Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right homesite in the Sioux Falls area sets the foundation for a smooth build, so evaluate lot size, drainage, and sun orientation early.
- Defining your layout and finish selections before construction begins helps keep your timeline on track and your budget realistic.
- Working with a builder who understands Sioux Falls’ local codes and climate helps you avoid costly surprises down the road.
Building a custom home is one of the most exciting investments a family can make, but the best results start long before the first shovel hits the ground. At Hjellming Construction, a family-owned home builder based in Sioux Falls, we’ve spent more than 60 years helping homeowners across South Dakota turn ideas into homes that are uniquely theirs. Whether you’re building on a quiet acreage outside the city or a new lot within Sioux Falls, a little planning up front makes all the difference in the final result.
Choosing the Right Land
*This is a beautiful shot from our Garretson, South Dakota new construction home. Click here to see more.*
Every custom home starts with the land it sits on. Lot size, shape, and orientation affect everything from natural light to how your floor plan will flow.
Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas offer a wide range of building sites, from established neighborhoods to open acreage within our 100-mile service area across South Dakota.
Before construction begins, it’s worth evaluating drainage, soil conditions, utility access, and how the sun moves across the property throughout the day, since these details shape design decisions later on.
Defining Your Home’s Style and Layout
Once your site is selected, it’s time to think about how you want to live in your new home. Do you want an open-concept main floor for entertaining, a dedicated home office, or a mudroom built for South Dakota winters?
Our team uses computer drafting to create custom floor plans, which means your layout can be adjusted and refined until it truly fits your family’s daily routine, not just a generic template.
Questions Worth Answering Early
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms will your household need in the next 10 to 15 years?
- Do you entertain often, and how much kitchen and living space does that require?
- Will you need a main-floor primary suite or a home office?
- How much garage and storage space fits your lifestyle?
Budgeting for Your Custom Home
A clear budget keeps a new home build on track from start to finish. Beyond square footage, costs are shaped by material selections, finish levels, and site conditions. Establishing a realistic budget early, and identifying which upgrades matter most to you, helps avoid surprises once construction is underway.
Because Hjellming Construction handles design and building under one roof, we’re able to walk homeowners through cost implications at every stage of planning, not just after the fact.
Selecting Finishes and Fixtures Early
Countertops, cabinetry, flooring, and lighting all take time to select and order. Deciding on these finishes early in the process helps keep your construction timeline moving smoothly and gives you the chance to make thoughtful choices rather than rushed ones.
This is also the stage where a home starts to feel personal, reflecting your family’s taste rather than a builder’s standard package.
Working With a Team That Understands Sioux Falls
Local building codes, permitting timelines, weather patterns, and soil conditions all vary by region, and Sioux Falls is no exception. As a family-owned builder with three generations of experience in this community, Hjellming Construction brings decades of local knowledge to every new build, helping homeowners avoid costly missteps and keep their project on schedule.
Start Planning Your New Home With Hjellming Construction
From the very first conversation about your homesite to the final walkthrough, Hjellming Construction is proud to guide Sioux Falls families through every decision that goes into a new custom home.
Ready to get started on your new construction home? Contact our team to schedule your consultation, and let’s start planning your new home together. We’re excited to see your vision.