Seasoned custom builder Mike Powell pays attention to detail.
Story by Judy Goppert | Sponsored Content
Mike Powell, owner of BeHome, LLC, found his calling at an early age. He has been building for 22 years now, after a career as a construction banker at a national bank, where he financed builders around the nation.
“My uncle was building his personal home, and he would pick me up to go clean new houses and I loved the smell of the sawdust and the environment. So, when my boss at the bank challenged me to build a house, I fell in love with it,” noted Mike. “I realized I wanted to do this as a career.”
He explained that he has a unique more hands-on approach where buyers have direct access to him. This allows him and his crew to be a lot more flexible and fluid in their designs.
“I would say our niche is building on private acreage. I’m also excited about the fact that we recently opened a division of our company to build barndominiums. We currently have four under construction,” he continued. “This is completely different than anything I could imagine doing. Initially I was researching cost ideas and ways to bring the cost back down, which lead to a more efficient structure. We worked on the buildings’ energy envelope to make sure it would perform in our climate.”
They are building these on private acreage in both Kansas and Missouri.
He often tells customers that when they interview a builder, it’s extremely important to have a relationship with them.
“I’m a unique individual, as are all builders. As you are interviewing, you need to find the one you feel the most comfortable with. The last two years have proven you have to have a relationship that includes trust and transparency,” he noted, adding, “The first thing I say to customers is I’m here to talk you out of building a home now! I do feel the new home construction environment is getting better every day, the supply chains are getting back to production, and working out distribution channels. Workforce development continues to educate our young graduates on the benefits of a career in construction.”
Always in the forefront of his mind is making sure the customer enjoys the process.
They predominantly build in Lake Winnebago, Liberty, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs and near Briarcliff in the Palisades subdivision. A new subdivision that has become available recently is Montebella in Riverside where they are excited to start new homes and expand back into this great neighborhood. He expressed his desire and reasons to build there is because they have an amazing location in the Park Hill South School District, with beautiful landscaping and a clubhouse. It has been on hold for the last few years. They have also recently partnered with Colonial Gardens Nursery, which helps drive the customer experience.
“I go with customers, and we meet with a horticulturist who goes through what will grow in their new yard, which trees to plant and landscaping ideas. They will come and plant and create amazing outdoor spaces. It is a really neat experience. This is an extra layer of service I feel helps make the customer’s home their own,” he smiled. “Colonial Gardens is one of the most professionally run companies I have worked with. My wife and I like to go have brunch there. It’s a really cool environment I enjoy sharing with my customers.”
He expressed that he believes the entire Kansas City builder market is unique, and most builders strive to deliver the best product they can.
Home Description
“This Winnebago home is one of our show pieces, and we have the same home available in the Palisades. It is just over one million dollars and features 3,600 square feet. Based on our ReNew plan the plan is expanded in size and added amenities. The Primary Suite is a must see! The kitchen and entertaining area feature secondary kitchen, a beverage center, and beautiful cabinetry by Shamrock Cabinets. The home has the Primary Suite on the main level along with a large office / Flex room. The second floor consists of three Suites and a loft all overlooking the Kansas City Skyline!”
