--- title: "Homes by Tradition — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/homes-by-tradition-pfvwus-pf~126166200 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~126166200.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Homes by Tradition" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2113707f00edac37_5140-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "16972 Brandtjen Farm Drive, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044, United States" latitude: 44.6749 longitude: -93.2578 phone: "(952) 322-8770" website: http://homesbytradition.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 29 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 391 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Homes by Tradition Original Houzz profile: [Homes by Tradition](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/homes-by-tradition-pfvwus-pf~126166200) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Lakeville, MN - **Serves:** Minneapolis, Bloomington, Woodbury, Lakeville, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Minnetonka, Prior Lake, Rosemount, Mendota Heights, Mendota - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (29 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Award winning - High-end - 20 years in business To see more photos of our homes please visit our website at: www.homesbytradition.com Welcome to a new tradition in home building \| 2016 Builder of the Year \| Seven-time Reggie Award winner Locally owned and operated, Homes by Tradition offers the very best in architectural design, home quality, and neighborhoods. Drawing on four generations of success, Homes by Tradition has built a reputation of exceptional home building and customer satisfaction. You can feel confident that our skilled team of professionals with make the design-build process of your custom home a fun and rewarding experience. From concept to completion, we work with you every step of the way. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Building Design - Basement Remodeling - Interior Design ### Areas Served - Minneapolis - Bloomington - Woodbury - Lakeville - Eagan - Eden Prairie - Burnsville - Apple Valley - Minnetonka - Prior Lake - Rosemount - Mendota Heights - Mendota ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Homes by Tradition | | Address | 16972 Brandtjen Farm Drive, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044, United States | | Phone | (952) 322-8770 | | Website | http://homesbytradition.com | | License Number | BC556362 | | Followers on Houzz | 391 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/homes-by-tradition-llc/317462092032 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/homebytradition - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/2718932?goback=%2efcs\_glhd\_homes++by+tradition\_false\_\*2\_\*2\_\*2\_\*2\_\*2\_ - Blog — http://pinterest.com/homebytradition/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Homes by Tradition](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/homes-by-tradition-pfvwus-pf~126166200) - **Website:** http://homesbytradition.com - **Phone:** (952) 322-8770 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2016 Builder of the YearSeven-time Reggie Award Winner2012 Parade of Homes, Green Dream Home Winner - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2016–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Housing First Minnesota](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/housing-first-minnesota-pfvwus-pf~344190101) - [Builders Association of Minnesota](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/builders-association-of-minnesota-pfvwus-pf~378840352) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 29 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-263548663, Nov. 2023** > Great team that really gets to know you so they can help build your dream home. Professionals who care for you long after your home is built. **★★★★★ — garytushie, Nov. 2023** > Our home was a complicated and detailed Modern Lodge Design that was built during the pandemic. It required a substantial amount of coordination with the subcontractors and material vendors on the project during a very difficult time in our Country., In any construction project there are always hiccups along the way and HBT's staff made sure that things were done correctly and to our satisfaction. The home was completed 3 years ago and the true test of a good home builder is how they handle warranty issue which occur on every new home. HBT's staff has been very responsive in correcting the issues we have had. We would definitely build another home with them. **★★★★★ — sejal1275, Sept. 2021** > Homes by Tradition made our home building experience an enjoyable one! From beginning to end Dean, Matt and Danielle made the process seamless! **★★★★★ — Daniel Siebenaler, Nov. 2020** > When my wife discovered Homes by Tradition during the Parade she called to say "I found our builder" After seeing their workmanship I had to agree. From that point forward, Working with Dean, the owner, Architects, our Project manager, Matt, Our Interior design consultant, Danielle and all of our contractors, this project made us feel like we were their only customers. Our home construction stayed on track while some around us dragged on for lack of