Transforming Daydreams into Dream Homes:
     Amber-Di'Lane Homes is Building Dreams®

dfw builder architect magazine

By Tina Cauller

Today, more people seem to be longing for a tranquil retreat, and the lifestyle possible only in a rural setting seems to fit the bill perfectly. Whether families want a second home for an occasional weekend escape or choose to completely abandon the busy urban environment in favor of a lifestyle that isn’t governed by clocks and calendars, country homes and lake homes are popular solutions. Amber-Di’Lane’s unique lake homes and ranch-style structures have drawn numerous homebuyers to an almost universal ideal — a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle in an idyllic setting.

Amber-Di'Lane Homes builds in Kaufman, Navarro, Henderson, Freestone, and Van Zandt counties, famous for beautiful stands of oak, pecan, and elm trees, and numerous pristine lakes. These counties offer lakes perfect for fishing, watersports, or simply relaxing , including Lake Athens (1,520 acres), Cedar Creek Lake (38,000 acres), Lake Palestine (25,500 acres) and Richland-Chambers Lake (45,000 acres). The shorelines, parks, and quaint towns of this area provide infinite opportunities for families to leisurely enjoy a quiet afternoon together.

According to Mike McCord, president of Amber Di’Lane Homes, “ We specialize in building custom lake and countryside homes for families. In the past 12 years, we have built hundreds of homes, and I’ve had the privilege of building for people from all walks of life.” Building custom homes for a diverse group of homebuyers means that every home is as unique and personal as the family who calls it home. Some Amber Di Lane homes are contemporary, some are traditional, but each is one of a kind.

McCord believes in listening to his customers, and genuinely enjoys being a partner in making their new home and lifestyle dreams come true. He is committed to open, honest communication with homebuyers, and is readily available by cell phone or e-mail to discuss progress on their new home. He notes, “I try to be familiar with each job, stay proactive and monitor the jobsite daily. Because we communicate with linked computers, any member of our team can answer questions about the project.

McCord doesn’t allow his homebuilding to be restricted by convention or bound by conformity, and approaches design with an open mind. “People sometimes bring a sketch or a plan to me, and other times, I help them create a completely original plan with the help of an architect. We also have numerous resources for innovative plans that are ready to build. McCord sometimes draws inspiration from his frequent visits to Colorado, and has built mountain-style homes based on the area’s architecture. These homes typically feature expanses of glass designed take advantage of a great view, exposed cedar beams and lots of wood and natural stone throughout.

“It takes effort and constant attention to keep your fingers on the pulse of the market. It’s really exciting that the things we enjoy doing most seem to perfectly match the dreams and desires of so many people,” McCord notes. With four young children of his own, McCord has developed an intuitive understanding of the needs of families. His experience and insight helps him create family-friendly homes that allow his customers to fully enjoy their new home.

While some Texas lakes prohibit piers, homeowners along the shore of Richland-Chambers Lake are allowed to build piers, boathouses, and retaining walls, allowing them to take full advantage of the lake’s recreational potential. Marine construction often requires special engineering and thoughtful design, and Amber-Di'Lane Homes is creative, knowledgeable and experienced in constructing these popular amenities.

Rural construction often relies on septic systems, which must be well-planned and engineered, and approved by the county. Boathouse plans are also subject to approval prior to construction. “There’s quite a bit of fall on some of the lakefront homesites, so a number of factors have to be considered in the design,” McCord notes. “Fortunately, that fall also allows us to design beautiful multi-level decks that extend the outdoor living area and provide wonderful places to enjoy the surroundings.”

Expansive Texas soils, notorious for their dramatic rise with saturation, demand careful engineering as well. Multiple core borings are analyzed by a geological engineer, who prepares a detailed soils report for each homesite. McCord counts on the expertise of engineer Tony Medina of Ennis, Texas for reviewing soils reports, engineering the foundation, and inspecting the foundation before it is poured.

Amber-Di'Lane Homes has streamlined its process to minimize overhead, and patronizes local suppliers to get competitive pricing and superior service. “Our local suppliers provide excellent service,” McCord points out. “I know I can always count on them to provide our customers with personal attention.” McCord finds that disciplined organization and smarter spreadsheets enable him to offer maximum value and return on each customer’s investment.

Longstanding relationships with knowledgeable subcontractors who share McCord’s dedication to excellence are another key factor in Amber-Di'Lane’s success. “We have enormous respect for our subcontractors,” he notes. “They approach each home like they are going to live there. They provide the same attention to detail and we use the same high-quality materials, regardless of the customer’s budget.”

Rather than assuming what an individual customer might want, McCord listens to his customers’ ideas and then offers a range of options and outlines the cost of each one so they can make an informed decision. “Everyone’s priorities are different,” he notes. “Customers deserve to decide what they want and exactly how they want to distribute the budget.”

Over his career, out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem solving has allowed McCord to expand the scope of his projects to their full potential, and he has developed a base of loyal customers who are enthusiastic about their experience with Amber-Di'Lane Homes. They know the true meaning of quality — and of quality time.

A visit to www.amberdilanehomes.com lets interested homebuyers obtain “easy estimates” on the home of their dreams, explore creative plans online, and listen to an informative video in which customers share their homebuilding experience. Online visitors can also “meet” Mike McCord, view photos, and learn more about Amber Di’Lane Homes. To contact Amber Di Lane Homes, call (903) 887-4228.