Key points
- Choosing a custom home builder starts with fit: where the builder works, the homes they have completed and how they run the building process.
- Design-build homebuilders such as Michael Lee Homes handle design, selections and construction under one roof.
- Asking clear questions about pricing, timelines and homeowner involvement up front helps prevent surprises later.
Building a custom home is one of the largest investments most families will make, and the builder you choose shapes nearly every part of the experience. With communities such as Woodbury and Cottage Grove adding new neighborhoods, buyers in Minnesota’s East Metro have more options than ever.
David Frosch, president and owner of Michael Lee Homes, an East Metro homebuilder based in Woodbury, has been building homes in the area since 1983. “The house is the end result, but what you’re really choosing is the team you’ll be working with for months,” Frosch said.
Start With Where You Want to Live
Many custom builders work in specific communities, so the search for a builder and the search for a neighborhood often go hand in hand. Narrow down the communities that suit your commute, school district and lifestyle, then find out who is building there.
Michael Lee Homes is currently building in four East Metro neighborhoods: Waypointe of Woodbury, Hartung Farms, and Mississippi Landing in Cottage Grove, where some homesites overlook the Mississippi River.
Look at Experience and Leadership
Ask how long the company has been building, who leads it and whether the people you meet at the start will be involved through move-in. Frosch founded Michael Lee Homes in 2003. He now leads the company with his son, Steven Frosch, Vice President of Construction and Owner, bringing two generations of homebuilding experience to each project.
The company has also earned multiple Reggie Awards from Housing First Minnesota, including a 2024 Reggie Award for a custom home in the $800,000 to $899,000 category.
Confirm Licensing and Warranty Coverage
Minnesota requires new-home builders to hold a residential building contractor license from the Department of Labor and Industry. Ask for the license number and confirm it before signing, and ask what the home’s warranty covers.
Understand the Design Process
A design-build homebuilder handles both design and construction, so the people drawing the plans are the same people building the home. That makes it easier to keep the design, budget and schedule aligned.
At Michael Lee Homes, the custom build process begins with a new home consultant who learns what the homeowner needs and stays available throughout the build. Homeowners can personalize an existing floor plan or develop a fully custom design. They then make selections with an interior designer, guided by the company’s motto: “If you want it, you can have it.”
Walk Through Finished Homes
Model homes, open houses and Parade of Homes entries let you see a builder’s work in person, from trim details to how the rooms flow. If possible, tour a home under construction too.
“We always tell people to come see a house in person. Photos are nice, but you really need to stand in the kitchen and walk the space.” Frosch said.
Ask Clear Questions About Price and Timeline
A base price is a starting point. Lot premiums, elevations and upgraded finishes can all affect the total, so ask what’s included as standard and how changes are priced once construction begins. Ask for a realistic timeline as well, since design decisions, permitting and Minnesota weather can all play a role.
Decide How Involved You Want to Be
Some homeowners want a say in every detail, while others prefer guidance. The right builder will keep you informed either way.
“Some homeowners want to pick out every light fixture, and some want us to guide them. Either way, it’s their home, and they should always know where things stand,” Frosch said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Design-Build Homebuilder?
A design-build homebuilder manages both the design and construction of a home, so homeowners work with one team from the first plan through move-in.
Where Can I Build a Custom Home in Minnesota’s East Metro?
Michael Lee Homes is currently building in four East Metro neighborhoods: Waypointe and Hartung Farm in Woodbury, Cardinal Reserve, and Mississippi Landing in Cottage Grove.
About Michael Lee Homes
Michael Lee Homes is a custom homebuilder based in Woodbury, Minnesota, serving homeowners throughout the East Metro. Founded by David Frosch in 2003, Michael Lee Homes specializes in custom home construction, offering homeowners the flexibility to personalize existing floor plans or develop a custom design. The company brings decades of homebuilding experience to each project, with a focus on personalized design, quality construction, and homeowner involvement throughout the building process.