material or crews. Our home turned out to be a show piece. > Today, 18 months later, I am still amazed at how many people, complete strangers, will stop to comment on our house. We've even done a few private tours. They see the same quality and attention to detail that we saw. They ask about our builder and we are proud to refer them to Homes by Tradition. As these pictures show, from Plan, to Vision, to final Dream. Homes by Tradition should be your team too! **Comment from Homes by Tradition:** > Dan and JoAnn, thank you so much for the kind words and sharing your experience on houzz. You were wonderful partners in the design-build process and we are proud of your HBT home. Hope you enjoy it for many years to come! > Dean \| HBT **★★★★★ — Chris Rooney, Sept. 2019** > I am an agent who represented a client that built with HBT. I can say without question it was the best experience, and this comes from a person who owned a construction company in the past. When searching for a Builder, your looking for someone who can design a custom home, provide a fair value, outstanding quality, and will stand behind their work. Check, check, check, check! Super group of people working together to deliver an amazing product ON TIME. Happy to write this review, they deserve it. **★ — Rick Durig, Aug. 2019** > This is NOT a custom home builder. Our experience with HBT was well below the expectations set by the selling process. The design help was almost non existent. The designer they assigned to our home was more interested in finishing the project on time than on taking the time to understand our needs and lifestyle. The "trades" assigned to our project were almost all sub standard. In particular, the custom cabinetry was not consistent with a high end builder. One Example: the trash bin was near impossible to open with one hand and to add insult to injury, we were forced to pay for a replacement bin to get what we wanted. Apparently asking for a drawer to open properly was too much to ask in our $million plus investment. In general almost every aspect of the process was a battle to get what we wanted to the smallest thing to the more important design and lifestyle choices. I would not recommend this builder to anyone seeking to build a truly custom home of the highest quality. **Comment from Homes by Tradition:** > Thank you for the constructive feedback. The Homes by Tradition team is always looking to grow and improve. You are correct, our interior designer Danielle is dedicated to keeping every home on schedule and on budget, which means it is her responsibility to communicate selections based on lead times and schedule dates. That is the only way to keep things on track and moving smoothly during the build process. Although we were surprised by this review 1.5 years after your home was completed, we will absolutely look into your concerns. We take great pride in each and every home we design-build and work hard to create a positive and rewarding experience for each our customers. Feel free to contact our company president, Dean Nelson, directly to discuss your specific issues so they can be properly addressed. Thank you. **★★★★★ — Brian Gora, Dec. 2018** > Dean Nelson and HBT did an excellent job listening to us and designed a home exactly as we had envisioned. The finished product exceeded our expectations. **★★★★★ — Lisa Martin, Nov. 2018** > This was hands down one of the best custom home design experiences I have had. Danielle took some grainy pictures as inspiration and helped up create our dream home. Even though this was 100% custom design, she did such an amazing job in helping us narrow down the choices, but was also flexible enough to change on a dime. The entire team made this a easy, and clear process from the architectural design, down to the project management, Dean, Danielle, Matt and crew treated us like family! **★★★★★ — Mike Neska, Nov. 2018** > I would highly recommend Homes by Tradition. The professionalism, knowledge and work quality of not only their staff but also their sub-contractors exceeded our expectations. The project came in exactly one month ahead of the projected date of completion. There were no unexpected project cost changes. This is the fourth house that we have built and by far our best experience. Homes by Tradition was an absolute pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — Todd Lea, Nov. 2018** > We spent quite a while deciding who we wanted to build our dream home, and Homes by Tradition did not disappoint. The HBT team worked with us every step of the way, spending as much time as we needed to address every little detail. They took the time to listen to our wants and needs and helped us to bring everything together into a Home we are are extremely Proud to call our own. **★★★★★ — Warners' Stellian Appliance, Nov. 2017** > We love working with Homes By Tradition, because not only do they provide a great concept & design on custom homes in truly distinctive communities, their team cares for clients -- and it shows. Clients love the hands-on approach central to HBT, and works with suppliers like Warners' Stellian as a partner, keeping the client needs' central in the process. **★★★★★ — Kimberly Gretz, Nov. 2017** > From our initial meeting with Dean Nelson we were impressed with Homes By Tradition. Dean and his team took