A native of the Dallas area, Jim Benson completed a degree in banking and finance at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). Having begun his career in the banking industry, Benson left that field in 1984 and joined a construction company, believing that a home building career chose him, not the other way around. In January 1995, Jim Benson Custom Homes was founded. But having the de sire to build fine homes was not enough. Jim continually developed his knowledge and skill through completion of the Graduate Master Builder program (he was in the first graduating class) and through active involvement in his profession. Jim has served as president of the North Dallas/Collin County Home Builders Association, from whom he received the President’s Leadership Award and the Out standing Community Contribution for North Dallas/Collin County Division. His work was again recognized in 1999 with the Judges Award in the Parade of Homes. He is also active in the Texas and National Builders Association.

Benson’s artist’s eye plays no small role in the building of a home. He views the landscape with care—how best to incorporate what nature has already pro vided? He lets the house “speak” to him about the best way to finish each area. This is a creation no less dependent on the artist’s perspective and talent than any paint ing or sculpture. The finish work in a Benson home is of exceptional quality. Seams and splicing are almost nonexistent in paneling and woodwork. Cabinetry, sup plied by Classic Miliwork of Texas, approaches the quality of fine furniture. Heating and air conditioning registers installed in pan eling are made of the same wood as the paneling so as not to break the visual flow created by the beautiful wood grain.

The first home built by Benson was a challenge in that he was finishing a home begun by another builder. Walking into the middle of another’s construction can be a daunting task. However, the home turned out beautifully and resulted in a very happy customer. Jim Benson Custom Homes brings a unique philosophy to the construction of a home. The size and location of the home are immaterial. Whether the project is $200,000 or $2 million, the very same care goes into every phase of the construction. At the beginning of each new project, Benson sits down with the customer, and together they create the budget for the home’s construction. Costs for each component as well as Benson’s profit are clearly presented. This allows customers the choice in how to move funds around to ensure their priorities are met, as well as knowing the builder has no hidden agenda. The same subcontracting building professionals are used in each project regardless of size or location. The scope of the project may differ; the quality of the finished home does not. Jim Benson Custom Homes motto is “First be best, then be first”—a motto that guarantees quality. “We are a service company, not a product sales business.”

While building some homes in an Old World style, there is nothing old about the innovation and leading-edge technology applied to a Benson home. Among the energy-saving techniques used is the STAR program through TXU Electric, which includes higher- grade spray-in foam insulation, Ply-Tex shields and multiple zones for efficient heating and cooling. The newest in construction techniques are also applied. In the 2002 Greater Dallas Parade of Homes, Benson is presenting a home with an all-steel pier and beam foundation and framing. In all Benson homes, framing headers over doors are of box or beam type for strength and minimization of movement. Foundations are designed to meet the unique requirements of the soil on which the home is built. New building standards require that windows be constructed of wood or vinyl. This has not presented a change or a challenge for Jim Benson Custom Homes. They were meeting and exceeding these standards long before they were established. Certainly quality building materials, high standards and exceptional building techniques contribute to a well-built home. However, these are often the invisible characteristics of a house. The one aspect that immediately draws attention to the home is style and design. Here again, the artist’s eye ensures the creation of a home that captures the imagination and the heart and soul of the customer. Elegance of line, grace and warmth are the components that make a house a home—the place where one retreats from the every day world into one’s own haven. Whether working with a client’s architect or an architect of their own, Benson creates the home that people are anxious to return to and to welcome friends into. Beautiful hardwood flooring, granite counters, built-in entertainment centers, graceful ceilings and arches, welcoming family rooms, cozy bed rooms and well-designed and ap pointed kitchens all combine to create a home like no other.

Benson homeowners are lavish in their praise. Homeowners Steve and Kim Brown: “Jim takes pride in building your home that is ideal to your family’s need and personality.” The Pelegreens stated, “Choosing to build our new home with Jim Benson Custom Homes was one of the wisest decisions we’ve ever made... To say they take immense pride in their work is understating the fact. A sense of friendship and trust (add a large dose of humor) quickly began to develop. . . . have complete confidence in those representing you on a project that is such a great in vestment both financially and emotionally.”

Jim Benson Custom Homes is currently building homes in Collin County and Rockwall. With a sales office in Heath, they can be reached at (972) 412-7142.