From Townhome to Forever Home: A Hanson Builders Client Story

Planting Roots in a Home That Could Grow With Them

When the Frane family began thinking about building, it wasn’t just about square footage. It was about seasons of life. As their family grew, their townhome simply couldn’t grow with them, and everything felt temporary. They were ready to plant roots and build a forever home with intentional spaces designed for gathering, playing, and growing alongside their boys. As exciting as that vision was, there were real concerns.

The timeline felt uncertain. Starting a custom build while pregnant added an emotional layer. Would they have the bandwidth? Would they be able to manage decisions while raising a toddler with another on the way? Would the process feel overwhelming?

They had built before with a national builder and left that experience wanting more: more customization, more flexibility, more collaboration. Even when they were willing to invest in upgrades, options felt rigid. After move-in, they ended up spending additional money to make the home feel truly theirs. This time, they knew they wanted something different.

During the Parade of Homes®, they researched extensively by walking through properties, comparing layouts, studying craftsmanship, and paying attention to detail. They were looking for a builder who felt local and relationship-driven, not corporate and process-bound. Hanson Builders stood out immediately because of their quality work, attention to detail, and approach – it all felt right.

A Better Build Experience

The Hanson team wanted to hear from the Frane family about their experience and how they felt now that they are settled in their new home.

The top two reasons they would recommend Hanson Builders?

“Communication and craftsmanship.”

From start to finish, the process was organized, structured, and clearly communicated. BuilderTrend made it easy to follow schedules, ask questions, and stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly, they felt included and heard.

The design meetings became a highlight. The Franes came in with a strong vision and, honestly, some nerves. Would they hear “no” to their ideas? But instead of rejection, they found the collaboration they craved.

Hanson Builders designers Erica and Julie embraced their vision and elevated it. Instead of dismissing outside-the-box ideas, they found ways to bring them to life. That openness surprised the Franes in the best way.

Communication was another standout. During past builds, getting answers required persistence. With Hanson, questions were often addressed before they even had to ask. Once a schedule was set, it provided much peace of mind. Decision fatigue never took over because trust was established early. They didn’t feel pressure to overspend or upgrade unnecessarily. Their time, home, and budget were respected.

Even when landscaping felt difficult to visualize — one of the more challenging moments for the Franes — the Hanson team connected them with their trusted partners and worked closely to develop a cohesive, functional plan.

Julie consistently advocated for them, ensuring each decision felt comfortable and aligned with their goals. Erica’s design eye made selections seamless. Hanson Builders project manager Darien brought steady reassurance and responsiveness. There was always a dedicated point of contact. Always someone to reach out to. Knowing they weren’t navigating it alone removed a huge weight.

And if they had to sum up the experience in three words?

“Smooth, efficient, and timely!”

A Vision Board Brought to Life

Now that the Franes are in their home, the difference is tangible.

The spaces feel intentional and designed for the way they actually live. Hosting friends and family feels natural in a way their previous home never allowed. Entertaining is no longer stressful. It’s joyful. Their favorite moment so far? Christmas morning. The tree glowing beside the fireplace. Stockings hung. Their boys coming down the stairs. It was everything they had envisioned and more.

If they could tell their past selves one thing, it would be this:

“With the right builder, it will absolutely be worth it!”

Advice for Anyone on the Fence

If someone is considering building with Hanson but feels hesitant, their advice is simple:

“You will not regret it.”

Budget conversations can feel intimidating, and it’s easy to fall in love with beautiful ideas. But timing and decision-making were manageable because the process was structured step by step. Whenever hesitation crept in, the team offered guidance and reassurance. In their own words:

“We would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Interested in hearing from more Hanson Builders clients? Visit our testimonials page to learn why Minnesota families trust us with their forever homes.