time to get to know our family and in return build our perfect home. Danielle's vision and help with design was instrumental in creating the perfect home for our us. Matt has been, and continues to be available to help us as we need it. The process was smooth, the communication open and honest, and the entire company was top notch! I would highly recommend building with HBT! Thank you again for building our beautiful home. ## Selected projects - [Modern Prairie \| On Your Lot - Rosemount, MN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-prairie-on-your-lot-rosemount-mn-pj-vj~7370404) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Transitional Farmhouse \| Wilde Lake Estates](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-farmhouse-wilde-lake-estates-pj-vj~6400529) - Location: Rosemount, MN - Photos: 24 - [Modern Hilltop Retreat \| Reverence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-hilltop-retreat-reverence-pj-vj~6740585) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Striking Minimalism \| Lakeville, MN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/striking-minimalism-lakeville-mn-pj-vj~7046213) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Lakeside Retreat \| Lake Marion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-retreat-lake-marion-pj-vj~6740083) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 17 - [Modern Lodge \| Reverence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-lodge-reverence-pj-vj~6740406) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 6 - [Coastal Cottage \| Shakopee, MN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-cottage-shakopee-mn-pj-vj~7046196) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Transitional Coastal Cottage \| Reverence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-coastal-cottage-reverence-pj-vj~6727977) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 23 - [Transitional Shingle \| Reverence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-shingle-reverence-pj-vj~5882600) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 18 - [Custom Home \| Reverence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-reverence-pj-vj~6740126) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 18 - [Dream Home \| Fall 2018 Parade of Homes \| Reverence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dream-home-fall-2018-parade-of-homes-reverence-pj-vj~5095027) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 18 - [Artisan Dream Home \| Parade of Homes - Fall 2017](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artisan-dream-home-parade-of-homes-fall-2017-pj-vj~2688255) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 13 - [Lakefront English Cottage \| Shakopee, MN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakefront-english-cottage-shakopee-mn-pj-vj~2563940) - Location: Shakopee, MN - Photos: 11 - Description: This lakefront English cottage inspired custom home is rustic elegance at its finest. A Rambler master-on-the-main floor plan with finished lower level features 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 4,154 square feet. From the natural cedar exterior and lake views, to the attention to detail and stained millwork interior, this home truly showcases a beautiful custom design. - [Urban Farmhouse - Reggie Award Winning Custom Home - Fall 2016 Parade of Homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-farmhouse-reggie-award-winning-custom-home-fall-2016-parade-of-homes-pj-vj~2022387) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 21 - Description: This creative 5 bed, 4.5 bath, 5,497 square foot custom home displays a unique blend of white oak, painted and rustic finishes. Raised owners' suite provides a private 4th level retreat with lake views. A sleek eat-in kitchen is the centerpiece of the home and plays on contemporary linear proportion, with a twist on traditional. Finished lower level features a dramatic wet bar with floor-to-ceiling glass wine built-in, bedroom, exercise, billiard and rec rooms. Screen porch and walkout patio mak… - [Transitional Custom Home - Lakeville, MN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-custom-home-lakeville-mn-pj-vj~1508420) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 17 - Description: A stunning custom home built in Lakeville with over 6,300 square feet. Every inch of this home was thoughtfully designed with attention to detail and high-end finishes. - [2014 Reggie Award Winning Custom Home - Fall 2014](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2014-reggie-award-winning-custom-home-fall-2014-pj-vj~683226) - Location: Lakeville, MN - Photos: 13 - Description: This stunning 5,298 square foot custom home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and plenty of lake views. With the home's modern mission aesthetic and rustic organic elements, every room has it's own unique feature that stands out. From high quality finishes to unique custom features, this home truly represents Homes by Tradition's level of excellence - [Custom Homes \| Rambler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-homes-rambler-pj-vj~1743847) - Location: Prior Lake, MN - Photos: 13 - Description: A custom rambler home in the beautiful Grey Fox Estates neighborhood in Prior Lake. This architecturally rich home is sure to impress