Thurman Homes Blog

Case Study

As a homebuilder, I’ve seen it all. I’ve witnessed the excitement of first-time homebuyers, the meticulous planning of empty nesters, and the careful consideration of growing families. And unfortunately, I’ve also seen the disappointment. The kind of disappointment that comes from a dream home that’s just out of reach, not because of the initial price tag, but because of the hidden costs that lurk beneath the surface.

I recently had a couple, let’s call them the Millers, come to see me at Whisper Valley. They were visibly frustrated, and their story is one I hear all too often. They had spent weeks, even months, visiting various model homes in the area, drawn in by attractive base prices that seemed too good to be true. And, as they soon discovered, they often were.

At one builder’s model, the Millers were captivated by the stunning finishes – the gourmet kitchen with its expansive island, the spa-like master bath, the elegant flooring throughout. They started to envision their lives in this beautiful space. But then came the conversation about upgrades. Each desirable feature, from the bathroom hardware to the upgraded countertops, was an “add-on,” pushing the price further and further beyond their comfortable budget. What started as an exciting prospect quickly morphed into a frustrating “bait and switch” scenario. The dream home was suddenly a collection of expensive options, and the initial price felt like a distant memory.

Their experience at another builder’s model was different, but equally disheartening. Here, the base price was indeed closer to what they had in mind, but the quality simply wasn't there. The finishes felt cheap, the layout lacked functionality, and the overall impression was one of compromise. The Millers told me they felt like they’d have to sacrifice the quality and aesthetic they truly desired just to stay within their budget. They were looking for a home, not a project, and the thought of immediately having to undertake extensive renovations just to achieve a decent standard was overwhelming.

By the time they walked through our door at Whisper Valley, they were, understandably, a bit skeptical. They’d been through the wringer, feeling like they had to choose between an overpriced dream and a subpar reality. But as we began our walk-through, I could see a shift in their demeanor.

We started in the kitchen, and I pointed out the taller upper cabinets. “More storage,” I explained, “always a good thing.” Then, I highlighted the tile work in the bathrooms, reaching elegantly to the ceiling. “It just elevates the space, doesn't it?” And when we stepped out onto the covered patio, I simply stated, “Always included. Outdoor living is part of the Thurman Homes experience.”

The Millers kept asking, “Is that an upgrade?” or “What’s the cost for that?” And each time, my answer was the same: “It’s included.” You could see the surprise, then the relief, wash over their faces.

Our pitch at Thurman Homes is simple, and it’s one I stand by wholeheartedly: what you see is what you get. We believe that a dream home shouldn’t come with hidden costs or unexpected compromises. We’ve meticulously designed our homes to include what others consider "upgrades" as standard features. This isn't just about saving our customers money; it’s about providing a superior living experience from day one. Shoot me a line to see for yourself.

The Millers left Whisper Valley that day with a renewed sense of hope. They had found a home where the look they loved, the quality they demanded, and the price they could afford all aligned perfectly, without the frustrating process of add-ons and compromises. And for me, that’s the most rewarding part of what we do at Thurman Homes – turning those disheartening experiences into genuine delight.

The Myth: a typical base package from ‘the other guys’

The Reality: Thurman Homes typical kitchen package