Meet our July Builder of the Month, Jeff Simms of Wausau Homes Marshalltown.
Jeff understands that homebuilding is a complex process and everyone’s needs are different. Jeff and his team don’t build one-size-fits-all homes—their first priority is working with you to create the perfect design that fits your family. Whether you need a place to raise your children, a weekend getaway, or flexible space for an office, or visiting grandparents, there is a perfect design for you.

Keep reading to get to know Jeff on a more personal level with our Q&A.

How long have you been a Wausau Homes builder?

Since June of 2018.

How did you get into the home building business?

I started in the building and remodeling industry in 1990, learning the trade right out of high school.

Why did you choose to be a Wausau Homes builder?

I chose to partner with Wausau Homes because it was very attractive to me as a builder to be able to have a house weather-tight within 3 to 4 days with a quality system that the home owner can be proud of.

When you’re not building homes what do you like to do?

When I am not working, I like to hang out with my family going boating, camping, or just chilling on the patio – especially if that involves using the grill or smoker. I also like trying to figure out how to hit a golf ball straight. I love being involved with my church as well as the local community.

What part of the custom home building process do you find the most rewarding?

It is rewarding every time to have a happy customer. We tend to build relationships through our builds since we are a smaller company. It is also rewarding to accomplish a build on time with the process that we use.

If you were building your dream home what is the one feature you would have to have?

I think in any home, the one feature I would want to have is the same as almost all customers; a great kitchen. Many customers tend to want features in the home that they do not use as much as they thought they would – a soaking tub, a fireplace, or a custom tiled shower. But everyone always uses the kitchen. I would put the money in the best feature and focal point of the house…the kitchen.

What is one tip you would give to all custom home buyers?

Custom home buying is much different than buying an existing house on the market. It is also different than buying a cookie-cutter home. Some cookie-cutter builders say that it is a custom home, but they just mean that you get to pick out your own finishes, like your countertops, or your siding color on one of the existing floor plans that they have. When we build a custom home for someone, we spend a lot of our own time up front to help design what the customer wants and try and help steer them in the right direction to keep them in budget. Most custom home builders love their job and it is usually evident. If you find a builder like this, then you can trust them. When building a custom home, don’t settle for just another builder. Find one that you are comfortable with, and that you can trust.

Are there any home building trends in your area that stand out?

In the Midwest, the trends are all over the board. Styles range from traditional to modern, warm and cozy to clean and simple. The fun part for us is that we get to see and do it all.

What has been your most rewarding build to date and why?

I do not think I can single out any one build that I would call the most rewarding. They are all incredibly significant to me. Every one of them has had challenges, and every one of them has had rewards. I will say that the most rewarding thing about all builds would be the fact that I don’t have a job because I love what I do. That, in itself, is a blessing.

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