the home. Designed as an extension of their indoor living space, it reflects their commitment to both family time and entertaining.
“I think the space we’ve enjoyed most is our backyard,” Mike shares. “The right side has an outdoor kitchen, and the left side has an outdoor living space with big vaulted ceilings and comfortable furniture. In the middle is a big square turf area that’s gated in where the kids can safely play.”
A Home Built to Last
Today, Mike and Taryn’s home stands as more than just a finished project. It’s where holidays will be hosted, where their children will grow up, and where quiet evenings and lively gatherings alike will unfold for years to come.
With a thoughtful design process, clear communication, and a team dedicated to delivering on its promises, their dream home became a reality—one built not just for today, but for generations to come.
A Note from Jane and Jared of John Askew Custom Homes
“Working with Mike and Taryn was a genuine delight from the very beginning. Their excitement about the land they had just purchased was contagious, and after visiting the property ourselves, it was easy to see why. We knew preserving and working with the natural elements would be essential throughout the design process. Being part of the journey at this early stage is something we truly value, as it helps establish the tone and vision for the entire project. Through true partnership and collaboration, Mike and Taryn’s vision began to take shape in a meaningful and intentional way. It was wonderful working with them through the entire build and getting to see their vision come to life.”