danelliotthomes.com

When people pause to admire stately old homes, they often comment, "They just don't make them like they use to." Dan Elliott's response might be, "It's a good thing we don't build them like they use to. I've remodeled many of these old homes. They didn't even put insulation in the walls."

Craftsmen of years gone by deserve credit for their architectural vision and their strict adherence to certain architectural styles. Today, however, we do know how to build homes better. Dan Elliott certainly agrees. He should know. He's been designing and building custom homes since 1976.

So, how does a custom home designer and builder maintain a steady flow of customers for so many years? Dan states that the majority of his customers come from referrals, so one of the keys to his success must certainly be the way his customers are treated by him and the people associated with his company. "When people go through the whole design/build process with a builder and are satisfied, it's natural for them to tell others," he explains. "I have been privileged to build a second home for six families and some homes for sons and daughters of past customers."

Customers relate well to Dan and appreciate the manner in which he interacts with them. For example, during the design and planning sessions Dan can sketch drawings right in front of them as they work out design details. This method has many advantages over simply listening to their ideas. It provides instant confirmation that Dan understands what they have in mind and also gives him the chance to expand and enhance the design or show alternatives. Whether it's the overall design of the exterior elevation or a detailed interior feature such as a fireplace, they can quickly reach a meeting of the minds. Dan believes that the design stages of the process should be an exciting time for his customers and he always works to make it a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Over the years, Dan has designed virtually every style of home imaginable. He enjoys the study of architecture and makes every effort to stay true to the historical attributes of the specific style of home he is creating for each customer. "In the price ranges I build, customers expect their new home to have a continuity of style throughout," Dan explains. "I can take virtually any floor plan and make it any style they wish. "My work is incredibly interesting because every customer is unique," says Dan. "Each has their own individual personality, style choices, and lifestyle preferences. Some come with very simple drawings or sketches. Some come with shopping bags full of pictures. Others come with just some ideas in their head. My job is to help them expand and refine their ideas and to maximize the value and enjoyment of their new home."I truly believe that my customers benefit from the fact that I am building what I have personally designed for them," Dan declares. "I know how their home should be constructed because I designed it. I have seen many plans that are pretty on paper but nearly impossible to build. On the other hand, I have seen plans that appear easy to build but are lacking in visual aesthetics, style, creativity and/or good architectural balance. I can evaluate my own plans from the perspectives of both the designer and the builder."

Dan's path to becoming a successful designer and builder was set in motion at an early age. "As a teenager, I didn't really know what career I wanted to pursue," he relates. "However, I did know what I enjoyed doing. I loved to draw. More specifically, I liked to draw pictures of houses. In high school, I won several awards for my architectural drawings but didn't think it was that big a deal at the time. For me, drawing was more of a hobby than a serious career idea."

During the 10 years that Dan worked for a civil engineering firm, his innate artistic talent and drawing skills continued to attract the attention of friends and acquaintances. He helped develop home remodeling plans and drawings for several people, often just for the enjoyment of it.

In 1976, a friend suggested that he should take his skills to a new level and do design work full time since he enjoyed it so much. With the encouragement of family and friends, Dan quit his job and went into business for himself, first working primarily as a home designer for one of the area's major high-end custom builders. He later added other builder clients and even did some remodeling work.Dan built his first home in 1981, a 5500 sq. ft. home in Carmel. In 1984, Dan was contracted to build a 6200 sq. ft. home on Geist Reservoir. This was the fourth home that he designed and built himself. It was constructed on a very challenging site requiring over 360 yards of concrete for sea walls, basement walls, swimming pool walls and other various retaining walls. Dan admits to being a little overwhelmed at times but always confident about the end result. He was use to designing homes of this size and had spent many hours around custom home sites."After completing this home, I felt that I could build on virtually any lot," Dan states. "The homeowners were very happy and allowed me to show their home to prospects whenever I called. It was like having a model home and I did sell three contracts from it."

As with this home and numerous homes thereafter, my 10 years of civil engineering experience has proven to be invaluable," Dan concludes. "I didn't realize it at the time, but this engineering background helps give me insight as to how to work with challenging ground elevations and how to properly set homes on difficult lots, especially in the Geist area. I am currently building my 28th waterfront home."

Another key to Dan's success is the quality team of subcontractors and suppliers he has assembled over the years. "When it comes to selecting subcontractors and suppliers, I don't believe in shopping each project for the cheapest prices," Dan explains. "Good working relationships built on loyalty and respect reap more long term benefits for my customers. My trades contractors and suppliers know what I expect from them and how I want things done. Some have been with me from the beginning and as long as they continue to give me their best efforts they will continue to get my business.

Designing and building custom homes is a business that fits Dan perfectly. "I can't imagine anything else that I could possibly do that I would enjoy as much," he relates. "Even after all of these years, my business still feels more like a hobby than work. Each day brings exciting new experiences and challenges along with new opportunities to help people turn their dreams into reality."Dan Elliott is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, the Indiana Builders Association and the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis.

The home building industry has been good for Dan's family also. His wife, Deborah, is a valuable resource because she is a licensed Realtor with 23 years experience working in the home mortgage field. In addition to keeping Dan up-to-date on interest rates and the latest mortgage products, she is also available to assist customers with their financing. Dan has three grown children and seven grandchildren. His son, Tim, has his own excavating company and works with Dan and many other area builders. Dan's daughter, Amanda, works for Tim. Dan's sister, Wanda, works in his office.

The Builder's Journal is proud to feature Dan Elliott and share a small portion of his success story with our readers. Although Dan has a quarter of a century behind him, he doesn't show any signs of slowing down. So, we expect to see Dan around for many more years. For more information on this exceptional home builder, call Dan Elliott, Inc. at 317-849-9138.