Choosing the Right Homebuilder
Lynae Malchus

Choosing the Right Builder: Experience, Communication & a Hands-On Approach

Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you'll make when starting a custom home project. It's not just about hiring someone who can pour concrete or frame a wall. You're choosing a partner—someone who will walk with you through every step of the process. From the first sketch to the final walk-through. That relationship should be built on experience, communication, and trust.


Why Communication Matters

Good communication isn’t a bonus in construction—it’s a necessity. When you're building a custom home, plans evolve. Materials change. Weather delays happen. A builder who communicates clearly and frequently helps you avoid confusion and stress.

Look for someone who makes time to explain things in plain language, answers your questions promptly, and keeps you updated on progress. Weekly check-ins, schedule summaries, and a willingness to talk through decisions make a huge difference in how you experience the build. Without that, it's easy to feel left in the dark.

A builder who listens is just as important as one who talks. They should ask questions about how you live, how you plan to use your space, and what details matter most. These conversations shape the outcome and ensure your finished home reflects your priorities, not just someone else’s template.


The Value of a Hands-On Builder

There are builders who manage from afar—and then there are builders who are on-site, checking that walls are square, finishes are right, and plans are followed. A hands-on builder is there when it counts. They walk the site regularly, talk with subcontractors, and verify the quality of every phase of the build.

That hands-on approach helps catch small issues before they become big ones. Maybe a light fixture was installed slightly off-center, or a cabinet door doesn't align. These are the kinds of things that can get missed if your builder isn’t present. But when they’re involved daily, those little adjustments happen naturally—and save you from rework later.

Hands-on builders also build strong relationships with their crews, which leads to smoother communication and more consistent results. When the person managing the project is respected and present, the job runs better from start to finish.


Well-Rounded Experience Counts

Experience matters, but not just in years. The kind of experience a builder brings to the table tells you a lot about how well they'll handle your project. Someone who’s worked in both residential and commercial construction, for example, likely knows how to manage budgets, timelines, and logistics across a wide range of conditions.

A builder who has drawn plans, worked with city inspectors, and pounded nails has a more complete understanding of what it takes to bring a home from paper to reality. They know where mistakes typically happen and how to avoid them. They know when to be flexible and when to hold the line. And perhaps most importantly, they know how to keep everything moving forward when plans change—as they often do.

In Southern Utah, experience also means understanding the land. Builders need to know how to work with our arid climate, dramatic shifts in temperature, and the occasional extreme weather event. Local soil conditions, runoff patterns, and wind exposure all play into how a home should be designed and built. If your builder doesn’t have that regional knowledge, you may end up with a house that looks good on day one but struggles to hold up over time.


A Builder Who Plans with Transparency

Building a home involves hundreds of decisions. You deserve to understand each one. A trustworthy builder lays out a clear project timeline, explains costs in detail, and helps you make informed choices. If a price increases or a delay is likely, they let you know right away—and give you options.

Look for a builder who gives you access to your project’s financials and scheduling updates. This shows respect for your budget and your time. It also gives you peace of mind, because you can see where things stand and what’s ahead. Builders who plan this way build trust long before the foundation is poured.


How to Spot the Right Builder Early

Start with a conversation. Ask how they handle changes. Find out how often they’re on-site. Ask about their experience with homes in your area. If possible, visit a home they’ve built and talk to the homeowners. Were they kept informed? Did the builder stand by their word? Did the finished home match what was promised?

Read between the lines. Do they speak with confidence but not arrogance? Do they admit when something will take time or require adjustment? Builders who offer easy answers to everything may be more interested in closing a sale than building a lasting relationship.


Why Agenda Design+Build Checks These Boxes

At Agenda Design+Build, I bring over 18 years of experience in both residential and commercial construction. From day one, I’m involved in the planning, permitting, budgeting, and building of every home we take on. I visit each site regularly—not just to supervise, but to walk through the space, check for quality, and make sure each step lines up with the plan.

I believe the process should feel collaborative, not transactional. That’s why I focus so much on communication. Clients hear from me directly, and often. I don’t rely on go-betweens. I explain decisions, walk through changes, and help solve problems as they come. And because I’ve worked in so many areas of construction—from drafting plans to managing civic projects—I bring a wide perspective that helps keep things on track when unexpected turns arise.

Southern Utah isn’t just a place I work. It’s where I live, raise my family, and build long-term relationships. I know what our climate demands from a home, and I design with that in mind. I also know the ins and outs of local permitting offices, subcontractors, and suppliers. That local knowledge keeps things moving and avoids costly delays.

Choosing a builder is about trust. You should feel confident in their experience, comfortable with their communication style, and secure in their presence on site. If you're looking for someone who treats your project with the same care they would their own, let’s start the conversation.


At Agenda Design+Build, you won’t be handed off to someone else. You’ll work with me directly, from the first meeting to the final walk-through. Because building a home should feel like building a future—and that starts with the right builder by your side.

