What floor plan did you choose?

We originally gravitated toward the Kenai floor plan because we loved the idea of a separate dining area. At the same time, the McKenzie caught our attention with its open concept layout and spacious feel.

In the end, we chose the McKenzie plan because our sales representative worked closely with us to customize the plan. He helped us incorporate a defined eating area while keeping the wide open living space we wanted. It truly gave us the best of both designs, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

What drew you to the Trailhead community?

There’s so much to love about Trailhead that it’s hard to choose just one thing. The location was a major draw for us — it’s in one of the fastest growing areas in the county and even the state. We also loved how the community is surrounded by nature, especially with direct access to Miami Whitewater Forest and its eight miles of paved hiking and biking trails.
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As avid golfers, having two courses nearby was another big plus. But what really sealed the deal was the low maintenance patio home living where the yard work is taken care of for us — ideal for us as empty nesters who are always on the go.
Since moving in, we’ve discovered that many friends and family are already part of the neighborhood or in the process of building, which has made Trailhead feel instantly welcoming and even more like home.

As you watched your home come to life, what have been your favorite features? 

One of the biggest hurdles we faced when deciding to build was the idea of making all the color and design selections. Our previous attempt with a different builder had left us anxious about that part of the process.

Drees completely changed that for us. The online design tool made it easy to explore options, and the consultant at the Design Center was incredibly knowledgeable and patient. What we expected to be stressful became an enjoyable experience.

Watching everything come together — the quality, the cohesion, the way each choice complemented the next — has been one of our favorite parts of the build. And seeing our dining area take shape exactly the way we envisioned has been especially exciting.

What did you enjoy most about the building process?

Going into the process, we honestly didn’t know what to expect. All we knew was that waiting — and dealing with the unknown — isn’t exactly our strong suit. But from the moment we met with the construction manager and our sales representative to review the plans, we were given a clear timeline and a solid understanding of what to expect at each stage.

Because we lived nearby, we were able to visit the site often. Anytime we had questions, concerns, or just needed clarification, our onsite builders were incredibly knowledgeable and responsive. They always took the time to explain things in detail and address anything that needed attention.

In the final week before closing, there was a long punch list of last minute items — and we’re still amazed at how thoroughly and efficiently the team handled every single one. As for the timeline and expectations set at that very first meeting, they absolutely nailed it.

What advice would you give others who are interested in building a home?

We don’t know if we’re qualified to give advice since this was our first time building, but we can say this: choose a builder you trust — one that values quality, communicates openly, and stands behind their work.

We walked away from our first attempt to build because it was clear that the builder prioritized quantity over quality, and they weren’t transparent or receptive when we asked questions or requested plan adjustments. Our experience with Drees was the complete opposite, and exactly what we believe most people would hope for when building a home.

We wanted structural integrity, thoughtful design, and reliable construction from a company that would remain accountable after we moved in. Drees delivered on all of that. Since we moved in, they’ve replaced bubbled window glass, resolved a few electrical issues, and addressed a few minor fixes — all quickly and without hesitation. Just as important, every person we’ve worked with communicated clearly and honestly throughout the process. 

All prospective homebuyer’s priorities are different, but these were ours — and Drees met every one of them.

Learn More

Dreaming of your own Drees home? Begin to explore the possibilities here. Love a good story? Dive into more heartwarming tales from our Homeowner Spotlight Series here.