with its thoughtfully designed combination of interior entertaining and exterior living spaces. Enjoy quality craftsmanship while taking in sweeping views of the beautiful landscape. Fourget kitchen opens to great room, sunroom and covered deck with stone and cased opening details. Main floor owners' suite features freestanding tub, spa-like shower and separate va… - [Custom Home - 2015 New Haven Model](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-2015-new-haven-model-pj-vj~957683) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THIS PLAN VISIT: http://homesbytradition.com/homes/newhaven/ This spacious 6 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom with 6,053 finished square feet is sure to impress with its transitional country inspired architecture and open floor plan design. Owners' suite on main floor shares sweeping views with gourmet kitchen opening to two-story great room and vaulting dining space. Bridged stairway leads you to loft/resource with overlook, large bonus room and three bedroom suites. Finished lower l… - [Custom Home - Spring 2014](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-spring-2014-pj-vj~466193) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: You don't want to miss this custom design in amenity rich Spirit of Brandtjen Farm. This 4 bedroom, 3,882 square foot two story blends craftsman architecture with clean lines and flexible spaces. Inviting wrap around porch with fireplace overlooks Spirit Lake and the iconic dairy barn clubhouse. Gourmet kitchen opens to great room with reclaimed beams and wall of windows. Rear stair leads to upper level with laundry, loft, three bedroom suites and owner's retreat with spa bath. Partially finishe… - [Parade of Homes, Green Dream Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parade-of-homes-green-dream-home-pj-vj~140417) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - Description: Green Dream Home designed by Rauscher & Associates, Minneapolis, MN [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/homes-by-tradition-pfvwus-pf~126166200) ## Ideabooks - [Laundry Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8954906/list/laundry-rooms) — 1 idea - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6696940/list/exteriors) — 25 ideas - [Entry/Mudrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6615053/list/entry-mudrooms) — 17 ideas - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6614826/list/kitchens) — 38 ideas - [Dining Rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6615062/list/dining-rooms) — 19 ideas - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6614831/list/bathrooms) — 36 ideas - [Living Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6614828/list/living-spaces) — 38 ideas - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7135212/list/fireplaces) — 2 ideas - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6614832/list/bedrooms) — 15 ideas - [Closets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6615048/list/closets) — 14 ideas - [Kids](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6696879/list/kids) — 14 ideas - [Home Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6634913/list/home-office) — 10 ideas - [Man Caves](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6614834/list/man-caves) — 12 ideas - [Home Gyms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6615057/list/home-gyms) — 15 ideas [See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/homesbytradition) ## Community Q&A **Q: Trim Color & Style** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful design! Can you tell us the trim color and style for baseboards and windows? (Hard to tell from pics if it is a drywall return around the windows or white trim.) Thank you! A: Thank you! The trim color is Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17. There is casing around the windows that is 3-1/2” wide, it is a custom profile. The base height is 5-1/2” tall and its also a custom profile. Hope this helps! **Q: The round chandelier above the dining table ? What company ?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am looking for the chandelier above the dining room table. Thank you A: Hello! This chandelier is made by Arteriors. Enjoy! **Q: Color of siding** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me what color / brand siding is used here? A: Hi Megan - The siding on this home is LP Smartside - Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray \#7019. Hope this helps! **Q: Love this bathroom** *(in Photo Questions)* What color was used on the wall? A: Hi Sarah! Thanks for asking - we love how warm this powder room feels. The wall color is Benjamin Moore - Boothbay Gray. Enjoy! **Q: Floors and beams** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you provide details on type and stain used for the ceiling beams and flooring? A: Hello! The floors in this photo are European Oak from Urban Floor's Chene collection in the color Champagne. The beams are from Distressed City Millwork with a Barnwood whitewash. Hope this helps! **Q: cabinet paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi what’s the color on cabinets please A: Hi sparkygirlz - thanks for asking! These cabinets are Farrow and Ball - Lamp Room Gray. Enjoy :) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*