Key points
- Building a custom home with Michael Lee Homes follows four main stages: a first meeting, design, selections and construction.
- Homeowners can personalize an existing floor plan or create a fully custom design, with an interior designer guiding their selections.
- The process is built around homeowner involvement, with a consultant available from the first conversation through move-in.
For many families, building a custom home is a once-in-a-lifetime project. Knowing what happens at each stage can make the experience feel less like a leap and more like a plan.
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. He founded Michael Lee Homes in 2003 to give homeowners more flexibility and involvement in designing and building their homes. “People should enjoy building their home, and that starts with knowing what’s coming next,” Frosch said.
Step One: The First Meeting
The custom build process begins with a new home consultant, either at an open house or at a scheduled appointment. This first conversation is about listening. The consultant learns how the homeowner lives, what they need from a new home, which neighborhoods interest them and what budget they have in mind.
The consultant stays available throughout the build, giving homeowners a familiar point of contact as the project moves from ideas to construction.
Step Two: Designing the Home
Michael Lee Homes offers two paths. Homeowners can personalize one of the builder’s existing floor plans, including one story and two-story designs, or develop a fully custom design from the ground up.
Either way, design begins with a consultation with the builder, and homeowners stay involved in every decision. As a design-build homebuilder, Michael Lee Homes handles both design and construction, so the team drawing the plans is the same team that will build the home.
“A floor plan is only a starting point. We want to hear how a family actually lives, and then make the home work for them,” Frosch said.
Step Three: Making Selections
Once the design is set, homeowners choose their finishes with an interior designer, from flooring and cabinetry to lighting and fixtures. Michael Lee Homes works with an expanded range of materials and suppliers, and the company motto sums up its approach: “If you want it, you can have it.”
This is often the most personal part of the process. Some homeowners arrive with a clear vision, while others want guidance on what will look good and hold up over time. The interior designer helps in both cases, keeping selections consistent with the home’s style and the homeowner’s budget.
Step Four: Construction
With design and selections complete, construction begins. The crew breaks ground, pours the footings and prepares the home for framing. The home then takes shape through mechanical work and interior finishes, followed by the final touches before move-in.
Building in Minnesota means planning around the seasons, and a realistic schedule accounts for weather, permitting and inspections. Homeowners can expect updates as the work progresses, from a team that can explain what’s happening and why.
“Watching the framing go up is usually when it starts to feel real for people,” Frosch explained.
What It Costs
Every custom home is different, so pricing depends on the floor plan, the lot and the selections. Base prices don’t include optional elevations, upgrades or lot premiums, and some neighborhoods have their own fees or guidelines. Talking through these details early helps homeowners set a budget that matches the home they want.
Where Michael Lee Homes Builds
Michael Lee Homes is currently building in East Metro neighborhoods. They include Waypointe of Woodbury, Hartung Farms, Cardinal Reserve, and Mississippi Landing in Cottage Grove, where some homesites overlook the Mississippi River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize an existing floor plan?
Yes. Homeowners can personalize one of Michael Lee Homes’ existing floor plans or create a fully custom design.
Who helps with finish selections?
Homeowners make their selections with an interior designer, who helps balance style, durability and budget.
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.
