The process of building a new home should offer clarity, not confusion. But for many buyers, especially those going through it for the first time, the experience often feels overly rigid or vague. At Empire Homes, we've worked to eliminate that friction by creating a system that prioritizes transparency, communication, and thoughtful choices throughout the entire process.
Flexible Design
Our projects start with floor plans that have been refined over time, not just for aesthetic appeal, but also for how people actually live. Every square foot is intentional. Within those plans, buyers have room to make meaningful decisions, especially when it comes to finishes and features. We’re not a fully custom builder, but the process isn’t off-the-shelf either. It strikes a middle ground that gives people more influence without creating delays or decision fatigue.
What sets our process apart is how much input buyers actually have, especially when it comes to the selections that shape the look and feel of a home: cabinetry, flooring, tile, millwork, lighting, color palettes, and more. These aren’t limited to one or two preset packages. Instead, buyers work directly with our team to choose from a curated range of high-quality finishes that fit their style and budget.
And yes, sometimes it goes beyond finishes. Can we add a fireplace? Absolutely. Have we swapped standard doors for pocket doors? More than once. We’ve even reconfigured walls when the timing and layout allow for it. The level of customization often depends on where a home is in the construction process when a buyer steps in, but when there’s room to make a smart adjustment, we’re always open to the conversation.
This approach keeps things efficient without stripping away individuality, which is often where fully custom projects run into problems.
Built With Quality
Construction is handled by teams who know the expectations from day one. Materials, timelines, and quality standards are clearly defined upfront, so everyone involved is working toward the same result. Our process is structured enough to stay on track but practical enough to adapt when it makes sense — and that balance is what keeps things moving smoothly from one phase to the next.
Much of that shows up in the details — grout lines that stay even, cabinets that close smoothly without gaps, doors that latch without sticking, and flooring that maintains a seamless fit over time. But just as important are the parts you don’t see: framing that’s square, insulation done properly, and mechanicals that are clean and code-compliant.
These things don’t happen by accident. They’re backed by a thorough inspection process that checks each phase of the build, not just the final walk-through. Our approach is to fix issues before they become problems, and to hand over homes that don’t just look good but hold up to real life.
Thoughtful Plans for Lasting Value
Because we build throughout the Sioux Falls area, including Tea, Harrisburg, and Brandon, we understand the land we’re working with. That includes everything from local infrastructure to how a neighborhood might grow over the next five or ten years. It helps us build smarter and guide buyers toward long-term value without having to say it outright.
Empire’s model is built on clarity and consistency, with room to evolve. We’ve refined a process that works — one that keeps projects on track while still allowing space for design flexibility and thoughtful updates along the way. It’s not about reinventing the wheel with every build; it’s about making smart, lasting decisions that reflect how people actually live today.
That kind of focus creates room for smarter decisions. Whether it's how we plan our developments or how we guide buyers through selections, there's a clear process behind it — not just to stay organized, but to avoid the kind of friction that can weigh down a new build.
The end result feels intentional — homes that are as functional as they are visually striking, with details that hold up over time.