URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — In this week’s Ask the Pros, real estate expert Hayley Siefert of Keller Williams Realty and the Real Estate Center of Illinois sat down with Wes Taylor, owner of Taylor Construction and Design, to talk about what it really takes to build a custom home from the ground up. 

From First Meeting to Breaking Ground in Just Weeks 

Many potential homeowners are surprised to learn that once initial decisions are made—such as floor plans, financing, and land acquisition—Wes and his team can break ground in as little as three to four weeks. The timeline can vary, of course, depending on whether the buyer brings their own floor plan or needs something custom designed from scratch. 

“We’ve had people come in with floor plans drawn on graph paper,” Wes said. “We’ve taken those and turned them into real blueprints.” 

Budgeting Starts Early to Avoid Surprises Later 

One of the biggest challenges in new construction is keeping the project within budget. Taylor Construction manages this by setting clear expectations up front and allowing for the buyer’s preferences in the initial budget planning. 

Wes emphasizes constant communication, especially when it comes to changes during construction. “We just try to communicate the best that we can with where they’re at all times,” he said. “Education is a big part of it.” 

Beat the Rising Material Costs by Starting Early 

As building material prices continue to fluctuate, timing can be everything. “We usually see price increases in January and February,” Wes noted. “If you want to lock in today’s pricing, start the process before the end of the year.” 

Taylor Construction also orders most materials early in the build to avoid delays and cost hikes, a lesson learned during COVID. 

Quality Over Shortcuts: Why Materials Matter 

While staying on budget is important, Wes won’t compromise on build quality. “If someone wants to use really poor-quality material to save money, I’m not the right builder for them,” he said. “I have to warrant that product, and it’s my name on the home.” 

When clients suggest cheaper materials, Wes and his team do their research—and if something doesn’t meet their standards, they offer alternatives that still meet the client’s vision. 

Education Is the Foundation 

One of the most consistent themes in Taylor’s approach? Education. From nail pops to hairline drywall cracks, new homes naturally “settle” over the first year. Wes makes sure clients know what to expect, so they’re not alarmed when the inevitable happens. 

He also offers a one-year builder’s warranty, so if something needs adjusting, his team is there to make it right. 

Collaboration Is Key—Especially with Design 

Wes’s wife, Kendra, plays a major role in helping clients with layout and design functionality. “She’s the expert on making sure the space works for your lifestyle,” said Wes. 

Clients meet multiple times with the team before any ground is broken. “We build in lots of opportunities to catch anything that might need tweaking before it’s too late,” Wes said. 

Built to Code—and Then Some 

Taylor Construction builds to the latest energy codes, even in areas where those standards aren’t yet required. Spray foam insulation, energy-efficient windows, and careful air-sealing are all standard practices. 

The goal is a tightly sealed home that holds its temperature, reducing utility bills over time. 

Where to Find Them 

Taylor Construction and Design recently celebrated a ribbon cutting at their new office located at 3604 North Cunningham Avenue, Urbana, 217-977-5967, taylorconstructiondesign.com. 

Wes currently has four new builds in South Stone Creek subdivision and four more in Danville, all of which are available to tour. 

For more info or to get started with a custom build, contact Hayley Siefert at 217-918-0087 or visit https://www.siefertteam.com/team-member/hayley.