Building a custom home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and choosing the right home builder in Sioux Falls can mean the difference between a dream come true and a costly headache. After more than 60 years in the business, we’ve seen what sets exceptional builders apart from the rest. Here’s what you should look for when selecting a Sioux Falls home construction company.
Home Builder Experience That Spans Generations
There’s something to be said for a builder who’s been around the block—or in our case, around Sioux Falls for over six decades. Experience matters because it means a builder has weathered economic changes, adapted to new building codes, and solved countless unexpected challenges. When you’re interviewing potential builders, ask how long they’ve been in business and whether they have a portfolio of completed homes you can tour.
At Hjellming Construction, we began operations in 1962 under founder Orlie Hjellming. Today, we’re proud to be a three-generation family business with Scott Hjellming as President, his sons Cory (Vice President and 2019 Builder of the Year from HBASE) and Bryan (Treasurer) carrying on that tradition. This kind of longevity and family commitment tells you something important: we’re deeply invested in our reputation and stand behind our work long after the final walk-through. Learn more about our team & the Hjellming family here.
A builder with deep roots in the Sioux Falls community is also more invested in their reputation. They’re not going anywhere, which means they stand behind their work for the long haul. You can browse our new home portfolio to see the quality and variety of homes we’ve built across South Dakota.
Scott Hjellming-President
Cory Hjellming-Vice President
Bryan Hjellming-Treasurer
Transparent Communication From Your Home Builder
The best home builders in Sioux Falls don’t just build houses. They build relationships. From your first consultation, pay attention to how well a builder listens to your vision and asks thoughtful questions about your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
Red flags include builders who rush through explanations, seem dismissive of your concerns, or can’t provide clear timelines and cost breakdowns. Quality custom home builders take the time to ensure you understand every phase of the process, from design to final inspection.
We’ve found that the most successful projects start with honest, open conversations. We want to understand not just what you want your home to look like, but how you actually live. This approach has earned us a large database of return clients and referrals, which is a testament to how we communicate and build trust.
Custom Home Design and Customization Capabilities
If you’re building a custom home, you want a builder who can bring your unique vision to life, not just offer cookie-cutter floor plans. Look for a Sioux Falls home construction company that provides in-house design services or works closely with skilled architects and designers.
The ability to draft custom floor plans and offer computer-aided design services means you can visualize your home before ground is broken. This collaborative approach helps prevent costly changes down the line and ensures the finished product truly reflects your personal style.
At Hjellming Construction, we handle computer drafting of all custom floor plans in-house. This means faster revisions, better communication, and a design process that’s truly collaborative. Our custom home designers work directly with you to ensure every detail is exactly as you envisioned—creating a home that is “uniquely yours.”
Strong Relationships With Quality Subcontractors
No builder does everything alone. The best custom home builders in Sioux Falls have established relationships with reliable subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and finish carpenters who share their commitment to quality.
Don’t hesitate to ask potential builders about their subcontractor relationships. How long have they worked together? Do they use local tradespeople? A builder with a stable team of trusted professionals will deliver more consistent results and handle problems more efficiently.
Over our 60-plus years serving the Sioux Falls area, we’ve built strong partnerships with some of the region’s finest craftsmen and suppliers. These relationships ensure consistent quality and mean we can tackle any problem in any home at any time.
Proper Licensing, Insurance, and References
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: verify that any Sioux Falls home builder you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. Request proof of general liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage to protect yourself from potential liability.
Also ask for references from recent clients—and actually call them. Ask about communication, how the builder handled challenges, whether the project stayed on budget and schedule, and if they’d hire the builder again. Past clients can provide invaluable insights you won’t find anywhere else.
We’re proud that so much of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients. When families trust us enough to recommend us to their friends and neighbors—or return years later for additions and remodeling—it speaks to the relationships we build and the quality we deliver.