Should You Build Now or Wait? 5 Signs You're Ready to Build a Home

By Lynae Malchus • May 27, 2025
Deciding when to build your custom home is an important choice, filled with excitement and uncertainty. It's understandable to question if the timing is right or if waiting could be beneficial. Here are five detailed signs to help you assess whether now is the ideal moment to start your home-building journey, especially if you're considering building in beautiful Southern Utah. 1. You Have a Clear and Thoughtful Vision If you often find yourself envisioning your dream kitchen, imagining cozy living spaces, or gathering ideas from magazines and online platforms, you’re likely prepared to move forward. Clarity in your vision simplifies the design phase, saving valuable time and resources. A clear concept helps minimize revisions, ensures the end product matches your expectations, and maintains momentum throughout the project. Additionally, clarity of vision allows your builder to accurately understand and execute your ideas, leading to better communication and fewer missteps along the way. 2. Your Finances are Stable and Clearly Defined Financial readiness goes beyond having savings or pre-approval for financing. True readiness means having a detailed and realistic budget, understanding the complete cost of building, and having an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Feeling financially secure and having a precise grasp of what you can comfortably afford will provide peace of mind throughout the construction process. Before you begin, it’s beneficial to consult with financial advisors or lenders who specialize in construction financing. Their insights can ensure your financial plan is robust and aligned with your long-term goals. 3. You Understand Southern Utah’s Unique Landscape Building in Southern Utah comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. The climate is distinctively arid, with intense heat in the summer and cold, snowy winters. Soil conditions, particularly around towns like Milford, Beaver, and Cedar City, can vary dramatically. Knowing how these factors influence your construction project—from choosing appropriate materials to preparing your building site properly—is essential. Being familiar with local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental considerations further demonstrates readiness. This preparation helps avoid potential issues, ensuring a smoother and more predictable building process. 4. Your Life Timing Aligns with Your Home-Building Project Timing is deeply personal and influenced by various factors, including family dynamics, career stability, and life goals. If you anticipate significant life changes, such as growing your family, retirement, or simply outgrowing your current living situation, now might be the right moment to build. Consider the typical duration of a custom home build—from initial planning and design to construction completion, it can span several months to over a year. Ensure your current living arrangements can accommodate this timeline without adding undue stress. Good timing ensures that the home-building experience enriches your life rather than disrupting it. 5. You've Found a Builder You Trust Completely Perhaps the most crucial sign of readiness is finding a builder who aligns with your vision, communication style, and values. An experienced, reputable builder will offer transparency, reliability, and a hands-on approach. They should clearly outline timelines, budgets, and potential challenges, providing realistic expectations and solutions along the way. Take the time to research, read reviews, and speak with previous clients. A builder who comes highly recommended and instills confidence through their proven track record is invaluable. Feeling comfortable and confident in your builder’s abilities is a definitive indication that you’re ready to begin. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you identify strongly with these signs, you're likely in a great position to start building your custom home. At Agenda Design+Build, our goal is to make your home-building journey clear, enjoyable, and fulfilling. We provide personalized service, extensive local knowledge, and transparent communication from start to finish. Reach out to us today—let’s discuss your vision and explore if now is the perfect time for your dream home in Southern Utah.

Quality Framing

By Darin Malchus • May 18, 2025
When building a home, much of the attention tends to go toward the visible elements—sleek countertops, designer lighting, trendy paint colors. But behind every beautiful home is a sturdy skeleton that determines the safety, longevity, and efficiency of the structure: the framing. Framing is the backbone of a house. It defines the shape of each room, supports the roof and walls, and ensures everything fits together properly. Done right, it’s invisible. Done poorly, it can lead to a host of long-term problems that are expensive and difficult to fix. What Is Framing? Framing refers to the structural framework of a home, typically built from wood or steel, that supports the load of the building. It includes: Studs, joists, and rafters: These form the walls, floors, and roof structure. Headers and beams: These provide support above windows and doors. Sheathing and bracing: These add rigidity and form the base for exterior finishes. This network of precisely measured and interconnected parts is what allows your house to stand upright, resist wind, bear snow loads, and remain square and true for decades. Why Good Framing Matters 1. Structural Integrity Framing is quite literally what holds a house together. Poor framing can lead to structural weakness, including sagging floors, cracked walls, uneven doorways, and even long-term settlement issues. Quality framing ensures that the home remains stable, especially in areas prone to earthquakes, high winds, or heavy snow. 2. Energy Efficiency A well-framed house supports better insulation, airtight sealing, and proper window and door alignment—all of which are key to energy efficiency. Gaps or misalignments in framing can create drafts and energy leaks that drive up utility bills and reduce comfort. 3. Smooth Finishes and Functionality Poor framing leads to problems that ripple into every other phase of construction. Drywall won’t hang properly. Cabinets won’t sit flush. Doors won’t close squarely. By contrast, precise framing makes it easier for every trade that follows—from electrical and plumbing to finish carpentry—to do their job accurately and efficiently. 4. Future Flexibility Good framing also considers the future. A well-designed frame includes access points for electrical or plumbing maintenance, room for HVAC ductwork, and even structural allowances for future renovations or expansions. Framing with foresight is framing with long-term value. 5. Code Compliance and Resale Value Proper framing ensures your home meets local building codes, which is crucial for legal occupancy and future resale. Home inspectors look closely at framing—if there are issues, buyers will either walk away or demand costly fixes. Conclusion: Framing Isn’t Just Lumber—It’s Logic Think of framing as the blueprint brought to life. It’s where design meets engineering, where vision becomes reality. Cutting corners here might save time or money in the short term, but the risks and costs down the road can be enormous. Whether you’re building a dream home or overseeing a renovation, don’t underestimate the value of quality framing. Invest in skilled framers, use quality materials, and ensure the plans are executed with precision. It’s the strongest foundation you can give to every other detail that follows. Your home is only as good as the structure beneath the surface—and that starts with framing done right.