Jim Winkels has grown up around the trades. Much of his family was self-employed and he was always touring new homes as a kid. As a result, he developed an interest in all things new home construction, from the floor plans and layouts, to how a job site is run. After gaining varied construction experience, in new home sales, remodeling, roofing, and exteriors, it was time to put it all together. Now the owner of Vivid Homes, a custom home builder in Waconia and the west metro, he gets to make the dreams of his clients a reality while doing something he loves.
For many, a custom home can feel out of reach but Jim aims to make the experience more affordable for his clients. He believes there are certain features that should be standard on any home, to accommodate how families live today. They are no longer the nice-to-haves, but the need-to-haves.
“In my custom homes, dramatic-looking high ceilings, steep roofs, and large windows are just some of the essential features that add to the experience of the home itself. We are always thinking about how a client will use the space to ensure their custom home exceeds their expectations.”
The average square footage of a home has decreased as interest rates have increased. This has prioritized the need to use square footage well. At Vivid Homes, Jim and his team have plans that a client can select from, but they will also tailor a custom home design to meet the client’s specific needs. It’s as simple as asking for what you want and how best to make it work on your lot.
One way Vivid Homes makes the home-building process easier is its list of essentials that a client doesn’t even need to ask for. They say the kitchen is the heart of the home so each kitchen is designed to be large and functional for everyday life. This means lots of counter space, ample storage, and an oversized walk-in pantry. The garage is always insulated and finished because it’s an extension of the home. It also includes an electric car charger. Vivid Homes prefer a 10’ ceiling height, which makes the home feel larger, lets more light in, and is not significantly more expensive when building. Finally, larger and more extensive windows are always a priority because natural light adds to the experience of a home and amplifies that airy, open feeling.
And it all starts with the lot. Vivid Homes can build on any lot and will adjust plans accordingly to ensure the right custom home for the space, within a specific budget. To better support realtors and buyers, Vivid Homes is launching a To-Be-Built program, making it easier for realtors to showcase what is possible for the lot with a pre-priced home design, including a starting from price to help the buyer visualize and plan.
To learn more, visit www.vividhomes.com.
“In my custom homes, dramatic-looking high ceilings, steep roofs, and large windows are just some of the essential features that add to the experience of the home itself. We are always thinking about how a client will use the space to ensure their custom home exceeds their expectations.”