Realistic Timelines and Budget Transparency
Beware of builders who promise unrealistically short timelines or significantly lower bids than their competitors. Quality construction takes time, and cutting corners to speed things up usually backfires.
A reputable Sioux Falls home construction company will provide a detailed estimate. They should also discuss potential factors that could affect the timeline, like weather delays or material availability, and have a process for handling change orders.
As a family business, we’ve always believed in straight talk about timelines and costs. We’d rather set honest expectations from the beginning than overpromise and disappoint you later. Check out our FAQ page for more information about what to expect during the building process.
Attention to Energy Efficiency and Modern Building Standards
South Dakota’s climate demands homes that can handle cold winters and hot summers efficiently. Look for builders who stay current with energy-efficient building practices, proper insulation techniques, and high-quality windows and doors.
Ask about their approach to energy efficiency, whether they build to specific standards, and what options they offer for sustainable materials or systems. A forward-thinking builder will help you create a home that’s comfortable year-round and easier on your utility bills.
Having built homes across the Sioux Falls area for six decades, we’ve seen building science evolve dramatically. We stay current with the latest techniques and materials to ensure the homes we build today will perform beautifully for generations to come.
A Portfolio That Reflects Your Style
Every builder has a specialty or style they excel at. Tour model homes, ask to see photos of completed projects, or drive by finished homes in the Sioux Falls area. Does the builder’s work align with your aesthetic preferences? Do you notice consistent quality in the finishes and craftsmanship?
The right builder for your neighbor might not be the right builder for you, and that’s okay. Find someone whose previous work excites you and makes you confident in their ability to execute your vision.
Our new home portfolio showcases the range of custom homes we’ve built across South Dakota—from traditional designs to contemporary styles, from cozy family homes to luxury estates. We invite you to browse and see if our craftsmanship matches your vision.
Community Involvement and Reputation
In a tight-knit community like Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas, reputation matters. Research potential builders online, check reviews, and ask around. Builders who are active in industry associations, participate in community service projects, or have received recognition from their peers often demonstrate a higher level of commitment to their craft.
Awards and affiliations with organizations like the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire indicate a builder stays connected to industry best practices and values professional development.
Our Vice President, Cory Hjellming, was named 2019 Builder of the Year by HBASE and has served on numerous committees including Workforce Development, Local Government Affairs, Building Codes, Legislative, and the Sioux Empire Home Builders Care Foundation Board. He’s also been a Repair Affair team leader since 2018. This community involvement reflects our family’s commitment to not just building great homes, but strengthening the entire Sioux Falls building community.
The Feeling Factor
Finally, trust your gut. Building a home is a months-long journey, and you’ll be working closely with your builder throughout the process. Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Does the builder seem genuinely excited about your project? Is there mutual respect and trust?
The best builder-client relationships are partnerships. You should feel confident that your builder has your best interests at heart and will advocate for you every step of the way.
As a family-run business, we approach every project with the care and attention we’d want for our own homes. We’re not a large corporate builder—we’re your neighbors, and your satisfaction directly impacts our reputation in the community we’ve served for over 60 years.
Building Your Dream With the Right Partner
Choosing a home builder in Sioux Falls doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know what to look for. Prioritize experience, communication, transparency, and quality craftsmanship. Take your time, ask plenty of questions, and don’t settle for anything less than a builder who makes you feel confident about turning your custom home dreams into reality.
At Hjellming Construction, we’ve been building that trust with Sioux Falls families since 1962. We proudly serve Sioux Falls and surrounding areas within a 100-mile radius across South Dakota, and we’re one of the most experienced builders in the region. Located just east of the I-29 Tea exit at 27081 Mueller Place, we’re always available to meet with current and future homeowners alike.
If you’re ready to start your custom home journey, we’d love to sit down and discuss how we can help create a home that’s uniquely yours. Browse our new home portfolio, check out our FAQ page, or contact us today to schedule a consultation. With over 50 years in the business, we can help turn your custom home dreams into a home that is uniquely yours.