How Dumbeck Custom Homes’ strong relationships drive success
Whether a client is just starting to look for property or is ready to build, Dumbeck Custom Homes is ready to deliver a one-of-a-kind construction experience. Founded by husband-and-wife team Connor and Crystal Dumbeck in 2014, as a true family owned and operated company, it holds relationships to the highest standard. Connor Dumbeck shares some details about the journey the business has been on so far: “When we started this company over ten years ago, I was also working full time in a corporate finance setting. We began by building spec homes. As this transitioned into constructing more custom homes, my wife and I both left the corporate world behind and never looked back. Over that time, it has grown to the point where now we produce around 12 fully custom homes each year, working with a variety of different clients from young professionals to retirees and even professional athletes.” 
Connor continues with more details on Dumbeck’s portfolio. “We build every type of home you can think of, from a ranch style to a modern farmhouse and craftsman homes. We also construct barndominiums and hill country modern homes, which are increasingly popular in this area. We are not limited to one style or set of plans; our clients typically work with a range of architects and designers, making each project completely unique.
“How early in the process we get involved depends on the client and project. Clients will often reach out to us from the very beginning, and we will help them find the right land, visiting the potential site with them and their realtor. We look at the overall feasibility of the property, and site planning to make sure the home they want is going to work there. We assess the sewage or septic system location, the power and water access, the drainage, soil type and conditions, and the overall topography. We’re helping the clients assess the general feasibility of building the home they want on that site before they buy it. This ensures they’re not buying a piece of property only to be told later that it’s not a buildable lot or it’s going to cost significantly more than they anticipated to make the project work.
“Despite all that variety, there are some trends across the business; we tend to be a more rural builder, for example. We do complete projects in nearby cities, but most of our work takes place on ranches, farms, and large estates. We are also very relationship based, whether that’s with our trade partners, subcontractors, or our clients.”
Digital marketing approach
Connor then reflects on the wider challenges and trends within the industry and how the company approaches them: “In our area, east of Austin, I’m seeing two large trends. One is the barndominium craze, which are probably not as common in urban environments but have been gaining traction for a while now in rural communities. The other major trend we’re seeing is an increase in the number of ranch homes being built by clientele from the Houston area who are nearing retirement. They want a space they can enjoy on the weekend but also somewhere they can retire to soon and enjoy the expanses of land that our area boasts.
“Our approach to relationships also helps us overcome some of the challenges that the wider industry faces. One good example is that labor can be a general challenge; however, we are able to maintain the same team across all our projects. Having a great relationship that works both ways with all our trade and subcontracting partners ensures that we are insulated from an obstacle that is increasingly common across the industry.”
With technologies transforming construction as well as virtually all other sectors, Connor outlines how Dumbeck Custom Homes’ digital marketing strategy has continued to drive growth: “Social media is one of the key elements of our strategy. As mainstream as it is now, it can still be overlooked in the construction industry. We have seen tangible results from the implementation of our social media strategy. Today, when people are looking for a custom builder in the area, often the first place they look is online; they check reviews, and they look at the company’s social media presence. It allows people to see what we’re working on and the level of detail we complete our projects to. It also brings a more personal touch as it enables clients to get to know us a little and understand what we’re about before we even connect.”
Significant projects
Connor then concludes by sharing the company’s goals and outlook for the coming year and beyond: “The next six months will be very busy. We are currently working on 12 homes, as well as a commercial project. This is a project very close to my heart; it will be the premier dance studio in Bastrop, Texas. My daughters have attended since they were two years old. It’s going to be a really beautiful project when it’s completed.
“Looking further afield, in five years, I hope that we continue to have a strong local and national market, that we remain healthy, and can continue to keep doing what we love. Most of all, I look forward to guiding many more clients through the entire process, building meaningful relationships and dream homes.”