Custom homes
A home built around your plans, your lot and the way you live, with the trades coordinated by one family.
Custom homes: an overview
A custom home starts with you: how you live, what you need from each room, how the home should sit on your lot and what you want it to handle, from Gulf Coast weather to a growing family. Our job is to turn that into a buildable plan and then build it carefully.
We work through plans with you and with licensed engineers, talk honestly about trade-offs and costs as decisions come up, and keep you informed throughout the build.
Custom homes are where Kelm’s in-house trades matter most. Plumbing layouts, electrical plans, lighting, EV charging, gas appliances and generator readiness can be designed in from the start, by the same family that will service them later.
What’s included
What this work typically covers. Your scope depends on your home and equipment.
Design conversations
Rooms, layout and features that fit how you live.
Plans and engineering
Working with your plans or helping develop them with professionals.
Selections
Guidance on finishes, fixtures and systems.
Systems planning
Plumbing, electrical, gas and lighting designed in.
Generator readiness
Pad, gas and transfer switch planning if you want standby power.
Communication
Regular updates and one point of contact.
Features worth deciding early
- Where gas appliances and the water heater go
- Lighting and switch layout
- EV charging in the garage
- Standby generator location and fuel
- Outdoor kitchens or shops
Why homeowners call Kelm for custom homes
Trades in the family
Plumbing and electrical are handled by the Kelm family of services under Clint Kelm’s Master Plumber and Master Electrician licenses.
Generator-ready from day one
Kelm Power Systems, a certified Generac and Kohler dealer, can plan standby power into your build.
Engineered and inspected
We work with licensed engineers and schedule the inspections your project requires.
One local team
Based in Santa Fe, with one point of contact for your project.
How it works
From your first call to a finished, tested job.
Discovery
We learn what you want and what your lot allows.
Design and engineering
Plans developed and engineered.
Selections and budget
Choices made with costs in view.
Build
Construction with Kelm trades.
Walkthrough
Final review before move-in.
Custom Homes FAQ
Common questions about this service.
Do I need my own architect?
You can bring your plans, or talk with us about how to develop them.
Can I change things during the build?
Changes are sometimes possible, but they can affect cost and schedule. We’ll explain the impact first.
How do you handle budget?
We talk through costs as selections are made so there are fewer surprises.
Can you include a standby generator?
Yes, through Kelm Power Systems, a certified Generac and Kohler dealer.
Get an estimate for custom homes
Tell us about your home and the work you need. We’ll follow up by your preferred method.
Related services
New Home Construction
New homes built with engineers and trade partners, and with plumbing, electrical and standby power handled by the Kelm family.
Learn moreGenerator-Ready Homes
Plan a Generac or Kohler standby generator into your new home from the start, with the pad, gas and transfer switch designed in.
Learn moreOur Build Process
What to expect, step by step, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough.
Learn moreResidential Construction
Residential construction projects with the trades coordinated by one local family business.
Learn more