With their oldest daughter heading off to college, Gerardo and Lillian Ramirez decided it was time to transition to a new home better suited for their lifestyle. They set their sights on the ease of one-level living. With a ranch plan, they could have their younger daughter closer and all the necessities on the main level. They felt a single-story home would be the perfect fit for this new chapter and could carry them long into empty nester-hood.
After much research on local builders, the Ramirez family selected Drees Custom Homes to bring their vision to life. We sat down the couple to discuss their top takeaways on the home building experience.
What floor plan did you choose, and what attracted you to this design?
We chose the Lauren II. We were looking for a one-story design with all the benefits of a two-story home. We wanted an open floor plan, high ceilings, a media room, a game room and a three-car garage with the third garage being separate. (The stand-alone carriage garage was incorporated to store our two Vespa scooters that we enjoy riding on the weekends.) We especially loved how the spacious owner’s suite is on one side of the home with a huge spa bathroom and walk-in closet.
This floor plan checked all the boxes and we knew this was the house for us! The Lauren II is a unique floor plan with a such beautiful stone exterior.
As you have watched your home’s design come to life, what have been your favorite features?
The kitchen is beyond amazing with all the cabinets and a huge walk-in pantry. We also love how the foyer is so open and long. The beams complete the grand entrance, creating a wow factor the second you step into the home. We also love the spacious owner’s suite spa.
What did you enjoy most about the building process?
The best part of the building process was seeing our home come together, piece by piece. Visiting the home while it was being built became a weekly family tradition that we really enjoyed with our daughters. We made great personal connections with our local Drees team, and that made our building journey a memorable family event.
What advice would you give others who are interested in building a home?
Be patient and visit your home as much as possible, especially as it gets closer to completion. I would also take lots of pictures before the drywall goes up because you may need to look back at them when you want to hang things.
Why did you choose to build with Drees?
We came across Drees Custom Homes online, and when we researched the builder, we read many good things about them. Being able to trust our builder was very important to us. Drees really knows how to build luxury homes with attention to the small details. That sets them apart from other builders.
Learn More
To learn more about building your own Drees home, visit dreeshomes.com and select your location. Interested in other personal stories from the Homeowner Spotlight Series? Click here.
